Fan Fiction ❯ Prep and Punk ❯ 'And That's How It All Began...' ( Chapter 10 )

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Kingdom Hearts. Sorry. Don’t sue me. I wish I did.

Claimer: I claim my songs that I personally wrote on my free time. DO NOT use these unless you have asked me first. Thanks! You people are great.

Author’s Note: Hey everyone! Thanks for the reviews! I love you all. Now on to big and exciting news…this is the chapter you people have been waiting for. It’s THE chapter. What’s going to be in it? Well…you’ll find out, right?

Warning: Sexual situations, strong language, and slight violence.

Sit back, relax and grab a snack. Enjoy!

-blah- normal speaking

-blah- thoughts

-blah- usually phone conversations other than that used for emphasis

“Blah…”- either Riku or another band singing

-blah- music/ring tones

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Prep and Punk: Chapter 10 ‘And that’s How it all Began…’

After another day in the harsh world of school (and taking home the Prince later), Sora found himself sulking up the stairs to the front door. He was slightly annoyed at Riku’s stunned expression as the Prince ogled everything like it was the first time he’d ever seen it. If Sora heard the words, ‘Damn! This is fucking sweet’ or ‘Hell, you really are a Rich Boy’ again, he thought he was going to sock the Punk behind him. It wasn’t that big of a deal!

It had been a rough day at school for Sora. It all started at lunch when Zell came over with an invitation to the concert on Friday. Sora accepted wearily, feeling his boyfriend’s eyes on him the whole time. Once the blonde senior was gone, Tidus bombarded Sora with questions. Yes, Sora loved Tidus and all, but his boyfriend was just too protective sometimes. He needed a break!

After that, Sora began hearing the rumors concealed from him. He overheard a group of girls taking to themselves about him and Tidus and how ‘the hot guys were always gay’ and ‘they’re cute together, but Tidus could find someone better’. Sora had to tune them out the rest of the period. The Prep never thought that people would talk about him and his boyfriend like that. The other rumors he heard were from two boys. They were glaring at Sora and whispering how ‘much of a fag he really was’ and ‘they always knew he was gay’. How could they have known when Sora hadn’t known himself until Tidus confessed his love to him?

The last worst thing was when Riku unexpectedly showed up to his limo…when Tidus was kissing him goodbye! Sora had to push his boyfriend away and into the dirty blonde’s limo before Sora ushered Riku into his own black limo. They had to drive off before Tidus got out of the car and tore down the limo’s door to get to Riku. At least Sora prevented another fight.

Now the Prince (Sora unfortunately had to rescue) was commenting on everything he saw. It was like unleashing an adult into Toys R’ Us! It was something you didn’t do!

They had just entered the mansion when Sora thought Riku would have a heart attack, but when Sora turned back Riku was strangely calm.

Suddenly, laughter rung through the house and out of his mother’s office came ‘The White-Haired Bastard’ and none other than Yumi. They observed the newcomer, taking in his punk clothing that was opposite from Sora’s. Yumi smiled and greeted Riku, warmly.

“Hello and who might you be?”

“Riku.”

Yumi clasped her hands together and grinned, blue eyes sparkling. After she welcomed him, Ansem gave the Prince a simple nod, gaze focusing on the jealous Sora.

“I have something for you Sora.” Ansem said, smirking. When Yumi giggled, Sora’s brow rose. “I know we haven’t spent much time with each other, but I want to make it up to you.”

Sora’s expression became perplexed as Ansem called out to a servant to ‘unleash’ the surprise. What his ears detected made him freeze.

Scamper. Scamper. Pant. Pant.

Out from the kitchen came a little black puppy, tripping over its over-sized paws. Cobalt widened when the puppy halted in front of the brunette and crouched low to the ground. Sora looked towards Riku who was chuckling at the speechless brunette in front of him. When Sora turned back to look at the black ball of fur, the puppy jumped up onto him, causing Sora to back up and trip over his feet, falling to the ground.

Everyone laughed at Sora’s childish behavior as the brunette tried to push the puppy away. The said puppy however wasn’t going to give in without a fight and continued to attack Sora’s face with his tongue, earning irritated groans from the said Prep.

“Get off you stupid dog!”

“Sora! That’s no way to treat Ansem’s gift!” Yumi scolded, waging a manicured finger at the fuming brunette. “Treat him with respect young man!”

Sora pushed himself up and dusted his clothes off, shaking his head. The puppy sat obediently in front of Sora. Big yellow pools gazed at him with glee and a small body wiggled with excitement, wanting love from his new master.

Sora, however, wanted nothing to do with the dog. If it came from ‘The White-Haired Bastard’ then he rather toss himself into a blender and feed the chucky pieces to hungry sharks. There was no way he was going to love this black fur ball.

Yumi asked if Sora liked her boyfriend’s gift and Sora replied with a polite ‘yes’, assuring the adults could leave the teenagers to themselves. When they were alone, Sora turned to Riku, ignoring the puppy tugging at his pant’s leg.

“Welcome to my home.” he said, dully. Riku grinned and shrugged his shoulders.

“Your house is flippin’ awesome.”

“Whatever.”

Sora led Riku up the stairs and into his room. When Sora turned to speak to Riku, he was gone.

Huh? Where did he go?

The brunette ventured back to the stairs, all the while pondering on the mysterious absence of the Prince. When he arrived, Sora couldn’t help but smile.

The Prince was helping the black fur ball up the stairs, gently pushing his wagging butt onto the next stair because the small puppy hadn’t grow enough upper body muscles yet. Every time Riku helped, the puppy would turn his muzzle and lick his aid’s hand, earning words of encouragement every time. When the black puppy reached the last step, he hopped up without Riku’s help and rushed over to Sora, jumping on him to get his attention. Sora smiled and shook his head. For an annoying fur ball…he sure was cute.

Cobalt looked up to meet amused Jade. Sora bent low to the ground and patted the puppy’s head, earning a bark of approval.

“Thanks.” Sora whispered as they headed back towards his room.

“No problem…it was the least I could do.”

Sora’s expression slowly became confused, but Riku waved it off, entering the Prep’s room before the brunette had the chance to invite him inside.

