Chapter Text
Jessica and Ashley sat quietly in the corner of the hotel room, their fingers deftly folding paper into tiny origami shapes. The low hum of the Bellas' conversation about the performance buzzed around them, but they were largely left to their own little world, a silent comfort between the two of them.
Jessica's concentration broke when she thought she heard Chloe say their names. Her head snapped up, eyes wide with surprise. "D... Did they just say our names?" she whispered to Ashley, her voice edged with disbelief.
Without glancing up from the delicate flower she was finishing, Ashley scoffed. "Don't be stupid," she replied coolly, her tone dismissive but not unkind.
Jessica sighed, her shoulders slumping. Ashley was probably right. It wasn't like they were ever really included in the core group's conversations. Chloe, Beca, and the others rarely paid them much attention, and despite being part of the Bellas, Jessica sometimes wondered if they even noticed her and Ashley at all. She enjoyed performing with them, but outside of that? Well, they often felt more like background noise.
She was about to go back to her paper star when Emily burst into the room, her energy filling the space like a whirlwind. Dressed up and glowing, she announced, "Alright ladies, pick up your tits. We're going out!"
Jessica blinked in confusion as the room fell silent, the mood shifting as everyone tried to process Emily's sudden declaration.
"What do you mean, going out?" Chloe asked, her brows furrowed as she looked at Emily with genuine confusion.
"What do you mean, what do I mean? We just sucked balls in front of DJ Khaled," Emily exclaimed, her tone both indignant and fired up, as if the disaster of their performance was the rallying cry they all needed.
"Listening," Amy cut in, standing up abruptly with such intensity that Jessica nearly jumped, clutching Ashley's arm instinctively. Amy had that effect on her sometimes, unpredictable and spontaneous.
Emily, not missing a beat, continued her mission. "He's staying at that fancy casino hotel across the street, okay? I say we all get up, we get dressed, we go over there, and we show him that we are not a joke."
Jessica glanced at Ashley, the uncertainty in her eyes mirrored by her friend. The idea of barging into a casino hotel to confront DJ Khaled? That sounded... bold.
"Emily, I can't believe that a half-decent idea came out of your dumb mouth," Amy shot back, her insult laced with an oddly affectionate tone, leaving Jessica feeling confused as to whether it was meant to motivate or offend.
"Thank you," Emily responded with a wide, proud grin, clearly taking it as praise, and Jessica couldn't help but smile faintly. Emily's confidence was both baffling and infectious.
"Okay, so let's get tarted up and—" Amy began, only to be met with confused looks from the group. Jessica shared a bewildered glance with Ashley, both unsure of what "tarted up" meant until Amy clarified in typical blunt fashion, "If it's easier, we'll just say 'slutty.'"
"Okay, let's get slutty," Beca chimed in with unexpected enthusiasm, and suddenly, the room was buzzing with excitement. Everyone sprang into action, caught up in the thrill of a spontaneous night out.
Jessica and Ashley exchanged wide-eyed grins, the infectious energy grabbing hold of them as well. They jumped up in unison, clutching each other's hands as they practically squealed with excitement. Without a second thought, they bolted down the hall, running back to their rooms to get ready for what was sure to be a wild night. It always was with the Bellas.
Jessica slipped out of her comfortable pyjamas, decorated with tiny Eiffel Towers, a playful nod to their upcoming trip to Paris. She couldn't help but smile at the thought. Paris! They were going to be there in just a few days. But tonight wasn't about lounging in comfort—it was about making a statement. She slipped into her golden silk dress, its plunging neckline a daring showcase of confidence. Jessica loved how the fabric clung to her in all the right places, enhancing what she considered her best assets. Packing one show-stopping dress for unpredictable nights like this had clearly been a good call.
Once she was ready she moved over to Ashley's room, who stood in front of the mirror, still fumbling with her black glittering dress. "Hold still," Jessica instructed, zipping up the back with ease. As the zip closed, Jessica couldn't hold back her excitement any longer and let out a squeal, the thrill of the night bubbling over.
