((+_LIZ AND AVAN_+)) : PART ONE

Disclaimer: I do not own Victorious, nor any of the people who portray them. I also don't own anyone else mentioned in this fic; just the idea

~ Dedicated to those of you who are waiting for my other fic, Like A Phoenix, to come out. Sorry for the wait! ~

SUMMARY: This is behind the scenes of the popular tv show, Victorious. Liz and Avan's real relationship come to life.

((+_DRABBLE ONE_+)) : DINNER

After another day of successful filming, Dan Schneider released his cast and crew for the night. Everyone had been working since six that morning, so deserved an early night.

Avan found Liz in her dressing room, removing her 'Jade' make-up. He smiled, taking the empty seat next to her. "You doing anything for dinner?" he casually asked, hands folded and elbows resting on the chair's arms. He was the epitome of calm and confidence; no one would be able to tell that he was nervous. Sure, he and Liz hung out all the time but tonight would be just the two of them (he hoped, anyway) in a long time. His romantic feelings for his co-star had been growing steadily ever since they'd met on the set of Victorious.

Having to kiss her (as Beck and Jade, of course) didn't help.

Liz smiled, wiping a small cotton swab over her eyelids. "Not really. Ari and the others are too tired to think about food right now, and Daniella had plans with another friend whose in town." She pouted as she thought about her vegan friend. "So, no plans. Were you thinking of heading somewhere?"

He shrugged, inwardly pleased. There was no way anyone would be able to disturb them while they ate now. Controlling his giddiness, he spoke in the calmest voice he could muster (this was when being an actor rocked). "I found this great vegan restaurant not too far from here, actually. Wanna check it out?"

Her smile turned into a beaming grin. "Sounds great," she said, hopping down from the chair. "Now, get out."

Blinking rapidly, Avan stared at his crush like she'd grown two heads. "What?" he sputtered.

"I have to get changed," she replied, giggling at his expression.

A charming smirk formed on his handsome face. "I still don't see why I have to leave," he innocently stated. "Go ahead. I'll watch very carefully." He waggled his brows teasingly, enjoying how she laughed. But he stood to exit Liz's dressing room.

"You are such a flirt, Avan," was the last thing the actor heard before he shut the door behind him.

((+_DRABBLE TWO_+)) : BEHIND THE SCENES

The Victorious cast was taking a break, so Liz laid her head in Avan's lap. The two were sitting on a couch, the others in various chairs in about the same positions. Ariana came over to them, picking Liz's legs up and sitting down, replacing the appendages across her own lap.

"I'm so tired," the red head exclaimed, leaning back against the comfy couch. "Why did you have to talk me into singing random songs last night, Liz?" The mock-whine in her voice was cute, as was the pout she shot at one of her best friends.

Liz smirked, equally tired as her friend but able to hide it better. "Hey, it's not my fault. You didn't have to stay up with me."

Above her, Avan played with Liz's phone but an amused smirk touched his lips. He'd stayed in the background as he watched the girls sing their hearts out to random, mostly crazy, songs. Several times he'd come close to bursting into laughter but knew if he did, he'd have to sing with them. So, being the smart guy he was, he stayed as quiet as a mouse.

Catching the smirk, Liz reached up and grabbed her phone. "And just what do you find so funny?" she demanded to know playfully.

"You and Ariana," he replied, grinning charmingly before snatching the cellular device back. "Thank you. I'll be keeping this."

"Avan-" Liz protested, but was cut off by Dan, the creator of the show.

"Alright everyone," he announced, catching their attention. "Break time is over. Don't worry, though. I'll try to get us outta here early."

Groaning, the Victorious cast stood. Leon helped Liz crawl off Avan and Ariana, while Matt helped the later to stand. Avan was the only one left with no assistance, which he vocally called his friends out on. "Yeah, thanks, guys, really. I didn't want any help getting up either."

Leon and Matt threw him grins of amusement; the girls giggled to themselves. "Sorry man," Leon said, shrugging good-naturally. "But when you look like these two-" he pointed to Ari and Liz, which included Vic and Daniella, "-then, you know, I'll be more then happy to help you from your seat."

