InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Demons Within Us ❯ To Pain With Love ( Chapter 19 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Loud cheering was heard when the door of their chartered taxi opened. Kagome couldn't help but smile wide as she stepped out, quickly shielding her eyes in the process. The sun had reached its peak and it was a big change from the tinted interior of the van. Not to mention the heat was unbearably heavy compared to the luxury of the van's air conditioning. But looking out at the tons of smiling faces and banners, Kagome couldn't ask for anything better.

Perdition seemed to be a favourite already. Homemade shirts and signs littered the crowd and several cameras clicked as they headed towards the entrance. Walking up the path into the arena, Kagome was overwhelmed by the amount of hands wanting to touch them and have their autographs. Kouga, Sango and Miroku had already veered off to talk to people in the crowd, leaving her to observe nervously. She wasn't quite sure what to do.

She watched as InuYasha walked along the edge of the red ropes that were holding off the masses, signing autographs and touching people's hands. It was adorable seeing him fidget when young girls told him they loved him, but not so adorable watching scantily clad women flaunt their assets and pawing at him. She frowned slightly as she saw him smirk sexily at them.

“Kagome!”

She whirled her head in the direction of her name to see a young girl holding her hand out to her.

“Sign my book?” She asked nervously.

Kagome smiled brightly and walked over to her. “You want my autograph?”

The girl nodded, her blue-black hair shone bright in the noonday sun.

Kagome took the small scrapbook and opened it. Several drawings and poems flooded the pages. She looked up. “Did you do all this?”

The girl blushed and nodded again.

“These are amazing.” Kagome opened up a page with a pure white lotus blossom stretching its petals to every edge. Kagome's smile faded to one of quiet memories. She looked up at the girl. “What's your name?”

“Haily.”

“Haily, would you mind if I signed my name on this page? Lotus blossoms are my favourite.”

Haily nodded excitedly.

Smiling softly, Kagome signed beneath one of the delicate petals. She handed the book back to the girl. “Keep up with that. You have true talent and I always believed the heart has a way of bringing itself out in what we do. And it's what we do that makes us unique.”

The girl smiled. “Thank you, Kagome.”

Kagome winked. “Pray for us tonight.”

“I will!”

Kagome turned her head as more called her name. She took her time talking with each one and signing her name. By the time she drew closer to the doors, her hand was exhausted.

She looked briefly inside and saw the rest of Perdition talking to each other, no doubt waiting on her. She looked back at the crowd and returned the last memento she signed. She was about to head inside when a sad voice caught her attention.

“Don't cry, Aimi. It's alright.”

Kagome cast her eyes over at two girls who were trying to console their friend. The preteen looked like she wanted to cry and was fighting with all her strength not to.

“Are you okay?” Kagome asked.

Aimi blushed and lowered her head as she nodded, too ashamed to have someone see her tears.

“Kagome?” One of her friends asked. “Can you sign her book? We tried to get InuYasha, but he didn't hear us.”

“Yeah. He's her favourite. You should see all the pictures she drew of him.” The other friend smiled.

Aimi lowered her head in embarrassment.

“Really?” Kagome smiled. “I don't mind signing one more thing, but I know how you must feel. InuYasha is my favourite too.”

Aimi smiled through her slight depression. She shyly handed Kagome her book.

Kagome looked down at the scrapbook and saw several pictures of InuYasha through the pages. She grinned slightly as she handed the book back to Aimi. “Wait here.”

The girl nodded in confusion and Kagome headed into the lobby. She smiled at Sango who waved at her to come over to the reporter she was talking to. She lifted her finger, asking for a moment, and headed over to InuYasha who was talking to a very attractive reporter. Kagome recognized her as the VJ from one of the music television stations that the teens watched at the orphanage. She lifted an eyebrow as K-Jo, if she remembered the reporter's name correctly, sidled up closer to their singer as she asked him more questions.

