I have created a Spotify Playlist of the songs used, so you don't have to go hunting for them. The Playlist will be updated as the fic is updated, so there'll be no spoilers about what's coming down the road.
Playlist in bio.
Songs used in this chapter:
(1) – Running Up That Hill – Georgia (originally by Kate Bush)
(2) – Attention – Charlie Puth
(3) – Wolves – Selena Gomez & Marshmello
(4) – Faded – Izzy Bizu
(5) – Love Brand New – Bob Moses
(6) – Sacrifice – The Weeknd
(7) – Save Your Tears (Remix) – The Weeknd & Ariana Grande
Four weeks…
It had been four… long… weeks since Kagome left his apartment and realized just how much he meant to her.
She had an eternity to ruminate on those feelings, telling herself that she'd give it until the party to think things over, and if she still felt as strongly as she did… she needed to tell him.
Tonight was the New Years event, and Kagome's stomach was full to the brim with butterflies.
"Don't look so nervous," Sango said cheerily, startling Kagome for a second as she came up behind her to zip up her dress from the back.
Kagome's dress was a dark, jewel green, floor length dress. It was form fitting around her abdomen, and flattering for her curvy figure. Made of silk, with a high slit and cowling just over the top of her chest, all of it was being held up by two thin straps — Kagome looked like a vision. Whether she knew it or not, she was going be a head-turner at the party. She'd never worn something so revealing, but when Sango told her the event was red carpet and very formal, she wore what she thought would make a good impression.
Sango, on the other hand, was wearing a very feminine and well-fitted pantsuit. There was no way she was going to play a full set list on drums in a dress — a lesson she'd learned from the previous year's party. It was going to be hot, but she was willing to endure it if it meant not getting her feet tangled in the dress fabric… again.
They were getting ready together at Kagome's apartment and just applying their final touches when Kagome broke, "What makes you think I'm nervous?"
"You look like you've swallowed a hedgehog," Sango replied jokingly, noting her friend's uncomfortable expression, "I don't think I've ever seen you so nervous for a performance."
Kagome hesitated, not telling her friend that her nerves had nothing to do with the performance, and everything to do with a certain half-demon she was about to see, "Really? Guess I've just got a little cold-feet."
"You know you can always back out of the performance if you don't want to do it. Just signal us and we can skip right passed your set," Sango reassured her, "You don't have to do anything you don't want to. It's one thing to perform music like this with friends in our jam sessions. It's another to do it for a group of studio executives who are going to poke and prod at you all night long."
Kagome shook her head, "No, really, it's alright. I'm sure it'll all be fine."
Sango gave Kagome a quick worried glance in the bathroom mirror, "Alright… Oh, also! Kouga is likely gonna drag you around to meet everyone, so if it gets to be too much, I know a spot in the venue you can use to hide out in for a bit. Just text me, and I'll come by, so long as we're not performing."
"Thanks Sango," Kagome said with a smile, "Should we head out?"
The girls hopped into their Uber, and within 15 min, they arrived at the venue for the evening, which was the top floor of a very expensive hotel.
Kagome leaned over and asked, "You've played here before?"
Sango nodded, "Last year. One of the executives owns shares the hotel, so they hold all their big gala-style events here."
They got out of the car, and the cold night air instantly had Kagome clutching her coat around her. She turned to face Sango as she made her way around the car and joined her on the sidewalk just outside the building, "I should've brought something heavier."
Sango chuckled lightly, "Don't worry, we won't be out here long."
The girls walked up the long stairs to the entrance which was lined by paparazzi, their cameras flashing over and over while other party attendees were doing photo-ops on the stairs leading up to the entrance. Kagome made a bee-line for the door, but Sango paused her, "You're not doing the photos?"
Kagome shook her head, "It's alright, I'd rather just get inside…"
She was forced to pause when she felt a pair of hands suddenly on her shoulders. Kagome turned abruptly, startled by the contact and said happily, "Oh, hi Kouga!"
"Kagome! Glad I was able to catch you on your way in!" Kouga replied before offering a casual greeting to Sango.
He looked quite handsome, Kagome had to admit. He was in what looked to be a very high-end suit. It didn't quite look like a typical Western-style men's suit, it had more flair to it, but in subtle ways.