Ashley rolled her eyes but grinned. "You're way too excited for this."
Jessica giggled. "How often do we get to feel like total bad-asses strutting into a fancy casino hotel?"
With that energy, the two of them walked into Casino Casa De Los Reyes alongside the other Bellas, feeling empowered and unstoppable. The hotel was everything you'd expect—opulent, grand, and filled with an air of exclusivity. They were a tight-knit group in the middle of it all, walking like they owned the place. Even Jessica, who was more used to fading into the background, felt the thrill of the moment.
Aubrey, always in control, laid out the plan. "Okay, ladies. I think we should split up. Divide and conquer. You ready?" The group nodded in agreement. "Let's rock it."
Jessica, noticing the slightly lost look on Ashley's face, grabbed her hand and gently pulled her to the side. She held her friend by the arms, her face filled with concern but also quiet understanding. "You okay?" she asked softly.
Ashley blinked, taking in the overwhelming spectacle of the casino's marble floors and glittering chandeliers. "We just walked into another world. True or false?" she asked, her voice a little shaky.
Jessica smiled gently. "Um... false. Technically. But yeah, this is definitely something else."
Ashley had always struggled with her sense of reality due to her disability, often needing reassurance about what was real and what wasn't. They had this routine where Ashley would check in with someone she trusted whenever she felt like her mind was played tricks on her. Tonight was no different, and Jessica was always patient and more than happy to help her best friend.
Ashley exhaled deeply, nodding as if to say, Okay, I'm back. "I'm good. Just needed to check."
Jessica rubbed her arm comfortingly. "We can head back if you need to."
Ashley shook her head, her confidence returning. "No, I'm alright. Just needed a moment."
"If you're sure," Jessica said, offering her hand.
"I'm sure," Ashley confirmed, taking her hand firmly, and together they re-joined the others.
As they approached the group gathering by the elevators, Cynthia Rose nudged Emily, pointing out one of the guys from DJ Khaled's entourage. Without missing a beat, Emily's eyes lit up. "Let's follow him, see where he goes."
The Bellas quickly piled into the elevator, excitement bubbling over as they pressed the number corresponding to the floor the guy had gotten off at. Jessica clutched Ashley's hand a little tighter, her heart racing as they ascended, wondering just where this adventure would take them next.
As the elevator doors slid open, the Bellas stepped out into a massive suite that seemed more like a luxurious mansion than a hotel room. The space buzzed with energy—people mingling, the soft hum of DJ Khalid's music playing in the background, waitstaff serving trays of food and drinks. It didn't take long for Jessica to realize they'd stumbled into a private party. She tensed for a moment, but then spotted the guy they'd been following earlier. He smiled at them and waved them over.
"This is DJ Khaled's suite," he explained casually. "We're throwing him a little party, if he decides to show up, that is. You guys should stay and hang out."
That invitation was all the Bellas needed. Their faces lit up with excitement as they broke off into smaller groups. Jessica, Ashley, Emily, and Aubrey made a beeline for the bar, already slipping into the party's carefree rhythm. But just as they approached the drinks, Jessica noticed something off. Ashley was starting to tense up again, her eyes darting around like she wasn't really present.
Jessica quickly pulled Ashley to the side, concern in her eyes. "Hey, everything okay?"
Ashley bit her lip, trying to keep herself together. "I left my phone back in the hotel room," she admitted, her breathing shallow as she closed her eyes tightly, trying to stay calm.
Jessica immediately understood. Ashley's phone wasn't just a gadget—it was her lifeline. It kept her grounded, especially when her mind started spinning in moments of anxiety or if her disability made her feel disconnected from reality. She could see that Ashley was struggling more than she let on.
"Will you be okay without it?" Jessica asked, her voice soft but serious, always careful not to pressure her friend when she needed space.
Ashley shook her head, panic creeping into her tone. "I don't know. Evan said he was going to call me tonight, and I really don't want to miss his call."
