Disclaimer: The show Victorious, its characters and other associated copyrights are property of someone else and not me.

No Trivia – The continuation

Chapter 9 – Happy sound.

Jade's POV

Once I was done on the phone with Beck, my past, my next order of business was to see Tori, my future. After I got showered, I decided to jazz myself up a bit. Lately, I've been wearing black, but nothing special and there's no streak in my hair. So, I did my hair nice with broad curls and put a nice blue streak in. Then I put on an outfit more like I'd wear in High school. Black leggings, black shirt and a purple top with leather jacket. I don't think I'd been myself in a while and seeing myself looking like the old me, made me feel better than I have in a while. If I can't be my old self, I might as well look like my old self. Not to mention, I think it will make a certain Latina happy.

I may have been a shitty lover and an even shittier wife, but I'm going to be one damn good girlfriend. Once I was ready, I did some grocery shopping as there wasn't much to eat in the apartment and I knew Tori would be laid up for a while.

Once that was done, it was almost noon and I decided to go over to the hospital. I'll admit that I did feel some trepidation about seeing Tori's family. I'm supposed to be Jade the fierce and to some extent I am, however there's a lot riding on this. I'm also shouldering a whole ton of guilt and my self-esteem has been damaged.

Arriving at Tori's door, I knocked once and walked in, putting on my best smirk. "So is this where they're keeping the sexy Latinas. Lucky me, there's one left."

Tori, who was in bed, eating lunch had turned to the door as soon as I walked in. But upon me making my little announcement, she stopped in mid bite and her mouth fell open. In awe, I hope.

But as it turned out she was in mid bite when I entered. After a full second of her mouth sitting open, a piece of what appeared to be roast beef fell out of it on to her plate. It also left a bit of gravy on her chin.

It was in Awe, which made me feel good. For a moment I tried to think of something clever to say, but instead I simply burst out laughing.

Embarrassed, Tori quickly wiped her face with a napkin and turned bright red.

I quickly walked in and gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Vega. You're a slob, but I love you anyway."

"You, just caught me off guard." Retorted Tori, still a bit red in the face.

"Did I now? It helps if you keep your food, in your mouth."

Tori briefly scrunched her face, it's something she does sometimes when she's tongue tied. "Jade, you came in and you looked so…."

"Beautiful, ravishing, goddess like." I continued, with a smile.

Immediately blushing, Tori answered. "Yes."

Leaning in again, I feathered a soft kiss on her lips. Naturally she responded in kind. It occurred to me in that second, that each and every time, I came to Tori over the years, the thing I was most looking forward too, was not the sex. It was that very first kiss I would give her. That very first moment, where once again we'd come together. I knew I liked that moment, but I never really gave it much thought.

Breaking the kiss, I smiled. "Glad you approve."

"I do." She said, returning the smile.

"I wanted to at least look like my old self. Even though I haven't been her in while. Not to mention, I gotta look good for my girl"

For a second she looked at me, with a odd expression. Then much to my surprise, she started to tear up and cry.

Instinctively, I took her hand. "What's wrong baby?"

Tori quickly wiped a tear, only to have it replaced by another and that was followed by several more. "I…I…never thought I'd be your Girl. All those years I was just…all I wanted to be was your girl….I...was so…"

Maybe it was the tears, or maybe it was the heartbroken tone in her voice, but I think it was mostly that look in her eyes. It was a mixture of pain and loneliness that devastated me. A clear reminder of what I was. A selfish bitch, who treated the woman she loved, like a plaything. That same woman who loved me unconditionally.

Feeling weak at the knees, I sat down on the chair next to her bed. I then started to cry. Only now was I realizing just how much pain I had caused her over the years.

If you love her, don't destroy her.

That thought ran though my head. It was from a meme that sprang into my mind. There was another part, I had to think of it. Crying uncontrollably, I said it out loud.

"Love her for her complete self, and let her be herself, - beautiful, wild complete. And remember that how you treat her, affects how she sees herself."

"What?" Replied Tori.

I looked up, feeling all that pain I had given her, coming back with a vengeance. "It was a meme I saw somewhere. Its starts with If you love her don't destroy her. And it has a picture of a sad girl in bed. I was horrible to you."

Unable to control my emotions, I wailed. "I'm sorry baby. I caused you so much pain, you were so lonely. How could I. I'm sorry."

We had gone over this the other morning, to an extent. I knew I had caused her pain and had treated her badly, but I was now just realizing just how much pain I caused her and just how badly I treated her.

Tori's Pov.

Despite being upset and emotional myself, I knew what I needed to do. Collecting my thoughts, I started to calm Jade down. Stroking Jade's hair, Tori spoke in soothing tones.

"Calm down Jade. Just calm down. We're both upset. I still love you."

After repeating that several times, Jade suddenly seemed to sober up. She quickly wiped her tears and nodded. "I'm ok. Sorry I just…."

"Fell apart?"

