Starstruck

[Rikugurl]

Riku was still beating away the darkened clouds over his head, having drowned in self darkness all week from Sora's fake words. His mother had asked him if he wanted to go back on those pills again but of course he rejected. He was depressed but nothing that bad. Unlike before, he was a little hesitant in his words. "Oh.... no, I guess we don't." Before he could start, the waitress came over, asking if they were ready. Sora easily ordered, obviously having been here before. "And for you?" She asked, making Riku browse over the menu for a moment. "I'll have the spinach, mushroom and tomato omelet and a side bowl of fruit."

She took their menus and walked off, allowing the two to be by themselves again. "Well... where should I start?"
Sora inquired where he was from which settled his curiosity when Riku revealed that he was born in Japan and moved where when he was young. Sora had been right! "It's just my mom and I. My dad passed away when I was really little so I really don't remember him. I uh... major in business but I think you know that already."
Hobbies?
"Hmmm..." He thought about it, frowning some. Now that he thought about it, he really didn't have any fun ones. "Well... I jog every morning? I like snakes... and I use to love woodwork in school. What about you?"

[Reno]

Woodwork and jogging. Now that was interesting. He had a feeling Riku worked out in some way with his ahem muscles and all...
"Hmm me? Well, I was born in Chicago." The brunette nodded. "My parents still live there. I have two brothers; we're triplets actually." He grinned. "I'm the oldest by a few minutes. Then there's my brother Ventus. Then Roxas. They're identical. It doesn't bother me too much; I have my own little identical twin anyways." This perked the other's curiosity. "Well I have this cousin his name is Vanitas... and it's kind of creepy but he looks almost exactly like me. He has black hair though and sort of... well goldish-colored eyes I guess."

He smiled to the waitress as she brought him his drink, giving them a promise there food would be coming soon. He sipping on the orange juice humming. "As for hobbies hmmm... Well, I play the harp." The harp - really? "My mom put us all through music school when I was a kid and that's the instrument I choose to play. Other than that hmmm... I like dancing - but you knew that heh. Oh, and I love dogs. I've always wanted to own one."

[Rikugurl]

Ventus and Roxas?
Roxas?
Not.... that Roxas, right? How many people did he know named Roxas though? Triplets huh? He looked the right age but...
"--get back. My brother's waiting."
Brother?
Ocean eyes looked over the brunette, seeing a blonde their eating some pasta. W-whoa! Was that.... that had to be....Star!

All night he thought about it, trying to keep his mind off of their 'date' in the morning. He flipped through some magazines and looked through his CDs, getting a good look at Star. That was definitely him! He must of been dressing off to fool his fans and... how did Sora know him? He couldn't be secretly his scapegoat.

Now that he mentioned it though...

"--I have my own little identical twin anyways." He snapped out of it, raising an eyebrow and it was explained. "That is kinda odd." He continued to listen to the brunette and was shocked again to learn that he played the harp. Now things were becoming a little suspicious. Not that he didn't believe Sora but everything seemed like a lot of unique traits for someone to have... except the liking dogs thing. "Wow, I guess you're a lot more exciting than me." He chuckled but before he could bring up his big question, something stopped him that was too ironic even for him.

♪Lookin at ya now I can tell that you and your new relationship ain't goin well
There's no reason your name should come up on my cell
Unless you're unhappy but that shouldn't be the case cause you said
Said he was the one baby yes you said said you were in love cause
When you left me you said that you wouldn't be comin back
Remember that but I never agreed♪

"Ah, isn't that Roxas Star?" Riku questioned, slowly looking across the table for an answer as their hot, steaming meals were placed before them.

[Reno]

Sora could tell exactly what Riku was thinking as he asked the question, and he grinned, tilting his head and listening to a song he's already heard more than once. Just as the silverette was lifting his fork, he responded. "Yep, that would definitely be my brother!"

He giggled as the other seemed to have a heart attack, innocently pouring syrup all over his pancakes while the other male got his bearings. "He'll be in Chicago in a few months too. If you want, i can snag us some back stage passes. I'd love for you to meet him." Now he was a little worried the other went into shock.

[Rikugurl]

"Yep, that would definitely be my brother!"

WHAT!?

His eyes widened and if he had known it, he would of picked his bottom jaw off the table. Now Sora was telling him Star was his BROTHER!? He did know Star had an identical twin but he didn't know he had another brother. Was that really Star's twin he saw last night? It...

"If you want, I can snag us some back stage passes. I'd love for you to meet him."

Was he even on the same planet now? He just stared at the brunette across from him, his jaw still open, unsure if there was drool falling out but he shook his head, catching himself and getting back together. "Wait... so you're telling me Roxas Star is your brother?"
"Yup!"
Suddenly his eyes turned dark and his silver eyes pinched. "Then why Sora? Why are you... doing what you do at night if you have such a famous brother? Doesn't he... help you guys out? I mean... I don't want to sound like.... like I don't believe you but... you can understand why I'm wondering. It's just not adding up. I know we haven't known each other for long but... this is just boggling."

He looked down at his meal, his mouth beginning to water. "It's just... I've been a fan of Roxas Star since his first album and all his concerts have been sold out that come around here. I never thought I'd meet... a family member."

[Reno]

"More like you had a crush on him~" Came the teasing voice, making Riku blush and snap that he did NOT have a crush on Roxas. But Sora saw right through it. He knew Roxas had all the luck - he had managed to pick up the girl AND gay crowd. And even though he was currently taken, it didn't stop anyone from ripping out magazine pictures and hanging them on their walls.

He started to slice through his pancake, thinking carefully about his next words. "And I told you yesterday. I don't need money. And of course Roxas helps. He practically donates his whole paycheck to us - that's how I got a dorm room to myself."
"Then... why?"
Sora frowned, trying to find the right way to say this. "Well, Riku I'm their twin. This might be a little... abstract sounding but I've always felt sort of... connected to them. Sometimes I could even feel how they were. If they were angry, I could feel that and know to stay away. Or if they were sad, I always knew they needed me." He raised his hand to his heart and smiled, but the expression fell shortly after. "But lately... that connection has been... empty."

