InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Eat You Alive ❯ Ain't nothing wrong with that ( Chapter 12 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

What happened the morning after and warm-up band tryouts. Finally we meet the band of seven with all of them together. Hope you like it!

Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Comedy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.12.2005 | Pages: 19 | Words: 14.5K | Visits: 695 | Status: Work In Progress

Disclaimer: Old Mother Hubbard had nothing in her cupboard. So why would she be able to get them for me if she couldn't even buy food for her dog? And I don't own Gorillaz or Evanescence or Tasuki from FY. Sorry for the confusion to the contrary. This one's for you Keith.

Chapter 12: Ain't nothin wrong with that…

As it happens, usually, in nature, the male woke first.

Inuyasha yawned and turned to the heat beside him. `She's still here.'

Taking in her sleep-pouty lips, tussled hair, and flushed face, he couldn't stop staring. As his eyes moved lower, he noticed her fist curled delicately by her cheek while it's twin grasped his shirt to hold him still. He was enraptured by the way her shoulder sloped to a slim waist only to flare at her hip when he saw it through the blanket.

Struck by inspiration, he gently removed her hand from it's twisting grip in his shirt and found the paper with the ideas he'd been writing since he met her. It was getting to be long and most of it didn't match. But he didn't care. This song would never be made.

He had realized, sometime over the last month, that this was the song of their relationship. Chronicling every big event that happened between them. As well as all the things he could never say to her for fear she would think him `odd'.

I just wanna look at you, all day. There ain't nothin wrong, no, there ain't nothin wrong with that. Once you seep in, under my skin, there's nothing in this world that can wash you away.

Charming little verse. Perfect for conveying their newfound love. It would be a slow section, he decided.

She started stirring in his bed and he moved quickly to her side.

“Morning.” He breathed.

Her eyes shot open. “Wha-?” Seeing who it was, she relaxed. “Morning.” His beautiful miko smiled.

“Did you sleep okay?”

“Better than I have in months.” She confessed with a grin. “What happened last night?”

“You passed out during the last movie and I figured you could just crash here.”

“Thanks.” She got up. “I better get going. Kikyo needs me to find her a new masseur.” She sneered before rolling her eyes and smiling again.

Inuyasha didn't think it was funny. “Why do you put up with her?” The hanyou growled. “She doesn't respect you, she does nothing but make you perform menial tasks to benefit her, and she's a mega-bitch. Why don't you just get a normal job?”

Kagome's smile turned to an angry frown. “Normal? What do you know about normal? You're a celebrity with the hottest band since Bon Jovi! You were invited to perform at the Grammy's you're first year on the market for cripes sake!” She turned to the door. “I'll let myself out.”

He grabbed her elbow. “I'm just saying you can do a lot better than her. You're talented and beautiful. You should be the model, not her.”

His words, although well meaning, brought up horrible memories of rejection and humiliation. She shrugged out of his hold. “Look, my talent and beauty are not on trial here. This is all I'm qualified to do. Mama said I should've gone to college, but did I listen? No. And I'm not pretty enough for those stiffs at the agency, so get off my back.” She scoured the floor for her shoes, which she just noticed were missing. “I don't need to explain anything to you.” Her red sneakers were hurriedly put on as she stomped for the door again.

The fact that she had just explained everything to him went unnoticed. He rolled his eyes.

“You could be my assistant.” He offered hopefully.

She glared, turned, and left.

His fist repeatedly hit his pillow, but the fluff did nothing to quench his ire. It took a few minutes before he calmed down enough to think about it. Looking back, he saw it was all his fault. Another fight. They were always having them. And he usually started them. He felt awful.

Picking up the pen again, he wrote the words he never got a chance to say.

I'm sorry. So sorry. You're beauty is so vain. It drives me. Yes, it drives me, absolutely insane.

“This sounds like that verse I threw away back at the hotel.” He shrugged. “Might as well just have it twice. This song is screwed up anyway.”

Miroku walked in and saw his friend sitting forlornly at the small desk in a corner of his room.

“What happened?” He yawned. “You guys woke me up.”

“Sorry.” Inuyasha stood and shoved the paper into the drawer. “We had another fight.”

“I know. About her job.” The monk looked around. “So…..she left?”

