Jade
It was now November, and Cat, in her usual fluttery way, insisted on going with Tori to pick out dresses for the Winter dance. Jade, however, had plans with Syn. He was… surprisingly tolerable for a guy. Knew his way around a fight, spoke a bunch of languages – impressive. – and conversation actually flowed without feeling like she was pulling teeth. He was nervous around her for those first few months, but after someone had knocked over Cat's smoothie and they seemingly in sync threw rocks they just had in their pockets at him, the two had found mutual ground at last. He even asked about the two of them, Tori and her, without ever making her feel like he was implying anything. Good. If he did, he would be lucky if I got to him first. Cat wouldn't be quick. He also never shut the fuck up about his now girlfriend Catarina, but given she was one of Jade's 'Tolerable subjects' — and the fact he doesn't talk about her like some creep — she failed to complain about that. They mostly just traded eye-roll-worthy stories about their relentlessly cheerful significant others, anyway, so she found the small talk relatively refreshing from the assholes always discussing their muscles or the latest hot piece of ass they scored.
They decided to hit up a local sparring gym. He'd made this big deal about how he'd never strike a woman unless it was during a sparring match. Chivalrous, but not stupid. Hm. Apparently, in that context, gender just… vanished. She did notice now, on closer inspection, how damaged his right arm was. Thick scarring around the shoulder, cuts and scars all over the surrounding skin, and notably, some kind of tape covering a mark on his upper right bicep. He had said it was just muscle tape, but she figured if she had her secrets, he could have a few, too. Wow. Tori really has made me a damn softie. When she had commented on the scars, he just chuckled and treated them like some badge of honor. She still felt a twinge of curiosity over the tape. even though Jade had tried to respected that… up until now. Her fingers were itching to "accidentally" snag it during their sparring. Ok. Maybe not a total softie.
"So," Jade started, stretching her neck with a deliberate crack, "which flavor of martial arts do you practice? I'm more of a 'get the job done' military fighting kind of girl." She tightened the tape around her knuckles, in a black green trimmed sports bra and sparring spats. She wore no shoes, but she preferred it this way. Better grip control.
"Mixed Capoeira and MACP." he replied, his voice calm, almost too calm. "Years in military schools and training programs ingrained a lot into you. Makes you want to learn even more." He flexed his wrapped hands, wearing just boxing shorts and a necklace with Cat's birthstone on a silver chain.
"Good point," she conceded, a smirk playing on her lips. "Now, prepare for a world of pain." They settled into their stances. He moved with an unsettling grace, more like some kind of weird dance than a fight. Each movement flowed into the next, bending and weaving. She never felt so worked up by a guy larger than her before, and it was too fun. Her face was sweating and bleeding from a lip. Her knuckles ached and her heartbeat was pounding in her ear as the two exchanged hammering blows between flowing strikes of his and Jade's far more brutal street fighting. She swung with harsher blows that accepted personal retaliation, relying on disorienting counter blows. It did well to combat some of his defenses as he often tried to deflect, but the force and feigning of her own strikes often had her landing more than he expected. She wasn't unharmed, either, taking a rough strike to the thigh from a cross guard between his knee and elbow, and her jaw still ached from a shocking haymaker he had delivered. Three grueling hours of fighting, water breaks, and a brief trip to a food truck for munchies, they finally collapsed onto the mat with satisfied and laughing pants. She had forgotten all about the tape.
"Seriously," Jade said, her tone sharper now that the adrenaline was fading. "What's with the tape? Is it covering an embarrassing tat? Don't try to tell me it's a fashion statement, because even you admitted you have zero interest in that." She fed him a fierce and demanding glare, softened a little by the panting in her voice as she leaned against one of the railings and dosed herself in cold bottled water. Damn, that's good...
"Do you really want to know?" he asked, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by something heavy, serious.
"Yeah," she stated flatly. "Considering you're attached to my best friend, I better get to know if you got some cancer mole or a damn tat of your ex." He let out a loud, shaking laugh at the idea of an ex, wheezing a little from his own exhausting as he held his stomach with the other arm over the opposite rope.
"Haha! An ex! Hahahahha!"
"What's so funny smartass?"
"I've never dated anyone before Cat!" He wiped an eye, smiling from the laughter. "That was a good one.
"I swear," she said, "if you are messin with me..." He waved his one hand, before sighing as he reached over and deliberately pulled off the tape. Her breath hitched. Her stomach actually lurched. There was a serial number marked into his arm like a stamp or a brand. She didn't need to hear what it meant, just how he got it.
