College Life Chapter 24: Benefit Concert, a sonic the hedgehog fanfic

(A/N): Pretty dramatic last chapter, but…Cat is with the good guys! Yay!!

New Years past in one big blur as the whole group spent it in Time Square. School started soon enough and before they knew it was the end of February.

"Guys!" Conner yelled as Julian, Serenity, and Ginger whipped around to see him running towards them.

"You booked a movie deal!?" Julian asked excitedly as Conner scoffed.

"No. Not yet, but I got this great idea." Conner said as they all looked at him expectantly. "I was babysitting with Garrett yesterday for Ivy and Flash, which I really don't understand because Aiden and Nessa are like eleven, anyways they started talking about all their friends before they came here and wished how they can be helped too. So…I think we should raise money and give to one of the charities here in New York." Conner said as they all smiled.

"That's great! How are we going to do that?" Serenity asked as Julian and Ginger looked back at him.

"I was getting to that. I was thinking we could do a benefit concert. You know, one with all the bands and maybe some other acts. Tyler can play the guitar and I bet others can do stuff." Conner said as Julian put his arm around Conner's shoulders.

"You're a genius my man." Julian said as Conner smiled proudly.

"Get all the others and tell them to meet me and my apartment." Conner said before running off.

"Oh yes, he leaves us to call fifty people." Ginger said as Serenity laughed. Everybody showed up at Conner's and Renegade's apartment as the bands sat at the table with Conner at the end of it.

"That's a great idea!" Flash exclaimed when Conner explained his idea.

"I've talked to the guys who run all the entertainment on campus and for a concert we have to perform ten songs and attract over two-thousand people." Conner said as Sean gaped at him.

"Well, you guys have fun with that." Sean said as Henry and Cherry grabbed him and pulled him back down. "Are you guys serious? We can't perform in front of two-thousand people!" Sean said as Shina crossed her arms.

"No. We can. You're the one scared." Shina said as Sean sighed.

"It's for the kids." Cherry said as Henry pushed Aiden and Nessa in front of him. "How can you say no to those faces?" Cherry said as Aiden and Nessa pouted with big eyes.

"God…fine." He grumbled as Conner smiled brightly.

"I'll be happy to perform." Tyler said as Conner wrote down him for an act.

"The Storm brothers can definitely do something." Hydro said as Flash smiled brightly and nodded.

"Lauren and I can do song too." Topaz said as Lauren nodded her head with a happy smile on her face.

"I can rap." Donovan said as everybody whipped their heads towards him.

"What?" Renegade was the first to question as Donovan shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't like to show off a lot." Donovan said as Kim scoffed. "It's rapping. It's different." He said as Kim rolled her eyes.

"Spit some game." AJ said as Donovan smirked.

"Give me a beat." He said as AJ and Lazarus started to beat box. "The name's Donny-Boy and I'm the best. Take your seat right now and take a rest, because I'll be up here for the rest of the show. I'm a Cali boy down here in New York. Spittin' way better game than all you dorks. Thinkin' ya'll can rap any day or night. You ain't Kid Cudi so get out of my sight. Better than Jay-Z and Weezy too. When I came on stage they all sucked and flew. No one on this planet is better than me so ya'll can just leave me be." Donovan said as everybody was looked at him amazed. "Damn right." He said as Conner just shook his head. (Note: I am not a rapper. Don't trash it.)

"I'll just put you down." Conner said as Donovan smirked.

"I got a song too, but I need a girl to sing with me." Donovan said as Topaz volunteered.

"Sean and I'll do something." Flash said as Sean whipped his head towards him.

"What?" Sean said as Flash shrugged his shoulders innocently.

"We practiced together before and we sound pretty good together." Flash said as Sean slammed his head on the table.

"God…" Sean said as Henry shook his head.

"Oh my God! Sean you should sing this one song!" Lauren exclaimed as Sean looked up at her.

"Why am I doing all the songs?" Sean asked as Lauren rolled her eyes. She looked over at Conner and he nodded. Sean slammed his head on the table again as Goldeye patted his back.

