Merely the Beginning -Open-

[Lixu Zhang]

It was rarely this silent in the club. Normally it would be bursting music forth and filled to the brim with people but at this moment only the staff of the club was present. Along with the starring singers for the night. And among them was the upcoming and trainee singer, Lixu Zhang. He basically waited all his life to get an opportunity to train and debut as a singer and now his chances were coming true. Even though this stage wasn't his official debut with his fellow members, Lixu liked to practice and train his voice for crowds.

The club called him in early. They wanted to get him wired for the show and get the sound checked before he sang for most of the night. Lixu while waiting for it to being just began to walk around the club. It was odd seeing it with all the lights turned on and no music really playing. It was weird seeing the bartender just cleaning and not pouring an liqour for drunks. Lixu was just in amazement how a club that was busy merely every night, just be empty. But then again, they were closed and no one really wanted to come to a club in the middle of the day. Everyone merely had other things to do during their days off work and school. But for Lixu this was work.

Lixu yawned and sighed one after another. He was bored. He clasped his hands together behind his neck and looked to the stage in front of him. Lixu watched and listened to two brother fighting over which cord went where. He scoffed and smirked. They were yelling quite loud and now the dad, the owner of the club, came over to yell over the brothers and hit them both on head. Lixu chuckled and made his way to the bar. He sat down at a stool and the bartender gave him a bottle of water. Lixu thanked him and opened the bottle. He turned around on the stool and took a drink of his water. Then he began to watch the small family continue to fight. It brought a small smile to his face watching them. It sort of calmed him before his show.

[Topaz Fontain]

Topaz woke up the next morning streching. Looking at his clock he groaned realising he had overslept. He had a sound check for his best friends band which he was a part of and was late for. Well it was his fault, he had been out very late last night. Yes he broke the curfew for students being outside the dorms as well. When he had gotten home his best friend was alseep.

Getting up quickly he got washed and dressed. After that he quickly did his hair because he took alot of pride in his hair. Leaving the dorm room with his guitar. Sadly he had to take his car as he couldnt ride his motorbike with a guitar on his back. Putting the guitar in the back seat he sped off quickly he was already late.

Pulling up outside the club which they were due to rehearse at, he climbed out of the car walking up the club doors. Stepping inside the door was open. Everyone else was there including Lixu, and they all seemed to stop when he came in and looked at him. A few looked at him with an annoyed expression, "Sorry. I was held up." He said with a wink. Lixu knew what he was like, and was sleeping off a hectic night. He dumped his guitar on the floor waiting for what they had to say.

[Lixu Zhang]

Lixu was enjoying the scene between the father and two sons. He liked to hear the random shouting and the random hitting. For some reason, Lixu liked to see this side of family cause in the end they all smile and laugh about it later. Taking another drink of water, Lixu looked to the front door. Bright light from outside came into the not as lit room as it opened. Covering is his till the door closed again, he was able to focus who came inside. A smirk came on his face as he looked away from the person. Lixu finished off his water and threw the bottle into the nearest trash bin.

He stood up and found his best friend looking at him. Lixu looked to the guitar on the ground and back up to Topaz, “Sleep kept you again? Lazy bum.” He chuckled and picked up Topaz's guitar. Lixu then put the guitar on the stage and looked to the sons and father that were still fighting. He went back to the bar and asked for two bottles of water. The bartender threw him the two and then Lixu threw a bottle to Topaz. Lixu opened his bottle and took a sip. “Then again I have a feeling that a friend with benefits of yours came over while I was gone training last night.”

Lixu smiled and looked to the rest of the band mates. Some of them were glaring at Topaz for being late. Lixu then began to become angry with them, “Hey! Cut the guy some slack. At least he got some while you were at home playing video games.” The other guys eyes got wide then they coughed and walked away. Lixu hit the pin-point and smiled. He looked back to Topaz and smirked, “So you ready for the show? Cause you might have to put up a fight to play,” Lixu paused and said, “Dumb old man forgot that he hired the entire band. Thought he only got me.” He chuckled and then reached into his pocket and took out a cigarette, “Want one?” Lixu asked as he began to light his.

