A/N: Yes, I took FOREVER to update, I know. SO sorry! But here I am!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything here except for the writing and plot. The inuyasha songs, as well as orphen ones, and ayashi no ceres ones, aren't mine. Neither are the lyrics. Oh yea, inuyasha characters aren't mine. I don't claim for them either. Onward!
The Polls:
Do a triangle with bankotsu/kagome/hiten? 1 vote
Do a traingle with ban/kag/jakotsu? 1 vote
Do a triangle with ban/kag/(suggestions)?
Do a triangle with Sango/Miroku/ (suggestions accepted)?
kate: Lucky for you… I already have another Ban/Kag fic! It's called Paths of Moon and Flame: Shinku Eitai. And guess what? I just updated chapter 4. (I won't show up cause I had a note there) Check it out and review please!
Tamia Eternity: Yep. I am the official SNAIL updater. Man, I wish I was the hawk updater instead. But I'll settle for tiger. Who am I kidding. I'd be lucky to be a turtle updater. Oh well! WHEEEE!
TwistedBlackandRedRose: Yay! Still reviewing! This is a very good thing because… darn. Forgot. P
sakurablossomskxk: Wheeee! The first vote! Good job, I was hoping for a ban/kag/hiten vote! (beams)
sahara chick: Goodie! Another vote! Glad anonymous reviewer! Another vote! Yay! There's gonna be Sango/Miroku coming up, tho.
angelmaiden: (beams happily) Glad you like it!
storywriter10791: I'm trying to get my updates faster and longer, but a snail is beating me to it. Gotta get faster!
Yakumo1: Here's the update, and thanx for reading! P
Moon-n-Universe-Goddess: Don't worry, I don't take it personal. In fact, I thank you SOOO much for the criticism. Heh, I agree about the plot holes, though, if I do say so, myself. And I do. I'm TRYING to fine tune it more now, in hopes that you will continue to give me criticism and reviews.
haraf: Glad you enjoyed it. I am the queen of snail updates.
And now, for the kick-ass chapter you all've been waiting for:
Grip!
Chapter 5
Sorezore Ni Ima Omoi Wa Tsunori; The ConcertLeaning against the thin and slender Sakura tree, Kagome's face lay in deep shadows, as she waited for her fellow members to arrive, gripping the large weapon that was Shinku Eitai. At last, roaring down the buzzing street came Kouga, Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, and finally, Bankotsu, all panting from the fast-paced ride. Flipping her long raven hair, Kagome flashed a warm smile at everyone as Sesshomaru made the announcement.
"Guys, this is Hiten. Earlier today, he tried out for our band, and was accepted. He will be playing tonight with us. Consider it a test. Now let's bring down the house!" When the small formal introductions between members were made, the band slowly and confidently made their way into the building's performance clearing.
It was foggy, at first. The bright strobe lights and dark atmosphere were very stiffling, but Kagome's eyes lit up when she saw the potential of the dusty outdoor stage. "Guys," She beamed happily, "You go get some soda, and I'll set up!" Sesshomaru's eyes widened when he realized what she really was going to do, but he went along with it and left.
"Perfect." Kagome zoomed around, cleaning up and setting things and objects everywhere. "What a mess I'm gonna have to clean up… Well at least it'll look awesome!" She smirked, and left to get the boys just as the first curious people walked in, their eyes opening in awe of the beautiful, seemingly untouchable, girl and her weapon and handiwork.
"Come on! Get off your lazy asses!" Inuyasha yelled into the ear of his rival, Kouga before adding, "Kagome said she's ready!" Sighing, the wolf ookami got up, adjusting his clothing one last time before walking over to the area where they would perform, not taking note of the shocked faces or that Hiten was blinking uncontrollably.
"KAGOME! WHAT THE HELL!" Kouga yelped in surprise as he came in sight of the stage.
Everything was amazingly clean, scrubbed by none other than Kagome, and the old, dingy stage had been removed, and in its place stood an amazing, looming glass one in its place. Polished until it shone, the glass was strong and sturdy, with all the instruments set up and shimmering on it. The strobe lights were blaring around, streaks of beautiful color in the starry sky.
