A/N: Hey all. I know, I suck, and I'm sorry. I thought I had settled into a my workload when it suddenly doubled and I was back to square one. I've really got it under control this time, so it should only be a few days before I can update again. Thank you all for patience and for sticking with me!

Kadence

Disclaimer: Camp Rock and its characters are the property of the Disney Channel. I own nothing…I merely borrow for my amusement, as well as yours.

Chapter 9

"Oh my God, is this day ever going to be over?" Mitchie asked as she collapsed on the couch in the greenroom at the Tonight Show.

"We just have the party left," Brown said. "Everyone please get changed. We don't want to be late."

One of the Tonight Show hair and makeup artists had agreed to help Mitchie redo her hair and makeup after she got dressed, leaving the greenroom free for the boys to change.

"This dress is so short," Mitchie said, referring to the gold metallic dress she had just put on.

"You look amazing," Caitlyn said.

"You are gorgeous girl," the very gay hairstylist proclaimed.

"Thanks," Mitchie said. "I guess I'm just not used to all this yet."

"You are a star girl," the hairstylist said. "Own it."

"Thanks," Mitchie said, a little more confident.

The hairstylist had finished curling her long brown locks and the makeup artist touched up her makeup while Caitlyn retrieved Mitchie's jewelry from the pouch.

"Wow," Caitlyn said, as Mitchie stood up.

"You really think so?" Mitchie asked.

"Hey, are you guys…" Shane said, as he, Nate and Jason walked into the makeup room.

"Shane, what did you stop for?" Nate asked. "Oh."

"Wow," Shane said.

"Thanks," Mitchie said.

"You look beautiful Mitchie," Brown said. "Is everyone ready to go?"

"Let's do it," Jason exclaimed.

**********

The ride over to Planet Hollywood was pretty uneventful. Nate and Caitlyn were whispering to each other; Jason and Shane were talking about the new guitars Gibson had sent over for Jason to try, though Shane kept stealing glances at Mitchie; and Mitchie was going over with Brown, the people she needed to "rub elbows with" that night.

When the limo stopped, even through the tinted windows, everyone could see the flashbulbs of the press and paparazzi cameras.

"Okay, the plan is to walk inside," Brown said. "You can pose for pictures as they ask, but you're not required to do any interviews outside. The press that has been approved for interviews will be inside and you'll get to them throughout the night. Don't feel like you need to answer any questions thrown at you from the crowd. We ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Mitchie said, taking a deep breath.

"You're gonna do great," Shane said, squeezing her hand.

The limo door opened and Brown stepped out first, followed by Nate and Caitlyn, then Jason, then Shane, who offered his hand to Mitchie as she stepped out last.

As they walked down the red carpet towards the entrance of Planet Hollywood, photographers frantically snapped pictures of Nate and Caitlyn, as well as Shane and Mitchie, before asking for some shots of Connect Three altogether and then Connect Three and Mitchie together. It was not a common occurrence to see Nate and his girlfriend at an event together, and with all the talk about Shane and Mitchie earlier in the day, the pictures of the couple, and the not-couple, would be fetching a pretty penny with the gossip magazines.

"Shane, Mitchie, are you two a couple?"

"Nate, any comment on Hannah Montana's new song about you?"

All sorts of questions were being shouted from the crowd of paparazzi, but the group smiled for the cameras as they continued walking to the door.

"Wow," Mitchie said when they got just inside the door.

"It's pretty intense," Jason said. "But you get used to it."

"I don't know if I'll ever get used to that," Mitchie said. "And what were they talking about? Hannah has a song about Nate?"

"Long story," Shane said, rolling his eyes.

"I'm looking forward to hearing it," Mitchie said, with a laugh.

"Ugh, I didn't know she was going to be here tonight," Nate said.

"That girl needs to learn when to let go and just get over it already," Caitlyn said.

"Oh yeah, I definitely can't wait to hear it," Mitchie said.

"Okay kids, you've got a little bit of time before you perform," Brown said. "Mingle. Mitchie, you know who you need to make a point to talk to. If you need me, I'll be around. But mostly, have some fun. You guys have earned it."

"Thanks Brown," Nate said.

**********

Connect Three and Mitchie separated to give some interviews, Caitlyn staying with Mitchie so she wouldn't be alone. Afterwards, the group gave joint interviews to People and Rolling Stone, the only two magazines who had been granted such a privilege. A photo shoot and a more in depth interview were also planned for both, as People was doing a Collector's Edition issue and Rolling Stone wanted Connect Three and Mitchie for an upcoming cover story.

Mitchie was already enjoying herself, but she could definitely feel the void from her parents not being there.

"Are you ready to go on?" Shane asked, tearing Mitchie from her thoughts.

"Oh, uh, yeah," Mitchie said.

"Hey, are you okay?" Shane asked, walking with her to the backstage area that had been set up, where they wouldn't be seen.

"I guess I'm just missing my parents," Mitchie said. "I'm angry at them for not wanting to share this with me. But I'm still sad that they're not here."

"I'm sorry Mitch," Shane said. "But if it makes you feel better, it's their loss. They don't know what they're missing."

"Thanks," Mitchie said.

"Alright, the boys are going to start with Gotta Find You and then introduce you for This Is Me. Everyone ready?" Brown asked.

"Let's do this," they all said.

**********

After their performances, Mitchie and the boys were finally free to grab some food and enjoy the party being held in their honor. The headed to a section that had been roped off for them and a waitress brought them some food.

"I still can't believe how much we did today. Three interviews, this party, all those performances. I am exhausted," Mitchie said. "How do you guys keep this up all the time?"

"Well not every day is as crazy as this one," Nate said. "But eventually, you get used to it."

"Wow, I hope you're right. I feel like I could sleep for a week," Mitchie said. "And I can't even imagine trying to sing again tonight."

"Well we've got a few days off until the Idol Gives Back show," Shane said. "Any plans?"

"You mean besides sleep?" Mitchie asked.

"Yes," Shane said, laughing. "Besides sleep."

"I want to spend some time with Sky," Mitchie said. "Unless I get called into the label, I really just want to relax until Idol. I know once the album drops, I'm not going to have a lot of free time to just relax. So I figured I'll take advantage while I can."

"That's a great idea," Nate said. "Once the tour prep starts there won't be much time for that."

"Um, it's kind of loud in here and I want to check in with the babysitter," Mitchie said. "Would someone mind coming outside with me?"

"I'll go," Shane said, immediately.

"Thanks," Mitchie said, standing. "I know it's silly, but I just want to make sure she's okay."

"That's not silly at all," Shane said as they walked outside. "This is the first time you've been away from her for this long."

While Shane and Mitchie stood outside, neither was aware that there was still a photographer around, sneaking photos. Though they had already denied being in a relationship earlier that day, the rumor mill would once again be stirring and the two would find themselves all over the gossip sites again.

A/N: Uh oh. More rumors? Should this make Shane hesitate in asking Mitchie out? Afraid that if they finally are together, there'll be more rumors? Thoughts?

Thanks for reading!

Kadence