John Gallagher was massive.

That was about the first thing Andre had realized when he first spotted him.

Being only a few inches shorter than Beck, and holding a bit more muscle mass, Andre had never felt as though he was someone smaller than his best friend.

John Gallagher made him feel like a little kid.

Not only was he at least half a foot taller than the musician, but his broad shoulders and muscular frame gave the teen an almost heavy feeling, not helped by the audible thump he'd make with every footfall.

With Cat being only five feet, it was understandable that she'd think anyone as big, or bigger, than Andre himself was massive.

He hadn't quite expected Cat to have hit the nail on the head with her description. Down to the outfit, hair, and the eyes.

If Andre were to guess, Cat's new friend had to weigh at least three hundred pounds.

And yet… well, he could see why he appealed to Cat.

In the short time Andre has managed to have a direct interaction with him, he'd come off as a really decent guy. He seemed rather blunt, and he wasn't kidding about his quote unquote potty mouth.

But he had a really laid back demeanor, and from what Andre noticed, he seemed like he was extremely gentle when it came to Cat. Every time Cat would hug him, get hugged by him, or let her drag him off to wherever, John may as well have become solid air.

Despite the fact Andre knew they'd only known each other for days… the way they acted around each other, you'd probably be forgiven for thinking they were an actual couple.

And he seemed to get along with Jade rather well, which was a surprise in and of itself. Granted, Jade didn't seem to be a fan of his own jokes at her expense, but he took her own words in stride every time with nothing more than a chuckle or a laugh, and had even managed to get Jade to crack a few smiles.

That was a feat in and of itself.

And obviously he was getting along with Beck. It was pretty difficult not to get along with Beck Oliver considering his laid back attitude and easy-going demeanor.

The only one of their friends John hadn't met was Robbie. And Rex, Andre would assume, considering how drastically different the two personas seemed to be.

But… there was one thing Andre did notice about John. One thing that put him on edge.

Andre had lived with his grandmother a long time. Her mind wasn't all there, as few people had seen for themselves and many people no doubt knew from the stories he'd told. But it wasn't always like that. And there were times when her old self seemed to take control. For a short while, there would be times where she would regain mental stability, and be the normal woman Andre had known when he was younger.

And one of the first signs of change Andre had learned to read because of this? Body posture.

So after Tori had arrived from doing who-knows-what, it hadn't escaped Andre's attention that at the exact moment the bird scene was mentioned, John's entire demeanor changed.

And clearly, he wasn't the only one who'd noticed.

John still had his hand around Cat's shoulder, and the redhead could more than likely feel the change within the teen even better than Andre himself could see. She was looking up at him with a slightly concerned look, hidden mostly by a smile on her face that seemed a little too forced. As if she were trying to hide something.

But John was the one who really concerned Andre.

His expression had gone blank, his gaze locked on Tori in an unflinching manner, and you could see how every muscle in the boy's body went tense, down to the locked up fingers and tought muscles of the hand upon Cat's shoulder.

He must have pretty good muscle control, Andre noted, considering the fact that he wasn't currently crushing the redhead's shoulder.

It concerned Andre just as much as it confused him.

To his knowledge, the only interaction with Tori that the behemoth of a teen ever had with her was the phone call they'd all taken part in on Monday.

But for whatever reason, something unknown to probably everyone present but Cat… John clearly did not like Tori.

"And who's this?" Tori asked, throwing Andre from his internal thoughts as she noticed John, looking up at the teen with a smile.

Being acknowledged seemed to shake John from whatever claw had a hold on him. It was almost like flipping a switch, the way he suddenly relaxed and he gave the Latina a smile as he offered his hand.

"John Gallagher." The boy introduced himself.

Tori's eyes widened in surprise and she gave Cat a baffled glance as she gladly shook the taller teen's hand. "You're John? Are you part giant or something?" She joked as their hands fell away from each other.

John chuckled in amusement at Tori's words, taking the joke in stride as he shook his head. "Nah, I just happen to be a freight train on two legs." He joked back. "I take it you're Tori?"

"Yep." Tori nodded her head in confirmation.

Cat seemed to almost deflate in relief, her nervousness fading and her smile becoming more genuine as she smiled at both of the two.

Though it still irked Andre. He wanted an explanation at some point.

But for now… well, he could play nice. No point is causing a bunch of trouble if it wasn't necessary.

"Nice to properly meet you." Tori spoke with a genuine smile on her face as she turned her eyes to Cat. "Cat really seems to like you."