It almost seemed as though the stars themselves had been captured inside the glowing stage, colors erupting in ribbons, and Kagome smiled gently. The small, claustrophobic field had been cleared, Christmas lights of all colors strung randomly over the trees. And, hidden from the naked eye, Shinku Eitai lay propped up against the largest tree, its silver blade glinting in the light. The emerald grass twinkled and shimmered like thousands of gems, caught on fire in a breath-taking show.
"Kami, this is gorgeous…" Bankotsu mumbled, turning in astonishment to a satisfied Kagome. "H-How did you do it? Its like… magic… Yea, like magic." His voice faded to an awestruck whisper. "Just like you, Kagome…"
Flashing a dazzling smile, Kagome twisted a strand of hair around her finger before snapping her fingers. "I'm magic, yea."
At this point, busy bodies began creeping through the door, following the flashing arrows with the band's name bold and bright printed. They began wandering oddly and at random squinting to inspect this seemingly mystic world. Kagome snapped her elegant fingers, and the clearing went pitch black, and the crowd began murmuring uneasily.
Carefully guiding each confused band member to their instrument, Kagome put everyone in place, before snapping her fingers once more. The strobe lights blared around her in a fantastical dance, giving her an otherworldly glow. Many male crowd people began to watch her every curve, mesmerized as jealous women watched in envy.
"We'd like to thank everyone for coming tonight, and for a change from karaoke, we're giving you a concert! Remember this name: Mezameyou Kono Shunkan Wo! Our first number will be… GRIP!"
She snapped again, and took her place, right between the warring guitarists, Hiten and Bankotsu. (If you're wondering, Jakotsu is doing lights and such.)
She nodded, and the crowd raised a brow at the band, suspecting a group of wannabe people trying to wing it. How wrong they were.
Kagome started off with the intro, soon to be joined by the guitars and drums, Kouga's 'baby' blaring out the fast-paced notes, fingers and pedal a blur. "Hit it!"
Grip! (yes, this is the song title is named after)
Aiiro ni chirabaru nanatsu no hoshi yo
Sorezore ni ima omoi wa tsunori
Uchikudakarete ai wo sakenda
Nigedasu koto mo dekizu ni yume ni sugaritsuku
Ikasama na hibi nado ni wa mou makenai
Kagome was jamming, her fingers moving faster than the devil on the white keys, notes flaring out at high speed, changing sounds and volumes at super speed, swaying her body to the music. Bankotsu was blasting out his notes with such passion, Hiten's fingers going nuts on the strings, matching him equally. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha were back to back, blowing out the speakers (lol) with such precision and fire, wowing the crowd. Miroku? Banging away on those drums, head bopping to the beat, dragon's tail lashing about, flashing flirtatious smiles at a special someone in the crowd. All in all, the voices were amazing, blending into the perfect mix of high and low, and quickly, the crowd changed their opinion.
Mezameyou kono shunkan wo
Yagate bokura wo torimaku dearou
Musekaeru you na riaru na nichijou
Taisetsu na mono wa ... nanda'!
Zeitaku na sekai no naka ni miekakure suru eien no kakera
Sawatte tsukande bokura no ima wo kicchiri aruitekou
"Koukai wa shinai" to, saki e susunda
Warau ka, naku ka? Kou ka, fukou ka?
Kekkyoku ima mo wakaranai kedo
Kawarihajimeta mirai ni hirumu koto wa nai
Sore ga jinsei no daigomi to iu mono deshou
Kagome's eyes were shut gently, in pure bliss of music, lost in a dream world of her own. On either side of her, the two lead guitar players watched her affectionately, melding into the music, strings vibrating with the melody. Beads of concentrationistic sweat had begun to form on Miroku's brow as he focused, smacking and swaying in a clashing rhythm on his drums. A ghost of a smile had appeared on Sesshomaru's cold face as he watched the wandering citizen's faces, fingers moving along. Inuyasha snorted, seeing the odd fascination appear on his brother's face, he slowly moved back to back with him, the usual stance. He would rather drop dead than admit that he always got nervous, and his half-brother's calmness helped his jitters. Kouga still continued on, fingers blurred in their movements, shifting back and forth on the fingerboard.
