All Over Again…
Hey people please don't kill me, I know I have taken forever to update. I had exams to write… and then i went to work where I didn't have internet access. And no I don't work in a cave… Its much much bigger… promise the next update will be swifter… coz no more exams whoop!
Chapter 13
Disclaimer: Victorious is not owned by me. I only own
The hallway was silent as the last of the lingering students exited the building. It was Friday afternoon and school had let out early today. Yet a certain half Latina still remained in the confines of the great institution of Hollywood Arts. Tori grabbed her books off the desk in the library as she finally let out a sigh of relief. It had been a tough month. Yes, it had been a month since she had returned to a school she couldn't recall attending in the first place. But it had been interesting and she had to admit, the work aside, the greatest month of her life. It had been so incredible knowing that she is one of the great talents that school had to offer and she couldn't wait for the big show case that she and her good friend Andre would be performing in. Her memory had not come back, even though it pained her a little to not remember the two years she had been roaming this building, her life wasn't so bad. Her friends were still her friends and she enjoyed them when she could. Sure they were crazy but who wanted to be normal. This month had been very busy trying to catch up the work she had missed out for god knows how long. But today as she stuffed her books in her locker she felt the breeze in the air that spelt freedom! Now she could actually have a social life.
Just as she was about to exit the school she caught something in the corner of her eye. She turned back to witness a certain Goth girl frustratingly slam her own locker. She watched as the scowl fixed itself onto the pale face. How those eyes could be so expressive but at the same time you didn't know what to expect. That girl was just full of contradictions. Tori couldn't help but grin as she found the destructive behavior sort of cute. She walked up towards Jade who was still unaware anyone was around. Jade pounded her locker once more and groaned.
"You know I doubt it did anything to you." Jade startled, swiftly turned around at the sound of the familiar voice, to see Tori smirking at her. "But hey I could be wrong."
Jade felt a smirk tug at the corner of her mouth. "Yeah well until I find Robbie, this locker will have to do."
"Why what he do?"
"The idiot got me detention." Jade said as she threw her bag strap over her shoulder.
"This school gives detention?" Tori halted at the obscenity of the idea.
Jade let out a chuckle. "Well, yeah to those who dare to break school rules, miss lightweight."
"Hey! I'm no lightweight!"
Jade arched her brow, amusement settling in. "No?"
"No!" Tori confirmed with enthusiasm.
"Well did you ever get detention? In your lifetime?" Jade asked smugly, already knowing the answer to the question.
Tori scratched her head for a second. "There was this one time…" Tori frowned. "No wait that didn't count. Oh wait! No that doesn't count either." Tori resigned with a sigh. "Okay, no."
Jade chuckled again and playfully bumped the half Latina with her shoulder. "Lightweight."
Tori crossed her arms with a pout. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. So I haven't seen you around for awhile."
Jade could understand that the brunette had been busy trying to catch up with schoolwork and that she was practicing for the big showcase at the end of the year. But it wasn't just that, as much as she enjoyed spending time with Tori, old memories kept popping up and sometimes she couldn't contain her frustration. It hurt that she couldn't touch her, that she couldn't seek the comfort of a kiss. And when her hormones kept building up the way only Tori could summon, she had no business being around the half Latina. She hated that she had become such a considerate person. That her love for the woman in front of her was over powering the selfish love of herself. Love made people crazy. She understood that now more than ever.
"Um, Jade where did you go to?" Tori brought Jade out of her thoughts.
"Huh?"
"I said I haven't seen you for awhile."
Jade smiled, though it not reaching her eyes. "You've been busy…"
Tori nodded. "So have you."
"Yeah well work has just been busy…" Jade lied.
"Okay well I'm not busy tonight, want to do something?" Tori grinned, in that pleading way that Jade always couldn't help but be submissive to.
"Sure but I only get off work around seven. I'll meet you at your house around then."
