Ever wonder why the first season of Victorious is so different from the rest? I mean, it might be because a time difference when filming but they dropped a bunch of stuff...just sayin'.

Anyway, hope you enjoy this one (it has a song too)!

:D

Tori's Perspective-

I shake my hands from the water, the other still rubbing off the melted cheese furiously. "Cat," I glance over towards her, grimacing at her arms, "Your arm is going to look like your hair."

"Well it's not my fault that Robbie's burrito exploded," she growls, my eyes rolling. Whatever, and - by the way - it's completely her fault. She bought a flipping food launcher from another magazine store and it backfired, spraying the burrito all over Robbie, Cat and I while Beck laughed his ass off. Of course, Cat whimpered, seeing as it got all in her hair and I wasn't pleased, glancing down at my black hooded jacket. At this point, now, it's very much wet, forcing me to strip it off, my dark grey shirt exposed underneath. I sling it over my shoulder, just to put it somewhere while I wait for it to dry.

At least Cat and I have an easy clean; poor Robbie wasn't so lucky. Not only did it get caught in his hair, but it smudged his glasses and sprayed all over his shirt. As he mumbled 'At least some went in my mouth,' soon after, however, with his eyes shut tight, we promptly left for the bathrooms.

My dark eyes draw their attention towards the mirror, Cat still getting some more of the now dried cheese caught in her hair. I look blankly at my reflection, an unsmiling girl with dark, cold eyes staring back. I form the smile that I put up when I'm in the public eye, though I see the invisible stitches, tape and bolts around it to hold it up; it's forced to say the least. I drop it with a roll of my eyes. It starts to ache after a while, I found, though I still do.

"Ready to go?" I ask quietly, the redhead turning around before looking down at my shoes.

"You still have some chees on your converse," she mumbles, rolling up her sleeves of her bright, purple jacket. "By the way, are you going to the showcase tonight?"

"We all have to go," I reply gruffly, pulling my leg up to brush the dairy off quickly. I honestly don't know how that got there.

She mutters something under her breath, recalling the requirements for all of the showcases the school has. "Well, let's go back to lunch! I hope I can put some of my salad in the food cannon!" she perks, almost skipping towards the door as I slug behind, hands in my dark pants' pockets.

I frown to myself, eyes kept to the ground. For the past few weeks the whispers on each of my shoulders grow more aggressive, attacking my mind all day long. And I mean all-day-long. It has come to a point where I am able to tune both out, not trusting myself to only tune one out in case I end up slipping a few sour words again or just feel more like shit. Nothing has changed, though, but my degrading view around me. Everything seems much more...bitter. If that's the proper way to describe it.

Everything weighs down at me, chasing me to a corner which nothing but myself can pull me out. Though, how could I do that if I'm being pulled in two opposite directions by, well, myself. I don't care what the whispers in my ears label themselves as, it's still me I guess...unless I really have grown two heads.

I soon find myself seating Beck, his arm wrapping itself around my shoulders. I pick at my food, not finding myself hungry after the explosive start of lunch. I pull a smile across my face, though, as Beck begins to talk, his words coming in one ear and out the next. There's just too many things going on in my mind at the moment, I can't be bothered to actually add anything else.

-(:)-

My eyes watch as the cars zoom down the runway, sprinting past the main character of the show. It's just plain sappy, whatever, but it went with both of our tastes. Me with stupid love dramas - though that now is beginning to feel uncomfortable to watch with the cheesy humor and drama - and Beck with speeding cars and plot that deals with other things than just "fruitful love." That's how my mom always put it ever since she's put me in front of Disney films with the princesses and princes.

The show as a whole isn't terrible, though I still regret putting it on. The main character is just such a dumb, stereotypical blonde. A blonde, mind you, that isn't actually a natural blonde. It's like they're forcing themselves to be as bright as their hair but it isn't working out well.

The main character's boyfriend's car runs through the finish line as first - shocker - before the screen cuts to them having a big, long kiss. I watch them blankly, not letting any of the affection wash over me as it normally would've. Instead I dip my head down as my phone buzzes in my hand. The illuminated screen flashes in my eyes, them rapidly blinking as the sun already went down not too long ago, the TV screen and kitchen lights the only other things on.