He sighed taking a bite of food. "After Roxas became a big star, Ventus started to hate him. We were... we were supposed to actually be together. The three of us - we were gonna be a team of singers. We were trying out everywhere in Chicago, just trying to find a break. But the manager who found us that day... only wanted Roxas. And Roxas signed the contract without us."

He frowned, his eyes troubled. "I was mad for awhile... but... well... after watching him at his first concert, I realized this was who Roxas wanted to be." He shook his head. "No, he had to be a singer. And when I thought about it, I realized it wasn't who I was. I love dancing and I love singing... but it isn't my life. Heck, I didn't even take our vocal lessons that seriously - and, really, neither did Ven. I think we - or at least I - could live without it. But... I don't... I don't think Roxas can. When we were teenager he had Major Depression disorder and even on pills he... he didn't get any better. I used to be really scared that one morning I'd wake up and he'd... just be gone. It wasn't until he started singing that he started getting better and pretty soon... I knew he was going to be alright. So... I couldn't hate him for what he did. I just really want him to be happy."

He picked up his orange juice, swirling it around idly. "But now Ven... Ven didn't see it that way at all. When Roxas signed that contact he got mad. And he's been mad ever since. They can't even be in the same room together for five seconds before they start arguing! And for the past three Christmases they have traded off who can go home and who can't - so we can't even have... have Christmas with the whole family. So this year Roxas is... is doing some show so Ven will be with us but it's just not the same. And nothing I do... ever seems to make a difference."

He sighed looking down at his plate, before looking up at Riku. "That rift between them... it affected me too. And neither of them even seemed to notice. I just felt trapped and lost, like I'd been locked up in some dark space with no way out - I actually thought it might kill me. The... the sex though... it... it did what singing does for Roxas. It helped that pain. And well... getting paid for it let me... control the situation more even if I almost always bottom. Plus, it helped pay for all the uh, medical bills." There was a raised eyebrow.

"I get checked up regularly every two months for every STD in the book." The brunette clarified. "And I've almost always come back clean. Only one time... well, that was my own fault though. And I was just damn lucky it was curable." He shook it off and sighed. "I must sound real pathetic to you, huh?"

[Rikugurl]

Riku's eyes adverted down to his meal, still not having touched it yet. "I don't think you're pathetic Sora... but I do think you're making excuses." The brunette looked up at him and Riku strangely enough gave him a smile. "I think this space you're trying to fill with meaningless sex isn't truly what you want. You said it was like your brother singing. I don't think it is. I don't think you came to a revelation where you wanted to always be a prostitute." He spoke softly enough so no one could overhear them but loud enough for Sora to understand. "And if you really wanted to relate to your brother and his singing, you wouldn't care about being so safe. You care about yourself and others and even though I know Roxas is a good guy, I don't think he considered all of your feelings when he signed. He had to do it.... but you don't have to do what you're doing, Sora."

He finally punctured a mango chunk, allowing the nectar drip out before putting into his mouth. "You're a great guy, Sora... You should do something where people can truly see that. Personality really doesn't matter in bed all the time. You want to be an elementary teacher, right? It's because you like kids and you like teaching, am I correct?" There was a shallow nod and he smiled. "Then why don't you volunteer where you can work with children? Like a crossing guard... or a teacher's aide.... or at the children's center? It might just be the right thing you need. You can work with children that one day you will be teaching and it would be a great addition to your resume in the future..."

[Reno]

"You... You really think I should?" Came a hesitant response, and when Riku nodded and said he would be great at it, Sora finally smiled, though he still seemed unsure. It would be a big change to just... stop. And he was scared... of feeling like he had again. But... but he couldn't live like this forever. Even he knew that. "I... suppose I can try..."

They were silent for a time, both preoccupied with there meals, but as another song slowly faded away on the radio, Sora spoke up, "But I suppose there was one benefit to doing all this." He looked up as the other inquired, a bit shy as he smiled. "Well, I got to meet you."


So the advice was heeded to - and probably to Riku's relief - listened to. Sora walked around on campus, the necklace hidden away in his room. Before it simply meant he wasn't available - but as day after day passed without any sign of it, people were beginning to get confused and suspicious. It wasn't until someone caught him walking alongside Riku one afternoon, brightly colored leaves falling from the trees as fall worked her magic, that the rumors began.

But whether it was truth or lies, Sora could of cared less. He hadn't felt so happy in so long. And he wasn't sure if it was because he took up a part-time job at his old music school as an assistant or if it was just because of... Riku. Every new thing he learned about the other was rather intriguing. Like his favorite food was fruit salad. In fact, in general Riku ate very healthy. It actually made Sora feel a little gluttonous each time he looked at a slice of pizza.
Or - oh! He liked - actually LIKED - reading the newspaper. He didn't know ANYone who read a newspaper... besides his dad! It was... really... cute.

"Hey, you know what I heard?" Sora was asking, munching happily on an ice cream they had gotten from the cafeteria as they strolled through the quad. They were walking close, their hands every so often brushing but neither of them seemed to notice. Or if they did, they didn't say anything. "There's going to be a meteor shower tonight." He looked up at Riku with a smile, knowing the other must have learned the same thing already. Riku wasn't the only one who could read the news though! "You'll come watch it with me, right?"


There was a happy hum as flowers were arranged, the tune unfamiliar as it was a Dutch song he used to hear in his childhood. His happier childhood. He hadn't remember it for so long, the tunes hidden in his past, but ever since Ven came along, the song had been coming back to him.
There was the sound of the shop bell ringing and he glanced from the storage room, seeing a blonde wandering aimlessly about the shop. He grinned, waiting while the other was distracted and plucked a flower from his arrangement and left the storage, coming up behind the blonde. Arms wrapped around him, bringing the shorter blonde close, a yellow tulip dangling in front of his face. "For you~" He said with a smile, sneaking in a quick kiss on the cheek.