"You'll get through this." Goldeye said as Sean shook his head.

"Ok, so we have Donovan and Topaz, Hydro and Flash, Tyler, Flash and Sean, Lauren and Topaz, The Dark Matrix, Bold&Pure, The Feedback – Nice name by the way, Absolute Fire, and Sean to finish up the show." Conner said as everybody nodded. "Ok then, let's get this concert ready." Conner said as everybody started to plan. After a week of preparations and getting the word around the concert was set up. It was being held on an open field the school had and Garrett and Renegade worked together to get a temporary stage built. Thanks to Amber, Alana, Black, Julian, Wilmer, and Bianca they managed to get two thousand-five hundred-sixty-two people to come charging each of them five dollar admission.

Liecy, Emma, Suzy, and Bianca are all helping at the snack stand serving up some delicious food. Brice, Nicole, and Serenity is getting everybody in order and into their seats before the concerts. Stephan, Hailey, and Chrissy are handling ticket sales and counting money. Julian and Bijou are hosting the whole show as Conner, Jeff, Cat, and Goldeye handle all the technical stuff.

"Alright NYU, are you ready to hear some music?!" Julian yelled as he came onto stage with Bijou. The crowd cheered as Bijou twisted he mouth to the side.

"I can't hear anything Julian. Are we at NYU or what?!" Bijou yelled as everybody got out of their seats and started to cheer. "That's what I thought. Ok, you all came to hear some good music, but not only that. All your contributions go to the Make a Wish Foundation. So…don't be afraid to buy things!" Bijou said as Julian rolled his eyes.

"Let's get on to the music!" Julian said as everybody cheered. "First up we have Donovan Johnson and Topaz the Hedgehog!" Julian said as he and Bijou jogged off the stage. The stage lights dimmed before lighting up with different blue and white lights. Hydro was behind a DJ booth starting the beat as Donovan came onto the stage. Donovan was wearing slightly bagging jeans with a white t-shirt and a black jacket. He had a navy, plaid vest over his jacket and black Timberland boots with a classic Yankees hat.

Yeah, Yeah, Imma up at Brooklyn, now I'm down in Tribeca,
right next to DeNiro, But ill be hood forever,
I'm the new Sinatra, and since I made it here,
I can make it anywhere, yeah they love me everywhere,
I used to cop in Harlem, all of my Dominicanos
right there up on Broadway, brought me back to that McDonalds,
took it to my stash spot, 5-60 State street,
catch me in the kitchen like a Simmons whipping Pastry,
cruising down 8th street, off white Lexus,
driving so slow but BK is from Texas,
me I'm up at Bed Stay, home of that boy Biggie,
now I live on billboard, and I brought my boys with me,
say what up to Ty Ty, still sipping Mai-tai
sitting courtside Knicks and Nets give me high fives,
Nigga I be Spiked out, I can trip a referee,
tell by my attitude that I most definitely from

Topaz came onto stage as everybody started to cheer louder. Topaz was wearing dark, skinny jeans with a metallic silver top and a black shoulder jacket. She had gladiator style heels that ended at her ankle with fingerless black gloves and Aviators. She smiled as she walked over to Donovan and started singing.

In New York,
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There's nothing you can't do,
Now you're in New York,
these streets will make you feel brand new,
big lights will inspire you,
lets hear it for New York, New York, New York

Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game,
shit i made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can,
you should know I bleed Blue, but I ain't a crip though,
but i got a gang of niggas walking with my clique though,
welcome to the melting pot,
corners where we selling rocks,
Africa bambaataa shit, home of the hip hop,
yellow cap, gypsy cap, dollar cab, holla back,
for foreigners it ain't fitted they forgot how to act,
8 million stories out there and their naked,
cities is a pity half of ya'll wont make it,
me I gotta plug Special Ed and I got it made,
If Jesus payin LeBron, I'm paying Dwayne Wade,
3 dice cee-lo 3 card Monte,
labor day parade, rest in peace Bob Marley,
Statue of Liberty, long live the World trade,
long live the king yo, I'm from the empire state that's

In New York,
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There's nothing you cant do,
Now you're in New York,
these streets will make you feel brand new,
big lights will inspire you,
lets hear it for New York, New York, New York

Lights is blinding, girls need blinders
so they can step out of bounds quick,
the side lines is blind with casualties,
who sipping life casually, then gradually become worse,
don't bite the apple Eve, caught up in the in crowd,
now your in-style, and in the winter gets cold en vogue with your skin out,

Everybody who wasn't working was watching from the sides of the stage as Donovan and Topaz continued to perform.