"Yes. I guess seeing you upset made me realize just how deeply I hurt you. Then that meme came to mind and I just went to pieces."

"It's ok." I reassured her "We've both been through a lot, not only in the last few days, but the last several years. At the moment we're both emotionally raw and these things are going to happen. You set me off and in turn that set you off. We've got a lot to work out and I think it's good to realize just how much we've hurt each other. But we're better now. Do you love me?"

"Yes." Said Jade, wiping the last of our tears.

"Well I love you. We can talk more later about this. My parents should be here soon. I'm going home this afternoon. They want to take me home. Your makeup is trashed. Why don't you go and fix it and reassemble yourself before they arrive."

Nodding, Jade grabbed her purse and headed into the bathroom.

Jade went into the bathroom, right in time as Trina and my parents arrived only a few minutes later.

Both my parents and sister greeted me warmly and each gave me a hug. I told them that I could leave as soon as the doctor checked me out.

Jade emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, her make up fixed. Upon seeing my family, she smiled warmly and spoke. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Vega, Trina. How are you?"

She was obviously acting, and doing a pretty good job of it.

Sadly, my parents looked gave her an almost glacial look and my mom responded in a curt, businesslike tone, "Hello Jade, we're fine, thank you."

Trina on the other hand, merely glared at Jade, then turned her attention to me.

I of course, hoped the greetings would be warmer, but I knew that wasn't going to happen. Still, I didn't like the fact that the discomfort level in the room had risen remarkably. With a little luck the doctor would arrive soon and I could get out of here.

What made it even worse, was that stink eye, that Trina would occasionally give jade. Normally that wouldn't bother her in the slightest, but this is no normal time. I could only guess what she was thinking, as Jade sat quietly in the corner, trying to look calm and confident and happy. I knew deep down she was none of those things.

For the next several minutes, we chatted about nothing of any importance as my parents seemed to ignore Jade completely. Jade made one or two comments when they were discussing the weather. Something I know Jade hates, but she's making an effort to connect. There's only so long you can talk about the weather and other nothing subjects, without going mad.

Luck was in my favor as the doctor and nurse, rolling a wheelchair showed up only a few minutes later. My family stood back as he made a final examination of me and asked me several questions about how I felt physically. He then said I was able to go home. His nurse handed me a discharge summary, that gave instructions for home care. Take it very easy for the next week. Get lots of rest, don't overexert yourself, get sleep and there was a list of symptoms such as blurry vision and flash headaches that if they were to occur, I was to return to the hospital right away.

That finished, my mom and the nurse, helped me dress all the while Jade watched me carefully. Once I was ready, the nurse wheeled me out to the hallway. While I had to sign my discharge papers, Jade announced she was going meet us downstairs. Trina, oddly went with her.

I could see them in the elevator and as the door began to close, I could see Trina whispering something in Jade's ear. That immediately worried me.

When I came down and went outside, I could see Trina. She had a rather smug look on her face. "Glad you're out. I'll see you at your place. Bye"

As she bounded off, I turned to look at Jade, who looked rather sullen and withdrawn. "I'll meet you back at the apartment." She said in a low, depressed sounding voice.

Now she wasn't even trying to act. Now I was really worked. I was tempted to get to the bottom of this right away, but elected to wait until Jade and I were in private. If Trina did say something nasty, and it looks like she did, I will deal with her.

The car ride was uneventful with my parents quizzing me on my future plans. That was to get back in the recording studio, write music and work on the relationship with Jade. They didn't look too thrilled about the last part.

When we arrived at the apartment, I could see Jade and Trina's car there already. My parents, helped me out of the car and carefully walked me up to the apartment. Once inside, I could see Trina already had the tv on and was drinking a soda and relaxing. Jade on the other hand, was standing off to the side, looking like she was barely there. On her face was a look of defeat, like someone who had lost everything.

My parents and Tina seemed to pay no attention to her what so ever. My mom took me into my room where, I changed into my pajamas. I told them, I planned to spend the rest of the day watching the tv. On the classic movie channel, there was a marathon of old musicals.

Back in the living room, I looked to Jade, who just lowered her head. My mom made sure I was on the couch and comfortable. My dad asked if I needed anything from the kitchen. I said no.

After a few minutes of mindless chatter, my parents and Trina left.

As soon as the door closed, I turned to Jade.

"Just what in the hell did my sister say to you?"

Letting out a sigh, Jade lowered her head even further. "It was nothing."

I pointed to the spot next to the couch. "Come here and tell me what Trina said. Right now! What ever it was, it must have been bad."

With a nod Jade complied, looking lost and defeated.

"She threatened you didn't she!" I barked, now angry at my sisters interference.

Jade shook her head. "No, it wasn't any kind of threat. It was a question."

After briefly scrunching my face with confusion, I said. "What question?"

Jade paused for a moment as a single tear ran down her face. Then in a heartbroken tone of voice said. "Trina asked me. How can a person who only knows how to inflict pain, ever make someone happy?"

