Band 2
Star McTaverty - publicity executive for the Dove music label - and Kin 'Krash' Kudo - her opposite number at Revolution! Records - had gone past the polite and mildly-inebriated stage and were rapidly approaching the competitive stage in their weekly business liquid-lunch. Star swept an immaculately manicured hand through her soft and fluffy pink and white coiffeur and fixed Krash with deceptively demure, doe-like eyes.
"It's pointless arguing, sweetie. Our girls could knock your boys into a cocked hat any day of the week."
Krash frowned, his booze-baffled mind having difficulty with the phraseology for a moment before deciding he'd got the gist, the petite woman's actual meaning was unimportant. Heavy brows furrowed as he glared at her.
"Oh yeah? Says who?"
Star waved a hand negligently.
"Oh, it's obvious. Kawaii will win out over... noise any time."
"Prove it!"
And with that fateful challenge was unleashed a musical extravaganza the like of which the world had never seen.
Well, which Oedo had never seen, at any rate...
"It's a good idea, y'know."
Oliver Pagan - CEO of Revolution! Records - eyed his rival - William Monglane, head of Dove Entertainment - over the medium of the vid-con screen. William flicked back a lock of his long, silky blond hair and rested his chin on an elegant hand.
"Wonderful publicity, I agree."
"Let's do it."
"Now, just a minute old boy. There are a few things we need to take into consideration. Like who will actually win."
Pagan scowled.
"You're suggesting we... rig the results?"
William smiled, eyelids lowered.
"Come now. Rigging is such a harsh word to use."
Pagan smirked tightly.
"OK. You're suggesting we slant the upshot."
William sniffed affectedly.
"That's not a lot better."
"Don't mince words with me, Monglane. Save it for your boyfriends."
The foppishly dressed blond sighed.
"You can be so coarse." He leaned forwards, blue eyes suddenly hardening. "This could be good for both of us. And our product, of course. But it needs careful handling."
"What do you suggest?"
Thin pink lips creased in a roguish smile...
Six am and Hasegawa was already at his desk: Okyo was under it, head buried in his groin as he tried, with only minimal success, to focus on his terminal as the company newscast scrolled up. Then he froze as a forthcoming event was announced.
What the fuck had they come up with now?
He winced, momentarily distracted as Okyo nipped him, then tapped her on the top of the head.
"Could we resume this later?"
She peered up at him, pouting.
"Aww, boss... just as I was beginning to enjoy myself..."
He scowled, and she sighed and crawled out from between his legs, pulling herself to her feet and slouching against the desk.
"I'll go.... type something then, shall I?"
"You do that..."
As the door slammed ...how did she manage to do that? The doors in this place were automatic, sliding closed silently... he requested a line to his own boss. Seconds later the heavily bearded face of Gerald 'Chuck' Bonner appeared on the screen, wreathed in his habitual cigar smoke.
"Yo, wassup?"
Hasegawa sighed silently, wondering how long he had to put up with the EO's attempts to sound hip this time.
"Hi, Chuck."
"Juzo, m'man! How they hangin'?"
Same as yours but a bit lower and larger... He quashed the thought.
"Fine, Chuck, just fine. What this latest competition thing from the big boss?"
"Oedo Mega-Battle of the Bands. Sounds great, dunnit?"
Hasegawa stared at his boss.
"Are you serious? You want some sort of... of... play off between my boys and those... bleating school-girls?"
"Yup." Chuck looked smug. It was just as well he was in a different building: Hasegawa wanted to rip his lips off.
"You have got to be fucking joking!"
Chuck leered.
"Why? Don't think your boys are up to the challenge?"
Hasegawa growled, teeth bared.
"Fuck you. They'd be too much for those pretentious Sailor Moon rip-offs, scare their floppy oversized socks off!"
Chuck chuckled loudly.
"Conceding defeat, then?"
Hasegawa bit back what he wanted to say and glowered at the grinning face on the screen.
"I'll have to speak with my boys."
"You do that. Tell them it's their arses if they refuse..."
"Why can't I have a boyfriend, Miss Gina?" the pretty little female wrinkled her pretty little nub of a nose. "I'm not a child anymore."
Oh, here we go. Gina Cullen sighed to herself then smiled benevolently at the girl.
"You're far too busy, Sakura-chan. You have no time for a boyfriend."
"You have a boyfriend," this from Rei, the 'thoughtful' member of Aisu Kurimu. "Why can't Sakura?"
Gina frowned.
"I don't have a boyfriend."
Rei quirked a fine, black eyebrow.
"Adam."
Gina smiled and dismissed the idea with a toss of her head.
"Adam's not my boyfriend." No, Adam was her assistant. A bit of dimbo (devastatingly inviting male, brains optional) but he made excellent coffee and understood his tongue was useful for more than just talking.
"Boyfriend or not you're still... intimate with him." Rei sniffed, turning back to the programme she and Chikako were watching. Gina suppressed her annoyance – she'd obviously have to be even more discreet with little miss big eyes keeping tabs. And speaking of big eyes...
Gina clasped Sakura's delicate hands and assumed her 'I'm not just your manager I'm your friend' expression.
"'kura-chan, it's not in your best interests to have a boyfriend at the moment."
"But, Miss Gina," the girl gazed imploringly out of wide, soft brown eyes. "I... I want..." She wriggled.
Gina lowered her voice.
"Have you been using the things I gave you?"
"Yes. But..." Sakura blushed and dropped her eyes to the floor. "It's not enough..."
Gina sighed again. Perhaps, in retrospect, it hadn't been a good idea giving Sakura that dildo and 'instructional' movie. At the time it had seemed the best way to deal with the girl's burgeoning libido without wasting the commodity of her virginity, but it might have backfired. Gina Cullen had access to all aspects of her charges' lives – even if they didn't realise it – and she was aware of the sort of... equipment Sakura was secretly buying from the online sex-shops. At least the girl had the sense not to use her own name...
"Oh, Sakura," Gina allowed a heartfelt and wistful sigh to escape her lips, "Somewhere out there is the perfect boy for you. Do you really want to spoil that by not waiting for him?" Gina kept her expression contemplative while thinking that surely not even this little idiot would fall for the 'happy ever after' line? Sakura sighed deeply and pulled back her dainty shoulders.
"You're right, Miss Gina. I won't complain any more."
"Good girl." The manager smiled and kissed her forehead. "But no more chocolate!"
"What? Why?" Sakura squeaked.
Because I don't want you substituting food for the physical intimacy you think you're missing out on. Gina didn't say that, of course, instead she fell back on the time-honoured untruth that chocolate gave you spots, something the proudly smooth-skinned Sakura lived in horror of.
"I'll make you a deal, 'kura-chan: don't eat any chocolates or sweets for a week and I'll take you to your favourite restaurant. You can have anything you want."
"Anything?" the girl's beautiful treacle-coloured eyes glowed.
"Anything." Gina grinned in response.
"Okay!"
The manager patted the singer's hands indulgently then looked up and around.
"Where's Emi?" Gina frowned.
"Exercising." The other three girls chorused in varying degrees of amusement and scorn. Gina rolled her eyes; Emi, she was sure, was an undiagnosed hyper-kinetic. The red-head wouldn't – couldn't – keep still and as such she was perfectly suited to be the 'perky' member of the band. Her energy could be wearing though, and there were times – usually when Gina was snappy from lack of sleep, for whatever reason – when the urge to bind and gag the girl and throw her into a cupboard was an overwhelming temptation...
Gina glanced at her chronometer and tutted.
"Don't stay up too late, now, girls, we've got an early start for a big day tomorrow. I want you all looking your fresh and bright-eyed best for the cameras."
Scrunched in on herself on one of the comfortable couches, Chikako – the 'feisty' one – scowled from behind her glossy, chocolate coloured fringe.
"Ah, don't look like that." Gina admonished the sulking girl. "Smackdown-a-go-go is going to be a huge hit, and if this clip doesn't win some sort of award I'll be astonished!" Gina sighed inwardly: the ones that considered themselves to be 'real' artists were almost always the most difficult to handle. They had principles and things that got in the way of them seeing the big picture.
Chikako had written Smackdown as a tribute to the Oedo female wrestlers she worshipped and while, musically, it was a superb piece of melodic, lyrical writing, it wasn't Aisu Kurimu. Gina had given it to the band's 'music consultants' to fix. They'd doubled the tempo and tacked 'a-go-go' (a phrase no one really understood any more but which was traditionally associated with the cute and quirky) on to the title. The result was a fast, light, boppy little chart-topper that Chikako detested. She'd refused to sing on the track, which wasn't so much of a problem as Sakura's squeaky trill was better suited to the frenetic pace, but the brunette had also very nearly refused to have anything whatsoever to do with the song at all. Gina had taken the recalcitrant girl aside and promised that if she did as she was asked, willingly, then soon – a nicely indefinite phrase – Chikako could put together a solo album of her own works, performed the way she wanted. But not yet of course, Aisu Kurimu were going to be busy for at least the next year, which would incidentally give her ample time to write some new material, wouldn't it? Chikako had grouched and whined but finally given in before her manager had had to wave her contract at her - specifically the clauses that stated she had to do as she was told or be booted out of the band.
Gina bid her girls goodnight with a fond smile and a reminder to set their alarm calls for 6 a.m. - they needed time for a good breakfast before flying out to the isolated patch of near-wilderness chosen for the shoot – then left them to their own devices for the night.
Aisu Kurimu and their manager lived on an uppermost floor of one of Oedo's towering residential blocks. Gina had an apartment to herself while the girls lived together in another just across the hall. They each had their own rooms but had to share the kitchen, bathroom and living area. They also had to cook and clean for themselves and do their own laundry, disciplines Gina had instigated right from the start, believing it would help keep the young superstars grounded and stop them from getting precious. Once a week, schedule permitting, a famous media-chef gave the girls a cooking lesson, the recipes from which were published in their official weekly fan-publication. Not surprisingly this was Sakura's favourite activity and she threw herself whole-heartedly into it, but the other three also benefited from the lessons.
