I'm sorry this took so long but I've been sick with a horrible case of the stomach flu. It kept me from properly studying for my exams that came around right after I got better. Now that both of those things are out of the way I could update. Enjoy!
~Jade~
After Tori dropped me off I decided to grace the rest of the house with my presence. I held my breath just in case when I entered the living room. My parents greeted me with lackluster hellos that I didn't care about. I was mostly interested in seeing if they knew something was up. By their greeting, I knew they were still in the dark. They never cared. I rolled my eyes and turned back into my room. They'll both be gone soon, off to another day of work. I sat back on my bed and pulled up my laptop. It was time to finish the homework I hadn't completed and then start up a horror classic marathon. That always seemed to make things better. That was how I spent the rest of my day. By the time night fell I was glad the hunger hadn't flared up yet. I was sorting through my deck of cards, going over the speech Tori told me using them. I had just set down the king of hearts I was holding when my phone went off. I reached over to pull it off the charger and looked down at the screen to see Tori had text me. I smiled and opened it.
Going out for a run soon. Thought I would check on you. Have you tried being around your parents? You know I would love to spend some time with you but school is tomorrow and a talk I had with Trina is flipping me out. Tell you later ok. See you soon…love you :{)
I grinned at the message and quickly replied.
Have fun I guess. Thanks for the check-up but I'm fine. Parents aren't dead if that's what you mean. You could still ditch but I know you won't. I want to hear what Trina had to say. See you later. Love you too pup.
I hit send and set my phone aside. I really wish I could go to sleep. I stared up at my ceiling for a long while before getting up. I looked over at the cards on the floor and soon, an idea came to me. I spent the rest of the night working on my little project, finishing it around six in the morning. I checked the weather online to see the sun wouldn't be too crazy today. I grabbed a change of clothes and then took a shower. I continued to get ready on autopilot, grabbed what I needed, and then headed out. I quickly got in my car before the sun could piss me off further. I wore a long sleeve, jeans, and a wide brimmed hat complete with my favorite pair of aviators. I'd have to take off the hat and shades in class but I wouldn't need them once I was inside. The Asphalt Café was probably off limits now. I started the car and groaned. Beck as well as the rest of the wolves and vampires would know about me. That was good and bad. At least I would only have to lie to the humans; which would include all our friends.
Fuck, I really, really hope Tori brought me some sunscreen. I forgot to get it on the way out. I arrived at school and sat in the car for a few minutes before getting out. I hissed at the attacking rays and began a quick stride into school. If I thought walking across the parking lot held an array of scents, I was almost blown away when I entered the school. I defensively held my breath, not knowing what else to do. My eyes scanned for Tori and found her at her locker holding a cup from Jet Brew. I walked over quickly and caught her wrist in my hand. She visibly brightened and turned around to smile at me. I returned it nervously but didn't need to elaborate. She saw my expression and hastily exchanged her books. She slammed her locker and then grabbed my hand, tugging me through the hall to the Black Box Theater. She shut the door and grabbed a chair, propping it under the handle so no one could walk in.
"Are you ok?" she questioned worriedly. I took in a hesitant breath to answer, only a vague scent of human here. No one has been in here yet. That or they haven't been in here long.
"Not really. I can't believe how many things are assaulting me right now. I thought it was loud and animated before but shit, it doubled," I complained, yanking off my hat and shades. She walked over and began rubbing my arms soothingly.
"I know, but trust me, you'll get used to it. I promise. Here, I brought you these," she replied, digging in her bag. She pulled out the sunscreen I was hoping for and handed it over along with the Jet Brew cup.
"Half coffee, half blood. It might help you calm down," she told me, pointing at the cup.
"You think of everything don't you?" I praised with a smirk. I took a sip, relaxing when the mix of flavors hit my tongue.
"For you, yes," Tori answered, leaning in to kiss me.
"It just keeps getting better," I mumbled against her lips. She pulled away with a laugh. I put the sunscreen away in my bag and took Tori's hand in my own.
"Tori, I know everyone else will realize we're together sooner or later but what about our friends?" I asked her. She contemplated what I asked before shrugging.
"I don't see why we should keep anything from them. I mean, the reason I'm open with them is to cover anything questionable should it come up," she admitted. I sighed but nodded in agreement. It made sense. The more up front she was with our friends the more accepting they would be. Therefore, the less they would question when she had to lie.
"Ok, let's get this day over with then so I can crawl under a rock," I told her with a frown, only half joking. She smiled and pulled me over to the door. She moved the chair aside and then we were back in the halls. I breathed slowly, adjusting to everything. It got easier the more confident I became. I squeezed Tori's hand once and then dropped it. She followed me over to my locker where I began exchanging what I needed. Tori leaned against the lockers next to me, avoiding coming into contact with Robbie's strange locker. I was just about to shut my locker door when a scent I recognized when I was human drifted over to me. I used to take comfort in it before but now it was just an attack on my senses just like the one associated with it. I slammed my locker closed and glanced over at Beck who had just walked in the door.
