fic: A Second Chance
Title: A Second Chance
Author: slacker_d
Fandom: Victorious
Pairing/Characters: Jade/Beck, Tori/Jade, Andre, Cat, Robbie, Rex, Trina
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Beck and Jade have been fighting a lot more than usual. Is Tori the cause?
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~3,250
Spoilers: None.
A/N: Follows We Meet Again
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
According to Andre, Jade and Beck have been fighting a lot more than usual. Tori asks how long they've been dating and is told about a year and a half. And while Andre admits they fight plenty, it usually only lasts a day and ends with them being all mushy. Not lately, though.
Tori tries to tell herself it has nothing to do with her sudden arrival, but a small part of her wonders. Especially since Andre further admits that Jade's been more adversarial towards everyone lately. It's difficult not to read into it, but Tori tries valiantly.
…
Andre's telling Tori about this cute girl he met over the weekend as they walk into Sikowitz's class. The bell has yet to ring, so the class is only half filled. It makes it that much easier to notice that Beck and Jade seem to be fighting, again.
Deciding it's better to stay out of it, Andre drags Tori away from the couple and sits. Tori can't help but glance over at the pair.
Beck's phone beeps and he pulls it out. It's a text and after a moment, he turns to Jade. "Really?!" He then begins typing and then triumphantly hits send.
Jade's phone beeps and she pulls it out. "What?! What?!" She begins typing and muttering to herself.
Beck's phone beeps again. He pulls it out. "I don't even… Really? Real mature, Jade."
She smirks at him as he begins typing.
Tori's attention is drawn away from them when Sikowitz bursts into the classroom, screaming about fire ants.
…
Tori spends the rest of week watching Jade and Beck fight. The text fighting lasts two more days. And then there's a day of them ignoring each other, despite the fact that they are still always sitting together in class or at lunch, or standing near each other in the halls. It confuses Tori. Because they both look like they'd rather be next to a pile of manure than each other.
And then on Friday, neither are at school. Cat tells Tori that Jade is avoiding Beck and Andre mentions that Beck is most likely avoiding Jade.
Tori feels bad. She knows that her sudden appearance and the fighting having similar timing could just be a coincidence, but she doubts it.
…
"You know, you can actually relax for once," Andre tells Tori during lunch on Friday.
"What?"
"Jade's not here, remember," Andre continues. "You don't have to be on the defense."
"Yeah," Cat adds. "We can talk about happy things."
Rex groans.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Cat exclaims.
"Ignore him," Robbie tells her. "He's having a bad day."
"He's what?" Tori asks. She hasn't quite figure out what to think of Robbie and Rex. She's been trying to follow Andre's advice and treat them like Siamese twins, but it's not quite working.
"I was trying to score a date with this hot senior," Rex says. "And this thing attached to me had to go and talk and mess it all up."
"I'm sorry?" Tori replies.
"Thanks, hot stuff," Rex says. "Hearing you say that almost makes up for the lack of apology from him."
"I do not owe you an apology," Robbie tells Rex. "She asked me a question. It would've been rude to not respond."
"What part of stand there and be quiet, did you not understand?" Rex questions.
"I almost wish Jade was here," Tori grumbles.
"Why?" Andre asks.
"Because she'd get them to be quiet."
"True chiz," Andre says, eating another fry.
…
Andre's over on Saturday afternoon, playing the piano. He's been trying to convince Tori they should write a song together for ten minutes now, after having come up with the perfect opening notes.
It's not that Tori doesn't want to. It's just that Andre's so damn talented and she's still not used to the fact that she might be too. Andre's confidence in her is the main reason she's stuck it out this long.
"C'mon Tori," he says. "You wanna be a pop star? Don't be one of those vapid ones that has no input into their material. This'll be good practice, right?"
"Yeah…"
"So? Upbeat love song? Melancholy break up song?"
"Upbeat screw you break up song?" Tori suggests.
"Has possibilities. Maybe--"
Andre is interrupted by his phone. Glancing at it, he turns to Tori. "I should probably answer this."
Tori nods as Andre stands and goes to the kitchen for more privacy.
…
Apparently Jade and Beck broke up. At least that's what Andre tells Tori when he gets off the phone a few moments later. Beck wants to go out and forget about Jade for a few hours and Andre couldn't say no.