[Topaz Fontain]

Yes he had regretably slept in. Yes he was majorly late for this reherasal. He supported his friend with his dreams. He knew that one day he would make it, and he wanted to do it alone. Topaz just said all along when he was rolling in it, that he wouldnt forget about his friends (namely him) that helped him make it in the first place. While his other friends in the band knew, he wasnt sure how they would react to it. Topaz wouldnt mind as he knew it would happen, he was just helping his friend and didnt want a career in music himself.

Topaz smirked back at him when he called him a lazy bum as he had slept in again. Of course he had a very good reason for getting extra sleep and Lixu knew perfectly well what that reason was. Lixu picked up his guitar before placing it on the stage. He moved back to the bar before chucking one to him which Topaz caught, "Of course. I take advantage of all the times that your not there." Topaz said with an almost innocent smile, "Yes she came over. However but she left before you got back. I figured I could spare you from that image." He said with a laugh just before taking a drink of his water.

Topaz was just ignoring the glares he was getting from the other band mates. He almost laughed when Lixu stood up for him. Topaz watched when they walked away and that made him laugh more, "I keep on telling them. I could hook them up in a heartbeat. They acted as if they were shcoked that I got some... again." Topaz said with a smirk. He never went without. He always had girls begging for his attention. Attention he was more than happy to give.

Topaz stopped drinking his water and put the lid back on it and looked at him. He didnt mind playing in the group, however it wasnt what he wanted to do. He only did it to help his friend really, "You know I wont put up a fight to play. If he wants you to go solo, go solo." Topaz said with a smile, "Of course if you dont want to go solo, I'll still play." Topaz said with a smile. It was entirly up to him. Topaz wouldnt be let down about it. Noticing when he pulled out a cigarette he offered him one which Topaz took. He wasnt a big smoker, wasnt addicted to smoking anyway but he did smoke occasionally. Taking one he waited until Lixu was done with the lighter he took it to light his own. Placing the cigarette butt loosely between his lips. Once he had it lighted he threw the lighter back at Lixu and quickly took a draw on his cigarette before looking at him again, "Whatever you want to do, You know I'm cool with." Topaz said with a smile.

[Lixu Zhang]

Lixu was ready for this show. He always hated waiting for show time. The long process of sound check then lighting check then actually getting ready. All the band mates were here except one. And that guy was Lixu's best friend, Topaz. He knew fully well why he was late and why he was in the band. He was only there to help Lixu out, to help his dream come true. After all, it was Topaz that convinced Lixu to try out for SM Entertainment China and Lixu got in. He guessed it was a win/win thing for the best friends. Lixu got his training and his debut coming up with his new band mates. And Topaz got free nights in the dorm with his friends-with-benefits.

With the coming of Topaz, the current band mates grew tense and a little angry. Lixu only shook his head and grinned. He couldn't believe they weren't used to it yet. Lately, Lixu's managers wanted him for extra practice. He wasn't only there for singing. He was also there for dancing, composing and acting. That's what Lixu liked about SM Entertainment. They train their trainees in many fields and have them expand. Lixu knew that Topaz knew that he was going to leave the band in several months time. He was going to be going to practice all the time and then finally debuting with six other guys in a boy band. Lixu knew that the current band he was in was angry with him. He just told them after all that this might be their last show together.

After throwing the water bottle to Topaz, Lixu stated why he was late. And he hit the point exactly. Topaz always took up that chances when Lixu was gone to stay at the dorms with his future band mates. Lixu chuckled, "Good thing there is an understanding between us, friend. We both get a win/win," Lixu took another drink but nearly choked and spit the water out. He then laughed, "Spare me? Man, how considerate of you. And what image? It's not like I haven't seen a girl naked nor it's not like I haven't seen you with a girl before." He laughed with Topaz and took another drink again.

Lixu shook his head, the members were mad at him not Topaz really. They all knew that he would be late. They were mad because Lixu was breaking up the band. He smiled and gave a pat to Topaz on the back, "I'm sure they would appreciate that," Lixu paused and whispered, "They can use all they help they can get. But they aren't really mad at you," He paused again and took a drink of water and then looked Topaz in the eye, "They are mad at me. I finally told them that I was leaving the band and they are angry. I'm the cause of the break-up."