Beck makes no effort to move from the screen, another scene flicking on. He shifts, interested, as it develops more of the part of the story he is actually interested in. I drop my gaze back to the text, heaving a soft sigh.

Andre- So there's a party after the showcase hosted by the first dude who's in it. You going?

Ever since my little "freak out," I suppose, in front of him, we've been talking through text every so often. Of course, he initiates most of them, though some of the attempts leak through when Beck is around. My eyes glance up at him, my mind buzzing frantically behind my expressionless gaze.

Tori- I think so. Beck said something about the same one I think.

Tori- What's going to be there?

His answer came very quickly.

Andre- The same as every other party. I mean, he's a senior so...yeah

Tori- Alright.

Andre- Hey, when are you going to go to the showcase 2night?

Before I could answer, I feel an arm wrap around me, dark eyes still on the screen. I swipe out from the conversation, scrolling through some of the other apps. I hear the commercials start to play, Beck turning towards me. "Ads are on, you know what that means," he gives a suggestive brow as I pull a cheeky grin. I can still feel the cold nature in my gaze, but he doesn't seem to notice.

"Uh huh," I mumble, his lisp on mine. It's slow, lasting us through the commercials and such. He presses his hand along my back, the other cupping my cheek gently. I can feel his enthusiasm because, after all, he does like me...I mean, I am his girlfriend. Though I force my attention to the television, my mind dwelling on the freaking mop that's being advertised. While I don't care about the damn thing, I wait for that to end and then a movie trailer begins, and then after that a wine commercial. All through this, I'll tell you, my body just acts, not really minding the mix of emotions or thoughts bubbling inside me.

"Aw," comes from the stairs, immediately tearing us apart, "You two are cute."

"Mom," I groan, folding my arms before blinking rapidly, the lights above us switching on.

"Oh relax," she hums with a grin, "I just wanted to say a few things. Mainly we're going to be going to Oregon for a week during Winter break before Christmas."

I frown slightly, twisting so that my arms hang from the couch, Beck looking over as well. "How come?"

"Well you haven't seen dad's side of the family for a little while. It'll be nice to catch up with them, don't you think?" she smiles warmly, "And besides, of going, don't you two have the showcase to go to? Trina already left early, I know, but it should be a good time now." Both of us check the clock, nodding in agreement. It was already six twenty-seven, it's a good time to leave. "When do you think you'll be back Tori?" my mom asks.

"Uh," I glance over at Beck who shrugs. I mouth 'the party,' his fingers scratching his chin. Once again he shrugs, being very helpful as he tugs on his light jacket, handing mine. "By eleven-thirty?" I stammer hesitantly, my mom glancing at the microwave.

"That sounds fine, see you in the morning sweetie then, good night Beck," she nods, grabbing a mug from the cabinet.

"See you Mrs. Vega," Beck calls back, holding the door for me. I thank him briefly, a gentle smile playing his lips as we stroll towards his car.

-(:)-

The speakers pulse out the songs that the showcase brings, many doing very well actually. It was nice to see a lot, and the majority of them were songs so it was nice to see some little hints of inspiration...even if I haven't really sang in a while besides class. There were little minutes of comedy sketches and quick scenes done by a few people. Around the Asphalt Café were some art pieces done by the art elective and - of course - Trina didn't do that. She, well, gave a performance. Not a good one...just one.

I grimace as she strolls off the stage, not completely aware of the awkward applause afterwards. I'm sure they enjoyed the song and the backup singers but, well...yeah. As the next performer comes up for a scene with a few of his friends, I feel an arm tug at my sleeve, Beck's dark gaze looking down at me. "You wanna go over there?" he asks quietly, jerking his head towards a relatively unoccupied area in the shadows. I merely nod mechanically, my mind loosing all thoughts.

We squander over to the shadows, my attention checking off the scene anyway as it wasn't all that interesting; it's just a break from all of the songs playing. At the area, he presses his lips against mine feverishly, my body only acting. He presses me against a light pole, which has been broken for so long and nothing has been done about it from the school. Of course, the students have by 'decorating it." Let's just say it's a nice memorial of all the important parts of the female and male body...for reproduction and such. Once again, this pole hasn't really been looked after by the faculty of the school seeing as its banned to do such things.

