Disclaimer: The Show Victorious, its characters and other associated copyrights are property of someone else and not me. I also do not own the rights to any of the songs mentioned in this chapter.
You promised me forever
Chapter 3 – Why Can't I be you?
We skip ahead a bit and this chapter takes place 6 weeks after Jade and Tori have moved into the dorms together.
No One's POV.
Tori had lost interest in studying and the old 50's horror movie Jade was watching looked boring. The Pale goth just sat there leg's crossed on the couch absorbed into the movie. Glancing over at the art deco clock on the wall Tori could see it was 8:12 in the evening. The pair had been living together in the dorms for just over 6 weeks now.
Other than an occasional argument, Jade and Tori found that living together worked for them. Both were secretly worried that moving in together would hurt their relationship but it actually seemed to strengthen it. They bickered of course, all the time, but for them that was normal. They of course spent a lot of time together, tonight was no exception. But tonight Tori was bored, they hadn't made any plans and Tori wanted to do something. Jade had been somewhat moody today and a bit withdrawn as she got from time to time.
"Jade" Tori asked the Goth whose eyes were glued to the 1950's Giant Ant movie called simply "THEM"
"What?" The Goth said without even looking away from the TV.
"I'm bored." Tori asked hoping Jade would have a solution to her boredom.
"So" The Goth remarked rather blandly, still not looking away from the TV.
Tori frowned in disappointment. "I wanna do something" the Latina whined.
"Then do something." Jade said still glued to the giant ants on the TV.
The fact that Jade wouldn't even look at her bothered Tori more than her I don't care attitude.
"Do you want to get something to eat?"
"No"
"Do you want to see if Beck, Cat, Andre or Mandy want to do something?
"No"
"We can see a move at the multiplex. There is at least one slasher picture playing there now."
"No"
"We can go to a dance club or that Goth Bar you like."
Again like all the other times and said with little emotion without even looking away from the TV.
"No"
Tori smiled and posed in sultry manner pulling down the shoulder of her T shirt to reveal her shoulder. "Do you want to make love?"
Jade's eyes briefly darted from the TV to Tori then back. "No" A hint of annoyance had started to creep into Jade's answer this time.
Tori huffed. "Than what do you want to do?"
"Watch my movie in peace." Jade said with a noticeable tone of irritation to her voice.
Tori just sulked for a second.
"I want to do something. Why don't you want to."
Jade rolled her eyes and looked at the Latina now looking very annoyed. "I want to watch my movie and not get bugged. After that perhaps read and not be bugged. YOU need to remember that sometimes I just don't want to be bothered. Now is one of them. If you're bored, then by all means do something. As long as it doesn't involve anyone kissing or touching you I won't care. "
Tori got off the couch. "Don't you want your girlfriend to be happy?" She started to protest.
Jade angrily cut her off before she said anything else and leaped off the couch. "Don't even think of playing that card. Look Vega, I love you and will almost certainly spend the rest of my life with you but now that we live together we need to remember that there will be times where one or the other of us just doesn't want to be bugged or wants to do something on their own. I'm not the solution to all your problems and neither are you to me. So if you're bored I would suggest you find something to do before you really piss me off. "
For a moment Jade just stood there glaring at Tori who then seemed to get angry herself.
"Than I will" Barked Tori grabbing her purse and storming out slamming the door behind her.
As Tori stormed off down the hallway some part of her whished that Jade would come out of their room and ask her to come back. That of course didn't happen. Tori was angry at Jade for what she thought was being very rude and uncaring. Though she would later admit she simply wasn't thinking at all and just being stupid.
A few moments later she was outside and walking across the campus in no particular direction. She was angry and frustrated and kept muttering to herself as she walked.
"I just wanted to do something, Stupid old ant horror movie."
It was by the library where she heard her name being called out.
"Hey Tori." A somewhat familiar female voice called out.
