Sorry for the delays in getting this chapter out!
Disclaimer: I don't own Victorious
"I can't believe we're doing this!" Andre practically bounced up and down as he and Beck entered the shopping mall one Tuesday afternoon. Beck had picked up his best friend after work for this particular shopping trip. Both of them having made excuses to Jade as to why they would be home late that night.
"I know." Beck agreed with a smile. He'd been considering this for months and finally decided it was time. He had officially finished filming his last ever acting job and was moving on to directing roles from now on. Jade's due date was in six weeks and everything felt as though it was falling into place for the the couple.
"This is monumental!" Andre cried, slapping his best friend of twelve years firmly on the back.
"Ow! Calm down Dre, it's not like it's you who's getting engaged here." Beck replied jokingly.
"Exactly! It's Mr I Don't Believe in Marriage Oliver who's about to pop the question." Andre exclaimed. Beck shoved him lightly for that one.
"No but seriously," Andre replied, "I'm so happy for my roomies!"
"I seem to remember you weren't best pleased about being our roomies at the start." Beck reminded him.
"Well… You two have calmed down since our college years." Andre shrugged. "But God it's been hard to keep this a secret from Tori!"
"Which is exactly why I'm not telling you when or how I'm gonna do it." Beck held open the door to the expensive jewellers, ushering Andre inside. "I just need your advice on the ring."
"I'm cool with that." Andre replied, heading towards the first ring cabinet he saw. "How big of a rock are we talking here?"
Beck stopped to think. He knew this ring meant more than just a proposal to Jade. It was him admitted that despite all his reservations about marriage, how staunchly against weddings he had always been. That despite everything, she was worth it.
"Just… something special."
After almost four whole hours searching the jewellery stores of Hollywood for the perfect ring, the two friends headed back to their shared apartment. They put on their very best "chilled" expressions and Jade didn't seem suspicious in the slightest. But behind her back, neither of them could hold in their smirks.
One week later Andre, Tori, and Jade were in attendance of a huge awards ceremony. Since dropping out of college all those years back, Cat Valentine had made a name for herself in the fashion world as a top quality costume designer and subsequently was nominated for a very prestigious award. They would be sitting at a table alongside Cat's family, her husband Jesse, as well as Robbie and Ryan. Sadly Beck had to work, however he promised he'd be along later for the after-party.
"Okay I am officially the most pregnant I've ever felt in my life." Jade groaned, as the group, all dressed in their finest gowns and suits, waited in the entry hall for the doors to open to the ceremony. They'd been standing around for almost an hour for the ceremony to start and the room was buzzing with excitement.
"We'll be sitting down soon." Tori rubbed Jade's back sympathetically. She remembered exactly how uncomfortable she had felt at eight months pregnant so wasn't blaming Jade at all for complaining.
"I hope Lil' Red wins!" Robbie tried to change the subject. Everyone chatted excitedly about the awards. Cat was nominated in three different categories which was incredible. Even Jesse was happier and more talkative than usual and joining in with the jokes.
"What time is Beck coming?" Andre asked his roommate interestedly.
"He said around 10pm. He took his suit with him so he can just change at work." Jade replied, still not seeming very enthusiastic.
"Cool, cool." Andre nodded. Another ten minutes passed before there was finally action.
"Ladies and Gentleman! I am delighted to announce that you may all take your seats in the Golden Hall. The ceremony will begin momentarily!" A fancy man with a moustache announced to the guests. Everyone applauded as the giant doors to the hall opened. Tori took hold of Andre's arm with an excited smile as the guests shuffled towards the doors.
The hall was lavishly decorated in a gold and cream colour scheme. A large bouquet of flowers was the centre piece of each of the large circular tables and the guests names were inscribed on name cards at their individual seats.
"This is insane!" Tori squealed, taking her seat at the table. Andre pulled Jades chair out for her and offered her a hand sitting down. Jade huffed at his help but nevertheless squeezed his hand as she sat down. Andre did a small bowing motion behind her back jokingly which made Tori giggle.
The awards ceremony was long but incredible. There were some amazing performances and films featuring the individual nominees. The first time Cat's face showed up on the screen their whole table erupted with cheers and Jesse looked so proud he could cry. Cat won the first and the second award she was nominated for and there was just the third award to go when Jade passed Andre her phone. She'd typed a note;
Sorry to be a pain in the ass. I seriously feel like shit. I want to leave.
Andre read the note and being a good friend, waited for an appropriate moment in the ceremony before helping Jade up and the two of them slipped out of the room. The entrance hall was a lot quieter now that the awards were in process, so Andre took a seat whilst Jade ran to the ladies.
"Hey," Tori slipped out of the hall a few minutes after them, "What are you guys doing?"