Gina had another valid though secret reason for fostering this sort of independence in her charges, namely that when Aisu Kurimu had outlived their commercial viability and were dropped from Dove Entertainment's catalogue the girls wouldn't find themselves thrust back into the real world with no idea how to cope with everyday situations. To that end Gina also made sure her girls knew how to budget their substantial allowances and took the time to go over their accrued living expenses with them. The company generally took care of all their bills but it was instructional for the girls to see where the money went. There was more to managing this successful girl-band than simply organising recording sessions: Gina frequently found herself playing the roles of elder sister, mother-substitute and teacher, none of which she begrudged, viewing her output of energy in this respect as a sort of recompense to the girls for ruthlessly manipulating them into a commercial product, put together purely to annoy her previous employer.
Gina Cullen had left Criminal Intent's management under something of a cloud. The official line had been that it was a mutual parting of the ways but in reality Juzo Hasegawa had told his personal assistant to 'get the fuck out' and find herself a job in an area more suited to her talents, as a shop-assistant, perhaps, or behind the counter of a fast-food restaurant. That'd hurt, that'd really hurt, but Gina had walked away from a job she loved amongst people she liked with her head held high and a steely determination to put the fucker in his place. Not smart enough for management? She'd show him! How dare he belittle her ideas! How dare he treat her like some sort of inferior secretary! How dare he relate the intimate details of their affair - well, to her it was an affair, to him it was just sex - to the other boys at Revolution! Records, making her out to be some brainless nympho and thereby scuttling any chance she had of being taken seriously! It'd made her blood boil then, as it did now, though the fact she was making far more money than Hasegawa (Gina had checked) went some way to soothing her pride.
Yes, Aisu Kurimu were a construct, formed from an idea Gina had had one dark and drunken night shortly after she'd been fired. It was a simple idea based on the assumption that sex sells, and that untapped, wholesome sex appealed to the masses and sold even faster. Four cute girls, four archetypes of budding sexuality: sweet, thoughtful, feisty and perky. Something for everyone - to lust over or to model themselves on to be lusted over. The merchandising tie-ins would be stupendous...
Someone at Dove Entertainment owed Gina a favour and so she'd shortly found herself auditioning hundreds of hopeful young girls for the label's newest product. It was an exhaustive process but the effort had garnered four attractive and malleable candidates who even had a little musical talent. Sakura, wide-eyed and sweet whose desire for sex unconsciously manifested itself as a wistful yearning that was very appealing; Rei, a serious, thoughtful girl who sang with passion; Chikako, the feisty fire-brand, her outspokenness an indirect challenge for someone to take her in hand; and Emi, perky and energetic, who sang a little but mostly provided 'rhythm', which generally meant banging on a tambourine or something as she bounced around the stage, those big tits of hers jouncing enthusiastically under her tight top. It was a perfect combination and Aisu Kurimu had flourished under Gina's micro-management of everything from costumes, to music, to the girls' official biographies.
Control freak - people said that like it was a bad thing...
It was late and she was quite tired but instead of going straight to bed Gina logged on to one of the band's numerous unofficial fansites to see if the next part of a particularly ripe, multi-chapter bit of fan-fiction silliness had been posted yet. Not that she was especially interested in the sort of fantasy nonsense some of the fans wrote but it didn't hurt to keep an eye on the content. To be honest some of what dribbled out of these people's imaginations was vaguely disturbing but every now and then she'd find an idea she could use – after suitable tweaking, of course. Wouldn't do to use someone else's idea in such a way that they could recognise it...
Gina rolled her eyes. Yes, hotstud69 had posted the next instalment, and what utter drivel it was. 'Sakura quivered in his manly embrace' indeed. The complete lack of life experience evinced by this writer's work was proof positive to Gina that he was either some pimply fourteen year old who had an unnatural relationship with his computer, or else some sad forty year old fuck who still lived at home with his mummy. Christ, didn't any of these people have lives?
The manager skimmed through the – thankfully – short chapter before quickly checking her email again. There was another tactfully phrased 'suggestion' from the merchandising department that Aisu Kurimu might consider putting their name to a brand of sanitary products... Gina scowled: she'd tried explaining to the thick-headed suits on the thirty-fifth floor that her girls were marketed as perfect goddesses. In their fans' minds they didn't piss, shit or menstruate, there was no way their manager was going to shatter that illusion by putting the girls' faces on something so... worldly mundane. But then again... Gina shuddered delicately, there was a certain sector of the fan-base that'd get a kick out of having an Aisu Kurimu Happy Brand tampon shoved up their nether regions whether they needed it or not. Perhaps an unofficial product could find its way onto the shelves?
Still pondering this, Gina strolled into her bedroom, kicking off her shoes and stretching before she noticed there was someone lounging in her wide, comfortable bed.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Adam's confident smile fell – as did the conspicuous bulge of his groin beneath the filmy cotton sheets.
Hands on hips, Gina glared at the blond as he slunk out of her bed stammering an apology. He really was getting too familiar, too forward, time to put a stop to that.
"When I want you I will call you." Gina growled. "Don't presume to know my mind."
Enormous blue eyes gazed at her in abject misery and Gina almost capitulated. Adam might be getting ideas above his station but he was a very adept fuck. The manager's lips thinned: no, if she didn't slap him down now it would be more difficult next time. Gina watched in scowling silence as the young man scrambled into his clothes and scuttled out of her room.
The manager sighed deeply. Stupid boy, you'd think he'd know the ropes by now...
Eyes half-closed in visceral delight, Gina sipped the excellent coffee Adam had handed her the moment she'd walked in the door. By god she needed it! They'd returned from a long day filming in the jungle only hours ago and and while it was fine for the girls to have a sleep-in she couldn't justify the luxury for herself. Gina had allowed herself three hours of unconsciousness before rousing and dragging herself in to the office. She'd been dimly surprised, and pleased, to find her PA there already. Adam must've had even less sleep: it was obvious he was trying extra hard to be helpful.
It had been a productive day, though, very productive. She was pleased with the footage they'd shot, so were the girls. Chikako had even cracked a smile once or twice while the cameras were rolling, enough so that she wouldn't be spending all of her screen time pouting. And Rei was ecstatic: she'd found a few minutes to record a message concerning the area for one of her pet environmental protection agencies. Something about an endangered rat and habitat loss - Gina hadn't been paying that much attention.
But now it was time to focus on the day's work. First things first - Gina began flicking through the electronic correspondence that had inevitably accumulated in her absence...
She read the item of mail on her screen for the third time, scowled then ordered her secretary to get Dove Entertainment's publicity executive on the phone right now.
"Hello, Gi – "
"What the hell have you done, Star?"
The woman tinkled a laugh.
"You got my email then?"
"Yes. I did." Gina fumed. "It is stated quite clearly in my contract that ANY decision regarding MY girls has to be discussed with ME first."
"It hasn't been finalised," Star said breezily, "I just put it to the boss and he liked the idea..."
"Which means it's as good as signed! You should have shown me the proposition before putting it to Monglane!"
"I'm sorry, Gina," Star McTaggerty oozed sincere apology: Gina didn't believe a word of it. "But I had to act on the idea immediately and you were on location with the girls, I couldn't reach you."
"Bullshit."
"No, it's true." The sincerity thickened, become the tiniest bit patronising. "Perhaps in future you could choose less exotic places with better reception?"
"Thank you soooo much for your advice, Star." Gina could do insincere sincerity as well as anyone. "I'll be sure to bear that in mind."
The publicity executive laughed again.
"Oh, Gina, you're so funny."
Gina ignored that.
"So how is this... event going to be organised?"
"No details as yet," Star trilled, "But I'll keep you in the loop! Bye, bye, Gina!" and she rang off before the girl band's manager could utter another word.
Gina replaced the 'phone with deliberate, exaggerated care, then in a burst of barely-contained irritation slapped a fragile porcelain vase off the corner of her desk and onto the floor.
Adam tore his gaze away from the pieces of shattered pottery littering the plush carpet.
"Miss Gina?" Wide blue eyes were startled beneath a pale blond fringe.
"Everything... is under control." Gina murmured half to herself, breathing deeply and evenly. "Adam..." the young man's poorly disguised wariness was a balm to her frayed temper. "Get in contact with that excuse for a personal assistant Hasegawa employs and arrange a lunchtime meeting today for him and myself. Don't take no for an answer."
Oh god, no...
Gina's confident stride didn't falter as she followed the neat-arsed waiter in to the restaurant. Her expression didn't change nor could any emotion other than poorly veiled contempt be read in her dark eyes when she caught sight of Criminal Intent's manager lounging at the secluded table. Outwardly Gina was all cool competence; inwardly however, well that was another story. It'd been over two years since she'd last seen Juzo Hasegawa but if the heat pooling in her groin was any indication she still, apparently, had a thing for the arrogant prick. Gina groaned inwardly while bestowing an icy smile on her nemesis. A thing for him? Dammit, she wanted him, she still wanted him even after the appalling way he'd treated her. Bastard. She dismissed the waiter with a flicked glance then still standing half-smiled down at Hasegawa.
"Juzo."
"Gina."
She remembered that dark rumble in his voice, it still made her guts quiver. Gina ignored her body's plaintive urgings and settled herself at the table, sparing a fleeting look for the barely-dressed little slut at Hasegawa's side. That was his PA? Did she use her uncanny secretarial powers for good, Gina wondered acidly.
"As lovely as it is to see you again, Gina," he managed to sound smug and condescending at the same time, "I presume there's a reason you called this meeting?"
"It's not a 'meeting', Juzo," Gina's smile was tight. "Merely an exchange of... information."
"Information?" he leant back in his chair and regarded her with bright, dark eyes. Gina refused to blush, or stammer or do anything remotely girly - especially not with madam 'look! I've got tits!' watching her every move. She widened her eyes in syrupy concern.
"You mean your company hasn't seen fit to tell you what they've got planned for your boys?"
Hasegawa quirked a heavy eyebrow.
"Oh that. I thought you meant recent information."
Prick.
"Yes, that." Gina didn't let her smile drop: if there was one sure-fire way to get something from Hasegawa it was to stroke his... ego. "You'll have been consulted at every stage, of course. Given your importance to the organisation."
"And you weren't?"
The slight pause before he answered, and the smidge of irritation she detected in his tone spoke volumes to the woman. This had been sprung on him as well, and he was not impressed.