The past two weeks since that night had been nothing short of wonderful. Even though they had exchanged their numbers, they hardly found need for them. Almost every day now, one of them would find their way to the other on their lunch break. Though, more often then not they didn't get a chance to eat. They were too preoccupied with... other activities.
Despite this, Terra was learning a lot about the blonde and things were going great.


Meanwhile, a certain red-head was surprised how fast a two-day drive over two states could take when behind the wheel of a... crazed person like Chip. And everyone else was getting used to Axel who snored so loud, Chip had to stop and make sure the BUS was okay! But overall, things were good and they had made it to Jackson, Mississippi with plenty of time to spare - so much so their rooms weren't quite ready yet.

Time to spare was something Roxas hated. At least, on concert nights that is.
"Roxas, you should really eat something."
"Shh! No food!" The pop star waved his hand, dismissing the other but the green-haired male, known as Nico - another dancer, seemed unperturbed, used to the man's behavior. At least it wasn't his manager this time - Roland was at the Sydney Entertainment Centre where they would be performing, getting things set up with the rest of the 'heavy lifting' crew.
The dancer sighed and shrugged, "Alright, whatever you say."
The blonde watched the other head back to the other side of the lobby where some of the other staff was, enjoying a light meal that they had been provided since of course they couldn't head upstairs. They still had several hours before the concert, but only he ever had trouble eating on this day. The mere idea of food made him sick to his stomach. It was nerves. Even though held done it a million times before, Roxas still couldn't shake his stage fright. Once he was ON stage, he was fine but not a minute sooner.
His eyes turned back to the paper he was writing on, biting the end of his pencil. He had to get this one written and finished soon. He was falling behind on the deadline. But the words just weren't coming.

"So," Nico asked as he joined them at the table, very few of them surprised he did not return with Roxas. This time he glanced at Axel, "It's the first concert! You decide whether you're joining him for the first song?" It, of course, wasn't a requirement but Nico still couldn't get over his first time on stage - just him and Roxas in the spotlight and the screaming crowd. It had been exhilarating; he never felt more alive. He heard Namine had declined almost as quickly as she was asked - though she was so shy, it wasn't a surprise.

[Rikugurl]

"Oh, right!" Riku smiled, licking his black raspberry ice cream. He had read about that this morning when he got up to finish his homework. He still didn't see why it was so cute that he read the newspaper. If anything, it made him feel so old! However if Sora though it was cute, he could deal with that. "Sure, of course I'll come." He gave the brunette a smile with a nod, knowing he would have to finish his homework in the morning. He liked to get all his homework done after class at night but he would definitely put it to the side.

He figured if Sora could do something for him... and for himself, he could do this. The silverette was so happy to learn Sora had found himself a little place to volunteer at with not only children, but music as well. Sora seemed much more chipper (though he couldn't say he could really see any change because Sora was like this even during that weekend) but there was a new light around him that shined with happiness and confidence. With this feeling, Riku hardly noticed he saw less and less of Kairi everyday.

"I've never seen a meteor shower with someone else. I use to watch them on my roof when I was a kid. My mom was too scared to climb up there with me." He smiled, walking around the corner and stopping at a door where Sora's next class was. "It'll be fun. How about be meet at the top of the observatory? I bet it will be a great view from there. It starts at 1am, right? How about we meet at 12:30?"


"Ah.... hahahahaha~" Ventus giggled as the flower as dangled in his face, taking it from his hand before leaning back into the built body and kissing him on the lips... for a little bit. Their eye lids closed for the moment but opened again when their lips parted. "Thanks, I like it~" He smiled, pulling away to turn to him. "I came over to let you know there's a meteor shower late tonight and wondered if maybe you'd wanna come on the roof to watch it with me~ I'll bring up my blanket and maybe we can snuggle~" He grinned, running his finger along Terra's chest.

He had no clue what came over him but ever since that night after the Halloween concert, he had been infatuated with the exotic brunette from South America. Every time they got together, they literally connected somehow. Whether it was in the men's bathroom, in their bedroom, at the movies, in the park while walking Wolf, in the photo booth... even in Ven's car (and once even in Fuu's!). But it was more than just sex, it was the connection.

When Terra obviously agreed, noting that he would have to set Wolf up for the time he was away, Ven remembered why he was here. "Oh, I stopped by to let you know I put in my application." That was another thing Terra had changed in the blonde's life. He convinced him to get some kind of college education. Ven needed a better job and better money to get a better place and as in better place, they were already hinting the possibility of living together. Aqua said she threw up in her mouth a little when they brought it up at their last live but she was living with her girlfriend!
"I signed up for their computer programming course and after that, I'll take the computer repair technician one." He frowned, glancing at his papers. "You'll help me with homework when you can..... right?"


Green eyes glanced and with a positive grin, he nodded. "Of course. I was made for the stage. I'm excited."
"That's great!" Kalama smiled before glancing over at Roxas. "I wish Star felt that confident too."
Axel had to turn his own gaze towards the blonde, his face becoming concerned with the way he was acting. "Wha---"
"Don't worry about him. He has horrible stage fright."
"Really? Even after all this time?"
"Yep. He's been like this ever since I started dancing for him. Sometimes it's worse than others. When Namine is around, it's usually not too bad. Tonight seems to be one of those bad nights though."

Red eyes moved in guilt, wondering if it was him who was making him so nervous. He suddenly stood, making the other dancers watch him as he walked over to the blonde. He knew one rule was to not bother Star when he was writing music but---
"Hey.... I'll be joining you on stage tonight." He knelt down, coming face to face with the blonde who slowly looked up at him. "I just wanna thank you again for giving me this opportunity. It's going to be a honor dancing with you tonight."
Axel was slowly getting use to this pop music...

