Disclaimer- Disney owns them, I do not. I also don't own the song Another Day which is from the musical Rent. This song just seemed to scream this paring to me. All that I own are a few OCs that pop up here and there.
AN- Okay, it's been over a year since I updated this, and I can't apologize enough. I've been trying for ages to finish this and I hope no one's lost interest; I will try to get back on track.
Timeline- A month after Calm Before the Storm.
Shoutouts-
Enigmaforum- Thanks so much! And thanks for the parings as well!
Carla- Oh yeah, totally worth it. Thanks and I plan to!
Kira- Thank you. As for Nick/Vida, they'll be coming up.
NightMistCrystal- (Blushes deeply) Thank you so much, so glad I didn't disappoint. Hope you like this one as well!
Destiny45- Wow, um, thanks, even though you hate the parings I'm glad you liked the chapter in general. I try to; once I get going it comes easier.
Frog1- Thanks, okay, well I was close.
Saralyn- Thank you! Neither was I, until I started reading monkay-pooh's fics. Udonna/Lienbow that has definite possibilities. Give me some time I, or Cori, will come up with something to please you. I could see Leelee with Xander, you know, after she starts working at the Rock Porium. Sound okay?
garnetred- Thanks! I can see Boom/Kat and a little bit of Boom/Morgana, but they will be up. Here's more!
Hunter- Thanks! And no it's not. Okay, okay I will.
Cat2000- Thanks! Glad you liked it! Here's more!
Bored-Girl-84- You got it.
foxee-chik- I plan to.
Buffy's boyfriend- Oh definitely. It has been airing where I am, but I haven't seen it yet due to scheduling conflicts but once I do I'm sure wheels will start turning.
Jasalicious- I agree, I'm fonder of Eric/Taylor but Cole/Taylor was a request and its one of the ones that is coming up. There will be a Cole/Alyssa one… more than likely one for every paring imaginable. (Authoress comes close to crying thinking about this.)
Chapter Thirteen: Another Day
Quote: "There's no day but today, but tomorrow's another day."
Who do you think you are?
Barging in on me and my guitar.
Little girl – hey.
The door is that way.
You better go you know.
The fire's out anyway.
Take your powder -- take your candle.
Your sweet whisper.
I just can't handle.
Well take your hair in the moonlight.
Your brown eyes -- goodbye, goodnight.
Dark brown eyes watched her as she walked across the campus. Eyes that darkened as he remembered her betrayal, before her betrayal, her kindness. His fists clenched at his sides, anger bubbling up in him. Every time he saw her, he always felt mixed feelings for her: anger and hurt, happiness and love, even though he didn't want to.
He sensed, more than felt, his two counterparts behind him, offering their comfort. It wouldn't do them any good; he didn't need, or want it.
She turned toward him, their eyes met, brown meeting brown. She started to smile and wave at him but stopped when she saw the dark look on his face. She quickly lowered her head and hurried off to her next class.
"She only means well." Red stated.
Yellow snorted. "Yeah, right dude."
"She does," Blue insisted, defending her for some reason.
He rounded on the two of them. "Are you guys serious?" He demanded, his dark eyes flashing with hurt.
Blue calmly crossed her arms, waiting for him to calm down. "We are. Marah wants to make amends, if you'd only give her two minutes to hear her out."
"No way." He turned to walk off. In the blink of an eye Red was standing in front of him. "Move man."
Red shook his head once. "No. Tori's right, you need to make amends before you regret it."
"I'm not talking to her, ever," Dustin snapped. Turning, he Ninja streaked away, rules be damned.
Tori sighed, her arms dropping to her sides. "Well that went well." She muttered.
I should tell you, I should tell you.
I should tell you I should -- no!
Another time -- another place.
Our temperature would climb.
There'd be a long embrace.
We'd do another dance.
It'd be another play.
Looking for romance?
Come back another day.
Another day.
