Now for another chapter...
Uy! I am very tired...Karate is killing this cat... but I shall persevere!!!! nya!! Yellow belt is tough!
Disclaimers:
I don't own anybody. Only my characters and the storyline for this fanfic. Obviously if I could own a real person, Ren would be all MINE!!!Nyaaaaa!!!!! chuu!!!
Chapter 6: Rehearsal Blues
The insistent crying of a hungry baby woke him up the next morning. Groggily, he stood back stiff from his makeshift bed. Yawning, he stumbled into the bathroom absently scratching his chest. His mind awakened gradually, still refusing to let go of the dreams visited upon him. The garish colors of a half remembered dream stuck to him as he performed his ablutions, getting ready for the day.
When he came out of the bathroom, feeling refreshed, he realized the still crying baby was indeed Yami, looking forlorn and cold, doing his best to scratch a hole into the glass pane. A pang of guilt stabbed his mind as he observed him silently.
‘Poor Yi-chan! It’s not his fault he is such a free spirit, ne! So many females, so little time, I would be the same, I suppose…’ he trailed silently as he went and opened the door for his belligerent cat. Silent and swift Yami entered as soon as the door opened, a sinuous shadow intent only on his plan of eating then finding a nice, sunny spot in which to snooze until it was time to leave again. His master was not forgiven yet, but he had to keep his priorities straight. It wouldn’t mean anything but a skipped meal if he retaliated just now. Revenge was a dish best served cold and on a full stomach.
“It serves you right, nyan!” Ren couldn’t help adding, “Hope your balls fell off!” Yami glared at him over his shoulder, golden eyes full of reproach as he slid to his plate. Ren followed at a sedate pace, smiling at the audacity and cuteness of his own cat.
“Nya, nya! There you go, sir. Hahaa!” He exclaimed with mock respect, bowing while sitting formally, cat food bag resting on his lap as he offered it for inspection. Yami mewed imperiously; ready to be served but still Ren hedged. He continued with his monologue, voice full of meekness and servitude, all the while eyeing his cat with insolence.
“I put out a fresh plate for you, sir. There is water available today, sir -With or without soda- or maybe Yami-sama would prefer sake, nya? Anything to please you sir!” He made as if to serve him, changing his mind halfway there, making his cat salivate expectantly.
“How remiss of me, sir. Possibly you don’t want dry kibble today, sir. Gomen nasai, exalted sir!” he bowed again fighting to contain the laughter that threatened to burst from his chest. “Maybe I could interest you in a vintage can of unopened Happy Cat food? It has chicken liver as its main ingredient…” He fixed a vacant smile on his face, while Yami started to knead the floor impatiently.
‘Chicken liver! That’s rich! Yami hates it! Obviously!’ He was waging a loosing battle trying to keep a straight face while teasing his famished and grumpy cat. He started giggling as he served him dry food, spilling a few pieces on his kitchen floor. ‘Another of Yami’s pet peeves! Spilled food! He’s too fastidious to eat it from the floor! Ren, you’re in for it now! Better hide your clothes!’ He started convulsing with repressed laughter as he put the cat food away.
Yami threw him a dirty look, half closing his eyes as if deciding where to sink his claws to produce optimum screams without too much exertion.
“Nyaaa!! Don’t look at me like that! Sushi-breath! Nya… fffttt!” Ren growled, eyes half closed as he hit the cat softly between his ears.
Insulted, Yami twisted away from his human while he flicked his tail and closed his eyes. He growled warningly as he concentrated on feeding. Ren was so amused he wanted to make amends but knew better than to pet his cat when he was in such a snit.
‘It's not a good idea for hands or fingers, nya. Not healthy at all.’ He winced, a pained expression on his face as he remembered the last time he’d made that particular mistake and got up quickly. He could still feel Yami’s claws embedded deeply in his flesh. ‘I couldn’t practice for almost a week. Baka neko!’
He ran a hand over his tousled hair as he straightened and stretched. He thought about what to wear when he carelessly glanced over at his kitchen clock.
“What! Nya? Nyaaaaaaa!!! That can’t be the time! 11:00 am already, shit! Yami! Nya! Why didn’t you say anything, nyan!?” He ran around mewing frantically, searching fruitlessly for clothes to put on, trying on whatever fell on his hand. He ended putting his socks and shoes before his pants, and sprawled on the hardwood floor. He cursed fluently as he scrambled deciding he needed wider pants, he had no time for this.
“Yami, you selfish cat! Why didn’t you wake me up sooner, nya! Why didn’t the phone ring? Yami, where is my cell phone?” He cried then paused, recalling last night’s actions. He was so frustrated he could kick himself. He threw a used shirt against the wall and then went to the hallway to search for another cleaner one. He settled for a chunky burgundy sweater, big enough to fit somebody twice as big as him.
“Hell! Even if that wasn’t available, there are other things…! Yami could have woken me up earlier, nyan, nya, nyan! Why didn’t you, ne? Ingrate! You couldn’t wake me up this morning and you couldn’t take the time to free me from the bird last night either, eh! As always too busy chasing skirts to help your poor master, nya!” he argued while he dressed, having chosen a red-checkered button shirt. Yami stared reproachfully from him to the door, bringing to mind with a tail flicker, the fact that his owner had dared to leave him outside; it would serve him best not to get there if he didn’t want another accident with his laundry. With a final glare, Yami resumed eating.
“Yami! Do something! Don’t just stay there eating!” Yami ignored him, chewing thoughtfully, well used to his master’s ranting and raving. It usually meant he was late for whatever he did when he was away from the Home. Yami purred as he ate his master running around like a headless bird. There was no need to hurry, whatever he needed to do out there couldn’t be more important than feeding him. So whoever they were, they could very well wait! Served him right, maybe next time he’ll think before messing around with the kuroneko! Whatever that meant. He ended his meal indifferently as his master continued his frenzied babbling.
“Anyway, where is the Neighboring Maria Callas, nyan? Every morning, she screeches mercilessly for my personal enjoyment and edification! Where was she? Or the Landlady, why hadn’t she called, asking for a cup of sugar like so many other times? Nyaaa! I wouldn’t have sacked her like the last time! I don’t understand! I’m a good Japanese citizen, I pay my taxes and I am quite through with my responsibilities! Now Yuri and Nao are going to kill me!” he bemoaned his fate as he struggled to fit his belt thru the loops of his dark brown cargo pants and simultaneously put on his leather wrist bands. He still had to comb his hair, and he had no time!
