Disclaimer: Know what I don't own? Take a guess... that's right! I don't own Victorious! Here's a cookie.

You know that feeling you get sometimes when you're about to fall asleep, and then you feel like you literally fall OUT of sleep? I get that feeling often. I actually like it quite a lot. It's like your body's built in reality check. You're losing touch on the physical world and are about to be consumed into this surreal world with no rules or boundaries, and the scary part is that your brain believes it. But then, like a burst of salvation, your stomach feels a sensation similar to whip-lash and you're jerked awake, roughly placed back into reality. Not that I don't like sleeping, I do. I just find it nice because my mind isn't in reality all that often anyway.

Like these feelings for Tori, for example. I don't know what my brain is thinking. It isn't realistic at all. I want to be with her, but it will never happen. Why can't I be completely happy with friendship? And I am happy. I'm grateful that she gives me anything at all. I just wish my stomach would catch and I'd start falling. Falling away from these feelings of attraction, and falling back into reality. That would be much better than feeling like all the colour has been drained from my world in these moments. I hate myself for feeling this way. At one time, though, I didn't mind it.

I remember the first time I saw Tori Vega. It was at the showcase. This wasn't some silly, "love at first sight" kind of deal. I remember thinking she was pretty and talented, and I wondered if she was nice as well. In fact, I was so worried about whether she was nice or not that when I first met her face to face, I think I freaked her out a little. I was a little… overwhelming, as usual, when asking what she meant when she said my name was like a cat. Then I determined she was nice when she said she liked cats and, now satisfied, I walked away. Now that I think about it, that was pretty weird and random of me. But I don't think about how awkward I am at the time, as everything seems normal to me until people tell me otherwise. Just like my feelings.

Despite my wackiness, Tori and I became fast friends. We helped each other out in sticky situations (sometimes literally, like with the zombie make-up), and I found myself getting closer with the brunette. Then we were at that fancy restaurant with the expensive fish eggs, and Tori was singing a romantic song, in a romantic setting… she grabbed my arm, looked deep into my eyes… and that was it. I was captivated.

Like I said, I found nothing wrong with it at the time. So, I got a little flirty with her. Started staring at her more often. I noticed how much I liked her skin, her eyes, her lips… I don't think she noticed, but Jade did. I remember how that conversation went.

"Do you think there's any gluten in this burrito shell?" Robbie asked, looking at his half eaten burrito at the lunch table.

"I don't think corn-based bread products have gluten." Tori reasoned.

"Yeah, but it's a soft shell." Robbie looked worried.

"Well then it has flour. Flour things usually have gluten." Beck theorized. Suddenly there was a rumble erupting from Robbie's stomach. Robbie went pale.

"Uh oh, the boy's about to explode!" Rex stated.

"Bathroom. Bathroom!" Robbie shrieked as he ran from the table, Rex cackling the whole way.

"What a nub." Jade grumbled. Beck elbowed her disapprovingly.

"Poor guy. Should somebody check if he'll be okay?" Tori asked.

"Nah, dude'll be fine. Hey Tori, want to go work on our civil war scene for history?" Andre asked. Even our non-art classes included art. I love this school.

"Ugh, do we have to?" Tori whined.

"It is due tomorrow." Andre played the guilt card.

"Fine." Tori sighed. "See you guys later!" She started to leave with Andre.

"Bye Tori!" I said in a sing-song voice, twirling my hair and batting my eyelashes. She gave me an awkward smile and wave as she walked away. I watched her the whole way.

"Cat." I barely hear Jades voice. I ignore it. I'm watching Tori.

"Hey, Cat."

Her brown curls just sway in the wind. She's like a model. I wish she'd turn around and give me one more smile…

"Cat. Cat. Cat!"

I really like those jeans on Tori. They really define her-

"CAT!"

I finally turn to look at the source of the loud, angry voice.

"Oh, hi Jade!" I giggled. She blinks at me for a second before starting her point.

"So, you have feelings for Vega." She stated dryly. Beck nearly does a spit take with his water.