InuYasha had his arms crossed and seemed to be in his element with the young woman. His eyes darted around the room as he answered some miscellaneous question before they landed on Kagome. He immediately stopped in mid-sentence as Kagome lifted a hand slightly to call him over, feeling a bit shy at interrupting his interview.

InuYasha nearly growled when K-Jo blocked his view of his drummer and shot her a stern look. He waved his hand to the reporter, signalling her to stay put as he walked cautiously over to Kagome and led her a few feet away.

“What?” He murmured uncomfortably as he looked around the lobby, taking in several other bands that were also being interviewed. He hated for everyone else to be getting so much attention when he should be doing the same to promote Perdition. But he couldn't bring himself to care so much about it when he saw the worry on Kagome's face.

She bit her lower lip sheepishly; knowing what she was about to ask would most likely annoy him to no end. “I was just hoping if you could do me a favour.”

InuYasha tilted his head to the side warily. Kagome never asked anything of him. Hell, no one asked anything of him. What the hell could be so important?

“And that would be?” He asked gruffly.

Kagome looked out the doors and smiled shyly. “Do you mind signing one more autograph?”

InuYasha blinked then rolled his eyes in frustration. “That's your favour? To sign another autograph? Shit, it took me forever to get out of that crowd and you're asking me to go back in? No way! One more autograph would lead to a million more and I'm in the middle of a fucking interview!” He hissed.

Kagome sighed and nodded in disappointment, but acceptance. “I understand. I'm sorry.” She turned and headed back to the entrance.

InuYasha crossed his arms and watched her go before a small growl erupted from his chest. “Fine!” He jogged up behind her. “One more, and that's it!”

Kagome's smile was elated. She took his hand and led him to the doors.

InuYasha became oblivious to everything around him. As soon as Kagome took his hand he felt his entire body betray him. Her essence had folded around him like an embrace and all he could perceive was her. He blinked back into consciousness when she spoke.

“Aimi?” Kagome looked out into the crowd.

“Here.” The girl waved further down the line.

Kagome smiled and led InuYasha to the girl. It lifted her heart to see the girl staring at the silver haired man in such love struck wonder.

“InuYasha, this is Aimi, your biggest fan.” Kagome smiled at him.

InuYasha cast his gaze from Kagome's happy blue eyes to the wide onyx pools of the small girl below him. He lifted his lips in a hint of a smile. “My biggest, huh?”

Aimi nodded dumbly.

“Well, what can I do for my biggest fan?” He cocked his head to the side and relaxed his stance. It was a pose he mastered that made a girl of any age swoon.

Kagome giggled into her hand as Aimi shakily held out her book.

“Can… you sign… my book?” She looked from her scrapbook to his golden eyes and back.

InuYasha lifted a brow as he took the book and lazily flipped through the pages. He was impressed by the amount of pictures the girl had collected. He doubted they even had that many of him in the family albums back at the mansion, not that he cared. He stopped when he reached a picture of him standing next to Kagome after they won the first competition. Kagome's proud face was smiling happily up at him and he was smiling slightly down at the crowd. It was a nice picture. He stared at it for a few moments longer, his eyes lingering on Kagome's image. He quietly signed his name under the picture and handed the open page to Kagome.

Her blue eyes looked at him stunned before she looked down at the picture. She smiled faintly and signed her name next to his before she handed it back to him.

Leaning down closer to Aimi, InuYasha handed back her scrapbook and winked. “Here ya are, beautiful.” Then he did the least expected and kissed Aimi on the cheek. Standing, he flicked his eyes to Kagome and began to walk back to the entrance, actively ignoring the shouts and vies for his attention.

Kagome smiled softly at his back. She gave Aimi one last wave and trotted after him.

Aimi cupped her red flushed cheek and smiled happily at their retreating forms. “Thank you, Kagome.” She whispered.

“That was too cute.” Sango chuckled as they entered the lobby.

“Shut up.” InuYasha flushed and cast his gaze around the room to look at nothing in particular. Leave it for his nosey friends to pry.

