Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In New York, Tori and Andre were at their apartment, planning something big.

"I think it's amazing that we got asked to volunteer for this," Tori said, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"A charity event to raise money for cancer awareness? Yeah. We'd better give this all we've got," Andre said as he received his cup from Tori. "There's one member of my family who's a cancer survivor."

"Really?" Tori asked, taking a seat.

"My uncle's been battling prostate cancer for the last year or so," Andre explained.

"And is he doing alright?" Tori asked.

"Yeah. He's been having chemotherapy and he is slowly recovering well. He also sought psychiatric help with everything he has been through," Andre explained.

"I see," Tori said.
Cat came through the room, heading for the door wearing a blue blouse, and a matching skirt. "Well, I'm off for work," she said as she straightened her skirt.

"I thought you had to leave for a few days," Tori prompted her.

"So did I," Cat explained. "But something came up, and they want me to be there. Gosh, it's been months since I came here to New York, but I do miss my babysitting job back in L.A."

"That job over this one?" Tori asked curiously.

"Yeah, I miss the little kids," Cat sighed. "And Sam, Dice and my Nona!"

"How is your Nona, by the way?" Tori inquired.

"She's doing okay, and getting busy for a bingo night," Cat smiled. "Well, anyways, I'm off."

"Good luck at work," Andre added quickly.

"Yeah, good luck, Cat!" Tori chimed in.

"Thank you guys," Cat responded before walking out of the apartment.

Cat updated her status on TheSlap, which read: "I wonder what Sikowitz would be teaching today in Hollywood Arts… - MOOD = Nostalgia".

Cat walked into her workplace and settled herself down at her desk. A moment later her boss, Ryleigh Baxter, walked up to her.

"Sorry to have to deprive you of your leave," Ryleigh apologized.

"It's alright," Cat said with a smile. "I honestly didn't mind. What do you need me to do?"

"Remember the Wesleys, who needed suits tailored for their ceremony?" Ryleigh asked, and Cat nodded. "Well, they moved up the deadline, and now we need those suits by tomorrow afternoon."

"Tomorrow afternoon?" Cat asked her boss, her voice quickly rising in pitch. She cleared her throat. "But that's not enough time."

"I know. That's why I'm counting on you," Ryleigh admitted. "Jonah will be working with you on the project and giving you everything you need."

Cat nodded her head again. "Yes, Ms. Baxter," she replied, trying to keep the strain out of her voice. "I'll try my best."

Ryleigh turned to walk away, but paused and turned to Cat again. "Oh, which reminds me, it's that time of the month where the company is looking into donating to charities. It helps boost both our corporate profile and employee morale. This month we'll be donating to this cancer charity that word's been buzzing about."

Cat thought for a second, then her eyes brightened. "That's great!" she said promptly. "My best friend and her fiance are holding a charity event for a cancer fund program. They are putting on a show to raise money. I've heard there are gonna be important people there."

"Is that so?" Ryleigh mused. "Well, hopefully this will be a big help to your friends."

Cat smiled to herself as she watched her boss walk off, enjoying the last few moments before her responsibilities of getting the Wesleys' designs completed became a painful reality.

Chapter Text

A few hours passed and evening approached. Tori and Andre were at their computers, getting the word out about the charity event.

"Okay, so I've got the flier designs ready," Tori said as she showed Andre her screen.

"Not bad!" Andre replied. "I've recently gotten word out to all of New York's biggest influencers. With luck, they'll see my messages."

"That's great. I'll get these flyers printed by tonight," Tori said confidently.

It was at that moment that Andre's phone rang. "Who is it?" Tori asked, watching Andre check the number.

"It's my uncle," Andre answered, a tone of puzzlement in his voice. He quickly answered the call and held the phone up to his ear.

Tori listened as Andre greeted his uncle and asked about his health. The conversation took a twist when he asked Andre about the charity event going on.