"Babe, why the upfront-ness?" Beck asked.

"Why beat around the bush? It's obvious that Cat's crushing hard." Jade shrugged. "Aren't you?"

I give a shy smile. "Well, yeah… I mean, she's really nice, and pretty, and smart, and talented-"

"Yeah, yeah, sure." Jade cut me off. "Look, Cat, even though you're really annoying and obviously delusional-"

"Seriously, why the brutal honesty?" Beck jumped in.

"-you're also so sickeningly innocent that I can't stand to see you get hurt, so as your friend, I feel it my obligation to tell you to forget whatever you're feeling for Vega." Jade finished. I cock my head in confusion.

"But why?"

"Well, besides the fact that she's stupid and completely enraging most of the time," Jade explained while Beck raises his eyebrows, "I'm pretty sure she's into guys. Just guys."

"Well why not girls, too? Can't everyone love everybody?" I asked. Jade slaps on a big fake smile and pats my hand pityingly.

"Sweetie, if the world worked that way then no girl would ever date a guy, ever."

"Hey!" Beck protested. Jade gave him a peck on the lips to appease him. I turn to Beck.

"Is that true? Will Tori only ever date guys?" I pouted.

"I'm pretty sure." Beck answered with compassion in his voice.

"HOW WOULD YOU KNOW?" Jade snapped. Beck held his hands up in defense. She took a deep breath and continued. "Listen. Not only do some girls not date other girls, but some get kind of creeped out when they're approached romantically by another girl. You get what I'm saying?"

I stare at her for a moment. "No."

Jade sighs, "I'm saying, that if you were to make your feelings known to Vega, she might get scared off. And then you wouldn't be friends anymore. Heck, she might never even talk to you again. Do you want that to happen?" Jade asked.

"No, definitely not!" I gasped.

"Great. Then it's settled that since there's no way in hell that Vega would return your feelings anyway,"

"Jade…" Beck warned.

"Then there's absolutely no reason for you to tell her. That way you won't jeopardize your friendship. So just get over her already." Jade started casually sipping her drink while Beck glared at her.

"Kay, kay…" I mumbled, and silently picked at my food for the rest of lunch.

Although part of me knew deep down that Jade in her own Jade way was being genuine with what she said, I needed a second opinion. That night at the dinner table, I brought the idea up to my parents. My brother was making a mashed potato fort and my parents were talking about work.

"So then my boss gave the promotion to a guy who does hardly any work." My dad ranted.

"Well that's not fair, honey." My mom sympathized.

"I know. I'm the one who gets my paper work in on time. I'm the one who comes in everyday at 9am sharp and fetches my boss his specialty coffee. I'm the one who-"

"What do you guys think about people of the same gender dating?" I pipe in. Everyone stops what they're doing (except my brother) and stares at me. My mom looks like she's trying to figure out what she's about to say carefully.

"Well, Cat, I know there's a fair amount of people in the world these days that think that something like that is okay, but in this family we think it's unacceptable." She explained. My dad nodded.

"But what about my uncles?" I frowned. My dad goes red in the face.

"I was worried that they would influence you." He fumed.

"Honey, we try to tolerate what your uncle and… uncle do. But at the end of the day, what they do is unnatural and we cannot condone it." My mother said plainly.

"Don't get any ideas from them. Just do what's natural." My dad said.

"Yes, don't get pressured into thinking dating… girls is okay. Only be with boys. I want to have grandkids one day." My mother sighed.

"Whoa, whoa. Let's not be too hasty, here. Not many boys are good enough for my Cat, either!" My dad jumped in.

"But, is it really wrong to like someone of the same gender? I mean, if that's the way you feel, and it feels right, you're not hurting anyone, are you? What's the problem?" I argued. My mom is slack-jawed and my dad just gives me a hard stare.

"Cat, you talk too much." My dad stated.

"Let's just say that if you told us you were… 'gay'… we would be very disappointed in your decision." My mom huffed. I look down at my hands on my lap.

