Proving You Care
Disclaimer: I do not own Victorious. All rights are reserved, and I do not have any claim to them. This is a figment of my imagination.
FYI: Anything in bold is a person's inner thoughts, italics is someone's dreams/memories, and bold italics are text messages.
A/N: Still no one has found my Pokémon reference in Chapter 6. First to find it wins. I'll think of a prize for the winner, and let them know.
Chapter 9 - Let Me Help You
Jade was sitting alone in her room, her mind still trying to piece together everything that had happened with Tori. Unsure, she looked to her redheaded bestfriend, hoping that somehow, the girl could just once say something that wasn't completely off the wall.
"I'm so stupid. Tori never liked me. She used me."
"Jadey, I'm so sorry. If I had known-"
"Cat, it's okay. You didn't do anything wrong."
"Promise?"
"Promise. I'm not upset at you. I'm upset with myself."
"Why?"
"Because I fell for it. I thought Tori actually liked me, and that she would possibly go for me."
"But she did, and she still does."
"Then why?"
"I don't know. Why are you asking me?" Cat was getting flustered. She couldn't even keep the thoughts in her own head straight most of the time, so trying to figure out someone else's were making her head hurt. Jade put her hands up in front of her, trying to calm the girl. Cat fell on her back, staring at the ceiling.
"I'm not. I just talk into the open air when I'm confused."
"Jade, I'm so sorry." Cat placed her hand on Jade's leg, and instantly removed it when she saw Jade tense up. "I'm sorry you got hurt. But that's not like Tori. She wouldn't do it, unless she has a good reason."
"But what reason could she have? It's not like anyone, other than you, know about us. Well, and Beck."
"Well of course he knew. Why else would he have let you go? You're a great girl. I swear, I'm gonna kill Tori."
"Umm..." Jade knew that she and Cat were like sisters. And she knew that Cat considered herself "scrappy". But actually verbalizing her intent to hurt someone, Jade was at a loss.
"She hurt you. It's one thing to do this to someone who deserves it. But you didn't do anything. She deserves it, now, not you."
"Cat, don't."
"But Jadey."
"Don't call me that. And don't do anything to Tori. I'm pretty sure you're on my side-" The girls shared a laugh. "-and that Beck will probably side with me. And hell, I bet André and Robbie probably will, too. So Tori wants this, then she'll have to live with it. All her friends will desert her, and she'll be alone."
"Well, except for Jessica."
"Jessie, oh yeah. I guess she'll have one friend." Speaking of the girl, Jade received a text.
Hey, Jade. Wanna get some dinner tomorrow night? My treat?
Jade looked at the text. She remembered Tori giving the girl her number, and that Jessie was trying to be friends. Plus she wanted a singing tutor. "Huh, this girl is just like Vega. Just can't get enough of me." Showing the text to Cat, who thought it would be a good idea for Jade to keep herself active so her mind wouldn't focus on Tori, Jade finally agreed.
Great. See you at seven?
Sure.
Cat wrapped Jade in a hug, and decided to try and cheer her up. Grabbing a movie out of her collection, and going to pop some popcorn, Cat was sure that she could get Jade through this. But when she returned from the kitchen, Jade was lying on her bed, her face hidden in her pillow. Cat could hear the sniffles and cries, and sat on the bed next to the goth. Rubbing small circles on her back, Cat kept silent, allowing her friend to cry it out. She never ceased contact with the girl, and soon, Jade was feeling good enough to at least try and watch the movie. She even forced a few handfuls of what popcorn Cat didn't devour into her mouth for good measure.
"Cat, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, Jade."
"What's wrong with me? I mean, first Beck, then Tori. Next thing I know, my future significant other will be killed in a car crash or something. I mean, I'll never be happy."
"Jade, stop. There is nothing wrong with you. Beck's just an idiot, and Tori, well, I don't know. I still think I should have a talk with her." The girl balled her fists, and her fingernails began to dig into her palm.
"Cat, calm down." Jade took the girl into the bathroom, cleaning the cuts and wrapping a small bandage on her hand. Cat looked up, and out of pure sympathy and protection, wrapped Jade in a tight hug and kissed her cheek. She smiled at Jade, who for the first time that evening, returned the favor.