"You're all heart, man. You're all heart."

((+_DRABBLE THREE_+)) : WHAT I LOVE

"Is it recording?" Jade asked, staring at the camera mounted on the laptop. "I don't see the blinking light-thingie. Man, I hate-"

Beck cleared his throat, interrupting his girlfriend. "Babe," he stated calmly, from off-screen so no one could see him. "This isn't 'What I Hate', this is 'What I Love'. Remember? You're not supposed to talk about anything negative."

Her nose wrinkled cutely. "Right," she muttered sourly, but she pasted a smile on her pretty face. "Yeah, this is Jade, here. Apparently, I'm 'too negative' or whatever, so I'm doing this new segment." She pulled a piece of cardboard up, the words 'What I Love' written on it in red. "See? I even made a beautiful sign for this. Obviously it says, 'What I Love' in red paint." A devious smirk was aimed at her audience. "At least, that's what it is as far as you're concerned."

Placing the sign down, she began playing with a pair of scissors she'd placed on the side table earlier. "Anyway, what do I love?" she seemed to ask herself. "I love scissors." She held up her pair as if to prove a point. "These are my favorite pair, in fact. I love the sound they make when it cuts things." Getting up from her seat, she got close enough to the mic to catch the sound her scissors make while in use. "See? I love that sound."

When she retook her seat, Jade smiled pleasantly at the camera. From there, she continued with her 'What I Love' segment for.

Of course, Beck being Beck, stopped her. "Besides your... love for coffee," he commented, wondering why he felt jealous over a beverage. "Tell them what else you love."

"Why can't I just wait until the next segment?" she asked, clearly impatient and annoyed.

He smiled charmingly. "C'mon. There must be 'one' more 'thing' you would like to add to your list of things you love. Right?"

His hinting tone must have done the trick, because his girlfriend's cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "I'm not saying anything else," she said stubbornly. "Turn off the camera, Beck."

Smirking, he started stalking towards her. "Nah," he answered, grinning. "Come on, I know you wanna say you love me."

Jade stood slowly from her seat, her ice-blue eyes wide in slight panic. "You wouldn't," she warned, backing away from the Canadian boy. "Mature people don't do this, Beck. I will call the police!"

Not listening to her (empty) threats, he lunged. He enjoyed her squeak of surprise before they fell to the floor, out of view of the camera. "Tell me you love me, Jade," he loudly shouted, triumph clear in his voice. "Otherwise I'm gonna give you some more noogies. You know you love those, too."

"No! Beck! Stop it! Stop! Don't be such a child!"

"Admit you love me!"

Several thumps and thuds were heard before, "Fine, fine! I love you!"

Beck sprang to his feet, his arms above his head in victory.

Jade's voice came from somewhere on the ground, still out of view of the camera's eye. "I hate you," she whined.

Grinning, her boyfriend reached for the remote. "I love you, too, babe. Love you too," was his response before he shut off the camera.

((+_DRABBLE FOUR_+)) : KNOTS

Liz was brushing her hair while sitting on the couch in the living room of their shared house. Although the entire cast of Victorious had their own apartments, they liked spending time together, which was where the house came in. Seeing as they were stars, people would most likely approach them all the time if they were out in public, so having their own personal hide-away came in handy.

"Geez, Avan," she playfully complained when said co-star sat next to her. "I think those noogies you gave me earlier have caused a wide-spread knot infestation." She ran her brush through her dark locks again, humming thoughtfully. "I should make you brush my hair for that."

Avan, grinning, took the brush from her hands. "Turn around," he ordered when she gave him a confused look. "I'll brush your hair for you."

Beaming, she did as she was told. Wanting to be more comfortable, she placed herself onto the floor between his knees and leaned back. "Thanks," she said, giving him a thankful glance over a slim shoulder.

Running his fingers through her silken tresses, he knew he was gonna have to put knots in her hair again. Anything to stay this close to Liz.

