A/N:

Music: A Little Too Much by Shawn Mendes

My Jam by Bobby Brackins


Tori from a camera's POV


A warm light illuminates Tori's face from her left side from her fireplace. She sits indian style on the carpeted ground in a dark room.

"Hey, people of the world, who are actually awake at 4:25 am California time. I can't really sleep and I have to get up soon anyways, so I thought I'd just make this video for you guys. Um... There's a lot going on right now and I'm thankful for having all of you to support me, you're my second family ya know. Well, I thought I'd just share some music with you."

Tori leans over out of view and then comes back with an acoustic guitar in hand.

"I hope you like it and...yeah, this is for you."

She starts plucking the strings and a beautiful melody starts playing...

"She would not that show that she was afraid,

But being and feeling alone was too much to face,

Though everyone said that she was so strong,

What they didn't know is that she could barely carry on,

But she knew that she would be okay,

So she didn't let it get in her way,

Sometimes it all gets a little too much,

But you gotta realize that soon the fog will clear up,

And you don't have to be afraid, because we're all the same,

And we know that sometimes it all gets a little too much..."

The video cuts off.


Jade


I woke up this morning and Tori was already gone. I've been at FX Studios all morning going over the script, getting down sizes and fittings, and going over promotional plans, etc.

"Hey, Jade, you wanna come with me and Taiss to get lunch?"

Evan Peters and Taissa Farmiga, you may know them since they're returning actors. They're playing Tate and Zoe this season.

"Yeah, sure"

We decided on an italian restaurant called Via Alloro. It's kinda weird, I haven't heard from Tori all day.

Maybe she's just really into it at the studio...

A hand grabs my arm from across the table and I look up at curious Evan and Taiss. He let's go as he voices his question?

"Why so tense, Jade?"

"Not tense, just... I don't know? I haven't heard from Tori all day, so it's weird"

Taiss speaks up.

"Well, maybe she's just really busy with work and hasn't gotten a chance. You know, in a few weeks that'll be us. All we do is work and eat and sleep once we start filming."

Evan nods in agreement. Just then the waitress brings us our food and they start eating as I scroll through Instagram. I stop on a picture.

Sure, too busy with work to text or call me...

I put my phone away and start eating, soon joining in conversation with my co-stars.


Tori


My car door opens as Robbie gets in with his camera bag and we're driving off to the studio.

"Jade's not here?"

"No, she has work today AHS."

"Oooohhh. Totally forgot about that. It's a perfect fit though."

He chuckles.

"Yeah, it really is. So, is Hailey coming?

"Um... Yeah, well she has a shoot today and I don't know. It's whatever."

I raise my brow at him.

"Are you two okaaaayy?"

"We had a fight. I don't even remember what about."

"So you're at that, now we fight all the time about stupid, non-existent things, and can't even remember what they were about in the first place, stage."

"You know that stage?"

"Sure, with Jade and Sutton. Fun times."

"But, I thought you've never dated Jade?"

"I haven't, but when you're with someone for that long and you're really close, sometimes it's kinda like you are dating them and... I think you may just need space."

Now it's his turn to look at me with a raised brow.

"Are you two okay?"

He starts chuckling and I glance over at him a little more clearly than I initially did when he got in.

"Are you high?"

"Nooooooooo….. Maybe."

He starts laughing.

"And you didn't share!"

"I thought Jade would be here!"

"It's a two-seater car!"

I start laughing at how ridiculous he is.

"I'm sorry! I ate all I had anyways. I saw you're video this morning, by the way, loved the song. Are you putting that on your album?"

"Yes, we're fine, just a lot on my mind and I don't know. I don't think so. It's a little personal to put out there for money, ya know?"

Robbie shrugs as we pull into the studio gated parking lot.

"I don't know, maybe your album should be more personal this year."


"Tori, Robbie!"

We walked into the studio, greeted by Timberland, Reagan, Shane, Selena, Tommy (producer). Just a refresher, Shane is my stylist that finally talked me into meeting with his friend Reagan, who's a producer and EDM DJ. She's actually pretty badass, kinda reminds me of Jade except she's a lot nicer. I guess she won over Selena, because when I got here Selena was talking to her about introducing her to Zed. I approve.

