I got the heartless heart as a tattoo on my ankle last week. It's pretty kick ass. I love my boyfriend for purchasing it for my birthday.

So I bring to you the Epilogue. All lose ends are now tied. And I adored every second of it. I hope you all enjoy this last chapter. It's been real.

Disclaimer: There is a bit of a lemon, and these characters aren't mine.

Loveless Lies

Chapter 15: Epilogue

August, three years later...

Sora sat at the kitchen table, sipping coffee and reading the paper. No surprise, Roxas' article made the front page, yet again. He smiled thinking about the success of his friend.

Roxas went to Columbia and managed to graduate in three years after taking multiple summer courses to save money on tuition. His graduation was one to remember. After the ceremony, Axel took the graduate out to dinner and proposed. They have yet to set the date.

The brunet was always the first to rise. It wasn't until he finished his breakfast that anyone else woke up in the household. Sure enough, as Sora placed his dished in the sink, Axel made his way to the kitchen.

"Thank God it's Friday," the redhead said as he grabbed the coffee pot.

"Amen to that," Sora busied himself with the dishes. "So, any word on setting a date for the wedding?"

Axel shook his head, "Naw. Probably next spring." He took a muffin and sat at the table. "Don't think that means we're kicking you out."

"Considering Riku and I pay half the rent, it never occurred to me that you would be," he smiled and went to his room to grab a few things for the day.

After high school graduation, the four did move in with each other, sharing a nice size house in the suburbs. Riku frequently was on tour, but always managed to send rent to Sora. Sure, Sora missed Riku and vice versa, but they both had their own jobs. This was just how things had to be. At least Sora had roommates to keep him company and help with bills.

Riku wasn't in the bedroom when Sora opened the door. He hadn't been there in six months. Sora sighed as he opened the closet and looked at Riku's untouched clothing, but then smiled when he remembered what would happen later that night when Riku returned from the never ending tour.

Final Fantasy was, finally, taking a break from touring to write a new CD. That meant at least three months with Riku. The thought gave Sora the motivation to carry one with his day. Sora sat on the bed and picked up a guitar from its stand, idly strumming the only melody he had learned to play.

The bedroom door opened a crack. "Hey, you cool to talk?" asked Roxas.

"Come on in," Sora said while gesturing for the blond to sit on the bed next to him.

Roxas handed Sora an opened envelope. "I know I probably shouldn't have opened your mail, but it was from Kairi..."

Sora blinked rapidly at the letter that was placed in his hands. The man had not even thought about that girl since graduation, let alone heard from her. "It's okay. I'm gonna read this really quick. Give me a sec"

Roxas nodded and laid down on the bed. Sora preceded in his readings:

Dearest Sora,

I know it's bee a long time. Too long. But I wanted to say a few things to you.

I am sorry. Sorry for cheating, lying and stealing your trust. You were the one good thing in my life. I shouldn't have turned you away when you told me about Riku. I should have kept your friendship. I was selfish and wanted all of you or none at all. I'm sorry.

That being said, I don't expect anything to come of this letter. I just felt like I should tell you things that have been going on in my life. It's hard having someone who knew almost everything, someone you could talk to, and then having them be gone. Having everyone you knew and loved leave you. It sucked, but I deserved it.

I took a few years off of school. I started last August at Kent State University in Ohio. I'm going to be in the fashion design program. It took me a while to find something I liked. I didn't want to waste time or money on a major I would hate.

I can tell you're laughing as I mention Ohio. Such a horrid state. Crappy weather, shitty sports teams and basically no entertainment other than amusement park, but I like it. It feels like more of a home than Destiny ever did. I feel like Ohio's far enough away to start over, and that's just that I have done.

I have a few new friends. They're names aren't important. I also am dating a guy. The first one since you. I wanted to change myself before I tried again. I wanted to be better. I think that I now am.

Well Sora, this is the end of my letter to you. From here on out, I will send no more. This was my one and only. I just wanted a chance to explain myself. To redeem myself. To make you stop despising my existence. I don't know if it worked, but it's better to try than to never know.

So goodbye my dear Sora. Tell Axel and Roxas I send my love and best hopes to their relationship. (I hope they're still together.) And to you and Riku, which I am sure you would never be without again, I couldn't be happier for you two.

With love,

Kairi

Sora placed the paper beside him on the bed. He blinked a tear that had formed from his eye. "That was unexpected," the brunet said to a now almost sleeping Roxas.

"Yeah. At least she wasn't a total bitch in the letter," Roxas stretched and looked at the state of his friend. "Are you going to write her back?"

