A/N: Oh my gosh...Business Strategy..no fun. I have been itching to post a chapter for days now. I wish I could go back to my normal schedule of posting on a daily basis. I really miss that. Anywho...Here is the next chapter. I hope you like it.
There are several song lyrics in this chapter. The first one is "Live my Life" by Bon Jovi. The second is "Everyday" also by Bon Jovi, and the third is "Bounce" by..you guessed it..Bon Jovi :)
Anywho, here it is! *huggles*
Despite the headache that feels like my head is about to split in two and the nausea that makes me want to toss my cookies every single time I move, I woke up obscenely early this morning. In case you are wondering, 8 am is considered obscenely early in my book.
I just had to get up early today. It is an important day that will hopefully resolve many issues. I have already showered and dressed in my "disguise." Sure the group knows who I am now, but the rest of Domino has no clue. I hear a resounding knock at the hotel door. Seto stepped through the door the moment I opened it. His cold cerulean eyes scanning my form judgmentally. What a dick.
"How is your hand?" he lifted my bandaged hand and turned it around between his hands; examining the bandage. I wiggled my fingers.
"A little sore, but it will be fine in time for the concert," I responded taking my hand back from his grasp.
"Good. I promised you last night that I would hear you out. So here I am," he sat down in one of the arm chairs crossing his legs. He pressed his fingertips together in front of him. I handed him a small folded piece of paper before taking a few steps backwards. I watched as my manager open the folded paper and read it. "Yami what is this?" He let out a frustrated sigh turning it over and showing the document to me.
"It's an address, Seto," I folded my arms over my chest as I narrowed my eyes at him.
He rolled his eyes, "Smartass. I know that. Why are you giving me this address? What is there?"
I smirked. Yami: 6 Seto: 3. "Just be there at 11:00 am this morning."
"Why?" He asked flatly.
"You will see," the smirk on my face growing wider as I grabbed my black beany and shoved it on my head. "I will see you there," I winked at him before taking my leave from the hotel room; leaving my manager behind.
\/\/\/
I climbed out of the taxi and paid the man the owed amount of Yen. Music poured out of the already open garage door. I stepped into the garage, the band not taking notice of me just yet. They were all lost in their own world. Allowing the music to carry them away. Yugi had his eyes closed as he sang into the microphone. I felt my face heat up when I realized, it was one of mine.
The amount of passion behind his singing sent chills down my spine. I smiled as I walked up to the microphone; placing myself next to Yugi. I took a few breathes before joining Yugi in singing the song.
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said
I did it my way
I just wanna live while I'm alive
It's my life
Yugi's violet orb cracked open as I sang next to him. I felt a warmth wash over me as I watched the corners of his lips turn upward in a smile. He did not pause to say anything. We just continued singing.
It's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said
I did it my way
I just wanna live while I'm alive
It's my life
The harmonization! It was beautiful and amazing! I felt a thrill race through my body as the song ended. I glanced at Yugi again before I looked around at the others.
"Hey Yami!" Malik wrapped me in a strong hug that had me gasping for breath.
I chuckled, "Hey, Malik." I nodded and smiled to everyone.
"What happened to your hand?" Yugi asked, concern filling his voice as he noticed my bandaged hand.
I bit my lip nervously. I did not exactly what to say 'hey I got shit faced last night and crushed a glass in my hand.' Yea..no. That is not going to happen. So what do I say?
"Oh, nothing. It was just a silly accident," I laughed hoping they would just leave it at that without asking any more questions.
"Will you be okay to play your concert in two days?" Ryou asked; his head tilting to the side eyeing the bandage.
"I should be. It is just a little sore," I answered, "Don't' worry about it." A large silly grin covered my face as I mistakenly clapped my hands together. I winced at the sharp stinging sensations that prickled at my tender hand. That move was just stupid. Nice going, Yami. The band just watched me with a mixture of concern and curiosity in their eyes. "So, how about we play another song?" I ask them.
"Yes!" Marik hollered, "Let's do it! What song do you want, Yami?"
"Just pick one. If I know it, I will join in," I smiled. I watched as they glanced at each other; giving a silent nod before Yugi backed up from the microphone to make room for me. They started playing another song. I knew this one too. It was another one of mine.
