Jori Family shots

Tori Vega stretched languidly, her head nestled against Jade West's chest as they lay tangled together in their bed. Soft city lights filtered through the curtains, painting the walls with gentle shadows. It was a rare, peaceful evening – no flashing cameras, no industry whirlwind. Just them. Warmth, whispers, and love filled the quiet space.

Jade absently threaded her fingers through Tori's dark hair, her other hand tracing lazy circles on her wife's back. "You're a bit heavy," she murmured, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Tori chuckled, shifting just enough to meet Jade's eyes. "Well, you're comfy."

Jade smirked. "I know."

A comfortable silence settled between them. They had this unspoken understanding, a connection that transcended words.

After a moment, Tori shifted again, propping herself up slightly. "Hey... I've been thinking about something."

Jade raised an eyebrow, waiting.

Tori hesitated, then finally blurted, "What if we... had a baby?"

Jade didn't miss a beat. "You're carrying it."

Tori blinked, surprised by the immediate response. "Wow. No hesitation?"

Jade's smirk widened. "Nope."

Tori pouted playfully. "Not even going to pretend to consider carrying it yourself?"

Jade scoffed. "Tori, I hate people. You think I'm going to deal with pregnancy hormones and random strangers wanting to touch my stomach? Absolutely not."

Tori laughed, shaking her head. "You do know pregnancy isn't just about dealing with strangers, right?"

"Exactly. It's also about throwing up, swollen ankles, and mood swings." Jade poked Tori's side. "And we both know you already cry at dog commercials, so mood swings won't even be noticeable on you."

Tori gasped dramatically. "Wow. Just attack me like that, huh?"

Jade rolled her eyes, but her expression softened as she brushed a strand of hair from Tori's face. "Look, if we're doing this, I want it to be you. I mean, come on, you'd be adorable pregnant."

Tori's face warmed, and she bit her lip. "You really think so?"

Jade nodded. "Yeah. And don't get me wrong, I'll be right there with you—holding your hair when you puke, rubbing your back, making fun of your weird cravings..."

"Wow, so supportive," Tori teased.

Jade smirked. "And dealing with our future kid when they inevitably inherit your need to sing everything."

Tori grinned, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. The thought of a baby—their baby—felt huge, overwhelming, but in the best possible way.

She leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Jade's lips. "Okay," she whispered. "Let's do it."

Jade squeezed her waist, a rare softness in her eyes. "Yeah. Let's do it."

Just as the conversation settled into comfortable quiet, Tori's phone buzzed. She groaned, knowing it was late, but reached for it anyway, still nestled against Jade. Seeing the caller ID, she hesitated before answering.

"Hey, Marco," she greeted her agent, a note of curiosity in her voice. Jade watched her closely, sensing something was off.

Tori hummed and nodded absently as she listened. "Uh-huh... yeah... oh."

Just "oh."

Jade's eyes narrowed. She knew that "oh." That was Tori's something just messed up my entire night, but I don't wanna say it out loud voice.

Tori hung up, staring at her phone before setting it aside.

Jade tilted her head. "Okay, what?"

Tori shook her head quickly. "Nothing, really."

Jade scoffed. "Vega."

Tori exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "Marco just told me I'm going on a world tour. A big one. Like... six months, nonstop."

Jade sighed, rubbing her temples. She could see where this was going. Tori had that face again—like she was trying to find a way to phrase something without getting tackled.

Jade watched as another look crossed Tori's face—one she recognized as conflicted. With a heavy sigh, Jade rolled her eyes and sat up slightly. "Fine. I'll carry our first kid. But any other kids we have, it's all on you."

Tori blinked in surprise. "I... I wasn't even gonna—"

Jade gave her the look. "I've seen you perform, Vega. There's no way in hell I'm letting you do that while pregnant."

Tori opened her mouth, then closed it, before breaking into a warm smile. "You're really okay with that?"

Jade exhaled sharply. "I mean, I'm not excited about it, but I'd rather be the one dealing with it than worrying about you collapsing mid-song in some random country."