“Yeah.”

“Tough break.”

The hanyou stormed past him to get some breakfast.

Totosai was already in the kitchen eating his breakfast of eggs, sunny-side up, and bacon, scorched to a blackened perfection.

“Hello Inuyasha.” He greeted the disgruntled young man. “Busy morning?”

“You don't know the half of it.” He grumbled and dug through the fridge for the last bagel.

“Well you better get ready.” The old youkai put his yolky plate in the sink.

“What do you mean?” He put the bagel in the toaster.

“You have auditions for warm-up bands today.”

“That's today?!” The cream cheese fell on the floor.

“You better clean that up.” Totosai went to the living room and turned on the TV.

The hanyou leapt into the room and landed in front of the television, hands on his hips.

“I thought you hadn't even put out the word yet.”

Totosai looked around him to see Martha. “I hired men to put up posters last week.”

Inuyasha went back to the kitchen, mumbling obscenities under his breath the whole way, and took his bagel from the toaster. He ate it dry and then bent over to clean up the cheese from the floor.

Miroku stumbled down the stairs and joined him in the kitchen. He frantically searched through the fridge, until he noticed the damning crumbs falling from Inuyasha's shirt.

“You ate the last bagel?” He whined. “I wanted that.”

“Get over it.” The hanyou stood and threw the dishrag into the sink. “We have to watch a bunch of hacks go at it today.”

“What are you talking about?” Cocoa-cocoa puffs were good enough, he decided. Though not as good as that bagel would've been.

“New warm-up band auditions today.”

“That's today?” He dropped the cereal box.

“Seems like it.”

Sango came down and joined them. “What are we talking about?” She stole the cereal bowl from the monk's hands.

Inuyasha growled, threw up his hands, and walked away.

From the couch, he heard a loud “WHAT?!” screeched and glass breaking on the floor.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Later that day*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Okay guys,” a young, yet bald, man said, “this is our one shot. Let's give them something to talk about, alright?”

The four men around him shouted their agreement.

“Does this shirt make me look fat?” The short one asked.

All those around him rolled their eyes.

“Mukotsu, you are way too obsessed with how you look.” The bald one spoke for the group.

“Everyone's out there.” Jakotsu, also known as the ambiguous desk clerk from chapter four, bounced up beside the men. “Are you ready?”

“I can't believe you made me drive from Boston for this.” Bankotsu, also known as the boss from chapter four, grumbled from behind them.

“We have to support our brothers.” He flamboyantly stated, giving his youngest brother a hug. “Besides, I'm sure Mom and Dad can take care of the hotel while we're gone. They did it for years before they retired.”

“But you're the only one in the world I can trust.” He ignored the glares from the five men behind him. Taking a closer look at the mesh shirt and tight jeans on the other man, not to mention the lipstick and eyeliner bleeding from his eyes, he added, “Even if you are a bit weird.”

“Really?” Jakotsu's eyes shone. At a grunt from the other man, he laughed long and loud.

“Shut up.” Bankotsu growled.

“Hey,” the giant of the group spoke up, “this is Kyoukotsu's night of glory.”

“It's all of ours, Kyoukotsu.” Renkotsu spoke for them all once more.

The giant shot a dirty look at the bald one. “I guess.”

“Mortis?” The men looked behind them. “You're on deck.” The emcee said after looking at his clipboard.

“Good luck guys.” Bankotsu ambled through the door to watch from the auditorium.

“Yeah, break a leg.” Jakotsu winked and followed.

The five men sighed.

“Well, that was painless.” Suikotsu said as he put the claws that were part of his costume onto his healing hands.

“Yeah.” Renkotsu applied the grease paint across his eyes to his jaw and to the middle of his forehead before wrapping the do-rag around his cranium to cover up his premature baldness.

“Gesh.” Ginkotsu covered most of his face with a metal mouthpiece, to hide the hideous scar from a motorcycle accident, and spiked his wild red hair just a bit more.

“Why can't I find a woman more like Jakotsu?” Mukotsu fastened his facial scarf after rimming his eyes in red.

His foster brothers stared.

“What?” He looked around bewilderedly.

The others completed their face paint and checked their instruments without answering.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Meanwhile, in the auditorium*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The band onstage just finished their set.

