Jessica sips her bottle, wetting her lips with the sweet tingle of sparkling water. She was never one who liked natural water, enjoying the sizzling taste swirling in her mouth. The loud beats of the DJ booth vibrate across the club, amplifying the groove as the guests dance the night away at the dancefloor. Though tonight, Jessica won't be joining her friends, fancying to relax at their designated table instead. It isn't so bad, as Gina shares her sentiment, seating herself beside her best friend. She, too, is sipping on her bottle of sparkling water.

Serena had mentioned about all the delicious cocktails the club had. Unfortunately, in Serena's words, you couldn't taste the alcohol in the drinks - there was indeed alcohol in them. So, Jessica and Gina are stuck sipping on water for the night.

The girls brought their own bottles, but given their sudden immense thirst, the girls were on the last bottles, already emptying two. Mark had graciously left to fetch a glass of water, if the club had any.

"So…" Gina starts twirling her half-empty bottle, "Why aren't you getting your groove on at the dancefloor?"

Gina's been Jessica's second-hand woman for a long while and she's seen how she acts at parties. Jessica has always been the energetic type, but she goes 100% party-girl mode with some nice dance music and a crowd. Sitting here sulking, especially in a gorgeous outfit – this isn't the Jessica Gina grew up with.

"I can say the same for you," Jessica says, taking another sip of her now empty bottle. The fact that neither had to go to the bathroom was an extraordinary feat.

"My reasons aren't as interesting as yours. If what I'm thinking is the case."

Jessica fights the urge to roll her eyes. If Jessica's the life of the party, then Gina's the life of the drama. May and herself never missed a juicy story. Both could've entered the school's newspaper club if it wasn't run by the most annoying person in school.

Nonetheless, Jessica is curious about the girl's intel and it isn't like they're heading over to the dancefloor anytime soon. "Hit me with your best shot, Gina."

"Hmmm, let me guess. It's about Toby and Kagami supposedly dating?"

Jessica flinches before regaining composure. She scoffs, "No!"

Her answer isn't convincing to Gina. "Ha! I've hit the jackpot!"

"Wow, someone won the lottery here? I could use the money." Mark seats himself beside his girlfriend, not before handing the girls their drinks.

"Here's to the most beautiful girls in the club." Mark toasts.

This time, Jessica rolls her eyes. Mark can be cliché sometimes but that was what attracted her to him in the first place, even if he gets super cheesy.

However, Gina puts her acting skills to the test, clasping her hands to her chest ever so dramatically, sighing, "Oh Mark, you're such a sweetheart! Why would any girl look for another man when you're right here?"

Mark blushes at the sweet compliment not getting the subliminal message. Granted, it wasn't meant for him in the first place.

A sharp pain hits Gina's leg and she resists a wince. Jessica smirks as if saying 'Don't push it, Gina.' through her sly smile.

The girls take a swig from their glasses, going into small talk as Jessica rests her head on Mark's shoulder. In the mist, of Gina's conversation with Mark about whatever – Jessica tuned out – the blonde couldn't help but sulk.

She liked Mark and she would never cheat on him. She'd rather die than do something so despicable. And yet, the thought of Toby and Kagami dating – Jessica couldn't comprehend her feelings. However, she knew they weren't good feelings. The fact she has mixed emotions over Toby's love life of all things just didn't sit well with her.

"Jess."

"Hm?" Jessica perks up at her boyfriend.

"You wanna go out for some fresh air?"

Jessica was hesitant. Of course, she wants to spend time with her boyfriend alone and…close but she couldn't leave Gina alone. Gina has her own issues she hasn't told Jessica or anyone if Jessica was to be honest. She wants to be there for her best friend, but Gina is having none of it.

"I'll be fine on my own guys. Don't let me cockblock you."

Mark isn't one to flaunt what he does with his girlfriend in his spare time so of course, a red tint makes its way on his cheeks. Jessica sighs, predicting more sensual innuendos to come out from Gina if the couple doesn't get on their merry way.

Gina sat idly by as her friend left. No doubt about it, Jessica's going to have the night of her life. Though, for Gina's night, the girl doesn't think she'd enjoy herself.

[flashback]

"Heads up Gina!" Lucas said, high fiving the girl for a job well done. Though Kagami's and Toby's presentation didn't go quite as planned, Lucas and Gina couldn't be even prouder of a job well done.

