A/N: Hey! Sorry guys about keeping you all waiting, but I swear it'll be good. My laptop broke so I lost most of the data for all of my stories. So if you are a fan of any of my other stories, I actually had most of the next chapter for "An Unexpected Brother" and "You're my Everything", but...it was all deleted from my hardrive when my laptop broke. (It's still broken by the way) so I now have to re-write them again, and I don't feel like it! So, it'll be a bit, sorry everyone. I hope you do like this chapter though, it's a long chapter, and extremely entertaining I think.
Disclaimer: Do not own KH.
Reviews:
Eternal: Thanks for the advice. You helped me a lot when it came to the next scene in this chapter. It makes sense they might do it out of order because of locations and the way it'll have to be done. I'm glad I have something right when it comes to the story haha. I'm still working out the kinks of the whole story itself. I'm sorry about the POV thing, writing multiple stories, you get confused.
YourofficialEditor: It'll be mostly centered on the movie I think. For pre-production and then post-production. After that though I'm not entirely sure if I will continue it or not, still debating, but thank you.
Shino: Thanks, I'm glad it's a little more unique then. I think it's funny thinking about an actor's live like this, especially one who is just up and coming.
XionAmmy: Thank you! I plan on updating at least once a month...at least it'll be long.
LuckyDreamer: Yes I will always love this pairing for some reason. I just love Roxas and his personality and then Sora of course haha. I don't think I could write movies for a living, that stress, and dealing with that many people *shivers* not my style I guess haha.
Gagaboy: Thanks, I'm glad I got the approval of an actor than. Are you in any movies I should look out for? Then I can be like "Hey! He reads my story! Awesome!" Haha. I'm good at winging things, that's how I did a lot of my tests in school, ended up doing pretty well haha.
Lillith: I'm glad you are getting into it, and am honored to have it read by many, including you. The jealousy will begin shortly, I promise. Maybe not in this chapter, but in upcoming ones. Trust me, I can ramble on too, I mean look at it, it turns into a story. I understand the rambles of many I guess. In the story there shall be many awkward moments, more interactions between characters, and then a very...surprising ending, I promise. I didn't actually intend to have that as the ending, it was supposed to be completely different, but whatever haha.
Midnight: Yeah, I was thinking about it while watching "The Avengers" about how these people's lives must be completely different, and was wondering how many of them before and after they became actors. It's pretty entertaining. YEs Roxas starts to become more aware of Sora in this chapter because of his acting, and other things that happen. Can't spoil it. ABout them getting parts, Zell and Selphie got minor roles in it, while Kairi has a bigger role, but still pretty minor character. It was just a spur of the moment thing to continue the story! Leave me alone.
Sora's POV
The sun was casting a brilliant hue of orange, yellow, and purple as the sunset in the horizon. We were here on the boardwalk trying to capture one of the ending scenes for the movie. Aaron and Issac realize that what they shared might have been more than what they thought it was. So, Issac ends up flying to Los Angeles, and Aaron flies to New York. They go to the others workplace, to get any information on the other. Somehow Aaron gets Issac's number, and calls him as Issac walks along the boardwalk, thinking that Aaron would be on the beach.
I was going to be meeting Kairi and some other friends around the area after shooting so I hung around, even though I was done for the day. For some reason though, Roxas hasn't even looked at me even though I've been here all day.
"Huh, didn't expect her to be here." I heard a very rough voice say, sneaking up on me. I nearly jumped as he spoke.
"Who?" I asked, looking up at Cid who snuck up on me.
"The girl talking to the director, that's Namine, Roxas and her are dating." He said, as he lit a cigarette. I was leaning against a wall as I tried to steer clear of the workers way. I looked over at Roxas's trailer as he was getting ready for the scene.
"Oh yeah! I recognize her from some television shows, and from their first movie." I smiled. Cid just gave a grunt as a response.
We just continued to idly chat about random tidbits about the on coming weeks of shooting. About the different areas we would have to shoot at, talking about the Empire State Building, and other landmarks we planned to be shooting at in New York City.
"Well, gotta go, seems like the director is going to start." He said, stepping on his cigarette bud. He said as if a little annoyed before walking towards his seat where he could observe the scene.
"All right people! The sun is going down, so we only have a few shots. Let's all do our best." The director said, the megaphone carrying his weak voice. I noticed that Namine had a seat next to the director as I pulled out my script to look over the scene and my lines would read like as Roxas talked. "Action!" The director called and we watched from television screens as Roxas ran down the boardwalk, rushing to see if Aaron was there.
We then saw Roxas come to a halt in front of us as he slowly walked towards the barrier separating the beach from the sidewalk and he leaned over the railing as the phone rang in his pocket. He looked at the number, scrutinizing the unfamiliarity of it, and answered. "Hello?" He waited too long for the next part, maybe three to four seconds after what should have been said. "Oh, well...I guess that...shit." He gave a frustrated sigh. "Sorry everyone!" He called as he shut the phone and turned towards the crew. He screwed up his line.
I watched as Namine smiled lonvingly at Roxas just giggling. "It's okay Roxas, just take it easy." The director said. "We'll do it again!" The director called out. Everyone went back into their place and they did the scene again...and again...and again.
"I'm so sorry, this whole silence on the other end of the phone is jsut...awkward." He said, his brows coming together in frustration. I couldn't help but snicker a little bit, since this was the almighty actor Roxas.
"It's all right." The director sighed. The sun was going to be gone by the time Roxas actually got the scene, and this was supposed to be only one day shoot.
"How about actually have him talk to Sora Mr. Doe?" Namine suggested. "If Sora actually says his line, then it'll help Roxas with his timing, and allow him to maybe remember his words as well." She so helpfully added.