"I've noticed." John couldn't hold back the grin on his face if he tried as he turned his eyes down to face Cat. The redhead simply smiled and pressed herself against his side, causing the teen to rub her shoulder as he gave her a gentle hug, before turning his eyes to Tori. "So, Cat tells me you've been struggling with an assignment."

Tori's expression changed to one of annoyance as she let out a sigh that was probably over exaggerated. "Sikowitz had me doing some stupid scene, and nobody else is allowed to even give any advice."

"Sounds like a pain in the ass." John replied with a chuckle. "But rules are rules, I guess, just don't get too desperate."

There. That was a clue that Andre needed for the puzzle. The absolute moment he spoke about desperation.

It wasn't anything John had done to give Andre the clue, though. No, it was Cat and Tori's reaction.

Tori visibly winced, while Cat looked up at John with a wide-eyed stare of disbelief, like she couldn't believe he'd said that.

Something had happened between Cat and Tori, Andre could guess. And whatever it was, only Cat knew that John had any knowledge of it, explaining the look she was now giving him.

Now that Andre thought about it, maybe it had something to do with Cat's 'moment', as she so called it. Could it have been something that none of them had realized? Maybe Tori made a joke of some sort, Cat took it the wrong way?

She had a tendency to do that.

Either way, Andre had some questions that would need answers sooner or later.

"Yeah, he's right." Jade piped in as she turned her gaze to Tori. "You may never know when someone might decide to… stop it."

Considering Jade seemed to have been targeting Tori since the girl had started Hollywood Arts, Andre couldn't blame her for taking a step away from the goth at the remark while giving her a suspicious glare.

"But I've failed twice now, and it's hard not to get desperate." Tori admitted with a sigh.

Andre internally winced. He felt a bit of sympathy for Tori's plight. Every single person standing there, with the obvious exception of John, had to complete the Bird Scene at one point or another at Hollywood Arts. He remembered how he'd almost given up when he'd been forced to do it.

Not to mention the image of Cat breaking down into tears in front of the entire class would forever be seared into his mind.

But the simple fact was that Tori needed to learn the lesson. If somebody were to tell her, then she'd know how to pass, but the lesson wouldn't stick. And then she'd do productions and her own insecurity would cost her dearly.

He'd love to help, he really would. But it wouldn't do his friend any good.

"Just stop caring." John replied with a shrug of nonchalance. "As someone who isn't a performer in any way, take it how you want. But I've learned that it's sometimes better to stop caring about whatever's troubling you altogether than it is to get desperate to solve it."

That was… actually pretty sound advice, Andre had to admit. Sure, it didn't apply to everything (as John had said), but it was simply advice that would probably work through life. And it might just help Tori through the bird scene.

Actually… Andre could use that advice himself, sometimes.

"If only it were that easy." Tori sighed as she brought a hand up to massage her head. "Considering how weird Sikowitz can be, I'm starting to wonder if he's failing me for the heck of it."

Though Andre knew Sikowitz wasn't that kind of person… he absolutely could not blame Tori for thinking that.

"Even better reason to stop giving a shit." John only reinforced his point with a shrug and a smile. "You see, the more desperate you get, the more reckless you become." He elaborated further. "If it's someone just picking on you, it's not worth caring."

"Easy for you to say." Tori couldn't help but to mumble under her breath.

"So, that's Beck, Jade, Andre, and Tori…" John began counting off each of the people he'd just met, before looking down at Cat. "That leaves Robbie and Rex, right?"

"You mean Robbie?" Jade corrected with a raised eyebrow as Cat opened her mouth to answer, causing both sets of eyes to turn in her direction. "Rex isn't one of our friends, he's just a puppet."

"A puppet?" John couldn't help the confusion on his face at the statement as he let his arm slide off of Cat's shoulder. "Like, what, a ventriloquist?"

"Yeah." Beck answered with a nod, rubbing the back of his neck with a sigh. "Robbie is good at ventriloquism. To the point that we all forget at times that Rex is just a toy."

"But Rex is more than that to Robbie." Cat couldn't stop herself from muttering quietly. Robbie's issues were vastly different to her own, yet similar in many ways. They both felt isolated at times, often targeted and ridiculed for the most simple of things.

"You'd have to meet him to understand." Andre explained to John. "It's almost like he's actually two separate people. Rex is like a shield of sorts for Robbie. Basically, he can be more confident without feeling like he's crossing a line."

