Preparations for her date night with Jessi have been all over the map. Rachel’s teetered from going all out to impress, though possibly setting the bar much too high for potential dates to come, and keeping the evening low key and not impressing at all. But after an extensive pro/cons list, Rachel settles on an idea that while restrained still has the potential, she believes, to wow. And if it doesn’t? Rachel think all hope won’t be lost because it’ll allow them time to get to know each other beyond rivals and contemporaries whom know each other best from tonsil hockey.
Rachel doesn’t provide Jessi with much information to go on besides letting her know it would be wise to wear comfortable footwear as they would, Mother Nature willing, be outdoors. She wishes she could pick Jessi up directly from her apartment’s door, but since she can’t risk being seen by Ellie or the gossip queen herself, the Washington Square Fountain serves as a respectable alternative. It’s where Rachel’s resting, perched on the ledge as she checks her phone once more -- it’s still 5 minutes to 7, their designated time to meet -- as she tries to stave off nerves that seem out of place. Because it’s not as if they’re going about this in the usual order. opting to bypass any get to (truly) know you stage in favor of bathroom makeouts, but Rachel supposes maybe that’s where the nerves come. The worry that she won’t be seen as someone worthy of Jessi’s time beyond her talents, both onstage and in the kissing department.
WHO: Rachel Berry (@theyearofthestar) & Jessi St. James (@heavenlystjames)
WHERE: Between A Cup-pella and Washington Square
WHEN: Monday, October 1, 2018
WHAT: Jessi opens up.
Jessi
It wasn´t going to be easy. And it would definitely hurt her pride, but Jessi had come to terms with the fact that, in order to let Rachel go, she´d actually have to tell her how she felt. She´d been hung up on her for months now and it had cost her an actual relationship with Sugar. She still wasn´t sure what that was, but Jessi knew it would have been easier if she hadn´t still been in love with Rachel. She sighed to herself as she stepped out of ACup, two cups of coffee in her hand. One was for her, the other one was Rachel´s favorite. She looked around, waiting to see if she could find Rachel approaching in the sea of people.
Rachel
Rachel didn't need to rely on her sixth sense to have an inkling about what Jessi may want to discuss. Even though Rachel had hoped they could transition to a friendship, attempts thus far had (understandably so) been stilted, so her and Jessi's relationship history wasn't multi-faceted. That wasn't to say that it wasn't important. Falling into bathroom stalls and beds meant time spent together beyond roaming hands and mouths, and even if they resisted any label aside from band and musical rivals, they were still something. And sometimes it was hard to redefine what was never defined in the first place.
Still, Rachel had a bright smile on her face as she neared ACup's awning and she offered a small wave once she found Jessi. "It's a beautiful day for a walk through a park, don't you think, J?"
Jessi
Admittedly, she should have done it sooner. But her self destructive side, the one that enjoyed wailing in self pity, had been getting in the way. Much like her pride. A quite destructive combination, Jessi was aware of that, but still she hadn´t been able to help herself. When she spotted Rachel she willed her heart to not miss a beat, that was something she couldn´t afford. Instead she matched the other´s smile and nodded. "Very beautiful indeed," She then agreed. "I love New York in the fall." The truth was she loved New York no matter what, but there was just something about the way the sun showered everything in a golden light during fall that was especially beautiful. Jessi held out the coffee towards Rachel. "Here, for you." She then told her. "Shall we?"
Rachel
With a nod of her head, Rachel continued down the block, leading them in the direction of Washington Square. When they got to the first intersection and needed to stop, Rachel took the opportunity to bring the takeaway cup to her lips. She could already tell by the scent exactly what drink Jessi had ordered, and Rachel hummed at both the taste and her approval. "You didn't need to do this, but I appreciate the attention to detail."
Jessi
Jessi threw Rachel a smile as they walked. "Well you better feel special, because I don´t do this for everyone." She then teased with a laugh as they continued down the block. She wasn´t quite sure if they´d ever make it to a park, but she enjoyed the streets of New York as much. "So," She took a sip of her own coffee, nodding. "There´s two things I want to talk to you about, and I´m going to start with the nice one." Jessi continued. "I got a callback for Wicked. And I am pretty sure that I blew everyone´s socks off. Which is what the cool kids say these days, right?"
Rachel
Rachel didn't care that they were in the middle of the sidewalk and she was committing commuter sin, because she stopped dead in her tracks and with her free arm pulled Jessi back to her and into a hug. She was certain her screech of congratulations could be heard within a four-block radius.
"How have you not broadcasted this everywhere or shared it with everyone! That's outstanding, J! I want to know all about it and how it went and for what role. But..." Rachel's expression fell. Jessi mentioned this was the nice thing she wanted to discuss, which meant there was a topic of conversation that was a little less cheerful. "Perhaps you can fill me in after we talk about the second thing, that way we ensure we depart on a high note."
Jessi
Jessi´s lips curved into an even bigger smile as she stopped along with Rachel. People didn´t so much as complain when they had to walk around them, because this was surely something that happened in New York all day. "Well. I didn´t want to jinx it. It´s really important to me." She then replied. "I went in for the Elphaba cover and ensemble. It was great," She felt her smile freeze though and shook her head.
"I don´t think either of us is going to like what comes next so I´ll probably be better off telling you about the callback now. I sang "I´m Not That Girl" and they loved it. Might have been one of the most emotional performances I´ve ever done, and I only have you to thank for that. Which is ironic, because I also have you to thank for that broken heart." She paused, shaking her head. "I´m gonna make it quick, because otherwise I will start to ramble. I fell in love with you, Rachel Berry. Because you are talented, amazing, beautiful and probably the only girl who sees eye to eye with me. And I realized it when it was too late. And I know I said we can be friends. And maybe we can, in a while. But wow..." She trailed off for a moment.
"I wasn´t ever going to tell you. But the truth is: I can´t get over you unless I tell you. Which is why I am telling you now. So I can leave this behind. And be your friend. Eventually. But for now: Congratulations, Rachel Barbra Berry, for being the only girl to ever break my heart." She bit her lip. "And God please don´t say you´re sorry. That´ll make it worse. Just acknowledge it and let me get this over with."
Rachel
For someone that never had any issues when it came to word utilization, Rachel at the moment was rendered speechless. To give herself time to process everything Jessi unloaded and to attempt to even formulate a response, Rachel grabbed onto Jessi's elbow and began to walk. Across one set of striped white lines and then another, they found themselves on a side street with less foot and vehicle traffic. It was quieter and Rachel found it not just easier to think, but also breathe. Oh, yes, she and Jessi had been something, she just wasn't aware that it had become that kind of something for Jessi.
Finally, with a wave of her hand, Rachel answered. "I wouldn't say sorry. That would be..." Silly. Pointless. And Rachel wasn't sorry. She didn't have regrets about how they spent time together, or when she began to spend more time with Quinn. But there really wasn't too much Rachel could do with this information either, and perhaps that was the point. Jessi needed to unpack her feelings so that there was room for her to replace them and move forward. Rachel could accept that, and could accept the fact that there would be no point in rehashing a past that was beyond them both. It would do neither of them any good for Rachel to acknowledge how a look from Jessi could send her heart fluttering, or how there were days and nights where she craved her touch in a less clandestine way. There'd be no point because Rachel had already moved forward and with no plans to look back.
"Shouldn't you have been gifting me a trophy, a small award instead of this coffee?" Rachel attempted to lighten the heaviness of Jessi’s reveal around them. "The only girl to ever break your heart. That is some achievement, J." And it was an honor of sorts Rachel hoped she never had to share, because Jessi was a good person who deserved good people and things in her life. Like a callback. "And I will continue to celebrate your achievements. I do hope you know that. Even if it's not as friends, but rather as someone who respects your art and craft and appreciates the work you've done."