"Don't worry, mom and dad. I'm as straight as straight can be. No problem here." I mumbled.

"Good, glad that's settled then." My dad smiled and returns to his food.

"Any more baby carrots?" My mom asked, turning away from me.

And so I had my answer. My feelings were wrong. My feelings would get me in trouble with my parents and with Tori. So I shoved them down. In fact, I shoved them so far down that I decided the next guy I met who showed any interest in me, I would date. That guy happened to be Daniel, who happened to be Tori's ex-boyfriend. Just my luck. Tori sprayed hot cheese on me, kissed him while I was dating him, dragged me across the school floor to cat-nap me (heehee), and I punched her in the face. I thought maybe that would be enough for me to get over my feelings for her. But, it didn't. In fact, I'm pretty sure it just made us closer friends in the end. It made me so frustrated I wanted to rip my red velvet hair out. I still do. I dumped Danny because it was too weird to date my best friend/crush's ex. I did try to pursue other romantic relationships, but they were all attempts to try and mask my feelings for Tori, or try to get over her. I even tried to set her up with someone who was considered the cutest guy in school. Nothing worked. Nothing ever works.

So here I am. Once again. Feeling lost and I can't let it go.

Sudden something hooks around my stomach, and I'm falling.

I wake up with a jolt. I'm still curled up on my bed with the covers amassed around me. I must've fallen asleep. I look at the clock and… oh, no. It's 10:30pm. Now I'm going to stay up until, like, 3am and my sleeping schedule is going to be seriously messed up. Like my brother. Oh well, I feel better now that I've cried everything out for tonight. Where's my phone?

PHONE! Oh, I found it under the covers. I unlock the screen and see that I have a text from Tori. Despite the distress my feelings for her causes me, I really do like hearing from her anyway. She's really fun, and I couldn't ask for a better best friend. So, I smile when I open the text.

Hey Cat! I know I usually work with Andre on music, but singing with you tonight in the car really inspired me. We sound great together! Remember Best Friend's Brother and L.A. Boyz? Those two songs are probably my favourite duets, so… We should sing together more often. Maybe we can work on a song together this week? I think it'd be really fun! Let me know!

I grin at the proposition. I love singing with Tori, too. Jade's great to sing with as well, because her voice is amazing (despite her scariness), but it can't match the energy me and Tori amass when we belt a chorus. I turn my phone to the side and begin to answer.

That sounds like so much fun! I'm not free this weekend because we have to visit my brother on his "special vacation". At least, he thinks it's a vacation. It's actually a special facility. And the doctor and nurses all wear Hawaiian shirts to help trick him while he's there to keep him calm. It doesn't work very well. Anyway, I'm free after school on Monday. Maybe we can get together then?

I add three smiley faces for effect. I almost immediately receive a response.

Sounds great! We can also make cupcakes.

She knows me so well.

Yay! Cupcakes and singing with Tori! I send back.

Haha okay, it's a date. Goodnight, Cat!

Nighty-night, Tori!

Okay, I know I'm probably digging my own grave by agreeing to this. But, it sounds really fun. There will be cupcakes. And Tori seemed so excited for it. I can't let her down because, I don't know, her existence causes me extreme heart-ache. Her existence also causes me great joy, and I really like hanging out with her at the time. It's only when I get home and I'm alone where I-

Okay, okay. I'm really trying hard to justify this. But, oh well. I can only blame myself.

I check the slap and see there's a new tweet from Tori as well.

Found out tonight that I can be a decent commander! Laser tag was incredible! I love my friends. #KatnissandPeeta4ever

Mood: Tired

I feel my cheeks go all hot when I blush. Yeah, Monday night won't be hard at all.

I can't wait.

I'm super tired. We got to the psychiatric hospital to find out my brother had escaped. He ran to the local zoo and got into the monkey cage, somehow. We had to coax him down from a fake tree with a banana. I have to say, my brother is very resourceful. In the short time he had been there, he had all the monkeys under his command. Let's just say, I never thought I'd have a banana in my ear again, but it happened.

