The buzz of the crowd was electric, a palpable wave of energy that rippled through the arena as at least 10,000 people were packed shoulder to shoulder, waiting for the show to begin. The stage was dark, save for the faint glow of lights around its edge, teasing the audience with hints of what was to come. In a sectioned-off VIP area near the front of the stage, Jade, Andre, Beck, and Tori stood among a small crowd of industry personnel.
"She's really about to do this," Andre said, his voice almost awestruck as he looked back out at the sea of fans, the anticipation building up and up.
"She's been ready for this her whole life," Tori replied, craning her neck to take in the massive setup.
Jade stayed quiet, her hands shoved into the pockets of her leather jacket as she stared up at the stage. She wasn't about to admit it, but her heart was pounding as hard as the bass from the speakers. This was it—opening night of Cat's first global tour. She thought the last tour was big- this was just huge.
The arena lights dimmed suddenly, plunging the space into darkness. A hush fell over the crowd for half a beat before the screaming started, deafening and raw. Jade's breath caught as a spotlight snapped on, illuminating the stage where a platform began to rise.
There she was.
Cat rose up on a lift, her silhouette dramatic against a shimmering backdrop of pyrotechnics and swirling lights. She wore a sparkling red jumpsuit, she'd designed every outfit to match her vision, put together by a professional team. Her iconic cat ears hairband perched atop her head, now unmistakably part of her brand.
The opening beats of Bang Bang thumped through the speakers, and the crowd erupted louder than ever. Cat grabbed the mic, her voice cutting through the noise like a knife as she launched into the first verse. She owned the stage from the moment her foot hit it, radiating a confidence that belied her age.
"Wow," Beck muttered, barely audible over the music. "She's really killing it."
"She's unstoppable," Tori added, her eyes wide.
Jade didn't say anything, her eyes fixed on Cat as she strutted across the stage, backed by a full dance troupe and a band that brought the song to life with pounding drums and soaring guitar riffs. The pyrotechnics flared behind her, synchronised perfectly to the beat, a closeup of her face on the giant screen behind, sending the crowd into an even bigger frenzy.
Cat transitioned seamlessly into the next song, and then her next. Her first of many quick costume changes happening between them as she disappeared behind a swirling screen of lights and re-emerged in a sleek white outfit. A floating stage descended from above, and she stepped onto it as it carried her out over the audience, singing directly to the fans beneath her.
Jade couldn't help but grin. Cat had rehearsed this show so many times, even just in their kitchen, blasting the music as she practiced her moves while Jade tried to work on her college assignments. And now, seeing it come to life on this massive scale, it was almost surreal.
The setlist spanned both albums, blending old hits with new material, each song choreographed to perfection. Jade found herself laughing as Cat performed Problem a song so over-the-top pop it was almost ridiculous, but Cat sold it with such energy and charm that it was impossible not to get swept up.
Then came Why Try.
The stage darkened, and a single spotlight illuminated Cat as she stood alone, the rest of the band fading into the background. The first notes were soft, her voice delicate and aching as she began to sing.
Jade's chest tightened.
That song. God, that song.
It had nearly cost them everything. Jade's jealousy—stupid, irrational jealousy—had driven them to the brink. But somehow, they had made it through, and she was glad she insisted Cat kept the song on the album.
Now, hearing it live, Jade felt the tears welling up before she could stop them.
The lyrics were raw, vulnerable, and unapologetically them. It wasn't a love song in the traditional sense. It was messy and real, capturing their fights, their flaws, and the way they always came back to each other.
Cat's voice soared, hitting notes that were so breathtaking they sent chills down Jade's spine. The crowd was screaming in support, captivated, but all Jade could hear was Cat—her Cat—pouring her heart out on that stage.
Tori nudged her gently, and Jade quickly wiped her cheek, hoping no one noticed.
"She's amazing," Tori whispered, her voice full of awe.
Jade nodded, unable to speak.
As the song continued to unfold on stage, Jade felt herself unraveling. It started as a faint prickle behind her eyes, the kind that she could usually blink away, but tonight there was no stopping it. She clenched her jaw, determined not to lose it in front of everyone, but when Cat reached the chorus and let her voice soar, the dam broke.
The tears came suddenly, streaming down her cheeks as she kept her eyes fixed on Cat. It wasn't just the beauty of the performance—it was everything the song represented. The memory of those late-night arguments that spiraled into shouting matches. The self-doubt and jealousy that gnawed at her, making her question whether she was enough. And then the fragile, beautiful way they always managed to find their way back to each other.
