Okay, here's the Karaoke chapter. Enjoy!
Chapter 4: Karaoke Blues
"I can't believe you've been going out with Kouga for two weeks already!"
Sango and Kagome were sitting in the latter's bedroom, primping for the coming double date. Sango was applying mascara to her lashes while Kagome, a minimalist, was sitting at her desk reading a magazine in a tank top and jeans.
"I don't know…when he asked me out that day, he seemed really different. He seemed more sensitive, I guess," Kagome shrugged. Sango turned to her, the mascara wand millimeters away from her eye.
"Well, he is very attractive. And he's on the track team, so he has a great bod," Sango winked. Kagome blushed.
"Sango! I think you've been hanging out with Miroku for way too long," she said. Sango was still looking in the mirrow when she replied.
"Have I? I guess I am a little less modest…" she admitted.
"Definitely a lot less," Kagome said, pointing to her short skirt, which was many inches above her knees. Now it was Sango's turn to blush.
"What? Oh no, this skirt is too short. Maybe I should change."
"No. I think Miroku will love it."
"I don't care if he loves it! Actually, it's bad if he loves it! Goodness, I think he's brainwashing me," Sango said, half-jokingly and half-seriously. She quickly went into Kagome's closet and pulled out a pair of jeans.
"So what do you think of Kouga as a boyfriend so far?" Sango asked. Kagome looked up from her magazine as she pondered.
"He's been great. He's really attentive sometimes, really sweet. I think he genuinely like me. Actually, I think I am starting to liking him a lot more," she admitted.
"Ah, you're so lucky Kagome. You have boys falling all over for you."
Kagome looked surprised.
"You're the second person, after Kouga, to have said that. You guys need to stop trying to make me feel better about myself."
"I'm just telling the truth," Sango said. Kagome laughed, shrugging off the compliment, but she felt a little strange. She had always been a bit awkward and had never thought of herself as remotely attractive…not like Kikyo or Kagura. She sighed.
With a quick brush of her long hair, Sango turned to Kagome.
"How do I look?" she asked. Kagome gave her a thumbs up.
"Great, of course!" she said. "Ready to go?" she asked. Sango nodded.
"Come on!"
OOO
The two girls found their dates already downstairs; Kouga was lounging on a sofa while Miroku was playing video games with Kagome's younger brother, Souta.
"It's about time you got ready. We're gonna be late," Kouga said. Kagome smiled as she sat down beside him.
"Sorry. It was all Sango's fault."
"Well, you look great," he whispered. Kagome smiled, his words tickling her ear. He put his arm around her waist and scooted her closer, so that she settled into his side.
"Grab the gun! The gun! NO! That's a Grinkle-shoot! They're bad!" Souta yelled, nudging Miroku with his arm.
"What the heck is a Grinkle-shoot?" he cried, leaning toward the TV screen in order to see better. Just as he got close, a large explosion erupted blowing bodies everywhere.
"Aw crap!"
"I told you," Souta said. Miroku shook his head.
"You are too good."
"I don't think I want to do co-op with you anymore. Kagome is even better than you," Souta said.
"Well, I did warn you."
Kagome looked up at Sango, who was laughing.
"You do have bad hand-eye coordination," Sango said. Miroku looked at her in mock indignation.
"Sango! How could you?"
Kagome laughed as she slowly stood up and stretch out her limbs.
"I think we should probably get going," she announced. "Actually, where are we going?"
Sango held up her hands.
"I don't know. Miroku picked out some club downtown. It should be fun."
Miroku stood up, followed by Kouga.
"Don't worry ladies. I'm sure you will enjoy it," he promised. He took Sango's arm and led her out the front door. Kagome turned to Kouga.
"Do you know where we're going?" she asked. He shook his head.
"I have no idea. Probably some strip club," he said. Kagome gasped.
"Do you actually go to those things?" she asked. Kouga just smiled.
"Naw…don't worry. I'm sure it'll be fine."
OOO
The girl stood in the center of the stage, her eyes closed as she tried to compose herself. In the dark room, only a single shaft of light was shining on her, illuminating her sparkling red dress.
The audience was silent, waiting for her in anticipation to commence …or was it fear?
The music started, and the girl opened her mouth.
"At first I was afraid, I was petrified, kept thinkin I could never live without you by my side. But then I spent so many nights thinkin how you did me wrong and I grew strong, I knew how to carry on!"
The audience cheered and the girl's eyes shot open. Her arm pierced the air and she began to swing her hips.
"And now you're back! From outer space!"
Kagome looked at Miroku.
"You brought us here?" she yelled over the loud music. Miroku just grinned slyly as they walked over to their table. Sango looked amused.
Kagome looked over at Kouga, who seemed a little pissed.
"What the hell is this?" he asked.
"Hey, don't worry! It's only a karaoke bar. Just have some fun!" Miroku began clapping along with the rest of the crowd as bright, multicolored lights began spinning crazily around the room.