Jessi
Jessi really didn´t see the point of moving to a less busy street, because it wasn´t like people actually cared what they were talking about, and she wasn´t interested in having more privacy because it would only make things worse for her, but she didn´t complain when she was pulled anyways. Another one of those side effects in being in love with Rachel Berry. She actively let herself be bossed around. "Yes well. I didn´t want you going around parading that trophy. It would ruin my reputation." She could feel her heart missing another beat, though sadly it wasn´t in the good way. She knew she had to stay away from Rachel to get this right, and it was already breaking her heart again. She sighed and stepped in a little closer, resting her forehead against Rachel´s as far as the other would allow it. Part of her wanted to close her eyes, but the other part, the bigger one, wanted to take it all in. One last time. "I love you, Rachel Berry." She whispered. "And I hope you´ll always be happy."
Rachel
The position was intimate and in another time it would have led to more, but Rachel knew that wasn't Jessi's intent now. So she let their close proximity linger before tipping up onto her toes. Cheeks brushing, Rachel pressed a chaste kiss to ridge of Jessi's cheek and then once again settled on her heels, she took a step back.
Maybe months ago Rachel could have echoed Jessi's words, but not now. Instead she could offer, "I hope you're happy in the end, J. And I hope this opportunity, Wicked, works out for you. Everyone else should get to see you shine on a stage other than ACup's."
Jessi
"Damn right they should." She replied with a laugh, though it wasn´t real. It should have been, honestly, because she deserved to be happy. And this was something she needed to do to actually be happy. "If Quinn ever hurts you I will make her pay, I promise." She then added, half joking. "I won´t punch her in the face, because she has a child. But I will find out an embarrassing story about her, write it down and print it and then hang it all over ACup´s walls." It took all the willpower she possessed not to actually lean in to kiss Rachel, but for once she didn´t want to be selfish. Or well...she couldn´t be. "Well...I should probably go. I have another audition. Or well. Blair has one. I just promised to come along." She took a step back. "See you around, yeah?"
Rachel
"Of course.” Of course Jessi would see her around. “At least two Thursdays every month.” And likely more than that around the coffee shop. Because Rachel wasn’t going anywhere. She had been serious about wanting to be Jessi’s friend months ago, and that sentiment remained the same today. But Rachel certainly understood why that had been difficult then, and even more so now. And while patience wasn’t a skill in which Rachel excelled, she knew friendship wasn’t a right and she couldn’t push for or expect more until Jessi was there, too.
“And to being friends? Whenever you’re ready, J.” Because Rachel hoped it would be a when and not an if.
WHO: Rachel Berry (@theyearofthestar) & Jessi St. James (@heavenlystjames)
WHERE: A Cup-pella
WHEN: Monday, May 28, 2018
WHAT: Rachel meets Jessi to return her key.
Jessi
Jessi wasn´t exactly happy about this whole encounter. Part of her really wanted to just ignore the fact that Rachel Berry even existed, even though that was an impossible task. No one could ignore the existence of Rachel Berry, she´d make sure of that. Still, this was something she´d probably have to get done with her head held high and a smile on her face so she could put this whole thing behind her. She´d already made her way to the coffee shop, ordering a chai latte for herself, sitting at a table by the window while she waited for Rachel to join her.
Rachel
Considering the way their lives (and their bodies) had intertwined in the past, Rachel didn't think this would be, or for that matter should be, an awkward encounter. She and Jessi knew each other on very intimate levels, and though that part of their relationship was over, Rachel truly believed this could be a sort of fresh start for them in other ways. With their sexual past was out in the open, Rachel didn't really see a reason to keep up their rival ruse, especially when they generally got along and respected each other for their respective talents.
So she entered the coffee shop with a smile and wave in Jessi's direction, and then motioned that she'd be right back. After grabbing an iced coffee at the counter, Rachel slipped into the seat across from Jessi. She placed her drink atop the table, and then after reaching into the pocket of her shorts, added a single key to the table top as well. "I'm keeping the keychain as a memento, J," Rachel half teased, but there was also sincerity to the comment. Rachel regretted none of the time they spent together.
Jessi
Oh girl, here we go, Jessi thought as she noticed Rachel approaching. While she definitely didn´t regret any of their encounters, and at some point would be able to look back at it and smile, she was rather glad she was a good actress and could fake her way through this. Maybe even through a friendship that could, one day, become genuine. For now she matched Rachel´s smile as the other woman joined her at the table. "You´re welcome to," She countered then, taking the key and letting it drop into her bag. She would have told Rachel to keep the key, in case she changed her mind, but that probably wouldn´t have been the best start to this friendship and even though Jessi was cocky she wasn´t about to get into a discussion about her heartbreak and feelings. "You can call yourself lucky. You´re the only woman who ever got a key to one of my places. Not counting college, because my roommate was rather...active and it felt like half of the student body had a key to our room."
Rachel
"Well stars are kind of my thing. And I'll make sure to add that achievement to my resume." Though Rachel's comment could be perceived as another tease, it again was Rachel's attempt to acknowledge the significance of the action. When Rachel had received Jessi's gift all those months ago, it had both surprised and intrigued her considering the potential of what it offered. And while she had utilized the key a handful of times, sometimes the weight of it felt like a commitment she wasn't ready for, and Rachel questioned if Jessi was, too. But none of that mattered much now, did it? The memories were hers, but the key no longer was.
"That roommate sounds horrid." Rachel was making a face and sending thanks to the stars that her own experience at Berklee wasn't anything like that. But after a beat, a pleasant expression returned as Rachel asked, "How was the Hamptons?" Because that's something that friends did -- ask each other about their vacations -- and that's what Rachel was hoping she and Jessi could be.
Jessi
Jessi would have told her to keep the key. Along with her heart. And then she would have slapped herself for being so cheesy. But alas, none of that really mattered now. They´d missed their spot and she was not that girl. To bring in one last Wicked reference. Ever since hearing about Quinn and Rachel Jessi had wondered whether she should have talked to Rachel about her feelings. But then again she had no idea how long this thing had been going on and the last thing she had wanted was to embarrass herself in front of Rachel. She had thought she couldn´t be hurt if she simply didn´t confess her feelings, but oh how wrong she had been. At the mention of the Hamptons she offered Rachel a smile before taking a sip of her coffee. Sugar was nice. Sugar was probably the right choice. And yet...she wasn´t Rachel. "It was pretty nice. Sugar and I had a good time relaxing by the pool and we went out for dinner. It was nice...making good memories in the Hamptons for once."
Rachel
At the mention of making good memories for once, a slight frown thinned Rachel's lips. Her and Jessi's time together wasn't always just about sex. Their intimacy could include personal details and issues that were going on in their lives, so Rachel was aware of what those less than pleasant memories entailed. But soon enough her smile matched the one Jesse was wearing because she had meant what she said the other day. Jessi deserved good things in her life, and even if Rachel didn't have anything good to say about Sugar, she could appreciate the fact that the other woman had clearly helped make Jessi's weekend away enjoyable. "Well that's great to hear. Good memories and all. What about on the professional front? Good things on that horizon, too?"
Jessi
Jessi took another sip of her coffee. "Yes, it was good. Sugar really helped with the memories." She threw Rachel a smile and really, she should have felt bad for using Sugar to make herself feel better, and for using her on Rachel, but feeling bad about things like that? Well that just wasn´t Jessi St.James´ style. "Ah well, I´ve been going to some auditions and doing some workshops. So we´ll see about that." Another sip of coffee. "Maybe I´ll get a tour. I´ve had a couple of auditions for that. I love New York, but maybe it wouldn´t be too bad to get out for a littlr while."
Rachel
"You'll land something soon enough." Rachel accentuated her adamancy with a nod of her head. "You're beyond talented, J, and anyone who refuses to admit and reward that fact is honestly an idiot. Though if you landed a tour," Rachel was grinning now, "I'm not sure the Warblettes could survive in your absence."
