Hello, ladies and gents. Surprised to see me? Well, I'm here and yes, with a new chapter. For those who have still been lingering around, I apologize for my lengthy hiatus. But because I left it in limbo, I did not retire it, and here I am, coming back to finally buckle down and finish it. Hopefully I will be able to keep up with regular updates; a chapter maybe once a week or every other week.

Also, YDG went through a thorough cleaning process, many things edited and removed for better content, IMHO. However, some things still need tweaking, such as descriptions and whatnot. (For example, Yukio's eyes are blue, not red.)

But yes, yes, here is the new chapter. Please enjoy it and thanks for your patience.

Chapter 4

After getting the message and arrangements for the concert, Yume and the others had devised a few plans to work around the tour schedule and their own personal ones. For the next two days, Yuki and his band would be sent off to the studio to slave away on rehearsals. Of course, they had plenty of breaks in between, especially to rest Yuki's vocals.

To keep their minds focused on their work with the deadline drawing near, Yume made the others all disconnect their games and either put them in Rest mode or turn them off soon after practice. Either way, they could not see each other, as things like sex and play were kept strict and limited. This of course disgruntled both Sakura and Akane, but for the sake of their band, they reluctantly agreed.

As for the others: Nyoko's brother, Naoki, had arrived the day after the announcement was made. Nyoko agreed she would come over every night and a few hours before the concerts to watch her seuke perform and cheer him and his bandmates on, before returning back home. All and all, she got plenty of time with her brother.

Rois had persuaded her boss into giving her the morning shift at her job. She would work from nine in the morning to four in the afternoon, giving her plenty of time to spend with her friends and Aoi. Seichii, given the environment and age restrictions of his parent's work, would stop in for an hour or two after ten at night to help with cleaning duties. The rest of the day and evening he chose to spend with friends or Saitou. However, Saitou would be leaving for summer break on the actual day the tour kicked off.

Yume, Sakura and Etsushi were the lucky ones with plenty of free time on their hands. Naturally Sakura had started moving into her place again now that they were out of school for a few weeks. Sakura's mother didn't seem to mind; her work schedule had increased during summer break and as long as Yume did her chores and kept up with homework, she had the okay. Yume would have helped her, but there was nothing she could have done.

As per Nyoko's order, the group all met on mutual ground at Yume's house (who had long since given up arguing as to why it was always her's) to do as much homework as their minds could swallow for the next three hours.

Nyoko, naturally, was focused solely on her work, barely speaking a word or looking up from her text books and papers. However, she was always willing to help someone in need. Often that was Etsushi, who she ended up helping the most. During one particularly difficult equation Nyoko was explaining to the boy, who was leaning right against her, Sakura peeked up from her paper, nudged Yume in the arm and leered. "Don't you miss Miki-kun seeing these two?" she whispered.

Yume immediately thwacked her knee against Sakura's before furiously punching numbers into her calculator. For the most part, everyone else was doing their best on their work, but relaxing as well.

By the end of the first hour, everyone but Nyoko, Yume and Etsushi were exhausted from work. Seichii stared at a page in his History book--one he had been "reading" for nearly fifteen minutes now. Rois practiced flipping her pen in her hand then tucking her pencil beneath her nose and top lip. Sakura had her book up in her face to conceal her drool and snoring, having slowly started fading away. When it was time for break, not even a split second after announcing it did Seichii, Rois and Sakura burst to their feet, outside or to their Yaoi Doki Games.

When the three hours were up, everyone, even Sakura, had gotten in a good deal of homework. Nyoko announced that if they didn't intend on working a little by little each day as she was, they had done enough so they could have a break for three or so days before working on more. Everyone was just happy the grueling session was over. They didn't want to think about the next one in a few days.

AUGUST 1ST; 12:15 PM

Since Yume's mother was busy working overtime, Yume had been in charge of keeping the household while she was gone. That included making dinner. Though her mother had told her just to make herself supper, and that she would heat something up when she returned home, Yume insisted on making a meal for the both of them, putting her mother's plate in the oven. It was a way of thanking her for all her hard work. Besides--with Sakura declaring she'd be over most every other night, Yume was forced to cook for more than one person.

As soon as dressing and checking on Yuki, who had been allowed to sleep in, Yume walked off to the store a couple blocks away. She had decided they would have gyudon for dinner, but she needed the eggs. And what with always having to wear her uniform, Yume was finally able to put on the pretty yellow spring dress her father sent her on her birthday out and about.

Just as Yume was finishing paying for a carton of eggs, moving to the door, she suddenly stopped and looked up, nearly bumping into Seichii. He was actually wearing men's clothing--a simple pair of levi pants and a short sleeved solid blue top, his natural hair out and tussled. "Ah, Yume-chan," he laughed, bowing, "what're you doing here?"

"Getting supplies for dinner," the green haired girl answered, raising her bag. "Why are you here?"

Seichii stared at her for a minute, blinked before slowly lowering his head. "I... Well..." he stuttered.

Yume blinked and tilted hers. "What?"

It was obvious the poor boy was embarrassed. But by what? "I... came to... buy something for my dad," he answered quietly. Seichii's narrow eyes darted back and forth. "T-This place is a little more... casual about stuff they sell, so... Uh..." He didn't want to finish. Instead, to answer without actually speaking, his eyes slowly rolled back over his shoulder. Yume followed them until they met with a rack of adult magazines. Yume was now the silent, blinking one before her cheeks turned blistering red.

"O-Ooh! I see!" she swallowed, stifling a titter. "W-Well... Uh... I'll--I'll go outside!" Yume laughed, rubbing the back of her head. "S-See you!" With that, she bowed lowly and scampered out of there, leaving Seichii to shop in peace. That didn't make him feel any less ashamed.

Yume was nearly across the street, her cheeks slowly having dulled back to their normal plain hue, before she heard Seichii calling her name. "Yume-chan, hold up!" he shouted. Yume turned to face him, a slight shade of red reappearing at the memory. And the fact he had a paper bag in the familiar shape and size of a book in his hand. Seichii caught up to her side, taking a deep breath. He smiled and went to say something before he saw the bag in his hand, laughed and hid it behind his back. "S-Sorry about that..." he apologized.

"It's no problem," Yume assured. "I just never pinned Seiichi-kun as the type to buy... uh..."

Oh, she played Yaoi Doki Game and seen her characters have sex, why couldn't she say this!? Well, it was different in real life when it involved a friend, she supposed.

"It's not for me," Seichii insisted, shaking his head, "like I said, it's my dad's."

Yume was confused. "Isn't he married?"

"Well, my mom reads it too."

