Disclaimer: I do not own Victorious
Tori's POV
I lay in my bed completely unable to move. For some reason, I just don't have the energy to get out of bed. Trina already left for school, but I can't bring myself to go. I can't confront Jade. Also, what if everyone starts asking questions. One day I'm all over that woman and now we can barely look at each other. I feel the urge to cry again. My world has completely crashed after it was so perfect, and I just have no energy to fix it. I know I promised Sikowitz that I'll fight for her but what the fuck do I do? I'm completely lost.
"No fever and you haven't thrown up yet so obviously, you're not sick. Since you're not sick, it has to be something about school so what's going on honey?" My mom says as she walks in and sits on my bed. I sit up and I'm looking for the words to tell her, but I can't. I don't think I can tell them I'm gay at this point. It's not that my parents aren't accepting. I don't want them to get involved because I don't even know that this thing with me and Jade will even work.
"It has nothing to do with school. I promise." I don't like lying to my parents, but I have to. I'm not ready to tell them just yet.
"Ok fine then, let's go." My mom says energetically as she gets up off the bed.
"I'm not going to school mom." I'm a little annoyed she's trying to get me to go to school. It's the last thing I want to do right now.
"Oh, you're not going to school. I've already tried, and I got my answer." I look at my mother confused. Where the hell are, we going? "My father always said moping around doesn't solve anything. You either face your problems head-on or do anything to get your mind off it. Since you're here, you're going to help me, and your father run errands today so you can get your mind off of it. We'll be leaving in 30 minutes." My mom says before exiting the room. I wanted to protest but she's right. I needed to get my mind off Jade for a few moments so I can regroup and figure out my next move. I got up and took a quick shower. I decided to wear a black sweater and black sweatpants. I was still in a bad mood, so appearance was the last thing I was worried about.
After about a 20-minute car ride, we were at the Los Angeles International Farmer's Market. Shopping with my parents today made me feel a little better. Me and my mom were going around looking for ingredients for new foods to try while my dad silently protested at us wanting to experiment in the kitchen again. Every time we do, it doesn't end up so well for my dad. After leaving the produce area where my dad was trying to figure out what a Malanga was, we split up. My mom went to get some bags of rice, my dad was tasked with getting some chicken and seafood, and I was tasked with getting cereal for the family. Everyone in the house has a different favorite so I knew I'll be grabbing multiple boxes. I grabbed Captain Crunch for my dad and Cinnamon Toast Crunch for me. I went to grab the Cheerios for my mom when a pale hand grabbed the box at the same time I did. I looked up and I couldn't believe my eyes. Jade was standing next to me in a hoodie and grey sweatpants. My bad mood came back, and I had no idea what to do. I wanted to ask her out again, kiss her, slap her, apologize, end this all for good and that single instance. I was going insane with all the thoughts that were flowing through my head.
"Michael West!?" Jade turned to look towards the other aisle.
"David Vega!?" I look in the direction of where the voices were coming from. Me and Jade got the same idea and an aisle over to see the strangest thing ever. Our dads were hugging.
"Man, I haven't seen you in years." My dad says as I'm in a state of shock. Our parents knew each other? Parents aren't close because Hollywood Arts only focuses on the success of the students. Parents are rarely involved so they don't even talk to other parents.
"Likewise. How have you been over all these years?" Mr. West says, and he actually sounds like a human being capable of real emotions. This is surreal.
"Great man. We have so much catching up to do." My dad seems eager to just tell Mr. West his life story which is weird because Mr. West is an ass.
"How about over dinner tonight at our house." My mom chimes in. I have two boxes of cereal in my hand. I have a really strong arm and great aim or at least that was what my coach said when I was playing little league softball. I could hit my mom in the head so she can forget this, and we can all move on. I wasn't ready to confront Jade at school and she wants her in my house. Is she mental?
"That sounds perfect." Another voice behind my mom chimes in and it's Mrs. West. "We'll bring the whole family for one big dinner." she finishes. I look to my left and I see Jade tensing up and shooting a murderous look towards her mother. She was about to snap so I had to calm her down. I grab her hand and give a reassuring squeeze. This is probably the dumbest thing I can do with her father right there, but I need to stop the love of my life from attempting murder. She tenses up at my touch, but she starts to calm down.
