Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts, Square-Enix, or Disney. The characters and places used belong to their respective owners and universes.
-Modelos-
-Chapter 9-
-There Were Subtle Differences-
Sora was hoping to walk into his apartment and find only himself there once morning came rolling around. Unfortunately, that wasn't a luxury be given. Vanitas was in the kitchen sitting at the dinner table with a cup of coffee that appeared untouched. Sora removed his jacket and proceeded towards the bathroom for a much needed hot shower, but his brother's voice cut through the apartment stopping him in his tracks.
"We need to talk."
The spiky haired brunet tried not to pay him any attention as he stepped into the bathroom doorway, but when a hand slammed against the door, Sora had no choice but to turn towards Vanitas.
"Damn it Sora, I'm serious here."
"And I need a shower." Sora firmly stated with a glare.
"We've got a problem."
There was a nervous look in Vanitas' golden eyes that told Sora he was really shaken up.
"What is it?"
Vanitas fell back against the wall opposite the bathroom.
"The authorities caught onto Axel and his guys. They're going into hiding for a while, so we won't have access to their product anymore."
Sora shot him a confused look. "Axel?" Then one of anger. "You told me we weren't dealing with Axel anymore. How long have you been keeping this from me?"
The older of the twins dug his hands into his pockets. "He's one of the few that have connections with Wonderland. The stuff we get through Wonderland from Axel is high quality, in case you forgot what our clients like, Sora."
He narrowed his eyes. "You don't need to remind me, Vanitas."
Once again, Sora was out of the loop on things. But there was no sense in being angry with Vanitas. He always left things up to his brother to figure out, so why should he be surprised if things came to a complete fuck up of a situation. This was now both of their problem, and a major one at that. Sora had lost interest in taking a shower now.
"What then?" Sora said, voice hinting with annoyance. "I have major parties I need to be at in the next couple weeks. Our supply won't last."
"You mean "we" have parties," the darker haired twin corrected.
Sora stood his ground. "No, "I" have parties I'm dealing. You have no say in it."
Vanitas let the matter rest. Ever since that night, things had just gone down the drain for them. Sora wouldn't look him at him directly, he would be out on his own, would work on his own. The parties they would normally cater together, were now done individually. No matter what he said, Sora wanted little to do with him as possible and he despised it.
"We're going to have to go to Wonderland ourselves and bring the product back."
Sora knew the color in his face had drained. "Are you kidding me? We've never done anything like that."
"Well we might not have any other choice."
"Don't play around, don't you have any other connections?"
Vanitas remained quiet for a few minutes. The name was on the tip of his tongue, but he wasn't sure if he should say it. Knowing Sora's current state and attitude, it would surely make things worse than they already were. But, he quickly went through the pros and cons, the risks that would present themselves if they carried out the act themselves. Even if Sora would dislike his idea, he couldn't think of anything else.
"There is Auron…"
Sora immediately shut the bathroom door and ended the conversation. Vanitas banged his head against the wall.
"Shit…"
The brunet spent the better portion of an hour under the shower spray, his skin red from the brutally hot water. All the while cursing the situation he was facing. Just thinking of Auron's face made his stomach turn. Just that one encounter was enough to leave a distaste for the older man. He would rather risk the chances and smuggle the product himself from Wonderland. Shaking his head, Sora turned the water off and reached for a towel. Even the soft touch of the fabric made him wince, what with his flesh burned from the water.
"Fuck, what am I doing?"
Sora was met with an empty apartment when he walked out of the bathroom. Where Vanitas decided to go, he didn't care in the least. Slowly throwing on some fresh clothes and a dry jacket from his closet, Sora bundled up to go out. He was hoping to be alone at home, but being in the apartment now was the last thing he wanted. Sora had long since finished the pack of cigarettes the junkie gave him the night before, but was smart enough to get another one on his way back to the south. So, with a newly lit cigarette in his mouth, Sora made his way out.
"You know, smoking is bad for you."
Sora felt the cigarette drop from his lips. Aerith with her cheery smile was standing right in front of him, right outside his apartment building. Sora felt his teeth gritting together.
"What are you doing here?" he asked rather venomously.
Aerith was dressed in a periwinkle blue coat, matching long dress underneath, a pair of white earmuffs settled around her ears, and a white bow nestled in her braided ponytail. She waved a gloved hand at him.
"Thought I'd make sure you made it home safely."