"Here, you should take advantage of the photo-op," he encouraged, offering to take her coat so she could pose.
"Oh no, really, that's alright. I don't need to…" but again, Kagome was cut off by Kouga insisting, as he pulled her coat from her and slinging it effortlessly over his arm. He then quickly took hold of Kagome by the waist, pulling her closer against him. Her hand immediately went up to his chest to stabilize herself, thinking she was going to fall over in her heels when Kouga turned them towards one group of photographers in particular.
In a moment, dozens of flashes went off, and Kagome could only hold still like a deer caught in the headlights.
After a few seconds, Kagome finally pushed herself off of his chest, giving herself some breathing room, "Kouga, can I have my coat back now? It's freezing!"
He chuckled, handing it back to her, "Of course!"
She took the coat and loosely hung it on her shoulders as she continued on her way up the stairs to rejoin Sango farther along. Kouga followed closely behind her, and said, "By the way, Kagome, you look absolutely stunning this evening."
Kagome politely accepted the compliment, "Thank you. I wasn't sure how fancy to dress, so I'm glad Sango gave me the heads up on the dress code. Otherwise, I would've come in something much simpler."
"Now that would've been a damn shame," the way he said it made it sound like he was spending a bit too long 'appreciating' her from behind.
Kagome was suddenly feeling very self-conscious, and hurried to rejoin her friend.
As they all made their way up to the event and checked their coats, Kagome was taking in the atmosphere. She'd never been to an event like this before. (1)
The main room was large and decorated very elaborately, with white, gold, black, and silver balloons and floral centerpieces. The lighting was moody but distinctive. In the back of the hall was the stage which appeared to be ready for performances later in the evening. In the meantime, a DJ was playing music that helped to fill the air without being loud and bombastic, or too low-energy. Kagome guessed the songs must've been from artists from the same studio.
She quickly glanced around the room, and started spotting singers and artists she recognized, "Oh my god, is that…?!"
"It sure is," Kouga interjected quickly, "You wanna meet 'em?"
"Kouga…" Sango came up beside them in a warning tone, "She's gonna have a very long night. Go easy on her, okay?"
"Of course! I'd never!" he agreed, turning back to Kagome with a sympathetic look on his face, "Just let me know if there's anyone you'd like me to introduce you to, 'kay? This could be a big night for your career."
Kagome nodded dismissively.
"I've gotta run and check on some stuff, but I'll be back in a minute," Kouga ran off, leaving Kagome and Sango alone once again.
Kagome let out a soft sigh, "I really hope he's not like this all night."
"Just give me the word and he's a smear on the pavement," Sango threatened in a joking tone, at least Kagome thought it was a joke.
Kagome giggled, "I'm just glad you guys are here too. Not sure what I'd do with myself if I was alone."
"Well you are gonna be on your own for a bit. Just try not to let Kouga push you around too much, okay?"
"Sure," Kagome agreed.
They proceeded to the bar and grabbed some drinks, and eventually, Miroku and Shippo arrived, both dressed very practically but still handsome in their suits.
After exchanging quick greetings, Kagome casually took a look around in search of someone before asking, "Did Inuyasha not come with you?"
Miroku shrugged, "He said he was going to meet us here. Why? Haven't seen him?"
A disheartened look crossed her face before Shippo replied, "I'm sure he's here somewhere. You know how much he hates socializing at these kinda things."
Sango and Miroku nodded, with Sango adding, "You're right. I bet he's backstage already…"
Kagome's ears perked a little at that. Maybe this was a good opportunity for her to…
"Hey, Kagome, I have someone who's been dying to meet you!" she attention snapped back to Kouga who was walking up with an older looking gentleman.
Kagome tried to seamlessly fall into her polite and sweet tone, reaching out her hand to accept the man's greeting, "Hello, it's so nice to meet you…"(2)
Over the course of an hour, Kagome was paraded around in front of executive after songwriter after producer — each of which had told her how much Kouga spoke of her, and expressed interest in working with her if she did eventually sign on.
Sango, Miroku, and Shippo eventually had to excused themselves when they had to go get ready for the set, which was apparently starting soon. And as much as Kagome knew she should have been seizing these opportunities to make connections and network, all she could think about was Inuyasha. It was hard to focus on what they were talking about, and almost anytime they asked her about what her own goals were or what she was working on, Kouga had been keen to speak on her behalf, and boasting how her performance was going to blow everyone away.