"Sounds like a good idea. Sora?" HE looked for me, finding me leaning against one of the buildings. "Do you mind?"
"Not at all!" I said smiling, "Just tell me what you need me to do!" I said as someone came to lead me to a table inside one of the stores where they set up equipment. Television screens that monitored all of the cameras. They let me put in one headphone in as I heard the Director start the scene again.
Roxas appeared on the screen, and I actually saw the movie playing out before me from all the different angles. Finally we reached the scene as someone beside me called the cellphone in his pocket. His face scrutinized the unfamiliar number again as he picked up. I heard his voice on the other end of the phone, "Hello?"
"H-hello?" I said sounding a little panicked. "Issac? Please tell me this is Issac."
"Huh? A-aron?" I saw the confused look on his face through the screen and couldn't help but give out a small chuckle, which changed Roxas's features into that of happiness.
"Y-yeah. This is Aaron. I know that I'm not supposed to call you, and you don't want anything to do with me but I'm he-"
"I'm here in Los Angeles Aaron." I could see Roxas face soften as he said this. "Come down here to the boardwalk, I'm at the beach."
"What? You are?" I said taken aback as my character should be. "Issac, I'm in New York City! Why are you in Los Angeles?" I watched as the surprise crossed Roxas face and there was a silence between us as something not part of the script happened. We both started laughing.
The situation was ridiculous. It was different to say the least, from most of the movies Hollywood had to offer where they would meet again on a beach like where they first met each other. The girl waiting for them, but this wasn't a man and a woman, they were both men, so both took the initiative ending up in this situation, making it hilarious, and I guess we both thought so.
"I guess we both had the same idea." Roxas face went back to it's relaxed, softened features as he went back to the script. "This isn't the right way to tell you this Aaron, but I just, I couldn't stop thinking about you." My heart fluttered at the way he said that, I saw him scratching his head, a little embarrassed. "I didn't realize it but that time in Destiny Isles, they were...they were..." he tried finding the right words.
"Perplexing." I finished the sentence for him, smiling.
"Sure, perplexing can be the right word for it." He chuckled. "But, I've never felt the way I did when I was with you. I can still remember that small journal you carried around with you, where you just wrote whatever came to your mind. I miss joking with you, and just kind of being with you! I love you Aaron!" He shouted into the phone. The extras around him gave him an odd look as they walked by. "I know it sounds crazy but..."
"I love you too Issac!" I shouted back, just as I interrupted him. "Come on! Do you really think that I would just gallivant my way to New York City for no reason? Of course I came to see you! I mean I went and stole this number from your office!"
"You did what?"
"Nothing." I played innocent, as he chuckled. "Issac, I just came here to tell you that you were an asinine, horrible, condescending, hypocritical jerk who toyed with me." He frowned at this, "But for some reason I couldn't help but fall for you. I never wanted to go from that hidden spring behind the waterfall. Where we didn't need to keep up the facade of our lives to anyone, where we could really be ourselves."
"Then what are we going to do about this then?" A very playful smile played upon his lips as he said this. I just chuckled to myself.
"Well, if I'm here, and you are there, we really can't do anything can we?" I laughed.
"Well..."He said in mock thought, "This is a very disappointing end to trying to be romantic and sweep you off your feet."
"You sweeping me off my feet? All right hot shot, let's not get too carried away." I teased him right back. "You would not have swept me off my feet. Unlike some girl, I am not very fond of your money, your rank in your company, nor the sports car you probably drive as a compensation for your t-"
"Fuck you." He just laughed before I could even finish. "It won't matter anyway since I took another unexpected vacation from the company."
"You just took up and left didn't you?"
I heard him chuckle softly. "Yup."
"You are a dumbass." I responded to him. He faked a wince. "It's all right, apparently that board meeting you left was supposed to be to tell you about a promotion, although I am not sure you will get it anymore."
"Oh?" He gave a smirk, "And how do you know that was what the meeting was about?"
"I ran into your girlfriend." I saw him freeze at the mention of it. "She seemed surprised to see me to say the least. Actually, she is the one that gave me your number."
I could see the relief fill his face as he took in the information. In the film, he runs out of the board meeting and meets his girlfriend who works as an accountant at the company. After telling her that he loved someone else, and that he was sorry he runs to Los Angeles. "So she knows...?" He asked timidly, completely out of character.
"Of course she knows Issac." I couldn't help but let out my own chuckle come out as I said this. "She told me everything, and even told me that the board members were a little upset at you leaving, but understood that you wouldn't have left unless it was an emergency, so I suggest you come up with something quick."
"I'll tell them the truth." Was all he said.
"Right, telling them you ran off because you had to go see a guy you love in Los Angeles would be a great idea."
"Well what do you think I should say then Mr. Writer?" We both paused, just as it says in the script.
"After a terrible accident at the beach where a close friend of yours was hit by a car, he was rushed to the hospital, and since his emergency contact hasn't been changed since he moved from New York, you were his Emergency Contact." I said something that wasn't out of the script.
His face was surprised at first before continuing. "Wow, sounds solid enough." We both laughed.
"That's why they pay me the big bucks." I teased again.
There was a long silence, "We still haven't decided what to do. It's almost night time here." He said, the stress and sleep was even in his voice. Through the screen the sun was setting fast as the sun almost made its way across the sky.
"Go to my apartment and sleep." I said, as I recited out the address for my apartment. "I'll be the only door painted red in the building and there should be a painting across the hall from my door. Behind it should be my key. Go there and sleep, and I'll see you in the morning." I said, a soft loving feeling in my voice.
I was surprised when his face smiled softly, it was supposed to be happy with surprise, but no it softened again in a loving smile.