Tori understands, though she's a bit surprised. From the way Andre's told it, Jade and Beck break up all the time. And then a few days later, they're back together again. She wonders if this time will be any different.
…
Monday at school, everyone is talking about Jade and Beck's break up. Being one of the most popular and prettiest couples in school makes them the topic of gossip often, especially considering how often their melodrama seems to explode at school.
At least that's the conclusion Tori's drawn from Cat's ramblings as Tori sorts through her locker. Still Tori's glad for the info from Cat. Now that Andre knows the full story of her past with Jade, Tori sometimes feels weird trying to pry information from him. It's not like she's trying to be a creepy stalker or anything, she's just curious.
Watching Jade out of the corner of her eye, Tori can't immediately spot any sort of emotion, but she's used to that. She hasn't been able to read Jade since she got to Hollywood Arts. Sometimes she wonders if she just imagined the connection they seemed to have because it seems almost impossible that they could have any been anything to each other.
Though, Tori supposes that's all her fault. She's the one that put a stop to it all. She really only has herself to blame. But how was she to know that she'd be unable to get Jade out of her brain, no matter how many dates she went on or how long she dated someone? And even with all that being true, Tori really didn't think she'd ever see Jade again.
But, it seems, like everything else about her relationship with Jade, Tori was wrong.
…
It isn't until Wednesday that Tori sees Jade at lunch. She's sitting alone, so Tori drags a protesting Andre over to the table.
"Go away," Jade says as Tori sets her tray down.
"You looked like you needed a little company," Tori replies.
"Well, I don't."
"Well, then Andre and I will just enjoy the lovely weather at this fine table," Tori tells her.
"Whatever."
Andre tries to keep his eyes down, as if looking up might force him to join in the stilted conversation.
"Hi guys," Cat exclaims, bouncing over to the table and sitting down.
"Hey little red."
"Hi Cat."
Jade just glowers at her.
"Don't be mad, Jade," Cat says. "It'll be okay."
Jade actually growls at Cat.
"Maybe we should just leave Jade alone," Andre suggests. "Let her have some quiet time."
Glancing over at Jade, Tori has to agree. It's obviously she's going to snap any moment. Maybe eating lunch with her wasn't the best idea.
Cat begins talking about her brother's plans for the weekend, that apparently somehow involve sponges, roofing nails and lobsters.
However, it's not until Robbie and Rex approach the table, arguing about something, that Jade stands and stalks off.
"Nice going Shaprio," Rex says as they all watch her stomp off.
…
Despite being told she's being insane, Tori goes after Jade. She finally finds her sitting on the floor of the janitor's closet.
"Go away," Jade growls when Tori sinks onto the ground next to her.
"You want to talk about it?" Tori asks, ignoring Jade.
"No. Now go away."
Tori sighs. "I'm not going anywhere Jade. You're going to have to get used to the fact that I'm here, at Hollywood Arts, for good."
"Sing in one stupid showcase and you suddenly think you're the shit, huh, Vega?"
"I enjoy it and I'm good at it," Tori replies. "And this is the place that's going to help me."
"La-dee-fucking-da," Jade snaps. "Thanks for the information. Now leave!"
"I'm sorry about you and Beck," Tori says.
"Whatever."
"Andre says you guys are like good together," Tori continues.
"Now would be a really good time to shut up, Vega," Jade snarls.
"And he also said I shouldn't be so worried," Tori adds. "That you guys have broken up before and it's always worked out."
Jade doesn't reply, instead hiding her face from Tori.
Tori sighs again. "I feel bad. I feel bad for you two and about your break up. But I feel even worse about the fact that I'm kinda glad."
Jade looks up surprised.
"I mean, I know how long it's been and that you totally hate me for how things ended, but I… well, I still think about you all the time. Even before the big showcase. Everyone I go out with gets compared to you. And no one has even come close."
Jade is still quiet as she stares.
"And I know it's pretty stupid since you're so completely and totally over me, but when Andre told me you and Beck broke up, part of me hoped that the break up meant I had a chance. But you still hate me, obviou--"
Jade cuts Tori off by lunging forward and kissing her.
…
Lunch ends twenty minutes later and they're still kissing. Tori tries to pull herself out of her Jade induced haze to look around when the bell rings, but Jade just growls, grabs Tori's chin and pulls it back into the proper kissing position.