"Except Rex is a giant jerk." Tori couldn't help but to mutter with a sigh as she turned to John as well. "Robbie's a bit of a nerd, but he's a good guy. He's just not popular, and he's extremely shy."

"So, he created Rex as his best friend, and it's actually kind of sad when you realize that Robbie's gotten so into it that he really thinks Rex is a real person." Jade finished the explanation with a dead stare as she too looked at the large boy. "And none of us can really do much without hurting him in a way that crosses a line." Her words brought a smile to Beck's face, causing the teen to wrap an arm around the goth's shoulders.

"Aw, you do care."

"Shut up."

Jade promptly took a sip of her Wahoo Punch.

John, on the other hand, looked unsure of how to respond to the revelation. Andre couldn't blame him. 'Oh hey, one of our friends thinks his puppet is a person and we can't help.'

How do you respond to that?

"Jesus Christ…" John simply said with a shake of his head, before mumbling something under his breath. "Well then, getting off of that downright depressing topic for the moment," He spoke up audibly once more, making his intent to change the subject clear as he turned to Cat. "How many shows for this place have you been in?"

And there went Cat with the little head tilt of hers, looking up in the sky as she began thinking over how many productions she's actually done.

Only for Jade to interrupt.

"Ever since we joined Hollywood Arts last year, she's only missed or stayed out of three." Jade answered for the redhead as she glanced up at the teen. "The last one she was in was 'Godlike Hatred'. Andre did the music, and the rest of us acted in it."

"What was it about?" John asked, curiosity clear in his tone

"It was about a superhuman who was feared for her powers." Cat explained as she stepped forward, causing John to look at Cat with a wide-eyed look of disbelief, until an astonished smile slowly joined the expression. "I played the lead role."

"Really? I wish I could've seen that." John couldn't help but to say, shaking his head in slight disappointment before giving Cat a proud smile. "I bet you killed it."

"Heck yeah, she did." Andre spoke as he stepped forward and placed his hands on Cat's shoulders with a grin. "I think she's one of the best actresses in the school."

"Of course she is." Jade responded as if that were the most obvious fact in the world as she gave the redhead one of her signature smiles, causing Cat blush from the praise from her usually insult-ready best friend.

"Thanks, Jade." Cat expressed her gratitude to the goth, who merely shrugged her shoulders.

"I only call it like I see it."

Cat smiled at Jade's words, before her eyes widened and she suddenly jumped in excitement, causing Andre to pull his hands from her shoulders as a look of realization seemed to cross her face.

"I think Sikowitz still has the script!" Cat suddenly shouted, before turning to look at John with a hopeful smile. "I could see if I could borrow it, let you read it! So you know what part I was playing?"

John let out a chuckle of amusement at Cat's excitement, and nodded his head in response as he gave the redhead a smile. "Sure. I'd love to know what your character was like."

Cat practically squealed with glee at those words before she took off running down the hall, intent on making it to Sikowitz' classroom before he left.

Andre couldn't help the smile on his own face as he watched the scene, and clearly, neither could anyone else as they all watched Cat run off with fond smiles on their faces.

Cat had that effect. You couldn't not smile in the redhead's presence, as Andre had learned long ago.

But even so, he could easily see the effect that John had on Cat. However they met, she really did like him. It was clear that she thought the world of John in the short time they'd known each other, and Andre couldn't help but to hope that maybe Cat had finally found someone.

A hope that was strengthened by the fact that John clearly liked her too. The smile on his face felt like it held more meaning, more emotion, compared to the rest of them. In Andre's opinion at least.

Only reinforced by the fact that from what he could gather, John had been there to talk to Cat when she'd had her 'moment' as they called them. Cheer her up.

Not even mentioning the way he was around her. The way he hugged her, the way he casually slung his arm around her to gladly offer her another, the way he smiled when she'd hug him or push into his side.

Contrary to what Beck and Jade had originally thought, John really did seem like a decent guy.

And then with a sigh, the smile fell from his face as his shoulders slumped.

Something Andre took notice of.

"You alright, man?" Andre couldn't help but to show concern as he looked up at the teen. "You were so happy just a second ago. What happened?"

"Well, Cat's gone, so there's nothing else to distract me at the moment." His tone was matter-of-fact, and not a hint of joy could be found within it. His voice held an irritated gravel to it, almost like he'd been angry the entire time, despite having the biggest smile on his face moments ago.

Andre had a feeling that it had something to do with whatever had probably happened between Cat and Tori.

"Distract you from what?" Jade asked as she turned to face the long-haired teen, looking up at him with a raised eyebrow. "Did something happen?"