"What... Happened?" The question was barely a whisper.
His voice was flat, devoid of emotion. "My birth father was absent. My birth mother… I'm still not entirely sure what her particular brand of crazy she was. When I was four, her charming little cults decided I was some kind of 'sign.' Apparently, I was slated to be a ritual sacrifice. Heh, guess my name might have been a give away. Theystarted experimenting on me." He rubbed his neck quietly, eyes distant and unfocused as he recalled it. "Excruciating doesn't even begin to cover it. They had just finished marking me when someone finally intervened. The military had been tracking these lovely people for a while. They found their little party and pulled me out of the blood circle they'd drawn. Sergeant John Moskow… he was the one who yanked me out. He asked if he could raise me instead of tossing me into the foster system. The general saw this," he gestured to his arm, "glanced at the cult's file, and didn't hesitate. Been with him since I was about... Maybe six. It's all a bit fuzzy, but he's the only Dad I've ever known." He swigged some water, clearing the blood that had built up from his own injuries before sighing as he continued.
"Dad told me I could hide it if I wanted to. Never pressured me either way. Removing it… well, you would need to practically disassemble me. Organs, parts of my brain, whole pieces of me would need to be ripped out. No... good or bad, I am who I am. I am my scars, as a wise hero once said." He chuckled softly, drinking more water. "The mark is... superficial. Besides, the only way to get rid of it would be to basically butcher my arm even more, and I'm pretty sure Cat would take exception to that." He finished with a chuckling tone, which set jade a bit more at ease with all she had just been told. it wasn't exactly an easy revelation that you were now friends with a cult survivor. I thought I had it bad. I did, but.... Shit. Experimented on??? No way I can let the rumor mill find out about that. He will be the damn laughing stock of the school, and that'd make Cat sad.
"I promise," Jade said, her voice softer than he'd probably ever heard. "I won't tell anyone." She hesitated before nodding as she kept going when he gave her a warm, thankful smile. "I… I wish we all could have been there for you. Not that I give a shit, but... No one deserbed that. We would have had your back." The urge to stab is horrifyingly high at present, but it sounds like they've already been handled. Damn. Shame. "I'm glad you found your way to the Arts… and to us. To our dorky little redhead." It wasn't like they were that close yet, but the fact that he felt he could share this… it actually did something to the icy fortress around her own heart.
"It doesn't really get to me anymore." He saidputting the tape back over it. "Mostly just a reminder of how messed up some people are. You guys… you're the first to actually just treat me like a person still after finding out. You and Cat, that is. Most people just… They would look at me differently. See me like I was just some... Thing. Not a person. Just a victim. You and Cat... I'm, rambling a little now. Just... I'm glad I met you twp. Especially Cat." He offered a small, genuine smile. "Now." That smile turned to a calm, yet slightly wild grin now. "Ready for round two!?"
"Oh bring it ON asshole!" She leaped to her feet and grinned with excitement. Just what I need. Woo safe violence! Two more hours of basically hogging the sparring mat, not that anyone wanted to ask Jade West or the guy keeping up with her to get out of their way that is. They separated after another food truck trip, afterwards, started out of the gym to hurry ready for their plans that night.
They had a surprise double date planned with their loves, hoping by Tori's account to help them feel more connected. If it makes her happy, I can stomach a nice dinner. If some rich dick looks at either pair of my tits though, I'll show him which fork goes where. It was just after five, so the two had plenty of time. Tori and Cat are definitely still out getting their hair done, so maybe..."Say, how about we surprise the girls?" She gave him a smirking grin. They took Jade's car since Syn didn't have one and headed for the mall.
...
Catarina
"Ooh! How about this one? I think the color really makes my eyes sparkle!" Tori exclaimed, holding up a sparkling green club dress. She still hadn't found the perfect dress, but this one was really cute. Verrrry showy. A vibrant emerald green, with a flirty low-cut neckline and a tight, thigh hugging hem. It was solid on the front with a backless cut, but the skirt itelf was lightly decorated with tin y skulls and little flowers that reminded Cat of the Day of the Dead art she had scene whenever Tori felt particularly intune with her heritage. It stopped mid-thigh and hugged her figure just right. Ohhhhhh, Jade is going to lose iiiiiit! It was sleeveless, but Tori had these super cute elbow-length gloves to go with it.