"Jade, no matter what, you've never been scared to be yourself. And you're a great girl. Don't let what happened with Tori, or Beck for that matter, change you. Be proud of yourself, like you always have been, and you'll be happy one day, I promise. Now then, let's finish the movie." It was late in the night, though, and Jade was getting tired of having people around. First Beck, who she had actually asked to come, then Cat came. Jade loved her friends, but wanted some alone time to think. She ushered the redhead away, and allowed herself to drown in her dispair.
xxxxx
BANG BANG BANG. Tori walked to her front door, wondering who would be so discourteous to wake her up at midnight. She may be broken hearted, but she did have school tomorrow. And Jessie had invited her to dinner, so she would need to have as much strength as possible to get through her day without breaking down or hurting Jessie. She walked to her door, opening it and looking at Cat. The redhead was obviously displeased, and Tori knew exactly why.
"Cat, hey."
"Don't hey me. What the hell did you do to Jade?" "Because I swear, I'm gonna do ten times worse to you."
"What do you think I did?"
"You broke up with her."
"How did you-?" "What the hell? First Jessie finds out, then Cat? Wait, this might actually be a good thing. Maybe I can use Cat to keep Jade close. And maybe, I can clue Cat in, who would clue Jade in, and we could beat Jessie."
"I told her you liked her. I was the one who got her to give you a chance. And now, you're throwing it all away. People call me airheaded, but you have to be the dumbest bitch I've ever met."
Taking a few moments to figure out that the words she had heard had actually come from Cat Valentine, Tori stood, doing her best to stop from breaking down. Her inside was already gone, and having Cat add extra weight from the outside wasn't helping. "Cat, I-"
"Shut up, Tori. You made a mistake. I don't know why you left Jade, but you broke her. She's broken more than you'll ever know, and you were the only one who could have possibly fixed her. And you gave up that chance. So as far as I'm concerned, you and I are no longer friends, and you had better stay away from Jade. Because if you don't, I'll personally make your life a living hell." "Well, so much for using Cat to help."
Tori laughed at the thought. There was no way that Cat, as tiny as she was, could hurt Tori. Especially since Tori's father was a cop, and had taught her self defense. She didn't care how muc the girl thought she could do, Tori would handle it. Not liking being laughed at, Cat looked dead in Tori's eyes. Seeing the smirk forming on Tori's lips, who almost broke into another fit of laughter, Cat decided to shut her up. Tori stood still, shocked at the idea that Cat had just slapped her.
"Stay away from Jade. I mean it."
xxxxx
School the next day was the most interesting for Tori since she started at the weird school. First, she thought everyone was staring at her, and that she was being mocked or made fun of. Then, Jade and she had a few classes together, which were excruciating. And of course, Jessie was there to keep her reminded of everything. Tori kept herself together, though, and promised to catch a ride to meet Jessie around six thirty.
xxxxx
Tori walked into Karaoke Dokey, looking for Jessie. Seeing the blonde, Tori's blood started boiling before she composed herself enough to not show that something was wrong. Tori sat next to the girl, exchanging "pleasantries" before the waitress came over. Ordering some water and sliders, Tori sat back, wondering exactly why Jessie had requested they come. Her plan wouldn't take long to unfold, as Jade and Cat were already on their way.
"So, Tori. I really do appreciate what you said the other day. It did help me. I think my piano is coming back, and I should be back to top form soon."
"Well, that's good, I suppose. What about your voice." "Because when Jade finds this whole thing out, and slits your throat with scissors, you'll never be able to hear it again."
"Oh, well, I found a nice tutor. I know that she, just like you, has a great voice. And she'll be able to help me, in many different ways." Jessie allowed her eyes to gleam at the idea of "many different ways", and it made Tori uneasy. "Please don't be Jade. PLEASE, don't be Jade." But the latina knew it was true. The girl was going to do everything possible to test Tori's strength and fortitude, and see if she could break her down. Because, as Jessie had said, Tori had challenged her, even if unintentionally. And Jessie knew that breaking Tori would put her in a great place.