“Learn how to play.” Inuyasha mumbled and marked them off his list.

“Be nice.” Miroku said and did the same.

“Thank you!” Totosai shouted and stood from the band's table. “Next?”

Three teens stumbled on and fiddled with their cords.

“This is Dookie.” The emcee spoke. He double checked, shook his head, sighed and went back to make sure the next band was ready.

“Great. Another joke.” Inuyasha poised his pencil.

“Give them a chance.” Sango rubbed her head.

“Whatever.”

The band played, slightly off key, a song about marijuana and masturbation.

“Nevermind.” The taijiya's eyes were wide.

“Tweakers.” Inuyasha quipped and marked them off.

Sango and Miroku nodded and also stroke through the name.

“Thank you for coming out.” Totosai yelled.

The boys moaned and left.

“Who's next?” Inuyasha scanned his paper. “Mort-is. What the hell?”

“I believe it's pronounced `Mor-tee-ce'.” Miroku clarified.

“But doesn't that mean-” Sango began.

“Death?” The monk finished. “Yes. It's Latin. Though why a band auditioning for us would call themselves death, I have no clue.”

“Why not?” Inuyasha joined. “Ours means Feudal.”

“True.”

The emcee once more came out and checked his clipboard. “Next we have Mortis.”

The five men in face paint came onstage and expertly set up a keyboard, plugged in their guitars and settled into a pose that signaled they were ready.

“Oh boy.” Sango sighed.

Totosai nodded and Mukotsu laughed like a maniac from behind his keyboard as the song began.

“Feel good.” Renkotsu sang, sounding suspiciously like a monkey.

Ginkotsu strummed his bass and the bald one sang “Sh-shake it, shake it, feel good,” repeatedly.

Their judges were sitting back with identical expressions of cynicism, one eyebrow raised.

“Interesting.” Miroku mumbled.

“Very different from the takes we've heard today.” Sango commented.

“Keh.” Inuyasha had his pencil only half-way raised above their name. “Might be good.”

Suikotsu pounded on the drums as Renkotsu prepared to go into the verse.

City's breaking down on a camel's back.

They just have to go 'cause they don't hold back.

So all you fill the streets it's appealing to see.

You won't get out the county, 'cause you're dead and free.

You've got a new horizon, it's ephemeral style.

A melancholy town where we never smile.

And all I wanna hear is the message beep.

My dreams, they've got to kiss, because I don't get to sleep, no…

The beat slowed as it changed from pounding to more melodic, depending solely on Mukotsu to keep up the melody from behind his keyboard/synthesizer.

Windmill, Windmill for the land.

Learn forever hand in hand.

Jakotsu made an appearance, dancing by the table that Sengoku was sitting at. He leaned forward and winked at Inuyasha. The hanyou sneered and scrunched farther back in his seat.

Take it all in on your stride.

It is sticking, falling down.

The drums kicked in again accompanied by Ginkotsu's bass.

Love forever, love is free.

Let's turn forever you and me.

Windmill, windmill for the land.

Is everybody in?

The bass line got heavier until the synthesizer threw in a roundhouse flying effect. The giant that had been lurking in the shadows stepped forward and bounced across the stage, rapping to the beat of the bass.

“Holy shit.” Miroku exclaimed at the enormous entity that strutted before them.

Laughin' gas these hazmats, fast cats,

Linin' `em up like ass cracks,

Ladies, homies, at the track.

It's my cho-co-late attack.

Shit, I'm stepping in the heart of this here.

Care bear bumping in the heart of this here.

“Did he just say `Care Bear'?” Sango asked while Kyoukotsu continued.

Watch me as I gravitate.

Ha haha ha haaa!

Yo, we gonna ghost town,

This motown,

Wit yo sound.

You in the place.

You gonna bite the dust.

Can't fight wit us.

Wit yo sound,

You kill the INC.

So don't stop, get it, get it.

Until you're cheddar header.

“Yo!” Mukotsu shouted into the mike perched on his keyboard.

Watch the way I navigate.

Ha haha ha haaa!

Kyoukotsu stepped back and nodded from the sidelines. Renkotsu again began with his monkey imitation.

Sh-shake it, shake it, feel good.

