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*Peeks out from underneath rock*

*Props up sign saying Warning: Strong-T/Borderline-M scene ahead!*

*Crawls back to hiding underneath rock*

Natsuki couldn't control the smile that was threatening to split her face in half. She practically waltzed into her apartment before quickly looking around to make sure no one had seen her.

No such luck; Mai was grinning widely at her. "Someone seems happy."

Nao poked her head out from behind the refrigerator door. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you just got laid—which would make you a dirty cheater."

Natsuki plopped on the sofa next to Mai and looked at Nao in annoyance. "If I got laid—which I didn't, by the way—why wouldn't it be with Shizuru?"

"Because then you'd be sporting a black eye after she punched you for dumping her after sex. That is the plan, isn't it?" Nao looked at her slyly.

Natsuki sighed. "Can't I be happy for no reason?"

"No, that's weird."

Mai nodded in agreement. "Although you might be happier to know that our little experiment is almost done."

"What, did you guys get tired of stalking me?" Natsuki asked dryly.

Nao made a face. "No, my boss threatened to fire me if I skipped one more day. Besides, we know everything we need to know."

Natsuki hesitated. "Actually, I figured some stuff out, too."

"Good for you," Nao said dismissively. "Now, from our observations, you like to feed Shizuru—"

"—you can't keep your eyes off her—" Mai added.

"—you totally lose your cool around her—and we saw you walk into that car, by the way," Nao snickered. Natsuki scowled in embarrassment.

"—you want to be around her all the time—"

"—you get possessive when someone flirts with her, but you trust her enough to know she won't respond—"

"I think the results are obvious," Mai finished triumphantly. "There's just one last test."

Natsuki had slight whiplash from looking back and forth between Mai and Nao as they spurted out their observations. "Just how long have you guys been stalking me? And what test?"

Mai and Nao exchanged nervous glances.

"You do it," Nao muttered.

"I can't. I have a job interview tomorrow and a broken nose a good impression does not make."

"I didn't know you needed an interview to become an escort."

"You think you're so funny—"

"What test?" Natsuki interrupted heatedly.

Nao sighed and shot Mai a dark look. "Fine, I'll do it." She turned to Natsuki. "Don't hit me, please."

"Why would I—" Natsuki uncharacteristically squeaked when Nao lunged forward and kissed her.

After the initial shock, Natsuki shoved Nao away, causing her to topple to the floor. "What the hell, Nao!"

"Fucking ow." Nao rubbed her side and shot Mai a pitiful look.

"Quick, what was the first impulse you had?" Mai demanded.

"Uh, to punch Nao in the face?" Natsuki said.

Nao blanched.

"And when Shizuru kisses you?" Mai asked.

"I don't feel like punching her in the face, if that's what you're asking."

"So you love me!" Nao said enthusiastically. "But, you're not in love with me."

"I know. I'm in love with Shizuru."

"You're in love with Shizuru!" Mai belatedly announced. Her face twisted in confusion. "Wait, you already knew that?"

Natsuki smiled hesitantly. "I think I am. I've never been in love before."

Nao beamed. "Until now, you mean. Mai, the emotional virgin has finally been deflowered!"

Mai affectionately squeezed a disgruntled Natsuki's arm. "Speaking of deflowering, now what are you going to do about Shizuru?"

"Besides doing her, that is." Nao wiggled her eyebrows.

Mai smacked Nao's arm. "Keep the suggestive comments to a minimum. Natsuki is going to do nothing of the sort until Shizuru knows the truth."

Natsuki, on the other hand, didn't look so sure. "She'll break up with me."

"If she hasn't yet, I think you're safe for a few more months," Nao said flippantly.

Mai frowned in contemplation. "If you haven't noticed, Shizuru's crazy about you, Natsuki. She might be upset at first, but if you explain it properly and prove to her that you're serious, then I'm sure she'll give you another chance."

"I'm basically asking her to choose between me and Shiori! She's not going to let me publicly humiliate and destroy her only sister, even if she has it coming," Natsuki said miserably.

"Shit, I forgot about Bitchy Fujino. Yep, you're screwed." At least Nao looked sympathetic.

Mai scoffed. "Maybe you should be making the decision instead, Natsuki. What's more important—getting revenge or getting the girl?"