Still as rude as ever…

“So, what are you gonna name him?” The older male asked, walking over to the large bed and plopping down on it, enjoying the soft mattress beneath him. “Something cute, right? Like Spot or Blacky.”

Sora frowned, brows furrowing. What was he going to name the cute fur ball?

As Sora debated, the unnamed puppy shuffled over to the darkest corner of the room and circled the spot a few times before he eventually plopped down. A smile twitched on the Prep’s face and a name already formulated in his head.

“How about Shadow?” Sora inquired, looking to Riku for his consent. The Punk smirked, nodding his head in approval.

“It’s not a bad name.” Was all he said before he turned his back on the Prep and grabbed a fluffy pillow, nuzzling it.

“Hey! That’s my bed…” The brunette whined, causing Riku to twist and turn in his bed to further mess up the tidy sheets. Sora huffed and went over to his bed, pulling the Punk off.

Riku fell with a thud and angrily looked up at Sora. The Prep shrugged his shoulders and smoothed down his sheets. When Riku finally got up, Sora chuckled at the tousled haired teen glaring daggers at him.

Torturing the Punk was going to be so much fun…

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

The White-Haired Bastard and Yumi were present at dinner this time. Sora guessed that since Riku was here, the adults wanted to pry into the Punk’s life or something. Sora didn’t care…he wanted the Punk to go home already.

The day was not going as planned. After Sora swore to torture Riku, the Punk had the nerve to give him a wedgie in his very room! Thank God there was no one to witness it. If one of his friends saw that, Sora would never live it down.

Then again, if Tidus saw it, he would have killed the Prince before he had let go of the brunette’s boxers.

Anyway…

Yumi was currently asking Riku what he did in his free time. Riku replied nonchalantly, “I’m the lead singer of a rock band. We usually have practice everyday after school, but our drummer had something to do today.”

Yumi nodded and tilted her head to the side, finger tapping on her cheek. “Interesting.”

“What are you thinking Yumi?” The White-Haired Bastard asked with orange eyes softening as he looked at his girlfriend. Sora huffed quietly and continued to eat his chicken, ignoring all of them.

“Well…I do own a music company and we are having auditions soon…” As Yumi whispered this to Ansem, Riku perked up. Was this the opportunity of his lifetime?

Sora gaped, mutely, shaking his head in a rough manner. “Mom you can’t be serious. I mean-”

“Well since he’s your friend, I wouldn’t mind hearing his band.” She said, flashing an award-winning smile. “Ever since I inherited the company, I really haven’t hired too many people.” She sighed and spun her fork into her noodles. “I’ve been so busy with my clothing designs that I haven’t had time. That’s why Ansem and I are merging our companies together.”

“What’s the name of your company?” Riku asked, curiously.

“Twilight Entertainment.”

Riku dropped his fork and his mouth. “W-what? You mean y-you own one of the biggest industries in the world?!”

Sora just stared at Riku in disbelief. Was the Punk just stammering?

Yumi giggled and shrugged her shoulders. “Yes, I guess you could say that.”

Sora glared at the chicken and noodles before him and mentally screamed. Why couldn’t his mother shut up…? It really wasn’t her company…it was his…father’s before he died. She wasn’t really doing anything with it. Technically it was Sora’s since in his father’s will it would be given to him, but Sora had said he didn’t want anything to do with it and gave it to his mother, glad that the burden was off of his shoulders. There was only one thing that he had kept that was his father’s and it was currently in his room, lying on his dresser.

“What do you think Sora?”

“Huh?”

Yumi sighed and shook her head. “How about you go Friday, watch Riku, and tell us if he is worth including in the industry?”

The brunette let out a huff, clearly irritated with the plan. “Why do I have to do it?”

Yumi gave her son a point look, indicating that he do as she say. He returned the look with pleading eyes, but she would have none of that and he knew it.

Sora rolled his eyes, giving up all too easily and he accepted quietly, finishing his food. He excused himself from the table and without staying for a reply; the Prep pushed himself away from the table and stood, almost tripping over the hyperactive puppy that was circling his feet.

God…this sucks…

Sora rushed up the stairs, hearing whimpering behind him and ignoring it completely. Stupid fur ball. Sora was NOT going back to help it.

He reached his room, slamming the door behind him. Flopping onto his comfortable bed, Sora closed his eyes and sighed, letting all of his negative energy out. Maybe if he wished everything to be normal, he would be happier. If he just willed it away hard enough, maybe everything would just disappear.

Knock. Knock.

“Rich Boy.” Riku whispered, fist hovering over the door as he knocked once more. “Hey, are you asleep?”

Sora whispered for him to come in and Riku obeyed, closing the door behind him as the little puppy in his arms wiggled out of his grasp and hopped to the ground.

“You shouldn’t leave your dog whimpering like that. He just wants to be with you.”

Sora sighed and waved him off. “If you care about him so badly why don’t you take him?”

Riku was quiet as he plopped down on the carpet, noiselessly. Sora would not look at him. He just wanted to be alone, not hear a tirade from his supposed enemy.

“You know…you have it good Rich Boy. Real good.”

Sora sighed, turning his back on Riku. “Spare me, Prince.”

Riku shook his head. “What’s your problem, eh? Annoyed that your mom offered me the chance of a life time?”

When Sora denied it, Riku continued to interrogate. “Then is it because you have a new puppy?” Sora shook his head and Riku smirked. “Then it really is me.”

Before Sora could say anything, music began to play.

Everybody, everybody, everybody livin' now.
Everybody, everybody, everybody fucks.
Everybody, everybody, everybody livin' now.
Everybody, everybody, everybody sucks.

Riku pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and flipped it open, stopping the ring tone. He placed it by his ear and answered it. “Hey what’s up?”

Sora listened to Riku’s side of the conversation and found it to be his mother, telling him that she was outside the gate waiting for him to come. Riku nodded his head and closed his phone, eyes focusing on Sora.

“Well, gotta go, but I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”

Sora nodded his head, numbly and sighed, turning over to find Riku gone. The brunette blinked and swung his legs over the side of his bed. He should walk Riku out…maybe even tell him goodbye.

