Author's Note: Hey guys, here's the Epilogue... Bonus chapter... thing. Thanks for sticking around!

Also IMPORTANT NOTE: This chapter takes place in Cat's POV. I mean you'll be really confused at the beginning if you miss this note.

Disclaimer: If I buy stock in Victorious, can I say I own it? No? Okay fine, I don't own it. It'd probably be a bad investment, anyway (unless there's a finale).

June 23nd, 2019

This is a big moment. It's something I've always wanted for years now. I just never expected it to be so hard to make a decision once we got to this point… Like, how can I choose? It's impossible.

"Cat…" Her voice is soft as her arms circle around my waist from behind. I melt back into her so easily, feeling completely supported and loved. She could obviously see my inner conflict. "I know it's a big decision. But it's up to you. And I know whoever you choose, you'll be the greatest thing that ever happened to them."

A blush burns my cheeks. She's so good at that… just… flooring me with her words. It's easy to feel so important and special under her gaze. Honestly, without Tori… I don't know where I'd be. I hate to think about it. Luckily, I'll never have to find out. I turn around in her arms.

"Hey, I can't be the only one making a decision, here. They'll be equally yours, too. This is just as important for you." I smile. Her face falls.

"But they're all so cute… how can I choose?" Tori sighs. I step back from her, crossing my arms.

"See! That's my problem! We can only adopt one. Can't we just… take them all, Tori?" I mumble, wandering back into her arms. I squeeze her sides, swaying slightly. "We can just get a giant house in the country and we'll all live together as a big happy family."

She smiles slightly, her eyes soft and doting. Please tell me that means she's considering it. "As tempting as that is, I think it'd be a bit of a handful, don't you think?" Tori coos. Damn it.

"Then help me choose!" I whine, and she turns me around.

"Okay we'll narrow down our options together. You get first pick, since this is technically for your birthday." Tori chuckles. I let out a huff.

"Fine. Make me do all the work…" I grumble. "It's just… if we take one home with us… that's leaving all the others. Still abandoned. Unwanted." I pout.

"I know, but I promise there will be proud parents for all of them eventually. We get the chance to give one of them an amazing, love-filled life. Our home will become a puppy paradise for our new dog that's perfect for us. Doesn't that sound nice?" Tori asks.

"Yes." I sigh.

"So don't think of it as leaving the others behind. Think of it as giving one of them a new chance at life. With us." Tori states. "Also… it's probably a good idea not to get a dog that sheds, or is too big. Since, you know… We still don't have the largest apartment."

"Got it. Perfect for it, perfect for us." I nod. She gives my sides a squeeze of encouragement as I look over the playful balls of fluff and fur in the adoption pen in front of me, trying to seriously find the one to go home with us.

It's getting up to two years since Tori dramatically crashed my wedding and swooped me off my feet. Oh, who am I kidding? She had me in the palm of her hand since high school, even if she didn't know it at the time. For a while, I thought I forgot my feelings for her. And for a while, I thought I was happy. Then she crash landed into my secret life and reminded me what true happiness felt like… what it was like to be Cat. To be me.

It was obvious those feeling never truly went away. And how could they have? After all, she's just breathtaking. From those prominent cheekbones to her smooth neck, and how it bridges to her warm chest that has acted as a pillow for me for many nights. I love her chest and how I can feel her heart beat pulse against my ear, and how the gentle slope of her breasts invite me to just…

Simmer down, Cat. I still really have trouble keeping my thoughts in line, especially when it comes to Tori.

Like I said… almost two years. I have to admit, I was scared at first. Okay, terrified. I knew I had loved Tori for a long time, so I knew I wouldn't be stopping anytime soon. Tori… she had fallen for me after she found me alive again. I didn't know for sure if that was out of relief of me being alive or what, but I was scared I was giving my heart and soul to someone who's love for me would be short lived. But… that was dumb.

Tori's proved her love time and time again for me. From standing at my side when I faced my friends and family with the truth and beyond… she's stuck around. I can't ever appreciate her enough, especially since I know my own actions put her through some turmoil. But I try my best… every day. I promised her once I'd never leave her again, and I know I never will. That's not an option for me.

