Note: about the lyrics in Sho's song. They are written by me and are obviously not great. I like to think they maybe sound better in Japanese. We in the west like rhyming but Japanese not necessarily so. They seem to sound more free verse. So just because I said it was a success doesn't mean I think my lyrics are great lol!

Sho Must Go On Chapter 4

The enormous approval from the audience of Sho's new song as the final encore was a hollow victory. He stood there feeling no emotion but bitterness as the lights dimmed with the crowd clapping rhythmically for another song.

"MORE! MORE!"

Sho looked out into the crowd looking for a familiar a goofy faced redhead; her body jumping up and down like one of Jim Henson's Muppets, and happiness for him alone and his success. Funny, she had never gone to any of his concerts in Tokyo. She had been too busy working.

"Hey! Sho! We good for another?" One of the band-mates was still pumped from the energy. "What about Prisoner? We haven't sung that for months!"

Sho shivered. That was the last song he wanted to sing! He forced a tone of nonchalance. "Nah, I'm done. It's always better to leave them wanting more."

He grabbed a towel a stage hand presented to him, and wiped the sweat off his neck and sighed. Another band mate needled him. "Jeez Sho, What's up with you? - Where's your energy these days? Quit being so lame! Why don't you come with us and lighten up already - there's a bunch of cute girls waiting for us backstage!"

Sho took a swig out of the water bottle he was holding, wiped his mouth, and grimaced. "Not tonight guys - I dunno, I think I'm coming down with something. I'm gonna go home and lay low for tonight - thanks anyways." He almost forgot the thank you. He had sore ribs from Shoko nudging him all the time when she witnessed him not properly appreciating people.

The crew had already started dismantling the set as Sho picked up his gear and moved offstage. He was wishing he could dodge the inevitable meeting with Mimori who was more than likely in front of the group of clamouring young women waiting in the back. "Ugh!"

"Shoooo!" She was running full out in his direction and threw herself at him.

"Well that was fast. Damn it!"

"Get OFF me will you!" Sho peeled Mimori's arms from the death grip she had around his neck. "Down girl! Pochi! - calm down like a good doggie!" He locked his elbows and set her an arm's length from his space to keep her from embracing him again.

"But Sho, I want my passionate kiss, you still haven't given me that kiss you promised weeks ago!" Her whine was worse than nails on a blackboard. Sho gritted his teeth in irritation. It was time to send her home. Scornful, he scanned her form from the top of her head then slowly down to her feet. He couldn't fake even one more comforting smile to placate her. He couldn't fathom kissing her. The thought revolted him. He was done with her. Dumber than a bag of hammers with no real talent. Pochi's boobs were her only asset, and even they were overblown. He felt like having a good scrap and she never had enough spirit to fight with him. She avoided conflict except to whine and any remarks he delivered to her with sarcastic contempt went over her head. She was only riled when he denied her attention; which was almost always. How boring.

"Go home, Pochi! I'm tired." His tone was dismissive. He turned around and headed to the band's dressing room.

"Sho! But what about me? My kiss!" Pouting, she stomped her foot. "Sho!" Her face fell as he ignored her, and she stood there like a lost puppy watching his back as he continued to walk down the hall. "Ok! I'll see you tomorrow!" Her voice quavered in hope and then faded into a soft questioning up-speak.

Sho's driver and car were waiting in the underground parking lot. He was in deep thought when he climbed in the back seat and leaned back listlessly. He was so bored with nothing to do and he hated to admit it, he was lonely. All those screaming fans usually boosted his ego for whole evening. Tonight was different, he didn't even get one rush of energy. He was satisfied that they liked his new song but the hyped up cheering at the end only gave him relief not the ego boost he was used to. And later, the girls in the dressing room were painted, plastic dolls. He had always thought that Kyoko's constant encouragement was annoying and that she was just another girl who wanted to cling to him, but now it dawned on him that he couldn't begin to compare her to his fans or even Mimori. Kyoko had been real, sincere and dedicated, and not for any other reason but that she cared about him. And he'd wasted the friendship. God! He missed her! A humbling feeling overcame him and he felt a lump in his throat and something burning his eyes. He almost felt homesick. He dug into his pocket for his phone, pulled it out and started scrolling through the phone numbers.

He found it! The last number that he had used to call Kyoko glowed at him. The flashing neon signs of Tokyo city through the car window reflected on his face as the car maneuvered through the traffic. He looked out without really appreciating the scenery and shoved the phone back in his pocket with a sullen frown. LME had blocked his access to her new number and the only way to reach her now, was to go to the Darumaya. He was feeling so low he was almost willing to ditch his pride and go there. No! He wasn't such a wuss to go to her with his tail between his legs. He could still remember how much his shin hurt when she kicked him. Not to mention the scuff mark on his brand new boots! He`d never let her see how low he felt! God he was tired! And something hurt so much in his chest. He clutched at it. ``What in hell did I eat? Is this heartburn?"

** Even if you don't like Sho you might like this story. I doesn't taste bad - I hope. Please read and I don't mind reviews just criticize in the nicest way possible :)!