Jessi
Jessi couldn´t help but smile at the compliment, and for once it was a genuine smile, one she didn´t have to fake. "Well thank you. See...I don´t think I can stomach us being friends. You complimenting me non stop is just strange," she laughed before finishing her coffee. "I do think they might go down without me. Though...I´m not going to lie. Things have been a little tense anyways. We still manage to slay the performances, but the rehearsals are torture sometimes."
Rachel
"For old time's sake I can hurl an insult at you every once and awhile just to keep you on your toes, J. And feel free to do the same, though leave my nose and height out of it, please. Quips about either are truly lazy." At the mention of practices, Rachel could only nod. She wouldn't consider their Pamelas practices as torture, but with all the breakups and hookups and eye sex, and then with Blair's visit to work on their duet, there were certainly moments of awkwardness. "Why torture?"
Jessi
"Sounds like a plan. And please, you know I´m better than to take the lazy route." She teased with a smile and well, in another life, she figured, they could have been great friends. But Jessi also thought it was probably best if she avoided Rachel for the time being. Without telling the other woman, obviously. She pushed her empty coffee cup aside. "Well. Relationship drama. Or non relationship drama for that matter. We´ve got some strong personalities and we clash enough as it is. The whole 'who´s doing who and then isn´t' is not really helpful."
Rachel
"Relationship drama," Rachel nodded. "I'm sure it comes as no surprise that we've dealt with that, too. But luckily it hasn't seemed to affect anything overall." Everyone still showed up to practice on time and ready to work. If Rachel had to spritz Kate or Ellie with some ice water, it happened and then they moved on. "I don't envy the fact that you have more personalities than us in which to deal," Rachel added, though she kept which specific personalties she wouldn't want to deal with to herself.
Jessi
Jessi nodded. It wasn´t exactly easy, but deep down she loved all of those girls, even Serena in a way, and she simply wanted things to work out. Not just Warblettes´ wise, but also relationship wise. Not everyone had to be as unlucky as she was. She leaned back in her seat, glancing over at Rachel. "I´m sure it´ll blow over soon enough. It always does. We´ll just have to get through it." The corners of her lips twitched lightly. "Or land a tour and leave all the drama behind."
Rachel
With a final pull at her straw, Rachel drained the remaining coffee from her cup. She placed her palms along the table and edged her chair back a bit, too. She figured even if their dispositions were cheery, and this meeting had gone well so far, there wasn't a need to extend it when the given the ultimate reason for it in the first place. "Well I, for one, hope you land something here, because you know I've always enjoyed your performances." Whether they led to a bathroom or bedroom rendezvous or not. "And I hope to continue to enjoy them, J."
Jessi
Jessi glanced at Rachel, lips curving into another smile. Not quite as genuine as the last one, but Rachel wouldn´t notice. "I did enjoy your performances as well. You´ll get a gold star from me." She gave the other a wink before opening her bag to pull out the key, giving it a last look before putting it back onto the table. "And I´ve decided that this is for you to keep. It´s yours after all. Feel free to throw it into the Hudson or somewhere else it can´t be found, but it would be wrong to give it to someone else. I´ll just have a new one made." Jessi then spoke before getting up from her chair. "I´ll see you around, Rach." Another wink before she was off towards the door, glad that this was over. For now.
Rachel
"Later, J."
And though her chair was pushed back to stand, Rachel remained sitting, staring at the key. Jessi had surprised Rachel, and a small smile curled at her lips as her hand reached forward to retrieve the key. While Rachel had no intentions of keeping it considering it wouldn't be fair to Quinn or Jessi, she could hold on to it for a moment, and the sentiments of what Jessi had just stated. What they had, however label-less their relationship was, it was real, it mattered, and it belonged to only them.
WHO: Rachel Berry (@theyearofthestar) & Jessi St. James (@heavenlystjames)
WHERE: A Cup-pella
WHEN: Saturday, November 25
WHAT: Gobble Wobble Prompt: Karaoke Duel
rachel
While she knows that some Wobblers' aim for the day is receiving the annual shirt, Rachel doesn't much care for expanding her wardrobe. She mostly wants to hit up a couple of the bars, drink just enough to feel that tell-tale buzz, and end her day at ACup, most likely on the stage. So Rachel starts her day at The Library, wanting to support Hunter's efforts and snag a chocolate dream turkey before drinking and eating her way back to ACup. Sondheim stuck in her head, Rachel's nursing her second Turkey Lurkey and halfway through a butternut and carrot handpie when the free barstool beside her becomes occupied. Looking over the rim of her glass as she takes another sip, Rachel smirks. "I didn't realize that Warblers wobbled."
jessi
Honestly, the shirt one can win at the end of this whole thing isn´t exactly why Jessi´s out tonight. It´s a good way to hang out with friends, have some fun and dance the night away. Oh and the booze, yeah that´s definitely a plus too. Jessi isn´t one to get insanely drunk, and possibly do stupid things, but she enjoys a good drink here and there, especially if they have names as appealing “Turkey Lurkey.” She´s lost most of her friends after two hours and while Jessi doesn´t mind being by herself for a while she can´t really resist when she sees Rachel at the bar. They have a bit of a weird relationship these days, very competitive and always head on, but then there´s those times when they´re in the bathroom after the battle of the bands, unable to take their hands off each other. “Oh of course we do, it starts with the same letter after all,” She grins, putting her drink down at the bar. “Besides: I heard they´re doing a karaoke contest here in a few. I just HAD to come,”
rachel
If anyone is watching them across the room, Rachel figures they'll assume she and Jessi are bickering. It's their public persona after all, rivals on and off stage, and Rachel thinks that would likely be true if their respective professional goals aligned. But their dreams and aspirations fork off into different paths, which means Rachel truly does appreciate and respect Jessi's talent for what it is. Her voice is beautiful, stage presence perfected, and the confidence she exudes enviable. "You know April. Any excuse she has to get in front of the mic herself and she'll take it." Another sip of her drink. "Are you planning to participate as well?"
jessi
Jessi doesn´t really care what anyone thinks of them. They´ve kept up the rival personas so far, but mainly because the bickering comes so easy to them, but they never mean any harm. Deep down Jessi knows that Rachel can appreciate her talent, both on and off stage, and it´s the same for her. They´d be unstoppable if they teamed up, not just in the bathroom but also on stage. Which is mainly why she´s here at the bar, talking to Rachel. Jessi´s lips curve into a smile and she nods. “What do you think? That´s what I´m here though. It´s a duet contest and I figured we´d teach these amateurs a lesson. Besides: The price, next to eternal fame, is free coffee and food for a week here and I´m not saying no to that.”
rachel
"The Jessi St. James requesting her nemesis take the stage with her?" Rachel places her hand over her heart in mock shock, nothing but teasing in her expression and tone. "Has the underworld frozen over? Is bacon flying through the sky?" Rachel laughs then and drains the rest of her drink, a smile forming after she licks her lips. "I suppose I can set aside our vast differences if it's for such a worthy cause as free caffeine and sustenance. Plus I'm sure our harmonies will be outstandingly brilliant."
jessi
“I´m not sure about the bacon, I haven´t checked.” Jessi teases with a smile. “But the point of nemesis is that they work exceptionally well together if they have to, isn´t that so? And if I´m going to take the stage I want the best at my side. We´re going to win this thing and make everyone´s mouths hang open, gasping for more.” She added with another grin before downing the rest of her drink and placing the empty glass on the bar. “Any special requests as to what we should blow them away with today? I´m feeling generous today so I´m giving you the first vote,”
rachel
"First vote, but you have veto power I take it?" Rachel can work with that. Though April hosts karaoke at ACup three times a week, Rachel doesn't too often participate. Mondays are out due to PL rehearsals, and she's almost always working or gigging on Friday evenings. However, every now and then she finds her way into ACup on Wednesdays, and has become fairly familiar with the song catalogue April's amassed. "How do you feel about 'Alone' by Heart?" Rachel thinks the lyrics suit the post-performance past she and Jessi share, plus the melody allows for belting and notes that will surely garner the attention of the crowd and reward them with a win.