Tori's worst fear was soon realized, as Jade and Cat walked through the door. Tori and Jade froze in place, before Jessie started waving Jade over. Jade stood in place, unable to do anything. Soon, she felt Cat's hand trying to guide her, but she couldn't get her body to respond. Seeing Tori that close, on the heels of her worst breakup, had her mind spinning and body paralyzed. Cat finally dragged Jade along, sitting her between she and Jessie, and across from Tori. Jessie played everything off perfectly, trying to make sure that Jade wouldn't find her out.
"So, Jade. How goes it?" Jade stared dumbfounded at Tori, who was pleading with her eyes for Jade to see through Jessie's charade. But there was no luck.
"Umm, I, fine."
"Is something wrong?"
"No, no. I, uh, I'm fine." Jade looked to the blonde, watching her and noticing just how much she really did look like Tori. Everything was almost a picture perfect match, except for the blonde hair, and the slight difference in eyes shadow and blush. "Hmm, I wonder? Nah."
Jessie looked to Tori, who was about to literally throw up. She was doing her best to keep herself from doing so, but soon, she couldn't contain it anymore. She found her way to the bathroom, and Jessie mentally checked off the "first strike". Cat followed Tori, intent on finding out why she hadn't heeded her warning. She walked in the bathroom, waiting for the latina to come from the stall. Looking her dead in the eyes, Cat smirked.
"Wow, you have to be stupid. I thought I told you to stay away."
"Cat, I can't. Not while Jessie is calling the shots." "I don't answer to the likes of you." Tori started walking away, before Cat started laughing out loud at her. Tori felt her composure shaking again, and almost got her revenge on Cat for the slap she had received the previous night. Her body started shaking, and she could feel the tears forming. But she walked out of the bathroom, trying hard to keep things as sane as possible, so that if somehow Jessie could be beaten, things would possibly go back to normal, and as smoothly as possible.
Jade watched Cat and Tori return from the bathroom, wondering why they both felt like they had shared a dirty little secret. "Oh, hell no. There is no way, NO WAY, Cat would do that. Or Tori. Unless they just like seeing me miserable, like everyone else in my life. Please, no."
Cat took her seat beside Jade, smiling at her and grabbing her hand under the table. Giving her a soft, sympathetic smile, the redhead tried to make the goth comfortable. But she was visibly shaken. Almost leaving, Jade looked to Jessie again, who had a song book in her hand.
"Jade, do you think you could help me? I want to sing a song, but I would like to have help. Please?" Jade looked to Tori, smirking and turning back to Jessie.
"Sure. I know the perfect song." The girls stood up, walking to the DJ and asking for their names to be put on the list. Thankfully, Haley and Tara were no where in sight, and they were allowed to do as they pleased. Soon, hearing their names called, the girls took the stage. Jade winked at Tori, letting the latina know the song was special, just for her.
I'm sorry, for the demon I've become
You should be sorry, for the angel you are not
I apologize, for the cruel things that I did
But I don't regret, one single word I said
Just walk away, make it easy on yourself
Just walk away, please release me from this hell
Just walk away, there's just nothing left to feel
Just walk away, pretend that none of this is real
Can you forgive me, if I told you that I cared
Would you be sorry, if I swore that I'd be there
Please forgive me, for laughing when you fall
I'm so sorry, but I never cared at all
Just walk away, make it easy on yourself
Just walk away, please release me from this hell
Just walk away, there's just nothing left to feel
Just walk away, pretend that none of this is, none of this is
Just walk away, make it easy on us both
Just walk away, there was never any hope
Just walk away, you already know the deal
Just walk away, pretend that none of this was, none of this was real
By the time the song was finished, Jade was full to tears. She accepted her applause, the loudest of which came from Tori. "God, Jade. It's not like that. PLEASE, you have to figure this out. I love you. I- I" Tori broke down also, running from the restaraunt. She had gotten a ride from Trina, who wouldn't be back for another few hours to pick her up. She grabbed her phone, calling André to come and get her. Seeing Tori run away, Jade broke down also, running from the restaurant and heading home, stranding Cat. The redhead tried to catch her and get a ride home, but she wasn't quick enough. Jessie was quick to offer, though, as she knew Cat might give her some valuable intel on getting on Jade's softer side. Mentally crossing off "strike two" against Tori, Jessie allowed herself to be complacent in the workings of her plan.
xxxxx
A few hours after leaving dinner, which was way more than she could handle, Jade heard a knock on her bedroom door. "GO AWAY." The knock persisted, lighting a fire in the goth. She got up, almost tearing the door off its hinges while opening it. "OKAY, you've got to be the-" Jessie was staring straight at her, a smile on her face.
