A/N: Hey guys, this is it the last chapter of Hearts a Fire which doesn't seem possible and makes me a little bit sad even though I have two new Hearts stories in the works so please don't run off on me. I still have lots of drama , romance , and twists up my sleeve .
Disclaimer : Nope I still don't own Victorious, Icarly, or Zoey 101
The festival had ended , vacation was nearly over, and the Hollywood Arts gang had split up to spend time alone with their other halves, respectively . Love's Lament had been met with much appreciation from the audience as well as from the numerous theatre heads that had came in for the production and earning Jade a nice sizeable amount of money to put towards college and some offers from various performing arts colleges .
Her Dad had shown up and had been impressed even though he was no closer to understanding why Jade chose to pursue a career in the arts rather than in the business .
When all was said and done, it had been worth the trip to Seattle this summer
.
Jade was happy , content even.
" I'm proud of you, babe " spoke up Beck, quietly , sending her a sexy smile .
They had closed out the world and their friends ( locking them out of the hotel room ) and escaped to the hot, bubbling water of the Jacuzzi in their room . Jade had pulled her hair messily on top of her head, sliding in close to her boyfriend, and allowed the jets to pulsate around her relaxing her until her bones felt like liquid .
She closed her eyes as steam drifted upwards spraying lightly across her face .
" It was a cool hunk of cash to win ," commented Jade , rubbing her neck ," 2500 going to help with college . I thought my Mother was going to faint when the committee dudes handed me the check ..second place in the Shakespeare festival not too shabby ."
" No, its not " Beck brushed his lips over hers in a painfully slow kiss as he moved closer to encircle her in his arms ," Jade , I wondered about something …." He traced a line across her shoulder , nibbling a kiss as he lowered the strap of her bikini top ," you wouldn't give up your dreams for me . Would you ?"
Her eyes shot up with fire mingled with curiosity . " Beck ! Stop being stupid ! I thought we were past all this chizz ….our dreams are the same ."
" I know that douche bag Ian offered you a shot at early admission into Seattle University " brought up Beck, " he made a point of telling me about it . You never said a word to me about it ….."
Jade heaved a sigh and blew out a breath. " I didn't tell you because I have no intention of accepting anything from that rat ," declared Jade , dragging a hand through his silky hair ," we're supposed to chase our dreams together . "
" You were interested in Seattle though ," accused Beck , recalling how they had fought over this very thing ," I just …I don't want you to turn down an opportunity that you want because of me . I don't want us to look back and have resentment and regrets , Jade ."
" We wont , Beck ," Jade pressed her body close to him, her breasts brushing his chest and his dark eyes beckoning to her with desire ," God, after all that chizz with Kyra that gank and our break up, we can handle anything together now . "
" I thought we agreed not to bring up the girls I dated while we were broken up "
Jade rolled her eyes upwards at him, nipping at his earlobe , playfully .
" I agreed not to kill them " remarked Jade , under her breath," I've been good on my promise on that . Whatever happens with college and all that important chizz, we're going to be by each others sides , Beck ."
" Good because I needed to know that " admitted Beck, who had battled with his own insecurities when he had found out about the Seattle chance his girlfriend had . He had wanted to be selfish and continue life as normal as if he didn't know but not talking had caused them problems before and he was done with that.
" Then its settled now will you please shut up and take me , Beck "
Beck scooped her up, the fizzy water splashing around them , as he brought his lips down to hers , plunging , devouring , and loving with an intensity that spoke of needs , wants, desire , passion, and love and more than either could find the words to express .
Neither of them spoke of forever but it was the way of Beck and Jade , they were bound heart and soul to one another .
*************************************HAF********** *********************
Meanwhile in the Hilton, Trina and Spencer clasped hands as they faced Holly and David across the table in the breakfast room , his palms were sweaty and she was nervous but they wanted to continue their streak of a united front in front of her parents .
Their plane was taking off in an hour so this was one last attempt to get Trina to change her mind about everything .
David lifted his glass of coffee to his lips, wished it was something stronger, and met his daughters eyes who hadn't stopped staring at Spencer .