Jade wiped at her face hurriedly, but it was no use. The tears wouldn't stop, and her chest felt tight, the emotion too big to contain.
"Hey," came a quiet voice beside her. Beck had noticed, his sharp eyes catching the tremble in her shoulders. He didn't say anything more, didn't ask if she was okay. Instead, he just stepped closer and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into a loose hug.
Jade stiffened at first, not used to this kind of comfort, but then she let herself lean into it. Beck's embrace was steady and warm, and for a moment, she let herself fall apart.
Tori glanced over, concern flickering across her face, but Beck gave her a subtle shake of his head. Tori understood immediately, looking away to give Jade the space she needed.
Cat's voice reached a crescendo, filling the arena with a sound so powerful it seemed to vibrate through the floor. Jade felt every note in her bones, each one cutting deeper than the last. She thought about how vulnerable Cat had been when she wrote this song, how scared Jade had been that they wouldn't survive the storm it represented.
But they had.
Beck tightened his arm around her briefly, like he knew what she was thinking.
"She's something else," he murmured.
Jade nodded, still not trusting herself to speak. She glanced at Cat, standing alone under the spotlight, and her heart ached with both pride and love. This was Cat at her most brilliant, her most raw, and Jade felt overwhelmed by how lucky she was to witness it—not just here, but every day.
As the song ended and the applause roared through the arena, Cat looked out into the crowd, her gaze scanning until it landed on Jade. For a fleeting moment, their eyes met, and Jade felt an unspoken connection pass between them.
Beck let her go then, stepping back just enough to give her space, but he didn't move far.
"You good?" he asked softly.
Jade nodded, wiping at her cheeks again. "Yeah. Just—" She paused, struggling for words. "She's incredible."
Beck smiled faintly. "Yeah, she is."
Jade turned back to the stage, watching as Cat soaked in the applause, a mixture of exhaustion and joy on her face. And despite the tears still drying on her cheeks, Jade felt something else rise up in her—a deep, unwavering pride.
After the final encore, the crowd's cheers still reverberating through the arena, Jade, Beck, Tori, and Andre made their way to the backstage area. The corridors were buzzing with staff and crew members, all rushing to wrap up the night, but the group was focused on one thing: seeing Cat.
On route, Jade got a kick out of Tori almost being turned away as she was 'acting too much like a fan' and security were suspicious of her. After finally convincing the guard, Jade smirked, unable to resist. "Yeah, Tori. Tone it down, you're embarrassing us."
Tori muttered something under her breath but didn't retaliate, too eager to see Cat to argue back.
Backstage was quieter than they expected, the buzz of the show giving way to a more subdued atmosphere. Cat's dressing room door was slightly ajar, and they could hear her talking to herself inside. Jade pushed the door open gently, and there she was—still in her final outfit, her face glowing with sweat and exhilaration.
"Finally!" Cat exclaimed, lighting up when she saw them. She hopped up from the couch and ran over, throwing her arms around Jade first. "You made it back here!"
"Barely," Jade said, her voice dry but her expression soft. "Your security almost tackled Tori."
"What?!" Cat turned to Tori, her eyes wide with horror.
"I was not tackled," Tori said indignantly. "But your guard needs to chill."
Cat laughed, the sound light and musical, and hugged Tori next. Then she moved to Andre and Beck, wrapping them in quick embraces before turning back to the group as a whole.
"So?" she asked, her hands clasped in front of her. "What did you think?"
Jade stepped forward, her eyes meeting Cat's. "It was perfect," she said simply.
Cat's smile softened, her gaze lingering on Jade's for a moment longer than necessary.
"I'm so glad you're here," Cat said, her voice quieter now.
"We wouldn't miss it," Andre said, plopping onto the couch. "Though, next time, maybe a private jet for us? My Uber cost me a fortune."
Cat giggled, grabbing a bottle of water from the table and tossing it to him. "I'll think about it."
Beck looked around at the room, taking in the scattered costumes, makeup palettes, and bouquets of flowers from fans. "You're really doing it, Cat," he said with an air of admiration. "This is your world now."
"Yeah," Cat said, her voice a mix of awe and exhaustion. "It's wild."
Jade noticed the faint droop in Cat's shoulders, the way her smile faltered when she thought no one was looking. She stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from Cat's face. "You okay?"
Cat nodded, leaning into the touch. "Just tired. But happy. Really happy."
Jade smiled softly, her hand lingering for a moment before she pulled away. "Good."