Jakotsu continued to gyrate his hips in front of Inuyasha until Bankotsu grabbed his elbow and pulled him away.

“Give it up. It's unrequited.”

“But ou-aniki,” the man pouted, “he's so cute. Don't you agree?”

The dark haired man grimaced and continued tugging.

Mukotsu threw in a shrill beep as he took over the melody once again for the chorus that Renkotsu sang.

Windmill, Windmill for the land.

Learn forever hand in hand.

Take it all in on your stride.

It is sticking, falling down.

Love forever, love is free.

Let's turn forever, you and me.

Windmill, windmill for the land.

Is everybody in?

Kyoukotsu once more filled the stage and began rapping.

Don't stop, get it, get it.

We are your captains in it.

Steady, watch me navigate.

Ha haha ha haaa!

Don't stop, get it, get it.

We are your captains in it.

Steady, watch me navigate.

Ha haha ha haaa!

The giant stayed where he was. Renkotsu peeked around him after every word of his `Sh-shake it's'. The song ended with Mukotsu laughing maniacally in his high voice once more and Renkotsu plucking a bottle from his waist, taking a sip, and blowing out fire with the aid of a lighter hidden in his pocket.

Sango and Miroku stood from their seats and began clapping. Totosai whistled. Inuyasha was still staring after the man he recognized from Kagome's hotel back in Boston. The band bowed, unplugged their equipment and exited. Bankotsu had managed to get Jakotsu as far away from the band as he could, straining against the gay one's tugging.

For seeming so frail, Jakotsu was remarkably strong. However, his brother was stronger. In a desperate attempt, Jakotsu stopped trying to get away and slammed back into Bankotsu.

“Why, aniki, if you wanted to get this close all you had to do was say so.” He purred.

Bankotsu shrieked and released the man from his hold. Jakotsu giggled and ran back to his Inuyasha.

“Jakotsu!” Bankotsu yelled.

The man looked back at his brother, stuck out his tongue, and ran into Sango.

“Hey!” She shouted.

He looked at her. “A woman.” Jakotsu sneered and shrugged her off. He stood next to Inuyasha, staring deeply, or at least trying to, into the hanyou's gorgeous golden eyes. “They were good weren't they?” He tilted his face in closer to the silver-haired man that haunted his dreams. “They're my brothers, you know.”

“You don't say.” Inuyasha drawled and backed away. “Then go to them. Far away from me.”

Jakotsu pouted at him. “You don't like me?”

“I don't swing that way. Besides, I'm taken.”

The capricious human's eyes flashed. “By who?” His expression turned dark and he barely mumbled a `bitch' under his breath.

Inuyasha stepped forward and snarled. “You won't lay a fairy finger on her.”

Totosai whistled and security ran up. They grabbed Jakotsu and dragged him away.

The man huffed. “Poo.”

“Well that was eventful.” Miroku muttered and noticed the heavy, growling breaths next to him. “Calm down, Inuyasha.” He told his seething friend.

“I need a minute.” He ran out the doors and into the fresh air.

The ones left behind stared after him.

“He'll be fine.” Totosai told them.

They returned to their seats and prepared to listen to the next band.

Bankotsu watched security take his brother away and went backstage, shaking his head. His adopted brothers were all sitting around, beaming in the light of their flawless performance.

“Bad news, boys.” He stepped forward and they all looked back at him. “Jakotsu has managed to piss off Inuyasha and been escorted from the building.”

“Damn it.” Renkotsu cried. “I hope this doesn't take us off their list.”

“You guys did good. I don't think they'll let our flighty brother get in the way of your music.”

“We can only hope.” Renkotsu wrung his hands together.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Later that night*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it.” Kagome said as she pulled into The Pink Jewel's parking lot.

Their fight that morning had been resolved without words as usual. She was so forgiving and patient with him. Way too forgiving and patient, but love did that to you.

“You didn't see his face.” Inuyasha groaned after telling her the long tale about his day, right up to the point were that homo came on to him. “He looked like he was thinking about killing you.”

“I doubt it.” Kagome turned off the engine. “Besides, what's he going to do now? Stalk you? Didn't you say you saw him working at that hotel a month or so ago?”