Dustin didn't go very far. Just to the training field, there wasn't a class going on but there were two sparring. Cam and his sister, Micky. He managed a small smile. At least his sister had found happiness with Cam. He walked over to them, the closer he got he could hear them bickering.
"I think he should." Micky said ducking a spin-kick from Cam.
"He shouldn't Michaela." Cam countered. "Don't meddle in your brother's life."
She sent a roundhouse kick at him, giving him a look. "No one's said 'meddling' since the seventies and he sticks his nose in my business every other day."
"Do not," Dustin protested.
They both stopped, turning in his direction. "You do too," Micky shot back with a smile. "You just don't realize it."
Dustin snorted. "I don't Micky."
"Liar."
Dustin tried to give his twin a wounded look but failed, he managed a grin though. "I do."
She grinned back. "So about Marah…"
Crap. "Don't go there Michaela." He warned.
"Too bad, already there." She countered, putting her hands on her hips. "She just wants to make amends."
"I said don't go there Micky," Dustin said, his eyes flashing dangerously.
"And I said too bad." She said, completely ignoring his look. "Everyone makes mistakes."
"Yeah? Well while you were up on Lothor's ship, she tricked me and I made a promise to myself never to trust her."
A flash of hurt crossed her face. "Fine." She started to turn but stopped. "You and I know that everyone deserves a second chance, think about that." She gave Cam a quick kiss. "I've got a class, I'll see you later."
Dustin watched his sister leave in a flash of yellow and sighed. He turned to Cam, studying the Samurai. "Let me guess, you think I'm being unreasonable too, right?"
Cam sighed. "You have your reasons Dustin, but this past month I've really gotten to know Marah and Kapri, yes they can drive me insane… but--"
"They're family, and you care about them. I get it."
"Yes, I do, I also care about you, not just because of your sister."
Dustin looked at Cam, surprised would be an understatement. He knew Cam hadn't been crazy about him when they first met and thought he tolerated him because he was with Mick. "You do?"
Cam grinned at him. "Yes, Dustin, I do. You're a great friend." With an afterthought he added. "Marah asked me not to tell you this, but I think you should know."
Dustin tried to look nonchalant, disinterested, but failed horribly. "Like what?"
"After Hunter and Blake released Marah and Kapri, she was asking me about you, wanted to know if you were still mad at her. She said she thought you were really cute."
Dustin swallowed tightly. He was mad at himself more than he was with her. He was being stupid, over something that he shouldn't have blown out of proportion. Everyone who had been trying to tell him to give her a second chance, they were right.
But did he deserve a second chance?
The heart may freeze or it can burn.
The pain will ease if I can learn.
There is no future.
There is no past.
I live this moment as my last.
There's only us.
There's only this.
Forget regret.
Or life is yours to miss.
No other road.
No other way.
No day but today.
After his last class had ended, Dustin had attempted to track down Marah. She had Tori's last class which was Ninja History, lingering outside of the classroom, he scanned the full class. He couldn't help it, he was looking for her.
But she wasn't there he realized with a sinking feeling in his stomach.
"… Okay, everyone, homework…" She grinned at the groans. "I know, I know, but this one's going to be interesting. As you all know that the school's full of history, everything and everyone has a story to tell. You're going to pick someone—no two people can have the same person—and interview them on how their life is different from now than it was a year ago."
"You mean after Lothor," a young man in the front row said, Eric, Dustin realized, from the Action Games.
Tori met Eric's gaze for a moment. "Not just Lothor; some of you weren't even here when the attack happened… It doesn't have to be Lothor, remember that. Even though he's gone, don't let him affect on what you plan on asking."
"Are teachers excluded?" An Earth Ninja asked from the third row, which Dustin recognized as Tally, again from the Action Games.
Tori shook her head, her curls smacking her face. "No, far from it, I checked with the other teachers and they'll be more than happy to help if needed… Just don't everyone go running to Sensei Watanabe right away."
"Which one, Sensei Cam or his father?" A Water Ninja sitting next to Eric, Kyle, wanted to know.