"We make a good pair, don't we?" Lucas complimented with the sweetest most heart-wrenching smile Gina has ever seen.

"We definitely were the best! I'm sure of it." Gina answered. She didn't know about the rest of the class, but those couple of weeks were practically an invitation to heaven. For some odd reason, Gina has never been paired up with Lucas for a class assignment till now and in her 16 years of breathing, she's never spent as much time with Lucas alone as she did in those weeks.

It was also a first to see actual progress made in their relationship. Lucas had never initiated contact before so for him to high five her – in the pits of despair wondering if her 7-year crush would come to fruition – that high five gave her hope.

However, there was also a part of Gina that grew worrisome with each passing date. After the assignments were done and dusted would their relationship continue to grow, or would it rot to the ground? In what seemed like an eternity, Gina felt she could finally see romance blooming for herself. So, she decided she'd test her luck.

"Lucas?" she called out for the boy by the lockers, the day after the presentations.

"Hey, Gina, what's up?"

The girl took a huge gulp of air, her hands jittering. "You see, there's this new club opening this Friday. Me and my friends are going to head there and I…I wanted to invite you. Of course, you need an ID but we could hook you up with a fake ID!"

Gina diverted her gaze, too worried to give eye contact. Gina wasn't one to be nervous, she did love doing stage plays. However, this time was different than a stage play. She hoped that bonding throughout the weeks Lucas wouldn't reject her. She'd have a boyfriend, someone she truly liked as a date to a party for once. She wouldn't be left behind by Jessica again.

"Sorry, Gina. The Scarlet Oak protest is on Friday. Besides, I don't really like parties."

Her heart stopped.

"Don't worry about it. Anyways, I hope your protest goes well!"

Gina cried herself to sleep that night.

[end flashback]

It's only been three days and she hasn't spoken to Lucas. That's the longest they'd gone without speaking to each other since being paired up for the assignment. Maybe it's time to give up. There's plenty of fish in the sea as the saying goes. However, Gina found it hard. How can you give up on a guy you spent most of your teenage life seeking out? She's being petty and selfish. Other people have it way worse than her. Heck, Kagami seems to have it worse than her! But it chipped away at Gina, little by little.

Gina mentally scoffs to herself. She's sitting here sulking cause a boy doesn't like her. Talk about first world problems.

Back at the dancefloor, Ivan was eyeing the sulking girl. A slight force pushes him forward.

"This is your chance, Ivan." From behind him, Serena points out, gesturing him over to Gina.

Ivan gives Serena a strained look, though Cyrus and May join in albeit tipsy, coaxing him to head over to her. Three against one – Ivan had no choice.

"H-hey Gina!" the boy waves.

Given the look on her face, she wasn't in the mood to talk to him. "If you're here to tell me one of your lame jokes then I'm not interested."

"No! Not at all!" Ivan scooches beside Gina, annoying her further, "You seem lonely."

"If you're here to be my counsellor then not today buddy! I'm not feeling it, honestly." Gina crosses her arms. Can her night get any worse?

Ivan sighs. This was going to be harder than he thought. "I know I'm not anywhere near Mark's level in terms of looks and generally princely hood -"

Gina coughed out a chuckle. Darn her terrible sense of humour!

"But I just wanted to ask if you'd dance with me?" Ivan extends his hands, hoping they wouldn't be sweaty.

Gina gives him a puzzled look. Ivan Nikiforov is asking her of all people to dance with him. "Are you drunk?" Gina couldn't help but question.

Ivan chuckles as he scratches his head. "I didn't want to get banged up tonight. Didn't feel right if we're not all having a good time. Besides I want to make sure you're okay."

Ivan may be dumb, but the guy did have a big heart. He may not be a Lucas or a Mark but having a guy pay attention to her for once – it's all Gina ever wanted even if it's not from the guy she's crushing on.

She grabs his hand, dragging a confused Ivan to the dancefloor. "You said you wanted to dance! Come on!"

Nick ambles his way across the hallway checking off the list his parents proved him before they headed off to another one of their 'get-togethers' as they'd like to put it. Nick hid a frown as he waved goodbye to them. He and his brother weren't kids anymore, they knew exactly what their parents were doing on their trips. Nonetheless, having knowledge of the supposed didn't make it any easier in confronting his parents.

The doorbell rang, triggering another frown from the bespectacled teen. Knowing Toby, the blonde had ordered pizza. Nick isn't paying this time.

When Nick opened the front door, he's met with the person he'd least expect to show up in his home.