At Natsuki's conflicted expression, Mai sighed. "Think about it." She patted Natsuki's arm and left the room.

Natsuki turned to Nao. "What do you think?"

"You're asking me?" Nao snorted.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures."

"The old Natsuki wouldn't have been desperate enough to ask me. I think that speaks for itself—you're all grown up and boringly responsible now." Nao sighed mournfully. "Do you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"The death knell of Natsuki Kuga, serial heartbreaker and playgirl extraordinaire. She will be sorely missed by single women everywhere."

Natsuki playfully shoved Nao. "Can't you just say 'I think you should tell Shizuru'?"

"I think you should tell Shizuru," Nao deadpanned.

"And if she breaks up with me?"

"If you seriously let something that insignificant come in the way of true love, then you've lost all game and might as well commit yourself to a convent."

"Wha—a break-up is hardly insignificant!"

"They also say that about teacher-student relationships, but that obviously hasn't stopped you."

Natsuki groaned. "I almost forgot about Fuuka Academy. Now I'll have to make doubly sure we don't get caught until after Shizuru graduates."

"Unless she dumps you, which will make it a moot point." At Natsuki's stricken look, Nao nudged her. "Don't worry; if she leaves you, you grovel at her feet until she takes you back. And if you can't charm the pants off her—both metaphorically and literally—then I have failed you as a teacher."

The light trill of a ringtone interrupted their banter. Nao swiped Natsuki's cell phone from the table to look at the screen. "Well, speak of the devil." She tossed the phone at Natsuki. "A call from Juliet for her beloved Romeo."

Natsuki easily caught the phone and gave Nao a meaningful look. "Thanks." Okay, so she wasn't good at acknowledging somewhat heartfelt conversations with her best friend—she could only hope that Nao knew she wasn't just thanking her for chucking the phone at her head.

"Don't mention it. Really, though—I can't have people think I've gone soft." Nao dismissed her with a wave, turning her attention to her phone.

Natsuki shook her head and accepted Shizuru's call. "Hello?"

"Natsuki? Can you come over?" Shizuru sounded stressed.

Natsuki frowned. "What's the matter? Are you okay?"

She heard muffled voices in the background before Shizuru answered. "I'm fine, but it's sort of an emergency."

"I'll be right there." Natsuki immediately stood up and grabbed her keys. She had no idea what was going on, but Shizuru rarely sounded bothered—Natsuki could only assume it was something important.

-000-000-

Natsuki propped up her motorcycle on its kickstand and placed her helmet on top. She lightly knocked on the front door.

The door swung open at the touch of her hand. Natsuki internally panicked. Oh God, this was exactly how all those scary movies that Shizuru made her watch started.

She stepped over the threshold. "Shizuru?"

"Over here, Natsuki."

Natsuki's head whipped to the side. Shizuru was sitting on the couch, looking at Natsuki with a sheepish expression on her face. "We have a slight problem."

"What's wrong?" Natsuki stepped into the living room with a concerned frown.

Natsuki jumped when Haruka popped up from behind the couch with a fierce scowl. "Nice of you to join us, Kuga. What's her time, Yukino?"

Yukino appeared from underneath a table, holding a stopwatch in her hand. She gave Natsuki an apologetic look. "6 minutes and 47 seconds."

Haruka looked grudgingly impressed. "It took you 6 minutes and 47 seconds to travel across town? Not bad—for a lazy-ass punk biker. Shizuru can do so much better."

Natsuki gaped at Shizuru. "Of all people, you told Haruka about us?"

Haruka crossed her arms and glared. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Shizuru looked half-amused and half-exasperated. "She saw us—"

"I saw you ravishing her at the park, Kuga!" Haruka interrupted loudly. Natsuki, Shizuru, and Yukino all jumped at her outburst.

"Wha—I was not ravishing her!" Natsuki said defensively. "And since when have I referred to as Kuga?"

"Forgive me if I feel distinctly uncomfortable calling you by your teacher name after finding out that you're sneaking around with my best friend!"

"Haruka—" Shizuru began exasperatedly.

"And you!" Haruka whirled around to scowl at Shizuru. "What in the world were you thinking, succumbing to the charms of our teaching assistant? Clearly the tea has gone to your brain!"