"Kagome! You have to sing something with me," Sango exclaimed excitedly. Kagome shook her head quickly.
"No no. I can't sing at all!" she said. "I'll be so embarrassed."
"It's a karaoke bar. You're supposed to be a bad singer," Sango laughed. She picked up a menu and squinted at it.
"Oh, this is the food menu. Do you have the song menu?" she asked. Kagome looked down at the table and picked up a thick booklet.
"This?"
Sango nodded and scooted over to Kagome so she could see it better. They stared at the list of songs, not noticing that Miroku had made his way onto the stage.
Kouga nudged Kagome, causing her to look up.
Miroku was standing center stage, his back facing the rest of the club. The audience was silent once again as a sort of western, cowboy twang permeated the club.
"Hey Kag, I think we should…"
Sango looked up, suddenly aware of the new song and the guy who was standing on stage.
The guitar continued to play through the speakers as Miroku turned around. A ten gallon cowboy hat sat on his head, shadowing his face. His thumbs were hooked through his belt loops and his legs were crossed in the classic cowboy pose.
He began to dance as the words started.
"In the time of chimpanzees I was a monkey, butane in my veins so I'm out to cut the junkie…"
Miroku lifted his head so that the bright light shined directly onto his face. He swung his hips in a 360 and a girl in the crowd let out a whoop.
"What the heck is he doing?" Sango breathed.
The music paused for a brief second, indicating the arrival of the chorus.
"Sooooy un perdedoooor…I'm a loser baby, so why don't you kill me…double-barrel buckshot."
Miroku somehow matched the low bass of Beck, his gravelly voice harmonizing with the low notes perfectly as he sang the exaggeratedly mournful notes of the song.
He waved his arm.
"Come on everybody!" he motioned for everyone else to sing. His goal was accomplished. "Soooooy un perdedooooor…I'm a loser baby, so why don't you kill meeeee. Get crazy with the Cheeze Whiz. Sooooooy un perdedor, I'm a loser baby, so why don't you kill me, drive by body-pierce. Yo bring it on down."
He took a deep breath and began galloping around the stage.
"Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooy," he sang, his head tilted up. Sango buried her head in her hands.
"What is he trying to do to me?" she asked. Kagome rubbed her back, but couldn't help but laugh at Miroku's choice in song.
The song finally ended and the applause erupted. Miroku bowed deeply and flung his hat out into the audience, causing many girls to go scrambling for it.
"Thank you! Thank you all!" he cried. He jumped off the stage and made his way over to Sango.
Kouga and Kagome stayed silent.
"Well, what did you think?" he asked Sango, who was still hiding in her hands.
She looked up after a few moments.
"That was…really…embarrassing," she admitted. Miroku laughed.
"I'm sorry. Sometimes when I'm with you…that's how I feel. You know, like a loser. Because you are so perfect," he said, grinning sheepishly. Sango stared at him.
She laughed and flung her arms around him.
"You're so wonderful!" she cried.
Kagome shifted in her seat, uncomfortable at the emotional display. Kouga looked away.
Kagome and Kouga had their moments of affection, but it never seemed to be at that comfortable stage, like Sango and Miroku. They would put their arms around each other and kiss, but it was never overtly public…and Kagome was still a little uncomfortable with her new boyfriend.
Kouga cleared his throat.
"Well, I'm definitely not going to fucking sing," he sneered. Miroku looked at him.
"Aww, come one. It's not so bad," he assured. Kouga shook his head.
"No way. I'll leave this shit up to you guys," he said, his tone final. Kagome shrugged.
"Oh well. This is still really fun, Miroku," she said as another person arrived on the stage and another horrible rendition of an Aretha Franklin song commenced.
"Kagome! I have a song," Sango exclaimed. She quickly reached over and whispered it into her friend's ear. Kagome cocked an eyebrow and smiled.
"Oooh. Fine I'll do it," she said, laughing. Sango pulled her up and they quickly took their place in the karaoke line.
Miroku turned to Kouga, who was sitting sullenly in his chair. It was time for guy talk.
"So, how's it going with Kagome?" he asked. Kouga looked at him and shrugged.
"I think she's really starting to like me more," he said. Miroku grinned.
"Yeah? How much does she like you," he asked, wiggling his eyebrows. Kouga punched him in the shoulder. Miroku flinched, the playful jab hurting more than it was supposed to.
"Don't be a lecher."
"Hey! I just wanted to know! I'm surprised Kagome actually decided to go out with you…you know, with Inuyasha and—"
"What about him?" Kouga snapped. Miroku shrugged, but inched away from him to avoid any other blows.
"Well, they've been friends since elementary school… and now she's going out with one of his friends."
"A friend? Of that shit-head? I only joined the band to get to Kagome," Kouga admitted gruffly. Miroku didn't look surprised.
"Yeah, well everyone except Inuyasha knows that. The only thing keeping you in the band are those drumming skills you have," Miroku said. "Otherwise, Inuyasha would have kicked you out a long time ago."