"It's going to be fine; I'll see you tonight ok." She doesn't say anything or looks at me, but it didn't hurt my feelings this time. Her dad was right there so she really couldn't show any signs that she liked me. Our parents agreed to a time, but I was too busy paying attention to Jade to even listen to our schedule arrangement. After that conversation, we parted ways. I was still in disbelief at what just happened. Somehow, the universe and every God that wants to embarrass me decided to put my family and the girl I'm loving in love with family in one house for a nice dinner. This is something that's supposed to happen down the road where me and Jade are public with our relationship and our parents would want to meet. Sure, at our current pace, it seems like it's 2 years away but it sure as hell isn't supposed to happen tonight. Especially after what happened yesterday. What if they know? I've been in a bad mood since I left Jade's house so maybe they put two and two together and figured out why I was sad. Maybe Trina ratted me out. "Hey guys. Why did you invite the Wests over?" I ask hoping he says something that doesn't have to do with me or Jade.
"I knew Mr. West for a long time. We lost contact because we each got engulfed in our careers, so we missed so much of each other's lives. I just wanted to catch up and talk about how much we've each grown since then." My dad says reflecting on his friendship with Mr. West. "Also, isn't it weird that you and Jade are close? It's like a Vega and a West are destined to be close friends. And since you two have similar interests in careers and talents, maybe you two won't lose contact like we did." I couldn't help but smile at my dad. The thought of me and Jade being destined for each other makes me feel a lot better. I'm also interested in seeing the type of relationship that me and Jade have, minus the kissing and the one night we had sex, then it will confirm we are meant to be with each other.
No One's POV
Jade storms into her room and slams the door shut. She hasn't felt this enraged since Tori told Andre about their little session their first night they were supposed to work together. Jade has been dealing with guilt since she texted Tori yesterday. She's upset she hurt Tori even though she promised she wouldn't. She's upset at being so weak and not standing up to her dad. He hasn't been around for two years, but Jade can still feel his grip tightening around her. It's not supposed to be this way. She's supposed to be a badass who takes whatever she wants at any cost and Jade knows that she wants Tori Vega.
"Jade" Jade's mother walks in calmly.
"No." Jade was in no mood to see her mother or anyone at that point. She just wanted to be home alone.
"I have something to say." Jade's mother says as her voice increases in sternness.
"I don't want to hear it." Jade protested.
"You think I give a flying fuck if you want to hear it or not?" Jade was caught off guard by her mother's tone. She's never been this serious. She's never used this language towards her daughter ever. Jade stayed silent knowing she had no choice but to listen. "Dinner at the Vegas' is mandatory. Best dress as well." Jade's mother's orders.
"But why?" Jade didn't want to hear her mother make her go.
"Because this family is deteriorating." Jade's mother said with the utmost disappointment in her voice. "Ever since your father came back yesterday, none of you have barely spoken to me or each other. You've all gotten so hostile and worse of all; you guys can't even be in the same room together." Jade's mother explained trying to hold her composure.
"So, you know the problem?" Jade said as her mother looked at her confused. "All of this started with dad coming back. Why the fuck is he here? Do you still love him? If you want us to be happy, why not kick him out instead of taking us to some last-minute dinner party for your own gain."
"I'll let your father explain why he chose to come but this isn't about me. I thought this is about all of us. Especially you since we are going to have dinner with the girl you like."
"I DO NOT LIKE HER!" Jade snapped.
"YES, YOU DO! HOW DUMB DO YOU THINK I AM!?" Jade was taken aback by her mother's screaming. "I know and all I have to say is… it's ok." Jade stared at her mother in disbelief. "It's ok to like her. It's ok to want to date her. It's ok to tell me everything about you two because you have my full support." Jade's mother said in a calm tone.
"It-it-it." Jade was stuttering because she couldn't process what to say. "It wasn't ok 4 years ago and you let him send me to those crazy men. Why is it ok now?" Jade grew quieter the more she spoke. She was shaking and tears were starting to come down her face. Jade was going through an internal conflict that she didn't know how to handle.
"I'm so sorry for not stopping my father. It's my deepest regret because I lost my daughter that day. I'll take it back if I could, but I can't. The only thing I can do is make it right and accept you for who you are." Jade's mother walked over to the young goth and pulled her into a tight hug. Jade silently sobbed into her mother's shoulder as years of stress just seemed to flow away. "Just have fun tonight. For me?"
