Part 10

The Confrontation

Note: Fortunately, late last night, I found a nearly complete version of this chapter in another folder on my external hard drive. I put the nose to the grindstone to finish this today.

Disclaimer: Victorious and its characters are the property of Schneider's Bakery and Nickelodeon. This story is for entertainment purposes only and no money exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author. No profit is intended or wanted for this story.

~flashback~

Jade arrived at the Venice apartment Cat shared with Sam. Once inside, Sam, dressed in an outfit that was almost a photographic negative of Jade's black tux/dress combo, told her, "Cat left in that old rapper's party bus about an hour ago."

"Okay. I know it'll take Cat about fifteen minutes to wear down Vega. At most. Then, presuming the rumors are true that she's not going to the Prome, it'll take her roughly forty-five minutes to get ready – if she rushes. So, we skate in twenty. Got anything worthwhile to drink around here?"

Choking down a too friggin' sweet wine cooler, Jade delayed another few minutes after her self-imposed deadline. She took some time to go over Sam's suit. It was perfect.

"Sam, I think this'll work out perfectly. You and I look great in polar opposite dresses."

"You think this'll work? Will Tori think we're a couple?"

Jade shook her head, "Do you know anyone else wears clothing like this who's not involved with the other?"

"It's just…"

"What?"

Sam sighed, "I think Cat's jealous. I'd bet she wanted me to take her to the Prome."

"What about you?"

Sam smiled, "I'd kinda like to…"

"Sam Puckett! I'd've never guessed you played for our…um, the other team!"

"I don't… I mean…"

"Relax, Sam. It's cool. I…"

Sam sat up, what Jade had said finally registered. "You like Tori! I mean really like Tori! Oh my god! How did I miss that?!"

"You're nuts, Puckett! Miss what?"

"Jade, I know how to get to people or how to torture them. I did it to Freddie enough. I liked Freddie but never wanted to admit it. I still kinda like the jerk but… Anyway, I've been listening to you for the past few weeks and I figured you have to like her. That's why the bet irritates you so much."

"You have no idea how wrong you are, Puckett. I liked the fact that Vega and I were actually becoming friends, but that's all. Then, when I found out it was all a bet to…humiliate me…"

"WHOA! Humiliate? Where the hell did that come from?" They'd been talking of and on for several weeks but Sam, who often zoned out when Jade got into some anti-Tori rant, suddenly realized what the writer had been saying for so long. Another realization hit the blonde and she asked, "Wait… How much do you know about this bet?"

"Just that Beck challenged Vega to cure me of my fear of dolphins."

Sam shook her head, a big smile on her face.

"You never listened all the times Cat tried to tell you the stakes. Well, this time you will listen," Sam challenged.

"Why? I know what was going on. They were trying…."

"To help you! God Jade, for such an intelligent woman, you are so freakin' dense! Now LISTEN!"

The last came out as a controlled scream and Jade found herself suddenly sitting down on a stool at the kitchen bar. In a lower voice, she replied, "Okay…"

"Okay." She handed Jade another wine cooler then started to talk, "Now listen. If Tori lost, she'd have to date Beck for a month."

"Yeah, like she'd really hate that…"

"Lemme finish! If she won, Beck had to wear a dress to the Prome."

"Yeah, right…"

"Dammit Jade! Look, Tori doesn't want to date Beck. How many times did she have the chance and not take it? How many Jade? You told me about the time you saw her refusing to kiss him. So, how many times?"

The Goth shrugged, "I dunno. A couple of times? Three maybe…"

"Like I said, she doesn't want Beck. And Tori told Cat that the bet was the stupidest thing she ever did. And you know why?" Jade's blank stare was enough of a response. "She really, really likes you!"

"Okay, I remember you bringing this up before. Why should I believe you now?"

"Alright, let's look at this from another angle. You have admitted to being a complete gank to Tori since she started but she keeps trying to help you and…"

"Okay, okay, let's concede you're right. So?"

"So, you like her too."

"Bullshit!"