"Oh! Um… hi, Nick." Kagami greets the teen, surprised. She was expecting Toby, forgetting Nick lives here too.

Said teen pulls a one-eighty, rejuvenated at the sight of Kagami in all her glory. "Kagami! What are you doing here?" Nick says trying to look cool – not the least bit excited having the girl stop by his home.

"Um… I'm here to see Toby. You see, he invited me here."

The second she utters his brother's name, a scratch record plays in the background. Kagami stares confused, having heard nothing but a pin drop. To Nick, the poor sour boy, his mind was doing somersaults, coming up with hundreds of ways to kill his trickster of a brother.

"Can you wait right here for a second." He struggles to say, hiding the anger he feels for his soon-to-be-dead brother. He softly closes the door before roaring out for him. "TOBY!"

Oh, but Kagami heard that roar and she could only cock her head to the side in confusion. Were the Tripps always this weird?

Toby comes rushing down the steps, smug grin still plastered on his face, already expecting what's to come.

When the brothers come face to face, Nick holds back from pounding at his brother. But that doesn't stop him from lashing out, "Toby?! You invited her here?"

"Sure did," Toby says, grin still intact as he strolls to the door. How sweet revenge can be.

Nick could only stand by and watch. He's smart after all, Toby invited her to get back at him, the boy was sure of it.

Toby opens the door, concealing his smug grin. "Kagami! You're here!" Toby greets the girl with unnerving cheerfulness. Nick had to gape at the display.

However, Kagami's eyes light up with joy at seeing the boy, completely oblivious to the brother's feud.

"Come on in!" Toby places an awfully lurking hand on her back, encircling her torso towards his. He guides her to their living space.

Poor Nick was fuming on the inside. His brother dared to touch Kagami so inappropriately. How could Kagami let him violate her boundaries? No, Kagami's too nice of a girl. She must be scared on the inside, having some older male touch her like that.

Before Nick could intrude, Toby interrupts him. "Hey Kagami, wanna head over to my room?"

An invisible arrow stabs Nick directly into his chest. No… Kagami has way too much integrity to say yes.

"Okay," Kagami says with a beaming smile.

Another arrow strikes Nick's chest, rendering him weak as he lies on all fours. Kagami doesn't notice the boy, as she and Toby ascend to the second floor. But Toby, he sends a sly grin Nick's way.

Nick stares back at his brother. Oh, the game is on. He wouldn't let Toby defile Kagami any further.

Toby directs the girl to his room, having a field day. Arriving at their destination, he graciously lets go of his hold on Kagami. She's the guest after all - she shouldn't be doing all the heavy lifting. Opening the door, the swift scent of Toby's room hits the couple. With the excitement of Kagami's arrival, Toby forgot to tidy his room.

"Sorry about the state of my room." Toby apologises, rushing to conceal anything a girl or his mother found 'unpleasing'. "If I was expecting a girl I would've tidied up."

Unexpectedly, Kagami searches the room up and down, much to Toby's displeasure. She's not his mother, she shouldn't be exposed to his dirty underwear hanging from his seat.

"No, it's perfect!" Kagami beams widely. "I love mess!"

Why is Toby surprised? No sane girl would fall for him and Kagami wasn't sane. Not that he didn't find that attractive or anything.

Deeming his room moderately presentable, he goes to shut his door. He makes sure to leave a slight gap. He wouldn't want Nick to miss out on his grand performance.

Without hesitation, Toby's guest did arrive to view his play.

After getting over his initial shock, Nick hurries to his brother's room. The gap provided by Toby was enough for Nick to have a decent view of the room without Nick being noticed. Typical Toby. His brother was expecting him. No worries. Nick isn't a participant in Toby's scheme. He'll gladly watch by the sidelines. Kagami will discover her book and everything else will be history; back to the way life is supposed to be.

As Nick predicted, Kagami did find her book, lying ever so present on Toby's desk; the added lighting effect with his lamp made it stand out, given the mess of Toby's desk. Kagami's senses kick in, already placing two and two together.

"Is this my book?" Kagami asks, raising the book to Toby's view.

"Oh gosh!" Toby swears, hands on his cheeks in panic. "I should've told you sooner."

"Tell me what?" Kagami says with a hint of a snarky presence in her voice.

Nick mouths a victorious 'yes'. Everything was going as he foretold.