"Okay," Jade said in a low voice. Jade stayed in her mother's arm a little longer. She can't remember she hugged either of her parents so genuinely. Her mother kisses her on the head and leaves as Jade gets her composure back. With her mother accepting her sexuality, Jade puts in a little more effort into her look tonight. The goth took an extra-long shower to wash her hair as she wanted to make sure it's extra curly for tonight. Jade decided to wear a short, black strapless dress that would keep Tori's eyes on her the whole night. She went upstairs to see her mom looking for some shoes. Jade's mother didn't protest the length of the dress, so Jade used that as approval to wear it. After about 30 more minutes, the West family were finally gathered prepared to leave.
"You all look great," Mrs. West says to start any sort of interaction between her family but to no avail. No one wants to speak or be around each other. "Let's just go." An irritated Mrs. West commands. Those were the last words spoken by any member of the West family on their way to the Vega household. The 15-minute car ride was filled with silence, yet every West member could feel the tension the family had towards each other. A tension that could suffocate the most innocent creatures. A tension that could make any peaceful environment feel toxic. The Wests finally reached their destination. Jade was in a little hurry to get to the front door. Not because she wanted to see Tori. She just wanted to get out of that car. Jade takes a deep breath to try not to focus on anyone she's related to for the night and rings the doorbell.
The door flies open as the family is greeted by an enthusiastic Mr. Vega. "Hey guys, welcome to La Casa de Vega." He says cheerfully. The Vega home was the opposite of the West household. Even with Trina and Tori not in the living room to greet them, everyone can still feel the positive energy throughout the house. "Ok guys, Dinner will be ready in 30 minutes. I'll grab some drinks so we can all talk and wind down." Mr. Vega walks to a cupboard and grabs something that didn't seem to be for the dinner party. "Hey, little man, what's your name?" Mr. Vega asks, shifting his attention to the youngest West.
"Daniel." Daniel West answers shyly.
"Here you go. Downstairs… and don't use my save game." Mr. Vega hands Daniel West a PlayStation 5 controller. Daniel slowly takes the controller as he cherishes this rare moment. He looks over to his dad.
"It's ok Daniel, go have fun." Mr. West said in a tone that neither Jade nor Mrs. West has heard in years. With that, Daniel goes down to the basement, where Mr. Vega has his man cave set up, ready to play the games he's dreamed about for months.
"Jade, you know where Tori is." Mr. Vega says permitting the young Goth to go upstairs.
"Shoes off, please. I just finished vacuuming up there." Mrs. Vega yells out from the kitchen. Jade takes off her shoes and makes her way upstairs like she lives in the household.
"How many times has my daughter been here?" Mr. West asks Mr. Vega.
"A lot. Our house has become the big hangout spot for our daughters and their friends. We even had Jade for dinner several weeks back." Mr. West's curiosity in the relationship between Jade and Tori seemed to grow after that sentence. "Honestly, I didn't even know she was yours. She looks so much like her mother and Hollywood Arts is a student-focused school. Since their curriculum is based on the individual talents of the students, parents are rarely called. There's no PTA and after the plays and concerts, the kids seem to be in no rush to introduce us all to each other. It's just on to the next show." Mr. Vega rambles on trying to keep a conversation with Mr. Vega.
Upstairs, Jade does her regular routine of barging into the first bedroom on the left which belongs to Tori. Usually, Jade barges in with an insult and then the two plan what they're gonna do for the day. This time, Jade barges in and is met with a huge surprise. Tori is standing in front of her mirror drying her hair completely naked. Neither girl could look away from each other at that moment. Neither girl even knew what was going to happen next. Without taking her eyes off of Tori, Jade slowly walks into the half Latina's room. The goth slowly closes the door and locks it behind her. The two girls slowly walk towards each other and within an instance, Jade and Tori are locked in a heated kiss. Tori shivers at Jade's touch but this causes both girls to want more of each other. Tori pulls Jade in closer, but this isn't enough to satisfy her craving. Tori starts to pull Jade's dress down, but this causes the Goth to break the kiss.
"If you pull this dress off, it's not coming back on," Jade warns Tori on what's to come. Tori decides against it and lets go of the pale goth after a quick kiss. Jade sits down on Tori's bed trying to catch her breath.
"So why weren't you at school?" Tori says to break the silence between the two.
"We're not gonna talk about why we just kissed?" Jade is still caught in the moment.
"Is there any answer other than we love each other?" Tori turns towards Jade waiting for an answer, but the Goth says nothing. "Thought so. So, why weren't you at school?" Tori says turning her attention back to her hair.
"I couldn't face you. I saw how hurt you were after realizing we couldn't have our date. I know you don't blame me, but I don't like hurting you. I feel like it's my fault. I should've fought back." Jade explains slowly
"I didn't expect you to. I know you're going through a lot." Tori sits next to Jade, but the half Latina is still nude making Jade a little uncomfortable.
