Broken Halo, Shattered Wings
Rating: T/M
Series: Victorious
Summary: One decision changed Jade and Liam's lives forever. Now, they are on a new journey filled with fresh challenges, all because of someone else's choice. Spin-off of "Monsters & Demons".
A/N:
Helloooo!
It has been a while since I've had the drive to make a new Victorious story and this was not easy to make. Previously, I tried to remake certain aspects of my earlier fic, "Monsters & Demons", but things quickly fizzled out. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I was able to find another way to accomplish things.
For starters, while this is set in the same category, this is an alternate story centered around a simple question: What would happen if Tori had taken the initiative? Without giving away too much, the story begins in what would be Chapter 6 of "Monsters & Demons" where a butterfly effect happens.
I'll explain more in the next chapter, but I would like to note that a lot is going to happen in this initial chapter but I'll steady things in the next. So, if anyone feels that a lot was crammed... it was! There will be a new character and events that play out. Also, I will try to incorporate other canon characters as well.
So, with that all out of the way, I hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoy writing. Thank you!
Chapter 1: Angel's Fall, Monster's Salvation
Liam's eyes enlarged with horror as he looked towards one of the bedrooms he had rushed past earlier. The door was slightly ajar, and he felt compelled to check inside. It felt intrusive, but the shock of what he was hearing made him want to investigate. He hoped it was not her - not Jade.
"I love you..."
Those three words made him sick to his stomach but what came next would shatter his heart.
"I love you too, Beck..."
Heaviness...
Liam felt trapped like he was locked in a room filled with water, unable to breathe or escape, this moment flooded him with emotions that he couldn't sort out. He felt tears burning his eyes and his mind went blank. His throat and stomach ached before he finally faced the unbearable truth.
Jade and Beck were back together... Again.
Once again, Liam was nothing more than Jade West's emotional safety net, shielding her from the harsh reality of life, at least until she and her chosen lover reconcile one more. He was her fool yet again, only this time, he'd been able to witness this humiliation live.
How stupid can you be?
Shaking off the venomous voice in his head, Liam pivoted on his heels, quietly shuffling away until he was out of earshot. He wasted no time in storming down the stairs, passing a confused and now worried Tori and her friends on his way out the door without another word, slamming the door behind him. As he stomped away from the party, his mind resumed the mental assault.
If the chilly night air was issue enough, the war of thoughts and questions fueled a flame mighty enough to keep him warm. He'd need it for the expected long walk home.
How many times have you fallen for this?! Did you think that she sees you as anything more than just a means to fix her broken heart? She only sees you as just a friend, and barely that, If we're being honest! If she hasn't chosen you after years of this so-called friendship, take a hint, idiot! It's not going to happen! Why the fuck would she even invite us to this party?! To make a damn fool of you...
"...Liam?"
Somehow a gentle voice managed to silence the loud malicious agents in his mind. Liam slowly turned around, finding an olive-skinned girl peering at him with curiosity and concern. It was Tori Vega, the hostess of the party.
"Huh... I..." he stuttered, trying to hide his embarrassment. "What... What are you doing out here?"
"I came out here after Cat told me that you left in a huff. I wouldn't be a good host if I just let you leave without..."
This time, Tori was the one trying to find the right words. Tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear, her eyes darted to the sidewalk before returning to his flabbergasted gaze. Those eyes were filled with warmth and understanding, unlike the mischievous look he'd known Jade to possess. This was the first time, Liam had paid close attention to the girl.
A part of him was ashamed, but now was a chance to fix that mistake.
"Thanks... I um... I think I just needed to go for a walk. I'm not much of a party guy. But, I did have fun too!"
Tori giggled at this, satisfied that she wasn't why Liam decided to leave. Ever since Liam arrived with Jade, she'd been trying to get to know him a little better, though it'd been difficult with several guests and equipment demanding her attention. She'd barely had time to enjoy the festivities herself, just arriving inside after performing a number with her best friend Andre.
"I'm glad to hear that!" she smiled brightly and rubbed her sleeve sheepishly. "So, um... You're going to be going to Hollywood Arts?"