Sam smiled and shook her head, "No. I'm right. You know how I know? This stupid bet has been twisting in your gut since you found out last August. Even for Jade West, two months is a long time to hold a grudge without any kind of payback. Why? Why are you still so upset about this?"

"Why?! Because I was the bet! They were playing a game and I was the pawn!"

"God Jade, way to simplify the entire thing. And how is trying to help you making you a pawn?"

Jade had no response, even as Sam finished getting ready and they left for the Prome.

As they walked into the Asphalt Cafe, Sam pointed to a tall brunette, "Hey, look. Andre has another new girl. Wonder what her problem is? Even the Northridge sleazebags know what a player he is."

Jade checked out the girl in question – her long, dark hair, her makeup and her shapely body…

Suddenly, she realized she was looking her ex! Jade muttered to herself, "Beck? With hair extensions and makeup."

Even as she enjoyed watching Beck try not to slow dance to closely with Andre, she glanced around and saw her target over near Festus' roach coach, trying to pull away from Cat.

The look of shame, sadness and fear on Tori's face was what really caught Jade's attention. And it was like a laser burning into her core.

~end flashback~

Inside the school, the two stared at each other for several long moments. Tori's eyes were full of sorrow and regret. Jade's were unreadable to the sad singer. Tori's eyes dropped and more tears began to well up and slide down her cheeks.

In a raspy voice, full of regret, Tori finally spoke up. "Jade, I'm really sorry. The bet was just a joke between Beck and me. We never meant to…hurt you. I really was trying to help you. I swear I never meant to hurt you or…"

Like a major seismic event, the newest revelation came upon Jade and rocked her to her core, even as she had pursued Tori into the school building. Now, after that eye-opening truth flooded her mind, she had a chance to tell Tori how she really felt, if she didn't chicken out.

"I know, Vega," Jade interrupted in an unusually soft, low voice. "I started to figure that out but I didn't want to admit it. I was…comfortable in my rage. More comfortable than the feeling…feelings I was getting before…"

Another long silence as Tori raised her eyes to Jade's. Their gazes locked even as they said nothing.

"Vega…Tori, I was…" Jade's eyes dropped and she took a deep breath. This was harder than she imagined. Probably the hardest thing she ever did. But Jade took it as a challenge and she never backed down from a challenge. "Tori, I was pretty mad and I didn't bother to let you explain completely. I didn't care. It's just that I hate being used."

"You weren't, Jade. Beck and I were already going to cancel the bet when you overheard us. Even so, I practically forgot about it while we were out together. I was… I was just enjoying…being with…you."

Jade didn't acknowledge Tori's statement, instead saying, "Vega, there is something I never told anyone, not even Beck. When my parents broke up, I was like the rope in their tug-of-war. Neither of them really wanted me, or my brother. We were pawns in their twisted contest for…one-upsmanship. They each just wanted whatever the other did.

"We weren't their children. We were…chattel to be bartered over.

"When I heard about the bet, that whole horrible time came crashing down on me."

"Oh God, Jade. If I had any idea… Oh, God, now I feel worse than ever."

"Okay, Vega, I'm going to be magnanimous and forgive you," Jade said in a haughty voice, a small but unseen smile belying her statement and tone. Then in a softer tone, she added, "After all, Mom and I forgave each other." Jade would later elaborate on how bratty she became as a result of the divorce before her mother apologized and found she really loved her dark daughter.

"You couldn't know and I guess… Well, basically… Listen, Beck and I had a bet once on you."

"Me?"

"Yeah, I bet you'd leave Hollywood Arts before the end of your first year. Beck said you'd stick it out. You cost me my virginity."

"I cost you…? I don't know what to say, Jade. I'm…sorry?"

Jade gave her a tight smile. "Actually, it wasn't so bad. I really was ready and I accepted my losses…my loss. It really wasn't so bad. Beck was gentle and he tried to make it special for me. But…"

Jade paused and, after several seconds, Tori asked, "But?"

"Just never use me again, Vega." This was said with less vehemence than the statement, and the feeling backing it up, deserved. "Never again."

"I promise Jade! I will never use you again. No bets, no jokes, no nothing!"