"Yay!" Excitement overwhelmed the brunette as she jumped at the Goth and embraced her in a crushing hug. Jade was taken aback by the move, she hadn't held the brunette this close to her in just over a month. Instinctively her arms wrapped around Tori's waist finding the crevices that made them fit perfectly. Her eyes shut as her nose buried into the crook of her neck taking in the familiar scent. She squeezed the petit brunette in her arms. For a moment she had forgotten there was that memory barrier between then. Just for a moment. Then Jade stiffened when the sad reality caught up with her and Tori leaned back gently, her vision captivated by widened green eyes. One moment she was consumed by the warmth of the Goth's embrace and just as instantly hit by the cold of her stiff withdrawal. She couldn't explain which action scared her more. However she wasn't able to tear herself from the gaze. Eyes that held compassion fear and something she quite couldn't put her finger on. That emotion is the one that had a strong hold on her for reasons she couldn't explain. Then Jade unable to take anymore of the scrutinizing emotion emitting from the brunette pulled away, her arms dropping to the side. "Sorry, I just got excited. I haven't been out for awhile." Tori grinned weakly, dismissing her thoughts completely. Perhaps she was just imagining things. Why not? She did have amnesia.
Jade took in a deep breath and turned away from Tori. "It's okay, I'll see you around seven then."
"Yup, I'll tell the guys." Tori nodded dumbly.
"You do that." Jade shouted over her shoulder as she rushed towards her car, leaving a confused brunette staring after her. Jade yanked open the door and slammed herself in. She dropped her head to lean against the steering wheel. She drew in deep breaths and let them out trying to drop her heart rate. She was so close to doing something they both would have regretted. It was just too familiar to be in that position again. Her heart ached as the first tear of frustration was set free. Jade squeezed her eyes shut as she tried to will them away.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jade strolled up the Vega's pathway, the warm air of the evening evident. The sun was yet to set but the orange colour of the sky put the Goth in a better mood. She had gone home straight after work to have a shower and get dressed into fresh clothes. She wore her black skinny jeans and a plain cotton button up shirt. She was looking forward to a night of fun with her friends. With Tori. She had reached the door and hesitated for a second. Her mind reeling in its own twisted realm of fears, regrets and darkness. Behind that door was the only thing that could make her tremble in both ecstasy or apprehension if she let herself admit it. She raised her finger to the doorbell, hear the ring spread through the house. With her hands safely tucked in her back pockets she waited, rocking on her heels gently. The door opened to the only male member of the Vega family. A grin instantly made its way onto his face.
"Jade?" His face straightened as he used his forefingers to rub his chin.
Jade nodded, a smirk hidden on the corner of her lip. "Mr. Vega?"
"Come in, have a seat. Tori will be down in a moment." He led the way to the couch, taking his place at the single seater. Jade lowered herself to the opposite side her eyes never leaving the handsome man. Mr. Vega crossed his legs at the ankles, his chocolate eyes considering the young woman in front of him. he picked up his coffee and sipped slowly. "So Jade?"
"So Mr. Vega?"
"What are your intentions with my daughter?" Jade could see the familiar humor in the older man's eyes. This was a game both him and Jade used to play every time she would wait for Tori to get ready for a date. He didn't understand their relationship but he seemed to like the Goth more than any other guy his baby had brought home. Plus he was a cop so he knew how many kids committed suicide because of their sexual orientation and their lack of support from their parents. He would be damned if his daughter became another statistic. As long as she was happy he was accepting.
Jade let out a staggered laugh and relaxed against the couch. "I don't think you want to know, sir."
Mr. Vega raised a brow. "I don't?"
Jade shook her head. "No."
"And why is that?" He asked before he took another sip of the hot beverage.
"Because I plan to take her to lookout point and you can guess my intentions." Jade smirked.
Mr. Vega choked and spat his coffee back into the mug. "Jesus! Okay you win…" The Goth let out a chuckle. "I think I burnt my tongue…" He mumbled and then joined in the chuckle.
