Devil in My Soul

Rated M

Genre: Supernatural/Hurt & Comfort

Summary:

They say that we are the villain of someone's story. One decision can reshape the path we walk. One choice could cost you everything. Of course, we must all face the consequences of our actions. Now, a new student comes to town with a dark secret and a deep connection to the supernatural that changes everything.

A/N:

Chapter 9: Broken Halo, Shattered Wings-1

Damn it all...

It was never your fault that you were roped into a war that was never yours to fight. The forces of light and darkness are selfish and arrogant to think they have a right to force such precious children into roles neither of them asked for. Thankfully, I found a solution. While the results guaranteed protection, I knew they would never agree to this scheme. It is with a heavy heart that I had to separate the three in hopes that they could live their lives without fear and trepidation.

As expected, Jade was the first to protest; Her outcry was justified, if not expected. It was a miracle that she didn't discover the truth until it was too late. Jade's friend, Tori, was no different, though her emotions were easier to handle. I felt the girl's pain, but, it was a small price to pay to ensure things went according to plan. It was more annoying having to convince their fathers. Lucifer and Uriel were all too eager to have their daughters "back to normal".

What do I mean?

According to them, a spell would remove their memories of the poor boy, leaving Jade and Tori to follow the path set by their controlling figures. Such a deed would be horrific; To remove memories of a cherished ally and friend is a horrid fate to endure.

Fortunately, this was never the plan...

The "Angel of Justice" and the "Father of Lies" were so caught up in their daughter's returning to their former selves that neither detected my true plot. Yes, I changed the girl's memories, but I never erased them. Liam either. Like Tori and Jade, he needed to be removed, if only temporarily while things died down. I sent him away with similar thoughts while I put the next step of my plans into motion.

But, unlike those fools, I eagerly await the chaos that is approaching. This started when Aeshma... or Darius left with Uriel's eldest daughter. Now, things will be interesting when his protege comes back. I hope that coward is proud of the warrior he betrayed.

Liam, I wonder what chaos you'll bring upon your return?

[Sometime before]

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 nasty 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.

"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?"

Liam attempted to explain himself, but he couldn't seem to find the right words. Tori watched with amusement and concern as he rubbed the back of his neck, looking increasingly worried. It was clear that answering the question was a big deal for him, which made Tori even more anxious. This was different from the fear she saw in her classmates 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."

As they held each other, time seemed to slip away from the two of them. It didn't matter whether it was only a few seconds, several minutes, or even longer - the only thing that mattered was that they were together, finding solace in each other's company.

The light, airy scent of lilac helped soothe his chaotic senses, while Tori found comfort in the boy's strong arms wrapped around her, providing a sense of security she hadn't known she needed. Liam struggled to hold back tears as he leaned on Tori for support, and she could sense the pain he was going through. With a compassionate heart, she stayed by his side, offering him the comfort and love he needed in that moment.

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 was feeling fine with the situation. He felt relieved for the first time since he arrived at the party. Out of all the people he had met, Tori was his favorite. They exchanged their contact info before a sudden and terrible scream came from the Vega residence. Tori knew that she was urgently required to deal with whatever was happening and turned toward the noise.

"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 Tori walked into the building, her smile quickly faded away. She was taken aback by the sight of Jade and Beck in her living room, half-dressed and wrapped in sheets. Her elder sister Trina was shouting with disgust and anger, leaving Tori feeling hurt and confused.

It was an upsetting incident that helped her understand and empathize with her new friend's position. While Beck tried to apologize, blaming the heat of the moment for what had happened, Jade noticed Tori's gaze fixed on her, staring blankly. It must have been a difficult and uncomfortable situation for Tori, and one could only imagine how she must have felt at that moment.

"What's eating you, Vega?" the goth huffed.

Tori had had enough of the party. She walked past the loud group of people without saying a word and headed straight to her room. All she wanted was some peace. As she reached her room, she locked the door behind her and sat at the edge of her bed. The silence was deafening, but it was a relief after the chaos of the party. Only her closest friends, along with Jade, were still there, but she didn't want to talk to anyone. She needed time to think and reflect on everything that had happened.