"Someday," Sora looked to the ceiling. It had been so long. All those feelings he had hidden... "She was a big part of my life."

"I thought you would say that. So, do you work today?" Roxas decided it would be best to change subjects, at least for now.

The brunet shook his head, his spikes unwaivering, "Nope. Took the day off. I have a lot to do before Riku gets home."

Roxas could sense the excitement in Sora's voice, "Like?"

"You'll know soon enough. But just because I'm not working today doesn't mean you're not. Shouldn't you and Axel be heading to the city?" Sora questioned.

"As a matter of fact, we took the day off. We're looking at venues for the wedding," Roxas said. "What? You trying to get rid of me?" he stuck his tongue out playfully.

Sora gave Roxas a small push to the shoulder, "Naw. Just have things to do."

Roxas winked, " I know what you'll be doing."

"Shut up! I swear Axel's turned you into a pervert over the year's," Sora had now shoved his friend onto the floor.

The blond stood up and laughed as he walked to the door, "Whatever. We'll try to stay out late, just in case."

Sora grabbed a pillow off the bed and hurled it at Roxas, "You're sick!"

"Nope. Just telling it like it is. See ya," with that, the blond left the room.

The brunet shook his head in disapproval at his friend's antics. Just as he was about to start getting things ready for Riku's arrival, his hand brushed against Kairi's letter. He glanced at her signature, just now noticing the phone number and screen name scribbled underneath.

He contemplated calling his ex. All the turmoil of his past, the pain, the hatred. For a few days senior year, he had been someone he wasn't. It was all because of her. The debate raged on in his head. It had been three years. That's ample time to stop being a slut whore, but still...

"What would Riku think?" he whispered as he committed Kairi's new number to memory.

Sora thought long and hard about the question at hand. Riku had changed, too, since high school. His anger was rarely a problem and he had learned to forgive. Marluxia helped him out with that one. Sora determined that Riku would probably want Sora to contact the girl. If only to accept her apology.

He picked up his cell and dialed the numbers. A rather perky voice answered after two rings, "Hello?"

"Um, hey. It's Sora..." he didn't know what to say to the girl.

"Sora?! You...you actually are calling me back? I never thought you would," Kairi said, vainly attempting to hide the joy that was building inside of her.

"Heh. I just wanted to give you and update as well. It has been three years," there was a brief silence as Sora debated what to say next. "I forgive you."

"You have no idea how much that means to me," tears built up in her eyes as a burden lifted from her shoulders.

"Don't expect everything to go back to normal, but, I don't know. I kinda miss just talking with you. Even after all that was said and done, I miss how open I could be with you about almost everything," explained Sora.

"I miss talking to you, too," it was the honest to God truth. "So, how are you and Riku?"

A grin instantly appeared on Sora's lips. "Great, wonderful. He's coming home tonight from tour."

"Tell me all about about you two. I'm so happy for you. You deserve it."

"Thanks Kairi," and so Sora went on to talk about his and Riku's past.

Kairi had changed. She was more accepting, honest and loving. It would be a while before all trusts were completely healed, and honestly, who knows if that will ever happen, but all signs pointed in that direction.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Riku grabbed a bag from the backseat as he made his way out of the car, "Thanks for the ride."

Sephiroth waved briefly at his band mate, "No problem. Tell Sora I said hello. See you next week,"

Riku waved as the car drove away. He turned and faced his home, which he had missed so much. Sure, being in a band is great. The fans, spotlight and experiences are to die for, but six months without Sora was a bit much for him to handle.

He made his way up the small path to his house, glancing to the driveway. He noticed that Axel and Roxas' car was no where to be seen. The lack of car made Riku smile as he realized he would have Sora all to himself.

A pale arm pushed the door forward. He had hoped to see Sora standing in the foyer, waiting for him, but instead he was greeted by an empty, dim lit house. "Sora?" Riku cried out. When no answer came he put his bag down and walked toward the only room with a light on, the kitchen.

The kitchen was rather clean for four adult males to be living in. Dishes were done, counters wiped... Hell, even the fridge was spotless, except for a post-it note. Riku took the small note and read it out loud, "Riku, Come upstairs."

Riku put the note back on the fridge and made his way to his and Sora's room. He figured his boyfriend was taking a nap after work. Still, it was seven at night. Sora shouldn't be napping this late. Riku thought as he opened the door to the room.

Sora wasn't napping. As a matter of fact, he wasn't in the room at all. Green eyes surveyed his living quarters, stopping on the bed. There laid a pair of black jeans, a nicer dress shirt and another note. This one read, "Riku, Shower and be ready by 8."

