Jori Family shots

The balmy Hawaiian air, thick with the scent of salt and plumeria, danced through Jade West's perpetually dark, almost raven-colored hair. She adjusted her designer sunglasses, the lenses reflecting the dazzling sunlight bouncing off the golden sands of Maui. 

Her gaze followed the chaotic, yet utterly endearing, scene unfolding before her: her four daughters, a whirlwind of limbs and laughter, engaged in a spirited game of tag along the shoreline.

 Jade, a woman who typically preferred the structured chaos of a meticulously planned schedule, had never considered herself the "vacation type." But Tori, her wife, had deployed her most potent weapon—a combination of persuasive arguments and an utterly irresistible, pleading look from those large, expressive brown eyes—and Jade, as always, had capitulated.

Tori Vega-West, the internationally acclaimed pop star, and, as Jade often thought, a walking ray of sunshine, reclined beside her. She looked effortlessly chic in a flowing, white sundress, the epitome of relaxed elegance.

 A half-finished pineapple smoothie sat perched on the armrest of her lounger. "This is absolute perfection," she sighed, a contented smile spreading across her face. "Just us, the girls, and absolutely no paparazzi. For once."

Jade, ever the pragmatist, raised a skeptical eyebrow. "I'd give it a solid hour, tops, before someone recognizes you. You do realize you're basically a walking beacon, right?" she muttered, earning a playful nudge from Tori.

Their tranquil moment was abruptly shattered by a high-pitched shriek emanating from the water's edge. "Mama! Mommy! Cassie's trying to surf on a boogie board!"

Jade groaned, already resignedly pushing her sunglasses up her nose. "Of course she is."

Cassie, their fearless and slightly reckless six-year-old, stood precariously balanced on a tiny boogie board, arms outstretched in a valiant attempt at surfing. The only issue was that she was in barely ankle-deep water.

"I totally got this!" Cassie declared with unwavering confidence, just as a small wave, more of a ripple really, knocked her off her feet, sending her splashing into the shallow water.

Tori erupted in a fit of giggles, while Jade emitted a long, exasperated sigh. "She's definitely your kid," Jade grumbled, shaking her head.

"Oh, but when she hits those high notes, she's 'our' kid, isn't she?" Tori teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Before Jade could formulate a witty retort, Ruby, their ten-year-old and the spitting image of a miniature Jade, stomped over with a distinctly unimpressed expression. "Mommy, Mama, do I have to wear sunscreen? I don't even burn."

"Yes," both parents responded in perfect unison, their voices laced with an undeniable air of parental authority.

Lola, their eight-year-old, giggled, twirling a strand of her dark brown hair, a perfect replica of Tori's. "Ruby, you sound exactly like Mama when she's annoyed."

"I do not," Ruby retorted, crossing her arms defensively, inadvertently proving Lola's point.

Callie, Cassie's twin, popped up next to Lola, her eyes wide with excitement. "Can we go snorkeling later? I really wanna see a turtle!"

Jade raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering across her usually stoic face. "You, willingly venturing into the ocean, near fish?"

Callie huffed, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "I like turtles, okay? They're different."

Tori clapped her hands together, a bright, cheerful smile illuminating her face. "Okay, okay! How about this—we grab some lunch first, and then we go snorkeling. Sound good?"

The girls erupted in cheers, their momentary squabbles forgotten as they raced off to build elaborate sandcastles, Cassie already proclaiming herself "Queen of the Beach" with an air of absolute certainty.

Jade leaned back in her chair, taking a deep, calming breath. "You know," she admitted, a hint of reluctant amusement in her voice, "this isn't as utterly dreadful as I initially anticipated."

Tori beamed, her smile radiating warmth. "See? I told you vacations could be nice." She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on Jade's cheek. "And I promise, no one's going to recognize me. We're just a perfectly normal family on vacation."

Just as the words left her mouth, a group of teenage girls strolled past, their eyes widening in recognition. They began whispering excitedly, pointing discreetly in Tori's direction.

Jade smirked, a knowing glint in her eyes. "You were saying?"