"But... isn't it a magazine for guys?"

Seichii would have said, "Well, mom is willing to ogle a girl if she has a nice body," but like that could ever make it past his lips. "It's complicated," he smirked. Here's hoping they dropped the subject.

Yume had picked up on that hope. "So," she breathed, moving idly forward, "we'll be seeing you tonight at seven?"

"Yup!" Seichii agreed. He walked alongside Yume, the bag still behind his back. "Gin-chan's been working his ass off practicing," he explained. "Yesterday he played until his fingers got raw."

Yume winced. "That sounds painful..."

"Ah, he was okay," Seichii assured, swishing a hand at her, "right after he had a six pack of Sapporo, he went right back to work."

"That's good, I suppose," Yume laughed slightly.

"How's Yuki-kun coming along?"

"Great! He's in Rest mode in my purse," Yume answered, raising her pretty blue bag. "He's been practicing at least four hours a day. A twenty minute break within each hour. I've told him to keep up with his health; drink lots of water, eat good meals. I haven't had him visit Akane, however; I told him he needs to stop from talking and exerting as much energy as possible."

Seichii nodded. "I agree," he retorted, "don't want him wailing his voice out during climaxing."

Both friends giggled, before blushing awkwardly. Yume then remembered something and looked up into his face. "Oh, by the way," she said, "how's Shimizu-san?"

Seichii's blush blossomed at the mention of the blonde. "H-He's doing good," he half-muttered. "We've been hanging out every once and a while--you know, like friends. Watch a couple movies, give some art tips..." The young boy scratched nervously at his cheek. "He's been working on a painting..." Yume need not know the details of aforementioned painting, especially since it involved him nude with a faux bear skin rug.

"That's great to here!" Yume smiled. "When's he leaving to his cousin's; his cousin, right?"

"Yeah, and... tomorrow."

"When's he coming back?"

"Uh... the 20th."

Yume frowned. "That's a while..."

"I'll be fine," Seichii chuckled. "I've got you guys!"

Yume nodded, though she was sure spending time with your lover and friends was extremely different. There was no comparing the quiet, fun, gentle time Seichii spent with Saitou and the insane, loud and sometimes dangerous time he did with Sakura. Though Seichii had proved himself to be a strong kid; she knew he'd be fine. However, there was something bugging her...

"Uh, I don't mean to be rude, but..." Yume paused. Seichii looked back at her, curious. Yume bowed her head, eyes on the ground. "It seems we're being..." Her green eyes rolled back a little. "... Followed."

Seichii paled a little and snatched a sly look behind him. Quickly, his head snapped back when he recognized the person who had been indeed following them from a few yards behind. Seichii ran his hand angrily through his messy hair. Dammit, Michi! he snarled. Of course that bastard was still hanging around, still following him like a lost puppy. Go back home!

"He looks our age..." Yume whispered. She adjusted her glasses, taking notice of the sudden irritation forming between Seichii's knitting brows. "... Do you know him?"

Seichii gave her the most shocked look he could muster. Yume suddenly felt very uncomfortable. The boy calmed down then and forced back on his smile. "Uh, yeah," he coughed, "the guy's in one of my classes. I think he has a crush on me or something. He's been following me around for a couple days now."

"That's not good," Yume gasped, softly. Her eyes widened. "You should notify the police if he's stalking you. Do your parents know?"

They know him, but not that he's here, Seichii's mind answered. "No, but, it's really nothing."

"It could be bad--"

Seichii just shook his head and took Yume by the wrist, pulling her forward. He glanced back to see Michi perk a little; did this little gesture surprise him? Seichii just rolled his eyes. No need to be envious or having paranoid thoughts--Michi knew he was gay. Seichii just wanted them to move faster. They'd be near Yume's house soon enough. Yume would have told him to slow down, but she wanted to get just as far away from Michi as Seichii did.

Suddenly, after scuffling nervously up the sidewalk, Yume squeaked and Seichii jumped when a loud high pitched ringing came from within the green haired girl's purse. Even Michi heard it and stopped, slowly moving back into the shadows of a building to look less conspicuous. He was too late, however.

"That's my YDG," Yume said. She dug in her purse, producing her beeping game. Quickly turning it off Rest mode, the moment the screen lit up, the image of Yuki sleeping in bed flashed briefly on the screen, before a new window popped up. It was her inbox, informing her of incoming mail.

"I've got a message," Yume murmured. She opened her inbox; she had two, in fact, but decided to read the newest first.

"Who's it from?" Seichii inquired. He snuck another glare in Michi's direction.

Yume checked who the sender was--Kuroi Y. The name sounded slightly familiar, but nonetheless, it was a message that required her immediate attention. Yume opened it up, reading it slowly:

TO Hateshinai Yume. THIS IS A MESSAGE FROM Katsu Keiko. OWNER OF THE YDG SEME Kuroi Yukio. THIS MESSAGE REQUESTS YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. -- Keiko WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND AN INVITATION TO Deranged Rhythm FROM all the members of Blood Lust TO MEET UP AT ONE OF THE GIVEN LOCATIONS SET UP BETWEEN BOTH TEAMS: the cafe will do. PLEASE HAVE Deranged Rhythm ARRIVE AT 1:00 sharp AT THE cafe. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT -- Keiko. PERSONALIZED MESSAGE: We've been required to meet up with the opening band of the V-- Sector tonight. I have messaged the owners of the band to meet at our cafe at 1:00 with Deranged Rhythm. It be best you show and introduce Yuki and the others to the band prior to the first concert. Don't want to be rude and give off a bad impression, do you? END OF MESSAGE.

MESSAGE FWD TO: Akane (Chou Sakura), Kiyoshi (Ishi Nyoko), Gin (Tokeau Seichii)

As soon as Yume finished reading the message, she nearly crushed her game into pieces, snarling, "DON'T MAKE DECISIONS BY YOURSELF!"

Nonetheless it made Seichii jump and Michi suddenly feel a little out of place.

When Yume checked her new mail, one she must have gotten while she was away, it was indeed a letter from Mochi Shabu regarding what Keiko had written. Yuki and the others, including Blood Lust, would need to meet up and introduce themselves to the winning band of a small competition in V-Adachi that would be opening for them. Yume did not reply back or make any decisions until she had everyone together.

Yume swung by Seichii's house first to get his YDG and deliver the magazine to his father. Yume got a glimpse of Seichii's mother--a rather tall, stout woman with thick curly blonde hair. In actuality, that was just Henna dressed up for work, but Seichii wasn't going to correct her. Not that Yume had decided to say anything to him, since it was obvious the boy still wasn't too keen on introducing his parents to his friends.

