A/N: First off, once again, thanks so much to all who reviewed!

Next order of business… sorry about the long wait for this chapter guys! I had to write a bunch of exams, and all of that sort of got in the way. I made sure to make this chapter longer to make up for the wait you guys!

Anyways, I'm sorry for the really random scenes in the chapter… if they seem that way that is. I meant this chapter to be another sort of band-bonding chapter, if you catch that. Btw, "scones" are just English muffins. If you've noticed so far, I've been avoiding using country names and such in anything really, just because even though this world is like ours, it isn't ours, you know? Yeah yeah, enough of my rambling, just go ahead and read!

And Sora's dream… really random. I'm not sure if I meant it to be funny like "haha omg Diamonds is such a dork" or like parody stuff. You choose. :P

Summary: AU: Riku's band has the chance of a lifetime--they've finally made it to the Nationals. Between a wild road trip to the finals, band bonding and heated rivalry, which band will rise above the rest for a shot at fame? Sokai, Namiku, AkuRoku. Rated for strong language and suggestive themes.

Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Kingdom Hearts or Final Fantasy or England. :P

LiD: Rise and Crescendo

Chapter Four: Abs of Steel

Almost two days had passed since LiD left Destinyville. They had stayed at two decent motels the previous nights, and the breakfast they served wasn't too bad. Hank's House—one of the motels they'd stayed in—had served a nice vegetarian breakfast for Naminé, in her opinion, complete with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and toasted scones.

Tidus, as he persisted, got his meat once again ("Hey, slow down man!" Sora had cried when he saw Tidus snorting three platefuls of bacon and eggs. Tidus, in turn, had thrown him a savage snarl.)

Shaking her head at the memory, Naminé leaned back in her seat to take in her surroundings. As the previous afternoons, the sun's rays poured into the convertible, wind whipping by. Naminé watched as the wind entangled itself into the silver-haired teen sitting in front of her, sending silver tresses in every which direction.

Riku was currently driving, his and Tidus' shades pulled on to block out the sun's intensity. Tidus was sitting back in his passenger seat, with his feet propped up on the dashboard to support the map, head bobbing up and down to the beat of his mp3. Naminé grimaced—the rest of the group wouldn't be happy to see greasy stains on the map in his lap from the pepperoni he was devouring ("Nooo!" Tidus had moaned, as they had piled into the car earlier that morning. "We can't leave without pepperoni! I love pepperoni!").

Sora lay asleep in the back, with his head resting on the door, and one leg half-propped on the seat to maximize his comfort. Kairi, too, lay asleep in the comfort of her boyfriend's arms.

They look so cute together, Naminé thought warmly, before drawing her attention to the scenery passing alongside her: lush green meadows settled in the mists of a clear, bright blue sky. Trees burst to view in and out of the blurred beauty, disappearing just as suddenly as the convertible raced by.

When Naminé looked up, she found herself lost in the sky's depth, and for a moment, she could feel herself being lifted, the wind caressing through her hair. She would remember this scene for later, for her sketchbook.

Her stomach rumbled, so she decided to reach down and search through her tote for something to eat. After settling on some baby carrots, she pulled herself back up, but not before catching a pair of aqua eyes behind shades in the rearview mirror.

Her breath caught in her throat. Of course, she realized he wasn't looking back at her, but still. His eyes were focused on the road before them, searching the road signs for their next pit stop. Her eyes, however, didn't leave the mirror.

She could barely see them through his glasses, but a distinct outline was there. His eyes almost looked tranquil, as if he too, were lost in his thoughts. Naminé thought about the odd contrast Riku made with his friends. He was a lot quieter (almost intimidating) then the rest of the gang. Sora with his happy-go-lucky, carefree attitude; Kairi and her fiery personality; and Tidus, who was also laidback (almost to the point of laziness), but flirtatious nonetheless. Naminé smiled to herself. This was a tight group, and a part of her envied the fact that she never had the chance to join in.

Brilliant aqua eyes suddenly flashed to meet hers.

Naminé felt heat rise to her face; she ungracefully looked away—Stupid! He caught you! Again!—but not before catching the amusement hidden behind his dark frames, a slight crinkle in his eyes as he went back to looking at the road.

Naminé settled back in her seat. She had to stop watching him like this. Or at least, you could be more subtle. Sulkily, she went back to staring out at the landscape, and quietly began munching on her carrots.

LiD

Riku smiled in amusement.

