You don't know how long I've wanted to write something Jori for this song. Don't ask me why but I just did. So, this is what I came up with. It hit me today and I took all day to type it out. I had to work fast before I lost my train of thought but I did it. Enjoy!

I arrived home after school with my new best friend, Cat Valentine. We had a project to do together for the new school I had just joined, Hollywood Arts. It had always been my dream to sing and maybe act on the side. This school would proudly get me there. Cat and I hit it off pretty well and became fast friends the first day I was there. I met other people who I swiftly integrated with. The classes were awesome and the teachers sometimes questionable, but I liked it. Of course, it wasn't all learning. It was almost like any other high school, drama and all. Currently I was trying to befriend Cat's other best friend, Jade. She seemed to get along well with her despite Jade's rough exterior. I could see that Cat sometimes annoyed her but she was remarkably patient with her, unlike with me. She was always sure to knock me down verbally any chance she got, trick me, taunt me, and above all just hate my guts no matter how hard I tried to change that.

It sucked but I always was someone who kept trying harder and Cat was always encouraging me along the way. She wanted to see our group of friends united and that wouldn't be possible if there as a glaring tear between two of the total six of us, so I just kept trying. Needless to say it didn't really work. Besides some small but meaningful, at least to me, moments between us, Jade was as distant as ever. I sighed at the knowledge that she might never accept me like she had the others. I entered my room with Cat right behind me and took a seat on my bed. Cat set her stuff aside, kicked off her shoes, and then jumped on the bed next to me. I ignored her in favor of checking The Slap on my phone. I scrolled down to stop at a video Cat put up with what she commented was the help of her brother. I reread the description she put for the video and then looked over at her.

"Cat, I didn't know you had a brother! Some friend I am," I grumbled, angry at myself for not knowing something like that. Cat stopped her bouncing to give me a puzzled expression. Her eyes lit up again before I could question her.

"Oh, yeah, he doesn't want people to know he's my brother so I don't tell anyone we're related," she informed me with a carefree smile.

"But Cat, you just did," I responded, pointing at the screen for emphasis. She froze, her expression in shock.

"Oh darn! Please don't tell him, Tori!" she pleaded, falling next to me to grab my shoulders and shake me. I pulled her off.

"Cat, calm down. I don't even know him. Plus, I wouldn't tell on you," I replied evenly. She cheered and thanked me before hopping off the bed to get her bag.

"So should we start?" she questioned me. I nodded and found my backpack to pull out what we would need. This might just be a long night.

BFB

I sat at the lunch table with Cat babbling endlessly next to me. I listened to everything she had to say but I never heard her say anything about her brother. I still felt bad I didn't know but it seemed that Cat had been purposely avoiding him just as he asked. I wondered why he wouldn't want to be known as Cat's brother when I was ripped out of my thoughts. I had been accosted by a plastic knife. It hit me directly in the forehead and I yelped, more out of shock than pain.

"Hey! That could have easily been my eye!" I exclaimed, rubbing the spot where the point hit my skin. I glared at the one person I knew was responsible.

"What? You were staring and your eyes glazed over like a corpse right after death so I thought I'd return you to the living," Jade commented with her usual smirk. I rolled my eyes, used to that kind of behavior from her.

"I was trying to think," I responded, slightly irritated but I didn't show it. If Jade knew she got a rise out of me she would most likely continue. I hoped she wouldn't, but that was a very small hope.

"Then make sure you don't look brain dead doing it or I can't be blamed when I think you aren't really capable of thinking at all," she retorted. I held back my own retort and crossed my arms. By now everyone was over and past the fact that we had little disputes throughout the day. Only when Jade began crossing the line with her comments did anyone cut in. That was usually Beck's job since he knew her more than anyone. They might be exes now but he was still there for her as a friend, which was why she sometimes didn't listen to him. Andre would try to intervene but backed off the moment Jade turned on him. Robbie wisely stayed clear and Cat strangely had the most influence on her. She would whine and plead for Jade to be nice to me and she would complain that it wasn't possible and Cat would keep going until Jade finally gave in. It was weird seeing someone like Cat with the power to make someone like Jade listen. I would have thought Beck would be able to do that. I didn't care who did it honestly, as long as I escaped Jade's fury. I really needed to come up with a better plan to befriend her.

