New chapter, aaaaand it comes with a soundtrack! Get "Give Me Love" by Ed Sheeran ready, I indicated the exact starting point :) Oh, and apparently he has two of them, so pick the version with the guitar strumming at the beginning.

This one is more of a transition, and I tried to add just a touch of jealousy, as requested by a guest reviewer :)

Enjoy your read, and don't forget to review!

"Hey!"

I laughingly protested as Jade landed us on the bed, with her on top, creating a heap of tangled naked bodies.

"That's what you get for teasing me all day," she grumbled against my neck, leaving occasional bites in-between words. "Again," a pointed look thrown my way made me grin slyly.

"Don't pretend you don't like being teased, Jadelyn," I purred, leaning up to tug at her lower lip, releasing it with a 'pop'. "Besides, I thought you already got your revenge, on that drawer, and against that door, and on the floor…"

She shut me up with her mouth, and I smirked into the kiss, lowering the hand that was pointing at all the places where we've had sex in the past two hours.

"What time is it?" I asked breathlessly as her lips slowly explored my neck.

"Dunno, don't care," came the mumbled reply.

"Jade," I pushed at her shoulders lightly, giggling at the disgruntled expression on her face. "Cat should be here any minute now."

"I assume you're not up for a threesome? Ouch, Vega, what the hell!"

I glared at her as she rubbed her arm where I pinched her.

"You suck sometimes, you know that?"

"Yup, and we both know I'm good at it," she winked. I rolled my eyes and pushed her to the side, sitting on the corner on the bed and wrapping a sheet around my naked body.

"And you're hiding all this from me because?..."

"Because you're an ass," I stated simply, getting up and walking to my drawer to pick up new clothes.

An arm wrapped around my waist and a warm body pressed against my back tried to prevent me from doing so.

"You know I didn't mean that. I mean, it's Cat, for fuck's sakes," a cool breath on my ear made me shiver involuntary, and Jade pulled me even close, raining tiny kisses along my shoulder.

"But if that was someone else?" The words slid out of my mouth before I could catch them.

I was turned around, coming face-to-face with her, watching her devour me with hungry eyes.

"You know I don't share," she whispered before pulling me into a kiss, unhurriedly moving her lips against my own.

My mind raced with thoughts as I responded to her slow kiss. Yes, she doesn't share, I knew that much. But did she mean that in a 'I-m-jealous-because-I-love-you' way, or was it 'I-don't-want-anyone-playing-with-my-toy'?

Stupid Masquerade Ball. Now I have to wait till tomorrow to come clean about my feelings.

Meanwhile Jade backed me up against a drawer, and I gasped as she flicked a tongue along the roof of my mouth. The sheet slowly slid down my body, and her hands followed it, lazily drawing circles as they moved.

She was playing me like an instrument, tuning me and making me release sweet sounds, creating an intoxicating symphony of sensuality.

"Jade…" Her name fell from my lips for a thousandth time today as she cupped my breast gently, caressing it at a leisure pace, watching me intently.

"God, Tori, you have no idea what you do to me, do you?" She let out a breathless whisper, leaning into me and pecking my lips, my jaw, my neck, teasing me thoroughly and stirring up now familiar feelings I welcomed.

"Ditto," I murmured, scraping my nails on her back softly as I reciprocated the tiny kisses, tasting the slightly salty skin of her neck and inhaling her incredible scent. My leg caressed her thigh as it slipped up to entwine her waist, seemingly having a mind of its own, and I moaned at the contact my pussy made with her pelvis.

And, just like always, the rapid knocking at the front door interrupted us right when it just got interesting.

"Dang it," I swore under my breath, letting my head fall to her shoulder. "Why us? Why always us?"

"The cons of sneaking around," she chuckled, and I felt it vibrate against my forehead. "I guess I should go get ready for the Ball, as well."

"Yeah…" I whined slightly, not moving a muscle and keeping my arms around her shoulders.

"I kinda need my body to get out of there, Vega."

"Well I need your body, too," I stated defensively, not letting her go.

The knocking grew louder, followed by a muffled Cat's voice.

"See, that's why I asked what time it was," I jabbed at Jade, who simply smirked back.

"My, you sure are grumpy today. Someone get you hot and bothered and then leave you high and dry?"

"One more remark and I'm withholding," I raised an eyebrow at her as I tugged on sweatpants and a shirt, moving past her and racing downstairs to open the door.

"Tori! Did something happen?" Cat asked, looking a bit scared as I let her in.

"No, why?"