"This isn't going to be a fair contest, you realise?"
"Of course not." Hasegawa quickly recovered his smugness. "I mean, my boys against your girls?"
"I mean," Gina with difficulty didn't rise to the bait, "Monglane and Pagan will have already decided who's going to win."
Juzo made no reply but his counterpart could see the calculating gleam in his eyes. She glanced sideways at her PA.
"Adam, could you check with the office and see if the Wreith file has turned up?"
The blond inclined his head, stood smartly and left.
Hasegawa smirked.
"Does he always scurry to carry out your commands?"
"Every one." Gina's smile was sultry and self-satisfied and aimed squarely at her former employer. Juzo grunted, then looked at his own PA, jerking his chin towards the door. The woman's eyes narrowed fractionally then she stood.
"I'll go type something then, shall I?" She stalked off, pencil thin heels making her arse sway eye-catchingly.
Gina almost grinned: any huffier and the tart'd burst her corset. Hasegawa's craggy face was unreadable.
"Very well, Gina, you obviously have something to say."
She did grin then, leaning towards him and lowering her voice.
"I do. I believe there's a way we can shove it up both Pagan and Monglane while gaining loads of publicity, and profits, for our products."
Hasegawa's lips quirked into a half-smile.
"I'm listening..."
"So whaddya think?"
Sengoku had prowled into the lounge of their shared apartment and posed in front of the bar, arms wide. The drummer dragged his attention away from his monitor screen for a couple of seconds, nodded, growled "nice..." in an absent sort of way then swung his gaze back to the viewer. Sengoku unhooked the whip from his belt and flicked it at Goggles - missing and sending the drummer's can of beer flying across the room instead. The big man sighed and grabbed another from under the sofa, cracking it and taking a long swallow.
"OK, you look gorgeous. Though I don't think Benten'll let you ride him, not with those spurs. Now leave me in peace."
The singer scowled, then preened, glancing at himself in the mirror that covered one entire wall. He had to admit he rather liked the costume; tight red leather thong, fringed black leather chaps on a low-slung heavy silver belt, a tiny cropped waistcoat-come-harness with silver-bordered peepholes that showed his nipples, and black leather boots with large, sharp silver spurs. And the wide-brimmed black leather Stetson, of course, mustn't forget that. He'd wanted an old-fashioned six-shooter as well, but Hasegawa had refused, thinking - not unreasonably - that giving Sengoku a gun was probably not a good idea...
He gave one last tweak to the waistcoat and sauntered over to the sofa, jumping over the back and coming to rest beside Goggles, the spurs slicing a deep cut in the red leather seat.
"Whaddya watchin'?"
Goggles swivelled the monitor slightly so the singer could see...
... Benten groaning as Daicha curled her hips and sank down again, impaling herself deeply on his cock. His wrists were tied to the bars of the headboard, his ankles to the elegantly coiled metal poles at the bottom corners; wholly at her mercy, he arched his back as she tugged on the rings through his nipples...
Sengoku stared, open mouthed, then growled.
"That fuckin' bitch!"
Goggles gave him an amused grin.
"You talkin' about Benten or the girl?"
With another inarticulate growl Sengoku pulled himself upright and marched over to the door to the albino's room, kicking it when he found it locked.
"Won't do any good. He's not in. Gone shopping. That was last night's recording."
Last night Sengoku had been with Helena, at her apartment. Not that that made any difference. He scowled suspiciously at the drummer.
"How'd you get it?"
Goggles shrugged.
"I was bored one afternoon a couple months ago. Wired up cameras in your bedrooms..."
"OUR bedrooms?! You mean you've been recording me too?"
"Yeah." Goggles smirked. "You could do with some tips on technique!"
If Goggles had been just a little smaller, Sengoku would have hit him. As it was he slapped the back of the drummer's head.
"You fuckin' bastard!"
The big man looked insufferably smug.
"Yeah, I know."
Nevertheless Sengoku's eyes were riveted to the screen, and his thong appeared suddenly far too small. Goggles cast a glance down to the singer's crotch.
"S'that for him or her?"
"Don't ask fuckin' stupid questions!"
"Him then."
Sengoku punched him - but it lacked conviction...
Five minutes later Goggles looked up and frowned: there seemed to be some sort of disturbance nearby. Screams and shouts from the direction of the main entrance corridor, he thought... Seconds later the door swung open to admit Benten and two of the bodyguards Revolution! Records insisted accompany any of the band members when they left the safety of their apartment block. None of them particularly liked it - it did nothing for their tough-guy image - but had to confess sometimes it was necessary. They did everything they could to embarrass their guards at every possible opportunity, however - like now, when the pair of them staggered in under the weight of the bags and parcels with which Benten had lumbered them. And with consummate planning, the last shop the albino had visited had been his favourite lingerie emporium, where he'd bought a considerable variety of female underwear and had it parcelled up in the store's own packaging. Mutley and Ripper (not their real names; proper bodyguards didn't answer to Tarquin and Miles) were subjected to the indignity of following Benten with bright pink and fluffy advertising bags dangling from their wrists...
With an imperious gesture Benten indicated where the two well-muscled, leather-clad and very grumpy guards could dump the shopping then dismissed them with a wave of an elegant hand. Sengoku glared up at him from his wide-legged sprawl on the sofa and took another swig from his beer can.
"Enjoy your shopping trip, dear?" he sneered. Benten smiled beatifically.
"Yes, thank you." He pulled the crimson boa from around his neck and draped it over Goggles, who absently brushed it away. "Did you miss me?"
"You wish."
"Actually, no, I don't." He glanced at the bodyguards still standing guard over the pile of parcels and bags. "Get yourselves something to drink, boys. Then you can go - unless one of you two want them?" He inclined his head to his fellow band-members. Both shook their heads and the albino turned back to Mutley and Ripper. "Your services aren't required at the moment."
As the pair grabbed themselves a bottle of whisky from behind the bar, Benten draped himself over the back of the sofa and peered at the monitor, one white eyebrow rising as he saw what they were watching. He smirked at Sengoku.
"I trust you're paying close attention - you might learn something."
The singer swore loudly and swung himself to his feet.
"From you? Not a chance!"
Benten's eyes dropped to Sengoku's groin.
"Really..." His eyes widened. "What are you wearing?"
Goggles looked over his shoulder and grinned.
"It's his new stage outfit. He wants you to dress up as the cow."
Sengoku smirked as Benten's jaw dropped, then the singer patted his shoulder.
"Nah. You'd make a better horse. With one of those horse-tail butt-plugs up your arse..."
Benten slapped his face. For someone so slim and seemingly delicate, he could hit surprisingly hard.
Hasegawa's face appeared on the comm just in time to prevent a fight.
"Stop that. Now. I don't want any of you damaged." Somewhat reluctantly, Sengoku let Benten go, and the glaring albino took several steps away from the singer's half naked body. Hasegawa nodded. "Right. Get yourselves dressed - we've got a meeting. A private meeting, so don't mention it to anyone."
"Fuck that. I got a date tonight."
Hasegawa fixed the singer with a steely-eyed stare.
"This is your arse on the line. All of you. But you should be back in time for your date." He eyed Sengoku's form. "Much as I like the gear, you'd better wear something a bit less eye-catching. And warmer. The boys'll collect you at five. Take the rear entrance - I don't want you followed."
As he faded out, Goggles turned to his colleagues.
"Wonder what that's all about?"
Benten shook his head.
"I dread to think."
Sengoku reached forward and tugged at the albino's nipple rings, clearly visible under the skin-tight white lycra catsuit: Benten winced and glared at the singer.
"We'll find out in a couple of hours..."
It was early evening and Aisu Kurimu were incognito, travelling across Oedo in an understated - though still luxurious - 'car. At Gina's urging, all four of the band members had dressed as 'run of the mill' as they could manage with none of their kawaii trademarks.
Emi, predictably, fidgeted the entire journey. So did Sakura though that was more from excitement than a pathological inability to sit still.
"Please, Miss Gina, can't you tell us where we're going?"
"No, 'kura-chan," the manager repeated patiently, "it's a secret."
"But why is it a secret?" Wide dark golden eyes entreated her.
"You'll see when we get there." Gina ground her teeth together, thoroughly fed up with the circular reasoning but saved from snapping at the aggravating creature by Chikako getting in first.
"Just shut up, Sakura! For once can you not behave like a whiny six-year old?"
"That's enough, Chikako!" Gina reprimanded the singer sharply. "It is important today - very important - that we all be friends."
"Wh- ?" Sakura began then bit her lip. "I'm sorry, Miss Gina, I just like knowing what's happening..." she trailed off, heaving a tremulous sigh.
"I understand," Gina reached across and patted the girl's knee. She glanced first at Sakura, then all of the girls in turn. A deliberate, measured glance. "Do you trust me?" A chorus of affirmations. "Then please do as I ask. Where we're going is a secret. Who we're meeting is a secret. And what happens there must absolutely remain a secret. If word of this gets out then all our careers are in jeopardy." Four pairs of eyes widened in alarm. "There's nothing to worry about if you do precisely as I ask. Understand?"
The girls nodded, all very solemn and their manager bestowed an indulgent smile on them. She glanced out of the 'car's window then looked back at her charges.
"We'll be there in a moment. Remember, ladies, dignity, always dignity."
"Oh my god they're Criminal Intent!"
Gina sighed at the strangled whisper coming from behind her - Rei, she thought - then straightened her shoulders, shook back her hair, and strode forwards in to the anonymous hotel room.
"Gina!" She was immediately engulfed in a crushing hug. "Long time, babe."
"Sure is, Goggles." She stood on tip-toe, reaching up to kiss the big man's cheek. "Did you miss me?" That last was for Hasegawa's benefit.
"Did you miss us?" Sengoku smirked and held his arms wide. Gina slipped out of the drummer's embrace and into the singer's though she was markedly more reserved with this greeting. Sengoku had felt honour-bound to try it on while she'd been with Criminal Intent's management. Gina had been tempted, naturally, but as she'd been involved with Hasegawa at the time hadn't succumbed. A misplaced loyalty as it happened, but still, her conscience was clear. Besides, by refusing the - by his own admission - irrefusable singer, she'd kept him on his toes.