So now we're at another stage in our relationship – a pet. It made sense that it'd be a dog after Tori and I would always go to the pet store to pet and cuddle the puppies there. Now that Tori's released her album we have a bit more down-time (thank god), we can finally commit the time to a furry friend. But we still don't have enough time to house-train a puppy so we're adopting a rescue – which I'm perfectly fine with. Even if we miss their puppy stages, these poor animals were never treated and appreciated the way they should have been. I intend to change that, along with Tori. It's big for us. A chance to take care of something together beyond the plants on our balcony at home.

But this is still such a hard choice. I just wish one of them would hold up a giant sign that says "adopt me". Then we'd know which one, and we could brag to everyone that we have a dog that can write and make signs.

They're all mostly playing with each other in the middle, rough housing and barking. There's many different breeds, and I'm not really picky. I just have Tori's criteria to go by. Not too big and doesn't shed. Got it…

My eye catches one of the pups. It's black as soot and fluffy, kind of walking around the literal dog pile as if trying to find an entry point into the fun. It looks scared, but determined. It takes a charge – and falls back on its back last second, inching away. And that's when it looks up at me with its big puppy eyes.

That one. That one that one that one.

"Tori!" I grab her arm suddenly, lightly patting it in excitement.

"What? What?" She exclaims. "Do you see one?"

"Yes!" I cry, using her own arm to point in its direction. "That one."

Tori's silent for a second while she watches the awkward, yet ambitious dog try to fit in to the crowd. I look up at her, and I watch the smile form on her face. "Aw… it's so precious." She murmurs, looking over at me. I smile at her and she presses her lips to my forehead before turning away. "Excuse me!" She calls to the shelter worker, "We'd like to see the small black one, right there."

The woman opens the pen and walks up to the dog, picking it up. It looks genuinely happy to be in someone's hands, and it seemed even happier when plopped into my arms. It immediately starts licking my face.

"Aww you are just too much, aren't you?" I coo at it. Tori grins and pats its head, earning her hand a licking.

"What's its story?" Tori asks.

"Well, he's about one and a half years old from what we could tell. He's also a miniature schnoodle, although there might be some other breeds mixed in there as well. No name, has all his shots…" The woman explains.

"What happened to him? Why's he here?" I question, snuggling the dog. She frowns slightly.

"We're not sure. Sometimes families buy a puppy and realize they can't take care of it or that they just didn't like having a dog as much as they thought. I guess that happened here, except the family didn't put him up for adoption. He was found in a box in an alley of Toronto, right after a snow storm. He barely made it." The woman explains sadly. Tori lets out a gasp and I look down at the poor dog.

"I guess that's something we have in common, eh little guy?" I say softly. I feel Tori's arms affectionately wrap around me. I still get skittish whenever a snow storm happens, but now with Tori… she makes me almost forget there's one even happening.

"He's a little nervous and shy, but friendly once he's used to you. He already seems to like both of you." She grins. I look up at Tori.

"What do you think?" I ask.

"I think… he needs a name." Tori murmurs, resting her forehead against my temple. I practically let out a squeal. We're going to have a dog together. This dog. He's perfect.

"Um…" I think for a second, staring at him. He looks up at me, and then shifts to be more comfortable in my arms. "Benji."

"He looks like a Benji." Tori chuckles. "Hey, Benji. We're going to love the fuck out of you." She scratches him behind the ear, and he lets out a content yawn in response. Aww, my heart just exploded.

"I'll get the adoption papers." The shelter worker states, walking off. Tori kisses me cheek gently, and in response I turn to her, capturing her lips in mine. God, I love kissing her.

"Good birthday gift?" She mumbles.

"Yes. Can't get much better than puppy adoption. You'll be hard pressed to beat this for the next coming years." I tease.

"Hey, you already set a high bar after what you did for me on my 23rd birthday." Tori smirks, and I blush. I remember that. It involved a chair, and Tori sitting in that chair while I… danced around her. Or on her. That was a fun birthday for both of us. "But I'll do my best to make the anniversary of the day you came into the world to be always very special, because that's a very special day to me."

"Ugh, Tori. You're going to make me drop Benji." I sigh, feeling my limbs go weak at her words. She chuckles in response.

"Well maybe next year I'll just adopt you a baby for your birthday." Tori muses. My head snaps up to stare at her. Her face drops, as if she can't believe what just came out of her mouth. "Uh. That was a joke."

"Oh thank god. I want to make sure we can't take care of a dog before we ever start thinking about actual human children." I giggle. Tori looks relieved at my response.