“Aw. Lil' Inu's first kiss.” Kouga baby-eyed him and made smoochie lips.

Amber eyes flashed dangerously at the man. “Don't make me kill you.”

“Lighten up, Yash.” Miroku smiled. “Think of the wonderful memory you made for that girl.”

“Dear Diary. Today I was kissed for the first time. Sigh! I love InuYasha, heart, heart, heart.” Kouga said in a lovesick voice while he wrote in the air. “I think he is so dreamy.”

InuYasha buried his hands deep into his pockets. His nose grew a soft pink from the blush he was fighting. “Fuck off, she doesn't think that!”

“You'd be surprised the level of mindless dribble a young girl has.” A smooth voice stated behind them. All turned to see Sesshomaru approach, dressed pristine and perfect in a cream Armani suit. “One saying `I love InuYasha' is proof enough of that.”

“Keh.” InuYasha sneered. “You're just jealous.”

“Hardly. Being the attention of prepubescent females is harrowing enough, let alone a mass of adolescent ones.” Sesshomaru glanced nonchalantly down at his palm pilot.

“The Great Sesshomaru is afraid of little girls??” Miroku raised an eyebrow and his lips curled in a mocking leer.

Sesshomaru never bothered to look up from his palm pilot. “Try hosting a slumber party for a crowd of eight years olds and then ask me that question.”

Everyone laughed while InuYasha smirked and Sesshomaru frowned at his miniature computer.

“I have arranged a few interviews with some well known agencies in town.” He stated coolly. “They are expecting to meet with you in a few minutes. I suggest you get your act together and head over to the podium.” With that, he walked into the crowd towards the interview area. His silence commanded that they all follow.

InuYasha gave his brother's back a deadly glare before following slowly behind his band. He hated the smugness his brother carried but begrudgingly accepted the effort Sesshomaru went through to arrange these interviews, though he'd rather go without.

Contrary to what others may think, he hated giving interviews. People had no fucking right to pry into his business, let alone think they knew him just because they had a name for themselves. All he wanted to do was to sing and play with his band. Unfortunately, interviews came with fame, and with fame came money, and with money he could have an entirely different life. One to finally call his own. So he took every interview with an act of superiority. He perfected the posture and voice to make him seem approachable and attainable, but once the cameras were off he just wanted to be left alone. God, he couldn't wait to get out of this hellhole and onto the stage. Then he would show everyone his worth as he truly wanted! None of this `how does it feel' bullshit each and every reporter regurgitated at him.

A small tug on his arm had InuYasha snap out of his resentment. He looked down to his side in sharp annoyance to see who dared to bother him now. He blinked and looked away awkwardly when he saw that it was Kagome. She was making it a habit of being there when he least expected.

“Thank you.” She said quietly as she walked beside him. He could smell her sweet softness and had to fist his hands to keep his composure.

“For what?” He mumbled.

“For making that little girl happy. Miroku was right, you gave her a very special memory.” Her words flowed over him like milk and honey and soothed his frayed nerves.

“Whatever. Forget it, I already have.” He shrugged and moved a few steps ahead of her, trying to lose her in the crowd. He wished she'd stop making him feel this way.

“I won't.” Kagome stated softly behind him, so softly that he was sure only his ears could hear. It seemed like her voice was the only thing he could sense in the heavily packed lobby.

“You did a good thing, InuYasha. You're a good man.”

He stopped suddenly and turned to glare at her. “It was nothing. Leave it alone!”

Kagome's lips turned in a secretive smile before she tilted her head proudly away from him. “It may have meant nothing to you, but it meant something to me. Everything you do does.” With that, she moved into the crowd to catch up with the rest of their band.

InuYasha watched her go in shock before he followed begrudgingly behind. Stupid fucking butterflies.

-+-

The afternoon passed without much interruption, though InuYasha couldn't stop complaining that time wasn't going fast enough. Now they all waited in the large bay behind the stage area waiting for their turn to compete. `They', of course, meant every band participating in the challenge excluding the one now performing. Perdition was again one of the final bands to play, thus had the privilege of being stuck with their competition without anywhere else to go.