"Where's Yazz?"

Timberland shakes his head.

"He said he had to cancel for some family thing, but he sent over the song for you to listen to. I put it on a usb for you."

He hands me the device and then starts setting things up on the control panel.

"And since I'm already here I figured I'd help you out with this song. It sounds like a hit already, from what she's shown me."

He motions to a beaming Selena.

"He knows good music, Tor."

Robbie's already filming while me and Selena already started going over what we had so far for our song. Most of it's done already, just some vocals to put down and writing the rest of my, quote, rap, unquote. It's more of an RnB song.

"So let's have Selena lay down the rest of the vocals first."

Selena steps into the booth, headphones on as I go over to the soundboard with Timberland and Regan. She starts laying down the vocals and everyones vibe-ing out with their heads nodding.

Timberland hits the mic button to talk to Selena.

"Back at the hook, just carry the 'Os' a bit more."

"Like O-o-O-O"

"Perfect."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa

This my jam coming in

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa..."

"I feel like this still needs something."

Selena comes back into the room and we hit playback. Reagan leans over the sound board..

"Maybe if we just...adjust this and...switch that up..."

Timberland smiles.

"So the girl does know what she's doing."

"Of course she does, why would I introduce Tori to a talentless sap?"

Mmmmmhmmm that's my stylist, Shane. Complete with sassy comments and a sense of fashion.

"Tori you ready?"

"Born ready. Let's get this before lunch."

"That's what I like to hear!"

Selena hands me the headphones. Once situated I give a thumbs up

"I was cruizin' in La in my Lambo

Vibing to the beat in my zone

Swaggin out like it was a dance song...

Oh, yeah that's my ish

Sittin' shotgun yeah that's my chick

Leave it out front, don't move my whip

Oh, I just raised my price

Hands in the air I just raised my ice

Vibin' out, party all night.."

"One take, that's how you do it!"

Timberland bumps my fist as I walk back in. I take notice that Hailey and Kendall did, in fact, come. Hailey and Robbie look fine now, so that's good.

"Selena, you sure you want those pronouns? I can talk about a guy, I don't mind."

"No way, people need to get over themselves. Our song's a hit and if they don't like it just 'cause of the pronouns they got their own issues."

Everyone started laughing at her diva-tude. Timberland moves to get up

"Alright, looks like my work here is done. I'll finish this mix and send it over in morn."

"Sounds good!"

"Oh and Reagan, take my number. I got some people I think would love to work with you, that is, if Selena and Zed don't steal you first."

"Hey, there's enough of me to go around. Thank you!"

Go Reagan!

"I'm ganna take off too."

I hug Selena and she kisses my cheek.

"Our song is totally ganna be a hit. Reagan, Zed is actually out back. You should come and meet him. You too Shane."

"Sweet. See you back here after lunch?"

I nod at Reagan and she happily walks off with Selena and Shane, but not before Selena calls out a 'bye babe'. Robbie, Hailey, and Kendal also took off for food. I'm sure Robbie has the munchies from eating those munchies.

Just as I walk out to the parking lot, an oh-so familiar voice stops me in my tracks and puts a smile on my face.

"Looking for a lunch date?"

I turn around only to be faced with a smirking Sutton Mercer. Soon enough we're at Urban Cafe talking over plates of food.

"Wow. He really didn't show up? Sounds like the media's finally got someone right out of all those lies."

"No kidding. Can't believe LA even wants me working with him, even if it is for just talk."

"I don't know. All I know is, just don't be like Bieber during the Lil Twist phase."

She rolls her eyes.

"Trust me, if that ever happens I'm sure both you and Jade would both be tying me up and knocking some sense into me…maybe even Justin and Scooter too."

"Oh yeah, remember when Scooter went full blown yelling at Justin, like tears and cracking voices and all…"

"And they say the walls are sound proof? Clearly not Scooter proof."

She starts giggling at my comment.

"Sooooooo, how's the single life treating you? I'm sure a million girls have already thrown themselves at you or have you finally figured out what, and by what I mean who, you really want?"

She gives me that 'all-knowing' look. I can't help, but smile and roll my eyes at her wittiness.