At those words, John's head seemed to rotate as his gaze landed upon Tori, who's brow furrowed upon noticing.

"What?" She asked in confusion, which was understandable. She had absolutely no clue as to what John could possibly be irritated at her for. He'd just met her.

"I don't know." John gave a faux shrug in response to Tori's ignorance. "Why don't you tell us?"

"Tell us what?" Beck asked as he stepped forward, a confused expression upon his face as he looked between John and Tori. "What happened?" He asked when his eyes settled on John.

"Considering you had to ask that, I'm assuming Cat didn't say anything." John spoke as he glanced at Beck, before turning his attention back to Tori. "I called Cat earlier and caught her crying her eyes out in the bathroom. Told me it'd 'happened again'. Someone took advantage of her."

"Oh my god, are you serious? She said it was just a moment!" Jade nearly dropped her soda when she heard that, as Cat had told them that wasn't the case when she'd asked earlier, and Andre could understand the frustration.

It hurt, a little. Andre couldn't help but to wonder why she'd tell a guy she'd just met the truth, but felt like she couldn't tell them?

"Oh it was a moment alright." John's jaw clenched as his teeth began to grind together as his glare at Tori seemed to almost darken, and Andre could now see that every muscle in his body was tense. His hands had curled into fists at some point, and Andre was honestly wondering if he was gonna break the skin. "Spicy candies ring any bells?"

And it was at that moment, Andre's heart sunk.

Tori seemed to almost shrivel up, her expression turning to one of complete horror and realization as that finally seemed to be one clue she needed, her shoulders slumping as her gaze fell from John's own.

"N-No…" Tori spoke in denial, causing everyone to perk up. "I-I didn't mean to-"

"You handcuffed her to a FUCKING RAIL!" Not a single soul there could do anything but jump as John's voice rose a roar, bouncing off the walls of the halls as all four of them felt a jolt of fear fly through them.

Though, in Jade's case, it only lasted a split second.

"You WHAT?!" In an instant, Jade was marching right past John until her face was inches from Tori's as she realized what John was getting at. "What the hell did you do?!"

Andre could only stare in shock.

Did… did Tori really do that? Tori Vega? No… no way… not to Cat…

Andre couldn't believe that.

"I-I-I was just trying to find out about the-"

"If you say the Bird Scene, I swear your pretty face won't be so pretty anymore!" Jade interrupted before Tori could even finish, rightly infuriated at finding out what Tori had done. If Andre had to guess, it didn't help that she felt bad for having not been there for Cat in her moment of need.

Say what you will about Jade, no matter how mean she might be with her words, all bets were off when it came to Cat.

A sentiment John clearly echoed, if the heavy, almost gutteral breath and the way his shoulders visibly huffed up and down were any indication. It didn't even sound like breathing… it's was almost like growling.

Andre did not like where this was going.

"Wait, so let me see if I got this straight…" John's voice was a low pitch- well, even lower than his already deep voice was, as he looked at Tori in a mixture of anger and disbelief. "You handcuffed her to a railing… tricked her into eating candy that you knew would light her mouth on fire… in order to get the answer to a stupid assignment?" He finished, sounding almost like he was out of breath. Considering the way he was breathing, it wouldn't surprise Andre in the slightest.

Tori could meet each of their eyes for only a second, before her gaze fell to the ground, looking perfectly like a kicked puppy.

"I… wasn't thinking."

"No shit." John replied without an ounce of sympathy, and for once, Andre was in the same boat. He was aware of Tori's struggles, especially on top of coming to a new school in the first place… but this was something that absolutely did not deserve sympathy in the slightest.

Tori was guilty, and she deserved to know that.

"How desperate are you for this fucking thing?" John asked, raising his arms in disbelief as he looked at Tori. "Look, I'm not gonna sit here and pretend I know anything about schools like this. But out of everything you could've tried, taking advantage of your friend?"

Tori didn't respond, and how could she? What rational person could try to justify that?

"Cat has enough issues as it is with people taking advantage of her! Dammit, Tori!" When Jade no longer filtered her words in the slightest, that's when you knew that she wasn't just being catty. She was genuinely furious. "Do you know what she deals with on a daily basis?"

"That was messed up, Tori." Finally, Andre stepped in, his calm voice a far cry from other two, though his anger and disappointment were clear in his tone. "You need to apologize to Cat."