"Same. It's still a little early for kids I think." She smiles. She seems to think for a moment. "Besides, you'd probably rather in vitro anyway."

I blink at her. "What?"

"In vitro. It's when you take your eggs and mix them in a dish with-"

"No, no I know what it means." I stop her. I give her a questioning look. "What makes you think I'd rather that?" I inquire. Tori and I haven't talked about the prospect of having kids for a long time, not since we cleared up that I wasn't upset she couldn't biologically give me children.

"Well just… because… I know it's been a long time but I just assumed you'd still want to carry the child, so…" She trails off, a faint flush in her features. I furrow my brow for a moment. Sure, I admit it… sometimes I still wake up in the middle of the night feeling devastated about my past, but Tori's helped me a lot. But I don't want to have children for the sake of making up for what I did anymore. I've accepted it happened. Now I'd want to have kids because… Tori would be by my side to raise them.

"I don't know. That would mean the child would be mine and… some stranger's." I mutter.

"You know I'd love them and think of them as my own." Tori coos. Mmm… that gave me shivers.

"Of course you would, I don't doubt that. But Tori… maybe in virto or artificial insemination would work for another couple, but I think I would rather adopt." I shift Benji into one arm so I can cup her cheek. "There's tons of kids in the same situation as these dogs who deserve a good home and parents. I hope to be that for them someday, and I want you on equal stance with that."

"Okay." Tori breathes. We look into each other's eyes for a long time, getting lost in them. Finally, she opens her mouth. "Not… yet though."

"Right." I nod. Something to look forward to.

"Alright, I have the papers…" The shelter worker returns with some forms and pens. We both sign and officially adopt Benji, then pick him up a leash, food and some toys. When we make it back to Tori's car, Benji seems overwhelmed by his new surroundings so he snuggles on my lap. Tori reaches over, petting him comfortingly.

"I can't wait to show him to Vik and Nicky. They'll die." Tori chuckles.

"Maybe you should hold off. They need to be alive for next weekend." I giggle. Tori pulls onto the road, letting out a sigh.

"Yeah…" She breathes.

"Tori?" I question. "Every time I mention the BAMAs, you shut down." I mutter. Let me explain. The Bi-Annual Music Awards is a new awards show for music artists that names the best for the first six months of the year, and the last six months. Since Tori released her album… it's become really popular. The tour with Splashface was a success, and now the music world is watching her. One of her new singles even got some radio play in North America. Because of this, she's nominated for a BAMA Rising Star award, and the live event takes place a week from today. She's been to a ton of music award situations, but this is her first nomination.

"Sorry, it's just… I'm nervous. Every time I think about it, my stomach feels all… blah." Tori shudders. "It's not like I'm dying to win or something, but… My fans have been voting their asses off. I can't imagine their disappointment if I lose."

"Tor… love…" I sigh, reaching over to take one of her hands off the wheel and enclosing it in my own. "They're there to support you. Some of them from the very beginning of your Splashface channel, the ones who shared your videos and gained you a following. I know they'll be proud of how far you've come no matter what. I know I am." I assure her.

"Thanks, Cat." She smiles at me. "It's still nerve wracking. It's kind of a big deal, you know? My first nomination, in front of all these other established musical artists…"

"They all had to start somewhere too, hun. I'm sure they understand your position all too well." I smile. "And besides, I'm pretty sure a lot of them are cheering you on. Remember when Sia said in that interview that you have great style and depth?"

"Don't remind me while I'm driving. I might faint again." Tori groans, and I let out a laugh. A smile forms on her face. "What would I do without you?"

I lean over and press the back of her hand to my lips. "You'll never have to find out." I mumble against her skin. She pulls her hand away to turn the car into a plaza, and I look around, confused.

"Think Benji is small enough to hide if we bring him into a store?" Tori asks.

"Why? What are we doing here?" I inquire.

"Well it's not your birthday quite yet, so I wanted to get something special for the day of." She explains. I tilt my head slightly.

"Like…"

"Like… a gift that will keep on giving." She smirks, pointing past me from our parking spot to one of the stores in the plaza. I follow her direction and see the store… Stag Shop.

"Oh… Ohhh." I breathe, my breath catching just… thinking of the possibilities. But I quickly shake it off. "Tori, Benji is one and a half. We are not bringing him into a store like that." I declare.