She felt disconnected and unengaged.
Eventually, she tapped on Kouga's arm and whispered, "I'll be back."
She turned and moved through the crowd as the room had gotten more packed as time went on, completely missing how Kouga had quickly excused himself as well and started after her.
Kagome tried to find the restroom, in hopes to get a moment to herself. However, before she could make it, Kouga caught up with her and asked, "Kagome! Hey you doin' alright?"
Kagome turned to face him, "Oh, yeah. Everything's fine."
"Good. I'm glad! Are you having fun?" he asked eagerly.
Based on is expression, Kagome tried her best to mitigate her genuine feelings, "Yeah, it's great. It's just… all so new to me, and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by it all, you know?"
"Well, don't worry. After tonight, no one's ever gonna forget your name. You'll be set for life after this!"
Kagome gave him a concerted smile that didn't quite reach her eyes as she excused herself, finally able to get a respite from the flurry of faces and names and conversations.
She was alone in the main foyer of the restroom, so she approached some of the full-length mirrors to check if she still looked decent, hoping to momentarily distract herself. She adjusted her dress, pulling a little of the cowl that was showing quite a bit of her cleavage to cover it a bit more. However, just as she was doing so, another guest exited their bathroom stall, and made their way into the foyer to wash their hands. They were giving Kagome a slight sideways glance as they walked by before saying, "That dress looks fabulous on you, my dear!"
Kagome continued struggling with the cowl while saying appreciatively, "Oh, thank you. It's kinda got a mind of its own, unfortunately."
The guest, who was dressed rather extravagantly, with silk and bright colored patterns billowing out from their frame, approached her after drying their hands and joined her in looking in the mirror, "Honestly, you should leave it down. You've got a great figure, show it off!"
"Really?" she said, "I'm not used to dressing like this, so I'm afraid I'll pop out of it at any second."
"Do you mind if I…?" they asked. Kagome shook her head, letting her arms fall away as the other guest moved to touch the fabric at her chest and placing it into position. They somehow magically produced some safety pins, taking the dress and pinning it into a position that secured it.
"There. Try moving a little?" they proposed. Kagome wiggled her torso around, and the cowl didn't move from where they'd placed it. And she had to admit, even though it was revealing, she felt better knowing it wasn't going to shift around, "That looks great! Thank you!"
"What can I say? I'm a master with fabric," they joked, standing back to admire their work. Once satisfied, they commented, "I can't say I've seen you around these parties before. What's your name, sweetheart?"
"Oh, I'm so sorry. My name's Kagome," she introduced herself.
"I'm Jakotsu," they replied, "I work as a stylist for some of the artists here and I get brought along for any fashion emergencies."
"It's so nice to meet you. I have to say, it's nice to meet someone more organically than being introduced to everyone like I was someone's 'show and tell' at school."
Jakotsu gave her a sly grin, pulling her over to a large couch in the middle of the foyer, "Ooooh, I love hot gossip. Please, tell me more!" (3)
Kagome began to explain that all night, she'd been meeting people whose names, faces, and positions started to blur together, "I don't want to sound ungrateful… but sometimes, Kouga can just be a bit mu—"
Jakotsu abruptly stopped her, "Wait, did you say Kouga?"
Kagome gave brief a nod in response.
Their face turned pensive as they stated carefully and in a more hushed tone, "Listen, I'm not sure what you've heard about him, but I make the rounds in these kinds of circles. And I can tell you, as of yet, I have yet to meet a single artist who's worked with him who doesn't think he has ulterior motives, especially if he's parading you around the way it sounds like he's doing with you."
That piece of information made Kagome's stomach start to feel sour, "Ulterior motives? Like what?"
"Well, I know that he tries to piggy back of other people's hard-work and success, riding their coat-tails, so to speak. Sure, he seems to have a decent ear, and his songs win award after award, but there's a lot of people who would say he's not the best this place has to offer. That people just tolerate him because he does have an ear for upcoming talent and getting them into the studio. It's why the studio can't really afford to lose him. Aaaand…"
Kagome listened carefully to what Jakotsu was telling her as their voice lowered to just above a whisper, "I've heard it said that he's even been 'inappropriate' with some of the female artists he's mentored and helped bring up, if you get me..."