Tori leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to Jade's cheek. "You're kind of the best, you know that?"

Jade rolled her eyes, but her smirk betrayed her. "Yeah, yeah. Just remember this when I start making ridiculous demands in my third trimester."

Tori laughed, her heart swelling. This was their life—unexpected, chaotic, but filled with love. And soon, it was about to get even more exciting.

Tori was resting her head on Jade's chest when Jade said, "I'll be Mama, and you'll be Mommy." She smirked before adding, "Mama is easier to say, so it'll be the kid's first word."

Tori laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, so that's your plan? To win our kid over first?"

Jade grinned. "Absolutely. Might as well get a head start."

The Next Day at Breakfast

Tori sat at the kitchen island, sipping her coffee as Jade prepared breakfast. The smell of pancakes and bacon filled the air, making Tori's stomach rumble.

"You're actually cooking?" Tori teased, raising an eyebrow.

Jade shot her a look. "I can cook, Vega."

"Sure you can," Tori said playfully. "Just... carefully flip the pancake this time."

Jade rolled her eyes but smirked as she expertly flipped the pancake. "Happy?"

Tori grinned. "Very."

As Jade plated their food, she sat across from Tori and took a deep breath. "So... I guess we should start figuring out the whole baby thing. Like, when?"

Tori nodded, setting her coffee down. "Yeah. I mean, with the tour coming up, maybe we wait a little? Or—"

Jade cut her off. "Nope. We start now. If I'm doing this, I want to get it over with."

Tori laughed. "Wow, so romantic."

Jade smirked. "I try."

Tori couldn't help but laugh, her eyes twinkling with affection as she took a bite of her pancake. "Okay, okay. I'll start looking into it."

Jade leaned back in her chair, the slight tension in her shoulders easing as they both settled into the idea of what was coming next. The idea of a baby, of taking this leap together, felt so real now—more than just a passing conversation. There was a weight to it, but a lightness, too.

"So, what's the first step?" Tori asked, resting her chin in her hand. "Like, do we need to—what's the word—consult someone? You know, like a doctor?"

Jade, ever the practical one, nodded. "Yeah, we'll probably need a fertility specialist, just to make sure everything's good to go. We can do that while I get the paperwork ready for the next round of shows. You'll be off the road before long, and we'll be ready to go."

Tori's smile softened, her mind already racing with the possibilities. "You really want to do this, huh?"

Jade met her gaze, a rare sincerity in her eyes. "I do. I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

The rest of the morning passed in a comfortable haze. They made plans, talked logistics, and joked about how their future child would undoubtedly have Jade's sarcasm and Tori's love for musicals. But it was in the quiet moments—when they were just sitting together, holding hands or sharing a glance—that Tori realized how much she loved their life.

Everything was changing. And yet, in a way, nothing would ever change.

After breakfast, Tori found herself back on her phone, scrolling through options for doctors. Jade was back to her usual self, casually sitting on the couch with her laptop, going through her tour schedule. But Tori could see the little spark in her eyes—the same spark that was in hers. The spark of excitement.

"What do you think?" Tori asked, showing Jade the list of clinics. "Any of these look good?"

Jade glanced over, her eyes quickly scanning the screen. "Yeah, I like the one in Santa Monica. It's close, and they're highly rated."

Tori nodded, bookmarking it. "Great. I'll make an appointment for next week."

Jade leaned back, grinning. "And we'll."

A few days later, Tori found herself perched nervously in the fertility clinic waiting room. The stark white walls and the hum of the fluorescent lights did nothing to soothe her jitters. She fidgeted with her phone, checking the time for the tenth time in as many minutes. Jade, on the other hand, was the picture of cool composure. Leg pressed against Tori's, she scrolled through her phone, completely absorbed.

"You're awfully quiet," Tori finally said, breaking the silence.

Jade didn't even look up. "I'm just waiting for you to calm down. I'm fine, so you should be, too."

Tori huffed, but it was more of an exhale than anything. "I just keep thinking about everything, you know? Like... what if something goes wrong?"

