Jori Family shots

Tori Vega, usually the sun in everyone's sky, found her spotlight stolen by her burgeoning belly. Eight months pregnant with their second child, Lola, the bump had become a magnet, drawing more attention than Tori's own radiant personality. And it was driving Jade West absolutely bonkers.

It started innocently enough. Cat, bless her heart, had practically vibrated with excitement at the announcement. "There's a baby in there?!" she'd squealed at karaoke night, dropping to her knees to nuzzle Tori's stomach. "It's like you're a kangaroo! But, like, way prettier!"

"Cat, personal space," Jade had warned, her voice edged with affection but firm. Cat's reaction was predictable. What wasn't was the domino effect that followed.

Andre, Beck, Robbie, even Sikowitz – they were all captivated. Every get-together involved someone rubbing Tori's stomach, cooing over its size, or speculating about the baby's future talents. "With Tori's voice and Jade's... uh, personality," Andre had teased, "this kid's gonna be unstoppable."

"Hands off her stomach," Jade had snapped at Nozu, giving Tori a pointed look. Tori, to her credit, didn't push Robbie away as he enthusiastically patted her bump. "Why does everyone think it's a petting zoo? She's not a magic lamp."

Tori just laughed, her hand protectively cradling her belly. "They're just excited, Jade. It's okay."

But Jade was having none of it. Leaning in close, arms crossed, she'd declared, "One more person touches you without asking, and I'm getting my scissors."

"Oh no, not the scissors!" Beck had mock-gasped, raising his hands in surrender. Jade glared, but even he had to admit, Tori's pregnancy had unlocked a softer, more radiant side of her, and everyone was drawn to it.

The breaking point arrived at the baby shower Sikowitz insisted on throwing at Hollywood Arts. He'd transformed the black box into a baby-themed carnival of horrors, complete with improv games. Jade had reluctantly agreed, hoping it would at least distract everyone. She was wrong.

Tori was enthroned in the center of the room, surrounded by their friends like a queen. Cat and Robbie were debating the baby's gender based on the bump's shape, while Andre serenaded Tori with a lullaby on his guitar, claiming he was "cultivating the baby's musical ear." 

Even Beck was there, juggling cupcakes and asking Tori how she was feeling. And Ruby, their almost two-year-old, toddled happily around, clutching Tori's dress and giggling.

Jade stood at the edge of the room, arms crossed and jaw tight. 

This was her wife, their  baby, their  family. 

And everyone was acting like they had equal ownership. She was about to unleash her inner dragon when Tori caught her eye.

"Come here," Tori mouthed, beckoning her over. Jade hesitated, then reluctantly joined her.

"Why are you letting them swarm you?" she grumbled as Tori took her hand and placed it on her belly.

"Because they care about us," Tori said gently. "And about our babies. It's a good thing, Jade. Let them share this."

Jade sighed, brushing a stray hair from Tori's face. "I just don't like sharing you."

"You're not sharing me," Tori said, leaning in for a kiss. "You're just letting everyone love us. Including you, you know."

"Ugh, fine," Jade muttered, rolling her eyes but a soft smile playing on her lips. She turned to face the room. "Alright, you freaks, get your fill. But after Lola arrives, I'm posting a 'no touching' sign."

Everyone laughed, and for the first time, Jade relaxed. Sure, her friends were annoying, but Tori was right. They were family too. And maybe, just maybe, sharing a little bit of this joy wasn't so bad.

As long as they remembered who owned the scissors.

Later that evening, the echoes of the baby shower finally faded, leaving Jade and Tori blessedly alone in their bedroom. Jade, a tangled mess of exhaustion and exasperation, collapsed onto the bed, her head sinking into the pillows with a long, drawn-out sigh.

Tori, ever the calming presence, followed soon after, a soft smile gracing her lips as she gently touched Jade's shoulder. "Still stewing about the shower?" she asked, her voice gentle, though a hint of amusement danced in her eyes.

Jade rolled onto her back, looking up at Tori, who was now straddling her hips, her very pregnant belly a prominent, almost protective, shield. A wry chuckle escaped her lips. "It's not just the shower," she said, a playful edge to her voice, but the frustration was real. "It's everyone treating you like some kind of... walking exhibit. I can't even get a word in edgewise without someone rubbing your stomach or grilling you about the kid's future career."

Tori leaned down, framing Jade's face with her hands. "I know," she said softly, her voice sincere. "They mean well. They're just excited. I mean, I get it. This whole pregnancy thing is a big deal for everyone. But you're the one who's been there through it all, Jade. That's what matters."

A small smile tugged at Jade's lips. She reached up, threading her fingers through Tori's hair, a warmth spreading through her chest. As much as she loathed the constant attention, the connection she shared with Tori was something sacred, something only they understood.

"You're right," Jade admitted quietly. "I guess I'm just... protective. And... I'm not used to sharing."

Tori lowered herself, her bump resting comfortably against Jade. "You don't have to share me with anyone," she whispered. "You're the one I want. Always."

Jade's hand slid to Tori's side, her thumb tracing the curve of her belly. The weight of the pregnancy didn't bother her; it felt reassuring, a tangible reminder of the life they were creating together. Her heart softened, and she lifted her chin, capturing Tori's lips in a tender kiss.

It was slow, gentle, a silent promise that they were still them, even amidst the chaos. They broke apart, foreheads touching. "You're going to be an amazing mom," Tori whispered, "and I'm so lucky I'm doing this with you."

Jade chuckled softly. "I'm the lucky one," she murmured, kissing Tori again.

"Mama!" A small voice echoed from the doorway. Ruby, their almost two-year-old, toddled into the room, clutching her beloved stuffed bear. Her dark eyes were wide with curiosity.

Jade's heart melted. "What's up, bug?" she asked, opening her arms.

Ruby waddled over, beaming, and held out her bear. "Bear!" she announced proudly.

Tori laughed, shifting so Ruby could climb onto the bed. The little one snuggled between them, her tiny hand resting on Tori's bump. "Baby," she murmured softly.

Jade smiled. As much as she craved those quiet moments with Tori, Ruby's presence was grounding. It was a perfect reminder that they were a family now, no matter the surrounding chaos.

"You're a good girl, Ruby," Tori said, brushing a stray hair from the toddler's face.

Jade leaned in, kissing Ruby's forehead. "Yeah," she whispered. "You really are."

The world outside faded away. This was their little bubble, their safe space. And for this moment, at least, Jade wouldn't trade it for anything.