Disclaimer: I do not own Victorious, it belongs to Dan and Nickelodeon. Also, this chapter's inspiration: 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' by Taylor Swift.

Warning: whatever you read about the cat was totally made up; just a heads up.

Thanks to my betas: the-original-lovelace and StakeTheHeart for their impeccable job and hard work.

Chapter 9: Confrontation of Best Friends

Friday arrived sooner than expected. They were in Sikowitz' class, waiting for him to arrive. The Goth's bored expression was clear that she didn't want to be bothered, but Beck still sat besides her and on the other side, Tori. The redhead, being as oblivious as always, kept chattering besides André, who sat besides his best friend, and Robbie found himself on a corner, while Rex spoke of the Northridge girls in his loud fashion, those two obviously having some kind of trouble or another. As soon as the teacher appeared with his coconut, after a rather long slurp, his eyes widen in horror and he began ranting about zombies and the apocalypse, how he saw it in a vision and they all had to prove his vision as true. Everyone began fighting imaginary zombies, everyone but Jade of course. But, just before Sikowitz could get in her face, she received a text, at the same time as Tori. Whatever it was, both teens froze but the thespian, not being one to remain doing nothing, stood up from her seat.

"Fudge!" She yelled, not caring about anything now and picking up her bag.

"On Sunday's caramel McDonald's sunday!" Cat yelled back, excited; she visibly drooped at her friend's glare. "I was just saying..."

"Jade, you're not allowed to leave class!" Sikowitz remarked in a booming voice, shocked when he noticed that the tanned girl was following her friend by picking her own bag; what in tarnation?! "Wait—!"

"We got infected!" Jade remarked in a huff before switching targets and now glared at the hazel eyed teen, "come on Tor!"

"I'm ready!" Came the reply, but the pale female had already left the classroom. "Jade!"

The classroom was petrified, as was the teacher. What had just happened? Were they all, perhaps, caught in some kind of vision? Had they all, somehow, managed to travel to an alternate reality? Really, those were the only possibilities, because if there been any kind of emergency for either, it was far too coincidental for them to receive it through text. Besides, Mrs. Vega was the principal, so it obviously wasn't family related, for either if the fact that Ms. West was the secretary was taken into account. ... Well, with Sikowitz, anything was possible. When he shrugged and took another sip from his drink, he sat down and everyone followed suit. He looked awfully calm about things, and Jade wasn't there to point the silence out and get the class going.

"Well, that was one strange vision," he began from his spot in the stage, "I could have sworn that Jade and Tori just left my class..."

Another sip was taken, before Beck awkwardly raised his hand.

"Yes Beck?" He pointed so that the boy would know he meant him, not that there was another Beck, which rendered the gesture useless, as well as his next words, "you may speak..."

"Uhhh, yeah..." He began awkwardly, not used to being the one who pointed the obvious, "they actually left..."

Jade placed her bag on the seat of the bike as she unfastened the helmets, placed hers on and placed Tori's besides her bag. Meanwhile, the Latina undid the straps of her compartment, placed the jackets on her shoulders as she packed her bag and fastened it, just as the thespian began doing the same for her own bag. Placing her friend's jacket in the recently vacated spot on the seat, Tori began donning what she had begun to consider her jacket, and fastening the remaining (and also her) helmet, just as the driver put on the leather. They immediately sat in their places and sped off, not a word exchanged. To their fellow classmates, who had been watching from the window (it's Hollywood Arts for crying out loud; everyone just has to be in the loop), their actions looked drilled, and they couldn't help but feel that the pair had grown, if anything, stranger.

What had gotten their blood pumping? Well, a certain kid had promised updates on the bombay that the pale teen was receiving later that day, only for the delivery of the pet to be done earlier at their father's request. This meant no one would be there to receive the feline, since her mother was working. Why would Tori know? During the Anastasia movie, she had bonded with Tyler a little, and enough for the boy to request her number. She had teased him about it, but gave it anyway. Knowing that she knew about the cat (having texted him and requested updates) he had sent them both the same text.

