Chapter 2: A healthy dose of insanity with a side of French fries

A/N: Kentucky Fried Chicken and a Pizza Hut, McDonalds, McDonalds … have any of you ever had your Hikaru cosplayer sing that in your ear all day long? Guess what this chapter revolves around … Did you guess? No? Okay, fine, I'll tell you. Ever work at a fast food place that looks like it never should've passed its health inspection? Makes you feel kind of sorry for poor Sora, doesn't it? Oh, oh, oh! Cliffhanger revealed! I probably didn't need to say that. Well anyway, next chapter will start rehearsals for the play and a flashback. Actually, this chapter has a flashback. Don't skip it, or you won't understand who it is talking to Sora when I continue past the cliffy I left last chapter. Hmm … I should shut up now. Enjoy and review.

Warnings: bad language, a pretty gruesome description, more Sora-ness (this entire fanfic's in his perspective) … that's it.

Disclaimer: I don't not own Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy, or Blood on the Dance Floor.

Reviews:

Q-A the Authoress- Thanks for the review. You ask, I deliver. Here's the next chappie!

Claire Cooper- Thanks for the review, and the encouragement. My lovely story hit a notch and it's driving me up the wall but for the next few chapters, it's safe to say I'll continue this story and update it pretty regularly. There most certainly is a reason that Kairi hates Sora (thankfully that's not where I hit the notch) but it won't be revealed for a while. Keep reading til then.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

-Sora, six months earlier-

It's safe to say that I absolutely hate fast food restaurants. KFC … I hate the smell of greasy chicken. Pizza Hut … their pizza makes me want to barf (don't tell Tidus though, cause he loves the stuff). McDonalds … I think the last time I ate there, I got food poisoning. Maybe it was the specific place I ate at but still … huge turn off. Well I needed a job and the fast food industry seemed to be hiring like crazy. I couldn't try the library, no positions open. No internships, they all required a car and Cloud Strife was not driving his son all around just to get to some internship that might not even pay (my dad's actual words). No, I needed a paying job. One that didn't involve me mowing the neighbor's lawn or doing house work for an allowance. An actual, real job. And where else could I go but … oh god. Burger King? Why couldn't I just find a nice theatre to work at, huh? I guess the fact that I'm a minor really counts in this town. Damn this place sucks. Vanille's already working at the ballet studio and Roxas has a summer job as a camp counselor. He says it's a good way to enjoy his summer and be a kid again, especially when the camp kids ask him to perform in their talent shows. Me? Burger King. What the hell? Why's this the only place hiring that doesn't give me the initiative to burn the damn place down? And this place was … well let's just say mom begged me not to step foot in here again. She subtly avoided the money issue though … crafty, mom, really.

Currently, I was standing in the middle of and insanely small and very dirty Burger King. The tables were covered in things that didn't look like they belonged in a human inhabited environment. That's probably why most people here got their orders to go. Not that the food was much better. It was beyond greasy and just went to straight disgusting. I felt like I was having a heart attack staring at it. And some of it was on the floor turning gruesome colors of brown and green and covered in roaches. The small ones, if that makes it any better (which it doesn't). There were other spots on the floor that looked black and some parts of the walls covered in the same substance. The ketchup dispenser … I wasn't even sure if that was still ketchup. I expected that the manager was probably some greasy fat dude who looked like he hadn't gotten laid in years. Wow was I in for a surprise. When the manager called me over, I almost tripped over air doing a double take. She … well, she certainly was beautiful. Almost like a princess from those fairy tales. She looked perfect … and she looked like she hated this place.

When I asked her why she worked here, I got a story about how she was apparently kicked out of her house and this was the only place she could find a job. She was apparently kicked out because she was pregnant and not married. See what I meant when I said this town sucked. Who kicks their pregnant daughter out just because she's not married? Anyway, she worked her way up until she was finally made manager of this place. Now she's waiting for her boyfriend to get himself a decent job so that they could take care of their baby and she could leave this job. She's also seven months in, which meant she probably shouldn't be working here anyway but she says it's the price she had to pay for not being a 'good daughter'. If you asked me, her parents are the ones who suck. At least she's not a teenage mother or something, she told me her age was twenty one. She was trying to save up for college, if she could even go with a baby to take care of. When I asked her why she told me so much, she told me that I seemed like a 'cool kid' and that the moment she saw me, she liked me immediately. We've been friends ever since. She's the best manager a guy could ask for, she didn't care that I was fifteen; she let it slide since she understood that I needed the cash. Not to mention, she never makes me clean. No she leaves that to Rob, the guy with the multiple piercings all over his face and the earbuds in his ears blasting Blood on the Dance Floor who flirts with every female customer and can sometimes be heard screwing the ones he succeeds with in the back room. I don't really get how he manages to score anyway. Not that Rob was ugly, but he smelled like marijuana and coffee beans and looked like he belonged behind bars rather than behind a cash register. Serrah's been wanting to fire him since forever but he can't seem to respect his authorities and after being 'let go' five times, is still working right next to me with the sound of S my D travelling to the far ends of the restaurant. And if you're wondering, no he doesn't bother attempting to do something about the gross black stains. In fact, I think he's the reason why they're there. I have no proof, but I'll get some damn it, I swear I will!