BFB

Things began falling into a routine the more into the year we went. Cat and I had finished our project and presented it with flying colors. We moved on in the lesson for that class and then came another project that managed to change everything. I was partnered with none other than Jade. I didn't know if I should be scared or happy that I was practically handed another opportunity to befriend her. I chose to pick the more positive outlook. Jade wasn't too happy but she got over it the longer we worked together. I often dragged Cat along as mediator and for moral support since she took rides with Jade after school unless she was going to hang out with me. Cat often kept us from tearing each other apart, and during days when she couldn't be there, we toughed it out the best we could or Jade would remove herself in a flurry of boots and flashing scissors when she had had enough of me. Things only got weirder when I was sent a message on The Slap from someone I didn't know. I was sitting at my desk with my laptop open when the message showed up. I peered at the name and tried to remember if I had seen it before.

"Who's Not Really Psychotic, and why are they messaging me?" I wondered as I opened the page that would allow me to read what they had sent. I almost didn't believe what I read so I reread it again.

NotRea11yPsychotic: You're Cat's friend, Tori Vega, right? You may or may not have heard of me. I'm Cat's brother. I've been out of state for some time and was wondering if I could follow you and hope you follow me back. I know the rest of the gang and sometimes talk to them too but I wanted to know who this Tori Vega person is that my sister always talks about. I'll be waiting for a reply.

I debated answering the message. So this was Cat's brother who didn't like to be talked about yet he was messaging me. I couldn't help but think that it was the perfect time to unravel the mystery that was Cat's brother. It was a small price to pay, allowing him to know who I was in return. I decided to follow him, and a moment later, I received a follow from him too. I really hoped I hadn't gotten myself into something I couldn't get out of. I often had the bad habit of doing that. No matter how good my intentions had been I just always seemed to find trouble. I picked up my phone and texted Cat, hoping she could clear things up for me.

Hey Cat, your brother just messaged me on The Slap. How weird is that? He wanted to know who you've been hanging out with. Does it weird you out that he practically has tabs on you?

I sent the text, hoping I didn't offend her somehow. I received a replay a minute later.

My brother messaged you? I guess he changed his mind about wanting to get to know you. Sorry if it seems weird, but that's my brother. He knows the rest of the group too so don't worry.

I didn't exactly worry, but I still felt like the situation was pretty weird. Cat didn't seem to mind though so I tried not to either. Cat's brother seemed like an okay guy. He was only trying to keep an eye out for his sister, after all. I shrugged and logged off. The group never really talked about him and Cat didn't either. I wanted to bring this up to them, but what if they were asked not to say anything? He did seem like a pretty private person and Cat did say he didn't want her to talk about him. Suddenly, I was really curious to know who he was. I didn't know why, but I guess curiosity was one trait I had no control over. When it hit, it hit, and I couldn't do anything about it. I lifted my phone to text Cat back.

Does it bother you?

Does what bother me?

That your brother does that.

He does it because he cares.

I know but it seems odd that he wants to know everyone but he doesn't want anyone to know him.

He likes his privacy.

Ok, I guess I can understand that.

Tori, I don't want to say anything he won't like, but I want you to know that anything he does is to take care of me.

I respect that.

I know. He's been through a lot though and I just hope you won't think he's too weird once you get to know him.

Who said I wanted to get to know him?

Hehe, you've asked about him a lot. Like, all the time. I know how curious you get.

Yeah, well…I can't help it!

Just to let you know, he's a year older than me and asks a lot about you too.

What's that supposed to mean?

Hey, that's my line!

Haha, ok Cat. So I have your permission to question him to death?

Yeah. He's asking for it anyway.

Ok then, see you at school. I have work to do.

School work or brother investigation work? :)

School work of course…then brother investigating work :{)

Ok then, have fun! ;)

I shook my head and put my phone aside to get my homework. I couldn't ignore that I was actually looking forward to talking to Cat's elusive brother. I loved when something was solved and even more when I was the one to do it.