Tori's not complaining. Despite the fact that her entire lower half is both numb and on fire from having Jade straddling her as they kiss, she never wants it to end.
Her brain is vaguely telling Tori that she and Jade need to talk first before things go too far, but then Jade's hands begin to slip under Tori's shirt and all coherent thoughts slip from her mind.
…
When they finally do come up for air, Tori has no idea what time it is or if school is still even happening. Nor does she know where her shirt is and that's the first thing that needs to be figured out. Groping in the darkness, she finds something, but it turns out to be Jade's shirt, which she tosses to her.
Jade catches it, but makes no move to put it on. Tori finds that fact very distracting. Feeling a bit pervy, Tori lets her eyes drop to Jade's chest.
"Still a one track mind, huh, Vega?"
"Your fault," Tori retorts. "Leaving those out like that. How's a girl supposed to resist?"
Jade smirks. "Who said you have to?"
Jade is leaning against the door of the janitor's closet and so Tori joins her, shirt in her lap.
"Didn't think you had it in you to skip class," Jade remarks.
"Had more important things to do."
"You've learned a few tricks since they last time," Jade says.
"You too."
"This doesn't fix anything," Jade says after some silence.
"What?"
"I'm still mad," Jade insists.
"What about me?" Tori asks. "You poured coffee on me."
"It was iced."
"And cold."
"You survived," Jade says.
"Would you really be happier if I didn't go here?" Tori asks.
Jade seems to think this over. "I don't know."
"Do you want to go out on a date tonight?" Tori tries.
"I don't know."
"What about if I dropped out of Hollywood Arts, would you go out with me, then?"
"I don't know."
"Okay." Tori stands and pulls her shirt on.
"Where are you going?"
"School's over. I'm going home. Since I can't catch a ride with Trina, I gotta catch the bus."
"But what about…"
"Jade, you just broke up with Beck," Tori says. "I shouldn't have… It's just obvious that you need time. So when you know what you want, come find me."
Tori bends down and kisses the still sitting Jade before opening the door and slipping out.
…
Tori has three voicemail and numerous texts. She scrolls through them; mostly from Andre and Cat asking where she is and if she's okay. She replies to one of Cat's, telling her that she just lost track of time and that she's fine.
Cat's response a few minutes later is, K K. C U tmrrw! :)
The first voicemail is from Andre, wondering where she is. The second is from her mom reminding Tori that her parents will be gone until Monday. And the third is from Trina telling her she can't have a ride home this afternoon.
Waiting for the bus, Tori calls Andre.
"Damn girl, where you been?" is how Andre answers.
"It's a long story," Tori sighs. "Can I come over?"
"Yeah. Come over. I'll order a pizza and you can explain."
…
The pizza beats Tori there and when Andre answers the door, he's holding half a slice of pepperoni.
"Thank god," Tori says, walking past Andre and grabbing a slice of pizza. "I'm starving."
"Maybe it's whatever you disappeared to do the rest of the day," Andre tells her.
"I went to talk to Jade," Tori replies.
"And?"
Tori fights a blush as she takes a large bite of pizza. Andre is quickly becoming a great friend, but Tori's afraid this might color his opinion. "Wespentherestofthedaymakingout."
"I'm sorry, could you repeat that," Andre says. "Because it sounds like you spend all afternoon making out with Jade."
"I did."
"Damn," Andre says, his eyes glossing over a bit.
"You're picturing it, aren't you?"
"Oh yeah," Andre sighs. "You two are hot and I'm a guy."
"Yeah. Yeah."
"So what's the problem?" Andre asks. "I mean, obviously her and Beck broke up cause of you--"
"Don't say that," Tori protests. "I don't want to be the reason."
"Well, all right," Andre says. "But it's obvious that she still has feelings or whatever for you. Right?"
"Yeah."
"So I don't understand why you're not more excited."
"Because I asked her out and she said no," Tori replies.
"Oh." Andre grabs another slice of pizza. "She probably needs time. I mean, her and Beck just broke up."
"I know," Tori sighs. "Except she won't even… She doesn't know what she wants. And I'm worried that it'll never be me because I hurt her."
"Just give her some time, Tori," Andre says. "She'll come around."