((+_DRABBLE FIVE_+)) : MOVIE NIGHT

"What movie should we watch tonight?" Vic asked curiously, her chocolate gaze focused on the huge selection they owned. The Victorious cast were gathered again for another movie night; a tradition they started when they first got together as co-stars.

Avan played with a piece of Liz's hair absently. "How about something new?" he suggested. "We've been watching Disney classics lately. What just came out on DVD we haven't seen?"

"Hey, I love Disney classics," Ari protested, wearing a hoodie that looked too big on her petite frame. "Can we watch 'The Lion King' again?" She and Leon were on the floor, looking through music and singing random bursts of lyrics. Daniella was with them but not participating, and Matt was in the kitchen getting everyone something to drink. Only Avan and Liz were actually sitting on the couch, waiting for the movie to be popped in.

Vic groaned in mock-exasperation. "Ari, we've watched that movie, like, a dozen times," she answered.

"I swear, I know all the lines already," Daniella added, grinning in amusement.

Liz and Ari broke into song, singing all of the more popular numbers from said Disney movie. Their voices were amazing separately, but together? They were dynamite. No one could compare to these two young women when they sang in harmony, like in that moment.

When they finished, Liz, laughing, fell back against Avan. He threw an arm around her shoulders, like Beck would do to Jade on the show. The two roles were always constantly touching, so it was only natural that they did the same in real-life. No one seemed to mind, let alone notice how much their two friends actually touched in public, and the two, themselves, liked the constant contact with one another. So, it was a win-win, as far as anyone was concerned.

Matt came back in the room, a tray of glasses in his hands. "What's so funny?" he asked, curious.

Everyone just burst into laughter.

((+_DRABBLE SIX_+)) : PHOTO-SHOOT

Avan pulled Liz closer, flashes of light going off all around him and the rest of the Victorious cast. He made sure to keep his arm secure around her waist, wanting to keep her close. One of his favorite days were photo-shoots. He got to hold Liz for extended periods of time without it looking suspicious, and these types of shoots tended to last the whole day. A whole day of holding the girl of his dreams? Avan was as happy as a child on Christmas morning.

"Perfect," their usual photographer shouted, "I want some individual shots today. I want Vic first. The rest of you guys can take a break."
Everyone chuckled when their brunette friend pouted but, nonetheless, left her behind.

With his arm still around her waist, Avan walked with Liz to one of the couches that had been set up. They sat, adjusting their positions until one of her legs was thrown over one of his (a Beck and Jade pose, as always), and started conversing with their co-stars. No one commented on how touchy-feely Avan was when it came to Liz, but they did hide knowing grins and muffled snickers at how cute the two were together.

As the day progressed, everyone did their individual shots, and were now running through duos. Vic had done some with Liz, Ariana, Daniella, and Leon. Daniella had done most of her's with Vic and Matt. Matt had done the rest of his with Ariana or Rex. Ariana had done most of her's with Liz, while Leon took the rest of his shots with Liz and Avan, and the two did the rest of theirs with each other.

"Liz, can you turn your head a little more to the left?" the photographer asked. When she moved, it placed her face that much closer to Avan's, not that either minded. In fact, during filming Victorious, they had to be much closer then they were at the moment. "Perfect. We just have a few more shots." He shot them a smile, picking up another camera nearby. "Your characters, Beck and Jade, are very popular. Fans are always screaming for those two."

Avan and Liz laughed, though weren't surprised. They always received fan letters addressed to the both of them.

"Well, it helps that we look great together," Liz commented, smirking in amusement. She shifted her stance so she leaned more against her co-star (and secret crush), one arm wrapped around his lean waist.

Avan rolled his eyes playfully. "More like perfect."

The photographer paused for a second, his gaze considering the two teens. "Yeah," he agreed, grinning. "You two look perfect together. That's the most accurate word to describe you both."

"Thank you," the two responded at the same time, beaming happily.