Tori sighed, already reaching for her oversized sunglasses, a sheepish grin spreading across her face. "I think I might have jinxed it, didn't I?"

Jade chuckled, shaking her head. "Every. Single. Time."

And just like that, the Vega-West family's attempt at a "relaxing" vacation seamlessly transitioned into another delightfully chaotic, albeit undeniably memorable, adventure.

The joyful sound of splashing water and Cassie's excited cries echoed across the sun-warmed sand. She came barreling up from the shoreline, a small whirlwind of energy, her dark, damp curls bouncing wildly around her face. 

A wide, beaming grin stretched across her freckled cheeks as she looked up at her two moms, her voice brimming with pure, unadulterated enthusiasm. "Mommy! Mama! Come play water polo with us! We need you!"

Tori, reclining on a beach towel, stretched languidly, letting out a soft sigh of contentment. A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes as a teasing smile slowly spread across her lips. 

"Ohhh, I'd absolutely love to join you, Cassie-bear, but..." she paused for dramatic effect, turning her gaze pointedly towards Jade. "I'm not sure Mama can make it. You know how she is..."

Cassie's big, brown eyes widened, a flicker of disbelief crossing her face before she erupted into a fit of giggles. "Mama, are you really scared of the water? Like, really, really scared?"

Jade, who had been enjoying a rare moment of peace, attempting to savour her iced coffee before the inevitable chaos of family beach day fully descended, choked on her drink, a mixture of surprise and indignation flooding her expression.

 "Excuse me?" she sputtered, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. She turned to Tori, her eyes narrowed, a playful yet firm warning in her voice. "I am not afraid of the water, Victoria Vega."

Tori, however, was in full teasing mode, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She batted her eyelashes innocently, feigning a look of genuine concern. "Oh, really? Then how come every time we come swimming, you just sit on the edge, looking like you're judging everyone's freestyle technique from a safe, dry distance?"

Cassie, ever the dramatic one, gasped, clutching her chest. "Mama! Do you even know how to swim? Like, properly swim?"

Jade rolled her eyes, a hint of exasperation mixed with amusement. "Of course I know how to swim! I'm not some landlocked hermit, you know."

Tori, unable to resist the opportunity to further tease her partner, bit her lip, trying to suppress her laughter. "Are you sureee? Because I haven't seen you do anything more than a gentle wade in ankle-deep water in years."

Jade, finally reaching her limit, playfully slapped Tori's arm, a light, affectionate tap that made Tori finally succumb to a wave of unrestrained laughter. Cassie, witnessing the playful banter between her moms, giggled even harder, her tiny body shaking with mirth. "Come on, Mama! Prove it! Show us you're not scared!"

Jade huffed, a mock-annoyed expression on her face, but a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She stood up, pulling off her light, floral-patterned cover-up, revealing her swimsuit. "Fine," she declared, her voice laced with playful determination. 

"But when I completely and utterly destroy all of you in this water polo match, I don't want to hear any excuses about 'sea monsters' or 'sudden onset of water allergies.'"

Tori, her eyes twinkling with mischief, smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Ooooh, I'm so scared," she drawled, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm.

Cassie, completely oblivious to the undercurrent of playful tension between her moms, cheered, grabbing both of their hands and tugging them towards the water. "Come on, come on! Ruby and Lola are scoring all the goals! We're losing!"

As they walked towards the shimmering, turquoise water, Jade leaned in close to Tori, her voice a low murmur. "You are so going to pay for this later," she whispered, a playful threat in her voice.

Tori, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, simply winked, her voice a soft, seductive whisper. "Looking forward to it."

The air in the hotel suite, thick with the lingering scent of sunscreen and saltwater, vibrated with the residual energy of a perfect beach day. The girls, a whirlwind of sandy feet and sun-kissed cheeks, chattered excitedly about the waves and the ice cream they'd devoured. 

Tori, her own happiness radiating like a warm glow, stretched her arms above her head, her spine cracking pleasantly, and grinned at Jade, who was meticulously removing her large, silver hoop earrings.

