All Over Again…

Hey people thank you for all the alerts, favz and all the reviews they really keep me coming back. If not for Jori…

Chapter 5

Disclaimer: I do not own Victorious or any of their characters or fairly recently a brain because it has just been splashed across what you just about to read.

"No." Tori shook her head sternly, her arms crossed.

"But Tori…" The director sat behind his desk squeezing the bridge of his nose, thinking of a way to convince the stubborn brunette.

She glared at him. "I don't care Phil. You cannot expect me to go through with that." She shuddered at the thought.

"Go through with what? I'm not exactly asking you to go to war for me, Tori." His eyes followed her as she started to pace around his office.

"No, no Phil. If you asked me to go to war for you, I would happily be on the front line." She said ruefully, waving her hands. Then she stopped, look at him again. "But this…" Tori shook her head. "You can't be so cruel."

He had to hand it to the half Latina, she was a drama queen which made her an exceptional actress. "It would be good publicity for the movie." Phil pleaded with her. The movie already had a few mishaps on the news radar. He really needed her to agree to this.

"So? I'm an actress Phil, not a publicist." She muttered dead set against the whole notion. Now way in freaken hell!

"That's just what this is, Tori. It is just acting, nothing more." He tried a different approach in a soothing voice.

But she was having none of it. "Like hell it is. Its torture is what it is! I swear I'd rather be subjected to nudity scenes than what you are asking of me." She crossed her arms again, her chin tilted defiantly.

Phil shook his head. "Tori, he is not that bad."

"Then you pretend to date him, Phil. I'm sure the publicity would skyrocket!" She rolled her eyes.

Phil chuckled as he rose, he put his arm around Tori's shoulders. "I'm sure it would, but that's not what the public wants. The public wants two of Hollywood's young aspiring gorgeous actors to become the next 'it' couple. But in this case it would be pretend until the premier."

Tori frowned. "He is an idiot, Phil. Its bad enough I have to be subjected to him during filming hours. But now on my own free time. No, no way." She shook her head.

"But Travis has already agreed to it."

"Of course he did, as I've clearly stated a million times, he is an imbecile. Doesn't anyone ever listen to me?" Tori let out exasperated.

"Of course we do, Tori, we just can't do anything about it. He is the executive producer's son." Phil rolled his eyes as he too hated Travis, both father and son. They walked towards his door.

"Yeah, yeah I know. But I still don't want to do this."

"Just think of it as acting, Tori, it will be over before you know it." Phil smiled weakly. He knew he almost had her.

"But I have a girlfriend."

"I know that but the public doesn't. I'm sure she will understand if you explain it to her." Phil urged her on. "Don't you want this movie to make it big?"

"You know I do." She sighed. It was the only reason she stuck with it. It had the potential of being a blockbuster.

"Well then, great." Phil pushed her through his door.

She turned to face him. "Hey wait, I didn't say I agreed to this."

He grinned. "Of course you did Tori, be ready at eight." He winked and shut his door in her face before she retaliated. She stood there with a blank look on her face. He just bulldozed her into this, she knocked her head on the door in defeat. "I definitely don't get paid enough for this."

"Rough day?"

Tori stiffened at the seductive silky voice behind her. She turned around and glared at the blonde who offered her a bottle of water. She seemed a bit too smug for her own good. "Oh, as if you don't know." Tori said as she took the bottle from her and took a sip.

"Know what?" Rachel asked obliviously, her brow raised.

"You the reason I'm in this damn mess." Tori grunted as she replaced the cap on the bottle.

"What mess?" Rachel asked again trying to hide a smirk. Tori's tolerance was on the brink of breaking. God, someone hold her back before she knocked that clueless look off the dumb blondes face in a minute.

Calm yourself, Vega, she's trying to provoke you. Tori took a deep breath in and out. "I know that you were the one who suggested that Travis and I start dating to up the hype for the movie."

A lazy smirked travelled its way to the blondes face. "Oh right, that."

"Yes that. Why are you trying to ruin my life?" Tori groaned.

