InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Street Musician ❯ What Ya Got ( Chapter 18 )

I do not I do not own Inuyasha & Co.

Oi, minna!  It has been a bit since I wrote a chapter for Street Musician, hasn't it?  Well, I do apologize for the wait, surprising circumstances have caused me to wait to write this chapter, but now that I found the time, we're all golden!

So, without further ado, here's the next chapter of Street Musician!

Chapter 18: What Ya Got

About twenty minutes after Inuyasha and Kagome left, Sesshomaru chose to follow and see what the two of them have to offer his world of recording expertise.  The way his younger brother reacted to his offer surprised and offended Sesshomaru, and the only thing, which drove him to follow, was his curiosity. 

 

As the entrepreneur walked to the subway of choice, he watched the locals and their behaviors, scoping out the type of customers lurking in the direction of the subway.  As he'd always said, the type of clientele can say a lot about an artist. What kind of crowd he/she can attract and what kind of music to expect from the artist.  Seeing a wide variety of clientele had been leaving the subway, from suits to college flunkies, Sesshomaru began to gauge his younger half-brother from a distance.

 

Finally, he decided to descend the steps when he heard a roar of applause flow up from the stairwell.  When he reached mid way down the flight of stairs, he looked down onto the platform below and saw a large group of patrons gathered around, looking towards the wall beneath him.  He continued down and slinked behind the tallest men bringing up the rear of the audience.

 

Watching between the necks of two rather large men, Sesshomaru stood and watched as they smiled and cheered for more.  All the two of them had, was Inuyasha's guitar, a rather small amp, and a mic connected to a karaoke player.  Inuyasha played his guitar, and Kagome sang the lyrics.

 

What seemed strange was the glow about them; something was rather unusual about their pairing, as if the air around them seemed electrified.  As far as the music, it was rather mediocre in his opinion compared to the clients he generally handled.  When the song ended, cheering deafened Sesshomaru, which caused him to flinch shortly and then decide to make his way towards the couple.

 

Suddenly, the song Inuyasha had just begun strumming stopped as his eyes focused on the man making his way to the front, causing a hush to fall over them.  “Sesshomaru…” Inuyasha voiced as his guitar fell to his hip. 

 

“Inuyasha, I have listened to your music, and have heard enough to see what you have here.”

 

“And?” Inuyasha asked with a slight bit of sarcasm.

 

“I need to speak to you in private,” the tall entrepreneur requested, causing Inuyasha to lift the guitar from his shoulder and set it upon the stand beside him. 

 

“Inuyasha…”

 

“Just wait here, okay?  I won't be long,” Inuyasha interrupted as he then turned and made his way through the crowd of patrons as they parted ways and patted his back while he passed.

 

Once the two men made it to the far end of the platform, Sesshomaru turned around and began with, “This is as good a place as any.”

 

“What's on your mind?” Inuyasha asked as he crossed his arms lazily.

 

“I'm not going to hold back from my criticism just because I am related to you.  You have something with that woman.  Something more than just making music, don't you?”

 

“Why would that be any of your business?” Inuyasha spat as he began to get leery of the information.

 

“It's everyone's business when your auras can electrify an entire subway platform.”

 

“What are you getting at?” Inuyasha knew something was fucked up at that point.

 

“The point is, you could hire the most god-awful drummer, keyboardist, and bassist and still have charisma drawn towards your band.”

 

“Oh, really…How do you suppose this could be?”

 

“Simply because it's the connection between you two the audience is attracted to, Inuyasha.”

 

“You mean they don't give a shit about the music?”

 

“No, you're missing the point.  Let me clarify deeper.  Your heart is poured out through that guitar.  Your soul lies in your instrument.  That, Inuyasha, is true talent.  You could take any piece of junk and project yourself through it to the ears who can hear it,” the entrepreneur explained as he looked towards Kagome, causing Inuyasha's gaze to follow.

 

“So, you're saying, it's not how, or what I play, it's that I'm playing at all?” Inuyasha asked curiously.

 

“That is exactly what I'm saying.  Inuyasha, I want to warn you of something here and now, while you're still fresh and untainted.”

 

“Untainted, what do you mean by that?”

 

“Untainted in the ways of belonging to the public.  Turn around,” Inuyasha turned towards the begging and curious eyes watching them as they spoke.  “Those eyes are addicted to your presence right now.  Crowds are not only wonderful to please, but also demanding, and you will have difficulty in the future continuing that pleasure for them.  Is that something you are willing to take on in the music business?”