They arrive barely on time to see a van with a pet logo arriving at the driveway. In her hurry, the Goth had forgotten all about the glasses, and was far too preoccupied with her latest acquisition to even notice. While she signed the form, Tori received the carrier, looking at bright, yellow eyes that hissed pitifully at them. Turned out that it was a little old to be a kitty, around seven to nine months. They proceeded towards the house, both not sure what to do next, but they simply opened the carrier once inside. For her part, the pale female had gone to search for several toys, and the bed, which consisted of a box over a scratching post with a circle for opening. Turning her clear blue eyes at her companion, she saw the impressed look and turned around, smirking.

"What, didn't think I'd be this prepared?"

"Duh," that made her turn back around with an arched brow, a string with a bell attached dangling from one hand, the other holding a feather, obviously to tease and antagonize the poor creature, "I didn't think you actually wanted the cat."

A snort follow the statement as she took the black creature and placed the string across its neck, "you're right."

"Although I can see," hazel eyes were watching her with a soft smile, "why you would. Black, yellow eyes, looking like a panther—"

"It's supposed to look like a mini panther," came the aggravated reply, those blue eyes rolling, glinting like sapphires.

"And are also meant to be the easiest to train," it wasn't like she had something to prove, but she didn't like the idea of allowing her friend to think she hadn't researched at all, "meaning a perfect tool to antagonize others."

"Actually, it's main target will be you, Vega," was the smirked reply, but this time, hazel eyes rolled, "oh, you doubting me?"

"Since it'll probably get to know me better than your mom," she winced as she spoke, but the thespian nodded in agreement, "I doubt you'll manage to do just that."

"I guess we'll have to see how it turns out, right?" It was a challenge, and both pair of eyes glinted; she had been distracting the creature with the feather, then she passed it to her companion, who began playing with the kitty. "I'm calling the vet."

The call was a tad bit long. Since she didn't have a car, her mother having taken it to work (imagine if they shared a ride...) and only a bike as means of transportation, she couldn't drive the cat to the clinic. It took a lot of persuasion from her part to convince the good animal doctor to leave the place for a while, and not send a replacement; she immediately promised pain and blood should that happen, and made the statement loud enough for several employees to hear. No one actually wanted to risk to an obvious psycho's house. The doctor didn't take long, and in order to help with the decaying mood, Tori had given her back the toy so she could play with her pet, and she opened the door to greet a woman in white robes, and apologize for everything.

"Nothing to apologize for," the woman replied with a delicate smile, specially when she turned to the dark-haired teen, who wore a snarl, "I assure you, I'm a certified vet, and you need my help."

The woman looked at the cat, and placing her bag down with care, she kneeled and made an odd sound; the cat went to her without hesitation. Jade was clearly impressed, but instead of asking, she began a silent conversation filled with ridiculous hand waving and lip spelling. They continue on for quite a while, the Latina clearly stopping the thespian from actually committing murder. Those ever present scissors come from out of nowhere as far as the tanned teen in concerned, and she actually had to step forward to prevent blood from being spilled. After a while, they actually forgot their guest, but stopped short from shock when the woman chuckles; Tori had to jump, of course.

"As entertaining as your antics are," she began, standing with the cat looking comfortable in her arms, "I must still return to work."

"Would you like something to drink Ms—" A soft frown appeared on the tanned face as a hand covered her mouth, "sorry, Dr.—"

"Breathe," the woman cautioned, her soft green eyes laughing, "I am a doctor indeed, but my specialty are these guys."

"Are you evading the question?" Jade asked, blue eyes narrow.

"No, I'm not," the woman replied, then turned back to the young lady who had opened the door, "water or juice is fine."

"Right," a pale hand actually slapped her forehead with some force but the other teen was already on her way to the kitchen.

"My, she's chipper," green eyes twinkled as she laughed softly, going to the sofa despite the fact that the young woman had her scissors out, "my name is Andrea, Andrea Teie."

Guarding her scissors, she began a search through her phone, and coming up with praises and other things, the thespian found herself nodding and sitting besides the woman and her new cat.

"Interesting career choice for someone in a family of musicians," she commented, petting the cat, "why?"

"Huh," there was praise in the green eyes, "I love music, but I think the gene might have skipped me altogether; I have a good ear, and the finger finesse, but I guess I lacked the vocation and dedication..."