"Wait, how did you know about the charity event?" Andre asked him. Tori sat there, eager to hear his uncle's answer. "Mind if I put you on speaker?" Andre added. When his uncle agreed, Andre put the call on speaker so Tori could listen in. "So, you found out about the charity event on social media?" Andre asked.

"Yep, that's right," his uncle responded, his voice husky. "And I'd love to help as much as I can. I can't come to New York or anything, but I've got connections and I could hook you up with some people I know."

"No way, seriously? I'd appreciate that a lot!" Andre responded with enthusiasm.

"Anything for the cause, Andre," his uncle said. "I'll call you later once I have more news about my contacts."

"Yeah, that'd be awesome," Andre added.

"Anyways, how's life in New York?" his uncle inquired.

"It's much busier here than L.A," Andre admitted with a laugh. "The food and weather are great though, and so are the opportunities."

"But it sure is expensive," Tori added.

"Ooh, who's that fine lady?" Andre's uncle asked instantly, hearing Tori's voice for the first time.

Andre chuckled. "This is Tori, my fiancee."

"Your fiancee?" his uncle asked curiously. "I never knew you got engaged. Congrats, man. How long have you been engaged?"

"A couple of months," Tori answered. "And it's very nice to meet you. I've heard a lot of nice things about you."

"I'm glad to hear it. Andre hasn't had the chance to tell me much about you, but you do sound fine," his uncle said. "Listen, I think I might just hang up now. Going for a jog in a few."

"Yeah, well take care. I'll catch up with you later," Andre replied.

"Yes, take care! It was nice meeting you," Tori said.

"You too. Bye," his uncle said before he hung up.

"He's seems like a really nice guy," Tori admitted. "I can't believe he's doing this for the charity event."

"Like he said. He's doing it for the cause," Andre said happily.

Tori updated her status on TheSlap, which read: "This charity event for cancer awareness is going to be a blast - MOOD = Hopeful".

Later that night, as Tori was removing her makeup, she got a FaceTime request from Cat. She accepted it without hesitation.

"Hey, Tori," Cat said, rubbing her eyes. "Just calling in to say that I won't be back until tomorrow afternoon."

"You staying at work overnight?" Tori asked, her brows raised.

"Yep," Cat answered. "There's this huge deadline, and a bunch of designs that have to be finished…" She looked away and called out too someone else. "Not there! The pin goes on the other side."

"Everything going well there?" Tori wondered aloud.

"Not really." Cat sighed. "But I'm going to have coffee with my boss in a few. I should be alright then."

"Don't drink too much coffee, though," Tori said.

"Don't worry, I won't," Cat said firmly. "When you see Robbie, let him know that I won't be in… OH! And my boss heard about your charity event; she's thinking about donating to the cancer program and attending the show!"

"WHAT?!" Tori exclaimed in surprise. "For real?"

"YES, for real!" Cat said with a smile, voice raised in excitement.

"That's awesome!" Tori said. "Earlier this evening, we got some other good news. Andre's uncle who is a cancer survivor, believe it or not, has a lot of connections with some really important people, and he's helping us with the charity event!"

"What, that's great!" Cat said excitedly. "Looks like it's gonna be a smash." She paused and sighed, thinking of all the work that lay ahead. "Well, I gotta be going now. See you tomorrow, Tori. Love you, bye!"

"Yeah, bye Cat!" Tori said, just before the call ended.

Chapter Text

The next day back in L.A., Trixie decided to host a pool party at her house. The rest of the New Six, as well as Trina, Jade, and Beck were invited.

"Great pool party, Trixie," Trina said, enjoying the blasting music.

"Thanks, Trina. I've thought about doing this ever since I came to Hollywood Arts – and now with the friends I've made, it was possible," Trixie explained.

"And I am so grateful your parents were okay with me bringing Rocky. He enjoys being outdoors," Leah said, as she watched her dog roll around in the grass.

"Convincing them to let your dog come was a lot easier than I thought," Trixie recalled. "Let's just hope he doesn't get into the pool."

Trina joined Jade and Beck at the refreshments table. "You guys doing good?" she asked casually.