Liam nodded.
"Jade... I mean, it's possible," he bit his lip, pondering the proper words to say.
"What do you mean?"
"I was given a chance to audition, though I'm not sure if I'll be accepted for this semester. The principal said I may have to sit out a year before I can officially come in."
"Oh."
"But, Mr. Sikowitz was kind enough to mention that there's an exchange program that'll help me so I don't get left behind. I've been meaning to talk about this with..."
Liam's hesitation didn't go unnoticed by Tori, though she wasn't sure why this was. Earlier in the night, the two were practically joined at the hip. Jade's overprotectiveness was a surprise to see, but Tori didn't make much of a fuss. But, to see Liam leaving on his own? Her suspicious senses were tingling now.
"Does Jade know you're leaving?"
No words came out anytime Liam attempted to explain himself, proving Tori's hunch correct. She watched with both amusement and unease as he rubbed the back of his neck. Even more concerning to her was the way his face morphed with dread, as if answering the simple question was a life-or-death situation. This wasn't like the usual terror she'd witnessed from her peers at school.
"Are you alright, Liam?"
"I... I'm..."
Look at that! You finally have someone other than the goth bitch interested in you and you're fucking blowing it! No wonder Jade went back to that Beck guy. Give it a few seconds and she'll leave you behind to wallow alone just like-
Whether or not Tori had the ability to read his mind, the negative thoughts disappeared as soon as she hugged him tightly. Tori's slim arms wrapped around his waist, and even though Liam was much taller than her, he didn't mind bending down to hug her back.
"Tori?"
"It's okay to not be okay."
The two of them lost track of time as they held each other. It could have been only a few seconds, several minutes, or even longer. The most important thing was that they were enjoying one another's company. His nose picked up the scent of lilac, the light, airy smell soothing his chaotic senses. Tori appreciated the sensation of the boy's strong arms wrapped around her, providing a sense of security she hadn't known she needed. Meanwhile, Liam struggled to hold back tears as he leaned on Tori for support.
They only broke away when the sounds of another boy called out for Tori off in the distance.
"I guess I should get going," she twirled her hair with a shy chuckle. "Seems I can't be away for more than two seconds before something gets out of hand. But, if you don't mind..."
"Yes?"
"Do you mind if we exchange numbers?"
Liam didn't see a problem with this. For the first time since arriving at the party, he felt himself return to normal. Of all the people he'd met, Tori was his favorite of the bunch. Pulling out his phone, the pair shared their contact info just before a horrifying shriek erupted from the Vega household. Tori turned toward the noise, knowing that her presence was urgently needed to quell whatever was happening.
"What the hell are you doing in my room?!" The shrill voice of her sister pained her like nails on a chalkboard.
"I'm sorry, Liam. I have to..."
Tori turned back only to find herself standing alone on her street. Puzzled, she spared a look around, but to her dismay, there was no trace of the cute boy. Still, she felt there was more to him than met the eye, even with the limited details she gathered. Plus, she at least had his phone number.
That alone was enough to satisfy her as she headed back to the house.
As she entered the building, her smile disappeared quickly. She saw Jade and Beck standing in her living room, half-naked, wrapped in sheets. Her elder sister, Trina Vega, was shouting with disgust and anger. This incident was another piece of the puzzle that helped Liam understand and empathize with his situation better. While Beck tried to apologize, blaming the heat of the moment for what had happened, Jade noticed Tori's gaze was fixed on her, staring blankly.
"What's eating you, Vega?" the goth huffed.
Tori walked past the group without saying a word and headed straight to her room. By that time, the party had already ended and only her closest friends, along with Jade, were still there. Andre would take care of things while she went into her room, locking the door behind her. She sat at the edge of her bed as the silence enveloped her. It was a good thing that, apart from Trina's muted anger, the Latina had a chance to reflect.