"You? Not at all." She frowned. "Good grief, is that a grey hair?"
"What?!" the brunette all but squeaked then scowled at her wicked grin. "Bitch."
"Insults and abuse. Just like old times..."
Gina smiled at the albino, planting a swift kiss on either side of his smooth face.
"Good to see you, Benten."
"You, also."
Of the three of them Gina liked Goggles the best but had the most respect for Benten. As for Sengoku? Well, there was nothing a well-placed kick couldn't fix.
"Can we get on with this?" Hasegawa growled from the couch. "I'm a busy man, Gina."
"Yes, of course you are." The unspoken 'dear' at the end of Gina's reply made her sound like she was humouring a child. Which was her intention of course. She turned and smiled at the girl-band's members clustered awed and breathless together just inside the door, beckoning them forward.
"Come and meet the lads."
"Yeah," Sengoku leered. "We won't bite. Hard."
Sakura blushed but Rei grinned widely. Gina cuffed Sengoku over the side of the head.
"I can still find a vet willing to do emergency neuterings."
Food and drink was ordered and everyone settled in for a couple of hours of intense brainstorming. Gina was pleased with the surge of creativity, it looked as if the seed of her idea had fallen on fertile ground. Chikako in particular was enthusiastic, grasping the challenge with both nimble hands, a genuine gleam of happiness in her eyes for the first time in far too long.
A couple of hours later they'd covered as much ground as they could in this first conference and the meeting began to wind down. Gina treated herself to a shot of an exceptionally fine whisky. She rarely drank alcohol in front of her girls but in this instance she thought she could make an exception. Benten sat beside her on the couch, long red-leather-clad legs tucked up elegantly beneath him.
"What was the real reason you left, Gina? Wasn't just that you were bored, was it?"
Gina quirked an eyebrow.
"That's what you were told? Heh..." she shrugged. "Your illustrious leader fired me. Didn't believe I had anything of any value to contribute. Didn't like me making suggestions."
"Ah..."
"Worked out all right though. If I'd stayed I'd probably still only be his PA, and not the manager of a wildly successful j-pop girl band."
Benten smirked.
"The sweetest revenges can be fiscal."
"You got that right, baby." Gina grinned maliciously. She flicked her gaze across the room where Sakura was hanging admiringly on Sengoku's every word. "Better go snatch my girl from the jaws of certain sex." she sighed.
The albino laughed.
"Who needs children?"
Gina threw him a rueful smile as she pushed herself off the couch.
"Sakura, girls. Time to go. We've got a full day tomorrow..."
Adam had waited with the 'car in the hotel's secure underground parking, amusing himself with a combination of computer games and paperwork by the look of it. Gina bustled the girls into the back then turned to her PA, eyeing him appraisingly. He really was rather sweet, and accommodating above and beyond his job description. Not that he wasn't financially compensated, but still...
"Adam," she lowered her voice, brushing her fingers over his forearm where he held the 'car door open. "I need you to work late tonight."
The young man blinked: that was the phrase his boss used when she wanted him in her bed, but given his recent faux pas he wasn't quite sure if that was what she meant, or if she really did want him to stay back and work work.
"Please."
Adam smiled, just a little and with something like relief. Okay, so he hadn't cocked up too badly and been permanently banned from Miss Gina's bedroom. Good; there were some aspects of his employment that were more enjoyable than others, he hadn't fancied being excluded from this particular one.
Gina watched understanding dawn, eventually, in her PA's blue eyes and patted his arm, turning it into a promising caress. Being in close physical proximity to her old boss for the past couple of hours had been more of a trial than she'd realised and at this point she was willing to forgive Adam his misdeeds rather than spend another lonely night trying to pleasure herself.
"Right, let's go home," she said brightly, climbing into the 'car. "Rei, you'll need to do a face-pack before you go to sleep..."
Goggles frowned towards Sengoku's door and turned the TV volume up to drown out the noise. Fuck it, couldn't the bastard enjoy himself quietly...?
Sengoku watched with a certain resignation as the two screaming women faced each other in the middle of the bedroom. Under most circumstances it would be flattering to be fought over, but all five times the three of them had been in the same place at the same time it had degenerated into a slanging match and he'd ended up unlaid and frustrated. He was beginning to wonder if perhaps he should call it a day, find someone else...
Sighing, he slid into the bed, pulling the duvet up over his head. With a bit of luck they'd fuck off and leave him in peace. To his surprise, a minute or so later he felt the bed shift slightly as Helena slid under the cover to his right, and Shoko to the left. He cautiously lifted the duvet from his face and peered out. Both women smiled at him.
"Think you can handle two of us?"
Sengoku hid his glee behind a smirk.
"Oh, I think so."
"Good..." Helena lowered her head to his jaw, kissing and licking slowly down his neck and chest as Shoko slid a hand up his leg, fingertips tickling the inside of his thigh. He shivered and trailed his hand down Shoko's neck, across her shoulder to her breast, stroking and fondling the nipple. Helena grumbled against the warm skin of his abdomen, then swivelled so her groin was in reach of his mouth. Grinning, he flicked his tongue across her clit, then kissed it gently as she moaned and pressed closer to him. Not to be outdone Shoko also twisted: Sengoku teased her with his fingers for a moment before turning his head and sucking at her nub. She wriggled and nuzzled his balls gently, then kissed his erection. Second later Helena joined her: with two pairs of soft, mobile lips licking and sucking at his cock Sengoku very nearly came...
They realised, and pulled back for a moment, before alternating licks over the rigid flesh. He moaned, eyes closing as his fingers twitched, two fingers on each hand sliding into a pair of hot, wet cunts, his thumbs rubbing and fondling two swollen clits, tongue and lips alternating between them... Shoko moaned as she came, nipping at his cock: he felt her tighten and quiver around his fingers as he sucked her clit into his mouth and nibbled gently. Legs shaking she collapsed sideways and grinned at Helena.
"Guess that means you get to go first. Give me time to recover."
The blonde smiled graciously.
"Thank you, Shoko. I'll help get him hard again, then, ready for you."
"Thanks!"
"Only fair..."
The two women swivelled again, and before he had time to realise they'd given him no say in the matter, Sengoku was on his back with Helena impaled on his straining cock. He whimpered and tried not to come: Shoko pressed hard at the base of his penis, stopping his orgasm. Helena grinned over her shoulder, then leaned down and kissed Shoko's cheek.
"You'll have to teach me how to do that, some time."
Shoko tweaked a rosy nipple gently, making Helena shiver.
"Sure!"
Then both women turned their attention to Sengoku...
Goggles grinned at Helena and Shoko as they let themselves out of the apartment early the next morning, then leered at Sengoku, several hours later, as the bedraggled and exhausted singer emerged from his room.
"No stamina. And your technique still needs some work."
"Don't you ever fuckin' sleep?" Sengoku glared at the drummer. Goggles shook his head.
"Nope. Far more fun watchin' you and pretty boy." He gestured to the monitor, where Daicha and Benten were curled around each other's bodies, mouths to groins, oblivious to anything but each other. "Tell you what, though, he's got you beat in the come stakes. Five times last night. You only managed four, and the last of them was because Shoko shoved that dildo up your..."
"Yeah, thanks, I don't need you to remind me..." Sengoku unconsciously squirmed. Goggles grinned.
"Plus he looks good whichever way you take him." The pair on the screen had speeded up their activities, little moans and whimpers audible over the classical Japanese music playing softly in the room. Sengoku smirked as the drummer rubbed at the bulge in his jeans.
"And you'd like that, wouldn't you? To take him."
Goggles smiled enigmatically.
"Daicha's more my type."
"Yeah, suuure..." The singer wandered off to the disaster area euphemistically referred to as 'the kitchen' to see if there was anything safe to eat. There wasn't, so he grabbed a bottle of vodka and slumped in a chair opposite Goggles, one leg over the arm. Taking a hefty swig of the clear spirit, he regarded his fellow band-member appraisingly.
"So whaddya think of the Idea?"
"It stinks."
"Yeah."
"But we don't have a lot of fuckin' choice."
"Nope. Better make a start on decidin' what we're gonna play for our part of this farce." Sengoku glanced at the monitor, where Benten was straddling Daicha's hips, holding her hands above her head on the bed as he leaned down to nip and suckle on her nipples. "Well, once pretty boy deigns to join us, anyway..."
Benten frowned and slapped Sengoku across the back of the head.
"Will you be serious for once?"
The singer leered.
"Nah - s'much more fun annoying you."
Benten turned pleading eyes to Goggles: the big man grabbed Sengoku's hair and pulled upwards.
"OWWW! Bastard..."
"Behave. We cock this up and you can kiss your rock star life goodbye."
"Never happen." The singer's smirk was smug. Benten frowned.
"It could. And I for one do not relish the thought of trying to start from scratch. Now focus, please. We must decide what we are going to perform."
Sengoku blew him a kiss.
"Just for you, then, honey-blossom..."
The albino sighed theatrically and turned to Goggles. The drummer smirked.
"Crime Wave, of course. To start off. They'd never forgive us if we didn't."
Benten nodded.
"Then Murder?"
Sengoku grinned.
"Yeah. But I wanna rewrite some of the words."
Goggles eyed him suspiciously.
"We wanna veto the new stuff."
"Sengoku looked offended.
"Of course!"
Benten inclined his head.
"I'd suggest following that up with Black Foxes."
Sengoku grimaced.
"I hate that crap."
The song in question was an older number, a little less raucous than their later material. The only reason Sengoku didn't like it, as far as the other two could see, was because they all sang on it, diminishing his own role. Goggles glared at him.
"We like it."
Benten smirked.
"You're outvoted." Ignoring Sengoku's muttered curses, the bassist sprawled back in his seat and regarded his fellow band-members. "We have four weeks. I suggest we perform two new songs."
Sengoku snorted.
"Heh, well there's a revolutionary idea!" He nudged Goggles in the ribs. "Gettit? Revolutionary?"
Goggles offered a long-suffering sigh.
"Yes, very clever..." He frowned at Benten: the albino never made such suggestions unless he was already prepared. "What d'ya have in mind?"
Benten handed over two notepads. The others peered at the words on the screens, penned in Benten's elegant hand, Sengoku unconsciously very quietly humming the melody written under the lyrics. Goggles inclined his head thoughtfully.