“Anybody could have woken me up! I refuse to take all the blame! It’s not my fault everybody and his brother decided to drive me crazy yesterday, nya! Why me? Kami-sama, I’m so late!” Frantically he picked up his bass and stored it in its case, fishing around for his cell phone, and his wallet.
He was due at the studio at 9 am sharp and he was more than 2 hours late! Nao and Yuri were so going to have his hide!! He hurried along with a cup of instant coffee, his bass case, musical score and cell phone cradled close to his chest.
“The bird! I forgot to let the bird out, nya! My poor room” he screeched, grinding to a halt, already seeing with his mind’s eye the mess the bird would leave in his bed out of spite,
“I can’t let that happen, maybe if I let Yami in, nya? Nah! I can’t do that!” He grabbed his head between his hands, tearing at his already messy hair. “Nnnnyyyaaaa!! Damn conscience! ... Lucky bird!” He grumbled, set everything on the floor, went to the kitchen, then detoured to his room and -amid a flurry of feathers- left it a few mashed crackers on top of his dresser as food. When he opened the door to leave his room, Yami was waiting patiently. All traces of unconcerned carefree ennui were gone in a blink, magically replaced by ruthless predatory terrorism.
All of a sudden, Ren found himself dealing with an untamed predator fresh out of the savannah, not a female-loving, sedentary cat. He stood his ground against the killer, becoming an unwilling feathered defender. Feeling more like a lion tamer at the circus than a tardy bassist, he gently toed his suddenly transformed cat.
‘It seems rather pointless actually, but I guess a guest is a guest, even
uninvited Gackt-loving birds. So that means he can’t become kitty snack either, nyyya!’ He let out a panicked howl when he felt Yami’s knife-sharp claws sink into his pant leg in a failed attempt to leap over him. Images of a leg climbing, crotch-scratching cat assaulted his mind as he fought for his virility, extricating himself from his clinging Velcro cat before further damage could be done.
“Ow! Stop climbing up my leg! Yami. I love cats but not that much. You wouldn’t love me either if I did that to you!” he got a good grip on his slippery cat and pulled, hard.
“No bird for you, kuroneko-chan! Sorry Yami! No can do!” He muttered as he firmly closed the door behind him, dropped his hysterical cat in the living room couch and picked up his belongings once again.
“We’ll see about your sex change when I return tonight, ne? In the mean time, meditate in your behavior, nya nyan?” He paused at the threshold, “Oh! Before I forget! No bird snacking allowed, nyan! Touching a feather of that Gackt-loving menace would mean a round trip to the vet to become your alter ego: the wig-wearing, makeup-using, de-clawed Pussy Yami. It’d be a shame having to change your name, don’t you think? Although Buttercup sounds real nice, ne!” Hearing that, Yami hissed wholeheartedly.
Grinning evilly, Ren hissed at him as he shut the door with his foot.
He arrived later than he’d previously estimated because there was a pile-up on the main highway artery he normally used to get to the Studio.
By the time he arrived -out of breath and running- it was 2 pm already and the smoke coming out of Yuri’s ears was visible even from outside..
“You are late, Ren-san! Really late!” she fumed angrily.
“Nya! There was an accident on the highway! I’m sorry, Yuri-san, Nao-san, it won’t happen again!” he tried lamely, wheezing from his race down the parking lot.
“Couldn’t you at least call?” she queried pointedly.
He stared and winced ‘Damn! It never occurred to me to do so, sheez!’ He was starting to get pissed at himself.
“Ren-san, don’t you have a reasonable explanation for this? You know how important it is to stick to our schedule. You knew that today we’d planned to finish Temptation!” She waited, hands on her hips, for a response that wasn’t coming. He floundered like a fish out of the water glancing at Nao, who stood silently to the side, for inspiration.
“I had… I mean… I couldn’t… Oh, hell! You are right I should have called. There’s no excuse. I am sorry, nya?” he finished lamely, his eyes begging for a reprieve.
‘I’m sorry Yu-chan! Maybe If I told you about bad news, make believe, breaking a female cat’s nose, being harassed by a Gackt-loving bird, a flaunting Tom Cat, a neko-loving rabbit and a blond grasshopper, you’d understand why I am so late today. But I’d better not risk it or you’d have me committed once and for all!’ She tapped her foot impatiently her arms crossed still waiting. He shrugged helplessly, unable to think of a reasonable excuse to give her.
“Ne! Yuri-san, give the neko a rest! He’s here, right? Let’s start at once! I’m sure he practiced until very late last night so he has his bass-line all thought up and ready! Come on!” Nao continued bracingly.
Mouth held angrily open, she snapped it shut and moved off in a sulk, stomping down the hallway to the recording room. Ren gave him a grateful look as he strained under the weight of his bass case amidst the sweltering heat inside the building..
“Think nothing of it, koneko-chan! You’d do the same for me! Whenever you are ready to talk you will, so let’s go in and make cool sounding music!” He sauntered in Yuri’s direction. Against his will, he felt relieved that she wouldn’t give him another earful. He didn’t think he was up to the task of grinning and bearing it without blowing something.
Two hours later, they were already falling into their musical mirage when a polite cough interrupted their rehearsal.
“Ne, Yuri-san, Ren-san, Nao-san... Gomen nasai! But we need you outside at your earliest convenience. We have some very important visitors that would love to meet you. Thanks!” The intercom went dead curtailing any opportunity to question their interloper or finishing anything else. With a resigned sigh they all stored their instruments and settled to leave.
“What? But we are in the middle of recording! What’s the matter, man! I hate it when they do that! Damn it! And we were already on a roll! Nao-san, do you at least know what this is all about? Nya?” Ren queried very annoyed but intrigued nonetheless.
“Don’t you remember the talk we had with Makoto-san, our manager, regarding a merger? You know, the one where our label gets taken over by rabid gaijin executives anxious for a cut on the Asian market and poor little us get royally screwed up the ass? Remember now?” He asked cynically
“Possibly. Something of the sort comes to mind, yes” he retorted seriously. He considered for a few seconds, inhaled then exhaled rapidly while standing.
“Oh, the tragedy! I had so hoped my first time would be an affair of the heart, not of the bank! I’m crushed!” both his band mates looked up, confusion written clearly on their faces. Ren snickered.