Jessica could hear the rising panic in Ashley's voice. This wasn't something she could ignore. "Do you want to leave? We can head back right now if you need to."
Ashley glanced around the party, clearly torn. "No... maybe? I don't know." Her indecision hung heavy, and Jessica knew she had to step in.
"Okay, what if I went back and grabbed your phone for you?" Jessica offered, squeezing Ashley's arm gently. "I'll be quick."
Ashley's eyes lit up with relief. "Would you?" she asked, her voice pleading as she clung to that offer like a lifeline.
"Of course," Jessica smiled. She spotted Emily nearby and quickly flagged her down. Emily, drink in hand, strolled over with her usual laid-back vibe.
"Emily, I need to head out for a minute to grab Ashley's phone. Can you keep her company until I get back?" Jessica asked, her eyes pleading.
Emily glanced at Ashley, immediately sensing something was off. "Yeah, no problem. I got her," she nodded, shooting Ashley a reassuring smile.
Jessica sighed with relief. "Thanks, Emily," she said before turning and heading back to the elevator. She descended to the ground floor, hurriedly crossing the street to the other hotel, her mind racing. All she could think about was getting back to Ashley as quickly as possible, hoping she could help her friend feel grounded again so they could all enjoy the night. She rushed to Ashley's room, grabbed the phone from the bedside table, and was back out the door in record time.
As Charity and Jessica approached the rest of Evermoist and DJ Khaled, the conversation paused, and all eyes turned toward them. Jessica, still clutching Ashley's phone, felt a sudden rush of nerves as she realized she was now standing in the middle of a circle that included not only one of the most famous DJs in the world but also the members of a band that had been giving her and the Bellas grief throughout the tour. The tension crackled in the air, thick and palpable.
DJ Khaled, always the life of the party, flashed a wide grin as he sized Jessica up, but there was a playful glint in his eyes as he leaned forward, feigning deep thought. "Wait, wait... remind me again who you are?" he asked with a booming laugh. "I meet a hundred people a day! What's your thing?"
Jessica blinked, momentarily taken aback, but forced herself to recover, despite the butterflies in her stomach. She straightened her posture, determined not to appear rattled in front of him—or the others. "Uh, I sing with the Bellas," she said with a nervous but genuine smile. "We closed the show earlier."
Before DJ Khaled could react, Serenity's familiar voice cut through the moment, laced with its signature edge of disdain. "Yeah, they're the a cappella group," she added, unable to resist rolling her eyes in what was clearly an attempt to undermine Jessica in front of Khaled. Her tone was snide but wrapped in enough professionalism to make it seem like she was merely stating facts.
Jessica stiffened, feeling the sting of Serenity's words, but before the awkwardness could fully settle, Charity quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation. "Chill, Serenity." She flashed Jessica a friendly grin and nudged her shoulder playfully. "Jessica's cool." She added a wink for good measure, creating an easy camaraderie that immediately cut through some of the tension.
Jessica managed a relieved smile. At least someone here is nice.
But as she relaxed, Calamity's voice slipped into the conversation like a slow, deliberate burn. "She's more than cool. Trust me." The words were soft, almost a purr, but they carried a weight that made Jessica's breath catch. Calamity's eyes locked onto hers with a look that lingered just a second too long, reigniting the charged atmosphere between them. The unspoken tension from their conversation before surged back to the surface, leaving Jessica feeling more flustered than ever.
DJ Khaled, oblivious to the mounting subtext between the two women, chuckled at Serenity's earlier tone. "A cappella? That's brave!" He grinned, clearly not taking the Bellas' style too seriously. "You sure you're not here to audition?" he teased, flashing Jessica a playful grin.
Jessica laughed nervously, shaking her head. "No, I'm just... here with my friends," she said, trying to keep her voice steady and her face composed, despite the flustered heat creeping up her neck.