BFB

It was Saturday, the weekend, and I was looking forward to lounging around the house now that my plans had changed. Cat had said she would come over later for movie night and a sleepover so we could do the Funny Nugget show again, but she had to cancel when she remembered she had a paper due. Actually, Jade was the one to remind her. I detected a small hint of something in Jade's voice when she began lecturing Cat on the importance of school work, but I wrote it off, having seen Jade complain about one thing or another before. I still admired that close friendship the two had. Jade often times took care of Cat but it seemed the others didn't see it as much as I did. Or, maybe they just didn't care to bring any attention to it as much as I did. I always shrugged it off, especially when I asked Cat who explained that they had known each other since they were really little and saw each other as sisters. So, here I was, alone on a Saturday. I crammed another chip in my mouth and then changed the channel again, unintentionally landing on the horror network. I flinched and quickly changed the channel again before I saw anything that would haunt me in my sleep. I sighed in relief and then lifted the remote to press it again when my phone let out a tune that told me I had a notification. I picked it up and opened The Slap to see NotRea11yPsychotic had messaged me again. I smiled and put all my attention on the message. The time had finally come to start a game of twenty questions. I opened it and began to read.

Hey.

Hello.

I've been thinking...

Of what?

You.

I was caught off guard by that, but it didn't slow me down.

Ah, I see. Anything good?

Possibly. It's come to my attention that Cat talks about you far more than any of her friends so it stands to reason I should see what makes you so interesting, don't you think?

To me he sounded slightly interested yet irritated so I set out to remedy any shortcomings he might have about me as well as keep him interested.

Cat and I are good friends. We met the first day I went to Hollywood Arts and have been friends ever since. Besides her other friend, we usually hang out often.

I waited for his reply, watching the little bar that told me he was currently typing out his next response.

So, you're her age, right?

Yes.

Any similarities?

We both like music.

Do you share any of her classes?

Just one, but we all hang out as a group at lunch so I see her there too.

What do you think of the rest of the group?

I think they're well-rounded people.

I agree with you except for one.

Who?

That girl, Jade, that Cat also talks about a lot.

Oh, I think Jade isn't all that bad. She seems to really care for Cat.

That's what Cat tells me, but I still don't trust her. I met her a grand total of once. She's a gank.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Don't act like you like her. Not many do. Or so I heard.

No, you're right, but I think she still deserves a chance to be treated fairly like everyone else.

If you say so.

I do.

Well, I've been away for so long pursuing my dream of being in a band that I missed so much of Cat's life. I just want you to know that I'll be checking in regularly to make sure she's being treated right.

I'm sure you will.

Glad we've come to an understanding.

He had logged off shortly after that last message so I logged off too and set aside my phone. That was incredibly weird but made me even more curious. I had just learned more about Cat's brother. I immediately began to wonder if the others knew this piece of news or not. I was an advocate of privacy and treating people the way I wanted to be treated so I decided to keep everything I knew and would learn about Cat's brother to myself. I was sure he kept tabs on the others too, and that they were doing the same, respecting privacy and staying quiet. I shrugged and turned back to the TV. Things were getting interesting.

BFB

Talking with Cat's brother about Cat and how she was doing was the main focus when the strange back and forth conversations started, but slowly I came to realize I knew things about him only Cat would know. We started talking about ourselves at some point along the way. Cat only encouraged me when I asked her if that was too weird or not. She told me her brother seemed happy to finally have someone he could relate to, especially since he was traveling so much and hadn't had time to socialize beyond his band mates. I noticed Cat would often hesitate when I brought up her brother's long trip or certain things about him, but she quickly smoothed out her features. Maybe she missed him far more than she was letting on? Should I be reminding her of his absence? Cat and her brother sounded closer than me and my own sister. Cat always told me she wasn't sad to talk about him so I kept forging ahead. She would never tell me personal things about him, but then he would. I could never get him to tell me his name but he did impart on me how he looked. He had black hair and green eyes. He was six foot three and a punk rocker in a band. He played the drums. Wow, I still couldn't get over that he was actually in a band.

