Warnings: yaoi, AU, slight moments of nose bleed, possibly major angst in later chapters, emotion stress, attitude, crossovers, possibly major flirtation action, stuff even I don't know about

Pairings: Irvine/Squall, Reno/Vincent?, the rest is unknown at the moment.

Author's comments: Yes I had another random inspiration. This time I wanted to make a band. Soooo I made three bands! SeeD, The Posse, and Chaos Materia. Two FF8 bands and one FF7 and well…the plot will be told inside the story in a sec. But mostly the focus will be on Irvine and Squall so I say…I get the feeling it'll be jumping around from band to band…

Comments: things in italics lyrics or well, singing

things in bold what the character is thinking

FF Banding Together 1

Finally the big break, the thing they'd been waiting for all this time. This would be their chance to shine, their chance of glory! People would learn that they weren't just a grocery store band, they were a band. They were THE band. They were the best band there was and they were going to prove it at the Bahamut competition…once they got out of the car anyway. There was still a ways of riding to go through before they arrived.

Irvine sighed lazily opening his eyes as he stared out the window of the limousine, looking out at the city lights, already seeing the people starting to gather around to follow the limo as it rode by. Yes, this was one of the biggest events ever in Gaia and somehow his band was one of the three to make it there. He had to admit that he was very very proud of his band. Irvine glanced back into the car, looking to his other two band mates. Zell was sitting on the other end of the seat he was sharing with Irvine, his feet actually up on the chair as he was curled up on himself napping. It was good he was getting rest now. Earlier he was hopping around with such excitement, you'd think he were a kid going to a carnival.

Zell Dincht, the man with the sticks, their drummer. He could be considered just as popular as Irvine himself, his tattoo lending a hand to this as well as his extreme enthusiasm. Right now the cute little drummer was wearing a soft silk white shirt, the buttons actually loose because Zell said he felt more comfortable that way. That wasn't going to help them once the fans spot the smooth skin of his hairless chest or his sleepy eyed look. His pants were white as well, with zippers going up the sides to stop at the lower part of his thighs. Zell was almost a perfect picture of innocence, almost. Yes, the zippers on his soft silky white pants were zipped up as well showing more creamy skin as his legs were curled up on the seat as well between them, taking up space and generally just flashing constantly at Irvine. It took Irvine a good deal of willpower to remember that he was a straight man, not a gay one. Eden only knows what kind of troubles that would cause. They'd just have to remember to tell Zell to fix himself before they got out, or else there be problems with rioting females. Leading down from his pants where white boots, also with zippers and straps going across them that said it probably took about three minutes to get out of them each. With all the white on, the black of the interesting tattoo on his cheek stood out. His hair stuck up in the air as well, seeming to defy gravity even without the help of gel cream and such. He was just the perfect picture of the positive.

Moving his eyes away from the slightly younger boy quickly, Irvine looked across to the other band member there and his girlfriend. His eyes narrowed slightly and he sniffed turning his eyes out towards the city again. To be honest, they'd never gotten along. Squall Leonhart. He was the guitar player for the band who also seemed to harbor a sort of hate for the auburn haired male. No one ever really knew what it was between them that caused such hate. Irvine knew. It was the other's lack of dedication to the band. He always spent his time around his girlfriend doing who knows what and no one ever said anything. 'He's allowed free time just like the rest,' says Quistis, their manager. Sheesh, what does she know? Though glancing back again Irvine could see why their boss wouldn't want to get rid of him. Aside from himself, Squall was simply gorgeous. His dark locks not really staying in place and always moving with the slightly tilt of his head, sometimes covering over an eye in such a sexy way. Instead of wearing white like Zell, Squall wore black. His outfit was slightly different in that he wore leather instead. It wasn't that hard leather either but the soft kind that looked oh so good and shiny but still allowed you to move around. Though the pants didn't have the marvelous designing of Zell's with the zippers, they did come with random red gun holsters that would crisscross at Squall's hips. One could say they'd draw the attention downwards but Irvine was being a nice guy today. There were no guns in them at all, just the idea of having them for design. Squall's black boots were simple; however, as they just zipped up at the center to the top and that was it. However, unlike Zell's boots that were only ankle high, Squall's went up to the center of the calf, the pants covering over them. Just for today these clothing were for show. They had so much wardrobe it was insane.

