Starstruck

[Rikugurl]

Riku's heart suddenly lifted, not expecting the whore to stay with him for the night. It was either that or go out and buy some condoms in case he was stopped... which didn't seem logical now. He had totally forgotten that he left Kairi high and well, wet. "Great!" He smiled, not hiding his excitement at all. Clothes were put on loosely and the phone call was made. Their meal would be up in a bit and when Riku put the phone back on it's hook, he glanced back to see Sora already surfing for a movie. "So, what's your favorite kind of movie?" He asked, getting onto the bed and sitting beside the other.

He was a bit shocked that it was either musicals or Disney. Really? "Ok... but I refuse to watch High School musical." He chuckled, making Sora agree.
So it was Mary Poppins.

"♪If you say it loud enough
You'll always sound precocious
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!♪"
Riku laughed as he ran out of breath from singing, stealing a piece of the cheese cake instead. He leaned into the other, hearing him laugh as well when the song was done, exclaiming how fun this was but paused when a piece of cheese cake was offered to him. He opened his mouth wide, letting the silverette feed him and gained some whipped cream about the edge of his lips. "Haha! You missed some~" Riku teased, licking the side of the boy's mouth.


"Books and muffins?" Ven laughed, never hearing something so bizarre. For someone so straight forward, he was wondering if these 'books' were poor. He had a good clue that they weren't though because this man seemed quite different sober than drunk. He took another sip of his glass before placing it back on the bar, rubbing the rim of it with his fingers. "Well... my favorite color is red." He started out much like Terra. "I guess I really don't have a favorite animal. Maybe birds I guess. I don't have any pets. I like rock a lot, it's like my life. I play the violin and I can speak French." Now he was getting the 'Deer in the Headlight' look. And I guess my most prized thing is hot air balloons."

He heard a chuckle and then a full out laugh, making his face dull as the brunette seemed amused. "What?"
Terra couldn't believe it and say "Come on, for real."
"I am for real. Pourquoi vous ne me croyez pas?" He asked. When he heard a stunned apology, Ven just shrugged and took another sip of his drink. "Don't worry about it. A lot of people don't believe me. I guess I don't look like that kind of guy. My parents wanted my brothers and I to be cultured so we were exposed to a lot of things. I use to love to sing but now.... I don't like it so much anymore."

With the sound of his voice, Terra could tell that was Ventus's dark zone not to tread on. "Oh wait. I forgot something." The blonde swiveled on the bar stool, leaning back some as his wicked grin appeared over the glass once more. "The only thing I can't live without... is cock~"

[Reno]

Who knew Riku could sing? Or a prostitutes favorite types of movies were also the most innocent you could think of?

Sora laughed, their plate set away and all that was left to them was their dessert as they ate and sang along with the old Disney film. He chuckled as some cake was given to him, eating it happily, but as Riku dived closer to lick away a stray bit away, he swallowed and turned his head, pressing their lips together. He wasn't even thinking about it when he did it. It just... felt right.

He broke away a moment later, smiling. "Thanks~"


So, his date could speak French. That... was pretty damn hot. But nothing compared to that to the blonde's last statement which made his cheeks lighten with a blush but he smirked right back. "Well I hoped that was a given darling~" He gave a teasing lilt to the little pet name, taking a sip from his own drink but his dark eyes were on the blonde. He certainly could believe that...

"Ah...aaaaah!! F-Fuck!" His hand trembled as he gripped onto the blonde head of hair, his other twitching around a seat belt and just holding on for the 'ride'.
Hot breath brushed along his twitching member, a tongue against his slit. "Come on baby, give it to me. I'm wanna taste you~"
"Aa! AAAAAAAH!"

He mentally shook those images away Ven seeming to chuckle in amusement as he knew EXACTLY where his brain had been. And Terra was beginning to wonder if the other was messing with him... or coming onto him. Play it cool... come on, don't make a fool of yourself...

Luckily he didn't have to find a response as Ven finished his drink and cheerfully asked for another and Terra was happy to oblige if for nothing else to get out of the awkward situation. And that was how they got on the subject of favorite drinks.
"You've never had a Mongolion motherfucker?" There was a low chuckle as Terra made the order for the blonde and soon enough it was back at their table. "It's good." He reassured, "At least it's not an Adios motherfucker. That one would floor you."
The other took an experimental sip and his eyes widened slightly about the strong burn of alcohol that went down his throat. The other swallowed hard then asked how many liquors were in it.
"Four. Usually... vodka, Kahlua, and two types of fruit liquors." He answered with a grin.

[Rikugurl]

Aquamarine eyes widened when he felt the kiss, realizing this was the first kiss they shared not even close to a naughty situation. It was just... a genuine kiss. It felt... right. He moved into it a bit but Sora was quickly gone like a new found rabbit. He could tell though that this night sparked something. Not only for him but for Sora as well. A smile came over his lips, taking another piece of the cake as they continued watching the movie.

The clock turned from 12:59 to 1:00am as the covers became loose and the pillows were fluffed. After the movie, they talked about school. They talked about the good times and the shitty times, the grades they got and their favorite teachers. However, with a yawn and a glance at the clock, they both realized that they had a five hour drive back to Aurora and the bus wasn't always so comfortable to sleep with. They each picked their side and with a click, the lamp was out over them. Riku was someone who enjoyed the darkness, the peace and quiet but to night, with Sora in his bed, he felt... incomplete.

Slowly, he shifted over and came up to the other's warmth. He could feel Sora's body tense but still he wrapped a strong arm around the boy's waist and buried his face in the spiky, clean hair. "Good night, Sora. Thank you for spending the nigh with me... It was... really fun."


"Whoa~~" He smacked his lips a few times, looking down at the drink as Terra explained what the concoction was. "This is awesome." He chuckled, taking another sip.