“Nao, do me a favor, nya? Think you could be my first? We’ve known each other for quite a long time, I suppose I wouldn’t mind if it was you, nya…” He glanced a Nao hopefully calling forth his cutest expression.
“Ie, koneko-chan! Call Chacha, or Masa… hell! Even Toshi, You or Ryuichi would do you in a heartbeat! I’m sure any one of them would be more than willing to help a cat in need!”
“That would be tantamount of incest! Why! Nao-kun, they are my brothers! I never thought you had it in you to suggest such a thing! I’m surprised it didn’t occur to me first! But, alas! They are too far away for the purpose at hand! I can’t let those big, bad Gaijin access to my virginal little ass without taking care of the virginal part first!” Ren grinned; voice full of innuendo as Nao fell on the floor clutching his stomach, tears streaming down his face while breathlessly making a negative movement with his head.
‘One down, one to go!’ he thought as his attention diverted to Yuri who sat placidly as if waiting for her turn.
“Yuri-san! I know I was a bad koneko today but please forgive me and lend me your aid!” He begged dramatically, kneeling in front of her.
“How, Ren-chan? I find myself lacking the necessary equipment for such a feat, Hentai neko!” she drawled while arching a brow.
“Ah! There you are wrong, Yuri-san! There are many things a woman can do to possess a man. Nyan! I know I won’t mind it too much… because I’m sure you’d be gentle, ne?” He waggled his eyebrows, leering silently. She groaned and held her sides, trying to contain her guffaws.
“Well” he shrugged resignedly “do you think they at least brought lube with them, nya? Or am I supposed to just bend over and let them have their way with me? Nya! Nya! It can’t be! I’m just a defenseless koneko! I don’t kiss people on the first date, or the second or the third for that matter… No, no” he cried mockingly, fending off an invisible attacker “I’m a virgin, Nyan! Please be gentle!” He glanced over at Nao who laughing, was laying helplessly on the floor.
“I know what you are thinking, Nao! You pervert! GacktJob doesn’t count! My ass was grass but he chewed on it not used it for target practice! Anyway, let’s go outside, the Gods have descended to earth and are waiting for their sacrifice! Although what they want with two midgets and a lanky dog escape me, nyan!” He muttered tongue-in-cheek.
Their producer waited outside standing by Makoto Atsumano, their manager, sporting the dreaded “Predator” smile reserved solely for “special deals” or to tear people up. Ren grimaced watching it, feeling that somehow, he was to blame for its appearance, although for the life of him he couldn’t think why. There was a bunch of people just beside him, gaijin people judging by their rosy complexion and round eyes.
While the higher ups played their power games, he scanned absentmindedly thru the sea of unfamiliar faces until a flash of white called his attention. ‘A flash of white? Nani?’ something was not adding up. He tried to focus his gaze on the person standing behind the new Shasho and their entourage. They were all talking animatedly as the introductions were made. At last, the Shasho presented the people on the back, those that were in charge of making the merger transition as smooth as possible. They were the ones that would be in direct contact with the Japan’s side operations.
Ren couldn’t believe his eyes as the Main Branch’s CEO Representative introduced the personnel directly responsible for the merger transition.
“This is Samantha Gautier, Publicity and Marketing specialist,” He pointed to a light brown haired gaijin with cute legs and wide hips who smiled warmly at all of them.
“It’s nice to meet you! I’ve been anticipating this meeting for a long time!” she said with a smile, looking like she could hardly contain herself. Her eyes swept over the audience, trying to familiarize herself with their faces but when her eyes fell on him, she suddenly tensed, glancing nervously at someone standing to her right. His gaze followed hers and froze, like a deer caught in the cross hairs. The person beside her was the girl whose nose he’d broken almost a week ago!
“This is Valerie Perkins, Art Director and Producer consultant,” He indicated to the sandy blonde with the cute mole near her mouth and the big chest that stood to Sammie’s left. She was a definite beauty, with her golden skin tone and her foxy smile.
“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. I’m really looking forward to working with you!” she grinned, eyes full of enthusiasm. She rapidly caught on her companion’s tension and scanned the room discreetly searching for the reason, stopping on him and stiffening quickly.
“And this is Joyce Riverdale, our Public Relations specialist. Together they make one of the greatest creative teams on the Western side of the world. I’m sure their work will have us all on track soon.” He signaled a tall, reddish brown haired woman who was currently sporting dark red shades and staring daggers in his direction while touching her nose discreetly. On her face was the flash of white he’d seen: the nasal tape.
‘Is she the one I must closely work with? It figures, nya! She hates my guts! She’d sooner geld me than give me a chance to prove myself! Nyan, no way! This is crazy!’ he whined silently.
“How do you do today? Hope we can work together to reach our goals.” she replied politely, face a mask of indifference, while bowing to them. Ren looked surreptitiously around. He could feel his band mates’ approval at their attitude. Joyce’s voice sounded off even to Ren as he tried to make himself look smaller.
“And these fellows here are the supremely talented Lin Clover, the cream of our label!” Ren felt like he was an exhibit at the circus “This is Yuri, Lin Clover’s versatile vocalist, there is Nao, Lin Clover’s guitarist and that’s Ren, Clover’s experienced bassist. They are all professional musicians, recognized and respected in the field. They are our biggest name and they are growing every day, bubbling over like champagne!” He added genially, encompassing them all with a wide gesture.
‘Anytime now, she’ll start screaming her head off, because I am such a baka neko that I didn’t even call to ask for her health yesterday! And I meant to! Nya! Baka!’ He smiled hesitantly on her way. Irritation and animosity flowed from her in waves, making him edgy and tense. It showed on the way he held himself stiffly upon introductions.
The Shasho’s kept on talking with the aid of Joyce and Sammie who doubled as translators for their party. He couldn’t help his small gasp of horror when upon closer inspection, he realized the shades she sported were to cover the huge shiners that made her look like a panda even though she’d applied a thick covering of makeup. She looked up from where she was busily translating, her eyes growing smaller by the minute.
‘That’s it, I’m history!’ he swallowed hard as suddenly everybody looked questioningly in his direction upon following Joyce’s look.
Nao glanced at him from the corner of his eye and sensing his hesitation, started a conversation by rote, running interference as he’d done on countless occasions. His gaze connected with Ren’s for an instant as if
saying ‘You and I really have to talk after they leave, neko chan!’ Ren gulped guiltily, knowing that he was in for it.