I used to be the kinda guy
Who never let you look inside
I'd smile when I was crying
I had nothing but a lot to lose
Thought I had a lot to prove
Lived my life there's no denying
Goodbye to all my yesterdays
Goodbye so long
I'm on my way
I've had enough of crying
Bleeding Sweating dieing
Hear me when I say
Gonna live my life
Everyday
I saw the long black stretch limo pull up to the curb and park. Seto's here. Another smile crossed my lips as I watch the limo driver open the door for Seto. My manager's long legs appearing first as he stepped out of the limo. He raised an eyebrow as he looked around at the neighborhood. He took a few steps towards the garage. I smiled at him as I sung the next verse.
Change everybody's feeling strange
Never gonna be the same
Makes you wonder how the world keeps turning
Life, learning how to live my life
Learning how to pick my fights
Take my shots while I'm still burning
My eyebrows furrowed as I watch him fold his arms in frustration over his chest and turn to leave. What the hell! He can't leave yet!
Goodbye to all those rainy nights
Goodby so long
I'm moving on
After that line, I turned to the violet eyed guitarist, "Yugi, take over." He nodded stepping forward. I ran after my manager. He can't leave yet! No! This would ruin everything! "Seto!" He didn't respond to me. He sidestepped the driver and pulled the limo door open on his own. "Seto!" I call again; grabbing onto his bicep and turning him to face me.
"What, Yami? What do you want? Why did you have me come here? Do you want me to take on another client? I have news for you. With your attitude and your alcoholism, you are enough to keep ten managers busy!" He snapped at me. Okay. I admit it. I deserved that.
My eyes locked on his, "They are good, Seto! Please stay and listen to them!"
"No, Yami. I am not taking on another client," he hissed at me.
"No. You don't understand. Please let me explain," I pulled on his arm trying to get him to follow me back to the garage. I heard the song coming to an end. "Please."
Seto looked thoughtful for a few moments before shaking his head, "No, Yami." He climbed into the limo. I watched with my mouth gaping open as the driver ran to the other side of the limo and climbed in. He started the engine and drove off. My mouth continued to hang open a few moments before I growled.
"Fine. You want to play that way? Time for Plan B, my dear Seto. And I guarantee, you will not like it."
"Yami?" I heard Yugi call my name. I turn to face the petite rock angel. "Is everything okay?"
I smiled, "It is great. Do you guys have a van or some kind of vehicle to transport your instruments?"
Yugi looked surprised. He blinked a few times at me, "Of course we do."
"Good," another smirk painted its way onto my lips, "Pack up your instruments. I want to take you somewhere."
"Where?" Bakura asked showing up next to Yugi.
"You'll see," I approach them to help them load the instruments into their van.
\/\/\/
"Wow! So this is what it feels like to be up on a large stage!" Malik's grin could not have gotten any wider if he had tried. "Heeelllooooooooooo!" he hollered into the empty theater; his voice echoing with the help of the wonderful acoustics.
"Yep. This is the stage I will be singing on," I walked across the large stage eying the size of the theater. It was not huge, but it was still a good size. From what I had heard, the concert sold out within minutes of the tickets going on sale.
"We tried to get tickets, but…" Yugi started; his violet orbs glancing downward as his small fingers caressed the body of his guitar.
"But they were sold out by the time we got to the ticket booth," Ryou finished for him.
"So why did you want us to bring our instruments?" Marik asked; his dark lilac orbs still glancing around the stage, the theater, and the lighting structures.
"You all are going to help me do the sound checks," I smiled.
"Really?" Yugi squeaked. I couldn't help but smile. The guy is seriously too adorable. I nodded.
"Set up! Let's get started," I walked off stage to grab a microphone and stand.
\/\/\/
I was back stage bouncing on the balls of my feet and swinging my arms around. I had already done my vocal warm ups. The concert starts in a matter of minutes. I had my trademark leather pants, boots, and spiked belt. I wore a silk button up black shirt that was completely unbuttoned displaying my chest and abdomen. I had a spiked collar around my neck and the leather wrist band that Jaden gave me found its way onto my left wrist. No need to hide my tattoo tonight.
"Ready?" Seto walked up to me, a smile on his face. We hadn't talked much in the last few days, but he seemed to have gotten over our little tiff. He was at least being cordial tonight.
I nodded, "I was born ready."
"I'm sorry for what I said the other day, Yami," he added quietly. I raised my eyebrow. I'm not use to receiving apologize for the Seto Kaiba. Honestly, the only thing I'm frustrated about is the fact that he didn't hear me out; however, if you consider my behavior over the past year…with it getting worse in the past few months, I honestly can't fully blame him.