As expected, her mind drifted to that moment with Liam. It was far more brief than she'd like, yet it was enjoyable nonetheless. She had memorized his features, blushing at the sudden realization. While there was something about him that many would consider to be odd, she didn't mind. Her friendship with Cat was proof of that. Plus, Andre's grandmother wasn't the easiest to be around most times either.
Besides, he's sweet and smells like eucalyptus & peppermint too! And that messy style of his hair? Mmmm...
The inner voice purred, making Tori's stomach buzz. Of all the things for her to focus on, she cursed herself for letting such thoughts take over. It was too early to think about him in such a way, though...
"At least I have a way to talk with him."
It had been nearly a year since that night, and although many things had occurred since then, Tori couldn't help but feel a bit sad at times. As promised, she and Liam kept in touch occasionally, but as time passed, the messages became fewer and further between. Liam had explained that he was being transferred to another school as part of a talent exchange program due to his late audition, but Tori didn't know the specifics.
However, she understood the reason for this after receiving the latest message:
Don't tell Jade.
Tori felt her stomach drop when she recalled that note. There was no ambiguity. It was as clear as things could be. She agreed to his request, keeping their connection private even after the news broke of Liam's unknown absence. It didn't help the odd feeling that something was missing either.
[Present Day]
Entering their junior year of high school, significant changes had occurred in quick succession. First, there was the introduction of Principal Helen, a no-nonsense woman who was serious when it came to the foundation of the school. She was so committed that she made every current student re-audition midway through their sophomore year.
Jade and Beck were... Well, as expected, the two broke up again, this time in a far more messy way. After Sinjin's game fiasco, the two had become insufferable to the point that the group had begun hanging out without telling them. This eventually led to a maliciously verbal standoff, one that Beck wouldn't engage in, much to Jade's shock and dismay.
A simple, impactful countdown left them split, possibly for good.
After the year was up, things began to shift toward a new norm. While Beck and Jade would keep their distance, it was clear that their truce was nothing more than mere words; a cycle of toxicity that truly needed to be severed if either of them were to come out of this better than they entered.
On top of things, there was a new influx of students arriving though many were part of an exchange program that she commenced with an academy located in Malibu, California among other high-level schools. To everyone's surprise, Beck was one of the first ones to volunteer for the initiative. While he mentioned it would be a good way to restart his high school career, everyone knew that it was also an easy way to distance himself from Jade.
Today was the day that everything would finally take effect.
Some other students, such as Trina and a sibling duo were also added to the mix to create a sense of diversity under this new administration regime. However, the talks throughout the hallways were about one thing:
Who was coming to Hollywood Arts?
Tori Vega was feeling a little disappointed about her older sister's departure, but at the moment, she had little interest in the newest crop of talent. Her priority was to swap out her books for the afternoon classes. Later, she headed towards the quad for lunch. At the table, Andre and the others were having a conversation about the new students, but the mood was rather somber.
Shockingly, Jade was in no better mood. She was more concerned with stabbing her chicken salad as if it owed her money. Besides losing Beck to Pacific Coast Academy, Tori pondered what else could be bothering her.
"Hey, Tori!" Cat beamed as she took her spot in between Andre and Robbie. "Have you seen the new students?"
"In order: Hey, Cat. Secondly, I've seen a few around, though I've had a lot on my mind today."
"Thinking about Trina?" Andre inquired, earning a nod.
"Whether or not she was considered talented, she's still my sister. I can't believe that she's at another school."
"It's only temporary. She's a part of that exchange program, so she'll probably be back before we know it," Robbie clarified.
"You can't be surprised," Rex, a puppet that belonged to Robbie Shapiro, chimed in insensitively. "If she hadn't been so cocky about things, she might've had a chance to stay. It's a shame, she was soft on the eyes, at least. Heheheh OWWW!"
Rex was savagely smacked out of Robbie's hand by Jade, landing roughly on the ground. Nobody but Robbie made a fuss about this. Even Tori couldn't hold back the snicker that tickled her throat as Rex groaned in pain, demanding that Robbie take him to the nurse.
"Anyway," Andre cut in. "I heard there's going to be a showcase for the rooks this Friday. Anybody wanna go?"