“Let us all move to my office to continue this conversation, ne?” commented Makoto-san when noticing the technicians increased interest on the proceedings. A couple of hours later, the welcoming speeches were over, and the all-important contracts were discussed properly. Ren was on the verge of either tears or mass murder when his producer straightened and gestured grandly.
“Now ladies and gentlemen, I suggest we celebrate this auspicious merger over sake! And I think I know just the place! Ladies? Gentlemen?” He looked all around the place, gauging their reaction to his idea as he gestured for them to leave. All were open to it but two people: Riverdale-sama and Ren! Both had decidedly sick expressions on their faces,
‘Come to think of it, both are sitting in opposite directions from one another.’ Dismay shot through him. ‘They have to agree with each other! They are too important not to have a viable working relation! What should I do?’ He looked around to find Nao’s eyes on Ren while the latter smiled nervously and lowered his eyes. ‘I think I’ll allow Nao to fix it, maybe it will resolve itself, ne?’ and promptly forgot about Ren and Riverdale-sama’s trouble.
The higher-ups and the new transition team had already left in three separate cars since they didn’t know where anything was, but Lin Clover saw to their instruments and last minute details before leaving. They were all going to one of Shinjuku’s cozier little lounges when Nao suggested they take Yuri’s car instead of each one taking theirs.
“Are you sure you don’t mind taking us Yuri-chan?” Ren queried.
“Yes, it’s no problem. Also mine’s easier to take than yours… its less showy, ne?” she teased while turning the key “We don’t want anybody to think the car belongs to a Yakuza, ne?” She grinned
“It’s not a Mercedes nyan! And its red!” he chided looking at her.
“But it’s huge nonetheless!” Nao chirped from the back seat. Ren started mock fighting with Nao as they departed. They both knew Ren bore an intense love for his car, and the teasing he got over it was a sore spot on the Neko’s heart.
“They seem nice” Yuri added softly while they grappled. They stopped when her comment registered.
“Who are?” asked Nao confused.
“Those girls working the merger transition phase, they are, you know, nice. I hope they leave them on permanently. They appear to know their stuff.” She let the matter drop delicately as they stopped for a light.
“That reminds me, Ren. What’s with you and the tallest one?” he put his hand on the koneko’s shoulder, trying to make him look in his direction to no avail.
“What are you talking about, Nao? Hey, Yuri, the light changed already, Nya! You planning on staying here or what, hum? Nyan?” he told her distractedly as a horn from behind honked impatiently for them to get a move on.
“You know which one I’m talking about, Ren; the tall one, sweetly staring at you the whole time. The girl with the dark red shades, the one you were eyeing like you expected her to pull a gun on you or something. You know her?” He insisted seriously.
“I don’t know what you mean, nya! I wasn’t looking at anybody and I didn’t see anyone in particular staring at me either, nya. They were all strangers to me. Why?” Ren replied unconcernedly
“I don’t know, but it seemed to me she was certainly looking in your direction for two hours solid. Do you think she could be a hidden fan of yours? It certainly seemed that way today.” He quickly countered.
“I didn’t notice so I wouldn’t know” Ren mumbled from his seat.
“But-” Nao tried again
“I said no! I don’t know her, her friends or why her nose is so swollen! I don’t have an idea of why she was staring a hole in my head or why would she want to kill me! Understand?” He snarled unexpectedly.
“Whoa! Easy there, Ren-chan! It was just a comment; you know, no need to bite his head off! Its nothing to get upset over!” Yuri intervened softly.
“Well, if you insist you don’t know each other, then that means you really don’t have an idea of what happened to her face, do you? What do you think Yuri? Maybe she has a birth defect or something. It would be a shame though, she seems pretty.” joked Nao still looking intently at Ren who was currently slouching unconcernedly on the front seat looking out the window. He pressed on.
“I know! Let’s ask her! She could tell us what happened!” Nao reasoned brilliantly. Ren jerked up as if stricken, twisted around with a furious expression marring his face. He stopped sharply, blinked, opened his mouth, closed it and turned reclining back on his seat apparently holding his peace for the time being.
“It’s a reasonable question, right Yuri? I’m dying to know what happened to her. They haven’t been that long in Japan and I want to know them better. I’m curious, aren’t you Ren?” he queried peculiarly
“I hadn’t realized there was something wrong with her face. Is that why she was using shades inside the Studio? I just thought she was stuck up.” Yuri looked intrigued and Ren was visibly pissed.
“Was the white thing a pimple or poorly applied makeup? What do you think it was, Yuri-san?” Nao mocked Ren mutely.
“A pimple? Is that what the white thing was? No way! That had to be poorly applied makeup, a band-aid or a cut I don’t know! ” Replied Yuri with repulsed wonder.
“Are you daft? The white thing was neither pimple nor makeup! That is nasal tape! The kind people use when they have a broken nose!” Ren bellowed bristling with indignation from his side of the car.
“How would you know that, Ren? Have you been breaking noses recently?” queried Nao softly as Ren blanched and looked away.
“Interesting how swift you clam up, ne Neko-chan?” Nao replied whispering near Ren’s ear, too softly for Yuri to hear.
“I don’t know, Nao-kun. I just don’t think you should mention it to her.” He added with an air of feigned indifference.
“Yes, he’s right, Nao-kun. Even though we want to know, it still wouldn’t be polite. Let’s not offend anyone with our curiosity. Remember, last time you opened your mouth the producer was so angry he almost pulled the plug on us.” Yuri cautioned.
“Hear, hear Nao! Let’s just forget about the whole nose tape incident and enjoy a free-by when the higher ups deem it solid sense spending on us!” he retorted fiercely. “Let’s all get roaring drunk! Anthill Records is paying the rounds!” hollered Ren, half his body hanging out of the window.
“Ren-chan, get back in! Ren-chan! Nao-chan! Make him get back in! Nao-chan, please do something!” Yuri yipped nervously as she continued driving towards Shibuya.
There! Remember to leave any comments or suggestions, OK?
This is Chapter 5: Neutered Cats and Singing Birds http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/9593.html
This is Chapter 4: Strays and Broken Noses
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/8619.html
This is Chapter 3: A Sexy Witch Hunt
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/7776.html
This is chapter 2: A Study in Make Believe
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/5282.html
This is chapter 1: Music and Beer
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/3026.html
A little something extra taken from kaighn
Disclaimers:
I don't own anybody. Only my characters and the storyline for this fanfic. Obviously if I could own a real person, Ren would be all MINE!!!Nyaaaaa!!!!! chuu!!!
