Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments! I'm glad you enjoyed the first chapter and hopefully the rest of it won't disappoint you. Anyway, a few reminders—this is an AU fic and it involves shounen-ai, so if that isn't your cup of tea, escape while you still can. Enjoy.

Chapter Two

Michael let out a huge sigh of relief as the concert came to an end and the crowd erupted into hoots and applause. Kai had given off a spectacular performance, as did the rest of his band. He heard them thanking their guests and smiled proudly. Now the only thing I have to worry about is Kai and his backstage visitors.

He frowned slightly. Kai wasn't exactly a people person when it came to squealing girls. He envisioned an image of Kai losing his temper in frustration at their empty-headedness and—

"Hey." Emily came up behind him and placed a hand on his arm. She rolled her eyes when she saw his face. "Would you stop worrying about Kai's success so much?"

"I'm not worrying." She gave him a look, and he squirmed. "Okay, maybe I am, but not without just cause! I just want everything to go perfect."

"That's great, but you have to remember that Kai's only nineteen—he's really still a teenager. Do you ever think about that?"

Michael looked sheepish. "Not really, I guess."

"You should. He loves what he does, but don't make the mistake of driving him away. I know you thrive on pressure, but not everyone's like that. You've got to make more of an effort to let him lead the most normal life possible." She raised her eyebrows.

"But that's just it—he's not normal. He's famous! He's got the eyes of the world on him, and he has an image to uphold."

"But he's still a kid."

"Yeah, yeah, but he has fame and fortune. What could he possibly be missing?"

"Friends. All of his old ones left him when he got a record deal except Tala, and on his schedule he doesn't get out enough to make new ones. Not to mention that he's a young man with growing… desires, if you know what I mean."

"Well, tell him to meet some nice woman."

Emily shook her head and flicked a finger against Michael's nose. "Like he can with the hours you make him work."

Michael scrunched up his face. "Please, the kid's lazy as hell. You should see him when I give him a simple task. Three hours later he might think about starting it."

She smiled and shrugged before giving his arm a squeeze and walking away. "Just think about it," she called over her shoulder. Michael grunted in response before Oliver came skipping up, followed by Rei and Enrique. Tala and Kai tailed behind.

"How were we? We were fantastic!" Oliver said delightedly. Michael grinned.

"You guys were great. And Kai? Your performance was nothing short of amazing," he said. "Was that crappy sound check you gave me your idea of a joke? Do you enjoy making me crazy?"

"Thanks. It's a hobby of mine." Kai unclasped the choker around his neck and rubbed his skin just as Mariah flew in.

"Put that back on! Your backstage visitors will be here in minutes," she snapped, dragging him off to the side to fix him up again. "Gracious, you're sweating like a stuck pig."

"Why don't you try going out there and see how well you fare," Kai muttered, pushing his damp bangs away from his face. "The lights are hot."

"I would imagine they like seeing you like this, in any case," she mused. "Your eyes look smokier and it gives off a very sexy image."

"Smokier my ass. Your eyeliner melted." Kai frowned.

"Oh, hush. Kai Hiwatari, I swear, you are the whiniest person I know," she stated while fanning his face busily. Kai stared at her incredulously, his soft hair fluttering around.

"Isn't he?" Tala said with a wink. Kai chose to ignore him. Michael watched the young singer intently, Emily's words going through his mind.

"Hey, Kai, you have a photo shoot tomorrow," he said.

"Okay."

"Uh… was there anything you wanted to do that day? Did you have plans?"

Kai glanced at him. "Like what?"

"Oh, I don't know what you guys do these days. Maybe you wanted to go out and see some of your friends?" Michael ventured timidly. Tala winced and raised his eyebrows. Kai was glaring at Michael, who was slightly confused at the harsh reaction he was receiving for trying to do something nice.

"No, I didn't have any plans to go see my friends," Kai said coldly, animosity sparking in his magenta gems. "I'll do the photo shoot, okay?"

Michael was taken back. "Ah… okay…"

Kai turned to Mariah and excused himself before stalking off irately. Michael watched him go, perplexed. Tala clucked his tongue.

"Smooth move," he commented.

"What set him off?" Michael asked. Tala sighed.

"Well, past acquaintances are sort of a sore spot for him," Tala explained. "When he got noticed for his singing, our friends kind of ditched him, saying that it would all go to his head and he'd start thinking he was better than them and stuff, which he never did, even though I'd say that they deserve to be treated that way by him."

