Yearning For Happiness

by Fyrecat (Deb Hoffmann Knowles)

"Eddie, I don't want to do this." Kenny knew he was shaking. Outside, screaming girls filled the studio. Kenny feared them. There had to be hundreds, and they'd started screaming, fainting, crying when he and Eddie had arrived. Eddie Sawyer, his long curls shining, turned that mischievous gaze to his bandmate. His sapphire blue eyes were warm, but Kenny's nervousness amused him.

Eddie laughed, and Kenny stared at him. "You're friggin' heartless, man."

"No." Eddie smiled, and his soft blue eyes were kind yet amused. "They won't hurt you, Kenny! Look at you! You're six foot tall, look like you just blew out of Valhalla; you're like friggin' Thor for heaven's sake!" He saw Kenny's apprehension, and he went to him, took his hand. "They're just girls. Mostly teenagers just like you were a teen at one time. Security is tight, I know the screaming is scary, but honestly, it will be fine."

They had come here, to Sapporo, Japan, for Eddie to promote his newest Guitar, as well as meet with those fans who adored him. Kenny wished the rest of the band had come, but it was nice, having Eddie to himself. It was still sometimes difficult for Kenny to believe he was where he was.

Kenny swallowed as their Security came up, a huge retired Sumo Wrestler leading the way. They followed them into the hallway that led to the side street.

The screaming hit Kenny's sensitive vampiric ears, he almost covered them, but as girls reached for him, sobbing, he danced back a few steps. He found himself standing beside Eddie, who said something to the security guards. The guards managed to divide the fans into smaller groups, and Eddie gestured. "Sign autographs, say hello, you know. Shake their hands, kiss their cheeks-they're mostly just kids."

Eddie was reassuring, and now, Kenny saw that things were much less frantic with groups of perhaps thirty girls at a time waiting to meet him. He was nervous but found that the girls took over. Most just wanted to touch him; he held hands, kissed soft cheeks, and posed for pictures. They were so young! Most ranged around fourteen, a few younger, some older. The majority were Japanese, and divided up this way, were mainly mannerly; bowing to thank him. Shy smiles, giggles, and soft kisses seemed to be the norm, and Kenny found himself enjoying their attentions. It was all new to him.

It took an hour until he found himself almost alone; he saw that Eddie had vanished.

"He had an interview with 'New Guitarist.' The security guard, Archie, told Kenny. "Said it would be about an hour. I have the car outside if you wanted to wait there, or you can hang in the lounge down the hall."

Kenny considered. "I think I'll grab a drink here and hang," Kenny said. The man nodded. "I'll be in the car. I need to make a few calls." He said.

Kenny started toward the lounge, but on his way, a young guitar fan-one of the few males present asked for his autograph and a picture. He was happy to chat and oblige before the cheerful young man departed, walking on air. Two girls in the hall shyly asked for autographs. Bashfully, Kenny signed pictures before watching them hurry away. It was only then that he became aware that he was being watched.

The girl facing him was slight, with ash brown hair. Her eyes on his were sad, and there was something else there in her gaze that drew Kenny's attention. She remained still for a moment, and then, half turned, to see the girls that had gone down the hall turn and laugh before moving out the doors. She looked as if she'd run, but then, she looked right at Kenny, squared her shoulders, and walked toward him.