"What's so funny?"
Both Jade and Mr. Vega turned to face the stairs. Jade's grin gradually faded off her face as she watched the half Latina tread down slowly. Her breath caught at the sheer beauty of the brunette, the way her hair swayed at with each strut. Her smile was blinding. You would swear after so many years of knowing Tori, she would get used to it. Yet the Goth's body had a mind of its own. Mr. Vega watched how Jade's usually unexpressive face softened at the sight of his daughter. He remembered a time when he used to be in her place awaiting the entrance of Holly. Tori certainly had her mother's grace.
Tori reached the bottom of the stairs. "Tori Vega, you get back upstairs and change this instant!" Mr. Vega chastised and pointed upstairs.
Tori's eyes widened as she scanned her outfit once more. Her skirt wasn't short and the top she was wearing only showed a bit of cleavage. Nothing too revealing. She frowned. "Why?"
Mr. Vega grinned. "Because you look too beautiful. Don't you agree Jade?" Jade could only nod dumbly not trusting her voice.
"You goof." Tori rolled her eyes as she shook her head. But she smiled as she reached up on her tippy toes to peck his cheek. "Thanks daddy." Tori looked at Jade. "Ready to go?"
Jade nodded. "Yup."
They both walked towards the door, when Mr. Vega shouted their way. "Remember curfew is at-"
"Midnight, we know." Jade finished going through this routine too many times to count.
Tori raised a brow. "How did you know?"
Jade winced. "Um, lucky guess. So where are we meeting the others?"
"Well, about that…" Tori halted for a moment.
"Yeah?"
"Its just you and me tonight. Hope you don't mind."
"I hardly mind but how come?" Jade asked.
"Well I tried calling everyone, but Beck said he had a date. Then Cat said her brother was teaching her how to curse in Chinese. Robbie and Rex where entertaining Northridge girls. And Andre didn't even pick up his phone and he always does. Just seems weird they all suddenly had plans when they were complaining how boring their weekend was going to be during lunch." Tori rambled on.
If Beck had a date, Jade would have known. Something was way off. "Hmmm… Did you call Beck first?"
"Um, yeah, why?" Tori glanced curiously at Jade.
Jade nodded and smiled, everything suddenly making sense. She didn't know if she should kiss that boy or kick his ass. Maybe she should wait until the end of the evening to decide. "No reason, so where do you want to go?"
Tori stretched her arms in the air enjoying her new found freedom. "Hmmm… I don't know, anywhere that doesn't involve books and school. Oooh Ooo and pumpkin pie!"
"Pumpkin pie?" Jade raised a brow.
"You don't want to know." Tori shuddered at the thought.
"I doubt it." Jade rolled her eyes. "How about the new Chinese restaurant on fifth? I'm sure you are hungry."
"Are you psychic or something? First you know when my curfew is and now you know that I'm starving." Tori's dark brows drew.
Jade let out a chuckle and poked a finger into the half Latina's surprisingly toned stomach. "That's because you are always hungry."
Tori shook her head. "Am not!" Then suddenly her stomach growled drawing more laughter from the Goth. She blushed.
"Looks like your stomach's calling you a liar, Vega." Jade lips twitched, enjoying the familiar trivial debates between them. She sighed as they both jumped into the car.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
They arrived at the restaurant as the last of the dying sun dipped over the horizon. Tori followed the Goth into a cozy little restaurant on the beach front. Tori studied the big neon sign on the roof of the shack type building. She had to admit it was weird where this restaurant was situated but this was LA so whatever goes. They reach the attendant up front. The Asian woman gave them a blinding smile. "Welcome to the Fortune Cookie, table for two?"
Jade nodded. "Yes."
"Would your preference be inside or out?" The woman queried as she gathered two menu's from the counter.
Jade nudged Tori with her shoulder. "You decide."
Tori smiled. "Outside."
The woman smiled. "Excellent choice, follow me."