[Reno]

"12:30? You got it!" The brunette said, seen, if possible, even more bouncy then he was five seconds ago. "Thats a promise! A promise over ice cream!" He said and lifted his, tapping it with Riku's with a playful grin, remembering the FIRST person who ever made up this type of promise.
"A promise over ice cream. There's no stronger kind!" Roxas said triumphantly, holding up the sea-salt flavored treat and together, Ven and Sora also held theirs up and together.

His actions made Riku chuckled at him, and Sora simply smiled back. "I'll see you there!" And with final goodbyes, the brunette disappeared into his classroom.


"A meteor shower huh? Sure I'd love to!" Terra smiled, seeming strangely happy at such a simple date. His hands caught Ven's, looking down at him fondly. He, like Ven, worried a bit that perhaps they were moving too fast. they were obviously holding secrets from each other; namely he still hadn't figured out about Ven's obviously FAMOUS brother - or why he disliked him. And his own past,... well that door was just full of cobwebs and spiders ready to bite. But none of that ever seemed to matter when they were together. He had hopelessly fallen for this blonde and he knew it.

Just as he was saying he would have to make sure to get Wolf fed and walked, the blonde had more news for him though. News that made him smile and chuckle fondly when the other growled about his homework. He gave him a kiss and Ven was suddenly all smiles again. "I will. I promise."

They shared a few more words (and a lot more kisses), before the blonde had to go on his way back to work. But they knew soon enough they'd see each other again.


Looking at the rain with a heavy heart
It's the end of the world

Maybe.... Gazing instead of looking? And then what? Ugh, why didn't it sound right?
He huffed some, slightly in annoyance when a shadow fell over him, about to tell Nico he was CERTAIN he wasn't hungry. But it wasn't him this time.

Blue eyes studied the red-head as he knelt down, distracting him from his work. But for once, it was a welcome one. When he heard the news he smiled brightly then shook his head. "You're wrong... I'm the one who is going to be honored." He chuckled some as the red-head blushed, the color nearly matching his hair. "I mean that Axel. Anyways, the song'll be Right Where You Want Me. When you're ready we can... get a little practice in?"
The red-head smiled, saying he would like that, and after a few more words the other stood to go finish his lunch, Roxas staring after. Staring...
He looked down at his music then smiled and started to write.
Looking Staring at the rain with a heavy heart,
It's the end of the world in my mind,
Then your voice pulls me back like a wake up call

And for the first time in three years, the twins shared an emotion. One of pure happiness.

And that feeling only grew as day faded to night.


Heading across campus, lit only by the stars above, was a shadowy figure masked in the darkness. He carefully crossed over the bridge of the stream, continuing the long five-minute trek to the other side of campus. He felt almost like a kid again, that old, giddy feeling bubbling in his stomach at being at school during the night. It really wasn't truly so strange, seeing as he was in college and could go anywhere at anytime, but he was usually never out after midnight - even when he was doing his 'job'.

It was kind of wonderful and strange, walking around without the chatter of the thousands of students that also occupied the campus. No, tonight it was so silent, all he could hear was the crickets and the nightingales. He could almost pretend he was in a whole other world, all alone.

Well, almost alone.

He hesitated at the door to the science building, testing it and finding it unlocked, before he slipped inside. He headed down the long hallway where doors to classrooms, labs, or teacher's offices flanked him on either side. All of them locked up and empty for the night. Except one. A very late-night astronomy class. But they were closed up in a classroom and didn't hinder him in the least as he opened the door to the observatory, flipping on the lights and heading up the spiraling stairs to the level floor made of metal, calling softly, "Riku?"

He looked around, but spotted his friend no where. Peculiar. Riku was almost always on time or - more likely - always early. He hoped the silverette hadn't fallen asleep. If he wasn't there by 12:45, he'd give him a call.


"Alright Wolf, be good." Came a soft chastisement, a hand scratching behind one ear, the whole dog's little body practically shaking with the force of his tiny wagging tail. The man chuckled at the sight of it, before waving the dog off and heading out the door, locking his apartment behind him, wheeling something along beside him.
"Don't you have a car?"
"Can't afford one. Besides, I can get pretty much anywhere by bus."
"Okay true... but what if you like... need to go to the store cause you're really fucking constipated and can't wait for the bus schedule?"
"Ven!"
"What?!"
"Where do you come up with this crap?"
"IT CAN HAPPEN! Just answer the question."
"Well... I do have a bike."
"A bike?! Like a motorcycle?!"
"No... just a bike-bike."
"Oh..."
"Don't say it like that!"

So he had a bike - no big deal. If you asked him, it was a damn good one too. It was a Trek Calypso, cruiser model. The moment he saw it, he loved it. Everything from it's dark brown alloy hubs to it's tannish-gold paint. He even had a small appreciation for the ocean, seagull and palm tree design patterns on the framework.
Besides, it gave him a good work out. Ven didn't think these muscles made themselves, did he?

He kicked off, his feet hitting the nylon steel petals with ease as he zoomed down the street. The way wasn't too far, he'd ridden his bike to work plenty of times. Within twenty minutes, he was on the right street, and he pedaled over to the small mini-mart that was on the street, chaining his bike up to the rack, before walking the rest of the way to the flower shop headed down the alleyway to where the fire escape was, the ladder already pulled down.

He reached out and grabbed it, scaling up it to the first landing carefully, before following the stairs up and up, doing his best not to look down as he called, "Ven?" There was a short answer from above and he smiled, before he spied through the metal work a blonde head of hair poking over the edge of the roof. He continued to climb almost feeling like Romeo, scaling the balcony to get to Juliet, and the illusion was even more perfect as he was met with a kiss once he had reached the other.


Cheers nearly deafened the back stage as the opening act finished there music - but whether it was excitement for there playing or for who they knew was coming on NEXT it was hard to say.