jessi
“Of course, but I trust your judgement,” Jessi replies with a small chuckle, though shes completely serious about her words. If anyone knows their way around music like she does then its Rachel, which is another reason why she’s picked the fellow brunette so sing with. Besides: with their talent and chemistry in stage they’ve got this in the bag! “See? I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me,” she grins as she gets up from the bar stool and reaches over the counter to get the sign up list. “Got one of your gold stars to add to this?”
rachel
Rachel has the decency to blush just the tiniest of amounts. Gold stars are kind of her thing, and yes she does keep a few sheets of stickers with the rest of her drum kit and music for various reasons, but, "No. No stickers on me at the moment, so my plain Jane signature will have to do." Rachel adds her name next to Jessi's on the sign-up sheet, and then turns back to her newly minted ally and smirks. "I'd suggest warming up in the bathroom due to its acoustics, but I'm afraid temptation may cause us to miss our slot."
jessi
She had meant just to tease Rachel a little bit, but in reality the whole told star thing made Jessi smiled. It was rare that someone had enough confidence to fall themselves a star, let alone carry stickers to of gold stars to their name, but Rachel had always been admirable in that department. At the other woman’s words Jessi let out a small chuckle. “Ah yes, we couldn’t risk that. Some quick warm ups before the performance will have to do,” She hen agreed. “But I’m sure we’ll nail it, as per usual. The bathroom will have to wait until after we leave everyone with their mouths hanging open,”
rachel
It doesn't take too long for April to kick off the festivities and start the contest, though she does perform solo. It's her cafe, her stage, and her rules, of course. When the other acts begin to perform, Rachel watches them with a critical gaze, commenting to Jesse here and there about areas for improvement, and ways they can make their own number shine bigger and brighter. As it nears their turn, Rachel slips off the stool at the bar and raises her eyebrows in Jessi's direction. She has no doubt that they could easily take the stage and belt out the song without the need to warm-up, but it would simply be silly to do so. Rachel wouldn't head out for a run or tackle a spin class without warming up her muscles first, and her voice, one of her many gifted instruments, is very much the same.
jessi
While they all do enjoy performing with April sometimes she´s more of a solo performer, so of course she´s the one kicking off the contest and Jessi and Rachel are watching, commenting and discussing how to make their own performance a great one. Once April is done and the first couple gets on stage Jessi follows Rachel to their warm up in one of the corners. It´s pretty basic, especially considering there´s other people performing, but it´s enough to get them warmed up properly. It helps that they both knows what they´re doing and have similar routines, so the warm up passes quickly. Once their names are called Jessi´s lips curve into a grin and she glances over at Rachel. “Ready to deliver, gold star?”
rachel
"Of course. We were born to perform, Jessi." Rachel offers Jessi a genuine smile and then leads the way to the stage. It's always a bit strange when stands directly in front of a mic and there's no instrument -- no drums, piano, or on the rarer occasion a guitar -- between her and the stand, and as always, it takes Rachel a moment to settle her hands when there's no sticks or keys before her. But she does eventually grip the mic as the music begins, and Rachel looks to Jessi to start the song. It was her idea after all, so Rachel supposes it's only right she takes the initial spotlight.
jessi
„Truest words ever spoken,“ Jessi replies with a smile. She had always know that she was born to perform and entertain and for Rachel it’s the same. Maybe that’s why they gravitate towards each other so easily. She smiles again as she grips the mic, swaying along to the music as she waits for the lyrics to show up on the screen. It’s not like she needs them, really, but they’re good for the timing. Jessi glances over at Rachel then, her smile softening.
“I hear the ticking of the clock. I'm lying here the room's pitch dark. I wonder where you are tonight. No answer on the telephone. And the night goes by so very slow. Oh, I hope that it won't end though... Alone.”
rachel
The melody crescendos into the chorus and Rachel's voice takes over as she belts. "Till now, I always got by on my own." She sucks in a another breath and nods at Jessi to join her for the next line, "I never really cared until I met you. And now it chills me to the bone... How do I get you alone? How do I get you alone?"
It really is a shame that they split their respective talents on two different teams because their voices harmonize beautifully, and Rachel can tell that those within the cafe agree as well. Patrons that had been lost in their own conversations, or busy eating food or tossing back drinks are now watching them move on stage as the second verse begins, and this time, Rachel takes lead. "You don't know how long I have wanted to touch your lips and hold you tight." Playing off their chemistry, Rachel steps into Jessi's space, singing directly to her. "You don't know how long I have waited, and I was going to tell you tonight." Turning back to their gathering audience, "But the secret is still my own, and my love for you is still unknown... Alone."
jessi
Jessi listens to Rachel´s voice, her eyes glued to the other woman as she sings and when she finally joins in for a line her lips are curved into a smile and she feels that familiar spark ignite between them. For once there was no rivalry between them, and as much as Jessi enjoys their bickering she finds this quite interesting as well. She finishes the chorus and lets Rachel take the lead for a while, keeping her eyes on the Brunette as she sings, grinning when the other woman steps into her space. Jessi stays where she is, tongue darting out to lick her lip before she draws in a breath and sings again. “Till now I always got by on my own. I never really cared until I met you. And now it chills me to the bone. How do I get you alone.” She sings to the audience and then turns to Rachel, now it´s HER turn to step into the other´s space, a smirk on her face. The audience is long under their spell and boy, they´d most definitely have this thing in the bag. “How do I get you alone?” Jessi belts out the last note then, grinning still. “Tell me Miss Berry,” She speaks into the mic, “How do I get you alone?”
rachel
As the crowd applauds, Rachel raises a knowing brow in Jessi's direction. She's feeling good, great even. There's just enough alcohol coursing through her veins that Rachel feels warm, relaxed, and giddy rather than tired, and the continued clapping of ACup's patrons only serves to feed her ego and level of satisfaction. Well, most of her satisfaction. Replacing the mic in its stand, Rachel does a short bow and points in Jessi's direction, and then once the clapping has died down, moves to exit the raised area of the cafe's stage. Once they're out of earshot of most of those mingling around, "I think you know exactly how to get me alone, Jessi. It's never been a problem after previous performances."
jessi
The whole question has been more for the show than anything else, because Rachel is right: Jessi knows exactly how to get her alone and she´s positive that tonight isn´t going to be any different than the usual ones. Apart from the fact that this time, she´s buzzing with excitement more than she is with adrenaline. Usually they sing in opposite bands, battle against each other, and while that´s exciting as well it´s an altogether different feeling to be singing together for once. She takes her own little bow, enjoying the applause as the small crowd goes wild. They definitely did tear the house down, there´s no denying that, and it´s extremely satisfying. “Mhm…true.” She grins as she moves back towards the bar. “There´s about 6 more couples ready to sing, that gives us approximately 15-20 minutes before we can collect our prize.” She then adds, giving Rachel a wink as she moves towards the bathrooms.
rachel
After watching Jessi walk toward the cafe's restrooms, Rachel decides she should linger by the bar for anothr handful of seconds. She doesn't think they've ever been obvious before, and doesn't want to risk drawing attention now. When a suitable time has passed, Rachel confidentaly follow's Jessi's path. She enters the bathroom without a word, strides taking her directly to the last stall. It's almost old hat by now, the routine of knowing that the door is closed but unlocked, that Jessi's waiting. Opening the door just enough to slip inside, Rachel promptly closes and locks the stall, and then turns toward her, in this instance only, partner rather than rival. "I for one believe we deserve a victory lap for that stellar performance."