"She won't come within ten feet of Cat if I have anything to say about it!" Jade immediately objected to Andre's words as she gave Tori one of the most hateful glares Andre had ever seen from the goth. "Cat trusted you, Tori, and you just made one of her worst fears a reality!"

Still, Tori refused to say anything, and it seemed her continued silence was beginning to irritate Jade.

"Don't you have anything to say for yourself?!"

"What do you want me to say?!" Tori suddenly snapped, her head jerking up to glare right back at Jade, allowing everyone to see the tears in her eyes. "I get it, I messed up, I messed up big time, alright?! What, you want me to state the obvious or try to defend myself?!" Andre's eyes widened at how utterly ashamed Tori looked.

In hindsight, it made sense. After all, her father is a cop. It makes him wonder at times how Trina turned out to be so conceited and selfish.

Jade actually took a step back, her face morphing into one of surprise at Tori actually snapping back at her, while John remained unmoved.

"I don't give a damn what you say." John spoke up, once again taking control of the conversation. "It's not us you need to be talking too. You owe Cat an apology, and helluva lot more than that." His tone offered no room for argument, making it that it wasn't mere advice. "You just better hope to god she forgives you."

Once again, Tori's face fell at John's words, but she had no argument to give.

"Jesus, Tori." For once, Andre couldn't help it. No substitute words, like waz, or chiz, he wasn't in the state of mind to care about any sort of swearing, even something that would be considered miniscule.

Jade found herself shaking her head in disbelief, still furious at the fact that Cat had been put through such distress. "Oh my god, can you believe this, Beck?" She asked as she spun around to face her boyfriend…

Only to find him nowhere in sight.

"Beck?" Jade asked as they all turned to the spot where he'd been standing, before looking around to see if they could see where he'd run off too.

"Where'd he go?" Andre asked when he realized that his best friend had just up and disappeared on him.

"Where would he go?" John asked, causing them all to look up at him for a moment, before they each had a look of realization cross their face.

Cat.

"Thanks, Sikowitz!" With the script for Godlike Hatred now sitting firmly in her hand, Cat was more than eager for John to read it as she looked at her teacher with a thankful smile.

"Always a pleasure, Miss Valentine!" As always, Sikowitz was as eccentric as ever with his exaggerated motions as he spoke. "Let your friend know that I hope he enjoys our little script."

"Sure." Cat nodded with a smile as she looked down at the script. She remembered memorizing her lines with Jade, Beck, and Andre. How long it took.

She remembered doing the performance, and that was when she felt like she was in her element. No struggles, no issues, no problems at home… just her in her own little world, doing what she loved.

And for all his zany antics, Sikowitz was probably the best teacher she'd ever had. He didn't judge her, and though he could be painfully blunt, he was nothing if not kind. He was always offering encouragement, and though his teaching methods tended to be unorthodox, they were rather effective.

"Oh, and one thing before you go," Sikowitz spoke as he turned around on his heel to face Cat once more. "If you do not wish to keep the script, please be sure to return it to me. We may use that again for another production down the line." He offered the redhead a knowing smile, hinting that she may be able to let her friend see the production for himself.

"Okay!" Cat said, nodding her head with a bubbly smile as she turned on her heels and began making her way out the door.

She honestly couldn't wait to hear John's thoughts on the play. She really did hope she liked it, especially considering the admittedly touchy subject matter.

Ever since superhumans had been revealed last year, there'd been a bit of a jumbled public reaction to their emergence. Many obviously feared the reality that people with actual superpowers existed and lived among them, while others felt the need to accept these people, not alienate them.

Cat herself found it cool, that people with these abilities actually existed. It was almost like a movie, in a way. There were people out there that could turn invisible, people out there at that could shoot fire from their hands…

And she saw no point in hating them. After all, why hate people who were simply different?

Back on topic, however, she really did hope John enjoyed the script since she found it unlikely that he'd ever actually see the play, regardless of Sikowitz words. It wasn't often that Hollywood Arts ever put a production on twice.

In fact, Cat could only remember one play being put on twice in the entire time she'd been at Hollywood Arts.

Honestly, Cat just wanted John to have some sort of idea of the types of productions they did at Hollywood Arts, and she genuinely hoped that he would be willing to come and see whatever the next one they performed would be.

That is… if things worked out between them.

Cat had hopes. John really did seem like a good guy, and one thing she'd learned about him already was that he was an honest soul. There were times where he was so blunt that he seemed even meaner than Jade, and yet Cat could tell that wasn't his intention.

He just saw no point in sugarcoating the truth.