His gaze stopped on me for a few seconds before he looked away. I heard a small growl from Tori, her eyes locked on him over my shoulder. The bell rang at that moment. I shook my head and turned away, gesturing for Tori to escort me like she always did. That was something that was normal to everyone. When we had to part ways she reached out to grip my hand softly, her eyes locking with mine. I reassured her with a crooked smile which seemed to placate her because her thousand watt smile was back. She squeezed my hand and then left, walking in the direction of her class. I watched her go then turned to enter my classroom. I would like to say things were different but they didn't change. Not really at least. I caught myself making mental lists of each student in all my classes; a werewolf here, a vampire there, some half-breeds, and others purebreds.
Hell, even one of my teachers was a half-breed wolf. I would have never known if not for my current abilities. The only interesting thing that happened involved a purebred wolf who I recognized as one of the guys who always tried to hit on me. He purposely dropped his pen by my desk and it rolled to a stop by my bag which I had leaned against the metal basket under my chair. He grinned, his eyes on me as he bent to retrieve his pen. About halfway down, his confident grin faltered and he began sniffing the air. I didn't know if he sensed what I was or the Markings tipped him off, but either way, he hastily abandoned his pen and completely ignored me the rest of the time we sat next to each other. When the bell rang he got up quickly but I stood in his way. I quirked an amused brow and reached down to pluck his pen off my desk where I had set it earlier after picking it off the floor. I lazily held it out to him but he stared at it stupidly, not taking it. His behavior was entertaining.
"Take it. I won't bite," I teased him with my usual smirk. He lifted an unsteady hand and pinched the pen between his fingers carefully. Once he had a hold of it, I let it go, spun on my heel, and walked away. What the fuck did he think would happen? A lesson with Sikowitz was always entertaining but today was interesting to say the least. Every human gawked at how well Tori and I got along, Beck was the new gank, and Sikowitz seemed to approve of our new treatment of each other with a happy smile. When class was over, Tori and I stopped by the bathroom. I had to apply sunscreen before going out so Tori helped. I replaced my hat and shades then we made our way outside. It finally dawned on me why a good handful of students dressed like this when going out on days when the sun wasn't covered by clouds. Overcast days would offer us all a break from the rays. Festus' grub truck was the best choice over the cafeteria food any day and Tori wanted her turkey sandwich so I followed her reluctantly. She got what she wanted and turned to me.
"Aren't you getting anything?" she asked, obviously to remain in character and normal to the humans around us. I had to remind myself I was now in on the act and had to follow along accordingly. There might have been wolves and vampires in the world but humans were still the highest population. It was no different here.
"Not hungry," I answered, giving her a bored look.
"Well, you should eat just in case so no one worries about you," she responded, her voice hinting. I rolled my eyes.
"It's not like I'll starve myself in one day. Don't worry, I'll grab something tomorrow for sure," I told her, answering with the same tone. She nodded in acceptance of my answer. It was then Cat clung to me from behind, her normally painful squeeze of a hug barely registering this time around. She smelled crazy sweet like bubble gum cotton candy. It must be from all the sweets she ate all the time. Good news was, her scent reeking of sugar overdose repelled me from even thinking about her in an edible way. Cat groaned and pulled away, rubbing her arms with a pout.
"I never knew you were such a rock, Jade," she complained.
"I never knew that either. How did you find out?" I deadpanned, my sarcasm still in working order. She huffed and gestured to me.
"I hugged you," she stated like that was all the reason in the world. I knew I was being difficult but Cat was so dense sometimes.
"I wasn't serious, Cat," I explained.
"Oh, ok, well, you and Tori should come and sit with us. We've been waiting for you guys. Since we didn't get to hang out over the weekend we want to catch up. Come on!" Cat encouraged. She tugged on my wrist and I frowned. The sun would be annoying in a few minutes, so I had to make this lunch quick. We followed Cat back to our usual table. Andre and Robbie greeted us but Beck took one look at us, mumbled an excuse, and left. Andre watched him go with a slight frown but he shrugged a moment later, a smile back on his face.
I took a seat and Tori scooted in next to me. I could feel the way her smile seemed to brighten at the proximity. I gave her a one sided smile, catching Andre's observing gaze. Robbie was too busy trying to get Cat to sit next to him. I locked eyes with the calm dark skinned musician and glared coldly, daring him to say something. I was sure he had his suspicions and probably talked to Tori about them way before I knew how she felt. The real question was, did Tori tell him he was right? Knowing she trusted Andre I could be certain she did.
"What's happenin' muchacha? Hiya pale, dark, and threatening," Andre greeted. I quirked my pierced brow at his words, unamused by the comment.
"Is that supposed to be endearing?" I snapped. He wasn't fazed by my attitude today.
"Sure was, but really just stating the obvious," he replied, knowing I was unhappy that I hadn't scared him into taking his words back.
"How has your day gone so far?" Tori spoke up, directing the question at Andre. He opened his mouth to reply but Cat jumped from her seat.
"What's that supposed to mean?" she demanded, looking at Robbie with a hurt gaze. None of us were paying attention to their conversation so we all looked to her questionably.