Chapter 6: Rehearsal Blues
The insistent crying of a hungry baby woke him up the next morning. Groggily, he stood back stiff from his makeshift bed. Yawning, he stumbled into the bathroom absently scratching his chest. His mind awakened gradually, still refusing to let go of the dreams visited upon him. The garish colors of a half remembered dream stuck to him as he performed his ablutions, getting ready for the day.
When he came out of the bathroom, feeling refreshed, he realized the still crying baby was indeed Yami, looking forlorn and cold, doing his best to scratch a hole into the glass pane. A pang of guilt stabbed his mind as he observed him silently.
‘Poor Yi-chan! It’s not his fault he is such a free spirit, ne! So many females, so little time, I would be the same, I suppose…’ he trailed silently as he went and opened the door for his belligerent cat. Silent and swift Yami entered as soon as the door opened, a sinuous shadow intent only on his plan of eating then finding a nice, sunny spot in which to snooze until it was time to leave again. His master was not forgiven yet, but he had to keep his priorities straight. It wouldn’t mean anything but a skipped meal if he retaliated just now. Revenge was a dish best served cold and on a full stomach.
“It serves you right, nyan!” Ren couldn’t help adding, “Hope your balls fell off!” Yami glared at him over his shoulder, golden eyes full of reproach as he slid to his plate. Ren followed at a sedate pace, smiling at the audacity and cuteness of his own cat.
“Nya, nya! There you go, sir. Hahaa!” He exclaimed with mock respect, bowing while sitting formally, cat food bag resting on his lap as he offered it for inspection. Yami mewed imperiously; ready to be served but still Ren hedged. He continued with his monologue, voice full of meekness and servitude, all the while eyeing his cat with insolence.
“I put out a fresh plate for you, sir. There is water available today, sir -With or without soda- or maybe Yami-sama would prefer sake, nya? Anything to please you sir!” He made as if to serve him, changing his mind halfway there, making his cat salivate expectantly.
“How remiss of me, sir. Possibly you don’t want dry kibble today, sir. Gomen nasai, exalted sir!” he bowed again fighting to contain the laughter that threatened to burst from his chest. “Maybe I could interest you in a vintage can of unopened Happy Cat food? It has chicken liver as its main ingredient…” He fixed a vacant smile on his face, while Yami started to knead the floor impatiently.
‘Chicken liver! That’s rich! Yami hates it! Obviously!’ He was waging a loosing battle trying to keep a straight face while teasing his famished and grumpy cat. He started giggling as he served him dry food, spilling a few pieces on his kitchen floor. ‘Another of Yami’s pet peeves! Spilled food! He’s too fastidious to eat it from the floor! Ren, you’re in for it now! Better hide your clothes!’ He started convulsing with repressed laughter as he put the cat food away.
Yami threw him a dirty look, half closing his eyes as if deciding where to sink his claws to produce optimum screams without too much exertion.
“Nyaaa!! Don’t look at me like that! Sushi-breath! Nya… fffttt!” Ren growled, eyes half closed as he hit the cat softly between his ears.
Insulted, Yami twisted away from his human while he flicked his tail and closed his eyes. He growled warningly as he concentrated on feeding. Ren was so amused he wanted to make amends but knew better than to pet his cat when he was in such a snit.
‘It's not a good idea for hands or fingers, nya. Not healthy at all.’ He winced, a pained expression on his face as he remembered the last time he’d made that particular mistake and got up quickly. He could still feel Yami’s claws embedded deeply in his flesh. ‘I couldn’t practice for almost a week. Baka neko!’
He ran a hand over his tousled hair as he straightened and stretched. He thought about what to wear when he carelessly glanced over at his kitchen clock.
“What! Nya? Nyaaaaaaa!!! That can’t be the time! 11:00 am already, shit! Yami! Nya! Why didn’t you say anything, nyan!?” He ran around mewing frantically, searching fruitlessly for clothes to put on, trying on whatever fell on his hand. He ended putting his socks and shoes before his pants, and sprawled on the hardwood floor. He cursed fluently as he scrambled deciding he needed wider pants, he had no time for this.
“Yami, you selfish cat! Why didn’t you wake me up sooner, nya! Why didn’t the phone ring? Yami, where is my cell phone?” He cried then paused, recalling last night’s actions. He was so frustrated he could kick himself. He threw a used shirt against the wall and then went to the hallway to search for another cleaner one. He settled for a chunky burgundy sweater, big enough to fit somebody twice as big as him.
“Hell! Even if that wasn’t available, there are other things…! Yami could have woken me up earlier, nyan, nya, nyan! Why didn’t you, ne? Ingrate! You couldn’t wake me up this morning and you couldn’t take the time to free me from the bird last night either, eh! As always too busy chasing skirts to help your poor master, nya!” he argued while he dressed, having chosen a red-checkered button shirt. Yami stared reproachfully from him to the door, bringing to mind with a tail flicker, the fact that his owner had dared to leave him outside; it would serve him best not to get there if he didn’t want another accident with his laundry. With a final glare, Yami resumed eating.
“Yami! Do something! Don’t just stay there eating!” Yami ignored him, chewing thoughtfully, well used to his master’s ranting and raving. It usually meant he was late for whatever he did when he was away from the Home. Yami purred as he ate his master running around like a headless bird. There was no need to hurry, whatever he needed to do out there couldn’t be more important than feeding him. So whoever they were, they could very well wait! Served him right, maybe next time he’ll think before messing around with the kuroneko! Whatever that meant. He ended his meal indifferently as his master continued his frenzied babbling.
“Anyway, where is the Neighboring Maria Callas, nyan? Every morning, she screeches mercilessly for my personal enjoyment and edification! Where was she? Or the Landlady, why hadn’t she called, asking for a cup of sugar like so many other times? Nyaaa! I wouldn’t have sacked her like the last time! I don’t understand! I’m a good Japanese citizen, I pay my taxes and I am quite through with my responsibilities! Now Yuri and Nao are going to kill me!” he bemoaned his fate as he struggled to fit his belt thru the loops of his dark brown cargo pants and simultaneously put on his leather wrist bands. He still had to comb his hair, and he had no time!