And it helped that John was the first guy she'd ever met who actually treated her like a teenager. She couldn't stress it enough, it felt nice having someone who actually saw her for herself, instead of as some child who needed protection.

He saw her as her, flaws and all. He didn't treat her mental issues as a complete handicap, like she was completely impaired. He saw them for the issues they were, and he showed absolute patience with them.

He refused, utterly refused, to let her see herself as stupid or dimwitted. And she couldn't even express how much she appreciated him for that.

For having only known him a couple of days… John had become one of the most welcome parts of her life. A nice change from the people who saw her as too idiotic or too impaired to act on her own.

Not to mention he liked her. Really liked her. He didn't just want her for her body, or he likely would've refused the date on Friday.

Or he liked her body that much, but she severely doubted that was the case.

As Cat made her way through the halls on her way back to the others, she found herself jolted out of her thoughts when rounded a corner, only to find Beck sprinting in her direction as fast as his feet could carry him.

Cat was unashamed of the high pitched squeal of fright that escaped her lips when she saw Beck, jumping and nearly dropping the script that Sikowitz had just given her as Beck slid to a stop, coming just short of slamming into her.

"Oh my god, Beck!" Cat couldn't help but to shout at him as she clutched the script to her chest like a cherished possession as she looked at the boy in disbelief. "You scared the chiz out of me."

Beck didn't say anything in response for a moment, simply panting as he tried to catch his breath from what Cat guessed was sprinting through the halls.

Which begged the question as to why he seemed to be in such a rush to make it to her.

"Beck, are you okay?" Cat asked as she stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder and giving him a gentle rub as he caught his breath.

Said action continued for a moment, before Beck finally seemed to catch his breath as he stood back to his feet and took a deep breath. "I'm fine."

And with those words, Cat gave her usual beaming smile. "Good. I got the script." She showed off the script to Beck as she said it. "I was on my way back to John when you came running. By the way, why were you running?"

Beck's face took on an expression of guilt, causing Cat's smile to fade from her face in place of confusion.

Had something happened while she was gone?

"Cat… when did Tori handcuff you to a rail?"

If there was a word to describe complete and utter shock, it would be the feeling of every muscle in your body going tense, like your soul leaving your body as everything in your mind came to a complete and utter halt.

Because that is exactly what happened to Cat when the words left Beck's mouth.

How did he know? How on earth could he possibly know?

Outside of Tori herself, the only person who actually knew was…

John.

Had he told them? Why? Why would he tell them behind her back?

Unless he'd assumed she'd said something… but he wouldn't have had any way of knowing for sure.

And it wasn't his place to say anything anyway. So why?

"H-How do you…" Cat found herself struggling to get the words out, still internally processing that Beck knew at all.

This wasn't supposed to happen.

He wasn't supposed to know.

Everything would've gone on like normal.

"John." Beck admitted, rubbing the back of his neck as he looked at Cat with a sigh. "He said you were… well, that's not really important right now. When… when did it happen?"

Cat couldn't help the way she began hugging herself, feeling as if any answer would be the wrong answer as she hesitantly gave Beck the truth. "It was before Sikowitz' class. When you and her were talking."

The moment the words left her mouth, Beck's face fell as his hand came to harshly grip his head, looking like he'd just heard the worst news he possibly could've.

"I should've been paying attention…" Beck mumbled to himself, shaking his head as what Cat assumed to be self-hatred began to build up within him. "I shouldn't have let the happen to you. Cat, I am so sorry."

So Beck had been there… and he genuinely hadn't seen that she had been handcuffed to the railing.

"It's not your fault." Cat muttered softly as she found her gaze falling, feeling her own guilt beginning to build at having put Beck in this position in the first place. If she'd only payed attention-

"Cat, you were standing right there and I didn't see you handcuffed to the rail." Beck replied with a shake of his head. "It is my fault that you didn't have anyone to turn to. It's my fault for not paying attention."

But… Cat had chosen to isolate herself. It was her choice to run off and cry her emotions out in the bathroom instead of trying to talk to anyone. It was her choice not to stay and talk to Lane at all when he'd freed her.

And even then, Beck's words weren't exactly true.

"I had John." Cat mumbled in response as her eyes diverted to the ground, though clearly John had failed to keep his mouth shut and wait to see if she'd actually talk to them. "I can't believe he told you."

"Cat, don't be mad at him." Beck's voice was soft as he placed a hand on the redhead's shoulder, causing her to look up at him. "He was angry that Tori took advantage of you, and from the sounds of it, he hadn't actually planned on saying anything."