The voices continued on, getting louder for the chorus…
Girigiri wo ikiru bokura no dashita kotae ga
Chigatta toshite mo omoikomi demo'
Tsuyoku negaeba ii
Honmono ni nareru hi made
Reikoku na sekai no naka de tsubusaresou na aijou no mebuki
Sawatte tsukande bokura no ima ni shikkari kizamikomou
When they came to the last verse, Kagome signaled them to jam out, and jam they did. The other band members dropped out, much to her surprise, leaving Bankotsu, herself, Hiten, and Kouga to sing out the last verse. Even though, Kouga's voice was so faded, blending with the others, who had taken up silence or backup.
'Huh.' Kagome was a bit mystified, as she sang her heart out, the talented and many-toned voice sliding easily through octaves, hitting all the notes. Hiten's husky alto voice was mingling and mixing things up for the trio, giving it a nice, sexy twist. Bankotsu's usual amazing voice was there, supporting them, but it seemed as though a flame of passion was unleashed, as his voice seemed (if possible) more beautiful.
Mezameyou kono shunkan wo
Yagate bokura wo torimaku dearou
Musekaeru you na riaru na nichijou
Taisetsu na mono wa ... nanda'!
Zeitaku na sekai no naka ni miekakure suru eien no kakera
Sawatte tsukande bokura no ima wo kicchiri aruitekou
Saigo ni, warau tame bokura no ima wo kicchiri aruitekou
Their voices dwindled softly, as if unwilling to fade, and silently, they joined the rest, finishing the song, the wonderful music coming to an end, leaving the crowd hungry for more and astonished.
"WHOOOOOO!" Someone cheered, and the peace was broken, clapping hands and hoots breaking out plentifully.
Hiten took a deep gasping breath before cocking his head at Kagome. "Yea, I'm fine." She mouthed, and nodded for him to continue, catching the signal from the relieved group. Hiten strode up, the ends of his unbuttoned fire red shirt flapping happily in the tiny breeze. Bankotsu growled and muttered incoherent words in his throat as he glared daggers at Hiten's back.
"Hey, relax." Bankotsu's shoulders hunched for a moment then slumped when they felt Kagome's gentle caress.
"Yea, I suppose you're right. I'm just…" 'Jealous.' His mind supplied, 'You don't want him to steal your girl.' "Sleep deprived." Was his final, lame answer.
"Well, then, we'll have to change that when we get back. I'm worried about you… You've been… a little far off, if you catch me." She glanced a worried look at him, and his stomach flipped. 'She was worried. About him… HIM, and only HIM.' A blush crept up, heating his neck. Embarrassed, he flicker up the collar of his open shirt up, attempting to hide his pink neck.
Unfortunately for him, it only drew Kagome's gaze. "'Kotsu… are you feeling okay? You look flushed." This only served to increase the flush in his face.
"Uh, I'm good, just, er, hot. Yea, I'm feeling a bit warm." He managed to state. "Hiten's gonna announce in a second anyway."
"Ladies and gentlemen, we're glad to announce our next song, Last Kiss! Ahem, I should say, Miss Kagome will be doing it. Er, we're backup. Nevermind, ignore me." Bankotsu's blush increased. 'Why THIS one? Any other one, but no, this one! Well, just stiffle the imagination a bit…Man, Miroku's rubbin' off on me…'
Kagome smiled grimly, remembering when she'd written the song. It was all too true…
Last Kiss (from Orphen)They began soft, Kagome taking the floor, the sole player. Her slender fingers moved elegantly on the keyboard, capturing the audience with its soft, yet strongly speaking emotional notes. Gently, Kouga began to take up backup, while the others watched. Miroku lowered the volume of his drum, and quietly joined.
Now everyone was in, guitars, drums, violin, keyboard… She took a deep breath, and tried to stifle images of her past, burying them with her bad memories. Her lips parted, and she began.