They weren't big, but that was almost my dream. I wanted to be a singer, and here he was, living a similar dream. I questioned him about the lifestyle all the time. He said it was great but he missed home and his sister. I told him that I felt Cat missed him too. The conversation would quickly go back to trading information. I told myself not to bring that up again. He seemed to close off when I did. Days passed and I was increasing my knowledge on Cat's brother as he was doing for me. It was a fair exchange and one that weighed on my mind constantly. What was I doing? Why did I want to know what kind of person he was? It wasn't like I would ever meet him any time soon. Or, I hope I didn't because I was sure I would be my old dorky self, as Jade put it, and chase away another guy. I did have bad luck in that department but she didn't have to point it out so bluntly. She had upped her mean streak the day I accidentally let slip that I was talking to Cat's brother. We had gotten in another fight and Jade claimed I probably couldn't even get along with anyone of the opposite sex. That's when I blurted it out.

She asked me why I was talking to him almost immediately but I told her it was none of her business. She had this frustrated look in her eyes before stomping off. I still didn't know what her problem was that day. I had talked to Cat's brother for almost three months now. We were pretty comfortable with each other and Cat never seemed to mind. She just smiled happily and became extra hyper until Jade all but yelled at her to knock it off. It was beyond weird when Cat didn't listen, and instead, beamed directly at Jade who just rolled her eyes. Talking to Cat's mysterious brother had unintentionally changed a lot in my life, but I wouldn't have changed it back. It might be weird, and creepy, Trina said when I told her the day she asked who I kept talking to, but for once I felt I could connect with someone so I ignored her. I also ignored the glaring thought in my head that told me I might actually like him and wanted to meet him in person, but again, that wasn't possible. I sighed in disappointment but perked up when my phone announced another message from him. I smiled and picked it up, looking forward to another conversation.

BFB

I was on The Slap once again, laying on my bed late at night with my laptop on my lap. As always I was talking to Cat's brother. I smiled at his latest message after sending him a clip of a cover I did. We had started talking about our love for music once more and it led to him asking about my singing. I told him I would send him something and he could judge for himself.

Has anyone ever told you that you have a beautiful voice?

I blushed at that and thanked god I wasn't talking to him face to face for once. I quickly typed out a reply so he wouldn't know just a simple comment affected me so much.

No, you're the first.

Well, you should be hearing that more often because you really do have a beautiful voice.

Thank you :{)

Ha, I like that you use that dorky smiley face.

Unlike when Jade called me a dork, getting it from him made the comment sound endearing instead of negative.

What? With the mustache? It's my personal touch.

I know. I like it.

So…

So?

Are you ever going to tell me your name?

Are you ever going to send me a proper picture of you I can stare at to my heart's content?

You sap.

Yes I am and I embrace it when it comes to you. You make me an utter softy, and I can't stand it sometimes, but you like it so that's all that matters.

Aww :{)

Yeah, let's move on.

Ok.

I wanted to tease him a little more, but decided to let it go and move on as asked.

So the picture…

Oh, right, you'll get that when you give me a name. Until then, be happy with the ones on the site.

But I want one of just you. All the ones on the site are ones of you and someone else or in a group.

And I want your name so I guess we are at an impasse.

I guess we are.

I forgot how stubborn you are.

And I really did. When we talked I tended to forget just how much of a character he was. He could be kind and sweet, or defensive and stern. He had so many angles and he knew how to translate them through words with ease.

That's because you're too caught up in me ;{)

Hey! That's my mustache smiley!

Yep, and I just took it. What are you gonna do about it?

I can't really do anything…

Exactly.

I rolled my eyes but kept typing. Verbal tiffs with him were fun, but this time I was serious.

What about meeting you? You'll come home soon, won't you? Cat doesn't ever say if she misses you, but I still think she does. Very much.

I'll be home soon. I just have a few gigs to finish up with and make some plans.

I still think you shouldn't tell Cat when you'll be home so you can surprise her. She likes surprises. Maybe I could help out?

We had brought up a possible surprise 'Welcome Home' party for both Cat and him, but he didn't like the idea. He claimed he didn't like parties at all, but I was still trying to convince him otherwise.

You and helping. What is it with that? I would think that's the only reason, but we both know you just want to meet me sooner than everyone else so you can have me to yourself ;)

What? No! Of course not…

Are you sure?

…Maybe.

Haha, see, I knew it. It's okay. I know I'm irresistible.

Sure you are. I mean, it can't possibly be your looks because I haven't seen you. Your page has no trace of you. Just a bunch of pictures of Cat and music equipment.