Heck, even Irvine's own clothing could be considered weird as he was wearing his glitter decorated black hat. Actually the hat was sitting on the floor in front of him during the ride but when he got out he'd have to wear it. His shirt was white just like Zell's except it was buttoned up, just designed to show his midriff and taunt stomach. His pants were again black, giving the alternation that he was a part of both his band members, stayed tight against his legs feeling to him like they were just a part of him now. He was itching to get out of them really as he'd worn them too long and they were starting to get uncomfortable, especially in the crotch area. As the pants traveled down his legs they seemed to seamlessly go into the pair of white boots that came up to the knee. His boots were meant to be tied up with black shoestrings and so had been, the bow draping down the sides. Aside from all this, he also had a Zebra like coat that he also had sitting on the ground in front of them. Sometimes he wondered if they should have been called the 'Zebra Boys' instead of 'SeeD'.

Yes it was a boy band all the way. In fact the only females there were the manager Quistis and Rinoa, Squall's girlfriend. She was sitting beside Squall, her head resting on his arm as she slept quietly. It had been a long ride from the airport, and they were just now 15 minutes into the city itself. The city was littered with people wandering around, trying to sell T-shirts and false tickets to the major concert soon to happen.

"We're there now, so everyone get ready. Someone wake Zell up now." That was the manager. She was sitting up front and had spoken through the intercom installed inside the limo. With a sigh, Irvine finally sat up reaching down to place the hat on him and also sliding his arms in zebra coat as he labeled it. Ah, it's show time. He reached down shaking Zell awake just as the limo was slowing down. Glancing over he saw Rinoa just starting to awaken before suddenly the door to the limo was opened and he stepped out putting on his playboy of a grin for all the female fans. Yes this was his life. Was it going to get better from here or worse?

Squall snorted slightly as he stepped out after Irvine, his feet landing down on the red carpet as he stood then turned around helping Rinoa out of the car. It was public news already to the point that Rinoa could be considered just as famous as himself. Rinoa instantly latched onto his arm once she was out of the car, the lights from the flashing of cameras blinding the both of them. It was really a good thing he was used to it. He recalled being told about Zell when he first joined and how he actually had fallen over.

With a slight glance behind him, he saw Zell step out as well, his shirt still unbuttoned causing a sudden gushing of screams from females nearby as they started pushing against the guards around them trying to get to the blond boy. Shit! "Zell, get a move on," Squall said to him as he held onto Rinoa's hand tighter and started to walk faster. Zell didn't hesitate, rushing past the other as he went on inside the giant hotel doors. He didn't need to be told twice. Squall also knew from experience when the fans broke loose and practically chased them down in an almost riot. It would be worse this time considering that three top bands had come today. He preferred not to be the first one this time. Speaking of which, where is that idiot singer?

As if hearing his words, Irvine waved to Squall as soon as he had entered the hotel, then turned and walked off down a hallway. Squall assumed that meant he wanted him to follow and went along, tugging Rinoa beside him. She was still in a bit of a daze from all the lights, but that couldn't be helped. As he was following behind Irvine he could see the man talking to Zell, admonishing him from what Squall could tell, considering he was pointing to Zell's chest then towards the doors outside. Obviously he was talking about the fact that Zell had forgotten to button up his shirt before getting out the car. Squall walked faster so he could catch up, Rinoa keeping up at his side as he got closer to the other two coming in on the tail end of the conversation.

"So just be careful in the future, ok?" Irvine said tipping his hat back slightly.

"Hey, come on. You act like I don't know what I'm doing. I've been in this band as long as you have!" Zell huffed slightly then turned walking backwards. "Hey, you've only been with us one and a half months now, haven't cha, Squall?"