jessi
It´s always like that, but Jessi has to admit that it hasn´t gotten old yet. Maybe it should have, and maybe that´s an alarming sign, but she really doesn´t mind. Not when she feels her stomach fluttering at the simple thought of Rachel joining her. She freshens up her lipstick, for good measure and because she likes the idea of smearing it all over Rachel´s own lips and maybe her neck too. The prospect of having sex in a bathroom, no matter how clean April keeps it, really shouldn´t get her this excited, but here she is, lips curving into a grin as she hears the bathroom door. “Oh I think we do,” She then replies, pushing Rachel back against the door, her own lips only inches apart from the other woman´s. “I think we did excellent. Blew them all away with one shot,”
rachel
Rachel grins. "Well saying it as such only has me wanting to hum some Hamilton," she teases at first, "but I believe there are better things we could be doing..." The with their mouths is implied, and though Jessi is already close, Rachel wraps her fingers in the front of her shirt and pulls her that much closer. Leaning forward, her lips ghost along Jessi's jaw, teasing and tempting Jessi to chase her lips.
jessi
“Oh you know, you humming a bit of Hamilton might just turn me on even more,” Jessi replies with a grin, her voice barely a whisper as she lets herself fall into the feeling of having Rachel close again. It feels like it´s been forever since they´ve done this, when in reality it hasn´t ( of course not ) and she smiles, taking in the familiar scent and frame as she chases the other´s lips for a moment before capturing them with her own. She feels her lipstick smearing onto Rachel´s lips and her smile gets a little bigger then, one hand gliding down to the other woman´s hips and beneath her dress.
rachel
If Rachel's eyes weren't already closed they'd be rolling as she feels Jessi's lipstick smear. They never mark each other since marks can lead to questions Rachel doesn't wish to answer, so it always seems like Jessi's lipstick is a loophole and her own way to leave but a brief reminder of the brief time they've shared. Breaking the kiss, Rachel's hand snaked into Jessi's hair directs her mouth to her neck. Rachel takes the moment to breathe and then comment, "You're not wasting any time, are you?"
jessi
So maybe Jessi´s found her own, unique way of marking Rachel as her own, even if it´s just for a couple of minutes. It´s nothing that make up wipes can´t solve, an item they both always carry in their purses, but for now she can pretend that Rachel is hers, even if it´s just for the duration of another duet going on outside. She smiles as Rachel directs her to her neck then, placing a few kisses there and leaving some more lipstick. “Mhm…I`m not throwing away my shot,” Jessi then can´t help herself, a small chuckle falling from her lips before he leans in closer again, teeth lightly scraping across the soft skin on Rachel´s neck.
rachel
A laugh from deep within leaves Rachel's parted lips, though the third chuckle is swallowed up by a gasp and then an accompanying moan. Rachel's neck has always been sensitive, and today is no exception as jolts of electricity buzz from her neck, down her spine, and to her toes. It causes her hands -- one still in Jessi's hair and the other at her hip -- to tighten just so, to silently show how the touch affects her, and ultimately to encourage Jessi to continue.
jessi
Jessi loves knowing that her touches affect Rachel, because being as good of an actress as the other woman is it sometimes gets lost in their everyday conversation and rivalry. But this? This is different, it´s just between the two of them and Jessi makes sure to file away every noise and movement Rachel makes. She bites down on the other´s neck again, a little more forceful this time, a small moan slipping from her lips as Rachel´s had tightens in her hair. Jessi lets her hand trail a little higher then, fingernails scraping over Rachel´s inner thigh.
rachel
With each kiss to her neck -- and now a bite! -- Jessi steals more of the air in Rachel's lungs. She's breathless by the time she manages to puff out her demand in regards to Jessi's hand that's taking its time to travel along her thigh. "Stop teasing. You and I both know we don't have much time."
jessi
“Mhm...” She grins as she slips her hand even higher, pushing up Rachel’s dress in the process. “But you and I both know how much I love teasing you,” they are both rather good at it, really, but Rachel is right, they only have a limited amount of time, so Jessi hooks her fingers into Rachel’s panties and pulls them down, hand slipping between her legs, lips finding her neck once more.
rachel
Teasing is something they do best, isn't it? It's part of their unconventional 'friendship' where they blur the lines between friends and rivals, parallel counterparts. There's always a give and go, see how far they can push one another in a direction before the other bites back. They've learned their respective limits and how to press each others buttons in the worst, and at present the best of ways. A soft, "Fuck, Jessi," fills the space around them, Rachel's answer to Jessi's continued attention at her neck and now between her legs. She'd maybe be embarrassed that she's as wet as she is, but Rachel's never shied away from the fact that performing and talent's a turn on.
jessi
At this state Jessi is quite glad that she knows how to push Rachel´s buttons, because there´s nothing hotter than her arch nemesis falling apart under her touch. ( And yes that might sound a little more dramatic than it really is, but the two of them have always been about the drama and why should that ever change? ). It´s a good thing that there´s singing going on outside, because Jessi would hate to tell Rachel to shut up. She enjoys the sounds the other woman is making and she really wouldn´t want to miss them. She bites down on Rachel´s neck, lips forming a smile as she pushes two fingers in easily, “Look at you…so ready for me…”
rachel
"Don't leave a--" But Rachel's chastisement is stolen as Jessi enters her. Grip tightening once again, Rachel uses the leverage to resituate her stance, not trusting her knees not to go weak, but also to give Jessi better access. Her hips pick up the rhythm of Jessi's strokes, and after she refinds her words, Rachel admonishes, "Don't let it go to that head of yours. If it inflates anymore you won't be able to exit this bathroom and claim the prize."
jessi
A small chuckle falls from Jessi’s lips and she stills her hand, pulling back to look at the other woman. “Want me to stop?” She hen teases, “Because my ego is getting too big?” She’s teasing again, of course, and maybe they cant help themselves with that. Jessi captures Rachel’s lips with hers then, in an attempt to take her breath away a little before moving her fingers again, thumb shifting to run over the other’s clit.
rachel
Oh, two can play that game. "If you stop, I'm never following you into a bathroom again, J." It's a teasing threat, and an empty one at that, because as long as they're both single and down for having a bit of post-performance fun, Rachel won't turn the attention away. Because really, that's a bit of what this boils down to. They both feed off talent as well as the associated attention. Jessi hits a particularly sensitive spot that makes Rachel's pulse pound in her ears, and she gasps, "There. Just like that. Don't you dare stop what you're doing, Jessi St. James."
jessi
Jessi smirks and if they had a bit more time she’d tease Rachel a little more, but she wants to get off too and besides: she wants to hear Rachel Mutter her name when she comes and possibly soon please. “What would you do if I ever left a hickey?” She muses as she keeps moving her hand again the other woman, picking up the pace slightly while her lips attach themselves to Rachel’s neck again.
rachel
"You wouldn't dare," Rachel starts, but then Jessi reattaches her lips to her neck. She's not sure if it's simply more teasing, or if Jessi is pushing and testing their set boundaries. Between each thrust of Jessi's hand that pushes her closer to the edge, and the sensitivity of her neck, it's all Rachel can do to choke out her next words. "If you do that, I swear I will walk right out of this stall and leave you without an ounce of relief."
jessi
She wouldn´t leave a hickey, not now anyways. Maybe if they weren´t about to walk back out there to claim their prize ( because Jessi simply knows they´ll win ), because she enjoys the thought of leaving a mark on the one and only Rachel Berry more than she lets on. For now she focuses on working her fingers into the Brunette though, lips curved into a smile. “Oh, so you´d be mean,” She teases as she moves her lips down to Rachel´s collarbone and presses her fingers in a little deeper, thumb still rubbing against the other woman´s clit. “Good thing I´m being nice and not naughty today…because I enjoy getting off WITH you more than I do alone…”
rachel
"I'm not me--" Rachel attempts to protest, but Jessi pressing deeper within her steals her words as she's forced to suck in a quick gasp of air. Rachel forgets all about her need to refute Jessi's comments, her focus now singularly on the spot Jessi's fingers nudge with each stroke. Colors begin to burst behind her now-closed eyes, and Rachel knows she's but a few well placed touches away from winning a different kind of prize. And since Jessi talents don't stop on stage, it's only a few more moments before Rachel's burying her face in Jessi's neck, muffling the soft cry of the girl's name.