He had been driving soundlessly towards their next stop, bored out of his mind at the lack of entertainment. Tidus listening to his own music (and working his way through his stick of beef jerky now. It seemed to Riku that Tidus was paying more attention to not missing a morsel of his darling meat than finding the next pit stop); Kairi and Sora still peacefully asleep in the back, and Naminé… well…

Naminé was as quiet as ever. He honestly couldn't remember if she had always been like this… but he felt that she was too quiet, and he didn't want to scare her. Well, not yet, anyways. It could possibly be funny to see her scampering off like a mouse, but then Kairi would get the last say in that one. Still though.

Huh, he thought, if she expects to hang out with us, then she'd better start talking some more. Our group's one hell of a rowdy one. He remembered glancing back at her that morning when they had left, only to see her red face buried in her hands, as the trio had goofed around. He wondered now how she would fit in.

Even though Riku was fond of his band… after hanging out for so long with his idiot of a best friend, his girl, and the other clown, it was… different to have someone so pacified enter the picture. He briefly wondered if she would be able to handle their practice sessions once they reached Twilight City. There's no way we're babysitting her if she doesn't want to stick around…

But then… he did find her amusing. The way her crystal blue eyes had widened in embarrassment; how she covered it with a light cough all the while averting her eyes. So amusing… it's almost cute. Flicking his eyes up, he saw her nibbling meekly on a few baby carrots, staring determinedly away from the rearview mirror. As expected though, for a brief instant, brilliant blue eyes strayed to meet his aqua orbs before they snapped away again, Naminé's face bright red.

Riku smirked to himself again.

LiD

Everything was… blue. And pink. And white. And brown. Okay, so maybe everything wasn't one colour. Either way, Sora found himself surrounded by sweet colours, all swirling and about as he fell… sinking deeper and deeper…

Mmm… candy…

I'd really like some candy right now, Sora thought intelligibly. But a sudden jerk told him he had landed from his dreamy haze, and rolling to his feet, Sora looked around.

He stood on a stained-glass platform… no wait! For it was not stained-glass! It was merely peanut brittle, so glossed with sugar it looked like glass. Mmm… kneeling over, Sora licked the ground.

So much to do, so little time, a voice said. Do not be deceived by all that is sweet. Sora frowned. I'm not, he responded. I don't fall for Kairi's… girlish tricks every time.

Yes you do. Shut up, so maybe I do; guys will do crazy things for a girl they love, okay? Words of the ignorant. Say that again!

That's beside the point! Young one, you have a greater purpose. Prove yourself, and choose your weapon.

Frowning at the sudden change of topic—Sora had been so sure he was going to win that argument—he stepped forwards, when three pedestals appeared. To his left was a red and white stripped candy cane, like the Winter Holiday ones only much larger; to his right was an enormous jawbreaker—I wonder if it has a bubble gum center…

And right in front, was the single most massive, most incredible, colorful, sour-istic sour key ever.

What will you choose?

Hey wait; why do I get candy? Why isn't there anything cool, like a bloody axe or a dangerous sword or a huge stick of pepperoni?

Pepperoni? Sora cursed himself for spending so much time around Tidus. Never mind.

Just choose.

Striding forwards, Sora gripped the sour key. There; happy? In response, a door opened before him, light streaming onto the brilliant peanut brittle floor…

… One laboured step at a time, Sora entered the light…

But remember young one. The stronger your sweet tooth becomes, the more it will consume you… control you…

Whirling, Sora looked around. What? But he didn't need to look any further. Suddenly, the innocent, glossy ground beneath him reached scorching temperatures. With a yelp, Sora let up and tried to run, but at the edge of the platform was only more endless abyss of swirling colours.

Crying out, Sora collapsed, as he was swallowed by the caramel, sugary, sticky fluid. He began thrashing about, one hand reaching for help. Let me outta here! I'm serious! I want out!

"AHHHHHHH!"

—for the second time, Sora landed with a crash on hard ground.

"Dumbass!" a voice cursed at him. An angry, worried voice Sora knew all too well. Opening his eyes groggily, Sora suddenly remembered the horrific dream. Throwing himself to a sitting position to look up at Tidus, he retorted,

"What? No! This huge caramel… swamp swallowed me up! I couldn't breathe, I couldn't—ow!" From above, Kairi had whacked him on the head. Groaning, Sora suddenly realized he was on the grass beside the convertible.

"Are you still dreaming?" Kairi demanded, leaning over him from where she was still seated. Riku whirled around in the driver's seat, livid.