"Alright, alright." She chuckles, putting the car back into drive. "But we're coming back later." Tori winks. I feel a shudder tingle down my spine.

"I mean if you insist." I mumble, feeling heat fill my cheeks as I stare at the point where Tori's neck meets her collarbone. I want to kiss it so bad.

"Love you." She interrupts my thoughts with her own kiss on my lips. I teeter a bit, enjoying the lightheaded feeling that hasn't faded since high school. She still leaves me so breathless.

June 30th, 2019

"There you are, Cat. I've been looking all over for you." I hear behind me, as well as feel the hand on my shoulder. I turn around to see the grinning face of the spunky blonde named Nicky.

"Oh thank god," I breathe. "I lost Tori at some point after the red carpet and I didn't know anybody here and this is all very… overwhelming." I frown.

"It's definitely… different." Nicky notes. The BAMAs operate differently from different awards shows. Most other shows have assigned seats at a table or in the audience, but not this one. This one is set up like a giant party. There's constant top hits blaring and dancing, and different buskers around as well. There's cameras catching and steaming every moment, so instead of seeing scripted events, viewers at home can see their favourite musicians be spontaneous while they party. Every so often a new award is being announced and we're directed to the stage, but that's about it. There's a lot of people here.

"I mean, it's a good different. Just… overwhelming. Especially since I'm just Tori's plus one. I'm not a musician." I sigh. Nicky pats my back firmly.

"Hey, your voice could blow over half of these singers out of the water. Don't forget that." She winks. "And besides, you're T's music video director. I took a peak and the plans you gave to Vik for T's new single. It looks like both you and T will be getting an award from the MMVAs next year."

"Thanks, Nicky." I smile. "Think she'll win tonight?"

"I sure hope so. She deserves it." Nicky states, and I nod in agreement. "If not, there will be other awards to win. I can assure you of that."

"Yeah." I grin. I really want Tori to win, and I believe she should. But… you can never know with these things. It's out of our hands. "Where's Vik?"

"No idea. I lost him at some point too. I think he-" Nicky stops her sentence in its tracks. I wave my hand in front her voice.

"Uh, Nicky? Hello?" I try to get her attention, but she looks star struck. Star struck… we're at a music awards show where we can mingle with everyone… Oh boy.

"It's him." She breathes.

"Nicky…" I say slowly.

"The N to my sync." I actually see tears start to form in her eyes.

"I know how you feel but I'm still kind of lost and alone here-" I start to reason with her, but she's beyond reasoning.

"Justin Timberlake!" Nicky screeches, prancing off in his direction.

"Wait, Nicky! Don't…" But she's already gone. "…Leave me…" I sigh, hearing her singing 'I'm bringing Nicky back'. She's going to get herself a restraining order.

I look around the large area of different stars and journalists alike. I think I just saw Rihanna. And Steven Tyler. And Jared Leto. I'm alone in a room full of talent. Tori, wherever you are, help.

"Excuse me," I hear next to me. I turn to see a microphone and giant camera in my face. "I'm reporting for LaLaMusic. Sorry if I'm mistaken, but are you Cat Valentine?" The woman with a microphone asks me.

"Um, yes, I am." I answer, slightly stunned.

"So you're Tori Vega's girlfriend, right?"

"Yeah." This is all very sudden.

"She's nominated for the Rising Star award, correct? You must be proud of her. "

"I am. She worked very hard for this. I'm extremely happy for her." I explain.

"Well I know our viewers at home are really enjoying her music." The interviewer continues.

"That's great. Yeah her music is really fresh. It's what I love about it." I smile. If I can get this chance to promote Tori, I'll take it.

"Now, let's talk about you." She says suddenly.

"Me?" I blink.

"Yes. You've had a bit of fame yourself, haven't you?" She asks. "If I remember correctly, you faked your death and didn't show yourself for over three years."

My mouth drops slightly. "Uh… yeah…"

"Any comment on that?" She hold the microphone back up to me. Ugh, I thought I was done with this.

"Just that… that was a very different time for me. It's in the past, and I've moved on." I state. "But this is about the music, right?"

"Sure! Now, your girlfriend seems to have a very admirable, good-girl attitude in this industry. I was just wondering, since she's dating you, she must have some sort of scandals or dirty secrets in her life. Care to spill?" The interviewer goads. I feel my tongue catch in my throat.