He was deathly afraid that if he and Holly put their foot down on this, they would lose Trina forever and he couldn't do that , wouldn't take the chance of that happening .
" Baby, are you absolutely sure this is what you want to do with your life ? "
Trina's lips were set in a thin line ." Dad , playing cop wont make me change how I feel ."
Spencer gave her an encouraging squeeze . " Trina "
" Becoming the foot model for my favorite shoes and moving in with the man I love , yeah , Dad , this is still what I want ," stated Trina , sounding strong and sure ," I know Tori is always singing about making things shine and becoming a huge pop star but that isn't me . This is me and if Spencer and I are as happy as you and Mom used to be before she cheated , which I will never do because I love Spencer so much, then I consider myself a lucky woman ."
Dad heaved a tired sigh." That only ever worked on Robbie and he never dated either of you girls ."
Spencer opened his mouth to ask her about the adultery but then changed his mind . Trina was her own woman and she wouldn't cheat .It wasn't them.
" If it helps, Sir, Freddie, Sam, and Gibby practically live at the apartment so Trina and I wont be as much alone as you might think " offered Spencer , helpfully .
" Some ," conceded David , shaking his head ," you don't drink . Do you, Spencer ?"
He gulped and was reminded that David was really good as a cop . He had that intimidating thing down really pat but this was just another one last attempt to get Trina to go back home so he didn't want to jeopardize anything .
" No, I don't " answered Spencer ," I drink lemonade , not alcohol . Wouldn't want to encourage Carly ….not that my sister is a drinker . Not my little sister …."
" Good to hear " told David , turning to squeeze his wives hand ," so, Trina, you wont be coming back to L.A. with your sister and her friends ?"
" No, I wont ," declared Trina, holding her ground ," I have modeling gigs set up all next week and Spencer has to finish his newest sculpture to deliver , we'll be super busy . We thought we would drive out to pick up all of my things the week after …unless you wanted to mail them to me ."
" Trina, we're not mailing you your room ," spoke up Holly, who had been quiet until now ," its fine . You and Spencer can make the trip when your not busy …..that's perfectly acceptable ."
" Good because I need to see if Fuinn Ye has a sister or a relative in Seattle " said Trina of her favorite foot bleacher in Beverly Hills ," I wonder if Ms. Fizzene would have her transferred to Seattle .as like my own personal foot bleacher ."
Honey ," reminded a gentle Spencer ," I doubt the woman is going to do that for you ."
Trina considered this and leaned in to press her head against his arm, affectionately . He was warm and she still couldn't get over how well he knew her and what she needed .
She only hoped that she wouldn't scare him away when they lived together and Trina had been trying really hard to make Carly like her . Spencer adored his sister and she didn't want there being awkwardness and dislike between them , not to mention she thought Carly needed a woman's presence in her life and she intended to fulfill that .
Trina pouted , pushing her lower lip out in disappointment . " I guess I'll just have to find someone new to whiten my feet "
" Trina, you have to promise to call us once a week ," exclaimed an upset Holly , who up till now had let David take the lead on handling the situation . She felt better having talked on a one on one level with Spencer but still Trina was her oldest child and she was leaving home . The sadness was just overwhelming ," call, email, text us . We ..your father and I want to hear from you, young lady ."
" I promise I will call you guys " stated Trina , moisture welling in her eyes at her mothers plea . She was still angry about Holly cheating on David but she still loved her mother even when she hated everything she had done to their family ," it'll be just like I'm going to college except I'll be living in Seattle . "
Holly folded her hands together , her knuckles turning white ." College is still an option, Trina, if the modeling thing doesn't quite work out "
Or your relationship with Spencer but she didn't say it out loud , didn't want to play a part in putting up another wall between them again . It had been hard enough for them all with the temporary separation, the counseling, and trying to make amends with her girls as well as David .
" You could have a little faith in me, Mom , like you have in Tori ," blurted out Trina then caught herself but it was too late ," never mind . I shouldn't have said that …even though we all know that Tori has always been the perfect daughter ."
Spencer placed a tentative hand on her arm, hoping to give her a measure of calm .
