Chapter Twenty-two

Tori likes to cuddle.

Which is good, because cuddling feels amazing to me. Of course, I'd never admit to that. The only reason I'm letting you know is because, hell, you know everything else about me anyway.

Beck never used to want to cuddle. Naturally, he's a guy. That's not a necessarily 'manly' thing to do. Besides, he probably figured I wasn't the type to appreciate that.

I'm sure he would have, if I asked. But come on. You think I'm gonna ask?

Anyway, it wouldn't be the same. Vega's much... softer. And I'm just more comfortable around her. Safe.

Jesus, I sound like a sap.

Anyway, yeah. Half our time together is spent on her bed, cuddling. You'd think I'd rather be making out or something. But I actually wouldn't.

Not to say I don't like making out with her – that's great. There's just something about cuddling.

I've said 'cuddle' so many times today I almost wanna throw up.

I'm sure she knows I like it. I've never complained, for one. And God knows if I don't particularly like something, I won't hesitate to complain.

That and the way I respond. When she gets closer – hell, just when she pulls my shirt away from my back, drawing patterns.

That soft, content sigh I couldn't hold back if I tried.

Then her smile pressed into my neck as she gives it a quick kiss.

Yeah, she knows.

I tend to doze off a bit, when we're... cuddling.

Luckily, her parents have taken to knocking before they walk in after what happened a few days ago. So I have time to wake up and roll over.

It feels really good, though. Like, I can't get over it. I forget all of my problems, no matter how bad they are at the moment.

Like a drug.

And no. I'm not trying to get that Ke$ha song stuck in your head, thank you very much.

Not marijuana.

It's more like a prescribed drug. But one that actually works.

And it's impossible to overdose.

Yes, I did just get all uncontrollably smiley.

Tori let out a soft yawn as she stretched her arms and legs around me. "We're late," she said, not sounding like she really cared.

I twisted a little, pulling her close again. "For what?" I murmured, half-asleep.

"Andre told me to bring you to his house with me today. Something about it being important," she whispered.

I tensed a bit. "What are you doing going to Andre's house?" I asked sternly.

She giggled, pulling me down into a kiss. "Relax, Jade. We were paired for that whole scene project, you know that."

"Oh, right," I said in response.

"Hey," she said gently, caressing my cheek. "I love you."

I cleared my throat. "I... I love you too," I said quietly.

She squeaked, smiling widely. Then she leaned in, kissing me quick. "But really, we have to go," she said, getting up and going to grab her jacket.

I groaned. "Do we have to?"

She laughed, so I threw a pillow at her. "Get up!" she yelped as she dodged it.

Andre's house is nothing too special. It looks pretty much the same as the ones next to it. But it is nice anyway.

He answered the door so quick he was probably sitting inside of it, waiting for a knock. When he saw it was us he looked relieved.

"I thought you weren't coming," he said.

Tori shrugged. "We were... um," she blushed. "Busy."

He stared at her for a couple seconds before turning to go inside, shaking his head.

We made ourselves at home in his living room as he went to get cookies or something.

When he came back, I picked up a cookie, looking at it. What if it was poisoned? He would get me out of the way so he could have Vega all to himself.

I put it down, picking up another one from the side of the plate closer to her.

He didn't looked phased, starting to talk. "So, I called you guys here because Trina called me...," he started carefully.

Tori and I looked at each other quickly. "What'd she say?" we asked simultaneously. We have to stop doing that.

"Um...," he started awkwardly. "That she walked in on you two making out?" He fiddled with his hands. "And that... Jade's cheating on Beck?"

"We broke up," was all he got from me as a response.

He stared a bit. "So, you were making out?"

I shrugged. "Yeah. Problem?"

He quickly shook his head. "No, not at all. Just wanted to make sure you weren't cheating," he muttered. "You guys can go. Y'know, if you want. If you want to stay, you can, I guess. I'm not saying you should go, but -"

"Andre," Tori interrupted. "We should probably get going anyway, we have to... do things," she trailed off vaguely.

I smirked at her. She just wanted to go... cuddle again.

God, I need to stop saying that word!

A/N - Good morning!

I believe that was the most lighthearted chapter so far. All thanks to cuddling. :D

James888, thanks a lot for reviewing. I think that Tori and Jade getting married and adopting Cat might be just a smidge out of place in this particular story. But that's just me.

Who knows though, maybe I'll make a oneshot about that sometime in the future.

All you others, thank you for reviewing as well! You all have very nice and interesting things to say.

All you other others who didn't review should. For cuddling!

By the way, I had a dream last night that I was attacked by an alligator, but it was kind of my fault, and then he decided to leave me alone because he was a member of the peace corps.

Just thought I'd let you know.