A few drinks later made the blonde laugh hysterically, obviously very drunk. "You're a sick fuck! How could you do that to your dog! PEANUT BUTTER!?" He snorted, making Terra blush. He didn't finish his story and it DID NOT end that way... but he took it with a grain of salt, knowing the blonde was floored and honestly didn't know any better. Luckily, he was still functional and had to catch the blonde from falling off his stool. Thankfully, it was about that time Aqua and Fuu walked over, their cheeks a bit red from drinking too. "Alright, since I am probably the most sober out of everyone, I'll drive everyone home." Fuu stated, gathering the three and headed outside.

Aqua slumped in the front seat while Terra and Ven took the back. Almost instantly, Ven snuggled up to Terra's warmth, having been the beginning of autumn, it was rather chilly outside. As the car pulled away, the way Ventus rocked against the brunette's body showed that he had fallen asleep. A dark eye glanced up and a smile appeared over red lips as Fuu saw Terra wrap his arm around the blonde, pulling him close to keep him warm. "I'm not sure where he lives but one of us will have to keep him for the night...." She hinted. "Aqua and I are gonna be a bit busy so.... would you mind, Terra?"

[Reno]

"You're welcome...." Sora whispered back, unsure if he was really okay with this. But... he couldn't even remember the last time he slept in someone else's bed - at least like this, where no sex was included or even needed. Just someone's presence.

Oh yes, he did remember actually. It was a long time ago though. Back when his brothers spoke. Back when... he was happy.

With that in mind, a hand moved, finding Riku's against his side and laid his atop the other man's his fingers slipping inbetween his comfortably. "Good night Riku...." His eyelids fell shut and he sighed contently, falling asleep to the sounds of soft breathes behind him.


Women were devious, devious little things. Terra had a feeling he'd been tricked but for once he was pleasantly happy for the trap as he snuggled up in the backseat with the slumbering blonde, smiling graciously. "Sure." Nevermind all the little details like the pathetic excuse of a place he lived in and that it was fairly messy and so on and so forth.

So, with some help from the girls, he carried Ventus up into his house and into his bed, waving the two off as they drove away before closing the door. He stumbled his way back to his room, finding Wolf already perched their like it was his throne and sniffing the newcomer suspiciously. He scooted the dog off so he could strip the boy of his shoes, socks and jacket and pull the sheets over him before doing the same for himself and - with very little options left to him besides the floor - sidled on the bed next to him, slinging an arm around his waist. Wolf jumped back on the bed and curled up by his knees like a good dog.

And soon enough, under the noises of the water heater thrumming somewhere deep in the apartment complex, the couple slept.


"Um... So... where am I going to sleep?"

"So uh......." Roxas said, rubbing the back of his head as he looked about his nice little suite then at Axel who was sprawled out on the couch, handing him a pillow from his bed. "You're sure this is fine? I can call room service and get them to bring up a bed."

It was his idea. Usually they slept in the tour bus, but Texas' arid weather had proved too much for them all. Without air conditioning (well, without a big waste of gas that is) it was just utterly miserable. So, getting hotel rooms was the only way they would get any sleep. But the hotel was booked full for the night and, seeing as Roxas did have the biggest room (which was much more than a room but a room, a living room, a balcony and a moderate kitchenette), he didn't mind offering for the red-head to share it.

And Roxas discovered that yesterday hadn't been a one-time show. It seemed Axel was jynxed into making a fool of himself.
"Well, you can share with me." Roxas was saying with a shrug as they, himself, Namine and a down-trodden Axel - stepped away from the desk.
"Oh but I don't want to intrude on you two." The red-head said.
Slowly Namine looked at him. "Intrude on us...?"
Roxas' cheeks reddened, the lack of innocence in that statement not lost to him. "Uh Axel... we aren't rooming together."
"Oh...? OH uh shi- uhhh fu--- uuuh I just assumed and uh......"

It wasn't that it surprised him. He knew celebrities got a bad rep for three things: sex, drugs and trying to be as nude as possible on stage. He certainly didn't do any drugs - each one just screamed 'end of your career'. Cigarettes would ruin his voice. Alcohol would kick his memory to the curb. All he knew for certain was... if he couldn't sing, he'd rather die.

And well, even if he DID want sex, Namine was just so... pure. He promised her and respected her that they would wait until marriage... if that happened. And three years running, that promise was still in place.

The red-head broke him from his thoughts as he fluffed the pillow under his head that this was perfect - more comfortable then any bed he'd ever slept on. Roxas wondered if he truly meant that but smiled all the same. "Alright. Well, tomorrow, if you have any other things you need to get or any other accommodations, you can speak with Chip." Chip was... well mainly their driver.

The blond turned heading into the next room where his bed was and pause, glancing back at the red-head. "... Good night Axel." After he got a response he disappeared behind the wall and got ready for bed. Just as he was laying down, he heard a loud noise come from the other room that made him sit bolt upright.

It took him a minute or two to figure out it was Axel... snoring.

"Heh..." The blonde shook his head before flopping back down on his bed, reaching out and shutting off his lamp, shrouding the suite in darkness. Even with all the noise, the other made, he still found his way to sleep.


It was an old saying: Tomorrow is a New Day.

And on this new day a brunette and a silverette woke up to the phone ringing in their hotel - only to find out they were late and their instructor was giving them fifteen minutes to get down to the bus before they left without them. So in a flurry of activity, clothes were shoved back into bags, things were hastily checked through to make sure nothing got left behind before a door was slammed closed and the two raced to the elevator and threw the keycards on the desk, barely making it to the bus that was already awake and motor humming with ready departure.

On this new day a blonde was awoken by a warm tongue slobbering over his face, and after shoving it rudely away found himself with quite a hangover. An unfortunate brunette, deep asleep, was kicked out of bed and ordered to find the poor boy some Tylenol or, preferably, a hammer to knock his head in.

On this new day, a red-head awoke from his own sleep not by any harsh or unpleasant means. He awoke... a murmuring. Still half-asleep, he had to stumble a bit around the unfamiliar and still darkened room to find the source of the noise. It was blonde he was rooming with, wide awake and standing on the balcony, his back to him as he lent against the railing and looked out across the city. He was still in his pajamas and his hair sleep tousled but none of this seemed to matter. All that seemed to be of any importance was that the waking town would hear his song. Axel had to step up to the threshold though before he finally heard the words.