I do love music and my baby sister.

But what about pictures of you?

I don't like pictures.

How about one?

Just one?

Yes, just one.

How about a picture of a piece of me?

I raised a brow and stared at the words he sent. What the heck was he talking about?

A piece of you? Like what, a hand or foot?

Um, no, you weirdo. I was thinking of my tattoo.

Well, I knew he had piercings, but tattoos too?

You have a tattoo?

Yes, a few.

…Where?

Wouldn't you like to know? ;)

I kinda do…

I was a little embarrassed to have admitted to that, but his reply negated it.

Ok, I'll send it to you.

Ok…

I had to admit I was flustered by this point. He always seemed to get to me so easily. I couldn't keep my head out of the gutter either. That was particularly frustrating. The longer I spent with him the more I fell for him, and there was no turning back. We really did click, and all I wanted to do now was meet him face to face. To get him alone and-wait, no. I can't think of that. It didn't help that his flirting made me feel flattered and wanting to hear it for real. I bet he had an alluring voice. I smiled like an idiot, like I often did when it came to him. It gave me away almost every time, according to Cat. She liked to tease me when she saw the expressions I made while talking to him. She never missed a chance to laugh at me when I scrambled to answer a message from him on my phone. She teased that I liked him but I didn't want to admit it to her. He was my best friend's brother after all.

That would be weird if we, like, ended up together…even though that was all I wanted right now. It was killing me. I waited a little longer, buried in my thoughts, when I received the message. My hands unintentionally shook when I slid my finger over the mouse pad and clicked the button that would download the picture. I waited with bated breath for it to load and then gasped when I finally saw it. The picture was vivid and slightly gory. It depicted an anatomical heart with an outline of something piercing the heart, but it wasn't all the way inked in yet. Despite that, the blood and detail was still astounding so far. It was inked into pale skin, and just by the slight slope near the left side I guessed it was in a normally covered place. That or my mind was just in the gutter again. It didn't really show much of anything else, so naturally, my imagination took over. I saved the picture and then returned to the page just in time to get another message.

Wicked, right? I know someone who gives me discounts for a great ink any time I want it. This one isn't done so I'll be returning to get it finished. I'll show you when it's done though.

It is wicked. I'd like to see the finished result.

Can do. I have to go now. Maybe I'll take you up on that surprise crap you were talking about for Cat. She deserves it for being such a trooper through all this.

She does. She's a good friend.

Glad to hear. I'm happy she has someone like you, and because of that, I'm also happy to have met you.

You know, technically we haven't met yet.

I'll have to fix that.

Please do.

I will.

Good, can't wait ;)

Such a flirt.

I never failed to blush when he called me that. I also never failed to shoot it right back at him which always started a small bantering challenge between us.

Look who's talking.

You aren't complaining.

Neither are you.

Nope, just admiring what I can.

Maybe if someone gave me a name I could slip them a picture?

Jeremiah

I paused, wondering if he was messing with me again.

Seriously?

Pfft, no.

Of course. It was time to try force.

Tell me!

Good night, Victoria.

No, tell me your name!

I waited five minutes before sighing and just giving in once again. I wasn't giving up completely just yet though.

Ok fine. Good night.

Get a good sleep.

Sure.

Don't pout. I'll hopefully be seeing you soon.

That made me do a double take in surprise. What did that mean? How soon would that be?

What?

…

What do you mean by that?

…

Hey!

…

Well fine then! Good night. Message me when you can…

Will do.

I sighed and rolled my eyes. He was almost as stubborn and frustrating as Jade sometimes, but everyone had their flaws I guess. I logged out and shut down my computer. I set my laptop on my desk and then fell into bed. He might act like Jade, but why did I still like him the way I did? I groaned and rolled over, hoping sleep would come quick and I didn't have any dreams about him again.