jessi
The teasing is nice, and Jessi enjoys it to no end, but there´s nothing that beats the fact that she can make Rachel Berry fall apart. She knows Rachel probably feels the same way when Jessi´s a whimpering mess against her and that brings her some comfort. They´re both competitive, ambitious and very proud, but most of that disappears when they´re together. Though Jessi does take pride in what she can do with her fingers, and her mouth for that matter. She smiles then, keeping up the motions with her hands as he hold Rachel against the door and carries her through the orgasm, a shiver running down her spine at her own name falling from the other´s lips.
rachel
Rachel's thankful for the extra weight of Jessi's body, the press against her own that keeps her upright in the stall as she momentarily basks in the afterglow and uses Jessi's close proximity to tip her chin and chase her lips. Rachel deepens the kiss immediately, the embers of the fire still within her fueling her desire as she regains her footing and presses into Jessi.
jessi
Jessi supports Rachel´s weight, lips curving into a smile before her breath is taken away by the other woman´s kiss. She enjoys the kiss, letting herself get lost in it for a moment. They still have time before they´ll be announced as the winners and Jessi is going to enjoy every minute she gets to spend in here with Rachel. Surely, it´s not the most glamorous place to be, but it´s…exciting, it always has been, and it feels like it´s taken straight from a tv show and Jessi can´t deny the appeal of that.
rachel
With newfound strength and now leverage on her side, Rachel continues to surge forward and eventually flips their positions. There's a bit of a wicked, wolfish grin on her face when she has Jessi's back pressed against the stall door. She's essentially at her mercy now, and oh how Rachel wishes time was on her side as she'd like to return Jessi's previous teasing, but hearing the audience outside the door clap once again, Rachel knows that any extra time they do have is rapidly waning.
"You're lucky we're running short on time," Rachel begins, her lips ghosting along the ridge of Jessi's ear before her teeth capture the lobe in a gentle tug. Released with an audible pop, Rachel presses a kiss to the hollow behind her ear and then continues, "Because otherwise I'd plan to tease you until you were a shaking mess."
jessi
Jessi lets Rachel flip their positions, a grin on her face as she´s pressed up against the door. She likes this maybe a bit more than she´ll let on, but since no one´s ever going to know it doesn´t really matter. She doesn´t miss the wicked grin on Rachel´s face either and she feels a spark ignite between them once again. It´s always there, really, she can feel it when they argue or sing or whenever their personalities clash and sometimes it ignites a fire between them, like right now. “Mhm…what a pity.” She comments, though the grin on her face stays in its place, a small moan escaping her lips as she feels Rachel´s lips against her ear. “Maybe…next time?” Jessi then adds, hands coming to sneak around Rachel´s waist and up her back, fingers fisting into the fabric of the dress.
rachel
Next time? "We'll see." Rachel's grin remains, because while time might not be on her side, that doesn't mean she can't tease with words. And her mouth. Her lips follow the line of Jessi's jaw, tongue and teeth gently marking the path as she goes. One hand twists into the skirt of the Jessi's dress, freeing the fabric from the other path Rachel's tracing, the one along the inside of Jessi's thigh before pressing against the woman's damp underwear. It does something to Rachel to know she has this affect on Jessi, and she wastes no time brushing aside the fabric and slipping her fingers through wet folds.
jessi
“Sure.” Jessi laughs, a little breathless now that she can feel Rachel´s hand tracing up her thigh. She knows it´s coming, and the anticipation is almost as good as the actual feeling of the other woman´s fingers between her legs. Jessi moans and turns her head, pressing kisses to whatever part of Rachel´s face she can reach while her legs move apart a little more, giving the other woman more space. “Fuck…” She whispers, hands fisting deeper into the material of Rachel´s dress and Jessi briefly thinks that they need to smooth that out before going back on stage, but then that thought flies out the window and she focuses on Rachel again, specifically on her lips and hands.
rachel
Rachel's kiss against Jessi's neck transforms to a smile. She smirks against soft skin because Jessi, a woman of many words and precise diction is reduced to a single curse, an expletive at her touch. Oh, how Rachel enjoys that control, even if it's fleeting. Easing two fingers into Jessi, Rachel quickly finds a rhythm they can settle into. It's always easy, just like it was out on the stage. Musicality, of course, helps, but so does their chemistry.
jessi
It´s what Jessi likes about this so much, there´s no awkward fumbling or not knowing where to put hands or lips. They know each other inside out when it comes to this and it´s so easy to fall into a rhythm they can both enjoy. She moans again, bucking her hips up against Rachel´s hand, head falling back against the door. She can forget that it´s not the most glamorous spot to be doing this, and that they could probably be somewhere else having sex, like a bed for example, because what matters is the way Rachel makes her feel. “Yeah…like that…” She urges the other woman on, feeling the heat pooling in her stomach as she lifts her hands to Rachel´s face, pulling her up for a kiss.
rachel
Rachel (often literally) marches to the beat of her own drum, but she'll take Jessi's direction in this instance. If what she's doing is working for Jessi, Rachel's not about to change a thing. Not the pace of her hand's thrusts or the angle even as Jessi pulls her in for a kiss. And that connection is telling, too, another indicator besides the fluttering of Jessi's walls, as each stroke of Rachel's fingers drives her closer to the edge.
jessi
They do keep their rivalry up Heere, in between the walls of the bathroom, but it’s a different kind of rivalry, softer and more teasing. Jessi doesn’t mind, not when Rachel makes her shiver like that, her moans swallowed by the other woman’s mouth. „Fuck...yes...“ she whispers, the kiss becoming more forceful as she pushes back against Rachel, stars beginning to explode behind her closed eyelids as she tumbles over the edge.
rachel
Rachel assists Jessi with riding the wave of her pleasure, her fingers gently pumping until she's sure each tiny spasm, each after shock of the other woman's orgasm is complete. Still close and pressed up against Jessi, Rachel's mouth finds her ear once more. "We're very good at this whole duet thing, J," she teases and places a parting kiss to Jessi's cheek. Then, sure that she can stand on her own, Rachel takes a step back and helps to smooth out the wrinkles in Jessi's dress before turning her attention to her own outfit.
jessi
Jessi lets out a small laugh at the other woman´s words, nodding slowly once she´s come back to herself. "Mhm…our harmonies are hard to beat.” She then replied, glad to be able to stand on her own again. She has to admit that she misses Rachel being pressed up against her and chasing the other´s lips already, but puts it to the after glow. “And now we´re going to get a prize for it,” She adds with a grin as she smooths the rest of her dress down and picks up her bag, pulling out some make up wipes, handing them to Rachel. “You´ve got a bit…of lipstick on your neck,” Jessi smirks.
rachel
Of course she does. Of course Jessi left a mark in her own way. With the wipe in hand, Rachel reaches around Jessi to flip the lock on the stall. She squeezes past Jessi and then settles in front of a sink and mirror, eyeing the color blotched along her neck and smeared at the corners of her lips. Carefully Rachel dabs and blots, removing any trace of the dalliance shared.
jessi
Jessi smiles to herself as she lets Rachel pass, fixing the rest of her dress before slipping out of the bathroom stall herself. She moves up behind Rachel, pressing a kiss to the back of her neck, grin still on her face, before settling in next to her to check her own reflection in the mirror, fixing her hair. „So What are you going to do with the rest of this oh so wonderful night?“
rachel
Rachel's not sure if she's quite able to conceal the shiver that tingles along her spine at Jessi's brief closeness and parting kiss to her neck, but she does her best to look unaffected as she moves from checking her face to primping her hair and making sure each strand is curled and tucked in a way that doesn't scream bathroom stall quickie. Humming, Rachel considers her answer. She could swing by her mom's, find out what she's slated to bring for tomorrow's dinner, but even that would be a short visit. "I'll probably stick around here for one more drink," or maybe she'll take a pastry to go. "And then head back to Brooklyn." A beat. "You? Big plans tonight, Miss St. James?"
