Haven

Knightales– Resurrected!

Yes, I'm back. Its been quite a while, I know understatement of the year. Sorry guys, my final year has been tough. It's been a hardship to juggle everything so I had to prioritize and sadly fanfiction had to suffer. I'd give you guys a whole essay of an explanation but I doubt you want to read that. I just hope you guys can understand and forgive me. Just think of this as Haven (part 2). I still feel there is a lot more to this story but I may be a little rusty so bare with me.

Disclaimer: Nope don't own them.

Chapter 21

"Can I get you anything Miss?"

Tori's head snapped back at the pleasant voice of one of the flight attendant. Forcing a weak smile on her face, she gently shook her head. "No, thank you," she whispered before shifting her gaze back to sky filled window.

White puffy clouds of all shapes and sizes streaked majestically across the blue vastness but the brunette couldn't see anything. Her vision flooded by the memories of the last few months. Feeling overwhelmed, she closed her eyes leaning back against the headrest, the events of the previous day replaying in her mind.

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

Ever since Jade received that call, she'd been in a daze. She had been surprised to see Tori outside when her lifeless feet dragged her out the door. The brunette was apprehensive in front of her, a tentative hand brushing her cheek. The Goth leaned helplessly into her touch, the contents of the call falling from her lips.

The next thing Jade knew, Tori had grabbed her hand and they raced into town. Both out of breath, they reached the sea of people who all watched them with sympathetic eyes, shuffling to create a morbid path for them. Some of them stared curiously at their interlaced fingers and when Jade tried to let go, Tori simply clasped tightly, holding on, she wouldn't let go. The whole town seemed to be gathered behind the yellow tape boundary. Frantic murmurs were drowned out by sirens that were blasting in all directions. For Jade, it was hard to differentiate between them and the excruciating pounding of her heart. They finally pushed their way to the front and were struck limp at the horrendous sight.

"Oh, God…" Tori sobbed, her other hand shot up to her mouth as she tried to bite back the tears that were already spilling over.

Jade on the other hand could not comprehend what she was seeing. With a tight breath still lodged in her chest and the hot sun beating down on them, it almost looked like a mirage. The way Robbie's car was horrifically wrapped around the bumper of another black SUV seemed unreal. As with the shards of glass, metal chunks and blotches of crimson that littered the ground in every direction. The passenger's side –Cat's side –practically ceased to exist. No one could have survived that. Jade's knee's buckled, Tori barely catching her, both dropping until they were on the curb.

Apparitions of another car wreck and her parents swarming in Jade's head took her to another tortured place. Suddenly, all noises muted and her vision unexplainably became blurry. She squeezed her eyes shut, swiping an arm over her eyes, her hand coming away wet. That was when she realized she was crying.

Tori didn't know when she had gathered the Goth into her arms or how long they were like that. She just felt cold. Very cold. She had never been so scared in her entire life. Her lover's body felt unnaturally stiff, Jade couldn't tear away her vacant stare from the crash site, tears silently running down her cheeks. Grief and guilt wrecked Tori's mind. Her arms instinctively wrapped tighter around the Goth. She didn't know how Jade was going to survive this. She didn't know if she could…

That was how Jessica found them. Tori's bloodshot eyes met hers in the distance. Her hastened steps slowing down as she saw something more in them. Tori watched realization dawned in those green eyes yet she couldn't bring herself to care or let go. Jessica smiled wryly as she approached them but she smiled nevertheless. Then she said something that had Tori scrambling to her feet, wide-eyed.

Jade didn't feel the loss of Tori's body. She didn't feel anything. But she was confused when Tori knelt in front of her, her warm hands cradling her face. She barely saw Tori's lips move and couldn't register what she was saying so animatedly. Another brunette appeared, crouched next to Tori also speaking to her. When Tori used her thumbs to wipe the Goth's eyes, Jade saw it was Jessica who was wearing a watery smile that Tori soon matched. Confused, she forced herself to listen.

"Jade, baby, listen to me," Tori said forcefully, caressing her face. "They're not gone."