"Alright, ladies," Tori announced, her voice a cheerful melody, "how about we treat ourselves to a little spa time? I was thinking, you know, manicures, maybe a little facial for those sun-kissed cheeks, the works. Let's get pampered!" She then turned to Jade, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

 "And you," she said, plopping down on the plush, king-sized bed, "you can stay here, enjoy the quiet, and, you know, do your… witchy rituals."

Jade, who had paused mid-earring removal, slowly turned her head, her gaze locking with Tori's. 

The intensity in her eyes was palpable, a silent question hanging in the air. Her expression remained utterly deadpan, devoid of any hint of amusement or irritation.

 It was pure, unadulterated Jade West, a force of nature in human form.

Tori, suddenly aware of the slight tension in the room, bit her lip, trying to suppress a giggle. "What? What did I say?"

Jade crossed her arms, the movement deliberate and controlled. "You said 'do my witchy rituals.' What exactly do you think 'my witchy rituals' entails?"

Tori shrugged, feigning innocence. "Oh, you know, your 'alone time.' You light candles, stare moodily out the window at the cityscape, maybe recite some dark poetry in a low, dramatic voice…" she trailed off, her voice laced with teasing.

Jade raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, her expression still unwavering. "That's called meditation, Tori. And sometimes, reflection."

Tori gasped, exaggerating her reaction for comedic effect. "Oh, my deepest apologies! Did I, in my ignorance, offend the High Priestess of Darkness? Forgive my mortal foolishness!"

Jade narrowed her eyes slightly, a flicker of amusement finally breaking through her stoic facade. "You do realize you're married to the High Priestess of Darkness, right? You should know better."

Tori's grin widened, her playful nature taking over. "Obviously! And I love her very much," she said, leaning in to plant a quick kiss on Jade's cheek. "Even if she's a little scary sometimes."

Jade sighed, a soft sound of exasperation, and grabbed a nearby pillow, lightly swatting Tori with it. "Go take the girls to the spa before I decide to actually turn you into a toad. A particularly warty one."

Tori laughed, dodging another playful swing. "Okay, okay! We'll be back in a few hours. Try not to, you know, hex anyone while we're gone. Especially the room service guy."

Jade just rolled her eyes, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips, as Tori gathered the girls and ushered them out the door. But as the door clicked shut, leaving her alone in the quiet suite, she smirked to herself.

"A few candles wouldn't hurt," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. "And perhaps a dramatic contemplation of the city lights. Just for aesthetic purposes, of course."

Hotel Spa Shenanigans

The plush, softly lit interior of the hotel spa buzzed with a gentle, almost reverent hum, a stark contrast to the chaotic energy Tori had just ushered in. Trailing behind her were her four daughters, each a distinct personality packed into a small, excited frame. Cassie, the youngest, practically vibrated with anticipation, her eyes wide as she took in the rows of colourful nail polishes and scented lotions.

 Callie, never one to be outdone, mirrored her sister's enthusiasm, already bouncing on the balls of her feet. Lola, ever the thoughtful one, surveyed the scene with a quiet, almost scholarly curiosity, her brow furrowed in concentration as she weighed the merits of various spa treatments. But then there was Ruby, 

Tori's eldest, a miniature version of Jade, arms crossed tightly, a dark cloud hovering over her usually bright eyes. She looked, quite frankly, like she'd rather be wrestling a particularly grumpy badger than indulging in a day of pampering.

“Alright, my little tornadoes,” Tori announced, clapping her hands together, the sound echoing softly in the serene space. “Time to get our relaxation on! The world is our oyster today. Facials, manicures, pedicures, massages—you name it, you got it.”

“Purple nails!” Cassie declared immediately, her voice a tiny, insistent squeak.

“Blue!” Callie chimed in, not to be outdone.

Lola, after a moment of contemplative silence, asked, “Do they have sparkly pink? With, like, tiny little stars?”

Tori’s grin widened, a warm, genuine smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes. “I’m almost certain they do, my love.” Then, her gaze softened as she turned to Ruby, who remained stubbornly unimpressed. “And what about you, Rubes? What’s catching your eye?”