“Anybody could have woken me up! I refuse to take all the blame! It’s not my fault everybody and his brother decided to drive me crazy yesterday, nya! Why me? Kami-sama, I’m so late!” Frantically he picked up his bass and stored it in its case, fishing around for his cell phone, and his wallet.
He was due at the studio at 9 am sharp and he was more than 2 hours late! Nao and Yuri were so going to have his hide!! He hurried along with a cup of instant coffee, his bass case, musical score and cell phone cradled close to his chest.
“The bird! I forgot to let the bird out, nya! My poor room” he screeched, grinding to a halt, already seeing with his mind’s eye the mess the bird would leave in his bed out of spite,
“I can’t let that happen, maybe if I let Yami in, nya? Nah! I can’t do that!” He grabbed his head between his hands, tearing at his already messy hair. “Nnnnyyyaaaa!! Damn conscience! ... Lucky bird!” He grumbled, set everything on the floor, went to the kitchen, then detoured to his room and -amid a flurry of feathers- left it a few mashed crackers on top of his dresser as food. When he opened the door to leave his room, Yami was waiting patiently. All traces of unconcerned carefree ennui were gone in a blink, magically replaced by ruthless predatory terrorism.
All of a sudden, Ren found himself dealing with an untamed predator fresh out of the savannah, not a female-loving, sedentary cat. He stood his ground against the killer, becoming an unwilling feathered defender. Feeling more like a lion tamer at the circus than a tardy bassist, he gently toed his suddenly transformed cat.
‘It seems rather pointless actually, but I guess a guest is a guest, even
uninvited Gackt-loving birds. So that means he can’t become kitty snack either, nyyya!’ He let out a panicked howl when he felt Yami’s knife-sharp claws sink into his pant leg in a failed attempt to leap over him. Images of a leg climbing, crotch-scratching cat assaulted his mind as he fought for his virility, extricating himself from his clinging Velcro cat before further damage could be done.
“Ow! Stop climbing up my leg! Yami. I love cats but not that much. You wouldn’t love me either if I did that to you!” he got a good grip on his slippery cat and pulled, hard.
“No bird for you, kuroneko-chan! Sorry Yami! No can do!” He muttered as he firmly closed the door behind him, dropped his hysterical cat in the living room couch and picked up his belongings once again.
“We’ll see about your sex change when I return tonight, ne? In the mean time, meditate in your behavior, nya nyan?” He paused at the threshold, “Oh! Before I forget! No bird snacking allowed, nyan! Touching a feather of that Gackt-loving menace would mean a round trip to the vet to become your alter ego: the wig-wearing, makeup-using, de-clawed Pussy Yami. It’d be a shame having to change your name, don’t you think? Although Buttercup sounds real nice, ne!” Hearing that, Yami hissed wholeheartedly.
Grinning evilly, Ren hissed at him as he shut the door with his foot.
He arrived later than he’d previously estimated because there was a pile-up on the main highway artery he normally used to get to the Studio.
By the time he arrived -out of breath and running- it was 2 pm already and the smoke coming out of Yuri’s ears was visible even from outside..
“You are late, Ren-san! Really late!” she fumed angrily.
“Nya! There was an accident on the highway! I’m sorry, Yuri-san, Nao-san, it won’t happen again!” he tried lamely, wheezing from his race down the parking lot.
“Couldn’t you at least call?” she queried pointedly.
He stared and winced ‘Damn! It never occurred to me to do so, sheez!’ He was starting to get pissed at himself.
“Ren-san, don’t you have a reasonable explanation for this? You know how important it is to stick to our schedule. You knew that today we’d planned to finish Temptation!” She waited, hands on her hips, for a response that wasn’t coming. He floundered like a fish out of the water glancing at Nao, who stood silently to the side, for inspiration.
“I had… I mean… I couldn’t… Oh, hell! You are right I should have called. There’s no excuse. I am sorry, nya?” he finished lamely, his eyes begging for a reprieve.
‘I’m sorry Yu-chan! Maybe If I told you about bad news, make believe, breaking a female cat’s nose, being harassed by a Gackt-loving bird, a flaunting Tom Cat, a neko-loving rabbit and a blond grasshopper, you’d understand why I am so late today. But I’d better not risk it or you’d have me committed once and for all!’ She tapped her foot impatiently her arms crossed still waiting. He shrugged helplessly, unable to think of a reasonable excuse to give her.
“Ne! Yuri-san, give the neko a rest! He’s here, right? Let’s start at once! I’m sure he practiced until very late last night so he has his bass-line all thought up and ready! Come on!” Nao continued bracingly.
Mouth held angrily open, she snapped it shut and moved off in a sulk, stomping down the hallway to the recording room. Ren gave him a grateful look as he strained under the weight of his bass case amidst the sweltering heat inside the building..
“Think nothing of it, koneko-chan! You’d do the same for me! Whenever you are ready to talk you will, so let’s go in and make cool sounding music!” He sauntered in Yuri’s direction. Against his will, he felt relieved that she wouldn’t give him another earful. He didn’t think he was up to the task of grinning and bearing it without blowing something.
Two hours later, they were already falling into their musical mirage when a polite cough interrupted their rehearsal.
“Ne, Yuri-san, Ren-san, Nao-san... Gomen nasai! But we need you outside at your earliest convenience. We have some very important visitors that would love to meet you. Thanks!” The intercom went dead curtailing any opportunity to question their interloper or finishing anything else. With a resigned sigh they all stored their instruments and settled to leave.
“What? But we are in the middle of recording! What’s the matter, man! I hate it when they do that! Damn it! And we were already on a roll! Nao-san, do you at least know what this is all about? Nya?” Ren queried very annoyed but intrigued nonetheless.
“Don’t you remember the talk we had with Makoto-san, our manager, regarding a merger? You know, the one where our label gets taken over by rabid gaijin executives anxious for a cut on the Asian market and poor little us get royally screwed up the ass? Remember now?” He asked cynically
“Possibly. Something of the sort comes to mind, yes” he retorted seriously. He considered for a few seconds, inhaled then exhaled rapidly while standing.
“Oh, the tragedy! I had so hoped my first time would be an affair of the heart, not of the bank! I’m crushed!” both his band mates looked up, confusion written clearly on their faces. Ren snickered.