"You really believe that?" Tori asks. "I mean, you've known her longer than I have."
"Course I do," Andre replies.
Tori tries to believe it, despite the lack of conviction in Andre's voice.
…
Jade does an excellent job of avoiding Tori the rest of the week. If Tori didn't see Jade in class, she'd think Jade was skipping because she never sees her outside a classroom Thursday or Friday.
Trying to ignore the sinking feeling in her stomach, Tori smiles her usual smile as she jokes with Cat, talks with Andre and ignores Rex. Still, the lack of Jade, even her mocking hatred, doesn't sit well with Tori. And when she leaves school Friday afternoon, she has to wonder if she blew it with Jade the other day. Figuring she pushed too hard, too soon, Tori resigns herself to never having a second chance with Jade.
…
Sunday morning, Tori is on the couch eating cereal and trying to find something to watch. For once Trina isn't there, spread out and taking over everything, so Tori's trying her best to enjoy the moment.
Which is interrupted by the doorbell ringing. Groaning, Tori looks over at the clock, wondering who the hell it could be at ten o'clock on a Sunday morning.
Pulling the door open, Tori is surprised to see Jade.
"Jade?"
"I'm still mad at you," she says.
"Okay?"
"But I don't want you leaving Hollywood Arts," Jade continues.
"Good."
Jade steps inside and Tori closes the door.
"And since you asked me out, you're paying," Jade says.
"Uh…"
"What? You don't want to go out on a date anymore?"
"Maybe my brain needs a moment to catch up to this whirl wind conversation," Tori retorts.
"Whatever," Jade says as she sits on the couch and grabs the remote. "You have any coffee? I finished mine on the way here."
"In the kitchen," Tori replies, snatching the remote from Jade. "Feel free to make some."
Jade smirks. "So where are we going tonight?"
"You'll just have to wait and see," Tori says as Jade walks to the kitchen.
Sitting on the couch, Tori watches her make a pot of coffee as she finishes her cereal. Once it's done brewing, Jade returns with a large mug full and sinks onto the couch next to Tori.
"So what are we watching?"
…
It's nearly noon when Trina tromps down the stairs looking for something to eat. The TV is on, so she assumes Tori's around, though she doesn't see her. Singing quietly to herself, she makes her way to the kitchen, where she's surprised to find a half full pot of coffee. With her parents gone for weekend, it's unexpected since neither her or Tori drink coffee on a regular basis.
Figuring Tori felt the need for a boost or two of caffeine, Trina heads to the fridge. She rummages around a bit and eventually finds some leftover Curry. She grabs the container and a fork out of the drawer and heads towards the couch.
Only to drop both on the floor with a gasp.
There stretched out on the couch are Tori and Jade. And they're making out. Actually, judging from way Jade's hands appear to be moving, they're doing more than just making out.
The clamor of the fork hitting the floor draws their attention and both look at Trina like a deer caught in headlights.
"Oh. My. God."
Jade groans.
"Trina, I can ex--"
"On the couch, Tori?" Trina asks. "Really? Get a room. I don't need to see that so early in the morning."
"It's 12:10," Jade points out.
"Plus what if mom or dad walked in?" Trina continues.
"They're not due back until tomorrow night," Tori replies.
"Whatever. I want to watch TV, so if you guys are just going to make out all day, do it somewhere else." Trina bends down and picks up the fork and the surprisingly still intact Curry.
Tori sighs. "Let's go." She stands and pulls Jade with her. "We'll go to my room."
"Why Tori Vega, we haven't even gone on a date yet," Jade says as Tori drags her towards the stairs. "What type of gal do you take me for?"
"Quiet West," Tori replies as they reach the stairs. "Unless you want to stay here and talk to my sister."
"I'd rather have Sinjin stare at me all day," Jade retorts.
"Serioiusly?"
"Never mind," Jade replies. "Lead the way."
Once the pair have gone upstairs, Trina lets a smile spread across her face. Though she'd never say it, she'd been worried about Tori after she'd confessed her past with Jade; even more so when she heard about Jade and Beck breaking up. Thankfully, it all seems to have worked out.
Hearing Tori's bedroom door slam shut, Trina wonders what her parents will think of this development. Oh well, something to look forward to, in her opinion.