"Moron! Don't ever, ever, do that again!" Wincing, Sora grimaced. Riku only gets this pissed when he's freaked out.

"What did I do?" Sora insisted, rubbing the back of his head. What happened?

"Screamed like a friggin' girl! Scared the friggin' crap outta all of us!" Tidus snapped, yanking Sora to his feet. From what he could see, they'd pulled over, Tidus had jumped out and jerked open Sora's door—which was how he had ended up rolling onto the grass.

"Whaddya mean screamed like a girl?" Kairi growled, glaring daggers at Tidus.

"That's not the point!" Tidus cried out, as Sora clamoured back into the convertible. But that had been so real; they'd have done the same thing… His best friend was now staring back at the road in the driver's seat, his jaw taut. Recognizing the expression, Sora sighed. No doubt Riku was gonna be a jerk-ass for getting him all worked up.

Tidus slammed the door behind Sora, and hopped into the front passenger seat. "Dumbass," Tidus muttered again darkly as Riku revved up the car.

"Ugh, come on Sora," Kairi wrapped her arms around him, and raised one hand to ruffle his hair. Sora bit back the urge to cry out when she brushed against his bruise. Still feeling sulky, Sora said,

"I had a nightmare, okay? Not my fault. So just, yeah. Not my fault." Crossing his arms, Sora leaned back in his seat—they had shifted so now Sora was in the middle. Kairi giggled slightly, and leaned into her boyfriend.

"We know, we know, sorry for yelling at you," she soothed, threading arms around his waist as Riku steered the car back onto the road. From the front, Sora heard a distinct "Hmph" from Riku. Planting a light kiss on him, she laughed, "You're so cute when you're mad."

"I don't wanna be cute when I'm mad though!" Sora proclaimed, pulling on his best puppy dog face. As he expected, Kairi burst out giggling once more and snuggled in under his arm. Smirking slightly, Sora swung his arm up over Naminé's seat. Gotta love Kairi. No one jumps moods as fast she does. He rested his head on top of his girlfriend's, getting comfy. Shifting slightly, he turned to Naminé and said,

"Come on Naminé. Join the party." Naminé laughed and replied,

"Wouldn't want to make my sister jealous, now would I?" From the corner of his eye, Sora saw Riku's eyes flick to the rear view mirror, glancing at the backseat.

"Don't be stupid!" Kairi protested, lifting her head slightly. "There's more than enough Sora to go around!" Sora grinned and patted his stomach fondly.

"Yep," he added. "Nice and comfy, even with these mad steel abs of mine."

Riku snorted from the front. Tidus and Kairi snickered.

The car was now back in the mainstream, and they started passing other vehicles. Naminé smiled, almost sympathetically at him. Sora thought, wonder why she's so… timid? Surprisingly, Sora felt Naminé adjust so she could lay her head on his "abs of steel".

After glancing into the mirror, Tidus nudged Riku with a smirk and reclined back in his seat, taking up the leg space since Kairi had curled her legs up on the seat. With his hands behind his head, Tidus teased,

"Come on up here, Naminé, and we'll show you some real abs of steel."

"Yeah, don't be shy, Naminé," Riku drawled. "We won't bite."

"Not that hard anyways," Tidus added mischievously, sharing a knowing glance with Riku.

Sora opened his mouth to reply, but Naminé beat him to it.

"No thanks," she replied cheekily. "I'll stick to Sora's flubber." Sora smacked the top of her head playfully, but replied,

"See? What chick wants to lie on a sheet a metal anyways? You gotta learn to soften up for the ladies, guys."

"Whatever," Tidus retorted. "I've had more than enough chicks lie on these babies." Tidus patted his abdomen. Grinning, he asked Naminé,

"Wanna be my next contestant?" Naminé laughed, and Sora couldn't help but feel lightened. At least she's having fun with us… maybe she will come out of that shell of hers.

"Maybe some other time," she replied playfully. Tidus cocked an eyebrow back and sat up in his seat, just as Riku was heading towards the exit ramp.

"Eh? I'm gonna hold you to that babe," he smirked, relaxing against his reclined seat again. Sora laughed.

"Careful Naminé; if he tries anything funky, I'll kick his ass for you."

"Like to see you try."

Sora nudged Tidus in the head with his leg. Settling down with the two sisters on either side of him, Sora relaxed. Half way there, but I'm starting think I don't want this to end, he thought to himself, smiling.