Now it's Monday, and I'm in science class. I like science when we're mixing things. It makes me feel like I'm in Harry Potter. But today, we're just talking about scientific theories and I'm bored again. And a little restless. I can't stop thinking about writing that song with Tori tonight. And cupcakes. I think I'm starting to drool again. I need to stop drooling in class.

That's when I feel the light buzzing of my phone. Glancing at the teacher to make sure he's not looking, I grab my phone and check the message. I read Derek. Who's Derek?

Hey, sharp shooter! You might not remember me, but I'm the guy you outmatched in laser tag Friday night! You really impressed me. So, I was thinking, maybe we could get sushi some time? I know this great place called Nozu. Let me know.

Oh, right. He was that big guy. Well he seems really nice, and he was pretty cute but I'm not really interested. I'm done trying to hide my feelings behind random guys. It's not fair to me or them. I just won't answer and he'll take the hint. Unfortunately, I was still looking at my phone when the teacher noticed me in the midst of making big girl decisions.

"Miss Valentine." He drawls.

"Yes, Mr. Kwai?" I ask innocently.

"It seems to me that you are more interested in your phone than science." He accuses. Uh oh, is he going to dare me to give up my phone, too? That was horrible the first time. "Are you not interested in science?"

"No sir, it's not that. I like science. But all these theories make my brain hurt." I admit. He mulls it over for a minute.

"I'm surprised, Cat. I thought you were the kind of person who theorized all the time." He states. I guess he's right.

"Well, yeah, but like… simple stuff. Like how many licks does it take to get to the centre of a lollipop? And how many jelly beans are in the jar? And how do they get the caramel in the middle?" I ponder. I really hope I'm not drooling. I hear the class giggling at me. "Nothing big like the creation of the universe or the cure for deadly diseases."

"Ah, you're right. Those are simple. And very sweet driven. However, if you really dig deep into science you'll find there are a lot of theories that may interest you that have a lot of scientific following." He explains. "For example, there's a theory that when you have sexual and/or romantic feelings for someone, then you look at that person, a chemical releases in your brain which causes your pupils to dilate." He finishes.

There's an excited murmur amongst the classroom. That really is cute! Science is cute! Mr. Kwai smiles while looking around the room.

"See, now I have your attention. Now, back to a different kind of hormone, there's a few theories about the Human Growth Hormone…"

"Can Tori give you a ride home later? I have a hair salon appointment to get all the banana bits professionally removed from my follicles. And then I have a spa date to remove all the stress from my being." My mom tells me as I'm getting out of the car in front of Tori's house.

"Sure, mom. I'll ask her." I reply.

"Great. Don't stay too late. It's a school night. Bye, honey."

"Bye!" I call after her as she drives away. I take a deep breath. Time to get into character. The best friend character. Just best friend. I walk up to the door and I'm about to knock when the door flies open.

"No one understands me!" Cries Trina as she holds the door open and proceeds to storm out. I stand there wide eyed.

"Hi, Trina!" I greet her happily. She snarls at me.

"Tori your stupid friend is here!" She screams back into the house before continuing to storm off.

"… Bye, Trina!" I say my perky farewell to her retreating form. Tori appears in the doorway.

"Hi, Cat." She sighs.

"Did I do something wrong?" I ask.

"No. Trina is just wrong. Ignore her." She huffs and steps aside, allowing me in.

"Oh, okay." I say, satisfied. I enter and she closes the door. I stand in the middle of the living room and turn to look at her. She seems about as stressed as my mom. Maybe she needs a spa day.

"She's mad because she got another rejection letter from a record company. And a restraining order." She explains solemnly.

"Oh. But she knows she's not very good, right?" I ask.

"Cat! But… no. She doesn't." She sighs.

"That's actually a little sad." I pout.

"Yep. It is." She runs a hand through her hair and shakes it out a little, trying to rub Trina out of her mind. "So, we didn't get much chance to talk today because of all the school projects going on. How are you?"