"Thanks Aaron." He said, and he tagged a line in at the end. "I can't wait to see you."
I was shocked into surprise, before the pause could get any longer I decided to add a line in myself. "The hotshot, actually thanking me? Man, what did I do to you?" I watched as Roxas smiled.
"Shut up will yah?" He said before hanging up the phone. I chuckled as I heard the director yelled cut. The people who were listening into the phone conversation were laughing and giving me a big thumbs up as the rest of the crew were at a lost of the conversation that just held up between us. I got up as the crew patted me on the back as I walked outside.
I walked towards the director and he just beamed at me as I approached, Namine was smiling at me as well. "Thank you so much for staying to do that scene Sora." He looked like he was about to bow respectfully.
"I'm surprised I haven't seen you in any other movie Sora, by what I heard you sounded so professional." Namine complicated. I just kinda blushed and shook my head.
"Trust me, I wasn't planning on doing this. I was dragged to do so by my friend Kairi." I said, modestly.
"Oh? Kairi? Really now? I never knew that she had such talented friends. I guess it would explain that she would surround herself with talented friends." She just giggled, making me blush slightly. "Tell her I say hello."
"Of course!" I said, "Actually, I'm going to go meet her at a local restaurant nearby if you would like to join us." I informed her respectfully.
"Oh, I would love to, if Roxas will be ok with coming along as well. We planned on going out to eat anyway." She said. "Speak of the devil." She said as he stormed over, no doubt angry at something.
Roxas POV
I couldn't believe what Cid just said to me! I thought as I glared towards that nobody named Sora. After ending that scene I felt excited about filming now, because of how well that scene went. The banter between Sora and I felt natural and fun that I thought I did extremely well, getting pats on the back by the crew, and the director congratulating me, before I went to go talk to my freaking manager Cid. "I see you haven't figured it out yet." He said, lighting up a smoke as I approached him.
"What?" I asked, a little suspicious of him at the time.
"The fact that you weren't actually acting." He informed me before inhaling the chemicals in that cigarette.
"What are you talking about? I did perfect, if I say so myself." I was a little smug after nailing the scene.
"Of course you did." He said nonchalantly, it angered me slightly.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I was tired, and didn't want to deal with whatever he had to say.
"He was leading you Roxas. He played you in his hand, and made you act out the scene so that he was the one leading. You needed him to act the way you did. To act so naturally, you had to hear him saying his lines, I saw him in the tent, he remembered every line perfectly. He pegged you down." He said, inhaling again.
"Are you mental? I was the one that nailed the scene, I was the one who was being taped, not him." I said, getting pissed off. I wanted to go find Namine so that we could leave already. I wasn't going to sit here and take this criticism of my acting skills, so I walked away.
"Hey hot shot," Cid said, freezing me in place, "Don't let your pride blind you from the truth." He said, his voice growing distance as he walked away. I just continued to move forward towards Namine.
Which brings us back to my glaring of the person who just "played" me as Cid so elegantly put. I approached the three of them, no doubt showing my anger towards the naive actor. Namine greeted me with a small peck on the cheek, but still no use to abate my anger. My agent just practically told me I sucked as an actor.
"Um...Hey." Sora said, raising his hand as an attempt to greet me. I just shot him another glare.
"Great job out there Roxas." Director Doe gave a fragile smile, "It seems though that I must be going to help out with editing, so I'll leave you three to your own devices." He said before walking away towards the truck loading some of the equipment.
Namine turned towards me, "So Roxas, Sora just invited us to go out with Kairi and some of his friends for dinner." She said cheerfully. I just shot Sora another glare as she said this. He was scratching the back of his head, looking around at nothing. I could have sworn I saw a tinge of a blush...not that it mattered anyways. "Do you think we could go?"
"Nam, you know I have a reservation already across town." I kind of whined as I turned towards her. "Besides, our plan every Friday is to go out and then watch a movie."
"Yeah, and we can always go watch a movie after grabbing lunch with everyone." Namine just smiled at me, and I just couldn't help but give a sigh. I knew that whenever she wanted something it was going to happen whether I argued or not.
"Besides, I believe I should get to know my partner in this film a little better." Sora just beamed at me as he put his hand on my shoulder, and it was like electricity flowed between my shoulder and his hand making me feel very aware of his touch. I just looked at him wide-eyed, trying to see if he felt what I did, but nothing in his features gave anything away.
In the end, I just nodded at the two of them, my anger seeming to dissolve by his touch. "Yay!" Namine cheered. "So where are we going to be eating tonight?" She asked as I felt the warmth of Sora's hand remove itself from my shoulder.
"Heh, actually because my friends are relatively cheap, we are actually going to be eating at Chili's." He just said nervous about our reaction.
"Oh! That sounds delicious." Namine said.
"Really?" He asked us surprised.
"Just because we are actors, doesn't mean we don't enjoy normal, reasonably charged food sometimes." I hissed at his surprise. No doubt judging us because we were "High class"
Usually whenever I tell this to someone they get angry at me. Namine shot me a glare, but both of us were taken a back as Sora just laughed as we walked down the boardwalk. "Sorry! I wasn't saying that to offend you in any way." He just smiled, and I felt my lips twitch in either annoyance or in an actual, genuine smile. I wasn't sure. "Just never thought that the big time Namine and Roxas would be ok with eating at a place like Chili's. Which reminds me, I should go warn everyone that you will be joining us before they stare and gawk at you two." He informed us before pulling out his phone to text his friends, and walking ahead to making some phone calls.