The two friends headed into Yume's house, took off their slippers and made their way into the kitchen where they heard the clatter of dishes. Neither were surprised to see Sakura sitting at the table, pounding away on leftover soba. "I dih wha' you asshed," she stated around a mouthful, swallowing rather loudly, "Nyo-chan will be here in a minute. She just got back from going to a picnic with her bro." The redhead couldn't help but sigh sadly; just slightly. "Ahh, to have a brother you can actually stand to be around for more than a minute... Must be paradise."

Nobody brought up Mizuiro. As close as he and her fraternal twin were, Mizuiro had his sister's nasty habit of moving into other people's houses. Except Mizuiro was actually invited to stay with Kazuo. His parents both seemed suspicious about him suddenly camping out at some boy's house, especially since Shiro and Midori kept gabbing about all the perverted stuff going on at school, but Mizuiro convinced them to let him go.

The excuse was Kazuo was his study buddy; not to mention, Kazuo's country clubbing parents were out of town for an undetermined amount of time. Not that he was lying, no, just he didn't leave out the part where most of the "studying" would be involved in bed and on dates. Shiro, believing his little brother was a pillar of innocent, naive light, had foolishly sealed the deal into assuring his parents Mizuiro would be fine. Thankfully he had let up on Seichii, but Seichii knew when they crossed paths again, a brawl of whining and girly tantrums would break loose.

Luckily, Mizuiro had lent Kihana, his YDG, to Sakura for the tour to show both his and his seme's support.

"Did you message Rois-chan?" Sakura asked, sliding her metal chopsticks across the dish. They screeched slightly, causing Seichii to wince.

"Yeah," he answered.

"And Nyo-chan said she'd message Etsushi-kun," Sakura added, before her lazy, mischievous smile unfurled. "I didn't think she would message him. Rois-chan more likely would have. But she said she would. Ah, I wonder if they message each other a lot? I wonder what the content of those messages are? Hon hon..."

Yume slapped Sakura upside her head with a dishrag. "Knock it off."

Sakura just kept grinning. "Uufufufu..."

"It's true they've seemed to have gotten really close lately," Seichii hummed thoughtfully. Every time he saw Nyoko, Etsushi was with her, usually getting help for homework or having just stopped by for kicks. It was the vice versa, only at first, Seichii figured it was for studying. Now it seemed the two were visiting each other for other reasons than just tutoring. "Nyo-chan's gotten quite comfortable with him."

"You're adding fuel to the flames!" Yume snapped, referring to the growing corners of Sakura's smile.

Seichii immediately hushed.

"What sort of things do you think they do beyond studying? Nyo-chan is so moe, so I bet they haven't gotten to second base ye--"

Yume needn't shut her up when the front door suddenly opened, Etsushi loudly flying inside with a boom. "We're hooome!" he squealed, bowing lowly. Nyoko walked out from behind him, a lot more calmer, however, but bowing and smiling as well.

Sakura looked very much like the Cheshire Cat. "Ohoho, speak of the devils..."

A minute later, Rois emerged, still wearing her work apron. "The boss let me go on an extended break," she breathed, having nearly missed the bus to Yume's. "I can only stay for a half hour. If the meeting goes on longer than that, I'll leave Aoi-chan in your hands until tonight."

"That's fine by me," Yume assured. The group all migrated into the living room, Sakura hogging most of the couch, leaving Yume with the recliner and the rest the floor and some throw pillows. Sakura stared like an animal stalking her prey at how close Etsushi and Nyoko sat together. Yume noticed her glowering and tossed a spare pillow at her face before clearing her throat. "Let's all get out our games!"

On command, the five friends took out their YDGs, Rois going to the tedious task of hooking them all up together. "I'm surprised Oh Mighty Keiko-sama personally sent us all that message," Etsushi chortled.

Sakura cocked a brow. "Eh?"

Yume knew if Sakura had read Keiko's arrogant little note, she would have literally destroyed her game. Instead, she had told Sakura the message was from Mochi Shabu, so just ignore it and call Nyoko. Yume cleared her throat again, but much more louder. "As soon as we're all hooked up," she ordered, "set your guys to the cafe location we selected with Blood Lust."

As soon as it was done, each friend took their game and went to Locations.

Yuki had only just gotten up and out of the shower ten minutes before Yume arrived at her house. He had to hurry and dress in something nice but neat. He had to look good for the new people he was meeting today. Even though Yukio would be there. A second later, his surroundings disappeared in a glitch or two, before he found himself standing outside Café Soleil.

"Long time no fuck."

Yuki jumped when Akane suddenly blew air and cigarette smoke into his bare neck. "Geeeez! Don't do that!" the uke growled, whirling around and rubbing at his gooseflesh. Akane looked as handsome and nonchalant as usual, wearing his nice black coat and matching business wear. It was a wonder he wasn't hot given the summer heat, Sakura thought, but figured the temperature of summer must be more comfortable (and controlled) in the virtual world.

A second later, appearing in a flash of light was Kiyoshi, Gin, then Aoi and Midi. Nyoko had left Kihana out, who was busy working. He hadn't been invited either way.

"Heeey guuuys!" Gin squealed, hands in the air. Naturally he wore something befitting: a short skirted red dress with elbow long black gloves, hair done up in thick sausage curls and silk red ribbons. He looked quite pretty, and Rois and Seichii envied the Hell out of his legs. The crossdresser flew in and gave Yuki a big hug, nearly knocking him over. "I missed yoooou!"

"Missed you, too," Yuki chuckled, hugging back.

Kiyoshi, who kept up his rocker style, but with a touch more cleanliness, approached Akane, who glared at him suspiciously. "I've missed you, too, Akane-chan," he purred. He raised a hand to his chest, frowning sadly. "I've only been able to see you in my dreams. You and me, all alone, covered in honey--"

"Stop-ah!" Aoi quickly intervened before Akane could freak. He shoved his elbow hard into the small of Kiyoshi's back, his face scrunched up in annoyance. "Don't get him started! Especially since we're about to meet up with Onibi and Blood Lust!"

Yuki looked to his manager. "Onibi?"

"They're the amateur band who won the V-Adachi competition," Midi answered for his boss, who had opened his mouth to speak before clenching it shut with a scowl. Naturally, he had to look the most fashionable of them all, wearing a style akin to FRUiTS. "They're going to be the ones opening for you, and I hear..." He clapped his hands on his glowing cheeks, sighing heavenly. "The lead singer is a real looker."

