A/N" Here we are getting into the meat of the story. I hope you like this little cute part, it gets kinda crazy after. It's been a few days that I haven't posted any Victorious, so here you go guys. You know I love thine reviews so please continue. ~S.K.

Chapter 9: Fighting the Fall

Tori awoke the following day to the subtle shifts in the apartment, signaling Jade's departure in the early morning hours. Then, the rhythmic sounds of Sinjin's morning coffee preparation and his subsequent exit for work stirred her from her slumber once more. She remained still, cocooned in her thoughts, her mind spinning with the myriad possibilities that their newfound arrangement offered.

As the sun's gentle rays streamed through the window, Tori gradually found her way to a sitting position. The silence in the apartment hung in the air, heavy with unspoken anticipation. Jade, engrossed in the digital world on her device, finally broke the quietude.

With a thoughtful and determined look in her eyes, Jade spoke up.

"Okay. I will do it. How do we start?"

Tori was taken aback for a moment, processing Jade's response. Her excitement bubbled to the surface, and a smile broke across her face. "We need a Meet Cute."

"A what?" Jade inquired, her tone skeptical yet curious.

"A meet cute. Seriously, if we just start dating out of the blue, people will see through this PR arrangement." Tori clarified, undeterred by Jade's initial skepticism. "Right now, everyone knows you got fired from your job, and they know I live on the beach. What if..." She launched into her plan, laying out the pieces of the puzzle as they began to fall into place. "You're just jogging in the evening or something, trying to clear your head, and you pass right in front of my camera?"

Jade leaned back, considering Tori's proposal. The idea initially struck her as little more than rom-com bullshit, but she understood the significance of crafting a story that would captivate their audience.

Yet Tori persisted, believing in the power of their collaboration and the possibility of a love story that could capture hearts.

"In order to sell the dream, Jade... It's got to be some rom-com bullshit," Tori insisted.

Jade watched Tori from the kitchen island, her eyes filled with curiosity and skepticism. The plan was ambitious, and it would require an extraordinary level of acting and commitment. She considered Tori's proposal and the potential implications. When do we start this?" she inquired.

Tori, sitting on the couch, gazed back at Jade, her determination shining through. "The sooner, the better," she said. "It's best if they believe that I'm still fresh on your mind."

Jade understood the significance of timing in this endeavor. "In order for that video to be out, though? I think you need to ask me for permission to post it. The reason I got fired was that I went ballistic because I thought you were recording me without permission." Tori nodded, recognizing the validity of Jade's point. "Also, show me your video from that day. That way I can apologize to you for my unjustified actions."

"You still haven't apologized…" Tori said.

"I just did." Playfully, Jade left the apartment, leaving Tori to ponder the unexpected twists in her life. "Don't steal anything. I have to buy food to share."

As Jade left, Tori remained in the living room, relishing the fact that she was alone in Jade's space. Her heart raced with excitement. It was surreal to be in the home of her idol, and the prospect of living out a dream was exhilarating.

Tori's eyes wandered around the living room, landing on Sinjin's shrine to Jade. The shrine showcased Jade's achievements, from her Emmys to a picture of her teenage self. Sinjin had thoughtfully labeled each item, distinguishing what was Jade's and what belonged to him. Tori couldn't help but smile, appreciating Sinjin's dedication to his friend.

A wave of respect for Jade washed over Tori. She couldn't help but admire the actress even more for her genuine and caring nature, as evidenced by her willingness to share her achievements with her friend.

Curiosity compelled Tori to explore the various rooms down the hallway. She ventured into a room filled with an extensive collection of Jade West memorabilia. The walls were covered with posters, dolls, and pictures capturing Jade's iconic journey. One poster in particular, showcasing a sensual image of Jade at nineteen, hung prominently above the bed. It was clear that this room belonged to Sinjin.

Tori quickly closed the door to Sinjin's room and continued her exploration. She discovered the bathroom, laundry room, and a linen closet, getting a sense of the space. Finally, she reached the master bedroom.

