Jade is staying away just like she promised, but that won't last for too long...

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Must it always be so damn bright?

I sigh as I light up a cigarette, blowing out the smoke contentedly. This is too hot, and too sunny, and doesn't reflect my inner state at all. Fucking Californian weather.

"Hello, Tori, goodbye, cancer stick," peppy voice with barely concealed irritation states near my ear as the cigarette is roughly torn from my lips and carelessly thrown into the garbage can.

"If you didn't want me smoking, you shouldn't have made me wait for so long, Caroline," I patronize my agent who is way too energized as usual.

"What do you think you're doing, smoking? And in public, no less?" The ex-cheerleader hisses, grasping my elbow and dragging me to her car away from airport entrance. "And seriously, what's up with the luggage?"

"What's wrong with my luggage?" I ask confusedly, climbing into the passenger seat.

"Uh, you don't have any?" she replies, demonstrating the infamous 'Forbes' attitude. "Seriously, a bag? As in, singular? Are you secretly a guy?"

"Stop being so sexist."

"Girls can't be sexist, silly," Caroline says with a condescending smile, driving through the surprisingly empty streets.

"Here you go, another textbook sexism example – uh, Care, you just missed a turn."

"No, I didn't," the blonde states confidently.

"But your place isn't this way," I argue.

"I never said we were going to my place."

"Um, yes, you did, you specifically told me over the phone: 'Of course, you can stay at mine, Tor!', it was right after I asked you if I could stay at your place."

"Your memory is like an elephant's, it's freaking me out."

"I suppose you're not telling me where we're going."

"You suppose correctly, and I'm adding 'weirdly awesome deductive skills' to the list of things you have that freak me out," Caroline flashes me a toothy practiced grin, showing off her pearly whites. I can't help but admire the way she always looks so put together and beautiful. The early morning sun bounces off of her golden curls and porcelain skin, her eyes vibrantly green in the light. I wonder how I look. Probably like shit. I feel like it, anyway.

"What's up with the staring?" My best friend nudges me with one hand before gasping in mock shock. "Oh my God, it happened. You fell in love with me. While I think it's long overdue, what's with me being amazing and hot, I'm sorry to inform you that I can't reciprocate your feelings." She throws me a quick glance, smirking at my pointed unamused look. "Alright, since you're hot as well, I guess we could do some over the clothes stuff, but not-"

"Oh my God, Care!" I pinch the bridge of my nose, exasperated.

"What, is the thought so revolting to you? Am I not good enough?" She steals another glance at me as realization crosses her features. "Oh, I get it – it's because I'm straight, isn't it? I'll have you know, I'd make an awesome lesbian. Just because I lack experience, doesn't mean you should totally cross me out."

I just shake my head, a small smile appearing on my lips against my will.

"There she is!" Caroline exclaims triumphantly. "I got you to smile. See, I'd make a great girlfriend!"

"You are a great girlfriend," I reply laughingly. "How's Klaus?"

"Ugh, don't remind me of that asshole," she huffs.

"Trouble in paradise?"

"We got into another fight over those siblings of his. I swear, sometimes they're pure evil. Especially the sistah dea'est of his," she mocks her boyfriend's accent as she grumbles under her breath.

"Care, I love you, but sometimes you're really judgmental, and also – you and Rebekah are 'personality twins'. I have no idea how the hell you guys aren't best friends," I note calmly.

"Because I already have a best friend who is currently trying to avoid talking about her problems by focusing on mine."

"Is it working?" I hopefully ask. She rolls her eyes.

"Not a chance in hell. Now spill."

"You never told me Jade showed up at the studio," I suddenly say as I remember my encounter with her.

"Right, because you needed more Jade-stress in your life," Care answers sarcastically. "Besides, there's nothing to tell. She came by with her tail between her legs, I told her to burn in Hell, she said 'see you there' and bailed."

"Man, sometimes I don't know whose relationship is more fucked up: mine and Jade's or yours and Jade's."

"First of all, language," my agent berates me. "And secondly, it's simple, I hate her, she hates me."

"Sounds like a beginning of a love story, not the end of one," I jab at her playfully. She whips around, horrified.

"Ew! Stop insinuating whatever it is you're insinuating, young lady!"

"I'm, like, four years younger than you."

"Exactly, you brat," she smirks. "We're here, by the way."