"♪-ide, let your troubles fall behiiind you,
Let it shine until you feel it all around you
And I dooon't miiind, if it's me you need to turn to
We'll get byyy, it's the heart that really matters in the end

Our lives are made in these small hours
These little wonders, these twists and turns of fate
Time falls away but theeese smaaall hooours
Theeese smaaall hooours still remain♪"

[Rikugurl]

"Heh, thanks for waiting." The silverette smiled to his teacher and bus driver who both gave him a negative look, making him swallow hard and walk through the crowded bus. He paused, seeing red hair that he knew well and a pink backpack that sat beside her. She pulled it away, letting Riku sit next to her and as he did, he pulled his own bag over his lap. As for Sora, he found a place to sit next to the teacher up front. "Sorry about last night, Kairi." Riku started as the bus began to pull away, heading out on the road for a long ride home. The girl didn't look though, didn't even flinch. Her blue eyes were plastered to the window, her reflection giving away everything.

She was hurt.

Ocean eyes turned down, the pale man frowning when he realized just how rude it was to ditch her like that. Sure she was his ex but she was still a good friend and they planned on having a good time on this trip. "Kairi... I'm really sorry. Look, I'll make it up to you. We can--"
She whipped her head around, her hair smacking him in the face as her dark blue eyes glared at him. "Are you stupid?"
"W-what? What do you mean?" Riku was hit off guard with that one...
"What are you hanging around Crown for?" She hissed, keeping her voice low so only Riku could hear.
"Crown...?"
"Sora?"
"Why do you call him Crown?"
"Because he is Crown, moron!"
"Kairi! Why are you being so mean?"

The redhead huffed, crossing her arms over her bag on her lap. "He's a slut."
"WHAT!? He is not!" The silvertte blinked, never seeing this side of his friend before.
"Yes he is, Riku. He has sex with people for money. Everyone on campus knows that. The kid who wears the crown pendant."
"Like Sora is the only person at our school who wears a crown---"
"This kind of crown, yes."
"Kairi, he's not like that."
"So you knew?"
"Knew what?"
"That he's a prostitute?"
"N-no!"
"Then how come Selphie said she saw you two mouth to mouth the first night we stayed and how come you were sharing rooms last night...?" He questioned, her angry eyes starting to water.

Man... this isn't good... He thought, not even knowing what to say. Selphie and Kairi were best friends... Selphie wouldn't make up such a crazy story.
"I didn't think you were gay. Is that why you broke up with me?"
Round eyes looked at her, swallowing some before choking out a response. "W-we didn't do anything Kairi. He..." He couldn't lie about Sora... he couldn't make him into...into a whore.... "I don't know what came over me. I kissed him, yea, but nothing else happened. Last night we watched a movie and talked, that's all we did. I... I need to have more friends than just you, you know?"
"It never bothered you before.
"That's before... this is now."
"Well promise me you'll be careful. He's a prostitute Riku and you might be biting off more than you can chew. All he's going to do is try to use you to get into your pants and wallet. Think about your future Riku. You're doing so well at your age."

He couldn't argue with her, already thinking the same thing in his head. The way he drove him wild the night before... he didn't even know who he was anymore. He never felt that way ever. It was hypnotizing and he became desperate. Even still, his eyes strayed as he looked towards the front, seeing the bouncing brunette hair.


"Nnnnnnnnnnnnngh..." A miserable blonde moaned as he hid under the covers from the overly excited dog who was only trying to kiss him and sniff him up but with the empty glass of water and two pills down his throat, it just wasn't working. The sound of the other in the shower, just the sound of the water coming down, was killing him. Those drinks were hard core and it would be some time before he drank again. Like maybe two days. It was when the PHONE started ringing that he pulled a pillow over his head, crying in defeat. Luckily it was Monday and he didn't have work... and neither did his bed mate. He guessed the best way to really know someone is when they're having a hang-over or their period. Luckly he never had to worry about the latter.

He obviously wasn't picking up the guy's phone and Terra was busy in the shower, so after four painful rings, the answering machine kicked on and of course the jackass on the other end of the line had to leave a message! Was everyone after him!?
After some time, he throbbing pain stopped as the dog stopped hopping around and the water was turned off. However, it only lasted for a moment before Terra came out and the dog was bouncing around again. Frustrated and still in pain, the covers shot out and curled the dog captive, making it pause and wonder who turned out the lights. "Some guy just called for you." He mumbled, wondering who this said guy was... not like he was jealous or anything and not like he was even more jealous when he saw that fucking hot near half nude body in front of him.

He watched him walk across the room, looking at the blinking light on the machine. When he inquired, he only moaned and flopped back into the bed. "Something about visiting you mom and he's not doing something and wanna see ya and she's not doing well or something along those lines... I wasn't fucking paying attention. None of my businACK! YOUR DOG JUST BIT ME!" He cried, pulling away and looking on the friendly nibble. He just wanted to play! Knowing that, Terra was quick to listen to the message, making the blonde cover his head with the pillow again.

Hey Terra, just me.
I went to see your mom this morning and she's not doing well again. Tried calling your dad but I know he's not in the country at this moment and his cell phone wasn't working. I'll try calling him again tonight but I don't know if he'll hope Brazil to come see her. Nurse said she stopped taking her meds again so I figured the best and easiest solution is you go and see her. She always listens to you, you know? Well, hope to hear from you soon. Bye.


"You really love singing, huh?" Axel chuckled as he watched Roxas jump out of his skin, turning around and nearly falling off the balcony if the railings weren't so high. "Sorry." Came an apology as their eyes met. "It's just... nice to see someone care about something as much as I do. I never got to see that in my life and until now, I only believed I cared about something more than money. I thought I was really strange." He gave the blonde a smile, yawning some and letting his long arms stretch high over his head. When his arms came down, a hand rubbed the back of his neck, a soft blush coming across his face. "So uh... how did you get into singing?"