Jade's expression softened for a fleeting moment before she shrugged. "Nothing's going wrong, Tori. We're just taking the first step."

Before Tori could respond, a nurse came through the door, flashing a friendly smile. "Tori Vega and Jade West?"

 Jade gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "You've got this," she whispered, her voice surprisingly tender.

Tori nodded, managing a nervous smile as she stood. "Yeah. I've got this."

The appointment itself was quick. While it didn't magically erase Tori's anxieties, it did give her a sense of direction. The doctor had explained everything – the process, the next steps. Tori had braced herself for a whirlwind of medical jargon, but the calm efficiency of it all made it feel...manageable.

Walking out of the clinic, Tori let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "That wasn't so bad."

Jade raised an eyebrow. "You really thought it was going to be? I told you it would be fine."

Tori smiled, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. "Yeah. You're right."

They walked back to their car. Jade slid into the driver's seat with her usual effortless grace, started the engine, and for a moment, they just sat there in comfortable silence, the soft music on the radio a perfect backdrop.

"So," Jade said after a while, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips as she glanced at Tori. "I was thinking... we should totally start decorating the nursery now. I mean, I know we're not quite there yet, but imagine how cute it would be! I'm thinking vintage rock-and-roll posters, with a little retro twist."

Tori's smile widened. "Vintage rock-and-roll, huh? You really want our kid to inherit your taste in music?"

Jade shrugged. "Look, if the kid's gotta get my sarcasm, they might as well get my music taste too."

Tori laughed. "I think they'll end up with both. And we'll have the cutest little music-lover on the block."

Jade smirked. "Obviously. We'll start 'em young."

The drive home felt easy, like they were gliding into a new chapter without even realizing it. They didn't have all the answers, but with each passing day, they were one step closer.

Pulling into the apartment garage, Tori turned to Jade, her voice soft but sure. "You know, we're really doing this, right? We're actually going to have a baby."

Jade parked the car and turned to face her, her expression tender and, for once, serious. "Yeah. We are."

Tori smiled, reaching over to squeeze her hand. "I'm kind of terrified, but I'm also really excited."

Jade squeezed her hand back. "Same here."

Walking up to their apartment, the weight of everything – the uncertainty, the anticipation, the love – settled in. But it wasn't scary. Not anymore. It felt like the beginning of something beautiful.

And with Jade by her side, Tori felt like there was nothing they couldn't face.

A few weeks later, the day had arrived. Tori stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the strap of her suitcase. Excitement for the tour buzzed through her, but a little knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach. Months of performances lay ahead, and this time, everything felt different.

Jade walked in, phone in hand, looking as confident as ever. Her suitcase was already packed by the door. But as Tori watched her, she couldn't help but notice the subtle changes of the past few weeks. The faint glow in Jade's skin, the slightly slower way she moved, the almost unconscious way her hand sometimes rested protectively over her stomach.

Tori smiled. It was still sinking in. Jade was pregnant. They'd been through the IVF process together, and now, they were about to embark on this incredible new chapter.

"You look way too calm for someone about to head out on a global tour," Tori teased, her voice a mix of playfulness and nervousness.

Jade glanced up, raising an eyebrow. "I'm not the one who has to perform every night," she retorted, a smirk playing on her lips. "But if you need a backup singer, I'm available."

Tori chuckled, the knot in her chest still present. She turned to face Jade, her hands folding protectively over her own stomach. "I'm just... I don't know. I'm excited, but it's kind of overwhelming, you know? We're starting something huge. The tour, and then..." She trailed off, looking down for a moment, her voice softening. "And then there's us. The baby... everything's changing."

Jade crossed the room in a few strides and took Tori's hands. Her smile softened as she met Tori's gaze. "Nothing's going to change, Tori," she said, her voice steady and reassuring. "We're in this together. I'm coming with you. You won't be alone."

Tori's heart fluttered. She smiled, trying to push away the nagging doubts. "You sure you're okay with it? I mean, this is a long tour. We both know it's going to be crazy."

