Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Kingdom Hearts, except this story, my leather wallet and the game… and my imagination… :-: drools :-: One can only dream…

Leo: I'm sorry that the last chapter took so long to update, I had the idea of the chapter done, but I thought I'd pay respect to all of my reviewers, cause they are the people for whom I write this for… also to improve my writing abilities, cause I'm experimenting with different and unique ways of writing for my final exam of high school… Well anyways, enjoy…

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Chapter 8 – The beginning of a beginning

(AN: That's a perfect example of my laziness to think of a chapter name)

It was four days since Sora and Riku became boyfriends on that fateful night at the bar (AN: Did I ever give it a name…) and Sora felt like he was on cloud nine. Heck, even their largest crowd turnout couldn't stop the butterflies that were building in his stomach that Riku gave him. Speaking of the silver haired male, he was in Sora's dressing room, applying the facial applications, due to him and his brother's workplace they naturally have to have the experience on applying make-up.

Sora kept very still as Riku slowly and carefully moved the eyeliner at the bottom of Sora's eyes, making it darker than normally. Now that he was out of his depressive state, Sora was starting to question the dark designs on their face, even though they weren't technically metal. But his ever reliant boyfriend kept telling the singer that he looked absolutely sexy and cute, if it were possible, in that make-up. So in the end Sora stuck with his traditional, black eyeliner and paint that accompanied his right cheek. This time however, Riku did something to Sora's hair, making him seem less… gothic in a way, which was to add glitter into the singers hair that would, when combined with the stage lighting, would radiate a brilliant shine form his hair.

Also a change in Sora's wardrobe occurred, replacing his black long sleeved shirt, with a short sleeve shirt with a black jacket for the opening song, which had a tear in the right sleeve so he could play the guitar without any interference with the jacket. (AN: It's true, if the sleeves are too long then the jacket mutes the sound of the guitar… that's why I have a slit in my jacket so it falls limply away from the guitar…)

But of course old traditions die hard so Sora took out his black jeans and still decided to wear it, even though they were designed to be a formal wear. (AN: Again same with me… I have to play my guitar in any of my black long legged pants, jeans or whatever…)

Riku looked over the new and slightly improved singer of Red Nocturne and gave a small whistle of approvement, before pulling him in for a small kiss of good luck before he went on stage. Even though Riku was allowed full backstage access being Sora's boyfriend, he still had some of the tradition rock respects for the backstage. Including wearing a labelled band t-shirt, his was Grinspoon's Show Pony Tour featuring all of their tour stops (AN: I NEED THAT SHIRT) as well as black long pants, which wear his black cargoes, and sneakers.

He also respected the work of the Roadies, which every rock artist knows are the vitals to any rock event that occurs as they transport the equipment, set up the instruments, tune the instruments, set up the microphones and speaker systems as well as check the lighting and co-ordination of any pyro works that may happen during the show. So in short they were everything about the show, except for the music. (AN: Long live the Roadies!)

Luckily enough for Riku, Sora wrote down his version of the top ten essential guide to backstage activities during a rock concert it went sort of like this…

1. The a major rock band t-shirt is essential such as Mötorhead, Metallica, Nirvana etc. is essential, however bands such as Linkin Park, Nickleback and Daft Punk are banned… (Riku checked that off the list)

2. Do not ask for autographs as the backstage is reserved FROM the public (Riku placed a note next to that one)

3. All black attire (including sneakers) is essential (Yet another check)

4. The good alcoholic drinks is reserved for the band and roadies, however the sneak and steal technique is allowed (Riku already mastered that)

5. The backstage pass can be used to score dates, but one nighters only (Riku considered that point, but then again he was dating the lead singer… would could be better?)

6. Admiration of band means waiting by the wings (refer to rule 7) of the stage of up to half an hour before start (Well Riku missed that one… but then again he was styling Sora… so he had an excuse)

7. Do not go near wings of stage, always stand up to 10 metres away due to misconception of the public eye that you are a roadie, the most ridiculed people in the business. (Definitely needed to check that one…)

8. Talking is prohibited during a song, unless it's really awful, until the end where discussion is allowed (Simple)

9. Do not complain about the bad sound received from backstage, because you are not in front of speakers (Again that was simple)

10. Do not pay out Roadies, they set up everything… pay outs are reserved for when they don't do their job…

Riku looked at the list and returned it into his chest pocket and waited by the side of the wings where the rest of Red Nocturne were eagerly awaiting the start of the gig. Riku gave another small kiss to Sora when the sound managing roadie gave them the all clear and they headed out to the stage.

The response was dynamic, as Sora strode over to his traditional black guitar and picked it up from its stand, and adjusted the setting on his guitar pedals, same with the other guitarists, while Yuffie readied herself for the introduction of their new song that they were debuting at this gig. The song was going to be their next release for their second album, which was beginning its progress.

Yuffie raised her sticks and struck them together for the countdown which ended with Cloud giving a small but intriguing introduction solo to the song. To most of the audience it sounded like Cloud was playing a piano through his guitar, but Riku could see the pedal that Cloud was using to replicate the sound. Pretty effective in Riku's mind as he saw Sora stand still for a moment before approaching the mic, quickly looking back at Tidus who was thumping the bass sound quickly and heavily before beginning the lyrical part of the song.

(AN: I don't own this song which is Black Fingernails, Red Wine by Eskimo Joe, who are an Australian band, very good if you haven't heard of them)

Black fingernails, red wine

I wanna make you, all mine

A lot of people, underground

You wanna get there

You gotta go straight down

At this point Tidus' bass seemed to thump a little harder as Leon and Sora were introduced into the song through the bridge, both playing identical chords. Also Yuffie's snare drums make an entrance as she played along with Tidus' bass line for the bass kicker.

o-oh o-oh, straight down
o-oh o-oh

Here, both Leon and Sora stopped playing as Cloud and Tidus continued the rhythm and beat for the song as Sora continued onto the second verse.