To nobody's wonder, an eager Cat Valentine raised her hand like a toddler being asked if they wanted a snack. Tori wasn't sure and Jade simply shrugged, more concerned with her meal. After finishing, Tori excused herself.
"I have to check in with Sikowitz about a new play. I'll see you guys later."
Drawing her phone from her pocket, Tori headed inside only to bump into something sturdy spilling her food on the taller boy's tank top, coating it in dressing and lettuce. Mortified couldn't begin to describe the feelings overlaying Tori right now.
"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! I..."
She felt her heart racing as her eyes met the piercing gaze of the boy she had collided with. It was as if time had come to a standstill as she struggled to find the words to apologize. His eyes were so hostile that they sent shivers down her spine and made her feel like she was looking into the face of fear itself. She felt rooted to the spot, unable to move or even swallow. The silence between them felt deafening, and she could sense the tension in the air. She wondered what he might do next or what he was thinking. The moment felt like an eternity, and she wished she could just disappear.
"Just watch where you're going next time..." he hissed, brushing off the remnants of food before pushing past her.
Tori stumbled away on unsteady legs once she regained the ability to move. Her thoughts were muddled, and her body trembled from the recent encounter. She was overwhelmed with everything that had occurred. Trina and Beck had both left, and she had just encountered a strange man. All Tori could think about was going back home and curling up in her bed.
Her only reprieve would be a pit stop at her 'Make it Shine' locker where she shuffled through the various textbooks on display. Thankfully, the area was relatively quiet aside from a few students walking by, giving Tori the chance to clear her head. Or so she thought...
"TORI VEGA! Just the person I was looking for!"
Any thoughts of peace were shattered by the joyous and noisy voice of her favorite teacher. Erwin Sikowitz approached with a wide grin that made her wary, usually because this was followed by some sort of request. Normally, she'd at least be in the mood to hear him out, but today was different.
"Sorry, Sikowitz. I'm having a rough day and I just want some time to myself."
"But you don't even know what I was about to ask."
"I doubt I'll be able to be of help right now. Maybe you can ask Andre or the others?"
The hobo-dressed drama teacher rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment. After a few seconds passed, he shook his head with a soft frown before magically perking up and pointing at the girl.
"Mr. Harris is busy taking care of details for the rookie showcase along with Robbie. I don't think Cat is the best to deal with this matter and Jade?" he paused, pointing a worried glance at the Latina. "I don't think either of us wants her involved with this student."
The idea of Jade being involved with anyone at this point sent a shiver down Tori's spine. While it was a dirty move to make, she knew that this was probably for the best, even if it was aiding with a new student... Wait!
Student? she frowned deeply. As if reading her mind, the educator chuckled.
"He's a late arrival who transferred from Pacific Coast Academy. He's relatively shy, but I'm willing to bet my house that you're the perfect person to get him acquainted with our school! If I recall, he was supposed to be here earlier, but some mix-ups with the paperwork prevented him."
"Still, can't it wait until tomorrow?"
"All I'm asking is that you introduce yourself to him. That's it."
Tori took a moment to consider the man's appeal before heaving a sigh. As much as she wanted some alone time to sort out her thoughts, being helpful came naturally to her. Surprisingly, agreeing to help the teacher didn't feel like a heavy burden, unlike what she had expected. This was strange since her inner voice had been telling her to say 'no' not too long ago.
Remember what it was like when you first came here?
Tori Vega still vividly remembered her first day at school, which she found to be awkward and humiliating. She was completely clueless about the locker situation and social hierarchy. However, amidst all the surprises she encountered, she was fortunate to have Andre to guide her through the day. Tori wondered if she should follow Andre's example and help any new students who might be struggling to adjust to the new environment.
"If you promise that it's just an introduction, then I'll meet this student."
"Splendid! He's waiting for you in the Black Box right now!"
"Already?" She squeaked when he jovially ushered her toward their destination.
"Come along, my guiding butterfly!"
Tori's protests were ignored as they approached the doors of the auditorium. To her surprise, she could hear a muffled classical melody playing from inside, emanating from a grand piano. She wondered to herself how someone so talented could be so shy.