"I see," Michael said softly. "What about you? Did they ditch you, too?"

"No. Only him."

"Huh. Well, they obviously weren't very good friends."

"I'd say. Kai was pretty hurt over it, though. He doesn't talk about it and I'd advise you not to ask."

"Well, I've known Kai since he was a little kid—"

"Michael, seriously. Don't bring it up," Tala said gently. "He wants to forget. Why do you think he hasn't told you?"

Michael paused before nodding. "Fine. Not to sound callous or anything, but Kai doesn't have time to go and brood right now. The guests with the backstage passes must be waiting."

Tala checked his watch. "Yep… someone should probably go after him, now."

"Go!" Michael pointed and Tala flounced off in search of his friend.

Stupid Michael. He has no idea what he's talking about. Did I have plans to go and visit my friends? What friends! Kai fumed mentally as he stomped around aimlessly. What the hell got him talking like that, anyway?

Gradually he put his anger aside and stopped. He wasn't really mad at Michael, he was just angry that he'd been reminded of the only thing he was going out of his way to forget. With a growl of irritation, he stopped and crossed his arms in a huff.

Who needs friends, anyway? I'm perfectly fine on my own. I'm happy here, doing what I love to do…

"I'm so lost! Waa!"

"If you had just listened to where you were supposed to go, you wouldn't be, you idiot."

"Hilary, I'm gonna miss my chance! MY ENTIRE LIFE HAS BEEN LEADING UP TO THIS!"

Kai paused for a moment. Who the hell are they and what are they doing back here? He wandered to where the voices were coming from and was just about to turn the corner when someone running at full speed crashed into him head-on.

"Ow!" At the speed the person had been running, the force had Kai thrown flat on his back. The wind was knocked out of him when said person landed directly on top of him.

"Ugh! Watch where you're going, you moron!" the person yelled. It was a masculine voice with a quirky quality. Kai let out a dazed moan and there was a short pause.

"Oh my God! I killed Kai Hiwatari!" he screamed in utter anguish. Kai squeezed his eyes shut.

"My head… stop screaming… bah…"

The boy gasped. "He's not dead," he said wonderingly. The clicking of heels was heard and suddenly there was a brown-haired girl standing over them. She glowered.

"I don't even want to know," she muttered. "Tyson, you need to learn self-control."

Tyson stuck his face inches from Kai's. I can't believe this… I'm practically straddling Kai Hiwatari! Oh my God. Oh my God! I can't believe I ran into him like this. I can't believe I'm actually touching him! And wow… he's still hot and sweaty from his concert! I can't believe any of this!

The young singer opened his eyes as his vision slowly came back into focus. There was a boy on top of him peering down with large coppery eyes, looking awed.

"Hey. Get off." Kai squirmed under his weight and the boy immediately jumped up and began gushing apologies. Kai sat up and shook his head to clear it, lifting his still damp bangs away from his face. Then he looked up.

"I am so sorry Mr. Hiwatari sir! Are you all right? I can pay for any damages!" The boy bowed deeply with his hands clasped together. Kai helped himself up and stared.

"What are you two doing back here? Authorized personnel only." He pointed to a sign. "You're going to get in huge trouble."

"No, wait! We have backstage passes, see?" He stuck them in Kai's face. "We just got lost."

Kai raised an eyebrow.

"You don't believe me!" he wailed. The brown-haired girl shoved him aside.

"Look, my idiot friend is telling the truth. He was so busy fainting over the prospect of meeting you that he didn't pay attention to where we were supposed to go. So, if you would kindly point us in the right direction, we'll just be on our way," she said.

"That's weird. You don't act like most of the other girls who come to see me," Kai stated, tapping his chin thoughtfully. She smiled thinly.

"That's because HE'S the rabid fan, not me," she said, pointing to Tyson, who currently was ogling with stars in his eyes. Kai turned his gaze over to him.

"Him?" he asked. "That… guy?"

Hilary nodded. "Yeah." These rock stars are always so dense!

While Kai seemed to be sizing Tyson up, there came a yell from behind them. Kai was about to turn around when he felt two whooshes go past him from behind and suddenly Tyson and Hilary were in the hands of two burly security officers. Tala came up and clapped a hand on his shoulder.