Jade smirked, but her eyes held a quiet tenderness. "You think I'd let you go off on your own and deal with all those fans, groupies, and paparazzi without me? Not a chance. Besides, someone's gotta make sure you don't turn every soundcheck into a Broadway performance."

Tori laughed, the tension easing a little. "You're the worst," she said, nudging Jade's shoulder.

"And yet, you love me," Jade replied, leaning down to kiss her softly.

Tori sighed contentedly, her worries momentarily forgotten. "I really do. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Jade's gaze softened, a rare, gentle smile gracing her lips. She reached up, brushing Tori's cheek with the back of her hand. "You'll never have to. I'm not going anywhere."

A quiet moment passed between them, the weight of what lay ahead settling around them. The world tour, Jade's pregnancy, the baby on the way – it all felt so enormous. But in that moment, with Jade by her side, Tori felt ready.

"Do you think we'll be okay?" Tori asked softly, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

Jade squeezed her hand, her smile unwavering. "Tori Vega, you and me? We've always been okay. This is just the next chapter."

Tori nodded, the knot in her stomach loosening. With Jade beside her, she could face anything. "Right. Okay. Let's do this."

Jade grinned, her usual mischievous glint returning. "Let's go, rock star."

At the airport, the bustling crowds were a blur. Tori felt her heart skip a beat now and then, a sudden urge to grab Jade's hand and hold on tight. But every time she glanced over and saw Jade's calm, steady presence, she felt grounded. Jade was here. Everything would be alright.

On the plane, Jade settled comfortably into her seat, her hand resting gently on her stomach. Tori, still fiddling with her phone, was going over last-minute details and the tour schedule.

"Everything alright?" Jade asked, noticing the furrow in Tori's brow.

"Yeah, just... trying to remember everything," Tori replied, her sigh quiet but heavy. "Tour schedules, media stuff, personal stuff... it's a lot."

Jade reached over, her hand landing softly on Tori's knee. "You don't have to do it alone. Remember? I'm here for everything, every step."

Tori looked up, her smile warm. "I know. I think I just need a minute to wrap my head around it all."

Jade nodded, her thumb gently stroking Tori's knee. "Take your time. We've got months ahead of us. But no matter how crazy things get, just remember—we've got each other."

Tori leaned back, relaxing a little. The hum of the plane, the world rushing by outside the window, seemed to fade as she focused on Jade. This was their life now. The tour, the baby, a world of changes. But with Jade, she knew they could handle anything.

"Thank you," Tori murmured after a moment, her voice quiet and sincere.

Jade smirked, tenderness in her eyes. "For what?"

"For being you," Tori said softly. "And for being with me through all of this. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Jade leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Tori's temple. "You'll never have to find out."

Tori closed her eyes, her heart at peace. The journey ahead might be challenging, but with Jade—her partner, the mother of their child—she could face anything.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few months into the tour, the whirlwind was in full force. Tori had found a rhythm amidst the nightly performances, interviews, and constant travel, but it was still a lot to juggle. Exhausted as she often was, she looked forward to each day, especially because Jade was right there beside her.

The tour's initial excitement had quickly been eclipsed by the changes they were both navigating. Jade's pregnancy was becoming more and more apparent. A small bump was visible beneath her clothes, and while she still exuded her usual confidence, Tori would sometimes catch her hand resting protectively over her stomach, a soft smile playing on her lips.

One evening, Tori watched Jade from across the tour bus, the low hum of the engine filling the background. Jade was curled up on the couch, feet propped up, scrolling through her phone. Tori couldn't help but smile. She looked so beautiful, so calm amidst the chaos.

Jade glanced up, catching Tori's eye, and grinned. "What's with the staring?"

Tori blushed, crossing the room to sit beside her. "I just... look at you. You're carrying our kid and still managing to look way cooler than I do in front of a thousand screaming fans."

Jade rolled her eyes, but her expression softened. "Please. You're the one getting cheered on every night. You're basically a rock star."

Tori leaned in, kissing Jade's cheek. "I couldn't do it without you, you know?"