They followed the Asian woman to the outside deck over viewing the beach. They were placed at the secluded table near the edge. Tori sunk down into her seat sighing at the beautiful scene presented to her. She was in awe at the gentle way the water caressed the sand and the peaceful sounds surrounding them. "This is amazing."
Jade lips twitched. "I thought you might like it."
Tori grinned as she opened her menu. "So the food any good here?"
"I don't know, I never really ate here. I just saw it in passing one day." The Goth shrugged as she flipped through her own menu.
"Ah, so your boyfriend never brought you here before." Tori sat back and grinned. So she was fishing. She didn't know much about Jade. Only that she liked black, was an amazing actor and singer, and that people were generally afraid of her. Also from personal experience, she was reliable. It was time to know a bit more about what made Jade West.
Jade took a sip of her water knowing that this conversation would have to come out sooner or later. Now it was time to find out how Tori would react. This was a whole lot different to the first time Tori figured out she was gay. Jade laughed softly to herself, remembering that Tori figured it out first before Jade. Now the shoe was on the other foot. "I don't have a boyfriend."
"Why not? You are absolutely beautiful." Tori simply stated.
Jade looked down at her menu. Tori stared at the woman in front of her. Was Jade blushing she mused. Jade was biding her time she should just spill it. She lifted her gaze. "Thank you, but I thought you knew…"
"Knew what?"
Jade leaned forward, the half Latina mimicking her actions. "Tori, I'm gay…"
The brunette stared dumbly at the Goth. Things suddenly making a bit more sense. She had a feeling she couldn't explain on previous occasions but she ruled it out. "What? Really?"
"Yes really… You are okay with that right?" Jade asked still not sure of what to make of the brunette's response.
Tori tilted her head to the side. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Jade shrugged. "Some people aren't exactly comfortable being in the presence of people who are different."
Tori took a sip of her water, knowing that sadly, Jade was right. "Well those people are idiots."
Jade grinned, slightly relieved. "I agree…"
After a few minutes both Jade and Tori settled back into their seats enjoying the placid breeze. Tori bit her bottom lip, her mind reeling about the revelation Jade had just dumped on her. Would she have felt better not knowing? No, she wanted to know. She didn't know how to ask directly so she went about it in a circle.
Jade couldn't keep her eyes off the half Latina, wondering what was going on. Was she regretting coming here with Jade? Time would only tell. "What's on your mind?"
Tori was startled out of her thoughts. "I'm just curious."
"Curious about?"
"What's it like?" Tori offered a shaky laugh.
"To be gay?" Jade mused. Thinking that is usually how it starts, the curiosity…
Tori nodded slowly. "Yes."
"It's not something that you can put into words. You just know its right for you even though majority of the world think it's not. You are sort of born with it. People think it's something you can develop, but studies show it's not. It something you discover within yourself at any stage of your life."
Tori chuckled. "Wow, you sound like a textbook."
Jade grinned shaking her head, knowing it was true. "Yeah, well when you sixteen, and have a boyfriend and start thinking about women, in ways you haven't before, you research… A Lot!"
Tori grinned. "I'll try to remember that." Jade smiled. "So how many girlfriends have you had?"
"One."
Tori choked on her water. "One?"
"Yeah, why do you seem so shocked?"
"It's just well you are so beautiful it's hard to think of you with just one person." Tori waved her hand, drinking more water to sooth her inflamed throat. "Did you fall in love with her?"
The brunette witnessed as Jade's expression went solemn. "Yes." Jade said, barely audible and sad.
Tori knew it would be wise to stop seeing how it affected the Goth, but her interest was at its peak. "What happened to her?" Tori asked softly.
Jade dropped her gaze. "She went overseas in the beginning of the year."
"Is she ever coming back?"
"She did."
"She did?" Jade nodded. "Well what happened?"
Jade looked into Tori's eyes, her chest burning, her voice slightly hoarse. "It was as if she forgot I ever existed."