I just chuckled as I watched him talk excitedly on the phone. "Is that I smile I am seeing Roxas Strife?" Namine teased me as we continued to follow behind him.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." I said, rearranging my face so that I wasn't smiling anymore. "It's just entertaining seeing the fact that we have to be announced before sitting down with people who aren't actors."
"Sure it is Rox, sure it is." She just giggled, no doubt seeing right through me, as she always does. "You need to lighten up some though hun, because Sora is actually a very nice person by what I've seen. He's...genuine, something that our industry lost." She said, being her insightful self.
"Maybe, just pisses me off that after working from the bottom, this...kid gets his big shot right away." I let out frustratingly.
"Oh will you stop being so jealous and let it go. He is a great person, and deserves to be given his chance. Besides he is the same age as us." Namine said, before Sora ran back to where we were.
"Ok, so after some arguing among my friends, and some excited talk amongst the females of our group, they have all agreed that it would be fine for you to join us." Sora just smiled in such a way that seemed to glow in the dark...but I mean of course when Namine smiled back it shined.
"Why would they be arguing?" Namine asked, interested in the commotion.
He just kind of nervously laughed and shook his head in amusement, scratching the back of his head. "See..." He started, walking in step with Namine, "You have to understand that my group of friends are...eccentric. All of us came from various backgrounds that when we clash, it's...very interesting." He said, choosing his words carefully.
"Ah, I guess that would make sense." Namine said thoughtfully.
"Heh, yeah." Sora said smiling whimsically at this. No doubt he was thinking about his friends. I continued to stay quiet, still going over what Cid said to me. Still can't believe this kid outshined me. "By the way Roxas, I know that you'll love the chicken here, they might not be 'high-end' but trust me, drenched in their chipotle sauce it gives it a certain zing." He just shot me one of his smiled that just made me look away blushing, lucky that the dark probably hid the blush on my cheeks. I grabbed Namine's hand as we walked, squeezing it.
"Oh, cool." I managed to say. Chicken incidentally was my favorite kind of food. It was strange having someone actually thinking about what I wanted and being sincere about it. Usually people are trying to buy my attention and ordering me high-end seafood, cocktails, drinks, or something or the other.
I looked over at Namine and she just gave me a small smirk as she realized that I was actually embarrassed. I just glared at her in a "Oh-shut-it" kind of look which made her laugh and look ahead.
Sora and Namine discussed about the movie and the progress it was making. Apparently in the past couple of weeks most of Sora's scenes were already taken care of here in L.A. The only thing left was the scenes with Roxas, a final scene between Nina and Aaron, and the final scene of the movie with Aaron and Issac meeting again at the apartment. The director wanted to save it though, for when they got back from Hawaii. In a week we would be heading over to New York city.
We reached the Chili's and the place was packed with families and people all coming out for dinner. I couldn't help but laugh at the place we were eating at. "Come on!" Sora said opening the door, it seemed like a million people were talking at once as we entered, but the people waiting for their table seemed to just stop and gawk at Nam and I. I gave a small sigh. Sora noticed this and just rolled his eyes before motioning us to follow him to the back. "I knew bringing you two would cause a commotion." He laughed as we made our way to a table in the back.
"Namine! Hi!" I heard a red-headed girl wave at us as we approached. Her purple eyes were piercing as she smiled at us. This was no doubt Kairi, the rambunctious girl that Namine told me about. She was sweet to most of her friends, but Nam warned me to never piss her off.
"Hey Kairi!" She smiled and gave a small wave as we reached the table. There were three empty seats in between Kairi, and a boy with a boy with oddly wild and spiky blonde hair. Namine took the seat closest to Kairi and Sora took the one next to the blonde boy. They greeted each other in some weird handshake. It left me to take the seat between the two of them.
"So everyone, I want to introduce to you guys Namine and Roxas." Sora announced to his friends. Namine smiled and gave a wave of her hand, as I just used to fingers to give a salute. "Roxas, Namine, let me introduce you guys to Selphie and Zell." He gestured to the couple holding hands, a brunette girl and a blond boy with what looked like a Dragon tattooed on the left side of his face.
"Yo!" Zell said, grinning.
"Oh man, I can't believe I'm here next to THE Namine and THE Roxas! Can I j-" The girl was starting to say before her mouth was covered by a gloved hand, being attached to her boyfriend.
"Shush now hun, let Sora finish." He said. I sniggered when she bit his hand.
"I...actually have to say that is normal for them." Sora shrugged at us as he continued his introductions. "Wakka," He pointed at the very built man with orange hair who just gave a big grin, "and Lulu, who surprisingly never comes out with us unless bribed with the fact that I will refuse to work unless she does." He added in as a pale woman dressed in black, and used purple make-up threw what looked like a knife at Sora, who dodged easily. She just closed her eyes and huffed in greeting. "Don't worry, she won't kill you, just me." He said a little too light heartedly. To me, Lulu looked to be the oldest out of the twenty year olds here, though Kairi informed me that she was only twenty two. "Tidus, our sports star." He said pointing to the boy next to him. I recognized him as being on the olympic team for the American Soccer team. They say he has a contract already set up for him when he graduates. "Of course you know Kairi." He then gestured to the red-headed girl. "And, thats it..." He said, before everyone began to ask Sora, Namine, and I a torrent of questions.
"Holy crap! I saw you in Midnight Rise, dude, you were so badass." The boy known as Tidus said as he talked to me. Sora having a discussion with Lulu and Wakka. Namine distracted by the girls.
I just smirked, "Thanks man," I said, "It was fun playing a role where I actually got to be the badass instead of helping him." I laughed.
"So, I have to ask. Do you like guys?" Tidus asked with a completely serious look on his face.
I just shook my head and laughed before turning and kissing Namine. "Does that answer your question?" I retorted.