InuYasha growled low for what seemed the hundredth time that hour. If talking to reporters was the bane of his existence, then being in the company of several girl pop bands was his hell. At first it was the perfect distraction. He swallowed up as much attention from each seducing woman that came up to him, sometimes in groups. He smouldered them with his golden eyes and smirked at each caress of his chest and arms. Yet nothing they did sparked even the slightest burn that one smile from Kagome could give. After a short while he grew tired of their giggles and innuendos but couldn't bring himself to rid them from his person. He'd rather face them then the beautiful woman that waited nervously at the other side of the grand room.

Kagome sighed deeply once more as she gazed up at the clock.

“Don't worry so much, Kags.” Sango nudged her with her elbow. “You're starting to make me feel sick.”

Kagome smiled slightly over at her friend. “Sorry. I'm just so anxious. I can't wait to get on stage and play for some reason.”

Kouga shrugged against the cold wall he was leaning on. “We'll be on soon enough. There are still four bands before us.”

Kagome nodded and again looked up at the clock.

“Will you stop doing that!” Sango snapped, looking a little pale.

Kagome scrunched her eyes in rebuke and decided it best to put her attention back on the room. She cast her eyes around the crowded bay, taking in once more the array of musicians. They ranged in age, race and style. Yet no matter their physical differences, each group seemed to congregate around their own style of music. Well, all except the harem that settled around InuYasha.

A cold lump settled in her stomach when she saw two women giggle at something InuYasha said. Now she knew why the clock looked so much better.

She eyed InuYasha briefly and shook her head exasperatedly at the look of slight discomfort on their singer's lips. She knew he was avoiding her, but did he have to go to the extreme to do so? He looked like a wild dog on display. He was fine to observe, but no one was supposed to get too close. Any moment now one of those girls will do something to make him snap. Kagome knew it would be more kosher to rescue them before that happened, but she also knew that an irate InuYasha would be the best deterrent for any woman that wanted to bed a wild animal. She smiled to herself when she saw him once again close his eyes and let out an inaudible growl as one woman stoked his arm and breathed into his ear, making him flinch.

Kagome cast her eyes away from the scene towards the front of the bay where the punk groups were situated. It was interesting to see the different colours and styles of each band and how they all reacted with each other. But what gave her particular interest was a small scuffle near the doors beside them. She rolled her eyes and flicked her chin in that direction.

“Sango. I believe your significant other has gone wayward.”

Sango looked quickly around until her eyes narrowed on Miroku backing away from a very pissed off woman with flaming pink hair. “That no good, backstabbing, son of a….” Her tirade faded as she stormed over to him.

Kouga pushed himself off the wall in a hurry. “I'd better referee or things will get ugly.”

Kagome nodded and watched him go, her eyes holding in her laughter as Sango smacked Miroku in the back of the head while he hastily tried to argue his innocence. She pulled her attention away from the imminent scene and again rested her eyes on the clock. Another half an hour and they were up.

“Excuse me?”

Blue eyes turned to collide into violet. Kagome blinked and scanned her gaze over a very handsome onyx haired man. Her lips automatically mimicked his friendly smile. “Yes?”

The man's smile grew somewhat shy. “You're Kagome, right? Drummer for Perdition?”

She nodded.

“I'm Jared.” He shrugged a shoulder nervously. “I play drums for Sunder.” He pointed to a band behind him.

Kagome nodded politely at him. “Sunder. I heard your band play just a little while ago. You sounded great.”

“Thanks.” He fiddled nervously with a set of drumsticks that he was carrying before he felt brave enough to speak again. “I… uh… heard Perdition on the radio a few times. A lot really. You guys sound pretty good.”

“Thanks.” Kagome tilted her head and let her lips quirk slightly. Her eyes turned towards his band that was watching them on the sly. She wasn't sure what this was all about, but she wasn't about to be rude. Besides, Jared seemed very nice, though terribly shy.

