*AN* After a long Hiatus I am finally back to uploading. I was going to wait until after Christmas or after New Years but this story that I am currently writing was getting long and I didnt want to lose track of Chapters. Just a word of warning this is a bit long winded I guess and I hate that it has gotten that way but I'm at a loss of whether I should go back and change or continue on, I want to do both but at the same time I'm a bit satisfied with the work I have. I took a guess at the amount of chapters and it's roughly already in the 20's and it's not quite done yet or even close to it. I'm working on a plot twist in the story right now and I'm trying to see how it is playing out or if it is going to work so bear with me as I upload chapter sporadically or whatever.

As a word of warning, the first few chapters only mention BTR as far as names, they dont get any speaking parts for a while. The bigger parts come later and will eventually surround Kendall and my OC Katie. Bear in mind that this is another alternate version of meeting BTR for the first time and becoming famous in order to meet them. I found this idea in my notebook from over the summer and I wanted to put it into a story and I somehow came up with this long story although it follows the main plot a lot in the beginning. While this follows the characters of BTR, some of the details might follow the real life BTR such as having their own show, living on their own, etc but I put in background for each similarity to kind of separate it from the real BTR.

I'll upload the first couple chapters until I at least get to some main BTR stuff and then the uploads will come randomly after that. I have more free time now that I am on vacation from school but I still have so much to do. Enjoy the story thus far and I will keep working on it or leave it as is and just create some alternate endings or even a condensed version if I need to or want to. Also as a word of warning, there is a lot of dialogue in this story in several chapters. As such, some of the more long winded conversations will be color/font coded to alleviate he said/ she said redundancy. Any time this method is used I will put a key code in the AN however in the event that I might forget, the first few lines of dialogue will have some sort of possession regarding who said what; that way you can figure it out for yourself if you had to.

PS- When I hard began writing this story, I had assumed it would be shorter than it is now. As I'm editing the tory I realized that the ages are off in accordance to the time line of the plot. this chapter my character should be 16-17 y/o as should the guys. By the time the time line reaches to the point I am at now (currently being written), they should be 22-24. I apologize for this confusion but hopefully I can put some hints/reminders where they might be needed. *

Katie was sitting in a large room by herself, as she looked out a large picture window. A large garden was just on the other side and the view was absolutely stunning. The day overall wasn't that sunny, it was mostly cloudy, kind of dreary and a chance for rain but she didn't mind. Today was a very special day and the rain may have been a minor setback, in other ways it was a sign of good luck. Katie got lost in the scenery as she stared out the window and her mind replayed everything over and over again.

It all started a few years ago when Katie was with her mom, driving her to a funeral. Her mom's uncle had passed away and she was really close to all of her family members. The drive was a longer one, about 45 minutes or so, right at the boarder of Connecticut. It was a warm day and Katie's car was the only vehicle with A/C so it made sense to take it. Katie didn't mind, it got her out of the house and she hadn't seen any of this side of the family in a while. She was heading to one of her other great Aunt's house, who was a big animal lover, just like Katie. This was apparent when she pulled into the narrow drive, when she saw her aunt's pet fox, Smokey sitting in the driveway. He was a wild animal but he often came by for food scraps, tossed into a supper dish at the side of the house.

Although well into their 60's nearing 70, the house was still an active place despite being just the two of them. Animals were abundant inside and outside, dog houses, numerous dishes, shelters and toys were all over. Old children's toys and outside equipment were still strung, gathering dust and slowly rotting away but still useable. Katie took in the sights and snapped pictures of Smokey and other wild animals that passed through her aunt's yard including wild turkey, peacocks deer and rabbits. At night her aunt said coyotes could be heard all the time and it was common to see a bear or two wandering around.
Katie's mom talked with her family members as one by one, cousins showed up and greeted each other with smiles and hugs after having been away for so long. Katie was having fun tossing bread to Smokey, from the window and he happily took the pieces behind the barn to eat in peace before coming back and 'barking' for more. Katie finished the slice of bread and it was then time to go but first, the family wanted a picture. Katie did her best to take a picture of the big family and their different heights and took several hoping for the best. Then she piled in the car and followed the fleet of cars out of the driveway and to the funeral parlor.

Once there, she had to change out of her Academy uniform and into something a bit more presentable. She found a purple button up shirt at the last minute but it was a tad tight and short so she wore her black t-shirt underneath and just turned it around so the Academy's logo wouldn't show through. Luckily she was wearing the one sided one, although the front wording was small and to the side on her double sided shirt so it wouldn't have mattered. Her mom made her rounds to see all her family members and introduced Katie to those she hadn't seen in years or at all. Katie wasn't much for meeting new people but she was always polite and courteous, showing respect to anyone she met.