The Chinese man smiled and said, "It's a good thing that you knew this would happen." Lixu finished his water and threw the bottle into the trash. He looked back to Topaz and grinned, "Of course you'll fight. You never like to back down from a challenge," His grin turned into a smile and asked, "Did one of your girls get to you? Did she make you soft?!" Lixu laughed and shook his head, "Nah, you should play tonight. After all it's our last night as a full band. Then I'll go solo till debut with the other six members." Lixu got out a cigarette then offered one to Topaz. He lit his own and then Topaz followed. He took a draw himself of the cigarette. Putting the lighter back he looked to Topaz but soon heard his name from behind.

"Yea?" Lixu called out. The two brothers and fathers were done and said that the band should set up and practice. Lixu looked to Topaz, "We're up. One last time?" He smiled and then went up to the stage. He adjusted his microphone and took a deep breath. And before he knew it he was singing to himself before the other band mates were ready. Lixu was singing a song that him and his future band mates were going to sing at debut. He then realized what he was doing and coughed, "Yea... the mic works perfectly. Let's get started." He was embarrassed now and everyone was starring at him. "What?! I sing... I thought you guys knew that. And besides you'll be hearing that song nonstop in the future. Deal with it." Lixu looked to the other guys and said harshly, "Can we start please?"

[Topaz Fontain]

Topaz had eventually gotten to the club for their band rehearal. He was generally late most of the time. He liked his sleep as he usually tended to have busy nights. Topaz enjoyed his life as he really didnt have any commitments whatsoever. At least not permenant ones. He was commited to the band for now. Lixu was going on alone very soon. Topaz understood that it was his dream and only joined the band to help him get noticed. Topaz had after all convinced him to join. In the end Topaz had said he would kick his ass if he didnt join. Of course he wouldnt severly hurt his friend. He had joined eventually. It just would of been a waste of a chance if he hadnt joined.

Catching the water bottle that was thrown at him, Lixu soon hit the point as to why Topaz was late again. Lixu could read him like a book. The only other one who could do that was his ex Luna. They both knew him well. Topaz had waited until he was drinking again before he said that he would spare him the image of him and one of his girls in their dorm room naked, "I know. I just rule as a friend." Topaz said with a grin after he had said it was considerate of him. He knew that he had seen a naked girl before however it wasnt a nice thing to walk in on, "Still its not a nice thing to see your best friend completely starkers. I could at least cover myself with sheets after she had gone. Only bad thing about her is that she is a terrible cover hogger." Topaz said thoughtfully as they laughed a little together before he took another drink and told his fellow band mates off for glaring at him for being late.

Topaz laughed a little at his response. He had said he could hook them up in a heartbeat. However, they wanted commitment and when Topaz slept with a girl he made it clear that they werent getting that from him. Just his great body of course, "They havent asked for my help yet. I just keep offering it..." Topaz took a little drink when he heard that they werent mad at him which made Topaz stop, and turn his head to look at Lixu. Topaz then smiled to his friend, "Finally leaving huh? Good for you." Topaz wasnt hurt in the slightest, "Just ignore them." They were probably expecting him to leave first as he never was intrested at all. He enjoyed playing guitar but thats all it was, a hobby. To the rest of them it was a career. Espeicially for Lixu.

Topaz laughed when he had said it was a good thing he knew that this was coming up. Topaz just shrugged with a grin, "I wouldnt of been angry, if I hadnt of known it would happen." Topaz said. He didnt know what he wanted to do with his life yet. He probably could of been like that but he spent his time partying with girls instead, "I'll fight, only if you want the band to play." Topaz said with a smile. Topaz wouldnt really give up until he had won anyway. How do you think he got all the girls? He didnt stop pursuing them and charming them, that was why. They all gave in eventually some longer than others. At his next statement Topaz, he dropped his jaw commically, "Me? Soft? You must be kidding. Even the most gorgeous girl couldnt ever make me soft, my friend." Topaz said with a grin. His grin left his face as he shook his head indicating that Lixu wanted the band to play tonight as their last gig together. Topaz didnt say anything to that. It was depending on the others if they wanted to play or not. If they did Topaz would be able to get them all to play.