"But I needed to do something. I'm supposed to be this tough badass that doesn't take shit from anyone. Isn't that one of the many reasons why you have feelings for me?" Jade looks to be pitying herself.
"It is but this isn't some guy at school. This is your dad and he's done a lot to you. You're gonna need time to work through it and I'll be here every step of the way." Tori wraps her arms around Jade just to comfort her.
"Why weren't you at school?" Jade asks in a low voice.
"I needed time to calm down. I didn't know how to face you without looking like a desperate mess. I needed time to calm down and figure out my next move." Jade gives Tori a questioning look. "I couldn't think of anything." Tori looks away in embarrassment, but this causes Jade to laugh.
"It's ok." Jade starts to remember what her mother said. "We'll get through this together. Ok?" Jade gives Tori a soft kiss and a warm hug.
"Ok. Help me with my hair?" Tori asks eager to get ready for this little dinner party. She's happy to spend the night with Jade and hopes all goes well.
"I'd love to." Jade agrees to help Tori and Jade goes to work straightening the half Latina's hair. Tori decided to wear a short dark purple dress. It wasn't as short as Jade's, but this dress did show off Tori's cleavage. 5 minutes later, some knocks on Tori's door.
"Dinner is ready you too…" Trina says. Her voice trails off seeing Jade in the background.
"Let us work it out, Trina. It's fine." Tori says to calm her sister down. Trina leaves in silence and the two girls head downstairs as well.
"Alright guys, let's eat." Mrs. Vega says, looking proudly at the meal she prepared. Mrs. Vega prepared a huge meal with Horchatas, Churros, Black Beans, White Rice, Tamales, Barbacoa, and Pork Posole. The Vegas and Wests all sit down and start to dig into this great meal. After a few bites, Tori finally decides to start the conversation both families are here for.
"So, dad, how do you know Mr. West?" The entire table looks over to the two gentlemen waiting for the answer.
"So, this happened two years into my time as a police officer." Mr. Vega starts, "I was helping in an investigation of an abortion clinic bombing downtown. This was my biggest case at the time and the city needed all the help they could get. I was surprised to be on the case, and it helped me become a better officer. Turns out this guy used a car bomb to blow up a planned parenthood. He got the car from a local car salesman and I was a part of the team that searched dealerships in the city for any clues. We couldn't find anything at the dealership, and we were left with no leads. Several days later, they put me back on patrol, but they added some car dealerships to my route just in case the perpetrator goes back. Lucky enough, I stopped a guy who was doing 80 in a 45. He was acting weird and I thought he was under the influence. I did a sobriety test and searched the car and I found bomb-making material. By the grace of God, we found our guy." Mr. Vega looked at the table as everyone seemed to have a confused look on his face. "Don't worry, I'm not done yet. The reason I brought that up was that Michael here was the prosecutor of the case. I was asked to testify because I found the bomb-making material, so I got to work closely with Mr. West." Mr. Vega pats Mr. West on the shoulder.
"David here," Mr. West takes over the storytelling. "Is the type of guy who wants to get acquainted with anyone he works with. He invited me for drinks several times, but I said no. I usually don't mix work and my personal life, but he kept insisting and I finally took him up on his offer." Tori and Jade froze looking at the similarities they had to their parents. "Turns out, it was a really good time." A smile began to form on Mr. West's face.
"We grew close. We talked about what we wanted in our lives and how we hoped our careers wouldn't engulf our lives. We both wanted to work at the federal level in some way and we promised we would get that done. Obviously, I couldn't because I met Holly." Mr. Vega pauses for a second. "I don't like to break promises but I wouldn't change anything about my life at all. Soon, me and Michael started to grow apart which is unfortunate." Mr. Vega looked over at Mr. West. "I wanted you to be at my wedding and meet my kids. I wanted to be at your wedding and meet your kids but in a different way of course. After my relationship with Holly grew, you were off to achieve your dream." The table grew silent." I respect that about you. You were always determined to get what you want but I feel like I missed the other sides of you. You were a nobleman who was filled with compassion. You were one of the nicest guys I ever met and came off as a huge family man. You were my best friend before Gary." Jade was about to choke on those words from Mr. Vega. Jade knew her father and he was absolutely not compassionate, nice, or a family man. "So, tell me what I missed in the great Michael West's life. How's the job? How did you meet Sarah?" Jade nearly puked at the word "great". Mr. West started to tell stories of his time as a federal prosecutor and how he met Mrs. West. Jade and Daniel, however, noticed some huge details in the story. Mr. West did not mention anything about his divorce or any good stories from when Jade and Daniel were growing up. He was trying to save face because he was painted as such a great man in Mr. Vega's eyes, he couldn't bear having that image being taken down. Dinner flew by with stories told by their parents. Jade couldn't help but cringe at everything her father said. He was such a desperate man when it came to his appearance. After dinner, the adults stayed downstairs for some final drinks and Jade went back up to Tori's room.