Author: slacker_d
Fandom: Victorious
Pairing/Characters: Jade/Beck, Tori/Jade, Andre, Cat, Robbie, Rex, Trina
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Beck and Jade have been fighting a lot more than usual. Is Tori the cause?
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Word Count: ~3,250
Spoilers: None.
A/N: Follows We Meet Again
2nd A/N: Unbeta’ed, so all mistakes are mine.
According to Andre, Jade and Beck have been fighting a lot more than usual. Tori asks how long they've been dating and is told about a year and a half. And while Andre admits they fight plenty, it usually only lasts a day and ends with them being all mushy. Not lately, though.
Tori tries to tell herself it has nothing to do with her sudden arrival, but a small part of her wonders. Especially since Andre further admits that Jade's been more adversarial towards everyone lately. It's difficult not to read into it, but Tori tries valiantly.
…
Andre's telling Tori about this cute girl he met over the weekend as they walk into Sikowitz's class. The bell has yet to ring, so the class is only half filled. It makes it that much easier to notice that Beck and Jade seem to be fighting, again.
Deciding it's better to stay out of it, Andre drags Tori away from the couple and sits. Tori can't help but glance over at the pair.
Beck's phone beeps and he pulls it out. It's a text and after a moment, he turns to Jade. "Really?!" He then begins typing and then triumphantly hits send.
Jade's phone beeps and she pulls it out. "What?! What?!" She begins typing and muttering to herself.
Beck's phone beeps again. He pulls it out. "I don't even… Really? Real mature, Jade."
She smirks at him as he begins typing.
Tori's attention is drawn away from them when Sikowitz bursts into the classroom, screaming about fire ants.
…
Tori spends the rest of week watching Jade and Beck fight. The text fighting lasts two more days. And then there's a day of them ignoring each other, despite the fact that they are still always sitting together in class or at lunch, or standing near each other in the halls. It confuses Tori. Because they both look like they'd rather be next to a pile of manure than each other.
And then on Friday, neither are at school. Cat tells Tori that Jade is avoiding Beck and Andre mentions that Beck is most likely avoiding Jade.
Tori feels bad. She knows that her sudden appearance and the fighting having similar timing could just be a coincidence, but she doubts it.
…
"You know, you can actually relax for once," Andre tells Tori during lunch on Friday.
"What?"
"Jade's not here, remember," Andre continues. "You don't have to be on the defense."
"Yeah," Cat adds. "We can talk about happy things."
Rex groans.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Cat exclaims.
"Ignore him," Robbie tells her. "He's having a bad day."
"He's what?" Tori asks. She hasn't quite figure out what to think of Robbie and Rex. She's been trying to follow Andre's advice and treat them like Siamese twins, but it's not quite working.
"I was trying to score a date with this hot senior," Rex says. "And this thing attached to me had to go and talk and mess it all up."
"I'm sorry?" Tori replies.
"Thanks, hot stuff," Rex says. "Hearing you say that almost makes up for the lack of apology from him."
"I do not owe you an apology," Robbie tells Rex. "She asked me a question. It would've been rude to not respond."
"What part of stand there and be quiet, did you not understand?" Rex questions.
"I almost wish Jade was here," Tori grumbles.
"Why?" Andre asks.
"Because she'd get them to be quiet."
"True chiz," Andre says, eating another fry.
…
Andre's over on Saturday afternoon, playing the piano. He's been trying to convince Tori they should write a song together for ten minutes now, after having come up with the perfect opening notes.
It's not that Tori doesn't want to. It's just that Andre's so damn talented and she's still not used to the fact that she might be too. Andre's confidence in her is the main reason she's stuck it out this long.
"C'mon Tori," he says. "You wanna be a pop star? Don't be one of those vapid ones that has no input into their material. This'll be good practice, right?"
"Yeah…"
"So? Upbeat love song? Melancholy break up song?"
"Upbeat screw you break up song?" Tori suggests.
"Has possibilities. Maybe--"
Andre is interrupted by his phone. Glancing at it, he turns to Tori. "I should probably answer this."
Tori nods as Andre stands and goes to the kitchen for more privacy.
…
Apparently Jade and Beck broke up. At least that's what Andre tells Tori when he gets off the phone a few moments later. Beck wants to go out and forget about Jade for a few hours and Andre couldn't say no.