"I still can't believe Donovan can rap." Kim said shaking her head as she watched her boyfriend.

"We all can't believe it." Julian said as Kim laughed a bit. Donovan turned his hat to the side a bit as he walked across the stage with a swagger.

the city of sin is a pity on a whim,
good girls gone bad, the cities filled with them,
Miami took a bus trip and now she got her bust out,
everybody ride her, just like a bus route,
Hail Mary to the city your a Virgin,
and Jesus cant save you life starts when the church ends,
came here for school, graduated to the high life,
ball players, rap stars, addicted to the limelight,
MDMA got you feeling like a champion,
the city never sleeps better slip you a Ambien

One hand in the air for the big city,
Street lights, big dreams all looking pretty,
no place in the World that can compare,
Put your lighters in the air, everybody say yeah
come on, come, yeah,

Topaz ended with her back against Donovan's as the crowd cheered. Donovan and Topaz both took their bows respectfully before leaving the stage. They pointed to Hydro who took his bow before running off the stage. Julian and Bijou came back out as Donovan and Topaz left the stage.

"Woo! Good job guys! Now we have the brotherly team of Flash and Hydro Storm accompanied by Roddy the Hedgehog and Andrew Mondair." Bijou said as the lights dimmed again. No lights came on as Flash's voice was heard before the band came in. The lights flicked on showing all four guys dressed in dressy clothes worn in a casual manner. Flash was wearing a white wife-beater with an unbuttoned, white dress shirt over it that had the sleeves rolled up. He had black slacks with black dress shoes and a black tie hanging around his neck. Hydro was wearing a loose white, dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up and black slacks. The shirt was tucked into the pants and he had black suspenders around his shoulders. To finish off the look he had a black fedora and black dress shoes. Andrew and Roddy had shirts similar to Hydro with black vests over them. They had black slacks with black dress shoes.

(Flash)

Now I'm of consenting age to be forgetting you in a cabaret.
Somewhere downtown where a burlesque queen may even ask my name
as she sheds her skin on stage

(Hydro)

I'm seated and sweating to a dance song on the club's P.A.
The strip joint veteran sits two away
Smirking between dignified sips of his dignified peach and lime daiquiri

And isn't this exactly where you'd like me
I'm exactly where you'd like me, you know
Praying for love in a lap dance and paying in naivety
Oh, isn't this exactly where you'd like me
I'm exactly where you'd like me, you know
Praying for love in a lap dance and paying in naivety

Flash held out a note as Roddy and Andrew dropped out letting Hydro play the piano. He stopped as Flash sang a bit of his next part before the whole group joined in again.

But, but I'm afraid that I
Well, I may have faked it
and I wouldn't be caught dead in this place

Well, I'm afraid that I
Well, that's right, well I may have faked it
and I wouldn't be caught dead in this place

Roddy went into a guitar solo before Andrew joined in on the drums. Flash played his guitar to the same rhythm as Roddy as Hydro continued playing the piano. Everybody was cheering along as Conner filmed it all for future documentation. Lauren and Ivy watched on dreamily as Renegade stood by them rolling his eyes.

Well, I'm afraid that I
Well, I may have faked it
and I wouldn't be caught dead in this place

Praying for love and paying in naivety
Praying for love and paying in naivety, oh

The group finished as everybody screamed and cheered their names. They all took their bows before Bijou came back running on stage. She looked behind herself confused before Julian was pushed onto stage with a donut in his mouth. He spit it out as Bijou rolled her eyes.