Before Jessica could elaborate further, Calamity chimed in again, this time with a sly, teasing smile that sent a shiver through Jessica. "Oh, she seems worth noticing to me," she said smoothly, the words dripping with double meaning.
DJ Khaled raised an eyebrow, looking mildly intrigued but not overly invested. "Well, alright then. Bellas, Evermoist... looks like I've got a full house here tonight."
Serenity, quick to take control, shifted back into her professional persona, clearly eager to move the conversation away from Jessica. "Like I was saying about our next track..." she began, smoothly redirecting Khaled's attention back to Evermoist and their music.
As Serenity continued to pitch Evermoist's latest song, Jessica stood there feeling caught in a strange limbo. She was present, included in the conversation, yet simultaneously side-lined—an outsider hovering at the edges of a world that didn't fully belong to her. And yet, Calamity's gaze kept drawing her back, making her feel tethered to something she couldn't quite define.
Just then, the guy who had invited the Bellas to the party earlier stepped out of the elevator, greeting DJ Khaled with a wide smile. "Hey, man!" he exclaimed, pulling Khaled into a friendly hug. "We got a nice little party going upstairs. You're gonna love it."
Khaled laughed, clearly in a good mood as he returned the hug. "Oh, you know I'm always down for a good time," he said, his voice light with excitement.
Jessica watched from the side-lines, still trying to process everything that had just happened. The interaction with Calamity played over and over in her head, her pulse quickening every time she thought about that lingering gaze, the unspoken attraction simmering just beneath the surface. What did she mean by all that? Jessica wondered, her mind swirling with confusion and curiosity. The subtle glances from Calamity weren't helping either, and while the interaction sent a thrill through her, it also left her feeling out of place, unsure how to react.
Before she could dwell too long on her thoughts, the guy gestured for everyone to follow him. "Alright, everybody, let's get this party started! DJ Khaled's suite is ready to go!"
The group began moving toward the elevator, DJ Khaled leading the way with Evermoist close behind. Jessica hesitated for a split second, but then she felt a light touch on her arm. She turned to see Calamity standing next to her, her eyes glinting with that same unreadable intensity that made Jessica's heart race. "Coming?" Calamity asked, her voice low and playful, the teasing lilt sending a ripple of excitement through Jessica.
Jessica swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest making her shift uncomfortably as the tension in her chest tightened. She nodded quickly, stepping into the elevator alongside Calamity, the warmth of her touch still lingering as the doors slid shut behind them.
As the crowded space became even more confined, Jessica could feel the warm press of bodies all around her. She shuffled closer to the wall, trying to make herself as small as possible in the tight space. That's when she felt it—a hand gently, but deliberately, on the small of her back.
Jessica's breath hitched, and she glanced sideways at Calamity, whose eyes sparkled with a teasing glint. She didn't move her hand away. In fact, she let it linger, her fingers brushing over the soft fabric of Jessica's dress as if she were testing the waters. The heat from her palm sent a shockwave of awareness up Jessica's spine.
"Crowded, huh?" Calamity's voice was low, meant just for Jessica's ears despite the proximity of everyone else. Her lips were so close to Jessica's ear that her breath tickled the sensitive skin there. "You alright? You seem a little... tense."
Jessica swallowed, her pulse racing. "I'm fine," she replied, but her voice sounded far too breathy for her liking.
"Hmm." Calamity's hand slid slightly higher, resting around Jessica's waist now, her touch firm but not forceful. She guided Jessica a half-step closer, until their sides were practically touching. The crowded elevator gave them a perfect excuse, but it was clear this wasn't entirely necessary. "You sure? You look nervous."
Jessica bit her lip, feeling the warmth of Calamity's body so close to hers that their arms brushed with every slight movement. "I'm not nervous," she lied, her voice wavering just enough to make Calamity's smirk widen.
"No?" Calamity leaned in again, her lips grazing the shell of Jessica's ear, sending another shiver through her. "Could've fooled me." Her voice dripped with amusement, like she was enjoying every second of this little game. "You're acting like you've never been this close to someone before."