"Not really." He said, grabbing Sora by the shoulders and giving him a quick kiss. Making everyone stop what they were talking about and looking at the two boys kissing. "I'm not gay, but I just kissed Sora." He shrugged.
"Why the hell did you just kiss me?" Sora looked at him perplexed, and so confused. I felt the heat rush to my cheeks as I pinched the bridge of my nose. What the hell did I get myself into by agreeing to this.
"Nothing little man, just proving a point to Roxas." He said, ruffling Sora's hair.
"So you had to use me as the fool to kiss?" He just looked at Tidus like he was an idiot.
"Oh come on Sora, you liked it. Look at the blush on your cheeks." Kairi teased him, making the blush to deepen.
"Shut up Kai!" He groaned putting his head down.
"You are going to have to get used to it anyways, you'll be kissing Roxas in two months." Selphie added cheerfully, as Zell winked at me as if they were sharing that thought. I felt the heat in my cheeks rise at that and groaned as well.
"Hey I'm not that bad of kisser now am I?" Tidus laughed, making a puppy dog face at Sora.
"Tidus, the only thing you know how to kiss is the floor when you trip over your own feet." Lulu added, with a very bored tone in her face.
"Nice Lu! Hit him in his pride as a sporty guy, and his clumsiness." Wakka guffawed as Lulu slapped the back of his head. "Ouch Ya! I meant it as a compliment to you!" Lulu just shook her head as they settled back into place.
I raised my head and looked at Namine pleading with her. "I like them." She giggled, making me groan.
"And we like yah too!" Kairi laughed as she wrapped her arm around Namine. My eye twitched at the fact that she was touching Namine so friendly.
After the commotion settled down and we ordered our drinks, Namine ordering some coca-cola while I ordered some Strawberry Lemonade, we were all looking at things to eat. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I actually saw the pictures of food. "Nam, you wanna go grab this 2 for twenty deal?" I asked her, I mean we didn't have to save money, but I didn't want to just blow all my money away on random things.
"Actually, I am already ordering that with Kairi." Namine said, apologetically.
"Sorry blondie, I stole your girlfriend." Kairi winked at me and giggled. I just shook my head and sighed, why Namine liked these people I had no idea.
"Oh, Roxas, if you wanna get the two for twenty, I'll split it with you." He smiled at me and I just, I don't know why but again I felt that heat rising in my cheeks as I just gave a nod of the head in agreement. "So what do you wanna do for an appetizer?" He said, still smiling at me as he looked over at my menu. Tidus stealing his own.
"Umm..." I said, just kind of aware of how close and friendly he was getting. I just chose the first thing I saw under the appetizer list, "Texas Cheese fries." I said.
"Really?" He just chuckled, "I never would have thought you would put cheese on your fries. Took you for more of a ketchup guy." He just chuckled. I just shrugged, it was still weird for me to be treated like...a person. Usually when I'm at dinner with this many people it was for some kind of meeting with producers.
"I'm still young, I can enjoy cheese on my fries just as much as the next guy." I scoffed out, making him laugh.
"Sorry sorry, just still odd seeing you in this new light. Instead of 'that great actor in the movie' as Selphie likes to elegantly put." Sora apologized.
"It's no problem." I said, keeping up my cool demeanor as I looked back at the menu. I looked back up and saw Sora scrutinizing me. "What?" I asked a little taken aback.
"Nothing..." He trailed off looking at the menu. "Anyways, what do you want as your entree then?" I looked at the menu and looked specifically at the Chicken Crispers with Honey Chipotle sauce and I could feel my mouth salivate just at the sound of it.
"I know what I want." Was all I said before closing the menu and leaning back, my hands going to on top of my head.
"Not going to tell me eh?" Was all I heard Sora say. I didn't want to look at him at the moment as I took in everyone's conversation. Kairi and Namine were discussing their roles on a previous show. While Selphie, Wakka, Lulu, and Zell discussed how the movie would affect the business of the store, I remember hearing that the coffee shop scene would be shot at a store owned by Sora's friend somewhere in discussion with Cid. Selphie went on that her fifteen seconds of fame would be all worth it. Tidus and Sora were in deep talk about a book that was coming out soon, something about dragons or something. Instead trying to engage these..."common folk" as I heard another actor once say to me once. I decided to just bide my time.
"Why hello everybody! Glad to see you guys decided to drop by." A girl in a waitress outfit said. She had shoulder length, straight, black hair, and deep dark brown eyes."Lulu, I'm especially glad for you to join us." She hugged the pale woman.
"I'm glad I could see you as well Rinoa." Lulu responded.
"Rinoa!" Sora jumped up and gave the newcomer, Rinoa, a hug. "I would like you to meet my co-star and his girlfriend, Namine and Roxas." Sora said introducing the two of us. Namine shook her hand, and I did in turn.
"It's such a pleasure to meet you two. Treat my Sora well will yah?" Rinoa winked at me playfully and I couldn't help but chuckle nervously.
"Namine, Roxas, I would like to introduce you to ny older brother's current girlfriend Rinoa Heartilly." He formally introduced.
"Yeah, tell your brother he owes me a date by the way." She said as she pulled out her notepad. "So what do you guys want, switched tables with your previous waitress so I could actually have a conversation." She gave a heartfelt grin.
One by one everyone gave their order. Namine ordered the chips with Kairi, and got Quesadillas for her entree. When it got to Sora and I though, "So, let me guess, Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers, with loaded mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob?" She said just teasing Sora, who replied with a glare. "Knew it." She just giggled. "And you blondie?" I could hear Kairi snickering at the fact that his new nickname was sticking.
