Quick note: this falls after the epilogue, before the other special

Warning: contains small spoilers for A Second Chance, Every Second, Mr. Write.

And now Five Years of Fame is available to read on account! Enjoy!

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(For this to really make sense read my other books. Or proceed and discover who the characters are through this, either one 😄)

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"I blame you for this," Carter said, looking at Donovan.

Donovan tried to look unconcerned, but the corner of his mouth held a slight grimace that spoke of his guilt.

"I didn't think that mentioning to Maddy the fact that I was related to Reeve Keller would have this type of repercussion," he said.

Carter scowled, "Well, it did."

As if to back up her comment, the sound of the crowd doubled as they walked through the stadium's front entrance. Outside a light snow fall had started and wispy snowflakes twirled in the light of downtown D.C.. The sight was peaceful, a vast contrast to the madhouse they had just entered.

The lobby of the stadium was crammed with more people than Carter had ever encountered. The sound of thousands of voices pummeled their ears. The buildings' high ceiling didn't seem big enough to hold the thundering volume. Around them was a range of people Carter figured only an event such as this JingleBall thing could attract.

Contradicting the intense, brooding guys that wore all black were high pitched teenage girls that held massive posters. The names of their favorite bands were scrolled across the signs in big bubble letters. The love seemed to be evenly dispersed as Carter caught flashes of Hey Farewell, Reeve Keller, Wild Wallflowers, Sebastian Colfax and Knox Hamilton.

Someone stumbled into Carter and she shoved them back, relieved to have somewhere to put her annoyance. The bald guy looked back, surprised by the girl who had showed such strength. Donovan tugged on Carter's arm before she could find another outlet for her irritation.

"If you're going to punch someone," Donovan said. "Punch me. I won't press charges."

Carter looked at him. "I will gladly take you up on that offer."

Donovan smiled and gave her a quick kiss, successfully defusing the tension in her body, despite Carter's fight to hold onto it.

"I hate that that works," she said.

He took her hand and led her on. "I know."

He sent her back a smirk and she scowled, though the look held no bite. Maddy bounced ahead of them, the only tether to the ground seeming to be Link's fingers wrapped around hers. She pointed to the huge posters that hung down from the ceiling, announcing the evening's acts, and let out squeals of excitement.

Carter gave Donovan a flat look. "I say I kill her and put her out of her misery."

He shook his head. "Too many witness. It's not tactically the best option right now."

Maddy spun back to them. "Which way?"

Donovan pulled Carter forward and directed the group through the hoard of people. They pushed through groups of girls with shirts all wearing faces of their chosen bands, their images all varying in looks based on the wearer. On the far side of the stadium they came upon two bodyguards in black blocking a set of metal double doors. Their impassive faces were as much as a barrier as their bulk.

"Hi," Donovan said, nodding to them.

They gave no response, their faces unreadable. Donovan pulled out a pass and handed it to the men. One of them inspected it and nodded. He handed it back to Donovan and stepped aside, pushing one door open.

"Thank you," Donovan said.

They held their silence and waited for the group to pass through before closing the door again. As the door shut, the noise was muffled but before them was another scene of chaos. Men in workmen's outfits hurried by, lugging speakers and amps. Donovan led the group on, seeming unfazed by the rushed paced of everyone around them.

"This was a terrible idea," Carter whispered to Donovan.

"Again, I'm sorry. I will make it up to you."

"You better. Who goes to concerts anyways?"

"Some would say people who enjoy music."

Carter rolled her eyes. They wound their way through the maze of corridors. Along the walls were framed photos of all the past performers the venue had held. Maddy let out shouts of surprise when they passed singers she knew. Carter glanced at Donovan. His lips curled, seeming to read her thoughts.

"There are rooms along here," she said. "I'm sure they are accustomed to finding bodies in them all the time."

"Carter," he said, his tone warning.

She shrugged. "Only thinking of our options."

Donovan shook his head, chuckling. He looked up and read a sign that said Green Room hanging over a doorway.

"This is it," he said.

They stepped inside.

**********

Lennon shifted on the couch, resting her head on Kade's shoulder. He kissed her forehead, his hand finding hers. He smelled of something woodsy, a scent that made her think of home. They sat on a soft leather couch in the stadium's Green Room.