"I uh… I…" I gape. Thankfully, that's when someone else steps in front of the camera.

"Hey! I see you found Cat, my client's biggest fan and supporter. I need to steal her away now, my client needs her. Buy Tori Vega's debut album! Vegabond! In stores now!" And he takes me by the arm, leading me away. The interviewer looks sour, but I let out a breath of relief.

"Thank you, Vik." I sigh. He grabs me by the shoulders.

"You okay? Those interviewers can be viscous." Vik asks, concerned.

"Don't I know it." I huff. "I'm just glad you showed up when you did."

"No problem. Tori's been doing a ton of interviews and I've been playing the safety net for her, too. Or, I was. She sent me to find you." Vik explains. I brighten up at this.

"You know where Tori is?" I question eagerly.

"Yeah, she's over by the west bar. I'll take you to her." He offers, holding out his arm. I take it quickly.

"Please do." I smile, and we start walking through the crowd.

"How's your pup?" He asks.

"Benji? He's great. He settled into our apartment very quickly. It was hard to leave him to come to LA for this, but he's not ready for that much travel yet." I sigh. "It's okay though. We left him with a great baby sitter." I smile, thinking about how much Ms. Wilkinson lit up when we asked her.

"Ahh good. Can't wait to meet him in person. I know I'm a big tough guy all the time but I have a soft spot for dogs." Vik grins. I push him slightly.

"Yeah, such a tough guy." I laugh.

"Geez, now you sound like Nicky." He huffs, and I laugh again. "Look, there's your girl."

My senses go on high alert as I search along the bar, seeing Tori and some strapping young guy about our age leaning against the bar talking to her. My stomach twists uneasily at the way he's looking at her.

"Who's that?" I ask Vik.

"He's the guy that won the Rising Star BAMA last year. That's the other thing about this awards show setup. Networking." Vik explains.

"Always networking." I sigh, frowning at him touching her arm.

"You're jealous." Vik observes.

"No. Yes." I admit with a huff. "It's not like I don't trust her but I still want to be the only one who gets to flirt with her." I mumble.

"So find an excuse to interrupt. Honestly, as much as I like networking, the way he's looking at her is kind of creepy." Vik comments.

"Thank you." I exasperate, and I look at the drink in Vik's hand. He follows my gaze.

"You're going to steal my Sprite, aren't you?" Vik mutters.

"May I?"

"Ugh. Yes." Vik hands over the drink, and I grin.

"Thanks, Vik, you're the best!" I call behind me.

"Don't I know it…" He sighs.

I practically skip to Tori and when I get to her, I push myself between the guy and Tori and push myself against her. A big smile spreads on her face.

"Sweetheart, I got you a drink." I press it into her hands, batting my eyelashes at her.

"Cat! There you are, love. Thank you." Tori coos. I kiss her on the cheek and then turn to face the guy with a pointed look, my arms around Tori's waist. He looks between us.

"Oh… so… you're a lesbian?" He asks, blinking.

"Bisexual, actually." Tori clarifies. I see a small smile form on his face.

"Oh, so you're into guys, too?" He raises his eyebrow. Ugh, stop undressing her with your eyes. You pig.

"Actually, I'm just into Cat right now. No one else." Tori states, pulling me to her. He seems to frown a bit.

"Right, well I'm going to go… Lots of people to meet." He mutters. "Good luck tonight."

"Thanks." Tori says as he walks away. She turns to look at me. "Strange. He said he was a big fan of mine and watched a ton of my Splashface videos, but he didn't even know I had a girlfriend."

"Yeah, and the way he left so quickly? It's almost like he became uninterested in a conversation once he saw there was nothing in it for him." I gape with mock surprise. She chuckles and pulls me in for a deep kiss.

"Glad I have all the people I love looking after me tonight." She murmurs, and I sigh while nuzzling her forehead. "Want to dance?"

"Absolutely." I breathe, and I giggle while she pulls me onto the dance floor.

While we dance, about three different awards were announced. Each time a new award was introduced, I'd see her stop breathing and I'd have to kiss her to remind her how. It should be soon. I know she's feeling the pressure.

Eventually we found Vik and Nicky and we were all huddled near the stage. I'm holding Tori's hands tightly, because they're shaking.