"Our next performer is skater and business extraordinaire Tyler Prower!" Julian exclaimed as Bijou pushed him off stage. The lights dimmed before a spotlight shined on Tyler sitting on a stool with a microphone by him. He was wearing a blue plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up and buttoned up to his chest. He had a white t-shirt underneath with dark, straight-leg jeans and white Converse with black laces. He had his guitar on his lap as he started strumming and singing into the microphone.

Who says I can't get stoned
Turn off the lights and the telephone
Me in my house alone
Who says I can't get stoned
Who says I can't be free
From all of the things that I used to be
Rewrite my history
Who says I can't be free

It's been a long night in New York City
It's been a long night in Baton Rouge
I don't remember you looking any better
But then again I don't remember you

Everybody was taken aback – except Ruby, Chrissy, Onyx, and Liecy – at Tyler's amazing voice. Conner happily filmed Tyler performing as Sean had a panic attack backstage.

"Dude! Relax. Everything will be fine." Flash said as he shook Sean's shoulders "You can barely see anyone because of the lights. It'll be fine." Flash said as Sean breathed in and out of a paper bag. "This is so annoying." Flash groaned as Bolt walked by.

"You were like that before, you know." He said as he passed by. Flash glared at his cousin who merely smiled and continued to walk. Liecy stopped working for a second as she watched her boyfriend's performance.

Who says I can't get stoned
Call up a girl that I used to know
Fake love for an hour or so
Who says I can't get stoned

Who says I can't take time
Meet all the girls in the county line
Wait on fate to send a sign
Who says I can't take time

It's been a long night in New York City
It's been a long night in Austin too
I don't remember you looking any better
But then again I don't remember you

Tyler smiled as he sang as he saw the crowd swaying with the song. More and more people started to arrive as they heard the music giving Hailey, Chrissy, and Stephan a hard time. The food was selling like hot cakes, but Liecy continued to smile happily and watch Tyler perform. He played a guitar solo before singing again.

Who says I can't get stoned
Plan a trip to Japan alone
Doesn't matter if I even go
Who says I can't get stoned

It's been a long night in New York City
It's been a long time since 22
I don't remember you looking any better
But then again I don't remember you

Tyler finished after he played a few more chords and everybody clapped and cheered. Tyler took his bow and moved his stool and guitar off stage. Julian and Bijou ran back onto the stage to introduce to next act.

"To play another sweet melody is Sean the Hedgehog and Flash Storm!" Bijou said as everybody cheered. Sean took a deep breath before he walked on stage with Flash behind him both holding guitars. Flash was wearing a long-sleeved, green shirt with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows. He had dark, straight-leg jeans with classic black and white Chucks. Sean was wearing a blue t-shirt with dark, straight-leg jeans and a black wristband with blue Vans. They both sat down on two stools in the middle of the stage in front of two microphones. They both started to play a few chords before playing a simple melody.

(Flash)

Calm down, deep breaths

And get yourself dressed, instead

Of running around and pulling on your threads

And breaking yourself up

If it's a broken part, replace it

If it's a broken arm, then brace it

If it's a broken heat, then face it

And hold your own

Know your name

And go your own way

Hold your own

Know your name

And go your own way

And everything will be fine

Sean and Flash went into a solo just playing their guitars as everybody from the group leaned forward in anticipation to hear Sean's voice. They all knew he was going to sing with Flash first, but right after that he'd be singing by himself. Bijou was practically on stage before Julian pulled her back.

Hang on
Help is on the way
Stay strong
I'm doing everything

Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way

And everything
Everything will be fine
Everything

Are the details in the fabric
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling?

Are the things that make you blow
Hell, no reason, go on and scream
If you're shocked it's just the fault
Of faulty manufacturing.

Everybody's mouth dropped as they heard Sean sing. They were all amazed at the smoothness of his voice as it radiated from the microphone. Bijou held her chest as some tears fell from her eyes.

"I knew he could do it." Goldeye murmured as Renegade raised his eyebrow.

"Was that pride I heard for a friend? You actually care?" Renegade said as Goldeye rolled his eyes and walked away from Renegade. Sean smiled slightly to himself as he got comfortable in front of the crowd and singing.

Everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Everything

Hold your own
And know your name
Go your own way

Are the details in the fabric (Hold your own)
Are the things that make you panic (Know your name)
Are your thoughts results of static cling? (Go your own way)

Are the details in the fabric (Hold your own)
Are the things that make you panic (Know your name)
Is it Mother Nature's sewing machine? (Go your own way)
Are the things that make you blow (Hold your own)
Hell no reason go on and scream (Know your name)
If you're shocked it's just the fault (Go your own way)
Of faulty manufacturing

Everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Hearts will hold

They both finished as everybody cheered loudly for the both of them. They both bowed after moving their guitars.

"Told you." Flash whispered as Sean just shook his head and smiled. They walked off the stage as Bijou gave a big hug to Sean who just hugged her back happily. She ran next to Julian who smiled at her.

"Next up we Lauren Romaro and Topaz the Hedgehog singing Change." Julian said walking off stage. Topaz and Lauren walked out from opposite sides of the stage. Topaz had her quills slightly curled and pulled back. She was wearing a white dress that ended a little above her knees and had metallic rope straps. Lauren had her hair straight and down with white bracelets. She had a strapless, white dress with the skirt having many layers. They smiled at each other as they stood by each other as the music started.

(Lauren)

Whatcha gonna do with the 36 cents
Sticky with Coke on your floorboard
When a woman on the street is huddled in the cold
On a sidewalk vent trying to keep warm

(Topaz)

Do you call her over, hand her the change
Ask her story, ask her name
Or do you tell yourself

You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world
You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world

Everybody was swaying to the music as they held up their cell phones or lighters. Topaz's and Lauren's voices sounded amazing together and Hydro and Onyx watched proudly.

Oh, whatcha gonna do when you're watching TV
And an ad comes on yeah you know the kind
Flashing up pictures of a child in need
For a dime a day you could save a life
Do you call the number, reach out a hand
Or do you change the channel, call it a scam
Or do you tell yourself

You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world
Don't listen to 'em when they say
You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world
Oh, the smallest thing can make all the difference
Love is alive, don't listen to 'em when they say
You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world

Conner was filming the entire thing as Liecy closed the snack shop and Chrissy closed the ticket booth. Topaz and Lauren were belting it out as the rest of the group joined them backstage.

The world's so big it can break your heart
And you just want to help not sure where to start
So you close your eyes, and send up a prayer into the dark

You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world
Don't listen to 'em when they say
You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world
Oh, the smallest thing can make all the difference
Love is alive, don't you listen to 'em when they say
You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world

They both finished as everybody cheered and screamed their names. They each took their bows and rushed backstage. Julian and Bijou walked out clapping as they faced the crowd again.

"Great job girls! Up next we have one of the many bands you came to see. Presenting The Dark Matrix!" Julian yelled as he and Bijou walked off stage. Shawn, Shade, and Bolt walked out setting up their instruments before Flash came up and stood in front of the microphone. Shade, Flash, and Bolt started to play their guitars a bit before Shawn came in the same time Flash started singing.

Give a little bit
Give a little bit of your love to me
Give a little bit
I'll give a little bit of my love to you
See the man with the lonely eyes
Take his hand, you'll be suprised

So I'll give a little bit
I'll give a little bit of my life for you
So give a little bit
Give a little bit of your time to me
Now's the time that we need to share
So send a smile, were on our way back home

ooh yea, yea
We gotta feel it
Yea, yea, yea, yea...
Ooo
Don't you need to feel at home
Ooo you gotta feel it
Yea you gotta want to
OO you gotta sing, we've come along way tonight

Everybody danced in the crowd as they listened to the up beat music. Flash smiled to the crowd as he continued to sing. He put his guitar down and motioned towards the side of the stage. Aiden walked out dragging Nessa who looked down shyly. Ivy followed behind and they all stood around him as he continued to sing.

