Soft Revolution
by anobscureflaw
Summary: Riku's a top model, and Sora's just a substitute hairstylist temporarily filling in. It was only a small plane delay, but caused much more than expected. Funny how fate works. (Riku/Sora)
- - -
Naturally, the show went off without a hitch. I didn't trip or anything, which is always good, and I saw a few designers eyeing me for their own upcoming shows.
But I'll talk about that when it comes. Because now... it's time for my favorite part.
The afterparty.
Leon and I are backstage, taking off the makeup and getting undressed... seperately, sicko.
"Hey, Riku, did Larx say when we leave for Milan?" Leon asked from his corner of the room.
"You're coming?"
"Yeah, just for a day or two. I'm doing a shoot then leaving. Cloud's birthday is in three days, so I told Larxene I wanted to be back for it since I don't have any shoots after just the one."
I told you he was obsessed with his boyfriend. Seriously, if they were any gayer, they'd... well, I don't think they can get gayer.
"Oh. Well, I think we leave tomorrow around noon or so." I said, putting on a pair of leather pants that I stole from Leon's dresser. Let's see if he'll notice.
Leon grunted in response. I finished getting dressed, putting on a plain white shirt. Best keep it simple, I decide, but I add a necklace and studded belt. It goes with the whole badass appearance.
"I'm out. Are you coming, or are you going back to the apartment to be all love bunny with Cloudy Woudy and bake cupcakes with pink sprinkles?"
Leon threw a shirt at me, and I laughed. It was so fun teasing him.
"I'm coming, actually. But just so you know, my little love bunny Cloud is too."
"Oh, great. Thanks for ditching me. That means I'll have to find someone else to hang out with."
"You know you were going to anyways."
True. But I don't want to admit it. "So do you want me to wait for you or not."
"Nah, go ahead. Cloud's meeting me here in a few and then we'll walk over. It's the club down the block, right? With that one bartender?"
"What bartender?"
"The one you hooked up with."
I tried to think back, but to no avail. This must have been a while ago, probably. "Uh.. when was this?"
"Two weeks ago." Leon said, looking... disappointed. "It's sad that you take people for granted like that, Riku... You can't just use them."
"I don't want a lecture, thanks." I asked, my temperature immediately flailing up. "If I wanted one I'd ask my fucking mom."
Seriously, though. I hate these talks. Every once in a while, Leon will try to convince me that casual sex as often as I have it is bad, etc. etc. I've heard it all before, and to be honest I'm completely sick of it.
"Whatever." Leon said in his classic catchphrase. I should have figured he'd revert back to his ways; these few minutes are the most I've heard him talk in a while.
I snorted and made to leave with a harsh "See you later, maybe," grabbing a black hoodie on the way out. He didn't respond.
Oh well, I thought as I made my way out into the brisk November wind. I should have brought a thicker jacket, damn. I didn't realize it was this cold, but at least the club was only down the block. I'd be there in a few minutes.
My feet clunked along the sidewalk heavily, as my legs were stiff from the cold. Surprisingly, the streets were pretty empty, but I suppose that when you have a party as huge as the one just down the street, everyone is going to be there, and everyone who wants to be there is in line trying to get in.
A beat-up car passed by slowly and rolled down its window. "Need a ride?" drawled a lecherous guy as he looked me up and down.
"Not from you," I responded snarkily and flipped him off. He made to get out of his car, then probably realized he couldn't take me in a fight and just kept driving. Fucker. This isn't a new occurrence, but you still get sick of it... Sure, attention is nice, but not when it's coming from creepy fuckers four times your age.
Finally I turned the corner, and sure enough there was a long ass line of sad wannabes waiting to get in. The paparazzi were outside as well, and I decided to lift my spirits and make a show. I was originally planning to just sneak in the back discreetly, but suddenly I was overwhelmed by a need for attention.
Getting in a fight with your best (and only, really) friend will do that to you.
I pulled down my hood and started walking, no strutting along the line, passing everyone slowly so that they'd notice me, but quick enough that they wouldn't have time to latch themselves on to me. The trick was, only one person had to notice, and then everyone did.
Sure enough... "Oh my god! It's Riku! It's Riku!"
Cue the screaming fans.
As I neared the front of the line (dodging several swipes made at me by fans), I began screening its occupants for a semi-decent looking girl who also didn't seem crazy. The paparazzi would spot me soon, and I didn't want to be alone when I made my entrance.
I spotted a pretty blonde wearing a cute, obviously expensive dress in line with a few of her friends. She was easily the prettiest, so I walked up to her, resting my hand on the rope that designated the line. "Hey." I said, simply and sultry all at once.
She smiled brightly. Her friends were close to fainting in the background, but both she and I ignored them.
"Hey." She said back. It seems I made a good choice, she could at least talk to me without bubbling over.
"How about you skip the rest of the line and come in with me?" I asked her as her friends started squealing in the background.
The girl had the decency to at least pretend that she had to consider the offer, as if she had to get approval from her friends. "Go on!" One of them said, pushing her forward slightly, and that was all it took. "Sure," she said, smiling.