Toby shakes his head, overdoing his guilt. "After our argument, I went to your house to return your bag. I saw that book and I couldn't help myself! I was hooked!" Someone give this man an Oscar. Nick saw through his act and rolled his eyes. Toby wasn't guilty in the slightest. It didn't matter anyways – Kagami would be pissed regardless, maybe more so. Nobody as smart as Kagami would fall for Toby's act.

"No… it's fine Toby." Kagami seats herself on his bed, glad her precious book is back in her arms. "I'm just embarrassed you found something like this in my room."

Nick almost dislocates his jaw. He's gawking that much.

Toby's inner-self smirks, already predicting his brother's reaction. Too bad he wouldn't be able to see it not wanting to give away his plot to Kagami. It's satisfying, nonetheless. He seats himself beside Kagami, making it sure their thighs were touching.

"Don't worry about it so much." Toby places a hand on Kagami's thighs. "I like a girl who's into monsters and weird shit."

Kagami clutches her book closer to her chest, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. Nick, on the other hand, restrains himself from interfering. Toby's just messing with her emotions to get at Nick. Kagami's a smart girl, she'll see through his brother and react. He had absolute faith in Kagami. Nick was sure of it.

"So," Toby slides an arm down Kagami's back, following a circular motion down the cloth of her jumper. "I'm utterly fascinated with that book. Where did you get it?"

"My Oiji-grandfather gave it to me when I was a kid," Kagami explains. Oiji-san - uttering that word sends Kagami on a rollercoaster of sadness – reminding her of why she sought out Toby.

It's her grandfather that has ties to Gorm, not her. Pressing her any further wouldn't do them any good. Toby's done with his initial goal now it's time for the second. Proving Nick wrong.

"I know you might not want to discuss why you wanted to spend the night here, so I won't bring it up." Toby could see the change in Kagami's appearance having eased her worries. She's less rigid, more relaxed. He's in a great position to make a move.

"-and I'm glad you're here," Toby adds in. He shifts himself so he's in Kagami's view, bringing her hands to his side. "I couldn't stop thinking about you since we last met by the school garden."

Kagami's warm smile twisted into shock. Toby's been thinking about her for almost the entire week. Everyone in the school probably are too, the news of her failed presentation must have spread by now. But that didn't stop the weird bubbly feeling sprouting within.

Toby sucks up a deep breath. "I'll just spit it out. Do you want to sleep with me tonight?"

Nick chokes on his saliva. Toby wouldn't go there. Please, tell Nick his own flesh and blood wouldn't go there.

Kagami's face was beet red – her soul ascended to the astral plane. Only a husk remained.

Toby continues. "We can cuddle together on this very bed. You can wear my extra spare of pyjamas. Might as well take a bath together while we're at it -"

"B-b-bath together?"

Toby nods.

"N-n-naked?" Kagami splutters.

"I want us to be together. In mind, body and soul." Did Toby go overboard? He just spouted whatever he heard from his mother's rom coms.

Kagami doesn't know what to make of his suggestion. Her body's burning and her mind goes blank. Yet, it felt good. That's why she came here; so, Toby could make her feel this way. Make her forget all the bad things."Um… Toby?" Kagami asks finding out how to speak again.

"Hmm?" The boy prompts up, all too close for her fragile heart.

"I-I think…I'd like that."

Nick freezes like a stone statue.

Kagami takes a few gulps of air before continuing. She goes on autopilot again, ruled by her emotions. She'll be heading off to Gorm soon and she didn't know if she'd see Toby again. She had to tell him about her feelings. And here she can spend one last romantic moment with him before she leaves. "And…and – "She places a warm hand on the exposed flesh of Toby's chest. "I think I like you too Toby."

Toby felt satisfied with the result. He'd prove Nick wrong - finally he was the winner in their feud.

Their heads were touching, and Toby could feel the soft-warm smell of Kagami's strawberry shampoo. The girl was radiating with energy – warming Toby's chest with her touch ever so slightly. Even her tantalizing breath sped up the pounding at his ribcage. Yet, Toby's nervous. Embarrassing to the masses but this would be his first kiss. It was invigorating – having this girl that his brother desired so badly, kissing the sweet lips that Nick would never taste in his lifetime. Toby charms Kagami in ways Nick could never. It empowered Toby, feasted on his desire to finally be good – no better at something then his supposed 'perfect brother'.

This kiss is consensual, both are getting something out of it. That doesn't explain the aching in his gut. Kagami wants Toby but does Toby want her?