When I realized that I was about to order the exact same thing as Sora I felt something catch in my throat. Until Namine hit me on the back. "Um, the exact same thing as Sora." I said. Both Namine and Sora were surprised. I was even surprised at myself, and I had no idea why, but again I blushed. I hated the fact that I was blushing more often in the span of a few hours than I have in the span of a year. It wasn't right for an actor, and I continued to just glare at Sora, who has started to become the bane in my life, outshining me, making me flustered around people, and then dragging Namine and I to eat with them. I jsut wanted to go eat with my girlfriend in a nice, quiet restaurant. But no, I just had to meet Sora Lionheart for this movie...
Sora POV
I handed the menu back to Rinoa as i gave the once again blushing Roxas a curious look. "What is this guys problem?" I couldn't help but think as I once again turned to Lulu and Wakka's conversation about future developments for the coffee shop. Lulu intended to either expand the shop to include a loft area and put in some devices to make the cafe a little more up to date, or open up another location where someone else would manage while she stayed where she was. "Either way it's going to be a lot of work." She gave a huff of exhaustion as she rubbed her temples.
"Come on Lulu, I know you'll be fine. Just gotta take the effort in doing something." I encouraged her.
"That, or just spend it on a vacation, yah?" Wakka inserted his own input onto the situation, making me laugh a little until I saw the annoyed look on Lulu's face.
"Just think it over Lulu, I'm sure whatever you do it'll be good for business." I tried to catch her attention.
"Just let me know if you see another prospective location." Lulu said apathetically, no doubt stressed about her business.
"Will do!" I nodded, before my attention was drawn back to the rest of the table.
"The location is supposed to be set in Hawaii, and we are going to be there for a good month or two." Kairi commented on some question someone asked, it was probably Selphie who was always asking questions.
"You aren't going to New York though are you Kairi? We still have to shoot the season finale of 'A High School Story' remember?" Namine added helpfully.
"No, since my character is only there in Hawaii, I get to stay here and have to meet the rest of the crew after taking care of the finale of most of the shows I'm in."
"That's always good to hear." Selphie smiled pleasantly. She then turned her eyes to me, "Sora! How are you coping with the fact that you are going to be a major actor?" I just chuckled and shook my head, leave it to Selphie to keep conversation going.
I just shrugged, "No real coping exists since I don't really see the big deal about it."
"Sora you are aware about the post-production duties of the actors of major films like this right?" Namine looked concerned as Roxas just sat there smirking.
"Post-production duties...?" I looked at her confused.
"After a major film is put into theaters, before it comes out the main cast tends to go talk to local radio stations, interviews, and even parties to talk about the movie and spread good things about it." Namine talked as if this was just everyday life to her, though I guess it was for her. "Then when the movie comes out, it'll be more interviews and talkshows to discuss the new upcoming face, the way that it was taken in by critics, and then how the audience likes or hates it."
"It's a very arduous detail that we all have to do as a job for the movie. It's in the contract we signed for the film." Roxas said casually.
I banged my head against the table and sipped my water. "Kai, you never told me about this!"
"I have never been in a major movie as one of the main cast." She shrugged innocently. "Sorry Sor."
"Curse you movie magic." I raised my fist in acursement.
I heard Namine laughing and lifted my head to see Roxas smiling at the notion, without a doubt thinking of his own reasons he loves and hates the movie industry.
"You look better smiling then snickering Roxas." I said without even thinking about it, making both him and Namine freeze at this gesture. I watched as Namine's eyes went wide as Roxas turned red.
"Oh, well," He coughed, "Thanks I guess." Was all he said before getting up, "I'm going to use the restroom."
We all just watched confused as he left, all eyes turning on Namine, "He...doesn't take compliments well." She explained further, "In the acting industry we have to deal with people who aren't exactly up front about themselves, only showing the best of them and end up using compliments to gain favor. I can handle it a tad better than Roxas can, but when someone genuine comes along, Roxas gets...flustered."
"I don't know how I would ever deal with that kind of pressure, man that blows." Zell said, leaning back in his chair. "Gotta suck always having to keep yourself a secret." He finished, as Kairi and I shared a small look between us.
"I always knew being an actress would be incredibly tough, that's why I stayed away from it." Selphie commented, she was going into business management though, so she knows that it might be the same case.
"There will always be people in your lives that fake their way through, looking to use others to get ahead until they reach the top knowing nothing of their journey." Lulu drank some of her drink after endowing us with her wisdom. Even though she was only twenty-two, she was incredibly wise.
"Oh Lulu, will you stop that." Rinoa said with our food finally ready for us.
"Food!" We all cried out, scaring Namine, as Tidus, Zell, Kairi, Selphie, and I all yelled out.
"Savages...I swear." Rinoa shook her head playfully. as her colleague passed out the food.
"I am sorry Namine. This is probably not the right kind of atmosphere you are used to." Lulu apologized for the rest of us as Zell, Selphie, and Kairi got their plates and immediately stuffed their faces.
"No need to apologize I quite like the atmosphere." Namine smiled at her and then back at me. "Thank you Sora."
"Yeah, usually we are with people that tend to have a stick up their ass." Roxas said as he took his seat again. "Although, I must say you guys are...more fun than most of our friends." Roxas finally admitted, making all of us laugh.
The food finally was placed in front of all of us, and I couldn't help but...giggle. I can't believe I just giggled, at the way Roxas was drooling as the food was placed in front of him. I shrugged as I began to cut a piece of chicken to eat. I was starving after a day of filming.
Namine was eating some kind of chicken pasta and I had to ask, "How do you eat so much and maintain that figure Namine?" Kairi asked as she ate her salad.
"I don't know, exercise I guess." Was all she responded.