"I've got your back, man," he said. "Was this chick trying to smuggle an autograph out of you? Get a lock of your hair?"

"Actually…"

"Let go of me!" Hilary shrieked, her eyes blazing with anger. "And stop talking like I'm smitten with that arrogant fool over there!" She pointed at Kai. He frowned.

"Oh, so these guys aren't fans?" Tala narrowed his eyes. Michael came trotting up and looked over the scene.

"What on earth is going on here?" he asked.

"So, what were you planning to do? Get him cornered and then try to hurt him because you're jealous of his fame?" Tala grilled. Kai tugged at his sleeve slightly.

"I would never!" Tyson said indignantly. Hilary rolled her eyes. Michael stepped up.

"Kai, what happened? Are you all right?"

"These guys are harmless," he said. "They have backstage passes and got lost."

A short silence fell. Tala glared at Kai.

"You couldn't have said that before I began getting fanatical about defending you?" he asked with an arched brow. Kai shrugged.

"How'd you guys get lost?" Michael asked skeptically. Hilary repeated her story, making sure she emphasized Tyson's stupidity. After a few more questions, he seemed like he accepted their explanation and turned to Kai, an apologetic look on his face.

"I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't know."

"It's okay," Kai said briskly, waving him off. "Aren't there some other people with passes waiting to meet me?"

"Actually, yeah… and you're kind of late, so let's get moving."

They began walking down the hall, flanked by the security officers. Tyson seemed intimidated by them and found himself walking in step with Kai. His heart was fluttering in his chest with excitement at meeting his celebrity crush. He hadn't expected to see him for very long, so this was practically heaven.

I'm walking side by side with Kai Hiwatari. He glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. And he looks fit to ravish! I would so do it if I wouldn't get in trouble for it.

"There he is, oh my God!"

"It's Kai!"

Tyson frowned when he saw that the other four people who had gotten backstage passes were squealing girls. He felt Hilary nudge him.

"You're the only guy here," she whispered.

"So!" he whispered back heatedly. "It shows that I have great taste in stars."

"Or something else."

He blushed and watched the girls flock around Kai, no small amount of jealousy rising in his chest. Michael told Kai to take them to his dressing room and show them around, then dragged Tala off and left Emily to oversee the visiting. Mariah joined them after a moment, all smiles.

"I'm Kai's makeup artist, Mariah," she sang out cheerfully. The girls oohed and ahhed over her, asking her questions about what kind of makeup Kai used. Said rock star was hanging back near his bed, totally fine with Mariah taking over the show. Tyson wasn't especially interested in what kind of makeup Kai wore and just really wanted to talk to Kai himself. He inched over slowly, then froze when Kai looked at him.

"I… er… uh…" Tyson stammered. A faintly amused smile appeared on Kai's lips as he motioned him over to him. Hilary was growing quite annoyed of watching Tyson's sudden shyness and gave him a sound shove to where Kai was standing.

"Ack!" Tyson stumbled forward, horrified at the prospect of crashing into Kai and knocking him over again. To his surprise (and delight), he felt a strong pair of arms catch him before he managed to smash his face into the floor. He looked up with large eyes and laughed weakly.

"Thanks…"

"You're kind of clumsy," Kai said, helping him stand. Tyson blushed fiercely. A moment of silence passed and they both looked up to see the four girls glaring daggers at the scene. They abandoned Mariah and instantly surrounded Kai.

"Hi! I'm Cindy."

"I'm Sally."

"I'm Mary-Jane."

"I'm Lulu!"

Kai looked slightly overwhelmed and glanced at Tyson. He scratched the back of his head with a sheepish look on his face.

"Um… I'm Tyson. That's my friend Hilary over there."

"It's nice to meet all of you," Kai began. "Uh… thanks for coming."

"Can I have your autograph?" one of the girls cried.

"Sure, you all can… if you want it," he said, looking at Hilary, who was glaring with all the intensity of the sun. The girls squealed simultaneously and thrust pen and paper into Kai's face. Tyson hung back and watched, subdued by all the females in the room.

"Hey, why aren't you over there acting like an idiot along with the rest of them?" Hilary asked. "I thought you worshiped Kai. At least go talk to the guy."