Whatever, Beck's making out with me against it so, damn it, it's good enough for his needs.

He pulls away briefly, taking a breath of air before murmuring, "So...after the party can we?"

"I'm on my period," spews out of my mouth slyly, even though I'm just about as far away from it as I possibly can. He nods understandingly, taking the bait before pressing up against me again. However, once I hear the people exit the stage, I lean away, giving him a small, false grin. "You want to get me some soda? I'm a bit thirsty."

"Alright!" he nods, pecking me on the cheek before going off to find a soda. My expression drops as I turn around, my curiosity driving me towards where we stood before. The curtains are pulled closed, so I can't really see anything but from the looks of it, it's another song. I turn my attention behind me, a few boys getting rowdy with their drinks. I roll my eyes, shaking my head when I hear Andre's voice ring through the crowd in a tainted monotone.

"I can almost feel the tick like clockwork,
Hearing all the voices in my head each time I go..."

He's playing a keyboard from the looks of it, singing into the microphone standing beside it.

"There's a game they play that I'm not part of,
Tearing at the weaknesses and all the faults they know."

"It's impossible to navigate around.
It's inevitable that you'll fall in..."

Her voice pulses through my mind, snapping my attention across the brunette - Dennis, as I remind myself - playing the drums and Marcus on the base. There's a few other people, though I don't quite recognize them. Though my stare falls right onto Jade, who where's her signature leather jacket, black, band t-shirt underneath with her black jeans and black combat boots. Pure Jade right there, her dark blue highlights standing out. Well, I guess that's the point.

But her voice, as she sings through the song, it's perfect as it always is. Now, mind you, I wouldn't ever describe it as an angelic voice but it's like a fallen angel, I suppose...even if that sounds bad. Point is, it's perfect and - fuck - I can't even describe it. I should just shut it and listen, there's no point.

"It's improbable I'll ever come back down.
I fell in and now I think I might drown..."

"I've fallen deep into a
Pit of vipers.
Sliding over me, over me
And I can't break free..."

Her gaze flickers towards me mid verse, pale eyes piercing through any rational or irrational thoughts I had. My mouth moves as I hear Beck come with the drink, my hand taking it gingerly, his arm around me. Her expression changes, turning unreadable. I furrow my brows, her stare keeping to mine.

"Secrets run deep when you're in a
Pit of vipers.
S-s-slithering, whispering
Feel the venom poisoning me...

"Now I must admit that I have played a part
In the way that things have gotten out of hand.
But it's escalated almost to an art
I wanna fix him but I don't think I can..."

She carries out the last word painfully, taking the microphone from the stand and leaning in, her canines flashing. I can't help - like the rest of the jumping and hollering crowd - but to listen.

"I've fallen deep into a
Pit of vipers.
Sliding over me, over me
And I can't break free.
Secrets run deep when you're in a
Pit of vipers.
S-s-slithering, whispering
Feel the venom poisoning me.
Slither, slither, slither
Put your fangs into my back.
Slither, slither, slither
Think I don't know where you're at..."

She backs off, letting the other three boys sing as her body moves with the beat, my gut buzzing just slightly as I take a sip from the pixie cup. I can't even identify what the drink is with my sole attention on her moves, pale eyes darting towards mine as the survey the crowd.

"I use you,
I'm no good,
Need to be in control.
I said I use you,
I'm no good,
Need to be in control..."

Jade steps back from her almost erotic movements - she's never danced innocently from what I know of - her voice surging through the crowd once again as the music momentarily pauses.

"I've fallen deep into a
Pit of vipers.
Sliding over me, over me
And I can't break free.
Secrets run deep when you're in a
Pit of vipers.
S-s-slithering, whispering
Feel the venom poisoning me..."

I nearly step forward, forgetting about the arm over my shoulder. Though, when I do feel it, I make no effort. A war rages through my mind again, going back and forth between my sudden urge to go up to her and Beck's arm holding me to the ground. It's just so confusing...I want it to stop. But everything isn't letting up, not at all.