The group settled in, chatting and joking as Cat peeled off her shoes and sank onto the couch beside Jade. Despite the exhaustion, there was a sense of warmth and ease in the room. For now, they weren't surrounded by 10,000 screaming fans or dodging paparazzi. It was just them, the same group that had spent years together in high school, now gathered in a moment of quiet triumph. Robbie would go to her New York show, having a college performance of his own tonight, but 5/6 of the friends wasn't bad.
As the conversation carried on, Cat leaned her head against Jade's shoulder, her eyelids growing heavy. Jade didn't say anything, just let her rest, her hand gently tracing patterns on Cat's arm.
The knock at the door came softly but was purposeful enough to draw everyone's attention. A moment later, the door creaked open, revealing Cat's talent manager, Melissa—a polished woman in her forties who seemed to have a sixth sense for timing.
"Cat," Melissa said warmly, but her eyes flicked to her watch. "I hate to break up the reunion, but we should think about heading out soon. It's better to leave before the crowd outside gets too restless."
Cat blinked, sitting up straighter. "Oh, right. Give me, like, five minutes to change?"
Melissa nodded, her gaze sweeping over the group. "Of course. I'll be waiting by the stage door."
The room was quiet for a moment after she left, the gravity of Cat's new reality settling in.
"We'll wait outside," Jade said, standing and motioning for the others to follow. "Take your time."
Cat gave her a grateful smile as they filed out, leaving her alone for a moment to collect herself.
When they regrouped at the stage door, the low murmur of voices outside was unmistakable. Fans were waiting—dozens of them, maybe more. Some carried signs, others had cameras ready, their excitement buzzing even through the heavy metal door.
Melissa stood nearby, phone in hand, ready to coordinate the exit. "Okay," she said briskly. "We've got a car waiting just outside. Security will clear a path, but it's going to be a bit hectic. Just smile, wave, and keep moving."
Cat took a deep breath, adjusting her jacket. She had swapped her stage outfit for a casual, oversized sweater and leggings, but her vibrant red hair and the unmistakable cat ears perched on her head gave her away instantly. "Got it," she said, her voice steady but quiet.
Melissa turned to the rest of the group. "You're all coming with her, right?"
Jade glanced at Cat, who gave a small nod. "Yeah," Jade said firmly.
"Good. Stay close. Let's go."
The door opened to an eruption of sound—cheers, shouts, and the clicking of camera shutters filled the night air. The group stepped out into a sea of faces, fans pressing against barricades, waving posters and albums for Cat to sign.
"Cat! Over here!"
"Caterina, we love you!"
"Sign this for me, please!"
Cat waved, her smile bright despite the chaos. She stopped briefly to scribble her name on a few posters and pose for a quick photo with a fan holding a handmade sign that read, 'Problem Saved My Life!' Jade stayed close, her hand brushing against Cat's arm as the crowd surged forward, the others close behind her too.
It was overwhelming, the sheer volume of adoration and desperation emanating from the fans. Jade felt a pang of protectiveness rise in her chest as she watched Cat navigate it all with practiced ease, her polite smiles and warm gestures masking the exhaustion she carried.
"Alright, that's enough," Melissa called, guiding them toward the waiting car. The security team formed a tight circle around them, creating a buffer as they moved down the alley.
Cat turned once more, waving to the crowd before slipping into the car. The others piled in after her, the doors closing with a firm thud that muffled the noise outside.
As the car pulled away, the group sat in silence for a moment, catching their breath. Cat leaned her head against the window, her smile fading slightly as the adrenaline wore off.
Jade, still processing the chaos they'd just walked through, couldn't hold it in any longer. She shook her head. "I hated that. It's just… it's so overwhelming."
Cat turned toward her, her expression softening. "Yeah, I know. It's a lot." She gave Jade a small, tired smile. "But it's part of the deal now, right? I just… I smile, wave, and wait for it to be over."
Jade frowned, the concern in her voice evident. "But how do you do it? How do you just… cope with all of it?"
Cat paused, her gaze drifting toward the window again as the city lights blurred past. She didn't seem to have a quick answer. "I don't know. I guess I just have to. It's part of it. I've got the fans, the team, the show… I just keep going." She looked back at Jade, her smile more worn than it was on stage. "It's not always easy, but I try to focus on the fun parts—the music, the performance. I just… don't have time to think too much about the rest."
Jade sighed, frustrated that Cat couldn't show the cracks in her armour, that she felt she had to be strong for everyone all the time. But she didn't say anything more. Cat was right. This was her life now.
"You're incredible," Andre said, trying to lighten the mood. "No one's going home disappointed after that."
Cat just nodded, her smile still there, but there was an exhaustion behind it that was hard to miss.