" Trin, maybe we should drive your folks to the airport "
" Your Mom and I love you and Tori just the same , baby " reassured David, shooting a look at his wife ," we only want for you to be happy ."
" I am, Dad "
" Then I'm going to stop interrogating you and trust Spencer to take good care of you " He met Spencer's level gaze with his own and the man nodded , solemnly .
" You have my word, Mr. Vega " declared Spencer ," I love Trina and we'll take good care of each other . I promise I wont do anything to hurt her ….."
" Spencer " Trina hugged him tight then threw her arms around David's neck like she used to when she was a little girl ," I'm doing what you told me to do, Dad , and this feels more right than anything in my life ever has ."
David hugged her , dropping a kiss on top of her head ,and trusted that it was right .
" Good ," whispered David , under his breath," but just a thought , you and Spencer might consider the future a little more . Still not really thrilled with you living together without a ring ..actually that is more your Mom than me ."
" I'm 19 , Dad, and I think Spencer and I have plenty of time before marriage and babies and swollen feet "
Spencer gulped in a breath, tried not to choke on the panic that never came and thought maybe down the line it wasn't such a wild idea .
" Mom, Dad , I am so sorry we're late ," Tori barged in the door, Andre on her heels ," thank God you haven't left yet ! "
" I told you that we wouldn't miss them " Andre folded his arms across his chest , " we saw a movie with Freddie and Sam . It ran over a bit ….how is everybody ?"
We're fine here ,Andre ," answered Holly , trying to send him a friendly smile but managing a half -smile instead . It was just too sad ," how was the movie ?"
" Disturbing and gross " said Andre of the horror flick the couple had taken them too. He and Tori enjoyed a good horror movie with the best of them ( except Robbie and Cat who scared too easily ) except for Beck and Jade , who enjoyed it a little too much ." I think I now understand how Jade gets her ideas of …well, you know , Jade ."
" We do " said Holly , draping an arm across Tori's shoulder ," sweetie, are you sure that you don't want to fly back with your father and I ? it would be so simple to get another ticket ….."
Tori tried not to let the guilt set in though she could tell her Mom was clinging to the idea that she would agree to leave with them. Though things didn't seem to be as horrid and awkward between her parents , she knew she couldn't sit between them on an airplane and listen to them fight over Trina .
" Sorry but I'll be home in a few days and I want to spend it with my friends "
Trina stepped forward, pushing her dark hair off of her shoulders and poking into the conversation .
" It's been totally crazy here ," declared Trina , winking at her younger sister ," they've been working really hard on Jade's play then with the sticky mess Robbie and Cat got into …Tori and Andre really haven't had much chance to just hang out together ."
" What Trina said " agreed an enthusiastic Tori, letting go of her mother to drape an arm around Trina's waist ,"oh, do you want me to tell you what happened with Robbie and Cat this summer, Mom?"
Holly closed her eyes, sent her husband a pleading look but he held his hands up as if to say I'm not taking the question . He continued chatting with Spencer and Andre .
She pasted on a smile then shook her head, repeatedly .
" No, I don't need to know about the drama ," insisted Holly , " please don't tell me so I'll feel obligated to talk to Celia about it and I'm almost positive I don't want to know what Robbie and Cat did …don't tell me ."
" You wouldn't believe it anyways, Mrs. Vega " contributed Andre with a laugh.
" Alright then ," said Holly ," we should probably get to the airport soon . David , why don't you go get the car and bring it around ."
" Trina and I were going to drive you " brought up Spencer , picking up his girlfriends car keys ," the airport really isn't that far from here and that way you can spend more time with your daughters before your flight takes off ."
David gulped, fearful . Neither of his daughters were good drivers and he wasn't so sure how he felt about Spencer driving them in a vehicle after they had heard the account of how he and Trina had actually met and fallen in love .
" We appreciate it but no," David was firm ," I rented a car . I'll drive …"
He nodded , gave Tori a hug , then exited the room with Holly following behind him, leaving the sisters alone with their guys . No one was more surprised than Andre when suddenly Tori flung her arms around her big sister , hugging her tightly .
