Jori Family shots

The air backstage crackled with a unique blend of anticipation and controlled chaos, a familiar symphony to anyone who’d spent time behind the curtains of a Tori Vega concert. Outside, the roar of the crowd was a palpable force, a wave of energy that vibrated through the very foundation of the building. Inside, however, a different kind of energy was at play.

 Jade West, ever the pragmatic one, was attempting to maintain a semblance of order amidst the whirlwind of her four children.

Callie and Cassie, the twins, were a blur of motion, their boundless energy seemingly fueled by the sheer excitement of the event. They bounced off the plush backstage furniture, their giggles echoing through the room, a stark contrast to the thumping bass of Tori’s music that pulsed through the walls.

 Ruby, the quiet observer, sat nestled beside Jade, her sketchbook open, her pencil moving with a focused intensity. She was always the more introspective one, her artistic spirit a gentle counterpoint to her sisters’ exuberance.

Jade couldn’t help but steal glances at the monitor positioned near the door. Tori, bathed in the vibrant stage lights, was delivering a powerhouse performance, her voice soaring, weaving a spell over the thousands of fans who hung on her every note. 

Jade’s heart swelled with a mixture of pride and affection. It was a familiar feeling, watching her wife command the stage, her talent and charisma undeniable.

As the final notes of Tori’s song faded, a flurry of small feet approached. Cassie, her eyes wide with a mixture of awe and determination, tugged insistently on Jade’s sleeve. 

“Mommy’s amazing!” she declared, her voice filled with a child’s unfiltered admiration. “I want to sing with her! Can we go on stage, Mama? Please, please, please?”

Jade chuckled, the sound warm and affectionate, her heart softening at her daughter’s earnest plea. It was a common refrain in their household; the girls were constantly inspired by their mother’s musical prowess. 

But the idea of bringing them onstage, especially little Cassie, was a different matter entirely.

“Oh, sweetheart, we can’t just walk out there,” Jade explained, crouching down to meet Cassie’s gaze. “Mommy has a whole show to finish, and there are so many people out there who came to see her.”

Cassie’s face crumpled into a pout, her small arms crossing in defiance. “But I want to sing with Mommy! I want to be just like her!”

The sight of Cassie’s disappointment tugged at Jade’s heartstrings. She recognised the spark of passion, the unwavering determination, the innate love for performing that mirrored Tori’s own.

Cassie’s voice, though still young, was full of life, and she possessed an uncanny ability to mimic Tori’s every vocal inflection when they sang along at home.

Ruby, her gaze thoughtful, leaned over and whispered, “Mama, maybe you could surprise her. You could go out there and sing with her.”

Jade raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “Me? Steal Mommy’s spotlight?” she teased.

Ruby shrugged, a sly smile playing on her lips. “I think Mommy would love it.”

A flicker of an old memory ignited within Jade, the sensation of the stage lights, the roar of the crowd, the sheer exhilaration of performing. 

It had been years since she’d stood in the spotlight, but the idea of sharing a special moment with Tori, a moment that would undoubtedly become a cherished memory, was too tempting to resist.

“Alright,” Jade announced, rising to her feet, a determined glint in her eyes. “Let’s make a little magic happen.”

The twins erupted in a flurry of excited squeals, their faces radiating pure joy. Callie, her little arms wrapping tightly around Jade’s legs, repeated, “You’re going to sing with Mommy? You’re going to sing with Mommy?!”

“Yes, but you both have to stay right here, okay?” Jade cautioned, her smile warm and reassuring. “I’ll be right back.”

As Jade approached the backstage entrance, the thunderous applause from the audience grew louder, a wave of sound that washed over her. The stage manager, his expression a mix of surprise and encouragement, asked, “Are you sure about this?”

Jade nodded, a confident smile spreading across her face. “It’s going to be a surprise for Tori. Just let me know when it’s the right time.”

With a nod of understanding, the stage manager ushered her towards the stage. The blinding lights momentarily disoriented her, but as her eyes adjusted, she stepped into the spotlight, the crowd’s roar intensifying as they recognized her.