"Jade I'm sorry." Tori hated people who changed that way becoming callous with the important people they leave behind.
Jade smiled, though it was weak. "Not your fault."
"Do you still love her?"
Jade's eyes blazed through the brunette in front of her. "You want the truth Vega?" Tori nodded slowly, her heart breaking for the woman she was facing. "I don't know how to stop."
"Jade?" Tori placed her hand on Jade's on the table. "That's not healthy." She managed to say sympathetically. Meanwhile her rage was building up on the inside for the woman that broke this incredible person. She couldn't understand why someone would pick overseas over the Goth.
Jade let out a rueful chuckle. "I gave up on my health, one year and three days ago." She thought back to the first day she and Tori had officially started dating.
Tori smiled, softly at the brave front she knew the Goth was putting up. "What was her name?"
Jade straightened in her seat. "Her name?"
Tori giggled at the amusing expression on Jade's face. "You, know that thing people used to call her."
Jade rolled her eyes. "Har-Har, you're a riot." Jade looked around the restaurant trying to come up with a name. Think Jade, think… "Sonya."
Tori's eyebrows furrowed. "Sonya?"
Jade relaxed back into her seat. "That's right, Sonya."
"Okay." Tori said as the waitress laid down a plate of spring rolls in front of them. It was the right time for a change in subject. "So what are your plans for the weekend?"
Jade and Tori enjoyed the spans of random conversation between them. Talking about their goofy friends and the big show case at the end of the school year. They even circled the hype on Tori's movie that would resume shooting in a month. Tori never felt so connected with anyone, on such a level before. It was weird but at the same time she took pleasure in it.
Suddenly a different waitress arrived with their main course. She gave them a wide smile. "Good evening, my name is Sonya and I'll be you waitress for the rest of your evening since Jane suddenly fell ill." She placed their plates down and left them to their delicious meals.
Jade felt Tori's hand cover hers on the table. She looked up into sympathetic eyes. "Jade, I'm sorry."
Jade's brows drew in puzzlement. "For what?"
"We can leave if you want?"
"Why?"
"Our waitress's name is Sonya."
Realization suddenly dawning, Jade felt like laughing but contained herself. That will teach her to steal names off waitress name cards from afar. "I'm okay with it. I will have to get over it sometime, right?" She gave Tori a reassuring smile.
Tori smiled back. "Excuse me for a moment." She left for the bathroom.
Jade sat back enjoying her meal. Thinking that if Tori ever got her memory back she would never hear the end of Sonya. She definitely put her foot in it there. She missed her so much…
Tori returned, grinning from ear to ear. "I'm back."
"Okay?" Jade patted her mouth with a serviette. "Why does it look like you swallowed Disney land?"
Tori laughed and then took a generous bite of her food. She reveled in the flavors bursting on her tongue. "Because…" She waved her fork. "I got you a date." She pointed to the blonde waitress in the corner. "She just broke up with her girlfriend."
Jade's eyes almost bugged out. "You did what!"
"What kind of friend would I be if I didn't help you out?"
"Um, the perfect kind?"
Tori rolled her eyes. "Nonsense! It's just one date Jade. Maybe it will help you get over Sonya?"
"No." Jade tilted her head defiantly.
"God you're so stubborn. I don't care I'm giving her your address, to pick you up on Friday." Tori pulled out her cellphone.
"You wouldn't dare." The Goth glowered.
"Wouldn't I?" Click, send!" Tori smiled sweetly, battering her eyelashes.
"Vega!"
She scowled. How the hell was she supposed to get herself out of this one? She would think of something. "Don't be rude, wave back." Tori said as she waved.
"No." Jade sulked and crossed her arms over her chest.
"That's okay, she thinks you're badass and likes it." Tori grinned.