She looked over to see two girls, both of which were in her songwriting class. One of them was Stacy whom she had worked on with on a project and other was Alicia. Tori had found both of them to be friendly from conversations she had in class with them. It was Stacy who had called her.
Tori walked over to the pair, who were walking off campus.
"Hey Stacy, Alicia how are you doing?"
"Good" They both said.
"What are you doing?" Stacy added.
Tori shrugged. "Nothing much, just wandering around."
"Hungry? Alicia and I were headed to the Pizza Pit, you want to come with us?"
"Sure, I'm game" Tori said happily having something to do.
The trio walked off campus to greasy pizza restaurant called the Pizza pit. It didn't look like much. The building itself was a small red brick building with pretty much red and black everything else in side.
They all ordered and sat in a corner booth with red imitation leather seats. Stacy was a taller girl with an athletic build with short black hair, Tori guessed she was probably a high school basket ball player. Alica had shoulder length dishwater blonde hair and was about average height and weight. Tori thought she was pretty but didn't stand out very much.
"Thanks for inviting me?" Tori said taking a sip of her soda. "I don't think I ever found out, where are you both from?"
Alicia answered first "I'm from Winslow, Arizona. As you might have guessed I'm majoring in music."
Tori thought for a moment. "I've heard of that town somewhere but I can't quite remember where."
"It's mentioned in the song Take it Easy by the Eagles. Probably our town's biggest claim to fame." Alicia said.
"I'm from Chicago. Music is my major was well."
"So what brings you out tonight?" Alicia Asked.
"I kind of had a fight with my girlfriend so in dramatic fashion I stormed out and just wanted to blow off some steam. I was bored on top of that."
Tori was worried momentarily about their reactions but her admission didn't seemed to phase either one of them.
"Sorry to hear that. Glad you could join us." Stacy said, and Alicia nodded in agreement.
The three chatted mostly about music while waiting for and during dinner. Stacy wanted to go into music education and Alicia wanted to be a singer as well. Tori found herself enjoying the company especially two people who were as interested in music as she was.
Jade like music and was a very good singer Tori always thought, but her interest was limited and veered more towards Movies and acting.
As the meal neared its completion Tori thanked Stacy and Alicia.
"Hey thanks for inviting me along. I had a lot of fun. I had been cooped up all day and really wanted to do something.
"Your welcome. If you like you can come with us to the party we were going to go to. My cousin is throwing it at her sorority house. " Stacy Remarked.
The word party worried Tori and for good reason, but she had largely gotten over her experience with therapy and Jade's help. Plus she had attended a number of parties since but always with Jade, or Andre or Beck. She guessed being a sorority it would be safer and a party sounded fun. A voice in the back of her head did ask, What would Jade think of you going to a house party by yourself? But Tori was mad at Jade at the moment and decided to ignore that voice.
"I don't have to pledge or nothing? I wasn't going to." Tori asked.
"No you don't this is just a fun party. You can leave when ever you like. The house is only about a block from campus. It's within staggering distance from the dorms."
Some part of Tori still said that this was a bad idea. "Umm…I don't know."
Alicia spoke up. "Relax, they have a policy that if anyone is too drunk they'll spring for a cab ride home. "
"OK Jade you said find something to do, well I just did." Thought Tori.
"Lead on" Tori said with a smile.
As promised the Sorority house was just off campus tucked in with several other frat and sorority houses. Her dorm was about a half a mile away. The house itself was a large white old Victorian type structure but looked rather cleaned up and new. As they approached they could hear the distinctive sounds of a party within.
The three knocked on the door and a young blonde girl opened and greeted the trio. "Hey cousin" the girl greeted Stacy as she gave her a hug.
"Gals this is my cousin Michelle. Michelle this is my friends Tori and Alicia"
Michelle smiled. "Well come on in."
They entered the house to find a party pretty much in full swing. The makeup was about 70% girls and about 30% guys. Most of the guys present being boyfriends of sorority members. Tori was handed a cup with beer and just hung with Stacy and Alicia and mingled.