"I can't believe he would lie in front of everyone." Jade is pacing back and forth in anger.
"Well, he is a lawyer." Tori was trying to lighten up the mood with a joke, but she was met with daggers from Jade.
"What did you think about what he said?" Jade was still feeling frustrated but couldn't find any more words to continue her rant.
"I didn't care what he said. I was just caught up in the fact that we are better versions of our parents." Jade gave Tori a puzzling look. "We ended up being friends even though it took me multiple tries but at least I know you're genuine. We won't separate like them, right?" Jade gives walks over to Tori and gives her a deep kiss.
"I promise we won't end up like them. Love you, Tori" Jade says softly
"I love you too." Tori gives Jade a deep kiss.
"Jade, it's time to go" Daniel yells from the other side of the door. Jade rolls her eyes disappointed her moment was ruined.
"Coming Daniel. By Tori." Jade says on her way out of the door.
The Wests leave and thankfully enough, the car ride wasn't as tension filled as before. Mrs. West was right. A night out as a family would make everyone happy even if it may be for just a little while. At home, each member of the West family went to their rooms to shower and wind down from a long night. Jade lays down in her bed knowing she wouldn't be able to sleep. Jade has struggled to sleep for several nights. She can only sleep comfortably next to Tori because it's the only time she feels like her true self. Jade then pulls out her phone.
Keep your window unlocked, I'll be there in 30 minutes.
Jade sends a quick message to Tori.
Ok, See you then ; ) 3
After that quick response. Jade gets up and gathers up some clothes, some toiletries, and her schoolwork because she wanted no reason to come back to her house. She grabbed her keys and her bag and headed on her way out the door. Jade passes by the dining room and notices her father at the table a few shots into a bottle of whisky. "You're drinking," Jade says as a smirk emerges on her face.
"Yeah, so what?" Mr. West looks defeated
"You only drink when you're depressed, and I know why you're depressed." Jade is gaining her confidence the more she speaks. This is the first time she's felt this empowered in front of her father. "You can't handle the fact that you had to lie to someone who actually respected you. You're pitying yourself because the man you promised to be died years ago and you're too afraid to tell anyone the truth. How does it feel to know that you can't keep a promise to one of your oldest friends? How does it feel to lie in front of me? How does it feel to lie in front of her son?"
"DON'T BRING DANIEL INTO THIS!" Mr. West screams banging his fist on the table.
"Too fucking late. Does it eat you up inside you can't even be a role model to him? That you can't find the balls to be a man." Mr. West can't even look Jade in the eyes. "You're fucking pathetic." Jade starts to walk away.
"Where the hell do you think you're going? You can't talk to me that way and leave. I'm your Goddamn father like it or not." Mr. West's voice began to slur.
"I'm going to the one place where I'm always happy. See you whenever." Jade leaves and heads to a car hearing the sound of broken glass behind her. Seems like her dad has finally snapped. Jade paid no attention to it as she had one place in mind.
Tori's POV
I wait anxiously in my bed wondering if she's coming. Jade wants to come over tonight and I couldn't be happier. I think the hurdles of getting her to like me have been cleared. The hard part is just going public. School is fine but it's family I'm worried about. I don't want to come out if her dad won't accept her. A knocking on my window snaps me out of my thoughts. "Jade, what are you doing here?" I whisper as I help in my room.
She locks the window behind her and drops her bag on the floor. "To finish what we started earlier." Before I know it, our lips are locked and she's leading me to my bad. She pushes me on the bed and I'm about to go crazy. I love it when Jade is in control. She gets on top of me and kisses me hard. "Try to stay quiet," Jade whispers in my ear.
"I'll try my best," I say back pulling her into another deep kiss.
A/N: Well, there you have it, Chapter 8 is finally complete. Sorry, I took so long to update so to make it up to y'all, here's a loaded chapter. Hope you guys enjoy it.