“Hey, everyone!” Jade called out, her voice filled with playful energy. “I couldn’t let my wife have all the fun, so here I am!”

Tori, caught off guard, froze mid-song, her eyes widening in surprise. Then, seeing Jade’s mischievous grin and the twins peeking excitedly through the curtain, she burst into laughter.

“Jade?! What are you doing here?!” Tori exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of surprise and delight.

“I just wanted to make this concert even more special,” Jade replied, her voice warm and playful.

Tori’s smile softened, her heart overflowing with love. Without hesitation, she grabbed Jade’s hand. “Well, if you’re here, we might as well make it a family affair.”

The crowd erupted in cheers as Tori and Jade stood side by side, their chemistry palpable. Tori handed Jade a microphone, and together, they launched into the final chorus of the song. 

It wasn’t a polished performance, but the raw emotion, the undeniable connection between them, made it unforgettable. The audience was captivated, drawn into their intimate moment, sharing in their joy.

As the song ended, Tori leaned in, kissing Jade’s cheek and whispering, “You’re incredible.”

Jade grinned, her heart full. “Couldn’t have done it without my amazing family.”

The twins, unable to contain their excitement any longer, rushed onto the stage, their giggles echoing through the arena. The family stood together, bathed in the warm glow of the stage lights, sharing a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. 

It wasn’t just about the performance; it was about the bond they shared, the love that radiated from them, a love that filled the entire room.

As the crowd’s applause echoed through the arena, Jade looked down at Cassie and Callie, their faces beaming. “So, you happy now?” she whispered to Cassie.

Cassie nodded, her eyes sparkling with pure delight. “Best day ever, Mama. Best day ever.”

And in that moment, surrounded by her family, Jade knew that it was, indeed, a perfect day.

The final notes of the encore still echoed faintly in their ears as the stagehands began the methodical process of dismantling the set. Backstage, the energy had shifted from the electric buzz of performance to a more relaxed, contented hum.

 By the time they’d navigated the labyrinthine corridors and finally reached the sanctuary of Tori’s hotel room, the night had deepened, and the city lights outside painted the windows with a soft, urban glow.

Inside, the room was a delightful chaos of discarded tour merchandise, half-eaten room service pizza boxes, and the unmistakable scent of warm dough and melted cheese. T

he girls, Cassie and Ruby, were a whirlwind of excited energy, their small bodies darting between the plush armchairs and the expansive king-sized bed, re-enacting their favourite moments from the show with elaborate hand gestures and spirited vocal imitations. 

Tori and Jade, finally able to shed the weight of the performance, sank onto the edge of the bed, a comfortable weariness settling over them. Yet, even as they sought a moment of quiet connection, their attention was perpetually drawn back to the vibrant spectacle their daughters were creating.

Cassie, her cheeks flushed with excitement and her eyes sparkling, paused mid-leap, a half-eaten slice of pizza dangling precariously from her hand. She turned to Tori, her expression a perfect blend of sweetness and calculated charm. 

“Mommy,” she began, her voice a soft, melodic plea, “Can I go on stage with you tomorrow night? I really, really want to sing with you again. It was so much fun!”

Tori’s heart warmed at the sight of her daughter’s earnest face, but a mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes. “Well, sweetheart,” she replied, leaning back against the pillows, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips, 

“Mama has the final say, you know. She’s the one who runs the show. You’ll have to convince her.”

Cassie’s bright expression faltered for a moment, the prospect of navigating Jade’s perceived seriousness momentarily dimming her enthusiasm. 

Then, remembering her most effective tactic, she tilted her head slightly, her big blue eyes widening into an irresistible puppy-dog gaze. Before she could launch into a carefully crafted plea, Tori, ever the teasing parent, added, 

“But, you know, Mama’s allergic to fun. She prefers spreadsheets and serious conversations. Happiness? Not her thing.”

Jade, who had been observing the interaction with a mixture of amusement and exasperation, finally couldn’t contain herself. 