She was a bit nervous. Memories of her ordeal hung in the back of her mind but she was determined to have fun. She just was extra careful about what she drank and to make sure her glass stayed in her sight at all times.
It was a fun party, a few girls inquired if she was interested in pledging the sorority but she politely declined. Jade hated sororities utterly and pledging would be most unwise. Tori knew Jade would not be pleased with her being here to begin with. The fact wasn't lost on Tori she was now in a house chocked full of drunk sorority girls many looking pretty hot. She may have been in a relationship with Jade; she wasn't dead and enjoyed the view. Tori knew perfectly well that if she touched any of them she would quickly wind up dead. Not that she wanted to, she was firmly committed to Jade.
After spending some time upstairs the three noticed there was more going on including music coming from the basement. Heading down the stairs they saw a rather large and open basement. It probably served a number of different sorority functions. Around the walls were pictures of sorority members and sayings about sisterhood and all the usual trappings of a sorority house.
On the right side of the room there was a long bar. On the left in the far corner was set up a small stage with karaoke equipment set up. The basement itself was full of sorority members and a fair number of guys. Most of them were focused on the stage where someone was singing Lucky Star by Madonna.
Tori like karaoke and asked one of the sorority sisters. "You guys always have karaoke?"
"Yeah, but we're having our annual 80's karaoke contest tonight."
Tori was intrigued. "Who's the judge and what is the prize?"
"The judge is the audience. Loudest applause wins but if you're bad they won't hesitate to boo you off stage. That happens quite frequently. The prize is a cheap trophy, adoration of the audience and bragging rights for the next year. Only one rule, 80's songs only."
"I may give it shot" Tori said to Stacy and Alicia.
"Go for it!" Stacy said.
In addition to being a singer Tori had an aunt who listened to 80's songs all the time when she babysat Tori as a kid. Tori actually knew 80's music quite well and had many 80's songs on her pear pod.
The girl singing the Madonna song did ok and got a smattering of applause but soon after another sorority girl with red hair tried to sing the Duran Duran Song "Save a prayer". She was very off key and was swiftly booed off the stage.
"My god, I thought my sister was terrible." Tori remarked to Stacy.
"Come Tori, show these losers how it's done." Stacy egged her on.
Tori was pretty buzzed at this point and said "I think I will"
She looked at her choices when she found one that made her smile.
"One of my Aunt's favorites." Tori Told Stacy.
The blonde haired sorority sister who was MC got up on the little stage that was set up. "OK Ladies and Germs her is our next Victi…er I mean contestant. Tori Vega singing the song "I want candy" by Bow Wow Wow. Let's hear it."
Tori drained her cup of beer and hopped up on the stage as the first drum beats of the song started and began to sing as the words came on the screen.
I know a guy who's tough but sweet
He's so fine, he can't be beat
He's got everything that I desire
Sets the summer sun on fire
I want candy, I want candy
With in a few lines Tori felt comfortable with the song and really started to tear into it. The mostly drunk crowd really started to get into the song. By the third verse she had the crowd going and cheering loudly.
At the end the whole basement was going nuts with her singing.
"More" the drunken crowd yelled.
Stacy and Alica just shrugged. Tori never wanting to disappoint a crowd looked in the book for a second song to sing.
"You want more?" the buzzed but happy Tori yelled.
"Hit it" She yelled to the person operating the karaoke machine the name of the song she wanted to sing and song and within seconds was belting out the first verse of Head over Heel's by the Go Go's.
Soon enough that song was finished and the crowd kept cheering
"More, More, More"
"Alright, alright. Tori said to the rather rowdy and somewhat drunken crowd. Tori could feel the adrenaline rushing through her. That thrill of performing in front of crowd that's just can't get enough. She loved it.
Tori quickly selected and began to sing the song "Goody Two Shoes" By Adam Ant.