It was a good thing that Trina's muted anger was the only thing she had to deal with. The Latina finally had a chance to gather her thoughts in the quietness of her room.

She couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her and Liam. The memory of their brief moment together replayed in her mind, and she found herself daydreaming about the possibility of something more. Despite his quirks, she couldn't help but feel drawn to him. Perhaps, with time, they could build a deeper connection. It was exciting to think about the potential for their relationship to grow, especially with the support of her closest friends.

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."

Unknown to her, Lilith watched with satisfaction as the three grew distant. Her smile grew, lacking the usual wickedness, but a curiosity for the future. Even she had no clue what result would play out now that the three were split, but she didn't make a fuss either. If need be, she would adapt to things behind the scenes, leading them to the truth, but only when she was sure they were ready.

"The daughter of a demon. The daughter of an angel. A human with strange gifts," she mused from her perch. "I can't wait to see what happens next."

[One Year Later]

True to her word, Lilith remained in the background, monitoring the situation whenever it was necessary. The daughters of light and darkness spent most of their time following the mediocre path of your average high schooler, much to her lethargy.

Entering their junior year, 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.

With most of the students leaving for that reason or another, the school had some vacancies that they were eager to fill.

Jade and Beck broke up again, but this time it was more chaotic. The two had become so unbearable after Sinjin's game fiasco that the group started hanging out without them. This resulted in a malicious verbal confrontation, which Jade initiated, but Beck refused to engage in. To Jade's surprise and disappointment, Beck stood his ground.

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.

A new group of students was arriving, and many of them were part of a new exchange program that had been initiated with a high-level academy in Malibu, California, and other schools. Beck was one of the first to volunteer for this initiative, which surprised everyone. Although he claimed that it would be a good way to restart his high school career, everyone knew that it was also a convenient way for him to distance himself from Jade.

Today was the day that everything would finally take effect.

So now, with the biggest shocker confirmed, many were left to speculate and ponder the bigger question.

Who was coming to Hollywood Arts?

Tori Vega felt disappointed about the recent departures, but she was completely uninterested in the latest batch of talent. Her main priority was to quickly exchange her books before heading to her afternoon classes. As she made her way to the quad for lunch, she noticed Andre and the others discussing the new students, but the mood was rather subdued.

Robbie and Cat were enthusiastically discussing the new students with Andre chiming in between bites of his turkey sandwich. As anticipated, Jade was in a foul mood and was viciously stabbing her chicken salad as if it had wronged her. While Tori was still grappling with Beck's transfer to Pacific Coast Academy, she couldn't help but wonder what else was bothering Jade.

"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 high and mighty, 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, of all people, 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 will 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."

Tori took out her phone from her pocket and started walking inside. However, she accidentally collided with something solid, causing her food to spill all over a taller boy's tank top. The dressing and lettuce coated his top, leaving Tori mortified.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! I..."

Her heart was pounding so hard that she could feel it in her throat. She had just collided with a boy and as she looked up, their eyes met in a piercing gaze that made her feel like time had come to a standstill. She could feel the weight of his hostile stare, making her feel like she was facing fear itself. Her tongue was tied as she struggled to find the words to apologize, and she stood there, rooted to the spot, unable to move or even swallow. The silence between them was so loud that it was deafening, and she could feel the tension in the air. She couldn't help but wonder what he might do next or what he was thinking.

That moment felt like an eternity, and she wished she could just vanish into thin air.

"Just watch where you're going next time..." he growled at her, 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!"

So much for a subdued day.

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 special 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 a returning scholar... Wait!

"Returning?" she frowned deeply.

"He's a late arrival from Pacific Coast Academy. He's somewhat 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 paused to think over the man's request before letting out a sigh. Although she had wanted some solitude to organize her thoughts, being helpful was in her nature. It was surprising that agreeing to assist the teacher didn't feel like a burden as she had anticipated. This was odd since her inner voice had been urging her to decline not too long ago.