She watched him twirl his sticks around his fingers timidly as he looked around. It was obvious he wanted to chat but was too much of an introvert to continue a conversation. Suddenly, an idea struck her and she pulled her own sticks from her back pocket.

“Fancy finger work.” She twisted a drumstick around each finger of her right hand slowly. “Can you do this?” She proceeded to spin the stick rapidly until it was a whirl of oak between her fingers.

Jared grinned and his shoulders automatically relaxed. The dare to talk to the girl he had a crush on now turned into a duel of the drummers. Now that he could handle. He mimicked her trick and proceeded to do the same with his other stick in his other hand.

“Oh. Taking it up a notch?” Kagome smiled and followed suit before trimming down to the ends and doubling the speed.

Jared eyed her shyly before his lips turned into a comfortable smile. Within moments they were in a full blown spinning war. Jared's band had gathered around and was rooting for him while a few other drummers came up and entered into the challenge.

InuYasha glanced up when he heard Kagome laugh. His eyes narrowed into lava pools as several men cheered. He could barely see what was going on, just catching glimpses of his drummer between several guys as a crowd formed around them.

“So, Inu Baby, I'm staying at the….” InuYasha pushed whoever the hell was in his way and stormed over to the circle.

“Fuck! Look at her go!” A man shouted and several catcalls echoed around the bay.

InuYasha flared and tore his way through the horde until he reached the edge of the excitement. He snarled when he saw Kagome between three men in the centre of the crowd.

“Kick their ass, Kagome!” Sango shouted.

InuYasha was stunned to see Perdition on the opposite side of him catcalling and cheering for their drummer. He stood back slightly and turned his attention back to Kagome, finally seeing what was going on. All four seemed to be in an all out spin fight and Kagome was giving them a run for their money. He watched entranced as her fingers flowed like water around her sticks, moving them like they were a part of her.

Suddenly, Kagome was jostled by one of the guys, almost making her lose a stick. InuYasha's angry shout was lost within so many others at the cheap shot. Yet Kagome easily gained back her control and gave the man a raised brow in her confidence. InuYasha's hands fisted as he silently cheered her on, wanting her beat those fuckers for everything she was worth.

Kagome couldn't stop smiling and letting out a joyful laugh as she spun faster than the others. Then out of the blue, Jared pulled a stunt and flicked his sticks in the air and caught them without stopping the spin.

“Oh, is that how it's going to be?” Kagome purred and backed up.

InuYasha couldn't help the twinge in his cock at the hunted look her eyes and the confident smirk on her full lips. He stumbled when the crowd moved back to give her room and he lost his place in the front. Growling, he shouldered his way back in only to be assaulted by the most wild image he had yet to encounter.

Kagome swung her hair back as she spun while tossing the sticks in the air before catching one in her front and one behind her back before moving in an untamed dance. All three men stopped their spinning to watch in hot lust as she flicked her hips to the distant beat from the performing band, before twirling around and around, spinning the sticks without losing her rhythm. Suddenly she dropped to her knees with her legs spread wide and slowly bent back until her head nearly rested on the floor. She twirled one stick between her legs and the other in front of her eyes, yet her focus wasn't on the stick, but on InuYasha.

She looked at him in surprise before she gave him a slight wink and mellowed her lips into his own private smile. InuYasha stared heatedly down at her bent form, taking in the toned muscles and feminine curves that stretched as she held her position. Too soon did Kagome lift her body back into a kneeling position and stood up smoothly, as if some unseen force lifted her, while spinning the sticks vigorously between her fingers.

InuYasha bit his lower lip as she twirled once more, lifting her hands above her head and swaying her body back down to the ground and then back up, all the while spinning the sticks as if they were whirling blades. She looked like an ethereal dancer as her body swayed and arched with grace and might. She moved like she was energy itself, but her whole countenance made her forbidden and unreal. It was the most erotic thing InuYasha had ever seen. And he wanted her.