 

Inuyasha turned to the man once again as he began with, “Let me make one thing clear, Sesshomaru.  I aim to play and entertain.  I know no other way of life.  If it's fleeting, so be it, but I know I will succeed.  The question is, do I want to take the hard route, and just let you walk outta here unfulfilled, or do I take you up on your offer and give trusting you a try and see where you can lead me?  That is the question, not whether or not I am prepared for such responsibility.”

 

“You don't fully understand what this will take.  Are you sure you're prepared for the psychological burdens you may face with this?” the older man asked as he gestured towards the audience.

 

Inuyasha turned to look over his shoulder at the flood of people behind him, and then his eyes focused on Kagome as a smile formed on her lips with the capture of his gaze.  His gaze held firm for a moment, but once she nodded, he smiled back and then turned his head to give his answer.  “Yes, fully prepared, as long as Kagome is with me, I can do anything.”

 

“All right, excuse me.” Sesshomaru then made his way past Inuyasha and through the crowd to reach Kagome.  “I need to speak with you both for a moment.  Come with me, please.” Kagome's breath caught in her throat as she nodded and butterflies came alive within her stomach. 

 

Once the man and Kagome arrived, Inuyasha began to wonder what Sesshomaru had planned.  “What's going on here?”

 

“Kagome, I have spoken to Inuyasha about his career choice, and his future desires.  Now, I will tell you something similar to what I explained him.  I sense something unusual about your pairing.  Now, according to Inuyasha, you two are an item, are you not?”

 

Kagome's mouth dropped open and she looked to her counterpart, as he seethed, “I said no such thing!”

 

“That's beside the point.  Kagome, I sense something electrifying from you two.  So strong, it affects those around you.  Very unusual for any couple, no matter what they do together.  What I am explaining here, is if he takes the plunge, he will flounder without you.  Your paths came together by fate, and you have no desire to leave his side, is that correct?”

 

“How do you know so much about us?” Kagome asked.

 

“You both have already given testimony.  You with your article printed for the world to see, and Inuyasha having you by his side, spilling his heart to the people willingly.  You both hide nothing of yourselves, or your hearts.  You bear all to everyone.  Your lives will be much more difficult in that sense because you both are open to all people.” The two in question eyed him seriously and silently.  “You both will be famous for that, I assure you.”

 

“How so?” Inuyasha asked in curiosity.

 

“You will become victim to slaughter of your very well being, Inuyasha.”

 

“You lie,” he spat.

 

“I assure you, I know of what I speak.  Inuyasha, think about it.  What all do you hear when it comes to entertainment news?”  Inuyasha's gaze did not falter from Sesshomaru's eyes.  “Gossip, betrayal, trust issues, anger, break ups, dirt, disappointment, not just praise.  Are you mentally stable enough to handle all of this limelight in a professional and healthy manner?”

 

“How would you know?  You just met me for the first time today.”

 

“You have a point, but it is obviously clear how sensitive you are.  Even the flow of your music expresses that.  I see sensitivity, which means you can't go it alone.  Also, the hardest thing about being everyone's idol is remaining clean, but not too clean.”

 

“Ya know, how about this, you just go home, and let me make it happen without your `instructional advice', sounds good enough to me.  C'mon, Kagome,” Inuyasha commanded as he grabbed her hand and pulled her away from Sesshomaru.

 

“Inuyasha, you are making a mistake by walking away from me,” the entrepreneur mumbled as he then left he subway empty handed.

 

“Inuyasha, what was that all about?” Kagome asked as he led her through the sea of people.

 

“He was making me an offer, and insulting me at the same time,” her lover stated.

 

“Insulting you?  What did he say?” she asked as they stopped and he began to gather his equipment.

“I'll tell you when we're back at the apartment.  No, wait...can we go somewhere else?” he asked as he zipped up his guitar case.

 

“Sure, where do you wanna go?” Kagome asked as she flicked off the mic.

 

“Anywhere he isn't.  And private if possible,” he suggested as he unplugged his amp.

 

“Okay,” Kagome replied as she shut off the karaoke machine and the long awaited train rolled in for the passengers.

 

Inuyasha gathered the change dropped during the performance, headed out to take the equipment back to his apartment and then head out to chat somewhere private.  When they arrived back at his apartment, they saw Sesshomaru sitting in Izayoi's room, talking.  So, as Inuyasha asked, the two lovers headed out for the evening.

@*@

They walked a short distance, the air thickened between them quickly, which caused them to enter a nearest café for some food.  Once they had sat down and ordered drinks, Kagome then began what they started.  “So, what was that all about earlier?  I mean, that was rather strange what he was saying to me.”

