Setting: After Total Drama
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You got into your car as quickly as you could, trying to avoid the papparazzi to leave the award show. You knew your outburst was going to be spread all over the media, because that's what people want to hear about singers, about how much they mess up. Everybody just forgets that you all are human, and it's normal for humans to feel things like sadness.
The tears streamed uncontrollably down your face, as you started the car. You just wanted to get out of there, and be alone for awhile.
You didn't understand why people could be horrible. When you went up on stage to receive your award, a bunch of critics complained that you didn't deserve it. You tried to ignore it, but it was difficult when so many people had so much to say about you. You were a new artist, so you weren't used to all this pressure. This was so going to be in the news, with more people giving you shit for even being upset about it.
"What the fuck?" You groaned, feeling your car start to break down. To make matters worse, it was raining and you had to find somewhere to park before you ended up crashing.
"Shit!" You screamed, hitting the steering wheel. You quickly slammed the brakes, parking your car at a nearby cafe.
You dialed emergency assistance for your car, then decided to wait until they arrived. After thirty minutes, help arrived and you explained what happened then decided to wait inside the cafe. You could use a warm drink, anyway. You hoped no one would recognize you, since it was late at night.
Once you went inside the cafe, you heard the most beautiful voice singing some songs you've never heard before. You glanced at who was singing, and you recognized the person as Trent, who competed in Total Drama years ago. Based on the show, you knew that Trent loved to sing and write his own songs, but you never thought you'd actually come across him.
To your luck, not many people were here tonight, so you took your seat at the front table, near the stage where Trent performed. You smiled, feeling soothed by his voice. He was so talented. Why wasn't he a singer yet?
You caught Trent's eye, and he smiled at you, clearly recognizing who you were. You shyly waved at him, causing him to chuckle and wave back. You stood up from your seat to order some hot chocolate then went back.
You continued to listen to Trent sing, while you drank your hot chocolate and felt yourself relax a lot more. At that moment, you weren't thinking of your struggles as a new singer who was starting to become popular.
After Trent was finished performing, he went up to you, "Hey, Y/N right?I've heard your album! It's amazing."
You chuckled, "Thank you, but.. You're amazing too."
"That's a big compliment coming from you." Trent beamed, looking excited. "Also, what brings you here? I know you had to attend an award show. And I don't mean to pry, but are you okay?"
You felt a little embarrassed that he saw your puffy eyes and tear stained cheeks. You forced out a smile, "I'm fine, I'm just adjusting to being a new artist that's starting to become more well known."
Trent took a seat in front of you. "Try me."
You shrugged awkwardly, "Well.. At the award show when I was about to receive my award, I heard many people booing at me, and yelling that I didn't deserve it because I'm not as famous as the other artists there. I'm not used to that kind of criticism, so I just.. Broke down. To make matters worse, the paparazzi and news reporters caught everything, so I know everyone is going to give me shit for it."
Trent gave you a look of sympathy. "That sounds intense. I'm sorry you have to go through that. Just remember that even though there may be people who criticize your music, there are also people who love it. I mean, I love it. You're very passionate and unique."
"Thank you." You smiled, feeling a little better. "But what about you? I've seen you in Total Drama before. What are you doing performing in a small cafe?"
Trent chuckled, "I perform in some places sometimes as a release, especially because I plan to become an artist too. I was actually in small band called the Drama Brothers."
"Oh!" You beamed. "I've heard your songs before. I love them."
Trent laughed, "Thank you."
"Well, good luck on becoming an artist. You deserve it for all your talent." You smiled.
"You do too, Y/N!" Trent told you. "I understand what it's like to be underestimated just because we're not as well known as others."
"What do you mean?" You asked.
Trent began explaining to you his stories of being underestimated and how he had to gain respect as a singer who was not famous and had no official record label yet. He told you how people mainly knew him as a contestant from Total Drama, and didn't recognize his individual work.
The more you and Trent talked, the more you both began developing a connection for each other. You found solace in him that you'd never had before.