“Perdition! Line up!” A man called from the doorway leading to the stage area, breaking the moment.

Kagome stopped spinning and laughed happily at the applause. Sango leapt from the crowd and hugged into her shoulders, laughing along with her, while Kouga and Miroku just stared at her as if in a trance. Both men reluctantly looked up when they heard a threatening growl to see InuYasha pierce them with a glare before he moved towards the door. Taking the hint, both men ushered the girls through the appraising crowd towards the doorway to meet InuYasha.

Kagome looked up at him when they drew near and smiled brightly, trying to hold back her glee. InuYasha blinked in a daze at her flushed face and deep sparkling eyes as she stared up at him, as if begging for him to share in her rush. That same secretive smile she blessed only for him settled easily on her lips and InuYasha felt his chest lurch in intense desire. He opened his mouth to say something but was quickly cut off.

“Kagome!”

She turned from him to smile warmly at Jared as he came jogging up to her.

Jared smiled happily before it fell into a shy grin. “I, uh….“ He shrugged and nodded slightly to the door. “I just wanted to say good luck, and uh… see you after your show.”

Kagome tapped her sticks against her forehead in a small salute before following her friends out into the hallway.

InuYasha held back to watch them go before he turned lightening induced eyes at the man. Jared immediately lost his grin and backed up, taking the message. Kagome was claimed.

With a lingering glare, InuYasha turned and followed after his band.

He met up with them behind the stage and was somewhat relieved to see their equipment waiting for them. Sesshomaru had the stage crew ready their guitars and headsets before they were to go on, thus they didn't have such a mad rush to get ready. Luckily, they still had a few moments to get themselves comfortably prepared. The band before them was in the middle of playing their set and would be cued for a commercial break before Perdition was up.

InuYasha watched as Miroku and Kouga slightly strummed a few chords to test their strings while several stagehands placed the headsets against their ears. He flinched when someone pulled at his hair and flicked his eyes at a stern woman as she tucked his hair back to place his headset on and tested the volume. He crossed his arms in annoyance and cast his eyes away from her only for them to settle on Kagome.

She was smiling sympathetically at Sango as his best friend talked quietly with her. It was hard not to flinch at the daggers Sango tossed at Miroku's back. Obviously his guitarist was in trouble and by the nervous twitches of Miroku's eyebrow, the guitarist already knew.

InuYasha settled his eyes back on Kagome who was delicately pulling a strand of her hair from her headset as she said something to cool Sango's nerves. It was clear that the two women had become very close. The way they talked and moved with each other made him see they forged a very solid bond. It made him feel slightly jealous, though he knew he had no reason to be. Sango was still his best friend and he knew that nothing could change that, but the way that the two carried on now it was clear that Sango was craving a female friend. He was secretively glad she chose Kagome. He'd never seen Sango more focused and at ease. It was if the cold chip she carried was gone, and he knew Kagome had something to do with it.

He frowned as a cold lump settled in his stomach. She always had something to do with it.

He turned his gaze out to the stage as the last band finished their song. Sounds of cheering sounded into the hallway and he frowned slightly as he felt a soothing presence beside him.

“You okay there, Yash?” Kagome touched his arm softly.

He flinched at her touch and pulled his arm away from her. “Keh. I'm fine.”

Kagome studied his face for a few moments, her blue eyes glittering in concern.

InuYasha clenched his teeth before turning on her. “What!”

Kagome's head tilted to the side and she smiled up at him. A secretive glint echoed from her blue depths and it caused a faint tremble in his spine.

“They were good.” She then smiled proudly. “But you are better. I have complete faith in you.”

He looked at her slightly confused before he realized what she was talking about. She thought he was nervous about their competition? Pfft. As if. He could out play anyone and couldn't wait to prove it. The fact was, he was… he was what? Upset? Jealous?

Kagome did things for his friends he could never accomplish. All it took was a word or a touch, and she healed wounds that were ancient and raw. How the hell did she do it? And why didn't she do it for him?

