Track 01 - BathRoom

WARNINGS: Confrontations, minor coarse language

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Before the guys started playing 'Cassis', the girls kept watching as they carefully tuned their instruments. Ai returned Aoi's smile as he fixed his guitar, though occasionally glancing down at the tuning extension table at his feet. Kikyo had her hands clasped around her knees as she looked up at Uruha's guitar - she could actually see her reflection in the shiny black surface. Kira was absent-mindedly watching Reita fix his bass until she perked up at hearing him talk to her. She thought it was oddly cute that he started telling her jokes, which she hadn't expected from him. Mika sat her elbows on her knees and rested her chin in her hands as she watched Ruki tuning his guitar. She was in awe at how big it was up close - it was almost as big as her. Megumi felt a little embarrassed at doing exactly what Kai warned her not to do - trip over the platform. But once she'd had a little look around the back, she drew her attention to Kai's practice drumming. She still couldn't get over how he could play without even looking.

Finally they girls focused on the song as the guys finally started playing. Each of the girls kept their eyes on their respective favourite member - their playing at that moment definitely seemed even better than before. It was like they'd reached a whole new level of experience. Ai liked listening to Aoi play his acoustic pieces and Kikyo also liked Uruha's solo. Mika especially focused on Ruki's big solo too. Megumi liked Kai's playing the most during 'Cassis' because it was nice and light. Kira preferred Reita's rougher bass playing because it was his time to shine but 'Cassis' was still good. As the song came to an end and the guys applauded each other, they girls did too.

"Wow, that was really good~! The best performance of 'Cassis' yet~! I almost wish I'd brought a video camera to record it", Mika joked with thumbs up before standing up from her spot as she kept clapping, "I thought the performance during 'One Night Stand' was good but that was just amazing~!"

Megumi gave a thumbs up as well but Kikyo, Ai and Kira just clapped and nodded in agreement with Mika. But when the girls noticed the guys go quiet and look where Kai was looking, they too turned to see the man as he came running over. Kira was slightly confused and Kikyo was kind of worried. Megumi and Ai didn't have anything to think about except why this man would come in running like there was a fire. Mika tilted her head at the troubled man and wondered why the guys were in trouble, as the man had put in ... until Ruki turned the paper around and showed them why. Ai, Kira, Megumi and Kikyo ran over to get a better look at the paper as Mika moved beside Ruki to see ... their jaws just dropped

"Oh my god ... we're going to die. The fan girls are going to hunt us down and kill us", Megumi said in a shaking voice, starting to feel increasingly panicked, "I guess it's a good time to get my hair done again. Maybe if we all get our hair done differently, they won't recognize us."

"Megumi~! We're not going to change our hair colour, and style every time we want to hang out with them, that's just stupid and not to mention unnecessary", Kikyo said in frustration; 'them' meaning the guys as she softly swatted Megumi's arm, "If anything, I suggest we just lock ourselves away for the next couple of years until it blows over. The fans will hopefully forget who we are by then!"

"Well I don't know about locking myself away for years on end but Kikyo is right about changing hairstyles. Really not going to do that, since I can't. My hair's too short." Ai said as she took a strand of her short blonde and black-streaked hair and pulled on it lightly, "So I suggest we think about this more thoroughly. Besides, they know our faces from the pictures".

In truth Ai was actually already considering to get hair extensions, and now it seemed a better idea than ever. Mika looked very sad, and Kikyo was pissed off. Megumi and Kira had linked arms and bit their nails as they thought of ways to hide themselves. As Aoi ripped the paper out of Ruki's hand and looked at it, Ai leaning over to him a little to get a better look. Kira then heard Ruki and Uruha mention they heard a camera sound and flashing lights.

"I heard it too. I couldn't see where it came from though ..." Kira said, raising her hand slightly before placing it back over Megumi's arm, "... what are we going to do?"

"Same here ... I noticed something too, while I was talking to Uruha-san. I heard a clicking noise, and a flash, but couldn't find the source", Kikyo said as she motioned to Uruha, at saying she'd noticed it while talking to him before crossing her arms tightly, "Looks like you guys will get into trouble because of us now ... after this you'll never want to invite fans backstage again".

Kikyo hated the thought of being told to leave - the other girls had the same thought. Just when they were all becoming good friends, something like this had to happen and ruin it. Well, it was great while it lasted anyway. They'd all gotten a group photo with the band and even got to have dinner with them. Not every day fans could do that with their favourite celebrity. The girls were now expecting the worst and prepared themselves to be told to leave. Then there was the problem of explaining themselves to people who recognised them after they left ... but on the other hand maybe it would all turn out okay in the end?