"I'm just gonna take Jade back, I don't think she feels good." Andre explained simply.
"Oh no." Tori frowned, taking a seat next to him. "Thats a shame."
"I know, it sucks. But we can all go out and party again another time right?" Andre took hold of Tori's hand and squeezed it. They had been looking forward to spending the night dancing together but it wasn't even a question, Jade and the baby were more important right now.
"We can." Tori agreed, resting her head on Andres shoulder. It felt nice to be close and not have to hide their affections from their friends. Only when they were alone or occasionally in front of Beck and Jade were they ever this affectionate. They stayed like that until Jade returned from the bathroom a couple of minutes later.
"How are you feeling?" Tori asked, standing up concerned and putting an arm around her pregnant friend, "Do you want me to come back with you?"
"No, I'll be fine." Jade shrugged her off and shook her head, "You should stay here for Cat. She's probably gonna win all three of those awards and she should have her friends there to see it. You too Andre."
"Nah come on. I wanna make sure you get home alright." Andre insisted.
"No—" Jade began to argue, but Andre refused to listen.
"Seriously, you know Beck would kill me if I sent you home by yourself. I'll drive, I haven't drank anything."
"Ugh fine!" Jade grumbled, holding her pregnant belly, too exhausted to argue with him anymore.
"I'll text Beck and let him know you guys are leaving early." Tori reassured them.
"Seeya Tor." Andre waved goodbye, before leaning in and whispering in her ear. "Come over later?"
Tori nodded discreetly, with a small smile. Jade and Andre left the awards ceremony at exactly 8:15pm.
Cat did win all three awards she was nominated for and she even got a standing ovation from the crowd when she accepted the third and final award in floods of tears. Everyone was so so proud of Cat. As soon as she joined them in the audience Jesse ran over, lifted her into the air and kissed her. It was a beautiful moment.
The after-party began immediately after the ceremony and was basically a room filled with metallic rainbow balloons with a dj and dance floor. Tori danced with Robbie and Ryan for around an hour. She rarely had nights out these days because she was usually home looking after Milo, but Trina had offered to mind him that night so she could let her hair down. She wished that Andre and Jade had stayed but she knew if she were the pregnant one, this party was the last place she'd want to be too.
"Hey!" Beck's voice interrupted her thoughts suddenly.
"Heeey!" Tori shouted back in excitement, before realising she wasn't expecting him here. "Wait, didn't you get my messages?"
"What messages?" Beck asked in confusion. Tori pulled him over to the side where it was quieter in order to speak to him.
"Jade wasn't feeling good so Andre took her home like two hours ago." Tori explained. "I tried calling you and I left you like three messages explaining."
"I never got any." Beck frowned, feeling around in his pockets for his phone. He checked all his pockets but his phone wasn't there.
"Did you leave it in work?" Tori guessed.
"I can't remember." Beck looked perplexed, "I'll just quickly congratulate Cat then head home to J then. When did you say you called me?"
"About 8ish?" Tori shrugged. "I'll come with you. I think I'm getting too old for this."
Beck laughed and the two of them headed over to the bar where they found Cat and the rest of their friends. They quickly said their goodbyes. The red head hugged them both tightly, thanking them for coming. Robbie and Ryan reminded them they needed to organise another dinner party as soon as possible. By 10:30pm Tori and Beck were on the road, making the thirty minute journey back to their apartment.
"Sorry I missed the whole night." Beck apologised for about the fifth time on the drive home. "I can't really leave early when were so close to getting the pilot out."
"We all understand Beck don't worry about it." Tori reassured him, "It's not your fault."
"I know but I feel bad that I wasn't there for Cat," Beck sighed, gripping the steering wheel tightly, "And I feel even worse that Jade had to leave without me."
"I think she was just tired." Tori reassured him, "Pregnancy does that to you, you know?"
"So I've heard." Beck rolled his eyes, jokingly.
The two of them chatted casually for the remainder of the journey. It was a warm night and they had the windows down and the radio on for the short drive back. They were only around two streets away from the apartment when two separate police cars suddenly whizzed ahead of them.
"I wonder what's going on." Beck frowned. They could hear the sirens getting louder and louder as they got closer.
"I have no idea." Tori worried slightly, as an ambulance sped past them only a minute later.
Beck turned the corner into their street but to both the friends horror, it was then that their worst nightmare was confirmed. Tori felt her heart stop cold as Beck slammed on the breaks. The sight and smell of smoke coated the entire road and seeped instantly through the open car windows. Fire engines were everywhere. The noise of crackling fire was louder than they ever thought possible. The apartment was completely engulfed in flames.
Eeek! I'm so sorry for this awful cliffhanger. Reviews motivate me to write! xXx