"Well, the door was closed. You never close your door. Were you robbed?" Cat kept probing with an unusual insight, coming to sit on the couch.

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks as I remembered the reason of me keeping all the doors locked lately.

Speaking of which, that very reason was descending the stairs, looking calm as always.

"Jadey!"

"No!"

Cat pouted, having been denied a hug.

"Is Tori also doing your hair?" A seemingly innocent question from Cat made Jade smirk wolfishly, and I rolled my eyes, imagining what was going through that dirty mind of hers. 'No, she's not gonna do my hair cause she already did me', or 'Yep, as soon as I'm done doing her', or 'Sure, and later I'll do Vega to repay the favor'.

You catch my drift.

"No, I was just passing by," Jade tossed nonchalantly, picking up her jacket from the couch and heading for the door. "See you at the Ball," with that, the dangerous beauty was gone.

'Dangerous beauty', really?

Well she was dangerous. And breathtakingly beautiful…

"Um, Tori?"

Right. People present in the house. Dream your dirty thoughts about Jade on your own time, Vega.

"Okay, let me just jump into shower real quick, and then we'll get started," I said with a warm smile. "There's pizza in the fridge, and here's the remote."

"Kay kay! Can I watch the channel 20?"

"Whatever, I'm not your parent, Cat," I shrugged. "But not if 'Goosebumps' are on, you can't sleep after you watch it!"

"Kay," Cat replied sadly.

Man, I'm such a Mom.

Alright, weird motherly tendencies aside, time to dress up. Plan 'Render Jade Completely Speechless' is officially in motion.

"You look so beautiful, Tori!" Cat bounced up and down, squealing in delight. "You will be the most beautiful girl in the room."

"Aw, thanks, Cat, but you're also just as beautiful."

"Oh it's okay, Tori, I know I don't look as amazing as you do, I just need to look better than Trisha," Cat stated, an unusual fury in her eyes.

I sighed.

"Cat, don't take it the wrong way, but what Jade said today was kinda true. You have to admit there's something between you and Robbie before another girl snatches him," I decided to let out the part where Robbie dating anyone was a highly unlikely possibility.

"You think he will find someone else?" Cat gasped in shock, drawing her eyebrows together in a pitiful frown.

"Well, sweetie, he can't wait for you forever," I answered. "I think you two need to really talk things out, okay?"

"Kay, Tori. Thanks." Suddenly, Cat's eyes sparkled with mischief as she studied me curiously. "Now, who did you dress up for?"

"Wha-no one!" I exclaimed, too quickly, trying not to let blush adorn my cheeks. "I just like dressing up, you know that about me, right?"

"Well, yeah…." Cat nodded absentmindedly. "You do like that."

I turned from her, carefully observing my reflection in the full-length mirror again.

A pair of warm chocolate eyes stared back at me, black mascara and smoky eye shadows making them shockingly outstanding and big on the olive skin. The girl in the mirror looked older than me, somehow, with her chestnut curls laying on one shoulder, exposing the right one. A strapless gown hugged her curves gently, reaching the floor with its length, so deeply blue it was almost black. In a way, it made me think of night, which consequently led to Jade, to soft whispers and caresses in the middle of darkness. Black ball gloves fitted my hands perfectly, coming up to my elbows.

A girl in the mirror was and wasn't me at the same time, and the longer I stared, the more I realized what was wrong (or completely right) with her.

I looked innocent and dangerous, romantic and passionate, and every other antonyms woven together in one image.

I was Tori, and yet it was clear that I was marked by Jade.

I watched a slow smile form on the lips tinted with a hint of red.

"We ready to go?" Cat asked, also admiring her reflection. She did look cute tonight, with a dark green dress bringing out her red locks and twinkling eyes.

"Yup. Let's go knock them off their feet," I grinned, grabbing her hand and making out way to the door.

The Main Hall that was cleared to make place for the ball looked stunning. The Ball Committee outdid themselves this year, creating an unbelievable atmosphere of a slightly gothic Masquerade. The room had a feeling of a Victorian-era mansion to it, with simple yet tasteful decorations around. There were nicely dressed waiters going around the Hall, carrying trays with drinks, and the school orchestra was performing classical pieces on the violins.

"Fancy," Cat breathed out, looking around in awe, and I nodded silently, taking in the room. "Hey, can you tell it's me?" She asked excitedly, putting on her emerald mask.

"Cat, it only covers your eyes and cheekbones," I answered, smiling.

"Dang it! I thought I would surprise Robbie!" She pouted adorably, and I couldn't help but 'aww' on the inside.