Roxas shut his eyes, his heart hammering as he felt gelled hands running through his hair one last time, pulling the swirls up even further and giving it a nice sheen that would catch the lights well. "Alright, what do you think?"
His eyes opened, staring at himself in the mirror. He wore black pants that had a checkered pattern out the flared out bottoms, a white undershirt with a random black pattern on it, and a gray jacket that seemed to shine in the light. On the back of the jacket was a mimic of the heavy silver pendant he wore around his neck, except the embroidery was in black. An X.
"It's great. Thanks Nico." Roxas said, but his tone was bland. Again, the man didn't let it bother him, knowing it was just Star's way. "Anytime!"
If Axel thought that afternoon was bad, nothing quite compared to the nerves Roxas seemed to have right before the show. He became almost a wreck of bad habits. Singing scales up and down or pacing around sometimes so much whoever was taking care of the blonde's hairdressing wanted to tie him down at times.

"You think Axel is ready?" He asked hesitantly.
The song faded off to the end, the two having stopped dancing now and just were catching their breath. "Alright, I think it's great!" Roxas finally said, chuckling as Axel fell back on the stage and panted some. He grabbed to water bottles, walking over and sitting next to the red-head, holding one out to the other. "Wear the most err... concerty-clothes you've got."
"That won't be a problem. I've got flashier clothes than anyone!"
"Kalama's got him covered, don't worry." Nico reassured, sighing a bit in envy but he really couldn't complain. He had his turn. They were lucky too; Roxas was a great boss to have. After being in the business for awhile he realized quickly that Roxas was one of the few that even gave any credit to the 'little people' so to speak. His way of introducing them on stage at the concerts was unique to only him.

"Alright Roxy, you're on!" They heard Roland calling.
Roxas hesitated, giving himself one last look over hesitantly before he nodded and turned, seeing the bleach-blonde man standing there. "Axel?"
"I'll go and check on him, come on, hurry up!" And then the man was gone.
Nico chuckled, saying encouragingly, "Don't worry Star, you're gonna blow the roof off this place!"
That earned him a smile. "Thanks. See for you for the second number."
"You know it!"

Roxas headed out of the dressing area and around the hustle and bustle of backstage up to wear the techies were. A busty, black woman was standing towards the edge of the stage and when she spotted him she waved him over. "Here you go sugar," She said, handing him his headset, and with practiced ease he slipped it on, his nerves growing as he heard the host's words coming to an end and the band done setting up. It was almost time.
And where was-
"ROXAS!"

He turned, spotting the red-head instantly because he was just so...so...
Wow.
When Axel meant flashy, he meant flashy.

[Rikugurl]

There was a noise behind Sora, making him look back to see an almost hidden door open, revealing the silverette who peaked in. "Hey..." He smiled, watching as Sora walked over. He opened the door wider, allowing Sora to step out onto the round balcony and closed the door behind him. They walked around to the front where the scope was and Sora could see a small blanket waiting for them. They sat down together, allowing their legs to dangle over the side and looked through the bars at the night sky. It was beautiful at this time of night and they had the perfect view of the sky. "So, how was your day?" Riku started, smiling as he listened to the brunette explain some minor things.

After awhile, the wind started to blow, becoming chilly up where they were. The blanket was pulled up around their shoulders and they sat a bit closer. They were silent for some time, just watching the sky to find any signs of the shower starting. It was peaceful, their hair blowing in the wind and the warmth that they shared. "Thanks for inviting me, Sora." There was a break in the silence as aquamarine eyes glanced at the other through silver strands. Sora looked back with a comment but their eyes just seemed to do most of the talking.... until Sora's reflected a sudden light.
"Ah! It's starting!" Riku called, both of them quickly looking back up at the sky.

Their smiled brightened the night like the rocks that fell from the sky. It had really been a long time. "Woooow..." He gasped, seeing one that looked so close. Slowly, his pale hand moved over, brushing up against a tanner one before fitting their fingers together.


"Mmmm~~" The blonde moaned softly in their kiss but laughed as he pulled away. "You're right on time!" He bounced back a bit, allowing Terra to climb all the way up to see the little scene Ventus had set up for them. There were two blankets on the rooftop, one being for them to sit on and the other for them to wrap around themselves. There were two plates with crackers and dip and meat, along with four bottles of beer and a candle that was flickering in the wind. The blonde kicked off his shoes and got onto the blanket, Terra easily following before the other blanket went around their waist. "Tonight turned out perfect for the shower." Ven smiled, picking up a beer and cracking it open, handing it to Terra before taking his own.

They too chatted about the day, both of them complaining about one customer or another as they snacked down on the crackers.
"He totally gave me a hard fucking time about the price of gum. GUM! FUCKING GUM! It's not I make the fucking prices!" Ven growled, his face becoming a little flustered as he remembered the guy and his gay looking pink hair. He blinked when he suddenly got a kiss on the cheek, hearing Terra chuckle from how cute Ven looked when he got mad. "Hey! Hahaha!" The blonde pushed the other away playfully, only to be pushed back... and pushed him back and was pushed back again until a grin fell over the rocker's lips and pushed Terra a final time, making him fall back onto the blanket.

Ven easily pinned him down, his elbows coming around both side of Terra's face and his lips descended, pressing up against Terra's. Eyelashes slowly closed as their kiss grew deeper and if it wasn't for Terra who lidded them a little while after, they would of missed the show above them. "Huh?" Ven blinked a few times, glancing over his shoulder to see the shower had started. "Oh!" He made a bashful smile, slowly settling himself to one side of the brunette and got comfortable against his flank, his head on his chest as they both watched the meteors fly over them.