Her mother was very excited to see one of her cousins that she hadn't seen in years and Katie soon tuned it out as she looked around at everything, trying to find a quiet room to sit in while the proceedings were going on so she could catch up on some homework. She came back into the conversation when her cousins were talking about life and jobs.

"I got married to Todd, he was in CT on business and we hit it off. He works in California as a casting director for Communications Network International, so we moved out there." the girl said. Katie came into the conversation quickly, just listening. CNI owned Kid's Network TV, the station that aired her favorite show, Big Time Rush.

"Oh that's exciting! What shows have you cast for?" Katie's mom asked.

"I've done so many for them its hard to keep track, I've done the Our History channel, Kids Network TV, American Entertainment Network and more. I'm actually scouting for new talent right now while I'm up here. Kids Network wants to create a new show and find some extras for their current shows." Todd Explained.
"Which shows?" Katie butted in, eyes wide.

"Katelyn Says, MiWebshow, and Dan's World." Todd answered.

"Katie's a big fan of Network TV, she loves the show Big Time Rush." her mom said.

"I do. Not gonna lie, best show ever. I like a lot of the shows but BTR is funny." Katie said with a sheepish smile.

"I can get you on the set to meet them, I got some of the paperwork in my car. You don't have to audition, just fill out the forms and I'll fly you out. They start filming right after the new year so you have some time."

"Really!?" she said lighting up.

"Absolutely!" He said with a smile.

Katie tackled him in a hug but stayed quiet otherwise. She was super excited but stayed quiet the rest of the service. Afterwards, Todd gave her the big folder with everything she would need and they parted ways. She talked it over with her dad who wasn't too thrilled about the whole idea but after being persuaded a little bit and assured that he would be back in time for the start of the next semester of college, he agreed to let her go. Her mom wouldn't be going with her, even though Katie could have used the support, she had to stay behind to keep her father company. He didn't like change and worried easily, and with his unpredictable health, he didn't like being alone for long periods either.

Katie packed up her things and began her journey across the nation. It took a few days before she got there, taking a train since it was cheaper and all she could afford. She'd be staying with other extras in a suit, owned by the studio for the week she would be there. She was no only going to meet the guys, but spend an entire week on set as an extra and watching the whole process of making a show from the table read to the actual shooting. It would be another couple days before the table read, so Katie had time to herself to visit the different sets on the lots and other sight seeing. She didn't want to venture outside the gated lot though; LA wasn't the best town to be in and it was much safer inside. There was plenty to do and places to eat and shop so she wasn't worried; she had the suite to herself most of the day, since the other extras were working on set.

She was super excited about the table read tomorrow and went to be early, much to her surprise. She woke to her alarm the next morning, still quite drowsy but forced herself out of bed and made herself presentable. The suite was fully active at this time, but she got in and out of the bathroom and got dressed before grabbing a quick bite of food and walked across the camp to stage 22. She entered in the back door, showing her badge and was led to the table read room, which was still empty. She sat for a few minutes until the writer and director came in, a little surprised at her existence at first.

"Oh, hello." the first guy, the director said.

"You must be Katie, our special guest for the week." the second guy said.

"Yes I am. Thank you for letting me sit in." Katie replied

"No problem, we're glad to have you. I'm Harold, the director, and this is David, the writer of the show." Harold said.

"Pleased to meet you." David said, waving to her.

"Make yourself comfy and feel free to help yourself to he refreshments. If you'd like you can wander around the hall and take a look around, take pictures and such. It'll be a while before everyone arrives. This is the one day a week they get to sleep in a bit so they take full advantage of it! We start the table read at noon, and everyone will be arriving around 11 or so." Harold said.

"Thanks." Katie said with a smile.

The duo walked out the door and Katie dug out her camera and started taking some pictures. She didn't want to wander too far away from the reading room so she saved the sets for another day. She got some fresh air outside and stretched her legs a little before returning to the reading room which was still empty. After about a half hour it started to fill up, the director was first and he kept himself busy coming in and out grabbing items and discussing things with other staff. The smaller stars and extras of the show started to file in, talking amongst themselves and not really noticing Katie. It was a common occurrence that people they didn't know sat in so they didn't question it, and just ignored her. Lucy and Camille came in and greeted her with big smiles and lastly, the members of BTR came in, welcoming her with a big hug and kind words.

She talked with them and the girls for a while before they were broken up by Harold who wanted to get started. Katie took her place in the corner and stayed quiet, listening to the lecture and episode description and other things. They were short a person and were trying to fill in some time before a stage member came in.

"Jennifer is violently ill and cant make it in today." the stage hand said.