 

“Well, believe me; he freaked me out as well.  It seemed as if that guy had spies monitoring me, or something.  Listen, I'm sorry if it seemed as if he knew too much, but I have a feeling mom told him more than she should have.”

 

“How so?”

 

“He was talking about how close we are, and how we can electrify a room, or something along those lines,” Inuyasha took a sip of his drink as it was set before him.  “He also told me that I could play any piece of junk instrument, and splurge my heart out of it.  Basically stating that I have a natural ability not everyone has.  He said I couldn't do it alone though.  But where he insulted me, was that my music itself is mediocre and that we could hire any old musicians and our `electrifying presence' would hold the audience's interest, not the music per say.”

 

Kagome looked away for a moment and thought about what Inuyasha had just said.  “So, it's not our voices or our music that people are attracted to then?”

 

“Exactly, and he saw that as a compliment, the jerk,” Inuyasha spat as he chuckled and then took a sip of his drink.

 

Kagome gained a bit of a far off look for a moment, catching Inuyasha's attention.  “Something wrong?”

 

“No.  It's just…Is he really that bad a man?  I mean, he has a lot to offer us, and I'm thinking that he may be an 'in' for direction or advice.  What would be so wrong with having someone who knows the market direct us down the right path?” Kagome asked.

 

“Simply because it's as if he dropped from the sky!  I mean, does shit like that really happen for people like us?  C'mon…It's too good to be true.  Plus, I don't want to feel as if I need someone to hold my hand through everything.”

 

“Then what am I to you?” Kagome chimed in, causing him to stop his tirade and eye her.

 

“You?” Kagome nodded.  “You're different.  You're not holding my hand; you're just as immersed in this reality as I am.  You're more than that, much more.”

 

“In what way?”

 

“You hold my heart within you.  You make sure I have a reason to continue, which is much more important than how he saw you.  He saw you as the main half of the `act', and nothing more.  The `electrifying act' we have here is only a temporary `thing' for him.  He said he felt I didn't have the heart or the psychological strength to put up with bullshit.”

 

“Well, he's looking out for you.  I doubt you'd hear a warning like that from just any manager out there.  I think we should trust him, seriously.  He has ties to you, and he's willing to look out for you.  I don't think it would be a bad idea to have his help in the beginning.  He knows people in the music industry.  He can direct you away from the phony people who are jerks and what not,” Kagome shrugged, hoping she could get through to him on a different level.

 

“Well, maybe.  I just don't know if I can trust him.  He makes my skin crawl.  It's the way he looks at me, as if I'm nothing worth his time.  Like a pile of shit or something.”

 

“Well, maybe at this point, you are to him because he doesn't know you, or what you're capable of.  But he may see you differently if you give him a shot, and a chance to get to know what you're about.”

 

“Maybe.  Hey, Kagome…”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Do you think my music is good?  I mean, the way he talked about the music, he acted as if I could do better.”

 

“I love your music.  It awakens the creative side of my mind.  And on top of that, it makes me smile, no matter what.  It's like some sort of drug; it keeps me going and happy.  I could listen to your music for the rest of my life, and still enjoy just as I did the first time I heard it.”

 

“I see.  A drug, huh.”

 

“Inu, I'm glad I met you.  You're very interesting, and you're a good man.  I think Sesshomaru sees that, and wishes to help so that you won't lose too much of your innocence.  The last thing any of us who know you well want is for you to change and become someone else, which is common for people who make it in the limelight.  Demand can be a nasty pest, causing you to breakdown mentally if you can't handle it.  I've done articles for assignments about celebrities and their behaviors.  It's really scary,” Kagome stated as the waiter came back to get their order.

 

After giving his meal request, Inuyasha answered with, “So that's why you've been focusing on that subject lately.  I was wondering where all that was coming from.”

 

“After learning about what your future plans were, I decided to use my questions to come up with a very important subject to research.  I learned a lot about the symptoms, and it's rather scary.  I would never wish their situations or struggles on anyone,” Kagome replied with a shake of her head.

 

“I see.  I apologize for getting upset and acting like a child over that,” Inuyasha apologized.

 

“It's okay.  I didn't really give you much information over why I feel the way I do about this.  I just think being careful is a good idea.  Trouncing blindly through that type of career can be costly in more ways than one.”

 

“Oh all right.  I'll stick with your instincts and give Sesshomaru a try.  I just hope he's not out to rear-end us, if ya know what I mean,” he replied just as their food made it to their table.

 

“I know.  It's a fear of someone you're unsure of.  That's why we're doing this together, not separate.  Neither of us knows what it takes, and curiosity has been known to kill the cat,” Kagome replied, gaining a chuckle from the man across the table from her. The two of them felt better about the situation as they ate their meal, and decided upon their next move.