"I think you'll surprise him anyway."

"If you say so… Oh, I see him! Bye Tori, thanks for hair!" With that, the redhead ran off somewhere, a spring to her step.

Now it's time for me to find my Prince Charming. Well, Princess. And let's face it, not so charming at times. About as charming as the devil. No, wait, the devil actually was rather charming, wasn't he? And are we even sure it's a he?

While my thoughts traveled aimlessly and in all the weird directions, my eyes searched the room, finally falling upon the girl I was looking for. She was talking with Andre, a smirk resting on her bloody lips as my best friend was saying something animatedly. Almost like she felt my gaze, her eyes found me standing in the middle of the entrance area, and warmth settled in my belly as I saw clear admiration on her face. Whatever Andre was saying fell on deaf ears as she caressed me with her gaze, and there was something… painful and gentle in her eyes as they finally rested on my face.

There was no sexy smirk, no raw lust and dirty hints, and my chest ached at the astonished appreciation she had for me in her intense stare.

She thrust her drink in Andre's hand, walking up to me at a slow pace, letting me take her in as well. She was breathtaking as usual, carrying herself with the level of confidence only she was capable off without being conceited, and her gown choice made me smile widely.

She wore a deep purple one, styling her make-up in the same way, making her eyes even more electric than they already were. Her mask was in place – a black simple one, of course, and her wavy hair ran down her open shoulders, striking black against her ivory skin.

"Hi," I said softly, clutching the mask in my hands.

She smiled, glancing down at the ball accessory.

(Suggested listening: Ed Sheeran – Give Me Love)

"May I?" I nodded, watching her reach for the mask and then turning around, feeling her warm breath against my exposed skin as she unhurriedly tied the mask on my face. "Here," she let out, and I faced her again.

"Thank you."

We stood still, bathing in each other's presence, not saying anything because words would have ruined it. We didn't need them anyway, it seemed.

"Tori, there you are!" Beck appeared seemingly out of nowhere. "Wow, you both look amazing," he smiled warmly and winked at me like I was in on a secret.

Which reminds me. I wanted to talk to him about his weird antics.

"Hey Beck," I said back, forcing myself to tear my eyes away from Jade and focus on a smiling boy. "You clean up nicely, as well."

"Thanks. Hey, I know this music," he looked around, and sure enough, there were students forming two lines in pairs and facing each other. "That's the dance routine we've been learning for weeks. Milady," he bowed exaggeratingly, stretching out his hand towards me. "May I have this dance?"

I hesitated, glancing back at Jade, but her guard was already up as she eyed Beck.

"I'll go see if Melissa is still up for a dance," she gritted through her teeth.

Melissa? Who the hell is Melissa?

I was about to follow Jade in a sudden jealous rage, but Beck already dragged me to the dance area, both of us facing the other line as we held hands, my right arm crossing over his left one.

The dance routine we learned for weeks started, and we began to move, taking one step towards the line of people before us on each slow beat, the violin leading us.

As Beck and I passed Jade and that girl, I locked my jaw, sharply turning to look straight ahead.

"Easy there, tiger," Beck whispered to me, grimacing slightly. Oops, guess I took out my anger on his hands.

He twirled me just like the dance asked for, leading as the pairs formed a moving circle.

"Sorry, I just…" I glanced at Jade again to find her completely engrossed in conversation with Melissa. "I don't feel like dancing. I'm sorry," I tried to step away from him, but he didn't let go, keeping with the dance.

"I know what's going on with you and Jade," he stated, smiling. I stumbled, and if it wasn't for Beck's perfect skills, I would've ended up on my butt.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I tried to recover, looking past his shoulder. He chuckled.

"Tori, you're both glaringly obvious, and since I don't have much time before we switch partners, I'll just come out and say it," he turned serious as he looked me straight in the eyes, maneuvering us so I had to look back. "She's an incredibly difficult person, and at times downright evil. But to love her and to be loved by her in return is the best thing that can ever happen to you."

Wait, love?

"Who said anything about love?" I asked coldly, still not opening my cards to him.

"The way you both walk around each other is a dead giveaway," he smirked. "Tori, I was the one who knew Jade the most. 'Was' being the key word." He twirled me around. "Now it's you, and yet, you're the only one who can't see what's right in front of her."

"Beck," I said, exasperated.

"She loves you, Tori. She's in love with you, and you can't give up on her," he dropped the bombshell, watching as it exploded. "She's stubborn, and for someone so over-confident, she sure dislikes herself, sometimes to extremes. Jade might try to push you away, thinking it's for the best, but I just want you to promise me that you won't give up easily."