He shook his head. “I don't need your faith. I got everything I need. Just….” He flicked his eyes down at her then quickly back up to the stage. “Just don't mess up.”

“I won't, InuYasha.” Her soft voice stated quietly. “I'm there for you.”

“Perdition! You're up!” The manager called.

Kagome trotted quickly up to the stage, leaving a frowning InuYasha in her wake.

He quietly shook his head as he followed the rest of his band up to the stage. He didn't have time to look too deep into those words. They had already triggered the all to familiar pain that was becoming like an old friend. And he yet he couldn't get enough.

The stadium erupted when Perdition walked onto the stage. Their popularity had soared because of the radio promos and it was apparent in the thunderous attention they were getting now. Kagome quickly went behind the drums while Sango followed behind to reach her keyboards. It took a few moments for the cheering to die down enough for the host to speak, giving them enough time to get ready on stage.

The host smiled broadly. “Well. It seems this band already has made a name for them selves that they just may not need to be introduced. But when will I ever be given the chance again? I give you… Perdition!”

The stadium erupted once more as InuYasha took it all in. Thousands of people stood and applauded, calling out their names and waving signs. His amber eyes cast from one side of the arena to the other, his head lifted as he tried to sense it all in its purity. It was here that he could forget it all because it was his. All his. But for some reason it felt hollow. He turned his head to his band to see them waiting for his cue while smiling up at the crowd. They looked so happy and proud. Why didn't he feel it?

His eyes flicked unconsciously to Kagome and he felt the crowd melt away. She wasn't looking at the stands, his friends or the cameras. She was looking at him with eyes filled with gentle pride and he knew that pride was not for herself.

He felt his lips open to allow himself to breathe. He would never be able to fathom her, or how she stirred him so much, but somehow that one look washed away the void he felt and flooded him with something raw and savage, making him turn from her with a groan on his lips.

He shut his eyes as realization dawned on him. All the torment he had been fighting, the pain he had embraced…. He now knew what it was.

Amazing how one look from her could reveal his buried truth.

Amazing how truth puts it all into perspective.

This feeling was the last thing he wanted and the very thing he needed. In every heartless man, it is what he truly fears and unconsciously desires. What more could he ask for?

What more could he live for?

He looked up at the audience and a small trace of a smile touched his lips.

Pain, without love

Pain, I can't get enough

Pain, I like it rough

Because I rather feel pain than nothing at all….

Kagome rounded her drums and Perdition erupted behind him as he walked to the edge of the stage, his hair flowing like silk behind him. He moved like a man on a mission, stalking the perimeter, enticing all eyes on his form. He cast his gaze down to a group before him as he sang; yet all he could sense was the woman behind him. The one that changed lives with bittersweet words. The one that brought him where he was right now to suffer in embittered bliss.

You're sick of feeling numb

You're not the only one.

I'll take you by the hand

And I'll show you a world you can understand….

But what did she really know? She never experienced life like he had, like they all had. His eyes flicked to her on the sly. His eyes quickly grew hunted and hot as he stalked the platform. He could sense her entire being was centred on him. How could she possibly know what he truly craved?

This life is filled with hurt

When happiness doesn't work

Trust me and take my hand

When the lights go out you'll understand.

InuYasha groaned in suppressed desire before his band called out his pain. He again moved like a catalyst on the stage, commanding all attention on him. His emotions were so bloody and biting as he sang it was hard not to.

(Pain!) (Pain)

Without love!

(Pain!) (Pain)

Can't get enough

(Pain!) (Pain)

I like it rough

`Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all

He fisted a hand into his chest, pulling hard at his red shirt as if it was too tight and he'd suffer if he didn't tear it away from him. Little did they know how badly at times he did want to tear it out; tear out the very thing that's been on fire since a blue eyed beauty smiled at him.

Pain! (Pain)

Without love!