jessi
Jessi smiles still, because she’s well aware of the effect she has on Rachel, mainly because she would have reacted the exact same was had the roles been reversed. She doesn’t say anything about it though, because she’s still feeling the afterglow a little and there has been enough teasing for tonight. She finishes fixing her hair and make up before leaning against the sink, looking over at Rachel. „Not really, no.“ She then replies. „I’ll probably stick around for a drink too and to bask in the afterglow of our victory and then head home, maybe going to watch a classic to fall asleep too. I haven’t watched a good Barbra movie in a while,“
rachel
"Barbra?" Rachel grins into the mirror, catching Jessi's eyes in the reflection. "Is this your attempt at trying to entice me to come home with you for an encore?"
jessi
Jessi‘s lips curve into a smirk as Rachel catches her eyes in the mirror. „Maybe,“ she replies. „Or maybe I just really enjoy watching Barbra Streisand movies late at night,“
rachel
"Well if you were to invite me," Rachel returns Jessi's smirk, "it actually wouldn't be a movie and chill situation at all. Barbra is serious business in our family." They celebrate Barbra Day after all. "And I promise I do not get distracted when she's gracing a screen or stage with her presence." Another round of applause sounds from the other side of the door, and Rachel perks up. "I think that was perhaps the last performance on the list."
jessi
Jessi let out a laugh, „Oh trust me, I’m very aware of that.“ She then replied. „How about Audrey and chill then?“ She let her make up wipes slide back into her bag, zipping it up before pushing the strap over over shoulder. The applause interrupted their conversation and Jessi nodded, giving Rachel a smile. „Seems like it. And once again we’re right on time,“ she adds before pushing the door open, waiting for Rachel to come along.
rachel
Pausing just inside the door, Rachel catches Jessi's eyes and then nods. "Audrey and chill. It'll be a nice way to celebrate our deserved win."
jessi
„Good,“ Jessi replies with a nod, secretly glad that this wasn’t the end tonight. Usually they keep their endeavors confined to the bathroom, but she’s a little tipsy and enjoys Rachel’s company and skills way too much to just let it end here. At least for tonight. „Shall we then, Miss Berry?“ she asks, smirking as she gestures for Rachel to return to the stage so they could claim their price and eventually head to Jessi‘s place.
rachel
"Thank you, Miss St. James," Rachel winks as she passes by Jessi and heads back toward the bar knowing that this won't be the end of their dueting or winning for the night.
Paragraph: Something a Little More
Characters: Jesse St. James & Damien Pendergast
At: Damien's place
.Jesse was nervous, his head full of emotions and jumbled thoughts. Damien loved him? Part of Jesse always had, but he wasn't sure he was ready to express it yet. With the feelings he still had over Liz's death, the left over feelings he had for Sebastian, and all of the doubt he'd had before about Damien... he was confused. Yes, he wanted to give this relationship a try, and yes he loved him. But was he sure he wanted to commit? Pulling on his softest blue button up and jeans, he kept his hair curly and slipped on his glasses before getting more blankets for Emily while he waited.
.Damien was driving to Jesse's house and all while he was doing that his mind was preoccupied on the male he was going to pick up. Emily had already started to fall asleep and he turned his head to give her a small smile. She was gorgeous. Turning back to face the front he continued to drive and sighed. What if Jesse freaked out once he realized how much Damien did care for him? A big part of him was afraid, Jesse could either stomp on his heart or accept it and go further with him. Licking his bottom lip as he pulled up into the driveway, he parked and slipped out of the vehicle. Wearing his red flannel and a pair of dark jeans he opened the back door and picked up his tiny daughter into his arms and kissed her head. Grabbing her overnight bag, he made his way to the front door and knocked.
.Jesse moved to the door quickly and knocked, unable to hold back a grin as he saw his boyfriend. They'd been unable to spend any extended amount of time together for days and he missed him terribly. "Hello, Love." He lead him and Emily to Lily's room and helped him tuck in Emily. When they left the bedroom, Jesse pulled him close for a long kiss, humming quietly into it. "I've missed you." He murmured, wrapping his arms around his waist and kissing him again. "We need to stop being so busy."
.Damien was excited once he saw Jesse, he looked as handsome as ever. Following his boyfriend to Lily's bedroom, he placed Emily into the warmth of the blankets and set her bag down beside her, pushing her teddy bear into her arms and kissing her goodnight. Sneaking out of the room, not to wake both of the girls his arms greedily snaked around Jesse, and he gladly pushed his mouth against the latter's. Softly grinning into the kiss he pulled back as he nodded his head. "I have to agree with you there."
.Jesse grinned then, pulling him in for another kiss before pulling back. "About what you said... online earlier." He said quietly, stroking Damien's cheek before kissing his jaw softly. "You know I love you, right?" He asked quietly, knowing that he meant it with all of his heart. "And that you make me happier than anyone could." He smiled then and squeezed the hand he was holding. "Now, are you going to show me my surprise? I hope it involves seeing this elusive loft of yours."
.Running his left hand down Jesse's cheek, Damien gave him a soft glance as he waited for Jesse to speak about the online words he said without thinking twice. Pulling his hand back, he gave Jesse a smile as he heard what he said. "I have always known about that." Damien admitted, leaning down he pecked his lips and took his hand. "Let's go. I have to show you a few things, and yes, my elusive loft is one of the things on the list." He grinned rather smugly.
.Jesse grinned then, following Damien outside and to his car. "I'm excited to spend some real time with you." He confessed, sliding his hands around his middle as they stopped at the car. "And I told you I loved your flannel." He teased, kissing the back of his neck as Damien unlocked the car. "But I'll be good and keep my hands to myself." He winked at him then and moved to the other-side of the car, feeling far more playful than he usually did. But Damien always seemed to bring out the carefree side of him.
."I have been waiting for this for a while." Damien had a lot of things planned. And he hoped Jesse had some fun at least. Turning to peer down into Jesse's eyes, Damien rested his arms around Jesse's waist as well. "How much do you love flannel? Are you going to rip it off me now?" He teased. Damien never pushed Jesse, he avoided the topic of sex. Just because they did just recently started to date once again. "Yes those hands have to avoid holding me too much, I might just give in." Sliding into the front seat, he turned on the vehicle and waited for Jesse to get in as he started it and drove towards the loft. Parking, he got out and moved around to open Jesse's door. Taking his hand, he told him to shut his eyes as he brought him inside and up the stairs. "Ready?"
.Jesse laughed. "I may just later, so keep your eyes peeled." He teased, resting his hand on Damien's knee as they drove. "I just love anything soft on you. Makes me want to cuddle up against you forever." He gave him an affectionate look then, almost as if he couldn't quite figure him out. "You make me feel so safe. I hope I tell you that enough." He leaned over and kissed his cheek then as they pulled into the loft. Getting out, he squeezed his hands. "Shut my eyes, seriously?" He laughed out, humoring him by squeezing his eyes shut. "Alright, I'm ready. No peeking, I swear."
.Standing infront of the door that lead the way to the loft he and Emily would be living in for a while, since his art studio was down stairs, it would be perfect to finish work and go right up the stairs and not have to worry about cabs. This was the one good thing about living here now ."Swear forever." Damien whispered into his ear, holding Jesse's waist he opened the door and walked inside with him as he turned on the light. "Okay look, open your eyes and tell me how comfy this place is." He grinned. Knowing that down stairs was waiting the dinner, and the one room that Damien couldn't wait to show Jesse. The loft had a couple of chesterfields that were a dark shade of plum, there was nice pictures on the wall, some contained Jesse, Lily, Emily and of course Damien. He had old photos from before and he couldn't resist not putting them up. There was an open kitchen and down the hall at the end was Emily's bedroom. Damien's was on the far left, it was open and there could be large dark screen doors that could close it off from view of others.
