Longer chapter. I'm proud of myself. My Saturday sucked, so I decided to update. I'm sorry for my crappy writing skills, but whatever. I like my story thus far. (BTW: most of my chapter titles are song titles. I hate coming up with titles.)

Disclaimer: I love SquareEnix and Disney for making these characters and what not. I'm not that creative. I don't love Disney for making such shitty movies these days. IE: the rat movie.

Loveless Lies

Chapter 12: I So Hate Consequences

Light shown through the window, making silver hair sparkle. The young adult hadn't slept the night before, partly due to nerves, mostly due to Sora. A yawn escaped his perfect lips as he rose from his bed. A quick look at the clock, 10:04, and he was off to the bathroom.

Sora was doing something to Riku's head. A lot of somethings. All he could think about was the brunette, his smile, laugh, the way he tasted... he was an infectious drug and Riku was addicted. Even now, as the young adult let the warm water of his shower cleanse his body, the only thing that occupied his mind was thoughts of Sora.

Worry washed of Riku's mind. What if he doesn't want me? He could have just been caught up in the moment. He could still love her. Riku's eyes looked up toward the heavens, And I thought girls were difficult.

Riku reached a hand to turn off the shower. With a towel wrapped around his waist, he made his way back to his room. He couldn't allow Sora to occupy his mind today, Riku needed to do well with his audition. The young adult usually didn't put much thought into his appearance, his attractiveness came naturally, but today, he pulled clothes from his closet and drawers looking for anything that screamed "I'm a rockstar."

A sigh passed his lips as he settled for what he always wore: a pair of baggy jeans, tight zip up black tank top covered by a white and yellow vest. I need to go shopping, he thought as he grabbed his guitar case and headed downstairs.

Before he could make it out the front door, a hand fell to his shoulder. "Here," his father held out a small plastic object. "It's one of my picks from back in the day."

Riku held out his hand and took the red plastic from Sabin's hand, "Thanks."

"I know I wasn't always there for you and your brother..." a flash of pain flickered in the man's eyes at the thought of his eldest son, "but I want you to know that I'm proud of you. Not only with graduating, but with going after your dreams, and telling Sora your feelings, finally."

The last past of his dad's monologue caught interest in Riku's ears, "Finally?"

Sabin chuckled as he ruffled his son's silver hair, "Yeah, finally. His mom and I have known for years that you liked him. Just a matter of time."

Riku rolled his eyes in an attempt to make the blush on his cheeks disappear. The action made his dad laugh even harder, "Well, kid, you better get outta here. You have quite a drive in store for you."

"Thanks, again, dad. For everything," Riku turned his back to his father and took off to his car.

Sabin sighed and leaned against his doorway. He watched his son drive away as he mumbled, "Don't make the same mistakes I did. Don't lose everything."

The ride was shortened by Riku's anticipation. He walked into the bar, eyes searching for anyone who could help him find the place of tryouts. Finally, blonde spikes appeared from behind a door.

"Tryouts, right?" the man said while leaning on a door frame. The unknown man wore all black, black boots, tight black leather pants, black zip up vest, black gloves and a black cape-esque contraption. The vest showed off the man's muscles rather well. He had to be at least 20, maybe 21.

Riku shook his head, he mustn't stair at his potential band mate. "Yeah," he walked toward the other. "I'm hear for the tryouts. I'm the one that found you guys online. Riku." he said as he held out his free hand, the other one keeping his guitar held steadily on his shoulder.

The man took his hand and gave it a shake, "Cloud. Follow me, the others are waiting."

Riku inspected the walls of the hall as he followed Cloud. Stickers, posters and drawings covered the small corridor. Some bands he had known, others he probably never would.

Cloud pushed open a door to reveal two other guys sitting at a table playing cards. "Guys, this is Riku. He's hear for the rhythm guitar tryout."

Immediately, a dark haired man rose from his game and took a stance next to Cloud. Riku tried as hard as he could not to check out his next band mates, but failed. The guy before Riku wore black pants, a white undershirt and a short-sleeved black and red over shirt with multiple belts wrapped around his waist, even a few on his arms. He, too, wore black gloves. Riku's eyes moved up towards the man's face to see a scar between the man's eyes.

"I'm Leon. That guy is Sephiroth," Leon pointed back to a tall man with long hair, similar to Riku's hair color.