Remember what it was like when you first came here?

Tori Vega's first day at school must have been overwhelming and nerve-wracking. She must have felt completely out of place and alone, not knowing how to navigate the locker situation or the social hierarchy in the school. Despite all the surprises she encountered, she was lucky to have Andre by her side to guide her through the day. Tori is now considering how she can help new students who might be struggling with the same challenges she faced. It's truly admirable to see her desire to make a difference and help others feel welcome in their 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, they were greeted with the enchanting melody of an elegant instrument being played by a tall boy. His hooded appearance added an intriguing touch of mystery to the atmosphere. The boy was so absorbed in his music that he had not yet noticed their arrival. The audience was completely captivated by his performance and remained quiet throughout. Tori, who had initially felt anxious, was now completely engrossed in the mesmerizing blend of classical and contemporary 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.

The boy's large hood covered up most of his face, but there was something comforting about him. Some of his lengthy locs had little green and red beads, visible from under the hood. He had rolled up his sleeves to display a tattoo on his right wrist that reached to the back of his hand. That flash of green gems beneath his hood was the most fascinating thing about him.

Sikowitz stopped his lighthearted laugh and gestured for Tori to come closer.

"Mr. Marshall, I'd like to introduce you to Ms. Vega! She'll hopefully be your student aide as you..."

"Tori?"

Sikowitz tilted his head, turning to a confused Tori Vega.

With a faint smile on his face, the youngster walked tentatively toward Tori, but as he drew nearer, his confidence increased. His height surprised her, as he towered over her 5'5" frame, and she raised an eyebrow. But more than anything, she noticed how his attitude had changed. It was as if he had removed his shy mask, and she could see a warm glow in his eyes that put her at rest. She couldn't help but notice how his hair fell in gentle waves about his face as he took off his hood—a lovely contrast to his kind 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 two withdrew, touching some portion of their bodies sheepishly in response to this inquiry. Their attention swiftly shifted away from each other to anything else, but fortunately, their teacher was deep in thought as he contemplated the future of her newest student. Nonetheless, Sikowitz was no idiot. It didn't take a genius to recognize the chemistry between them.

Granted, it was a brief period, but even he realized his choice was the right one. Things might not have worked out so well if he had gone with someone different. Even today, their communication was straightforward and honest—a far cry from what would have happened if he had chosen the principal's initial option. He would not be concerned with such matters for the time being.

"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 glanced away.

As the bell rang, Sikowitz jumped up and down, cheering loudly. He then led his students towards the exit, looking like a proud parent. He explained their new roles, and to Tori's delight, she was tasked with helping Liam settle into his new surroundings. From understanding the class schedules to learning about the school's social structure, Tori knew that her mission was to make Liam feel comfortable enough to explore on his own. With excitement in her heart, she was determined to be the best guide Liam could ever ask for.

Why the reason was suspiciously omitted, Tori wouldn't press the matter any more than necessary.

Once everything was in order, Tori did not take long to give her newest student. She began her tour of the campus by showing Liam the Asphalt Cafe. As most of their classmates had already completed their lunches, there was ample room to grab a bite to eat. Tori bought two taco salads and introduced Liam to Festus, the Grub Truck proprietor. They sat down and ate, though Liam wasn't very enthralled with the tasty meal to notice Tori's suspicious stare.

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. I guess Sikowitz picked the right person to pair me up with! Principal Helen too!"

"Right?" she grinned half-heartedly.

Eventually, Liam gave in and let out a huff to ease the awkward tension after trying his luck with some more compliments. He could feel her curious stare burning a hole through him even though his eyes were fixed on the suddenly empty container. His heart rate increased gradually, a methodical suffering he knew deserved. A million questions were racing through his head about what she might say or her reaction.