Or does he want to beat his brother?

"I'm sorry."

Lips practically touching, Toby pushes Kagami slightly away from him. He couldn't deceive her for the sake of his petty rivalry with his brother.

Before Kagami could speak Nick barges into the room.

"Step away from her, Toby!" Nick demands, done with the stupid game.

"Nick?! What the- were you spying on us?" Kagami spits, vitriol apparent in her eyes. His constant praises were one thing but to invade her privacy. Kagami didn't take that lightly.

"Can't you see? He's only using you to get to me!" Nick points to his brother, angered by his deceit of Kagami. To go this far, involving Kagami – seducing her? Can't he tarnish Kagami any further?

'Lies'

"Why can't you just stop it already? I'm tired of you trying to help me all the time!"

"But, Kagami -"

"No, don't 'but' me! Why can't you just leave me alone? I'm not the girl you love so much!"

"Kagami!" Toby shouts, startling the girl. "please, let it go." Kagami must be fuming right now but Nick is his brother. Despite all Nick put him through, Toby couldn't bear to see him hurt by Kagami.

Toby strides up to his brother. Their rivalry had to stop, at least for tonight. Toby may be an asshole, but he wasn't a total dick. He knew when it went too far.

"I'll handle this." Toby says to his brother.

Nick wasn't having it. "Toby, you -"

"I said I'll handle this. No more jokes this time."

Having gotten the memo, Nick backs down. That glint in Toby's eyes, he was serious. The bespectacled teen shuts the door behind him, giving the duo some privacy. Kagami was going to be upset but it's for the best.

Toby faces Kagami rubbing the back of his neck. How would he break it to her?

He sighs, collecting himself before speaking, "Umm Kagami? I…uh-"

"It's okay, Toby." Kagami interrupts, confusing Toby with her answer. "I don't mind…if you don't like me- "She strides closer. "- or use me."

"Kagami…" Now Toby wasn't the emotional type, nothing, not even a dead dog (unless it was Geo) could make him cry. But those words – they stabbed through Toby's heart. Did she really think that little of herself?

Kagami caresses the soft, exposed skin of his collarbone. "I know this is selfish," her voice shakes announcing each word. " - but could you please kiss me?"

Kagami leans in once more. 'Please accept my feelings.' She pleads inside her head. After her Oiji-san she couldn't be rejected again.

Toby leans away, pulling her fingers away from his skin. "Kagami…I can't." He pushes her away from him, creating distance. "It doesn't feel right – us, together as a couple."

"That's okay." Kagami closes the distance. "We can just kiss as friends then."

"No…Kagami you don't get it. I'm..." Toby felt embarrassed by what he's about to say. "I don't feel comfortable with the whole kissing thing."

"Then what do I have to do to make you feel comfortable?"

Damn, she's giving him Nick vibes. It's as if he's talking to a robot or a 3-year-old. "No, it doesn't work like that Kagami. I need time, I think. To figure all this out."

"But..." Kagami wanted to tell him she doesn't have time. She is hurting inside, and Toby can make it go away. She has nothing now. Her mother's love tarnished given her presentation. She can't trust Oiji-san anymore. Toby's the only one left. His love…without it, Kagami had nothing.

This darkness ripping her insides to shreds, Toby can heal her. He's the only one she has – mother will be appalled by her presentation. She can't trust Oiji-san anymore. Toby, what he can provide to her, without it Kagami couldn't survive.

Kagami traps him in a tight hug. She wasn't going to let him go. "Please! I'll do whatever! Give whatever! Money, my body…please take anything!"

At this point, she wasn't talking to Toby. She doesn't know who she was referring to. Her mother, Oiji-san. It could've been anyone. "This once…for once please…just please don't leave me."

She falls to her knees, her hold on him still intact. She needed him to fulfil her, fill her with love even if it's fake, plastic love.

Looking at Kagami at this state, Toby wishes it was someone else in his place. She was a sorry sight to behold. Down on her knees, begging him to kiss her.

It's his fault. Blinded by his revenge on his brother, he abused Kagami's trust in him.

"I'm really sorry Kagami. I've led you on just so I can get back at my brother. Be better than him for once." He brings her to her feet." You must hate me now."

"No…no." Kagami calms down but she feels stupid. God, she feels stupid. "I shouldn't have said those things. "Kagami gets up from her knees. Why did she pour her heart out to him? To Oiji-san? She should've kept to herself.