"I will," Tyson murmured, butterflies in his stomach. At that moment, the door burst open and Michael appeared again, this time with Oliver, Enrique, Tala, and Rei in tow. The girls looked up, then shrieked in delight, making a beeline for the rest of the band. Kai let out a soft sigh of relief as they gushed over them, demanding autographs.

"Hey, you don't seem very excited," he commented in Tyson's general direction, brushing his bangs aside. Tyson started.

"I am, I am! I'm seriously a huge fan of you and your work."

Kai smiled faintly and walked over to his bed. Tyson watched him sit down, then felt his heart skip a beat when Kai gestured lightly to the spot next to him.

"Go, you idiot," Hilary whispered harshly. Tyson danced over, feeling as if he were floating on air. He sat quietly and folded his hands in his lap, glancing at Kai out of the corner of his eye.

"Um… Mr. Hiwatari sir… it's a great honor getting to meet you," Tyson said nervously.

"You can call me Kai," he said, looking at him strangely. "How old are you, Tyson?"

"I'm nineteen."

Kai nodded, resting his chin in his palm. "I take it you already know how old I am."

"Why would you say that?" Tyson asked innocently. Kai raised his eyebrows.

"I occasionally surf those unofficial websites made for me. What are they called, Kai shrines? Most of the information is wrong, but my vital stats are pretty accurate."

Tyson looked down and blushed for the third time. He had about twenty Kai shrines book marked on his favorite list at home on his computer. "Well, what can you say… everyone adores you."

"Not everyone."

Tyson looked over, surprised. For a moment Kai looked distant, but then turned and gave him a classic smile. Tyson felt his insides turn to mush.

I'm actually sitting here talking to Kai Hiwatari. And we're on a first name basis!

"So, could you describe a typical day in the life of the famous Kai Hiwatari?" Tyson asked, feeling slightly more confident. He was generally a social person and got along well with almost everybody. Kai tapped his chin thoughtfully.

"Well, right after I get up in the morning, I have a session with Spencer, my personal fitness instructor. Then after I shower comes breakfast, which is usually with Tala and usually health-food crap I'm forced to eat day in and day out. I'm supposedly on some kind of schedule, but basically I practice, go to vocal sessions, spend time with my dance instructor and choreographer—stuff like that. I model a little, too. Oh yeah, and I have a private tutor since I don't go to school anymore. Tala and I have the same one."

"Wow… your life sounds so cool! It must be so great being you," Tyson said with a grin. "Do you miss anything about just being a normal teenager? Well, young adult, anyway. It's probably great not having to go to school!"

"I liked school fine up until I got a record deal," Kai said, twisting a thin silver bracelet around his wrist absently. "The tutor works better now, though." A tiny frown creased his forehead. "I don't really miss anything about normal life. Well, I probably miss being able to eat whatever I want when I want, but other than that, I don't think there's anything."

Tyson blinked. "Do you get to go out and party with your friends? Living the high life, eh?"

Kai looked vaguely amused. "You'll probably be surprised to hear that I don't go out much. It kind of loses its luster when you step outside and either get mobbed by fans or paparazzi."

"Oh…"

"Don't get me wrong—I love my fans and all, but sometimes I'm appalled at how far they would go to meet me or something." He looked at Tyson, sincerity in his eyes. "I mean, I'm just a person like anyone else."

Yeah, but you're rich, you're famous, you have amazing talent, and you're drop-dead gorgeous.

"Well, if you don't mind me saying again, it's an honor to meet you. You're even cooler in person!"

Kai looked amused again and thanked him. Michael stuck his head through the door.

"Hey, Kai, get out here. We're taking pictures in the hallway."

Tyson gasped. "Can I take a picture with you?" he asked, looking up with large eyes. Kai stood and motioned him to follow with a nod of his head. Tyson bounced along behind him, grinning in anticipation. The four girls were waiting outside, and they ran and latched themselves onto Kai when he stepped out of his room.

"Take one with me!" they said in unison. Four flashes later, each of them was cradling a Polaroid as if it were a billion-dollar check. Tyson felt his heart skip a beat when Kai came and stood close to him.

"Your turn," Kai said easily. "You wanted a picture, right?"

Tyson nodded and melted all over again when Kai draped an arm around his shoulders. Their faces were inches apart and Tyson could hardly contain his nervousness when Kai turned his head and looked at him briefly.

"Loosen up, will you?"

"Uh… s-sorry," Tyson stammered. Kai raised his eyebrows slightly, then turned back to the camera. Tyson attempted a smile.