Pain! (Pain)

Can't get enough

Pain! (Pain)

I like it rough

He looked out at the masses, as if begging them to understand all that he has been through, but he doubted they could ever really know. They never gave their soul away, only for one to show up one day in the form of the woman of their desires.

`Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all….

He stormed across the stage's perimeter as if burdened with a tormented soul. In all honesty he was. If ever he gave the truth it was on stage. He had no pretences here, though he'd give nothing but lies to those who encroached on his hell. Anything to keep them from getting close. Anything to keep her from knowing his despair. He locked it all away in his rage.

Anger and agony

Are better than misery

Trust me!

I've got a plan

When the lights go out you'll understand….

InuYasha shut his eyes as he grabbed his hair by the roots, thrusting his head back in anguish. All the fucking games he pulled to make her suffer. He only wanted to give her back his torment. But he couldn't. Somewhere along the lines he saw it for what it was. And it was real… and it was his. He stumbled back as he sang.

Pain! (Pain)

Without love!

Pain! (Pain)

Can't get enough

Pain! (Pain)

I like it rough

`Cause I rather feel pain than nothing at all!

He stopped still and let his hand drop to grip into the hem of his shirt while singing hard. The other hand was fisted by his side and punctuated his fury. The pain inside him was real and it made him real. She gave this to him and he cherished it like it was the only gift he'd ever received.

Pain! (Pain)

Without love!

Pain! (Pain)

Can't get enough

Pain! (Pain)

I like it rough

`Cause I rather feel pain than nothing…

Rather feel…

She made him more than nothing, because he could feel….

Pain!

His band sung like echoes behind him as he shot his golden eyes open to give heated glares to individuals in the audience, almost forgetting they were there. Did they know this pain? Could it be possible that one of them understood? Looking at their faces he smirked heavily. They all knew this feeling.

(I know, I know, I know, I know)

I know that you're wounded

Was it possible he could reach them like she had reached him? To let them know he felt it too?

(You know, you know, you know, you know)

That I'm here to save you.

Echoes of forbidden promises and desires came at him in the form of delicious lips and heavenly eyes. Words that made him see the truth.

(You know, you know, you know, you know)

I'm always here for you.

He cast his eyes over at her, but what could he possibly say that would tell her how he felt? It was better off she never knew.

(I know, I know, I know, I know)

That you'll thank me later….

He shut his eyes from her and cast his head down at his decision. Besides, it would only cause more….

Pain

Without love

Pain

Can't get enough

Pain

I like it rough

`Cause I rather feel pain that nothing at all….

Second chances. What were they when you never had a chance?

Pain (Pain)

Without love

Pain (Pain)

Can't get enough

Pain (Pain)

I like it rough

`Cause I rather feel pain that nothing at all

Second starts. But where did you start when there was nothing to gain?

Pain (Pain)

Without love

Pain (Pain)

Can't get enough

Pain (Pain)

I like it rough

`Cause I rather feel pain that nothing at all

It would lead to nothing. Nothing but doubt. Nothing but fear. Nothing but….

Rather feel pain than nothing at all….

Pain as it really was.

Rather feel pain.

Unrequited love.

A/N: Pain, by Three Days Grace. Normally I don't put current bands in my stories, but this song struck me perfectly on how InuYasha felt. Anyways, I hope you all had a great Xmas and New Years. I'm working on the next chapter now, but it might be posted later than most, since I'm back to the lab and field on Monday.

I also apologize if I didn't write back to some of you. FF didn't send me emails saying who messaged me, so I may have missed replying. I also might not have gotten back to you if there wasn't a reply address attached to your message. If I didn't get back to you, I am so sorry, I am not being unappreciative to all of your support. I hold such value and honour with each message sent. (A few have even brought me to tears and it takes a lot to make me cry.)

My final apology is to any error in this chapter. I've been tweaking it more times than I should, and couldn't wait for my beta to smack me over the head. So I am posting it now, and will fix mistakes later. Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, and I can't wait to post the next one for you all to enjoy.

As always - live, love and laugh!! WDW