"ROXAS!" A voice called over the chaos of backstage but he smirked when he saw the star look back and saw just how large his eyes got. His outfit wasn't that flashy but he made sure it would be the perfect outfit for his first show that wouldn't draw all the attention to him, still allowing Roxas to be the star.
He wore tight leather pants that hugged his bony hips, showing off just a little bit of his sculpted navel. Under it was a large red sash that kind of reminded him of a pirate but it glittered in the light. From under that, two black and white checkered overalls hung down on either side of his legs to match Star's trademark design.

As for his top, it was tight and black as well, the silver buttons around the bottom glistening under the light but as it came to his chest, the shirt opened and had crisscrossing straps that showed his skin. For his sleeves, they were puffy, see through and red, giving off a salsa looking style. His hair was pulled back in the front, showing off his wicked widows peak and allowed the rest of his hair to stay wild though his shimmered much like Roxas's. His eyes was the top of his look of course, Kalama extenuating them with with an extravagant sweep of red around the outer corners, making them sharp with black eyeliner and dabbing them with black and white pieces of glitter.
And to finish the outfit, he wore his white, shiny tap shoes.

As he came closer to Roxas, he chuckled, his white shiny teeth shining. "¿Usted está bien? Parece que has visto un fantasma~"

[Reno]

"Man I need to take astronomy... this place is awesome." Sora said to himself, inspecting the high-powered telescope that was meant to look out at the sky. He wondered how Riku and he where going to view the shower from in here though...

He didn't have to wonder for long though - as they WEREN'T going to be watching it inside. He heard a door open, lost in the black-painted walls, but smiled as he spotted Riku. "Hey!" He followed the other out, looking about with a grin, seeing the blanket set along the ground for them. They sat down on it, discussing some about their days and, as it got cold, they came closer. Sora looked about in the sky, trying to spot the first meteor. It was a sign of good luck.

"Thanks for inviting me, Sora."

...And only that drew his eyes away. "Oh...?" He looked towards Riku, smiling gently as he got caught in the other's eyes. For a moment, his heart started to beat quicker, certain they were about to-
And then he blinked as the other called that the shower was starting and he looked towards the sky, grinning as he spotted one dashing across the sky in a silvery-white light. And then another and another following. "Wow! How amazing!"

He only looked away for one moment, to stare down at his hand as another covered it. Yes... it really was amazing. He smiled, fingers squeezing the other's, before he leaning against Riku's shoulder, content to watch the rest of the shower from there.


"Of course~ You thought I'd miss this?" Terra teased in return, but his eyes softened when he saw the... romantic set up. No one had ever done things like this before. It still sometimes felt new and raw... when he realized there were people out there who cared about him.
He climbed onto the roof, following Ven's example and pulling off his shoes before joining the other on the blanket, taking the drink with a smile. Just as Terra was done telling the blonde about an annoying customer who kept changing their order because they weren't sure if they're girlfriend was allergic of lilies or posies, Ven was telling one of his own about some pink-haired freak who was complaining about the price of gum of all things - but really Terra didn't care so much about that.

Instead he was paying attention to the way Ven's eyes glimmered with passion when he was anger, and his face flushed some in almost a cute blush, his teeth bared in a way that only reminded him of some lion cub trying to roar. He couldn't help himself as he kissed the other lightly, mumbling "You're pretty cute when you're angry~" He laughed as the other shoved him only to shove back.

And the next thing he knew, he was on the blanket, looking up into those blue, blue eyes that were dark for another reason now. "Mmmm~" He groaned softly as the other kissed him, his arms reaching up to pull the other closer, his mouth opening instantly when he felt the other's tongue against his lips. Their lips smacked a few times, soft, heated breathes filled the silent air between him, and the brunette opened his eyes as the other parted away for a moment, "Ven..." And he caught the sight of something glimmering across the sky. He blinked, feeling the other kiss him again. "Mmm...Ven!"

The blonde pulled away, a little confused by his alarm, but Terra just grinned, "The shower started~" He chuckled at the other's cute look, relaxing some as the other laid along beside him, their heads turned towards the sky. Terra wrapped his arms around Ven, pulling him closer. This... was perfect.


Roxas swallowed some, feeling suddenly, if possible, even more nervous as Axel approached him and he had to wonder why. Was it because he felt like the other would out-class him? No, that couldn't be it... But he'd never felt so unsure of himself before. No one else made him suddenly feel like he had a too-high voice and two left feet.

His eyes widened though when the other approached him... and spoke Spanish. His cheeks flushed beyond his control, instantly and embarrassingly swooning under the romantic language. "A-Ah.... W-What?" The other chuckled, repeating it but thankfully in English. "O-Oh, I'm fine." He reached up about to run his hand through his hair but, remembering the gel, rubbing the back of his neck instead, blushing more, "You look great..."

Before more could be said, he heard the Host calling his name and the woman who helped him with his head-set called, "You're on sugar!"
"Ah..." He looked back towards the stage, before looking up at Axel, and smiled. "Are you ready?"
Green eyes shined with excitement as he smiled and nodded.

He was given on in return... before Roxas turned and walked out onto the stage. For a moment, as the lights hit him, his heart slammed into his chest and his body tingled as his stage fright hit him. But as he turned to the crowd, hearing their cheers and feeling his confidence build, it flowed out of him like a wave being sucked back towards the ocean. He reached up, flipping on the headset and called out. "Hello Jackson!"

His voice echoed back to him over the loudspeakers, and the calls of the audience at his voice made him thrilled. Yes, this was it. This was where he came alive. "Thank you, thank you! Now, before we get this show started, I have special surprise in store! As some of you may know, three months ago, We had to say goodbye to my choreographer Rafael due to life's unexpected gift! Since then, I've been on the look-out for his replacement... and today I am proud to announce that I have found him!" As the crowd saw where this was going, they started to cheer again, excited to be part of the rare occasion.

Roxas grinned to them, saying next, "He's like a flurry of dancing flames! He's got style! He's got rhythm! Girls, he's even got the moves! And I want you all to welcome him as he performs the first dance of the night with me!" He held his hands out in a flourish, calling proudly, "Everyone, Axel Xipil!"