You and Trent also began sharing funny stories about writing songs, and bonded over memories.
"I can't believe you would write that!" You laughed, holding your now empty cup of hot chocolate.
Trent smiled, "Well, I was in middle school, and I thought I could get a girl through writing about puppies."
You giggled, "You think that was bad? I wrote about wanting Elvis to marry me!"
Trent could barely hold his laugh, and you joined in, reminiscing of your cringey middle school songwriting days.
Your phone beeped, and you saw a text from repair services saying they were done fixing your car. You sighed, knowing your carefree moment with Trent had to end.
You stood up, frowning in disappointment. "I have to go.. They're done with my car."
"I'll walk you out." Trent smiled, putting his arm around you.
You blushed a little. "Thank you."
You and Trent headed towards your car, then you turned towards him after you were done paying the agency.
"Trent?" You asked, unlocking your car.
"Yes?"
You sighed, gathering your courage. "Do you think.. We can see each other again? I enjoyed getting to know you tonight."
"Of course!" Trent exclaimed, taking his phone out of his pocket. "Let's exchange numbers then meet again sometime?"
"Sure!"
You and Trent agreed to keep in touch, then you left that cafe, feeling swooned over what had just happened.
The next day, Trent called you, much to your surprise. You didn't think he'd call so soon.
"Hey Y/N! I was wondering if you were free today." Trent asked over the phone.
You giggled, "I am, surprisingly. Do you want to do something?"
"I was thinking we could go hang out together at the park together in an hour, since there will be less people. "Well, that's if you're comfortable."
You smiled, "Sure! So, we'll meet at ten?"
"Yes." Trent answered. "I can't wait to see you."-
You met Trent at the park, where you walked around together and talked about yourselves beyond music. You learned that Trent had just started moving on from Gwen, that he loved to have deep conversations under the stars, and he felt things deeply. You felt yourself start to develop feelings for him.
Trent glanced at you, feeling his heart race. He slowly held out his hand, and you got the hint, intertwining your hand with his. You both continued to walk around the park, hand in hand then went to get lunch at that same cafe, where you met the night before.
For the next few weeks, you stayed out of the spotlight as much as possible, and spent it connecting with Trent, who lifted you up whenever you saw an article written about you. He would give you countless hugs and reassurance that you were not defined by their words.
The more time you spent with Trent, the more you felt safe and at ease with yourself, which you didn't think was possible.
Trent always encouraged you to keep making music, since that was what you loved, but he also encouraged you to take it easy and to go back into the spotlight when you were ready. You appreciated that he was willing to support you when you needed it. It was refreshing to step out of the spotlight for a bit and spend time with someone who genuinely cared about you as a person, not just an artist.
After a whole month of being away from the media and performing, you decided you were ready. When you told Trent this, he was proud of you and ready to support you.
"You're going to do great as always, Y/N. Just remember what I said and how I'm here." Trent smiled, putting his arm around you.
"I can't help but still be nervous." You admit, looking at him beside you on your couch. "What if no one wants me to come back?"
"Remember what I said earlier." Trent reminded you, giving you a comforting grin. "There may be people who criticize you and try to bring you down, but there are also people who care about you."
"You're right." You sighed, standing up from the couch. "I need to take it easy.. Take a deep breath."
Trent stood up, putting his hands on your shoulders. "I'm here. I.. I really like you, Y/N."
You felt your heart slow a little, then pound rapidly. "You like me?"
Trent blushed, looking down. "Yes, I really like you. I like you for the person you are, both inside and outside of fame. But I understand if this is too much and you don't see me that way, but-"
You cut Trent off with a kiss to his cheek. You smiled widely. "I like you too, Trent. I want to be something more with you."
Trent smiled in joy, then brought you into a hug. He then turned on his blue tooth, playing soft jazz, and began slow dancing with you in the living room. You closed your eyes, swaying to the music, feeling grateful for that disastrous night that led you to this.