((+_DRABBLE SEVEN_+)) : DINNER (PART TWO)

Avan walked into the kitchen of the shared house he lived in with his co-stars. He grinned when he saw Liz sitting on the counter, a vegan-type rice cracker in hand. "Does that actually taste good?" he inquired curiously.

Liz crunched on her rice cracker loudly, smacking her lips playfully as she chewed. "It's actually very good," she replied, holding the treat out to him. "You should try this. It's, like, healthy for you, too."

Looking a little skeptical, he leaned forward to bite the snack. Chewing carefully, he was pleasantly surprised by the burst of flavor that exploded on his tongue. "It is tasty," he commented. "Where did you find it?"

"Daniella bought some and let me try one," she answered, taking another bite. After she swallowed, she continued speaking. "Since I'm vegan now, she was introducing all sorts of good stuff to eat."

"Within good reason," he said, nodding towards the rice cracker. "That is seriously good. I think I'll steal some for myself."

Liz laughed. "And what, hide it in your room?"

"Safest place, considering the animals we live with." He rose a playful brow, smirking.

The two stayed quiet for a few minutes before Liz broke the silence. "So, what are you doing? You must have come in here for something, not just to look for me and steal vegan food."

Avan leaned against the counter next to her, his stance casual and relaxed, like he could do that all night. "I was going to order some take-out," he said, giving Liz a questioning look. "Since the others aren't around, wanna eat with me again?"

"Sure." She hopped down from her perch, lightly landing on the tiled floor, but Avan still used one hand to steady her. "Any place in particular?"

"Nah, anywhere you choose is fine. I just wanted your company. Gotta stare at something pretty while I eat, you know?" He laughed when she smacked his arm with her free hand, warmth entering his chest when he saw the beautiful smile touching her lips. It gave him hope that she may have the same feelings for him that he had for her. Maybe, one day, he would be able to tell her, but tonight wasn't the time.

It would be soon, though. Avan didn't know how much longer he could go without expressing his feelings for the gorgeous Elizabeth Gillies.

((+_DRABBLE EIGHT_+)) : TAKE A HINT

During the filming of 'Tori and Jade's Playdate', Avan had to stop himself from physically dragging Liz away from the two guys who were supposed to play Jade's and Tori's obnoxious admirers. It didn't help that the two young men were funny, good-looking, talented, and (apparently) single, which gave them the right to flirt with Liz.

He didn't like that the dark haired guy got to touch Liz in the episode either; Beck (aka him!) was the only one allowed to touch Jade (Liz), end of story. It didn't matter that the star couple was broken up; Dan would come up with something to get them back together, and that's what counted.

Avan grit his teeth together, but showed no other outward response to how he was feeling. He was being ridiculous, anyway. Liz was an actress; she knew how to do her job, and she did it well. Besides, 'Jade' is supposed to be annoyed with all the attention the guy gives her.

Of course, it didn't stop him from practically stomping over to the three.

He took some comfort when he saw how Liz brightened upon his arrival. "Avan," she greeted. "Don't tell me you're also gonna ask me about why you and your 'brother' don't look alike?"

It was the current running joke among their casting group. Avan and Leon were supposed to be 'twins', but the boys obviously don't look alike. At all. Leon's character, Andre, also had a line that went, "Then Momma's got some explaining to do", and Liz was playing their 'mother'.

"Nah, nothing like that," Avan answered, smiling. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, easily pulling her closer to his frame. "These are the guys you and Vic are doing the episode with, right?" He held out his free hand to shake, which the two guys did while grinning.

'Great,' he thought, 'Funny, good-looking, talented, single, AND nice. Just my luck.'

"Yup, this is Chad and Rick," Liz introduced, pointing to who was who. "We were just talking about going to this vegan place they found not too far from the set after we're done filming. Avan, do you wanna come?"

Avan's smile turned strained, his teeth gritted. "Sure, that sounds like fun. Can't wait."

"Okay, everyone," Dan Schneider called out. "Break's over. Lets finish filming, then we can all go home."