Tori understands, though she's a bit surprised. From the way Andre's told it, Jade and Beck break up all the time. And then a few days later, they're back together again. She wonders if this time will be any different.
…
Monday at school, everyone is talking about Jade and Beck's break up. Being one of the most popular and prettiest couples in school makes them the topic of gossip often, especially considering how often their melodrama seems to explode at school.
At least that's the conclusion Tori's drawn from Cat's ramblings as Tori sorts through her locker. Still Tori's glad for the info from Cat. Now that Andre knows the full story of her past with Jade, Tori sometimes feels weird trying to pry information from him. It's not like she's trying to be a creepy stalker or anything, she's just curious.
Watching Jade out of the corner of her eye, Tori can't immediately spot any sort of emotion, but she's used to that. She hasn't been able to read Jade since she got to Hollywood Arts. Sometimes she wonders if she just imagined the connection they seemed to have because it seems almost impossible that they could have any been anything to each other.
Though, Tori supposes that's all her fault. She's the one that put a stop to it all. She really only has herself to blame. But how was she to know that she'd be unable to get Jade out of her brain, no matter how many dates she went on or how long she dated someone? And even with all that being true, Tori really didn't think she'd ever see Jade again.
But, it seems, like everything else about her relationship with Jade, Tori was wrong.
…
It isn't until Wednesday that Tori sees Jade at lunch. She's sitting alone, so Tori drags a protesting Andre over to the table.
"Go away," Jade says as Tori sets her tray down.
"You looked like you needed a little company," Tori replies.
"Well, I don't."
"Well, then Andre and I will just enjoy the lovely weather at this fine table," Tori tells her.
"Whatever."
Andre tries to keep his eyes down, as if looking up might force him to join in the stilted conversation.
"Hi guys," Cat exclaims, bouncing over to the table and sitting down.
"Hey little red."
"Hi Cat."
Jade just glowers at her.
"Don't be mad, Jade," Cat says. "It'll be okay."
Jade actually growls at Cat.
"Maybe we should just leave Jade alone," Andre suggests. "Let her have some quiet time."
Glancing over at Jade, Tori has to agree. It's obviously she's going to snap any moment. Maybe eating lunch with her wasn't the best idea.
Cat begins talking about her brother's plans for the weekend, that apparently somehow involve sponges, roofing nails and lobsters.
However, it's not until Robbie and Rex approach the table, arguing about something, that Jade stands and stalks off.
"Nice going Shaprio," Rex says as they all watch her stomp off.
…
Despite being told she's being insane, Tori goes after Jade. She finally finds her sitting on the floor of the janitor's closet.
"Go away," Jade growls when Tori sinks onto the ground next to her.
"You want to talk about it?" Tori asks, ignoring Jade.
"No. Now go away."
Tori sighs. "I'm not going anywhere Jade. You're going to have to get used to the fact that I'm here, at Hollywood Arts, for good."
"Sing in one stupid showcase and you suddenly think you're the shit, huh, Vega?"
"I enjoy it and I'm good at it," Tori replies. "And this is the place that's going to help me."
"La-dee-fucking-da," Jade snaps. "Thanks for the information. Now leave!"
"I'm sorry about you and Beck," Tori says.
"Whatever."
"Andre says you guys are like good together," Tori continues.
"Now would be a really good time to shut up, Vega," Jade snarls.
"And he also said I shouldn't be so worried," Tori adds. "That you guys have broken up before and it's always worked out."
Jade doesn't reply, instead hiding her face from Tori.
Tori sighs again. "I feel bad. I feel bad for you two and about your break up. But I feel even worse about the fact that I'm kinda glad."
Jade looks up surprised.
"I mean, I know how long it's been and that you totally hate me for how things ended, but I… well, I still think about you all the time. Even before the big showcase. Everyone I go out with gets compared to you. And no one has even come close."
Jade is still quiet as she stares.
"And I know it's pretty stupid since you're so completely and totally over me, but when Andre told me you and Beck broke up, part of me hoped that the break up meant I had a chance. But you still hate me, obviou--"
Jade cuts Tori off by lunging forward and kissing her.
…
Lunch ends twenty minutes later and they're still kissing. Tori tries to pull herself out of her Jade induced haze to look around when the bell rings, but Jade just growls, grabs Tori's chin and pulls it back into the proper kissing position.