Honto ni sukidata anata ga inai
Hajimete no koi todomatta
Konya wa yume ni egao no mama, de detekonaide yo ne
/You aren't there, the one I really love
My first love has reached a dead end
Tonight in my dreams, a smiling you doesn't appear/
Kagome's voice was beautiful, haunting the crowd gently while entrancing her fellow members. Taking a shaky breath before moving on, she continued, the encouraging sounds of her friends instruments boosting her confidence.
Saigo no serifu kuchi ni dasumadeKomatteta anata
Saigo no serifu kuchi ni shitasugu/Your last lines came out of your lips too soon
You were troubled by
Your last lines as soon as you said them/
She watched, as the crowd became more mesmerized in her voice, the song reaching its climaxing point of change… All eyes were on her, but it seemed as though she could shake them all of, all except for one. Bankotsu's blue-green orbs remained vivid, and she couldn't get his image to slip her mind…
Ato nanoni kuchizuke
/But then you kissed me/
There, the melody change. Haunting, sad, in a faint sense. Kagome continued, imagining Bankotsu… Bankotsu and the English translation. 'Why did I HAVE to write this! I tells too much about me…'
Kuchibiru ni dake Kuchibiru ni dake
Yamete yo anata no nukumori ga
Kuchibiru ni dake Kuchibiru ni dake
Zutto nokotteiru
Yasashii anata
/To only my lips
Will you please give me your warmth
To only my lips
Will you always remain
A gentle you/
Another pause in the melody. Her voice felt shaky, as she held back memories. She hadn't ALWAYS been 'silent.' It was those memories, damn them, that made her that way. Her fingers were flawless, and the crowd was in oblivion to her inner turmoil, and soon, the solo continued, her beautiful voice sliding like silk into the ears of the crowd.
Hontou ni nani mo
Wakaranai mama
Anata shinjite owatta
/I really don't understand anything
I believed you and it's over
I think I'll try wearing something tomorrow
In a color you hate/
Ashita ha anata no
KIRAI na iro no
Fuku o kitemiruwa
/I erased your address
And I threw away your photos
I erased all my memories of you/
Anata no ADORESU
Keshite yattawa
Shashin mo sutetawa
Anata no subete
/But why, only on my lips
No matter how hard I try to forget
The last of you remains on my lips/
Omoide keshita no yo
Nano ni doushite
The same climaxing point again, but with different lyrics. She continued the too-telling emotional song.
Kuchibiru ni dake
Donna ni wasure you to shite mo
Kuchibiru ni dake
Zutto nokotteru
Saigo no anata
/To only my lips
No matter how hard I try to forget
To only my lips
Will you remain
The last of you/
Kuchibiru ni dake
Yamete yo anata no nukumori ga
Kuchibiru ni dake
Zutto nokotteru
Yasashii anata
/To only my lips
Will you please give me your warmth
To only my lips
Will you always remain
A gentle you/
Kuchibiru ni dake Kuchibiru ni dake
Donani wasureyou to shitemo
Kuchibiru ni dake Kachibiru ni dake
Zutto nokotteiru
Saigo no anata/To only my lips
No matter how hard I try to forget
To only my lips
Will you always remain
The last of you/
Kagome played out the song, gentle notes drifting into the crowd, escaping the keyboard in front of her, Kouga vibrating his violin beautifully.
Bankotsu stood in awe. "She can really get that crowd… Heh, she got me." He whispered soft, wiping his eyes with his sleeve. 'I wonder how she thought of that. Wait- surely not… Damn, I hope this didn't actually happen…'
The beautiful melody faded gently, leaving a tearful crowd, having had the words translated softly during the song by the background singers. Kagome smiled and stood, giving a small bow and a watery smile, dabbing the corners of her sapphire eyes.
"Heh, that one always gets me." She stated into the microphone, "Oh yes, our next song'll be…" She motioned to Miroku, who grinned.
"Finally! My turn to pick! Hmm…" An evil glint crept into his violet eyes. "One!" He announced, and the band groaned. Typical of Miroku. He always picked upbeat songs though, so at least that was some consolement.
"Alright, then. One is our next song…" Kagome strode back to her bench, luminescent fabric swaying as she sat.