The master bedroom was a stark contrast to Sinjin's room. It exuded a sense of minimalism, predominantly adorned in black and white. The closet doors were painted black, the hardwood floor was covered by a black rug, and everything else was stark white. The room felt empty, except for an overflowing hamper near the closet and an opulent king-sized bed in the center.

Tori couldn't help but reflect on Jade's situation. The stark contrast between the two rooms spoke volumes. Jade was not a wealthy celebrity, as some might assume. She lived a modest life, and this realization only deepened Tori's admiration for the actress.

As Tori examined the room, the apartment's entry door swung open, and Jade's voice filled the space. "Tori?"

Startled, Tori quickly retreated into the bathroom, her heart pounding with the unexpected encounter. She flushed the toilet and turned on the sink, pretending to tend to her needs. "Hey!"

Jade, carrying a light bag, entered the kitchen and initiated a conversation. "I take it you're hungry."

Tori responded cautiously, "Uh... yeah... Jade, I have money, you know."

Jade turned to her, a mixture of amusement and understanding in her expression. "Then why are you living on the beach?"

Tori answered honestly, "I haven't received my endorsements yet."

Jade arched an eyebrow, playfully teasing her. "So, you don't have money," she pointed out, the faintest hint of sarcasm in her voice. Tori chuckled, acknowledging the reality of her situation. "How do you like your eggs?"

The setting sun cast a warm, golden glow over the beach, creating a picturesque backdrop for Tori's vlog. She had planned this moment meticulously, ensuring they would have just enough time to capture the magic of the sunset and execute their scripted encounter. Her heart raced with the anticipation of the upcoming performance.

With the camera set up, Tori addressed her online audience with a wide smile. "Look at this, guys!" she exclaimed. "This is the most beautiful thing. I want to capture a sunset for the vlog and tell you all what's happening. Don't worry, Mom and Dad, I still have enough money to eat. Saving that because I live here. For now. I'm gonna check into the YouTube space in a couple of days to edit a few things and..."

Her words trailed off as Jade sprinted past the camera, following their rehearsed plan. Tori stepped back, looking breathless, and her tripod caught the person who had entered the frame. "Oh, shit, sorry," a disembodied voice said.

Tori moved, adjusting her position, and her tripod followed, capturing Jade who was now on camera. "Oh my God," Tori said, her excitement genuine. "Jade, I am so sorry. I've been wanting to apologize to you in person."

Jade's eyes widened in recognition. "It's you!"

"Seriously, Jade, I want to apologize. I'm vlogging right now, and I just want to ask if it's okay if I post this."

Jade appeared uncertain as she looked at the camera, and then back at the girl in front of her. After a moment's hesitation, she nodded. "You should have done that the last time," she grumbled.

Tori was quick to defend herself, pulling out her phone and showing Jade the video. "Seriously! You weren't in any of my

shots."

Jade sighed and admitted, "Fuck... Hey, I'm really sorry I lost my shit back there."

Tori empathized with her, knowing the struggles of being in the public eye. "I get it, though. It's probably not as bad for me as it is for you. But my friends and family always got annoyed when people would just take my picture out of nowhere."

Jade regarded Tori and the cameras with a hint of curiosity. "Are you blowing up?" Tori nodded in affirmation. "Well, hang in there, Tori. It gets worse, but if you love what you're doing, it's worth it."

The two of them locked eyes for a moment as the sun finally set, perfectly framed behind them. "Tori, you wanna go talk over a coffee or something?" Jade asked with a warm smile. "No Cameras."

Tori's smile widened, and her heart fluttered with excitement. "Yeah..."

"Leave the vlog behind?" Jade inquired. Tori eagerly agreed, her smile widening as the camera went off.

Jade helped Tori review the footage, and they were both pleased with the result. "Fuck, that's perfect," Jade exclaimed.

Tori, feeling a newfound sense of connection, asked if she could use Jade's electricity and Wi-Fi. Jade generously offered, "You can also use the couch. Let's go home."

Tori blushed, grateful for the unexpected turn of events. She was more than thrilled to have made a new friend in Jade, someone who understood the complexities of fame and who could guide her on this uncharted journey. Together, they headed back to Jade's apartment, looking forward to sharing stories, dreams, and a steaming cup of coffee.