"Well, that's our que," Liz said, starting to pull away from her co-star. "We're doing the big music scene. You'll stay and watch, right?" She gave her secret crush an imploring look, her bottom lip poking out to form the cutest pout she could.

He smiled charmingly. "Of course. Anything for you, Liz," he said, reluctantly letting her go. He hoped those two guys got the hint he'd been subtly giving them during their little exchange.

Liz was his, end of story.

((+_DRABBLE NINE_+)) : PRIVATE INVITE

"Hey, Avan, you got a minute?" Liz asked from the doorway to his dressing room.

"For you, always," he answered charmingly, a flirty smile on his handsome face. He was sitting down in his make-up chair, though the two were currently alone. His clothes were back to his normal, every day wear, not Beck's, so Liz knew she'd come at the perfect time. They were supposed to meet the others when they finished getting changed to eat dinner, so she was glad no one else was in the room. She felt a little embarrassed asking him this, but she didn't know who else would go with her last minute, except Avan.

Entering his room further, she closed the door behind her. "This may sound strange and out of the blue, and you can totally say no," she began, "But, I didn't know anyone else who would agree to this, considering it's so last minute-"

"Liz, calm down," Avan said, laying a hand on her arm to stop her rambling. "Now, try this again. What's up?"

She took in a deep, calming breath before releasing it. "I have this photo-shoot to go to," she said evenly. "But I don't wanna go by myself, and I was hoping you would go with me?"

Avan grinned. "Sure. I would love to," he said. "What kind of photo-shoot are you doing? Dan didn't schedule anything for the Victorious cast."

"Oh, you're awesome. Thank you!" she squealed excitedly, hugging him the best she could since he was seated. "I got asked to model as Snow White for this special a friend of mine is doing. I think Ari is doing something similar, but she's busy tomorrow."

A brow rose. "Snow White, huh?" he questioned, his gaze running up and down her figure. "Yeah, I can definitely see you as Snow White. You got everything; the black as night hair, the pale as snow skin, and lips as red as blood."

Liz laughed, lightly slapping his arm. "Thanks. I hope I can pull off her look perfectly."

Avan stood, his hand reaching out to hold one of her's. "Trust me, you're gonna pull it off." He gave her a confident smile, knowing she needed it. Liz was many things, and a perfectionist was one of them. The thing that made her beautiful, to him, was that she was already perfect just the way she was.

And he planned on making sure she knew that for the rest of their lives.

((+_DRABBLE TEN_+)) : SNOW WHITE

The moment Liz stepped out in her Snow White outfit, Avan knew he would have to send something to the talented Melanie Mills, and everyone else involved, for doing such extraordinary work. Not that Liz wasn't beautiful before; God knew she was, but seeing her like this was something else for him. It was like having the real fairy tale princess step out of her book and right into his arms.

As it were, he wouldn't be able to hold his princess until the photographer had taken all the necessary shots. He didn't mind. This meant he got to watch Liz without being interrupted for any reason and in a totally different environment.

Avan was so lost in watching his co-star, he didn't notice at first when Melanie sidled up to him. When he did, he sent a grin her way. "You're amazing as always, Mel," he complimented. "Liz looks gorgeous, even more so today."

The blonde woman nodded, pleased. "I knew she would be perfect for this," she said, casually shrugging. "Here's a crazy idea... Why don't you be in the shoot, too? You know, with Liz?"

He gaped at her, eyes wide. "What?" he sputtered out, incredulous. "Are you serious right now?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" she asked, grinning. "Come on, you two are practically a couple anyway. This will be fun!"

He wasn't sure what came over him, but he found his head nodding before his brain could register his actions.

"Yeah, okay. Why not?"

((+_DRABBLE ELEVEN_+)) : PRINCE CHARMING

"Okay, Liz, we're gonna take a ten minute break to change the film," the photographer announced, grinning at the beautiful young woman. "Don't worry about your make-up and hair. We're almost done, just a few more poses."