Jade slowly but dramatically banged her head on the table in defeat.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
After Tori's little matchmaker incident the night went off without a hitch. This was usually unusual for them considering all the trouble they had gotten into on previous occasions. But it wasn't midnight just yet something was still bound to happen. The vehicle had drawn to a stop outside the Vega property. "Thanks for the food, Jade. My stomach thanks you too."Tori patted her stuffed tummy. Jade smiled as they both jumped out of the car. "And have fun on your date." Tori winked.
Jade groaned inwardly. "There's no way I'm going."
Tori chuckled walking backwards across the road, trying to keep the Goth's amusing expression in her view. "You will not be rude, Jade."
The Goth shook her head, mumbling. "Yeah, well watch me." Tori laughed heartily.
Jade's smile rapidly fell when she witnessed a speeding car shoot straight through the stop sign and Tori standing in the middle of the road. "Tori!"
Tori saw Jade running towards her, alarm on her face. Then she turned when she felt the heat of the headlights cover her. Jade grabbed her arm swiftly pulling the half Latina into her, the reckless car missing her by a mere inch. Tori buried herself into the Goth's body, squeezing her shirt beneath her hands. Jade held her so tight she was probably crushing the petit body. Yet both of them didn't care. She didn't know which one of them was trembling more. "I didn't see it." Tori managed to breath, her throat stinging from the tears she couldn't withhold.
Jade rocked Tori gently against her, her own tears threatening, her heart caught in her throat. "Shshsh, it's okay, you're safe." This is too much. How many times was God testing the strength of her heart? She was certain the next time would result in her death.
"I could have died again." Tori buried herself deeper her sobs becoming more distinct.
Jade pushed Tori gently back shaking her head. "Nope, I wouldn't have let it happen." Tori sniffled as Jade pulled her into the comforting tight embrace again. "It's okay baby. It's okay…" Jade whispered mainly to console herself. "It was that drunken fools fault."
Tori nodded against her neck. Her tears staining the Goths shirt. She lifted her head to see Jade's glistening eyes staring back at her. Her gentle sobs stopped as their gaze never faltered. Tori couldn't help herself, as the only sound between them was the howling of the gentle wind. Her sight leisurely dipping to the Goth's unpainted lips watching as the small pink tongue made an appearance. Then her eyes scanned their way back to the green emeralds. Jade watched in fascination, her mind screaming at her to let go, but her heart keeping her in place. Tori could feel her heart pound against her chest. She couldn't comprehend what was happening and right now she couldn't care less. Her hands were very sensitive to the feel of Jade's shirt beneath her palms. It was probably just her nerves heightened by the incident. That was probably it. But why couldn't she bring herself to look away.
Jade felt the heat between them radiate in waves. She was certain that Tori felt it too. But now was not the time. Suddenly Jade used everything against her body's will to smile, breaking the trance between them. "C'mon let's get you home."
Brought out of it, Tori smiled back as Jade grabbed her hand and they both crossed the road. They walked in silence until they reached Tori's door. Both of them seemingly calm. "Thanks for tonight Jade. For everything."
Jade nodded. "Anytime Vega." Tori and Jade just stood there for a bit. Then Jade let out a laugh.
Tori raised a brow. "What's so funny?"
Jade's laugh turned into a grin. "I can't go home."
Tori frowned. "Why not?"
The Goth smirked, her eyes dropping to the small distance between them. "You're still holding my hand."
Tori looked between them and their fingers interlaced. She quickly jerked her hand out of Jade's and let out an awkward laugh. Her face gradually burning up to a crimson colour. "I'm sorry." Stupid, stupid, stupid…
"Don't worry about it. Goodnight Vega." Jade said thoroughly amused.
Tori opened her door. "Goodnight Jade."
Jade walked back down the path towards her car, a big smirk on her face. She would definitely have to kiss that boy.
"Hey Jade." The Goth halted at the sound of Tori's voice.
"Hmmm?"
"I think Sonya is a fool." Tori smiled as she entered her house closing the door behind her.
Jade's lips quirked slightly. "Oh she is… But that's what I love most about her." The night her only confidant.
Whoop chapter 13 down…
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