LiD

Feeling the car pull into a stop, Naminé stirred and lifted her head from Sora's stomach. Okay, so it's not that flabby. But it had been fun teasing him all the same. The rays of dying light weren't too fierce, but Naminé didn't want to wake up all the same. Settling her head back down, she wasn't able to rest long before she felt someone shaking her.

"Naminé," a voice said. Calloused fingertips made contact with her supple skin. With a slight groan, Naminé forced herself to wake up completely. Above her, leaning over the car was a certain silver-haired, aqua-eyed young man. With a start Naminé sat up, flustered. Too bad she hadn't paid more attention. With the sudden motion, Riku had not had time to move away and when she sat up—

"Damn!" he cried out. Her blonde head had collided painfully with his face. Naminé tried to scramble away, horrified at what she had just done.

"I-I'm so sorry—I didn't—you—s-sorry..." the girl managed to splutter out, as she looked away. Her blonde bangs fell into her face, covering her eyes. Naminé, you are absolutely pathetic. Honestly, she cursed herself mentally. Shakily, she climbed out of the car, seeing Riku rubbing his nose in pain. Naminé rubbed her own arm awkwardly, and said to Riku in a small voice, "I really am sorry, I didn't mean to… I didn't see you there…" Riku sighed and said, nose and mouth still covered by his hand,

"It's fine, it's fine. Let's just get going inside, okay?" Naminé nodded her head and went to the back trunk, where Tidus and Kairi were already pulling out a few bags. Riku stayed beside the car, attempting to wake Sora up; the brown haired teen was putting up quite the struggle.

"We don't need everything," she heard Kairi say to Tidus. "We're only gonna be here for one night, so just take a change of clothes and a few things, okay?" Tidus grumbled in response. Two brunettes walked past, one of them "accidentally" bumping into the blond drummer while letting the pair run their eyes over his fit physique.

"Sorry," she said with a slight pout, while her friend burst into giggles. Turning, Tidus casually leaned against the car and said,

"I think I just died."

"Huh?" the girl asked, her giggling friend shutting up immediately. "I'm sorry—honestly, I was just…"

"Yeah, 'cause a couple of angels spent a little bit of their heavenly seconds, just for me." With that, Tidus smirked as the two girls burst into a fresh round of giggles. Still blushing, the two waved a cheerful goodbye as they continued on their way. Naminé saw Kairi look at her and pull a goofy, mocking imitation of one of Tidus's devilish smirks, rolling her eyes. Naminé threw her hand to her mouth to stifle her laughter.

"Hey, lover boy," Kairi called out to Tidus, who had become distracted with watching the girls leave. She chucked a bag at him, and he caught it just in time. "Come on—yeah, you too Naminé—let's get inside."

"What about Riku and Sor the Whore?" Tidus asked.

Kairi squinted her eyes at him suspiciously. "The Whore?" she repeated.

"Yeah, stupid jerk got to cuddle up with both you and your sexy-sweet sister." Naminé burst out laughing, and had to double over and kneel on the ground to stop herself from falling over entirely. It helped to cover up her beet-red face too. Kairi raised an eyebrow.

"Me?" Naminé gasped out, still laughing uncontrollably. "Sexy? Yeah, just as much as you are hard-working." Kairi burst out laughing at that, and Tidus couldn't help but join in.

If ever complimented, it was usually cute, adorable, pretty, sweet… but never sexy. Just the thought made her double up with laughter again at the ridiculous notion.

"Okay, okay," he admitted. "I was trying to compliment you, all right? Now come on already." Naminé nodded, still grinning. Scooping up her bag again, the three made their way to the motel steps. As they entered, Kairi said aloud sarcastically,

"Oh yeah, the other two will come as soon as the Whore wakes up."

LiD

Inside was dimly lit—the whole place didn't look too great. Wonderful. We're spending the night in a crap-shack. Kairi adjusted the bag on her shoulder, and dropped her stuff down at one of the waiting chairs by the front desk. Motioning to her sister, she said,

"Naminé—just stay here with the bags while me and Tidus go sort the rooms out, 'kay?" Naminé nodded obediently and sat down, knees together, ankles crossed, and slender hands folded in her lap. Today, she was wearing an airy pink peasant skirt that went just past her knees and a silky white, deep-necked (deep for Naminé anyways, Kairi thought) but still collared shirt. On quite the contrast, Kairi was wearing a denim blue mini-skirt. She also wore a lush red hoodie, since with dusk, it had gotten quite chilly. Besides, the red on the hoodie complimented her hair quite nicely, Kairi told herself.