“You're right. It's probably nothing.” He got out of the car. “Unless we sign on his family to tour with us. Who knows what'll happen then. They were the best act we saw, you know.”

The girl walked with him into the restaurant. “If he works in Boston, he'll stay in Boston. He probably only came out here for moral support.” She reasoned.

He grunted.

“Where's Sango and Miroku?” She looked around the lot. “I thought they were right behind us.”

“They could've gotten stopped at that streetlight a mile back.” He put his arm around her waist. “They'll catch up. Let's eat.”

Kagome smiled and leaned into his half-embrace.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Meanwhile*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“I can't believe you lost them!” Sango groaned from her seat in Miroku's car.

“There's a lot of turns and lights I had to go through.” His hands gripped the wheel a bit tighter.

“I can't believe you got lost!” She exclaimed.

“I'm not driving most of the time!” He shouted in his frustration. “And I'm NOT lost!”

“Well don't take it out on me.” Sango sunk into the leather seat. “Just stop and ask for directions.”

“I don't need directions.” Miroku gripped the steering wheel even tighter. “It's around here somewhere. Keep an eye out.”

The woman beside him growled. `Men.'

*~*~*~*~*~*~*Pink Jewel*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Where are they? The show's about to start.” Kagome fretted.

“I don't know.” Inuyasha sipped his lager. “But I do know that hearing people that actually know how to play will be a welcome change today.”

She patted his arm. “It must be so tough for you, having to listen to music and watch TV all day.”

“Don't patronize me.”

“Aw. Poor baby.” She kissed his cheek and his good mood returned.

“Don't start something you're not going to finish, Kagome.” He intoned.

“What do you mean?” She turned to him, only to be surprised by a pair of lips a hair's breath away.

In a moment the lips were on her own and she was clinging to the hard body beside her.

“Well don't let us interrupt.” Miroku's voice said behind them while Sango giggled in the background.

“Imagine that Miroku. Necking in a public place.” The taijiya grinned.

“Hmm. Never would've thought Kagome would be that brash.”

“Hey!” Inuyasha broke from his girlfriend's hold.

“Shh.” Sango took her seat. “They're starting.”

“Okay people!” The announcer called loudly over the din. “Let's settle down. I know you're all here for amateur night, right?” A roar was heard as the crowd cheered their excitement. “That's great! Here at the Pink Jewel, we love to have your money…..I mean, you're enthusiasm for our events.” A few chuckles were heard. “But tonight, management has decided to skip all that and go straight to the winner.”

`Boo's and a resounding `Hisssssss' were heard from the crowd, causing quite a racket.

“What are you doing to me?!” A random guy shouted.

The announcer laughed nervously and tugged at his collar. “I know, I know. I feel your pain.” He took a breath and switched hands with the mike. Clearing his throat, he prepared for the pre-written speech he'd memorized. “You all know them as the band that's won eight consecutive weeks in a row. And we've given them a spotlight, for one night only, to showcase their talents. It gives me great honor to welcome back to the stage…..Kamikaze!” The crowd roared, their previous displeasure over the cancellation forgotten. “Come on out girls!”

Kagura, Kanna, Rin and Ayame took to the, by this point, very familiar stage.

“Thank you, thank you.” Kagura shouted over the din and waved her arms vertically until the crowd settled down. “The Pink Jewel has given us the privilege of a concert all our own. It's a great opportunity that's been provided for us and we are very grateful.” She bowed to the manager watching from the back of the room. “The Jewel always been good to us and very supportive. Although, I think they're just sick of giving us as much free beer as we want.” The crowd laughed when she gave them a conspiratal wink and the manager shook his head. “But enough of that sentimental crap. We know what you're here for!” The cheers were deafening and the four girls beamed. “So let's get this party started!”

They began their fast tempo set of original songs as well as covers.

“Did they come out to audition today?” Kagome asked.

“No,” Miroku informed her, “we didn't have anyone of their caliber. Except that one band, Mortis.”

Inuyasha's face darkened with the memory. Kagome noticed and changed the topic.

“I wonder why.” She thought aloud. “They could certainly use your tour as a springboard.”

“Like Ookami.” Sango agreed. “Kouga is doing very well after our little tour.”

“Yeah,” Miroku joined the conversation, “they were on TRL last week toting their newest single.”