Topaz took the cigarette that was offered to him. He waited momentarily before he took Lixu's lighter to light his own before handing it back to him. He waited a few moments in silence between the pair before Lixu was called. Turning away from him to be told they were up ready for practise. He turned back to him for a moment as Topaz released more smoke into the air. Topaz sighed and then agreed, "Sure. One last time." Topaz said and then hooked his cigarette between his lips opening his guitar case and pulling out his vibrant red guitar. He plugged his guitar into the amplifier taking his place on Lixu's right just behind him. Listening to his voice as he was singing the song into the microphone. Topaz stood up ready just as the he finished. Topaz however didnt stare he was checking his guitar was in tune. He was used to the random song outbursts. He had lived with him for a long time so it wasnt anything new. As Lixu stood up for him at the weird stares he was getting from his band mates... all except Topaz.

Topaz looked behind him the drummer seemed a littlle angry. More upset to the fact that Lixu was leaving them, moving on. However the base guitarist to the other side of Topaz looked severely pissed off. He wouldnt stop shooting glares at Lixu which would just make him more angry. Looking along at the ground Topaz wrapped his right foot in a wire. It was a short wire that connected them two together. Pulling it to the left to make it tight them backwards. Lifting the wire off the floor and back into the other band mates legs hard making him loose balance and go face first into the stage, "I'm all good to go. Not sure about the base though. You might want to check your wiring, man." Topaz said to the other guys who were running the sound board at the back of the club. He had already un wrapped his foot and so couldnt be blamed for causing the basist to trip over.

[Lixu Zhang]

“I wouldn't go as far as rule...” Lixu said with a mischievous look on his face. He finally grinned at Topaz and said, “But I can say that you rock as a best friend.” Lixu gave a pat to Topaz on the back and smiled out to the empty club. He couldn't wait for the show to begin. It was the ending to the perfect beginning. From tomorrow onwards till debut, Lixu was on his own. Singing and writing music by himself for himself. Till SM Entertainment China finally agreed that the seven-men boy band was ready for debut. After all they have done several recordings and began to practice on the dance moves till it was time for filming the music video. After that aired, official debut was to be put into place. A long process but it is long awaited for for Lixu.

Lixu shook his head, “You think seeing you naked is a problem? Please what would be a problem is seeing you perform with your girls. That is something that I wish never to see in my life. Please sheild me from that.” He chuckled a little, “Then that might make you rule as a friend.” Lixu listened to the rest that Topaz had to say about his previous encounter last night. “Poor thing. She didn't know that you actually like the covers.” Lixu shook his head and continued to drink is water. He then hushed the other members and went back to talking with his friend, “You'll offer but they will never take it. Me on the other hand... set me up soon. I need to date a little before debut.”

Finally Lixu explained why the other band mates were pissed. Not at the late and manwhore Topaz was but because he, Lixu, was leaving and going solo before debut. After debut he wouldn't be able to have a solo for awhile. He knew that this boy band he was going into was going to be huge and last awhile. “Well duh I had to leave. I couldn't stay with my little boy forever...” He smiled and joked. He wanted to mess up Topaz's hair but knew how much the hair meant to his friend. So Lixu just ended up pushing him over while laughing and smiling. The conversation continued and Lixu smiled and nodded in the right places. He laughed at Topaz's response, “I bet you just haven't met her yet. You'll meet a girl eventually that will turn my best friend into a soft little kitten.” He joked and laughed to where he couldn't breathe very well.

Putting out his cigarette, Lixu got up and asked Topaz to play with the band one last time. He smiled when his friend agreed and went up to the stage. Then he embarassed himself and began to sing to himself. He noticed the other members glaring at him and looked to Topaz. He didn't know what to think. Lixu thought that the other members would be happy but apparently that was only his best friend. Lixu went back to the microphone and fixed it to his preferrence. Finally looking back, he saw that the bassist was on the floor head first. Lixu looked back to Topaz and shook his head. The bassist finally got up and everything was okay again. With a counting rhythm given by the drummer the music started and finally Lixu came in with his lyrics:

'I don't know myself
I'm fed up, you'll be fed up with me
Can't you hear my voice?
Like a crying baby, I'm calling for you

At the end of the long sigh, the question mark that's left behind still doesn't disappear

What do I see that makes me laugh, what do I see that makes me cry? I've forgotten a long time ago
The news that is flying around, and the words I've been given, I don't want them..'