* * *
Uruha, Reita and Kai crowded around Aoi as they glanced at the photos, really nervous and wondering what their manager would think. Aoi looked at Ai as she leaned over to have a look before turning back to the paper. Kai slowly brought his arms away from his hips to cross them thoughtfully, thinking of how to approach their manager. He was in the building; the Dome's conference room to be exact. He most likely knew the dilemma by now. Reita and Uruha looked at each other and then at Kikyo and Megumi when they frantically thought of ideas to hide. Mika was quiet so Ruki set his guitar down gently and reached over to Mika. He actually wrapped an arm around her shoulders, resting his chin on top of her head.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine. We won't let anyone get to any of you, I swear", Ruki assured her and the other girl, then glancing around as the staff were watching curiously, "Just don't go anywhere or leave this building until we work something out. There must be some solution".

Just then, in another surprising twist, the double doors leading from the main hall back out into the Dome's foyer slammed open. A tall, skinny woman stormed in - she had waist length black hair and was wearing a red mini-skirt, black top, white jacket, black boots and dark sunglasses. Basically she looked like she'd just stepped out of a magazine. She strode down the middle aisle towards the stage, ripping off her sunglasses as she approached. All the guys looked up from the paper and over at the women. Reita raised an eyebrow.

"Well look who it is - Riri the Model. Super Bitch with a bad attitude ..." Reita said flatly, which sounded funny but probably wasn't intending to be as he looked at Aoi, "Hey I think you've got a visitor. You had to do an interview with her, didn't you?"

"Oh shit, not her - she's the last person I wanted to see! This is not what I need right now!" Aoi choked as he swallowed hard and prepared himself for the worst, "Where's our security guy when you need him?"

"Well you'd better think of something fast Aoi, cause she's after you. She's got dagger's in her eyes too", Uruha half joked as he looked nervously in Riri's direction, "And with an attitude like her's, you are going to need a fire-proof vest as well".

Aoi didn't like Uruha's comforting words but he was right about her attitude - this was one jealous woman. As the women stomped up the stairs of the stage Reita, Uruha and Kai backed away. Just as the women brisked past Ruki, her hand went up and aimed to slap Aoi across the face. Luckily he ducked just in time to miss her swipe. He jumped back a bit, dropping the paper at the same time and grabbed the women's hand's to keep her from hitting him.

"How dare you, you two-timing bastard~!" she screamed, "Who is that girl I see you with in the photo?!"

"Like I would tell you, get away from me~!" he snapped back, firmly pusher her away, "I told you not to come near me again~! Just because I was talked into an interview with you, you think we're dating".

The other guys just stood staring at the women. Her name was Satouro Riri and she was a famous super-model through out Japan. Two days after the 'One Night Stand' last live Aoi was invited to do an interview on radio with her. He accepted but then Riri kept saying they were dating, which was a complete lie to get her publicity. Soon a couple of staff members ran up to the stage to guide her out of the stadium, which she just kicked and screamed and cursed at Aoi as she was dragged away - lucky she hadn't even noticed the girls or Ai in particular. Once she was gone Aoi groaned and just slumped to the floor in a crouching position with his arms wrapped around his head. Kai sighed heavily and rubbed his forehead.

"Well this is getting interesting. This paper with only released today and already Riri knows about this ... I can only imagine how far this news has spread", Kai said quietly, wrapping on arm around his waist and resting the other hand against his jaw and looking around at the girls, "Minna-san, I'm sorry you had to see that spectacle. See, Miss Riri and Aoi did a radio interview and long story short she got on his bad side by saying they were dating ..."

Kai then looked down at Aoi who was still hunched over on the floor, now slightly swaying back-and-forth like he was scared of something. Reita and Uruha looked at each other again - they felt sorry for Aoi. He was the oldest of the group but still had no desire to date anyone. Then Riri came along and tried to twist the truth - even after Aoi agreed to do the interview, they still didn't trust her motives. Ruki still had his arm around Mika and hadn't really moved from where he was standing, even when Riri stormed past him to get to Aoi. Well it couldn't be avoided now - the photos weren't going to be forgotten just like, especially if fans became jealous that they hadn't met the guys backstage instead. So much for a thorough practice session ...