"I'm great!" I beam.

"How was your weekend with your brother?" She asks. My face falls.

"Full of monkeys and thrown bananas. And other stuff that I wish was fruit." I mumble. She stares at me for a second before shaking her head.

"Do I want to ask?"

"Please don't." I frown.

"Alright, I'll let it stay a mystery." She chuckles, holding up her hands in surrender.

"Thank you." I smile in relief. She bites her lip for a moment before her eyes brighten up.

"So clearly both of us haven't had the best experience with siblings lately. I think this calls for cupcakes!" She exclaims. I squeal with delight.

"I agree with this!" I proclaim and skip off to the kitchen.

"I have the recipe and ingredients for red velvet. How's that sound?" She asks, following me to the kitchen.

"Do you even need to ask?" I gasp, jumping on her with a hug.

"Alright. Down, Cat." She laughs. I release her and I watch her dotingly as she pulls open a cook book. "So it says her to pre-heat the oven at 350, and then-"

She's cut short by me closing the book on her. "We don't need this recipe, silly! I can teach you the recipe my Nona taught me!" I offer.

"Well, alright. Generally I trust your cooking skills." She submits. I give her a big smile as I start grabbing the eggs, flour and buttermilk and throwing it into a bowl.

"Okay, first rule is that you have to be very gentle when mixing. Instead of stirring, fold it over. See? Like this." I demonstrate. "It makes the cupcake much fluffier. You try."

"Um, okay." She says hesitantly. She grabs the rubber spatula from me and starts to plop the batter over.

"More gentle. Like you don't want to hurt it." I explain, placing my hands on her arms and guiding her movements. "That's it. Just like that." I coo. She lets out a nervous giggle and I can feel her breath on the side of my face. If I was not-just-best-friend Cat right now, I would swoon.

"This seems like it takes a lot longer." Tori observes.

"Mhm, but it'll be worth it." I promise her. I slip my hands away from her. "Okay, you keep doing that and I'll add in the other ingredients."

"Kay, kay." She says. I giggle at her use of one of my sayings. I carefully pour in unsalted butter, vanilla extract, sugar, salt and, most importantly, the red food colouring. Tori continues to churn as I observe.

"Remember Derek from laser tag?" I ask.

"Big daddy terminator guy? Yeah." Tori says.

"He texted me today." I blurt out.

"I'm not surprised." She states.

"Why?" I ask, cocking my head at her.

"Well, I mean, it's been like three days. So it's about time for him to ask you out. He was clearly interested." She sighs. "That's what he did, right?"

"Well, yeah…"

"So, are you going to?" She pries.

"I don't think so." I start, but I panic and back pedal. "I mean, I don't know. I haven't decided yet." Yes you have, Cat. You made the big girl decision today.

"Oh, well maybe you should consider it. It might be fun." Tori urges. Not-just-best-friend Cat hurts right about now.

"I'll think about it." Liar pants. "Okay. I think you're done. Let's pour it into the cupcake tins. Gently!" I decide. We spend the next five minutes carefully scraping the red goop into the tins.

"You really take your baked goods seriously." Tori notes.

"Of course. Respect the dessert and it'll respect your taste buds!" I philosophize. Tori lets out a giggle as she places the tin into the oven.

"Okay. Forty minutes until red velvety deliciousness. Why don't we get started on the song?" Tori suggests.

"Kay, kay!" I smile. We make our way over to the piano. She sits down and stares at it, furrowing her brow.

"Uh oh." She sighs.

"What?"

"Andre is much better at sitting down and pumping out a cool melody than I am." Tori groans. I purse my lips in puzzlement.

"But you've written music before. Let's start with a catchy beat. Something happy!" I suggest. Tori thinks for a minute before nodding. She plays around with the keys for a bit and tries out some chords. I wait patiently. Eventually, she lets out a breath.

"I think I got something." She states. She plays a few poppy sounding notes and chords. It sounds good, but it's missing something.