"Woo!" Gin instantly whooped, punching a fist in the air. "We're going to make buddies, and maybe they'll be fuck buddies, t--!"

"Na-oh!" Aoi wailed, messing his hair in his flailing hands. He ripped the purring Gin off of Yuki. "Now calm down this instant! If we're going to make a good impression, we need to appear as civil gentlemen and professionals!"

"Plus Blood Lust is in there," Midi added.

Aoi nodded firmly. "Right!" he snorted. He shoved the group together to form a single line, but didn't budge Akane. Midi straightened out any wrinkles or kinks in their clothes--but also did not touch Akane. Luckily Akane took his place in the line and was dressed to the T. Midi adjusted Aoi's tie before falling back with the others.

Aoi stood before the group, before the doors. Gin, to ease his nerves, removed a small flask from inside his bra and took a quick shot of whiskey inside. "As your manager, if you mess this up, I'll--"

"--be the one to take all the blame?" Akane interjected.

Kiyoshi chuckled playfully. "You can't very well fire us. Not after all we've gone through."

Aoi's jaw remained unhinged. He then closed it and puffed out his lips, squeezing his fists together as his shoulders quaked like a volcano about to erupt. Yuki went to reach for him before Midi took his hand and shook his head. Finally, Aoi stilled and released all his pent up rage into a single gust of air. "... Right, right, OKAY!" He then pointed to the doors, adjusting his glasses with a sharp gleam. "Let's knock 'em dead and show 'em what real pros are like!"

With that, he swung open the café doors and the group all stepped inside. Everyone within immediately looked up at them. Aoi took a step forward. "I am Aoi, manager and producer of Deranged Rhythm!" he declared, bowing lowly. He stood straight again. "We have arrived!"

"Weee!" Gin squealed, flailing before releasing a petite burp. Kiyoshi snorted with laughter. Akane took one last drag of his cigarette before carelessly snubbing it out on the cafe floor, getting the evil eye from a Sprite waitress. Aoi immediately turned red with embarrassment, while Midi and Yuki kept themselves collected; nonetheless, their grins were a little twitchy under the pressure.

"Yo, Yuki-chaaan."

Yuki immediately shifted his eyes, once soft and welcoming, into a cold glower off to a table near the bar. Sitting at the table was Yukio and the rest of Blood Lust. Toyo turned his nose to the group and tore viciously at his chicken wing with sharp, pearly fangs; in his knee cut baggy pants, torn shirt and green tinted sunglasses situated on top of his head, he still looked seven years younger than his real age.

Hoshiko and Suki sat side by side, the former dressed in a fancy blood red cheongasm, the latter in a crisp black suit fitted for business. Yukio lounged back in his chair, looking chic in his black/white pin striped slacks and neat white dress top, the cuffs left unbutton, tie crooked. With a cigarette in one hand and half a glass of red wine in the other, he grinned lecherously at Yuki and gave him a wink.

Yuki just looked the other way. The café was small, but nice, with a relaxing atmosphere. No one else was there except them and a few Sprites.

Akira, having been sitting the farthest away from sight, stood then, in his rich navy blue suit. "Welcome," he replied in a professional manner. He bowed to the group, snagging his daiquiri away before Toyo could chug it down. Aoi and the others returned the bow, everyone except Akane, who held Yukio's face in his irritated red gaze. Likewise, everyone, including grunting Toyo, stood to bow, all but Yukio; smugly glancing back at the glaring seme without a care.

"Ah, Aoi-chan!"

Aoi winced. "Don't use--!" He turned to face the owner of the voice and instantly grinned, forgetting his anger. "Yooou!" Breezing over to him was a pretty young man, looking no more than nineteen years old. His almond brown hair was smoothed back neatly, his large eyes a optimistic streak of blue. Dressed nice and casual as everyone else, he approached Aoi and bowed lowly, before swinging in and giving him a hug.

Aoi barely got to bow before the man swooped in to embrace him. "Aww!" he sniffed, hugging the brunet tightly. "You're always so cuuute, Suzuki-Honey-chan!"

The bandmates of Deranged Rhythm all exchanged confused glances. Midi chuckled, explaining: "That's Lala Suzuki. He's also a manager at Vast Productions, and a good friend of Aoi-san." They watched as Aoi went about pinching and pulling his cheeks, talking in baby gibberish. "Aoi-san considers him somewhat of a little brother.

Kiyoshi blinked. "Wait, so, if he's a manager, then he must be--"

Akira stepped forward, over to Aoi and Suzuki. Aoi immediately prickled and held onto Suzuki possessively. "You're Onibi's manager, Lala Suzuki, correct?" he inquired.

Suzuki smiled ear to ear. There was a sort of childish charm to his baby face. "Yes," he replied. He wiggled himself free from Aoi and bowed to Akira, who returned it. Suzuki looked between both managers, then at Yuki's group, who remained watching in interest, over to Yukio's, who were either bored or not paying much attention. "Since you've all gathered, allow me to introduce myself personally."

Suzuki bowed once to each band. "I am Lala Suzuki, Uber-Uke to Rokuno Hitomi," he stated. "I am a manager for Vast Productions and the band Onibi." He turned around, shouting to the open back room door. "Come on out, guys!"

Everyone watched as three men strolled out of the room. At the lead was a Uber-Seme, tall and well built, skin olive, eyes narrow and a fierce golden color, hair flaming red, tied back into a ponytail. He wore a tight fitting red tank top and comfortable black jeans. Second to follow was a much smaller boy, an Uke, with pale blue eyes and dark blonde hair, wrapped up in what appeared to be a fuzzy yellow blanket. The last to leave the room looked to be another Uber-Seme, only an inch or two smaller than the red head; he dressed more snazzy than his leader, his orange hair cut short and neat, small blue eyes peering behind thinly framed glasses.

The three all gathered behind Suzuki. "This is my band, Onibi," he informed. He switched his sweet grin back to his band. "Please introduce yourselves individually."

The redhead nodded and smiled, showing a row of sharp white teeth. "Name's Hikaru. I'm an Uber-Seme; owner's Li Goro," he stated. "I'm Onibi's lead singer." With that, he gently nudged the little blonde beside him, causing him to squeak and shuffle forward. Both Aoi and Gin wanted to clobber him with hugs and kisses, he was so cute.

"Mm'Natsuki..." the boy whispered, slowly pulling his blanket over his head. "... Uber-Uke to... Manabu Nana... Lead guitarist of Onibi..." With that, he quickly shrunk back, hiding behind the two massively taller seme.

"L-Lead guitarist?" Kiyoshi echoed. He was pretty surprised; he figured the boy would be the singer or something.