"So… Cat told me you finally had your run in with Justin Timberlake." Tori notes. Nicky crosses her arms.

"Tried to. His wife was practically directing traffic. She could see a threat a mile away and kept him clear of me. She just knows I'd take him from her so easily if I got the chance." Nicky huffs.

"Nicky…" Vik raises his eyebrow.

"What? It worked out for them!" Nicky points at us, and I giggle while cuddling into Tori.

"You'll get another chance." Tori assures her. That's when we hear music die down, and a voice comes over the speakers. They're announcing the Rising Star Award, and a celebrity comes out to present. I don't know who's squeezing our hands tighter – me or Tori.

"It seems like the music industry is getting more and more up-and-coming young talent every year." The celebrity announces. "For this Bi-Annual Music Award, we have nominations for four different artists who have blasted onto the scene and are making their music heard for the first time. The votes are in, and now one of these artists will be crowned the Rising Star for this half of the year. Here are your nominees…"

They read off the names.

I scream loud when they list off Tori's name among the nominees.

I forget how to breathe when they open the envelope.

Time stops when they read off the name.

…

My stomach drops when they don't read Tori's.

Tori releases my hands and I look to her with concern, but I see her smiling and clapping, looking happy for the person to won. And she probably is, but I know there's cameras on her right now.

When the winner leaves the stage, Tori combs her hand through her hair.

"Ah. Damn." She sighs. "That's unfortunate."

"Tori, you okay?" Vik asks.

"Yeah. Just kind of disappointed. I guess it's stupid, right? I mean, this doesn't mean I failed or let down my fans, right?" Tori mutters.

"It's totally okay that you wanted to win, T. But you're right, this doesn't mean you won't win the next one." Nicky states.

"I guess… if there is a next one." Tori mumbles. "I mean… if I'm not the Rising Star then I guess that means I'm falling back to earth, right? Even that perv from earlier won one of those…"

"Tori." I stop her, grabbing her arms. "Like Nicky said, it's fine to want to win. It's fine to be disappointed. But do not let this be a judge of your talent." I say firmly. "You really think that's a reliable system? One that lets a bunch of people vote over and over again, judging a winner based on which fan base has enough time to actually sit there and vote all day? No, that has nothing to do with how much you actually deserved that award." I tip her chin to me. "You've come a lot farther than many other aspiring artists and rising stars ever do. That took guts, and dedication, and yes, talent. So, even if you don't have a damn metal figurine to show it, you are a winner. You'll always be a winner to me." I finish, and I notice tears fill her eyes.

"Cat." She whimpers, and she pulls me into a tight hug and buries her head into my shoulder. I stoke her back soothingly, closing my eyes.

"I'm so proud of you, love." I coo.

"Marry me."

W…wait. Did I just… did I just hear that? Either Bruno Mars is singing or I think… Tori just slipped out a proposal into my ear.

We both tense and pull slowly back from each other. Tori looks wide-eyed and beet red, which I'm sure matches my face. I catch Nicky out of the corner of my eye, watching us and gaping.

"Sh…shit. No. I mean… I didn't… that just… word vomit… Oh shit." Tori gawks.

"Did you… mean that?" I ask slowly. She blinks at me.

"Uh…" She trails off, and then we're cut off from the feedback of a microphone on stage. Another award already? Right now?!

"Hey all you talented people in this room. You having a good time?" The person with the microphone asks. There's a cheer in the large venue and I immediately recognize the voice. Both Tori and I, still in our shocked states, turn to look at Andre on the stage.

I knew he was going to be here, but why is he up on stage?

"So we have a special award to give out, here, and I was given the honour of presenting it. This is an award for someone who has clawed their way to the top through outlets outside of the music industry. They end up being an influence and inspiration to young people everywhere showing that they, too, can make it. This person used Splashface to showcase her work, just her and her piano, and now she's beyond the computer screen in a short amount of time all on her own merit. This is why I am proud and more than pleased to present the Social Media Star Award to my best friend – Tori Vega."

What.

Oh my god.

All four of us stand there, stunned, while the room erupts in applause and we hear Tori's single over the speakers. Andre smiles and beckons Tori up, but it takes a push from Nicky before she starts moving. Tori makes her way up the stage, looking utterly taken aback, as she hugs Andre and takes the award.

