AN: Hey everyone, I'm back again! Listen, I'm really, really, really sorry for not getting this to you sooner, but again, I am absolutely packed for homework this semester, and had barely had enough time to breathe. And seriously, that combined with me leaving the story untouched for so long made writing this chapter a real challenge. I tried to make it good and not rushed, but I understand if you don't particularly favor this one like the other ones. I accept responsibility if you don't think this is the best chapter in the world. So anyways, we were at the point where Kyra just fell over right before she was gonna shoot Tori. This chapter takes place just a little after that, where things have just been cleared up as to what had happened. This chapter will contain angst, and will contain some long-awaited Tandre moments. Ooh, and most importantly, it contains the whole song, for those of you who didn't see it yet.
Ooh, by the way, there's 2 new episodes of Victorious that just came out. Finally.
So, anyways, without further ado, here's the chapter. Hope you like it! :)
Disclaimer: My name is not Dan Schneider.
Best Lovers
Andre's POV:
Picking up the pieces of broken glass from my living room window, I sighed. Even though I was relieved more than I ever have been before in my life that Kyra had misaimed and shot the window instead of me, Tori, or Beck, the sight of the damage was intimidating. And even though Mr. Vega and the rest of the police had assured us that she wouldn't bother us anymore nor would she escape again when they came over, she conveniently left me a little reminder of her "visit" today with this window. Heck, even when it gets repaired, each time I look at it, I'll probably be reminded of what had happened, and what could have happened earlier today.
There is a good side to this though. This window, which will be in my mind for the rest of my life, although contains the memory of nearly getting killed by a gun as well as seeing Tori nearly get killed, also contains the memory of my friends and their heroic efforts to try to save me from it, nearly sacrificing their own lives in the process. And for that reason, even though I was still mad about what had happened during lunch hour at school a few days ago that had earned me a spot in the hospital, I had decided to forgive Tori, Beck, and Cat, and make up with them, no matter how hard that might be. Even though they had demonstrated betrayal that day, they had clearly demonstrated care today, and so I think I'll give them a break.
Those three all just left after saying their apologies. And though they did indeed sound very sincere, and I did try to be a good sport and make things happy again, I don't know how well I did of a job. I didn't exactly smile a lot, or say much altogether. What did I have to say? Besides, I didn't expect them to do something like give me gifts or anything like that. All I really needed was time to think about what they said, and sort things out. Now that I have my answer though, I just need to do the harder part – actually making it up with each of them the next time I face them.
As I looked at the glass shards in my hand, the memories of what had happened no more than an hour ago replayed in my mind again. I still couldn't believe that the bullet that was meant for Tori had hit the window and not her, caused by Kyra falling over unconscious and falling over on the spot, messing up her shot by just enough literally about half a second before she was about to shoot Tori. And even though she could be (likely, even) dead as of now for all I know, I'm more than thankful for what had happened.
FLASHBACK (TO 1 HOUR AGO)
"Nuh uh, you're not stopping me again. You're not supposed to be alive either. And just to make sure you don't interfere, you're gonna get the treatment first! Followed by your friend!"
No, this can't be happening, I thought to myself, as I watched Kyra's index finger began to curl around the trigger of her gun, which was pointed at Tori. Meanwhile, Tori helplessly squirmed and struggled, trying to get out of the rope that was preventing her from trying to move her legs. Each second became a minute as I watched Kyra's finger make contact with the trigger. My mouth was dry, as my heart pounded against my chest so hard that I could hear it. No matter what, I couldn't bear watching Tori get shot, especially not after she had pretty much proved to me that she still cared by trying to stop the shot that I nearly had to take.
Don't hurt Tori, I mentally begged, as if that would do anything. PLEASE don't hurt her!
My heart jumped as I watched Kyra's index finger pad start to compress, an obvious indication that she was applying pressure to the trigger, and would pull it any minute. I felt a lump began to form in my throat, as I watched Tori's inevitable, terrible fate slowly unravel. But at that moment, as if my wish was being granted, things took an extremely unexpected turn.
It was only one muscle movement. One movement that was so subtle one could barely notice it, but saved Tori's life. Kyra's right knee jerked only oh so slightly. But it was enough, as she began to lose concentration and start a very subtle falling motion towards one side. Then, when the gunshot rang out, the bullet literally only missed Tori's head by millimetres. I had even seen her hair move because of the bullet brushing by it. But thankfully, that's all it did – brush by, before hitting the window pane on the opposite wall, shattering it. Finally, Kyra collapsed onto the ground, unconscious.