 

@*@

 

A couple hours later, after a nice long walk, they arrived back at Inuyasha's apartment and saw that Sesshomaru had left.  Inuyasha sighed a breath of relief as he shut the door to his room for privacy and Kagome plopped onto his bed sighing just as loudly.  A lot of weight had been lifted from their shoulders, and they were satiated well enough to last them for hours.

 

“I'm glad that's taken care of.  Kagome,” Inuyasha called softly.

 

“Yeah, Inu?” Kagome asked as her eyes remained trained on the ceiling as the bed shook from him crawling in beside her.

 

“I am so relieved to know you will be by my side through all of this.  I don't know what I'd do without you.” He said softly as the back of his hand touched her cheek tenderly, feeling the softness of her skin.  “You are so good to me.  I would be lost without your guidance, your support…and your love.”

 

She continued to eye the ceiling as his hand flipped over, and his touch slid down her neck to her collarbone, caressing her luscious and firm curves.  His touch began to cause her breath to quicken as her skin tingled at the caress.  Her eyes closed as his hand went deeper, to her chest, then to her stomach.  His breathing quickened as well as he lifted her shirt to lay tender kisses on her firm stomach while his left hand reached to caress her thigh.

 

His body tensed with sexual desire, as she moaned under his caress.  As he continued to enjoy her body, their moans were stifled by the wooden door separating them from the slumbering woman across the hall.

 

@*@

 

The next morning found the young lover's bare bodies entangled under the covers on Inuyasha's bed.  Inuyasha involuntarily shifted his weight slightly; waking Kagome just enough to open her eyes and gasp as she saw the clock across the bed.  She shifted to try and disengage her body from his grip, causing Inuyasha to awaken with a loud moan.

 

“Inuyasha, I have to go.  I'm gonna be late for my first class!” Kagome exclaimed.

 

Inuyasha mumbled a complaint as he then rolled over and fell back asleep.  “Typical…” Kagome mumbled under her breath as she pulled on her clothing, and gathered her hair into a ponytail holder.

 

After a few minutes, Inuyasha lifted his head and eyed the clock just as Kagome sat upon the bed to tie her shoes.  “Where are you going?” he asked groggily.

 

“I have class in about a half hour.  I'm going to have to buy some gum, otherwise my breath will kill everyone around me,” Kagome enlightened him as she stood from his bed and gathered her belongings from his night table.

 

“Oh, that's right.  Well, see you at lunch, right?”

 

“Sure, I'll be there.  Love you,” she replied as she leaned over the bed and kissed him on the lips.

 

“Love you too,” Inuyasha replied as she snuck from his room and closed the door softly.

 

“Kagome?” A feminine voice called as she passed by. 

 

Kagome stopped short and froze.  She wasn't aware his mother was awake, which caused her whole body to tense up in fear.  “Come here, please,” Kagome heard from the bedroom behind her.  She gulped and turned to enter the doorway.

 

“You spent the night, I noticed.”

 

“I do apologize, Mrs. Tai.  It's just, Inuyasha and I had a lot to discuss last night, and we both ended up falling asleep before we knew it.” Kagome explained, while trying to make the lie seem convincing.

 

“It's all right.  Could you wake him and have him see me before you go?” the woman asked with a smile.

 

“Sure,” Kagome replied as she then entered his room once again and shut the door.  “Inuyasha, get up.  Your mom saw me!” she whispered, causing him to sit up in shock.  “She asked me to wake you and tell you to see her right away.  I think we're in trouble…”

 

“Wait, don't get scared, okay?  If she asks, it'll be my fault, all right?  I'm not going to let anything happen to us.  Just go ahead and leave, since you have class soon.  I'll see you later, my love.” He replied, as he stood from the bed, naked as he was the night before and held her to him as he kissed her deeply.

 

Once she left, he then threw on his boxers, and a T-shirt while running his fingers through his hair.  When Kagome quietly left the apartment, Inuyasha then walked into his mother's room, and greeted her with a kiss.  “You needed to talk with me?” he asked as he took the seat beside her bed.

 

“Yes.  I noticed Kagome leaving from your room.  Is there anything you need to tell me?”

 

`Man, mom never misses a beat…How do I explain we're together?' “Yes, she did.  Is there anything wrong?” he decided to approach it nonchalantly in hopes she wouldn't' digress further.

 

“You two are protecting yourselves, right?” she went right for the throat.

 

“Mom, do I look like I have no brains?” `Shit'.