Rachel let out a small chuckle. "I don't know what you're talking about there, Tori, but as for dating Travis, it was purely a political move. Movies do it all the time. Co-stars date. Media hype increases, as simple as that. "

"Why am I not convinced?" Tori rolled her eyes. "Let's be frank Rachel. You don't like me, I don't like you. So what the hell is you ulterior motive?"

Rachel giggled again, in her annoying seductive tone. Tori restrained every instinct to reach over and simply strangle her. "Ah, that's what I like about you Tori, straight to the point." The brunette's dark brows drew. "Well let's see…" Rachel purred. "New Zealand is quite boring. What better ways to entertain myself than by watching you suffer?" She smiled an evil glint in her eyes.

Tori stared at her quite amazed. "You're such a bitch."

Rachel smirked arrogantly. "I know, but now you do too." She strutted away leaving the brunette staring after her. "Don't forget, be ready at eight." She shouted over her shoulders and chuckled softly. What on earth had possessed the gods to create such an obnoxious person? That woman just made Tori vibrate with rage.

"Gaaaah!" Tori let out as she squeezed the bottle in her hand and tossed it over her head.

"Ow!" Tori winced, looked behind her and saw Matt vigorously rubbing his head.

"Um, sorry Matt." She gave him an apologetic smile then stormed off towards the exit.

. . .

Jade had her headphones on as she meshed along with some Metallica, while stacking books on the shelf. It was past closing time but she still had like ten minutes on the clock. This was the only time Mrs. Riley allowed her to use her headphones while working. So she milked the ten minutes for all it was worth. Mrs. Riley was busy manning the till, counting today's profits. Jade was so consumed in her music and her work, she didn't hear the entrance bell jingle as someone stepped inside.

Mrs. Riley looked up, smiled. "Sorry handsome, we're closed."

"That's okay I'm here for her." Beck gave her a smirk and jerked a thumb towards Jade who was yet to see him.

Mrs. Riley looked him up and down. He wore faded denim jeans and a black shirt concealed by his denim jacket. Her eyes settled on his flat chest and she raised a grey brow. "I'm almost certain you are not her type."

Beck chuckled and ran a hand through his luxurious brunette hair. "Yeah, that's what she told me when she dumped me for a girl. I'm actually the best friend." He winked.

The old woman chuckled. "Ah well, then maybe you could get her out of the shop for me. It seems like she never wants to leave and there are only so many hours I can afford to pay her for."

Beck shook his head and laughed. "Yes ma'am, I'll see what I can do." He walked up behind the Goth, a mischievous grin plastered on his face. Still nodding to her music, Jade finished store the last book away. His arms crept around her waist as he lifted her up.

She gasped and pulled her earphones off, twisting around to try grasp a glance of her capturer. "You idiot, put me down."

Beck chuckled as he started to walk towards the exit. "No. Goodbye Mrs. Riley." He nodded at Mrs. Riley who grinned. "Say goodbye, Jade."

She squirmed but it was no use. "Put me down, Beck! Now! Before I hurt you!" She threatened but he seemed immune to her tantrum.

"I think I'll take my chances." He said as they left the store into the night. When he started walking down the street she stopped fussing to draw less attention to them.

This is ridiculous she thought her pale cheeks gaining more color than usual. People were staring at them. Worse, was he didn't seem bothered about it. Damn actors had no problem acting like an idiot in public. "Please let go." She said through gritted teeth.

Beck smirked. "Since you did say please." He released her and she whirled around on him.

"Are you crazy?" She glared at him.

"You have to ask?" He glared back at her, playfully. She couldn't help but a shake her head and smile. Idiot. "So are you ready to go?"

"Go where?" Jade asked.

He shook his head giving her a disappointed look. "You know I had a feeling you would conveniently forget. We were supposed to go catch the new horror movie, anything sound familiar?"

"That was tonight?"

"Yes Jade, that was tonight." He confirmed with a nod. Before she could speak again he interrupted. "And don't think you can get out of it. You have been avoiding me for way too long." He gave her a solemn expression. "We never hung out in so long, Jade. I miss you." There he thought, smirking on the inside that would definitely do it.