"I've fallen deep into a
Pit of vipers.
Sliding over me, over me
And I can't break free
Secrets run deep when you're in a
Pit of vipers.
S-s-slithering, whispering
Feel the venom poisoning me.
Slither, slither, slither
Put your fangs into my back.
Slither, slither, slither
Think I don't know where you're at..."

Once again they switch singers, Jade stepping back while the mic is hung over her limp arm. She briefly scratches the rim of her nose, a quick flash of satisfaction going through her expression; it may have itched for a little while.

"I use you,
I'm no good,
Need to be in control.
I said I use you,
I'm no good,
Need to be in control..."

"This is how you make me feel..." Jade finishes the song, her eyes blowing over towards me, landing just over my shoulder as his grip tightens around my arm.

The crowd bellows around us, my face contorting into a grimace. Beck pulls me from the crowd, the yells ringing in his ears too. "That actually was a pretty good song," he says sincerely with a good natured grin, "Interesting choice to say the least but Jade's always been that way." I nod in a silent agreement, my mouth not forming any words. "You ready to go to the party?"

"Yes," is all I gasp. I need to dull my mind a bit, not have any of these conflicting battles blowing through my mind.

-(:)-

Lukewarm liquid streams down my throat, scratching along the sides. Why couldn't this just feel better? Why can't it be a nice, classy afternoon around a long table with other people? Right, because I'm drunk in the middle of a damn party with the bass of the music pulsing through my limbs, ringing in my ears. It's kind of easy moving around people, since not everybody is as tipsy as I am... To be honest, I kind of just dove right into the vodka, not adding anything else to it. Maybe that's a mistake but - well I'm sure it is - I'll find out in the morning.

I stagger to the side, others brushing past to get themselves their own drinks. I decide to survey the scene along the walls, grimacing at the amount of couples with me. I swear there is no decency or any modesty in parties like these...I mean it can be fun and all but, damn, get a room. For the sake of the bleach that I'm considering of using on my eyes at home at least, I'm sure that would be fun.

I roll my eyes, switching my view to the center of the living room. It is below something like a balcony which leads to the rooms above, the stairs jutting right beside the front door. I glance up at the railing, multiple looking down at everybody with drinks in their hands. 'Give them enough and that would go well,' my thoughts gather, watching the swarm of students dance below. 'Cool. Fun,' they observe before I down the rest of my drink, my teeth gritting as it scorches down. I'll never get used to that I swear.

Handing the empty cup to a nearby stranger, who gives me a strange look. I glare back, making sure he kept it; he does...hesitantly. My limbs move towards the music, which has its own beat without much words. That, or possible there are words to it and they just slide right through me, becoming slurred buzzes as my body moves along. I do eventually find the beat, my eyes shifting around. Cat, I see, is whispering in Robbie's ear who is Rex-less since he left him in the car. His words was that 'I can't trust him to behave at this party...' I thought that Rex went to a Northridge party before, with Robbie, and it was fine...kind of.

I frown, not exactly wanting to know what actually went on that night.

My attention draws to Andre who crosses the room, an armful of drinks in his hands. One of which, I'm assuming, is filled with a soda or non-alcoholic beverage for the driver of the night. And, as I watch the small group that played tonight, it's safe to say it isn't Jade. She scowls heatedly, throwing the drink to the ground as she sways across the wall. "Are you sure you still want more?" Dennis winces after she snaps something quietly, holding his drink as his other hand pushes against his ear.

"Get me another!" Jade growls, her stare firmly piercing against his raised eyebrow. He asks a question with one word, pale eyes rolling. As she folds her arms, the thespian grins mockingly, slurring through her teeth, "Please?"

He nods slowly, striding away from the group. I twist around, the song changing so that I could find the beat to this one. The words, which hum through me even though they're unintelligible in my state, are a lot more fluid as the music behind it is. I grin to myself, my body moving slowly with hips swaying for me. The rhythm of the verse flow to my movements - or the other way around, whatever - my shoulders rolling seductively.