[Reno]

"Come on Wolf, back off," Terra ordered as he hurried over to the answering machine, his heart beating a panicked tantrum against his chest. Shit, not now. He hit the play button, and shut his eyes as he heard the message. God DAMN it Hatori...
"Fucking can't help with anything can you?" He hissed under his breath, knowing today was not going to be a good one. Why did this shit always have to happen at the worst possible time?

He loved his mother. He really did. He didn't mind going and trying to take care of her. But at the same time... it was an awful experience. Not only because it reminded him of how helpless and frail she was, but because it reminded him that... she never saw him.

He cursed again under his breath, before going over to his closet pulling out some clothes - much more modest than the ones he wore at the clubs - and glancing at the rumpled form on his bed. "Listen I got to go and take care of this. You can stay if you want."


"Haha... don't worry you're not strange." Roxas reassured, smiling brightly. It had been a long time since anyone ever asked him this question. "Come on I'll tell you over some coffee. If you like coffee that is...?"

The star found out very quickly that yes Axel indeed LOVED coffee. After it was brewed, the two made themselves at home in the little living-area turned temporary bedroom.

"Well, my mom was a violinist." Roxas began, propping his feet on the low-ended table. "And she wanted me and my brothers to have some musical culture. So, when we were about ten, mom enrolled us in music school. Classical music. My brother Sora played the harp. My brother Ven played the violin. I played the flute. I really loved it. It's where I learned how to read sheet music and write it too."

He sipped the drink and sighed softly. "I think we were there for about a year and a half before mom had to pull us out. Ven was a bit of a... wild kid. He still is really." His lips twitched and he chuckled. "He always hated to be told what to do and he had trouble sitting still as a kid. He got a lot of detention in school because he skipped class or was too rowdy. Mom thought it was a miracle he graduated! But that was just him. He's always been really willful. I kinda admire that; he's got a lot of courage to say something when most people wouldn't speak up at all."

He shook his head, leaning back against the cushions. "Well anyways, Ven was mainly the reason we were pulled out. Our music teacher, Mrs. Fritzy, refused to keep teaching Ven. Sora... well he always looked out for us. He thought it was unfair Ven was to be left out so he said if Ven had to go he would and... I didn't want to be alone so that was that. I didn't even really... think about music for awhile after that. When I was thirteen... I fell into a bad spot of life I guess. I just started to live day by day and... I didn't care about anything. I stopped doing my homework. I got into fights all the time. I didn't even really care if I was alive or not. The only thing I ever liked to do was sit in my room, play the radio and sing along with any song that came on. My behavior got erratic enough that they took me to see a doctor who pronounced me as severely depressed. So they put me on medication, but it didn't really help."

He sighed but chuckled, "And... well I guess I really have to thank Sora for what happened later. You remember when you told me dancing saved your life? Well... that why I wanted to give you a chance. Because... singing saved mine. I remember I was fifteen. We had a family counseling session once and I remember my counselor telling them that they had to find 'constructive' projects for me to do so I would feel 'useful'. Well, Sora took it to heart and dragged me to rehearsals for some school play. It was a musical play, Guys and Dolls. I remember how much I didn't want to go but Sora encouraged me to at least try out. He said I had a great voice... so I did. Mostly because I felt bad for my brother always having to worry about me - he was really always worried about everyone. And we all sort of took that for granted I think because no one ever looks out for him, not even Sora himself. I figured I could make a fool of myself just once for him."

Roxas was smiling now, his eyes glimmering with the memory. "Now usually only seniors are ever offered the good parts... but I got the lead role. I couldn't believe it! Me, some scrawny little tenth grader with the lead role. I threw myself into it though. It was... the best thing that ever happened to me. And when opening night happened and we got the applause it just... sort of clicked for me. It's what I wanted to do. I wanted to sing for people. It made me feel... well complete I guess. I told my family and they were supportive - hell, both my brothers wanted to come along with me. To be a trio of singers. After the play I started to write music and mom had me go to a different sort of musical school. A singing school - teaches you how to sing scales and hold note and breathing techniques. My brothers were enrolled too... but just like with the classical school, Ven was well Ven and Sora was well... Sora. Ven only stated there a couple of months before dropping out and Sora stayed another month before he followed. That time I didn't."

The blonde ran a hand through his blonde hair before continuing.
"We lived in Chicago so it was a big place but I knew there was a chance if I just kept trying. So, when I was eighteen.... my brothers and I started performing at little concert halls, trying to get a break. That's where I ran into Roland. I knew he was a big name manager and when he heard me he said I had potential to go far. I knew there would never be another opportunity like that. So... I signed the contract and here I am now."

There was a short pause, Axel able to fill in the gaps of what had happened. And when he inquired, as Roxas knew he would, he sighed very slowly, setting down his now empty cup. "I... I said the same thing. 'What about my brothers?' Roland said... he only wanted me or there was no deal. But he gave me twenty-four hours to think about it. I talked it over with them. Ven threw a fit and told me to ditch the guy. Sora was pretty upset too... hell he cried. But I researched a lot about the 'big time' life. An opportunity walks past you maybe once and only if you are especially fortunate twice in a lifetime. I thought that was it. I didn't sleep that night. I couldn't. I just saw... all my dreams floating away. I thought tomorrow afternoon I'd be calling him to tell him I'd be declining his offer."

He bit his lip and glanced at Axel. "And then... in the morning... Roland was there in our kitchen waiting for me. One of my family members had asked him to come down. I... I didn't even know who called him over. I still don't know. We talked... he told me that the statistics of another manager with the same genre preference finding me like this was a one in three-million chance. That I was more likely to win the lottery than see stardom. What I remember most of all though was he told me 'It's been years since I've seen a singer like you. You look like nothing else matters in life then being on stage. Let me tell you one thing, if there is something in your life that makes you so happy and so fulfilled you could live without even a penny or a possession to your name if you could just have it... you'd best tie yourself to it with a diamond rope because anything less will surely break'." Roxas shut his eyes and sighed softly, then he nodded. "So I signed it."