"Okay… Here… is where, exactly?" I warily question as we pull into a driveway of a rather cute-looking house.

"Now, promise not to get mad," Caroline starts before I interrupt her.

"You know that every time you start a sentence like that, I end up getting mad anyway?"

"I may secretly enjoy it," she shrugs, getting out of the car. I smirk as I climb out of the seat to follow her.

"Kinky. So, explanation? Now?"

"This is kinda… Your new house."

"What?!" I turn around sharply to stare at a guilty Caroline, incredulous. "What do you mean this is my new house?!"

"Look, I just knew how much you value your personal space, and, well, there's none of that at my place, and Klaus clutters everything with his art supplies, so…"

"So you went and bought me a house?!" I look at her, bemused. "Wow, you would make an amazing lesbian."

"What? Why?"

"I don't know, I wanted to say it, seemed appropriate at the moment," I waved impatiently.

"And, well, technically I didn't actually buy it," she rushes to my side as she hurriedly explains herself. "I rented it with a possibility of buying. You got three months' rent paid ahead, and if you decide you like it, you can get it. So… What do you think?" she finished nervously.

I shake my head again, releasing a sigh as I take the building in. Two storey house, nice, cute, beautiful – yeah, I know basically nothing about real estate. I do know that the house looks rather modern, with beige walls and wooden panels creating a trendy atmosphere – no, I know nothing about real estate.

"…Well, since I'm already here and you obviously don't want me crashing at your place because of your handsome British boyfriend, let's check it out." I ignore Care's protests as I start the walk towards the house's entrance.

"It's got two pools, indoors and outdoors, and also a library which is also the study," Caroline informs me as she opens the door, thrusting the keys into my hand next. "Welcome aboard."

I step inside into a long living room, immediately noticing how homey it actually feels. The inside of the house is decorated with wood and pastel colors, making it warm and inviting. A comfy-looking leather couch, soft rugs, big kitchen… If this house also has a huge bedroom, I'm sold.

"So what do you think?" Care asks again cautiously, obviously trying to read me.

"It's… It's amazing, Care, thank you so much," I breathe out as I turn and hug her, a gesture which she eagerly returns, smiling. Her smile turns to a frown, however, when my shoulders begin to shake slightly.

"Oh, honey…" She guides us to the couch, rubbing comforting circles on my back as I tremble with sudden break-down. "It's okay, I'm here… I'm here, you're gonna be okay, you hear me?"

I just nod shakily, breathing deeply to try and calm myself down as I put some distance between us, wiping the tears. It's been so long since I allowed anyone to take care of me. I just usually shut down, keeping everything professional and steering clear of everything personal. Caroline's always been able to break through that with her at times unorthodox methods, but even she couldn't get me to fess up about what I'm really feeling. But… this is so thoughtful of her. I just forgot there was someone who cared, and it's too much right now.

"I'm so-"

"Victoria Dawn Vega," she chastises me. "Don't you dare apologize. I get it," she continues, softer this time. "I know what you're going through, and you don't have to say anything."

"I… just, thank you," I manage to smile weakly through tears.

"Any time, sweetie," Caroline states kindly, rubbing my shoulder. "You just remind me of my step-sis so much sometimes. I can't help but be all protective, you know?"

"Didn't you use to hate your step-sister?"

"No, I hate the other one, Katherine. I like Elena, the pretty one."

"Uh, Care, they are identical twins," I smirk, happy for a distraction.

"I was talking about inner beauty, you doofus," Caroline rebuffed. "Even though my step-sisters are twins, you're able to tell them apart almost immediately."

"Because Katherine is evil, a bitch, and practically Satan?"

"Yup. She's hot, I'll give her that, but after you get to know her, she's the ugliest girl in the world," the blonde cringes. "Just like a certain ex of yours…"

"Caroline…"

"Tori, c'mon, you should get this off your chest! What happened between you two, exactly?"

I sigh. Truth is, nothing happened. I just up and left. Looking back, I realize that I just snapped, finally, Jade's behavior and walls becoming too much for me to bear.

"Actually, nothing out of sorts," I voice my thoughts. "I just couldn't take it anymore."

"But… Tori, don't take it the wrong way," Caroline starts carefully. "But why so out of blue? I mean… We told you to dump her sorry ass so many times. I'm totally happy you made that decision, I just don't really understand why, you know?"