"Don't speak to her like that," Natsuki warned as she stepped in between Haruka and Shizuru. The intimidating effect was slightly diminished by the fact that Natsuki was smaller in stature than Haruka.

Haruka frowned down at Natsuki. "You're not trying to seduce me right now, are you?"

"Haruka!"

"Really, Haruka? Really?" came twin outbursts from Yukino and Shizuru.

Natsuki immediately stepped back. "No! What the hell, why would you think that?"

Haruka raised her hands in self-defense. "Take it easy, I was just asking. You can't blame me, Kuga; you obviously have a thing for younger women."

Yukino gently pushed Haruka to sit in a recliner and perched herself on its arm. "How about we let them explain how this all started?"

Meanwhile, Shizuru tugged Natsuki down into the couch. She gave Natsuki a short kiss, chuckling when Natsuki's lips unconsciously tried to follow hers when she pulled away. "Hi."

"Hi." Natsuki leaned in for another kiss.

"Hey! It's shenanigans like that that got you caught! I'm waiting for an explanation!" Haruka rudely interrupted.

Natsuki groaned and dropped her forehead onto Shizuru's shoulder. "Shizuru, why is Haruka giving me a harder time than your parents did?"

"I don't know; I'll ask. Haruka, why are you giving Natsuki a harder time than my parents did?" Shizuru said glibly.

"Smartass."

"Ara, Natsuki offends me."

Haruka scoffed. "The Fujinos have no concept of socially acceptable behavior—it's clearly genetic."

"Well, we needed something to counterbalance the good looks and charm," Shizuru countered.

"If you absolutely had to date someone older, you couldn't choose anyone else besides our teaching assistant? Maybe one of your father's interns, or your sister's driver?" Haruka demanded.

Shizuru blinked. "Haruka, Shiori's driver is 54 years old."

"What's wrong with me?" Natsuki asked, highly affronted.

"It's not you," Yukino said reassuringly, cutting off Haruka's undoubtedly scathing reply. "It's your position at our school that makes this situation complicated. The whole student-teacher relationship, though certainly romanticized, is still decidedly taboo."

"Not only are your reputations at stake, but the integrity of Fuuka Academy itself is under siege! I should never have let this occur," Haruka brooded.

Wow, her original plan was really coming back to bite her in the ass, Natsuki wryly reflected. "To be fair, Shizuru's reputation is probably more at stake here. I'm nobody."

Shizuru sighed dramatically. "Yes, Haruka, why ever did you let me succumb to the wiles of this dark, gorgeous stranger? This is all your fault." Natsuki shot her a dazzling smile.

Haruka immediately puffed up in outrage. "My fault?"

Yukino sighed. "Haruka, she's teasing you."

"I am not."

"Just get on with the telling, woman," Haruka grumbled.

Shizuru leaned back. "Ara, there's nothing much to it. Natsuki cornered me after class. She's not too bad-looking, so I figured there was no harm in playing along."

"That is not how it went. I was just sitting there grading papers. You were 'looking for Dr. Sagisawa,'" Natsuki air-quoted, "and being completely flirtatious in the process."

"Well, Natsuki was the one staring at me during every class. No, not staring—smoldering. I didn't know whether to be intimidated or turned on."

"From the way you jumped my bones, I'd say it was the latter—not that I minded." Natsuki smirked.

Haruka squinted suspiciously at Natsuki. "Why were you even staring at a student? You don't have some weird schoolgirl fetish, do you?"

"No! What's wrong with you?" Natsuki sputtered out. Her mind flew unbidden to Shizuru's short uniform skirt that revealed long, toned legs. Okay, so maybe she was grateful for the length of the skirts…

"Why Shizuru?" Yukino quietly asked.

Natsuki glanced at Shizuru, hoping to get out of answering, but Shizuru looked intrigued. Damn it, she couldn't tell Shizuru the truth right now. Shizuru would be angry at being humiliated in front of her friends and Haruka would probably never allow her near Shizuru again.

Natsuki kept her attention on Shizuru. "I don't know. I didn't expect that kiss to happen—"

Shizuru raised her eyebrows. "Is Natsuki saying I was a mistake?"

"Yea—NO! I mean, what?" Natsuki shook her head. "I noticed you because you were passionate, confident, and undoubtedly the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

Haruka scoffed. Yukino shushed her.