So give a little bit
Give a little bit of your love to me
I'll give a little bit
I'll give a little bit of my life for you
Now's the time we need to share
So send a smile, we're on our way back home

Yea come along too
Yea we gotta feel it
Cause I need to feel at home
Come along too
Such a long ride
oo come a long way
Such a long ride
Come a long way
Sing it tonight

Flash finished as Shade and Bolt played a few more chords. Everybody cheered as Flash happily hugged his small family. The band took their bow together and walked off stage waving towards the crowd. Julian and Bijou came back out smiling at the crowd.

"Weren't they great? But now we have another great by the name of Bold&Pure!" Bijou yelled as Lauren, Roddy, Andrew, and Hydro ran out onto stage. Hydro went behind his keyboard as Andrew went behind the drums. Roddy took his spot with his guitar as Lauren stood in front of the microphone. Andrew started a steady beat on the drum before Roddy and Hydro came in. Everybody started to sway to the mellow beat as Lauren smiled.

Me and all my friends
We're all misunderstood
They say we stand for nothing and
There's no way we ever could

Now we see everything that's going wrong
With the world and those who lead it
We just feel like we don't have the means
To rise above and beat it

So we keep waiting
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting
Waiting on the world to change

Lauren started to make special water designs in the air for everybody to see and enjoy as she continued to sing. Everybody was amazed by her voice and the sparkling designs.

It's hard to beat the system
When we're standing at a distance
So we keep waiting
Waiting on the world to change

Now if we had the power
To bring our neighbors home from war
They would have never missed a Christmas
No more ribbons on their door
And when you trust your television
What you get is what you got
Cause when they own the information, oh
They can bend it all they want

That's why we're waiting
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting
Waiting on the world to change

It's not that we don't care,
We just know that the fight ain't fair
So we keep on waiting
Waiting on the world to change

The band went into a solo as Lauren continued her amazing water designs. Backstage Sean was having his second panic attack as Goldeye sighed and shook his head.

"You can get through this Sean. You did it before." Goldeye said as Sean breathed into a bag. Sean shook his head as Goldeye sighed again. "You're a music major and you're an amazing musician. I don't lie and you know it." Goldeye said as Sean continued to panic. "Talk to your singer." Goldeye said as Henry, Cherry, and Shina walked past Goldeye towards Sean.

"Sean this is a big milestone for our band. You can do this. The crowd liked you before and they still will." Cherry said as Sean took the bag off his mouth.

"They all liked Flash." He said before breathing back into the bag. Cherry sighed as Shina huffed. She grabbed the bag from Sean's hand and ripped it before slapping Sean across the face and grabbing him by the shoulders.

"Get a hold of yourself man! You are going to get your guitar and walk onto stage and perform like your fucking amazing because you are!" Shina said as Sean nodded simply.

"Damn…we got to get you to do that all the time." Henry said as Shina smiled. Lauren started singing as the band came back from their solo.

And we're still waiting
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting, waiting on the world to change
One day our generation
Is gonna rule the population
So we keep on waiting
Waiting on the world to change

We keep on waiting
Waiting on the world to change

The band finished as Lauren made the water fall over the crowd like crystals. The band took their bow before walking backstage. Bijou and Julian came back out to introduce Sean's band.

"Next up we have a new band by the name of The Feedback!" Julian yelled as Sean took a deep breath and followed Cherry, Shina, and Henry. Sean stood behind the microphone with his guitar in his hands as he looked out to the crowd. Henry started to play a few chords before Shina followed. Sean started to sing the same time Cherry started playing the drums.

From underneath the trees, we watch the sky
Confusing stars for satellites
I never dreamed that you'd be mine
But here we are, we're here tonight

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive

If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died

And I'm singing

Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
Amen I, Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive

Everybody was cheering for Sean and the band as they whipped out their cell phones and lighters again. Bijou started to tear up again as Topaz patted her shoulder. Sean closed eyes and just went with the music forgetting about the crowd.

And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive

If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died

Sean held out the note as the band played along the same tempo with his voice. He sang out the word dead again before the band started to play a little slower.