"Um… wow. I… don't really know what to say. This is all… very unexpected. I know I don't have a lot of time so… I obvious want to thank my fans for supporting me, my family and friends for always pushing me to be better, my producers for getting me to this point, and of course… my girlfriend, Cat. Without you I would never have had the courage to do this, so thank you. And thank you for sticking with me even when… I say random, sudden things without really thinking about it. I love you and I love you all. Thank you." Tori raises the award and she's ushered away, to the back stages.

"Wait, where is she going?" I ask.

"To the back to get interviewed. Come on, we'll meet her back stage." Vik guides us away.

"Cat, did T propose to you?" Nicky whispers to me.

"I… I think so? I don't know." I mumble. I don't know how I feel about it. I mean, I know I want to spend the rest of my life with Tori but… I still can't see myself in a wedding dress quite yet. But at the same time, the thought of truly marrying Tori… it gives me goose bumps.

We make it to the back area and we find Tori, who still looks dazed.

"Heeey, there's are Social Media Star." Nicky grins, giving her a hug.

"Where's your award?" I ask. She blinks at me.

"Um, they took it away. They're going to engrave it and send it to me in a couple weeks… Can I talk to you?" Tori questions, and I nod slightly. She takes my hand and pulls me away.

"Proud of you, Tori. You deserve this." Vik calls out, and Tori flashes him a small smile.

"Okay." Tori breathes out. "About… what I said…"

"You mean… when you asked me to marry you." I say slowly. I see her gulp, and nod.

"Yeah. That." She mumbles. "Look, I know that was sudden. It wasn't planned. I was just… thinking about how much you mean to me and how I never want to let you go and it just… I don't know. I just said it without thinking. I definitely didn't want to propose like that. I don't even have a ring for you." Tori groans.

"So… you do want to propose?" I ask, and she stares at me for a second.

"I… I don't know. I mean not... not really. Now right now. I think. I… ugh." She clutches her hair and quickly cup her face.

"Tori, relax. If it just happened, that's fine. I'm not upset. I'm just glad we could clear it up." I assure her. Honestly, I'm just as confused about it as she is.

"Okay. So… let's just… move on?" Tori requests. I smile slightly.

"Sure." I murmur, kissing her gently.

"You're the best, Cat. Have I ever told you that?" Tori sighs. I let out a giggle.

"Careful, Tor. You might accidentally propose again." I tease, turning away to head back to Vik and Nicky. She gapes at me.

"Oh, that's not fair." She huffs. I turn back to her with a smirk.

"All's fair in love and war."

July 5th, 2019

"So, did you do anything special for The Fourth of July? You know, since you really are American." Bev asks me as I'm wiping up the diner bar with a dish towel.

"Yeah. Tori and I went to Niagara Falls, yesterday. Usually that's our Canada Day tradition, but we missed it because we were in LA for the awards. It was a lot less crowded on Independence Day…" I muse.

"Oh yeah, send my congratulations to Tori for the award. We had to streaming here in the diner." Bev smiles, and I smile back.

"Thanks, Bev. I'll pass along the congrats." I say, turning to the serving window. I take the orders and start to the tables.

"Hey Cat, after you're done serving those, come back and talk to me." Bev requests.

"Sure. I'll be right back." I state, heading off. I take a little longer because the table had me perform a short song, but then I make it back to Bev. "What's up?"

"Well, you know I'm getting old now…" Bev starts.

"What? No. You don't look a day past thirty." I scoff, and she grins.

"Baby cakes, flattering your boss will get you everywhere." She laughs. "But my point is, part of my vision for this restaurant would be that it'd become a chain. I want to spread the combination of good food and live music across the country. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened yet."

"I'm sure it will. It's a popular concept." I comment.

"Perhaps, but like I said, I don't have forever. So… I want to offer you a bit of a promotion." Bev reveals. I stare at her.

"Like… what kind of promotion?" I ask.

"Oh don't worry you'll still be performing. I know how much you love that. But I know how adept you've become with a camera and I've seen how that helped promote Tori quickly. So… I'd like to pay you to create some promotional videos of this place. It might garner more patrons and convince other cities to put a new location there." Bev explains. A smile spreads across my face.

"Bev, it would be a privilege." I declare.

"Fantastic! Thank you, baby cakes. You've been a loyal employee all these years. I'll never forget that." She pinches me cheek and I giggle. "Now, go hug your girlfriend." Bev states, walking away. I cock my head to the side.