However, Sora wanted to be alone, so he stayed in his room, falling asleep in peace.

Nevertheless, before all that happened…

Is ya man on the flo?
If he ain't...
Let me know
Let me see if you can run it, run it
girl indeed I can run it, run it

Sora groaned and slipped his hand into his pants pocket, pulling out his cell phone. He flipped it open and whispered a quiet hello. His eyes opened when a familiar voice spoke.

“Hey Sora. I just wanted to make sure you’re alright.”

Sora bobbed his head, more to reassure himself than the caller. “Yeah Tidus. Everything is peachy!” He said in a sleepy, yet cheery voice.

“Then tell me something.” Sora knew what was coming, but he kept silent.

“Sure.”

“What were you doing with the Punk?” His voice was anything but happy and Sora flinched on the other side of the line.

“Nothing. He needed a ride, so I offered it to him.”

There was a long silence, which gave Sora some time to think. He just had to make a lie up and everything would be okay so that-

“Are you sure that’s it? Seriously, Sora…you can tell me anything.”

Sora’s heart skipped a few beats as he clutched his cell phone to his chest. Couldn’t Tidus just leave the subject alone? It was hard enough lying to him…

He brought the phone back to his ear as he tried his best to respond, even though in his head he was cursing himself for his lose of breath. “Yeah! I promise, Tidus. If there was anything that happened, I would have told you.”

“Alright. Love ya, Sora.” He didn’t sound satisfied.

“You too, Tidus. See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah…see you…”

Then the line went dead.

With a shaky hand, Sora flipped the phone to a close and let out a quivering breath. He laid his phone on his night table and turned over onto his side, letting out a deep breath. Why was that so hard?

And worst…why did it hurt so bad to lie to the only one that actually gave a damn?

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

The next several days went by in a blur and before Sora knew it, it was Friday. He dreaded this day. Riku wouldn’t stop talking about it, persuading Sora to make his decision by making the brunette come to band practice everyday after school. Sora didn’t want to be rude or anything, but Riku was really bugging him and the Prince just couldn’t get it through his head that bribing the brunette wasn’t going to get him anywhere.

It was currently fourth period and it was ‘Pour Your Heart Out Day’ like it was every week. Sora scribbled some shit down and hoped Ms. Jackson would like it well enough not to bother him again. The teacher was always nice so Sora doubted she would make him do anything over. And besides…she said Sora was the best in her class.

“Hey Sora? Are you ready for tonight?” The blonde that sat beside him asked, editing her paper so that she could turn it in.

Shrugging, the Prep sighed. “Yeah, I guess. Riku is being really annoying.”

Quistis giggled and agreed. “Yes, he will not stop talking about tonight and how he wants to impress you so that you’ll let the band into the record company.”

Sora passed his paper up and put his head in his hands, closing his eyes. “I don’t know what to do.”

Quistis smiled as she passed her paper up as well. “Do what you want, but Riku will be your worst enemy if you refuse him of what he desires.”

Sora agreed. He glanced up at the clock and found there was only ten minutes until the bell rang, which Sora both felt relief and dread. He wanted school to be over, but he didn’t want to go to that stupid concert tonight. He had to even skip his date with Tidus to go and let’s just say Sora would rather spend his night with his boyfriend than the Prince and his ‘Motley Crew’ of friends. He didn’t know what he was going to do…

“Sora? Are you alright?”

Sora looked up and smiled, nodding his head. “Yeah, I’m alright. Just a little tired.”

Quistis bobbed her head in understanding.

BRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGG!!

“So I’ll see you around seven-thirty?” Quistis asked, her smile widening as Sora answered with a ‘yes’. They parted their separate ways as they left the classroom and Sora headed towards his locker. His ears detected whispered words and his eyes spotted the pools of diverse colors coming from the hallways. He hated when people stared. It was so rude; additionally talking about him wasn’t helping his mood either.

“Did you hear? Sora was kissing Tidus by Cid’s class. Isn’t that so nasty?”

“Yeah. I mean, I was totally into Sora before he turned gay! I would have screwed him senseless too.”

A sneer was directed towards Sora and the meaner of the two girls, made a gagging nose. “Now he probably likes it up the ass. So gross.”

Sora flinched as he walked passed two girls chatting quietly. He bowed his head in shame and felt tears burn his cobalt eyes. Why was this happening to him?

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Ha! Ha! Things couldn’t get better!

A crowd of students surrounded the helpless band. Shouts and questions rose into the air. Chanting was heard throughout.

“Broken Hearts! Broken Hearts! Broken Hearts!”

Riku grinned proudly. He couldn’t believe this was happening to him. It was like being rich and famous (minus the paparazzi, but they would come later, he was sure of this). Nonetheless, Riku laughed gleefully, flashing charming smiles to all that saw him. This couldn’t be better. This was like three times better than Christmas!

“Hey Riku! Over here!”

Riku rotated his head to the left and found Zell beckoning him with his hand. The singer waved to the crowd and rushed out before people grabbed for him (which was what two girls were trying to do at present). Adrenaline flowed through him and his grin glowed with such an intensity that it made him even more attractive to the people ogling him from the sidelines.

As they ran through the hallways, past the gymnasium, and towards the student parking lot, Riku couldn’t feel any happier than right now. No, he told himself. There was still so much left for him out in the world.

There was still a brunette to impress…and to do that, Riku had to augment his charm or he would still be playing gigs at clubs.

Just think…if he really made it…how great would that be?

But he couldn’t get too over his head, or he would seriously blow it.

But how could he not be so excited? This was his dream! It could all be coming true! This could be his lucky break!

“Hey Riku? You alive?” A gloved hand was waved in front of the oblivious singer’s face and Riku shook his head, snapping out of his thoughts. He needed to stop daydreaming so much…

“You gonna get in or what pretty boy?” Riku glared at Seifer as he squeezed into the little car with his friends. Zell had shotgun today and all the members in the car were expecting Aerosmith and a fucking lot of it.

As Zell slid into the car, Quistis turned to Riku, giving him a small smile. “Are you excited?”

What kind of question was that? Of course he was!

“Yeah.”