I just stared at him not knowing what to say. What do you say after a speech like that? So I just gave a slight nod.

"Wait… we are supposed to switch partners?" I got out weakly right before he whirled me away.

I span around my axis, going for good two twirls before colliding with Jade, her arms catching me around my waist, our faces millimeters apart.

We stayed rooted to the spot as other pairs danced around us.

"May I have this dance?" She asked quietly.

"It's not what you think," I said suddenly. "I mean – with Beck. It's not what you think. He was just asking me as a friend."

"I don't care about Beck," she replied, continuing with the dance, and managing to catch up with the going routine. "We broke up ages ago."

"I know that you don't care about him," I stated, and she raised a surprised eyebrow at my forwardness. "But it's not him I meant."

She kept silent, dancing effortlessly.

As she span me from her, I swung back, pressing my back against her front.

"I also don't care about Melissa," she whispered, and I hid a small smile, realizing she was apologizing, Jade West style.

"Good," I stated, stepping away from her and getting back to Beck, facing Jade as the routine came to an end.

(End of soundtrack)

The room filled with applause, and the head of the Ball Committee ran up on the stage, announcing that the Ball was officially open.

"So, did you talk?" Beck asked me eagerly, grabbing two glasses of punch and thrusting one of them into my hand.

"No," at his look, I tried to defend myself. "Look, it's really complicated. I can't just dump this on her in the middle of the dance! We started out as friends with benefits, and now here I am, demanding serious rela-Beck, are you okay?"

While I was on a rant, I failed to notice Beck chocking on his punch, and now I had the pleasure of watching him turn different colors as he struggled to breathe.

"W-wait, you two… you slept… together?!" He wheezed, coughing.

"Why are you surprised, you said you knew what was going on with me and Jade!" I exclaimed, slapping him on the back

"Well yeah, but I meant I knew you loved each other, not that you were going at it!" He cleared his throat, the red slowly fading from his face. "Oh God," he coughed once again. "And you're still thinking everything over?! You're like halfway there already, no, you're all the way there already!"

"Pipe down!" I hissed at him, looking around. "I did say it was complicated, didn't I?"

"No it's not."

Stupid, stubborn Beck with stupid perfect hair.

"Beckett," of course Jade had to turn up now. "What's with throwing a fit?"

"The, uh, the punch went down the wrong pipe," he replied quickly, shooting looks between me and Jade with a stupefied expression on his face.

I rolled my eyes before inconspicuously elbowing him. There was no doubt about what exactly was going through his teenage hormone filled mind, and I didn't feel like starring in one of his dirty fantasies.

"Right," Jade drawled melancholically. I sipped at my drink, stealing glances at her. Should I talk to her right now? Or should I wait till – till what exactly?

"Well, I'm gonna go and, uh, yeah," Beck stated awkwardly before fleeing, leaving us alone.

"So…"

"I need to talk to you," Jade spoke up, looking serious. I gulped.

"Okay, I kinda need to talk to you, too. Should we go somewhere quiet?"

She nodded, offering me her elbow which I took graciously, smiling at the gesture. We were ready to take off when the commotion near the benches drew our attention.

"Goddammit," Jade muttered, and a second later I followed her example, having seen what exactly was going on.

Cat dumped a bowl of punch on Robbie's date and was now making her way through the crowd with tears streaming down her face.

"Jade…" I breathed apologetically, casting a guilty look her way. She sighed.

"I know. Take her home. We'll have plenty of time to talk later."

I nodded, taking my hand from her elbow and hurrying after Cat. However, her grip on my arm stopped me as she whirled me around, holding me close.

I felt breath hitch in my throat as she softly pecked my cheek.

"You look stunning, if it isn't obvious," she whispered, parting from me.

"So do you," I whispered back, squeezing her hand gently. "I'll see you soon."

With one last glance, I was gone, running after Cat.

Another distraction and I'm killing somebody. Seriously.

Okay, I admit it, I totally stole the dance from 'The Vampire Diaries', but the scene was just so amazingly shot, I couldn't just leave it. If you want to actually see how the dance looks like, just go to youtube and search for The Ball Scene - The Vampire Diaries S03E14. Despite all its faulty details, I just love the atmosphere this show creates, and yes, I'm completely guilty of weaving bits of it in all my fics :))

Please leave me a review telling me what you think and if you watched the scene! :) And also it's completely fine to mention what would you like to see next!