"Oh! That's so perfect, Tori! I bet Jade will think you look amazing! Especiallyyy that hem!" Cat said, her voice light and airy, even as Tori became a giddy, giggly mess at the idea of Jade seeing this. Cat's own dress was much simpler. Syn wasn't a big fan of lots of… showy. Not because he was all jealous, but out of a love for things that were simple and sweet. He said less stuff on a dress meant he could focus more on the person wearing it! Hers was a little white dress with a sweet, simple floral print. It had a high neckline and came right to her knees. It had little cap sleeves that just covered the tops of her biceps and were ruffled slightly, and the skirt was flowy and open compared to Tori's tight dress.
"Okay, let's pay for these and zoom out of here!" Tori said, practically bouncing to the register. Her dress was super expensive, being a fancy brand and all, but Cat's wasn't pricey at all. First time I didn't have to worry about namebrand. Syn didn't care about labels – Except that he was mine! – and if it meant more money for yummy snacks or cute little trinkets, she was all for it! Now that she was with him, she didn't have to try and impress anyone with designer clothes or the latest trends. He just liked her for her! He'd probably think she looked cute in a potato sack, though she still did love her fun outfits. Well, maybe not a potato sack, but, ya know? Maybe even some things that weren't exactly… perfect… Do I really like this?
They spotted Jade's car by the entrance, and – "Oh! Look, there they are!" Cat called as she started to run over toward Jade's care, where the two of them. They looked bruised – But I've never seen Jade look so relaxed other than when she's with Tori – and seemed to be leaning against it as much for support as to wait for them both. Both were dressed nicely, enough to leave Cat and Tori a little stunned. They wore matching black suits, with jade's undershirt a dark green with a pattern of twisting vines. Syn's was blue, swirling with patterns like a snowstorm. Jade flashed Tori a smirk, the cut along her lip alongside her new haircut was almost certainly doing unkind things to Tori's mind, as she had gotte a deathawk cut with the ends dyed green. A matching green necklace hung off her neck with Tori's name on it, matching a choker the popstar kept tucked in her room that had Jade's.
Tori
So this is gay panic. Her mind softly intoned as she stared at her love. Jade had always been a bit rougher, a bit angrier than other girls. Now, she looked right out of Tori's secret bookstash, and it was doing awful, terrible, truly no-good things to her brain. Kissherkissherkissherkissherkissher Repeated over and over, only turning to a scream as Jade kicked her foot off the side of the car, giving Tori the chance to notice she wasn't wearing boots for once but a pair of black block heels that had a thin green line curling across the edge of the sole. Her sharp eyes narrowed, smiled, and then stepped toward her girl.
"H...Hey..." Tori muttered, clutching the clothing bag she had just gotten and suddenly very aware of the kind of tension in the air.
"Got everything ya needed, babe?" Jade lightly brushed under her chin with the knuckle of her right index, smiling that cruelly charming smile at the latina, who proceeded to do that only thing that felt logical.
She jumped on her.
Cat
"Down girl! Down!" Cat laughed, pulling on Tori as Jade laughed warmly. Tori was kissing the utter hell out of Jade's neck – Or biting, those hickeys are deeeeep – and had her arms and legs nearly wrapped around the other woman like she was trying to become part of her. It was so cute seeing some of Tori's clingy nature come out with someone who didn't just enjoy it, but clearly encouraged it. It never got toxic, much to Cat's relief. Was a little touch and go there over the autumn, but that's just cause of Robbie. Still gotta work on him.
"What are you guys doing here?" Cat asked, surprised.
"Well, didn't seem right to make you girls go home alone. Besides." As her man wrapped his arm around her waist. His hands felt rough, but not painful. They were dense with calluses, but soft in their touch. He's always so gentle.. Treating me like a damn princess sometimes. UGH I hate that I love it! That roughness also reminded her of his craftiness. He had repaired Cat's bedroom door, made her some small jewelry, and even started building her a garden with just two-by-fours and time. He had been working on some project nearly the entire fall season as well, and he had told her he would show it off tonight after their group date. Syn announced with a big smile.
"Yay! What are we going to see?" Cat asked, sliding her arms over his shoulders and giving a warm smile. The two subtly dropped their masks, knowing Jade and Tori would be distracted for quite some time. "And what am I going to see, after?" She whispered, a little heat brushing across the growing, light stubble on his chin.
"Something strong, large, and powerful." She purred at the insinuation. She lightly scratched under his chin, just where he liked to draw out that subtle purr that made his throat rumble. Mmm... Now that will never get old.
"Threaten me with a good time." She giggled softly, leaning into his ear. "Did you get it?"
"As if I would ever forget a request from my Princess." He kissed her wrist, subtly sliding a note into her hand. She reached into her pocket, exchanging it for lipgloss and offering it to him with a wink. "... That is far better." He tooked it, and she knew he would read it later on when he had to.