Jessica's cheeks flushed, and she shifted slightly, though there was nowhere to go. The air between them felt charged, and Calamity's presence was intoxicating, overwhelming her senses. She could feel her heartbeat in her throat, her skin buzzing under the other woman's touch.
"I think you like it," Calamity whispered, her voice soft but undeniably teasing. Her hand on Jessica's waist tightened just a fraction, her fingers brushing over the fabric with a deliberate slowness, making Jessica's breath catch.
Jessica forced herself to look at Calamity, her face now just inches away. "I—" She struggled to find her voice, the words tangling up in her head as her mind raced to process the situation.
Calamity's smirk deepened, clearly enjoying effect she was having on Jessica. "Relax," she said softly, her hand giving one last squeeze before she finally pulled back, her fingers trailing away from Jessica's waist as if it took real effort to let go. "I don't bite... unless you want me to."
Jessica's heart pounded wildly, and she felt the flush deepen in her cheeks as Calamity gave her one last knowing glance. The tension between them hung thick in the air, simmering even as the elevator continued its ascent.
It was all a game to Calamity, but Jessica wasn't sure how long she could keep her cool in the face of such relentless teasing. She wasn't used to being on the receiving end of this kind of attention, and Calamity knew exactly how to push her buttons, every touch, every whispered word leaving her more flustered and confused than the last.
And somehow, despite the nerves swirling inside her, she wasn't entirely sure she wanted Calamity to stop.
As the elevator doors slid open, they were met with a chaotic scene that could only be described as a disaster. DJ Khaled's suite had transformed into a wild spectacle: men and women were screaming, fire flickered dangerously in the corners, and sprinklers sprayed water everywhere. But the most perplexing sight was the swarm of bees buzzing around, flitting in and out of the madness as if they were part of the party.
"Checkmate, Bellas. Checkmate," Calamity's voice rang out, teasing and triumphant. Jessica felt a jolt of surprise at the shift in Calamity's demeanour, her smirk lighting up the chaos. The playful confidence radiating from her was both intriguing and disconcerting, and Jessica found herself reeling slightly, trying to make sense of how she felt about it amid the buzzing swarm.
But before she could dwell on Calamity's words or the newfound glint in her eyes, Jessica's mind sharpened back to the chaos. Where was Ashley? The frantic energy of the party surged around her, and she felt a rush of adrenaline. She scanned the room, her heart pounding, until she spotted Ashley curled up in the foetal position against one of the walls, a small island of calm amidst the chaos.
"ASHLEY!" Jessica called out, her voice rising above the noise. She dashed through the crowd, weaving around screaming fans and flailing arms, her heart racing as she focused solely on her best friend. Ignoring the incessant buzzing of the bees that seemed to settle closer to her skin, she crouched down beside Ashley, meeting her wide eyes filled with panic.
"Ashley! It's me! I'm here!" Jessica said, her hands gently resting on Ashley's. She felt Ashley jerk at the touch, her eyes wild and frightened. But as soon as recognition dawned on her, Ashley's tension began to ease just a fraction.
Jessica took a deep breath, summoning her calm. "Hey, just breathe. It's okay. You're safe with me." She began to hum a soft tune, the familiar melody meant to soothe them both. "Can you sing with me?" she encouraged gently, her eyes never leaving Ashley's.
At first, Ashley hesitated, the panic still swirling in her gaze, but slowly, she joined in. Her voice was shaky, but it blended with Jessica's, creating a fragile harmony that cut through the chaos around them. As they sang, Jessica focused on keeping Ashley anchored, trying to drown out the buzzing and the chaos that surrounded them.
"We're going to get you out of here," Jessica promised softly, her voice steadying with each note. "Just follow my lead, okay? You can close your eyes if you want."
Ashley nodded, her eyes fluttering shut as she took a deep breath, letting Jessica guide her to her feet. Jessica kept her hands on Ashley's, feeling her tremble slightly but determined to lead her through the havoc. The mayhem swirled around them, the flickering flames dimming under the sprinklers' spray, and she knew the best way out was to take the elevator, despite the potential risks.