"There's something else Tori. I had a revelation. You actually did help me. Some. And I asked my mom to set up sessions with a therapist. For the past couple of weeks, I've spent two hours a week with Doctor Merkwürdigliebe and… I learned something about myself."

Tori looked at Jade but didn't say anything, afraid to break the mood. Jade nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

She took a deep breath before going on, "See, I found out I was wrong… It wasn't the dolphin… I… don't… This is harder than admitting it in Doc Merk's office.

"When I fell into the dolphin pool, one of the trainers jumped in after me. As he was helping me out, I felt his… I felt him pressing against my leg and he was…hard. At the same time, his hand was on my ass while his finger moved…" Jade shook her head as if trying to banish the memory again. In a small voice, went on, "The dolphin didn't assault me. The trainer did."

"Oh my God, Jade! I'm so sorry for that," Tori cried as she pulled a strangely unresisting Jade into her arms. "I'm so sorry you were… I wish I could do something."

Tori released Jade as she realized she was hugging the unhuggable girl. Then she stated, "Wait! Dad knows guys on the Dago PD. He could get them to arrest that asshole! Do you know his name?"

"I don't know. Vega, it was so long ago…"

"Well, we can figure it out from the date and who…"

"Tori! Stop. I appreciate it but…"

"Jade, he can't get away with this!"

"But we have no proof. Just the decade-plus old memories I rediscovered in therapy. Even the worst public defender could easily shred that testimony. There's no evidence."

"But…"

"Vega, if he really did do what I remember, he probably did a lot worse to other girls and, by now, hopefully, he's already in jail."

"Well, let's find out! We can do that at least, Jade."

After a long moment, Jade shrugged. "Yeah, I guess we can."

"And if he's still loose, we can…"

Jade grabbed Tori's arm, "Vega! One step at a time. I got that from the doc. One step at a time. Okay?"

"Okay. Uh, Jade, are you still going… Never mind, it's none of my business. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. And to answer your question, yes, I'm going to see him for a while. Maybe not twice a week but…"

Jade took Tori's hand, the cool flesh and the warm flesh felt so right together. In a quiet voice, Jade said, "Tori, Doc Merk made me see other things too. But until now, outside of his office, I didn't even admit this to myself. Somehow Sam Puckett got to me and... Uh… You…uh… God! This was so easy in his office!"

Actually, in Jade's memory, it was hard then. Almost as hard as now. But now was almost too hard but she knew she had to say it now.

Smiling encouragement, Tori said, "Jade, just let the words out. It'll be okay."

Jade looked around the restroom, her eyes unfocussed as she gathered her courage.

"Tori, when we were running around doing your amateur therapy… Which didn't work, by the way," Jade said, unable to resist needling Tori. Tori actually snickered at Jade's comment, surprising both girls.

Rather than say what she wanted, Jade said, "Anyway, I lied. It did work…a bit. Because of you, I did go to therapy. Like I said, I am getting help. And I do owe that to you. Thank you."

Tori gave Jade a small smile.. She was already feeling better than she had in months and now Jade was thanking her. "Jade, you don't have to thank me. I just wanted to help." Then she smiled even wider and added, "But I do like the sound of those words coming from you. And you're welcome."

"Don't push it, Vega." Jade was smiling as she said that, again belying her tone. She reached out and took Tori's hand in hers. "Tori, I have to tell you something else. It's not easy for me but…"

Giving Jade a fair amount of time, Tori entwined her fingers with Jade's before she finally asked, "Jade, you can tell me anything. I never will tell anyone something you tell me in confidence."

"Well, this isn't really in confidence. I…I really like you, Tori. I mean really, really like you."

Tori felt time stand still and she was sure her heart stopped. All she could do was stare at Jade.

"Hello? Earth to Vega? Do you read me?"

Jade's humorously snarky tone cut through Tori's shock. "You… You do…do…?"

That was a line Jade couldn't pass up. "Doo-doo? Vega, really, we're high school seniors!"

"Don't change the subject!" Tori barked. In a quieter, but still hopeful voice, she asked, "You really like me? Like…girlfriends? Not just girl-friends?" Tori intentionally elongated the break between 'girl' and 'friends'.