"I do, trust me, I do," I smirk sadly, shaking my head. "I don't get myself, either. I guess… I guess I needed to realize it on my own. How wrong she is for me. How she's slowly killing me."

"Well, I, for one, am absolutely ecstatic you did it," Caroline proudly says. "She looked pathetic when she came looking for you. Devastated, even."

What?

I straighten up, ready to bombard the blonde with questions.

"Oh, no," she mutters as she takes notice of my changed demeanor. "You're not going to feel sorry for her and take her back, Tori."

"Of course not," I scoff, praying to God that I look believable. "But you can't blame me for being curious. Devastated Jade is something new to me."

"Well, you better believe it, because that's what I saw. She came in all distressed and all over the place. I thought she was on drugs or something, her hands were shaking. She didn't even put any effort into her insults," Caroline recalls, sounding slightly amazed at the end.

"Wait… When did she come to you, again?"

"Uh, let's see… Like, five days ago, I think? Early in the morning, too. To say I was surprised would be an understatement."

Five days ago. She came to Caroline after our last night together. After she poured her heart out to me, after she made love to me, only to be abandoned the next morning.

I close my eyes, tremendous guilt wave crashing into me as I picture Jade standing at the reception, her eyes worried and red, her clothes disheveled from being hastily put on, her hands shaking, her shoulders sagged.

She deserves this.

Does she? How does that make me any better than her? I claim she hurt me so much over the years, and I retaliate in the same fashion.

Could I be any more hypocritical?

I shouldn't have led her on. I shouldn't have slept with her, only to run away the morning after.

"Tori, look at me," Caroline is strict as she brings me back to the present. "Tell me right now that you're not thinking about getting back together with this gank."

I keep silent.

"Tori…"

"I love her!" I burst, shooting to my feet and pacing what I imagine to be a very soft rug. "I love her, Care. I can't help it."

She sighs, frustrated.

"Damn you and your questionable taste in girls," the blonde grumbles. "You're seriously just like Elena."

"I thought she was straight. And engaged."

"Yeah, and Damon is the biggest asshole ever."

"Who's Damon?"

"Her fiancé – you know what, doesn't matter," she states impatiently, grabbing my hand and making me sit down. "Tori, I know you think you love her, but that girl caused you more pain than anyone or anything in this world. You can't go back to that."

"You think I don't realize that?" I groan, plopping back into the couch and burying my face in my hands. "I know she's bad for me, but… she seems different now…"

"They all do! She's just playing with you, Tori, trust me."

"She's really trying, Care," I reply weakly. "You should've seen her back in Mystic Falls, she-"

"Hold up." Caroline stares at me like I grew another head. "Mystic Falls? What's that?"

"…A town where I was hiding?"

"She actually tracked you down?!" My best friend shakes her head, amazed. "Wow. That girl doesn't let go of her toys easily."

"Um, thanks? I'm sitting right here," I comment, insulted. Care smiles sheepishly and motions for me to carry on.

"She was trying, you know? She came to me, and she made me tea, and then she intentionally bumped into me at a local coffee shop and acted like she didn't know me-"

"Gee, how incredibly sweet, that just screams romantic," Caroline interjects sarcastically.

"I know how it sounds-"

"-And yet you keep going."

"Caroline," I growl, and she sighs.

"Fine, I'll tone the attitude down. I just really don't like this girl."

"Yeah, I got that. Anyway, what actually happened was she approached me as my fan, made me sigh a napkin for her, and we… flirted. It was nice, in a way."

"So just because you had one decent interaction, you're ready to get back together with her?"

"I'm not ready," I whisper. It's true. I'm not. "And the encounter didn't go as smooth as one would hope. Guess who ran into us."

"Judging from your murderous gaze, one of Jade's whores."

"Accurate and worse at the same time," I grit through my teeth. "Madison Montgomery."

"No," Caroline gasps. "No way! What the hell was that doing in a sleepy town?"

"Does it matter? The thing is, she bumped into us, and it was like a wake-up call. With Jade's past… I don't know if I ever will be able to deal with that."

"And you shouldn't!" The blonde throws her arms in the air. "Why doesn't anyone ever listen to me?! I had basically the same conversation with my step-sister, and she ended up getting engaged! Oh God," she mumbles next, terrified. "Please tell me Jade didn't propose to you."

"What? No! Care, relax. I'm not getting engaged in the nearest future. I'm not even on the dating list right now."