"Good boy." She patted his chest as the two took deep breaths just in time for Tori to finally remember where she put her self control. Aside from all over Jade's neck that is.
"Mmm... S. Sorry." Tori slowly pryed herself off the Hollywood witch, blushing as she fixed her shirt nervously. Jade just smiled, eyes glassed over and hand firmly on Tori's hip. "Dont' know what came over me." She tried to hide a blush in Jade's chest, but it creeped up the popstar's ears pretty quickly. Cat giggled sweetly, nails over her lips, while Syn chuckled.
"Oh, come on Tor." He smiled, holding Cat's off hand close. "You know we never give a shit." Months of vocal excersizes and training – Well, at least that's what we told them – had helped him speak more candidly among their friends. He still became far more anxious in a crowd, but their group had become his safe zone.
Jade gave an approving hum, kissing Tori's temple lovingly before saying,"So. Dinner?"
...
Jade
Tori took so long getting ready, but the instant she stepped out of the bathroom with Cat? Brain. Dead. jade had been nearly as glued to her the entire meal as her popstar had been when she had seen her suit. The place was nice, big and fancy with white table clothes and way too many lights for the dark lady's liking. They sat together on one side, sipping at some high quality mixed drinks that were alcohol free, given they all were still not able to drink. Legally.
"This place is so damn bright." She muttered, smiling as she listened to Tori chat about whatever new story Syn had been writing. She did feel for a whiole Tori was a little bit of a crutch for the guy, always looking for her opinion on everything, but it hadn't taken long to recognize the clear bro-sis dynamic the two had. Tori had no shame around Syn, often singing way too loud and dancing in her pajamas with him whenever he came over and whatever writing plans they had devolved into singing and getting the guy into his own voice. He had a good natural baritone that could dip pretty heavily into bass, and he clearly enjoyed singing slow songs. First time they went to karaoke, he had sung 'Simple Man' by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Cat had nearly made him a dad that night if Jade hadn't jumped in the way. None of THAT craziness until we graduate. Please, Cat. I love ya, but I do not need that aunt pressure yet.
She stabbed a ravioli from her plate, raising a brow as she noticed a second fork stab the same piece of pasta. Turning her head, she shot her popstar a look. "Babe..."
"Just a bite. Just one. Pretty please?"
"Babe."
"Come oooon, it just looks so tasty and -"
Jade shushed her with a firm hand on her chin. "Open." Tori obeyed. Jade placed the hot ravioli, slick and dripping slightly with her garlic butter sauce, on her tongue. She closed her mouth for her popstar, and kissed her forehead. "Ask next time, first."
"Yes ma'am." She blushed, making Jade smirk at the little nickname she had started calling the hollywood witch whenever she got particularly firm.
"Good girl." She whispered, lightly rubbing her thumb against Tori's upper arm as she circled her in Jade's own again, relaxing as she felt her popstar nestle back into her with a relaxed sigh. Her own plate had been cleaned in seconds. She ate like a storm sometimes, and it always made Jade smile. It used to gross her out, but now? She got to kiss off the sauce or had an excuse to grab her chin and wipe off the mess now! Maybe that's why it pissed me off before.
"Careful there Jade. Might pull a muscle." Syn teased, smirking at her jokingly.
"Watch it, smartass."
"Make me, darkass."
"Grimdark sycophant."
"Elvira's chair."
"Oh it's on!" Jade flicked a ravioli at him, to which he quickly returned fire with a garlic knot. Both laughed, though their loves seemed less than enthused.
"Baby!" Both said in unison, fussing quickly over their suits.
"Hey, it's okay." Syn assured Cat as she dabbed the butter off.
"Yeah, it's just a little grease." Jade responded, smiling at Tori as she pouted.
"What about your deposit?" Tori asked.
"Depo- Oh, no, we just bought these."
"Yeah."
Both girls shared a glance, then locked eyes on Jade. "What???"
"Your parents would definitely notice that much cash..." Tori muttered nervously.
"Actually, I paid for it." Syn chimed in. "I make some money off commission work, so I've got a decent amount of savings. It's how I pay for tuition. Well... That and..." He got quiet for a moment, then smiled and squeezed Cat's hand. "Well, just don't worry about it. It was our night, right? You are worth it." He leaned over and kissed away Cat's worries.
Jade held Tori closer, kissing her temple to soothe her likely similar concerns for what had gone unsaid. We can worry about that later. Damn she looks good from this angle...