After finishing after the first chours and the first verse, Lixu cut off and nodded, “Everything sounds good to me. Anything wrong with you guys?” The other members, besides Topaz, continued to glare in anger and looked at Lixu, like they were about to say something.

[Topaz Fontain]

Topaz took a sip of his water and rose his eyebrows when he said that he didnt rule as a friend. However he knew that smile all to well that was on his face and he waited, he knew he hadnt finished his sentence. He took the bottle away from his lips and waited until his grin spread out across his face, "Thats better. I was getting ready to punch you then. Saying I dont rule, I consider that a crime..." Topaz said shaking his head and then grinned back. He would really punch him. Not unless he deserved it of course. Of course they got into arguements. He had been hit by him and vice versa before hand when they got into silly little arguements.

Soon they got onto the topic of his many girls. Topaz just smirked and then laughed saying that Lixu seeing him naked wasnt the problem, "Fine next time I wont bother." He would remember this convosation next time, "Hmm... Ill try and sheild you from that. I might not be as easy. It would be your own fault if you walked in on it" Topaz said with a grin. He would actually find that amusing if he walked in on them. He would probably burst out laughing at the irony of it all. Then he stated how she was a serious cover hogger and he liked at least some cover to cover himself should he walk in, "Yes. I wont be seeing her again for a while." Topaz said with a little laugh and drunk a bit of his water also. Soon the members were starting to get all pissed at him and Lixu but he merely ignored them. However he stated that he would hook them up to get them away from music and video games, they always refused. Then he heard something he never thought that he would hear him say and he laughed, "I never thought I would hear you say that. Alright, I'll hook you up. Not that you couldnt get one for yourself." Topaz said with a little smile still finding that funny.

He listened to the explaination for the pissed off band mates. Well he certainly didnt help with turning up late. Didnt help Lixu much either. He smiled when he heard that he was leaving. Wanting a little break before having his debut within the boy band with another 6 members, "Im not the little boy you should be talking too." He said with mock tears pretending he was upset when he actually wasnt, "Its not like I'm not going to see you so I really couldnt care. Just remember your poor friends while your rolling in it." Topaz said namely him. He wasnt exactly poor but he certainly wasnt rolling in cash either. If he sold the songs that he wrote to other artists he could certainly make money and be sucessful, however didnt want to jeopardize Lixu's career in anyway. He even kept that all to himself and shared that with just Luna, who he had wrote and song for. Strange most thoughts lead back to her all the time. He grinned at him when he said that he had yet to meet a girl that made him soft. Then a flash of pain crossed his face again. Had he been soft with Luna? He couldnt remember? He was no where near over Luna as he led people to beileve, "Maybe one day..." Topaz said and smile at him as he was laughing like a loony.

Taking a cigarette that was offered to him and lit it just after he had lit up his. Soon he asked Topaz to play with the band one last time and Topaz agreed. What else could he do? He was here now and He started it might as well finished properly. Following Lixu up to the stage and wired himself up to the amplifier tuning up his guitar while Lixu sang to himself. Everyone was looking at him strangely except for him. The basist began to glare daggers at Lixu so Topaz sneakily tripped him over while he wasnt looking. Topaz merely grinned towards Lixu as he knew that he had tripped him over. Soon he was back on his feet and practise began. Topaz fingers slid over the note strings with ease plucking the strings in time creating a simple melody.

After playing through the first verse and chorus Lixu stopped so Topaz halted on his guitar and let it hand there around his neck. The other band members were just glaring at Lixu. For what following his dream? It just got Topaz angry, "If you guys dont stop glaring, I swear to god. This guitar will be smashed over each of your heads, then I will be out of here and you can kiss goodbye to this band right now..." Topaz snapped holding his guitar by the bar of it. Regardless if he loved this guitar it could be replaced, "I will not play tonight, if all your going to do is be petty about him leaving. I thought better of you two." He said and stepped down off the stage and sat down on a far away chair and waited for their descision.