Dark eyes look over my shoulder, finding their way towards her. She leans against the wall, the other three talking within their small group, pale eyes flicking along my body. With drink to her lips, her studded eyebrow raises, watching me with great interest. I turn around, no smile or anything of that nature across my lips, only the darkening eyes locked with hers. My thoughts flash with the sudden urge - idea if you please - to disappear for a while in one of the bedrooms, Jade's hand guiding me by my wrist.

And as I step out to do so, no argument able to sway my mind, I feel Beck come up behind me, dancing as well. I turn around, barely catching her disappointed gaze while Beck grins down at me. My god he just looks like an excited little puppy with his best friend...

'And you were about to try and cheat on him,' the voice in my head snarls, 'How could you?'

I bite my lip, my body swaying with his as he chuckles in amusement. I- what the fuck is wrong with me? Why can't I just do the right thing and not think about her while I'm with him? He- he looks at me with pure joy, eyes sparkling while the music changes, sending out a more positive tune. I can't do that to him... I mean, I just cant.

'So forget her,' the voice on my left shoulder suggests, 'Forget her and move on...'

'No, don't. You still need to talk to her at the very least-'

'Don't listen to that. That was what was about to get you in deep shit, listen to me,' I gaze up at Beck whose attention quickly darts around the room, 'I'm your friend here. I'll help you be the best girlfriend Beck can ever ask for. It'll make him happier.' I nod softly, excusing myself to get a drink, Beck merely letting me out from his gentle grasp, wanting to keep dancing. I shuffle past the crowd of girls now going back behind me, wanting to get closer to him.

The rest of my thoughts don't argue, a sudden blossoming guilt ebbing at my chest. I know I shouldn't have thought of doing that but - as more of my drink goes down my throat, my gaze darting towards Jade who streaks past people with an expressionless glare - I still want to. "What is wrong with me?" I hiss to myself, draining the shot that some guy handed me.

"Tori!" Ander's voice cuts through the music from behind. I twist around, finding him coming closer with a small gaze of concern. "Are you alright-"

"I'm fine," I slur drunkenly, "I'm just not into this party...I wanna go home I think."

"Well, it is nearly eleven."

"What?" I spit out, my eyes widening, "I have to get home... Where's Beck?"

The musician frowns, his eyes swerving across the room. "Uh, I just saw him with this- There was a crowd of giggling girls on the dance floor," he spots him, gesturing towards the crowd of moving bodies to the rhythm...well, for the most part. I nod as Beck glances up, his eyes meeting mine. I drop my stare. I can't do this, not anymore.

'So forget about her. That road is going to leave you in a lot of pain for you and Beck. Jade's the only one who'll get what she truly wants.'

'Not true,' my thoughts hound, 'You will too. And Beck will understand, don't you think? Come on...just remember.' Images flick through my skull, my head shaking. I don't want to remember, I just want to stay away and not hurt anybody else. Just leave me alone... I don't care anymore just quit it.

'Come on, choose my side,' the voice sooths in my ear, earning my buzzing mind from the alcohol, 'Jade has friends.' Gritting my teeth, I mentally shut my thoughts down, the same ones that have been swaying me to get to Jade and to...I can't even think about it. 'Good,' the voice hums appreciatively, 'It's about time you flicked off the angel on your shoulder.'

It was beginning to piss me off anyway. I clench my fists, Andre taking a step back cautiously as I dart my gaze to him. "What are you thinking? What- what just happened Tori?"

"Nothing," I mutter coolly, none of my usual, perky tone mixed within it. It feels empty and dull coming from my mouth like, like all of the energy was just drained from me, preparing to use it later. "I'm walking home."

"Uh...want me to take you? Or Beck?" he asks, concerned, "I can ask him if you want to...your house is-"

"It's only a few streets," I growl, "And Beck has been drinking too anyway." He nods slowly, making an effort to talk again. "No, I'm going now...see you at school." After I could feel him reach out for me, brushing against my elbow, I shift through the crowd, loosing track of him. He yells for me, making sure I know that this isn't a good idea but - hell - nothing I do seems to be anymore. As I make my way towards the door, I feel someone shove against me. I turn around, watching as he picks himself up.