Ruby huffed, a dramatic sigh that seemed to carry the weight of teenage angst. “I don’t need a spa day. I’m fine.”

Tori’s smirk was knowing, a mix of amusement and affection. “Oh, you sound exactly like Mama. It’s uncanny.”

Ruby’s glare intensified. “No, I don’t. I’m nothing like her.”

Lola giggled, a sweet, tinkling sound. “You kinda do, though. Especially when you get all grumpy.”

Tori knelt down in front of her oldest daughter, her expression gentle. “Come on, Ruby. It’s just for fun. A little treat. You don’t have to get your nails painted if you don’t want to. Maybe a hand massage? Just a little something to relax those shoulders?”

Ruby hesitated, her defenses slowly crumbling under Tori’s persistent warmth. She sighed, a small, resigned sound. “Fine. But no glitter. Absolutely no glitter.”

Tori ruffled Ruby’s hair, a quick, affectionate gesture. “Deal. Now, let’s get you settled.”

As they settled into the plush spa chairs, the soft, ambient music filling the air, a few of the spa employees began to whisper, their eyes wide with recognition. One young woman, her face flushed with excitement, approached Tori, her movements a mix of nervousness and eager anticipation.

“Um, excuse me… You’re Tori Vega, right?” she stammered.

Tori smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling. “Guilty as charged.”

The woman’s grin was radiant. “Oh my gosh, I love your music! I can’t believe you’re here!”

Lola beamed, her chest puffing out slightly. “Mommy’s super famous. She sings really good.”

Tori chuckled, a low, melodic sound. “That she does, sweetheart.”

Callie leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Do you want an autograph? Mommy’s really nice. Mama’s scary, though. She yells a lot.”

The employee laughed, a soft, breathy sound. “I’d love one, but I don’t want to bother you during your spa day.”

“It’s no bother at all,” Tori assured her, signing a quick autograph with a flourish. “Thanks for listening to my music. It means a lot.”

The woman squealed softly, clutching the signed paper to her chest, before scurrying off, her face glowing. Tori turned back to her daughters, her smile widening. “See? Even spa days can have a little bit of excitement.”

Ruby rolled her eyes, a gesture that was pure Jade. “I bet Mama’s having way more fun.”

Tori smirked, a playful glint in her eyes. “Oh, you mean sitting alone in the dark, muttering about ‘witchy rituals’ and plotting world domination? Yeah, sounds like a real party.”

Callie and Cassie burst into giggles, their small bodies shaking with laughter, while Lola shook her head fondly, a gentle smile playing on her lips. 

And as they settled in for their various treatments, the scent of lavender and eucalyptus filling the air, Tori couldn’t help but think this vacation was turning out to be pretty perfect. 

Even if, somewhere back in the hotel room, Jade was probably concocting some elaborate scheme to get even for being left out.

Back in the Hotel Room with Jade

Jade  settled herself cross-legged, right in the centre of the hotel room floor, a carefully curated collection of candles encircling her. Black, red, and a deep, mesmerising purple flickered softly, casting dancing shadows that played across the walls. 

Alongside the candles, a few scattered crystals shimmered, each placed with deliberate intention. 

She'd carved out her own little sanctuary, a makeshift "ritual" space in the corner of the room, a refuge from the chaotic energy of the vacationers outside. It was her moment, her time to recharge, and she'd meticulously arranged everything to her liking. 

The dim, warm glow of the candlelight bathed the room in an intimate, almost mystical light, and she allowed herself a moment of pure, unadulterated peace.

For a long, drawn-out moment, she simply breathed. She let the quiet envelop her, the soft hum of the air conditioning a gentle, almost soothing drone. 

Beyond the thick glass of the window, the distant sounds of laughter and chatter from the resort’s guests drifted in, a muted backdrop to her solitude. 

She closed her eyes, letting her muscles loosen, feeling the tension that had been clinging to her all day slowly melt away. She was finally, blissfully, at ease.

But, as it always seemed to happen, just as she’d managed to sink into that rare state of tranquility…

Knock, knock, knock.