" I cant believe you are going through with this , Trina ! I mean, I can and I am so happy for you and Spencer but its so real ! Your actually moving away ! " rambled on Tori, feeling as if this made her life even more real .
What would she do without Trina being crazy or running them out of hot water five minutes before it was time to get ready to go out or to school ?
Or to drive them all insane with her Trina-ness ?
She felt sad and wistful all of the sudden ." I'm going to miss you, I really am ."
Trina was touched and patted her younger sisters back." Well, its not like I'm going to Canada or Europe , Tori ," scoffed Trina, trying to make light so she wouldn't cry. It wasn't often that her sister acted as if she needed her so it was always overwhelming to her when she did ." we'll still talk and text . Besides you and your friends are still in Seattle for a couple more days , you don't need to get upset ."
Tori chewed on her bottom lip." I know but I think I'm feeling really emotional right now over everything ."
" I know it will be hard for you, " said Trina in her most understanding tone," learning to follow in my footsteps but I know you can do it , Tori ."
" Right "
Spencer frowned , handed Andre some licorice , and gestured to the girls sappy behavior .
" This kind of thing doesn't seem normal to me " mused Spencer ," didn't think the girls had that kind of mushy , sisterly relationship ."
Andre bit into the licorice ." They don't ," answered Andre , " its new chizz . We might as well watch some TV, they'll blubber for a bit "
" Celebrities Underwater ?" Spencer found the remote and flicked the reality show on as they took seats at the table to watch while the girls cried and babbled on like crazies .
" Cool " agreed Andre , relaxing and glancing every so often at his girlfriend .
It had been one crazy summer , that was for sure, and the crazy just kept on coming .
****************************HAF******************* ********************
Meanwhile Carly was in a cleaning frenzy as she tidied up the house , mopping the kitchen floor helped her work through her issues as did burning up her memories of acting like a grunch this summer along with wishing she could rewind and fix everything that had been wrong . She had encouraged Freddie and Sam to go to the movies with Tori and Andre , needing an outlet and alone time to get past her embarrassment and her general feelings that were making her uncomfortable .
Though she liked things tidy, Carly wasn't a complete clean freak but simple things like mopping and then making lemonade kept her calm except for the little annoying voice in her head that whispered that Gibby was being incredibly sweet towards her lately .
Romance was the farthest thing on her mind at the time but she couldn't help but to question when Gibby had changed . How had that happened ?
When had he stopped being the weirdo who liked to take his shirt off all the time ?
Who hadn't had a serious relationship since Tasha …and had been strong and forceful with her when she needed that the most .
It unnerved her , scared her , and oh why , was she even thinking about Gibby right now ?
" Hey Carly ," The object of her jumbled thoughts stepped out of the elevator , cell phone in hand," did you need help setting upstairs for Robbie ? I mean, since he is using the studio for Cat and being romantic and everything ?"
He stopped when he noticed she hadn't said a word ." Things are all set ," managed Carly ," it's the least I could do since I almost broke them up ."
" Cool," said Gibby, " I guess I can light candles in a couple hours for him then ."
Carly sat the lemonade on the counter and stared at him as if this was the first time she was meeting Gibby. His hair was still the same , and he was dressed in typical Gibbyish clothing - blue/purple button down shirt and khaki pants but there was a new confidence that maybe she hadn't noticed until recently .
" Why did you yell at me ? I don't think I remember a time ever when you ever spoke to me like the way you did …after I did what I did " it made her nervous just bringing it up to him but it felt like hot lead in the bottom of her stomach if she didn't bring it up.
" You needed to hear it ," shrugged Gibby, noting that there were still shadows in her pretty eyes but she seemed so much like regular Carly was back for good ," figured since it wasn't sinking in with Freddie and Sam, you might listen to me ."
" I didn't recognize you ….you ….it was nice , Gibby " admitted Carly, knowing nice was the last thing she meant and afraid of this new awareness between them .
It was more terrifying to her than the fact that Sam and Freddie were in love .
They made sense , they worked but she and Gibby ?
It was ridiculous and absurd and a thousand and one reasons of insane and it was that very reason she was both curious and shy all of the sudden .