She almost felt her vision black out for a second, "R-Really?"
Jakotsu shrugged their shoulders, "It's just what I've heard. I can't say for sure. But if you want my advice; watch your back with him."
Kagome's face fell solemnly. Jakotsu moved quickly to rectify it though, "However, if you need a personal chaperone, I'd be happy to escort you for the evening. And don't worry, I promise I have no ulterior motives. You may be a whole ass snack, but you're not quite my type."
Kagome giggled a little, "That'd be great! I'd love to have some company while my friends are doing their sets, but only if you wouldn't mind."
"Not at all! It'd be my honor!"
The pair left the restrooms and made their way out into the main hall once more. Luckily, Kouga seemed to be MIA, possibly working with the others to get his set ready. Kagome was going just to count her blessings. And while she was still sad she hadn't seen Inuyasha, she was glad to have made a friend in all this chaos.
Jakotsu was an absolute delight to have as a party guest, and made Kagome feel so much more at ease about this whole affair.
It wasn't much longer before someone approached them, tapping Jakotsu on the shoulder, "Hey, Jakotsu, we're just about to go on. Can you do a last check for me?" (4)
"Yeah, sure thing, Bankotsu," they replied, giving the shorter man with long-braided hair and a very ornately patterned black-on-black suit jacket a once over. He looked very professional, and like a real popstar.
Kagome stood awkwardly to the side while Jakotsu worked on adjusting his outfit, until Bankotsu noticed her and asked, "I don't think I've met you before. Have you been at the studio long?"
"Oh, no. I'm not currently signed, but I'll be performing in a bit," she answered, "My name's Kagome."
"Kagome… I've heard that name floating around. Kouga's been talkin' about you, and I was wondering who this mysterious singer was."
Kagome could only blink back at him confusedly before Bankotsu continued with a curt laugh, "My apologies! I'm Bankotsu, though I think you're more familiar with my singing voice at this point. I believe he asked you to sing as a featured artist on one of my songs from a few months ago."
Kagome nodded, "Right, I remember. Kouga actually asked me to sing on another one of your songs recently, because the first one apparently performed really well with the executives."
"Ooooh, that was you?!" Jakotsu piped up after finishing their pinning, "I was wondering who that was! Damn, not only are you a knock out in the looks department, but you're an incredible singer too?"
Kagome blushed and lightly laughed, before Bankotsu turned back and asked, "Well, how comfortable do you feel with the music for that new song? Would you want to perform it together tonight? We can do it after my set and as a lead in to yours."
"Really? I wouldn't want to mess with the set list for the others," Kagome said worriedly.
"Not at all! They're very adaptable. Besides, I think you were set to go after me anyways, and I was going to perform a solo version of the song tonight anyways, but it'd be a nice change of pace if we can duet it."
Before Kagome could answer, the lights started to dim and the music started to fade as the stage lights came up, revealing the MC announcing the start of the live performances. Her attention though, was momentarily drawn when she saw Sango, Miroku, Shippo and Inuyasha appeared on the stage and started getting ready to begin their set.
God… Inuyasha looked so handsome. He always did, but something about seeing him in a crisp button-down white shirt that fit his chest and arms perfectly, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and slacks that just hugged his hips and thighs in the right ways… Kagome was surprised she was still standing, afraid she's faint from the sight of him.
Everyone else that night was dressed so beautiful and lavishly, everyone in the room trying to make a statement. Everyone… but Inuyasha. He always dressed simply; like he had nothing to prove to anyone. He was who he was, and that wasn't going to change. It was, oddly enough, something Kagome found incredibly endearing about him. Even when given the opportunity to be a bigger and showier version of himself, Inuyasha was always his authentic self. Even if he was brash and rough around the edges, he was always sincere.
"Oooo, there he is!" she heard beside her. Jakotsu had begun fawning towards the stage, "Oh, Inuyasha, he's so handsome, isn't he? Wish I could take him home and eat him up for a late-night snack!"
Kagome giggled at Jakotsu's very vocal appreciation of the half-demon.
Bankotsu chided back, "Well, thank God he doesn't swing that way, otherwise, we'd all be in trouble."