As disgusting as this place is, though, it gets a lot of business. My pay is … well it's better than nothing. And, even better, no one I know ever goes near the place so I can save myself the awkward moment of explaining why I'm here. Or I can escape the mental (and maybe even physical) pain I'll endure if Seifer and his goons ever showed up here. And Serrah always gives me free soda so it's pretty cool … for a little while. In two months, Serrah'll be on maternity leave and then … well who'll I have?

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

-Sora, present time-

"Wh-what are you doing?"

"… Serrah?"

I stood up slowly and let Moonlight roam around to find some place to go tinkle or whatever. Serrah was standing in front of me with her head cocked to the side and a stroller in front of her. Behind her was a blonde man with a beanie who was observing us curiously. Must be her boyfriend Snow. I realized I still hadn't answered Serrah's question.

"Oh, um, I was just walking my dog Moonlight …"

"That's what you call walking your dog?" she giggled, her posture loosening up a bit.

" … Yes?"

She just laughed at me and waved her boyfriend forward.

"Well Snow, this is the good worker Sora I told you so much about and Sora this is the boyfriend-turned-fiancé Snow that I told you so much about.

Snow extended his hand and I took it.

"Nice to meet you," he said with a smirk.

"Likewise," I nodded, smiling a bit. Apparently it was contagious because soon Snow and Serrah both had huge smiles on their faces.

"So, who's the little guy? Or is it a girl? I don't think you ever told me …"

"He's a boy, his name is Hope," Serrah answered.

"Awesome name … though it seems to be a recurring thing to name children after nature or some other random noun. I mean, come on, Snow … Cloud, Sora, Hope … need I go on, I know more," I said. They both laughed at that.

"Well it seemed to be the only name that fit for him at the time … but anyway, Sora, I'm glad I ran into you. You aren't still working at the Burger King are you?"

I nodded solemnly. The replacement manager was a total bastard and Rob's only gotten worse.

"Well, I'm sad I never got to get in touch with you again. I'd quit that job a long time ago and I was hoping you didn't stay for too long. You deserve better …"

I had to admit, I was a little surprised that no one had told me she quit but I couldn't blame her for not contacting me. Neither of us had the other's number. I couldn't do anything but nod again, glad to hear she at least cared. It was a rare thing to find in this town, if you remember.

"So, I wanted to tell you. I've been keeping an eye on this ever since I left. I remember you telling me that you love acting. Well there's this place that's like a family restaurant but it also has a stage and they do little shows here and there for extra money. I know you must be tired of the whole restaurant thing, but this is a really nice place. It's clean and you wouldn't be working behind cash registers serving greasy food to even greasier customers or just people on the go. The only positions they have open are waiter and waitress positions but I think it's a step up. And as long as you can prove your talent, they'll let you act too. It's a good deal right?"

This was the first time in a long time that I had been rendered speechless. It was also the first time in a long time that I'd glomped someone. And yes, her fiancé was included in that.

"Thank you so much for telling me. Did I ever tell you I love you, I feel like I should. I love you! I can't believe this! What are their hours open, I want to go right now!" I squealed (shut up, I'm excited) with tears practically rolling down my face. This woman is my freaking savior. No more greasy ass Burger King, fuck yeah!

"You can go right now if you want, but they don't let dogs inside so …" Serrah trailed off. I turned to look at Moonlight who was bothering some random five year old for his ice cream cone. I whistled and she came bounding over.

"Alright girl, time to go home."

She whimpered and stared at me with those irresistibly adorable puppy dog eyes. And damn were they cute, but she's not getting me this time.

"Complain all you want, you spoiled princess, but if you want sympathy you're going to have to talk … bark with Rox or Vanille."

She whined some more and I stared at her until she finally huffed in defeat. She's a smart dog, when she's not molesting people's faces with her tongue of doom. I turned back to Serrah.

"Thanks again for telling me, I have a feeling this'll be a good turning point for me," I said. She nodded and hugged me goodbye. I waved to her fiancé and cooed at Hope before turning to head towards my house then get my new job.

… Wait, where is it anyway?

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Well after an embarrassing episode of going back to Serrah to ask the name of the place and directions, I finally got Moonlight back home and explained my situation to my mom who agreed to save dinner for me. She was just glad that I officially quit my job at Burger King on the way there. The replacement manager didn't care, he just waved me away and went about his business. I was now standing in front of my soon to be workplace. As long as they accept my application.