It was then that Tori opened her eyes again, and me, her, and Beck all looked at each other, trying to process all that happened. While it was most definitely strange what had happened to Kyra, I could see relieved looks in Tori and Beck's faces. What exactly had caused Kyra to pass out, we didn't know.
Only about a minute after, because Cat had apparently saw the whole scene from outside and called for help, Mr. Vega had come in through the door along with his fellow officers, and helped each of us out of the traps that Kyra put us in, checking that each one of us was okay. They then got an ambulance over for Kyra, who according to the paramedics was in a serious cardiac arrest, and barely hanging on, and it was doubtful that she could make it through alive.
END FLASHBACK
I still can't wrap my head around the concept that she could have just spontaneously be in life-threatening condition like that. After all, Kyra was extremely fit and healthy, for all I know. But I wasn't gonna worry for her. If it weren't for that cardiac arrest, there'd be three people dead. And with her out of the way like this, whatever her fate is, I can finally relax and stop worrying about her and her evil schemes.
"Andre?"
I jumped and nearly cut myself with the glass shards I had been holding, as that all too familiar voice pulled me out of my thoughts. Turning around, I locked gazes with Tori, with a nervous expression on her face, as she fidgeted with her hands. How long had she been standing there? Had she never left all this time in the first place?
After an awkward moment, I replied, trying to keep things cool.
"Yeah?"
"Um, I just wanted to say, I-I'm really s-sorry for all that's happened. I-I don't r-really know what I was thinking that day during lunch, and I regret it. I-I regret all of it. A-And, I'm also s-sorry for what had just happened. C-Could you ever forgive me?"
I stared back at her eyes, which were now watery with tears, as I thought about all she just said. Of course I could forgive her. I already have technically. But then, why was this so hard? Why did being around each other feel so unnatural and awkward now? And most importantly, what was Tori to me now? Was she still my best friend? Did I still love her? Was she just an acquaintance? Or did I not want to hear from her again? Well, I knew my answer wasn't the last one, but that didn't make figuring it out any easier. What did I call Tori and I? And most importantly, did I really forgive her and still love her like before, or was I just trying to make myself think that?
Blinking as I continued to stare at her, a tear ran down her cheek. Opening my mouth, I tried to give at least some form of a response. But I was tongue-tied, and even talking was a complete challenge. It took me forever to coin up what I said next.
"I-I don't know what to say, Tori."
Her tears increased in quantity, as she tried to blink and wipe them away, making sniffling noises. All this time, it was all I could do to just stand there and try not to make things awkward or hostile between us. Just when it looked like I had to say something, Tori turned and walked towards my keyboard that was resting on the coffee table. She pulled out a sheet of folded paper from her pocket, unfolded it, and smoothed it out on the table.
"C-could I use this, Andre? Please?" she asked me, in a mostly calm, but still kind of shaky voice from her sobs.
I slowly nodded, more confused than anything as to why she would need my keyboard, especially in this situation. But I just sat down and watched, not saying a word. Meanwhile, Tori looked at the sheet of paper she had just set down, and began to slowly and carefully play a soft melody, one that I didn't recognize. That kind of threw me off-guard, as I had heard just about every piece Tori knew how to play, many of which I personally taught to her. But who was I to judge anyways? Besides, I was more interested as to what the piece was than who was playing it.
The second surprise that came following that was when I first heard Tori began to sing. Now, I'd heard her sing many times before, and man, could she ever sing! The part that surprised me was that I also didn't recognize the lyrics she sang. They were soft and gentle, sorrowful and calming all at the same time. And for a love song, they certainly were far from being bad. So I sat back and listened:
It hurts me greatly,
What happened to you lately,
Is something I helped cause.
It breaks my heart,
I didn't see from the start,
That you didn't have such flaws.
It's not your fault,
You experienced that assault,
It's mine, all the way.
I hope you'll forgive,
And together we'll live,
To the end of our days.
I'm sorry, I ever thought of you that way,
Don't know what went through my head that day.
And though if you hate me, I understand,
But know that I'll love you, right to the end.
Oh baby, I know that I've been bad,
And just the thought of it makes me sad.
It's been on my mind, the past few days,
I'm sorry beyond more than I can say.
More than I can say…
As I watched and listened to Tori sing, a smile gradually made its way to my face. Not only did she amaze me with her singing skills like always, but I didn't know that she would actually sing something so personal to me this time around.