Despite his attempts to sound aggressive, Liam sounded emotionally needy and humiliated, his voice quivering. He felt he had made a huge mistake by abandoning Tori. He had not come to this decision lightly, but he could not bear to remain there any longer. When Tori had come to check on him, he'd felt hopeful despite the ugliness that had happened before he left. Among all the individuals he had encountered, she was the sole one with whom he truly delighted to hang around.

Though their time together was brief, there was something about her that brought calm to his innermost introspections. There had to be a way for him to put things right.

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 sat down to relish the scrumptious food, they both felt an overwhelming sense of joy that they were finally reunited after being apart for a year. The simple pleasure of enjoying each other's company was like a breath of fresh air. Although it wasn't a lavish celebration, they were grateful for each other's presence. The sting of her sister's departure still lingered, but spending time together felt like a step closer to coming to terms with it. They both knew that moments like these would stay etched in their memories forever.

Liam's heart leaped with joy when he found out that he would be teaming up with Tori. She was the perfect partner he could have ever wished for - kind, charming, and always with a bright smile. In his previous school, Liam had felt like an outcast, with only a handful of close pals. But with Tori by his side, he felt like he had a reliable comrade to conquer the unknown school grounds. The mere thought of navigating through the unfamiliar corridors alone was petrifying, and the prospect of being paired with anyone other than her filled him with dread.

Tori was different, though. Liam felt a strong pull towards her, despite their unfortunate departure. 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.

One such obstacle made his stomach drop.

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 now, he and Tori spent the rest of their time sharing laughter and stories about their time apart. 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 showcase?"

"We're juniors, Tori... I thought that was only for freshmen?"

"From what I heard, Principal Helen said that anyone who hasn't participated before can take part. Technically, you weren't here long enough to be a part of the contest, so you're eligible."

"I don't know... I'm not the type to show off or anything. I'm more comfortable supporting than being in the spotlight. Besides, I might need some time to get used to being here. You know, new environment and all that."

"Breathe..." she cooed in between hums of an old song she once sang for her sister's birthday. "It's okay. Breathe."

Whether it was her voice or something else entirely, Liam's reaction to her was impressive. His muttering gave way to a knowing groan as his breathing steadily stabilized. Even though he was fatigued, Liam let a gloomy smile creep in as the storm inside of him started to pass. The reality of his circumstances struck him as he opened his eyes.

However, rather than feeling shame, he felt an odd sense of relief.

"Not again..."

"Hmm?"

Liam gently raised his head off the girl's shoulder, his lips softly curving into a smile. His attention was fixed on the girl seated next to him, not caring that his hood had fallen off. He could tell by the increasing worry and concern in her eyes even though he wasn't looking at her. That she was still with him despite everything made him feel thankful.

"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?"

Her question was so cute, especially when she tipped her head, that Liam couldn't help but smile. Maybe the fact that he thought she was attractive all the time played a role. He wouldn't push things too far, whatever the reason, especially with his condition right now. This is the kind of thing that needs to be handled gently.

"Let's just say that... Some bridges are best left alone until we have to cross them."

Anticipating more inquiries from Tori, Liam chose to initiate the conversation and respond to her earlier query regarding Jade—though he opportunistically omitted her name. Before concluding with a purported quirk of his, he then gradually revealed the truth about his feelings for the goth girl. He was surprised to see that Tori was understanding, nodding, and trying her hardest to communicate. Despite her uncertainty, she smiled and gently embraced Liam, eager to learn more.

Liam reciprocated the gesture with an alleviated attitude, silently thanking her for lightening up the mood.

They were both relieved that things had improved just as the bell rang to signal the start of afternoon classes. Relieved to discover they were in the same class, they got up and moved quickly toward their destination. Tori found great comfort in the fact that her friend and partner were walking with a renewed sense of joy, which she was able to observe as well.

It had been a gauche and depressing start to the day, but they were both excited to face the rest of it. Tori felt that, while Liam helped to draw her away from the bleak past, the trade-off was that she kept him from worrying about the future. Whether it was Jade, classes, or upcoming performances, the duo was satisfied with how the day turned out.

Not bad for the start of a new year.

Not a bad day for a reunion...