Jessica nodded, vigorously. "Cat's looking for you, Jade."

"Cat?" Jade murmured, hazy blue eyes on the wreck again.

Tori drew Jade to face her and shook her head. "She wasn't in the car, honey." More tears trickled from the brunette's eyes as she said it.

"But –"

Jessica pointed towards one of the ambulance vans. Just in front of it was a mussed up, little redhead with her back to them, searching the crowd. Without a thought, the Goth scrambled to her feet. Just then, Cat turned around and their eyes met. Tori hesitantly dropped her hand from Jade's shoulder, taking a step back and simply watched...

Jade's bottom lip quivered when Cat dashed through the people and into her arms. "Cat," she sobbed, her whole body shaking as she held on for all it was worth.

"It's okay…" Cat whispered when she couldn't tell which one of them was trembling more. "I'm okay…" she breathed unable to contain her own tears. "I'm okay…"

Jade nodded against her neck, still unable to believe it. Her eyes squeezed tightly afraid she was dreaming. Then her eyes popped open. "Robbie?"

"He's okay too," The redhead pushed her niece back slightly wiping the tears from her eyes. A watery smile lit her face, her relief palpable. "The paramedics just think he might have a few shallow cuts, some bruised ribs and a broken arm. Lucky majority of the impact on the passenger side."

Jade looked cautious and skeptical as if she couldn't believe it. Cat knew what flashbacks her niece might have had. She had them herself when she watched that other SUV lose control and slam into Robbie as he was about to pick her up on the curb outside the supermarket. Three people had to constantly contain her from running in there and pulling her husband out herself. Only when he was strapped to the stretcher and reassured her he was fine for the tenth time did she leave his side to look for Jade.

"He is fine, but he can tell you himself." Cat took Jade's hand leading her purposely to the van that held Robbie.

Once they reached the emergency vehicle, Jade turned back instantly meeting Tori's eyes. There was so much was in those blue eyes Tori could help but smile. The brunette nodded towards the van as if saying it was okay. Jade smiled back and turned to follow Cat.

"You love her?" Tori heard Jessica say softly beside her.

Tori could only nod, her eyes not leaving Jade's back until she too disappeared into the back.

"She loves you too." It wasn't a question.

This time she looked at Jessica, those brown eyes full of melancholy. "I know." She turned and walked away…

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

Tori swiped at the tear that slipped down her cheek. No, she wouldn't cry. They could never have a future. Not like this. Not with David dictating her every move. Not until she got free. If she ever got free…

She tilted her head at the sound of the captain's voice over the intercom welcoming them to sunny LA. So she was finally home. Except it felt like anything but.

Once the plane landed, she grabbed her bag almost robotically. Entering the airport, she rolled her eyes at the blatant Victoria Vega sign that was displayed by one of the limo drivers. Her hand tightening on the straps of her duffle bag, she strolled right past him. The chubby limo driver blinked twice, before running to catch up with her.

"Miss Vega," he called. "Miss Vega, wait..."

Tori sighed as she turned back. "Yes?" She read his nametag. "Bill?"

He pursed his lips, bemused. "The limo is that way." He pointed out, gesturing in the opposite direction she was headed.

Tori felt her ire stir dangerously. From the look of Bill's tired eyes and creased attire, he looked like he was here from last night simply anticipating her arrival at any moment. She never thought she would hate anyone as much as she did Carl Walker. Bastard. She reeled in her emotions, it was not Bill's fault. "No thanks, I'll take a cab," she informed him curtly, striding towards the taxis again.

"But…" Bill hedged, a bit confused as he tried to keep pace with her. "Mr. Walker gave me clear instructions to pick you up and take you straight to the manor."

"I'm sure he did," Tori responded offhandedly over her shoulder. "You tell Mr. Walker, I'll go to the manor when I'm good and ready." She slipped into one of the cabs and gestured for the driver to go leaving Bill standing on the curb, scratching his head.

"Where to lady?" the cab driver asked.