The name was Emory's Place and according to Serrah, the owner, Emory, was a pretty cool guy. He was the fatherly type, not that I had a problem with my own father, but it just made the atmosphere more comfortable. I walked into the place with my head held high and asked about the open positions. Emory gladly accepted my application after a quick interview (it pays to carry pens with you … I currently have three black pens and a half a cookie in my pocket … I don't know where the cookie came from). I half-heartedly listened as Emory told me about the boatload of new applications he's been getting today. The place was nice, just like Serrah said. The general area was spotless and the current employees seemed nice and welcoming. Not to mention, the food looked not only edible but really good. Then the spot of red hit my vision and I almost slipped out of my chair.

"Kairi?"

Sure enough, the moment she turned and spotted me the signature glare took its place on her face. I tried to shrink down in my chair but Emory had followed my gaze.

"Oh, do you know Ms. Santoni?" he asked. I nodded and tried to avert my gaze as Kairi started to advance towards us.

"Sora …? What … are you doing here?" she asked quietly, anger showing itself in her voice somewhat.

"I-I'm applying for a job. I-I heard about it f-from a fr-friend …" I mumbled.

Kairi stared at me for a moment blankly before nodding mutely and turning away. Emory was watching the exchange with a look of mild interest on his face.

"Will you be able to work alongside Ms. Santoni, Mr. Strife? You do realize you'll need interaction at some point with both of you trying for the stage. If you have to act together, you'll need to work together," he said.

"I know, she's actually my partner in drama. It's just that she kind of scares me because she hates me and I have no idea why so I have no way to apologize for whatever it was I did …" I said.

"Why don't you just ask her?"

"That's what everyone's been telling me but they're not the ones who might get beaten up for trying to talk to her. And apparently she won't tell anyone else why …"

"You shouldn't be afraid, just go for it. Besides, you like her don't you?"

I sputtered for a moment.

"What? No, of course not! She's dating my best friend anyway!"

"Ah … unrequited love …"

"Look, love's got nothing to do with it. I just know that if I try to approach her, she'll kick my ass …"

"Mhmm … so what play is your school's drama department doing?" Emory asked.

"Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew."

"Hmm … we do quite a bit of Shakespeare here actually … Who're you both playing?"

"She's the shrew and I have to marry her …" I grumbled. He must've understood because he started laughing at me.

"Good luck with that … so anyway, how often can you come in. We can work out a schedule …"

"Um, at my old job I worked from five to nine in the afternoons after school so those are my best times," I told him.

"Sounds good … by the way, it looks like you'll be seeing a lot of Kairi …"

"Let me guess—"

"She has the same hours …"

I groaned.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

"Awesome job finding a place to work other than that greasy shit hole, little bro …"

"Yeah, I'm proud of you."

"Ha ha, Naminé, my mom said the same thing last night!"

"Well, I'm just the motherly type …"

"You finally admitted it!"

"Hey married couple, back to my situation!"

It's lunch time. The same routine as usual, Kairi had stormed off from the table after glaring at me for while. Tidus had followed her, albeit a bit slower than he normally does as if he didn't want to go after her. Rikku cracked a joke (this time, Kairi had the pixie sticks inserted somewhere other than her nose) and I was currently being congratulated and comforted at the same time.

"Sorry you have to deal with Kairi, man, it must be rough having your dream job that much closer in your grasp and you have to share your precious time with Red …" Riku said.

"But still, you get to work on stage. You've been looking forward to a chance like that since, like … ever," Rikku exclaimed.

She was right but … I didn't feel much better. I had gotten most of the congratulations from my family last night. Now I needed the comfort. Roxas and Naminé were willingly giving up their 'make out at the table time' to cheer me up. Riku and Rikku were being supportive like parents and Selphie and Wakka were listing off things I could do to prank Kairi on the job (none of which I would do cause I'm not getting myself fired).

"Don't worry Sora, it's not like she can antagonize you on the job. I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine," Naminé said in her caring tone. She was also right but …

"You're thinking too much! Just enjoy your new job and don't worry about bitchzilla, it's not like she can keep that shit up for forever. She's bound to confront you soon, being your drama partner and co worker. Then you can fix whatever problem she has with you …" Selphie said.

"Yeah, true but that's if she doesn't just kill me first …" I sighed.

"Ha, like she'll get the chance," Roxas seethed, cracking his knuckles. Naminé sighed.

"Honey, we've talked about this. You are not allowed near any chainsaws or Halloween masks. I'm happy that you're ready to go to such lengths for your little brother but I'm not letting you murder fifteen year olds."

"Damn …"

My brother could be so fucking creepy sometimes …

Anywhoo …

"Guys, I'll just have to deal with it. But thanks for all the support."

"No problem Sora, that's what we're here for," Riku said and all of them smiled at me. I felt extremely loved at that moment.

"Sora Strife! May I have a word with you?"

… shit.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

A/N: Another one … sneaky little bastards these cliffhangers are … Anyway, hope you enjoyed and review. I know it sucks what I did to Serrah but I needed a good way to introduce Sora's new job. And now he has to deal with Kairi more … See you next chapter!