Ha ha haaaaa.

"You know I'm not that type of person, even if I am single, and yes, okay? You're right, which is why I wanted to talk to you.."

She leans over with interest.

"Oooo, do tell."


Selena Gomez posted a pic:

(A full body pic of Selena posing next to Tori. You can see the soundboard and recording booth behind them. Tori is standing with her hands in her jacket pockets and her head tilted to the side with a soft smile. Selena has one hand on her hip and the other in the air with her head slightly tilted back with a smile and her eyes closed.)

"It's a music love affair. #MyJam"


Sutton Mercer posted a pic:

(It's a picture taken from across a table outside of Tori looking up as she's sipping from a straw in a glass of water)

"Love love love :)"


Tori


I bring Sutton back to the studio with me. Reagan immediately tackled me with this amazing idea for a beat for me. Shane was talking with Kendal, Hailey, and Sutton while Robbie went back to looking over his film and such.

I really loved Reagan's beat. Actually, I'm pretty convinced she's a hidden music gem. A few hours in and I was hyped up with starting the new year with her. Eventually it was just me and Sutton. I had Robbie go home. I only wanted Sutton to know what I was planning. When I finished showing her, I'm pretty sure I made her fall in love with me all over again.

"Can I marry you? That's so perfect, like why are we NOT together!"

"Um...because you cheated on me and then completely analyzed me to a 'T.'"

"Riiiiiight. That was a rhetorical question, but thanks for the memories."

"You're welcome, Fall Out Boy."

Cue back hand on the shoulder.

"You jerk."

"Ow! I FEEL you still keep up with your kickboxing."

"How else do you expect me to look this good."

She strikes a pose and I start laughing.

"Gawd woman, let's go home."


Jade


"So... How long have you and Tori been together?"

I looked at Evan, a little caught off guard. We had been going over lines with each other for a few hours now.

"Um, we're not? Just the usual childhood best friends."

"So thee Jade West is single?"

I gave him a weird look. He's pretty funny though, I have to admit.

"More like unavailable."

He frowns.

"Well why's that?"

I just shrug.

"I'm kinda in an awkward place in my life, right now... I guess."

"Hmm... Okay, I can take that. Not rejection, just unavailability. I get that."

I start laughing. He's so goofy with his goofy smile. We rehearse for a few more hours. I like Evan. He's kind of refreshing. I'm so used to everyone in our group, it feels good to be with some people that don't know you're whole story.


Home


"Tori?...Okay, I know you're home 'cause I saw your car..."

I set my stuff down on the kitchen island before playing hide-n-seek for Tori. Eye roll, much...

I sigh as I see Tori passed out in the Movie room, on the in-ground couch thing...

What the hell are these things even called...

I get changed and all that stuff before people sleep and I go back in to the Movie room to find Tori in the same place. I climb under the blankets with her.

The next three days were kinda weird? Yeah, weird. I'd wake up and Tori would already be gone, she wouldn't answer any of my msgs all day, I'd see people she was with that day post pics of her on IG, especially Sutton, and I'd come from hanging out with Evan or Cat, or whoever, and she'd already be crashed out asleep.

Why's she with Sutton all the time now? Don't we hate her? But then they did have that talk... I still loath her. I'm really debating about dedicating a whole pair of scissors just to her, name engraved, and all.

Now me being the aggressive person I am, I would normally just strut in wherever she was, drag her outside and demand for her to tell me what the hell was going on, but these circumstances are...different. She's dealing with a lot, including... Well actually...just never mind. Point is I can't just do what I would normally... Maybe she just needs space... I don't know. Today is the fourth day and it was the same thing over again and I felt like I was going to go crazy without a little control till I got home. It was different than the past three nights.

How? For starters when I walked through the front door I immediately heard music being played.

I put my stuff down and headed upstairs. I followed the music into the studio room, which is weird 'cause it has sound proof walls, so I guess the door is open?...and it is.

(Music: Solace by Tom Day)

Tori's sitting at the piano. The speakers are playing this soft recording of the ocean and Tori's playing this...BEAUTIFUL piano piece right over it. Her eyes are closed and her face emits the emotion of the song. I lean against the door frame and just watch, listen. Then these drums suddenly, kick in. This girl amazes me, like I always think, 'this, this is the most impressive thing she has ever done, I can't imagine anything else being this impressive,' and then she does it and it makes me fall for her a foot deeper each time and it kind of terrifies me...

