A/N: Okay, I know I suck because there was such a huge delay on getting this out and it's SUCH a short chapter. But I can explain.

First off, I had to do a LOT of research for this story. It's going to tackle a lot of very delicate subjects and I hate it when people try to write about a delicate subject that they know nothing about. So research for this took up much of my time.

Second off, it's the introduction. Which means I'm just setting everything up, which means I don't want to get to the meat of the story yet, which means a short chapter. But now that this is up, I can get moving with the rest of the chapters much more quickly.

This is a sort-of sequel to The Journal, as in, you don't have to read it to follow this story, but it certainly would help explain some little details, such as why Sonny and Chad are already together and why he's living with his grandparents... All that jazz.

Here's the first chap, without further ado :D Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Sonny With a Chance

"And finally... Sonny Munroe!"

Sonny nearly fell backwards at the thunderous cheers and applause that greeted her as she stepped out in front of the curtain, waving for the crowd. It seemed louder than usual tonight, in fact... She hadn't thought her performance was much more spectacular than it usually was...

She glanced around for a moment before her eyes came to rest on the culprit. Sonny beamed.

Chad.

He was standing in the wings, applauding loudly and whooping it up in that ridiculous manner of his. She giggled to herself when she saw Marshall motion a request for him to keep it down.

Chad was her number one fan. And she loved it that way.

She loved being on So Random, and she wouldn't trade it for anything. However, she lately found herself looking forward to the end of the show, when the curtain would drop and she could run into Chad's arms once again.

Soon after her daydream ended, the curtain closed and the cast scattered. Sonny didn't hesitate. She ran off to the backstage area, enthusiastically wrapping her arms around Chad's waist. Chad closed his eyes and smiled contently as he held Sonny close to him. He lifted a hand, running his fingers soothingly through her hair, and turned his head to give her a soft kiss on the ear. Sonny giggled at the tickling sensation.

"How was I?" she asked, standing on her toes to give him a peck on the cheek.

Chad placed a hand on her cheek, stroking her soft skin gently with his thumb. "Perfect, as usual. You blew all those randomites out of the water."

"Jerkface," Tawni spat, briskly striding past him.

"Your mom," Chad muttered back. Sonny couldn't help but giggle. He refocused his attention on her, a strange, somewhat worried smile crossing his face.

"The only thing, Sunshine, is that you looked really tired." He lifted a hand to feel her forehead. "Did you get enough sleep last night? Are you getting sick?"

Sonny blushed at the way Chad fussed over her. There was something about the fact that he wouldn't do it for anyone else but her that made her feel so... special, for lack of a better word.

"I'm fine. I did feel really tired... Which is weird. I got plenty of sleep last night."

A small 'tsk' escaped his mouth before he place a hand on her back, leading her out.

"Well you look exhausted. Let's get you home."

Sonny smiled as she held his hand, lacing her fingers with his, and followed him out to the Condor Studios parking lot.

Everything was perfect. She'd never been so deeply in love... Never experience what is was like to have someone that was your whole world...

Things couldn't possibly get any better.

---

"Mom, I'm home!" Sonny called out as she stepped into her apartment, Chad staying close behind her. She waited a moment or two, but received no response. Sonny shrugged, turning to face Chad. "I guess she's working late again."

Chad smiled, a hint of mischief glistening in his eyes, and he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"You know, I would be a really bad boyfriend if I just let you stay here all alone with no one to keep you safe."

Sonny giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I'm a big girl," she answered, kissing his nose gently. "I think I can handle it." She squeaked in surprise when Chad placed a hand under her legs, lifting her up into his arms.

"I insist," he said with a smirk.

Sonny laughed when he walked over to the couch, lifting her up high before dropping her down unceremoniously on the cushions.

"Soo..." he began, sitting down next to her. "What should we do now?"

Sonny smiled at him. "Sleep."

Chad frowned. "Sleep? Already? It's barely nine... On a Saturday no less. I was gonna take you out for a coffee or something."

Sonny sighed, her expression softening. "I'm sorry Chad... Rain check? I'd love to go tomorrow morning."

Chad raised an eyebrow at her. "Are you sure you're okay, Sonny? You slept in the car the entire way here and you still look like you could fall over dead at any minute."

Sonny waved his concern off. "I'm fine," she paused to yawn, "I'm just so sleepy... Please, can we put this off 'til later?"

Chad rolled his eyes dramatically, sighing. "Fine. But you know the King of Drama doesn't wait for anything, right? Bending to your will like this can't possibly be healthy for my awesomeness."

Sonny giggled, lying back on the couch and pulling a blanket off the arm. She smiled sheepishly when Chad took it from her, placing it over top of her and tucking her in. She closed her eyes, eager to let sleep take over as Chad stroked her hair.

"Aren't your grandparents going to be expecting you home?" she mumbled tiredly. Chad smiled down at her.

"That's why they invented texting."

Sonny giggled to herself before easily falling asleep. Chad sighed, shaking several worried thoughts from his head. He figured Sonny had just had a long week rehearsing. He remembered how tired he used to get when he first started doing Mackenzie Falls... Remembering that made him feel better. He sighed heavily; their date would just have to wait. Chad leaned forward and kissed her gently on the forehead.

"G'night, Sunshine. I love you."