One (Ayashi no Ceres)
Miroku began pounding out the catchy beat, joined by Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, Hiten, and Bankotsu, guitars blaring out harsh notes. Kouga joined soon after, his 'baby' going nuts with vibrations and notes, the pedal nearly invisible. Kagome popped in, keyboard set at a hard rock style, notes blaring out at the crowd.
Kaze ni nare kazoekirenu Distress
Ore ga dakitomeru omae no Loneliness
Ore-tachi wa tsugai no kaze Oneness
Kono yo ga hatete mo hanarenai
/Become a wind, unfathomable distress.
I'll hold back your loneliness.
The two of us are a bracing wind, oneness.
Even if this world comes to an end, I won't leave you./
The band was all-out jamming now, instruments and musicians hard at work delivering the fast-paced beats and notes. The backup guitarists had taken up the pounding, throbbing beat now, joining Miroku.
Sabita kioku no soto de
Omae ga yonda ki ga suru yo
Maru de saibou made ga motomeau you ni
/Deep within my rusted memories,
I feel like you cried out to me,
just as if our very cells yearn for each other./
Sabishisa wo nuida futatsu no tamashii
Dakiatte hitotsu ni tokeau toki
Kodoku kara ai ga umareru
/When two souls that have shed their loneliness
embrace and melt into one,
from out of loneliness, love is born./
Hi wo tsukero tachihadakaru Distress
Moyashi tsuku shitai kinou no Darkness
Ore-tachi no kokoro wa sou Endless
REAL na kiseki ga koko ni aru
/Burst into flame, distress that blocks the way.
I want to burn the darkness of the past.
Our hearts are, yes, endless.
A real miracle is right here with us./
The crowd was thoroughly enjoying themselves, sitting down on blankets or in a tree, swaying to the beat and nibbling on food purchased from the karaoke building. Kagome smirked a hidden smirk, watching them become captivated in the music. This one was fairly true, although it had been mere hopes that day she had written it.
Moshimo hanareta naraba
Nukegaru dake ni naru darou 1
Hane wo zenbu mogareta hakuchou no you ni
/If by chance we're ever separated,
I'll probably be a mere shell of who I was, 1
Like a swan whose wings have completely floundered./
Kanashimi mo mukidashi de misete ii
Kuchibiru de itami mo iyashite yaru
Sono mune ni bara ga saku made
/It's OK to show you can bare your loneliness,
healing the pain with your lips
until a rose blooms in your heart./
Kaze ni nare kazoekirenu Distress
Ore ga dakitomeru omae no Loneliness
Ore-tachi wa tsugai no kaze Oneness
Kono yo ga hatete mo hanarenai
/Become a wind, unfathomable distress.
I'll hold back your loneliness.
The two of us are a bracing wind, oneness.
Even if this world comes to an end, I won't leave you./
The melody rested for a bit, and Kagome smiled, even though her throat resisted against it. She glanced around the stage from the corner of her eye, noting the other band members were grinning too, but looking a bit puzzled as to why. 'Hmm.' The song continued, the band blaring on and on.
Sabishisa to tomo ni umareta tamashii
Meguriai hitotsu ni tokeau toki
Eien ga nagare hajimeru
/When souls that were born along with loneliness
Are brought together by fate, and melt into one,
Eternity begins to flow./
Hi wo tsukero tachihadakaru Distress
Moyashi tsuku shitai kinou no Darkness
Ore-tachi no kokoro wa sou Endless
REAL na kiseki ga koko ni aru
/Burst into flame, distress that blocks the way.
I want to burn the darkness of the past.
Our hearts are, yes, endless.
A real miracle is right here with us./
Kaze ni nare kazoekirenu Distress
Ore ga dakitomeru omae no Loneliness
Ore-tachi wa tsugai no kaze Oneness
Kono yo ga hatete mo hanarenai
/Become a wind, unfathomable distress.
I'll hold back your loneliness.
The two of us are a bracing wind, oneness.
Even if this world comes to an end, I won't leave you./
Kagome sighed as she played out the rest of the song, standing when it was done, after the consenting nods of her buddies. "We're taking a little break, don't worry, we'll be back in a sec." Her voice sounding relieved, and the crowd awwed, upset that the band needed waterbottles. Kagome walked out, silently checking if Shinku Eitai was still in place, and after she saw it was, she turned and smacked into Hiten.