Squall blinked realizing that someone was talking to him then snorted slightly at that. "Two months." Of course he knew how long he'd been with the band because he knew when he got paid and how much.

"Tsk, I don't even know why you bother." Irvine sent a slight glare back at Squall then rolled his eyes looking ahead again. "It's not like he cares about anything but the money."

Squall scowled at that clenching his free hand into a fist. "And all you care about is getting laid."

"Stop it! That's enough!" Quistis, who had been leading the group down the hallway this whole time turned around and glared at the lot of them. "This is not the place nor the time for such nonsense. You are to look and act professional while you are staying here this week."

"Psh. I don't see why we have to stay the whole week anyway," Irvine said holding the rim of his hat and tilting it down sexily. "We really don't need the practice because we're better than the rest of them anyway."

"You know why we have to stay. Besides just being here we need to practice through the songs, both our own and the one they will give us. Now act like you two have some civility!" Quistis turned and started down the hallway again leaving the other four staring at her back. Yeah Quistis was one for a short fuse.

"Hmm…I wonder what has her panties in a knot," Irvine said shrugging his shoulders as he started off after her.

"…." Squall just settled for glowering after him before he finally registered the tugging on his hand and looked over at Rinoa.

"Calm down, Squall. Don't let him get to you. He's pigheaded, we know that." She smiled up at him holding his hand in both of her smaller softer ones. Squall sighed softly and finally began to calm down, starting to walk after the others now. This was supposed to be one of the best hotels in Gaia. And really, it was nothing like their Balamb hotel at all. No matter where you went there was a soft plush carpet under your feet. It looked like it got cleaned probably ten times a day since there wasn't a single piece of trash on the ground or even insects crawling around. The paint and wallpapers weren't peeling off the walls and ceilings. All the bulbs shined brightly. The servants walking by smiled at you politely and looked willing to help you should you need it. Then again they were a popular band, of course they would want to help.

"Here," Quistis said stopping the group and turning towards the door. "This is Irvine's room. Room 110." She turned to the cowboy dressed male, so Squall liked to call him, and handed him a key card. "Your stuff is already inside the rooms so get settled in now and then meet down at the lobby in ten minutes." She looked up towards them. "This means all of you. If you need me for anything I'll be in room 106." Which was just two doors down from Irvine's meaning she wouldn't have to hear his…nightly activities. Quistis walked up to Zell and gave him his room key, room 112, then gave Squall his, room 114. Evens on one side, odds on the other. Zell was the unlucky one to sleep in the room next to Irvine's. It had probably been done on purpose because of hostility between Squall and Irvine. Yes…Squall truly disliked Irvine. For many reasons he'd rather not list.

After giving them their keys, Quistis turned and walked off heading towards her room without a backward glance. They were on their own for…ten minutes? It seemed so short an amount for rest considering the travel they whole way there from the airport. If he recalled well, the only two that had stayed awake the whole time were him and Irvine. Sometimes he wondered about the other band groups and if they had this sort of problems. He took a guess that they'd find out today.

"Shall we get going?" Rinoa smiled at him having taken the key away while he was thinking and unlocked the door. Squall nodded his head as he followed her inside the room. He didn't want to say it but he depended a lot on Rinoa. She was the only one who had ever tried to communicate with him. Maybe that was why he clinged to her. He wasn't sure but he was glad she was here for him. That way he wasn't alone.

Irvine gave out a deep contented sigh, stretching his arms up above his head. Man it was great to finally get a chance to relax! Sitting in a car for that long had given him a backache. He couldn't say he was looking forward to going to the lobby. But it was probably something important. Quistis would have just given them the sheet music if it had been just that. It was probably a reception or something that was welcoming them. Who wouldn't want to welcome him? Well his room was really nice, and very comfortable looking.