Upon entering the room, the pair was met with the beautiful sound of an elegant instrument being played by a tall boy. His hooded appearance added to the air of mystery that surrounded him. The boy was so focused on his craft that he hadn't noticed their arrival. The audience was silent, fully enraptured by his performance. Tori, who had been previously worried, was now fully immersed in the mesmerizing blend of classical and modern aesthetics.
As quickly as the music intensified, the decrescendo returned things to a steady tune, painting a scene that reminded the girl of a walk through an enchanted forest. light-hearted and mellow, the tune gave way to dwindling notes and then gentle silence.
"Bravo, my boy!" Both teens sprang up as the man's abrupt applause ripped through the hollow theater. However, their subsequent reactions couldn't be more different. "You certainly are full of surprises! You never told us you held such proficiencies."
Tori giggled at the eccentrics of her beloved teacher. The same couldn't be said about the hooded boy as he practically froze like a deer in headlights. This did little to dissuade Sikowitz from coming closer and embracing the boy, marveling at this "hidden" talent.
Her delight held a backseat to a nagging sense of familiarity though.
The boy had an oversized hood that obscured his facial features, but his presence had a soothing quality. His long locs were visible from under the hood, and some of them had small green and red beads. He had rolled up his sleeves, revealing a tattoo that covered his right wrist and extended to the back of his hand. The most intriguing aspect of him was the hint of green that was visible underneath his attire.
As Sikowitz ceased his jovial gawking and waved Tori over.
"Mr. Marshall, I'd like to introduce you to Ms. Vega! She'll hopefully be your student aide as you..."
"Tori?"
"You know each other?" Sikowitz tilted his head, turning to a confused Tori Vega.
The boy approached Tori with a slight grin, his steps hesitant at first, but growing in confidence as he got closer. She noticed that he was much taller than expected, towering over her 5'5" frame, and she raised her eyebrows in surprise. Yet, what caught her attention the most was the change in his demeanor. He seemed to have shed his introverted persona, and his eyes were now shining with a friendly light that made her feel at ease. As he removed his hood, she couldn't help but notice the way his hair fell in soft waves around his face, a perfect complement to his warm smile.
He was the same boy from the party over a year ago!
"Liam?!" she couldn't hold back the awestruck smile as she threw her arms around him.
"It's good to see you again, Tori!" he chuckled and repaid the gesture.
"You two know each other?"
"Sort of..." Tori giggled absently before realization hit her.
The pair pulled away, each of them sheepishly rubbing some part of their body at this question. They quickly their gazes honed onto anything besides the other, thankfully their teacher was absorbed in his musings about the prospect of her newest classmate's future. Sikowitz was no fool though. It didn't take a rocket scientist to see the chemistry between them.
Sure, it was only a short amount of time, but even he could see his decision was the correct one. Had he gone with anyone else, things might not have gone so smoothly. Even now, their interaction was honest and pure, a far cry from the outcome had he gone with the principal's first choice. For now, he wouldn't worry about such things.
"Well, this should make things easier moving forward. However, Tori had informed me that she was only available for introductions so you'll have to wait until she's willing and able to..."
"I'd be happy to show you around!" she burst out with not even a moment's hesitation. Quickly composing herself, she smiled warmly at the boy. "I mean, if that's alright with you. I wouldn't want your first day to be... uncomfortable?"
"I don't think that'll be a problem," he bashfully looked away.
Sikowitz cheered again and then guided his students towards the exit, explaining their new roles. Tori was tasked with helping Liam settle into his new surroundings. From understanding the class schedules to learning about the school's social structure, all she needed to do was make sure that he felt comfortable enough to explore on his own.
Why the reason was suspiciously omitted, Tori wouldn't press the matter any more than necessary.
After everything was settled, Tori wasted no time giving her newest classmate. She gave Liam a tour of the school, starting with the Asphalt Cafe. Since most of their peers had already finished their meals, there was plenty of space to get a bite to eat. Tori introduced Liam to Festus, the owner of the Grub Truck, and ordered two taco salads. They sat down and enjoyed their food, although Liam wasn't too impressed by the delicious meal to miss Tori staring at him questioningly.