[Rikugurl]

There was a pause in the blonde's miserable behavior when the brunette became panicked. Slowly he sat up, his eyes still darkened and horrible but he watched Terra grab some clothes and change. What got him so upset? It was odd for him to feel awkward, never really giving a shit what people though but as Terra said he could stay or whatever, he finally felt out of place and out of sorts. He still hardly knew this man and now he was in his bed, laying with his dogs and left here to decide what he'd do as the other just left him here. He would of made a stink about but his head was still pounding and he was in no shape or place to start that shit. Instead, he frowned and looked away, rubbing his messed up hair. "Kay..."

As the brunette left, Ventus sighed and looked down at Wolf who was at the foot of the bed, whimpering. "Don't worry about him. I'm wure whatever he had to do, he'll be ok."
I hope...
He laid back down, the terrier quickly laying against his side and together they fell asleep easily in the silence to the apartment.

Soledad Mental Institute
The name didn't even bring hope to ones mind as it ran through it, making them feel trapped and alone in their own mess and misery. Then again, the people where were trapped because only the worse cases ended up here. It was a beautiful place that was well maintained and clean to those who only had to visit someone every once in awhile for severe dementia or major depression but for those who knew it too well, the halls they knew were dark and bleak, emotionless and empty.

These were the halls Terra knew too well. This place was like his mother itself. When he wasn't doing well, he would have to go to the cold and dark section of this building, taking steel elevators down and buzzing in to make sure no one got out. When she was doing good, he would take another wing to her room, going up the elevators and turning into a brightly lit room that was decorated much like it had been at home. The nurses were the same. They were aloof up on the second floor and serious on the ground floor. It was like Heaven and Hell in this asylum and he could always relate to horror movies that was about them.

The buzzer was rang and a nurse came to the door, pressing a button and having it open before vacuumed shut. "Good morning, Terra." The male nurse welcomed him by name, knowing him well. Terra had even tried to hit on him once when he was visiting his mother but crushed his heart when he advised that he was married to another nurse here. Actually, he was married to his mom's 'Heaven' nurse. "I guess your uncle called and let you know. Your mother has stopped taking her medications again and like before, we don't know why." He explained as he walked the other down the hall. "Of course, her condition became uncontrolled without her meds so we had to bring her down here again. At this moment she's not speaking English. He have our translator on site who will be working with her councilor."

They came to one of the many steel doors, this one having a sign pushed into it. It read:
IDA TELLUS
"Just sound the buzzer when you're ready to leave." The nurse gave Terra a hopeful smile before walking off, allowing the man to walk in. The room had dim lighting and was cool. This room wasn't the best atmosphere for her but it was the best they could do for others were worse than this. They tried a very bright room that would cast away any shadows but it was too bright for her and of course a completely black room wasn't humane. This was a middle that her and her family agreed to.

As he walked in and closed the door behind him, he could see a frail woman sitting in a chair at the far side of the room. She was in a corner, her body wrapped in a red robe as her bare feet stuck to the chair. She was curled up and rocking slightly, her head against the wall and her long brown hair covering her face. She seemed tired and irritated, her mind not her own anymore. Ida was admitted for her severe Schizoaffective disorder, depressive type.


Axel's cup was filled three times by the end of the blonde's story, definitely showing his love for it. He would probably be one of those people who walked around with a cup of Joe wherever he went if he had the money. Now he did. It had been a long time since he had such a nice batch and made sure to leave some for Roxas of course. He listened to his employer closely, nodding every once in awhile as he learned this man's past. As he talked about his brothers, he had to wonder where they were now... especially after Roxas was the only one picked for the position.
"Lemme guess.... now they're mad at you?" He inquired, getting another sigh as a response. Before he could explain that one of his brothers were talking to him, the redhead eased the pain but switching the subject.

"I guess we both have some history." He gave the other a hopeful smile, catching his attention for the story ahead. Axel was a bit shocked when the blonde asked him how he got to where he was right now. No one really wanted his background story before but for once, he felt free to speak it... and not hold anything back.

"Well," He began, "I started dancing when I was four. I was from a poor family so we really didn't have cable except for three channels. Since my parents worked all the time, the TV was really a baby sitter for me. Actually, my brother was suppose to babysit me but he put me in front of the TV to go play with his friends and collect at the end. I would watch the various kids shows that taught me stuff and when they ended, the public arts came on which was a mix between orchestra, ballroom dancing, operas, plays or ballet. Since I was so young, I really couldn't grasp the idea but I did like how the people were moving so I would get up and follow them. I'd do this almost everyday." He chuckled, hearing Roxas join in as he imagined a little redhead dancing in his apartment in front of the Tv.

"My mom was soon laid off and got a better job at night so she could spend some more time with my brother and I. She saw me dancing one day and asked me what I was doing to I told her and she saw how much I liked it. Since New York is know for it's Broadway stuff, she decided that it would be a good time to get her son on the right path I guess... and signed me up for ballet. It was really kind of awkward being the only boy in my class and the only kid not wearing pink. My bro ranked on me so hard that my mom switched me to another ballet school which was much better anyways and it was either white or black leotards."

Axel leaned back, his eyes looking far as if it was all playing in his head. I did really well and I was the head dancer in my class.... but it all came to a dead end when I was six when both my parents died in a car accident...." The pop star gasped, shocked at the news. "My brother and I were suddenly orphans with no immediate family members in the area. We were easily picked up by our neighbor though, one of my brother's friend's mom who I learned quickly didn't give a flying you know what about her own kid let alone us. Our school changed and I had to drop out of ballet. I didn't have anyone to grieve on except for one of my teachers but at 'home'... nothing. So instead, I watched their tv and they gave a... you know what about cable. All they watched was MTV and BET but I guess it wasn't so bad because now I was exposed to all sorts of dance."

