But I'm Different (A Demi Lovato Fanfiction)

Chapter: Chaos & Confetti

"If we're going out, we're going out loud."

The bus was weirdly quiet that morning. Too quiet.

Like, suspiciously quiet.

And I knew what that meant: everyone was trying to avoid Demi.

Usually, by the last show of the tour, emotions are all over the place. People are tired, sentimental, a little edgy-but today felt different. There was a kind of... plotting energy in the air. And I was in on it.

Every single person on this tour-from Max the bodyguard to the shy lighting intern who spilled Sprite on Demi's boots once-was planning one final prank to end the tour on a chaotic high note. Something fun. Something messy. Something Demi.

I'd been sworn to secrecy three days ago. Apparently, tour tradition says the crew pulls some sort of harmless, ridiculous stunt during the final number of the last show. Demi never sees it coming. It's a way of saying, "We survived. Now let's go out in style."

The plan? Total stage invasion.

Midway through her final song, we all rush the stage-armed with whipped cream, silly string, feather boas, glitter guns, and fake microphones. We act like backup dancers from hell and give her the most chaotic finale of her life.

I was both terrified and so ready.

"Sab?" Demi called from the front of the bus. I nearly dropped my phone.

I grabbed the closest book and pretended I'd been reading it the whole time-even though it was upside down. "Yeah?"

"You've been acting weird all morning," she said, narrowing her eyes as she stood at the entrance to the lounge. Her hair was wet from the shower, tied in a messy bun. "What's going on?"

"Nothing," I said quickly. "Just... nerves. Last show. You know."

She walked toward me slowly, eyeing me like I was a suspect in a murder case.

"You're lying."

"I'm not lying!" I squeaked.

She raised an eyebrow.

"I'm not!" I repeated, but louder, which definitely made me sound more guilty. "I'm just... feeling things. You know. Emotions. Last show. Tour ending. Stuff like that."

Demi tilted her head. "Why won't Max look me in the eye?"

I froze.

"...no idea."

"Why did Kelsey sprint out of the dressing room when I walked in earlier?"

"Probably had to pee?"

"Why did you just answer that with a question?"

"Because I-DAMN IT, DEMI, STOP INTERROGATING ME!"

She burst out laughing, and I collapsed against the couch, dramatically fanning my face.

"Ugh. I hate you."

"You love me," she teased, poking my leg with her foot.

"Not right now."

"Yes you do."

"Okay maybe a little."

She smiled and dropped next to me on the couch. "This tour has been the best one I've ever done. And having you here made it ten times better, Sab."

I melted a little. "You're gonna make me cry."

"Good," she said. "Join the club."

Backstage that night was a war zone of glitter and secrets.