Seifer lightly punched his bicep and pulled him into a headlock. As the younger boy wrestled around trying to break free of the iron grip, the car was moving along and Aerosmith began to play.

Workin' like a dog for the boss man... woooa

Workin' for de company... woooa yeah

I'm bettin' on the dice I'm tossin'... woooa

I'm gonna have a fantasy... woooa yeah

As Zell sung along with the song and Seifer let go of Riku, the Prince had some time to think. He leaned his head against the glass window and drifted off into another daydream, only leaving when the car hit a bump.

This day was just going by so well…almost too well…

Hopefully, his luck wouldn’t run out before he had the chance to charm his way into the dream of all dreams…oh god would that be great. He couldn’t stop thinking about it.

But who wouldn‘t think about it? Any normal person would be doing the same thing.

As the car turned into Seifer’s driveway, all he heard was the slam of the car door and the promise of being ready at the designated time.

The car shifted and it began to drive again.

And there was Riku, still in the same position even after the tiny car parked by the sidewalk. The singer stared at his house for a moment before he acknowledged that he supposed to get out.

So as Aerosmith wailed into his ears, Riku exited the car and made his way to the front door. He turned briefly to bid farewell to his friends before he pulled out his keys and left the outside world behind.

He was met with two glowing green spheres.

“Welcome home, Riku.”

God! He was like a freakin’ stalker or something. Creepy…

“What, Seph? Is it already time for you to ruin my life?” Riku checked his invisible watch for emphasis and smirked when his uncle looked just a little peeved.

The older man was silent as he crossed the distance between them and towered over the confused teenager. He placed a single palm onto the younger boy’s head and gently stroked the silky hair. When Sephiroth spoke, it was soft as a whisper.

“We need to talk.”

Brow arching, Riku questioned him, but Seph turned and made his way to the small living room. The Punk followed his uncle and sat parallel from him.

When Riku was about to speak, Seph cut him off with his hand. Something inside the Prince knew…there was something wrong.

“I can not let you go to that concert.” When the teenager was about to retort his reply, Seph shook his head. “Just listen to me.”

“No!” The Prince snapped, glaring at his overprotective uncle. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are but-”

“Silence.”

Riku sat back in his chair.

A tic began to form in the older man’s jaw. Riku knew that he was pissing his uncle off, but his mind wasn’t done arguing his case. Why couldn’t he fulfill his one dream? Why couldn’t Seph see that this was the only thing he truly wanted?

“I know you think of me as someone that desires to ruin your life.” Sephiroth sighed, something flashing in his eyes as he focused his gaze on his nephew. “And I understand what you are going through.” With a disapproving grunt from Riku, Sephiroth continued. “Please, understand that I only wish the best for you.”

“Then let me go.” The Punk’s eyes narrowed as he looked away. “It’s not fair that you can’t see how important this is to me…”

The room was suddenly filled with a tension that almost suffocated the teen, but he showed no emotion as Sephiroth was struggling to make his point. Riku could care less about what he said. He was going to do what he wanted to do. There was no room for argument. None what so ever.

“You are just too young to understand the predicament you are getting yourself into.” Wiser green eyes bore through the teenager, but something mysterious swirled in those enchanting pools that he had inherited from that side of the family. Riku had to look away.

“Maybe you are just too old to understand me.” With that said, Riku stood from his chair and plodded out of the living room, clearly missing his uncle’s grim frown.

“You really are just like me.” The man leaned back on the couch and stared up at the ceiling. “I guess he’ll just have to find out the hard way.” His eyes closed and he inhaled deeply, folding his arms to his chest.

“Let’s hope you are smarter than I was.”

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Scamper. Pant. Sniff. Sniff.

“Shadow! Stop it!”

However, the black puppy had other plans as he dragged Sora through his vast backyard, weaving through different bushes and statues to smell every inch of land. The brunette tried pulling the dog back, but Shadow somehow obtained some godly strength and continued to drag his owner around.

“Ach! Stop it, dumb ass!”

Tugging some more, Shadow looked back at his master and gave him what was comparable to a human glare.

Creepy.

“Alright, alright. Just hurry up.” With that, the brunette made no further attempt to anger his dog. Sora sighed and wrapped the leash around his wrist to get a better hold of the curious pooch.

A light breeze blew passed them, ruffling the brunette’s already unruly spikes. The puppy sniffed the new scents that followed the wind and marked his spot a couple inches away from Sora’s shoe.

“Ah! FUCKER!” Sora hopped away, glaring heatedly at his dog. Shadow just poked his tongue out and wagged his tail, feigning innocence the best way a dog could. The Prep rolled his eyes and quickly forgave the animal.

“Asshole…”

“Sora, honey!”

The brunette turned to find his mother beckoning him to come inside the house. Another breeze swept by making her yellow expensive sundress sway around her knees. Her hair also shifted and followed the wind before it gracefully landed back into place. The boy smiled. His mother was the quintessence of beauty.

“Coming, Mom!”

He trudged up the stairs, pup ahead of him, and obeyed his mother. She smiled, warmly. “I just wanted to tell you that it’s almost time to go.”

Sora’s heart was pounding. “Thanks.”

Yumi’s smile seemed to spread and it caused Sora to do the same. Both mother and son looked as if they were closer than the pull of gravity on their bodies. A tan hand reached out for the teenager and just as the fingertips brushed gleaming spikes…

A certain someone appeared…

“Yumi.” His voice was deep, seductive. “We must be going. Our reservation time is nearing.”

“Oh! I almost forgot!”

And she turned and left.

No good bye…

Nothing…

Sora closed his eyes and slowly shook his head. “Mom…” He looked up again, glaring at the spot where his mother was standing only seconds before. Words that suddenly wanted to burst from his mouth remained locked up. He would not show his jealously. He was strong. If his mother choice The White-Haired Bastard over him…well…then so be it.

But why did that hurt too?

The brunette sighed and reentered his house, shutting and locking the door behind him. It was time to get ready…

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Twenty minutes later, Sora was in the limo and driving to the club. Dave was in such a good mood today, he offered to wait the whole night just to take Sora home. The brunette had to refuse though. He wasn’t a cold-hearted bastard that would make people that worked for him stay up at ungodly hours. Sora knew that he wouldn’t be home for a long time and didn’t want to bother the humble man to do anything else.