Tidus, who'd also pulled on his navy-blue hoodie, was already standing in line—and thankfully, there were no pretty girls around to distract him. We're just gonna get the damn rooms, and if he wants to stay in some other chick's room for the night, then so be it. But that didn't mean she had to deal with his flirtatious ways now.

Shifting slightly, Kairi glanced at her baby sister and frowned. As much as she trusted her friends… she was worried their… flirtatious ways might be making Naminé uncomfortable. So far she seemed okay, but Kairi silently swore if Naminé ever felt even a bit awkward Kairi would personally kick Tidus' ass. Or Riku's. Whichever loser got to her first.

Rolling her eyes mentally, she pulled up her hood and jammed her hands in her hoodie's pocket to warm them up while they waited in line. Not that it was much of a line—only two other groups stood in front of them. Come on, come on already… Kairi thought impatiently, tapping her white sneakers on the floor.

And right on cue, Sora burst in through the door, hair still a mess from having just awoken and clothes wrinkled. Riku followed, dropping off his bags with Naminé as well. Somewhat surprised, Kairi saw Riku pause briefly in front of her sister, as though he was wanted to say something. He's been… really… weird lately. Unless… Whatever Riku had been going to say, he seemed to change his mind and decided to walk over to Tidus, Kairi and her approaching boyfriend.

Reaching her, Sora briefly kissed her on the cheek before saying,

"Sorry—I didn't know we got here—I was dreaming—no Kairi, don't look at me like that, not that dream… no, there wasn't any candy this time…" Kairi rolled her eyes at her boyfriend but let him wrap his arms around her waist anyways. Still feeling bad tempered in general—Sora was late, the line was taking forever, it was cold—Kairi didn't say anything. Whatever Kairi, she told herself. You know you're not gonna stay mad at Sora for long. No, he was too sweet and good-natured to hold a grudge against. Probably one of the reasons she'd come to love him so much.

"Oh come on Kai, it's not like it was important that I was here or anything…" Sora defended, as Kairi's forehead rested against Sora's neck. Guys are morons… she thought fondly.

"Yeah yeah, just kiss me and I'll forgive you," she replied sulkily, looking up to face him. With a grin, Sora complied enthusiastically. She didn't see Riku roll his eyes, but she was more than willing to bet he had when he said,

"Pshht. Couples."

Tidus drawled, "Yeah you two. Yeesh—get a room." Sora pulled away and replied flatly,

"We are getting a room, doofus." Kairi and Riku burst out laughing. As she had expected, Sora grinned and punched Tidus' arm good-naturedly and added teasingly, "You can share with Riku and Naminé." Brightening, Tidus said,

"Really?" Kairi pulled away from her boyfriend, and glanced at her sister. She hadn't seemed to have heard a thing, because she was still staring carelessly at the floor, lost in thought. Looking back at the three dorks in front of her, Kairi snapped,

"Eh? I don't think so. No way I'm leaving my baby sister with a guy like him." Kairi jabbed a finger into Tidus' chest. Riku laughed softly and tugged a few strands of her hair gently to get her attention,

"Don't worry—I'll protect her for you Kai."

Tidus smirked and double-punched Riku playfully in the chest with both fists. With a wink he replied,

"Atta boy, Riku! Just make sure you're… you know, protected as well." Riku looked torn between looking disgusted to make Kairi happy, or replying just as suggestively back for some kicks and man-pride. Dumbasses, Kairi snorted and said out loud,

"That's it—Naminé and me will share a room, you three are gonna take another." Sora's laughed,

"I should be disappointed, but I think I'll sleep easier too knowing Kai's sis is safe from any creeps." Riku smirked and shook his head, and Tidus started to say,

"Yeah, probably for her own good, I think—"

At that instant, the door to the motel foyer burst open.

LiD

Naminé looked up, startled at the interruption to her day-dreaming. Somehow, once again, she'd found herself lost in thoughts of Radiant Garden, thoughts of how her most beloved teacher had passed away (Will this feeling ever go away? she thought numbly)… and yet someone had seen fit to just barge in, laughing rather loudly. Well it's not their fault. Like they knew.

At the door, one of the rowdy young men who'd thrown open the doors turned to his companion and said something she couldn't hear, but it made the two break out in laughter. The young man in the lead strode on into the motel. His hair was like raging fire—in colour and in its shape, Naminé thought. It was complimented by unnaturally green eyes, which were decorated with thin black eyeliner from what Naminé could see.