"Mm. Different."
Sengoku nodded, all facetiousness gone.
"Yeah - but I think they'll be OK. Music needs a lot of work."
Benten smiled.
"Of course. This is very rough."
"Be nice for the fans to get somethin' new out of this lunacy."
Goggles chuckled.
"Yeah." He grinned at Benten. "I like these. We gonna use one as the finale?"
Benten shook his head, crimson eyes gleaming.
"No. I have something else planned for that..."
As always of an evening Gina popped in to check on her girls before retiring to her own apartment for the night. Emi was pedalling away furiously on the exercise bike, humming along to whatever she was listening to on the headphones; Sakura and Rei were tucked up on the couch watching a soppy romance on the 'box. All three turned to smile at their manager.
"Come and watch this with us, Miss Gina, it's lovely!" Sakura trilled, patting the empty spot beside her. Gina shrugged mentally, normally she wouldn't be caught dead viewing something like this but it might be nice to spend some downtime with her charges. She settled next to Sakura who immediately snuggled in to her side, laying her head on Gina's shoulder. The girl's fluffy dark hair tickled her neck but Gina made no move to brush the offending strands away. Sakura was a sweet girl and it was... nice to sit and share this simple affection with her. Gina firmly shunted aside the rogue thought that there wasn't nearly enough affection in her life. She was a busy woman, she had no time, no need for something so pointless! Rei passed over a bowl of fresh popcorn - plain, unbuttered and unsalted, Gina was pleased to note. The manager took a handful out of politeness, she didn't really like the stuff, then glanced around as she realised something.
"Where's Chikako?"
"She went out." Sakura replied absently around a mouthful of non-fattening snack food.
"She did what?" Gina growled. "Where did she go?"
"She didn't say," Rei's expression was vaguely smirking, vaguely triumphant.
"No no no no no. This is unacceptable!" Gina propelled herself off the couch. "I don't keep such a close eye on you for fun, girls, it's for your own safety!"
Sakura's golden eyes were round and frightened.
"I would never do that, Miss Gina, I always do as you say."
"Yes you do." Gina spared a smile for the girl, leaning down to stroke a smooth, round cheek. "And I appreciate it, 'kura-chan." She pulled out her 'phone, expression hardening. "She better not have switched her 'phone off..."
Chikako was having fun. How long had it been since she'd been free from restrictions? Not since joining Aisu Kurimu. Yes she'd snuck out and yes she was probably going to catch hell for it but frankly she didn't give a shit.
Benten had called her, out of the blue, wanting to know if she was available to work on the Secret. Chikako had only hesitated a moment before saying yes: it made sense they get together, after all most of the creative energy at the first meeting had been generated by them bouncing ideas off each other. And Benten was so vibrant, he sparkled and made her feel sparkly in return. Not that there was any element of sexual attraction for Chikako. Benten, no matter how he dressed, was male. Unlike Sakura, Chikako had no trouble at all keeping to their manager's instructions about no boys. Chikako was nursing her own little secret...
Benten had picked her up outside the apartment block, at the rear entrance, in a small, fast but discreet 'car piloted by someone whose shoulders practically stretched across the full width of the front seat.
"My bodyguard." Benten grimaced.
They drove in silence to the outskirts of Oedo, to a much older area. The streets were less congested, the pace of life seemed slower. There was money here, though - Chikako eyed the range of small and exclusive boutique shops and cafes - lots of money.
They left the bodyguard with the 'car in the secure underground parking then took a small elevator to the top floor of the building. This was an old building, the 'top-floor' here was only forty-five levels up from the street but still it was one of the tallest in the area.
"What an amazing view!" Chikako stood at the window looking out over the sprawling vista of the old and new Oedo jammed up against each other like foothills to mountains.
"Thank you." Benten emerged from behind a sliding screen door that separated the rest of the apartment from what Chikako guessed was the kitchen. The albino set the tray he was carrying down on the traditional, low wooden table. "Please, make yourself comfortable."
Chikako knelt on a thick cushion then accepted a cup of jasmine tea from Benten. The girl sipped the steaming brew slowly and glanced around the apartment. It was small, one main room with ensuite kitchen and bathroom. It was almost empty, only this one table and a cupboard that probably held a futon and bedding. There was hardly any decoration either but the space wasn't bare. The wood-panelling and paper screens harked back to an earlier, more elegant time and the overall effect was one of tranquillity.
"This is your place?" Chikako enquired of her host.
Benten nodded.
"Bought with my share of the profits from our second album."
"I'd like to have my own place, eventually." The girl sighed dreamily. "It can be fun living with the other three but sometimes I just want some space."
The albino inclined his head.
"You live and work in each other's pockets. No matter how friendly the relationships that's bound to cause friction." Red eyes regarded her. "Do you enjoy your work?"
"Oh yes," Chikako nodded enthusiastically, "I'm living my dream!" She grinned. "It's harder than I could've imagined, though, all the rehearsals and costume fittings and... everything. It's not just about getting on stage and performing, or cutting an album, there's so much more to it than that."
"And you like song-writing?"
"That's the best bit!" She scowled. "When I'm allowed to write what I want."
"You can always write what you want, you just have to make sure you show the right material to the right people."
Chikako frowned.
"I'm not sure I follow you."
"It's not too difficult. Don't show your management anything that isn't 'Aisu Kurimu', it will only be knocked back. However," his smile was enigmatic, "there are plenty of other groups and singers out there looking for good material."
Chikako blinked.
"Write for other people?"
Benten shrugged.
"Why not? You don't have to restrict yourself to one style."
The girl absently tapped her fingers on the table top as she considered.
"But how do I get my stuff out to other people?"
"Gina can help you there. Be honest with her about what you want to do, tell her it won't affect your work with the band," Benten smirked, "then remind her that she's your contracted manager and will still get a percentage from everything you earn, even if it's not with Aisu Kurimu."
Chikako grinned, feeling happier and lighter than she had for ages.
"That's brilliant! Thanks!"
Benten inclined his head graciously and switched on his small synth.
"My pleasure. Now, shall we make a start?"
A little while later Chikako's concentration was interrupted by an incoming call. She absently flipped open the 'phone without checking the caller's ID.
"Hell-"
"Where the hell are you?"
Her manager's voice pulled the girl out of her abstraction.
"With Benten."
There was a pause.
"Why?"
"We're working, Miss Gina." She thought quickly. "On costume ideas."
Another pause.
"And you had to do that in person? Why not via vid-com?"
"Because it's quicker and easier this way" She could almost hear her manager's jaw cracking as she bit down on her irritation.
"You should've told me where you were going. You should've asked first."
Chikako suppressed sudden irritation. What was she? Her mother?
"I'm sorry, Miss Gina," she said through gritted teeth.
"Where are you? I'll send a car -"
"No!" Chikako took a deep breath. "Please, Miss Gina, we've really got a flow going now! I don't want to interrupt that."
A longer pause, then an aggrieved sigh.
"Oh all right. Don't be out too late though."
"Thank you, Miss Gina." Chikako closed her 'phone then eyed Benten. "Does your manager check up on you like that?"
The albino quirked an eyebrow.
"He wouldn't dare."
Chikako sighed.
"You're lucky." She glanced back down at the papers scattered over the table. "Right..."
It wasn't quite midnight when Chikako was dropped back home. She waved after the car as it took off up the street, watching until it'd turned a corner before venturing into the foyer. The security man greeted her as she passed then picked up a 'phone...
Sure enough Miss Gina was lurking outside the elevator on their floor, waiting for her, arms folded tightly across her breasts.
"I'm very disappointed, Chikako."
"I'm sorry, Miss Gina."
"Are you all right?"
Chikako frowned.
"Of course I'm all right. Oh..." she flushed as she realised exactly what it was her manager was asking. Chikako grinned, then before the older woman could react wrapped her arms around her and kissed her cheek. "I promise you, Miss Gina, we did nothing but work. Okay?"
Taken aback by the sudden affectionate gesture, Gina blinked then smiled a little.
"Good. Now, it's time for bed, my girl, we've a production meeting early tomorrow for the next movie..."
Hasegawa glowered at Chuck on the screen. Seven thirty in the morning, and the EO was wreathed in cigar smoke already, his eyes bloodshot from last night's binge.
"Juzo, m'man..."
Hasegawa closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath.
"Everything's going well."
"Good, good..." Chuck took another deep draw from the cigar: Hasegawa took out his own cigarettes and lit up. "Y'wanna tell me what you got arranged?"
Hasegawa would have loved to, but he was as much in the dark as his boss. His 'boys' were keeping their set under wraps: all they'd admitted to was their introductory song. And Benten was acting very suspiciously...
But he knew how competitive they were. How dedicated to being the best. He had no worries.
Well, most of the time.
... OK, maybe half his waking hours were spent in a nightmareish state of anxiety. Mostly due, he admitted to himself, to not knowing what Gina was up to...
"Chikako..."
"No, Miss Gina."
The manager scowled.
"This secrecy is very... unbecoming."
"Trust me, Miss Gina," Chikako's smile was winsome, "You won't be disappointed."
Gina eyed her suspiciously.
"Or embarrassed?" Or in danger of terminating your contract? she added to herself.
"Oh no, nothing like that." The girl beamed.
"Hm."
"Please, Miss Gina," Chikako kissed the older woman's cheek - something she'd been doing rather a lot of lately. "Have a little faith. It's all under control."
Gina pursed her lips: all very well but it was hard to have 'faith' when it wasn't her doing the controlling.
"I don't suppose I have any choice." She huffed her irritation. "But I really don't like being kept in the dark, Chika, not where your career is concerned."
The girl put her hand over her heart, expression nothing short of angelic.
"I promise you'll be proud of us."
Gina huffed again, far from convinced. Were Hasegawa's boys giving him this much grief? She wouldn't put it past them...
The week before the 'Battle of the Megastars', as the event was now being called, Benten got the others together and conference-called Aisu Kurimu. The girls huddled round their screen, Sakura blushing and fluttering her eyelashes at the smirking Sengoku, Chikako serious and intent. The albino smiled.