And as the man walked out, his wild red hair catching the lights and seeming to blaze like fire itself, the crowd cheered and Roxas his blue eyes fulled of light, grinned as the man joined him.

[Rikugurl]

One by one, the natural show danced over the sky, making Riku remember his first meteor shower like it had been yesterday.

"Wow, mom! Look!" A younger silvertte pointed up at the sky, seeing his mom slowly making her way out after cleaning up a late dinner. "Coming sweetie!"
When she came out, she looked up at the stars with her son and smiled, having never seen a shower before either.
"What are they? They like fireflies?" The little boy asked when his mother came closer but only saw her shake her head, still looking at the sky. "Nope, they're rocks from the stars."
"Like... pieces of the stars?"
"Sure, you could say that."
"Why did they break off?"
"Oh... well.... they wanted to visit."
"Will they go back home?"
"No, Riku... they'll stay with us forever and people can go visit them at the museums."

The boy pouted, his eyes scrolling over the sky as more shot by. "They came a long way just for us to see them... and what they really are."

Pieces of a star.
He now knew that wasn't true, learning that meteors are caused by streams of cosmic debris called meteoroids entering Earth's atmosphere at extremely high speeds on parallel trajectories. Most meteors are smaller than a grain of sand, so almost all of them disintegrate and never hit the Earth's surface. He still liked his mom's version though, knowing that it was suppose to be some sort of lesson.
They come a long way just for us to see.... what they really are.

His eyes pulled away from the scene, glancing at Sora who was still hypnotized by it.
A piece of a star.
His other hand that wasn't holding onto Sora's lifted and reached over, making his torso turn some and fingers touched the warm tanned chin of the brunette. Sora was a bit shocked but as their eyes met again, it was almost instant that both leaned towards each other, their lips meeting in the middle.


As they watched the same show as another young couple, fingers ran through thick brown locks, enjoying the feeling against his skin and the warmth against his body. It really was perfect and after so many years since.... since.... His eyes turned away for a moment, his lips turning down in a frown. Thin skin fell over his eyes and he pushed the thought from his head. It was good to feel this happy again with someone else. It still didn't fill that gorge though and it never will.
He turned, leaning against his boyfriend more as the man beside him was more important than the sky above. He sacrificed the ritual he saw every year to plant sweet kisses on the man's jaw and neck, drawing him away from the sight too.

Their lips met again under the stars and flickers of light, their eyes only for each other. "Terra...." The blonde panted lightly, his fingers continuing to run through the soft hair. "I love you~♥" That triggered something in Terra that Ven was unsure about but suddenly their kiss became more passionate and deeper, making the brunette lean over the blonde's smaller body. "Mmmmmmm!!" His other hand ran over the strong curves of the Atterian, running down his torso, down his abs, down his pelvis....
His skin twitched and he jumped when Terra's pants started to vibrate!
"Haaa....ah.... w-who would be calling you at this time?" Ventus complained softly with a chuckle and since his hand was already down there, he reached into Terra's pocket, pulling at a small black sheep charm that was attached to his cell.

When he pulled it to their faces, he read out the caller ID. "Says Uncle B."
He frowned as the cell was snatched from his hand and answered quickly, a concerned looking running over Terra's face. He sounded upset but after a moment, a smile appeared.
"Hey Terra. Your mom's been moved back to her room."


"Everyone, Axel Xipil!"

Green eyes lit up when he heard his name being called and then... all that cheering. He didn't pause as he left the woman's side, having an ear piece of his own. His foot fell in front of the other, carrying him across the stage as if he was so use to it. This... this air. This warmth. This energy. It was something he had always dreamed about.

"Auntie.... you really think I'll be on stage one day?"
"Of course, Lea. You can do anything you want if you work hard enough for it. You're going to be a star one day, I just know it!"

He walked up to Star and waved out to the crowd, looking over the sea of people which were mostly girls. They had signs and merchandise, happy faces with paint and glitter. These were Roxas's fans. These were... his fans. These were their fans. He suddenly chuckled, not feeling an bit of fright in his bones as he began speaking. "Thank you all, you're all real kind!" He continued to wave. "I'm glad I'll be working with Star to make you all smile when you're feeling down. Music is life, baby! Got it memorized?" With that, the crowd went wild again and the two looked at each other, sharing a smile.

Music was life.
Of course. In one way or another, it saved them and brought them together.

[Reno]

Idly, Sora's thumb stroked the back of Riku's hand, not really noticing the action, just enjoying the slight sensation. No, instead his eyes were intent on the natural performance the sky was giving them, his eyes fond. It had been a long time since he saw a shooting star. His mother too, though, certainly had a unique way of explaining it.

"Mommy is the sky crying?" The very young brunette asked, sitting in his mother's lap. Beside them in the swing chair was his youngest brother Roxas and standing on the porch, holding Ven up high, little hands trying to catch the stars, was his father.
"Oh no, of course not Sora. The sky is... is playing music."
"Music?"
"Oh yes. You remember what grandma's piano looks like on the inside?"
"Uh-huh. It was all stringy, like string cheese!"
The elder woman chuckled fondly, but nodded. "Yes, well each light is a string being played."
"So... in the sky is a big piano?"
"Well-"
"But Ma." Roxas protested before she could finish, pulling her sleeve. "I don't hear any music."
"Oh dearie, it's not something you hear with your ears. You hear it in your heart."

His mother loved analogizing things with music. But reflecting on it now, he realized what she meant. Sometimes, when something truly beautiful is happening, no words were needed-
Sora blinked as his head was grabbed lightly and lips descending on his in a wondrous kiss.
-you just needed to let your heart hear it.

His arms wrapped around Riku's neck, silky silver strands tickling his skin as he brought the other closer, tilting his head and inviting the other in for a deeper kiss. He moaned gently against the other's lips and when they pulled away, just slightly to catch their breath, his eyes lidded open, staring up at the other. "Riku..."