Jade’s eyelids fluttered open, and she let out a long, dramatic sigh. Five minutes. That's all she wanted. Just five measly minutes of undisturbed peace. Maybe even ten, if the universe was feeling particularly generous.

“Jade?”

She rolled her head to the side, her eyes narrowing as she saw the door crack open just a sliver. Of course, it was Tori.

“Not now, Tori,” she groaned, her voice laced with a mixture of exasperation and resignation. She knew exactly who was standing on the other side. “I’m in the middle of my… me time.”

The door swung open wider, revealing Tori’s bright, mischievous grin. Her voice, always brimming with playful energy, floated into the room. “Aww, you’re not going to let me join in? I could be your ‘familiar,’” she said, her fingers wiggling in an exaggerated, almost cartoonish ‘witchy’ gesture.

Jade stared at her for a beat, her expression flat. “No. Absolutely not. No way in hell. I don’t need a cheerleader for my… meditative practices.”

Tori’s smirk widened, and she stepped further into the room, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Oh, so you do have witchy rituals. I knew it.”

Jade sat up straighter, her posture stiffening slightly. “I’m not summoning demons, if that’s what you’re thinking,” she clarified, her tone laced with a hint of defensiveness.

Tori pouted, her lower lip jutting out in a mock-disappointed expression. “Darn. I thought maybe I’d get to meet a cute little demon.”

Jade shook her head, a small, involuntary smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “You’re unbelievable, you know that?”

Tori flopped onto the bed, stretching out dramatically. “So, how long do I have before you turn me into a toad for disturbing your witchy space?”

Jade snorted, a genuine laugh escaping her lips. “You really think I’d waste my magic on something so predictable?” She stood up, brushing the imaginary crumbs of her “ritual” off her lap. “Besides, I’d much rather turn you into something… more annoying. Like a very inconvenient, squeaky chair.”

Tori giggled, her eyes twinkling. “I’d make a pretty good squeaky chair, you have to admit.”

Jade raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk playing on her lips. “You already make enough noise. You’d fit right in.”

Tori sat up on the bed, her grin widening. “So, tell me, what do you actually do when you’re all by yourself and brooding in the dark?”

Jade’s smirk deepened. “I meditate. I think. I clear my head. And sometimes… I stare moodily out the window and pretend I’m the protagonist in some obscure indie movie.”

Tori burst out laughing, her laughter echoing through the room. “I knew it! I knew you were secretly a dramatic artiste!”

Jade rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t suppress a small chuckle. “You’re lucky I like you, or I’d turn you into a squeaky chair right now.”

Tori wiggled her fingers, her eyes sparkling with playful defiance. “Do it! I dare you!”

Jade leaned in closer, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “You’re tempting fate, Vega.”

The two stared at each other for a moment, the tension thick with unspoken amusement. Then, in true Vega-West fashion, they both erupted in laughter. Tori fell back on the bed dramatically, clutching her stomach, her laughter echoing through the room.

“Okay, okay, I’ll leave you to your… ‘rituals,’” she said between giggles, her voice still laced with amusement. “But only because I love you. And also, because if I don’t, you might actually turn me into a squeaky chair.”

Jade stood, shaking her head, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Smart decision. Now go enjoy your spa day with the girls. You deserve it.”

Tori grinned and stood up, winking playfully. “And when I come back, you better not be too zen. You know I love my Jade, but I need a little chaos in my life.”

Jade rolled her eyes again, but she couldn’t stop the smile tugging at her lips. “You’ll have your chaos, Vega. You always do.”

With that, Tori left the room, leaving Jade to return to her ritual space—her quiet, witchy corner of the world, where she could finally be herself. And, of course, she’d make sure to save a little bit of her chaos for later, just for Tori.

A Cozy Family Night

The day had stretched long, a delightful blend of sun-soaked adventures and the kind of happy exhaustion that settles in after a day of pure, unadulterated fun. Now, as the last slivers of the evening sun painted the hotel room windows in hues of soft orange and violet, a gentle tranquility descended. 