The brunette sighed, watching the limo pass the scenery in a blur. He could just make out all the shrubs and buildings that they drove past. This somehow depressed the Prep further. It was kind of like his life, passing him by without giving him a break.

He reverted his gaze back to the leather seating inside. Sora closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When will this pain ever end?

First, his heart was heavy with guilt from lying to Tidus and it doubled as his mother left without a simple goodbye. His heart felt like a rock inside his chest. He had never felt so depressed in his entire life.

Okay he lied…

There was only one other time, but he would not recall the memories that still pained him till this day. He would look to the future, it was the only way he could go on.

But the future looked so bleak…and disheartening.

Now that wasn’t like Sora at all! He was suppose to be optimistic! He was happy-go-lucky Sora. The cutest Prep that ever graced the world. Who wouldn’t want to be him?

Ah, screw it. He didn’t feel like being fucking peppy. He would save that for Dave since he was chuck full of it.

“So, Sora.” The driver began, eyes reflecting off the mirror to stare at the brunette. “Are you excited?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” No. Why the hell would I be?!

The limo driver smiled and averted his eyes back to the road. He left in his wake a comfortable silence and this gave Sora a little more time to deal with his heavy and vacant heart.

This is just ridiculous Sora! Get over it. Soon, you won’t even be living with your mother. She even told you she had bought that condo by the sea. Then you can go to college and never have to speak to her again.

That would solve one problem. However, there was always Tidus. Sora did love him. More than he realized and furthermore, Tidus was the only one to care. It hurt that Sora had to blow him off so much. It wasn’t fair to both of them.

Just think…it all started when you were running late to school.

Yeah. He just had to bump into Riku, starting so much drama.

But if it weren’t for Riku, you would have never met the people you did.

True. He met the bouncy Zell and the intelligent Quistis. Then, there was the cocky Seifer and reserved Leon. All of them were kind of important to him. Just a little bit.

The limo gracefully braked. Sora waited for Dave to open the door and when he did the brunette thanked him for everything. Dave waved a goodbye as he cautiously backed up and tried to weave through traffic to head home. Sora watched him go until he was too far to spot and then he turned to see what awaited him.

The whole place was painted with silky, black paint and the words, ’Club Oblivion’ hung in neon silver above the twin doors. There was a bouncer standing in front of it and allowing people to come in. As people entered, Sora could just faintly hear the sound of a wailing guitar in the background and the sound of someone’s raspy voice screaming into the microphone.

The place seemed very intimidating.

“Hey look! It’s Sora!”

The brunette could recognize that voice from miles away. And he didn’t have to turn, for the person hugged him from behind.

“Zell!” The Prep blushed and gently pulled himself away from the other’s embrace. He did not want to appear rude. “I’m glad you guys are here.”

It was true…he didn’t want to go in there alone.

The other members of the band strode over, giving Sora a once-over look.

“Well, I can tell you have never been to a club before.” This was coming from none other than Riku. “Damn, you look so stupid.”

The brunette’s cheeks flared from embarrassment. “You never told me how to dress!”

Zell took his side, giving Riku a pointed stare. “True, Riku. You didn’t tell him anything.”

The singer shrugged his shoulders and headed over to the bouncer. The others followed right behind him.

“So, Sora…” Quistis patted his shoulder and smiled. “Ready?”

He was as ready as he would ever be. “Yeah, I guess.”

“Good, ’cause here we go Prep.” commented Seifer as he flashed something to the bouncer so he could be let in. Sora suddenly became nervous as he turned to Quistis.

“What are they showing?”

“Band passes.” Before Sora could stammer a reply, the blonde manager held out a pass to the Prep. “This one is yours.”

The brunette was relieved. “Thanks.”

They both entered together.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Riku took a big whiff of the air and almost coughed it right back up. This was the place to be. He was to change his destiny, become something he always wanted to be. He was pumped, excited. He wanted to prove to Sora that he really had talent and he would prove it so well, that the brunette would be dumbfounded for the rest of the night…or even longer.

The smell of sweat and alcohol was heavy in the air, but Riku loved this aroma. It represented fun and definitely a wild time. He wouldn’t wait to perform.

His eyes scanned the many people provocatively dancing in the center of the club and grinned. That was where he was going to be after the performance. He could already see himself getting laid today.

His eyes then focused on the upstairs room where he could just barely see couples disappearing into separate rooms. Either those room were for special parties or…

He felt himself grow hard just thinking about it.

He reverted his gaze back to the base level where around the dance floor there were places to just relax and drink a couple beverages or two…

Or six or seven.

Yeah…damn that sounded good.

“Hot damn! They have a huge bar!”

Seifer’s comment made the singer turn to look. His eyes widened. This club was huge, even better, the bar took almost half of the area. His day could only get better.

The cocky blonde made his way over there with Riku tagging along, just to see what there was to drink. Okay, he wasn’t old enough to drink, but fucking hell! They really did have everything.

The Prince grinned as Seifer ordered himself this almost neon blue drink. The blonde chugged it with three big gulps and set the glass down, putting down some cash to pay. The electric guitarist then walked off, probably to search for the equipment.

Yuffie was suppose to be taking care of it…

If she was…well that was a different matter entirely.

“Hey, guys!”

And there she was now.

“The big guys just finished carrying all the equipment in just a few moments ago. Now all we have to do is set everything up and hope for the best!”

Riku waved her off. “Fuck, we need no luck. I’m the only thing that matters.”

Sora crossed his arms and Quistis shook her head. Conceited as always…

Yuffie rolled her eyes and bounced on the balls of her toes. “Look! There’s Rikku!”

The raven-haired girl was right. The blonde was bouncing towards them with someone in a black hoodie following close behind. The bubbly girl hugged Sora before she turned to hug Riku. She waved the others a warm greeting.

“How are you guys?” She yelled over the current singer screaming his lungs out. “I’m so excited to see you here!” Then she turned to her friend and pulled them closer, hugging the person’s arm, as if to make sure they didn’t escape. “Guess who finally came to our little island!”