"Don't let it fool you, she is very healthy, and probably won't finish her food. She'll then go and exercise later." Roxas mentioned who got slapped on the arm by said person he was referring to.
"Hah, you should know never to talk back to your girlfriend Roxas." Zell teased him as he ate his fajitas.
"That's how me and Zell learned. He doesn't cross me when we are with friends." She said, kissing her boyfriend sweetly.
"None of us cross you Selphie." Kairi added, "Or else we end up with our tail between our legs trying to find refuge in Sora or Zell."
"I understand why you would find refuge in Zell, but why won't she yell at Sora?" Namine inquired.
"Because Sora is the master to us all, and we bow down to his every whim." Tidus said taking my hand and kissing it as if I was a king. I rolled my eyes and smacked him against the head playfully.
"Shut up." I laughed at him.
"He might be your king brother, but to me he is my bud." Wakka chimed in rubbing my head with his knuckle.
"Wakka if you do that, he'll eventually go bald." Lulu said, rolling her eyes, making Wakka and I just laugh even more.
"He's just too adorable to yell at." Selphie finally responded while smiling at me, and I couldn't help but smile back. That was a lie though, there was a reason why Selphie never yelled at me, but we would never talk about it, as I gave Zell an apologetic look. He just shrugged and waved me off.
I heard Roxas scoff beside me and glared at him. "Got something to say hotshot?" I asked him, acting like Aaron. He stopped and took a side glance at me. I could see that Namine was also watching the two of us, knowing where I got that line from.
"Nothing to say to a guy like you." Roxas ran his hand through his hair, perfectly as it was in the script.
"A guy like me?" I retorted my eyes narrowing. "What is that supposed to mean?" I could see Namine smiling behind Roxas.
He chuckled mockingly before dropping his fork and turning towards me, his eyes playful as we both stared at each other, "Nothing, its just with that plain white v-neck, those ripped faded jeans, and those cheap sunglasses hanging off your face, I would assume you are a tourist here. With that cheap suitcase, you don't go here often and can't afford one of the luxury rooms. Since you only have one bag, I might think that you tried going here without making a reservation. This means that you are attempting to run from some kind of problem from back home, a girlfriend probably. But since you are wearing such..." He paused to give it some thought. "common clothes, I can assume that you don't make a lot of money."
Everyone was watching us now, and only Kairi and Namine knew what was going on. They hushed everyone as the table and some tables next to ours watched curious about what was going on. Some even recognized Kairi, Namine, and Roxas and you could tell they wanted to come over.
I just smiled at Roxas, knowingly following his lead, "Congratulations." I clapped, "you can see right through me right?" Roxas responded with a roll of the eyes, "Well two can play it that game. With your button down shirt, and those business pants, you are some kind of hotshot from New York probably." He froze, perfectly. "You live in a loft that overlooks the city, your suitcases say that you are packing not for yourself but most likely from a gorgeous girlfriend who has been with you through a lot, or your definition of hard times. By how you talked to me, you visit these hotels often, very organized with their life, and I'm just going to say loves to be a giant prick that uses people to get what they want, even though it might make someone else's life hell." I accused him. Roxas, or should I say Issac, glared at me, and I just continued to smile. "Don't just assume you are superior to everyone else. It might just make you look like an ass." I ended.
At this point in the script Aaron is supposed to walk-away feeling quite confident in himself as Issac just growls in his throat, annoyed by being bested in his own mind games.
The table burst out in laughing and clapping as the tables next to us did the same. I couldn't help but beam at Roxas, who just beamed right back. I patted his shoulder and the blush rose back up in his cheeks before we both stood up and bowed for the show, laughing at ourselves.
For the rest of the time we were there it seemed like Roxas and Namine opened up a little more as Roxas began to join in on some conversations. I realized something though, that Roxas was completely lost when it came to social interaction, sometimes just staying quiet as I chatted with Tidus or Lulu, or one fo the other members of our table. Or he would just talk with Namine if she wasn't occupied.
We stayed until the restaurant was closing, some of the other customers came over and asked for an autograph or a picture from Namine, Kairi, or Roxas, who they all completely obliged to it. That was when I realized Roxas had a facade to him. Whenever a fan would come over, he would immediately put that mask on. He would entertain the fan, laughing at their jokes, smiling in their pictures, or even hugging the fan before they ran off smiling. It was his acting face.
The time closed and Rinoa came back to our table, dressed in her normal clothing. It was about 10:30 at night. "So guys, want to go hit the clubs?" She asked, her spunky, light playfulness was astounding after working from one in the afternoon and still having enough energy to go out.
"Yeah! Let's go!" Kairi said looking at the rest of the table.
"I'm down to go! Let's hit up the clubs!" Tidus said, punching the air in victory.
"Come on Zell, let's go! We haven't been out for awhile!" Selphie said tugging on his arm.
"All right, All right." Zell said, giving his girlfriend a small kiss. "Let's go." He stood up with the others.
"Only because it's you Rinoa that I will agree to come." Lulu shook her head, knowing she wouldn't be able to say no to Rinoa anyways.
"I'm always down to dance!" Wakka gave his response.
"I'm sorry but I have to be up early tomorrow." Namine said, politely declining.
"I need to go sleep, for an interview tomorrow." Roxas explained.
"I don't wanna go, I'm tired." I yawned out my response.
"Come on Sora, when was the last time we shared a dance together?" Rinoa pleaded with me, making me shake my head still.
"It was when we were at my brother's party remember? You wanted me to show you how I dance, though I still will never do it again." I shook my head chuckling at myself.
"Boo, your no fun." She laughed.