The constant, almost comforting hum of the air conditioning provided a subtle soundtrack to the scene unfolding on the expansive, plush bed. It was a sanctuary, a haven from the day's excitement, and the perfect stage for a cozy family night.

Tori, with her inherent warmth and boundless affection, was the instigator. She practically dove onto the bed, the mattress yielding beneath her with a soft sigh. Her arms spread wide, an invitation to a cuddle fest. "Movie night, everyone!" she announced, her voice filled with a playful enthusiasm that was impossible to resist.

Ruby, who had initially been a little hesitant about the spa day, had since embraced the joy of pampering and was now brimming with cheerful energy. 

She was the first to answer Tori's call, launching herself onto the bed and nestling against her mom's shoulder, her head finding a comfortable resting place. A soft sigh escaped her lips, a clear indication of contentment.

Lola, ever the mediator, followed suit, crawling onto the bed from the opposite side. She strategically positioned herself between her two moms, her head resting gently on Jade's lap, seeking the comfort of their shared warmth.

Callie, with her quiet, observant nature, climbed up next, squeezing in beside Jade. Her tiny hands, always exploring, reached for a nearby pillow, pulling it close as if it were a cherished companion.

And then there was Cassie, the whirlwind of the family, a bundle of uncontainable energy. She burst into the room, a blur of motion, throwing herself onto the bed with such enthusiasm that the popcorn bowl, precariously perched on the bedside table, wobbled dangerously. 

With a quick, agile movement, she caught it just in time, a mischievous giggle escaping her lips. "Oops! Almost a popcorn catastrophe!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Tori chuckled, pulling the bowl closer to her, a gentle admonishment in her voice. "Let's try to keep the popcorn safe," she teased, her eyes filled with affection as she settled into the comfortable tangle of limbs.

Jade, the anchor of the family, was the last to join the cozy pile. Once she was settled, leaning against the pillows and draping a soft, plush blanket over everyone, a sense of serene contentment washed over her.

 Her arms encircled her daughters, a silent expression of love and protection. One hand gently rested on Callie's back, a comforting touch. 

"You guys are ridiculously cute," she murmured, her voice laced with a fondness that belied her mock-gruff tone.

The lights dimmed, casting a soft, warm glow over the room, and the opening credits of a lighthearted family comedy flickered onto the screen. The movie was a perfect choice, a blend of humor and heartwarming moments that everyone could enjoy.

Cassie, her restless spirit momentarily contained, fidgeted with Jade's fingers, her eyes wide with anticipation. 

"Mommy," she asked, her voice filled with earnest enthusiasm, "can we watch the one with the brave dog and the exciting adventures next time? The one where he saves everyone?"

Tori nodded, planting a soft kiss on the top of Cassie's head. "Of course, sweetie. We can watch that tomorrow."

Lola, her eyes sparkling with adoration, looked up at Jade. "Mama, you always say yes to movie nights."

Jade offered a playful smirk, gently ruffling Lola's hair. "That's because I wouldn't trade this chaos for anything," she admitted, her voice filled with genuine affection.

Ruby, the family's truth-teller, turned to Jade and Tori, a soft, genuine smile gracing her lips. "You two are so sweet. I'm so happy you're my moms."

Tori's heart swelled with love, and she kissed Ruby's forehead, her voice filled with emotion. "We're so happy you're our daughter."

Callie snuggled even closer to Jade, her small voice barely a whisper. "Will we have more movie nights when we go home?"

Jade exchanged a loving glance with Tori, their eyes conveying a silent understanding, a shared history. "As many as you want, sweetheart," Jade replied softly, her voice filled with a promise.

Tori nodded, her eyes filled with warmth. "Forever and always. We're a family."

And so, in the quiet sanctuary of their hotel room, surrounded by the comforting warmth of their children, the echoes of the day's adventures faded into a peaceful harmony. 

As the movie played on, the room filled with the soft sounds of gentle giggles, the rustling of popcorn being passed around, and the contented sighs of a family who understood the true value of these simple, precious moments.

For Jade and Tori, this was everything they could ever ask for. This was home.