"Hey, can you guys move aside for a sec?" Jessica called to the Evermoist members, her voice cutting through the noise with urgency. "I need to get my friend out of here."
They all stepped aside, surprise flickering across their faces, but Calamity wore a frown, concern creeping into her features. Jessica barely noticed, her focus solely on Ashley as she maneuvered them toward the elevator.
Inside the lift, the chaos faded to a dull roar, the clamour of screaming girls and the persistent buzzing of bees becoming muffled. Just the two of them stood in the confined space, and Jessica continued to hum softly, their voices mingling as they found their rhythm again. She was keenly aware of Ashley's presence, how the tension in her shoulders seemed to melt slightly with each passing second.
The lift descended slowly, the soft chime ringing in the air as they rode down, surrounded by the buzzing of the bees that had unwittingly accompanied them. Jessica squeezed Ashley's hands, her heart still racing but determined to keep the mood calm. "You're doing great, Ash. Almost there."
As they rode in silence, Jessica's gaze flicked to Ashley's face, watching as her friend began to relax. The chaos of the party felt worlds away, and for a moment, it was just them, a shared melody binding them together against the madness of the night.
The lift finally came to a stop, and the doors opened to reveal a quieter hallway. Jessica took a breath, ready to step out into the relative calm, but she couldn't shake the lingering sensation of Calamity's gaze from her mind, the tension from their earlier moments resurfacing as she prepared to lead Ashley to safety. For now, she needed to make sure that Ashley was alright.
Jessica guided Ashley outside to a private courtyard, leading her to a bench nestled against the wall of the hotel, where the noise of the casino faded to a distant hum. She took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure despite the bees that buzzed all around them. One of her hands remained on Ashley's arm, rubbing soothing circles with her thumb while she softly sang, hoping to ground both of them amid the mayhem.
But just as Jessica was feeling a slight sense of control return, a bee flew dangerously close to her ear, making her skin prickle with anxiety. The gentle hum of the bees was becoming increasingly overwhelming, and she felt her heart race. Just then, a delicate hand reached out and lifted the bee off her with an expert flick of a finger.
Jessica turned, her breath hitching as she saw Calamity beside her, her expression calm and focused, eyes fixed on the task at hand. "Gotcha," she said, her voice low and steady as she deftly plucked the bees off Jessica, one by one, guiding them away toward the nearby bushes. Jessica watched in amazement, her heart fluttering at the sight of Calamity's concentration, each movement graceful and purposeful.
But just as Jessica began to feel a sense of relief, Calamity's expression shifted slightly as she got stung, her lips parting in a small hiss. Jessica gasped at the sight, worry flickering through her, but Calamity didn't hesitate. She continued her gentle mission, carefully brushing away the remaining bees from Jessica's skin, her fingers brushing ever so slightly against her.
"Is that all of them?" Calamity asked, glancing up at Jessica, the concern evident in her tone.
Jessica shook her head, the knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. "No, there's still one... It's crawling up my leg, under my dress." Her voice was shaky, the realization making her skin crawl.
"Can you turn to face me? It'll be easier to get it out," Calamity suggested, her tone coaxing. Jessica hesitated, glancing at Ashley, who still sat with her eyes closed, humming, bees buzzing around her.
"I can only turn so far," Jessica admitted, her gaze flicking back to Calamity, "I can't let go of Ashley yet."
Calamity nodded, understanding flashing in her eyes. She knelt down in front of Jessica, her fingers poised and ready. "Is it alright if I touch your legs to get it?" she asked, her voice smooth as silk.
Jessica swallowed hard, the proximity sending shivers down her spine. "Yeah," she finally managed, breathless.
Calamity's fingers began to slowly glide up Jessica's legs, the heat from her touch igniting a warmth that travelled through Jessica's body. "Is it at the front or the back?" Calamity asked, her eyes locked onto Jessica's, filled with an intensity that made her heart race for an entirely different reason.