His head clouded with confusion. Riku had never thought Sora to be one for elaborate plans, but this had proved him wrong. He smiled at the idea of taking a real shower. Being on the road meant sleeping with your band, eating with your band and sometimes even showering with your band at rest stops.

Showering, dressing and doing his hair took Riku almost the full hour. It was about 7:50 p.m. when he decided it was due time to go downstairs and wait for Sora to arrive. Riku threw himself into an over-stuffed arm chair and flicked on the TV. None of the shows caught Riku's attention. All he could think about was seeing his love and holding him until the end of time.

The clock struck eight, and sure enough, a light shown into the house. Riku sprung from the couch and went toward the door. He opened the door to find someone very unSora-like.

"Are you Mr. Riku?" asked a short, chubby man who was dressed like a chauffeur. Riku nodded to the man. "Follow me. Master Sora is waiting."

Riku nodded to the man and then noticed what the chauffeur was driving: a stretch black limo. "Did Sora come to get me in that?" he half asked to the man, half asked to himself.

"No, Mr. Riku. He sent for me to get you in that," the man chuckled as he motioned for Riku to follow him into the car.

The limo was everything Riku expected it to be: spacious, comfy, free mini bar. If only Sora was here, Riku thought. What are you planning?

The ride took about 20 minutes. When the limo stopped, the driver opened the door for Riku. The sliver-haired man opened his eyes to what appeared to be a fancy club type place. His eyes looked for Sora's spiked hair, sadly the boy was no where to be found.

"Go inside, Mr. Riku. He'll be waiting for you," said the chauffeur.

Riku smiled and thanked he driver as he bolted to the front door. Inside, he was stopped by a hostess, "Name?" the girl asked.

"Oh. Right. Riku...or Sora.," he said at first forgetting that Sora had probably made the arrangements.

The hostess smiled, "Right this way, Riku." She grabbed a menu and led Riku through the dinning room to a table stage right of a small, but elegant stage.

Riku took a seat at the table for two as the girl handed him a menu. "Um Miss? Do you know if there will be anyone else joining me?" sure, he loved the clothes, limo and place of dinning, but all he wanted was Sora...

The girl giggled. "In time," was her only response before she exited the dinning room.

Riku glanced at his watch, 8:30 p.m. He had been home for almost two hours and still hadn't seen Sora once. Waiters came and took his drink and dinner order, none of which knew the status of his lover, but all seemed to smile whenever he asked.

Just as his appetizer arrived, the lights dimmed and a man dressed in a suit took the stage. "Attention guests. Tonight we have a special performance before our main event. A young man who sings with a purpose."

The crowd's applause caught Riku's attention to the stage. There, center stage, sat Sora on a stool with an acoustic guitar in hand. Riku's eyes blinked wildly as he locked eyes with Sora's.

"Hello everyone!" Sora began into the microphone. He was nervous, but his voice never let it show. "My name is Sora. About three years ago I started dating the most amazing person, but I have loved him long before then. We've been through a lot of tough times in the past, but we always managed to pull through. This song goes out to him. Riku, I love you."

Riku was in a state of shock. Never in his life had anyone sang to him on stage, let alone his significant other.

Sora began strumming on his guitar, the melody from earlier in the day. Soon his cue to begin singing came, "Love of mine some day you will die, but I'll be close behind. I'll follow you into the dark." His eyes focused on Riku's.

"No blinding light or tunnels to gates of white, just our hands clasped so tight. Waiting for the hint of a spark. If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied, illuminate the NOs on their vacancy signs. If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks, then I'll follow you into the dark."

Riku smiled as a tear ran down his cheek. Sora's voice was rather soothing and surprisingly in tune. Riku had waited for so long to see Sora, and here he was, singing in front of an entire club, just for him.

"In Catholic school as vicious as Roman rule I got my knuckles bruised by a lady in black. And I held my tongue as she told me 'Son fear is the heart of love.' So I never went back.

If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied, illuminate the NOs on their vacancy signs. If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks, then I'll follow you into the dark."

The only thing keeping from Sora passing out was the thought of Riku being happy. The idea of pleasing the one he loved made all the practicing and nervousness worth while.

"You and me have seen everything to see from Bangkok to Calgary, and the soles of your shoes are all worn down. The time for sleep is now. It's nothing to cry about, cause we'll hold each other soon. The blackest of rooms.."

The final chorus stood between Riku and his love. He stood in anticipation of being able to hold the who had performed such an amazing song.