Riku nodded, "Where should I set up?"

Leon pointed to the left where a few amps and speakers were set up, "Over there." Leon motioned Cloud back to the card table, "Play a few songs. We'll join in after you're finished."

Surprisingly, Riku's nerves were non existent as he took his guitar out of the case and got himself set up. He had been waiting for this moment for quite some time. Here he was, attempting to live his dream, and if he succeed, he would be able to move to the same town as Sora. So much rode on the next few minutes.

The tryout went rather well. Riku played a few riffs and solos he had come up with, followed by a few difficult songs such as 'Carry Me Home' by The Living End and 'Beast in the Harlot' by Avenged Sevenfold. Impressed with what they had heard, the rest of the band joined in and had Riku read some tabs to a few of their own songs.

After the 20 minute jam session, Cloud put down the microphone and signaled Leon and Sephiroth to the hall, leaving Riku alone with his guitar. Instead of taking a much needed break, he stood and rocked on. His fingers moving up and down the neck of his Ibanez as he played the intro to 'Remedy' by Seether. He didn't notice Cloud and Leon coming back into the room.

"We've made a decision," Leon said. Riku stopped playing and looked up to the brunette. Cloud came up beside Leon and took his hand.

"If you don't have a problem with Leon and I, then you're in," Cloud said with a smile.

"I'm in," Riku said. "And believe me, I don't have a problem with you guys. I've sorta got one of my own."

"Really?" Cloud's eyes lit up a tad at the confession.

"Yeah, well, its complicated... His name is Sora," Riku's mind wondered back to his best friend. Oh, how he wished they were more than friends.

Sephiroth appeared out of nowhere, "Why am I always the only straight guy?" A pale hand stroked his ultra long silver hair.

Cloud chuckled, "I don't know. With that hair and the way you act, one would think you'd be just like us."

Anger built up on Sephiroth's face, "Shut up. Shouldn't we teach the boy some of our songs for the show tonight? We can play catch up later."

"Yeah. Enough messing around," Leon took control of the situation and picked up his drum sticks. "You have a lot of learning to do by tonight."

Sora sat in the computer chair, where he had been for the past 48 hours, minus sleeping and showering. Blue eyes had a shinny glaze over them as he read up on his web comics. The stay at his father's had been just as glorious as he had hoped. Ample time to sit back and pretend his life wasn't crumbling before him.

Locke walked in the front door, glancing to the left. His son still sitting at the computer, "Sora, it's 8:30, shouldn't you be off to that concert?"

Sora looked up to his father, "Uh yeah. Wait, how did you know?"

A grin filled the man's face, "I have my ways."

His son pulled himself from his place of sanctuary and went to the guest room. He hadn't changed out of his pajamas since yesterday. A groan escaped the brunette's lips as he pulled on a pair of black shorts. Sora checked himself in the full-length mirror, moderately satisfied with what he saw, he exited his room and headed to find food before he left.

"Where is everyone?" Sora asked while biting into an apple.

"At the movies. I wasn't up for an animated flick," Locke took a seat at table next to his son. "You have a big night ahead of you."

Sora starred intently at his half eaten apple, "I know." He lifted his body off the chair and threw the apple in the garbage. "I should get going."

"Good luck," Locke said to his son. Sora waved and disappeared out the door. "You're going to need it," the man said to himself.

Sora wondered into the small venue, which doubled as a bar. The show had started at 7:00, but Riku's band wouldn't be on until around 9:00. It was one of those shows that would probably go on until 1 or 2 in the morning. The brunette wadded himself through the crowd, looking for a familiar face. The teen still hadn't known how Riku's audition went, he hoped to find someone who knew.

Pushing past a couple making out to the sounds of the horrible opening band, Sora spotted a flash of red hair. He elbowed scene kids in the ribs until he was free from the crowd. He grabbed Axel's arm and spun him around, surprised not to see Roxas attached to his lips.

"Long time no see," a smirk grew on Axel's lips.

"Who's all here? Do you know if Riku made it in that band?" Sora screamed over the shitty guitar solo.

"I haven't heard from Riku all day," hands grazed his stiff hair. "As for who's here," Axel laughed wickedly, "You'll have to see for yourself."

Sora rolled his eyes, "Thanks, I think." Axel flashed a smile before he joined a nearby circle pit.