She chuckles. "I shouldn't have come here in the first place."

"No! It's fine! You can stay here just…not in my room." Toby didn't want to add fuel to the fire. "I need some distance. To sort out my thoughts."

Kagami sniffed, hiding a tear. "That's perfectly acceptable. I'll head to another room then." Head lowered she exits Toby's bedroom making a mad dash to somewhere else - anywhere, away from him.

A bastard child like herself – of course Toby wouldn't want to be with her.

Kagami speed through the nearest room, shutting the door tight. She collapsed on the bed, ducking her head on the pillow. Darkness covered her vision. She found it fitting. Kagami had lost herself after her confrontation with Toby. Lost in the seas of darkness, devoid of the spark inside. She expected tears to spill out, heartbroken after being rejected for the second time together. But nothing came out, she was devoid of anything - an empty casket.

Jessica shivers in the cold night air. Mark led her out into the chilly autumn breeze of the night from one of the back entrances. He's quick to strip free of his coat to drape around Jessica's bare shoulders. She mouths a thank-you his way as they both lean back on the cold steel outer wall of the club. Unfortunately, there were no benches in sight.

"You wanna tell me what's been bothering you?" Mark questions, giving Jessica space to decide if she's willing to divulge her concerns to him.

The blonde breathes a heavy sigh. Out of everyone, Mark deserved to hear her pleas. She gives a solemn look of contemplation.

Mark cups her cheeks, brushing hair tendrils away from her face. "Jessica, whatever's bothering you, you can tell me. If it's concerning me- us I wouldn't get mad. I promise."

"Mark-" Jessica didn't deserve such a guy as her boyfriend. "It's-it's about those rumours. The ones about Kagami and Toby…"

"The dating rumours."

"I like you, Mark, I really do and I never, ever want to cheat on you or hurt you. So, I don't understand -"

Mark rubs Jessica's back, "It's okay, Jess. Take your time."

"I-I feel weird about Toby dating. Like betrayal or something? I did have a crush on him but that was ages ago! So…why do I feel this way?"

"It's okay -"

"No, it's not! I'm dating you, Mark! I shouldn't be thinking about another boy! It should be only you and yet." Jessica pauses. "Yet I've been by Toby's side since forever and… I guess I'm envious that he never reciprocated my feelings. I'm so sorry."

Mark takes Jessica's hands, grazing coarse fingers tantalizingly against the smooth flesh. Trailing his gaze towards Jessica's crystal blue eyes, he lifts her right hand to his lips, kissing her silk skin before pulling away. "You have nothing to feel sorry for, Jessica." He lifts her left hand, encompassing it with the sweet sensation of his lips. "You're the most beautiful, kind -" Mark places another sequence of kisses on her hand. "- strong, independent - " Mark brings her closer to his chest, marking her with a string of endless kisses on her forehead. He rests his forehead against hers, wrapping his slender arms tightly around her exposed back. "- sexiest girl I know. "

Jessica quivers at the kisses. Mark always dotes on her with compliments but this? Mark never struck Jessica as the dominant type.

Mark bestows a kiss to her cheek. "Frankly, Toby's an idiot for missing out on the opportunity of being yours."

"Mark…I…I -" too late in forming a sentence, Jessica found herself in a heated kiss from Mark and the blonde's mind went blank. Then, the brunette dared to bite Jessica's bottom lip and that brought her out of her trance. Is he…asking for entrance?

Jessica pulls away, collecting her thoughts. Mark has never done that before.

The light of the moon illuminates Mark's features. He looks different, serious – wanting. This isn't the Mark she's used to. Is she ready to take their relationship there?

"Jessica…" he breathes out in a sultry tone, already sending chills down her spine. "Toby doesn't deserve someone like you. I'll give you all of me if you give all of you. Just say the word and I'll do whatever."

"M-mark…I don't know…"

"We don't have to jump in straight away. We can take baby steps. Little by little. I won't do anything you're not comfortable with."

To be honest, Jessica wasn't ready at all. But these feelings for Toby, no matter what Mark says it still felt like she's cheating on him.

"Oh Mark, you're such a sweetheart! Why would any girl look for another man when you're right here?"

Gina's right. Things may have died with Toby but with Mark? He's perfect! He loves her and he's willing to give himself to her. Jessica should do the same. She can trust him. She wanted to take their relationship to the next level, eventually maybe when it's time. And like Mark said, they can take baby steps.