"Eh? What're you doing? Gomen, I'm not… paying attention." She said in an embarrassed tone, slinking around him slowly.
"Just like you, off dreaming. You and me were the dreamers, yea, we were… Here. Have a Sprite." He extended his arm, holding the cool soda, slinging his free arm around her shoulder. "Come on, drink up before the rabid fans get us." She smiled and looking up slightly at him.
"Yep, you'll be mobbed, Mr. I'm-So-Sexy." She noted his paled face. "That's what you get for having an open shirt." She grinned and slung her free arm around his broad shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll help you out. Hey, Bankotsu! Help me out, Hiten's putting my arm to sleep!"
"Oh yea? Mob me, eh? What about you, with that dress of yours! It really shows your ass-"
"Shows my what?" Kagome glared.
"Heh heh heh. Nothing?" He tried experimentally. Test failed.
"You are SO dead." She had emptied the soda into her waterbottle, and suddenly, the soda can exploded, leaving twisted, empty metal. She chucked it at Hiten, giggling when it bounced off his head. "Shows my butt, eh?"
She blinked luxuriously, slowly sliding down next to him and bringing her face close to his.
"Shoo, shoo, shoo! If you don't move I might…" "Might what?"'Kiss you,' He thought, but instead, he fought the urge and scrambled away. "Dump my soda, silly."
"Oh." Kagome said, thinking about making him nuts. She leaned in, her blue-black hair sweeping over his tan cheek. She saw conflicted emotions flutter over his face, and his flushed expression rising.
"Um, Kagome? What are you doing?"
"Nothing silly, its just you put your tie on wrong."
"Oh, that." He laughed nervously. "Thought it was… Something else…" 'Kuso, I can't have her figure out my crush thing… Kami, why did I wear a tie wrong today?' It hit him. 'I didn't wear a tie.'
"Finally figured that out, eh?" She pulled closer, and he turned a deeper shade of red. 'Oh well, she's hinting, right?' He leaned in, and she abruptly did a one-handed backflip, smirking back at him, words drifting at him. "Shows my ass, eh?"
He blinked in confusion, looking at her retreating form. "Weird." He said, then he stood, dusted off and followed her. "Kagome, wait up! I don't know where the food is!" He howled suddenly, chasing after her. "Whoa!" She had stopped, leaning against the frame of the side door, which lead to the kitchen.
Hiten dug his heels into the dirt, sticking an arm in front of him, hoping to stop the crash. "Whew. Ow! What was that for?" He growled, holding his sore pink-handprinted cheek.
"Look where your hand is, smart hentai!"
"Oh dear…" He saw its position, and then he saw Bankotsu's deathly calm gaze.
"Hey! Only room for one hentai here!" Miroku joked.
Bankotsu stood slowly, fuming as he strode over. "Take your appendage off of Kagome's… eh, ass, or else you won't have an appendage."
"I was only trying not to crash!" He said, standing up, demon blood roused and boiling. What did this HUMAN, filthy HUMAN boy have against him, heir to the Eastern Kingdom, a Thunder Brother? He could kill the boy in one sweep. But Kagome would never forgive him…
Kagome clamped her hand onto Bankotsu's arm. "He didn't mean any harm. You know, he's clumsy." The fire slowly flickered down in the blue-green orbs, but the aura of annoyed, pissed off-ness still pulsed around the assassin. Kagome turned to him. "Hiten, it's not a good idea to mess with assassins. You may be one, there ARE more powerful ones in the world."
Hiten scoffed, closing his orbs in annoyance. "What would you know Kagome? You're just a human girl." He cracked an eye open, and flinched at the sight of Kagome, her bottom lip trembling.
"You're so mean!" She yelled, grabbing his soda. Shaking like the devil behind her back, she offered it to him. "Enjoy!" She smirked, yanking off the lid, ignoring her watery eyes.
"Eh?"
The can exploded in his face, giving the tanned surface a small bath in Coke. "Hey! What the hell!"