She rolled her eyes dramatically, a theatrical sigh escaping her lips. “Oh, really?” she retorted, her voice dripping with mock indignation. “Is that what you’re telling our daughter now? That I’m allergic to fun?”

With a swift, playful motion, she grabbed a nearby plush pillow and launched it across the room, the soft cushion landing squarely on Tori’s face. “Take that, you purveyor of slander!”

Tori erupted in laughter, her hands flying up in mock defense. “Hey! It’s true!” she exclaimed, her voice muffled by the pillow. “You’re all about serious business, Mama! Don’t even try to deny it!”

Cassie, caught up in the playful chaos, giggled, her voice echoing Tori’s teasing tone. “You are allergic to fun, Mama!”

Jade crossed her arms, feigning a stern expression, but the corners of her lips betrayed her amusement. “I’m not allergic to fun,” she insisted, her voice laced with playful sarcasm. “I just prefer more… refined activities. You know, like not singing in front of thousands, or having pizza thrown at me.”

Ruby, who had been observing the scene with her characteristic dry wit, finally chimed in. “Yeah, Mama doesn’t do the ‘fun’ thing. She just sits in the corner, judging everyone else’s fun.”

Jade shot Ruby a playful glare, but the room erupted in laughter, the sound filling the space with warmth and joy. Tori, still slightly disheveled from the pillow attack, sat up, raising her hands in mock surrender.

“Alright, alright,” she conceded, a wide grin spreading across her face. “Maybe you don’t hate fun. But, you still need to give permission for Cassie to go on stage. I don’t want you accusing me of raising a child star before she knows her times tables.”

Cassie, her eyes wide and pleading, turned to Jade. “Mama, please? I promise I’ll be good. I just want to sing with you both again.”

Jade looked at her daughter, her heart melting at the sight of Cassie’s hopeful expression. She couldn’t resist the pull of her daughter’s earnest desire.

 “Fine,” she said, exhaling dramatically. “I’m not allergic to fun… I just don’t want my daughters to think running onto stages is a regular occurrence.”

Cassie squealed, launching herself into Jade’s arms, her small arms wrapping tightly around her waist. “Thank you, Mama!”

“But,” Jade added, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Tori, “If we’re doing this again tomorrow night, someone needs to make sure we’re backstage in time for dinner, and not trapped in a pizza-induced stupor.”

Tori feigned a dramatic sigh, placing a hand over her heart. “Oh, the pizza coma,” she groaned theatrically. “I’ll make sure we’re ready. Promise.”

Jade winked at Tori, then scooped Cassie into her arms, twirling her around the room, eliciting delighted giggles from the little girl. “Well, if it’s a family affair, then I suppose a little bit of noise won’t hurt…”

The room was filled with the joyous sound of their laughter, a symphony of familial love and playful banter. 

Tori, leaning back against the pillows, watched the scene unfold with a contented smile.

 Despite their occasional playful disagreements, moments like these, filled with warmth and laughter, made everything else fade into insignificance.

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The air crackled, a tangible energy that hummed and vibrated through every molecule of the packed arena. It wasn't just the sheer number of bodies pressed together, a sea of faces stretching back into the darkness, but the anticipation, the collective breath held in expectation.

 The lights, those massive, theatrical fixtures that usually bathed the stage in a kaleidoscope of colors, had dimmed to a dramatic, almost reverent hush, leaving only a single, focused beam of light cutting through the smoky haze.

Then, Tori Vega stepped into that spotlight. It wasn't just an entrance; it was a declaration. The familiar, driving beat of her opening song, a tune that had launched a thousand singalongs and countless memories, resonated through the speakers, a physical force that seemed to shake the very foundations of the building.

 The crowd, a living, breathing entity, responded instantly, a tidal wave of cheers and applause that washed over the stage.

Backstage, in the shadows, Jade stood, a silent observer. Her eyes, sharp and unwavering, were fixed on Tori, her gaze following every movement, every subtle shift in expression.

 A strange, unfamiliar warmth spread through her chest, a feeling she’d learned to recognise as pride, albeit a pride she often tried to disguise.