"Yes, damn it! Yes, I like you like a girlfriend!" Jade glared at Tori, ignoring her smiling face. "So? Go ahead and use that. Dismiss me and my feelings. And… Hell, I don't know… Make me the butt of jokes at school. I guess I might even deserve that."

"NO!" Tori shouted. In a quieter tone, she said, "No, you don't deserve that, Jade. And I promise, no jokes. Unless they include me, Jade. I lo… I really like you too. And I'd love to be your girlfriend. Not just your girl-friend."

"Not jes' a girlie-friend?"

Laughing, Tori declared, "I do not talk like that!"

"Alright! Don't get your panties in a bunch. Just kiss me already."

While it wasn't a senses-shattering kiss like they'd both read about in numerous stories, it was still the best kiss either had shared with another person. And, as they became more familiar with each other over the ensuing years, the kisses improved. Before too long, even a simple kiss between the two evolved into that near-mythic kiss from the romance books Jade claimed she never read.

But back in the present…

Finally, Tori broke from Jade. It was hard, she didn't really want to but she had something else she wanted to do.

"Let's go out there. Okay?"

With a sigh, Jade asked, "Why?"

"'Cause I wanna dance with my girlfriend."

Jade paused for a second. Dance with Vega? Yes, she wanted that. And in public? She wasn't so sure about that yet. Then she reached another epiphany. A smaller but far more important one, "I… I want to dance with my new girlfriend too."

The new twosome left the closet, hand in hand.

A small panic attack hit Jade as they stopped by Festus' truck before joining the dance. "Tori, I… I really want this but…"

Tori released Jade's hand. "You're not ready? Jade, it's okay. We have all the time in the world. Let's just go hang with our friends. You can even keep calling me Vega."

The last was said light-heartedly and Jade nodded, "I think you'll always be Vega to me."

"Okay, Jade. I'm kinda used to it anyway," Tori replied with a smile.

"It's just that I'm not sure I'm ready to acknowledge this…"

"Jade, it's cool. I'm willing to wait as long…" Tori's voice was muffled by Jade's kiss.

Breaking the kiss, Jade declared, "Fuck it! And screw them! I really want to dance with you."

"Jade, we don't have to. Not if you're not ready. Trust me," Tori said before Jade silenced her in the most intimate and pleasurable way. One she would end up using many, many times over the ensuing years. Especially when her woman would start rambling.

Still they consciously didn't holding hands as they wove their way through their classmates on the Asphalt Café. Finding Sam and Cat, already dancing to the fast beat, they joined in.

Most everyone noted the sudden change in dynamics - the fact that Jade and Tori were not ready to kill each other. They even danced close to each other but, as everyone was gyrating to the music, it was difficult to prove who was dancing with whom.

But notice came when the next song, a slower, more romantic ballad, started.

Tori was about to leave the dance 'floor'. She knew Jade wasn't ready for close, cheek-to-cheek dancing. Not yet. And the thrill of being with the beautiful, dark girl was more than she had dared dream an hour before anyway. So she was ready to give Jade whatever space and time was needed.

Before Tori got even a foot away, Jade grabbed her wrist and pulled her back. Tuxedo-clad arms wrapped around the brunette in the gown and she began to lead Tori through the dance.

Fighting back tears of joy, Tori buried her face in Jade's neck (Jade's neck! she shouted internally.), letting the rich aroma of her future lover wash over her, a soon-to-be-familiar mix of spice and cinnamon.

Jade felt a special thrill as she held the other girl to her. The slightly musky vanilla scent filled her senses and she knew she had made the only correct decision. The only one she could, and wanted to, live with. For the rest of her life.

The slow dance segued into another as the girls slowly glided across the pavement, lost in each other.

After the second song, Jade looked into Tori's smiling eyes. She felt herself falling into those eyes. Finally, she found her voice, "Hey, you want to get something to drink?"

Tori simply nodded before she was led across the parking lot to the refreshments. "You want some cheese, Jade?"