She stared at him, guilt creeping into her. Shit. Damn Beck, he just knew that would just get to her. She sighed in defeat. "Fine, let's go."

"Great." He grinned and put his arm around her slumped shoulders as they strolled on the sidewalk. "So how's Tori?" He asked hoping to cheer her up.

A smirk ghosted around Jade's lips. "She was freaking out the last time I checked."

"Oh, why?" He arched a brow.

"Well something about raising the publicity of the movie." Jade shrugged

"Why is she freaking out? She's not the publicist." He stated matter of factly.

Jade let out a small chuckle. "That's the thing, she has to pretend to date that Travis character. You know, increase the hype."

Beck grinned, understood."No, shit."

"Yeah and she is so not okay with it." Jade shook her head recalling the interesting phone call Tori paid her earlier. Tori was so frustrated and venting about what an ass Travis was. But mostly, Vega got pissed off at the fact that Jade was so understanding about the situation. Jade let out a half laugh, how was she supposed to win in that situation? Tell her she was against the fake relationship, be a bitch? Tell her it was okay, she understood it was for the better of the movie, then she didn't care enough? It was probably that time of the month again, the Goth had decided. Eventually she just told the half Latina she loved her and hung up.

"Jade?" Beck brought her out of her head.

"Hmm?"

"Well, are you okay with it?" Beck asked with curiosity.

Jade smiled, slowly. "Yeah, I am."

"Well, why?"

"Why what?" Her brows drew.

"Why are you okay with it? I know you're the jealous type." He smirked.

Jade just chuckled. "Well because I know she can handle herself. If he tried something the next headline would read: Idiot kicked in the balls for being a prick."

Beck let out a laugh, rubbing his chin. "Don't I know it? I still have the scar from the time she punched me out."

Jade laughed harder and glanced up at the little healed knick on his chin. "It was just a scratch big baby. Plus I think gives your pretty face a little more character." She patted his cheek. Then her green emeralds softened and she let out a sigh. "You know that was it for me."

"What do you mean?" Beck met those green pools with his own brown, lit up.

"That was the moment I was cursing myself for. Something that I had been fighting for months had finally conquered me. It was like just plop, you can't deny it anymore Jade, you in love with her. That realization, it just creates this storm inside you. This feeling you not really sure you know what to do with. A feeling I never wanted but she slammed it down my throat anyway. Damn Vega." She spoke in a daze. Then she turned her face to the ground. "She changed me…"

Beck put a finger under her chin and lifted it, so their eyes met. He smiled. "For the better." Then he kissed her forehead, she smiled as they continued to walk in silence. Her mind travelling through her memories of that night, her heart experiencing the hurt, the wonder and the completeness, fresh again.

. . . Flashback . . .

Jade stared out of her bedroom window, the moon full, brilliantly surrounded by constellations of blue burning light. She usually appreciated the vast contrast of the night and its inhibitors. But tonight she was feeling sick. No, she had been feeling sick for a couple months now. And no she wasn't pregnant. But sometimes she wished she was, it would be better than this. Her heart felt like it was grinding against her chest constantly. That's if she had a heart. Sometimes she wasn't so sure. What was she sure about? Certainly not her own sexuality. She leaned her forehead against the glass. It had been evident for a while now. The reaction her body gives off when Vega simply brushes past her, or looks at her with those intense brown stares. She had to be bisexual if not gay. All she knew was she had a sick need inside her to be with a woman. Not just any woman, Vega. But it wasn't only a physical need, that's what made it crazy. What made it worse was the need was reciprocated. She felt it, when their needs took over a couple times. Jade traced her lips with her finger, she could feel Tori's lips ghosting over it. She squeezed her eyes shut, biting her bottom lip. No, Jade you have a boyfriend. You're normal. You have a normal life. A normal messed up life. But it was normal nevertheless.