" I knew Robbie wasn't really your type …you have types of guys you always go for " muttered Gibby, flying by the seat of his pants ," though I guess if you factor in your two day thing you once had with Freddie , it might be the same but I didn't think it was . "
He scratched his head , puzzled at the way she was staring at him and afraid to hope against hope .
" Why are you looking at me like that, Carly ? "
" Honestly, I'm not sure , Gibby " admitted Carly, moving closer to him ," I feel like I know nothing anymore . Isn't that silly ? Like how things feel …weird with us …right ?"
It was as if the air had been sucked out of the room as they circled each other, the slightest movement from the other causing them to pause in the moment afraid that it couldn't be real and wanting to test the realness more than anything warring between them .
It was new for them both and Carly was afraid to breathe, afraid to look at him , and couldn't understand the pounding in her ears and the fizz edging along her nerves as Gibby reached out , a gentle touch , a hand light on her arm had them both jumping .
Carly gulped , Gibby almost took a step back and would have as he was wary of scaring her ( she was still so fragile right now ) and would have if she hadn't lifted her eyes to his in a silent question .
Words would have frightened them more so with a tenderness he hadn't known he possessed , Gibby bent his head , touching his lips to hers, in a lightest of kisses , so sweet, so short , a press of lips against lips that she thought she might have imagined it if it weren't for the tingle that came along with it .
A surprised smile flickered across her mouth. " That was nice "
" I thought so but if nice is used in the kiss of death then I promise I wont kiss you again, Carly " replied a sincere Gibby, taking head of the advice he had gotten from Freddie and from his new friends from California .
" I didn't say that, Gibby," Carly placed her hand on his arm as if to hold him there ," could we maybe ..see ..I mean, we're friends and this is so ..different and …maybe .see slowly what this is with us ? "
" So you wouldn't mind going out on an actual date with me ?"
" Nothing fancy or anything , Gibby, " muttered Carly , nervously ," a date and talking ..like serious talking would be a start . I'd be alright with that, I think ."
" We can date as slow as a snail or a turtle in a race if that is what you want " replied Gibby, happily ," its all up to you, Carly. I'm just glad that your willing to give me a shot and you know, not laugh in my face again ."
Carly had the grace to color , embarrassed by her behavior ." I was rude . I shouldn't have done that to you and I never meant to hurt your feelings ."
Heart fluttering against her ribcage, Carly stepped forward and brushed her lips against his , smiling against his lips .
Maybe what Carly had spent all summer searching for with Robbie had been here in Seattle all along and she just hadn't realized it but she was going to take that leap of faith and see where it would lead her .
**************************HAF********************* *********************
" I can't believe you took me to another restaurant that has lobtatoes , Robbie ," says Cat, her hand linked through her boyfriends arm as he led her into the Bushwell Apartments after their romantic supper out ," it was so wonderful and romantic ."
" I thought my girl deserved some much needed romance after all we've been through this summer " replied Robbie ," and I know how much you enjoy lobster mashed potatoes , sweetness ."
" Its so yummy " Cat pressed herself against his side , sending him a questioning look," why are we going here , Robbie ? I thought tonight was supposed to be private ..with just me and you and not our friends ….."
" It is , cutie ," Robbie grinned at the anxious way her brown eyes shot up with confusion at him or how she bit her bottom lip, thinking about it ," trust me, none of our friends will be around . Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight ?"
Cat tugged his hand, making him stop ." Only about six times but I love you for being sweet to me . I think you look very handsome yourself, Robbie ."
She had curled the ends of her red hair , dressed in a pale pink sundress with little flowers all over it and a bright pink cardigan over it against the chill in the air while Robbie was handsome in dark slacks, a blue button down shirt and a jacket .
Cat pressed her hands against his face, as she touched her lips to his in a soft kiss.
" I love how you blush when I call you beautiful, my beautiful girl " Robbie dropped a kiss on her nose ," come on, I have another surprise for you."
Cat colored and poked his stomach, flirtatiously ." More surprises " she examined the Shay door they were currently standing in front of with a frown," Robbie , you know I love surprises but …why are we at Carly 's ? I…I cant think of anything ….she isn't part of the surprise…trying not to be negative here , sweetie ."