Tori sat back, gave him the address and closed her eyes. For the first time in over twenty-four hours a smirk graced her lips knowing Carl was probably going to be pissed at the power play.

Tori was nudged out of her short nap at the squeal of the taxi's breaks as it pulled off. The driver turned back, eyeing her skeptically. "You sure this is the place lady?"

She glanced out the window at the nearly rundown building and smiled. "Yes, thanks." She paid the man, grabbed her bag and journeyed up. Once the elevator reached the top floor, she reached into her bag for the keys to the last door on the left. Unlocking the door, she pushed it open revealing the spacious and fully furbished loft.

It was exactly the way she left it. The way her brother left it. The lack of dust wasn't that surprising since she hired someone to check in on it weekly. Leaving her bag on the kitchen counter, she ambled further into the room, past the couch and the big screen TV Michael was so fond of. She slid open the door to the small balcony, the warm breeze hitting her instantly. Peering over the railing, her lips curled at the sound of kids playing and the big Michael Vega Rehab Center sign across the street. After he died, they finally named it after him. She remembered how flushed he would get when they tried to name it after him when he was alive, always declining. Her smile gradually fell.

"I miss you," she whispered to nobody gripping the railing tightly. "I wish I knew what to do." Her eyes swimming in tears again but she held them down. He always had the best advice and knew what to do. He was also the only one she knew who could top David at whatever game they were playing. "I wish you could tell me what to do…" She sighed glancing up at the sky, not really surprised when she didn't get a response.

Stepping back into the loft, she took her bag into the room she lived in when she'd usually stay over. She flopped back on the bed glad the sheets seemed fresh. Her eyes roaming the walls covered in posters of anything music related. Being back here, making her nostalgic. She felt safe here once upon a time, she was happy here. At least she thought it she was. Anything was better than the coldness of the manor.

Her eyes squeezed shut at the lie she was telling herself. She was never happy not like she was with Jade. That calming in her heart in harmony with the constant torment her body was in, whenever she was near. As contradicting as that sounds, it made sense in the deepest part of her. This was what her brother was talking about when he told her to find what makes her happy and hold onto it.

"I can't…" She couldn't. Not when doing so threatened the one she loved. "I did the right thing," she whispered as she dug into her bag producing two cellphones. Both were switched off. She stared silently at her first one wondering if she had any miscalls from Jade. She couldn't afford to think about it so she tucked back into her bag. She didn't think she would be able to keep it together if she heard her voice. She switched on the second one that she bought for emergencies. Only Andre had this number and she made him promise not to give it to Jade.

She had five voicemails already. Pinching the bridge of her nose lightly, she knew what each one would say but she listened anyway.

"Jesus, Tori… Don't do this. We'll find a way to beat these bastards! What the hell do you expect me to say to her when she comes around looking for you?"

Andre's voice was strained and pleading in each voicemail. Each one conveying a similar message to what they argued about when she pitched up at his doorstep with Smurf in toe.

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

Andre opened his door, almost jumping out of shoes at the unexpected sight of Tori with Smurf at her side, poised to knock. He grabbed at his heart. "Jesus Christ Tori! You almost gave me a heart attack!"

"Sorry." She dropped her hand and shifted uncomfortably. "Heading to the hospital?" she asked, knowing he arrived from his trip just a few minutes ago.

"Yep, you're just in time. We can ride together." He turned about to lock his door when she put hand on top of his to stop him.

When he raised a brow, she said, "Can we just go in for moment and talk first?"

He was just about to ask her if it could wait when he caught the seriousness in those chocolate eyes. "Okay…" he drawled instead, swinging his door open and motioning for them to go in. "How is Robbie doing?"

She walked further into Andre's apartment as Smurf settled on the rug. "He is good considering… They said it was just a broken arm and some bruised ribs." She said quietly.

"Thank God, Cat wasn't in the car."

"I know…"

"Sooo… What's with the bag?" He asked, confused, noticing the backpack for the first time.

"It's for Smurf," she answered, blowing out a breath.