"Heh, funny that your brother also inclined for cats," was the comment, and they socialized a little. "Vega, about damn time."

"Excuse me?" She passed some lemonade to the doctor, then another glass to Jade, and kept the remaining one, still baffled by the comment.

"Thanks dear," the woman said, smiling kindly, then taking a drink to hide her smile; she had stumbled upon quite an interesting pair.

"Oh good, you remembered how I like it," was all the new owner had to say, and at the darkening of hazel eyes, she swatted softly the closest knee, "yeah... Thanks."

"Oh!" It was as if the simple word made everything better; the guest tried hard not to laugh and barely managed to succeed.

"Okay so, this isn't a traditional Bombay cat," she began, placing the drink down and taking a deep breath, "when the breeding of this race began here, several cats were lost and probably flourished in the wild."

"Probably?" Most definitely an interesting choice of words, but the woman just shrugged at the question.

"It was never proved, and even with cases such as this one," she motioned to the black cat who having a little hard time getting used to the bell around its neck, "it can be argued that it's just a street cat."

"What makes you say he's probably from the wild though?" Tori believed her, but she was naïve that way; for her part, Jade was having a hard time swallowing the story, even if she knew the doctor was trustworthy.

"Because of the food in his stomach," she replied, feeling said kitty's belly, "I would say, they found this little guy today."

Both teens looked at her, impressed. She began giving the cat some purging ointment on its back, where he wouldn't be able to lick it off. It also turned out to be male, with nine months and a half of age, and she believed that he was actually from the wilds. She learned what the girls had in store for the black cat and found the accommodations to be perfect, the toys to be adorable, and the training regimen to be quite intense and still methodically planned and incredibly accurate. But what Andrea enjoyed the most, was the interaction between the two teens. They debated names, debated dates to take the kitty for vaccines, debate on the food, the type of food, and many other things. She could tell that the pale one was more controlling and somewhat of a blood loving kind of kid, like a Goth but not the stereotype of it. Meanwhile, the tanned one was more free going, more understanding and more gentle... They were an interesting mix. It was as if they had some kind of truce and odd friendship. She remained more than usual, giving the cat some shots, but in truth remained just to see them arguing. It wasn't until it was two hours later that the thespian realized that the good doctor was still there, mainly because her mother had called and said she would be a tad bit late. How they could still argue about food was beyond them all, specially when it had been a settled kind of dispute in the first place; perhaps it hasn't been as simple as they had thought...

"I'll take the glasses to the kitchen," Jade said, giving her friend a glance.

"Oh! You must be running late," she began candidly, and Dr. Teie began standing from her spot, where she had nursed her lemonade, "thank you for everything."

"It was my pleasure Tori," she replied as she was escorted to the door, "although I must ask..."

"Sure," of course, she had to reply with her easy nature; the woman smirked softly.

"I was wondering, how can the two of you be the best of friends," she glanced slightly to the kitchen entrance, but the glance wasn't too long, "and yet, differ so greatly?"

"Differ?" She was genuinely puzzled. "We don't agree on everything, actually debate everything, but we know each other well."

"I can tell that your meeting wasn't..." She had to figure the right word, after all, their interactions were so solid, and so chaotic, that it could only be acquired through hardships. "I can tell that it hasn't been easy."

"Hmmm, have you seen Hancock?" The question caught the doctor off guard, that she didn't turn when she noticed the raven-haired once again sneaking on the conversation, she just nodded. "It's to recognize the potential, and having faith and persistence of achieving it."

Green eyes shone with understanding, and saying bye, she left. The actress turned, to find her companion scowling and breathing down her neck.

"So, you thought I had potential and—"

"Wait, I didn't say that!" It was an indignant reply, and before her friend could interrupt (she placed a hand on the lips), but as outrage tried to strike she continued, "I spoke of our potential as friends, not you, but us, and in case you haven't notice, I never gave up!"