“Nao, do me a favor, nya? Think you could be my first? We’ve known each other for quite a long time, I suppose I wouldn’t mind if it was you, nya…” He glanced a Nao hopefully calling forth his cutest expression.
“Ie, koneko-chan! Call Chacha, or Masa… hell! Even Toshi, You or Ryuichi would do you in a heartbeat! I’m sure any one of them would be more than willing to help a cat in need!”
“That would be tantamount of incest! Why! Nao-kun, they are my brothers! I never thought you had it in you to suggest such a thing! I’m surprised it didn’t occur to me first! But, alas! They are too far away for the purpose at hand! I can’t let those big, bad Gaijin access to my virginal little ass without taking care of the virginal part first!” Ren grinned; voice full of innuendo as Nao fell on the floor clutching his stomach, tears streaming down his face while breathlessly making a negative movement with his head.
‘One down, one to go!’ he thought as his attention diverted to Yuri who sat placidly as if waiting for her turn.
“Yuri-san! I know I was a bad koneko today but please forgive me and lend me your aid!” He begged dramatically, kneeling in front of her.
“How, Ren-chan? I find myself lacking the necessary equipment for such a feat, Hentai neko!” she drawled while arching a brow.
“Ah! There you are wrong, Yuri-san! There are many things a woman can do to possess a man. Nyan! I know I won’t mind it too much… because I’m sure you’d be gentle, ne?” He waggled his eyebrows, leering silently. She groaned and held her sides, trying to contain her guffaws.
“Well” he shrugged resignedly “do you think they at least brought lube with them, nya? Or am I supposed to just bend over and let them have their way with me? Nya! Nya! It can’t be! I’m just a defenseless koneko! I don’t kiss people on the first date, or the second or the third for that matter… No, no” he cried mockingly, fending off an invisible attacker “I’m a virgin, Nyan! Please be gentle!” He glanced over at Nao who laughing, was laying helplessly on the floor.
“I know what you are thinking, Nao! You pervert! GacktJob doesn’t count! My ass was grass but he chewed on it not used it for target practice! Anyway, let’s go outside, the Gods have descended to earth and are waiting for their sacrifice! Although what they want with two midgets and a lanky dog escape me, nyan!” He muttered tongue-in-cheek.
Their producer waited outside standing by Makoto Atsumano, their manager, sporting the dreaded “Predator” smile reserved solely for “special deals” or to tear people up. Ren grimaced watching it, feeling that somehow, he was to blame for its appearance, although for the life of him he couldn’t think why. There was a bunch of people just beside him, gaijin people judging by their rosy complexion and round eyes.
While the higher ups played their power games, he scanned absentmindedly thru the sea of unfamiliar faces until a flash of white called his attention. ‘A flash of white? Nani?’ something was not adding up. He tried to focus his gaze on the person standing behind the new Shasho and their entourage. They were all talking animatedly as the introductions were made. At last, the Shasho presented the people on the back, those that were in charge of making the merger transition as smooth as possible. They were the ones that would be in direct contact with the Japan’s side operations.
Ren couldn’t believe his eyes as the Main Branch’s CEO Representative introduced the personnel directly responsible for the merger transition.
“This is Samantha Gautier, Publicity and Marketing specialist,” He pointed to a light brown haired gaijin with cute legs and wide hips who smiled warmly at all of them.
“It’s nice to meet you! I’ve been anticipating this meeting for a long time!” she said with a smile, looking like she could hardly contain herself. Her eyes swept over the audience, trying to familiarize herself with their faces but when her eyes fell on him, she suddenly tensed, glancing nervously at someone standing to her right. His gaze followed hers and froze, like a deer caught in the cross hairs. The person beside her was the girl whose nose he’d broken almost a week ago!
“This is Valerie Perkins, Art Director and Producer consultant,” He indicated to the sandy blonde with the cute mole near her mouth and the big chest that stood to Sammie’s left. She was a definite beauty, with her golden skin tone and her foxy smile.
“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. I’m really looking forward to working with you!” she grinned, eyes full of enthusiasm. She rapidly caught on her companion’s tension and scanned the room discreetly searching for the reason, stopping on him and stiffening quickly.
“And this is Joyce Riverdale, our Public Relations specialist. Together they make one of the greatest creative teams on the Western side of the world. I’m sure their work will have us all on track soon.” He signaled a tall, reddish brown haired woman who was currently sporting dark red shades and staring daggers in his direction while touching her nose discreetly. On her face was the flash of white he’d seen: the nasal tape.
‘Is she the one I must closely work with? It figures, nya! She hates my guts! She’d sooner geld me than give me a chance to prove myself! Nyan, no way! This is crazy!’ he whined silently.
“How do you do today? Hope we can work together to reach our goals.” she replied politely, face a mask of indifference, while bowing to them. Ren looked surreptitiously around. He could feel his band mates’ approval at their attitude. Joyce’s voice sounded off even to Ren as he tried to make himself look smaller.
“And these fellows here are the supremely talented Lin Clover, the cream of our label!” Ren felt like he was an exhibit at the circus “This is Yuri, Lin Clover’s versatile vocalist, there is Nao, Lin Clover’s guitarist and that’s Ren, Clover’s experienced bassist. They are all professional musicians, recognized and respected in the field. They are our biggest name and they are growing every day, bubbling over like champagne!” He added genially, encompassing them all with a wide gesture.
‘Anytime now, she’ll start screaming her head off, because I am such a baka neko that I didn’t even call to ask for her health yesterday! And I meant to! Nya! Baka!’ He smiled hesitantly on her way. Irritation and animosity flowed from her in waves, making him edgy and tense. It showed on the way he held himself stiffly upon introductions.
The Shasho’s kept on talking with the aid of Joyce and Sammie who doubled as translators for their party. He couldn’t help his small gasp of horror when upon closer inspection, he realized the shades she sported were to cover the huge shiners that made her look like a panda even though she’d applied a thick covering of makeup. She looked up from where she was busily translating, her eyes growing smaller by the minute.
‘That’s it, I’m history!’ he swallowed hard as suddenly everybody looked questioningly in his direction upon following Joyce’s look.
Nao glanced at him from the corner of his eye and sensing his hesitation, started a conversation by rote, running interference as he’d done on countless occasions. His gaze connected with Ren’s for an instant as if
saying ‘You and I really have to talk after they leave, neko chan!’ Ren gulped guiltily, knowing that he was in for it.