"Why? Is he going somewhere?" He laughed softly at the absurdity of it. His chuckles died when she placed it on his couch and looked anxiously at him. Realization hit him like a ton of bricks. "What the fu –"

"Andre…" Her tone was soft and beseeching.

His eyes narrowed. "He's not going anywhere. You are… What the hell Tori!"

"I have to!" she yelled just as loud, her eyes swimming in tears.

"No, you don't!" He shook his head vigorously. "You don't Tori." He cupped her face looking into her eyes, pleading with her. "You really don't… You can't let these bastards keep doing this to you."

She pulled back, tearing her gaze away. "What the hell am I supposed to do? He almost killed them! If Cat was in that car she would have been dead… She would have been dead, Andre." She looked at him sharply. "She would have died and it's all my fault."

Andre looked befuddled. "What are you talking about? It's Tom Baker's fault. He shouldn't have been speeding and could have killed himself in the process. The guy's in a fucking coma for Pete's sake."

She shook her head, gravely. "It was Carl… Tom was just a pawn."

His breath left him. "How… How do you know?"

"I know… He all but told me."

Andre stood there stunned. He knew Carl was dangerous but never once thought…

"I was foolish to think he wouldn't hurt her," she whispered, hugging herself. "This would have killed Jade."

The pure anguish in her voice tugging at his heart. "It's not your fault. This is not your fault."

"Wasn't it?" She snorted wryly. "I practically dared him to do it, Andre! I just wanted to be happy for a change. I just wanted to be brave, feel in control of my life for once." She laughed sarcastically. "I wasn't brave, I was stupid. And people I care about are hurt because of me."

"Tori…" Andre tried to gather the brunette up in an embrace but she side stepped him. Not sure if she could keep it together if he did.

"My flight leaves in two hours," she said simply staring through the window out into the night.

"Tori, don't do this..."

"I need you to take care of Smurf for a while." Her voice broke a little.

He opened his mouth, then closed it again. He could see that she wasn't going to change her mind. He hated that he knew he wouldn't be able to convince her otherwise. "What did Jade say?" he asked instead, resigned. When she remained silent at the heavy question, his slowly eyes widened. "You haven't told her yet…"

She let out a shaky breath. "No."

"Do you plan to?"

"No."

"Why?"

"I have to go, Andre," she said quietly.

He walked up to her, physically turning her around to face him. "And you won't be able to. You won't be able to, when she tells you not to do this. You won't be able to, when she tells you she loves you and begs you to stay..."

Tori wiped the remnants of the tears the trickled through. She pulled a white envelope out of her pocket, Jade's name neatly printed on the front. "Would you give her this?" She gently placed it on the table before she walked through the door with a heavy heart…

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

The room was dark when Tori's eyes slowly fluttered open. Awareness slowly sinking in, she wasn't in Rosewood anymore. She wasn't with Jade anymore. Would Jade forgive her? Would she accept her reasoning in the letter?

Tori shook her head with a wry smile. No. If there was anything she knew about her fiery young lover was that she would never accept this cop out. And that was one of the things she loved about the teenager. But it had to be done and she knew the physical ache in her chest would never ease.

Pushing herself up, she decided to unpack and then maybe take a shower. She wasn't really that hungry even though she couldn't remember the last time she ate.

Just as she was about to turn on the lights, she heard the lock on the front door jingle. She jumped when she heard the door slammed against the wall and then shut again. Digging into her closet, she frantically searched for the baseball bat her brother kept in there. Locating it, she quietly exited her room poised to strike. As she reached the lounge area, noise that sounded familiar to grunting and moaning started to get louder and more frequent.

Frowning, she redirected towards the kitchen area, freezing when she heard a female voice pant, "Oh God Ben, harder… Yes, right there… yes, Ben. God, Ben…"

Then Tori saw them in the dark. A dark haired woman was sitting on the kitchen counter, her head thrown back, mouth open, legs wrapped around the man that was moving between her legs. His pants around his knees and his face buried in the woman's neck.

Tori stood motionless, a blush taking over her entire face. "Trina?" she squeaked.

Trina's head snapped up looking at her baby sister across the room. "Tori?"