She flinched when she heard the hooter of Beck's car. Then she smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. She dashed downstairs and reached his car. When she got in he leaned over and placed his lips on hers. She didn't react but didn't push him away either. When he leaned back, she smiled hoping he wouldn't notice. "Hey."

"Hey ready to go?" He returned her smile, but he knew something was off for a few months now. But it wasn't just with her. He cared about her. Hell, he loved her. But he wasn't sure he was in love with her. They both had been treading around each other. But what hurt the most was they couldn't be honest with each other.

"I'm in the car, aren't I?" She rolled her eyes.

He chuckled. "Right… Off to Cat's party then."

They arrived at the Valentine property. Beck and her walked in hand in hand. The party was already in full swing. She had to hand it Cat, she sure did know how to throw a party. The music was audible all over the house and down to the main pool area. Beck started a conversation with some people she wasn't familiar with. They mingled for a while. She indicated that she would be outside, he nodded in agreement and got back to his conversation. She stepped out into the welcoming breeze, watching drunken people try not to drown in the pool. Her green eyes wandered the area and settled on a certain brunette at the bar. As if Tori sensed Jade's eyes on her, she turned back. Jades stomach clenched as green met intense brown. Tori dropped their gaze first. Then knocked back the shot that was placed on the counter in front of her. Something within Jade started to increase. It felt like anger. But what did she have to be angry for. This was exactly what she wanted. Vega to ignore her, to allow her to be normal. Tori stood up and was about to head towards the house.

Jade was about to follow her when her arm was grabbed. She whirled around to see a drunken Beck grinning at her. She shook her head. "You're drunk."

"Yeah, so I was thinking we should talk about some stuff." His speech slurred a bit.

"No not when you drunk, you don't have to listen to the crap that comes out of your mouth."

He squeezed her arm, shouting, drawing attention she really didn't need right now. "It's important Jade."

"Then it can wait until you're sober." She tried jerking her arm free from his grip, but it was solid. "Beck you're hurting me, let go."

"No." He shook his head, continuing to apply pressure to her arm.

"She said let go Beck." Tori's eyes were dark, her voice low but firm. At the sound of her voice Jade turned to realize that Tori was standing next to her.

"Stay out of this, Tori." He swayed a bit.

Tori turned to face Jade who was grinding her teeth from the slight pain. Then she turned and punched Beck in the jaw, the impact small, but enough for him to trip on his own feet and end up in the pool. Jade stood there flabbergasted as Tori turned on her heel and entered the house. The music died down and a few people jumped in the pool to fish Beck out of it. Jade turned to the entrance of the house, then to Beck that was being dragged out of the pool. She couldn't explain the feeling in her gut. She just followed it towards the house. Then she ran up the stairs searching for the brunette. The rage bubbling up but she was uncertain who it was directed at. Tori? Beck? Herself?

She almost walked past the bathroom when she heard mumbling. "Fuck! Next time you decide to punch someone Tori, make sure they don't have such a hard head." Tori hissed as she ran her hand under cold water. Jade suppressed the instant grin that always wanted to break out whenever Tori cussed. She entered the bathroom and locked the door behind them. Her anger seemed to unexplainably subside for the moment.

"What the hell was that Vega?" Jade leaned back against the door, spoke calmly.

Tori didn't even bother to turn back. "Why the hell do you care?" She continued to hiss in pain.

"You just punched Beck into the pool. He is drunk, he could have drowned." Jade stated, noticing Tori flinch a little.

"I'm sure someone pulled him out of the pool." Tori said between gritted teeth as she flexed her fingers slowly. Well at least she hoped. She drowned her flaming hand again.

"Even so, what was that?" Jade stared at the brunettes' back.

Tori emitted a mixed sensation of distress, hurt and anger combined. "I swear, Jade, if you telling me you don't know, I've got a free hand, I'll take a swing at you too." She yelled staring at the purple bruising on her knuckles.

Jade frowned, knowing the answer. She just wanted the brunette to give her another one. She just wanted to think that maybe it wasn't true. She just wanted another feeling consuming her body right now. She just wanted Vega and couldn't help it.