But Tori couldn't wait to hear what her friend had to say for herself. Muttering gank beneath her breath, she left the house. It was then that it dawned on her that she had no means of transportation, but she felt silly if she returned to the house and asked for a ride. She still caught the good doctor on the way to the car. Before she could even contemplate asking for a ride from a complete stranger, and she was truly considering the idea, cold skin wrapped itself around her wrist, grip strong but not painful. It was a feeling she was used to, but there was a delicate undertone she had never felt before, so instead of shaking the hand off as she would have done before, she simply turned around, puzzled, even more so when the hand didn't pull her back inside but slid to her own tanned hand and began guiding her back inside. Those green-blue, or blue-green, eyes mesmerized her, and even when she went back inside the house, it was as if they were gravitating towards each other; she never took her eyes of those gazing orbs. Didn't even notice how the older woman had noticed them, and was laughing at them with her own eyes, just noticed when the door silently closed behind them, and how they kept holding hands.

"She was laughing, wasn't she?" It was as if the question was just asked to break the muted silence that felt like an eternity but was barely seconds.

"Ah, I thought I had been the only one to notice," really, that was the best she could come up with? Tori felt a blush creeping and like smacking her palm on her forehead, but her hand was currently being held.

As if thinking the same thing, they let go, and bent their knees so they could pamper the cat.

"I still cannot believe you'd name him that..." Her tone was almost accusing, but the Goth could tell there was a playfulness in it.

"Hey, you heard all that load of 'Jesus' being a verb, not noun?" She asked, and at the tanned girl's nod, she smirked, "now he can fulfill that idea."

"Really, what would you do, 'Sic Sinjin'," she mock-pointed at the scratching post, "and that he would just obey?"

"Yes," but the reply was cut short when they noticed that the cat had pounced on the post, and Jade laughed at the other girl's jump, "bravo Vega, but I'm still Siccing him at you."

"Jade!" The reply was alarmed as the kitty, Sic, turned around, apparently understanding his name. "I really don't understand the name!"

She felt sick at the lack of comeback, so said the first thing that came to mind. It was worse when she heard her companion snicker.

"You don't have to."

"Come on Jade," the other asked, petting the black pet as it came back; apparently, he was a sucker for pampers, "please..?"

"Fine, just quit that stupid pout," and she scowled at her own weakness, "it doesn't suit you. Now, I wanted something to do with scissors, but that's too long."

"So it isn't actually because of what it means?" Really, that would be too easy.

"No, but it became obvious once I shortened scissors," she grinned, scoping the cat and placing him on her legs once she sat a the couch. Tori tried getting him to move to her legs, and was thrilled when he did, just to be shot down went he went back and made himself comfortable; the thespian laughed, "try being less skinny Vega, cats like warmth."

Hazel eyes rolled, but she felt a tad apprehensive and a bit more self conscious. "Ha ha."

They went to Jade's room to let the kitten get used to the area. Tori remembered her first time in the room, how she woke up scared at the new environment, a flaw that her mother made sure the Goth would understand as to help her daughter out. The torment was undeniable, but at least the pale teen had helped her out, had brought her out of the guest's room (where her friend made her Slap videos) and into her own. Waking up there had been quite a surprise, especially when she was cuddling a rather adorable teddy bear. The room was anything but what Jade West's room was ever imagined to be: the soft lilac background of the wallpapers simply brought out the violet hued creatures. There were butterflies, fairies, brownies and mushrooms and other such creatures, and the bed was made of light wood along with the other furniture in the room. The first thing she did was wind up all the music boxes in the right order, so that when she turned them on, they would all play the same tune at the same time; the one who had rigged them was, of course, Jazz, and she could tell that it somehow helped the owner be at peace. The teasing of the kitty proceeded until the Latina was called; it was André.

"Hey André—!"

"Don't you André me girl," he began, sounding a tad mad; okay, beyond mad but not quite on livid, "we cover you and Jade while the both of you, the both of you, run off only God knows where?!"

"Wait, André—"

"No!" He was clearly becoming mad. "Really, skipping class? Since when Tor, since when?"

He sounded near tears, and they were quiet, neither knowing what to say. She knew he was right, they were best of friends so really, he would understand, totally understand. When he appeared to have composed himself enough, he took a deep breath.

"At least tell me you're still going to the movies with us," he huffed softly.