An expression of sheer superiority was plastered on his face, perfected with a smug smirk at the commotion he'd manage to arise with his grand entrance. He was wearing black leather pants, and 

overtop was an intimidating black trench coat with a high collar – all the better for burying him from prying eyes.

The companion that flanked him was a blonde; hair strung up in a semi-Mohawk without the baldness. He too wore a black trench coat, though his was thrown open to reveal a pitch black sweatshirt with an unrecognizable band symbol on it. Instead of leather though, this young man had navy jeans on.

Naminé tensed slightly—the very aura of these two just screamed, I'm gonna get you outta my way, and you're gonna friggin' remember it. It would have made an interesting picture to draw and emotion to capture, if she hadn't been frozen in place.

As the red-head walked past, he glanced down at Naminé. For a moment, those emerald-green eyes shone brightly with an intense emotion Naminé knew she'd be better off without. A leer crept onto his face, making Naminé drop her gaze quickly to the floor while biting on her lower lip.

"Hey," he said, looking at his friend, sarcasm and suave mixed smoothly. "Don't blondes have more fun?" The redhead motioned with his head to a blushing Naminé. As if I'm not even here, she thought angrily. The blonde-haired companion at his side burst out laughing, and spoke directly to Naminé,

"Why don't you show us?" The redhead laughed in turn, and leaned over towards her. Completely creepy, the flustered girl thought. And I thought Tidus made things awkward.

Naminé leaned back in her chair, away from him, and was about to say something when—

"Hey!" Kairi yelled at them.

"Leave her alone!" Sora said defensively towards the pair by Naminé. He had let go of Kairi, and had moved closer to Naminé. He stood by her chair, eyes narrowed. Turning, she saw the rest of LiD stiffening, ready to move just in case. The two smirked to each other.

"Sorry—didn't mean to scare you," the blonde mocked.

"Who do you think you are, anyways?" Sora demanded. Naminé was startled; she only ever saw Sora when he was with Kairi, and then he was almost always in a good mood. She'd never seen angry or defensive Sora before. There's a lot more to Sora then what I'd guessed.

"Demyx," the blonde answered coolly. "Enough said." The redhead spoke up, throwing out his arms in presentation, and smirking, said,

"The one and only Axel." Dropping his arms to his sides, he moved close to Sora's face and added patronizingly, "A-X-E-L. Got it memorized?" Laughing, the two shoved past Sora, and Axel threw one last smirk over his shoulder at Naminé before disappearing through the back door that led to the rooms. Grimacing, Sora watched them leave, but after they were gone he did not return to the line. Instead, he set himself down in the chair next to hers. For a moment he was silent, lost in thought as he gazed at the blue carpeted floor. Naminé watched him, still trying to get a grasp on just how much depth her sister's boyfriend had.

Noticing her eyes, Sora looked up and raised his eyebrows at her, a soft smile in place.

"What? They didn't scare you, did they?" he teased gently. His eyes shone again with their usual lustre; Naminé felt the tension loosen, and couldn't help but laugh.

"Of course not. I was just about to take them on before you came along and stole the spotlight," she replied, punching him in the arm playfully. Sora laughed and ruffled her hair, his anger now gone as soon as it had come.

"That's the way to go. I shoulda known—being Kairi's sister means you must have some sort of temper."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Kairi demanded angrily, still in line. She looked as though she wanted to come over to Naminé, but had decided against it. Naminé figured that like her, Kairi thought there was no sense making a bigger deal out of this then what it was.

"Oh, you're right, hun—you're the coolest one around," Sora replied grinning, falling into his usual position: sprawled out, both hands behind his head, legs stretched. Kairi snorted in response and muttered something that sounded like,

"Damn straight."

LiD

Fists still clenched, Tidus glared at the counter in front of him. Sure, Sora could drop it all nice and easy, but Tidus? Hell no. The bastards just strutted in like they owned the place, harassed one of his friends and then picked a fight with Sora. Okay, so maybe they hadn't outright picked the fight. But they had been asking for it when they had been like, all over Naminé.

Doesn't matter if I don't really like her or not, Tidus thought angrily. He did like her—she was a soft-spoken, sweet and incurably shy young girl. But a bit too shy for his taste—he needed a girl who could keep up with him the whole damn way—but he was still coming to see her as a friend. Assholes.

Still seething, Tidus turned to Riku.