Jade looked at her, wondering if Cat would ever truly adjust to this, or if she was simply getting better at hiding how much it all weighed on her. She wanted to reach out, pull Cat away from it all, but she knew that was impossible.
For now, Jade stayed quiet, watching as Cat sat there, smiling through the madness, letting the world spin around her.
That night, after the madness of the show and the chaos of the fans outside, the hotel seemed quieter, almost peaceful in comparison. The tour had booked Jade and Cat separate rooms—though, annoyingly, they were also on completely different floors. 'An accident,' they'd been told. But Jade wasn't having it. She couldn't stand the thought of spending the night alone, away from Cat, especially after everything that had happened.
So, she quietly slipped out of her own room, phone in hand, hoping no one would spot her as she walked down the long corridor to Cat's floor. The elevator ride felt too long, like she could already hear the buzzing of the crowd still in her head. But soon enough, she was at Cat's door, softly knocking, her heart pounding as she waited.
When the door opened, Cat's tired face lit up in surprise and a small, knowing smile tugged at her lips. "You know," she said with a half-smirk, "I could've bet all the money in the world that you'd come find my room."
Jade grinned, stepping inside. "So you didn't think I was some deranged fan trying to get in?"
Cat stepped aside, letting Jade enter and close the door behind her, walking back over to where she'd been flopped onto the bed. "I can't believe how crazy today was. You good?"
Jade sat down on the edge of the bed, her legs hanging over the side as she leaned back into the pillows. She watched Cat, taking in her familiar features, how Cat still carried herself with a confidence that always seemed to be a bit more tired each day. "Yeah, I'm good. Just wanted to see you. I didn't want to spend the night alone."
Cat let out a breath, stretching out next to Jade, both of them in their own little bubble of calm. The quiet of the room was different from everything that had just happened—the lights, the screaming fans, the whirlwind of being on tour. Now, it was just them. No cameras, no fans, no labels.
"I can't believe this is my life," Cat murmured, her fingers tracing small circles on the duvet. "Sometimes, it feels like I'm dreaming. I never thought I'd be here, doing this, being—well, me, like this." She laughed softly, but it was laced with something Jade couldn't quite read.
Jade's heart ached just a little, wishing she could ease some of that weight Cat was carrying, but she didn't know how to help, or even if Cat wanted the help. Instead, she simply reached out, threading her fingers through Cat's. "Well, you're doing an amazing job," she said, the words sincere. "You're amazing, Cat."
Cat gave a tired smile, squeezing Jade's hand. "Thanks."
They didn't say much for a bit, just laid there, letting the silence fill the space between them. It was the first time all day that Jade saw Cat truly at ease, not having to perform or meet anyone's expectations. Jade could feel Cat's hand still in hers, the subtle way her fingers brushed over hers, and it was like the world outside had faded completely away. It was just the two of them in the stillness, where there were no cameras, no fans.
Jade looked at Cat, her heart racing slightly. Cat's eyes were soft, her smile small but genuine, the weight of the day clearly weighing on her, yet in this space, she seemed to melt into the quiet. Jade's thumb traced the back of Cat's hand, and she let herself linger there for a moment, drinking in the closeness. When Cat looked up, her gaze held something Jade couldn't quite place, but it made her heart skip a beat.
"Jade," Cat whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
Jade's name on Cat's lips always did something to her. She felt her chest tighten with a mix of affection and something more. "Yeah?"
The way Cat smiled softly, her eyes glinting with a little playfulness despite her exhaustion, made Jade's breath hitch. Without thinking, without words, she moved just a little closer, drawn to her, and rested her head inches away from Cat's.
Cat shifted too, her free hand coming up to cup Jade's cheek, and Jade couldn't stop the small, instinctive smile that spread across her face.
"Can I...?" Cat whispered, her voice trembling just slightly, as if asking for permission, even though they both knew it wasn't needed.
Jade nodded, her heart thudding in her chest, and without another word, Cat leaned in just enough to press her lips gently against Jade's. It was soft, lingering, a quiet connection that spoke more than words ever could.
The kiss was everything and nothing at the same time—it was slow, full of unspoken understanding, an affirmation of everything that was left unsaid. When they finally pulled away, it was only by a few inches, their faces still close, sharing the same quiet, steady rhythm of their breaths.
Jade smiled, her thumb brushing lightly across Cat's cheek. "You're incredible," she murmured, and for a moment, she didn't even care about the chaos of the tour, or the world outside.
Cat's eyes softened, "Hey I've not even started yet." She purred, leaning in once again.