"It is alright," I smile at him patting his shoulder. True, I can't blame him, but I can't let this go. I am still going through with Plan B.
I hear my music begin to play. Seto returned my smile, "Good luck, Yami."
"Thanks!" I wave at him before I ran out onto the stage. The theater packed; each seat filled with a screaming fan. I waved as I took my place in front of the microphone. I saw a few fans give me a confused look. They were probably wandering where my guitar was. No…it was not my hand. My hand is perfectly fine. I smile, boy are they in for a surprise. I take a deep breath as I begin to sing the first song.
I been knocked down so many times
Counted out 6, 7, 8, 9
Written off like some bad deal
If you're breathing you know how it feels
Call it karma, call it luck
Me, I just don't give a
Bounce, Bounce Nothing's gonna keep me down
Bounce, Bounce Stand up, shout it out
Bounce, Bounce I play hard, I play to win
Count me out, count me in
I'll be bouncing back again
I hear the crowed cheer and scream. Their voices growing louder as they sang along with me. It felt strange not to have my guitar with me. I felt naked up on stage without it. I pushed the feeling aside in favor of singing and enjoying the night.
This ain't no game, I play it hard
Kicked around, cut, stitched and scarred
I'll take the hit but not the fall
I know no fear, still standing tall
You can call it karma, call it luck
Me, I just don't give a
Bounce, Bounce Nothing's gonna keep me down
Bounce, Bounce, Stand up, shout it out
Bounce, Bounce I play hard, I play to win
Count me out, count me in
I'll be bouncing back again
Bounce!
This was an instrumental section. I smirked. It's time. "Good evening, Domino! It's good to be here! I have a treat for you tonight. It is my honor and pleasure to introduce you to the band that will be playing tonight's concert!" On cue, the curtain behind me raised revealing the band. "On lead guitar, is Yugi!" The petite rocker played a few fancy notes before taking a brief bow and then continued playing. "On keyboard is Malik!" The smallest sun kissed blonde waved like a maniac to the audience. "On drums is Marik!" The maniac twirled the drumsticks in his palms. Tossing them up in the air and catching them with ease. I smiled, "On bass guitar, Bakura!" The tall albino smirked as he continued playing. "Last but certainly not least, on the other set of keyboards is Ryou!" I heard the crowed cheer at the band. I chanced a glance over at Seto. Yup..he's pissed. I returned to face the audience and finish the song.
Bring it on, I like it rough
In your face, I call your bluff
It ain't karma, it ain't luck
Me, I just don't' give a
Bounce, Bounce Nothing's gonna keep me down
Bounce, Bounce Stand up, shout it out
Bounce, Bounce I play hard, I play to win
Count me out, count me in
I'll be bouncing back again
Bounce, bounce
Nothing's gonna keep me down
Bounce, Bounce Stand up, shout it out
Bounce, Bounce I play hard, I play to win
Count me out, count me in
I'll be bouncing back again
The crowd roared. Several whistles could be heard. I smiled and bowed, "Thank you! Please give a warm round of applause to the band!" I myself turned and clapped at them as well. I watched a bright blush pain each of their cheeks. "I am going to leave them to entertain you momentarily. I shall return!" I bowed and blew a kiss at the audience. I turned on my heel and started walking off stage.
"Yami…" Yugi whispered, his violet orbs wide.
"Just keep playing. Show them what you can do. I know you will do wonderful!" I winked at him and jogged the rest of the way over to Seto.
"Yami, what the hell!" He screeched at me.
I shrugged, "You wouldn't give them a chance."
"Fuck, Yami!" He ran a hand through his thick brunet hair. I raised my chin and narrowed my eyes.
"What do you want me to do? I can't take on another client."
"How about a merger?" I smirked.
"A merger? As in, they would join you and become your band?" he raised an eyebrow at me. He catches up fast. I chuckle.
"Yes. Let's ask them if they want to do it. If they do, let them be my band."
I heard the music blasting on stage. They were playing a song that I enjoy called "Humans Being" by Van Halen. It sounded like Marik and Bakura were singing.
"Please give them a chance, Seto. Just watch them through the show tonight. We can talk more about this after the concert," I sigh; praying that he will at least give them a chance and listen to what they can really do. Their song died down and it was my turn to go back to the stage. I crossed my fingers and prayed this would work. Please let it work.