Tori looked like she was trying not to grin. "Both, though I probably wouldn't be Sensei Cam's favorite person if half my class came running to him in the next few days."
Dustin chuckled, Cam would love that.
"I'm going to set a sign-up sheet by the door, put your name and the person you're interviewing on it, you have until Monday to do so. After that you have two months to have it completed and turned in, yes this is part of your final grade." She looked over her class. "Please do not wait until the last minute for this; I want you to take this seriously… class dismissed."
Dustin slid into the room as the class filed out. Tori glanced up at Dustin as he walked over to her. "Hey."
"Hey… I'm sorry."
Tori looked up from her notes quickly, blinking in surprise. "What... what for?"
"You were right; I should have listened to her."
The blonde eyed Dustin, "what brought this on?"
"I was talking to Cam and Micky earlier…"
Tori rolled her eyes. "I knew I should've sicced her on you weeks ago."
"Actually it was Cam who snapped me out of it; I just ticked Micky off…"
"Do I wanna know?"
"I kinda threw the attack at her…"
"Dustin…"
"I know."
"Anyway, I'm assuming you were going to talk to Marah had she had come to class today."
"Yeah, where is she?"
"She said she wasn't feeling well and went on home, but not before giving me something to give to you."
Dustin raised his eyebrows. "What?"
Tori pulled open a drawer, pulling out a sealed letter. "I hope you can make amends," Tori said as she handed it to him.
"So do I."
Excuse me if I'm off track.
But if you're so wise.
Then tell me -- why do you need smack?
Take your needle.
Take your fancy prayer.
And don't forget.
Get the moonlight out of your hair.
Long ago -- you might've lit up my heart.
But the fire's dead -- ain't never ever gonna start.
Another time -- another place.
The words would only rhyme.
We'd be in outer space.
It'd be another song.
We'd sing another way.
You wanna prove me wrong?
Come back another day.
Another day.
Tori gathered up her things and started to head out the door. She stopped and turned to him. "Still coming tonight?"
Dustin paused in the act of opening the letter. "Tonight?"
"Y'know, we get together, eat pizza, watch a movie, hangout?"
"Oh right! Yeah, totally… Will Marah be there?"
"Probably since it's at our apartment tonight."
"I'll be there."
"Good, and don't forget to apologize to Micky, she'll be there too."
Dustin glared at her. "Dude, you think I like making her mad? We need to talk about some stuff later anyway."
"Okay, see you later."
"Later, Tor."
"Seven, don't forget."
"Okay, mom."
Tori gave Dustin a death glare before walking out of the classroom. Waving her off, Dustin opened the letter. Holding his breath, hoping for the best, he read her letter.
Dear Dustin,
I understand you're still upset with me… no, upset isn't the right word… mad as hell seems more appropriate. I can't blame you, I've been angry with myself ever since I betrayed you, please believe that I never wanted to hurt you.
I hope after all this; we can at least be friends.
Whenever I see you on campus I just want to run up to you and apologize over and over.
But I was afraid you wouldn't listen to me, I wouldn't blame you if you didn't. Whenever I saw your eyes looking at mine, all I could see was the pain I had caused and I hated myself for it.
Each today I keep telling myself that today I'm going to apologize to you.
But I can never work up the nerve to. I think there's no day but today, but tomorrow's another day.
So here goes.
I'm so sorry Dustin.
Marah
Dustin swallowed tightly, closing his burning eyes. He'd been so…stupid! She deserved better from him, he should have forgiven her as soon as he gotten the chance. Everyone deserved a second chance, why did he think she was an exception?
Then his dark eyes opened wide with realization. Déjà vu smacking him upside the head as his sister's words echoed through his mind.
"You and I know that everyone deserves a second chance."
She'd been referring to their father and how he'd never been around when they were growing up. Jake Brooks did heavy touring with motocross teams and only came home a few times a year. This led to quite a bit of tension and resenting in the house and eventual divorce of their parents. It wasn't until the divorce had been finalized before Jake tried to make amends with his children and ex-wife.