"I'm ready to take things a step higher," Jessica says. Mark smiles, bringing her close till they were clinging to each other. "Just a small step!" Jessica warns.

Mark chuckles before sealing the deal with a kiss. Jessica adjusted slightly for her lips to better fit his, deepening the kiss to prove she's ready. Mark moaned slightly rubbing light motions down her back. Then when he asked for entrance, Jessica graciously accepts. Knowing Jessica wouldn't be used to this, Mark slid his tongue in gently, brushing past hers.

Jessica doesn't know what to make of the gesture at first, but her heart is racing, and she fails to tuck in a moan. She can feel herself slipping in Mark's embrace, losing herself.

Mark makes sure to control himself, but he is secretly raving with jealousy. Somewhere inside, hidden deep within, Jessica still has feelings for Toby. He wasn't lying when he said he wasn't mad. No, instead Mark decides to make it his mission to fill Jessica with so much love that she'd forget her crush on the blonde ever existed. Jessica was his girlfriend, not Toby's and Mark isn't willing to share a hair with any other guy.

Kagami came to the Tripp's house to seek solace after the revelation of what Oiji-san was hiding all this time but instead, she fell into another argument. Now Kagami wasn't so sure if she had feelings for Toby in the first place. As she confessed to him, she truly didn't mind him not having feelings for her. However – that didn't stop her from seeking comfort from him, to fill her with ecstasy and that adrenaline rush whenever he's near. Give her what her mother could not.

How could she be so dumb? She believed Toby's word, ditched her mother for greed-filled lust and now, as punishment, she's left with nothing. She isn't mad at Toby, no. All of this was entirely her fault, she should've known her place, but she got greedy for more - Something better than what her mother provided. At least she has a chance to start over in Gorm, maybe ask Flamma for a memory wiping spell to get rid of the emptiness cutting through her.

Knocking on the door distracts Kagami from her thoughts. "Can I come in?" a voice sounding awfully like Nick's resounds from the other end.

"Go away!" Kagami says, shifting away from the door, "I want to be left alone!"

"I would but I can't. You're in my room."

That forces Kagami to sit up from the bed, looking the room belonging to the youngest Tripp. Yep, this was Nick's room. The Egyptian posters and books didn't give it away. Nick unlocks his door, entering his room. He's carrying a stack of heavy old books warning a raised eyebrow from Kagami.

He places the books on his bed with a heavy swipe. Kagami has to admit, given his scrawny body, she didn't think he'd be the type to work out.

"I had a peek at your book before you came here," Nick tells Kagami.

She left her book in Toby's room. No way she could go back there.

"I had some others of the same series lying around. Thought you might want to look?"

"You have Gorm books?" Kagami gleams at the boy.

He blushes a little, glad Kagami's smiling again. "Uh..yeah?" He chokes out, not expecting her happy reaction.

Kagami plunges into the books, fangirling like crazy over every single fact, forgetting the prior embarrassment from anyone knowing of her obsession.

She gasps, "These even have tales of the original lords of nature!"

"Yep! Gheos, Tasaru –"

"Noctis and Polypus!" the two complete together.

"And the two volcano lords?" Kagami prompts.

"Magmion and Lavion. Lord of Magma and Lava respectively."

"I'm impressed. But do you know the series 2 gormiti?" Kagami says, a little more comfortable with discussing this with Nick.

Nick seats himself beside Kagami "Kolossus, Barbatus, Carrapax and Helios. Not forgetting the two Volcano tribes joined into one now led by Orrore."

"Series 3?" Kagami prompts again, eager to test Nick's knowledge.

"That's easy. Thorg, Wise Tree, Nobilmantis, Devilphoenix and Armaggedon."

"Aha! But you forgot the two new lords. Supreme Luminous and Obscurio!" Kagami adds.

"Both of which came from an alternate dimension," Nick concludes. Even with Gorm, Kagami would listen and indulge in his knowledge.

Their eyes lock together in silence before breaking out in all-out laughter.

"I didn't think I'd meet someone else so well versed in Gormiti." Kagami chuckles out.

"I can say the same for you," Nick says. Kagami seems different, in a good way. It was as if she wasn't the goddess he appreciated for a split-second and Nick didn't mind.

Kagami takes on a solemn look, replaying sad memories of her youth. "My grandfather, that was his book. He's the only one I could talk to about Gorm stuff. Well, he used to be."