Hoshiko smiled slyly at Toyo. "Look," he purred, "you've got yourself a playmate."

"Shaddup!" Toyo barked.

The final member of the band gracefully brushed a hand to his chest. "I am Arata, Uber-Seme to the delightful Miss Sato Ai," he hummed, "I am Onibi's drummer. A pleasure to make each of your acquaintances."

With everyone having personally introduced themselves, the group and Suzuki bowed again, saying in unison, "Please take care of us."

Aoi just looked gooey eyed, poking Suzuki in the arm. "Aw, well, we ought to introduce ourselves, too," he giggled. He whirled around, clapping his hands like a snap of his fingers. Akane was tempted not to obey, but figured he'd have to anyway.

"Ah!" Yuki laughed, raising a hand. "I'm Kireina Yuki, Uber-Uke to Hateshinai Yume and Deranged Rhythm's lead singer! Nice to meet you all!" He bowed.

Kiyoshi went next. "Kiyoshi, Seme to little Nyo-sama and Deranged Rhythm's guitarist," he said smoothly, nodding as a bow.

"And I'm Gin-chan!" Gin squealed immediately after. "I'm a Seuke, and I belong to the great Tokeau Seichii and I play the drums!" He curtsied then, nearly showing off his strawberry panties.

"I'm Melody Midi," Midi said, softly, bowing. "I'm the make-up and hair stylist."

Yuki glanced up at Akane, stiff as a board; he gave him a little poke in the elbow. Akane sighed and nodded. "Akane, keyboardist."

Aoi wanted to tear his throat out for his poor, thoughtless introduction before, once more, Akira took the stage by the horns. "I would like to introduce you to my band, Blood Lust, Hikaru-san, Natsuki-san, Arata-san." He bowed and looked back to his men. Everyone stood again; all but Yukio, naturally. Toyo was forced up once more.

"Hoshiko, Seme; my owner is Kigaru Yuriko," Hoshiko was the first to go. "I'm the guitarist. It's quite a pleasure to meet you." He bowed, slowly eyeing little Natsuki as he stood. Natsuki blushed and pulled the blanket up further around his face.

"Toyo!" Toyo spat. "I'm the best drummer in all of V-Tokyo!" He then looked over at Gin and stuck his tongue out at him. Gin returned it with a full 'nyah.'

Suki bowed. In a monotone, he introduced himself, "I am Kuroi Suki, Uke to Katsu Leiko. I serve as keyboardist."

As soon as his younger brother was finished, Yukio brushed some loose bangs from his eyes and put on a smile so damn handsome, even the two Uber-Seme blushed. "And I am Kuroi Yukio; both the brains and beauty of this operation, if I do say so myself, as well as lead singer."

Keiko would scowl at the fact he didn't introduce her as everyone (sans Akane, but that was to be expected) had.

Akira wasn't going to argue with him. Wasn't going to complain about how rude Toyo and Hoshiko were. They were only going to perform once with Onibi, so it didn't matter much. "Blood Lust is happy to be working with you," he stated.

Suzuki nodded, clapping. "Now, let's make ourselves comfortable and have a drink!"

"Yay!" Gin cheered. "Drinks on Aoi-chan!"

"No-ah!"

The introduction "party" had gone rather well and smoothly, given enemies on both realms were in the same room together--at least, in one. Yume and her friends made sure to keep a close eye on their men, keeping Blood Lust away and at bay.

Gin and Hikaru hit it off right away, laughing it up and throwing back drink after drink. Seichii couldn't help but leer alongside Sakura; for once, both friends were sharing the same exact state of mind. Who knew what drunken escapades could follow... They completely shunned the fact that nothing could happen should Hikaru's Mistress turn any advances down in his place. Still, it was fun to daydream, and Gin was all ready flirting it up. Besides, with Akane just mindlessly smoking away beside Yuki, Sakura needed something or someone to entertain her.

Aoi and Suzuki discussed work matters and their performance later on in private. Akira had no choice but to join the conversation; at first, it was obvious Aoi was uncomfortable with him around, but business was business. There was no room for personal dislikes to intervene.

Nonetheless, Rois groaned, having her uke submit himself to work. Luckily for her, Suzuki's owner Hitomi messaged her, exclaiming her love for Aoi. This made Rois immediately perk up, continuing to message Hitomi back and forth like good friends, half-aware of the conversations going on around her.

Midi had been keeping to himself, lingering and zoning in on his boss's conversation every now and then. Everyone else was keeping to themselves or with a selected partner. Though he didn't feel too lonely.

That's when the drummer of the band, the sophisticated and handsome Arata, approached his empty side of the table. "May I join you?" he asked with a gentlemanly smile.

Midi's neck and ears turned pink, the blush gradually moving to the front of his face. "Y-Yeah," he replied, standing to bow. Arata waved him down and sat, Midi quickly pouring the seme a small glass of sake. It was amazing that there was still some left, what with Gin having hoarded every bottle he saw.

"Oh," Nyoko giggled, hands to her equally pink cheeks, "how cute!"

"Waah! Midi's gettin' hit on!" Etsushi cackled, his beam ear to ear.

Sakura immediately shoved Seichii away, moving to squeeze herself between Nyoko and the long haired boy. She peered with big, googly eyes at their games, at Midi chatting it up with Arata. "Ooo, oo!" Sakura clapped her hands and sat back on her knees. She shoved a finger into the corner of Etsushi's game. "Check his Compatibility List! See if this dude is compatible!"

Etsushi immediately drew Midi's Compatibility List, typing in Arata's and his owner's full names. The screen glowed a soft hazy yellow, flashing softy before a new window popped open. The system collected the vital information regarding Arata from the database, enough to place him on the scale of Midi's List. Etsushi and Sakura whooped while Nyoko just giggled cheerfully when Arata turned out to be 8 out of 10 compatible with the uke stylist.

Rois laid out on her back, pounding away another message to Hitomi. "Ehh, is that true?" she laughed, just now acknowledging what was going on. She tilted her head back to look at her friend, glasses dropping onto her forehead. "It seems Midi-kun might not be goin' home alone tonight," she sniggered.

"Yay!" Sakura cheered. "If Akane and Yuki don't screw at least once tonight, I have a back up!"

Yume scowled, having been paying most of her attention to her game. "We have to shut them off soon after the concert ends, you know," she stated, "so they're not going to have enough time for sex."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "It's a called a quickie, you know!"

Yume just gave her the eye roll back and returned to her game. Yuki had been chumming it up with Kiyoshi beside him, all the while socializing with his other bandmates and anyone who wanted a word with him. Well, excluding the members of Blood Lust.