"Whose Tori, baby?" Ben grunted obliviously, still continuing his motion between her thighs.

"My sister."

"Kinky…" He grinned.

"No, you idiot! My sister's here. Get off me," Trina grunted, pushing him off her. She quickly straightened her skirt and her top as they both turned to face the other person in the room.

"Trina?" Tori repeated mortified, her gaze dipping. "Oh God, put that away," she told Ben and slapped a hand over her eyes, walking awkwardly towards her room. As if her face couldn't get any redder.

Ben shrugged at his crotch and turned towards Trina again.

Trina smacked him upside the head, rolling her eyes. "Not there genius, she meant back in your pants."

"Oh," he slurred, jerking up his pants struggling with his zipper in his drunken state. He was startled when his jacket was tossed in his face. "What the hell!"

"I need you to leave." Trina told him, grabbing his car keys and stuffing it in his hands as she all but shoved him out the door.

"But I thought I was spending the night?" he groused and flinched when the door was slammed in his face in answer. "Bitch," he yelled and stumbled towards the exit.

"Like I haven't been called that before," Trina murmured to herself, unamused. Snatching a bottle of vodka from one of the bottom cupboards in the kitchen, she strode purposely in the direction her sister stalked off to. Her sister. They were never particularly close like Tori was with Michael. She never had the type of kinship with either of her siblings thanks to David. She was too important in his plans for any of that menial shit. The fucking chosen one. She did miss her a lot though. She didn't think that she would see her sister back on the side of the world after everything. Initially, she had tried to prompt her sister to returning numerous times, filled with guilt feeling partially responsible for the family hardship she had endured. But she understood Tori's need to be away and make a home somewhere else. A home that was actually a home. So then why was Tori back?

Swinging the bedroom door open, she leaned against the doorframe casually staring at the figure sprawled face down on the bed, her face buried deep into the pillows.

"One question..." Trina said, callously taking a slug straight from the bottle. "What are you doing?"

"What do you think?" Tori's voice was muffled. "I'm trying to burn that image out of my head! God, I swear I'm scarred for life!"

Trina laughed. "Like you need my help for that."

Tori shot her sister a glare. "What are you even doing here anyway?"

"I thought that was already established?" Trina arched a brow, taking another sip.

Tori flushed again, sitting upright. "No, I mean… How do you know about this place?"

Trina paused mid-sip, lowering the bottle. "Michael was my brother too," she stated softly. "David doesn't know about this place, so he gave me a key in case I ever needed a break."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean –" Tori tried to backpedal, but Trina waved her off.

"Don't worry about it." Trina capped the bottle. "I would like to know though… Is that the first penis you ever saw with you being gay and all?" she asked, amusement dripping in her tone.

"Yes… No, I mean no!" Tori's face resembled a beet as she tried to explain. "No, I mean… Shut up," she mumbled, glaring at her sister when she realized she was being bated.

The older Vega chuckled and raised a hand in surrender. "Okay, look, this was traumatizing for the both of us." She held out the bottle as a peace offering. "So maybe we can try and forget this night ever happened, together." She smirked.

Tori eyed the bottle suspiciously before grasping it by the neck. "Maybe…" she conceded. "Are there any glasses?"

"In the kitchen." Trina shrugged indifferently. The younger Vega sighed, dragging herself off the bed knowing her sister wasn't going to get them. "Tori?"

Tori halted at the door, glancing over her shoulder. "What?"

"There's some potato chips in the bottom cupboard," Trina said off handedly, reclining back against the pillows, crossing her legs at the ankles. "Oh and the chocolate in the drawer, bring those too." Tori rolled her eyes and was about to exit the room when Trina called out again. "Tori?"

"What?" she growled in annoyance, peering at her obviously too comfortable sister.

Trina hesitated. "I missed you."

Shaking her head, Tori had to smile as she left the room.

So Tori left… I'm becoming predictable huh, sad… sad times.

Just one question for you guys then? How am I gonna work Tori out of this twist? ;)

You know the drill…

Review!