It had taken time of course, but once Jake committed fully to his family, after giving up motocross touring, they were happy again. He and their mom Anne even remarried.
Dustin glanced at his watch, it was going on five so he had some time to get ready and get to Tori's early so he could talk to Marah.
He just hoped she would listen to him.
There's only yes.
Only tonight.
We must let go.
To know what's right.
No other course.
No other way.
No day but today.
Dustin got there at twenty 'til seven.
At quarter 'til he was still working up the courage to knock on the door. Just do it man, he thought. Fighting Lothor was easier than this.
Raising his fist, he knocked quickly and waited.
A moment later he heard footsteps, and then the door opened.
It was Kapri.
"Shane, you're here…" She trailed off when she saw who it was. "Oh, hi Dustin."
Dustin couldn't help but wince at her cold voice. "Hey Kapri…"
"Is there a reason you're here?" She asked.
"Yeah, actually…" He trailed off when Marah appeared behind her sister.
"Kapri who's at the door…" Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw him. "Dustin."
"Hi, um… could we talk, alone?"
"Y-Yeah, sure, come on in." Ignoring her sisters' disapproving look she pulled the door open for him.
"Thanks." He walked inside and turned to her.
"Um, let's go to my room."
"Okay…" He pretended not to see Kapri scowl at him as they headed down to Marah's room. When they got to her room he looked around, she shared it with Kapri. Marah's half was made up of yellow and orange, there was a poster of Travis Pastrana over her bed. He smiled then turned to her as she was closing the door, leaving it open a crack.
Her eyes met his; she was biting her lip nervously. "So…"
"So…"
"I'm sorry," they both blurted out at the same time.
Marah's brow knit together in confusion. "Why are you sorry? You have every right to mad with me, I betrayed your trust."
"I was mad at for awhile, but it was something my sister and Cam told me earlier made me realize how dumb I was being. I'm sorry for staying mad at you for so long, I'm sorry for hurting you… most of all I'm sorry for the time we lost in getting to know each other."
Marah blinked back tears of surprise and happiness. "Really?"
"Yeah, everyone deserves a second chance; I know that more than anyone."
Marah tilted her head to the side slightly. "Why?"
"Long story, I'll tell you some other time."
"Okay… If you were the person I was interviewing for my report, would you tell me?" She asked with a small smile.
"Yeah, I'd be honored," he said with a wink.
I can't control.
(Control your temper.)
My destiny.
(She doesn't see.)
I trust my soul.
(Who says that there's a soul?)
My only goal is just.
To be…
(Just let me be...)
"So… wicked poster," Dustin said, nodding to the poster with a grin.
"Thanks, I think you're a better free-styler than him though." Marah said as she sat down on her bed.
Dustin's eyes grew so big he thought they would pop out of his head. "Seriously?" He asked as he sat down next to her.
Marah nodded, smiling. "Of course, I saw the Action Games, you were great."
Dustin couldn't help but blush. "Thanks," he murmured, moving closer to her.
Marah tilted her head back slightly. "You're welcome," her voice was so low he could barely hear her. Dustin leaned closer to her, he heard her breath hitch slightly and her eyes closed.
Then flew open as someone thumped on the door, both jumping a foot from each other.
Tori poked her head in. "Hey guys, movie's gonna start in a few, you joining us?"
"Just a minute," Dustin said, mentally cursing Tori's timing.
"Okay…" Tori looked back and forth between them, reading Marah's guilty look and the dirty looks Dustin was giving her and realized how bad her timing was. She quietly made her leave, giving Marah an apologetic look as she did.
Marah looked at Dustin. "Her timing couldn't have been better."
Dustin stared at her. "What do you mean? Her timing sucked."
"Actually, it didn't… Dustin I like you so much, but we just made up, don't you think we're moving too fast?"