" Carly is hanging out with Gibby ," informed a matter of fact Robbie , opening the door ," I swear , it's going to me just you and me . Trust me, Cat ….please ."
" I do "
She allowed him to lead her upstairs and into the Icarly studio which had been decorated with colorful hearts and stars dangling from the ceiling while candles of all shapes and sizes lit made it twinkle as Robbie led her over to sit in the car prop .
" Robbie , what is this ? It looks so pretty " admired Cat , taking in the decorations with delight . Stars and hearts were her favorites and she had the best boyfriend .
He always remembered everything about her and never forgot her favorites .
" Like you ," Robbie removed a small box from his pocket opening the lid with care," I know we've had some rough patches this summer but we made it . I don't want us to ever go through any of that again ."
Cat gave a little cry of surprise ." Robbie , pearls "
He lifted a bracelet of pale yellow pearls and fastened it around her wrist , kissing her palm as he did so.
" Your love as as precious as a pearl and I swear to you, Caterina Valentine, that I wont ever take advantage of that love or be forgetful of what is so important " went on Robbie , giving his heart to her once more ," and if I have to spend 100 years showing you how much I love you and making up for my mistakes and hurting you then I will ."
" Robbie , I love you " Cat blinked through her tears ," we are good , I promise ."
" I know but I have one more thing ,' Robbie dropped a kiss against her brow ," I've kind a been working on a new song and I want you to hear it ."
Cat blinked, brown eyes shining with love, and smiled, softly at him ." You're full of surprises, Robbie Shapiro."
Robbie picked up his guitar from the corner of the room, slipped it on, and love and devotion written all across his face as he gazed at the petite redhead who was his entire existence , he began to sing the words of his heart to her .
I think you're swell
I think you're swell
I think you're swell
I think you're swell
You're the nugget in my ChickenMC
The peanuts in my butter
Adding fiber to our diets
Beneficial for each other
Cat giggled , touching the pearls , then met his eyes across the studio, locking .
You're a piece of dental floss and I am the teeth
You're Aretha Franklin , I'm r-e-s-p-e-c-t
You're baby giraffe and I'm a safety ranger
Cat covered her mouth , her laughter delightful to his ears , and he knew she understood his little reference to her favorite Mr. Purples stuffed animal .
I love you like a Cops marathon on TV
I love you more than the original Star wars trilogy
Cat couldn't help but to smile brightly at him, she knew how much he loved Star Wars .
They had watched the whole series together on their third date together .
You're a guitar , I'm the strings like a Jet Ski in the water
You're New York, I'm the buildings
You're my mother , I'm your father
Cat giggled at his silliness as he moved to stand in front of her , her eyes and long lashes fluttering as she lost herself in the sweetness of his song and words of his love to her .
No one knew her like her fella and she loved him more and more each day.
And I think you're swell
And everyday when your walking down the street , its like everyday cause your constantly walking down the street
And everyday I'm only thinking about you
And a bunch of important other things but primarily you
And that's true
Cause I think you're swell
I think you're swell
Cat reached for his hand to pull him closer to her , his guitar between them, as she ran a hand through the curls making him distracted by her touch .
" I'll be the Jagger to your Richards
The captain Kirk to your Picard
If you're a molten lava room, I'll be the one inept guard
Cat pressed her lips against his jaw, reminding him of the first time she had did this before they had started to fall in love and he had been scared to death of her .
We go together like Pastrami on rye
Like watching Titanic and trying not to cry
" You still wont watch that with me ' pouted Cat, taking his guitar from him so she could wrap her arms around him and setting the guitar aside ," maybe now, hmm "
We go together like a parade to confetti
And later if you're hungry, I'll make you some spaghetti
Her brown eyes teased him." Would there be meatballs ?"
Robbie nodded, sliding his arms around her , tightly ." There would ."
I think you're swell
Cat kissed him fiercely, lovingly. " I love you like all of the stars in the sky "
" I love you always , Cat "
" Always " echoed Cat, as he kissed her , the world dizzy and fading around them , two souls and hearts back where they belonged , together .