He'd be a fool to think that he'd escape this day without some explanation. But, he never said he was a genius.
"This... This is amazing, Tori!" he cheered through full cheeks, earning 'thanks' from the cook.
"Mhmm..."
"Thanks for the recommendation. Guess that Mr. Sikowitz picked the right person to pair me up with! Principal Helen too!"
"Right?" she grinned half-heartedly.
After testing his luck a few more times with compliments, Liam finally relented, allowing a huff to break the awkward tension. Though his eyes were aimed at the now empty container, he could feel her inquisitive stare burning a hole through him. Slowly, his pulse began to rise, a systematic torment that he knew was deserving. His brain was wracked with queries about what she was going to say or how she was going to react.
"Go ahead..." he sighed heavily. "Let me have it."
Liam's voice was trembling as he attempted to sound angry, but instead, he sounded emotionally desperate and ashamed. He felt like he had made a terrible mistake by leaving Tori. It wasn't a decision he had made lightly, but he couldn't bear to stay in that place any longer. Despite the unpleasantness that had occurred before he left, he had felt hopeful when Tori came to check on him. Out of all the people he had met, she was the only one he genuinely enjoyed spending time with. They had only spent a few moments together, but there was something about her that made him smile from deep within. He knew he had to find a way to make things right.
She deserved that at the very least.
I deserve what's coming to me.
"I thought you didn't want to talk to me anymore."
"Huh?" he turned to her, his jaw dropping.
"After you left, we kept in contact for a little bit, but then you just stopped," she replied casually, allowing a layer of playful dramatism to linger. "Here I thought that you didn't like me anymore. I spent so much time wondering what I could've done! If only I knew..."
Liam didn't miss the amusing smirk she flashed, unable to resist chuckling.
"Yeah, I... I'm sorry about that. After I left, I wanted to keep in contact but, a lot of things happened and my phone ended up broken. By the time I got a new one, I didn't have your number anymore."
"Couldn't you just transfer everything to your new phone?" she tilted her head, still grinning at his attempts at defense.
"It was smashed to pieces, Tori. The less said about that, the better."
As they both shared a moment of joy, relishing the delicious food, they couldn't help but feel grateful for each other's company. After a year of being apart, finally being reunited felt surreal. Even though it wasn't a grand celebration, the simple pleasure of enjoying each other's company was a boon. Though the sting of her sister's departure still lingered, spending time together was a step closer to accepting things as they were.
Liam's heart soared with relief when he discovered that he was going to be paired with Tori. She was everything he could have hoped for in a partner - kind, sweet, and always with a smile on her face. At his former school, Liam had felt isolated and alone, with only a few close friends. However, with Tori by his side, he felt like he had a trustworthy ally. The prospect of navigating the unfamiliar school all alone was terrifying, and the idea of being partnered with someone other than Tori filled him with dread. Tori was different, though. Liam felt a strong pull towards her, despite their past issues at his old school. If he was honest with himself, he would have chosen anyone but her as his partner. But now, Liam was grateful that fate had brought them together. With Tori by his side, he felt confident that they could take on any challenge that lay ahead.
That person was his former friend, Jade. He was no fool; Upon accepting the invitation for transfer, he knew that the inevitable reunion would happen barring some external force removing her from the school before then. While he had changed a bit, Liam had prepared himself as best he could for if... no, whenever that day came.
For the time being, he and Tori spent the rest of their time sharing laughter and stories about the previous year. Although there were some negative aspects, the good vibes between them couldn't be shaken. They soon left the café and headed towards the main hall. While on their way, Tori informed him about upcoming plays and events. They eventually reached his locker, which, to her surprise, was located across from hers.
However, there was something far more important on Tori's mind at the moment.
"So...?"
"So, what?" Liam chuckled nervously.
"Are you planning on participating in the rookie showcase?"