Kagami didn't know what came over her. She starts divulging her story to Nick. He was her friend after all even if he only likes the perfect student side of her. And she really needs a friend right now. "You see. My grandfather…I found out recently he's been hiding something – big - from me." Kagami fiddles with the ends of her skirt, needing some sort of stimulus to keep going.

Nick mind starts tinkering away, trying to solve what's bothering Kagami. Not only that, but the teen suspects Toby might've been on to something. The Gorm book that Kagami had – it looked like something from the primal pad. How would Mr Ono get his hands on it? Is this so-called big secret related to a secret about the Gorm? How much does Kagami know? Her body language doesn't suggest she knows Nick or his brother are lords of nature.

"I thought he could trust me. I was wrong." Kagami sighs. Her pain would subside eventually but right now, she wishes she could have a temporary fix.

Nick sets the books aside having a clear view of the girl. "Kagami, I don't know what happened between your grandfather and yourself, but you can trust me. I'm here for you."

As annoying as he is, Kagami believes him. He's always there for her, even when she wants him to go away and leave her alone. Her own personal knight for the queen that she is in his eyes. He'd do anything for her.

Absolutely anything.

"Nick?"

"Yes?"

"Can you hug me?"

Nick gives her a look of confusion. Why does she want him to hug her? She's been through a lot; he guesses she wants someone to comfort her? Still confused, he brings the girl closer for an embrace.

Kagami takes in the boy's scent as well as the combined heat of their body temperatures. She tightens her hold. Toby wouldn't give her the satisfaction she oh-so-desperately craves for but Nick, he'd do anything she asked of him. He isn't her ideal type but he's a temporary solution to the emptiness swallowing her.

"I have another request," Kagami mutters into Nick's ear.

A faint blush appears on Nick's cheeks. "Uh... okay."

"Will you kiss me?"

Nick doesn't know how to answer her. "Um…uh…" Why is he hesitating? The prettiest girl in the school, no the entirety of Venture Falls is asking him, the loser, the nerd, the bottom of the barrel, to kiss her! Any other guy would die for this chance!

Kagami pulls out of the embrace. "It's a simple request, Nick."

How can she call that a 'simple request'? "I'm not so sure."

That's just it. It's because he's the bottom of the barrel he couldn't kiss her. She's way above his league. She should be kissing Mark or Justin. Not him. He's not worthy to touch lips with her. It'd ruin her reputation.

"What are you not sure about? It'll be a kiss between friends. We are friends, aren't we?"

"Of course we are!" Nick's quick to confirm. "I wouldn't take back our friendship for anything!"

"Then…" Kagami shifts closer, leaving a tender hand on his chest. "a kiss shouldn't be a problem. I want to test it out and I trust you, Nick."

Nick's still adamant on his state, but if Kagami's willing to do it then he can't say no.

"Okay. I'll kiss you."

Kagami wraps tender arms around Nick's neck. Shaky arms hold her shyly by her waist.

"I-I'm going in." Nick stutters. Kagami flutters her eyes shut, taking that as a message to lean in.

Then the ground shakes, knocking the two off balance. Nick misses Kagami's lips, with her now toppled over him as they fall from the bed, following the stack of books.

"An earthquake?"

The tremors knocked everything right off the shelves, rendering the room as messy as Toby's. Luckily neither Nick nor Kagami were hurt. With the tremors gone, Nick helps Kagami to her feet.

"This doesn't make any sense," Kagami says, unfazed. She's experienced many earthquakes when she lived in Japan. "Venture Falls is nowhere near two tectonic plates. How can there be an earthquake?"

'Gorm!'

Toby bursts into the room, almost tripping on his feet in trepidation. "Guys, you gotta see this."

Nick and Kagami don't hesitate to follow Toby, rushing down the stairs two steps at a time into the front yard.

The teens stood there frozen at the sight. There, cutting past the new flower beds planted that morning is a massive crack plunging far into the depths of the earth.

A/N: this was the hardest chapter to write so far. Hope you all enjoyed the drama and the angst. I know I kinda pushed the T rating in that Jessica-Mark scene so...I'm (not) sorry if that was unexpected. This chapter was supposed to be called Brothers Conflict but I've been listening to Plastic Love repeating while writing this and I felt it that overally encompasses the theme(?) of the chapter better.

Thanks and sorry to Finalfanaticgorm for beta-reading this monster chapter.

See you all next week.