"Thank you for your attention. Now, we need to meet to rehearse, but without Gina or Hasegawa knowing about it. Does anyone have any suggestion as to how we can do this?"
Rei smirked at her band-mates.
"Miss Gina is down for meetings all day tomorrow and we've got the afternoon off."
"She'll want to know what we've got planned." Emi frowned.
The brunette shrugged.
"Tell her we're going to see a movie."
Sakura's eyes were wide.
"She'll ask us about it..."
Rei rolled her eyes and sighed heavily.
"Then we find out what the movie's about beforehand. Sheesh, use your head, 'kura."
"Oh..." the singer was abashed. "I guess I'm just not sneaky like you, Rei."
Rei opened her mouth to reply then thought better of wasting the effort. She turned her attention back to their prospective competition.
"So, does tomorrow afternoon suit you guys?"
Getting away was easier than expected. As was usual before a meeting Miss Gina was preoccupied and marginally less attentive with things not directly connected to the meeting. She half-listened to Rei's rapid run-down of security arrangements before nodding absently and wishing them a fun afternoon. As soon as their manager had left the girls sauntered down to the block's garage to pick up the 'car waiting for them. Fortunately Rei was licensed to drive...
Sengoku contented himself with leering at the girls. He had to - Benten had promised to rip off his balls and make him eat them if he so much as touched any of the girl-band's members... But actually, keeping his hands to himself was less difficult than he'd anticipated - Aisu Kurimu might be a manufactured product, but at least two of them were as dedicated to their music as Criminal Intent were to their own brand of hard rock. They had talent too, of a sort. And despite their sugary sweet image, they seemed to be quite keen to meet the competition half way...
Orchids, the song Benten and Chikako had been writing together, was - interesting. An amalgamation of the two different styles, it was a great deal more lyrical than either band's usual fare. And a great deal more heavily orchestrated: when Sengoku had heard the score for the first time he'd growled that they'd need an old style fuckin' symphony orchestra to make it work. (Benten of course had an answer: they'd recorded each instrumental part separately then mixed them by computer to produce a sophisticated and somewhat grandiose backing track.) The singer hadn't been too keen on the lyrics, either, until the albino had stared him down and threatened to make his life hell if he didn't perform it well.
On the plus side, Sengoku got to sing with Sakura, who quite plainly worshipped him. So it wasn't all bad.
It had been difficult enough keeping the meeting a secret - the girls had managed to get here without too much difficulty, and once close to the apartment block they went unrecognised. But keeping Hasegawa from sniffing around had been more difficult. Benten had eventually been forced to fake a tantrum of legendary proportions to ensure their manager stayed well clear for a few hours...
Jade had opened the door and welcomed the girl-band into the apartment, which had been tidied - and given a cursory clean - in their honour, then he vanished into the kitchen area to prepare drinks and snacks for the two groups.
Ten minutes later they switched on various instruments and the rehearsal began...
"I think that went very well. Thank you, Benten-san."
The albino smiled and inclined his head to the young musician. Her dark eyes were almost glowing with enthusiasm and pleasure - and indeed, the last three hours had been extremely satisfying. Despite being at opposite ends of the musical spectrum the two bands had managed to find common ground with extraordinary speed - partly, it had to be said, driven by urgency (they may not get another opportunity to rehearse before the actual event, so any problems had to be resolved now), and professionalism (yes, even Sengoku), but mostly by Benten and Chikako keeping a tight rein on the situation - and on Emi, whose inability to keep still tired even Sengoku.
It had been an excellent rehearsal. Orchids was going to be something quite special...
At the end, as Jade served Benten's favourite jasmine tea and tiny sugary biscuits to everyone before settling himself quietly against the albino's side, they'd discussed costumes... As the girls left, Sengoku grinned to himself.
The audience reaction was going to be - interesting...
Gina was sitting at the table in the girls' kitchen, trying to concentrate on the week's accounts. It was hard going. Bad enough her attention span was shorter than normal due to simmering stress about the upcoming concert but Sakura would keep humming the same bit of music over and over again while she washed the breakfast dishes.
Wait a minute...
"'kura-chan," Gina strove for a nonchalant tone. "What's that you're humming?"
"Oh, it's my part of the new song, Miss Gina." The girl froze, her hands stilling amongst the suds. She glanced almost fearfully back over tense shoulders.
"What new song?" Gina asked sweetly.
"It's, um, something I..." the girl faltered, then her expression lightened. "I... heard on one of the music programs." she added too quickly.
The manager lifted an eyebrow and Sakura cringed but kept her mouth shut.
"It sounds lovely." Returning to feigned nonchalance, Gina looked back down at the screen in front of her. "Do you think you could hum the whole thing for me?"
"... I guess so." Sakura looked so woebegone Gina was tempted for a moment not to push, but dammit she was Aisu Kurimu's manager, she deserved to know what her girls were up to. It was just lucky Sakura couldn't keep a secret to save herself.
"Thank you."
Hesitantly at first then with growing strength, Sakura hummed a melody that had Gina's eyes rounding in surprise. Sketchy as the rendition was it seemed she could just catch the edge of an unexpected musical maturity. It wasn't Aisu Kurimu, it wasn't Criminal Intent either, but it still seemed to reflect both groups. Interesting, very interesting. Gina smiled to herself - perhaps Chikako was right, perhaps everything was under control...
Hasegawa was fretting. There was no other word for it. Even Okyo's best efforts - and a couple of new studs in her lips - couldn't stop him worrying about the event. Criminal Intent were his band, fuckit, he managed them, he should know what they were up to. But any time he tried to find out what they had planned, he came face to face with Benten...
All they'd say was that they were confident of winning, and he was going to be very pleased with the result.
He didn't believe a word of it.
There were still tickets being sold outside the massive stadium the morning of the Battle - and exchanging hands for vast amounts of cash. It annoyed Goggles, who hated seeing their fans ripped off, but there wasn't a lot anyone could do about it...
At least the stages - two of them, one set up for Criminal Intent, the other for Aisu Kurimu, were OK. The drummer grinned as he compared them; their own black and red contrasting shockingly with the soft pastels of the girl-band's performance space.
The programme was quite simple. Each band would take it in turns to perform - though Aisu Kurimu would sing two songs to every one of Criminal Intent's, as their songs were much shorter than the rock band's - and the fan's responses would be measured to see which of the two was the more popular. Beside each stage was a shamelessly over-the-top contraption dubbed the 'applause-o-meter', the heart of which was a volume monitor which recorded the level of the fans' appreciation. And disapproval: it had been geared to include the noise of the opposing band's fans boos as well, something that had been made clear to the attendees. Too much heckling and they'd improve their rivals' chances of winning...
The dressing rooms were luxurious and plentifully supplied with snacks and drinks both alcoholic and plain. Benten immediately sat himself down at a makeup table and eyed himself in the mirror, buckling a studded white leather strap around his neck: Goggles grabbed a beer and watched as Sengoku slid into skintight black leather trousers, then pulled on his famous red coat and grinned at Benten's reflection.
"You gonna get dressed?"
The albino nodded: his tight white leather trousers matched the singers, and the calf-length white coat resembled Sengoku's as well. With Goggles in red leather (but without the coat) for once they achieved a kind of sartorial unity...
For a couple of minutes Sengoku watched the albino struggling with the ruby and silver chains he was trying to clip to his nipple rings, then sighed and held out a hand.
"Give 'em here - I'll do it." Benten raised an eyebrow, then handed over the jewellery. The singer shook his head and reached forwards, fingers lingering on the puckered flesh rather longer than was strictly necessary. "You should cut your nails..."
Goggles snorted.
"Don't be fuckin' stupid! He wouldn't be himself with short nails!"
Sengoku leered and tugged gently on the jewelled chains, the sensation making the albino shiver as his nipples hardened. He scowled at the singer, and Sengoku laughed.
"Heh, now you look sexy..."
Jade's head appeared around the edge of the door.
"Five minutes."
Benten smiled and nodded, turning back to the mirror to check his makeup for the last time, then fluffing his hair. Goggles drained his beercan and grinned.
"You look gorgeous. Now get yer arse in gear and let's get this farce over with..."
"They won't go back on what we agreed, will they?" Sakura was gnawing on a thumbnail. "They're not going to... put us down while we're playing?"
"Nah." Chikako gently smacked the singer's hand away from her mouth. "Benten'll keep things under control."
"Benten, Benten, Benten." Rei affected a simpering trill. "I'm sick of hearing it!"
Chikako rolled her eyes but didn't respond: Rei always got a little snippy with pre-show nerves. Distracted by the movement she glanced over to where Emi was 'warming-up', watching the red-head go through some sort of energetic aerobic routine. God, that top really was tight... Chikako shook herself then wandered over to eye the snacks on offer. As usual, no chocolate, no sugar, no dairy products. She picked up a carrot stick and grimaced.
"Welcome to the wild and crazy life of a pop-star."
Sakura giggled.
"Ah, it's not that bad. We're allowed to eat anything we want after a show."
The door opened and Gina bustled in.
"Are you ready, girls? - Sakura, stop chewing your nails - five minutes to go and the place is packed. It's going to be great, I know it is." She gave each of her girls a hug and a peck on the cheek before standing back to review them. "Make me proud of you. I'll be back to walk you up to the stage, okay?" Then she was gone again, dashing off to oversee something else. Silent now the girls waited while the minutes crawled by...
The bands left their dressing rooms together, smirking at each other but not speaking, separating backstage and ascending their respective stages simultaneously - to a wave of screaming that hit them almost like a solid object.
Their fans were packed close to their respective stages, and formed a startling contrast: Criminal Intent's supporters mostly in leather and spikes, while most of Aisu Kurimu's dedicated followers - even some of the boys - wore replicas of the short fuku skirts and spangly crop tops that were their idols' stage wear. Where the two groups of fans met in the middle of the stadium there was much shoving and slapping and namecalling, but the mounted police and their massive cyberhorses on alert at the back and sides of the stadium were enough to keep trouble to a minimum.
Criminal Intent played first.