"Cut the crap Aerith, what's your deal?"
Aerith didn't seem fazed by the growing tone in Sora's voice. "You're upset."
Sora felt like he was talking to drying paint on a wall. Was this woman that dense?
"You think?"
"But I don't think you're upset with me," Aerith said folding her arms.
Sora was not in the mood for whatever games she was trying to play, this had gone on long enough. She came out of nowhere the night before, pretty much stalked him, and then started mouthing off weird things inside a crumbling church. He was done.
"I think you need to leave."
Aerith pursed her lips. Sora took a few steps down the stairs and onto the street.
"He's only going to keep hurting you."
Sora could feel a prickle of ice on the back of his neck, but when he turned towards the owner of the voice, Aerith was gone. He grasped his forehead and could suddenly feel his head spinning.
"What the hell is going on with me?"
-XXXXX-
Two days came and went by quickly as Riku was already walking underneath the snowfall in the city of Midgar. The trip in itself was rather pleasant despite the length, all due to Shinra's insisting on taking care of all of Riku's accommodations. It was a surprise for both Riku and his agent Quistis, but not wanting to turn down such an offer, they graciously accepted the kind invitation. And so Riku was whisked away on a private plane with all the luxuries one could expect. A private stewardess, 5 star quality food, comfortable seating and all the expensive champagne he could ask for. Yes, the trip itself was rather pleasant.
It was only his second time in Midgar, the first being a trip he had taken with his mother in the late summer one year during his time in middle school. There was apparently a relative of his living there he'd never known before and his mother wanted to pay a visit since their health wasn't doing very good. Riku could never figure out why his mother insisted. If she had never mentioned this relative before, why the sudden need to see them? He was 13 at the time and easily distracted, so he really didn't give it that much attention.
"Mr. Riku?"
The deep voice came from behind him. A tall, well muscled bald man in a black suit and long black winter coat beckoned for him. He had on black sunglasses, which looked somewhat comical with little sunlight to speak of as the clouds above were heavy with grey hues. Riku nodded at him to continue.
"We have about an hour before we must be at Shinra headquarters, is there anywhere you'd like me to take you until then?"
The man had introduced himself as Rude when he stepped down from the plane, informing Riku that he would be his personal assistant and handler during the time he'd be in Midgar. Anything Riku could ask for or want he could have. All he needed to do was let Rude know. Were all the top models gracing the cover of Soldier given this kind of treatment? This was dangerous territory. Riku could get used to it just fine.
"Thanks Rude, but I think I just want to walk around for now."
"Perhaps I should get you something to drink?"
Riku nodded slightly. "Some Wutaired tea would be great."
Without a second to waste, Rude went about getting Riku what he had asked for. He walked over to a small clearing between two large buildings, a little bench area with a fountain. It was rather odd to see it working at this time of year, what with the frigid weather. But Riku quickly remembered that the fountain did not work with water, but something only found in this country. Green ethereal energy called mako, a refined form of power that the entire nation used. It was a closely guarded secret as to where the source came from, one that led Midgar into several wars over the centuries. Watching the energy flow from the fountain in those long tendrils of liquid green was rather soothing as Riku sat there. He didn't wait long before Rude came up to him with his drink.
"Thanks Rude."
With the red brew cradled in his hands, Riku couldn't help but smile. The last time he had this kind of tea was with Sora in the eastern district of The World That Never Was. He brought the cup up to his lips and took a sip, savoring the intense flavor. It was good, Riku could not deny it, but there were subtle differences. Perhaps it was simply the fact that now the memory of that outing with Sora was engrained in his mind and in turn, changed the flavor of the tea.
"Is it not to your liking?"
Riku dismissed Rude's concern and continued watching the flowing fountain. His gathering with Seifer and Leon had brought his spirits up, made him look forward to his trip and work with Shinra, and more than anything, was able to distract him from a certain someone. Riku looked down at his phone, but to no surprise of his, there was no record of a call. He really needed to get over this. With the contents of his tea gone, Riku got up from his seat and with Rude behind him, made his way back to the limousine. Within minutes, they were at the center of the city housing the gargantuan Shinra headquarters building. Even from miles away on the plane Riku could make it out with no difficulty and through the dark winter clouds.
Inside, it was even more elegant and pristine than Riku could have imagined. Not a speck was seen on the white industrial style walls, the marbled floors, the perfectly placed plants and artwork. It almost felt sinful to trek snow inside.