"That's great, Tori!" I praise, sliding in on the bench beside her. "Now what if we add this…" I replay what she did and then put in a few higher notes and finish it with a few quick beats and notes.

"Wow, Cat. I love it! I had no idea you could play piano." Tori exclaimed.

"I'm okay. Not as good as you or Andre. I can only draw inspiration from stuff." I explain.

"Well, it works." Tori says, playing it through again. "Sounds like a chorus to me."

"Yay, chorus!" I giggle. Our musical genius is interrupted by the back door opening. Tori's mom walks in with a bag of groceries in one hand and a bottle of champagne in the other.

"Hi, mom. Was grocery shopping successful?" Tori asks.

"Yep, got everything I needed. Oh, hi Cat." Her mom notices me as she places everything on the table.

"Hello Mrs. Vega!" I greet her politely.

"Did you need the champagne, too? What's the occasion?" Tori asks.

"No occasion. I didn't buy it. Gary gave it to me." Her mom says with a dreamy expression. Tori raises an eyebrow.

"Alright then, mom." Tori concedes.

"Where's Trina?" Her mom asks.

"Read the letters on the table." Tori rolls her eyes. Her mother grimaces as she does so. She grabs the champagne bottle and a glass before starting to head up stairs.

"Well then, guess I'm cracking this open early. Have fun with whatever you two are doing." She says as she disappears up the stairs.

"Thanks, Mrs. Vega."

"Have fun, mom." Tori sighs as she turns back to the piano. "So, back to music?"

I giggle as I begin playing some tunes with her. We get distracted a lot and start playing random stuff, but that would eventually get our brains turning and we'd get back to adding to our song. It was sounding great, and we we're really enjoying ourselves. At some points I couldn't even play because I was giggling too hard. Tori was finishing up a verse when I put my hand on hers.

"You keep going. The cupcakes are almost done so I'm going to quickly mix up some icing. You'll love it." I grin.

"Sounds like a delicious idea." Tori chuckles. I give her a shy smile as I slide out and float to the kitchen. I quickly mix everything together to the sound of Tori's jamming. She really is super talented. I can't believe she ever thought she didn't belong at Hollywood Arts. Finally the creamy vanilla paste is done. I mix in sprinkles just as the timer goes off.

"Cupcakes are done!" I bellow as grab the oven mitts and pull them out in the oven. The look and smell perfect.

"I call putting on the icing!" Tori declares as she joins me in the kitchen.

"Okay. Make sure you don't eat all the icing before you're able to put it on the cupcakes." I warn.

"Is that what you do?" Tori raises an eyebrow. I look down embarrassed.

"Maybe." I flush.

"I'll try to control myself." Tori assures me with a chuckle. We then indulge in the best cupcakes. I beamed so much when Tori first tried it and nearly fell over from the flavour. After pigging out on like, three cupcakes each, we sealed the rest away for later and when back to the song.

"I think that's it." Tori states, marking one last note on the sheets. "For now, anyway. We've got a rough yet impressive song."

"Especially after only about one and a half hours." I smile.

"Well, we make a great team." She nudges me. I blush and giggle. "Now we just need lyrics." She holds the pen to her lips and starts to debate. "What should it be about?"

"Well, it's a very upbeat song. I think it should be a good and happy message." I decide.

"I agree. It's pretty much bubble-gum pop so it should be cute too. I just can't think of what though… love? Butterflies? Sunrises and beaches?" She starts brainstorming.

"It can be about anything!" I giggle. We sit there and ponder a bit, giving some ideas but nothing ever really feeling right. We hear the sounds of Tori's mom coming downstairs with the champagne glass.

"Did you girls make something? It smells delicious." She says.

"Yeah we made red velvet cupcakes. There's some in a container over there if you want one." Tori offers.

"Oh I think I will! Red velvet cupcakes will go great with my drink." Her mom says as she practically dances to the kitchen.

"Pink champagne, huh? Seems pretty fancy." Tori says. Wait, what?

Pink Champagne…

"Yeah, well." Her mom shrugs. "Gary knows me well. I love the way it pops."