"Huh?" I question, but it comes clear to me when two familiar tan arms wrap around my neck from behind.

"Hey beautiful." Tori mumbles into my ear. I smile and turn to face her.

"Tori? What are you doing here?" I jump on her with a hug.

"Vik and Nicky kicked me out of the studio. They said I wasn't focused enough. So I came here to visit you." She explains.

"I'm not complaining." I chuckle. "Why weren't you focused? Everything okay?"

"Yeah. Completely. I was think about stuff. A lot of stuff." Tori recalls.

"Like what kind of a lot of stuff?" I inquire. Tori bites her lip suddenly, looking nervous.

"Um… mainly about the awards." Tori mumbles.

"You're not still sad about losing the Rising Star award, are you?" I ask.

"No, of course not. The one I got was much more special anyway." Tori winks. "I was more of thinking about… before the Social Media Star was given to me."

"Oh." I breathe.

"Yeah." She rubs the back of her head. "I've been really think about… why, all of a sudden, I felt the need to ask you to marry me." Tori explains.

"And?" I search her eyes carefully.

"And… You know how at the time… I said I didn't mean it? Well… I was thinking… obviously I did, if I just blurt it out like that. I really do want to marry you." Tori admits. I blow out a breath.

"Oh." I repeat, staring at her.

"But… not yet. Kind of like how we talked about adopting children in the future. I mean, we just adopted a dog. I'm still establishing myself as a pop star. I'm still getting over the fact that you're even my girlfriend. We're still young… we don't have to rush anything. And I'm okay with that, if you are." Tori states, and I nod slowly.

"Yeah, of course I am." I assure her.

"Great. But… that still doesn't exclude the fact that I want to marry you, someday. And I know you do to, unless you changed your mind about that." Tori mumbles.

"Of course I do." I smile. "One day. Doesn't have to be today. Could be thirty years from now. But yeah, I do want to be called your wife one day." I state. I really feel the words as they come out of my mouth. I want to be Tori Vega's wife one day.

"Good… I'm… I'm glad… and so grateful that I'm the one you want to share your life with." Tori sighs, looking down at the ground shyly with a blush. She's so cute. "So, I figured… even if I don't propose… why not at least symbolize that you're mine?"

"What do you mean?" I ask. Tori shuffles into her back pocket and pulls out a small, white box.

"I'm not going to do the whole kneeling on the ground spiel since it isn't really a proposal, but… I want you to know that I love you, and you're my one and only love, and… my life holds more meaning with you in it. So…" She opens the box, and a simple, silver band pokes out. I can see the words 'My Love' and 'My Life' engraved on the sides. "It's a promise ring. I… hope you like it."

"Of course I do… Tori this is so… wow." I feel a catch in my throat. "I love you, too. And I also promise to be with you. Forever. Through everything." I coo. A bright smile spreads over her face.

"Good. Great. Good. Um. Oh yes, I'll put the ring on now." Tori fumbles, making me giggle. She slips the ring onto my right ring finger, and I admire it. I'll have to get her one, too.

"Thank you, Tori." I murmur, giving her a deep kiss. When I pull away, I rest my forehead against hers. "Check." I whisper.

"What check is that for?" Tori asks, a smile in her voice. I look into her bright eyes with all the love I can muster, thinking about how I could have missed out on this… If Tori had given up on me, and she hadn't found me at this diner and pieced me back together. I would've missed out on my whole life.

"Getting the chance… to spend my life with Tori Vega."

Author's Notes: AAAANNND that's a wrap. I thought it'd be fun to peak into Cat's mind for the final chapter... see her gushing over Tori for a change. Did it work? Did it not work? I hope this gave you some form of closure. I assure you I'm done messing with their lives, and now they're free to be happy.

Um, so, I have tons of ideas to work on but as usual I'm going to take a break from writing. I don't know when I'll be back, but I'll be around on Twitter and stuff... maybe dropping hints for future stories. I'm sad to see this one go - I'm very proud of what it turned into. I worked hard on it. But it has to end eventually... And now I can continue with other ideas! If you enjoyed this story, let me know. I love to hear from you guys, always.

Fun Fact: The BAMA's don't actually exist. But they SHOULD. Seriously I think it's a great concept. How does one create an award show?