Jade's eyes softened, her fingers gently brushing Tori's hand. "You don't have to. I'm not going anywhere. Not now, not ever."

Tori let the words sink in, a sense of peace washing over her that had nothing to do with the constant motion of the tour. Challenges still lay ahead – so much uncertainty about what would happen after the baby arrived, how they'd balance their careers with parenthood – but for now, she had everything she needed. Jade, her rock. And soon, their little one would be joining them, completing their family in a way Tori had always dreamed of.

The next day, between soundcheck and rehearsals, Tori found a quiet moment to check in with Jade. They sat in a corner backstage, a small table between them as Tori sipped her water, looking over some papers.

Jade leaned back, one hand resting gently on her stomach, her usual smirk replaced by a soft smile. The pregnancy glow was undeniable now, and it made Tori's heart swell. She was so proud of Jade for handling everything with such grace, for carrying their future so beautifully.

"You okay?" Tori asked, reaching for Jade's hand.

Jade nodded, her thumb brushing over Tori's knuckles. "Yeah, just a little tired, but I'm fine. I've got this."

Tori smiled, her thumb mirroring Jade's movement. "I know you do." She hesitated. "You know, I keep thinking about how much is changing. How everything's about to be turned upside down."

Jade squeezed her hand, her eyes meeting Tori's. "Yeah, it's going to be crazy. But we're doing it together. We've alwaysdone it together."

Tori nodded, feeling a weight lift. No matter what, they'd face it as a team – no matter how crazy things got, no matter how many sleepless nights were ahead. The thought of having Jade by her side gave her strength.

"I'm glad you're here," Tori said softly, sincerely.

Jade smiled, leaning forward to kiss Tori's forehead. "Always."

A few weeks later, as they continued the tour, Jade had started to slow down. Her belly was more prominent, a constant reminder of the little life growing inside. Tori couldn't help but smile every time she saw Jade resting her hand on her stomach, lost in thought or simply feeling the baby kick.

On a rare day off, they lounged in their hotel room, enjoying the break. Tori sat on the bed, looking over the next week's schedule, while Jade lay beside her, head resting on Tori's lap.

"You know, this is kind of nice," Tori said, gently running her fingers through Jade's hair.

Jade hummed, eyes closed. "Mm-hmm. I love the chaos of the tour, but it's nice to just... be. With you. Alone. For once."

Tori smiled, kissing the top of Jade's head. "Yeah. I think we're both ready for a little downtime after this."

Jade opened one eye, peeking up at Tori. "Are you saying you're tired of me?"

Tori laughed, shaking her head. "No way. I'm saying I think we're both going to need a break before this baby gets here."

Jade's eyes softened as she looked up at Tori. "I'm excited. Nervous, but excited. And I know we'll figure it out. We always do."

Tori nodded, her heart swelling with love and anticipation. "Yeah. We will."

Looking down at Jade, feeling the weight of everything they'd been through and everything that was still to come, Tori knew that no matter how wild and unpredictable their lives had been, this new chapter with Jade, and their baby would be the most beautiful one yet.

No matter what the future held, they would face it together.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A year and a half after Ruby's arrival, life had settled into a comfortable rhythm a beautiful blend of laughter, messes, and overwhelming love. 

Tori had taken a break from touring to focus on her family, cherishing the quiet moments with Jade and their daughter. The past year had been a whirlwind of diapers, bottles, and late-night feedings, but also of watching Ruby grow into a curious, vibrant little girl.

Ruby, a sweet and inquisitive child, had Tori and Jade completely wrapped around her tiny finger. Every day felt like a gift. But as much as Tori loved being home, a part of her missed the stage, the adrenaline of performing, the connection with her fans.

And another chapter was unfolding one that didn't involve the chaos of tour buses and screaming crowds.

A few months ago, Tori and Jade had decided to try for another baby. After a few consultations, they went through another round of IVF. 

Tori had been nervous but hopeful, and the positive test had sent her over the moon. 