"If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied, illuminate the NOs on their vacancy signs. If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks, then I'll follow you into the dark. Then I'll follow you into the dark. Then I'll follow you into the dark"

The applause exploded throughout the small room. "Thank you!" Sora said into the mic before waving and exiting the stage. No sooner had he stepped onto the dinning room floor than did Riku throw his arms around him.

"Sora, that was...," Riku had a hard time containing himself. He kissed Sora lightly on the lips, the first of many that would surely follow later in the night. "Amazing."

"Heh," Sora squeezed his loved tightly. "I try."

"Who knows, you could always try to be a singer from all of this," Riku smiled as he looked at his beautiful lover.

"Yeah right. That one song took me three whole months to learn. I would be horrible," Sora said with a smile.

"Nothing about you is horrible," before Sora could interject, Riku placed his finger onto his lips. "Nothing." Riku placed his lips where his finger had been a moment before.

xxxxxxxxxxx The dinner went by quickly. xxxxxxxxxxx

Pale arms pushed tan ones onto the mattress. Riku's mouth devoured Sora's. Six months proved to cause severe sexual tension between the couple. Tongues danced around each other as Riku proved his dominance.

Sora moaned as Riku sucked on the spot behind his ear. The brunet's hands circled his love's back as he arched his back in delight.

Soon, Riku found Sora's clothes bothersome, stripping him of the problem quickly while ridding himself of his own. Both bodies collided onto the mattress as Riku fondled with Sora's member.

"It's been a long time," Riku whispered.

"Too long," Sora said as his mouth stopped Riku from further discussion.

Riku took that action as a sign to press one. He had been waiting for this moment. He kissed Sora's lips, then neck, chest and stomach before he knelt by his love. Riku's smile matched Sora's as the brunet nodded in approval.

Riku slide into Sora with ease despite his lack of presence over the past few months, but the feeling hadn't changed in the least. Pleasure filled Riku's body as he thrust himself into the other. Mans of pleasure escaped his lips.

Sora rocked his own hips against Riku's begging for more. As his lover found his spot and repeatedly hit it, the brunet could not help but cry out in complete bliss.

Sweat covered Riku's silver hair and dripped down his toned abs. The pleasure kept growing as he continued to have his way with his lover.

"I'm gonna..." Sora attempted to say. His words lost in the moans and screams of both males. Ecstasy had its way with Sora as he reached his boiling point. "Riku!" he cried out.

His cries of joy only fueled Riku's desire to finish. His trusts became erratic and heavy. His moans e became more predominant until the moment of bliss came. Intense pleasure raced through Riku's veins as he relieved himself into his love.

Exhausted from the act, Riku laid down beside Sora. "God, did I miss you," he said between breaths.

Sora pulled a sheet over the two as he cuddled close to Riku's naked body, "I missed you, too."

The couple laid there for a while. Not sleeping, but not fully awake. Each listening to each other's heart beat.

A few minutes later Riku stirred, briefly reaching to the nightstand, "Sora?"

"Hmm?" said a now sleepy brunet.

"I love you," Riku said softly into Sora's ear.

"I love you, too," Sora replied.

Riku sat up, pulling Sora beside him. "I have always loved you. Even when we were just friends, I loved you." Sora opened his mouth, but was denied by Riku's lips. "Just give me a second." Sora nodded and Riku continued, "I will always love you. We are perfect together. I never want this to end..." his voice paused for a few moments.

Sora sat and starred at Riku who was now messing with something that's identity was hidden by the darkness of the room. The brunet hadn't the slightest idea what was going on, but he knew it had to be important. Of course, to Sora, everything Riku did was important.

"I never want to be without you," Riku opened a small box. It's silver treasure sparkled in the moonlight. "Will you marry me?"

Instantaneously, tears of happiness filled Sora's blue eyes, "Yes, yes,... Yes!" Sora dove onto Riku's chest.

Green eyes seemed to smile as Riku placed the silver band onto his love's finger, "You sure you can deal with me for the rest of your life?"

"I've been sure of that for a long time," Sora said as he inspected the new object that would be a part of him for the rest of his life. He sat on Riku's lap and kissed his lips. "I love you, Riku."

"I love you, too, Sora," the past flashed back into Riku's mind. All the pain that high school had caused himself and Sora. Losing brothers, friends and girlfriends.. So much had changed, but some things never would. Riku had Sora and Sora had Riku. That was a fact that would never fade.

"We're going to be perfect," Riku whispered into Sora's ear.

Sora smiled that smile that had made Riku fall in love with him in the first place, "We already are."

Thanks for reading! If you want to chat, MSN it up. (see profile)
Read A Beautiful Letdown. It's akuroku, but trust me, there will be plenty of Sora/Riku. I will love you forever if you do!

--Em