"Why must you remind me of how cruel the world is, Bankotsuuuu?!"
Ignoring his friend, Bankotsu leaned back towards Kagome and asked again, "How about it, Kagome? Wanna sing that duet together so we can show these people what real talent looks like?"
She thought about it for a second, looking back to the stage. Hearing the audience cheering and clapping fade into a dull white noise, she decided, "Sure! Why not?"
Jakotsu cheered, "This girl's got guts! I like her!"
Bankotsu said quickly, "I'll let the others know when I go up. See you in a few…" before waving as he walked back to a hidden part of the venue, likely the backstage area.
She nodded, before turning her attention back to the stage, just in time for the MC to finish their few jokes and introducing the lineup, "And now ladies and gentlemen, we'll be starting tonight's performance with our instrumentalists for the evening. Please give them a warm round of applause!"
The crowd clapped and cheered as the stage lights lit up (5) and flashed in time with the chords Inuyasha and Miroku started to strum in tandem before Sango came in with a heavy and thundering beat and Shippo accenting it all with well-placed samples.
Kagome didn't recognize the song. It must've been something new they'd been working on over the last few weeks. It'd been so long since she'd been able to hear their music, it felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket again.
Girl this is our town
Back seat with the top down
Got the radio up loud
We're running
We'll drive from the west side
On back to the east side
No thrill that we can't find
It's coming
We were halfway through
Making love, making love brand new
And if the end comes soon
I'll be here, I'll be here with you
Making love, making love brand new
Love brand new
His hands moved at a supernatural speed across the frets of his guitar, adding a swing to his movements that could only be described as incredibly sensual. The crowd was elated by his playing, and earned a particularly loud cry of affection from Jakotsu. Kagome… was absolutely mesmerized.
Run through all the red lights
Still up with the sunrise
White lines in the hillside
Keep coming
Your light never burns out
I don't wanna come down
Can't lose what we just found for nothing
As the sound of his guitar echoed for a moment, Kagome heard Jakotsu say to her, "He's really somethin', ain't he?"
Kagome could only smile as she said quietly, as if to herself, "Yeah… he is," as she was immediately thrown back into all those feelings she'd been grappling with for the last four weeks — feelings that she'd realized were love for this man who'd told her that he wanted to be the man she deserved, when he was already everything she could have ever wanted or needed.
We were halfway through
Making love, making love brand new
And if the end comes soon
I'll be here, I'll be here with you
Making love, making love brand new
Love brand new
We were halfway through
Making love, making love brand new
If the end comes soon
I'll be here, I'll be here with you
As he sang the reprise of the chorus, with only his guitar to accompany him, Inuyasha's gaze finally filtered up and into the audience, having not dared turn his eyes on them prior, and immediately, Kagome could feel him staring her down. And she knew, that smirk as he finished the phrase, striking at his guitar again… it was like she knew it was meant for her, and her alone.
We were halfway through
Making love, making love brand new (love brand new)
And if the end comes soon
I'll be here, I'll be here with you (here with you)
Making love, making love brand new
Love brand new
With a final lick of his guitar, the song ended, and the night had officially started off with a bang.
Performance after performance, the night was a whirlwind of amazing music, with Inuyasha and the others never wavering in their stamina, even after such a long set list. Kagome could see each of them quickly swiping away their sweat before the next artist came up, and she could tell just how exhausting this night was going to be for all of them.
It wasn't long before Bankotsu was on stage, and Kagome knew to get herself ready. (6)
Her nerves were suddenly overwhelming her once again, and having Kouga magically reappear beside her to let her know she was up next hadn't helped ease the tension.
"Hey, Kagome! You're going on after Bakotsu. You ready to go?"
For a moment, Kagome couldn't get herself to answer him. A part of her screamed to just runaway and hide.
Luckily, Jakotsu was there to help deflect, "No worries, Kouga. She's all good to go. Right, Kagome?"
Kagome gave her new friend a warm smile, and replied with some semblance of confidence, "Yup, all good!"
Kouga just gave Jakotsu a bizarre look, but soon disappeared again, likely to keep his set going as smoothly as possible. After all, these were all artists he was working with, and he undoubtedly wanted everyone to know just how skilled he was at hunting new talent.