Those false conclusions,
Caused much confusion,
But I hope I can make it better.
You're the perfect man,
My dearest friend,
You and I belong together.
Let me mend your heart,
Heal that mark,
That's caused you so much pain.
It's an absolute must,
That I try to fix our trust,
And make things right again.
I'm sorry, I ever thought of you that way,
Don't know what went through my head that day.
And though if you hate me, I understand,
But know that I'll love you, right to the end.
Oh baby, I know that I've been bad,
And just the thought of it makes me sad.
It's been on my mind, the past few days,
I'm sorry beyond more than I can say.
More than I can say…
A feeling of full forgiveness had now washed over me, as I smiled and continued to listen to the song. I realized at that moment that Tori had personally written this song for me and me only. This was the best present that I had ever received from anyone – knowing that someone actually cared enough to do this for me.
Wanna make it up to you,
But no matter what I do,
I know it won't suffice.
With the move I made,
Leaving memories that won't fade,
I've already broken the ice.
Hope things are okay,
And that you say,
It isn't far too late.
I want you to know,
That I can go,
And try to repair our fate.
I'm sorry, I ever thought of you that way,
Don't know what went through my head that day.
And though if you hate me, I understand,
But know that I'll love you, right to the end.
Oh baby, I know that I've been bad,
And just the thought of it makes me sad.
It's been on my mind, the past few days,
I'm sorry beyond more than I can say.
More than I can say…
More than I can say…
So please, accept my apology,
And maybe consider going out with me?
When Tori finished singing, I had a full smile spread across my face, and knew in my heart then and there what I should do. I forgave Tori without any doubts. She would still be my best friend. We would still be cool and hang out as always. Most importantly though, I knew that I still loved Tori with all my heart, and would do so for the rest of my life. But the part that made me smile was none of those things. It was knowing that Tori returned my love, which I thought to be unrequited, that warmed my heart to that point. Knowing that, I felt so happy that my eyes formed tears of joy. My heart pounded excitedly in my chest so quickly that I felt it would explode, with joy and with love. I didn't know if this was a dream or what, but I really didn't care at the moment. At the moment, I felt completely invincible, and not even Kyra could find a way to hurt me.
"Andre,"
I turned my attention back to Tori, a hit of a smile also tugging at her lips. She opened her mouth and softly began to speak.
"Andre…I…love…you. I love you to death," she whispered, as she leaned her forehead against mine, her arms wrapped around my waist. But as soon as her smile appeared, it quickly faded away, and her face became sad again. The tears reappeared as she choked out her next sentence. "I'm so sorry! I've been horrible these past days! How can I ever make it up to you?"
I didn't answer her, as I held her in that embrace and gently wiped her tears away. No words could describe what I was feeling at the moment. Instead, I smiled at her a genuine smile, the biggest and widest smile I've ever smiled in my life, as I tilted her chin up. Then, slowly and gently, I leaned down towards her and closed the gap between our lips, locking them together. She immediately responded by relaxing into the kiss. I didn't have to wait long at all for her to behave calmly, as if nothing ever happened, and start to kiss me back. And for the next minute, we stayed like that – two lovers who were completely isolated in their own little universe, with no one to disturb us. Only when the need to breathe overtook us, did we break apart.
"That what you wanted?" I asked, as I looked at her and smiled, after we had both caught our breath.
She smiled back at me. "Does that mean you love me too?"
"Isn't it obvious, Tori Vega? I've loved you since day one!" I exclaimed.
"And we're cool now then?"
I chuckled a little. "Yes, don't worry."
It was at that moment that Tori smiled at me the sweetest and most beautiful smile I've ever seen before. It was one that could brighten up anyone's day, and could warm anyone's heart. We were just leaning towards each other, once again isolated in our own universe, when we were cut off by a voice.
"Finally, about time!"
Snapping my head towards the voice, I saw Beck, Cat, Robbie, and Jade all standing right by the door, all having smiles on their faces.
AN: So there you have it. Chapter 18. Again, I recognize that it probably is far from being the best, and I accept full responsibility for it, and for how long it took. I know some of you must hate me by now, but please be gentle in your reviews. Oh, and yes, I just HAD to kill Kyra.
Oh, just as a side note, this wasn't the last chapter. I know it ends more conclusively than the other ones, but I felt that this was appropriate. There shouldn't be too many more chapters, and I promise that I'll try my very best to get them posted more quickly and better written than this one. Until then though, tell me what you thought of this one. :)