 

“No, just wanted to make sure is all, dear.  I want to know that my wonderful son is taking great care of his girl, you know what I mean,” she replied as she patted and stroked his arm in a motherly way.

 

`Phew' “Yeah, everything's fine.  She just had classes to get to is all.  Was there anything else?  How're ya feeling today?”

 

“I'm feeling fine.  Makes me glad to see you happy, son.”

 

“What are you getting at?” he asked with a cocked eyebrow.

 

“Oh, to see Kagome leaving your room in the morning makes me happy to know you've become a man, and that you're handling the responsibility well.  Also, there have been mornings as of recent when there happens to be a nice twinkle in your eyes.”

 

“Well…” he didn't know how to answer that one, so he shrugged and smiled.

 

“So, you spoke with Sesshomaru yesterday.  He had a few things to say about your conversations yesterday.”

 

“I know.  Things didn't go well.”

 

“Can you tell me what's going on?” his mother asked kindly.

 

“Well, it's hard to explain.  I mean, he may have been there when I very young, and he may feel obligated to take care of me once both parents are gone, but I just…He gives me the willies…He has the coldest eyes I've ever encountered.”

 

“Sesshomaru looks more like your father than you do, but he happens to have his mother's demeanor and eyes.  Although his eyes are gold like your father's, they hold the same cold stare hers did.  It was very unnerving how she'd smile, but her eyes remained cold.  You must look past those cold eyes to his soul beneath.  It's not easy, but once you do, you will see a different man beneath that cold facade.”

 

Inuyasha nodded and began to see what she was getting at.  “I wondered why it seemed as if my dead father was sitting beside you that day, but yet not…”

 

“I was wondering why you took such offense to his presence.  I wish you would've told me, son.  I'm sorry I was a bit rough on you.”

 

“It's okay.  Kagome and I talked about everything last night, and she feels the need to trust him if we are to go along with the path we've chosen.  Everything seems to be happening so fast, I'm worried about missing something…” Inuyasha turned his eyes to his hands in his lap.

 

“I know, son.  I'm just taking extra measures to make sure you're taken care of after I'm gone, is all.  I want the best for you, my son.  I never meant anything mean by calling upon Sesshomaru.”

 

“No, mom, everything's all right.  I was just shocked by him.  Growing up this entire time, not knowing I had a brother, and all of a sudden it seemed as if I missed something very important is all.  Took me by surprise,” he said with a smile.

 

“Ah, I see.  Well, Sesshomaru had hoped to talk with us again, to see what he can do today.  Will you be around today?” she asked in hope.

 

“Well, you know my routine.  If you want, I can forego the morning performance, but I promised I'd meet my friends for lunch.”

 

“Could you?  Sesshomaru was rather upset about last night, and worried about your choices.”

 

“Sure, I'll be home.  Are you hungry?  I can make breakfast for us if you want me to,” he offered as he stood from the chair.

 

“That would be nice, thanks son,” she replied with a smile.  He then left her room and entered the kitchen to make them eggs and toast with coffee.

 

Once they had both finished eating in her bedroom about half hour later, Inuyasha jumped into the shower to clean up for the day.  So much had happened in 24 hours, which he felt as if he never had a chance to breathe, least 'til he and Kagome retreated to his room for the night. 

 

Just thinking about the night before caused him to take a deep breath and close his eye as he remembered the motions, the touching, and everything they did.  Before he knew it, he was leaning his back against the wall, soaked from head to toe, and the water was began to cool off somewhat.  Just the feel of the luke warm water hitting his skin woke him from his fantasy and he lathered his bar of soap with a smile.

@*@

About a half hour later, Inuyasha was out of the shower, dressed and ready to meet with Sesshomaru about his decisions, and what options he has to offer.  What scared him most was the fact that he barely knew his brother, and is now forced to trust him in order to make things work.  Not only that, but he couldn't bring himself to disobey his mother or father.

 

Soon, Sesshomaru arrived, and Inuyasha let him in politely.  The two men sat in the living room to talk things over about Inuyasha's future, and about how he planned to guide him.  Since the talk with his mother, Inuyasha felt much more at ease since he knew the reasoning behind the cold stares.  Inuyasha counted himself lucky, knowing his eyes to be warm and inviting, rather than invoke fear like his brother's eyes.  They spoke politely, and Sesshomaru gave Inuyasha up front advice, as well as his credentials in the field, showing that he had in fact made the right choice after all.

 

@*@

 

Well now, this was an interesting chapter, ne? I'm not sure what the next chapter holds, nor do I know what kind of advice will be given. I guess we'll all just have to see what Sesshomaru has to offer Inuyasha and Kagome, eh? Well, `til next time, ja ne!