Shizuru leaned her forehead against Natsuki's. "…So you're shallow."

Natsuki huffed and flung herself back. "Shizuru! You just totally killed the mood—outright slaughtered it, I would say."

Shizuru laughed. "Ara, I was unaware there was a mood to kill. Forgive me?" Her fingers trailed along Natsuki's collarbone. "You know I'm only teasing."

"You're the definition of a tease," Natsuki grumbled, petulantly looking away.

"I think Natsuki should brush up on her vocabulary." Shizuru placed her hand on Natsuki's cheek to turn her head in for a kiss.

Yukino nervously jumped up when Natsuki and Shizuru showed no sign of breaking apart. "I guess we'll just show ourselves out, then."

Haruka remained seated, glowering at the couple. "Watch where you're placing those hands, Kuga."

Natsuki guiltily jerked back and Shizuru groaned. "Good-bye, Haruka."

"I'll see you in class, Haruka!" Natsuki cheerily waved. The blonde turned an impressive shade of red and followed Yukino outside, slamming the door shut behind her.

Shizuru looked amused. "You're bad."

"You're worse," Natsuki countered. She pushed Shizuru back, pinning her against the cushions. She hovered above Shizuru, her dark hair falling down on either side to create their own little bubble.

Shizuru reached up a hand to tuck a wayward strand behind Natsuki's ear. Words proved to be unnecessary as their lips met in unspoken agreement, in the way that only two people who were absolutely in tune with one another could accomplish.

Natsuki smiled at the small sigh of contentment Shizuru always exhaled when their lips parted. Slow, sweet kisses turned into deeper, more passionate ones. Shizuru was the first to lightly trace her tongue against Natsuki's bottom lip.

Natsuki let Shizuru take control of the kiss, opening her mouth to let Shizuru's tongue in. She carefully relaxed her arms to let her body rest on Shizuru, wary of crushing her. From the approving sound Shizuru let out, Natsuki guessed she didn't mind the additional weight.

Shizuru's hands were alternately caressing and gripping the back of Natsuki's shirt tightly, bunching up the cloth and causing it to rise a little. Natsuki's hands were no less idle, drawing circles on Shizuru's side.

When the need for air became too great, Natsuki drew back with a gasp. She gazed down at Shizuru, who was looking back with hooded eyes. Natsuki was distracted by how Shizuru's breasts rose and fell with every pant. She turned her attention to Shizuru's collarbone and began to suck and nibble, shivering at the husky moan Shizuru let out.

"Don't—ah!—leave any marks. People will ask questions," Shizuru weakly reprimanded.

"So? Maybe they'll finally understand that Shizuru Fujino is and will be taken for a very long time," Natsuki murmured against warm skin.

Her words seemed to have ignited a fire in Shizuru, since Natsuki suddenly felt hands slip under her shirt. Slender fingers blazed a trail up Natsuki's spine before coming around to lightly scratch her ribs just underneath her bra. When Natsuki arched her back, Shizuru lightly palmed a breast.

Natsuki groaned and accidentally rolled her hips in response. Shizuru's breath hitched and her fingernails dug into Natsuki's skin at the new sensation.

"Sorry." Natsuki stilled, trying to ignore the heat pooling between her legs. She tried to pull away, but Shizuru quickly wrapped her legs around Natsuki to trap her.

"You'll be even sorrier if you stop," Shizuru threatened in a husky voice.

Natsuki slowly began to rock her hips back and forth. Shizuru wrapped her arms around Natsuki and pulled her into another kiss, one punctuated by whimpers and heavy breathing.

Natsuki was fascinated at how Shizuru's eyes were squeezed shut and her mouth was slack, pulling in deep breaths of much-needed oxygen. She bent her head and whispered her lips across Shizuru's breasts straining against the cloth, grinding deeper when Shizuru pulled her closer. From the way Shizuru's breathing had quickened its pace, Natsuki knew Shizuru was close to orgasm. Natsuki herself was close to breaking point, her movements unconsciously turning rougher and more desperate.

Holy fucking shit, what the hell was she doing? Natsuki had meant to tell Shizuru the truth first before they did anything remotely close to sex, and yet here she was, pinning Shizuru to the sofa with the full intention of making her come!