"We are not staying long," Jade said, vibing to the music.

"That's alright. Well anyways, I've been meaning to ask!" Trina said excitedly. "How was the trip to Cabo?"

"It was nice," Jade said with a flat voice, knowing to herself that it was more than nice. It had been such a lovely and romantic week at Cabo, with Beck all to herself. Cabo had been beautiful, with its beaches, caves, and mesmerizing coasts. As Jade spoke, Beck wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Just nice?" Trina asked with raised brows. "If it was my honeymoon-"

"Well, it wasn't," Jade said, cutting her off. "Anyway, the details are mine to share with whoever I choose and whenever I choose to do so."

"Right," Trina said with a grimace as she walked away.

"Just nice?" Beck teased.

"Oh, shut up. You know what I mean," Jade replied playfully.

"Let's hit the pool!" Jade overheard Clayton say; the others joined him shortly afterwards.

"Well, it's time we were leaving," Jade said, her hand in Beck's. "See you guys later."

"Yeah, bye!" Trixie called after them.

"Cannonball!" Sean yelled as he jumped into the pool. He managed to splash Leah and Trixie in the process.

"Sean!" Leah and Trixie yelled, annoyed.

"Does he do that often?" Leah asked her girlfriend.

"More often than you might think," Trixie answered, as her mother approached.

"Having fun, dear?" Mindy asked.

"Absolutely. This is one of the best pool parties ever," Trixie said.

"Yeah, though I wish your father would stop being lazy, and come out here and visit with you," Mindy said.

"Watching the baseball game?" Trixie asked.

"Yes. You know how your father is obsessed with sports," Mindy said, as she went back in the house to find him.

"Is he really?" Leah asked. "Obsessed?"

"Yeah," Trixie confirmed.

Inside the house, Mindy walked into the family room to find her husband, Leon, sitting on a recliner in front of the TV. "Honey, the baseball game can wait," she told him. "We have company. Now come outside and visit with people."

"It's the bottom of the ninth," Leon argued.

"You and your sports. I swear," Mindy said. But just then, the batter on TV struck out and the game ended.

"Well, game's over now, I'll come outside," Leon said.

"Thank you," Mindy said. The couple went outside to join the guests. "Come on, why don't you have a hot dog?" Mindy asked Leon. "They just came off the grill."

"Okay, sounds good to me," Leon said.

Leah updated her status on TheSlap, which read: "This pool party is amazing! I think Rocky is actually enjoying it :) - MOOD = Overjoyed".

Chapter Text

Two days into the planning of the charity event in New York, Tori was in her apartment talking with Cat, while Robbie and Andre were out putting up some extra flyers. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, interrupting their conversation.

"Wonder who that is," Tori said. She glanced at Cat; neither of them was expecting any visitors. Tori approached the door and opened it, revealing Mara standing there, her presence casting a shadow over the room.

"Oh, hello, Mara," Tori said, putting on a polite smile. She reluctantly invited Mara inside.

Mara entered, her eyes intensely fixed on Tori, seeming to stare right into her soul. "Is there something I can help you with?" Tori asked.

After a moment of silence, Mara spoke in a controlled but slightly trembling voice, "Tori, I hope you've had have time to reconsider about me being in the show. I believe my talent deserves a place in this event. I can bring a unique and captivating performance that will make your charity show unforgettable."

Tori's mind raced, unsure of how to respond. She remembered the time, a few days back, when Mara had ever so casually asked her if she could join the show. Tori, with Andre's backing, had politely declined. Tori and Andre, after discussing it, had decided that Mara's presence in the show could have a negative impact on the event's atmosphere.

"Mara, I appreciate your passion for music," Tori reminded Mara. "But we have already made our decision, based on what we believe is best for the show." She attempted to maintain a calm demeanor.

"You dare to dismiss my talent?" Mara's eyes narrowed, and a flicker of anger flashed across her face. "You have no idea what I'm capable of. I've been honing my skills, perfecting my act and you just refuse to see it?"