"There's no way we're separating with assholes like those hanging around the motel," he said to his friend. Riku wasn't outright angry—not like Tidus—but after knowing him for so long, Tidus recognized the clenched jaw and tense biceps from his lead singer. From the tilt of his head, Tidus knew Riku was watching Naminé carefully.

Riku nodded in response to Tidus, not saying anything. When they finally approached the counter though, Riku told the man,

"One room please." The man raised an eyebrow.

"The most you can get are two beds in a room you know," he told Riku. Too annoyed to think straight, Tidus replied for Riku,

"Whatever. Just give us the room for the night." The man nodded with a questioning look, and handed Tidus the guestbook and the key to the room.

"Okay, Room 16. Just go out the backdoor there—it's the last room you'll see." Tidus nodded, and turned to see an angry-faced Kairi.

"One room?" she demanded. "One?" Tidus grabbed her by the arm, and began steering her towards Naminé to grab the bags.

"Yep, one," Tidus replied cheerfully. "Too late, ah well; let's just make the best of it!"

"Excuse me? But I don't wanna!" Kairi protested, even though she picked up her bag. "I need my beauty sleep! How will I get that with you three dorks around?" Tidus rolled his eyes and offered,

"Listen gorgeous, you'll be fine without a night of 'beauty' sleep. And if you really want, you can have one bed to yourself, Sora and Riku can take another… they're practically brothers as it is—and me and Naminé will grab the couch. Sound good?" Kairi rolled her eyes at his cheekiness.

All the while, he had been leading the group to the room on the end of the narrow deck that acted as a hall to the rooms. It was practically night now—only a few glimmers of light remained, and the air had gotten chilly. Most were occupied, and one had left their windows open to tempt a breeze. As they walked past, Tidus saw the redhead—Axel, Tidus remembered—sitting on a bed, playing with a lighter.

On the other bed was another, but dirtier-blonde-haired—not Demyx though… this one had short, spiky hair and a genuine grin on his face. That was all Tidus managed to catch though, before they had passed the window. Besides, if he had stayed any longer, Tidus didn't think that he'd be able to fight the mad urge to drop his bags, storm in there and beat the son-of-a-bitches in the face. Bastards.

11… 12… they passed a couple that seemed to er, like each other quite a bit… 15… there, 16.

Slipping the key inside, Tidus held the door open for Naminé, who was right behind him, to pass.

"Ladies first," he said, a charming smile in place. Naminé smiled and was about to walk past when Riku cut in,

"Then let Sora go through." Tidus rolled his eyes; the two had been bickering quietly the entire brief walk to their room. They had stayed as close to the back as they could, so that no one could catch any of their conversation—whatever it was.

Tidus turned his head to Sora, who was rolling his eyes.

"You know Riku's not right in the head when he starts acting like a friggin' kid," Sora huffed, throwing a glare at Riku. The remark earned a few raised eyebrows from the rest of the band, though. It wasn't very often the duo directly insulted each other like this, Tidus thought.

Riku said nothing, but stormed into the room, roughly throwing the bags onto the floor. Kairi and Tidus locked eyes, and Kairi shrugged. Isn't the first time they've fought over nothing… but they always get over it… Tidus smiled mentally. Like brothers is right.

After everyone had passed him, Tidus stepped into the small room and closed the door behind him. It was a very simple room; in front of him was a bed, then there was a nightstand, and after that another bed. Hardly big enough bed anyways, Tidus thought mildly. Mentally, he smirked. Damn Tidus. You're one hell of a horn dog. Heh.

Beside the door was a window and horrid purple curtains—right below that was a squishy couch. Aside from an oak dresser against the olive-green walls (Eww… vegetables… Tidus thought in disgust) across from the beds, and a door at the back that led to the adjoining bathroom, it was pretty bare.

Naminé was sitting on the navy couch, primp and proper as ever. Yeesh, doesn't she ever let that… preppiness down? Kairi was lying on the bed farthest from the door, and Sora was sitting next to her, holding her hand in his lap, eyes lost in thought once again. For whatever reason, a still-irked Riku from the quarrel was leaning against the dresser, arms crossed and glaring at the floor.

Sighing, Tidus plopped his stuff in the middle of the floor along with everyone else's. It was too quiet. Damn… is there anything to make this more exciting…? He dropped down on the bed closer to the door and sprawled out.

"Naminé…" he drawled airily, suddenly inspired. He opened up his arms expectantly, staring at the ceiling. "Come to me, love of my life…"

To his surprise, he felt something hard land on his abdomen, bringing out an "Oof!" from Tidus. Sitting up, he groaned and rubbed his stomach, and saw Naminé's purse slide off of him. "Owww…" he muttered. Naminé giggled and said,

"Guess they weren't abs of steel after all."