Natsuki panicked and rolled to the side. Stupid of her, really, to forget that they were on a sofa, though gravity gladly reminded her when she promptly fell to the ground with an 'oomph.'

Shizuru immediately sat up and looked at her, half-concerned and half-frustrated. "What the hell, Natsuki?"

Natsuki smiled despite herself. Shizuru, cursing? Natsuki must be a worse influence than she thought.

Natsuki had to wait until the throbbing between her thighs abated before trying to speak. "I—uh—" Really, there was no easy way to explain that 'Oh, I was originally using you to get back at Shiori, but now I'm in love with you and I swear I'm not using you even though we were this close to having sex.'

Natsuki and Shizuru both scrambled upright when they heard the front door open, exchanging wide-eyed glances.

"'Zuru, I'm home." Crystal Fujino closed the door and smiled at seeing Natsuki. The smile turned into a full-blown smirk when she took in tousled hair, rumpled clothing, and swollen lips on both women. "I hope I didn't interrupt anything."

Natsuki paled. If Crystal had walked in 30 seconds earlier, she would definitely not have been standing there smiling at Natsuki.

"No." Shizuru cleared her throat and tried again. "Nothing too important, anyway." She gave Natsuki an annoyed look, who winced in apology.

Crystal looked gleefully unconvinced. "If you say so. Won't you stay for dinner, Natsuki? Shiori and Reito are coming over—we could make it a family affair."

Natsuki hesitated, fully intent on declining. "Well, actually—" Crystal pouted and Shizuru gave her a death look. "—I'd love to," Natsuki hastily assured.

"Wonderful! I hate to brag, but my chicken marsala is to die for. In fact, I'll teach you how to make it!" Crystal disappeared into the kitchen.

Shizuru rolled her eyes. "That's her way of asking us to help her with dinner."

Natsuki looked at Shizuru hopefully. "Aren't you glad we stopped before your mother caught us and threw me out?"

Shizuru huffed and stood up. "Maybe so, but then again I was this close to finishing." She ran her fingers through her hair, attempting to control it. "And why is Natsuki staring at me like that?"

Natsuki looked slightly dismayed. "You're taller than me. When did that happen?"

Shizuru gave her a smug grin. "Growth spurt, I suppose. And I'm thankful for it, because I always wanted to do this—" She tipped Natsuki's chin up for a kiss.

Natsuki broke away with a smile. "You are literally only one inch taller. And size doesn't matter!" She paused. "I never thought I would say that to a girl."

"Pervert. Maybe you shouldn't help with dinner after all."

"Why not?" Natsuki raised an eyebrow.

"The main ingredient is chicken breast." Shizuru's lips quirked up before she escaped to the kitchen.

"Oh, you think you're real funny, don't you Fujino?" Natsuki followed quickly.

-000-000-

"Something smells good!" Kenjiro Fujino hollered as he stepped through the door. "I hope you made something for yourself to eat, because I'm not sharing!"

Crystal appeared in front of him and fondly rolled her eyes. "The same lame joke every single time."

"Ah, you have wounded me deeply, darling." Kenjiro pouted.

"And dramatic as usual. Why did I marry you?"

"For my good looks and charm. So what's cooking, good-looking?" Kenjiro waggled his eyebrows.

"My famous chicken marsala. It's a special occasion," Crystal said happily.

Kenjiro immediately paled. "You're not pregnant, are you?"

Crystal slapped his stomach. "No! Our daughters and their significant others are here. It may be too late for Reito, but I want you to behave so you don't scare off Natsuki."

Kenjiro beamed. "Never fear, darling. At the end of this night, Natsuki will practically beg to be a Fujino." He poked his head into the living room, where Shizuru and Shiori were making almost-forced polite conversation while Reito and Natsuki blatantly ignored each other. "I can tell this will be a memorable dinner."

-000-000-

The hardest thing in the world, Natsuki reflected, was trying to hold a conversation with someone you hated.

"So, Natsuki, I noticed you never talk about yourself much," Reito commented.

"That's because there's nothing much to talk about, Reito." Natsuki gave him a strained smile and began sawing into her chicken, pretending it was Reito's head.

"Oh? So no amusing childhood tales to tell us? No nicknames of any sort?"