The room was larger than most of the places she had seen. There was a long, polished bar that ran along the wall on one side. Adjacent to it was a banquet table laden with food. Clusters of people moved about, most of them performers, as well as some assistants and the occasional fan.

"How are you holding up?" Kade asked.

Lennon inspected their joined hands, feeling as if her body weighed a thousand pounds.

"How do you think? We literally just got off of touring. I want to sleep for a month, not perform at some JingleBall concert."

Kade gave an understanding chuckle, the sound rolling over her and making her smile despite her exhaustion.

"It's just one night and then we'll be home," he said, his voice soothing.

She smiled at the word home, imagining his family, the shouts as they played games and the smell of food that never left the air.

"Lenny, you feeling alright?" Noah asked, falling into a chair across from them.

"Besides feeling like I might fall over if I stand up? Yup, I'm totally fine."

Noah laughed and took a drink from his beer. Will walked over and eyed them.

"Why did we sign up for this?" he asked.

"Charity," Lennon said. "Unlike us, Kade apparently has a heart."

"I thought you had possession of that," Noah said, giving her a teasing grin.

"Guys, it's just one night and all the money goes to cancer research," Kade said. "It's worth it."

Noah rolled his eyes, but said nothing. His gaze wandered to a brunette across the way and he stood. "Pardon me."

He left and Will shook his head.

"I'm going to stop him from doing something stupid."

Will left, leaving Kade and Lennon to their seclusion. Their moment didn't last long when Sebastian Colfax walked over to them, Amelia beside him, their hands locked together.

"Kade," he said, reaching out his free hand.

Kade leaned forward and shook it. "Sebastian, it's good to see you."

Lennon forced herself to sit up and look somewhat alive.

"It's been awhile," she said.

Sebastian settled on the arm of a chair, Amelia leaning against him.

"It has," he said. "I'm surprised you two are here. Didn't you just come off an eight month world tour?"

Lennon looked at Kade with a pretend scowl. His dark brown eyes met hers, teasing.

"Yes," she said. "But Kade decided that it was worth it just the same. I wanted to fall in to bed and never get up."

Amelia laughed. "I know the feeling. We finished our tour a few months back and we slept for whole week."

Amelia smiled at Sebastian, her hazel eyes bright as they met his dark blue. Lennon spotted the gold band on Amelia's finger, a confirmation of the rumors about their disappearance a few months back.

"What is next for you two?" Sebastian asked, looking between Kade and Lennon.

Kade looked at Lennon, as if she was the only answer he could think of. Lennon gave a careless shrug.

"Well," she said, "eventually we would like to make the engagement more permanent, but with touring and life, it's turned out to be more difficult then we thought."

Sebastian chuckled. "We understand that."

Before they could fall into more talk, someone called out for Sebastian and Amelia. They looked over to a brown haired guy that had similar facial features as Amelia. With a quick goodbye to Lennon and Kade, they joined the man.

Lennon slid down and resumed her former position with her head on Kade's shoulder. He rested his cheek on her hair.

"Just a few more hours and then we are done," he said.

**************

Bobbi glanced over to the couch. Lennon had her head on Kade's shoulder and they were quietly talking. She turned back to Theo, her long black hair tumbling over her shoulders. He was watching the couple as well, his brow furrowed as if contemplating something. His thick dark brown hair was roughly pushed back and the first five buttons of his shirt were unbuttoned. It was a signature look that made Bobbi roll her eyes and smile all at the same time.

"Do you think we can say hi?" she asked.

He shifted his attention to her. His green eyes seemed to absorb her, as if every time he looked at her he wanted to recommit her face to memory. The edge of her mouth curled, her blue eyes mirroring his.

"I don't know," he said, running a hand through his hair. The act pulled at his shirt sleeve and three arrow tattoos were revealed. The tattoos were an offset to Bobbi's own tattoos.

They looked back at the couple, seeing them in a light of admiration. Bobbi looked around, wanting to see what Alfie thought, but he was in conversation with a red head who laughed at everything he was saying. She knew there was no breaking her brother away from that.