“I can't believe that wimpy wolf got out a record before us.” Inuyasha growled.

“How could he have done it in a month?” Sango wondered.

“Who knows.” The monk sighed. “He must have been writing it in between trying to smash Inuyasha's face in.”

The girls giggled.

“He never touched me!” The hanyou grumped.

“That didn't stop him from trying.” Sango reminded him.

Kamikaze finished two songs and already they had a mosh pit forming in front of them, complete with jumping fans and rock fists pumping cheerily in the air.

“We need them on tour with us.” The taijiya danced in her seat to their next song.

“After a performance like that, we might just get kicked off the stage.” Miroku joked.

“Like anyone can be better than us.” Inuyasha arrogantly replied.

His friends rolled their eyes and continued to listen to the first concert the girls had ever had. In between songs, Rin and Kagura had a running joke that they brought up to make the crowd forgive their pause while they tuned their instruments as needed for the next song.

“So,” Rin began, “I heard Tasuki was over at your house last night.”

“Yeah,” Kagura replied, “that boy just won't get a clue.”

“How many times have you dumped him now?”

“Five.” The wind sorceress sighed.

“Why does he keep coming around?”

“He loves my cooking.”

“You cook?” Rin gasped and covered her mouth.

“Yes.” She glared back at her bassist.

“I'm shocked.”

“Why's that?” She growled.

“I always thought you were too free-spirited to lower yourself to domestic duties.”

“Well,” Kagura struck an elegant pose, “I do love to cut the cheese.”

Ayame shouted, “Ba-dum CHhh,” instead of playing it on her drums. They crowd laughed and she shook her head. The girls went into another song.

“They're so hot.” Miroku stared.

Sango growled and slammed her fist on the top of his head.

“Ow! Sango!” He rubbed his abused skull. “I meant they're awesome onstage. Look at how at ease they are. I bet they'd be excellent on tour.”

“Oh,” she said sheepishly, “sorry.”

He smiled at her.

After the girls had completed five more songs and had many more laughs with the audience over Kagura's cooking, complete with a testimonial from her sister Kanna, they calmed the crowd to a dull roar.

“Our time here is almost up.” Kagura smiled at the groaning crowd. “Before we go, we have but one request. Please clear the floor for some slow dancing.” People turned to their friends with questioning looks. “I know it's a weird thing to ask, but we are women in case you hadn't noticed. And, true to form, we love happy endings. Love is a wonderful thing and we want to everyone to go home happy. So find a partner and lets send you off with a bit of romance.”

She set down her guitar and stepped behind the keyboard she'd been jumping back and forth behind all night. A stagehand brought out a chair and she sat. Her hands floated over the keys in a hauntingly sad melody.

Inuyasha stood and held out his hand to Kagome. “Would you like to dance madam?”

She smiled widely at his manners and dramatically held her hand over her chest. “Why, sir, I had no idea you liked to dance.”

“Yeah, when did that happen?” Sango asked.

Inuyasha growled. “Feh, who says I can't dance if I want to?”

“You did.” Miroku commented. “Does the phrase, `I'd rather die than prance around,' ring a bell?”

“Keh.” He moved to sit back down.

“Well I'd love to.” Kagome stood and took his arm. “But do you think it's such a good idea with all these people around? We've been lucky that no one's recognized you so far.”

He reached into his pocket and brought out his beanie. “Never leave home without it.” He pulled the woven cap over his head and tucked up his hair.

“That's great, but I still think someone will spot you. Not a whole lot of people have yellow eyes.”

“So I'll just keep them shut.”

“And how will you find your way to the floor?”

“You'll lead me.” He took her arm. “Just don't ram me into anybody.”

“Okay.” Kagome led them forward and saw that he really did have his eyes closed. She smiled at his faith in her and held onto his shoulders once they'd reached the floor. It only had a few couples so human-butting was not a problem.

“That's trust.” Sango sighed. “I hope I'll find that kind of love someday.”

“Maybe it's closer than you think.” Miroku sighed under his breath so she wouldn't hear. “May I?” His hand drifted into view.

She stared at the offered appendage. “Can you keep that to yourself?”

“I will try, my goddess, to stay on my best behavior.” He humbly replied, bowing slightly.