"Not at all. Very b-boring childhood, actually—" Natsuki's hand slipped when she felt something caress her leg. She looked wide-eyed at Shizuru, but the honey-brunette avoided her gaze, a coy smile playing on her lips.

Forget what she said earlier. The hardest thing in the world was trying to hold a conversation with someone you hated while your girlfriend kept running her toe up and down your leg.

Crystal frowned. "Is something wrong with the chicken, Natsuki?"

"No, it's delicious."

"You look at little flustered," Shizuru said in fake concern.

Natsuki shot her a look. Shiori rolled her eyes. "Natsuki's fine, Mama. 'Zuru's probably just feeling her up underneath the table."

"Shiori!" Shizuru growled. Crimson eyes met and clashed.

"Not at the dinner table, Shizuru," Kenjiro said mildly.

"Papa!"

Natsuki sunk down into her chair. Maybe she could take the knife and shove it into her heart.

"Anyways, Mama," Shiori flipped her hair. "Is everything set for the wedding?"

Crystal nodded excitedly. "All that's left is for you two to show up on the actual day. To think, my oldest child will be married in a week!" Shiori and Reito smiled at her palpable excitement.

"By the way, 'Zuru, I assumed Natsuki was your date to the wedding, so I placed her at our table," Crystal continued offhandedly. "I hope you can make it, Natsuki."

Natsuki blinked and exchanged a glance with Shizuru, who apologetically shrugged. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Only the three other younger adults seemed to detect the sarcasm in Natsuki's words; the parents remained blissfully oblivious.

Shiori looked indifferent—what was one more guest, after all?—and Shizuru looked relieved, but Reito, Natsuki was wary to note, looked almost too excited.

"I'm glad you could make it, Natsuki. The more, the merrier, right?" Reito smirked.

"Sure." Natsuki narrowed her eyes.

"Wonderful. Natsuki, did Shizuru tell you about staying at my mother's house?" Kenjiro queried.

"No, Papa, I didn't. I wanted to let everyone else spring all this information on her during the dinner that wasn't planned," Shizuru deadpanned.

"Fate has a funny way of working out," Kenjiro said cheerfully. "Anyway, Shiori and Reito's honeymoon flight to Fiji doesn't leave until the morning after the wedding, so they will be staying at my mother's house. Since Shizuru speaks so highly of you, her grandmother asked to meet you."

Shiori snorted. "Asked? More like demanded. Lovely to know that my baby sister and her girlfriend will be just down the hall on my wedding night."

"Grandmother's house is big enough. You'll live," Shizuru dismissed.

Shiori leaned forward and affixed Natsuki with a sly look. "My grandmother isn't as lenient as my parents are, Nat-su-ki. Make sure you impress."

Natsuki shifted uncomfortably. Shiori was only trying to psyche her out, just like when they were teenagers. "Good thing I'll have Shizuru to help me prepare, then."

Shiori's smirk grew wider. "Actually, you won't. My bridesmaids are kidnapping me tomorrow for a week of fun in Kyoto; Shizuru happens to be one of them."

Shizuru looked furious. "Shiori, you said I didn't have to go."

Shiori shrugged. "I changed my mind; of course I want my baby sister at my bachelorette party. You're not going to deny the bride, are you, 'Zuru?"

"Mama—"

"'Zuru, your sister wants you there," Crystal said firmly.

Natsuki furrowed her brow. "Wait, so I won't be able to see you for a week?" Shizuru gave her a helpless look.

Kenjiro chuckled. "Ah, young love. One week apart is hardly a punishment, you know."

Natsuki bit her lip. How ironic—here she was, fully prepared to tell Shizuru the truth, and of course it turned out she would have to wait another week. Well, maybe Kenjiro was right; it was only a week…it wouldn't cause too much harm if she waited until after the wedding to tell Shizuru, right?

Right?

You know, I had the ending all planned out, but then I got all these reviews begging for a happy ending.

So now I'm conflicted. And hungry—unfortunately, inspiration seems to hit me only at night, 2349912334 bajillion hours after dinner. Though your reviews won't help with my perpetual hunger (hey, growing teenager right here!), they might help me write the ending, non? ;) We're rather close to the end, by the way...

And to any fellow Americans, I hope you had a fantastic Fourth of July! *Stands up and sings 'Star-Spangled Banner' very loudly off-key...gets hit in the face with a boot*