Riku chuckled, shrugging his shoulders and shaking his head. “Who?”

Rikku looked offended. “Yunie of course!”

Suddenly, the girl peeled off her hoodie only just a little, confirming that she was indeed the real thing. Riku’s brow arched. Damn…she looked better in person.

“Hello everyone…” The famous singer bowed her head in greeting and then replaced her hoodie back to its original place, so no one would recognize her.

Riku stole a glance at Sora and saw him stock still, staring off into space. The Punk followed his gaze and frowned. Just great.

The source of the brunette’s sudden change of attitude was from a guy that had his back turned to the group, conversing with two pretty girls and a beefy lookin surfer. They were all talking amicably as if they were excited being here. The Prince quickly recognized the group of Preps.

Riku sighed. These guys could distract Sora, especially Blondie. There had to be a way…some way…to make sure Sora was only paying attention to him.

Quistis was the one to interrupt his train of thought. “Riku, the band is waiting for you. Let me take care of Sora.”

God, he loved Quistis for being so damn smart.

“Alright. Make sure he’s watching me.” He whispered so Sora wouldn’t hear. Fortunately, he didn’t. “Maybe get him a couple of drinks.”

“Riku.” The manager warned. “Go.”

With that said, the singer did comply, but he hated to leave the brunette in such a state. This was his big chance, there could be no diversions.

Everything would go as planned…no matter what…

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

After Quistis pushed him to go see his friends, Sora was pacing over. What was he afraid of? Being caught by Tidus? Yes. Was he afraid he would get mad?

Hell yes.

But as the dirty blonde boy turned as Sora tapped the back of his shoulder, the brunette’s worries were quickly dismissed as warm, caring arms wrapped around his waist to pull him closer. The contact made Sora blush. He averted his gaze to the floor.

Tidus breathed in his scent and rested his mouth close to Sora’s ear so he wouldn’t have to yell over the constant singing. “Hey, baby.”

Sora shivered. “Hey, Tidus.”

Something stirred inside of him as Tidus pulled him closer. “I’ve missed you.”

The brunette smiled, heart suddenly feeling lighter. “Yeah, me too.”

Besides the couple, Selphie sighed, dreamily. “How cute!”

Kairi agreed and Wakka looked away, eyes focused on something beyond them. “Who is she?”

He was staring at the bartender. She had long black hair tied up into a bun with braids twisted around it. Her clothes were very revealing and she was sort of gothic to the brunette. Wakka’s eyes would not leave her though and before long he headed over there.

“Oooh! Wakka is so adorable! He’s trying to get a girlfriend!” The bouncy girl clasped her hands together and squealed. “I want to go find someone to talk to!” Her eyes swept through the crowd. “Hey! It’s Rikku! Let’s go, Kai!”

Kairi hesitated. She knew how Selphie could be with a crowd of people. “Maybe I should-”

But she had no option as the brunette girl pulled her friend into the mass of perspiring people. Sora felt kind of guilty, but his focus was back on Tidus as he felt two hands caress his hips. The lips of his boyfriend still remained where they were.

“We’re alone now.”

This caused a shiver of delight to course through Sora’s veins. “Yeah.” He felt breathless.

Just as they were about to kiss…

“Sora!”

Rikku was back…

The brunette turned and sighed, flashing Rikku a patient smile. “What’s up?”

“I just wanted to introduce Tidy to Yunie!” Rikku giggled as she once again pulled her shy cousin towards the couple. “He’s been asking about her for so long!”

Sora turned his attention on Tidus who was grinning sheepishly. The Prep felt his heart grow heavy. When he looked back at the two cousins, Rikku had pulled off Yuna’s hoodie to show off her elegant beauty.

Blushing, the pop star gradually lifted her gaze towards the two boys, but her eyes locked onto Tidus. The dirty blonde’s breath caught in his throat as Yuna presented him with a gentle smile. The boy’s heart started thumping wildly in his chest.

And all the while…Sora could feel every beat of his boyfriend’s heart.

It made him sick.

Tidus let go of Sora and offered his tan hand in greeting to the young diva. Yuna took it in her delicate hand and shook it. Tidus’s eyes were glowing.

Again, this made him sick.

“It’s a honor to meet you Yuna.”

Yuna once again blushed and ran her free hand in her short, but very stylish hair. She did not speak as she let go of his hand, but her eyes betrayed her. She really liked him…

No! This wasn’t happening…

“Well, Yunie! Ready to go?”

Yuna shook her head and pulled her hoodie over her head. “Not yet. I would like to talk to Mr. Tidus.”

“Just Tidus.”

“Alright.” Again she smiled warmly.

Was Sora just invisible to everyone?!

“Well, I’m going to go find a seat and-” But he didn’t have to finish his sentence. Tidus just nodded and left Sora where he stood. The two girls followed him to the dance floor and quickly disappeared from the brunette’s sight.

His heart was shattering…and every little shard was piercing the remainder of his heart until it was one big beating red blob. It hurt…so bad…

“Sora?”

He whirled around and latched on to whoever it was. Hesitantly, a gloved hand ran through his spikes like a soft whisper, making him calm instantly. An arm wrapped around his waist loosely, as if they didn’t want to see too intimate. Sora could smell a strong masculine aroma from the person and when he looked up…he never expected to see him.

“Leon?”

The older male stood silent and unwrapped his arms from the saddened brunette. Sora felt both confused and comforted. It was odd that someone so cold would be so gentle. The Prep would have never expected it.

“Did you need something?”

The King shook his head and cast a hand through his long chestnut locks. “I just wanted to tell you that the band will be next.”

“Oh.” He had almost forgotten about the band. “Right. I’ll be watching…” He swept his gaze around the club and let out a sigh. He didn’t want to be here. “Where’s Quistis?”

He cleared his throat and pointed towards the front of the stage. “She’s up front. She saved a spot for you, but be careful…” His voice became almost a whisper and Sora barely heard it. “People like to make Mosh Pits. Don’t get caught up in one.” He paused, rethinking that. “Unless, of course, you want to.”

What was a Mosh Pit?