"It's at the front... near the middle of my thigh," Jessica replied, her voice barely above a whisper, her breath catching as Calamity's fingers danced softly against her skin. The sensation was distracting, a heady mix of anxiety and something more electric that made her pulse quicken.
Calamity looked up at her, smirking slightly as her fingers drew dangerously close to brushing her panties, and Jessica gulped, her mind racing. Just then, a sharp sting jolted her back to reality, the pain breaking her trance. "Ah!" she hissed, biting back a wince. She felt her body lurch as she collapsed into Calamity, who instinctively caught her.
"What's going on?" Ashley asked, her voice laced with panic despite her eyes still being closed.
"It's nothing, don't worry! Just keep singing," Jessica said quickly, trying to keep her tone steady, even as she whispered a curse under her breath, her heart racing at the mix of embarrassment and pain.
Calamity chuckled softly, her hands steadying Jessica. "Huh. So you can swear," she teased, helping Jessica to stand back up, the laughter easing the tension that had coiled around them.
"Just a little," Jessica replied with a nervous grin, her heart still racing, not just from the sting but from the way Calamity's presence felt like a warm flame against her skin.
Ashley finally asked, "Is it alright for me to open my eyes yet?"
Jessica stuttered out a "Not yet," just as Calamity lifted her dress slightly to inspect the damage. She pulled out the stinger with deft fingers, caressing the wound softly, her touch lingering just a moment longer than necessary.
Jessica felt a rush of warmth course through her, both from the sting and the intimate nature of Calamity's touch. "Thanks," she whispered, her voice barely audible as she helped Calamity back up.
As they regained their footing, Jessica caught sight of a bee making its way toward her hand, which was still resting on Ashley's arm. She tensed up as it made its way slowly onto her hand, making her shiver with dread, but Calamity was right there, her fingers brushing against Jessica's hand as she gently helped remove the bee, their fingers intertwining momentarily.
The closeness only heightened their awareness of one another, and Jessica felt a flutter of something electric pass between them. But the task wasn't over; a few stray bees still buzzed around Ashley, and Jessica couldn't ignore the growing tension as she and Calamity exchanged fleeting glances, the tension palpable amid the turmoil.
"Alright, let's get this done," Calamity said, her voice firm but playful, the corner of her mouth curling up in a smirk that made Jessica's heart race again. "You ready for round two?"
Jessica nodded, her breath hitching as she prepared for yet another internal battle to keep herself together during everything.
Calamity stepped closer to Ashley, ready to help, but as she reached out, Ashley jolted at the sensation of another presence nearby. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice thick with panic.
"It's just Calamity, Ash," Jessica reassured her, kneeling down beside her friend. "She only wants to help." But Ashley remained tense, her body stiff with apprehension. Jessica could read the apprehension in Ashley's body language and knew that any more attempts to touch her by people she was unfamiliar with would be unwelcome right now.
Taking a deep, shaky breath, Jessica hesitated before asking, "Can you help guide me to do it myself?" Her voice was softer than she intended, the words tinged with uncertainty.
Calamity nodded, a gentle smile on her lips. "Of course," she replied, taking hold of Jessica's hand. She stood beside her, wrapping an arm around Jessica's waist, anchoring her as they faced Ashley together.
"Just follow my lead," Calamity whispered as she guided Jessica's hand toward the remaining bees that clung stubbornly to Ashley. Jessica's breathing quickened, each inhale a struggle to calm the storm of emotions within her. She focused intently on the task at hand, trying to hold it together as tears welled in her eyes, threatening to spill over.
Calamity leaned in closer, her breath warm against Jessica's ear as she whispered soothing words of encouragement. "You're doing great. Just breathe, Jess. You've got this." The gentle distraction helped ease Jessica's racing heart, reminding her of the importance of the moment.
