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

Chapter 11-Another Show, talk to me (Tommy Thayer POV)

A/N: Felt I just had to include the Van Halen song 'When Love Walks In', very fitting I feel for this chapter!

Breakfast with Paul was nice, I guess.... But God did I feel awkward! I really think Paul was just doing it to be nice, I think...But then the moment he covered my hand with his & squeezed, my heart had skipped a beat. Niceness or affection? I just don't know.... I did however tell Paul I would talk to him tonight, probably after the show in the dressing rooms.

Currently, we are getting ready to a soundcheck, and Gene & Eric's daughters Helena and Eric are here. They are sweet kids, hyper, love sweets...I mean look at who they have for parents after all, the world's biggest sugar junkies. And here we are getting ready to do another show, my second show with Kiss, mostly the fans have been receptive of me...but then there are the die-hards that say I'm just a copy, an imitation and Ace Wanna-be.... Ace is the one who SOLD his make-up design and left Kiss, I have my own style and am my own person. Does it bother me how nasty the people are who don't like me? A little, but you must have thick skin the music industry, so for the most part I don't give a shit...what DOES hurt, is Ace himself.... his shadow follows me....

"Uncle Tommy? You, ok? You need a hug!", Helena exclaims brightly hugging me brining me out of my thoughts.

"No, he needs sweets! Or oooh candy...I think I have some m & m's or something.", Erica chimes in at 90 mph.

"Well duh, of course candy! But hugs too!", Helena rolls her eyes at her sister. I chuckle at the two of them.

"Get over here, break out the candy & hug Uncle Tommy!", Helena crosses her arms a la her father: Gene Simmons.

"You're not my boss!", Erica frowns which is quickly replaced with a smile as she hugs me.

"You guys are my favorite nieces!! You excited for the show tonight?" I ask and I notice too Gene, Eric & Paul's attention are centered on the 3 of us...and the look in Paul's eyes...Please let it mean what I want it to mean, please don't let me be imagining this!

"It's gonna be awesome! Dad & Mom said we still must wear headphones! I thought if it's too loud, your too old.... does this mean we're old?", Helena looks excited and so serious at the same time.

"Helena, no you girls aren't old...but our concerts can make you go deaf." Gene smirks at his daughters and ruffles their hair affectionately eyes soft, Eric rolls his eyes playfully but smiles at Gene lovingly.... Someday I hope to have a family like Gene & Eric.... will it be with Paul?

Soon soundcheck begins, and the entire time I feel Paul watching me...those eyes following my every move. Why do I feel like the rest of my life hinges on tonight?

Soundcheck goes well & before I know it, we are on stage...all costumed & ready to go. I am having the time of my life! This is truly one of my greatest dreams and it's real.... now if only my other dreams would come true...if only.

The show is amazing, truly a spectacle only Kiss can pull off, it's truly something else...it's everything. It passes by much too fast, final bows are taken & we head back to the dressing rooms & I fairly sprint to get back there before Paul and in record time I am out of my costume and into jeans and a t-shirt by the time Paul enters the dressing room...I gulp.... it's time.

I start to take off my make-up and Paul though is still in full regalia, and he sits down with a sigh next to me and looks at me, guilt and sorrow and love? In his eyes....

"Tommy, this has been a long time coming. We need to talk, have been needing to talk."

I've got my make-up off by now, it doesn't take long...it's the putting it on that can take forever....

"Ok....", I said slowly and exhaled...trying NOT to have a panic attack. But I can't help but wring my hands nervously, but I meet Paul's gaze as he takes off his own make-up and all.

"Tommy, I first want to say how deeply sorry I truly am for how've I've made you feel, causing you to have panic attacks. It's long past time I tell you how I really feel about you. I am a huge coward; I mean sure we've danced around each other for years.... but the truth is I fell in love with you years ago, back in 1995 you know during Unplugged and well.... I-I haven't let myself be happy in so long, but I swear to you I'm serious....Your not a replacement, your YOU....I know how you feel about Ace, and quite frankly I cant stand him to say the least...you feel I know like your not good enough for me, that's not true....Your the light amidst the darkness, the rainbow to my sky...I have loved you for so long...it's time I told you, SHOWED you."

At this point, I am stunned...jaw on the floor & my mind is reeling.... He loves me! I can see it now, hear it in his voice and see the truth in eyes which are shiny with tears. Oh Paul, you don't know how much this moment means to me. I must be honest with him....

"Oh Paul...", I manage to choke out sobbing at this point and shaking.... Paul at this point is make-up free and in regular clothes & for the first time.... he takes me into his arms...so tenderly, so lovingly... "Paul...do you really mean it? Please don't let this be a joke." I can't help but test this...

"Tommy, I mean it...truly I do! You have every right to question this.... I want to see where this goes, I want to be yours if you will have me." Paul pulls back slightly to thumb away my tears.

"I believe you; I see it in your eyes...you are telling me the truth. I want to see where this goes too, your mine and I am yours.... I want to say what I've been dying to say for years.... I love you Paul Stanley...god, this feels good!", I aim at him a watery smile...heart now so much lighter...and his face gets closer to mine and I can feel his breath....

A/N: I Know a cliff-hanger! It will be worth it I promise!! Hope you guys liked this chapter  & much love!!