"This way."
It was Riku's turn to follow Rude as they made their way, going up an elevator and walking out into an empty hall. They arrived to a set of double doors where Rude instructed him to go in.
"I will return after your meeting."
He opened the door for Riku to enter and lightly closed it after him. The model looked around the room, noticing a blonde woman sitting at a desk in the center and yet another pair of double doors behind her. She greeted him with a large smile and got up from her seat, a pair of red stilettos clacking as she came forward.
"Very nice to meet you Riku, my name is Scarlet and personal assistant to Mr. Rufus."
"Nice to meet you as well," he responded shaking her hand softly.
The woman was beautiful, bright blonde hair with the slightest hints of green tones and dark red lips, dressed in a red pencil skirt and those matching stilettos. Her top, on the other hand, left little to the imagination. A white blouse with one too many buttons left unclasped, showing off a rather impressive set of breasts. Riku inwardly scoffed. It seemed that her name matched the tacky demeanor she presented.
"Mr. Rufus should be back momentarily. He informed me that you were to wait in his office."
Riku blinked a few times. "And the staff for the Soldier shoot?"
Scarlet placed a finger underneath her jaw. "Oh, that won't be until later tonight. Mr. Rufus will be holding a small get together for you to meet them and other members of our company."
"You mean like a party?"
"Yes, exactly, and all in your honor."
It was already odd at first with them flying him in on a private plane, giving him a handler, and now a party? Was this really work for him? And meeting with Rufus on his own? It began to play at Riku's nerves.
"That's…quite the trouble everyone is going to," Riku expressed folding his arms.
"Oh not at all," Scarlet said shaking a delicate hand at him, "Here we like make sure that everyone we work with is as comfortable as possible. We like for them to feel important."
More like overwhelmed was what Riku was thinking. He allowed Scarlet to lead him into Rufus' office, which just like the rest of the building, was in pristine shape and elegantly decorated. As he sat down, Scarlet already had a glass of sparkling mineral water set out for him.
"He won't be long."
Riku couldn't help but notice the large portrait of the president hanging behind him. Seeing it there spoke volumes of what kind of person Rufus was. He knew he was important, and quite powerful. The company's authority even had a hand in politics, so it would be only be natural to assume that Rufus had a say in what went on in the nation. He would be one person you probably didn't want on your bad side. Riku took a sip of his water.
"Riku."
The silver haired model turned to see a handsome blonde man in a white suit standing behind him. There wasn't a misplaced hair on his head. Riku seemed to have lost his ability to speak and simply got up from his seat.
"Thank you for making the long trip to Midgar."
A hand was extended to him and Riku firmly took a hold of it, all the while Rufus devouring him with his eyes. The model formed a smile.
"I should be thanking you for all that you've done," he responded.
"Please Riku, it was my pleasure. I've been a growing fan of your work."
Riku was already a tall man, but Rufus stood just a tad bit taller. He led Riku by the hand back to his seat as Rufus made himself comfortable opposite of him in his plush leather chair.
"I'm sure Scarlet informed you of the small party I am holding tonight."
Riku placed both hands in his lap. "Yes, I'm a little overwhelmed by the thought."
Rufus grinned. "No need Riku. I find formal meetings to be too old fashioned. I thought this would be an easier and more entertaining way for you to meet the staff. They are just as eager to meet you and begin discussing the shoot."
"I can't tell you how excited I am."
"I am pleased to hear that," the blonde man of 30 said. "We are very selective when it comes to Soldier. This company has incredibly high standards and as such, we must have only the best."
Riku could hardly swallow. "I assure you I will do my best."
"As is expected. Your agent had nothing but good things to say. Plus, your portfolio is not only expansive, it's impeccable."
How Riku was keeping from cowering and blushing, he did not know. This was too much praise being given to him. He was well known in the industry, but he remembered his roots, his small town life in Destiny Islands. Riku was still a humble person and it was something he always stood by.
"Thank you very much."
Their conversation carried on, with Riku becoming more and more comfortable with Rufus. Based on what he'd seen and heard, he always thought of Rufus to be someone stuffy and arrogant, qualities usually found in people holding high titles and of an elite class. But with every laugh Rufus naturally got out of Riku, the more he realized that he had misconceptions. The handsome blonde man was quite charming and down to earth. Riku had been in the business long enough to tell when someone was fronting, but he didn't get that from Rufus. Or at the very least, Rufus was very good at hiding it.