Popping pink champagne…

"Right, mom."

"I would offer you some if you were legal drinking age."

My mind is going at a mile a minute… This is a rare but familiar feeling. Inspiration.

"No thanks anyway, mom." Tori says as her mom disappears up the stairs again with a cupcake in her mouth.

"Play the chorus, Tori." I request. I must have a serious look on my face because she gives me a surprised look as she turns to the keys.

"Got an idea?"

"Oh yeah."

"Let's hear it, then!" Tori exclaims as she starts the chorus. I feel my throat and lungs open up as I start to sing.

Make it pop like pink champagne

In the purple rain

Gonna paint, paint, paint the city

Gonna show off all our pretty,

Pretty in pink champagne

Let 'em know our names

Screamin' so loud they'll hear us in L.A.

We're popping like pink champagne.

I let out a shy giggle as I finish. I look to Tori for approval. I wasn't sure if she would like it, since she hasn't liked other cute ideas I've had like about a giraffe who learns to love. But she's looking at me with her hands poised over the keys and her mouth agape.

"Cat, sometimes I forget what an incredible singer you are." She breaths. I feel my face go really hot and red.

"Thanks, Tori."

"No, seriously, Cat. The power and soul in your voice just blows me away. I'm actually kind of jealous." She admits. I gape at that.

"But Tori, you're an amazing singer! That's why you got to sing at the Platinum Music Awards and always lead in our musical performances." I tell her.

"Well, I guess. But still. There's something really special about your voice. Don't let anybody ever make you feel like it's not." She gives me a serious stare to my increasingly reddening face. "And those lyrics were great. You got all that from my mom's glass of pink champagne?"

I smile and nod.

"They're just the right amount of fun that this song needed. It's adorable. Let's go with the pink champagne theme." Tori decides with a smile.

"Okay!" I beam. I slide back onto the bench with her.

"What are you hoping to do with your Hollywood Arts degree?" Tori asks randomly. "I know I want to be a pop star but I've never heard your aspirations."

"Musical theatre." I grin. She grins back.

"You'll definitely get there at this point. And I'll come to all your plays." Tori assures me.

"I'm looking forward to it! I'm excited I'll have a famous pop star in the audience." I laugh.

"Alright." She giggles. "Write down those lyrics here and we'll come up with more."

We spent another hour coming up with funny and uplifting lyrics revolving around pink champagne. At the end we had a still rough, but very fun and exciting song! I love it. Pink Champagne.

"I'm going to run this bye Andre. Maybe he can add some synth effects and other instruments." Tori suggests.

"I bet Andre will love it. I love the key change here." I say, pointing.

"I love the line 'carbonate some trouble, when life gets flat gotta take it back to another level'. That was all you." Tori praises. I giggle, embarrassed again. She slightly turns to me on the bench. "I'm really glad we were able to do this tonight."

"Me too." I agree. She places a hand on top of mine. I hope she doesn't feel the goose bumps she just gave me.

"I'm sorry we haven't been as close lately." She mutters. I give her a puzzled look.

"What do you mean? I feel close to you." You have no idea how much I mean that.

"Yeah, but I feel like we don't talk or hang out as much as we have before. And it's my fault. I've been self-absorbed lately. Jade just told me the other day that you spent a week living in the supply closet in the blackbox theatre. I had no idea. I was so concerned with my stupid dog incident while singing the national anthem that I was completely unaware of your problems. Once upon a time, I would've paid more attention to you at school. I'm so sorry." She apologizes. I gulp a little bit. I know she's slightly right, but I know I've been pushing her away a bit because of my feelings. It's not her fault.

"I'm still really impressed that you were able to finish the song while being dragged on the floor by that dog." I say.

"Glad you think so. I had skid marks of my back for days afterward." She winces. "Anyway, I'm going to make sure we're close again. Because, you really are my best girl friend, Cat. I don't want to feel distant from you."

"Aww, Tori…"

"So expect a lot more hang outs like this." She beams. I beam back.