"Well, I think you should be," she announces, making me groan.

"No, Care-"

"Just listen to me! You had this screwed-up relationship for past three years, and its roots run even further than that. All I'm saying is you need to experience what a decent human relationship is like."

"I'm not ready to start trusting people," I admit quietly.

Caroline sighs, squeezing my shoulder sympathetically. She's right, of course she's right. I should probably get out there and date a bit, if only to see how relationships are supposed to be. Typical girl meets girl, couple of dates, fooling around in public just for the thrill of it, cuddling under the blanket in front of the movie… All the clichés I never had, because all I got with Jade was passion, and while it was nice when it consumed me, I realize now how I yearn for tenderness.

The thing is… I only want this tenderness with her, and she showed me just how willing she is to try and give it to me.

"I'm not saying marry the first person you meet," Caroline tries in a quiet persuasive tone. "But just… get to know someone. A dinner and a movie don't call for an engagement party, right?"

"Right," I chuckle.

"Speaking of parties… Ikindaarrangedoneforyou and it's tonight… Well, unpack and see ya!" She jumps up, ready to bolt before I practically tackle her back.

"What?!"

"I did say we should throw a break-up party, so… I did!"

"Care, I'm seriously considering punching your boob right now."

"You wouldn't dare," she gasps. "Wait, left one or right one?"

"Caroline!"

"Oh come on, Tori!" she whines. "I was super worried about you, and now that you're back, we need to get you out of this doom and gloom fest! And it also could be a housewarming party, as well," my obnoxious soon-to-be-dead best friend states proudly. "You don't need to do anything, I promise. Just be there and look pretty, I already took care of everything else."

"…Well, how am I supposed to get ready? I don't have any clothes here besides my 'I'm-secretely-a-guy' luggage!"

"I took care of that, too," she waves dismissively at me.

"Wait, you… You got my clothes from Jade's?" I ask softly.

"Yup. They are already in the closet. I saved you from the ugly encounter – no need to thank me, by the way."

"Was she… upset?" I question, trying to sound casual and failing at it.

"I'm not gonna lie, she was," Care answers, wincing. "At first I didn't want to tell her you got a house-"

"I didn't get anything, it was you who got a house for me," I point out.

"-Anyway," she glares at me. "I figured she'd find out anyway, so I fessed up about you moving in the new home, and she just… crumbled."

I bite my lip at that. Jade, shattered, heartbroken, all alone in that empty huge house. Is it worth it? Am I making a mistake?

I don't know anything anymore.

"So, I just got a text from a caterer, gotta go solve some issues," Caroline says, oblivious to my inner battle. "Be right back – you just stay here, look around, check out the huge-ass hot tub which is completely yours for the nest three months unless you decide to prolong the contract or buy this beauty!"

"…How do you manage to unload so much information in one breath," I shake my head. "Wait, did you just mention a hot tub?"

"Now we're talking," she smirks. "Alright, I really need to go, there's been a cake emergency."

I don't even wanna know.

But I do wanna know something else.

"Caroline," I start, my tone faux-light. "At this party… I won't be stumbling into beautiful strangers suddenly asking me out to dinner, will I?"

"Well, I can't guarantee that, have you met yourself? There is always someone who could be interested in you, so…"

"Care…"

"No, I wasn't planning on setting you up with someone, geez," she mutters. "I might be controlling and obsessive at times, but I know you're going through a rough patch, and I'm not that inconsiderate."

"Good. Thank you," before I leave, I turn around again. "One more thing. Is Jade invited?"

Now it is Caroline's turn to place her hands on her hips as she stares at me accusingly.

"No, she's not, and don't you dare invite her," she warns me. "This is your break-up party, you can't invite the person you broke up with!"

"I wasn't going to," I shrug.

"Good." She states. "Alright, I really gotta run."

"Wait, Care… I'm really grateful for everything you've done for me. Thank you, so much," I say sincerely as I thank her again, smiling. She smiles back.

"You're welcome. That's what friends are for."

"Okay, get out of here, your hands are beginning to shake from the lack of bossing people around," I comment with a smirk. Caroline releases a relieved sigh as she nods, bolting through the door, her phone already to her ear as she bites someone's head off, no doubt. I laugh.

I'll make it.

Just like promised - Delena cameo!
So what do you think? Please leave a review :)