There's a culture, everywhere
Smoke clouds, hang in the air
So loud, can't hear you talk
You and I
Should take a walk downtown

Again Sora and Leon introduced their guitaring into the bridge

o-oh o-oh, straight down
o-oh o-oh, downtown
o-oh o-oh, straight down
o-oh o-oh

Here Leon broke off into a heavier and faster chord playing while Sora continued his chords though a little faster to suit the intensity that the song produced in their chorus.

The argument over God, continues
(At) this hell
All of us stand and point our fingers
(At) the ground
All of us stand and point our fingers

Here they winded down for an outro bridge into the third verse that continued like the first two, so basically the song continued until the fourth verse.


o-oh o-oh, straight down
o-oh o-oh

Red letter day, black heart
It's gonna tear you, all apart
So loud, can't hear you call
You and I
Are gonna fall straight down

o-oh o-oh, straight down
o-oh o-oh, downtown
o-oh o-oh, straight down
o-oh o-oh

The argument over God, continues
(AT) This hell
All of us stand and point our fingers
(At) the ground
The argument overall, continues
(At) This hell
All of us stand and point our fingers

o-oh o-oh, straight down
o-oh o-oh, straight down
o-oh o-oh, straight down
o-oh o-oh

Black fingernails, red wine
I wanna make you, all mine
A lot of people, underground
You wanna get there
You gotta go straight down

Here, everyone stopped playing for a few seconds getting a roar from the crowd who were living through this song, and so was Riku who was captivated by everyones movement and coordination that was apparent through their timing and rhythm. Until Tidus and Yuffie brought everyone back into the intense chorus.


The argument over God, continues
(At) this hell
All of us stand and point our fingers
(At) the ground
The argument overall continues
(At) this hell
All of stand and point our fingers

At the closing of the song everyone played as hard and as intense as they could to captivate the audience for the outro.


o-oh o-oh, straight down
o-oh o-oh, straight down
o-oh o-oh, straight down
o-oh o-oh

The audience could finally be heard as the music died down for good on that song, which received an outstanding ovation from the crowd and even from Riku who was cheering from nearby the wings, still sticking by Sora's guidelines.

"They're good aren't they." A voice was heard from behind Riku, causing the singer's boyfriend to turn around to see a auburn haired girl around Sora's age, looking at the band whom was currently performing their second song for the night.

"Kairi? That's right they're the opening act for you guys aren't they?" Riku said coolly sticking his hands into his pockets. (AN: RIKU! RULE NO. 8!)

"Yea, they're gonna be huge once a proper record company gets a hold of them… I mean they're producer is alright, but that new song should be released with like Dominic or something like that. (AN: For those who know I made Dominic, a rip off name for the actual record label Domino, who have Franz Ferdinand and Arctic Monkeys as they main bands).

"Sora wouldn't let that happen… well maybe Dominic because they are an independent label… he's really sensitive to his music." Riku said looking at Sora who had gotten rid of his guitar as he mainly focused on his vocal effort for the current song.

"Wow, you really love him don't you…" A little downcast attitude lingered on Kairi's voice as she said that. Riku turned and faced and gave her a little hug out of his brotherly caring for her still after their break-up.

"I'm sorry for what I did. I'm glad we're still friends through all of that."

"Are you kidding me, like I can try and forget you Riku…" Kairi but the last comment in before she was called off to the rest of the band who were doing their final preparations before they went on stage.

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After their performance Sora said his farewells to the rest of the band as he and Riku we're going back to his place for a short time. On the car ride home all Sora could think of his return back to Hearts Valley and what that would do to Riku's relationship, so he decided to voice his concern.

"Riku, you know I'm going back to Hearts Valley in two days." Sora began what was about to be an awkward conversation for him.

"Yeah I know. So what's the problem?" Riku said keeping his eyes on the road though fully paying attention to what his lover was saying.

"Well, can our relationship last the distance and all of that I mean, I don't want to lose you after four days of seeing you again and what we've done…" Sora's words left his mouth without even thinking about it, even so his mind was in meltdown causing his worry to overpower him as he started to cry over losing Riku. In hearing this Riku pulled over and unclipped his seatbelt, allowing him to give his love a small hug and a kiss on the top of his head which made the singer calm slightly.

"Sora you know I'll never leave your side…" Riku couldn't finish as Sora blurted out his thoughts, cutting the silver haired male.

"But with your family, your job and your house I can't…" Sora was the one stopped that time by Riku's lips lightly crushing onto his in a quick but effective kiss.

Riku pulled back slightly revealing the now quiet and blushing Sora who sat rigid in his position in the passenger seat of his lover's car. Now Riku pulled on his seatbelt and clicked it into place as he continued driving to his house, but still continuing the conversation.

"Sora look in the centre console." Was all that Riku said, his eyes back onto the road, transfixed at the traffic that was surrounding the car during the late night traffic as a cause of both the gig and the football game that concluded about ten minutes ago as well, causing filled up lanes of cars. So Sora looked in the console to find a small rectangular cardboard shape, on which had some form of writing. Sora picked the small object up and his eyes widened and mouth dropped at the sight of what he saw.

It was a plane ticket for Riku to travel one way to Hearts Valley…

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Leo: Yea, it's kinda short chapter word-wise for me, and it's going to be like this for a while until I hit the really good chapter and then expect fairly long chapter of about five thousand to seven thousand, but that's not for a couple of chappies… so please review and I'll see ya later

Molokai: Me too…

Leo: Where were you in the introduction?

Molokai: Just went out to get you some dessert…

Leo: Wow… well anyways catch ya later!