He saw the other's eyes darken in a look he definitely recognized, and as the silverette started to descend again, he... backed off, looking uncertain. "W-Wait Riku..." The other frowned, asking if he had done something wrong but Sora shook his head. "No it's not that it's just.... you like me, don't you?"


They say... you were supposed to make wishes on shooting stars. Just like you were supposed to make a wish when blowing out all the candles on your birthday cake... or when blowing on an unflowered dandelion, hoping the seeds would carry your wish to the heavens.

But, as Terra turned his head from the stars to gaze at Ven, kissing him adoringly, he heard something that made him realize...
"I love you~"
...that you didn't always have to make wishes for them to come true.
"Ven..." Terra whispered, feeling his heart beat unevenly, looking at the blonde like he couldn't imagine a more beautiful sight. And then he brought the other close suddenly, covering his lips with his own with nothing but pure passion. Someone loved him. Someone loved him! Not just someone... Ven did. This beautiful, wonderful soul... and Terra was simply deliriously happy.

And then... the moment was ruined when he felt his phone go off. His heard fell back on the blanket and he groaned in annoyance - if it was Aqua, he would KILL her. He watched with bored eyes as Ven pulled out the phone by it's charm, the heavy piece of technology spinning somewhat on the string. But when he heard who it was that WAS calling his eyes widened. If his uncle was calling at THIS time... it meant it had to do with his mother.
"Ah?!" He snatched it up, flipping it open, sitting up some, forcing his boyfriend to sprawl some in his lap. "Hello, uncle? Is everything alright?!" He blinked slowly when the heard the news and smiled, his heart calming. "Oh... that's great!" He settled back onto the blanket, unperturbed when Ven laid back on top of him.

He ran his fingers through golden locks idly, smiling as he saw the other's impatient look. Taking the cue, he spoke, "Is that all Uncle? Because uh, I was kind of doing something important."


Axel... was a natural. Roxas could always tell. The moment someone was on stage for the first time, he just knew whether they'd be great for it or not. It was almost disheartening to realize Axel would be spending most of his time backstage.

Then again, maybe there was something he could do about that.

"Music is life, baby! Got it memorized?" Roxas grinned, sharing the other exhilaration and the truth of that statement sent shivers through him. Without music...
"I think they got it Axel! Now, let's show them exactly what you mean!"
... he wouldn't be here, with Axel, today. And that would of been a real tragedy.
The band suddenly began and those who recognized the tune - which was nearly everyone as it was one of his hit songs - screamed even louder and, following the beat, the two moved. It was slow at first, the dance not needing much to accentuate it, and Roxas listened until he heard his cue.

And then he sang and the world was right again.
"♪Giirl~
there's something 'bout
things you oughta know
I've never felt the need. to. lose. control.
Always held on back and played. it. slooow.
But nooot this tiiiiiiime.♪"

The lights above them turned blue, bringing everything down to a more mellow tone as he sung the next line softly, his voice soulful,
"♪Baby don't be geeentle, I can handle anything♪"
And then the lights exploded around them and so did he and Axel, throwing themselves into the faster, louder paced chorus with moves, all made by the choreographer himself, that really got the crowd into a frenzy of cheers.
♪"BABY!
Take me on a journey,
I've been thinking lately, I could use,
a little time alone with you~
CRAZY!
Let's do something may~be,
Please don't take your time!
You got me right where you want me!♪"

[Rikugurl]

"Nnngha...." The silverette panted some as their lips parted, feeling how swollen they were. His eyes gazed down at the other, knowing this warmth he was giving off, feeling those arms around his neck. It felt right again and it drove his senses crazy to the point he couldn't control them. He wanted Sora, no! He needed him. He came closer again but to his worry, the brunette pulled away and he blinked, his eyes coming into focus. "Sora? D-did I do something wrong?" Was it too soon? He honestly couldn't control himself when he was around Sora and---
"You like me, don't you?"
He thought that was the silliest question he had ever heard, thinking it was rather obvious but for Sora, maybe it wasn't.

"Of course I like you Sora..... what's not to like? You smart, adorable, funny, happy. You're a great person. I wouldn't of ripped up those notes or told Kairi off if I didn't like you. I wouldn't of asked you to breakfast and I wouldn't be sitting here with you, at this very moment, if I didn't like you." He reached up, running his fingers through Sora's disobedient spikes. "What I feel for you is more than just physical, Sora. I really like you..."


"I was kind of doing something important."
Doing something important?
It was 1:15 am in the..... Oh. OH!
"Hahaahah, oh, riiiiiiiight. Sorry I interrupted. Talk to you later, kiddo. Ciao~"
The cell phone was closed and there was a sudden hiss as the blonde pinched a hardened nipple through the brunette's shirt. "Hehe~ Sorry. I couldn't help it." Ven grinned, slowly getting pushed onto his back by the other.

As his arms wrapped around Terr'a neck, he pouted some. "So who was that?"
"My uncle."
"Your uncle? What's he calling about so late~?"


On the stage, the bodies moved in sync as Roxas sang and Axel let their legs across the stage. Still, it was not the kind of music Axel had learned how to move to nor was it the kind of music that inspired him how to dance but it was music and it reached the bottom of his soul. His body came alive with the notes running through his veins and the bass pumping his heart. He got lose in the rhythm, overtaken by the melody but still knew all his timings and steps, leading them flawlessly with Roxas.

He couldn't hear the screams and cheers of the fans anymore, the lights above him just warming his skin. It was true, Roxas did have an eye for talent. Or was it just talent? Could he see that music was just as important to the redhead as it was for himself? Did he know this way of living was more than just the money but the reason for life to this man?
This were still a mystery for the two but together, on stage like this, it was as if they knew each other from birth.

When the song finished, their feet planted on the stage, their chests heaving as they panted but they did not falter.