And as we lie beneath the stars
We realize how small we are
If they could love like you and me
Imagine what the world could be

The band started to play harder again as Sean sang with all his might. Everybody was cheering for them as Sean sang and neared the end of the song.

If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died

We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day when nobody died

Sean held out the note before the band ended abruptly. Everybody screamed and cheered for the band as they all took their bow. As soon as Sean was off the stage he collapsed on his knees.

"See it wasn't too bad." Henry said as he helped Sean back up.

"Just watch the pros do it now." AJ said as Henry rolled his eyes. Julian and Bijou walked out on stage once again to introduce the next band.

"The next band is none other then Absolute Fire!" Bijou said as Topaz, Derek, Lazarus, and AJ walked onto stage. Topaz stood behind the microphone and began to sing as Derek played the guitar. After a few bars AJ and Lazarus joined in.

Last Years Wishes,
Are This Years Apologies,
Every Last Time I Come Home,
I Take My Last Chance To Burn a Bridge Or Two,
I Only Keep Myself This Sick In The Head,
Because I Know How the Words Get You,

We're The New Face Of Failure,
Prettier and Younger,
But Not Any Better Off,
Bulletproof Loneliness,
At Best, at Best

Me And You, Setting In A Honeymoon,
If I Woke Up Next To You,
If I Woke Up Next To You,
Me And You, Setting In A Honeymoon,
If I Woke Up Next To You,
If I Woke Up Next To You,

Everybody was cheering for the band as they performed. Conner was nearly exhausted with all the filming he was doing, but he knew he had this song and Sean's song after this left. Topaz grabbed the microphone and brought it to her lips as she continued to sing.

Collect The Bad Habits,
That You Couldn't Bear To Keep,
Out Of The Woods, But I Love,
A Tree, I Used To Lay Beneath,
Kissed Teeth Stained Red
From A Sour Bottle Baby Girl,
With Eyes The Size Of Baby Worlds,

We're The New Face Of Failure,
Prettier and Younger,
But Not Any Better Off,
Bulletproof Loneliness,
(At Best, at Best)

Me and You, Setting In a Honeymoon,

If I Woke Up Next To You,
If I Woke Up Next To You,
Me And You, Setting In A Honeymoon,
If I Woke Up Next To You,
If I Woke Up Next To You,

Me And You, Setting In A Honeymoon,
If I Woke Up Next To You,
If I Woke Up Next To You,
Me And You, Setting In A Honeymoon,
If I Woke Up Next To You,
If I Woke Up Next To You,

The band started to play a different tempo as Topaz sang stronger than she did before. Sean was giving himself a pep talk as Lauren and Flash smirked at each other.

"Oh, if only he knew." Lauren said as Flash laughed.

The Best Way To Make It Through,
With Hearts And Wrists Intact,
Is To Realize,
2 Out Of 3 Ain't Bad, Ain't Bad

Me And You, Setting In A Honeymoon,
If I Woke Up Next To You,
If I Woke Up Next To You,
Me And You,
Honeymoon,
Me And You,
Honeymoon,
If I Woke Up Next To You,
If I Woke Up Next To You,
Me And You,
Honeymoon,
Me And You,
Honeymoon,
If I Woke Up Next To You,

…Honeymoon

The band finished as everybody cheered and screamed their names. They all took a bow before Julian and Bijou came back on stage.

"For our final performance we have Sean returning to the stage and singing for you guys one last time." Bijou said as everybody cheered and screamed. Sean walked onto stage slowly and standing in front of the microphone. Sean started to play his guitar before singing into the microphone.

A word's just a word
'Til you mean what you say

He was about to sing the next line when he heard a voice come from behind. He turned around to see Lauren walking towards him singing along to the song.

And Love isn't love
'Til you give it away
We've all gotta gift
Yeah something to give to make a change

Send it on
On and on
Just one hand can heal another
Be a part
Reach a Heart
Just one spark starts a fire
The chain reaction will never stop
Make it Strong
Shine a Light and Send It On

Sean could hear another guitar and voice as he turned around to see Flash and Topaz walking towards him both smiling brightly.