"Uh..." She knew it wasn't the right answer, the problem being: there was no right answer. So, before he could hang up as his scoff clearly indicated, she began speaking. "Look, Jade's dad just gave her a cat and she cannot leave him alone, he's a kitten! They sent him over as class began—"

"She cannot take care of it by herself?!" He demanded to know.

"Really, can she take care of herself?" The reply was completely serious, calm, and leveled, and at the glare from a pair of sapphires, she felt as though someone had walked over her grave. "Please don't kill me."

"I hope she doesn't," at least her reply had done some good, but she still whimpered as the Goth stood and began stalking her and she knew things wouldn't end up well for her, and perhaps her best friend knew as well, "okay, I get it; hope you survive."

"You and me both," was the reply as a pale hand reached over for her phone and ended the call; she whimpered again. "Sorry!"

Her eep was lost when Cat called her, and so the thespian answered and placed it on speaker. Was there no privacy? Why was her personal space being invaded so?! Right, she had pissed her best friend and worst enemy, great...

"Jade! You and Tori are leaving me by myself with the boys?!" The whine was clear; how the redhead knew that her best friend would answer was beyond the tanned teen.

"Beck, take care of her," she spoke as if the boy was there.

"Can André help?" He asked, clearly teasing.

"Dude—" But she had already pressed the red button on the phone.

"What was that about me not being able to take care of myself?" It was a soft and menacing growl; when they had shared the house, she had actually cleaned the bathroom. Sure, it's not quite a big achievement, but considering how sheltered most of them were... "Well?"

"I'm sorry, I know it's beyond the truth but I didn't want to leave!" The rest of the words fell on deaf ears as the Goth began to process what was said; Holy Saint Vega had lied because she didn't want to leave... "Please, don't kill me!"

"Ugh, quit the drama," she replied; was there a faint blush on those pale cheeks? "I'm glad you wanted to stay, so we'll leave it at that and never speak of it ever again, deal?"

"Umm, okay?" The reply was dubious, making the pale teen scoff and walk off, clearly mad, until her light blue eyes fell on the kitty and him making himself comfortable on her bed, even though he had his own. "What will you do for Halloween?"

She clearly meant about the cat; Sic would turn ten months. "Your character has a pet larva she calls Silkie, I'm guessing this little guy could go dressed up as well."

They turned towards the bed where said black mammal was twisting upon himself, trying to reach the annoying bell that began tinkling the moment he made himself comfortable. They laughed at his antics, and began fooling around with him with some of the toys. When Ms. West arrived, she went upstairs and brought them some snacks and they spoke to her about getting the cat into an outfit. Jade began having fun tossing ideas around, she felt at peace, so before she left to take her friend back, she turned to face the image of her brother on the wall in front of the front door, and smiled at him. It felt as if peace had finally arrived after quite a while, and her being able to connect with her mother again... Sure, she didn't care much for the woman back then, but she was her mother after all, and even if things had never been great, Jazz never felt closer.

"I meant to ask you," Tori began as they donned their respective gears; Jade was keeping her documents on an inner pocket of the jacket, so she didn't have to take her Gear of Wars bag everywhere, "how did you manage to add color?"

"Windows or walls?" She asked, taking her glasses out and placing them on.

"Both." Even with their helmets on, they could hear each other well.

"I'm entitled some secrets, Vega," was her smirk always so annoying?

They went off. The trip went as normal, as were their actions afterwards, only that this time, Mr. Vega actually wanted to make sure that the Goth was actually whom his daughter told him. She ended up staying longer than usual just to annoy the youngest daughter, and then decided to leave before it grew dark. Jade was surprised at the sight that greeted her; why was Beck there?

"So, you're actually seeing someone else?" He demanded, throat constricted. "You could have told me!"

"It's not what you think—" She began with a roll of eyes, but this action was taken the wrong way.

"Yeah, of course it isn't," he replied bitterly, and she was shocked by his scathing tone, "really, at all the times you could have told me—"

"That I had an older brother and he died when I was seven!?" She demanded, furious. "No, and you had said you wouldn't pry further, and I definitely should have told you about it, but since he isn't part of my life any more and not to mention Cat wouldn't survive a day if all of you knew!"