Now, with Christmas just around the corner, she was bursting with excitement, knowing the perfect moment had arrived to share the news with Jade.

It was Christmas Eve. The house glowed with festive lights, the air filled with the scent of cinnamon and pine. Ruby sat in her high chair, happily munching on mashed sweet potatoes, while Jade hummed a Christmas tune as she prepped dinner in the kitchen.

Tori smiled, watching her wife move around the kitchen with effortless grace. It had been an incredible year of firsts Ruby's first words, her first steps, their first Christmas as a family but something else was on Tori's mind.

A secret.

A secret that made this holiday season even more magical.

Just a few days earlier, Tori had taken a test. Her heart had leaped when she saw the positive result. She was pregnant again.

Now, as the Christmas tree lights twinkled, excitement and a touch of nervousness bubbled inside her. How should she tell Jade? She wanted it to be special, something they'd both cherish forever.

Taking a deep breath, Tori stood up and walked over to Ruby, gently lifting her from her high chair. Ruby giggled, her tiny hands reaching for Tori's hair as she snuggled close.

"Tori?" Jade called from the kitchen. "Could you grab the green beans from the fridge?"

Tori smiled, holding Ruby close. "Sure thing," she called back.

As she walked toward the fridge, she glanced at the small gift she'd wrapped earlier, nestled under the tree. It wasn't much—just a simple box with a bow—but Tori had put so much thought into this moment.

Tori grabbed the green beans and walked into the living room, where Jade was setting the table. Ruby giggled in her arms, her little fingers playing with Tori's sweater.

"Hey, love," Tori said softly, her heart fluttering. "I have something for you."

Jade turned, her eyebrows raised playfully. "For me? On Christmas Eve? I'm honored."

Tori smiled, her heart swelling. "Well, it's kind of a Christmas present... for both of us."

Intrigued, Jade walked over. "What is it?"

Tori gently placed Ruby back in her high chair and walked to the tree, picking up the small box. She handed it to Jade.

"Open it," she said, her voice soft with anticipation.

Jade took the box, glancing at Tori questioningly, and carefully untied the bow. Lifting the lid, she saw a small, framed ultrasound picture. A note beneath it read: Baby #2—Coming Soon.

Jade's eyes widened, darting from the picture to Tori, a mix of shock and joy on her face. "Wait... are we...?"

Tori nodded, her smile beaming. "We're pregnant. Again."

For a moment, Jade just stood there, holding the picture, her hand trembling slightly. Then, a huge grin spread across her face. She pulled Tori into a tight embrace, lifting her off the ground.

"Oh my God, Tori! We're having another baby?!" Jade exclaimed, her voice filled with joy and disbelief.

Tori laughed, wrapping her arms around Jade's neck and kissing her softly. "Yeah, we are. And I thought Christmas would be the perfect time to tell you."

Jade pulled back, tears sparkling in her eyes. "I'm... I'm so happy, Tori. This is the best Christmas present ever. Ruby's going to be a big sister!"

Tori's heart melted. She could already picture it—Ruby holding her little brother or sister's hand, their home filled with even more laughter, chaos, and love. The future felt brighter than ever.

"I can't believe it," Jade whispered, still gazing at the ultrasound. "I'm going to be a mom again."

Tori chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from Jade's face. "And I'm going to need you more than ever," she said warmly.

Jade grinned, leaning in to kiss Tori again. "You've always had me. And you always will."

Ruby gurgled from her high chair, and they both turned to look at her. Tori walked over, crouching down to Ruby's level.

"Guess what, Ruby?" she said excitedly. "You're going to be a big sister!"

Ruby giggled, not fully understanding but clearly enjoying the excitement.

Tori stood up, looking back at Jade, who was watching them with a radiant smile. Everything had led them to this moment. They were building a family one step, one heartbeat at a time.

Jade wrapped her arms around Tori. "This is the best Christmas. I can't wait to see what's next for us."

"Me either," Tori whispered, her heart overflowing. "Together, always."

And there, surrounded by Christmas lights, the warmth of family, and the promise of a bright future, the three of them stood together.