Cat couldn't help the confusion that worked it's ever-so-slight way onto her face at those words. "What do you mean?"

"In his own words?" Beck asked, before giving Cat a smile. "He was having fun with you, he was happy to see you. Once you took off for the script, his happy distraction was gone, and he snapped on Tori." He explained as he gave her shoulder a gentle rub. "I know it might feel like a betrayal, but I promise you that he wasn't trying to hurt you."

Cat found herself looking into Beck's eyes, searching for any possible sign of deception that she could find.

But the thing is… Beck wasn't a liar. And again, John really did seem like an honest soul.

But it still hurt that he'd told her friends behind her back.

"I didn't want to make you angry at Tori." Cat admitted, unable to help the way her lip was beginning to quiver, or the way her eyes averted themselves, as she found herself divulging the complete truth. "What Tori did hurt. It really hurt. But she's my friend, and I've already forgiven her." She admitted as she looked back up at Beck. "And you shouldn't feel bad either."

"Cat, if I'd have paid attention-"

"I'd have still ended up letting myself get handcuffed unless you stopped it." Cat interrupted Beck's self-deprecating words with her own. "I know I'm not that smart Beck." She couldn't help the way her tears were beginning to fall. "I need someone to explain stuff to me, what feels like twenty times over, before it ever actually sticks."

Beck said nothing, unsure of how to respond to that as he looked at Cat. Her words didn't lessen his guilt, even if she made a sad but very valid point.

"I didn't want to say anything, especially not to Jade, because I didn't want to cause any trouble."

"You wouldn't have caused trouble, Cat." Beck replied as he pulled the redhead into a hug. "You're like a little sister to me. It hurts to know you feel like you're just causing trouble when you tell us about people taking advantage of you."

"I have to learn to deal with it on my own, Beck."

"That's strangers. Not your own friends." Beck assured as he pulled away, leaving his hands upon Cat's shoulders as her own teary eyes met hers. "And you shouldn't have to deal with this stuff alone anyway. You deal with enough as it is."

Cat said nothing for a moment, before sniffling as she brought a hand up in an attempt to wipe away her tears as she gave Beck the happiest smile she could've in her state. "Thanks, Beck."

Beck gave her a smile in return as he moved to stand next to her, giving her back a reassuring pat as he spoke. "Anytime, Cat. Now, what do you say we head back to the others, alright?"

Cat was a bit apprehensive at returning now that she knew that everyone else knew what had happened. But she never got the chance to make her decision, as the sounds of footsteps echoing through the halls cut into their ears at almost the exact moment the words left Beck's mouth.

Both of their eyes wandered to the source, and found that they wouldn't need to return to the rest of them, as the others were currently making their way down the hall.

Jade was the one leading the pack, and obviously, she didn't look happy in the slightest.

"Why didn't you tell us that Tori handcuffed you to a rail?" Jade immediately demanded an answer as she stomped up to Cat, stopping when she was standing directly in front of the redhead with her arms crossed.

"I didn't want to cause trouble. I've already forgiven her." Cat mumbled in response. There was a reason Jade was scary when she was mad.

"You didn't cause any trouble, Tori did when she did it!" Jade's words came out as an admonishment compared to Beck's soft reassurances. "Cat, do you know how much it hurts to know you think that you can't talk to us?"

"I'm sorry…" Cat mumbled in response, her gaze falling to the floor as shame built up within her. She hadn't meant to hurt anyone, especially not Jade.

The goth merely stood, staring at the redhead for a moment as she seemingly awaited an answer. Before letting out a sigh.

"Cat, when somebody does something like this, come to any of us." Jade's voice softened slightly, though the irritated edge was still present as she spoke. "It doesn't matter if you have to deal with it on your own at times, this stuff is what friends are for."

Hearing that bit of wisdom coming from Jade West of all people certainly was jarring, considering the goth prided herself on her independence to the point of being downright rude to anyone offering help.

But it reassured Cat all the same.

"Tori here has something to say to you, Cat." Andre spoke up, causing all eyes to turn towards the Latina.

Tori's eyes stayed focused on Cat as she stepped closer to the redhead, and guilt ridden didn't do anywhere near enough justice to describe the expression on her face.

"I am so sorry, Cat." Tori sounded near tears as she spoke, looking at Cat with one of the most guilt stricken faces the redhead had ever seen. "There's no defending what I did, there's no excuse for it, and sorry just isn't enough. But it's all I can say, because I really am sorry."