She glanced around for Sam. She spotted his blonde man bun at the banquet table, calmly filling his plate. When he was done, he turned and she waved him over. Instead of coming to her, he walked over to where Lennon and Kade sat and took a seat on the coffee table before them.

Both Bobbie and Theo stood there in stunned silence, watching as Kade smiled at Sam and they shook hands. They spoke for a second and Sam pointed to Bobbie and Theo. Lennon and Kade glanced over.

Bobbi blinked, seeming to remember where she was and the fact that she was staring at them. She shifted her gaze to Sam and he nodded them over. Pulling on Theo's hand to get him move, they joined Sam.

"Kade, Lennon," he said. "This is Bobbi and Theo. The main part of Wild Wallflowers."

The pair shook hands and sat down.

"Sam never told us that he knew you," Bobbi said.

Kade chuckled while Sam took a bite of his food.

"Yeah, that doesn't surprise me," Kade said. "He helped me out a few years back and we stayed in touch."

Theo clapped on a hand on Sam's shoulder. "Way to hold out on us."

Sam shrugged and continued to eat, as if eating in front of one the world's most famous singers was nothing new.

"If we had known he knew you, we probably would have hired him right on the spot," Bobbi said.

Sam looked at her. "You did hire me right on the spot."

"Yes, but we would have been more impressed by you."

Sam looked at her, shrugged and went back to eating.

*************

"I don't even understand why you brought me here!" Elliot said. "Besides to use my money to pay off the bouncer."

Cece waved a flippant hand. "You know I have a fear of going places by myself."

"Why not take Milo? He loves you and would have smooth talked his way in."

"Dearest El, I am about to step into a room that contains Kade Mathews, as well as Theo Harris, as well as many other famous hot guys. I do not want my actions to hinder Milo's view of me."

Elliot frowned. "That makes it sound like you are going to either pee yourself from excitement, try to make out with one of them or faint. If all three happen, then there is no way that's not ending up on YouTube."

Cece gave her a flat look. "I'm not likely to do any of those things. But still, you were the safe choice."

"Fine. But if you faint I plan on not catching you and laughing hysterically."

Cece shrugged. "Fair enough."

They entered the Green Room. It was crowded and most of the people there Elliot vaguely found familiar but not more than that. The air was cool and smelled of spices and sweets. Couches and armchairs formed circles, building natural worlds for the performers to occupy with their friends. Chatter filled the room like the sense of self confidence that spilled from the singers.

Elliot was just debating which good looking face was the reason they were there, when her gaze landed on a familiar countenance. She raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"Sky?!" she said.

He cousin looked over, a smile jumping to her round face. Beside her was a tanned, attractive guy with brown hair and dark eyes. Sky stood and moved towards them, followed by her companion.

"Elliot! Cece!" she said. "What in the world are you doing here?"

"I'm pretty sure you stole our question," Elliot said.

Cece pointed to the room at large. "Hey Farewell, Wild Wallflowers and Reeve Keller are all here, why wouldn't we be here?"

Sky nodded. "Makes sense."

"Not to me," Elliot said. "But apparently that makes no difference. Now, care to enlighten us on why you are among the world's musical elite? If you say you've become a famous singer, I, for one, will not be at all surprised."

Sky laughed away the comment. "I'm actually here because of him." She gestured to the guy who had stood politely behind her, but now took the spot by her side. "Knox, these are my cousins: Elliot and Cece. Guys, this is Knox."

Cece blinked twice at Knox, like she couldn't decide whether he was real or not. Elliot easily shook his hand, her face showing no sign of recognition.

"Nice to meet you," she said. "Who are you? Besides an extremely good looking person? And if that's your occupation then you are doing a really good job at it."

Knox chuckled. "I'm actually a singer."

"Knox is one of the biggest solo acts at the moment," Sky said.

Knox smiled down at her, loving the way she bragged for him. Cece was still at a loss for words. Elliot nodded. "Cool. Well, I apologize for not knowing that. I reside under a mineral deposit, and try to avoid the normal world when at all possible."

Knox smiled, but gave Sky a teasing look. "You sure you're related?"

"Not at all," Elliot said, jumping in before Sky could answer. "But we've exchanged Christmas gifts at least three times, so we might as well stick with it."