"Mara, it's not about your talent. We had to consider your overall vibe and the expectations of our audience…" Tori said, feeling a mixture of empathy and concern for Mara.

"Very well, Tori. You will regret this!" Mara promised. She turned away quickly and stormed out of the room. Tori and Cat then exchanged worried looks.

Cat updated her status on TheSlap, which read: "I'm kinda scared. ;( - MOOD = Upset".

A few hours later, in the early afternoon, Andre and Robbie came back. Tori explained to them what had just happened with Mara.

"She scares me," Andre commented, placing an arm around Tori.

"I don't blame you," Tori agreed, a shiver of fear running down her spine. "She scares me too."

"I swear she reminds me of someone my brother used to know…" Cat said as she cuddled Robbie next to her. "But I can't remember who."

"I'm sure it'll come back to you," Robbie said, stroking her hair.

Cat sighed, thinking. "I remember my brother mentioning someone from his past who had a similar aura to Mara… They were friends, but there was always something off about her, that always used to give me the ick. I can't remember all the details, but I have this gut feeling that they might be the same person."

"How did your brother meet this person?" Tori tilted her head with curiosity.

"Unsure, but I think maybe they met in a psych ward," Cat muttered.

"Why does that not surprise me?" Tori asked.

"My brother has quite a few flaws," Cat admitted.

"I think we've noticed," Tori said.

"Wait, aren't we even going to question this 'psych ward' business?" Andre said, alarmed. "He met her there?"

"Yep," Cat said. "I mean, even if it *was* Mara, I really don't know what happened from that point on. It was a long time ago."

"But where did her psychotic behavior come from?" Robbie asked. "Makes you wonder."

"I'm really not sure…" Cat said, then her eyes widened. "Wait – yes I do! Mara, if that's who I remember – which I'm pretty sure it was – has always been obsessed with setting fires. All different kinds: Fireplaces, fire pits, circus routines where people juggle fire sticks. You name it."

"We have a pyromaniac for a neighbor?" Tori gasped.

"Sounds like it?" Cat asked.

"Maybe I could call my dad. He's a cop; he'll be able to tell us where to go from here," Tori said, slightly frightened.

"Well, I think we should look at this from a different perspective," Andre began. "Maybe we don't really have anything to worry about. All I know is that security's gonna be very tight at the show. It's not like Mara can bypass that, right?"

"I hope not," Tori muttered thoughtfully in response.

Tori updated her status on TheSlap, which read: "WE have a neighbor who's obsessed with setting fires? - MOOD = Scared".

Chapter Text

It was finally the night of the charity event. The band was getting ready, and the crowd was gathering.

Everything was going perfectly. But just when Tori thought the show was going to go off without a hitch, one of the junior musicians backed out due to food poisoning, saying that she couldn't go on. Frustrated, Tori explained the whole situation to Andre.

"And there's no one else here who can replace her?" Andre asked.

"Doesn't seem like it," Tori said.

"Who else could we possibly find on such short notice?" Andre asked.

"There is someone we have worked with before that I could call. I told her about the charity event and she said she'd be willing to step in if needed," the lead band member said.

"Well, where do we find them?" Tori asked.

"She's usually busking for quarters at an intersection about 15 blocks from here," the lead band member mentioned.

"That's a relief!" Andre commented.

"I almost thought everything was going downhill!" Tori added. "The place is nearby. So, it will be quicker if I go fetch them in person. Andre, I'll be back in one hour, tops," she continued as she headed towards her car.

Tori spent the first few minutes driving around. She followed the lead's instructions and found the girl. As she turned a corner, she heard the lone saxophone player. It was hard not to miss the girl's talent. The girl stood at an intersection, improvising, and her instrument case was filled with dollar bills.

"That sounded nice," Tori said, approaching the teenage girl.

"Thanks," the girl, Sarah, said with a shy smile.

"So, what are you doing on a street corner playing all by your lonesome?" Tori asked.