.Jesse shivered at Damien's words, leaning back into him as he still had his eyes closed. "I'll promise you anything." He said quietly, honesty in his voice. As his eyes opened, and he looked around, he seemed genuinely impressed. "Oh, wow... this was well worth the wait, wasn't it?" He turned and looked at the kitchen before looking back at his boyfriend. "It's gorgeous, Dame. I can tell already that we'll be spending a lot of time here."
.Smiling gently he wrapped his arms around Jesse, and pushed their foreheads together now. "How about I bring you down for some supper, that way we can relax and enjoy more time together. And yes, I can see us here a lot more. No more hotel rooms. Or waiting for elevators." Damien chuckled quietly. "And besides now I can work right from home basically."
.Jesse smiled softly as he pressed his foreheard against Damien, wrapping his arms around him in return. He found himself, in that moment, looking forward to the day when he wouldn't have to leave. Where he would be able to crawl into bed with him and wake up every morning to his beautiful face. It was much too soon to think of all of that now, but he wanted it more than he'd realized. "Did you make me dinner? I'm impressed." He said, his smile softening now. "By all means, let's go eat. The sooner I can get you back in my arms, the better." He gave him a wink then before heading with him downstairs.
.Damien nodded his head, "I hope you like it." He linked their fingers together as they moved down the stairs, he flickered on each light slowly until they reached the door to the room he wanted to show Jesse. That was where the food and all the paintings he had painted of Jesse and him and there life story you could say. Inhaling a sharp intake of breathe, he opened the door and winked back at him before he whispered. "Go on in." Damien had made chicken and rice, a ceaser salad, and of course chocolate covered strawberries and a small apple pie. There was wine, water, and juice all waiting for them in the middle of the room on stands with blankets and pillows around the food so they could sit and relax.
.When Jesse walked into the room, he was immediately overwhelmed. First by the food and the setting, which he found utterly romantic and so unlike anything he'd ever done before. He was used to be the romantic himself, and putting in a good deal of the effort. But here, Damien was proving to him that sometimes, he deserved to be taken care of. And that was an unbelievably feeling. Next, he took in the paintings, looking around at his boyfriends work. It was breathtaking, and there was so much of him, Lily, Emily, and Damien. Their family, in a way. "Dame..." He whispered, feeling emotion swell up in his chest as he turned to look at him. "You really did come here for me. You really do love me." He breathed, as if this all proved it more than before.
.Swallowing hard, all of this made Damien a bit nervous, just because he wanted tonight to be perfect for Jesse. The look on his face made his chest expand, he was sure his heart grew another inch or two. At his words, Damien shut his eyes and nodded, reopening them the breathed in. "Yes, I came here for you. I want to compliment you, I don't want to be that person that is just there. I want to be the person that makes it feel complete." He explained softly, reaching out to take Jesse's hands he gave him a small kiss on the lips now. "Never doubt I love you."
.Jesse's jaw shook for just the briefest of moments, but it was extremely rare that he ever got the point where he was crying in front of someone. "I can't..." He took in a deep breath. "I can't tell you how much this all means to me. You being here, you fighting for me. Being patient with me." He gave him a small, somewhat watery smile then before kissing him softly. "I love you so much, and please don't ever doubt that you are one hundred percent perfect for me." He hugged him tightly then before pulling away and wiping his eyes. "Goodness. Should we eat?" He asked with a quiet laugh, trying to play off how emotional he felt.
.Catching how his jaw shook, Damien kissed it tenderly, knowing that Jesse felt a large feeling of emotion inside of him now. "I'm just honored you picked me. You could have picked many other men who probably are better then me. But I wouldn't have stopped fighting for your love. Just so you know." He said softly. "I would have waited years if that's what you wanted." Hugging him tighter, he whispered into his ear now. "I love you too, and yes, we should eat, can't starve you now." He softly whispered as he pulled back and took his hand bringing him to the food.
.Jesse squeezed his hand tightly, smiling a bit more confidently now. "The choice was much easier than I think I was making it out to be. No matter what I let make the choice, rather it was my heart or my mind, both wanted you." He kissed his cheek then, leaning his forehead against the side of his head before moving to sit down. The idea that someone would fight for him. Him. Was such a foreign concept, it made his heart pound. Sitting next to Damien so that their legs were pressed together, he leaned into his shoulder as he reached for food. "If we go back tonight, do you want to just stay with me?" He asked quietly, looking over at Damien. Whenever they were together, he couldn't imagine a time when they would be apart. He wondered how he dealt with it.
."You don't know how much that makes me happy to hear." Moving both of his hands up to Jesse's cheeks where he was holding onto his face proudly. Letting go he moved to the pillows and blankets and sat down right besides Jesse, licking his lips, he gave him a small smile. "You want me to sleep over? I can sleep on the couch, or in your bed. I promise I won't do anything." He said nodding his head and reaching over for a strawberry. "Do you want to taste?"
.Jesse laughed at Damien's promise to sleep on the couch. "No, I want you in bed with me." He leaned in him, leaning over to press a kiss to his jaw before his lips found his ear. "And I honestly wouldn't mind so much if you did try something...sometime." He'd been waiting for Damien to make the first move, as Jesse had done so with the kiss. It was difficult with the kids always around, but tonight, right here and now, it was just them. "And yes, I do." He took the strawberry from Damien, taking a bite out of it. He made a noise of satisfaction before reaching for more food.
."So you want me to hold you in my arms and plant sweet kisses to your lips?" Shuddering the second Jesse whispered into his ear, Damien licked his lips again. "You mean you want me to try?" He purred. His eyes turning a shade darker, turning his head Damien smirked. "Eat it." Damien ordered with a grin as he pushed the strawberries between his lips, the way Jesse's mouth was around it, he had to look away and inhaled another breathe. "Damn."
.Jesse smirked at Damien's reaction to his words. "Maybe not sweet kisses, but certainly kisses. Perhaps I just want something a little more than that." He didn't usually allow someone to feed him, finding it emasculating but when Damien pushed the strawberry between his lips, Jesse sucked it into his mouth, his teeth pressing down against the skin. Once he swallowed, his tongue shot out for the briefest of moments to lick at the left over juice on his lips. "Hm?" He asked innocent, as if he had no idea what was going on.
.His mind was going nuts like crazy, he had to focus on the strawberries, but all he could see was Jesse's mouth in his mind and he had to focus on the chicken and rice. Nothing dirty about that right? Then his mind completely lost it, as Jesse took in that strawberry, his mouth parted slightly as he gawked at his boyfriend. "Y...You know what I'm...talking about." He groaned.
.The strawberry forgotten, Jesse smiled slowly and leaned forward, his hand going to the back of his boyfriend's neck as he pressed his lips to his and kissed him slowly. He deepened it after a moment, moaning quietly into it before pulling away. "Do I?" He murmured, his lips just inches from Damien's. "I've missed you so much, Dame...in more then one way." His voice was quiet, deeper as his hand smoothed down Damien's arm, his finger tracing against the pulse on his wrist.
.Damien was frozen as Jesse kissed him, it was hot, and the second it was deepened, Damien lightly whimpered. Pulling his mouth back he breathed out. "Yeah you do." Smirking and leaning hungrily forwards for the kiss, Damien's hands moved to Jesse's hips. Licking his lips as both mouths were pulled back, Damien swallowed hard. "You want..me? Right here? Right now?" He asked, goosebumps forming on his arms, up to his neck, back, and down his body.