Sora was about to ask, but Leon left him and headed towards the stage. The brunette followed and pushed through the flock of people, until he found Quistis behind a couple of screaming girls. Hmmm…they looked familiar, but then again…they didn’t. They must go to the same school or something. Well, they weren’t important.

“Hey Sora!” The blonde manager yelled over the screaming fan girls. She gave them an irritated glare before returning her gaze to the brunette prep. “I swear they are louder than Zell!”

Sora chuckled, though it went unheard by his friend. The boy shook his head at the girls in front of him and shrugged his shoulders. There was nothing that they could do about it…

Suddenly…the lights went out.

Sora let out a tiny gasp.

What was going on?

“Are you guys ready?” a voice all too familiar whispered through the eerie darkness. There was no sound, no itty-bitty noise to acknowledge them. Just the sounds of excited breathing.

A single ray of light flashed on one gorgeous singer. Their silver hair was gleaming from the light and his clothes were shining with a small blare, showing off a very sexy leather outfit. Belts criss-crossed below his waist to hang loosely around his hips, while tight leather pants hugged his godly hips and revealed more than the crowd should ever know. The brunette’s gaze traveled higher where his eyes met with a tiny leather jacket and very exposed pale skin that also gleamed from the light. Sora could have swore he felt something wet slid down his chin as his blue eyes stopped at the charming smirk addressed to one person…

Him.

Riku’s eyes were filled with exploding pride as he called out to the audience again. At this time, Sora became shocked. The wetness running down his mouth was drool! He quickly wiped it away before Quistis turned to face him.

“Are you alright? Is it too hot for you?”

Sora let out a short breath and shook his head. He was blushing too? What was happening to him? What was this feeling in the pit of his stomach?

The crowd started to go wild as Seifer started the first song with a screech of his guitar. His nimble fingers seemed to dance as they shifted from one key to another until Zell followed up with the tapping of drums. Then all of a sudden, the music was fast and lively.

As Sora listened to the first song, he was entranced. The power and enthusiasm that he put into each note…they were amazing. And this was so weird. He was never this good at practice. It was like he was so determined to follow his dream, to actually make it.

How could Sora refuse him?

The second song began to play.

Sure, the Prep wasn’t really fond of the Prince, but Sora would never turn down something that would change someone’s life for the good of it. If he actually agreed to let Riku into the company, the Punk’s parents would be able to quit their jobs…live wonderful lives…

They could even be a happier family.

Sora felt something pierce his heart. What was this stupid feeling he kept getting?! This was just getting ridiculous…

“Do I have to hurt you?

Do I have to spread the lies?

Do I have to leave you here?

Leave you here to die?”

Sora felt like he was going to die if he stayed in this sweaty mass of jumping people. He had to get out before this second song ended.

So pushing people out of the way, Sora left Quistis and headed towards the bar where he took sanctuary on a barstool. He let his head rest against the cool surface of the table and sighed, feeling the pounding in his head gradually subside.

His eyes swept the vast club to stop on a pair of figures. They were heatedly dancing, almost provocatively. The boy’s hips thrust while the girl just swayed in front of him. The brunette clenched his teeth as he felt his hand fist into a ball. This was so not happening…

It was fucking Tidus and Yuna.

What a wonderful fucking day!!

“Hey, you want a drink?”

The calm voice wormed into his anger and instantly dispersed it. The Prep looked up to see the woman Wakka was talking to earlier. She gave him a sad smile, as if she knew what was troubling him and pushed something in front of him. He blinked owlishly at the red sizzling liquid and raised a questioning glance towards the bartender.

She only waved him off. “It’s on me.”

Sora couldn’t believe his ears. “Oh, thanks!”

Okay, truth of the matter was…Sora had never had a drop of alcohol in his life. But, he had heard that it was a great stress reliever. Why not try it now?

His head, shakily reached for it and brought it to his awaiting lips. He shrugged his shoulders to shake off any hesitant thoughts and gulped it down slowly, savoring the bitter, but sweet taste. It was better than he expected!

After he drained his first glass, he looked at the bartender with saddened eyes. “May I have another?”

She sighed, cleaning out a dirty glass with a towel in her hands. “I would have to ask you to pay for it.”

“Go ahead.” Take the pain away…please…

And that was how it was for three more glasses.

His eye sight was blurry, but his pain was gone. He had to hold on to the table so he didn’t fall off the stool and he was light-headed, but damn! He never felt better in his whole life!

This is way better than going to the beach with…wait…who did I always go to the beach with…?

Giggling, Sora slid off the barstool and headed towards the horde of people dancing. He wanted to enjoy his tipsy self. He would forget all about…that guy he was mad at and just have fun!

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

The hard wall that he supported his back on felt wonderful for some reason…it was as if the pain in his back weakened all his internal wounds…if only for that split moment. It was just long enough to lift his heavy heart, so it could let out a single beat.

He raked a blistered hand through his long chestnut locks and sighed. This night was finally over. No more music for awhile. Wondering if there was any ice around for his hand, Leon let his arm fall back to his side as he pushed himself from the wall. He felt a blister pop and a new trickling feeling as blood slipped from his hand and fell to the floor.

He sighed again.

Ears detecting footsteps, Leon found himself turning to walk away, until a familiar voice called out to him.

It couldn’t be…

“Leon?”

The said King spun around to meet with the newcomer. His eyes widened, surprise shimmering in them. But his facial expression quickly changed as the person in front of him smiled.

“I just wanted to let you know you were great.” The blonde scratched the back of his head and let out a nervous chuckle. “Man, we haven’t talked in a while…”

And we won’t talk for a while more…

As he was turning to leave, Leon heard a soft gasp and before he knew it the King had an firm hand on his shoulder, stopping him from escaping. As Leon gradually whirled around, he caught the anger and hurt swimming in eyes of a deep blue. They almost seemed to look guilty, but Leon had to look away. He would not get caught up in drama again.

“Why don’t you say something?” Concern was laced in the smaller blonde’s tone. A small frown replaced any trace of a smile. “I just trying to compliment you…” There was a short pause before he added. “I guess you really are still mad at me…”

Silence.