* * *
The girls all stopped thinking of how to hide when they noticed Ruki cuddle Mika. Well, he definitely had a soft spot for their little Mika, otherwise he wouldn't have held onto her and reassured her so nicely. Ai, Megumi, Kira and Kikyo all showed knowing smiles to each other - it was painfully obvious to them now that even though this was only their second meeting, Ruki was quite taken by Mika. When she felt Ruki wrap his arm around her shoulders, Mika smiled as she looked down at the floor and thanked him. She really felt protected around him. Megumi tapped Kira's shoulder to get her attention before making a kissy face and clasping her hands to the side of her face. Kira smiled but hit Megumi; her way of defending Mika. Megumi frowned and just stuck her tongue out. Everyone suddenly turned to the doors as the black haired woman stormed in. Ai raised a brow as she saw the rest of them back away slowly.

"Well that's an interesting way of describing her, Reita-kun. And if she's a model, I hope I don't turn out like that ... I model too", Kira said in surprise as she swallowed and gripped Megumi's arm before looking at Uruha in his response, "She breathes fire too? Well I'd hate to see her on a really bad day ..."

Mika and Megumi giggled at Kira's comment. At least she'd made light of the situation and added to Reita and Uruha's insults towards the women. Well it seemed none of the guys liked Riri so at least Aoi had their support ... kind of. Before Riri got close to the stage, Kikyo suddenly gasped - Ai was stilling standing beside Aoi!

"Ai what are you doing, move your butt~! You don't want her to recognise you~!" Kikyo hissed as she jumped over to Ai and pulled her away from Aoi, "The last thing you want to do is have her see you standing with Aoi, no offence~!"

Ai was half in a daze as Kikyo had to pull her aside just as Riri stormed up to Aoi. Ai badly wanted to tell the women off, but the woman was much taller than she was and Ai was scared of tall people. Ai frowned as Riri and Aoi started arguing about her saying they were dating - Ai wasn't kind to competition. She looked away as she folded her arms in anger. Mika stared at the woman oddly as she saw Ai get ticked off, but the woman was much taller than her so she wouldn't do anything. Kikyo nudged Ai a little, which made her frown and stare at the ground. As Riri was half dragged away, Ai gave her the finger - her way of showing her disapproval. When Kai apologised to the girl, Megumi shrugged.

"You guys are famous ... it's going to happen sooner or later. It's just a shame that someone like her could try and tarnish your reputations", Megumi commented as she discretely nudged Ai towards Aoi but kept smiling, "Isn't that right Ai? Poor Aoi-san is probably quite upset ..."

Ai sharply turned around and stared bug-eyed at Megumi for pushing her towards Aoi. Sure Ai was concerned for Aoi but Megumi wasn't helping the situation by trying to play matchmaker at a time like this. And even though Ai still had her fan-crush on Aoi, she didn't want any of the girls to play on that. Right now, sorting out this dilemma was the most important thing if they ever wanted to get out of the Dome alive.

"Don't worry about it, Aoi-san. Things happen and anyway, she doesn't act like someone you would date", Ai smiled at him and sat down next to him, her legs underneath her, "But she is pretty though. It's just kind of sad that she's trying to get under your skin by telling lies".

Ai really hadn't that well. As mentioned before, Ai didn't like competition for a guy like she liked but at least she was focusing more on comforting Aoi. Kira, Kikyo and Megumi nodded at Ai's statement - they could only imagine how Aoi felt when having to deal with Riri's lies during the radio interview.

"Yeah, Ai is right. Hey, I know - that Riri is obviously jealous~! Yeah, otherwise she wouldn't have come all the way over here to yell at you~!" Mika suddenly pipped up, smiling brightly at Ruki before blushing and turning her attention back to Aoi, "So you see, she's not worth worrying about, I say~!"

Ai half glared at Mika to shut-up before smiling at Aoi again and giving him a short hug. Out of all the girls, Ai had the nicest smile. She had work on her teeth - they were so straight, and white. Megumi nudged Kikyo and they smiled at each other with that same knowing smile. Affections were just popping up all over the place - between Ruki and Mika, Aoi and Ai ... it was almost like one of those day-dreams young girls always have about their perfect life or rather perfect guy. Basically it was just too good to be true but what ever it was, the girls liked it. So it seemed they wouldn't be told to leave after all and they hoped they could help the guys in any way possible. But the thought of having to meet the guys manager under the circumstances was certainly not going to be a good first impression.