Tori's not complaining. Despite the fact that her entire lower half is both numb and on fire from having Jade straddling her as they kiss, she never wants it to end.
Her brain is vaguely telling Tori that she and Jade need to talk first before things go too far, but then Jade's hands begin to slip under Tori's shirt and all coherent thoughts slip from her mind.
…
When they finally do come up for air, Tori has no idea what time it is or if school is still even happening. Nor does she know where her shirt is and that's the first thing that needs to be figured out. Groping in the darkness, she finds something, but it turns out to be Jade's shirt, which she tosses to her.
Jade catches it, but makes no move to put it on. Tori finds that fact very distracting. Feeling a bit pervy, Tori lets her eyes drop to Jade's chest.
"Still a one track mind, huh, Vega?"
"Your fault," Tori retorts. "Leaving those out like that. How's a girl supposed to resist?"
Jade smirks. "Who said you have to?"
Jade is leaning against the door of the janitor's closet and so Tori joins her, shirt in her lap.
"Didn't think you had it in you to skip class," Jade remarks.
"Had more important things to do."
"You've learned a few tricks since they last time," Jade says.
"You too."
"This doesn't fix anything," Jade says after some silence.
"What?"
"I'm still mad," Jade insists.
"What about me?" Tori asks. "You poured coffee on me."
"It was iced."
"And cold."
"You survived," Jade says.
"Would you really be happier if I didn't go here?" Tori asks.
Jade seems to think this over. "I don't know."
"Do you want to go out on a date tonight?" Tori tries.
"I don't know."
"What about if I dropped out of Hollywood Arts, would you go out with me, then?"
"I don't know."
"Okay." Tori stands and pulls her shirt on.
"Where are you going?"
"School's over. I'm going home. Since I can't catch a ride with Trina, I gotta catch the bus."
"But what about…"
"Jade, you just broke up with Beck," Tori says. "I shouldn't have… It's just obvious that you need time. So when you know what you want, come find me."
Tori bends down and kisses the still sitting Jade before opening the door and slipping out.
…
Tori has three voicemail and numerous texts. She scrolls through them; mostly from Andre and Cat asking where she is and if she's okay. She replies to one of Cat's, telling her that she just lost track of time and that she's fine.
Cat's response a few minutes later is, K K. C U tmrrw! :)
The first voicemail is from Andre, wondering where she is. The second is from her mom reminding Tori that her parents will be gone until Monday. And the third is from Trina telling her she can't have a ride home this afternoon.
Waiting for the bus, Tori calls Andre.
"Damn girl, where you been?" is how Andre answers.
"It's a long story," Tori sighs. "Can I come over?"
"Yeah. Come over. I'll order a pizza and you can explain."
…
The pizza beats Tori there and when Andre answers the door, he's holding half a slice of pepperoni.
"Thank god," Tori says, walking past Andre and grabbing a slice of pizza. "I'm starving."
"Maybe it's whatever you disappeared to do the rest of the day," Andre tells her.
"I went to talk to Jade," Tori replies.
"And?"
Tori fights a blush as she takes a large bite of pizza. Andre is quickly becoming a great friend, but Tori's afraid this might color his opinion. "Wespentherestofthedaymakingout."
"I'm sorry, could you repeat that," Andre says. "Because it sounds like you spend all afternoon making out with Jade."
"I did."
"Damn," Andre says, his eyes glossing over a bit.
"You're picturing it, aren't you?"
"Oh yeah," Andre sighs. "You two are hot and I'm a guy."
"Yeah. Yeah."
"So what's the problem?" Andre asks. "I mean, obviously her and Beck broke up cause of you--"
"Don't say that," Tori protests. "I don't want to be the reason."
"Well, all right," Andre says. "But it's obvious that she still has feelings or whatever for you. Right?"
"Yeah."
"So I don't understand why you're not more excited."
"Because I asked her out and she said no," Tori replies.
"Oh." Andre grabs another slice of pizza. "She probably needs time. I mean, her and Beck just broke up."
"I know," Tori sighs. "Except she won't even… She doesn't know what she wants. And I'm worried that it'll never be me because I hurt her."
"Just give her some time, Tori," Andre says. "She'll come around."