"Oh, I- I'm sorry Tori," he apologizes meekly. I raise my eyebrow, not knowing who the hell he is. "I-I'm Bryan, from world studies? Anyway, I'm sorry."

"Good," I growl under my breath, though he doesn't pick it up as I breeze through the door. It's quiet here, on the lawn. I look up to the sky, noting the several stars peeking through the clouds. My steps begin to cross through the grass, barely leaving marks from my shoes along them. For several minutes I follow the sidewalk that leads to my street, my mind not working out random thoughts as it usually does. I feel mechanical, not as fluid or as lively as I normally do.

I turn my head to the side, recognizing the house that Trina and I pass every single morning. Halting in my trail, I blink down to my pocket, my phone buzzing. I pick it out, scoffing at the text.

Andre- Where are you?

Andre- Come on Tor...

I absolutely hate nicknames like that. Why must everybody drop a letter or add a couple? I seethe to myself, striding ahead before I gaze down at my shadow which grows longer and longer from the bright lights behind me. My brows furrow in a momentary confusion before I hear a familiar voice.

"Yeah, I see her Jade...tell Andre thanks from me...uh huh, you should probably go home as well. Yup. Don't thank me, just take care," my dad mumbles, sliding out of his car before strolling towards me. I blink at the blinding lights, an officer uniform becoming clearer and clearer. "Tori, are you drunk." I stare at the ground, refusing to answer. "Walk in a straight line," he orders, my eyes darting to his stern ones. "Come on, show me."

I do so, glancing back at him as his eyebrow raised. He wasn't thrilled to see that my very straight line curved into the grass.

-(:)-

"Tori!" he calls from the stairs, "We're not done here missy!" I ignore him, shoving myself into my room and diving into the covers, only taking the time to strip off my shoes.

'Your fine,' the voice on my shoulder hums quietly, 'You're alright, you can solve this yourself remember?' I shut my eyes, not wanting to have anybody bother me. Steps, though, still climb the stairs and stride into my room, seating my dad at the side of the bed.

"Victoria," he murmurs quietly. God I hate it whenever he uses my full name. It's very rare; I wouldn't even be surprised if it's been a few years since he has used it...I wasn't exactly what you would call an angelic child. Not a bad one, but one that didn't allow my sister's shit go freely. But, whenever it's used, it's not a good sign. "Why did you drink again?"

"Leave me alone," I grouch, my eyes burning once I opened them slightly. The light from the door bathes part of the wall in my view, my dad's dark shadow in the middle of it. "I- I'm fine."

"Tori," he sighs softly, "I know you're going through a rough time. You can talk about it, and I know it's always been hard for you to but just- just know that there are people out there who can pull you out of your pit, alright?" I furrow my brows, my grip tightening as he speaks some more. I can't help but listen, though the voice on my shoulder hisses, driving my attention away from him. "Now, you don't necessarily have to talk to me about it, but someone you trust. Your mom, your sister, maybe some of your other friends...alright?"

His voice becomes distant as my own mind begins to slur, eyes drooping closed. The fiery buzz sets a weight on my limbs, not wanting to move at all. It hushes me to sleep, the voice does. Though, in my dull state, I can barely feel my dad press his lips against my temple, murmuring for me to have a good sleep. I doubt it...but I'll try.

So here's another one! :D And raise your hand if you don't like where this is going. *raises my hands and then my cat's paws*

Anyway, the song is by Simon Curtis called 'Pit of Vipers.' And, keep in mind, the lyrics are what I heard from it (aka I looked at multiple sources while listening to the song then closed my eyes), and some of the parts could be debated and I'm still debating on it... I don't get it. Why can't artists just publish the lyrics to the song with it? Seriously... Anyway, I would encourage you to listen to it as well as a lot of his songs because the dude's awesome. And he's also worked with Victoria Justice before too... So there's that. That, and this song kind of set the whole mood for the story for me. Believe me, before this song, it was a lot happier...

And since I still wanna talk, I'll just say this. It's funny how things change once you plan out stuff. At first, I pictured Tori singing this at Nozu, then listening to it on the radio and then here's Jade. This story keeps on changing and I like it!

Well, that said, I hope you enjoyed!

:)