A few minutes of watched Axel dance around like an asshole, and the band was over. The music stopped, but only for a second before speakers billowed recorded music into the tiny venue. Sora decided to continue his search for Roxas, Kairi and Riku, now that the music wasn't so loud.

It was amazing how many people had packed into the Grog Shop. What was even more amazing was the lack of security guards. Finally, he spotted Kairi and Selphie sitting at a table. He quickened his steps, he knew there would be no better time than this to tell Kairi. Just as he was making progress on his journey, someone else caught his eye.

Average height, pale skin, clothed in black and... blue hair. "Zexion..." Sora couldn't believe his eyes. It had been months since he had talked to the boy, and there he was. Instantly, Sora walked backwards into the crowd, keeping an eye on Zexion. The brunette thought his day could not get any worse, but, of course, he was wrong. Kairi had motioned for Zexion to come to their table.

"Mother fu..." Sora's curse was cut short by Axel's punch to his shoulder.

"Such language," the redhead teased.

"You told him to come here, to force me to tell Riku, didn't you? How did you find out about us?" Sora's eyes grew dark.

"Slow down there, kid. I knew he liked you, but as for this 'us' stuff, you'll have to fill me in later," Axel put his hands on his hips. "You better get over there."

Sora sighed as he, once again, made his way to Kairi. This time, his girlfriend spotted him. She beckoned Sora to come to the table.

Sora took a seat in between Kairi and Zexion. Awkward... he thought to himself. "Hey Kairi," he said as he kissed the girl's cheek.

"Hey, Sor. This is Zexion, do you know him?" something was in Kairi's eyes. Sora was positive she knew the answer to her question.

"Yeah..." he turned to face he ex-lover. "Long time, no see." Sora blushed as Zexion smiled and locked eyes with the brunette.

A heavy silence filled the table as Sora nervously fiddled with a coin. "Uh, I'm going to find Roxas...," Selphie sensed her cue to leave. She had no idea what was going on, but she had a feeling it wouldn't end pretty.

"So...Zexion was telling me you guys went to some amusement park once," Kairi said in an attempt to spark up conversation.

"Um, yeah. He was friends with Demyx," Sora turned to Zexion, this time not looking at his eyes. "How's he doing?"

Zexion shrugged, "Okay, I guess. We haven't talked a lot lately."

"Oh," Sora went back to starring at the penny on the table.

"So, have you guys talked since then?" Kairi asked.

The girl is prying and I know it, Sora thought to himself. "Yeah..." He prayed Zexion wouldn't say anything, then again, he prayed that he would.

"We did a lot more than talking," Zexion said so only Sora could hear. The brunette blushed.

"Are you feeling okay, Sor? Your face is pretty red."

Zexion twitched this time instead of Sora at the nickname. "Yeah, are you feeling okay." His eyes flashed pain and anger towards Sora.

"I'm fine," he took the opportunity to change the subject from his past to present situation. "Have you seen Riku?"

Before Kairi could answer, something snapped in the other man's mind at the table. Zexion threw his tightly clenched fists to the table. His hair whipped around his face as he turned to Sora, grabbing the teen's shoulders, "You can't ignore the past. Are you ever going to tell her?"

Sora's mouth opened and closed, but not a word was spoken.

"Tell me what?" the question was directed at Sora, but he didn't get the chance to respond.

"We had sex, okay? Now stay out of this," something evil was in Zexion's tone. He turned his focus back to his ex-lover. "You used me. You used me for sex. There was nothing else between us, ever, was there?" the evil has changed into the sadness that was usually found in Zex's voice.

Sora looked at the man he had broken, then turned to look at Kairi. She seemed rather calm for just being told that Sora had cheated on her by a complete stranger. Something was off. "I... I didn't mean to use you. I was.. confused."

Zexion let go of Sora and sat back down, "I thought I loved you."

"I know, but I was in love with someone else," blue eyes couldn't look at anything besides the floor. "I didn't want to hurt you. I just wanted.. I don't know what I wanted, but I'm sorry."

The older of the three stood from his seat. He kissed Sora's forehead and whispered into his ear, "That's all I needed to hear. Don't hide your true feeling next time." With that, Zexion disappeared into the crowd.

"Sora?" Kairi's hand turned Sora to face her.