Blood Lust seemed to be enjoying their own company. Hikaru had parted from Gin every few minutes or so to laugh and have a quick drink with Hoshiko. It was apparent the lead singer of Onibi wasn't very keen on casting good judgements. Hoshiko, however, could fool most anyone and acted just as friendly, just as humorous, but much more calmer, than the silver haired crossdresser. Gin would just puff out his cheeks in disapproval when Hoshiko stole Hikaru's attention away; but then he'd toss a hand in the air, waving a Sprite and another glass of beer over.

Before joining Midi's side, Arata had been sitting with Suki. At first, Suki made no attempt to initiate nor interact with the older male, but Arata seemed harmless and, well, sane enough. He didn't seem to mind Suki brushing him off at first, since the boy eventually reiterated his feelings about the entire tour a minute later. Arata chuckled and smiled, and although Suki still looked poker faced and half-way between boredom and sleepiness, he was actually comfortable, entertained, finally having a civil conversation that wasn't full of screeching or perverse subject matter.

But alas, the "dreamy" time the men shared was shattered abruptly fifteen minutes later by Yukio. Right before Arata could give his thoughts about a certain novel they were both reading, Yukio, who had been watching with a sort of glare in his dark blue eyes, swung his feet off the table, stood and leaned in between the two, gently pushing them farther apart with a hand on their shoulders. However, he had given Suki's shoulder a harder squeeze and a longer shove than he did Arata, who didn't seem all that miffed about being rudely interrupted.

"Ooooi," Yukio sniffed, feigning hurt, "you're holding a stimulating, riveting conversation without me? When I'm all alone?" Suki just hid his angry frown by looking away. His older brother stood, hands on his hips. "You owe me a drink, remember, otou?" he teased, giving Suki's ankle a nudge beneath the table. He jerked a thumb at the bar over his shoulder. "Vodka on the rocks."

At first, Suki didn't seem to react, rather just stared into the table. Arata remained clueless; maybe he was book smart, but he lacked that same common, obvious sense his bandmate did. He failed to notice how obvious Yukio was acting, trying to get him away from his brother. For what reasons, even Suki didn't know himself. When ten seconds passed and still no comply, Yukio gently flicked Suki in the temple, lowering his head to give him a tired, pouty glower. "Oooooi," he growled childishly, "don't go back on our deal." What deal? There was no deal. He just wanted him to get away from Arata.

"Right," Suki mumbled. His anger disappeared in a flash, to replaced by his usual ennui. He apologized and bowed to Arata, who, in his ignorance, pardoned him with an assuring bow of head in return. Suki gathered to his feet and went for the bar before, while Arata's attention was turned to studying quiet Midi, Yukio grabbed him by the arm, standing him still.

"You're a hypocrite," Yukio whispered close to his face. "Thinking about fucking when you're supposed to be working."

Suki just stood still, kept his face forward, did not react. Nor did he pull away. It wasn't until Yukio smirked and actually let him go did he continue forward, looking and acting as if nothing had happened. That included his friendly chat with Arata as well.

"Maaan," Leiko huffed, swinging her legs back and forth behind her. "Why'd Yukio have to go and interrupt them? It was so obvious that Arata was flirting with Suki-yo!"

Side by side with her sister in identical silky pajamas (though hers was purple while her sister's was red), the twins laid out on Keiko's bed, games in their hands. Takara sat on the ground beside Yuriko, Sasha having gone off to take a shower. Takara quietly listened in on the conversation, but was also tinkering with a game on one side of the screen to earn Toyo some money.

Yuriko was giggling and blushing like the school girl she was, her giant breasts pinned together and nearly pouring from her small tank top as she laid out on the ground. She was taking Hikaru's charm and friendliness to Hoshiko indirectly to herself. Akira's game sat quietly on a pillow nearby; Sasha did not need to be around if all they were going to do was discuss things they all ready discussed with them prior to the rendezvous.

Keiko smirked. "Yukio's just watching out for his little brother." Though of course she knew what Yukio had done was too much and quite unnecessary; yet it entertained her. And while her sister moaned a little about the loss of Suki getting bagged, she too enjoyed the treatment she helped put him through.

Little Natsuki remained the most timid and solitary member of them all. Even Akane had spoke and interacted more than he did. Natsuki just continued to hide inside his big fluffy blanket, hovering nearby Hikaru, Arata or Suzuki, whoever had the least amount of people and noise around them. Currently that was Suzuki with Aoi and Akira. Aoi was a little jumpy, but he was calm right now and Akira scared Natsuki a little, but the man was doing a fine job ignoring his existence.

It was until Toyo, fed up with being denied booze, wound his way over to Natsuki. "Hey!" the boy, around the same height as Natsuki, grunted. Natsuki jumped and recoiled; the managers didn't seem to notice anything. Toyo got right into Natsuki's face as it buried deeper into his blanket. "What's with the blanket?" he snorted.

"It... It..." Natsuki swallowed. "I... I just like... I feel comfortable and... safe in it..."

"What?" Toyo spat, bemused. "You think yer in danger or somethin'?"

Nyoko scowled. "He's quite immature for someone who's supposedly seventeen."

Natsuki dropped his big azure eyes to his feet. "N-No, just... I just... I like it..." he whispered, squeezing into the fuzzy material of the blanket.

Toyo eyed the kid, thoroughly amused by his obvious insecurities. "What if it was taken away from ya, huh?" he chortled. Natsuki looked up at him, genuinely confused. Toyo reached up a hand to grab the security blanket (literally.) "Would ya freak out--"

But before he could wrap his fingers into the soft fuzzy material, a suddenly glitch of light flashed between him and Natsuki. It was like an electric shock to Toyo, whereas Natsuki felt nor saw anything. Toyo recoiled with a hiss, shaking his hand. Immediately everyone's attention snapped back to the boys, Arata and Hikaru quickly standing. They looked much like dogs sensing danger. Even the Sprites were getting ready to take action if need be.

"What the Hell was that!?" Seichii gasped. He and everyone else had seen the spark, too.

When Yuriko and the twins asked the same thing, Takara answered without lifting her dark eyes from her screen, typing furiously away: "A barrier. Toyo-kun breached a personal barrier Natsuki-kun's owner put up for him."

"Which means," Yume said, "the barrier is keeping out anything unwanted or harmful. It must be on the most strict of levels. To the point where his boundaries are very limited."

"He doesn't seem the type who really gets out much," Yuriko hummed.

Nyoko studied little Natsuki's frame. "He must be a P1. With someone with such a low Phase, he's prone to these sort of things."