"Exactly," Sky said. "Pretty much already bonded that way, so there's no going back."

Knox chuckled and wrapped an arm around Sky's waist, his eyes saying it all. Cece regained her thoughts.

"Well, this is something," she said. "Anymore secrets you've been withholding from us, Sky? Like, you owning a multimillion dollar corporation?"

Sky waved her hand. "I sold that off last year."

Elliot shook her head. "And you denied me a loan for $10. You're a shrewd business woman indeed."

Sky just shrugged as Knox looked between the cousins, starting to understand a little more of Sky's world. He was pulled from his thoughts when Sebastian walked by.

"Excuse me," he said to Elliot and Cece.

He walked toward Sebastian and the two singers shook hands. Sky smiled at her cousins.

"Well, I love you both, but my boyfriend is talking to any other famous person. I'm going to go say hi."

"Good," Cece said. "Your boyfriend was distracting me from the real reason we're here."

Sky gave them a sweeping bow. "Then I leave you, dear cousins, to your endeavors."

She joined Knox and Elliot heard as introductions were passed around. She looked to Cece, who was looking towards a handsome guy with tousled dark brown hair, sitting on a couch across the room. Beside him was a girl with long brown hair and a pretty, friendly face. They were positioned so close together, Elliot figured she wasn't just some fan. When the guy shifted his focus to her, she read the story of his affection in his face.

"So, are we really doing this? Or are you going to wimp out?" Elliot asked.

Cece scowled. "I have no plans on wimping out."

"Twenty bucks says you go over there and barely get a word out."

Cece spun on her, a challenging glint in her eyes.

"You're on."

They crossed the room, passing by two couples near the doorway talking to a striking girl. They stopped in front of the couple on the couch, who looked up at them. Cece opened her mouth but nothing came out. Elliot shook her head.

"Hi," she said. "I'm Elliot McKenzie. This statue here used to be my sister, Cece, but she is currently starstruck and has lost all form of speech."

The girl laughed as the guy smiled, amused. The girl reached out a hand.

"Lennon Kayhill," she said. "You said Elliot McKenzie?"

Elliot nodded. "I believe so, since that is my given name, but I've been know to forget my identity on occasion."

"That confirms it," Lennon said. "You're Elliot McKenzie, the author of It Started with a Bet. I couldn't stop laughing when I read it. Kade thought I was losing my mind."

Kade shrugged. "What was I suppose to think when I come into the tour bus and you are curled up on the couch, shaking with silent laughter?"

"Clearly," Elliot said, "that she had lost her sanity and it was time to have her committed."

Kade smiled back at Elliot. "If they locked her up I would have to be locked up too."

"It's good that your sanity is gone as well," Elliot said. "I can see why you make such a great couple."

Lennon looked at her, shaking her head in disbelief.

"I never thought you would turn out as fun as your book."

"Shocking to me as well," Elliot said.

"I love your music," Cece blurted out.

Elliot clapped, the sound slow and dramatic. "Astounding turning of phrase, Cece. Truly, our family's sharp minds know no bounds."

Kade smiled encouragingly to Cece, the smile seeming to be one he used often.

"Thank you," he said, his tone warm and welcoming. "That means a lot."

Elliot turned on Cece. "Seriously, Cece? We come all this way and that's all you'v got? I love your music?" She twisted back to Kade and Lennon. "I must apologize for my sister. Usually she is more eloquent."

"Your wit is beautifully blunt," Cece said, crossing her arms and staring at Elliot.

Elliot shrugged. "I was planning to experience a diatribe of your admiration for Kade's music. Not a stereotypical response he clearly he has heard a million times."

Kade shifted forward. "I love to hear that people enjoy my music. There was nothing wrong with her comment."

Elliot made weird, dismissive sound. "Except for the fact that it lacked any sort of originality." She put her hands on Cece shoulders. "Dearest sister, say something that will not make me regret being here."

Cece rolled her eyes. "You and your dramatics. It's a miracle Beck is still with you."

"Almost as much of a miracle that Milo is still with you. Now." She waved a hand to Kade and Lennon, who were trapped between bafflement and amusement at the entire exchange.