She grinned and allowed her own hand to grace his in the merest of holds. “Just don't step on my feet.”

“Done and done.”

They walked to the floor just as Kagura began to sing, accompanied only by the music she was playing.

I'm so tired of being here.

Suppressed by all my

Childish fears.

And if you have to leave,

I wish that you would just leave.

Cause you're presence still lingers here,

And it won't leave me alone.

Kanna joined her with the violin she had traded her electric guitar in for. Rin and Ayame were behind them, ballroom dancing with each other, since they only had one part in this song and it wasn't until two minutes in.

These wounds won't seem to heal.

This pain is just too real.

There's just too much that time cannot erase.

When you cried I'd

Wipe away all of your tears.

And when you scream I'd

Fight away all of your fears.

And I held your hand through all of these years.

But you still have,

Both girls had played to a crescendo and stopped. Kagura sang the last line of the chorus without accompaniment.

All of me.

Kagura and Kanna started playing again. The maid of the nothingness vocalized with `ah's and `oh's so soft they were barely there.

You used to captivate me

By your resonating light.

Now I'm bound by the life you left behind.

Your face it haunts

My once pleasant dreams.

Your voice it chased away

All the sanity in me.

These wounds won't seem to heal.

This pain is just too real.

There's just too much that time cannot erase.

Here is the spot where Kanna began to harmonize bits and pieces, still throwing in an `ah' or `oh' when the muse called for it.

When you cried I'd

Wipe away all of your tears.

And when you scream I'd

Fight away all of your fears.

And I held your hand through all of these years.

But you still have,

All of me.

Kagura had to practically shout over the louder music as the sisters got more into the song, preparing for Rin and Ayame's introduction. Said girls had stopped dancing, curtsied to each other, and went to their stations.

I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone.

But though you're still with me,

I've been alone all along.

Rin picked up Kanna's electric and kicked in a solo accompanied by the three others. The bridge was but a brief respite that held the crowd in awe.

When you cried I'd

Wipe away all of your tears.

And when you scream I'd

Fight away all of your fears.

I held your hand through all of these years.

But you still have,

The sisters stopped playing. Kagura slowly filtered in the piano, seeming to search for the words to end the song, getting quieter and quieter.

All of me, all

Of me, all

Me, all

It ended with the simplest form of the melody, courtesy of Kagura, and the girls bowed to the applause.

Sango lifted her head from Miroku's shoulder. He smiled into her blushing face. She couldn't put a finger on the soft emotion in his violet eyes.

“Was I a good boy?”

Sango sighed when his soft look was replaced with his patented boyish grin. Her face fell all together when she felt a hand drifting lower down her back.

Kagome and Inuyasha stopped swaying and shared a gentle kiss in front of everyone. Thankfully, no one around them noticed because a certain brunette was smacking around her drummer. And no one noticed them since everyone else was standing and whistling and clapping for the band still onstage.

“Thank you, thank you.” The element youkai shouted to the audience. “It's been great performing for you. Now go home!”

The crowd cheered as the four walked offstage, waving and smiling at their adoring fans.

The group reconvened at the table to finish their cold supper.

Miroku held his lump-ridden head, but a dopey smile was stuck on his face, because he knew she'd gone easy on him.

Sango huffed a lot, but was shamed to admit that she hadn't smacked him as hard as usual when his hand had gently rubbed his favorite part of her anatomy. She blamed it on the dance they'd shared.

Inuyasha and Kagome were in lovers' heaven when they'd sat, still holding hands.

“That was a great concert.” Kagome smiled.

“Yes it was.” Miroku agreed and laid his head on Sango's shoulder. “Wouldn't you agree, my dove?”

The girl grunted and shoved more of the oriental salad topped with grilled chicken and French dressing (AN: I'm soooooo hungry) into her mouth.

“I'll take that as a yes.” The monk grinned.

“Are you going to talk to them?” Kagome asked her boyfriend.

“Why? If they didn't come to auditions they probably don't want to be our warm-up band.”

“Maybe it was a conflict of interests.”

“Maybe you are over-analyzing everything.”

“Maybe I am,” she giggled, “but it would be worth it if you found out.”

The hanyou growled and stood from the table.

“Do you want us to go with you?” Sango called.

