How they'd ended up at New Beijing's Karaoke Bar, Cress couldn't remember. Well, she remembered the decision to go, just not the actual journey there. They had been sat in Lunar's, two Long Island Ice Tea later and Cress's head had been very light and pleasantly fuzzy, the conversation between them both flowing smoothly. She'd told him abut life back in England, even about her overbearing Aunt, and he'd told her briefly about his struggles with his Father.

Throne had excused himself to the toilet. It was then that Cress heard a gentle melody that she instantly recognised coming from a small radio on the bar, she hadn't even realised that she had begun to sing along.

"Where'd you learn to sing like that?"

She jumped, Thorne was watching her leaning against the booth, a wide grin across his face.

"Captain!"

"That was really beautiful, Cress." he slid into the booth opposite her.

Cress hadn't known what to say so just sat there embarrassed, from being caught singing and from the compliment.

Thorne's face had lit with excitement suddenly.

"I know the perfect place we should go!"

That had been that, next thing she knew she was sat in a low lit bar surrounded by red lanterns, dragon tapestries, and drunk business people.

Thorne was sat watching her expectantly.

"I... I can't!"

"Yes you can. The world deserves to hear your voice Cress." he insisted. He sat scrutinising her with clear blue gaze, Cress's face flushed hotly. She wasn't sure how much longer she could be the focus of those eyes, challenging her. Even through her merry tipsy state, she knew she would only punish herself if she spinelessly backed out now.

"Okay... I guess I could."

Thorne let out a loud 'whoop' of excitement, several of business men nursing their glasses looked over at them. Thorne rushed over to the bar guy, she was suprised to see that they recognised one another. They embraced each other in that arm-grabbing-man-hug thing that guys do, and Thorne pointed over to where she sat. Cress shrank a bit lower into her seat. The bar guy looked young, about Cress's age, with smooth black hair. After a few moments Thorne waved her over, she gulped nervously as she weaved her way around the bar stools.

"Cress, this is Kai. Kai's family own the place." Cress nodded nervously in acknowledgement.

"Nice to meet you." She squeaked.

"Like-wise. Thorne tells me you fancy a go at the Karaoke" He gestured across the bar at the stage. Framed by Red lanterns, and gold dragon motifs, the stage was now occupied by a small middle-age Asian man, who was sang passionately, but albeit greatly out of tune, into the microphone. In one hand he held his drink, the other he pointed out towards the audience. His tie was tied around his head. "Might be a bit of a struggle to get Jeff off the stage." Kai wiped the back of his neck, as he watched Jeff who was now kneeling. The audience regarding him boredly.

"Oh well if it's too much of a bother..."

Thorne dropped a hand on her shoulder making her jump, electricity jolted up her spine.

"I'm sure Jeff can surrender the spotlight for a minute Cress."

Kai Shrugged and headed over to the side of the stage, as Jeff reached his grand finale. As the last low notes warbled in the air, and as Jeff gestured the music tech guy to play another track, Kai shot onto the stage. Retrieving the microphone, he motioned at the tech guy to kill the next track.

"Okay everyone." Kai began, "Thanks Jeff for another thrilling performance." Jeff grunted in acknowledgement as he stumbled off the stage. "I'd like to introduce our next performer of the evening, on her first visit here at New Beijing's; Cress!"

Cress's legs wobbled as Kai gestured her over, Thorne gave her encouraging pat on the back. Still slightly dizzy from the Long Island Ice Teas she slowly made her way towards the stage, Kai offered her a hand to help her up. On the stage Cress began to sweat, the spotlights were hot and the bored looks that the audience gave her made her want to run and hide. She looked over to where Thorne stood, who shot her an enthusiastic thumbs up.

"Erm, Cress?"

Oh stars, she hadn't realised Kai was talking to her. She looked up at him eyes wide.

"What song are you requesting?" He whispered to her.

Her mind was blank. Of course?! She hadn't even thought about what she was going to sing! She hadn't even though she would get this far!

"Whitney." She sputtered quickly.

"Okay..." Kai started unsure "any preference?"

Cress quickly shook her head.

Kai gave the tech guy a thumbs up to start a track.

Cress's heart was making a god-awful racket as Kai passed her the microphone. She was pretty sure everyone could here the cacophony.

As the track began she didn't recognise the song for a minute, nor did she notice that the lyrics had already began to stroll across the small screen at the edge of the stage. She quickly jumped to attention and was immediately relieved to see she recognised the song, "I Have Nothing".

When she looked back at Thorne she noticed he was looking extremely concerned.

I'm a famous singer, I am performing in front over thousands of adoring fans. She told herself. I can do this.

Closing her eyes, she began to sing.

It did not take long for her to become completely enveloped in the song, she even found herself swaying gently to the music. She was surprised at how much she began to enjoy it, the warmth of the spotlights on her skin, she felt the words coming from her heart, her worries and doubts lifting from her soul. She was Whitney. She let the music sway her some more. She built towards the crescendo, the music building inside of her. As the crescendo finished, she dropped to her knees as she sang the last few gentle final notes.

She stayed kneeling, trying to regain her breath. She opened her eyes, and she had completely forgotten where she was. Her eyes nervously scanned the room, her heart pounded once again as she surveyed the scene before her. All eyes were on the stage, each and every face slack with shock, their drinks left forgotten. She looked to the side of the stage where Kai stood drop-jawed.

Thorne.

Terrified she looked over at him, it was difficult to see him with the spotlight in her eyes, but regardless through the gloom of the bar she saw those startling blue eyes completely fixed on her. His face frozen in complete shock, and she dare hoped, a little awe. Their eyes met, the entire bar frozen in silence for what felt like forever. From the far end of the bar someone began to clap, breaking the spell that they were all under.

Thorne blinked and joined in as the whole bar began to clap.

Cress stood slowly, herself stunned. Kai jumped on stage and patted her on the back, she thought he might of thanked her but she was in too much of a daze to pay much attention. She stumbled the steps, her legs trembling as she made her way back to her seat. Thorne's eye never left her.

As she slumped into the chair opposite him, he let out a low whistle.

"Wow." He shook his head in disbelief "That was... That was incredible Cress" He laughed " I don't know what to say."

Cress's face reddened with embarrassment, maybe she'd gone a bit over the top with her performance. Thorne however gave her a massive grin.

"I think this calls for another drink, don't you?"


Sorry for such a long time since the last update, I have been so very busy with Uni and Christmas.

Anyway, thank you for all the follows, favourites and lovely reviews - It means a lot!