I held up the rope for her to climb under and put my arm around her waist.
"Smile, stand up straight, don't look directly at the cameras." I muttered as we approached the paparazzi. She looked confused, and I felt bad for a second, as she must have genuinely thought I was asking her to come in there with me because I actually liked her.
"Just do it." I said. Instantly, her posture straightened and she looked as radiant as possible, not wanting to disappoint me.
"Riku! Riku! Who's the new beau?"
"Riku! Is it true you've been linked with--"
"How did the show go? Any comments?"
"Is it true you and fellow model Leon have a bitter feud going on because he stole your girlfriend three years ago?"
I snorted at the last one. If only they knew that not only was Leon gay, but I am as well. They'd have a field day.
But then I suppose I'm a master at convincing them of my heterosexuality. I mean, I've kept them thinking I'm straight for this long.
I simply smiled at the cameras, ignoring all of the questions, and walked up to the bouncer who immediately moved aside to let me and the girl in.
As soon as we were inside, I let go of the girl's waist and began walking off. "Riku?" she asked, standing where I left her.
I felt bad because she wasn't a crazy fan, but it was obvious she was a bit confused. Instead of just giving her a glare and stomping off, as I usually did with the girls, I at least gave her an explanation.
"Look," I began. "I'm gay. I have to make an entrance with a girl to every event so they don't know."
She looked surprised for a second, but then looked as if she'd had a sort of epiphany. "I guess I should have known. There's no other way you'd have such great hair."
I laughed, as was obviously intended. This girl wasn't so bad. "Hey, want to get a drink real quick?"
"Sure. I mean, I don't know anyone in here, so I might as well."
I began walking and she followed. We walked through the tables of people lighting up and drinking heavily, then skirted around the dance floor where there was some heavy bumping and grinding. Finally we made it to the bar, which was located in the back. Seeing as she quickly began to get lost in the crowd, I had to grab her arm and escort her over to the bar where two nobodies moved as soon as they saw us coming.
Ah, the power of being famous. Or, not being famous but being treated just as great by association.
I slid into my seat and gestured for her to do the same. "You've never been to a club before." I observed.
She blushed slightly. "Is it that obvious?"
"Yeah." I said bluntly, smiling. "You didn't push your way through, you looked really intimidated."
"I suppose I am, a bit." she said, smoothing out her dress. "It wasn't my idea to come tonight. I was kind of forced by my friends. I'd rather stay at home than go clubbing."
I'll admit I was impressed. This girl was honest, not fake at all like everyone else here. I didn't mind talking to her.
"I'm Riku." I said, offering my hand.
She laughed. "As if you have to introduce yourself." Then she stuck out her own hand. "Namine."
We chatted for a bit, about nothing in particular. She went to school here in New York, and asked a bit about my modeling. She wanted to be an artist. I offered to one day figure model for her, and she said she'd like that very much.
"You know, Namine," I said after we'd both had a second round of drinks. "If I wasn't gay, I'd have fallen in love with you by now."
She laughed cutely. "Thanks, but I really don't mind being friends. I don't think I could handle the pressure of being a celebrity's girlfriend, even if you were straight."
Just then, Larxene came up and interrupted the conversation. "Riku! I've been looking for you everywhere, doll." She kissed my cheek. "And who's this?" she asked, seeing my companion.
"Just a friend. Her name is Namine."
Larxene looked her over once and said, "The entrance girl?"
"Yeah, the entrance girl." Namine said before I could, but not sounding the least bitter. Amused, in fact.
Larxene nodded dismissively and turned back to me. "Is Leon here yet?"
I snorted. "Hell if I know."
"... Did something happen?" Larxene asked, though she knew the answer.
"Yeah, I guess. It's not a big deal." I said, not making eye contact. Namine looked awkward, so I decided to be generous and save her.
"Hey, I'm gonna take a smoke. Want to come with?"
She made a face. "No, thanks. I'll just stay here."
"Riku, I'm talking to you." Larxene interrupted, tapping her foot impatiently.
"You sure?" I focused my attention on Namine, ignoring my manager completely.
"Completely." she nodded brightly. "Actually, there's my friends over there. Wow, they actually got in."
I began walking away, ignoring Larxene's calls at my back. I just didn't feel like talking right now, whatever she said could wait until the morning. If it was urgent, she would have chased after me.
What a shitty night, seriously. This was supposed to be the highlight of my week. Instead, I got in a disagreement with my best friend and talked to a girl all night when I could already be in the bathroom with some guy. I'm just not in the mood, I guess.
Leon would be surprised, I noted bitterly. Riku? Not wanting to have sex for once? The apocalypse must be near.
I decided to go out the back entrance as the front was likely still flooded with paparazzi and desperate people making a second attempt to get in, usually dressed in different outfits. Sure enough, it was empty as I got out there.
Even though it was November, there was a bit of ice on the ground, mostly built up in corners. I leaned against the dumpster and stared at the brick wall with graffitti painted all over it.
I pulled out a cigarette and lit it, letting it rest in my lips. I know, smoking kills - but so do a lot of other things. I don't do it that often, anyways. Only when I feel like shit.