"Sounds great," she replied, standing from her seated position. Glancing around for her love-interest, she softly frowned when she didn't see him right away. "Hey, you seen Jogia anywhere?"

The photographer glanced around as well. "Last I saw, he was leaning against that wall." He pointed towards said wall, which was near the doorway. "Must have gone inside."

Nodding, she started walking in that direction. She was eager to hear what Avan thought about her costume; she was thinking about using it again when Halloween came around, but she wanted his opinion first. Maybe she could suggest he dress as a prince? Snow White's prince, to be exact?

Flushing at the thought, she continued walking slowly to keep from tearing her wonderful dress.

"Good day, my princess," Avan's voice said, charming and almost giddy.

Liz looked up. Her mouth gaped open in pleasant shock. "Avan?" she whispered, incredulous. "Is that you?"

The young man standing in front of her looked like her co-star, but his clothes were totally different. Instead of wearing his every day outfit of scarves, long-sleeved shirts, and jeans, he wore a modernized version of a prince's costume. Complete with gold-colored buttons and white silk material, Avan Jogia looked better than good.

Said actor was pleased with her reaction to his wardrobe change. "Just call me Prince Charming," he responded, smirking smugly. He did a slow turn so that she would get the full affect. "What do you think?"

Grinning, she carefully laced her arm through one of his. "Handsome," she answered. "Very handsome, my prince."

"Shall we go take our pictures?"

Her grin turned into a beaming smile of happiness. "We shall."

((+_DRABBLE TWELVE_+)) : A DATE?

Avan smiled as he entered Liz's dressing room. "Hey Liz McGills," he greeted, waving.

"Jogia," she greeted back, grinning. Using a cotton swab, she cleaned her 'Jade' make-up off with efficient swipes. "You must have hid your usual clothes under Beck's. You sure got changed quickly."

He chuckled, taking the open seat next to her. "Maybe," he teased. "A magician never reveals his secrets."

"Ah, so you admit to having secrets, hm?"

Avan nodded, giving her a mysterious smile. Of course he had secrets; his love for Liz the biggest one. "Don't we all?"

Liz smiled just as mysteriously. "A magician never reveals his secrets," she repeated, throwing the used cotton swab away. With her first layer of make-up gone, she began applying the lighter make-up she normally preferred. "So, what's on the agenda tonight?"

He watched her carefully, judging her mood. "Were you planning to do anything tonight?" he asked, curious. "Dan's letting us leave really early. It's barely five o'clock."

Her make-up done, she turned towards him with her chin propped up by the palm of one hand. "I'm not doing anything. Ari invited everyone to hang out at her house since Frankie's home for a couple of weeks, but I always see him, especially when I visit him in New York." A fond smile touched her pretty features. "He's so fun to be around, you know. He knows all the great places to eat and shop. It's no wonder Ari always has the best clothes."

"You sound like you're in love with him," Avan commented, mentally frowning. Normally, he loved Frankie like the other guy was his older brother, but Liz talked about him in such an affectionate tone, Avan couldn't help but worry. Or, was that jealousy?

Liz rolled her ice-blue orbs. "Oh please. Everyone is in love with him. He's very easy to love," she replied, nodding at her own logic. "Anyway, were you planning on going? To Ari's house, I mean?"

"Nah, I don't think so. Not this time, anyway," he answered. "Would you be interested in seeing a movie with me?" He grinned charmingly, hope shining brightly in his chocolate gaze. "I know you've been talking about that new thriller. Wanna go?"

"Really?" she squealed, jumping up from her chair. "That would be great! Let me get changed first."

"Cool," he replied, smiling so large his cheeks were beginning to hurt. "I'll wait for you outside. Lets grab some dinner afterwards, too, okay?"

Beaming, she nodded eagerly. "Sounds great. Give me a few minutes."

Only when Avan left her dressing room, and she was dressed in her normal street clothes, did Liz think about the implications of what tonight meant. She froze, one boot half way on her foot.

Was this a date?

((+_END OF CHAPTER ONE_+))

A/N: thank you for reading! Please review! I could use the feedback