"Kay, kay." I can't even think about pushing her away when she's being all sweet like this. I want to keep her as my best friend too! I notice her cock her head to the side and give me a funny look. I start to get paranoid and I'm very aware she's still touching my hand, and we're sitting very close… "Wh-what?" I stammer.

"Your pupils are really dilated."

Uh oh.

I feel a tingly sensation in my head as my heart stops. She knows.

My eyes pop wide open and I can feel there is no blood in my face right now. I start shaking as Tori gets a really worried look on her face. "No they aren't." I say in shaky breath.

"Oh my god, Cat. Are you okay?" Tori asks with alarm. She reaches up to touch my shoulder but I shy away from her touch and stand up. She looks at me with big eyes. Confusion? Worry? Is this it for our friendship? Does she even know about the pupils dilating when you like someone? She wasn't in that science class… but she can still have read it somewhere!

Dang it! After all my acting, my biological functions give it away! I start to breathe heavily and the room was starting to get blurry. Oh no, I know what's happening. I've been caught. My feelings are flooding to the surface now instead of waiting until I'm alone in my room.

"I'm f-fine." I gasp out to Tori. She stands up with a look of terror.

"Cat, just calm down. Do you want water? I'll get you water." Tori rambles as she pushes past me to sprint to the kitchen. I start having to hold back tears.

"Tori, I'm so sorry." I choke out. Tori comes back in record time with a glass of water. I can't even bring myself to take it. How can she be so nice when my feelings are so obvious? Jade said she would hate me!

"Don't be silly! Just… drink this. Don't worry. I'm sorry for… whatever I did to upset you." She says forcing the water into my hands. I choke back another sob. Maybe I can still save this.

"I'm going to go out with Derek!" I blurt out. She stares at me, obviously not knowing how to react.

"Oh, that's great, Cat. You don't seem very happy about it, though." She observes.

"No I'm very happy. These are tears of joy." I push a smile out. "See? I'm asking him out right now." I pull out my phone in front of her with shaky hands.

Hey Derek, it's Cat. I would love to have sushi! I'm free this Friday after school. Hope to hear from you soon!

Sent.

"There. Date with a boy." I state plainly. She blinks at me.

"Are you sure you're okay?" She asks carefully.

"Yep. Are you okay?"

"I guess I am as long as you're okay. But I'm still going to hug you. You really freaked me out there." Tori sighed, wrapping her arms around me. "I guess it's just a stressful time for everyone." She mumbles into my hair. I let out a sigh of relief and I feel her presence enveloping my body begin to calm me down. She still wants to be my friend.

"Yep. Just super stressed." I agree as she pulls away from the embrace. She runs a hand through her hair awkwardly, clearly still startled by the events that just transpired. I feel myself starting to think more rationally. What DID I just do? "Hey, Tori, what'd you mean about my eyes?"

"Your eyes? Oh, just that the pupils were really tiny and dilated. That happens when there's a lot of light in the area. I guess it was from the piano light. It just looked funny and kind of cute." Tori explained, still looking at me like I'm a bipolar mess. I probably am. She never thought I had a crush on her at all. My phone buzzes.

Great to hear from you! I'll meet you there around 7. Looking forward to it.

Dang it.

Author's Notes: For the record, I also don't own "Pink Champagne" By Ariana Grande. It was an easy song to choose, since I can already picture Cat's voice singing it. I don't think Pink Champagne will show up on her album, which saddens me, but I get it's not the direction she wants to go with her music. You can still find performances on the Youtubes. It fits Cat well, anyways.

Also, yeah, the whole "Tori and Cat make cupcakes and have a moment" thing is a bit overdone, but this is my take on it. There's important points in this for later. Yeah!

Fun Fact: After writing this and the first chapter, I had barely watched any of the newest Victorious episodes. So I freaked out when I thought Beck and Jade were over, and that Rex was going to "die" or be "sold". I didn't want to re-write that! But it all worked out, so it's all good. I had to change some things but eh, they were minor.