In mock horror, using her Sweet Sally Peaches voice, Jade replied, "Oh puh-lease don't spray me with the molten cheyasse!" Then, with a sexy smile, and her own slightly husky voice, she whispered, "The only molten treat I want is you…"

Aping Jade's mock-Tori voice, the brunette fanned herself as she replied, "Why, my, my, I do declayer, Ah believe Ah'm havin' the vapors. Dear me…"

"See? I was right!" Jade declared.

Tori gave her new girl a look before asking, "So? Shall we go and…?"

Jade looked around. "No. Not yet."

"You don't want to?"

"I do but…" Jade felt she had to prove herself to her new girlfriend. And to the rest of the school. "I think we should stay here for a while yet. Dance, laugh, enjoy the evening. We have all night. If you want…"

"You're right Jade, this is our fall dance. Our senior year. I do want to enjoy this. And I wanna dance with you some more." With a smirk Jade was proud of, she added, "Consider it foreplay…"

"Foreplay, huh? Okay Vega, you wanna play dirty? I can do that," Jade said with an evil laugh that caused a thrill to race along Tori's spine.

The fast dancers allowed Jade to flaunt her luscious figure to Tori's admiring gaze. And the slow dances… Jade made a point to grind her curvaceous form against her girlfriend. It truly was foreplay.

Meanwhile, Beck(y) had given into Andre's persistence and they had been dancing for quite a while. When they weren't dancing, they sat and talked. Beck, his voice a couple of comfortable octaves higher, sounded convincing to the other senior.

Initially, when Beck realized he fooled one of his closest friends, he decided to play the part as long as he could. He was an actor after all. Still he was surprised that Andre didn't recognize him….

After a few dances, and a couple of breaks for drinks and snacks, Beck was really getting into the role. In addition, he finally admitted to himself that the feel of the women's underwear felt good on him. And the fact that he noticed that when a lifetime of tighty-whitie's wasn't notable showed him a truth he wasn't sure he wanted to admit.

And there were other new feelings he was coming to recognize…

Cat wanted to jump up and down when she saw Tori and Jade walk out of the school and into the party. The only thing stopping her was Sam. The short-tempered blonde had spent the time after Jade left her in finally wooing her roommate. Beyond the wooing was more a straight-out request, "Cat, do not go goofy when the girls come out."

"'Kay kay."

Even so, once the four took a break from dancing and before her friends could move away, Cat jumped onto Jade, jugging her. "Like being assaulted by some velvet cake-colored anaconda," Jade later recalled.

Then she wrapped herself around Tori, squealing about how happy she was they were finally together.

Thanks to the immature but amazingly intelligent faux redhead, when the girls finally told everyone around them that they were a couple, the response was generally accepting. Even from the boys (and girls) who had dreamed of somehow being with Tori (depending on their particular fantasy) or Jade (imagining they could break through the hard, outer layer to an imagined paradise).

Andre had pulled Beck to the other side of the dance area. In the shadows of the balcony over the Café, he pulled the 'girl' named Becky to him and kissed 'her'. And it was as exciting a kiss as he had ever experienced. When his tongue slid into 'Becky's' mouth, there was a definite charge as it met 'her' tongue.

Beck was taken by surprise by the incredible sensation of kissing one of his best friends.

The two spent the next half hour making out. Both felt a definite tightness in their groins but, sitting side by side, they didn't notice the other's hardness.

Not yet anyway.

As the dance was winding down, Jade held Tori close for another slow dance. She leaned close and kissed Tori's ear before asking, "Do you want to come home with me?"

Before Tori could answer, Jade's tongue slid along her ear then into the folds, causing a near flood in Tori's panties.

Panting, the future popstar managed to say, "Ye…yesss…"

Jade pulled away, still holding Tori's hand as she led the girl to her car. As they passed the other new couple, she told Cat, "You can take Dr. Rhapsody's ride."

Giggling happily – both for her friends and herself – Cat just said, "'Kay-kay."

Sam laughed and called after them, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

Without looking back, Jade flipped off her blonde friend with a laugh.

Post-note: I had planned to end this with an epilogue. New plan now is to write the last chapter which will justify the rating, then an epilogue.