Just smile and the world will smile along with you
That small act of love
Is spent for one will become two

(Lauren and Sean)
If we take the chances
To change circumstances
Imagine all we can do
If we...

(All of them)
Send it on
On and on
Just one hand can heal another
Be a part
Reach a Heart
Just one spark starts a fire

(Topaz and Flash)
With one little action
The chain reaction will never stop
Make it Strong
Shine a Light and Send It On
Send it on
Oh Send it on

Everybody was bobbing their heads as they listened to them sing. They all sounded amazing together and the whole group was cheering for them along with the crowd.

(Lauren and Sean)

There's Power in all of the choices we make

(Topaz and Flash)
So I'm starting now there's not a moment to wait

(Topaz and Sean)
A word's just a word
'Til you mean what you say
And love is not love
'Til you give it away!

(Everybody!)
Send it on
On and on
Just one hand can heal another
Be a part
Reach a Heart
Just one spark starts a fire
With one little action
The chain reaction will never stop
Make it Strong
Shine a Light and Send It On

On and on
Just one hand can heal another
Be a part
Reach a Heart
Just one spark starts a fire
With one little action
The chain reaction will help things start
Make it Strong
Shine a Light and Send It On
Shine a Light and Send It On
Shine a Light and Send It On

They all finished and everybody screamed and cheered for every one of them. They all took their bows before heading backstage.

"That was amazing!" Cherry said as Sean smiled at her.

"I didn't know you guys would do that." Sean said rubbing the back of his neck. Flash put his arm around Sean's shoulders and smiled.

"Yeah…well you don't know us very well then." Flash said as Julian and Bijou went back on stage to close up the show.

"Thank you all for coming to the show! You all really made a difference! Have a good night and we hope to see you soon!" Bijou said as everybody cheered once last time. Everybody was heading back to the apartments saying they'll clean up tomorrow. Chrissy was walking with Stephan as they happily held hands.

"Tonight was great." Chrissy said as Stephan smiled.

"It really was. Everybody was great and we made a lot of money, but best of all I got to spend all day with you." He said kissing her lips softly. She smiled up at him as she looked up at him. "Chrissy, I love you." He breathed as Chrissy gasped. Bolt froze from his good walking distance in front of them as Shawn sighed. Bolt remained still waiting to hear Chrissy's answer as Shawn tried to make him keep walking.

"I love you too." He heard her say. His shoulders slumped forward as he could feel the pain in his chest grow. He started walking faster and farther away.

"Bolt." Shade said as he kept pace with him.

"Leave me alone Shade." Bolt muttered as he walked up the steps of the apartment building.

"I kind of live with you. I can't." Shade said as Bolt slammed the door to their apartment open. "Bolt…listen." Shade said as Bolt whipped around and started pacing in front of Shade.

"She loves him Shade! She loves him! There's not much else to listen to. I can't do anything about this because you know how messed up it would be to confess my feelings now when she is clearly in a serious relationship!?" Bolt ranted as Shade just watched. "I never really thought this would happen. She loves him! My God, she loves him. There's no stopping her feelings. I can't do anything!" Bolt said collapsing on his knees.

"It's going to be ok." Shade said as Bolt just got back up and ran into his room. Shade sighed before collapsing on the couch of their apartment. "Fuck." Shade muttered.

(A/N): Lots and lots of songs! Oh and Lauren's and Topaz's dress is on my website. There's a poll on my profile that I need you guys to vote on ASAP! It's really important to the story even though you may not think so. You'll know eventually. Here are the songs in order.

Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys

But it's Better if You Do by Panic! At the Disco

Who Says by John Mayer

Details in the Fabric by Jason Mraz featuring James Morrison

Change by Carrie Underwood

Give a Little Bit by Goo Goo Dolls

Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer

If Everyone Cared by Nickelback

I'm Like a Lawyer…(Me and You) by Fall Out Boy (I know it's not a song about helping the world, but the video was in Uganda and I couldn't find anymore songs!)

Send it On by Demi Lovato, Miley Cryus, Selena Gomez, and Jonas Brothers (Don't judge me!)