“Don't bother. I know I'm right.” He continued to trudge off.

Sango looked at Kagome, Kagome looked at Miroku, Miroku looked at Sango. All of them stood at the same time and followed.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hello again ever-body. Sorry it took so long. Gas is now about 2.35 a gallon. It was down to 2.05 since Bush got his head out of his ass and opened up our reserves, but then Rita struck. Damn hurricanes. Get off my shores!! Anyway, couldn't get down here any sooner. Writing my author's notes from the library this time. Hope I get everyone in since the computer won't let my Tab+Alt between pages. Here we go:

Rain: Long time no see. Don't sweat it. Figured you were busy or something like that. Glad to hear you love FY too. They're so great. And I would so borrow them from you, if I actually knew you that is. Anyways, tootles.

Miss Talk-too-much: GREAT! I'm thinking about finding a school up there once I get my basics out of the way. Any suggestions?

Princess-in-Training: Thanks. That's really sweet of you to say so. X )

Amber: OKAY! Alright okay. Happy now? ; ) And thanks. I really tried to keep them in character and I love my taste in music too. ; D What do you listen to?

Yana5: Glad to hear it. I love possessive Inuyasha too. He's sooooooo cute.

Katluvsinu: I'm mean? :( Sorry. Here's your update. Yes I did use famous bands. I think you probably figured that out as you read further on, but I'm answering you anyway. I list the band's names at the beginning of the chapter in my disclaimers which are wicked cute, so check `em out.

Ahda: Thank you. Here.

NBKitty: Awwwww. You're making me blush. Thanks.

Havokmastr3133: Nice to see you back. The song was Papercut from Linkin Park. Check it out. One of my favorites. Though I love all of their work.

Inu-kagdude: Thanks so much. X )

BreenieWeenie: Thankies. Cute name.

Adam: 1.03?!!! Where do you live? It hasn't been close to a dollar here since I was, like, 15, uh, I think…..and I'm 21 now!! LUCKY!! Thank you for your patronage.

Inuyashababe44: Sorry to hear it. And thanks for the review in these times. I LOVE THEM!!

Owari Nai Yumes: I updated. I updated. And where the crap does your name come from…..or mean? Thanks to my newest fan.

Tawdry: Ah, lassie, nice to see you again. And yes, I was going to have Sango sing it, but then I realized I didn't have very many punk girl group songs to go on. So, regrettably, I had to have Kamikaze sing it instead. Le sigh. I was going to have it in a karaoke bar and she'd sing it to him and they'd both be all like, `I so love you', but alas, things rarely go as I planned. And yeah, boys totally suck. If I didn't enjoy certain aspects of them I'd say we girls should round them up on a deserted island and drop an A-bomb. But then I remember that not all guys are total sleezeoids and that some are actually very thoughtful, and nice, and sweet (though I've never met one)…..then I can't go through with it. Anyway, How much is gas in the UK? Cheers!

ShadowKitsune67: Thank you. And I look forward to your next review.

Demonpriestess07: Yes I need to find someone. The library had one DVD on them and it was the complete part 2 so I know how that ends now. I still want to read it though. Manga is better than anime sometimes. You can understand the anime plot better. Especially when they translate it into English, most of the meaning gets lost. But now I'm rambling.

Rosepetals Turn To DoubleEdged Swords: Wow. Awesome name, first of all. I never would have thought of something like that. Thank you. And glad to hear about my decision. But I will be posting it only on Mediaminer when it happens.

LWL: Brazil? Cool. And no prob about that. I understand completely how it goes. And thank you so much. Best ever? My head could be a little bigger…..

Kagomereincarnated: Thank you. Glad to hear it. Lemon will only be up on Mediaminer though, sorry. Don't wanna get ratted out and kicked off for that ya know.

Alright! Hope I got everybody. And if I didn't…..so sorry. You know I love you all! And if anyone has suggestions for girls punk band songs I would love to hear them. I can't think of anyone but The Donnas and their sound annoys me. Sounds like they're playing into a tin can. Anyway. Thank you all and I'll see you next time, when Inuyasha confronts Kamikaze and we have a battle of the bands to see who goes on tour with them. Bye-bye.

Oh, yeah. R&R!!!