"Hey."
"Hi. Leave."
"Jade, I didn't get a chance to thank you for tonight. I had fun."
"You welcome, that makes one of us, leave." Jade was in no mood. But Jessie stood her ground, and pulled out The Scissoring, showing it to Jade and asking if she wanted to watch it. The goth, who was never one to turn down senseless violence, nodded her head and allowed the girl in. After placing the DVD in the player, the girls laid on Jade's bed, allowing the glow of the movie to shower them with some light in the darkness. After a few minutes, Jessie laid her head on Jade's shoulder, who had to stop for a moment to make sure she wasn't halucinating, or dreaming that Tori was right there with her.
Every one of her senses were being assauted, and reminded of Tori. The vanilla perfume, the smile and body, the way Jessie was touching her, but being soft, as if not to break Jade. "Hmm, I wonder what she- GOD JADE, no. You JUST broke up with Tori. Plus you know nothing about this girl. If she really is another Vega, then you're setting yourself up for another heartbreak." Jade offered the small girl something to drink, who asked for some pink lemonade. "For fuck's sake. Really?"
"I don't do pink lemonade. I've got coke and whiskey."
"I'll take a half and half."
"Uh-huh. Sure you can handle it?"
"Hey, you offered." Jade sighed, making her way to the kitchen and grabbing a few tall glasses. Making the requested beverages, and taking a rather large swig of the burning alcohol herself, Jade finally returned to the movie. Jessie started sipping on hers, while Jade started taking rather large gulps of hers. And when she wasn't looking, Jessie kept pouring part of her own into Jade's, to create the illusion that she was drinking, while also distorting Jade's cognitive responses and abilities. Soon, when Jade had hers finished, and about three fourths of Jessie's, she was woozy and barely able to keep her head straight.
"Wow, that, that-" Jade was trying to say something, but couldn't get the words to form. Jessie leaned in, "concern" in her eyes.
"You okay, Jade?"
"Yeah, I. God, I hate Tori Vega." Not alluding to knowing what Jade was talking about, Jessie asked why. "Because, that stupid little tramp came to my house last weekend, forced me into bed, then said she was my girlfriend. I said fine. Then, she goes and breaks up with me for NO FUCKING REASON." Jade's voice was a mixture of pain, regret, anger, confusion, desire, passion. Hell, she didn't know what to make of Tori. She still wanted the girl, and would take her back if she asked. But it didn't mean she couldn't and wouldn't be upset about what had happened.
"Wait, so you and Tori?"
"Yeah. I'm gay. Sorry, sister."
"Hey, no problem. So am I." Jessie almost threw up in her mouth at the idea, but knew that keeping Jade by her side, while forcing Tori to watch, would be the easiest way to accomplish her mission.
"Really? Do you think I'm pretty?" It was the question, or rather, statement, that Tori and Jade knew had been the changer in their relationship.
"Gorgeous. Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Am I pretty?"
"Hell to the YEAH."
"Awww, thank you." Jessie allowed herself to blush, and looked at Jade. Trying to keep herself from puking, she looked at Jade in the eyes, and reached for her chin. She kept her distance, making sure that Jade would allow her the freedom to do this. When Jade didn't stop her, and actually looked like she was asking for her to, Jessie leaned in, capturing the girl's lips.
"If you want me to, Jade, I'll be more than happy to help you through this. I'm not sure I can fix what happened, but I can distract you, if you'd like?"
"Bring it on!"
"Haha, strike three, Tori. You're out."
OH man, I hate Jessie. I can't believe she's getting away with it. I am about to insert myself in this entire story, reveal the truth to Jade, and watch as Jessie burns at the stake. This is pissing me off. And how long, if she does, before Jade finds out Jessie's plan? Please, R/E/R!
P.S.: Aaronandsarah, I'm sorry, but since you kinda are the second half of this story, I am hereby disqualifying you from my little contest. It is still on. And for the winner, if you so choose, you can PM me with an idea for a Oneshot or a story, and I promise to write it. Not much of a prize, I know, but hey.