Cat simply stared at Tori for a moment, hugging herself at seeing the Latina's anguish. Clearly, Tori felt guilty for her actions. Of that, no one could deny. And Cat just didn't want to see her looking so hurt.

Besides, she'd already forgiven her. While Cat would never go as far as Tori did, she'd be lying if she'd said she didn't understand getting desperate.

Besides, she'd already forgiven her.

Something she intended to make clear.

Probably nobody expected Cat to step forward and wrap her arms around Tori, pulling her into a hug as she let a smile cross her face.

"It's okay, Tori." Cat assured the Latina as she gave her a reassuring hug. Before pulling away and giving her a stern look. "But don't do it again."

Tori couldn't keep the smile on her face as she nodded her head, before pulling Cat into yet another hug, which the redhead gladly returned as her own smile returned to her expression. "I won't. Thanks, Cat."

"Of course!" Cat said in her usual bubbly manner as she pulled away from Tori.

Before her eyes drifted off to someone else.

John seemed to be standing away, watching the scene with a small smile on his face. However, his smile faded when he noticed the look she gave him as Cat stepped past Tori and moved closer to the taller teen.

"You told them." It wasn't an accusation, but a simple statement as Cat stood in front of John, looking up at him with a furrowed brow. "Why?"

John simply stared at Cat for a moment, before letting out a sigh. "I wasn't planning on saying anything, but you took off for the script and… well, it's not in me to just sit by when shit like that happens to friends." His explanation wasn't some detailed paragraph as to why he'd done it, to explain his reasoning, it was just short and to the point. And yet, it managed to do both those things. "I'd do it for anyone else, don't think for a second I wouldn't do it for you."

Cat stood there for a moment, studying John, processing his words. It wasn't the kind of explanation she'd expected, and yet, it was completely honest.

Something John seemed to be good at.

"Would you have said anything if I'd have stayed?" Cat finally asked, recalling Beck's earlier words. To which, John shook his head in response.

"No, probably not." He admitted as he rubbed the back of his head with a sigh. "You were there to distract me, honestly. I'm not sure how else to word it." His hand slid over his head and massaged his forehead as he continued speaking. "I was happy to see you, happy to see you happy, and it was in the back of my mind. You took off, and it was all I could think about."

"Why didn't you come after me, then?" Cat couldn't help but to press. Now that it was out in the open, it didn't really matter, but Cat was genuinely curious.

John shrugged his shoulders and finally managed a small smile. "Didn't know if I was allowed for one. For two… wasn't really thinking about it until you were around the corner." He sighed as his smile fell from his face once again, however. "Look, I am sorry for popping off with it when it probably wasn't my place… but like I said, I don't have it in me to just sit off to the side like that and let someone get away with a stunt like that."

Silence befell them as John finished speaking, and now they were all watching Cat, waiting to see what her reaction would be.

Every word he spoke was honest, and while Cat was upset at first… John had done it because he cared about her.

She couldn't be mad at him for that if she'd tried.

Finally, Cat gave a smile to him as she hopped up and wrapped her arms around her neck, holding herself upon him as she gave him a hug to show that he was forgiven.

In fact…

"Thanks, John." Cat's voice was soft as she spoke. "For caring. For not lying."

John took a moment to respond, before he let out a sigh as he wrapped his own arms around Cat and returned the hug with a smile of his own. "Always, Cat."

When the two finally separated, they found themselves simply smiling at each other with matching looks of fondness, something that everybody but themselves probably realized.

And then Cat's eyes widened as she remembered why she'd run off in the first place.

"Oh, I got the script, by the way!" Cat said as she held up the script that had been gripped in her hand despite having forgotten about it, before offering it to John with a smile. "Do you still want to read it?"

John couldn't hold off the amused chuckle as he took the script from her hands and looked it over himself. "Of course, Cat." I answered with a nod.

Cat turned to look at the rest of her friends, and outside of Jade still giving Tori an evil side-eye, they were all looking at her with a smile.

And Cat found herself feeling confused. "What?"

Andre chuckled at that while the others only seemed to smile even wider, even Jade turning her gaze away from Tori and cracking a grin as she looked at Cat. "Nothing, Cat." Andre said as he moved forwards and placed a hand upon her shoulder. "What do you say we go hang out a bit more? I don't know about you, but we're all interested to learn a bit more about your new boyfriend."

Cat's face flooded with red in an instant at Andre's words, and despite having fallen for this trick before.

"He's not my boyfriend!"

"Ouch."

"John!"