“Let us all move to my office to continue this conversation, ne?” commented Makoto-san when noticing the technicians increased interest on the proceedings. A couple of hours later, the welcoming speeches were over, and the all-important contracts were discussed properly. Ren was on the verge of either tears or mass murder when his producer straightened and gestured grandly.
“Now ladies and gentlemen, I suggest we celebrate this auspicious merger over sake! And I think I know just the place! Ladies? Gentlemen?” He looked all around the place, gauging their reaction to his idea as he gestured for them to leave. All were open to it but two people: Riverdale-sama and Ren! Both had decidedly sick expressions on their faces,
‘Come to think of it, both are sitting in opposite directions from one another.’ Dismay shot through him. ‘They have to agree with each other! They are too important not to have a viable working relation! What should I do?’ He looked around to find Nao’s eyes on Ren while the latter smiled nervously and lowered his eyes. ‘I think I’ll allow Nao to fix it, maybe it will resolve itself, ne?’ and promptly forgot about Ren and Riverdale-sama’s trouble.
The higher-ups and the new transition team had already left in three separate cars since they didn’t know where anything was, but Lin Clover saw to their instruments and last minute details before leaving. They were all going to one of Shinjuku’s cozier little lounges when Nao suggested they take Yuri’s car instead of each one taking theirs.
“Are you sure you don’t mind taking us Yuri-chan?” Ren queried.
“Yes, it’s no problem. Also mine’s easier to take than yours… its less showy, ne?” she teased while turning the key “We don’t want anybody to think the car belongs to a Yakuza, ne?” She grinned
“It’s not a Mercedes nyan! And its red!” he chided looking at her.
“But it’s huge nonetheless!” Nao chirped from the back seat. Ren started mock fighting with Nao as they departed. They both knew Ren bore an intense love for his car, and the teasing he got over it was a sore spot on the Neko’s heart.
“They seem nice” Yuri added softly while they grappled. They stopped when her comment registered.
“Who are?” asked Nao confused.
“Those girls working the merger transition phase, they are, you know, nice. I hope they leave them on permanently. They appear to know their stuff.” She let the matter drop delicately as they stopped for a light.
“That reminds me, Ren. What’s with you and the tallest one?” he put his hand on the koneko’s shoulder, trying to make him look in his direction to no avail.
“What are you talking about, Nao? Hey, Yuri, the light changed already, Nya! You planning on staying here or what, hum? Nyan?” he told her distractedly as a horn from behind honked impatiently for them to get a move on.
“You know which one I’m talking about, Ren; the tall one, sweetly staring at you the whole time. The girl with the dark red shades, the one you were eyeing like you expected her to pull a gun on you or something. You know her?” He insisted seriously.
“I don’t know what you mean, nya! I wasn’t looking at anybody and I didn’t see anyone in particular staring at me either, nya. They were all strangers to me. Why?” Ren replied unconcernedly
“I don’t know, but it seemed to me she was certainly looking in your direction for two hours solid. Do you think she could be a hidden fan of yours? It certainly seemed that way today.” He quickly countered.
“I didn’t notice so I wouldn’t know” Ren mumbled from his seat.
“But-” Nao tried again
“I said no! I don’t know her, her friends or why her nose is so swollen! I don’t have an idea of why she was staring a hole in my head or why would she want to kill me! Understand?” He snarled unexpectedly.
“Whoa! Easy there, Ren-chan! It was just a comment; you know, no need to bite his head off! Its nothing to get upset over!” Yuri intervened softly.
“Well, if you insist you don’t know each other, then that means you really don’t have an idea of what happened to her face, do you? What do you think Yuri? Maybe she has a birth defect or something. It would be a shame though, she seems pretty.” joked Nao still looking intently at Ren who was currently slouching unconcernedly on the front seat looking out the window. He pressed on.
“I know! Let’s ask her! She could tell us what happened!” Nao reasoned brilliantly. Ren jerked up as if stricken, twisted around with a furious expression marring his face. He stopped sharply, blinked, opened his mouth, closed it and turned reclining back on his seat apparently holding his peace for the time being.
“It’s a reasonable question, right Yuri? I’m dying to know what happened to her. They haven’t been that long in Japan and I want to know them better. I’m curious, aren’t you Ren?” he queried peculiarly
“I hadn’t realized there was something wrong with her face. Is that why she was using shades inside the Studio? I just thought she was stuck up.” Yuri looked intrigued and Ren was visibly pissed.
“Was the white thing a pimple or poorly applied makeup? What do you think it was, Yuri-san?” Nao mocked Ren mutely.
“A pimple? Is that what the white thing was? No way! That had to be poorly applied makeup, a band-aid or a cut I don’t know! ” Replied Yuri with repulsed wonder.
“Are you daft? The white thing was neither pimple nor makeup! That is nasal tape! The kind people use when they have a broken nose!” Ren bellowed bristling with indignation from his side of the car.
“How would you know that, Ren? Have you been breaking noses recently?” queried Nao softly as Ren blanched and looked away.
“Interesting how swift you clam up, ne Neko-chan?” Nao replied whispering near Ren’s ear, too softly for Yuri to hear.
“I don’t know, Nao-kun. I just don’t think you should mention it to her.” He added with an air of feigned indifference.
“Yes, he’s right, Nao-kun. Even though we want to know, it still wouldn’t be polite. Let’s not offend anyone with our curiosity. Remember, last time you opened your mouth the producer was so angry he almost pulled the plug on us.” Yuri cautioned.
“Hear, hear Nao! Let’s just forget about the whole nose tape incident and enjoy a free-by when the higher ups deem it solid sense spending on us!” he retorted fiercely. “Let’s all get roaring drunk! Anthill Records is paying the rounds!” hollered Ren, half his body hanging out of the window.
“Ren-chan, get back in! Ren-chan! Nao-chan! Make him get back in! Nao-chan, please do something!” Yuri yipped nervously as she continued driving towards Shibuya.
There! Remember to leave any comments or suggestions, OK?
This is Chapter 5: Neutered Cats and Singing Birds http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/9593.html
This is Chapter 4: Strays and Broken Noses
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/8619.html
This is Chapter 3: A Sexy Witch Hunt
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/7776.html
This is chapter 2: A Study in Make Believe
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/5282.html
This is chapter 1: Music and Beer
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/3026.html
A little something extra taken from kaighn