"I'm sorry," tears began to appear on his cheeks. "I'm sorry for cheating on you. I was upset and confused, but I now know what I want." Riku's face flashed in the back of his head, sending a small smile to his face.

Kairi took the smile the wrong way, "I forgive you. Just, don't do it again." She leaned in and kiss Sora's lips. The first actual kiss they've had in days. She leaned her lips into the kiss, trying to make it last. Trying to convince herself this wouldn't be the last. Maybe he still loves me...

Sora broke off the kiss, shaking his head. "Kairi, don't forgive me, not yet."

"What do you mean? Locke told me..."

"What?! What the hell did he tell you?" Sora interrupted. His father's honesty sometimes got the best of him.

"I called everyone after seeing you kiss Riku. I thought you were gay. No one would tell me anything. So, I called Locke," the redhead played with her hands nervously. "He told me that you saw a kid named Zexion before. Locke also said he would be here tonight and gave a brief description of him. But only so many people on this Earth have blue hair..."

"Why would my own father do that to me?" the question had been rhetorical. Sora's brain had only heard half of what the girl had said, but it was enough to be completely pissed at Locke.

"He knew you would never have the guts to say it yourself."

"He's probably right," another silence fell to the table. Sora was lost in thought, knowing he had more to tell Kairi, but he didn't want to drag the knife deeper into the girl's heart.

She sighed and looked down, "Everything won't be okay again, will it?" Her eyes looked to meet Sora's, slowly filling with salty water.

"I, I don't think so."

Red hair waved side to side as the girl frantically shook her head, "No! It's going to be okay. I did not stay in this relationship for this long for you to leave me over a fucking boy. I love you, dammit." I don't care if he's gay, give me 30 minutes in an empty room and I'll break him of that shit fast.

"I can't do this. It's ov..." Sora's sentence, the only he had waited so long to say, here it was. One syllable left...His lips formed the end of the word, but were stopped by Kairi's lips. Before he could react, a strong arm pulled him from the girl. At first, the silver hair had tricked Sora's mind into thinking Riku had rescued him, but he was mistaken.

"I see you made it out," Sephiroth said, smirking at his own pun.

"Uh, yeah? Why are you here?" he looked at the man with a quizzical face.

"Ever heard of Final Fantasy?" silver hair flew back as the man flipped his hair. Sora nodded."Well, I'm the lead guitarist. Now, care to introduce me to this lovely girl of yours?"

"Oh yeah, Kairi, this is Sephiroth, one the instructors I'll be working with in the fall," Kairi and Sephiroth shook hands. "Wait," things finally started to click in the young adult's mind, "Did a guy named Riku tryout for your band today?"

Sephiroth raised an eyebrow, "Why, yes. He did. You know, I just put two and two together. You're his Sora he talked so much about." The man's eyes turned to take a look at Kairi, a chuckle emerged from his lips.

"His Sora?" Kairi questioned Sephiroth.

"AND NOW, WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, THE GROG SHOP BRINGS YOU, FINAL FANTASY!" an announcer's voice echoed throughout the bar. The audience roared in anticipation.

"That's my cue. Riku won't be playing until the last two songs," the final sentence directed to Sora. He placed a hand to Sora's shoulder. Sehpiroth's voice softened as he placed his lips to the brunette's ear, "Your secret's safe with me, but odds are, she's now suspecting the worst."

The day had gone from good, to bad, to hell in the matter of an hour. Sora sat in disbelief regarding the hole he had dug himself into. His eyes locked on the stage. Music was playing, yet it wasn't registering as anything more than sound in the brunette's head.

Sora's head fell into his tanned hands. Okay, so, not only does Kairi know I slept with Zexion, he showed up to the concert...And my dad was to blame for Kairi's knowledge. My boss knows I'm gay and is in a band with Riku...I guess the only way to go from here is up.

If only he knew...

Okay, so I lied. There will be 2 chapters after this one. Maybe three if I do an epilogue of sorts.

BTW, the two songs Riku played, Carry Me Home and Beast in the Harlot.. I chose them because I cannot for the life of me pass them on Guitar Hero 2 on hard. I'm a n00b.

So much drama in this chapter. So much more to come.

Next chapter: Riku "talks" with Kairi and Sora. And what about Kairi's secret?...

--Em