I don't really know how much time had passed, only that I was on my 5th cigarette. Chain smoker, so what.
"Hey." said someone from behind me.
I hadn't even noticed the door open. I turned and smiled slightly; it was my hairdresser whose name I still didn't know.
"Hey."
"Smoking kills, you know."
"Yeah, slow suicide, whatever." I grunted. As you can probably tell, I don't really like lectures much.
"So. What brings the infamous Riku out here alone, when he could be in the club being the center of attention."
"I just didn't feel like it." I said truthfully.
A few seconds of awkward silence followed.
"You know, I can't quite figure you out." He ran a gloved hand through his brown spikes and crossed his arms together, leaning against the wall.
Now that caught me a bit offguard. I was expecting him to go back inside or something, not say anything like that.
"What do you mean?"
"When I met you, you were concieted and cocky and confident. Now this is only the... second time I've talked to you, but you seem like a completely different person than before."
I gazed at him rather intensely. His blue eyes looked genuinely curious; his eyebrows were knitted together.I didn't respond, not quite knowing what to say. What kind of person was I, exactly?
"What's your name, anyways?" I asked, ignoring what he had just said.
"Sora."
I nodded and blew out smoke, turning back to stare at the brick wall.
"So what are you doing out here, Sora?"
"I don't really like clubs much."
"Yeah, I didn't peg you for the party type."
Sora shivered lightly. "So why don't you just go home?" I asked when he didn't say anything.
"Dunno. I probably will in an hour or so."
The door opened for a second time, but this time it slammed open.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you two." Larxene bursted.
"Us two?" inquired Sora. "What do you need me for?"
"Fuck, it's an emergency!"
Sora looked alarmed, but I didn't worry one bit. Usually, Larxene's idea of an emergency is a rip in her skirt or a broken heel. God forbid one day she experiences an actual emergency.
"Marluxia just called. It turns out his plane didn't get stuck there, he missed it purposely. He's decided to stay there." She looked a bit pissed, but then her expression became more amused than anything. "Ten bucks says he met some guy or girl and they're sitting in a vineyard somehwere feeding each other grapes and reading to each other in front of the fireplace."
I smiled; that sounded like something he'd do.
"Any the fuck way, Sora, you're coming to Milan."
"W- What?"
"The flight leaves at noon, don't be late."
"Um. Alright, I suppose."
Larxene looked satisfied. "Riku, get back inside. You're ruining your image. I can see the headlines tomorrow: TOP MODEL'S BATTLE WITH DEPRESSION."
I snorted (as was obviously becoming a part of my vocabulary) and dropped my cigarette, crushing it into the ice with my boot.
"Whatever, its your career. Just don't be late tomorrow."
She stuck her chin up and stomped back inside. What a little brat; throwing a tantrum when she doesn't get her way.
I couldn't help but notice that Sora looked a bit troubled, so I tried to cheer him up.
"What's the matter? It's Milan, and it's free! In fact, you're getting paid for it."
He smiled sadly. "It's my first year anniversary in two days with my girlfriend. If I'm going to be in Milan, I'll miss it..."
"That sucks." I sympathized rather bluntly, but inside I was mildly shocked. Girlfriend? And a whole year? I definitely wasn't expecting that.
"Yeah. It does."
"Will she be mad?"
"Not mad, just upset. Maybe even disappointed, which is worse. But knowing her, she won't try to show it. She already thinks I work too much, so... anyways, I really just wanted to be with her."
I was at a loss for words, and opted not to say anything, instead letting him talk it out.
"Anyways, I think I'm going to head home. See you tomorrow, I suppose."
"Yeah."
He nodded lightly and went back inside. I stayed out for a few more minutes, thinking about Sora and trying to figure him out like he did to me. Eventually I took Larxene's advice and headed back inside. As much as I'd rather stay out here, I couldn't afford to lose my career. I hadn't even finished high school; I had nothing to fall back on.
Putting on my best smug smile, I reentered the building and headed straight for the dance floor.
People cleared the path, obviously getting a vibe that I was on a mission of sorts. I started dancing alone right in the middle, swaying my hips, and sure enough within seconds there were both guys and girls all around trying to get close to me.
I knew I wouldn't be going home alone tonight.
Some things just don't change.
- - -
So, less snark, obviously. You get to see a different side of everyone-- Leon, Riku, and even Sora (though Larxene is the same;). If you think they're out of character in comparison to the first chapter, keep in mind that people act differently in different situations. As models, Leon and Riku are supposed to be confident on the catwalk, though they may not be like that in actuality. Riku himself is completely confused as to who he's supposed to be and who he really is. As for Sora, his snarkiness early on was a way for Riku to not underestimate him or misjudge him. Which isn't to say that there won't be snark in the future, though... XD
Sorry this took so long! I hope I didn't lose any readers. I blame school and laziness. Hopefully, following chapters should be out once every two weeks, so updates twice a month. But remember, that's just a goal, not a promise. Life tends to get in the way sometimes.
Next chapter: Milan!