Jakotsu leaned over, "If you want me to run interference for you later tonight, just let me know."
A relived sighed escaped Kagome as she said, "Thank you."
The crowd was enjoying watching Bankotsu's smooth vocal performance, his dancing mirroring his voice. He certainly seemed to be slotting right into the role of a pop idol easily. Kagome wondered if she'd be awkward just standing there on stage next to him when they sang together.
She started to make her way to the side of the stage, and as she moved, she could feel Inuyasha suddenly watching her. She looked up, and she could see both Sango and Inuyasha watching her move. His eyes almost silently asking her what she was doing, and Sango's eyes full of worry.
'Right! Bankotsu said he'd tell them she was going to perform with him, but he must not have said anything yet,' she realized.
To them, it must've looked like she was trying to sneak off. After all, her set was next, and maybe they were wondering if she'd gotten cold feet.
Kagome quickly pointed to side of the stage and mouthed, "Getting ready," to them both.
Inuyasha nodded, and Sango continued to watch as Kagome came up towards the left-hand side of the stage, standing just at the foot of the stairs. They resumed their focus back onto the music they were playing, just in time for the transition to Bankotsu's second song.
Bankotsu then broke from his performance. He gestured to Kagome to join him on stage as he declared into his microphone, "Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to change things up a little this evening. Please welcome to the stage, Miss Kagome Higurashi!"
Kagome was a little taken aback, as she gripped her dress to walk up the stairs and joined Bankotsu and the others on the stage. The others all gave her a questioning look. As she passed Shippo's setup, he asked, "Kagome, what's going on?"
"I'll tell you guys later," she said quickly, as the song was already going, and Bankotsu had resumed his performance. (7)
I saw you dancing in a crowded room
You look so happy when I'm not with you
But then you saw me, caught you by surprise
A single teardrop falling from your eye
I don't know why
I run away
I'll make you cry when
I run away
Take me back cause I wanna stay
Save your tears for another
Save your tears for another day
Save your tears for another day
Kagome settled into a spot on stage left of where Bankotsu stood in the center, and she was only a few feet in front of Inuyasha. She looked over her shoulder to him, as if hoping he'd be able to confirm if she was okay to be here.
He came up behind her as Bankotsu song his verse, and said in her ear, "You got this. Remember; just sing like it's the last chance you'll ever have."
Kagome felt reassured in a mere instant, and with Inuyasha behind her, that burning sensation lighting her on fire, she raised her microphone and began to sing.
Met you once under a Pisces moon
I kept my distance 'cause I know that you
Don't like when I'm with nobody else
I couldn't help it, I put you through hell
I don't know why
I run away, oh, boy
I'll make you cry when
I run away
With each line, Kagome's voice gained more steadiness, and before long, she was belting her heart out, swaying to the rhythm the others had set.
Boy, take me back cause I wanna stay
Save your tears for another
I realize that it's much too late
And you deserve someone better
Save your tears for another day
Save your tears for another day
As Shippo delicately tapped on is keyboard and Kagome's already laid backing vocals filtering in the air, she and Bankotsu quickly harmonized as they sang in tandem, and Kagome's vocal ability to hit whistle notes emerged for the audience to bear witness to.
I don't know why
I run away
I'll make you cry when
I run away
(Save) Save your tears for another day
(Ooh) Ooh, girl (Ah)
(Okay) I said save (Save) your (Your) tears for another day
(Save your tears for another day)
(Save your tears for another day)
Save your tears for another day
As they sang the final line of the song, Kagome and Bankotsu were welcomed by an uproar of applause and cheers. Kagome's smiled was bright at the response, but she knew, had she not had Inuyasha and her friends with her, she wasn't sure she could have given a performance like she did. It was a whole new sensation to her; one she wasn't sure she'd ever be able to give up.
And there were still two more songs to go.
Sorry for the long delay of this chapter. A lot of listening to songs and making sure they worked for the story, and I struggled to decide which songs to include in the final draft.
Also, my work has been crazy, as there was a layoff due to the economy not doing so great. Luckily, I wasn't let go, but the workload has been difficult to adjust to and manage, since I lost someone that was on my team.
Next chapter is gonna be fun…
Once again, all the kudos to Ruddcatha for being my editor/angel! 3
Until Next Time…