He took another sip of his coffee, clearing his throat before continuing. "Things still got bad as we got older. My brother joined a local gang and since he was still my babysitter, or should I say pretty much guardian, I went where he did." His eyes became dull, some memories coming back that he had put away so long ago. "I heard things... saw things... smelt things... I never want to experience again. I knew they would force me into doing that stuff sooner or later too and I looked for a way out. This is where the part... that dancing saved my life. My brother brought me to a school one day to... to do something real bad and brought me along to show me how to use a gun... While he was getting it ready, I was put on watch out but all I saw was a group of kids playing on the basketball course, dancing around a boom box. Everything in my mind told me to go freestyle with them. Before I could think about it, my body already decided and I was running over to them. I asked them if I could dance and they gave me some beef but one of them let me. I showed them what I could do and they loved it."

His eyes grew a bit lighter now, a small smile appearing even. "That was the last day I saw my brother for awhile. I told the kids I was homeless and they invited me to their homeless shelter where everyone loved music and dance. I learned a lot from them and professional dancers came every weekend to support 'us'. When I was fifteen though, my life changed again. The head of the shelter got a call from someone in Austin, Texas. It was my aunt and she wanted me shipped there right away. I was put on a plane the next day and met my aunt at the airport. She adopted me. Reality hit me real hard that day and I woke up from my nightmare to temporary dream come true to what life was really like. I fell in love with my aunt, being as nice as my mom and dad all in one. I had a real hard time adjusting to Texas though... it's no New York. I found out that my brother was arrested but I was happy that he didn't do what he was suppose to do that day. He stopped and went looking for me and thought I was kidnapped by some other gang so he gave himself up and did some jail time. He cut it down for some community service and last I heard, he joined a group to help clean around neighborhoods."

"But anyway, she realized how much I loved dancing and missed New York so she paid for me to go back and attend The Juilliard School. While I was there majoring in dance, I would go to Dance Manhattan, the Broadway Dance Center and finally I enrolled into The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory. While I was there, there was a BET special with Cassie looking for new background dancers and well... here I am~"

[Reno]

Now, a lot of people would call him an idiot for leaving some random kid in his apartment he barely knew other than the fact that he spoke French and liked cock. He could pilfer all of his stuff and never return.

But, other than Wolf, Terra really didn't have much to steal. A little TV with no cable, the fridge that's lights didn't work, the stove that didn't cook evenly in the oven, the hand-me-down microwave, a tiny stereo system and his books were all he really had to his name. Really, the only thing he'd be devastated to lose was Wolf. And he really doubted Ven would steal a mutt. A nurtured mutt.

And... he didn't really seem all that bad. Then again, what the fuck did he know? He wasn't much of a people person after all. Thanks dad.

But really, he didn't have all that much time to think about it. His mind was too preoccupied with the one thing that always got him out of the house once a week and, in his younger years, consumed most of his life. His mother. She had been diagnosed when he was only seven and admitted to Soledad when he was fifteen where, it appeared, she would be making a life-long stay.

He sighed and tromped off the bus and headed inside the mental ward, not needing any direction as he headed down the hall, the receptionist giving him a pathetic little pity-smile that he hardly saw. He met the nurse there, smiling to the other weakly and nodded to confirm he had gotten the call and listening to the report that was the same old, same old. He followed the other to the room at a slow pace, his mind spinning. What triggered it? That was always his question yet no one, not even the professionals, could figure it out. She had no nightmares. There were no pictures. And her memory was well... patchy.

He stepped into the cold room for the millionth time, glancing back only once as the door shut, before he turned his eyes to gaze at his mother, seeing her bundled up and so frail and tiny-looking. His heart twisted, as it always did when eh saw her like this, and he took a breath, preparing himself for what was to come.

And here was a secret he did not tell Ven.

The blonde wasn't the only one who knew a foreign language.

"Mama...." He said, approaching her slowly, lowering to her knees in front of his chair. He reached up, gently cupping one of her tiny hands in his two large ones, his blue eyes looking up at her gently, "Mama." He called again, gradually getting her attention. He spoke slowly, making sure she heard him, "Hoe voelt u? Goed behandelen zij u?" How are you feeling? Are they treating you well?


After giving his story, he was glad to know Axel didn't immediately look at him as if he was a horrible person for leaving his brothers behind. But soon enough he found out why. Axel really did understand him because he went through a rough time too. The blonde was patient, listening to every detail and did his best not to interrupt. It was... horrible to learn the other was orphaned at such a young age and that in his teen years he could of ended up in juvie or worse if not for a little stroke of luck.

When he was done, Roxas was quiet for some time as he thought of a response. He knew he wouldn't want to hear any I'm sorry's or anything like that. Everyone had a Destiny in their lives that they were led to and, possibly, a little guidance from Upstairs. And now...
He lent back, looking up and meeting the other's eyes. He had... really striking green eyes, didn't he? "It seems you and I have a lot in common..." He murmured and smiled gently. They had both been through a fight. Axel with the war around him, and Roxas with the war inside of himself. "And now here we are... exactly where we want to be. Well sort of I guess in your case."

The other blinked at him curiously and Roxas chuckleed. "Well, you haven't quite been a choreographer yet. You might find the career isn't for you." Yes, possibly but then what? Axel inquired. He had said so himself, opportunities didn't come by every day. "Perhaps not for those starting out but once you're in the business and have the right people to guide you or even call in some favors..." The blonde just smiled secretively and letting his sentence fall from their, letting Axel make his own assumptions. "Well anyways... what say we get some breakfast?"

[Rikugurl]

Mama...

Mama...

Mama...

The voice echoed in her head. More and more. It got so loud. It hurt. Why was this happening? Why was she here? Why were they taunting her? Go away.... go away.... GO AWAY!
Blue eyes rolled sluggishly and they peered through strains of brown hair. It was almost like a horror movie but Terra was not afraid. This wasn't his mother. She was someone he did not know and had to battle to fight for the woman he truly loved. The woman behind this sickness. The woman who would wake him up for school, give him kisses and make him fresh muffins in the morning. The woman who tucked him in and sang him songs where there was a storm. Then slowly.... she went away. She went so far away that they had to remove her frame from the house, her body so numb that she couldn't even feel them take her out.