None of the girls had seen their rivals perform live and the recorded performances Miss Gina had made them watch had nowhere near the impact. The sheer volume for one thing... With Aisu Kurimo's side of the stage dimmed everyone's attention reflexively homed in on the bright lights and movement happening over in Criminal Intent's area. Chikako snuck at glance at the audience: CI's fans were howling while their's seemed to be stunned into immobility. She smiled to herself, their boys and girls would soon come to life once they began. Aisu Kurimu put a lot of energy into their performances, it wouldn't be hard to ratch it up a notch or two to match Intent's output...
As Crime Wave ended the howls of appreciation rattled the building. Sengoku grinned and gesticulated, waving the big guitar over his head to encourage the applause, and the applause-o-meter moved torturously skywards, finally coming to rest around the '6' mark. Goggles twisted to look at it, then nodded appreciatively at the audience.
"Not a bad start. But you can do better than that!"
His comment was greeted with a roar of sound, which faded as Aisu Kurimu took their places under pastel spotlights. Criminal Intent's fans started booing, until Sengoku barked at them, pointing to the girl-band's applause-o-meter, which was inching its way upwards with the volume. It took a moment for the leather-clad crowd to realise what was happening, then a chorus of shushing broke out (which for a few seconds was so loud it actually pushed the meter up a little further!) and the assembly quietened. The bright spotlights over the rock band dimmed, and the bouncy melody of Aisu Kurima's first song, Dreams like Bubbles, echoed through the vast hall.
Sakura sang from the heart. This was what she lived for, being up here in front of the fans, absorbing the energy of their love and throwing it back out to them on her voice. Rei could be as cynical as she liked about their fans' mindless adoration but as far as the young singer was concerned it was the stuff of life. Of course, it didn't hurt that she knew Sengoku was watching from the side of the other stage and 'kura played to him as much as the audience, ending the first part of Aisu Kurimu's set with a cheeky bounce and a come-hither wink at the leather-clad singer. The fans couldn't help but notice the by-play and the squeals were deafening.
Her manager watching from off-stage couldn't help but notice either and she glared daggers at the stupid girl. Sakura however remained blissfully oblivious to Gina's alarm and irritation - which only fuelled the older woman's annoyance. She'd have to have words, very strong words with the little idiot. Gina's lips twitched into a half-smirk: but later, after the show. The extra noise generated by the fans' response to the incident was pushing the applause-o-meter's needle even higher.
Goggles eyed their rival's stage appraisingly. He'd never heard Aisu Kurimu before - never wanted to - but now, listening... If you ignored the banal lyrics - Daisy Days indeed! - there seemed to be a fair musical talent buried in the music. Not his sort of thing, of course, but still... He glanced at Benten, who was lounging elegantly against the side of the stage, arms crossed: the albino was smiling appreciatively. Then again, Benten was a little more... tolerant of other musical genres than himself or Sengoku.
Over the next hour they alternated back and forth, the applause-o-meters running neck and neck... towards the end a fair number of Criminal Intent's fans were screaming for the girls, and vice versa. Of course, each band's allowing the other to perform without distractions helped: extending such 'professional courtesy' was unusual, and the fans instinctively respected it.
It was driving Hasegawa purple with fury, however. This was supposed to be a contest. Since when did a heavy rock band treat rivals politely?
Then it was time for the final number. The bands disappeared back to their dressing rooms for fifteen minutes while in the stadium, mounted cyber police urged the crowd back. Grumbling, the press of bodies reluctantly complied, startled when a sudden grinding noise cut through the voices. Slowly the two stages slid together to create one larger performance area, and the lights darkened while the crew did... things... in the darkness...
"I can't believe we're doing this," Sakura sucked in her breath as Rei struggled to tighten the laces on her lolly-pink leather bustier, "Miss Gina's going to kill us."
"Not until after the show." Chikako grinned, smoothing the cobalt blue leather of her own short pleated leather skirt over her hips. Her grin widened. "This feels really good."
"Going to sweat like a bitch." Rei grunted. Finishing with Sakura she turned to eye herself critically in the full-length mirror. She sighed, using her hands to push small breasts together. "I think I should've asked for something to make me seem... bigger." The brunette pouted, comparing herself unfavourably to Emi who looked to be in danger of bursting out of her costume. Not to mention the fact the tree-frog green leather set off the singer's coffee-coloured skin a treat.
"You're beautiful," Chikako said with complete sincerity. "That shade of purple really suits you and of all of us you've got the best legs for these boots."
Rei took another look at herself in the mirror, turning sideways to view the profile of her long legs in the thigh-high lace-up boots. Chika was right, it looked good - sexy and strong.
"Are we ready?" Emi swished her long, red ponytail back and forth behind her as she bounced on her toes. "We should get back to the stage before Miss Gina comes to fetch us."
Rei straightened up, fixing her band-mates with a solemn eye.
"'k, this is it. This'll either be stellar or we'll be looking for new contracts tomorrow."
Emi giggled.
"You're such a drama-queen!" She tugged open the dressing-room door, peeking out cautiously. There was no sign of their manager - the red-head grinned back over her shoulder. "Come on, let's go!"
A sudden hush fell over the stadium as the lights came up to reveal Criminal Intent already onstage, and for several startled moments it was quite obvious the rock-band's fans hadn't a clue how to react. Then Aisu Kurimu's fans broke into a frenzy of ooohing and aaaahing and frantic applause.
Hasegawa nearly choked on his lobster and pufferfish sandwich. What the fuck...???
Sengoku was... was... where the fuck did he get those clothes? Where did all of them get the clothes?
They looked like something from an old painting. A very old painting. Incredibly tight black leather trousers tucked into close-fitting black knee-high boots, white shirts - big, floppy white shirts, open to the navel, with big sleeves and... and... frills... And Benten had tied his hair back with a black velvet ribbon...
The word suddenly came to him. Dandies. They looked like high-fashion dandies of about a thousand years ago...
Then the girls came onstage, and the screams and applause threatened to shatter the windows...
Both bands affected to ignore the audience as they strapped on their instruments, Goggles - in a similar outfit to his bandmates, which sat surprisingly well on him, though no-one could really see behind the massive drumkit - beginning a steady beat a little like a heartbeat, slowly increasing in volume. The backing track started, muted at first but gradually swelling.
And then Sengoku and Sakura broke into the first verse of Orchids...
Hasegawa - and Okyo, her attention for once riveted to the stage - stared stupefied. Where the fuck had this come from? This wasn't his boys' music! Though, listening more closely, he detected Benten's lyrical touch easily enough.
Speaking of Benten... the albino looked gorgeous in the costume, he had to admit. And he was singing with... what was her name? The long-legged one, currently in drop-dead sexy blue leather. They sounded good together, Benten's purr contrasting perfectly with the girl's strong, seductive voice...
He grinned to himself. Gina must be shitting herself right about now...
Gina had been alarmed to find her girls' dressing-room empty and then the sudden tumult of sound from the audience had her racing to the stage. She got there just in time to see Aisu Kurimu sashay into the spotlight. What the hell were they wearing?! Then she noticed Criminal Intent. Gina swallowed, eyes wide. If Sengoku had worn something like that when he was chatting her up she wouldn't have given Hasegawa a second thought...
Onstage Sengoku was rather enjoying himself. Out of the ridiculous school-girl gear Aisu Kurimu usually wore, the girls looked... damn good, actually. His eyes flickered to the back of the stage, where the one with the big tits - Emi, that was her name - was grinning at Goggles as she bounced: the drummer was grinning back happily. And Benten and Chikako were gazing at each other as they started their duet.
"... take you out of the hothouse - come away with me..."
Hasegawa had given up trying to make sense of just what the fuck they'd been thinking, and had turned his attention to the fans. Who were lapping it up, both the leather-clad rockers and the fuku-wearers, swaying from side to side in time with the music and gazing at the stage. They were actually listening, for fuck's sake!
... OK. Much as he hated to admit it, obviously this bit of fluff had something going for it. How best to use it, that was the question...
Gina's eyes narrowed: yes, that was the tune Sakura had been singing. Little minxes, how dare they keep secrets from her! But still, it was rather good...
Actually it was better than good, it was gold. If this song wasn't topping the charts within 48 hours - sooner if they could rush it through the studio - she'd... she'd do something completely ridiculous and out of character...
By the time the bands were allowed to finally leave the stage the fans had screamed themselves hoarse. The encores had gone on for half as long again as the actual show!
The after-show party was packed, and buzzing. Performers, crew, management, company officials, groupies and the handful of lucky fans who'd won coveted access-all-area passes filled the hotel's convention room. It was a sumptuous spread the guests were treated to as well, no expense spared. Dove Entertainment provided the food, Revolution! Records the drink and naturally neither company wanted to look stingy in comparison with the other.
Gina was feeling very mellow, a combination of the emotional fatigue from the release of stress and several glasses of a very fine wine downed quickly. Yep, the show'd been a huge success, the recorded footage was already on its way to the production company for pre-sorting, they could start work on the official release probably tomorrow - Gina's smile was a little fuzzy - maybe the day after. She and Hasegawa would have to see about synchronising their schedules. The manager peered around - where was the prick, anyway? Ah... Gina wove her way through the crowds to the couch where Hasegawa was sprawled, a glass of something potent held negligently in one large hand, a cigarette in the other. Gina shook her head as she wriggled down into the small amount of free space he'd left on the plush furniture: he used to hog all the bed covers too...
Juzo raised his glass to her in a half-arsed salute.
"Well that went better than I could've hoped."
"Yup." She agreed succinctly, quirking an eyebrow as he shifted to face her.
"Want to go celebrate properly? Just the two of us?" his leering smirk left no room for misinterpretation. Gina snorted.
"I don't want your cock, Juzo, I want your respect."
Not entirely true - she'd rather have both...
"I respect you!" came the automatic protest.
Gina gazed into his weathered face, looking deep into dark, red-rimmed eyes to see lust mixed with amusement.
"No, I didn't think so." she said at last, heaving a sigh. She patted his knee. "Thanks, Juzo, it's been real."
Hasegawa blinked as the woman stood up.
"Was that a 'no'."
Gina barked a laugh.
"Captain Perspicacity..." She flipped an airy wave back over her shoulder as she turned away. "See you at the production meeting."