"Jade?"

I blink a few times to focus, realizing the music had stopped.

"Hey."

I walk over to her and lean on the piano.

"That was really...lovely. Did you just write it?"

She gives a soft smile.

"Uh...no, actually, I wrote it about a year ago...just randomly.."

Oh...

I nod my head in understanding.

"I haven't seen you in forever?"

"Yeah, sorry about that, just a lot going on...but we'll be in SoHo tomorrow."

She smiles brightly and it's contagious.

I honestly can't wait.

"When do we leave?"


6:45am Next day


Tori Vega posted 2 pics:

(Tori, Justin, Cat, and Jade all pose in front of a giant jet. Cat and Jade do a more girly, model type pose, while Tori and Justin do a more wild, rock-on type pose and they appear to be yelling with joy)

"New PJ! *Tongue sticking out emoji*"

(Picture #2 is clearly taken from inside the jet, as all four of them our sitting inside it and smiling for the camera. Cat happens to be standing up by where Justin is sitting on a couch on the left side and Tori and Jade are seated next to each other across from Justin and Cat. The inside is very luxurious.)

"Thanks big bro :D #MerryChristmasToMe"

Comments:

"He bought her a jet?"

"Dude thats a dope jet"

"Aw they all so cute!"


So the jet was freaking amazing and Tori and Justin acted like idiots the whole time, so me and Cat were basically dying laughing the whole time. We arrived in New York about 6 hours later, so noon, but did we have time to get food or go to the condo first? No, we had to rush straight to Tori's rehearsals.

"Tori! Right on time!"

"Hi, Mikey."

They hug and Mikey immediately pulls her away and starts talking to her about tonight. She's more than ready, she's been rehearsing all week, you know, when she wasn't with Sutton and when she was avoiding me.

I'm bitter. I blame the NY snow.

Justin runs his hands through his shaggy, awkward, hair. He started growing it out a bit, like the shaved sides and stuff. Cat's always messing with his hair now because she says, 'it's so fluffy," and yeah...

"Why don't you guys go get some food, coffee, Chanel, whatever. The good part about this place is it's surrounded by everything in walking distance. I'm ganna stay here with Tor, she wants me to help with some stuff."

"Cool."

"Babe, you want me to bring you back anything?"

"If you happen to see pizza?"

"Kay kay!"

She smiles and he pecks her lips.

Aaaawwwww, gag.

An hour later me and Cat are walking through shops with coffee in our hand. We already brought back pizza to Tori and Justin so they wouldn't deteriorate.

"How's playing house going?"

"Jade."

"What?"

"It's good."

"You sound so convincing. Not what you thought?"

"No, I mean we've just been busy is all."

She shrugs, but I can see somethings bothering her. I decide not to push her on it, being that it's technically New Years Eve and and I'm not up for drama right now.

"I heard Tori's been keeping her New Years Eve performance very secretive."

Maybe that's why she's been avoiding me?

"Nice subject change and I didn't really know that? I mean I haven't really seen or talked to Tori at all these past few days."

Cat looks at me weird.

"Really? Well, Justin doesn't even know what she's doing. I mean he knows the first part of that, but after that he has no idea and he's been on Tori for it. Maybe it has something to do with you?"

I frown.

"I doubt it. If it has to do with anyone it's probably Sutton."

Cat basically chokes on her coffee, catching the attention of the people in the store we're currently in.

"What are you talking about?"

"Sutton's been posting all these pictures with Tori on Instagram these past few days."

"What the hell dude!"

"I know!"

Cat's currently scrolling through her phone.

"I don't think Tori would do that without telling us?"

I look at Cat with a, 'really?' type look.

"Okay, maybe? Maybe because she knows we wouldn't approve?...Or maybe Sutton is just helping Tori with whatever this is, I mean someone has to know what she's doing. She can't just go on stage without approval"

"Who knows. Guess we'll just have to wait and see... I really like this dress."