"Or it could be the system itself," Leiko suggested, "the same type that keeps everyone from hurting or, well, raping each other." She turned her catty eyes to the bespectacled girl sitting at the foot of her bed, bundled up and seemingly far away. "Could it be that, too?"

"Could be," Rois mumbled. "But Natsuki-kun didn't react to it."

Keiko snorted. "The boy's like a mouse. I bet if he saw or felt it, he'd freak the Hell out."

Nonetheless, Toyo had and seemingly, so did a few others. "Wha!? What sort of shitty barrier is that!?" he spat. "The system can't anticipate our actions ba-fore we do 'em! How would it know, huh!? What, y'got a Master who's that pathetic!? Gotta keep ya wrapped up like yer damn blanket!?" He couldn't help but howl with laughter now.

A Sprite stepped over to Akira and whispered something to him. A warning he should control his drummer or else.

"Knock it off," Akira ordered, quickly stepping aside. He bowed apologetically to both Natsuki and Suzuki. As he cackled away, Akira took Toyo by the arm and pulled him aside, off to the back room. Most likely to have a nice chat with him about his rude behavior.

"And maybe a spanking," Sakura half-grinned. "Not sure if a sexual one or not, but..."

Hikaru and Arata were watching after Toyo with fierce glares, both having pulled Suzuki into the comforts of their shadows. It seemed they were just as protective of their bandmate as his Mistress. A minute later, Akira returned, Toyo remaining behind. "I apologize, he's just suffering from a little anxiety for tonight," he apologized. With Takara's approval (though she didn't care either way), Akira managed to sedate Toyo by finally giving him a bottle of beer. Toyo quite happily kept his trap shut and sat back to lounge by his lonesome, enjoying his drink and time without those asshole bandmates of his.

"That was certainly something different," Yuki noted, still a bit awed. "I mean, I've never seen an actual personal barrier before."

"That's because we never set up one so close," Yume explained.

Etsushi snickered behind his hand. "Which leaves poor Yuki-kun open for all sorts of naughty mishaps..."

"Oh--!"

Kiyoshi laughed loudly and swung an arm around Akane's shoulders. "That's because Akane-chan is a perfect barrier," he stated, grinning much like a little kitten, "he keeps the perverts away."

"Unfortunately," Akane scowled, shoving a hand into Kiyoshi's face and pushing him away, "you're still here."

"It's such a pity, though! I was so hoping to spend some one on one time with you myself, Yuki-chan."

Everyone at Yuki's table glanced up with narrowed or glowering eyes at Yukio. He stood before them in his prime, posing like the braggart he was, a lit cigarette tucked between two long fingers. A Sprite at the bar watched him closely, all ready smelling trouble brewing like a thick stench around him. Nonetheless, Yukio just kept on grinning, unafraid, standing firm in place.

Yuki snorted. "Well, I didn't plan on talking to you alone anyway," he informed.

"Oh, come on, now," Yukio smirked. "Don't blow me off like that." He went to take a seat before Akane stood, not even half-aware he had gone into defense mode. Yuki grabbed his sleeve and tugged it, both embarrassed and nervous a brawl would break out. Kiyoshi remained calm and seated, but had the same intense glare Akane had. Gin was holding a half-empty bottle of wine behind his back, ready to bust it on the bar and plunge forward into battle.

Yukio just kept his hand coiled around the chair, neither sitting nor pushing it back. The suave Uber-Seme eyed Akane and his fierce gaze from head to toe, and an admirable hum slipped past his lips as he took a drag on his cigarette.

Aoi immediately excused himself from the group to rush over to the huge cloud of mounting tension. "Don't start any fight, dammit," he scowled, trying to push Akane back into his seat. Akane did not budge; his eyes remained glued on Yukio, whose eyes did not turn from him either.

Hikaru leaned forward to Hoshiko. "Do those two not get along or something?" he whispered.

Hoshiko smirked and took a sip of his wine. "They're... rivals, you could say," he answered.

"Well, yeah," the redhead laughed softly, "they're in dueling bands."

"That included, yes, but..." Hoshiko just trailed off and drank some more, currently engrossed with the brewing storm happening right before him.

Arata, with a frightened Natsuki strapped to his side, nudged Midi in the arm. "It seems they're going to get into a fight any minute," he muttered. "Maybe someone should separate them?"

"Oh, wouldn't be surprised," Midi sighed, embarrassed. He dropped his face into his hand. "Maybe Akane'll tear Kuroi-san's throat out and it'll all be over with once and for all."

Akira was now at his singer's side. "You need to knock it off right now," he said in a hushed growl, "otherwise this tour is canceled and we're done with." His dark red eyes poured back to glance at the Sprites currently gathering together, ready to notify Selene. If anything chaotic broke out, she was not afraid to end their tour and careers in a heartbeat. Besides, even if she didn't want to, she was obligated to either way. Misbehavior was not tolerated. "Toyo-kun all ready dug us a hole. Now don't bury us alive."

Suki left from the shadows, approaching his brother. "Akira-san is right," he murmured, fingers giving Yukio's sleeve cuff a tug. "Don't start any trouble. Especially so early in."

Yukio looked back at Akira. "Buzzkill," he teased, winking. Nonetheless, he let the chair go and stepped back, raising his hands. "Ah, how unfortunate," he sighed. "All I wanted to do was converse with my fellow tour buddies. Maybe even kick back with a drink, toss around a couple helpful tips. Ah, well, c'est la vie."

Yukio then saluted Yuki with his finger and headed back to the table. Suki stepped forward and bowed to the group. "I apologize on his behalf," he said, standing. Everything about him looked and sounded professional. Even Akane returned the nod and sat down, finally putting relief back into Aoi and causing the Sprites to return to work.

Suki left the table while Akira went back to speak with Suzuki alongside Aoi.

"That was sort of tense," Nyoko breathed.

"Akane defended his little uke!" Sakura declared, for once proud of her YDG.

Yume's brow twitched. "Well, it's not like he couldn't take care of himself..."

Keiko and Leiko were laughing loudly. "How very rude of them," Leiko purred, amused, "turning down Yukio-chan when he only wants to talk..."

"Seems like that big Uber-Seme is insecure," Keiko noted. Her grin turned devious. "Feeling the need to jump on and shield his lover at every small confrontation."

Takara peered up from her game. "Perhaps that is so," she agreed in a voice akin to a robot's. "Perhaps he feels challenged in some form or another."

Seichii spat when Rois suggested the same thing. "He's just lookin' out for him. That's all there is to it," he insisted.

"Besides," Yume chuckled, "why would Akane be afraid of losing Yuki to Yukio of all people?"