“Will you ever let go of the past?”

Leon’s mind was screaming. He wanted to lash out at the person bothering him, but kept everything inside. He would not lose his temper. That was the last thing he ever wanted to do again.

“Cloud, let me go.”

The King of Preps tightened his grip and glared into gray-blue pools. They were blank, emotionless, and this pissed off the blonde more than any words could ever harm him. He wanted to scream, to rant until the stubborn male listened to him. But it didn’t seem like that was going to happen…

Leon really did mean every word that he had said…so long ago.

“Get out of my life, Cloud! This is all your fault…”

Tears…so many of them were shed that day. Tears that were filled with hate.

“I didn’t mean to Squall…I didn’t know that-”

“Fuck you!”

Why did it have to happen? Why did the stupid Prep even think that it could work out? Why did he think that even once?

Cloud growled, shaking his head. So much for stoicism…he just couldn’t contain himself around Leon. It was as if so many emotions exploded in his head. So many that wanted to be set free to let his heart beat normally again.

“Please…listen to me.”

Leon shoved the blonde away, causing the other teenager to almost trip over his feet. He would not tolerate this nonsense. Not after what had happened…

“Leon…”

“Don’t talk to me, Cloud…”

Then the blonde did something unexpected.

He pushed Leon onto the wall…

…and brought their lips together in a gentle kiss.

Leon couldn’t breath. So many emotions…they were stabbing his heart. It hurt…

Leon pushed the other male away and touched his tingling lips, eyes more blank and distant than ever before. Cloud exhaled a few staccato breaths and watched as the guitarist quickly walked away.

The blonde’s heart dropped to the pit of his stomach.

Things might never change…

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

I could get use to this…

Grin intact, a towel trailed past his sweaty forehead and towards his chin, where he wiped off a bead of sweat just daring to fall onto his leather pants. The singer inhaled a short breath before he exhaled a more deeper one. It was over and the sad thing was…he had only seen Sora watching him for two songs.

The brunette just disappeared out of the crowd.

Quistis had reassured him that he had done the best he could do. It was his best perform and it was all for the Prep that could change his life forever. He could finally rest…

No, not until he had that contract in his hand. Better yet, not until he had signed on the dotted line…

“Hey, Riku!” Zell bounced over, a glass of who knew what in his hands. “Damn, we were-” He staggered back, but caught his balance and straightened himself. “…so good!”

Riku shook his head. Hearing the slurring of words and seeing the unbalance ness of the blonde drummer, it was clear that the Prince could tell his friend was seriously drunk. Damn Seifer…he knew not to give Zell anything that would make him:

A. Hyper

Or…

B. Tipsy

The singer stood and patted his friend’s shoulder sending the blonde to the ground, glass flying out of his hand and rolling away from the two teens. Riku shook his head, while Zell giggled uncontrollably.

“More! More! More!”

Riku shook his head and felt relief course through his veins as Quistis was venturing towards them, trying not to get elbowed by the dancers around her. She let out a frustrated sigh as she neared her fallen brother.

“Who the hell gave him alcohol?” She blew her bangs from her face and kneeled down to picked her brother up. Riku, of course, helped her. They dragged him to a table far away from the heat of the bodies and roughly sat him in a leather seat. The drummer was just giggling and swatting his sister’s hands away as she tried to keep him upright.

“Damn…” She sighed and wiped the sweat from her brow. She then turned to the Prince. “Why don’t you go find Sora?”

“Alright…”

Reluctant to leave the two alone, he only left when Quistis pushed him away from the peaceful atmosphere into the crowded dance floor.

Now where was the Prep?

His gaze danced past the many heads that were bobbing to the beat of the music and landed on quite a surprise. He didn’t expect to see Yuna and Blondie dancing together. If Sora ever saw that…

It made his blood boil…but why?

He had no attraction to the Prep, so why was he all of a sudden feeling like he wanted to beat up Blonde Ass over there? It wasn’t his business. Maybe, it was for not finishing Tidus off…he should have…

But…

Why was everything so complicated?

As he left the couple, Riku spotted the one thing he was looking for.

It wasn’t a pretty sight…

He let out a frustrated growl as he brushed past the horde of dancing people. Hands brushed up against him, tongues flicked out to him, inviting him. But he didn’t want any of these people…

Oh fuck…

“RIKU!!” The brunette left his dance partner, a tall lanky teenager, to bounce over to him. There was such a big smile on his face that it sort of scared the singer. “What are YOU doing here?” He slurred, latching onto Riku’s arm to support his own weight.

The singer cursed, shaking his head. “Let’s get you home, Sora.”

The brunette whined. “But I don’t wanna-whoa!” He would have fell back, but Riku caught him. “-go!”

The silver-haired boy would hear none of it though as he pulled Sora away from the madness and towards another table, far away from Zell and Quistis just in case the two started acting funny on both of the sober ones. If they did…neither Quistis nor Riku would be able to control them.

Sora stopped in his tracks and shook his head, gaze behind him. “Just let me get a-another dr-dr-ink!”

Riku refused to let Sora have another drink, which resulted in the brunette throwing a fit. “Meanie! Let me go!!”

Once Riku refused again, Sora sighed, gazing into the singer’s eyes with a sort of desperation. The Prince’s breath caught in his throat as the Prep’s blue depths were filled with tears.

“It hurts Riku…”

The singer cocked his head, confused. “What hurts?”

“My heart…”

And before Riku could even sputter out a word…

Sora kissed him.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Holy Hell!! Yes, the first interaction between the two and you get that! HA! That means you must review to make me go on. Come on, I wanna hear all of your comments! Don’t be scared! Just review!!

Alright, I do not own ‘Love In An Elevator’ by Aerosmith, or System of a Down’s ‘Violent Pornography’. Also, Chris Brown’s ‘Run It’ isn’t mine either. So hey, no suing me! Thanks!

But I do own the song/chorus that I put in my fic, ‘Secrets and Lies Mix So Well’. I have written this and yes, it’s mine. So HA!

Next chapter will be a side story about Leon and Cloud, so get ready!

Well, like I said, PLEASE REVIEW!! REVIEW!! REVIEW!!