Now she was trapped in a box. She had gone so far that there was little hope that she'd ever return. Once she stopped seeing him and the past, she would make her way back home. But how could one find their way back if they were convinced that they were already there? This place was her haven as much as a labyrinth, both aiding and hindering at the same time. Her room was like her real one but when she stepped out, the hallways were far and wide and she could not find her children, her husband... her life.
She was once a beautiful woman who had a rich past and a dramatic life. Born in South America, married in the United States, fluent in three languages and a wonderful mother. She had an impressive job and able to support her family as much as being there for them.

She saw the man standing in front of her but her eyes were still dull, still seeing through him like he was just another one of her hallucinations. His touch didn't make her think anymore positive because they touched her too. It was the sound of the language, of the voice that made her focus on him. They didn't speak this language. Slowly, her hand reached up and touched the man's face gently, feeling that he was solid. He was there. Her hand carefully ran up, feeling the black locks through her fingers. Her hand retracted, the woman looking at her palms and saw nothing. No blood...

Mama...

Her eyes closed, her head leaning back against the wall. "Zij komen de hele tijd terug...." They come back all the time. "Ik vertel hen om weg te gaan maar zij luisteren niet...." I tell them to leave but they do not listen....
Her words were confusing in this complicated language that her tongue was born with. It was something that her caretakers had to deal with and accept during these times. But what she said next, Terra understood well. "Ik wil enkel naar huis terugkeren." I just want to return home.


A red eyebrow rose at the statement but with the sound of breakfast and an answer from his stomach that beat him to the punch, he smiled. "Sounds great!"

[Reno]

Terra swallowed some, feeling her gentle touch, and it was strange how much it hurt him to feel it and he was silent as she looked at her hand, so used to the ritual he hardly thought about it anymore. He paid very careful attention as she spoke, his mind translating most of it easily. Though some words he had forgotten because he did not practice as much as he used to when she lived with him and... and Hatori.

But the last statement he knew very well. Heard it each time. And his response was always the same tough she didn't ever seem to notice the repetition like he did. "Ik weet u mama doet. Maar u bent niet goed. De mensen proberen hier slechts om u te behandelen. Gelieve te laten hen, voor me?" I know you do mama. But you are not well. The people here are only trying to take care of you. Please let them, for me?

He reached out, placing his hand over hers again which she had involuntarily started to stare at again, and her eyes, once so beautiful, raised to meet his. And inwardly, he was screaming 'See me, damn it. See me!'

[Rikugurl]

Her eyes became full of pain at his words, her free hand gripping into her hair as the madness ate away at her mind.
"Zij waarom niet u terugkomt?" Then why do you not come back? She choked, her eyes closing tightly, her hand pulling away from Terra as her body started to curl up even more and began to weep.

It was true. She really wasn't doing well this time.


Whenever the brunette got home, his heart empty along with his stomach, his Wolf met him at the door happily as always but the apartment was empty. There was no sign of the blonde but there was a note written on the fridge that read:

Thanks for taking care of me last night. Had a lot of fun.
Maybe we'll see each other again at another live. Maybe next time I'll give you my phone number. ♥
BTW, I walked your mutt while you were gone and made a little something. It's on the top shelf.

~Venny

When Terra opened the fridge, he could see a small meal set out on a plate, wrapped up in foil. It was chicken and peas with egg noodles, topped off with some cheese and a biscuit. Wonder boy also knew how to cook.


In another part of Aurora, a silverette was walking back to his dorm, his mind filled with the day's talk about the brunette. Kairi... she was wrong. Sora wasn't just after his wallet. He... he was a nice guy who seemed to be a lot of fun. He was sweet and always so happy... but Kairi said it was just an act. Crown really wasn't happy. Just as he was about to clear his mind about the whole thing and maybe just try to erase this weekend like it never happened, his eyes caught onto something shiny as a figure ran across the field in front of him, heading to another dormitory. It... it had to of been. "SORA!" He called, catching the figure by surprise and making him look all over the place until he saw the pale arm waving.

Riku quickly walked over but frowned as he came close enough to see the uncertain look on Sora's face. "Hey..." He spoke softly, shifting his bag to one shoulder. Was Sora in a rush for... a customer. "Is everything alright?"

[Reno]

Tired, blue eyes peered into his home, finding his dog at the door right away and ready to greet him, but Ven no where to be seen. He sighed, not feeling too surprised as he had been gone for many hours and what fun was it to be left alone in a strange place with nothing to do?

As he stumbled back to the kitchen though, thinking he might make some half-hearted attempt at dinner, he spotted the note. He hesitated before picking it up and reading it, his eyes widening a little in surprise. Made a little... something?

He set it down to go track down what he meant, noticing for the first time the dishes in the drainer, and opened the fridge, finding the little plate... left just for him. He took it out very slowly and set it down at his table, slumping into the seat his face a mask of disbelief as he stared at the food as if he expected it to just disappear. After his unbelievably crappy day... this. This little tiny gesture... just made it world's better.

He was definitely going to be seeing Ven again.


After the lonely bus ride room, Sora had headed to the stream. It was man-made and the water was pumping in and out, but those details were forgettable when actually there, just listening to the stream of water and relaxing under the sun. In solitude, Sora caught up on his homework - mainly for said History class that he spent the majority of a trip away on. They all had to keep data logs and were supposed to write in it every day with important facts that they learned and their own personal thoughts.

Like always, he was behind. By several days. All... the days in fact. Always preoccupied by something...

After he was finished, he moved on to catching up with his other classes and studying for the exam he knew he had first thing in the morning. Before he knew it the sun was falling and he had to pack up and head to the cafeteria for something he could buy and bring back to his dorm for dinner.

And on his way back... he ran into someone.

Two someone's actually.

The second person ended up being the more pleasant but only filled him with panic because... it was the first person had filled him with terror.