This time Tori did turn around. Their eyes met, hers filled with hurt. "It doesn't explain why you're here and not there."

Jade couldn't stand the pained look in Tori's eyes so she dropped their gaze and walked towards her. "No it doesn't."

She reached Tori and placed her hand on Tori's bruised one. Jade ran her fingers gently on Tori's knuckles. Tori closed her eyes, biting her bottom lip to suppress the moan of pain. "They are not broken, but they could be sprained." She murmured against Tori's hair. Jade had this urge that she couldn't control so she lightly brought the purple knuckles to her lips.

Tori stiffened slightly feeling the Goth's ice soft lips on her inflamed hand. Tori's eyes gently opened as she was consumed by the green pools that had made her question herself so many times. All she had to do was reach up and take like she had done on previous occasions. But not this time, this time the Goth would have to make the first move. Tori watched as awareness traveled through those pure greens. She witnessed the mixture of fear, hate and love create a storm within them. The last glance she had was a hint of courage before Jade's lips were on hers. The fast meeting that they both couldn't seem to control. Jade's arms instinctively reaching down to posses Tori's hips. While Tori's working hand moving to the back of Jade's head, pulling her deeper. Their lips expressing what their ears craved to hear. They pulled out breathing heavily, leaning their foreheads together, both of them eyes shut tightly. Tori looked up, ran a hand through Jade's black hair. When the Goth opened her eyes, Tori pulled her down for one last smoldering kiss. Then she broke their contact stepping back out of reach. Jade looking at her with bafflement.

Tori smiled weakly. "I love you Jade." She watched as Jade stiffened. Then Tori's smile grew slightly. "But I understand. Well sort of." Tori let out a small chuckle. "No, actually I don't. But I'll try to." She unlocked the door desperately wanting the Goth to stop her. Jade voice caught in her chest, Tori loved her. What the hell is wrong with you Jade, stop her. But she couldn't move, couldn't speak. Tori turned back, their eyes held once last time. "Would you rather be happy or normal, Jade? Just something to think about." Tori left pulling the door behind her. Jade stared at the door for a second before busting out. But the half Latina was nowhere to be seen…

. . . Present . . .

"Jade?" Beck pushed her on the arm, snapping her out of her memories. She looked at him. He smiled. "You were thinking about that night weren't you?"

She returned his smiled. "Yeah." Especially the last words Tori had left her with that night. 'Would you rather be happy or normal, Jade?' She smirked knowing the option she chose could never be altered.

Beck shook his head and frowned. "I still can't believe what a jerk I was that night, not that I remember it much with the alcohol and the jab to my jaw. I swear haven't touched the stuff since."

Jade laughed. "Good. But its okay Beck, if Tori hadn't punched you, I probably wouldn't have fallen in love with her."

"Well, I'm glad my face could be of some assistance." He grinned ruefully.

"I'm eternally grateful to it." She kissed him lightly on the chin.

"I'll settle for you buying the popcorn." He smirked.

"Deal." He was always too easy she thought. But then her smile faded slightly. She might have chosen happiness but her happiness were continents away.

As if sensing her dismay, Beck winked at her. "Only two more months, Jade. Only two more." She smiled and nodded.

. . .

Jade dressed in her usual dark attire walked down the sidewalk. She preferred walking than driving to school. She smirked thinking about how scared Beck got last night while watching that horror movie. He was almost sweating but he would never admit it. The movie itself was mediocre. The blood scenes weren't as gruesome as she would have preferred but she had fun in a really long time. It was a goodnight thanks to her best friends squirming and biting his lip through the whole movie. Priceless, she grinned. She stepped into Riley's and the annoying little bell went off. She wasn't working until after school but she liked to stop here before school and check out the new releases. Plus it was on the way so she indulged herself. As she stepped towards magazine rack she froze…

Hmmm… what headline could cause the Goth to freeze...

I was thinking about bumping up the rating in a chapter or two. Just thought I should warn you.

Thank you for reading,

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Everyone needs their poison. That's mine. ;)