Hearts & Stars (A Paul Stanley X Tommy Thayer Rock & Roll Love Story)

Chapter 1-Exit Space-left (Paul Stanley POV)

A/N: So, I just couldn't wait & so here is another new story! I do hope you guys like this!! 

It's 2002 & It's already been a hell of a year. Ace has officially left Kiss once again, this time it's for good. Good riddance if you ask me. Ace & were once in a relationship...back in the 70s we were especially hot & heavy, that is when we weren't fighting. I wanted more out of the relationship besides being "fuck buddies", Ace was never there for me like I need him to be, like I wanted him to be. So, we split finally when he'd left the band in 82 & against my better judgement, we resumed our so-called relationship in 1996 when the original four got back together for a reunion tour. We were older, but not all of us wiser...it only lasted this time mere months.... things had changed allright....and not for the better when it came to Ace & I.

Chiefly things had changed, because I just didn't want to go thru that again, sure. I wanted a stable relationship... However, the real and biggest reason for the change is because of our then road manager: Tommy Thayer. He was everything Ace wasn't and never would be: Sweet, shy, genuine.... I feel immediately head over heels in love with him. Tommy was a fun guy to be around and damned good looking, but that's beside the point. He was also very funny.... But I was with Ace when I first officially met Tommy and so I just kept my love at first sight feelings to myself.

Tommy is talented as hell, an amazing guitar player and a damned good road manager. In fact, Tommy is the one who taught both Ace & Peter their parts for the reunion tour. I never could bring myself to tell Tommy I had feelings for him, it's not that I was afraid he'd hurt me.... it's that, well it's the fact that I am such a coward.... years later & with it now being 2002...still a coward.

Ace is gone, and so we need a new lead guitarist. Tommy is of course the obvious choice, we know him, he's a hell of a player and really, he's been waiting in the wings the last year or two especially, being groomed or touted as the heir-apparent to the space-man throne. Gene, Eric Singer, and I have already agreed, but have yet to tell Tommy.

Oh Tommy! The idea appeals to me not just because of how talented he is, but because I'll get to see him more.... because I am still very much in love with him.... I just don't know when or if I can ever tell him that, curse my cowardice! Tommy, I believe doesn't know I have feelings for him and well I'm not sure how he feels about me. Tommy is always quick to smile, friendly, out-going...a perfect fit for the band and though I won't admit it out loud, a perfect fit for me. But then Tommy is that way to everyone, even Ace. Ace hates Tommy's guts though and surprisingly though Peter doesn't and in fact him and Tommy are friends.

I am brought out of my musings by the phone ringing and speaking of Tommy.... oh, the irony! I will tell him he's in, of course we must do contracts and all...but I digress...

"Hey Paul! How are you? Hope you are well. What's up? Holding up, ok?" Tommy is cheerful, but concerned and I know why...

"Tom, I'm fine...I'm not going to miss Ace.... trust me. That ship sailed years ago...anyway, glad you called. So, I've been talking with Gene & Eric & we've decided...We want to welcome you to officially join our ranks as a full member of Kiss." My heart hammers in my chest waiting for him to respond...

"I mean...I-I...are you serious? I kind of figured with Ace leaving, but still.... are you sure? You want me?" oh, Tommy you have no idea just how much I want you.... But I like a fool am going to hide my heart from you, though it hurts...it hurts so much.

"Absolutely! You're perfect! And I'm serious, very much so. Gene, Eric, and I all are. Course, we will have to draft contracts and all that. You know logistical stuff, but I am looking forward to it!", I am indeed serious and so truly enthusiastic about this. It will be the final piece needed to breath life back into Kiss....and back into me...though how I will hide that from Tommy, I don't know.

"Wow, this is---this is huge! Paul, oh I whole heartedly accept!", Tommy breathlessly exclaims, and it makes my heart warm, and I chuckle....

"Perfect Tommy, absolutely perfect! Welcome aboard the Kiss train!"

"If I am gonna be the space-man and you're the star-child.... shouldn't it be a rocket or something?", amusement laces Tommy's tone and I laugh.

"Sure, why not? Don't tell Gene though, he'll want to market that!", I am laughing so hard I'm starting to wheeze. Tommy is in a similar state I can tell.

"That wouldn't surprise me.... but anyway, I gotta go get something to eat. But we will definitely talk later!" I agree and we hang up.... now there will be no place to hide....However, the one thing I can't deny is how fast my heart is beating and how I am truly excited for what's to come. 

A/N: I would love to hear your thoughts!! Hope you guys enjoyed this!! Will update again asap!