Again Tori seemed to be nailing it to the delight of the crowd but during the song Tori spotted a Surprised looking Mandy and Beck in the Back of the crowd. Tori kept singing as she noticed the pair moving towards the stage. As she finished to the song to the delight of the rather drunken audience they came to the stage.
"Hey Beck, Mandy. What are you guy's doing here." Said the buzzed but full of adrenaline Tori.
"I'm pledging this sorority and was invited. How did you get here?" Mandy said looking a bit surprised.
"I came with a friend who is a cousin of one of the sisters."
"You do realize that Jade's been calling and texting you for the last 2 hours. She's kind of pissed you haven't been answering her." Beck said.
Tori suddenly realized she hadn't looked at her phone in almost 2 hours. "Oh nuts."
"We came to the party and saw you. I'm sorry but I called Jade and let her know you were here." Beck said.
"You knocked them dead." Mandy added looking very impressed.
"She's on her way and will be here any second." Beck said.
The crowd was still yelling "More, more, More"
Tori got up on stage. "OK Folks my rather cheesed off girlfriend will soon arrive to drag me away to my almost certain doom. So I probably have time for one more song."
Tori then told the Karaoke person which song to play.
By now nearly the entire party had moved into the basement to hear Tori loudly cheered.
Tori quickly grabbed beck's cup of beer and slammed it. "Ok, well here goes." Tori said as the first notes of The Cure's" Why Can't I be You" erupted from the speakers. Tori now really into it started to dance on the little stage while waiting for the first verse to start causing the crowd to roar.
OF course it was just before the start of the first verse did Tori spot Jade standing in the back with her arms crossed, looking really annoyed.
She just thought, Fuck it and looked directly at Jade and began to sing and dance as the words came up on the screen.
You're so gorgeous I'll do anything!
I'll kiss you from your feet
To where your head begins!
You're so perfect!
You're so right as rain!
You make me
Make me hungry again
Everything you do is irresistible
Everything you do is simply kissable
Why can't I be you?
I'll run around in circles
'Til I run out of breath
I'll eat you all up
Or I'll just hug you to death
You're so wonderful!
Too good to be true!
You make me
Make me hungry for you
Drunk as she was Tori was on top of her game belting out the song like there was no tomorrow. All the time singing directly to Jade who moved up next to Beck and Mandy. The crowd itself was going nuts dancing and singing.
Everything you do is simply delicate
Everything you do is quite angelicate
Why can't I be you?
You turn my head when you turn around
You turn the whole world upside down
I'm smitten I'm bitten I'm hooked I'm cooked
I'm stuck like glue!
You make me
Make me hungry for you
Everything you do is simply dreamy
Everything you do is quite delicious
Why can't I be you?
Why can't I be you?
Why can't I be you?
You're simply elegant!
Jade still looked pretty angry standing next to the stage but Tori could see a look of pride deep in her eyes.
As the song ended the crowd cheered for several minutes and the MC came up on stage with a rather crappy looking Bowling Trophy which she handed to Tori.
"BY an overwhelming majority the winner of the Theta PHi 80's karaoke Contest is Tori Vega."
Tori proudly held up the rather crappy looking trophy stepped off the stage in front of Jade who stood there with her arms crossed
"We're going home, NOW!" barked the Goth as she grabbed Tori's wrist and turned to leave. Tori waived to Stacy, Alicia, Mandy and Beck while following Jade out of the basement.
The rather pissed off looking Goth wordlessly pulled Tori out of the house and to her car which was parked in front of the house.
They both got to the car and Jade started to drive. She remained quiet on the whole ride. Tori was starting to sober up and seeing how mad Jade actually seemed to be started to get a bit scared.
Tori then glanced at her phone. There were 3 texts all asking where she was and 5 missed phone calls. "I'm sorry I didn't look at my phone jade. I was just having a good time." Tori said just as they were parking outside the dorm.
"You are something else Vega." Jade quietly hissed.
"I'm sorry" Tori said as she got out of the car.