"Well – I can be quite shy, so I've mostly stuck to busking. Anytime I get invited to perform in front of an audience, I chicken out," Sarah explained.

"But look at all this money you've got," Tori pointed out. "It means people love to listen to you play. You shouldn't feel shy. You're following your passion, and you sound great!" Tori suggested. Since Sarah has been a fill in for the band before, Tori felt that Sarah being shy and insecure didn't add up. So, she was a bit confused.

"Well, I have worked with a band before. But when I haven't, I've tried at cafes and at bars, and that was okay….but there aren't many places to play in town," Sarah explained.

"Well – " Tori began, hopeful. "Maybe we can help each other out! My fiance and I are looking for a musician to play at this charity event we're hosting – and your sax playing would be perfect! The same band that you have worked with before needs a sub now so this event can only be saved if you come with me. Besides, You have the talent and we really need you for this event. You will be helping out lots of cancer patients this way too."

"You really think so?" Sarah asked.

"Of course I do," Tori said.

"Okay. I'll give it a try," Sarah said.

After the show finished, everyone met up backstage.

"How much money did we raise?" Tori asked.

"Ten grand," Andre said.

"What?!" Tori asked, shocked. Elated, the engaged couple hugged.

"Sarah, thanks for helping us out on such short notice," Andre said, shaking Sarah's hand. "You were great."

"To be honest, I had a blast. I owe it all to you, Tori. This really helped me come out of my shell and feel more confident. I hope we can be really great friends," Sarah said.

"Of course we can. You're really talented," Tori said.

"Thanks so much. How about you and me go out for coffee sometime?" Sarah asked.

"I'd love that," Tori said.

The three had their backs turned, talking. And so they didn't notice when someone swiped their cash box.

"Tori, have you seen the cash box?" Andre asked a few minutes later.

"Wasn't it right here?" Tori asked. "Sarah?"

"Wasn't me," Sarah said, showing her empty hands. "I'm not a thief. Besides, you've been so nice. Why would I steal from you?" she pointed out.

"Well - who could've taken it? Where could it have gone?" Tori asked, beginning to panic.

She called the police immediately. When they arrived, Tori and Andre explained about the cash box going missing, giving the officers all the details they could think of. Andre suggested maybe they should interview the people from the crew and the people from the venue's security, in case they had seen anything.

Fortunately, one officer who was waiting outside and patrolling the street noticed someone with a black hoodie carrying what could've been the stolen cash box. He ran after the person and caught them. And when he removed the hood, the culprit turned out to be none other than…Mara!

Later, after Mara was arrested, Tori and Andre learned that Mara's plan was to burn all the money raised during the fundraiser. Fortunately, she was caught in time, and all the money was accounted for.

"I can't believe it was you," Tori said, as Mara was being brought to the police car.

"Why not, Tori? Don't I seem like someone who would do that?" Mara asked spitefully. "I mean after all, you made it clear you don't think I have any talent. Like I may as well not even exist."

"You can't make us choose you," Andre said as he put an arm around Tori. He could tell by her slumped posture that she was feeling a bit down.

"Oh, I'll be back," Mara snapped, as the policeman ushered her into the car. "I'll come back stronger and there'll be nothing you can do to stop me."

Tori stood there watching, deep in thought, as the police car drove away.

"It's not your fault," Cat said, patting Tori's shoulder.

"I know. But I still can't believe she'd go this far," Tori said.

"Tori, she was in the psych ward for a reason," Andre replied, trying to comfort her.

"And what I did just fueled the fire," Tori shrugged.

"If I were you, I wouldn't have chosen her either. No one would have," Cat responded with a shudder.

"Yeah," Tori said blankly. "But for now, let's make sure the money gets to the people we raised it for," she said, as she carried the cash box back to the venue.

"Do you think she'll actually be back?" Cat wondered aloud, once Tori was out of earshot.

"I don't know," Andre said.

"I sure hope not. And if she does, I wonder what she'll do," Cat said with wide eyes.

THE END!