 Ruby, Cassie, and Callie, a little cluster of excitement, were huddled together in the front row of the backstage area, their faces painted with bright, glittery designs, their eyes wide with anticipation. They were Tori's biggest fans, her most devoted audience.

The night progressed, each song building on the last, each note fueling the electric atmosphere. It was the final song of the night, the encore, the one Tori had kept close to her heart, a special surprise she’d been hinting at all evening. 

The audience, sensing the shift, the subtle change in the air, held their breath, a collective question mark hanging over the arena.

As the music slowed, a poignant melody filling the space, Tori's voice rang out, clear and powerful, yet laced with a warmth that enveloped the crowd. 

She stepped to the edge of the stage, the microphone held loosely in her hand, a playful wink flashing across her face. The stadium fell silent, a hushed anticipation that could be felt in the very air.

“Alright, alright,” Tori’s voice echoed, a warm, inviting tone that drew everyone closer, “I’ve got a special surprise for you all tonight.”

A ripple of excited whispers spread through the crowd, a collective buzz of curiosity. Tori’s grin widened, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“This next song is a little bit different,” she continued, her voice laced with playful mystery. “I’ve got someone very special joining me on stage tonight. Someone who’s not only family... but someone who’s really been wanting to sing with me.”

She turned slightly, her eyes sparkling with a secret knowledge, her hand extended toward the side of the stage. The crowd’s curiosity intensified, morphing into eager speculation.

“Please welcome my incredible, talented... and slightly mischievous daughter, Cassie!”

The spotlight shifted, a sudden, bright beam illuminating Cassie, who stood beside Jade, her eyes wide with a mixture of excitement and disbelief. Jade offered a small, encouraging nod, a silent push toward the stage.

Cassie, her small legs pumping, ran onto the stage, her face alight with pure, unadulterated joy. The audience gasped, a collective intake of breath, as the tiny figure took her place beside Tori.

Tori knelt, her eyes meeting Cassie’s, her voice soft and tender. “Alright, sweetie. You ready?”

Cassie nodded eagerly, her voice a tiny whisper, “Ready!”

The opening notes of one of Tori’s most beloved songs filled the arena, the familiar melody weaving its magic. 

Tori smiled at her daughter, and together, their voices blended in perfect harmony, a duet that transcended the boundaries of performer and audience. The crowd erupted, clapping and singing along, caught up in the sheer magic of the moment.

Cassie, seemingly born for the stage, sang with a confidence that defied her age, her voice filled with a passion that mirrored her mother’s. The connection between them, a tangible bond, filled the arena, a shared love that resonated with everyone present.

Jade, watching from the wings, felt a strange warmth spreading through her chest. A small, reluctant smile played on her lips. She’d been skeptical, unsure of the idea, but seeing Cassie shine, seeing her so completely at home on the stage, filled her with an unexpected surge of pride.

The crowd roared, their cheers a thunderous wave of appreciation. Tori, her eyes filled with love and pride, gave Cassie a quick, appreciative glance. As the song ended, she lifted the microphone to her lips.

“You were amazing, sweetheart,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.

Cassie beamed, bouncing on her heels. “Thanks, Mommy! I love singing with you!”

Tori laughed, hugging her daughter tightly. “I’m so proud of you, baby.”

Turning to the crowd, Tori held Cassie’s hand high, her voice cracking slightly. “You all have no idea how much this means to me. This is my beautiful daughter, and she’s just getting started. I’m lucky to be her mom.”

Cassie blushed, her face glowing with happiness.

“And this next one,” Tori said, her voice regaining its strength, “is for all the amazing mothers and daughters out there who share moments like this. Thanks for making tonight unforgettable.”

The music swelled, a powerful, uplifting anthem, and Tori and Cassie danced together, their movements mirroring each other, their joy infectious. Jade, her heart overflowing, watched from the side of the stage, her family bathed in the warm glow of the spotlight.

In that moment, with the lights shining down and the crowd’s cheers filling the air, everything felt perfect, a moment suspended in time, a memory etched in the hearts of everyone present.