"Say cheese," Emily said before the light flashed before their eyes. Tyson felt Kai drop his arm and turned to him with a smile.

"Thank you!" he said gleefully while Emily handed him the picture. He waved it around in the air, waiting for the image to show up. Kai yawned and felt Tala nudge him in the ribs.

"What? I'm sleepy," Kai whispered defensively. Tala rolled his eyes.

"You're such a whiner."

"I am not. Why does everyone keep saying that?"

"Think about it."

Michael clapped his hands together to get everyone's attention. "It's been our great pleasure to have you all back here. I hope you enjoyed meeting us all, and I hope you'll all be at Kai's next concert, which isn't too far away. We'd all like to thank you personally for supporting us."

"Yay!" the girls squealed. "We love you, Kai!"

Kai smiled thinly. "Thanks…"

"Now, if you'd kindly follow them, they'll see you out safely," Michael was saying, gesturing to three burly security guards. Kai extended a hand in Tyson's direction to shake it, and Tyson, hiding his inner excitement, grasped it breathlessly.

"Thanks for coming. I usually don't get to meet people like you," Kai said. Tyson gripped Kai's slender hand, feeling the delicate bones under his skin. His fingertips were calloused from playing his guitar.

"The pleasure was all mine," Tyson said dazedly. He felt Kai's pale hand slip from his fingers and before he knew it, Hilary was leading him after the security guards. After a moment, the cool night air hit him in the face, and he blinked, gathering his bearings.

"Hello?" Hilary called, waving a hand in front of him. "Earth to Tyson. We've got to get home now."

"Yeah…" he said slowly. "Wow. I can't believe I really met the guy. I met… Kai Hiwatari."

"You did, and now it's over so, let's get going!" Hilary dragged him off. Tyson fell into step beside her, walking quietly. He lifted the hand that Kai had shook and rubbed it gently with his other hand, and then reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the picture they had taken.

"That came out nice," Hilary commented.

"Yeah, it did." Tyson gazed at it for a moment longer before pocketing it. He slipped his hands into his jeans pockets and grinned. "That was so beyond cool."

"Well, I'm glad you're satisfied. I am never coming with you to another one of his concerts again," Hilary stated firmly. "Even though that Rei was kind of cute…"

Tyson laughed. "And you think I'm strange for thinking Kai's hot!"

"Are you going home or what?" Tala asked, sticking his head in Kai's door. Kai had showered and changed into a pair of light blue pajamas. He pulled the covers back on his bed and yawned widely.

"Are you crazy? The press is probably staking out my house. We just had a concert if you've forgotten. I'm staying right here."

Tala flicked the lights out for him. "See now, those backstage visitors weren't so bad."

"The girls were typical." He paused.

"And?" Tala prodded him. Kai climbed into bed and pulled the covers up before lacing his hands behind his head.

"And nothing. I'm so tired, I'm going to faint if you don't leave me alone."

"So go ahead and faint, you drama-queen. Like it'll make any difference—you're in bed," Tala pointed out. Kai hid a smile and turned to the side, curling up under the covers. He thought Tala had left when he heard his voice again.

"That Tyson kid was pretty nice," he mused. Kai grunted.

"Yeah, he was. Too bad I'll never see him again. I think I'll get over it."

Tala pouted. "What is with you? One minute you're cute, the next, you're like that. Mean as all heck. You and your stupid moods."

"I don't have moods."

"My ass."

"Goodnight, Tala," Kai said dismissively.

"Yeah, yeah. 'Night." He closed the door gently and Kai listened until the sound of his footsteps faded. He closed his eyes sleepily, remembering vaguely that he had a photo shoot early the next day, but not bothering to set his alarm clock.

"Tyson was a nice kid," he mumbled. "Maybe one day I'll meet another nice kid and we'll fall in love and spend the rest of our lives together. Now wouldn't that be something." He shook off the absurd thought and soon fell into a dreamless sleep.

To Be Continued

End of chapter two! Hopefully it wasn't too boring. I really don't know the slightest thing about how rock stars live, so I'm basically making this up as I go along (can you tell?). Anyway, we should have more Tyson and Kai interaction in the next chapter because I like Tyson and Kai interaction, so that's what you're gonna get. Please review and tell me what you think! Thanks much and see you soon.