Kouga snorted.
"I don't take orders from no one. I dare dog breath to even try to kick me out. I'd kick his ass," Kouga said. He leaned back and crossed his arms in indifference. Miroku sighed.
"You better make sure you don't hurt Kagome. If you do, Inuyasha will have your hide for it," Miroku warned.
Kouga leaned toward him, his eyes intense.
"I'd never hurt her."
Miroku leaned back to compensate for the loss of distance between them.
"You wouldn't intentionally hurt her," Miroku corrected. Kouga clenched his hands.
"You better watch what you're saying. I know myself better than anyone. I know what I'm capable of," he snarled.
Miroku through up his hands in surrender.
"Hey, I'm just trying to warn you. I have nothing against you," he said, trying to regain the air of neutrality he had before. Kouga ignored him and Miroku let out a breath as two men appeared on the stage. They seemed a little tipsy, and the two margaritas in their hands confirmed their state.
The music started, silent at first. The two separated, taking their places at opposite parts of the stage.
They both seemed middle aged, their black hair was streaked with gray. Their business suits seemed to contrast with the fact that they were in a karaoke club.
They lifted their glasses, the music continued to get louder. The man on the left began to sing, his voice wavering dramatically.
"Ground Control to Major Tom…Ground Control to Major Tom…take your protein pills and put your helmet on."
The other two continued to sit in silence as the pair sang. Time passes slowly when you're not having a good time.
"…Am I sitting in a tin can…faaaaar above the world…"
Miroku shifted in his seat.
"Planet Earth is blue, and there's nothing I can dooooooo…ooooo." The two men slurred their words as they stumbled off the stage, the audience bestowing them with some paltry applause.
"I guess the girls are up now," Miroku said. Kouga just settled his chin in his hands as Sango and Kagome walked onto the stage. Kagome stared at the TV screen while Sango held her hands over her heart, her eyes big and moist. Miroku shook his head.
"Oh no, not this song," he mumbled as the music began.
"Lying in my bed hear the clock tickin think of you. Caught up in circles confusion is nothing new. Flashback warm nights, almost left behind…suitcase of memories, time after—"
Kagome took over, her eyes still glued to the screen, her voice shaking with anxiety.
"Sometimes you'll picture me, I'm walking too far ahead, you're calling to me, I can't hear what you've said. Then you say go slow, I fall behind. The second hand unwinds…"
The two girls began to sway as their voices joined in unison for the chorus.
"If you're lost you can look and you will find me… time after time. If you fall I will catch you I'll be waiting…time after time. If you're lost you can look and you will find me, time after time. If you fall, I will catch you, I will be waiting. Time after time."
They continued to sing, side by side, their eyes closed and their body swaying to the slow beat. They fell into the rhythm of the song. Kagome lost her trepidation and her feeble voice transformed into a sweet alto. The girls' thoughts drifted as they sang the sweet song.
They thought about true love; they pictured Miroku and Kouga standing, their arms wide open so that they could sweep their respective girlfriends away and kiss them deeply, spinning them round and round and round…
"Time after time…time after time…time after time…time after time…"
They ended the song, whispering the very last words. The two girls smiled and bowed and quickly scurried off the stage.
"That was so wonderful," Kagome gushed. Sango laughed.
"I know! I told you!"
Miroku and Kouga quickly scooted over to make room for the lovesick girls. Miroku smiled at Sango.
"Aah my love. What a perfect song," he murmured, stroking her arm. Sango shoved his hand away.
"Don't even think about it lech. Just because I sang that song doesn't mean I'm in a 'romantic' mood," she admonished. Miroku pouted and sat back into his seat, picking at the pizza he had ordered.
"Well, I'm ready to get outta here," Kouga said, looking over at Kagome. She nodded.
"Yeah, I have a curfew," she said. Miroku sighed.
"Aww you guys are no fun," he complained. Kouga got up and stretched out his limbs.
"Why did we come here anyway? To listen to people who can't even sing? It doesn't make sense."
"It's how we humans have fun," Kagome said with a smile.
"Yeah, well, I'd rather spend time with you alone," he whispered into her ear. She blushed.
"Fine, we'll get out of here," Miroku yielded. As he fished for his keys, Sango got up.
"It was fun while it lasted, but I am kind of tired," she admitted. Kagome nodded as Kouga put an arm around her shoulders.
"We'll have a better date next time," he said.
Okay, that's that. I hope this was funny. Can you guess the songs that were mentioned above? If you can guess the singer or/and song title, I will give you a big hug for being so smart! Anyway, I really appreciate the reviews. I love knowing that you all like the writing. I'm always open for any criticisms, complaints, compliments, and ideas, although I hope I don't sound like I'm begging for them...anyway, who Kagome ends up with is still open, so I'll leave it up to you for right now. Later, I will take it on a more direct path.
Anyway, thanks again for reading!