[Lixu Zhang]

"My word... I can see your ego getting bigger every second. How can you contain something that large? Oh wait, it's you..." Lixu laughed at his best friend. He loved to pester him. It always seemed to be natural between the two for they grew up together since childhood and were now even roommates at the school. Lixu's smile remained on his face, "My only crime is that I chose you to be my best friend and greatest ally. Because of you, we have gotten into loads of trouble," Lixu paused and shook his head, "Then again, life would be boring." Lixu looked over to Topaz and gasped, "OH! Your ego is getting bigger." He pointed, as though he could see the his head getting bigger. Lixu just laughed.

Lixu shook his head again to his best friend. He would regret this conversation later on in life. But it wouldn't matter. After school ended, seeing as they were seniors, Lixu would be off with his new members touring all of Asia and living with them in a dorm at SM Entertainment China. Lixu smirked, "Topaz... As if I would walk in. I never have and I plan I never will. I love you as a friend but I don't love you enough to see your birthday suit." Lixu ran his hand through his hair as he listened to his best friend say stuff about the girl he spent the night with, "What's wrong with this one? Other than being a cover hog..." Lixu knew that Topaz had a habit with picking girls and then noticing something bad about them and then dumping them. Never to see them again for several months. "Of course I could get one for myself... but I'm way to busy lately to find one. I guess I could be considered the lazy bum in dating."

"Eh? Whatever... little boy." Lixu grinned and slapped Topaz on the cheek lightly, "Stop with you mocking tears. It's a good thing I'm learning to to act because I don't want to ever look like you with those tears." Lixu joked and chuckled. He listened to his friend repeat stuff over again that Lixu has heard several times. Although, they always came in different forms, "Rolling in what? Oh.... my money when sales come through. You know I'll forget about you when it comes in," Lixu smirked and laughed, "No dip, Sherlock. I'll support you when it comes to the point where you make out with a married woman and get thrown into jail by the husband. I'll bail," He paused, "Just don't call me every time that happens." He smiled and they continued to talk about several things.

Eventually it was time for their actual rehearsal for the sound and lighting check. Soon Lixu was singing to himself and embarrassed himself. But soon the other members joined in and Lixu and the band played for several measures. Lixu quit and felt the horrible death glares on his back. He looked back and he felt like the drummer was about to attack him. He looked over to Topaz as he began to speak. Lixu shook his head and listened some more. He knew his best friend wouldn't ruin his guitar. The lead singer looked over to the other members and the bassist was rubbing his nose from the fall earlier. The drummer was coming up the courage to speak. Lixu looked to Topaz, who was now being a miss prissy, and chuckled. He looked to the ground and spoke to the other members, "Leave. I don't want to see your faces ever again," Lixu looked to the others, "I was considering telling the company about you guys to get you in somehow but you just blew your chances."

The drummer and bassist were shocked. They did ruin their chances. The chance that could change their lives, "Seriously leave. Since the beginning you knew I had this chance and you always glared at me behind. I, too, thought better about you," Lixu got off the stage and went to Topaz, "We'll play tonight. It's not like we can't do a show without you." The bassist was the first to get off the stage. He went up to Lixu and stared at him then as Lixu thought he would, tried to throw a punch. Lixu dodged it and put his knee into the bassists groin. He doubled over in pain. The drummer came next at Lixu but the singer hit him first straight in the face, breaking his nose in process. "LEAVE! You pieces of shit! You will never come to anything in the entertainment business acting like that!!" The two beat up performers got their things and left in a hurry.

Lixu looked to the bartender and yelled, "Oi! Get me a beer right now!" Lixu caught the can of beer and opened it. He took a large drink and looked to the stage, "SHIT! Those bastards." Lixu kicked a table and then put the can on the table. He walked up the stage and then looked at Topaz, "Are you going to help me tonight or what? I just need a little guitar and perhaps we can swing by..." Lixu was hurt though he didn't show it. All he wanted was the perfect last set then afterward celebrating an end of an era. But no, those two performers ruined it. Lixu had the feeling that he wasn't going to play well tonight after all.