"I am sorry," he began, his anger leaving up in smoke, knowing that if he wanted to salvage the situation he would have to tread carefully, "I know enough, you don't need to say anything else."

Above all things, he could tell how protective the Goth was of her friends, specially Cat. "Just tell me what you want, Oliver." He winced at the use of his last name and hung his head in shame; when his godfather died, she had known what to say and precisely when, and now he could tell that this was the reason why.

It's never easy to get over the loss, she had told him back then, honestly, it never gets better. He knew she was right, and he understood why better now, but it wasn't the way he had wanted to learn. For starters, he still couldn't talk about his godfather, so he couldn't request if he wasn't willing either.

"I guess it's useless to say this but," he began, running a hand through his hair, his mocha eyes speaking louder than he did about his regret and calming the pale teen, "you need to make it up to Cat; she's not used to being alone when we're supposed to be a group."

"I'll take her to get some ice cream Beck," she replied softly, and he smiled, albeit pained, "I promise."

"I want us to get back together," he requested, sounding serious, but she just shook her head.

"Beck, you remind me too much of my brother," her eyes became mellow, the sadness in them was choking, "gentle, caring, you lack his drive but not his passion..."

He stood there, stunned, then the reality of it hit him. "So, all those time you said no..." Tears began streaming, and he hung his head in shame.

"I am so sorry Beck," she was crying as well, but she was mostly mad at herself, "this incest—"

"No, it isn't that," he whispered fiercely, and it quiet her down, "had it been that way, you would have willingly gone through with it, and you didn't! We work more as siblings, I can see that..."

"Beck..." She sighed in regret, but she couldn't deny what she had felt, and he knew it, she could tell due to his chocolate eyes.

"I'm really gonna miss you picking fights," he remarked, crying silently, "and me falling for it, screaming that I'm right."

"And you would hide away and find your peace of mind," she said softly, and they began hugging softly, and their tears didn't give them a chance to speak until later. "We are never ever getting back together."

"Thanks," he replied, giving her a soft hug and a kiss on the forehead, "also; don't hog or corrupt Tori, please."

She scoffed, turning to the house, but smiling back him and drying her tears, "I make no promises."

"For being someone you hate," he began, getting on his ride, "you're spending an awful amount of time with her..."

"Jealous, Beck?" She called, and laughed when he rolled his eyes before going off. Chuckling, she entered the house, and sighed in pleasure at her creations. "Mom, I'm thinking about cutting my hair..."

"Do it next week," her mother called back, worried, "also, I'm making some Thailand food, okay?"

"Great!" Suddenly, Jade was in the kitchen, getting an apron, "you never taught me how to make your famous—"

"Really, I taught you all you might need to cook," the voice was filled with exasperation, "the rest is creativity."

"And technique mother, don't forget technique," the young woman quoted, directly from her, "really, you should open your own restaurant."

"I cook for family, not strangers," it was the same bitter reply as always.

"Get someone to teach," the look on those green-blue eyes, so much like her own, left Amber breathless; it had been ages since she had seen her daughter that way. "How about giving some courses?"

"Well..." She looked about dubiously, giving her back to her child. "You mean like a Home Ec class?"

"There isn't one at Hollywood Arts," she began with a shrug, "besides, it might get them to include culinary as a course; it is a form of art after all..."

"So ambitious..." She bumped hips, making the teen chuckle and bump back, "I'll follow your idea."

"Being friends with Holly should help, right?" She looked at her daughter, a tad worried, but the girl was too focused on the cutting up of the vegetables.

"Yeah, it should..." Her profession was costume design, but she had a passion for cooking. "I'll talk to her about it, I promise."

"I'll try to keep Cat from signing," the other grinned, and she laughed at the comment.

"That would be helpful."

The evening was spent making dinner, and by the end of it, Jade felt as if something was missing, someone... Since when did Tori became an integral part of her daily life? They had never ate dinner at her place, so why did it suddenly felt as if it was weird she wasn't? Trying to shake the feeling off, it persisted, making her feel uncomfortable with herself. What the hell?

Up next: ready for some Halloween wickedness!? Well, be ready, because first, we need some preparations...