My blood instantly began to boil and if I wasn't laid up with a concussion, I'd hunt her down and beat her to death. It was obvious that that simple question, broke through Jade's already weakened defenses and utterly destroyed her. I was utterly seething. My poor Jade.

"I am so sorry Jade. You do make me happy."

Jade shifted her feet and shook her head. "I can't make anyone happy. I…I need to be alone for a while."

No One's Pov

Before Jade could walk way, Tori's hand shot out and tightly grabbed Jade's wrist.

"Let Go!" Jade said, her depressed voice, now twinged with anger.

"NO!"

Jade attempted to pull free, which only caused Tori to tighten her grip. Then with a fierce expression, Tori stated. "You're not walking away, not now. Trina hurt you badly and I'm sorry. I will deal with her, but, I'm not just going let you be alone and feel terrible. Now, the movie South Pacific starts in 10 minutes. That movie is followed by An American in Paris. Now you're going to cuddle with me on the couch until you feel better, like it or not."

"I DON'T WANT TO!" Barked Jade.

Tori knew this would piss Jade off, but that was part of what she needed to do.

Tori shook her head, her resolve hardening. "No. And you can try to break free, but do you really want me to overexert myself when I'm recovering from a severe concussion? The doctor specifically said I was to rest and to do much. Now are you going to cooperate or are you going to risk making me worse? Now get your ass on the couch, cuddle with me and watch old musicals. You don't have to say a damn word, but you're not walking away, I love you too much to let you do that."

For a moment, Jade seemed to alternate between near rage and deep depression. A second later, she wordlessly complied and got on to the couch. It took her a moment to get situated, but Tori could feel she was still tense. Not to mention, that Inside Jade was really hurting. Looking upon Jade's face it was one of extreme resentment.

She knew she needed to make Jade feel love and feel capable of love, Tori knew not to provoke Jade any further. Gloating or some glib comment, would undo all she hoped to accomplish. She elected to say nothing and simply cuddle with Jade.

The movie started and both watched in silence. Occasionally Tori would look upon Jade's face. It took at least a half an hour before Jade started to take in interest in the movie. That aside, Jade remained tense and resentful. Tori was patient, however. She did realize who uncomfortable it was to try to cuddle with a person who's angry and tense. It was a bit like trying to cuddle a statue.

For the rest of the movie, not a word was said. When that movie ended, Jade got up and went to the bathroom. When she came out, Jade took one step towards the bedroom. Before she could take another, Tori wordlessly pointed to the spot next to her on the couch.

Looking more sad, than angry, Jade nodded and got back on the couch. Tori noticed most of the tension in Jade's body was gone. Jade seemed to just go limp and lay there with Tori, looking deep in thought.

It was about halfway through An American in Paris, Tori started with the next part of her plan. That was to slowly and softly touch her, affectionally. At first, Jade seemed to bristle at Tori's touch, but after a short while, seemed to give in and accept the affection.

Tori knew that Jade was feeling incapable of love, or even receiving love. But her giving in to the affection was a good sign.

After about 20 or so minutes of Tori gently touching Jade, something happened. She had been concentrating on the movie, when she felt a soft touch. Looking down, Tori could see it was Jade softly caressing her arm. On Jade's face was a rather curious expression, as if she was discovering something for the first time.

Regardless, Tori involuntary made a soft but happy sound. She then responded with a touch of her own.

The comment made by Trina earlier, had struck at Jade's deepest fear. That Tori would abandon her. But in that moment, where Tori let out that simple but soft happy sound, Jade realized something.

"Tori's never, ever going to give up on me. She loves me for who I am. And despite who shitty I treated her, she still loves me and always would. I can love her and I can make her happy."

One would think that, this should have been obvious to Jade long before this, but this was the first time it really sunk in, just how much Tori loved her. As she had realized earlier, just how much she hurt Tori, Jade now knew that Tori loved her and always would. A simple realization, that made Jade's heart swell up with emotion.

A moment later, Tori noticed that Jade had started to cry and Tori couldn't help but wonder if she failed.

"Jade?"

Jade looked up to her, tears in her eyes. For a full moment, Jade said nothing, choosing to look deep into Tori's eyes.

Finally, she sobbed. "I don't feel like I deserve you, but you love me, faults and all. You always did and always will. I love you so much Tori Vega! I'm a total shit and you still love me. I'm going to make everything up to you."

"I do love you, shit and all. We have a way, to go. But I'll never ever give up on us. You ok?"

Jade nodded, as she wiped a tear. She then moved up and lay her head on Tori's chest. For a second she listened to Tori's heartbeat, then smiled. "I am now."

Author's note: Jade and Tori are still quite emotionally raw, but also are realizing how much each loves the other.

Thanks to Invader Johnny.

An American in Paris and South Pacific are both movie musicals of the 1950's and quite good.