Nyoko just tittered. "Well, sometimes it can happen..."

"Faith!" Sakura snarled. "Faith, Nyo-chan!"

"S-Sorry..."

Gin pressed the wine bottle's mouth to his lips. "Maaan," he whined, "I was hoping we could get into a big fight like in those American Western movies." He then dropped his head back and chugged down the rest of the wine.

Kiyoshi, sitting nearby, swished a hand at him. "Don't encourage Akane, what with his gun and all..."

"Not like it could do any harm anyway," Sakura snorted, for once disappointed.

Suzuki then clapped, interrupting all the conversations and discussions. Akira ordered Hoshiko to retrieve Toyo from the back. "All right everyone," the uke purred, "we would all like your attention here, please."

After Toyo, a little pink in the face, returned, everyone turned in their chairs to face their three managers. For once everyone actually looked entirely on the same wave length: completely serious. Yukio managed to shoot one last sly smile at Yuki, however.

Suzuki continued: "This is how tonight's show will proceed..."

What would follow was the initial rehearsal before the show. The concert would be held at a medium-sized stadium in V-Toneri Park, fitting about two hundred or so people in the audience. Giant screens had been propped above to get perfect, multiple shots of the stage. For those who would be watching the concert from online, for a small fee, they would get to see everything.

Seeing as Deranged Rhythm had won first place, they were allowed to rehearse first. They practiced for about an hour, Yuki taking as many breaks as possible to make sure he didn't stress his throat or vocal cords. Half way into their rehearsal, Yume and her friends went downstairs and cooked up something to eat for dinner, returning shortly before Deranged Rhythm left the stage and Blood Lust took over. Since neither group wanted to listen to the rival band, they chatted amongst themselves and ate their food.

Keiko, Leiko, Yuriko, Takara and Sasha watched and listened to their band rehearse. Keiko would occasionally jump in, telling Yukio he was off or not singing "perfectly." Yukio was doing a fine job, but Keiko couldn't afford any mistakes. Yuriko was having a shouting match with her P5 Seme Hoshiko, who was feeling too lazy to practice. Toyo, in his element, was having a blast on the drums, Takara advancing to a new level on her game. In reality, Toyo was nearly a billionaire in the YDG Realm.

Sasha seemed to be the only cool one, having a small chat with Akira between his orders. Leiko couldn't stop blabbering on and on about how great Blood Lust was going to be.

Onibi got in their own rehearsal once the two winning bands were done. Three hours later, the show would commence.

The stadium was packed. And dozens upon dozens of gamers were tuning in on the first concert via the YDG's official website live feed. Yume and her friends and the twins' and theirs all gathered closely to their games when the lights went down and the howling got louder.

Onibi, naturally, opened first. They sang a couple songs, which were all pretty much rock in genre. They had a fiery passion to their performance; lively and wild. Hikaru was a blazing fire under the spotlight, hamming it up and causing hundreds to swoon along with his gleaming smile and deep voice. Arata remained composed at his drums, flashing a wink every now and then to the audience or screens above. Midi would have to stop pinning finishing touches on everyone's costumes to fan himself. The most surprising of all was little Natsuki, who was really ripping out the beat on his guitar. He was playing rock song after rock song perfectly, despite how timid he looked, wrapped up in his blanket.

Onibi left the stage with bows and promises of a future record. The audience all cheered and applauded, numerous bulletin boards and forums on the YDG site filling up with opinions and reviews and squealing. A poll had even been constructed prior to the opening, asking the outside viewers to choose their favorite Onibi member and song. Results would be revealed the next morning after all votes were tallied. Sakura and Rois had voted for Hikaru, Yume and Etsushi for Arata (Midi would kill him if he didn't) and Nyoko and Seichii for Suzuki. No one but Yuriko and Leiko bothered to vote for their favorites, which were both Hikaru.

Shortly after, Yukio and his band breezed towards the stage. "Wish us luck, darlings," Yukio smirked, mostly in Yuki's direction. Everyone just nodded, trying to be fair and mature, while Yuki scowled and blushed a little, turning away just as the group disappeared behind the curtains, followed instantly by an explosion of gleeful screaming and howling.

Blood Lust was a hit. They sang perfectly, played perfectly and despite how they tended to clash offstage, onstage they had perfect balance, perfect harmony. It was as if they were no longer the same people Yuki and the others knew. Yukio was carefree and smiling as usual, soaking everything in, but he was also stout, serious and focused. So was Toyo and even Hoshiko, who hardly practiced at all. Suki remained looking just as poker faced as always, but he hit every note at the exact time, not missing the beat for an instant.

"They're really amazing..." Yuki couldn't help but mutter. No one argued with him because they, too, agreed. They just didn't want to say anything. Perhaps Akane would have voiced his disapproval, but he was too busy outside smoking and cleaning an ear with a pinkie, enjoying his last break before their performance.

When Blood Lust finished, the group bowed and more cheers and squeals were to be had in both the digital and real world. To show good sportsmanship, Kiyoshi and Gin congratulated them as minimally as possible. They of course did not get the same respect. Suki did nod, though, which they figured was close to a bow of gratitude.

Yukio walked over to Yuki, the hairs on the necks of Yume and her friend's bristling. Yukio was drenched with sweat and smelt both salty but sweet. Yuki couldn't help but be strangely allured by the scent. "Good luck," the older man purred, disappearing in a throng of Sprites patting him down with cool washcloths. Yuki just swallowed, blushing. As much of a jerk Yukio was, he was attractive.

Akane reappeared, his eyes following Yukio with heavy suspicion. Yukio just whistled innocently, Midi and Aoi running over to the group and exclaiming in unison, "You're up!"

Midi made sure their outfits were neat while Aoi continued to lay down a few tips and guidance. "We're going to do fine," Kiyoshi assured, patting his manager on the back.

"You better!" Aoi snapped.

Yuki took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. Akane stepped up beside him. "You ready for this?" he asked, quietly, his voice stern. He looked down at him a second later.

"Yeah."

"This is the big leagues."

"I know."

"You do?"

Yuki smirked. "Yeah," he chuckled. Gin and Kiyoshi were now on his other side. As the curtains started to part for the final, but main and eagerly anticipated band, Yuki finished: "I'm all ready feeling right at home."

T/B/C

After Notes:

Onibi: "demon fire"; "mysterious fire"

Sorry the chapter was a bit long. But it's been a while, yes? Anywho, I didn't want to end it without the concert taking place. :P I want to squeeze at least one concert in one chapter each, not expanding one concert over more than one chapter unless need be.