"Oh yeah... Do you know what you're wearing for tonight?"

"Nooooo clue. Tori said she had it taken care of?"

"Justin said the same thing."

We narrow our eyes at each other, knowing that something's up.


Tori


"No, left side why don't try jumping to the edge then back and come around behind. Go again!"

I stand back with Justin and Mikey as we go over the choreo with the back up dancers on the actual stage set up in the dance studio.

"That looks better."

Mikey nods in agreement with Justin.

I brush my thumb across my bottom lip, mindlessly, as I watch. Justin points out to the stage.

"Maybe if change that to a slide on the hook and then have them go into it. You'll have that whole area cleared out during the verse and then when you're down the runaway they can continue in?"

Little changes make a huge difference, but for the better.

"Yeah, I'm ganna go run through it with them now... Let's start from the top!"

It's almost four when I'm satisfied with rehearsals. Cat and Jade are back now and I'm kinda wishing they were the more shop-till-we drop type of girls now 'cauase Sutton just strutted into the studio.

"Uhhhh, what's IT doing here?"

"Always a pleasure, Jade."

I rub my forehead, mentally preparing my self for this.

"Everyone can leave now, we'll see you at Time Square no later than 10:00!"

I yell out and everyone clears out except Mikey and the group.

"Look, Sutton's helping me with something, so just go back to the condo and I'll meet you guys up in Time Square, Justin knows where everything is."

"Man, I want to know what you're doing!"

Cat rolls her eyes at Justin and grabs him.

"Fine, whatever."

Ouch, Jade.

"Kay, she clearly still has issues with me."

"Yeah, well... She's Jade. She'll be over it by tomorro-...well, maybe in a month or so..."

"True and I'd give that more like a lifetime, babe. The girl hates me, but I mean... I would hate me too."

She winks at me, sliding her hand to the back of my neck.

"Wow, how do you walk through any of those doors with that giant head?"

She smirks at me and leans into me, tilting her head, and still holding onto my neck.

"You love me."

Then she pats the side of my face.

You have to admire her confidence.

Mikey claps his hands together and we turn around to see he set up the piano on the set up stage.

"Let's do this!"


Media Reports


"Tori Vega shares new music in early morning live stream video"

"Justin Bieber gave the Christmas gift of the year and it wasn't even to his girlfriend!"

"-the song seems to describe a girl going through hard times, but know she'll get through. Is she talking about herself?"

"Tori Vega set to preform at Time Square for New Years Eve"

"Some stars will start the New Year with their nudes leaked! The hackers have yet to be tracked down!"

"Looks like teen pop star, Tori Vega, is back with her ex girlfriend, Sutton Mercer! They were seen hanging out week, getting lunch, at the recording studio, and posting cute Instagram pics for their fans. Do you ship it or hate it?"

"Confirmation for Jade West to join the AHS cast has been made!"

"Is something up with Tori and Jade? Christmas was good to the childhood friends, rumored girlfriends, as Jade West had posted a pic of her new car from Tori. Tori also shared a pic of her engraved bracelet with both of the teens' initials engraved on it, leaving their fans to believe they are in fact dating, but this past week the two were both spotted absent of the other. Maybe it's their busy work schedule? But Jade had days off and we know she usually spends those days with Tori. Tori was, instead, spending those days with ex-girlfriend, Sutton Mercer! What's going on? Tell us what you think is going on with the two, down below in the Comments section."


A/N:

Yo! I'm back! Sorry it took so long, school kills and I had a little writer's block. One more chapter guys! I love all your reviews and suggestions, I'm on the same wavelength with some of you lol. If you want to know about any of the music or whatever feel free to msg me. I don't know if any of you actually read the lyrics or just skim through it. I try not to just THROW music into the story without it having some type of meaning to the story and I change some of the lyrics sometimes. For example, in the next chapter I recommend reading the lyrics or listening to the song if you don't already know it. The lyrics tell how that person is feeling, thinking, what they're going through, which may or may not be expressed in dialogue in the story sooooooooooo, yeah. Idk let me know lol. Reagan is from Faking It too, btw, I forgot to mention that last time and Sutton Mercer is from the Lying Game. Don't forget to REVIEW! :)