"Ah, I see." Harold replied. He turned to Katie quickly who was still looking at the stage hand before turning to her phone. "Katie, would you like to sit in for Jennifer?"

"Sure, I just have to read her lines?" she replied

"Yes, there's a little bit of acting involved but her parts arent that big since she plays a minor character so you should be fine. We'll instruct you through it when we get there, but I think you'll get the hang of it really quick." Harold explained.

"Come sit with us, Katie!" Camille called over, moving the empty seat next to her.

"Yeah, sit with the better section." Lucy teased.

"Hey! We're just as good!" Carlos replied.

"You guys smell of hockey!" Camille added playfully.

"Not true! I showered this morning! I used my new Cuda Shower Gel!" James defended.

"Guys!" Logan interjected. "Can we just get through this without a fight?"

"Aw, come on, Logan, they were just teasing." Carlos said.

"I don't care, I have the worst headache right now. I feel like I just got body slammed by Bruno Jester from our rivals the Minnesota Warriors…" he explained, lowering his head into his arms.

"Sorry, these table reads, usually arent like this." Kendall apologized.

Katie didn't have a chance to respond before Harold took the lead again and started the table read. Katie opened the first page and read along with the group, laughing at the mischief and nonsense going on in the script and at the table. The words really came alive when each person spoke their character's lines. Katie was encouraged to take notes in her copy of the script, where changes might be considered or if something didn't sound right. The show was made for kids under 12 but a good portion of viewers were well into their teens. Katie was 17 and although there were a lot less viewers over the age of 16, they weren't exactly uncommon so her input was valuable.

Her lines were coming up and in the context of the scene, it was going to be a little stronger than just normal dialogue. Harold walked over to her to explain it really quick as the others kept going. It came time for her lines and like clockwork, she said the lines just like they were meant to. A quick congratulatory pat and smile from Harold and thumbs up from the girls sitting next her gave her the guts to keep going, just in time for her next section. The scene turned into an argument with James and the two went at it, almost as if it was real. Everyone at the table were quite impressed at the scene in front of them and when Katie came to her big finish, she received a round of applause and high fives from everyone, including James.

After the table read was done, all the actors went their separate ways, except for Lucy, and Camille who invited Katie out for tea. The girls were more open to meeting new people and always wanted to make friends with anyone new. They hadn't seen Katie at the Palm Woods so they were curious as to where she came from. They guys of BTR were friendly but they liked their own group more, socializing on occasion with the other Palm Woods guests. Katie had to decline the invitation for tea, though due to her lack of funds. She was only staying the week and had no income so she couldn't go crazy.

"Oh, so you're one of the temporary extras?" Camille asked

"I guess so. I wasn't even supposed to be an extra. I learned that a cousin of mine was a casting agent and he over heard that I liked the show so he pulled some strings and sent me across the country to see how everything goes down, get a tour of the sets, meet the actors and all that. Getting cast as an extra was just an added bonus." Katie explained.

"Have you ever acted before?" Camille asked.

"Not too much, just some amateur school plays in elementary school. Just small parts or one liners. First time being in an actual television show" She said.

"Oh. Well it's a lot of fun but a lot of hard work." Lucy said.

"I cant even imagine. I'm not a morning person at all so those early morning calls must be a killer." Katie replied. "In any case, I look forward to working with you all on the set and learning the ropes. I have to get going, I have a few things to work on."

"Sure, see you soon." Camille said waving Katie off. Once Katie was out of sight they turned and walked back to their dressing rooms. "If she's never done any official acting, how did she even get this far?" Camille wondered

"She said her uncle or something got her in here." Lucy replied

"Yeah I heard that but still, if he's just a casting director, he's just making suggestions, he doesn't have the final say. He must have forged her application." Camille surmised, shrugging her shoulders

"Do you think we should tell someone then?" Lucy asked

"I don't think so, she's only going to be an extra. Besides her acting seemed fine in the reading room." Camille responded

"But that was when cameras weren't rolling and there wasn't an audience. She could easily freeze or mess up so badly and hold us all back!" Lucy stated.

"Calm down, she cant be that bad as an extra. No doubt she's living in the bunk house so she's got accustomed to the other extras, she'll be fine." Camille reassured.

"I guess your right." Lucy sighed.

Katie arrived early each day for work and was ready to work. She went through the staging and rehearsals like a pro, even though her movements were simple. She had no lines and only had to hand Logan a smoothie when he ordered one. She messed up once but when corrected, she got it quickly and was right on cue each time, only having to repeat when someone messed up their lines, tripped or some other blooper. The show wrapped for the day and although Katie was pretty much done, she'd be here the rest of the week to watch everything else go down and to re-shoot the segment or a new one if needed.