* * *
Aoi was surprised at the hug he received from Ai and looked up from burying his face between his knees. He'd never really let anyone hug him before because, as fan letters had stated, he sometimes looked mad. Like in fan videos, he may be doing something that makes him look like he is mad. But obviously the girls had been around them long enough to notice that he actually wasn't. So he felt much better and shifted to a kneeling position so he could hug Ai in return, closing his eyes. Reita made an 'Aww'ing sound and turn to Uruha, hugging him and pretending it was a sentimental moment. Aoi glanced to Reita and reached over to smack his leg, seeing he was close enough. Kai and Ruki laughed quietly to themselves as Reita hadn't expected the slap.

"Itai~! Hey, what was that for? Geez, you really ARE a bully, no wonder some fans think your always cranky", Reita teased as he jumped backwards and then darted to hide behind Kira, "Now I don't feel sorry for you anymore, you grumpy old bastard-"

Uruha laughed to himself and held a hand up to his mouth, trying to will himself to stop. Ruki also snickered and turned his head away behind Mika's so he could hide his laughter. He cheek was actually softly resting against Mika's head but Ruki soon realised and stood up straight, clearing his throat.

"All right Reita that's enough, leave Aoi's age out of this. We have to keep our minds on track here", Kai spoke up, clapping his hands a couple of times to get everyone's attention, "First we need to have a meeting with our manager to talk about this little problem ..."

Kai pointed at the paper spread out on the floor. It had fallen open to a page with a story about what had been happening at the after party. It was talking about how the guys and girls had been together talking for hours and occasionally made a comments about them like - "Ruki seemed so close to a girl [name un-known]" and "Uruha-san is seen here sharing a desert" and "Reita surely made this girl [name un-known] feel welcome with a hug".

"Well at least there is one bit of hope. They don't know your names yet ..." Uruha said, as he picked up the paper, scanned the article and glancing around at the girls, "So until we sort this out with our manager, I suggest all of you don't leave this building".

Uruha angled the paper into better light as he squinted at the paper, holding it at different distances to try and read the rest of the article. Where were his glasses when he needed them? The article went to say how they'd spent over-time at the after-party talking, even as the staff were packing up. And that they'd had a group photo taken with the girls as well but at least there was now copy of the group photo in the paper.

"Well I have a better idea ... I think we should go see him right now, he's probably waiting for us", Aoi put in now that he was feeling better and he stood up, "Surely he has seen this already and besides ... I don't like the idea of them wandering around alone now. They might be spotted".

As soon as Aoi said the last sentence, the double doors between the main hall and foyer were opened again. It caused the guys to turn in surprise; half expecting Riri was coming back. But they noticed it was only a couple of staff members. They ran to the side of the floor where a few other staff were discussing the technics, and frantically told them why they were in a rush. The guys could only just hear them say something about swarms of fans had gathered outside the Yoshiatsu Dome; all gathering to find out what the article in the newspaper was about. Reita and Uruha looked at each other. Aoi hung his head a little bit and placed his hands on his hips. Kai just closed his eyes and cupped his hands over his mouth. Ruki took a step closer, still with his arm around Mika.

"I agree, we have to fix this before even leaving this building. We don't want any of them to get hurt on our account. That's not what Gazette are about ..." Ruki said as he looked down at Mika before turning back to the others, "The interesting thing will be what we actually have to do to address the fans ..."

After Ruki mentioned how their manager would expect them to explain the photo to the fans, each other the guys suddenly cringed. They were already due for a radio spot later that evening - maybe they'd be asked to talk about it then? Or maybe they'd have to do a Live TV broadcast to the whole city? Now that would be interesting to see. But whatever they were going to do, it had to be done very quickly. With the staff now gossiping about the sudden arrival of un-happy fans outside the Dome, it was starting to sound like there was no easy way out of it. But the guys hoped that even after the problem had been worked out, that the girls wouldn't feel discouraged at ever seeing them again. Not when they were actually slowly becoming good friends.

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NOTES:
1) Satouro Riri: There is no such person in Japan so all Aoi-fans can relax
2) Aoi's cranky side: Aoi once got a fan-mail that asked why sometimes he looked mad. He cleared this up by saying that yes sometimes things did tick him off but he always tries hard to not let it show on stage
3) Fans outside the Dome: It's unlikely a mod of angry fans would hunt down the guys everytime they were seen with another girl, but it's all part of the story

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