"Hey..." Came a call and Sora hesitated before looking back. that was when he saw her, the red-hair unmistakable.
"Uh... hi? Uh, Kairi wasn't it?"
"Yeah. Listen..."

He shivered some at the remembered encounter and looked down at his feet as Riku approached. "Uh... no everything's fine I just..." He lifted the little Styrofoam box in his hands. "Uh, just going to have dinner is all." He looked around nervously as if he was afraid someone would see them together when it really should be the other way around. "So uh yeah I gotta get going..." He started to turn away but a hand on his arm stopped him, and he looked at the other in confusion.

[Rikugurl]

"I want you to stay away from Riku, got that? I know your crown and he's playing stupid with me about it. He's really smart and dedicated to schooling and his studies. He's in a really hard course and is halfway to making himself a real job. He doesn't need you messing about with him. Riku's sensitive and way too nice and I don't want you to ruin it for him, stealing all his money and tempting him to some disgusting act. If I see you with him again, I swear I'll tell the dean about what you do around the campus. The police will get involved and you'll be kicked out of Aurora University because prostitution is ILLEGAL."

She reached into her bag, pulling out three crumpled up notes and pushed them in his face. All had a symbol on them with the same exact design as Sora's crown with a message on what exactly he does in riddles. "Don't make me turn these over, Crown."

"H-hey, wait!" Riku called softly, his reflexes catching the brunette before he rushed off. This didn't seem right. Why was he avoiding him now? Did he do something while he was sleeping that bothered him the night before? Or was it... because they were back home... where all his clients were. When he saw the confused face, he frowned, his light eyes reflected by the moon overhead. "I was just... well, I didn't pay you for last night. But I was wondering... instead of paying, would you like to have breakfast together? Maybe at the pancake house downtown? I mean... unless you really need the money instead... o-or if it will interrupt your classes. I'm a night student so I'm free."

[Reno]

Eyes narrowed at the red-head hearing her threat and seeing her jealousy just wishing he could tell her off, but not wanting to anger her. And silently, he was terrified. He knew she'd go through with it. It wasn't the first time a student requesting he back off one of their friends... but this was the first time he had been truly threatened. "Fine. Whatever."

He turned away and walked off but paused and looked back at her, glaring. "And I have a name you know. It's Sora."

And barely two seconds after that conversation, look who had found him. Asking him... to go to BREAKFAST with him? He wanted to...to... to go on a date...? Oh Riku... He was touched his mouth opening, about to instantly accept, but beyond Riku's shoulder, he saw her. Watching them. And the words died in his throat.

"I-I can't... I have a test in the morning." He rejected, avoiding the other's eyes. Hoping he'd take the hint he tried to turn away from him again, but the arm held him still, the silverette starting to say that was okay that it could be another day that-

"Just stop it!" Sora snapped, cutting the other off and he ripped himself from the other's grasp violently. He looked up at the other, seeing his plain confusion and hurt. And it was going to kill him to do this... but maybe Kairi was right. Maybe... he was just bad news. "I'm a whore Riku, don't you get it? Don't... get any silly, stupid notions that I like you or something. It's just for the money. I'll say whatever I have to to make a quick hundred."

He swallowed hard, the taste in his mouth sickening as he spoke. That wasn't true. He never pushed anyone into anything - in fact half the time he was asking them if they were really SURE they wanted it. He never lied.

Except for now.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! "So... back off alright? In fact, just don't... bother me again. I don't like repeat customers anyways. They always get too attached." He looked up at him, and it was a mistake, seeing the other's stricken look snapped his heart in two. How... How could he be so cruel? "G-Got it?" He said, his voice weak before he spun away and walked off, praying that the other mistook his trembling shoulders for anger. In all his years of life... he never felt as low and cheap and disgusting... as he did right then.
You selfish bastard. He thought to himself, hot tears racing down his cheeks. Why did you have to hurt him? He was nothing but kind to you and... and you treat him like he was nothing. So what if she threatened you? Maybe you... Maybe I... deserve to be kicked out...

[Rikugurl]

"Oh, I see." He put plainly, obviously disappointed but he understood. School was school and... "Well, how about another day? I'd really like---" He was suddenly cut off and felt the awful rip from his hand, absolutely stunned but the cruel but as far as he knew, truthful words. Every word that came out of Sora's mouth ripped an opening in his heart until there was hardly anything left to it. He just listened, just took the lesson of a prostitute that didn't give a shit about emotions and especially not his. A repeat customer...? He just wanted to have breakfast and... what happened to the man he knew last night while they were singing and eating together?

He swallowed hard as eye contact was broken.
"In fact, just don't... bother me again."
That was probably what cut his arteries and veins that made his heart drop into his gut. This wasn't adding up. If Sora really just did something for the money... he was really a great actor or was he himself the one who was blind? Had he convinced himself that Sora was a nice guy and fell for all of this? He had never felt so happy in his life than the night before, holding onto the brunette as he slept. He really liked Sora and it wasn't about the sex. It was about.... them. It was obvious to him now that it was a one sided emotion and he stood there in the empty field as Sora just walked off. He felt lonely and hollow all of a sudden, knowing that if a stray leaf were to fly over and hit him, he would shatter into pieces.

He didn't know how long her stood there but Sora was gone out of sight and the street lights turned on when he finally turned and walked towards his dorm. He made his way up the stairs, his feet heavy on the metal. When he got to his room on the third floor, his bag hit his computer chair and he fell into bed, kicking off his shoes and curling his arm around his pillow. Tears started to roll down his cheek while he squeezed the pillow harder, his frame shaking slightly in the dark.


In another dorm that was almost the same, though decorated very differently but with a mood that matched, a phone rang that told the boy sitting and staring at his food that his brother was on the other end.

"Hey, Sora~" A voice called from the other end as a blonde plopped on his bed, laying on his stomach and swinging his feet in the air as he glanced through one of his new magazines. "I'm good and you?" He heard some hesitant reply, making his suspicious but he'd ask about that later. For now though: "How was your trip? I bet it was fucking gorgeous over there, lucky ass."