Dustin realized they were before the words were out of her mouth. He closed his eyes, "I'm sorry… I just…"
"Got caught up in the moment… me too." She smiled.
He smiled and stood. "So… friends?" He asked as he held a hand out to her.
She smiled as she accepted his hand and stood. "Friends."
There's only now.
There's only here.
(Who do you think you are?)
Give in to love.
Or live in fear.
(Barging in on me and my guitar.)
No other path.
No other way.
(Little girl, hey the door is that way.)
As they emerged from Marah's room and into the living room, Dustin saw that everyone else was there… and looking everywhere but them, trying not to embarrass them. He smiled as Marah went over to grab a piece of pizza
His gaze met Micky's; they'd always been close, always able to read each other. Her expression was clear to him: Everything okay?
He nodded. Yeah.
"Okay guys, movie time." Tori said as she went to pop in a DVD.
Dustin went to grab a slice for himself. "What're we watching Tor?"
"Please tell me it's not a chick flick," Hunter said as he settled into a recliner.
Tori glared at him. "Oh like your choice last week was great."
"Hey Jason X wasn't that bad."
"No, it was a freaking train wreck, and one of the many sequels at that, need I say most sequels suck?" Micky asked from her place on the couch.
"Okay Ebert, like I said it wasn't that bad," Hunter sniped.
Dustin caught Marah's eye and rolled his eyes at her as his sister and Hunter bickering. Marah giggled quietly.
"Knock it off you two," Tori said, glaring at them both. "The movie's How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," she said as she pushed PLAY, causing the guys to groan.
"And your movie choice is better because…?" Hunter asked sarcastically, prompting him to get a pillow in the face.
"I can kick you out y'know." Tori said as she got comfortable on the couch.
"I'd like to see you try." Hunter challenged her.
"God, do us and yourselves a favor and get a room, will ya?" Shane said. "This is getting old."
"What are you talking about dude?" Hunter asked, tossing the pillow in Shane's direction.
"I believe Shane's referring to your constant arguing of being something more than friendship." Cam said.
Dustin watched Tori's eyes grow wide, "you can't be serious."
"Yeah, Tori and I are friends, nothing more." Hunter said.
"Could we get back to the movie?" Tori wanted to know, apparently wanting to avoid the subject.
The room fell in an awkward silence. It soon faded away as the room filled with laughter during certain parts of the movie.
As the credits began to roll, Tori stopped the movie and took it out. Dustin got up and went into the kitchen to throw his plate away, not realizing Marah followed him.
"So are you staying for a little while longer?"
He turned. "I'd like to but I can't."
Marah's face fell slightly. "Oh…"
Dustin smiled. "I've got a competition early tomorrow morning."
Her face brightened. "Oh! Great."
"So would you wanna come tomorrow? I mean I know it's early and all but I thought we could hand out and talk and stuff."
"I'd love to."
He grinned, "Okay it's at the usual place. See you then?"
"I'll there."
"Great," he started toward the door.
"Dustin?"
He turned. "Yeah?"
She walked over to him and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. "I'm glad we're friends." She murmured before going back into the living room.
Dustin couldn't keep the grin off his face as he said his goodbyes, or as he drove home.
Being friends was a good start and he couldn't wait until tomorrow.
After all tomorrow was another day, but there was no day but today.
No day but today...
(The fire's out anyway.)
No day but today.
(Take your powder; take your candle.)
No day but today.
(Take your brown eyes, your pretty smile, your silhouette.)
No day but today.
(Another time, another place,
Another rhyme, a warm embrace)
No day but today.
(Another dance, another way
Another chance, another day.)
No day but today…
End chapter
AN2- Wow, I know, I know, it took me long enough to get this posted. I hope it was worth the wait. Yes, there will be more to it. Same as before on the parings, but as for Operation Overdrive I'm holding off temporarily since I haven't seen a full episode. I barely got to see the team up special. I see a lot of downloading and Youtube hunting in my future. Please give this stressed out authoress a review, they make her smile.
CamFan4Ever