BFB

Almost another month passed by and school was close to over. That was good, because Jade was driving me nuts. She was constantly on my case about something or other, and when Cat stuck up for her every time, it just about made me lose my mind. The solution, avoid Jade as much as possible. I hung out with the others and kept Jade at a respectably far distance. The only time we ever had to come into contact was when we had to share Cat. It never went well for me when Jade dragged Cat away before either of us could stop her. I asked Cat what that was about but she had only said that Jade just needed to speak with her privately. I accepted the answer but was still irritated with the aloof goth. What Cat saw in her, I would never know. Maybe it was the fact that Jade treated Cat differently, kindly. While others had to endure her wrath, Cat seemed to be able to calm her when no one else could. I seemed to do the opposite. After a particularly nasty fight with Jade, which Cat broke up and had to remove Jade, I was left to stomp out of school. It was the end of the day anyway and all I wanted to do was go home and relax. Almost like he knew, Cat's brother messaged me to ask how I was doing.

I allowed him to calm me and then we went on to comforting small talk. But that was the last I heard of him for a week. I managed to message him once a day when I really wanted to message him three to seven times a day. I wanted to know what was up, what was happening, but he never answered back. It figured, the one time I found a guy I could actually see myself with and he disappeared. I had the worst luck. The good news was talking to him had sparked something in me I hadn't felt in a while. I had an idea for a song. I wanted to flesh it out as soon as possible and there was only one guy who could help me. I asked Andre for help and he accepted happily. I invited him over one day after school and we joined minds to try and make a rough draft of the song. It was a good way to stay occupied but my mind was still on Cat's brother, unfortunately, because the song was about him. I just couldn't get him out of my mind. I suspected Andre caught on but he didn't bring anything up about it, which I was grateful for. After he went home I was alone with my thoughts again. I was on my way back across my room for the hundredth time when my phone made the familiar sound I had been waiting for. I rushed over and opened the message.

I ran into some trouble, but it's all good now. Sorry we haven't been able to talk much but I have good news.

Just knowing that he was alright made me relieved and a little angry with him so words came to me without any thought to how I sounded.

It better be good news after what you put me through.

Aww, did you miss me?

Did I miss him? Yes, I did, and I wasn't afraid to tell him.

Yes.

Good, because I missed you too. Look, I've been doing some heavy thinking and I made a decision. I wanted to meet you so I came home.

I was happy to see he had missed me too but stunned that he was actually back home, right now, at Cat's house. I stopped myself from running over there at that moment and instead answered.

You mean, you're there now?

Yes, that's what I said.

Oh my gosh. I think I'm having a heart attack. I took a few deep breaths to calm down and then replied.

Cat isn't there, is she?

Yes, but I snuck into the window of my room so she didn't see me. My room stays locked when I'm not home so I think I'll just camp out here until we come up with a sufficient surprise for her.

You remembered :)

What, no mustache this time?

I'm touched. You're a good brother, you know that?

So I've been told. How could you think I would forget something like that anyway? I'd do anything for Kit-Kat.

Aww, you have a nickname for her?

Of course.

I smiled at my phone, feeling even more for my friend's brother.

Anyway, I got word that our parents will be out for the weekend. I think you should set up a party and then I'll crash it, at the same time, surprising Cat that I'm home.

You just want to crash a party. Shame on you.

What can I say? I'm a rebel and party crashing is fun.

I shook my head and laughed before typing up a reply.

Ok then. I can gather some helpers and get to that. Which day?

Saturday.

And where will you be?

Hiding, of course. Where else would I be?

You aren't going to help? I see how it is :(

Oh no, a frowny face. What will I do now?

You're so mean.

Ugh, you just want to see me early.

Yeah, I do.

See! I'm going to stay undercover. I'm sure you'll be fine.

You owe me.

What do I owe you?

What? You're serious?

Yes. What do I owe you?

I pondered this for a few seconds and then blushed when I knew exactly what I wanted.

A kiss.

A kiss? No problem. You'll get it as soon as I arrive.

I blushed harder and closed my eyes to remain calm. I didn't know how long that lasted, but it must have been long because I received another message.

Hey, you still there? You didn't die of excitement did you?

No…

Good, because I want that kiss as much as you do. I think we've waited long enough, don't you think?

Yes, I think we have.

See you then, Tori. I can't wait ;{)

I giggled and clutched my phone to my chest, utter joy making me feel like I was soaring.

See you.

I logged off and laid down with a big smile on my face. This time I went to bed and embraced the dreams I knew I would have about a certain someone's brother.

This will be a two part so it's not over yet. Keep your eyes open for more and leave a nice review while you wait. ;)