Not wanting to have an argument outside Jade said nothing until they were in their room. Tori walked in first followed by Jade who shut the door behind them.
"That fact that you missed my calls or texts isn't that big of a deal Tori it was that you went to a party by yourself. I don' t like you going to parties by yourself or don't you remember what happened before!" Jade said angrily as she strode into room.
"I know what happened Jade, I went with two friends from class, Stacy and Alicia. " Tori defended herself as she sat on the couch.
Jade made a fist and then released it as her face darkened. "The thing is that Stacy and Alicia don't know what I will do to them if you so much as leave your sight. Beck, Andre, Mandy, Cat and Robbie do. I don't want anything to happen to you. On top of all that, where do I find you. In a house filled to the brim with rather pretty and drunken sorority girls. Not where I want you to be."
Tori stood up and got right in Jade's face. "I didn't do anything or even consider it, if your goin…"
Jade cut her off. I'm not accusing you of anything Tori, I just don't like you being there. You're my girlfriend and I want it to stay that way."
"I just joined my friends for pizza and they convinced me to head to the party. Not like you wanted me here." Tori said letting some traces of anger show in her voice.
"I never said you had to leave Vega!" Boomed Jade. "I just wanted to be left alone for a little while. You could have read, messed around on the computer slept, just as long as you didn't bug me. You blew things out of proportion and stormed out."
Up to now Tori had been a mix of Anger, guilt and despair. She just wanted to have fun and she knew she fucked up. She just seemed to emotionally break. She would later chalk it up to being tired, a little drunk and the fact that Jade was mad at her.
Tori just stood there and started to cry sinking to her knees a few moments later. "I'm sorry Jade" She began to sob. "Please don't hate me"
Jade suddenly felt guilty she didn't want to push Tori this far. She just wanted to vent some of her anger at the Latina for being stupid and not returning her phone calls.
Jade kneeled down to the floor where Tori was sitting there sobbing.
"I don't hate you Tori." Jade said "you need to remember I worry about you, that and I'm really possessive. You're the woman I love and I don't want to lose you. Maybe earlier I should have let you know that I wanted to be left alone in a less harshly. Just don't go to any parties without me or Andre, or Beck or one of our other friends. I'm just a bit paranoid about those things."
Tori nodded. "I'm sorry Jade"
Jade smirked, "I'm mad at you for one other reason."
Tori looked confused. "What?"
"We're going to have to go to that stupid sorority party next year." Jade said with a frown.
"Huh…" was Tori's only reply.
Jade smiled and held up the trophy. It was a bowling trophy with an inscription on the plaque that read.
Theta Phi 80's Karaoke Champion 2013
"Because you'll have to defend your title. I can't have some vacuum headed sorority bimbo steal your title away from my girlfriend. "
Tori had stopped crying at this point and recovered. "You liked my singing?"
"Yes very much so, now let's get to bed." Jade said as she proudly put the trophy in a prominent place on the shelf.
"So were good then?" Tori asked.
Jade smirked "No, you're grounded for a week."
"You can't ground me!" Protested the Latina.
"Tell you what Vega, You can be grounded for a week or cut off from sex for 3 weeks." Jade remarked offhandedly as she began to strip out of her clothes.
Tori sat down and began pull off her pants. "I guess I'm grounded then."
Tori would end up winning the Theta Phi 80's Karaoke Contest 4 years in a row.
If anyone wants to listen to the songs Tori sang they are
I want Candy by Bow Wow Wow
Head over Heels by the Go Go's
Goody Two Shoes by Adam Ant
Why Cant' I be You? By The Cure.
Wanna hear something strange. I'm a Pink Floyd Fan and I was listening to the song "Mother" off Pink Floyd's the Wall. I found myself listening to this song and suddenly thought about Freddy Benson from Icarly and his ultra overprotective mother. Song totally reminded me of the character of Freddy's mom. Maybe I just have just too much time on my hands.
In any case I hope you all enjoyed this extra long chapter.
Till next time…