"Can I ask a somewhat personal question, Riku?"
The model leaned back in his seat. "Yes, of course."
Rufus looked him up and down for a moment. "You're a very attractive man, how is it that you aren't seeing anybody?"
Was Rufus able to figure that out just from their conversation? Riku tried to gather his thoughts. This wasn't exactly the topic he wanted to go into.
"I guess being too busy with work leaves me with no time to date."
The blonde man laughed. "Oh I'm sure that's not true."
Well, not entirely true. Riku tried to laugh and shrug off the topic. Rufus could tell he had touched a delicate spot.
"I hope I wasn't prying, it was curiosity speaking."
"No, it's okay. I should be used to the questions."
"Some of us are simply devoted to our work. Nothing wrong with that," Rufus said. "But I will say one thing."
"What would that be?"
There was a glint in Rufus' eyes as he took a moment to pause and look the model over. Riku seemed unaffected by the intensity.
"Whoever gets you, is a lucky person."
-XXXXX-
"Vanitas, what a pleasant surprise."
Auron was sitting in a red chair inside his office addressing the dark haired man currently pouring himself a drink from the many bottles lining a table. Vanitas brought the glass up to his nose and took in a whiff, his nostrils burning with the strong odor of the alcohol.
"Is it now Auron? I thought we were friends."
The aging man chuckled. "Please, Vanitas. You managed to catch one of my men trying to screw me over, I took care of the situation and owed you a favor in return. A favor, if I may recall, I've already fulfilled."
"And I was grateful for it," Vanitas replied taking a swig of his drink and immediately feeling his throat clench from the harsh bite of the liquor. "But I'm here on a business related matter."
This seemed to spark Auron's interest as he sat up slightly in his chair, placing a finger on his lips.
"Oh? What kind of business matter? Have a seat."
Vanitas took his offer and sat down, cradling his drink. He took a moment to collect his thoughts.
"The group I got some of my product from decided to step out for a while. So, it's leaving me in a rather tough spot, you hear where I'm coming from?"
Auron could feel his lips pulling into a grin. "I did hear about a certain redhead making some stupid mistakes and bringing unwanted attention from the government."
"Good, so you understand the situation."
"Very much so," Auron replied getting up from his seat and going over to the table housing the bottles of liquor. "And now you're in need of someone with the capability of acquiring product from Wonderland."
Vanitas watched as Auron poured himself a drink, the entire time tapping his finger against his glass in a rather unsteady rhythm.
"Seems like you know exactly what's on my mind."
"Well I'm flattered that you thought to come to me," Auron corked the bottle and walked back, letting out a sigh as he sat back down. "There's nobody in this entire city with better connections than me. Don't believe any of the shit you hear out there, nobody has anything on me."
Vanitas smiled. "So can I count on you for this?"
Auron ran a finger around the rim of his drink, eyeing Vanitas up and down for a second.
"Alright, I'll get you set up with some new product."
The dark haired man could feel a sense of relief wash over him. But when he saw Auron raise a finger and that sly smile creeping on his face, he knew something was already up.
"In regards to my share of the profits of whatever you sell, I won't need it."
He must have heard wrong. Auron didn't want any share of the profits from his sales? This was unheard of, and more than anything, very unnerving. Vanitas knew the workings of the shady world, there wasn't anybody in it that would offer something without the prospects of gaining something in return. He took another drink from his glass, but seemed to disregard the burning sensation this time around. Vanitas tried to appear collected.
"I don't think I'm following."
The middle aged man leaned back against his cushiony chair. "You heard me, I don't want the money. Keep it, move into a nicer place than that dump you call a home."
"Auron, if you're trying to see me for an idiot, you're sadly mistaken."
"I would never dare," Auron replied followed by an unsettling loud laugh. "Alright, alright, you caught me. There is something I want."
If that was Auron's idea of a joke, Vanitas wasn't laughing. "Fine, what percent of the earnings do you want-"
Auron cut Vanitas off with a gesture of his hand. "No money."
"Then what?"
The older man licked his lips, eyeing Vanitas up and down once more. He stood up, slowly walking around his desk until he was standing behind Vanitas. He could feel his eyes staring down at him, it was an overwhelming presence. Auron wrapped an arm around Vanitas and brought his mouth to his ear.
"I want Sora."
~00000~