"Nothing!" Robbie answered, holding up his hands in surrender. He didn't have Rex with him today. That was good. Robbie had started leaving him at home more often and I hoped he was done with the disturbing two person act for good. Cat huffed and grabbed her backpack, slinging it over her shoulder. She stomped off and Robbie hurried to catch up with her.
"Well, I was going to say today was same old same old except for Beck being so quiet. Now Robbie and Cat are at odds again, not that they ever seem to be able to avoid a disagreement. I would say I've personally had a pretty good day so far. How about you guys? I see you seem to be getting along," he finally answered now that the spectacle that was Robbie and Cat had passed.
"Oh, um, well, you see, Jade just-" Tori began but I rolled my eyes and slung an arm over her shoulders. Her eyes went wide while I remained calm and indifferent.
"I decided Vega and I could be best buds. Right?" I asked her. She nodded quickly, her smile widening. Andre looked skeptical.
"Jade, you do know you're touching Tori and generally accepting her?" Andre checked. I frowned at him, offended.
"Yes, do you think I'm incapable of knowing that?" I retorted, my voice going sharp. I felt Tori place a comforting hand on my leg. Andre held up his hands.
"Nah, that's cool. It makes everything easier anyway. Can I ask how this came about? It seems so impossible," he admitted.
"It's very possible Harris and no you can't ask. Just accept that it happened and move on," I responded before Tori could. By the look on her face I knew she was going to blurt out some sappy best friend shit.
"Oh, ok," he replied, his smile knowing. I crossed my arms while Tori happily began eating. Andre shared a smile with her when their eyes met. There they go having a silent conversation. He knew we got close and he was letting it be for my sake. Or maybe more for Tori so I won't be mad at her for spouting things I didn't want to tell him. They fell into an idle conversation concerning a piano solo and a few lyrics Andre came up with. I listened with mild interest.
Every time Tori brushed her hand over my thigh my mind would get disorientated. I didn't think she even knew she was doing it. She had finished eating a while ago and needed something to do while she talked. I guess that was what she fell into doing to pass time. Every time Andre questioned her about anything she did over the weekend, she would start up again. It was a pattern. I then realized she was seeking comfort because she felt uncomfortable in this topic. She wasn't very good at lying and I knew she didn't like to lie so I decided to shut Andre up bluntly since she was too nice to do it herself.
"I just realized you're incredibly nosy," I told him in an off-hand manner. I leveled my intense gaze on him over the top of my shades, a sign to back off.
"Oh, um, sorry Tor. I was just lonely taking care of my grandma is all. I felt out of the loop but it looks like you spent your days at home too," he apologized, anxiously rubbing the back of his neck. I released him from my glare, satisfied he got the hint. Tori smiled and waved a hand, ever polite but not missing the exchange.
"Oh that's ok, Andre. I know what you mean," she replied. Her fingers entwined with mine, a silent thank you. It made me feel unnecessarily warm, happy to assist her. The bell rang after that and we all stood. Before we could part, Andre gestured to me.
"Nice new look, Jade. The hat and shades suit you," he complimented. I smirked and shrugged indifferently.
"I know," I responded, the best I could come to a thank you. He nodded and waved before walking off. As soon as he turned around I began a quick pace back inside. The whole time we were out there the sun taunted me. I just wanted to get inside and get that uncomfortable heat off me. Tori rubbed my back with her free hand when we got inside. Her other hand was still entangled with mine. We got to our next class and she slyly parted from me to sit at a desk on the other side of the room. Oh no you don't. I saw what she was doing. I grinned and followed her over to the corner and sat right in front of her. I pulled off the hat and shades then turned to lean on the back of my chair so I could face her.
"Who's the needy one now?" she questioned, a cocky smirk on her face that I liked seeing on her. I smiled condescendingly and shook my head.
"What are you trying to pull? I didn't follow you over here for me. I did it for you. You obviously underestimate how much space you can handle if it isn't necessary," I told her certainly. Her expression faltered. She crossed her arms and looked away.
"I could stay away from you," she responded quietly, her voice lacking conviction. I shrugged and moved to stand but she grabbed my arm. I smiled and sat back down. She frowned but said nothing, knowing she already lost the small challenge. The teacher called for our attention so I turned to the front to listen. Halfway through the lesson, Tori began drawing patterns into my back with a burning finger. It made me shiver once in a while, distracting me at other times. By the end of class we walked out and I pulled her closer to the wall, out of the traffic of passing students.
"I dare you to walk to class alone and don't stop by my locker after school. Go home and you'll see me later. Can you do that?" I challenged. She shifted her feet, her eyes conflicted but thoughtful. She seemed to come to terms with what I asked because she nodded and held out her hand. I took it and we shook. Before she could pull away I brought her hand up and pressed a kiss to her knuckles, catching her by surprise. I dropped her hand and left, smiling at the way her eyes widened before she looked around and then darted to her own class. This was going to be fun. I knew deep down that it would test me as well as her but I was sure she would crack before I did. I hoped she did because then I could give in too. All that mattered was that she gave in first. There was only one way to find out if she could pull it off, and that was by waiting.