Since he was the only one rooming there they had provided him with giant bed with silk sheets, and a couch, which sat at the other side of the room. The restroom was by the door but looking inside, he was surprised at how huge it was. It even had a Jacuzzi! The bath itself was about the size of a tiny swimming pool. And there was room service ready to provide him with anything! Oh he'd have fun at this one. It was like a mini apartment. Irvine glanced over towards the clock and saw the time. Eight minutes and counting till he had to be down at the lobby. With a sigh he tilted his head forward and slipped back out of the room, putting the keycard in his pocket. Ah, he might as well go early and see what it was about. Maybe he'd mingle with some of the guest there. Yeah.

As he made itself to the lobby, he kept thinking becoming more and more frustrated with his thoughts of Squall. His ponytail would swing back and forth with each step as he got nearer. Did he really dislike Squall that much? Sometimes he would actually decide the guy wasn't so bad until he said something sarcastic anyway. But then what band didn't have a conflict in it?

Irvine finally made it to the lobby and stepped inside before he was frozen at the door. Ah, unexpected, very unexpected. The other two bands were here as well. Maybe he was early. He smiled slightly and started inside the lobby. It wasn't just the band groups there but there were other people as well, guest from all around the world who were all staying at the hotel for the big event. However, this was more like a miniature party for the three competing groups.

Tsk, more like a fashion show.

Yes, just as the SeeD had been forced the dress up for their appearance. So where the other bands as well. And he had to admit…they didn't look bad, not at all. One of them actually caught his attention and he stared after him, curiosity blurring in his mind. The long, black haired male just walked by him without even a glance his way, eyes a beautiful red color which Irvine questioned to be contacts, even though his own were strangely violet themselves. The man had a spiked color around his neck, a tag dangling back and forth from it though it was too late for Irvine to read it as he was already gone. However, it didn't stop Irvine's eyes from trailing over his body, watching the sway of hips as the other walked, a strange sense of confidence radiating from him, that and something else.

"I see you've taken quite an interest in our dancer."

Irvine turned around quickly at the sound of the voice and came face to face with another male, this one with red hair that was about the length of his own. The man gave a cheeky grin and Irvine had to smile back slightly though he was a little startled by the other sneaking up on him. No one really ever got away with that. "Dancer?"

"Yes. Vincent Valentine." The male stuck a toothpick in his mouth, probably for no more reason than something to chew on. "He's actually a new addiction to our band but he's been well…I'd say a very good addiction." A certain light shined in his eyes and Irvine shook his head. "Well he's interesting, I can say that."

"Yes, it's been said that he's even enough to turn a man gay." He lifted his brow slightly at Irvine, his eyes searching him as he reached up again taking the toothpick from his mouth. "But I'm sure you'd know about that sorta thing."

"Hey, I'm not gay!" Irvine winced slightly at the loudness and lowered his voice glowering at the man for accusing him of being what he wasn't.

The man shrugged slightly. "Suit yourself, Irvine Kinneas, or should I say Mr. Kinneas." He laughed slightly and tossed the toothpick down stepping on it and turning his foot listening for it to snap in two before he continued. "If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm Reno. We'll be competing against each other in the Bahamut competition." A smirk lifted to Reno's lips as he reached up, his fingers just about to touch Irvine's face before he brought then back down, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oops, I almost forgot. You're not gay. A man's touch would probably scar you for life. Too bad, really." Without another word, Reno turned around, his hands sliding into his pockets as he started off getting lost in the crowd of people. How he did it was a mystery considering how bright that hair was. Either way it left Irvine growling and ready for revenge. Oh he'd show him a thing or two.

Just wait! Once I win this competition you'll be begging to be in my band! Ha!

Still his eyes turned slightly in the direction in which the black haired angel had went before he heard voices calling his name and turned starting off through the crowd heading over towards Quistis, Zell, and Squall…and Rinoa…. Ok fine, he didn't like Rinoa. Maybe that was part of the reason he hated Squall. He didn't know why but he couldn't stand that girl, and it always made him have a bad mood afterwards. Tsk…ah well.

TBC

And so Part one ends. It was a lot of description…I…think blinks But that's ok! Because part two is um…well…I don't know yet but it'll be there soon IF I get at least one review saying that someone at least liked it. blinks It's pointless writing for no one, ya know?