"You really believe that?" Tori asks. "I mean, you've known her longer than I have."
"Course I do," Andre replies.
Tori tries to believe it, despite the lack of conviction in Andre's voice.
…
Jade does an excellent job of avoiding Tori the rest of the week. If Tori didn't see Jade in class, she'd think Jade was skipping because she never sees her outside a classroom Thursday or Friday.
Trying to ignore the sinking feeling in her stomach, Tori smiles her usual smile as she jokes with Cat, talks with Andre and ignores Rex. Still, the lack of Jade, even her mocking hatred, doesn't sit well with Tori. And when she leaves school Friday afternoon, she has to wonder if she blew it with Jade the other day. Figuring she pushed too hard, too soon, Tori resigns herself to never having a second chance with Jade.
…
Sunday morning, Tori is on the couch eating cereal and trying to find something to watch. For once Trina isn't there, spread out and taking over everything, so Tori's trying her best to enjoy the moment.
Which is interrupted by the doorbell ringing. Groaning, Tori looks over at the clock, wondering who the hell it could be at ten o'clock on a Sunday morning.
Pulling the door open, Tori is surprised to see Jade.
"Jade?"
"I'm still mad at you," she says.
"Okay?"
"But I don't want you leaving Hollywood Arts," Jade continues.
"Good."
Jade steps inside and Tori closes the door.
"And since you asked me out, you're paying," Jade says.
"Uh…"
"What? You don't want to go out on a date anymore?"
"Maybe my brain needs a moment to catch up to this whirl wind conversation," Tori retorts.
"Whatever," Jade says as she sits on the couch and grabs the remote. "You have any coffee? I finished mine on the way here."
"In the kitchen," Tori replies, snatching the remote from Jade. "Feel free to make some."
Jade smirks. "So where are we going tonight?"
"You'll just have to wait and see," Tori says as Jade walks to the kitchen.
Sitting on the couch, Tori watches her make a pot of coffee as she finishes her cereal. Once it's done brewing, Jade returns with a large mug full and sinks onto the couch next to Tori.
"So what are we watching?"
…
It's nearly noon when Trina tromps down the stairs looking for something to eat. The TV is on, so she assumes Tori's around, though she doesn't see her. Singing quietly to herself, she makes her way to the kitchen, where she's surprised to find a half full pot of coffee. With her parents gone for weekend, it's unexpected since neither her or Tori drink coffee on a regular basis.
Figuring Tori felt the need for a boost or two of caffeine, Trina heads to the fridge. She rummages around a bit and eventually finds some leftover Curry. She grabs the container and a fork out of the drawer and heads towards the couch.
Only to drop both on the floor with a gasp.
There stretched out on the couch are Tori and Jade. And they're making out. Actually, judging from way Jade's hands appear to be moving, they're doing more than just making out.
The clamor of the fork hitting the floor draws their attention and both look at Trina like a deer caught in headlights.
"Oh. My. God."
Jade groans.
"Trina, I can ex--"
"On the couch, Tori?" Trina asks. "Really? Get a room. I don't need to see that so early in the morning."
"It's 12:10," Jade points out.
"Plus what if mom or dad walked in?" Trina continues.
"They're not due back until tomorrow night," Tori replies.
"Whatever. I want to watch TV, so if you guys are just going to make out all day, do it somewhere else." Trina bends down and picks up the fork and the surprisingly still intact Curry.
Tori sighs. "Let's go." She stands and pulls Jade with her. "We'll go to my room."
"Why Tori Vega, we haven't even gone on a date yet," Jade says as Tori drags her towards the stairs. "What type of gal do you take me for?"
"Quiet West," Tori replies as they reach the stairs. "Unless you want to stay here and talk to my sister."
"I'd rather have Sinjin stare at me all day," Jade retorts.
"Serioiusly?"
"Never mind," Jade replies. "Lead the way."
Once the pair have gone upstairs, Trina lets a smile spread across her face. Though she'd never say it, she'd been worried about Tori after she'd confessed her past with Jade; even more so when she heard about Jade and Beck breaking up. Thankfully, it all seems to have worked out.
Hearing Tori's bedroom door slam shut, Trina wonders what her parents will think of this development. Oh well, something to look forward to, in her opinion.