We all exited the restaurant and said our goodbyes, them giving us solemn looks. They shook hands or waved their goodbyes at Roxas and Namine and everyone, one by one dragged me into a hug. Whether it was a strong but light hug from Selphie, a one armed hug from Zell, an attack on my back from Tidus, or a bear hug from Wakka, they each had their turn.
"You guys sure you can't come?" Kairi asked us as she hugged Namine and I. We all just shook our head and shrugged. They went off towards downtown to try to get into some of the local clubs as the three of us waited for a car.
It was slightly awkward sitting there with the two of them. I could tell they truly cared for each other by the way Namine and Roxas talked with each other. Laughing at some inside jokes holding hands, and sometimes shared a small kiss. It seemed like I wasn't there as I just took out my phone scrolling through my contacts. That was when I got a text message from someone that I thought long forgot about me.
Hey Sora, long time no see huh?
-Riku
I stared at my phone dumbfounded, debating to even respond to him. That was when another text was received:
I know what you're thinking, if you don't respond I will call you all through the night.
-Riku
I scowled at the text before responding back:
What do you want Riku?
~Sora
I gave an exasperated sigh as a Taxi pulled up. Roxas and Namine climbed in. "You going to share a cab with us Sora?" Namine asked, as Roxas just rolled his eyes, and I thought we were actually getting along well enough to share a cab, but by the glare he was sending my way I'll take that as a no.
"No, it's cool. I probably live in a different part of town from you guys." Which was true, they lived in the classy part of town where I lived in the more run down area. It was more middle class if anything, I was struggling with the bills for my apartment though.
"Oh ok." Namine gave me a sorrowful look as well.
"Later Sora." Roxas said, in his cool fashion before closing the door and the taxi drove off. I watched those tail lights go into the distance before they turned a street corner. My apartment was actually kind of far away from here. but I just started walking. I liked walking at night, though people said it could be dangerous, I knew how to protect myself.
I felt my pocket vibrate again as I took out my phone too see Riku had text me again.
Touchy aren't we? I was just wondering how my childhood friend is doing, now that I heard he is in an upcoming box office movie.
-Riku
I continued walking down the street, passing by some other people on their way to the boardwalk or maybe back to their homes. I decided I'd respond back.
That is none of your business Riku. I'm done trying to talk to you, will you just leave me alone?
~Sora
I put my phone away and let out another sigh. I looked up at the stars, and wish that I could see more of them. Where I was from, the stars were amazingly bright at night, and you could see every single constellation in the sky. All of them shining and twinkling down at you, you can't help but feel at peace in the grand universe. That is until an annoying silver haired prick decides to text you.
Sora, you might wanna play a little nicer with me. Now that Kairi, yourself, and I are going to all be in the same business we might as well catch up. I'm sure we will be seeing more of each other.
-Riku
I sighed and knew he was right. Riku was once a great friend of mine and Kairi's. We grew up together, the three of us. We came to Los Angeles to start our lives, both Kairi and Riku wanted to begin their careers as actors, while I wanted to support them, and eventually found my passion in...well I'll keep that one to myself since not many people know about it yet. When Riku landed his role in a film, Kairi was just getting into auditioning for roles on television, while I worked and kept the three of us afloat as a full time student at the local college as well as an employee at Lulu's coffee shop. If I didn't take a year off of school, I might actually be studying for classes right now.
Well, when Riku's film began to explode as a box office hit, we began to see less and less of him, even though we lived together. He'd be out all over town with other stars, or at a party living it up with some famous people, while Kairi and I stayed at the small apartment we could afford while she went on auditions, and I continued with my studies and work. Kairi became depressed after a month of this, since the two of them have been dating since high school.
Eventually, one day eight months ago, he came home and began to pack up all his things. He told Kairi that it wouldn't work with someone like her, and he needed a woman for his career. He didn't say a word to me as I yelled at him, trying to make him feel guilty as Kairi cried. He just gave me a sad look before walking out that door. Eventually Kairi decided she was going to go and live on her own, off the makings from a television show she just got signed for. I ended up moving to a more suitable place for myself in a better part of L.A. closer to the college and closer to Lulu's cafe.
None of us have heard from Riku since.
I knew Kairi still kept tabs on our friend from clippings of magazines she kept in a book in her room. Both of us did at least, once in awhile I'll find myself searching his name to see what new fantastic thing he accomplished and feel a twang in my heart from it.
Another vibration.
Look, I just want to catch up. Honestly Sora. Want to meet up tomorrow outside the cinema we always watched movies at? I'll treat you to whatever you want to do that day.
-Riku
I gave a sigh as I sat on a bench waiting for a taxi to drive by. I didn't know what to say, part of me wanted to see what he wanted, but another part of me told me that this might be a bad idea. I was off from Lulu's since Wakka is going to cover my shift, and they don't need me for shooting tomorrow. No matter how hard I tried to fight it, I knew my answer and responded.
All right Riku. I'll meet you there at noon.
~Sora
I sighed and saw an oncoming taxi coming my direction. I waved it down and hopped in, giving the driver my address, I headed back to my apartment to think about what I just agreed to. There was no way I could tell Kairi about this, there was no way I could tell anyone about this. I closed my eyes, clenched my fist, and hoped and prayed that I would be able to get through tomorrow without breaking down or yelling at him. It was going to be a long day...
A/N: All right then! There it is! I want to explain something about Riku. In this story he isn't a bad person, and we might see that next chapter. Haven't written it yet, so I can't tell you. All I can say though is that Riku, Sora, and Kairi have a past together, and they needed to separate. That's all I shall say. You, as the reader may judge him however you want, but that is my opinion of him. I think...anyways Reviews would be much appreciated. Thank you.