"I don't know... I'm not the type to show off or anything. I'm more comfortable with supporting others than being in the spotlight. Besides, I might need some time to get used to being here. You know; New environment and all that."
Tori noticed the way he averted his eyes from her when giving his explanation. It was similar to the night she met him, which, paralleled his departure the year before. Anxiety and worry. She pondered the reason for a moment but settled on taking the direct approach.
"Have you seen Jade yet?"
At the mere mention of her name, Liam's face contorted with fear and he slowly pulled his hood over his head, as if trying to hide from an impending doom. Even under the shroud, Tori could sense the turmoil in his expression. She scoured the halls, searching for the goth, but to no avail. The ominous feeling in the air left her feeling uneasy.
"Does... Does Jade know that you're here?"
"No."
The transformation in Liam's demeanor was dire and alarming. Gone was the charming shyness he had initially displayed. In its place was a ghoulish apprehension that made her uneasy. His silence persisted, and she noticed him stuffing his hands into the front pocket of his hoodie, shivering as if in terror. His breathing became shallow as if he was gasping for air. The situation felt critical and urgent.
"Liam?! What's wrong?"
He stood with his back against the locker, his eyes tightly shut as he muttered something unintelligible. Tori's instincts kicked in, urging her to go find Lane or Sikowitz for help. But instead, she decided to approach the situation differently. Not wanting to leave him alone in his distress, she knelt next to his sinking form and gave him a gentle hug. She rested her head on his and hummed softly to herself, hoping to offer some comfort.
"Breathe..." she cooed in between hums of an old song she once sang for her sister's birthday. "It's okay. Breathe."
Liam's response to her, whether it was due to her voice or something else entirely, was remarkable. His breathing became more stable, and his muttering was replaced by a knowing groan. Despite feeling exhausted, Liam allowed a grim smirk to form as the internal storm began to lift. When he opened his eyes, the truth of his situation became clear.
However, rather than feeling shame, he felt an odd sense of relief.
"Not again..."
"Hmm?"
Liam lifted his head gently from the girl's shoulder, a soft smile curving his lips. He didn't mind that his hood had fallen off, his attention was on the girl sitting beside him. Without even looking at her, he sensed the growing concern and worry in her eyes. Despite everything, he felt grateful that she was still there with him.
"Sorry for that. I have an awkward... issue," he sighed deeply. "It's hard trying to keep this quirk of mine under control sometimes."
"You don't have to apologize, Liam! I'm just glad that you're, hopefully, feeling better. I can get the nurse if you..."
"Nah. I'll be fine!" he waved off that notion with an exhausted laugh. "I just got triggered, that's all."
"Triggered?"
Liam couldn't help but find her inquiry adorable, especially when she tilted her head. Maybe it was the fact that he always found her attractive. Whatever the reason, he wouldn't press things too far, especially given his current condition. Things like this must be handled delicately, after all.
"Let's just say that... Some bridges are best left alone until we have to cross them."
Liam was anticipating more questions from Tori, so he decided to take the initiative and answer her previous question about Jade, although he conveniently left out her name. He then gradually revealed the truth about his feelings for the goth girl, before finally ending with a supposed quirk of his. To his surprise, Tori was understanding, nodding, and communicating to the best of her ability. Although she was still unsure about everything, she was willing to learn more as she smiled and gently embraced Liam.
Liam reciprocated the gesture with great relief, silently thanking her for lightening up the mood.
They both felt grateful that things had taken a positive turn just as the bell rang, signaling the beginning of afternoon classes. Without wasting any time, they got up and headed to their destination, relieved to find out that they had the same class. As they walked together, Tori couldn't help but notice the newfound joy that had emerged in her partner and friend's demeanor, which was a great solace to her as well.
While the day had started rather gauche and melancholic, they both were eager to face the remainder of it. It felt to Tori that while Liam helped to draw her away from the gloomy past, the trade-off was felt in how she prevented him from worrying about the future. Whether it involved Jade or classes or upcoming performances, the duo would be content with how the day played out.
Not bad for the start of a new year.