One by one, they worked together to lift the remaining bees off Ashley, Jessica's hand trembling slightly under Calamity's guidance. When they finally felt the last bee dislodge, Jessica's heart soared with relief. "Is there anything left on you that isn't meant to be?" she asked, her voice shaky but hopeful.
Ashley shook her head, eyes still closed tightly. "No... I don't think so." They all sighed in relief, the tension beginning to dissipate like the remaining bees.
Calamity's hand moved to rub Jessica's hip, her voice a soft whisper in Jessica's ear. "Well done." The praise sent a thrill through Jessica, her breath hitching as she bit her lip to suppress her emotions. "Thank you," she managed to whisper back, her heart swelling with gratitude.
Calamity slowly walked around to stand in front of Jessica, their hands still intertwined. She brought their joined hands to her lips and pressed a gentle kiss to the finger that Jessica had used to clear Ashley's skin. "You're braver than you think," she said, her gaze steady and piercing, holding Jessica's attention like a beacon in the chaos.
Jessica felt a surge of warmth at the words, wondering if she truly was brave. Taking a step closer to Calamity, she reached out with her hand, trembling slightly as she caressed Calamity's face tenderly. "Maybe I am," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
A soft silence enveloped them, and Jessica opened her mouth to ask if she could kiss her, but the words caught in her throat. She rethought how to express it, unsure of the implications of her desire.
Calamity took a step closer, placing her other hand back on Jessica's hip, the contact igniting a spark between them. Jessica's heart raced as she lifted her hand away from Ashley, letting it rest gently on Calamity's shoulder. "Do you mind if I—"
But before Jessica could finish her question, Ashley's panicked voice pierced through the moment, calling out, "Jessica!"
Jessica gasped, suddenly spinning around to comfort Ashley, her heart sinking as she realised she had let go of her friend when she needed her most. She had been so absorbed in the moment with Calamity that she had neglected her friend's distress.
Calamity sighed softly, her expression shifting to one of frustrated understanding, and she nodded. "I'll let you two be," she said gently, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment.
With that, Calamity turned and started to walk off, leaving Jessica torn between her feelings for her and her instinct to protect Ashley. "Wait." she called, her heart raced as she took a step towards Calamity to follow her, but stopped mid step at Ashley's panicked gasps. She rushed to her friend's side, wrapping her arms around Ashley, determined to soothe her fears and remind her that she was not alone. As Ashley leaned into her, Jessica couldn't shake the feeling of Calamity's warmth lingering on her skin, a bittersweet reminder of what she had nearly embraced.
When she looked back up, she found Calamity standing there looking at her, their eyes locking for a brief moment that sent a rush of heat through Jessica. She went to stand up, ready to go after her again, but Ashley's grip on her tightened, pulling her back.
Calamity observed the scene, her expression shifting to one of understanding as she watched Jessica's internal struggle unfold.
"I'll see you later," Calamity said, her voice steady but laced with a hint of annoyance, before she turned away and walked off, leaving Jessica feeling hopelessly torn between the two of them.
She just waved, feeling lost, her heart aching as she watched Calamity's retreating figure disappear back into the casino hotel.
Later that night, as they lay in bed together, Ashley turned to Jessica, her expression remorseful. "I'm so sorry for being so selfish before," she whispered, the weight of her guilt palpable in the dim light.
Jessica felt her cheeks flush at the memory of her moment with Calamity. "It's okay," she replied, but even as she said it, she knew it wasn't.
They both understood that it wasn't okay at all. Ashley was holding her back, keeping her from being herself, from feeling free and finding happiness. But what could Jessica do? She cared too much about Ashley and their friendship, a bond forged throughout their childhood that had shaped who they were. They had been each other's strongest support since the beginning, and the thought of jeopardizing that made her heart ache.
As the silence settled between them, Jessica found herself staring at the ceiling, wrestling with the tangled emotions that churned within her. She wanted to reach out to Calamity, to explore whatever connection was blossoming between them, but her loyalty to Ashley kept her anchored in place.