"Hah!" Bankotsu snorted, choking on the Sprite flying out his nose.
"Hey, hey, hey. Keep that up your nose, 'Kotsu!" This comment from Kagome made him laugh even harder, and he fell over. When he rose, he had wiped away the dripping soda and sniffled, trying for the dignified image. Kagome just smirked at him, grabbing a tissue and wiping her eyes.
"Oh NO!" A flustered Jakotsu stumbled in, crying out, "Not THAT way, Kagome! Here… Just… Let… Go… Already!" He finally succeeded in freeing the soaked tissue from her iron fist. Carefully, he began to dab slowly and surely at the corners of her eyes, leaving her squeaky clean with her mascara in tact.
"So… I take it you don't like it up in the lights department much, eh?"
Jakotsu grinned wryly. "I think you'd like it Kagome, you too Bankotsu, all nice and dark… Lots of closets…" He flashed a million dollar smile at the blush creeping up Kagome's neck and turning, he prepared to zoom away.
"Almost forgot! Toss me a Coke, Sesshy!"
"Sesshy! Hah!" Inuyasha burst out laughing, pounding his fists on the table.
"Do shut up. It's MY name for him. You don't like it, well, up yours." Kagome smacked the back of his head.
"Heh heh- HEY! OW, WATCH WHAT YOU'RE DOING, WENCH!" He yelled as she twisted his ear oh-so-gently.
"Wench, eh?" Bankotsu said, highly irritated.
"You heard me, you, you, whatever-you-are!"
"Ooooooh. A whatever-you-are! I'm so scared. Nice insult." Bankotsu abruptly flew up, appearing next to the stubborn hanyou's face in an instant. "Redeem yourself… If you can."
"That's enough." Sesshomaru and Kagome said in unison, the perfect picture of pissed off siblings.
In the process, Hiten had slowly been inching toward the door. Almost there…
"Where do you think YOU'RE going, Hiten?" He smacked into a soft object. Glancing up, he saw a sight that took years away from his life.
"Who knew you could be so SCARY, Kagome! I mean…" He gave her his best puppy eyes. "You can't resist the face, now can you?" It had no effect.
"You are an insubstantial bully with an extraordinary talent of generating a horrid effect on other human beings to give the illusion of self-consent." She stated, her hair flaring with her blue aura around her, eyes narrowed into slits.
"Eh? Kagome, stop using big words! I don't understand!" He cradled his head in his hands, rubbing his skull. "My brain hurts." He finally announced, as sweatdrops appeared from the other band members.
"Smart ass," Kouga called, "She said you were really mean, and you better apologize or else."
"?" The look on Hiten's face was quite comically; it seemed he was genuinely puzzled.
"She'll fry your ass basically, if you don't say sorry." Kouga tried again, going simpler.
"Come on, break's over!" He suddenly cried, leaping up and nearly knocking Kagome over.
Grabbing hold of his arm, she frowned. "Apologize."
His eyes drooped. "Sorry, you know me, heh, I'm the insubstantial idiot." He grinned, then patted her head. "All good?"
"I'll consider it." Her voice said no, but in her eyes, he saw her defenses melt.
Hiten just smirked and began dragging her off to the stage, mumbling about, "Fans DYING to meet us, come on!"
Behind, Inuyasha had finally gotten over his temper tantrum, and was holding the large bump on the base of his skull. "Hey, did he just say insubstantial? So then he's NOT an idiot? Or is he? Maybe he's a smart guy being stupid. Or… A stupid guy being smart! Wait, Sesshomaru, what does insubstantial mean? My brain hurts…"
"Ugh."
A/N: Finally, an update! Sorry it took soooooo long! Hope you aren't mad… (puts on puppy face)
Anyway, please, please, please read my other stories! Give em a try, lemme know what ya think. :D
Next time: The rest of the concert! Ooooh. Another band shows up. not wanting to break the peace, ban ignores them. What'll Ban do if they start picking fights? Can he NOT be angry when they pick on Kagome? Next time on Grip!
Thanx again, and I'm out!
-darkenedmoonlightflame and co (sesshy and 'kotsu) P