Gina didn't look back though she wondered at herself. She'd knocked back one of the few men she'd ever truly desired - why? Heh, she knew perfectly well why. She wanted Juzo to regard her as an equal. That was never going to happen, and there was no way she was going to voluntarily put herself in a position of inferiority again no matter how much she wanted him. So, no respect equalled no sex. Gina fought back a surge of maudlin emotion: this was simply the price of success she figured. Then she spotted Adam and her good humour returned. Her PA wasn't Hasegawa but by god he respected her. Maybe she could take him out to dinner or something, show him much she appreciated his work...
Benten - still in the pseudo-18th century outfit - sat elegantly on a couch to one side of the room, his legs crossed, Jade in green silk curled up on one side, Chikako lounging comfortably on the other, head resting in her cupped hand and elbow on the back of the seat as she regarded the albino.
"It was fun. I enjoyed singing with you, Benten."
He smiled over the rim of his wineglass.
"Thank you. I am very pleased by the success of the venture. You sing well."
She blushed with pleasure, then sighed.
"It'd be wonderful if we could work together again, but I guess Miss Gina won't allow it."
"Stranger things have happened." He glanced up as Daicha seated herself on an armchair nearby. "Did you enjoy it?"
The tall woman smiled enigmatically.
"It was most interesting."
"We'll take that as a yes." He smiled as Jade moved a little closer, wrapping an arm almost possessively around his waist, and glanced down at his lover - then leaned down and whispered, "I would like to invite Daicha to join us tonight. Would you object?"
From the narrowing of Jade's eyes it looked as though he wasn't overly taken by the idea, but he nevertheless nodded, and Benten kissed his cheek, noting with amusement Chikako's blush. He smiled at the young musician, then glanced over her head to where Gina had risen to her feet, glancing at her chronometer. Looked like it was time for the girls to be shepherded home.
Chikako sighed, then grinned at the albino. Greatly daring, she leaned forward to brush the smooth skin of his cheek with her lips.
"Hope to see you soon, Benten-san."
Daicha had raised one eyebrow as Benten, his voice low and his arm around Jade's shoulders, invited her to join them for the night. She considered the invitation for a moment or two, then smiled and nodded. The party was winding down, the fans had all drooled over their idols, had their souvenir pictures signed - some of the more daring had even kissed their favourite band members! - and made their way home to their wet-dreams: another half an hour and they'd all be able to leave...
Looked like Sengoku and Goggles were all set up for the night too, a woman on each arm and grinning broadly. Helena and Shoko seemed to have come to some sort of understanding - at least, they were smirking at each other behind the singer's back. It was probably just as well they didn't have to be anywhere tomorrow - and that it was expected that they'd be pretty much incapable of doing anything the day after a gig.
"Shall we go?" Daicha had pulled on her coat - an oversized leather biker's jacket, very retro - and was standing beside the couch. Jade slipped away to find his and Benten's outerwear, returning shortly with a heavy, wide-skirted black velvet ankle length coat for the albino and his own silk wrap. Nodding to Hasegawa - slumped on the sofa while Okyo squirmed on his lap - the three left the dying party.
Benten's room was warm and luxurious, with muted lighting, jasmine-scented air, and a lot of fur and satin. Jade had run a bath while Benten opened wine and made up a plate of snacks from the tiny fridge he kept camouflaged in the corner of the room (sensibly, he preferred to avoid the kitchen as much as was humanly possible): Daicha had slid into the perfumed water with a happy sigh, then eyed Jade, who was standing uncertainly beside the large tub. He really was very pretty, and such a delightful contrast to Benten...
The albino stepped into the water, settling himself beside Daicha, then beckoned to Jade to join them. Hesitantly, the youth seated himself beside his lover: Benten quirked an eyebrow.
"Come now, Jade. You have seen a naked woman before."
Well, yes, of course he had - but he'd never touched one. Had anything physical to do with a female at all, in fact. He blushed, and the albino chuckled.
"Trust me, it is very pleasant..." He pulled Daicha gently onto his lap, onto his erection, her back to his chest, then smiled at Jade. "Use your imagination."
Daicha held her breath as Jade tentatively knelt between her legs, hand brushing her groin with the lightest of teasing touches. As the youth leaned forwards and licked a nipple, she gasped and shivered: encouraged, Jade sucked the nipple into his mouth, nipping gently, tongue flicking over the engorged flesh while his fingers moved more surely, cupping and squeezing as Benten moved slowly and surely in and out, his thumb rubbing over her clit. With a tiny whimper she came, head thrown back against Benten's shoulder, hands gripping Jade's shoulders.
Jade watched her thoughtfully, then smiled at Benten.
"That was nice."
The albino nodded, his own hands coming around to cup Daicha's breasts, thumbs flicking over her nipples.
"She is beautiful, is she not?"
"Mmmm..."
The woman laughed breathlessly, wriggling against Benten.
"Don't talk about me as though I'm not here!"
Benten kissed her neck.
"My apologies. Would you like to continue in bed?"
Daicha twisted to kiss him - then leaned forward, stroking Jade's hair, and kissed him gently.
"I'd like that..."
Daicha lay between Benten and Jade, her head on the albino's shoulder, Jade cuddled into her side. She smiled to herself - it had been fun teaching the youngster what to do with a woman. And he'd enjoyed it, once he got over his initial trepidation - she wriggled slightly, feeling the wetness between her thighs and his erection pressing against her arse - although she somehow doubted he'd turn his attention to women: he'd been too enthusiastic to have Benten fuck him for that to happen.
Daicha had watched them with interest for several minutes, before sliding a hand between them and grasping Jade's cock: the youth had cried out and climaxed, the rigid flesh in her fingers pulsing. Benten had twisted to kiss her, then dropped his head to her breast, suckling on a nipple as he pounded into his lover. Minutes later a panting Jade was fondling her breasts as he licked and nibbled at her neck and ear, while Benten's tongue was teasing her, pushing into her cunt, tasting both his own and Jade's semen then slipping out so he could suckle her clit. Daicha almost lost consciousness the third time she came, the sensations were so intense.
As she turned to the drowsing Jade, squirming slightly so she could ease his cock into her, she wondered how soon they could do this again...
Last night, despite the show's outstanding success, Gina had been prepared to tear into her girls over their lack of trust and downright sneakiness, but the following morning she had a little more perspective on the situation. Yes indeed, Aisu Kurimu's manager was calm and collected, possibly even heading towards serene. She'd won a victory of sorts against Hasegawa, they'd managed to get the better of Pagan and Monglane plus there was the beginnings of a fabulous profit to be made. To cap it all off, alone in her apartment much, much later her Personal Assistant had been gratifyingly attentive and agreeably inventive. Quite unconsciously Gina's smart pace slowed and her hips swayed just a little. How would her PA react - she wondered - to a request to wear one of those big white shirts...?
She let herself into the girls' apartment, pleased to see her charges already up and dressed, though not surprised to find Sakura still sulky with injured pride. The girl had been considerably miffed when, after spending ages cosying up to Sengoku, the singer had been hijacked by a pair of overblown floosies - Old cows! They must have been at least in their twenties – and whisked away out of her reach. A resigned Gina had found herself making consoling noises as Sakura sobbed into her shoulder. This was one of the reasons she rarely attended parties anymore, there was always one hopeless, lovelorn sod who got her confused with someone who cared about their misery.
"Good morning, girls." Gina said brightly, ignoring Rei's insufferable smirk. It was none of that little madam's business whom she entertained in the privacy of her apartment – and how the hell did she know anyway?
The manager acknowledged the chorus of greetings then became serious.
"Don't you ever do anything like that again." She scowled at the girl-band. Only Sakura had the grace to look shame-faced: Rei was still smirking and Chikako's dark eyes were sparkling defiantly. "Please."
"If we'd told you what was planned you wouldn't have let us do it." Chikako shrugged.
"For a very good reason - "
"It worked." Rei said with heavy emphasis. "And it was your idea to begin with."
"My idea?"
"At that first meeting with Criminal Intent you said it was in all our interests to have this contest without either band being made to look ridiculous." Chikako grinned. "What better way than doing something together?"
"Well that was very clever of me, wasn't it?" Gina's sarcasm was mild. "You still should have said something. It could've backfired horribly! Ruined all our careers!"
"But it didn't!" Chikako insisted with a laugh. "Miss Gina, you worry too much."
"It's my job to worry." The manager growled.
"And our job to do as you say." Rei chimed in with a put-upon sigh. "And we do, don't we, usually? But just occasionally, please, could we - I don't know - have a little room to move?"
Gina stopped herself saying 'I don't know what you mean' because in reality she knew precisely what Rei was getting at. The girls' activities were rigidly controlled, for their own good and the good of their careers naturally, but still... What harm could it do to loosen the reins a little every now and then? She'd more than proved her ability to manage a successful band regardless of what Hasegawa had ever said, she could probably afford to relax just a teeny bit.
"I'll think about it." She smiled tightly at the varied grins of triumph or pleasure then clapped her hands together. "First things first though. The company wants to have copies of the concert recording on the market as soon as possible, not to mention the album, the single, the public broadcast special..." She pitched her voice to carry over the groans. "To that end, girls, for the next couple of days your time is not your own..."
"Well, I'd say that went down rather well, don't you think?"
Oliver Pagan glowered at Monglane's smug face on the vid-screen and growled.
"That's not what I'd call it."
"Oh come now." Dove Entertainment's CEO waved a pale, languid hand. "Your boys performed excellently well. Not to mention the new fashion they've started."
Oliver snarled. He'd been too slow off the mark there: Dove had got in and started their own line of 'Oedodandy' clothing the day after the gig... Monglane smirked.
"And our own little Aisu Kurimu have done nicely out of it too. As a publicity exercise it could hardly be bettered." Oliver watched with a growing sense of unease as Monglane leaned back in his plush seat, smile complacent. "We must both capitalise on our returns. A joint album perhaps... a new musical genre - girl-rock? heavy-petting? bedchamber music? Well, I'm sure the stylistas and publicists will come up with something appropriate. And we'll need a few new stunts." He paused for a moment, then leered. "A joint film, perhaps. Or... what about an old-fashioned onstage wedding between your boys and our girls...?"
Oliver Pagan recoiled in horror. He could just see the expressions on Criminal Intent's faces...
© 2005 January 21at Joules and Lutra
© 2002-2005 WordWrights
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