At that, Kairi and Sora burst out laughing, and even Riku managed a smirk in spite of himself. Naminé came closer to his bed though, and scooped up her purse that had landed on it. Tidus, grinning, reached over and wrapped his muscular arms around her slim waist, and pulled her onto the bed. Once again, he had entrapped her in a hug, and she was lying next to him while he cuddled up.

"Sweet Naminé, I'll still love you after all the pain you put me through," he said dashingly, snuggling up next to her while he lay on his side. No idea why I'm feeling so stupidly romantic. Eh, probably too exhausted to think of witty innuendos—probably needed more meat too. Mmm. Pepperoni… Besides, it was so much easier to just charm. Like those two cute brunettes in the parking lot… mmm… angels was right.

Naminé laughed, but shifted somewhat uncomfortably under his arm.

"C'mon Tidus… you're too heavy to sleep near. You'll suffocate me, I swear," she said. He heard the couch creak next to him, and felt Riku's calloused fingers on him, pulling him away and rolling him onto his back.

"Tidus, give the girl a rest," Riku said, sounding tired. As an afterthought, he added teasingly, "Too many guys have been suffocating her as it is." She didn't say anything, but Tidus would bet his family jewels that she had just blushed an insane shade of red. She tended to do that around Riku.

"Awww…" Tidus mumbled unintelligibly. "I was comfy… not moving now…" He felt Naminé get up from beside him, and he aimlessly groped about with his eyes still closed, trying to pull her back.

"No… don't leave me…" Naminé swatted away his hands, and he heard the bed next to him creak.

"Me and Naminé will take this bed, you three work out the rest," he heard Kairi say. "We're gonna go get dressed for bed." There was a ruffling of bags, then a door opened and closed. They must've gone into the bathroom to change. Groaning, he sat up again. Sora and Riku had already started sorting through the bags, pulling out their pyjamas. The lead singer had also found Tidus', and chucked them at him. Tidus, still groggy, missed the catch terribly. Sora snickered.

"Don't know how you manage to play blitzball with a catch like that," he said, teasing again. Riku laughed at his friend's comment, and added,

"Probably flirted his way through the ranks, the lazy-ass."

"Yeah, but his charm can't last forever; the ladies'll kick him back down."

Sora and Riku burst out laughing good-naturedly, and Tidus smiled to himself as he stripped down. He didn't mind being the butt of their jokes if it meant they were on good terms again.

"Hey, I'm captain of the school team for a reason, dorks, " he responded, pulling his sleeper pants on. Shirtless, he was about to lay back down when Sora said,

"Hey! I am not sleeping next to half-naked man."

"Whatever. You know you'd like it."

"Shit no! You sweat enough to drown someone in your sleep!"

"That's 'cause I'm used to working up a sweat in bed."

"I don't give a damn, I'm serious Tidus, put a shirt on."

Tidus rolled his eyes and pulled an over-sized t-shirt over his head. Finally, he collapsed onto the bed, and felt Sora land next to him, only lying in the opposite direction. Riku had already claimed the couch, probably wanting the space. The girls came out of the bathroom, and laid down on their bed, Kairi in a pair of Sora's boxer shorts ("Didn't you bring your own clothes?" Sora grumbled. Kairi winked and replied, "Guess I forgot.") and a massively over-sized t-shirt. Naminé had on a long, cotton tank top and felt sleeper pants on.

"Looking good Naminé," Tidus managed out, slowly giving in to sleep. "You too Kai… go on and get your beauty sleep now…" From somewhere behind him, he heard Riku settle down on the couch with a blanket and pillow Sora had given him.

"Sleep tight ladies… don't fall off the couch Riku…" Propping open an eye one last time before falling asleep, he told Sora's feet in front of him,

"Nighty night Sor the Whore." The feet nudged him in the face after that, but Tidus was too tired to retaliate.

Finally, the five of them managed to settle down into a peaceful sleep. Halfway there…

A/N: Okay, well that would be it guys! Btw, I know I went "Me and him" a lot, instead of the proper "Him and I" structure, but I did it on purpose, seeing most people don't talk with perfect grammar. Just letting y'all know. Anyways, again, so sorry for the long wait… hope you enjoyed the long chapter! Make sure you leave a review if you did! And even if you didn't… I don't mind constructive criticism. :)

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