bloodsong1 | My Itunes has it in for me.

I watched Sari stand up and walk away, every inch of her vibrating. Did she get the message? Would she answer? My eyes narrowed as she walked over to the DJ and had a quiet conversation. Then she headed for the exit. I bolted up out of my chair and followed her. No way was I letting her go. Not now, not ever.

Nick, Doc, Flesh and Janny gaped after Bon, then looked at each other. Nick shrugged and clamped a hand on Doc's shoulder, preventing the younger man from following.

"Watch the stage, Holiday." Nick ordered. The four friends looked up in time to see Priss take the stage. She winked at the crowd and began "Cruel Angel's Thesis". In Japanese. Within two lines she had the crowd eating out of her hand.

I found Sari just outside, staring into a mirror hanging opposite the door. Her lips were thin and she was glaring at herself. I approached slowly, realizing I could still feel the emotion shimmering off of her. She was so wound up, I was afraid to touch her.

"Sari?" I asked softly, stopping a few inches behind her. Her gray-green eyes met mine in the mirror. I gasped as they changed into a clear, bright green.

"Yes, Kev?" She asked just as softly.

"Are you...all right?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to talk about it?" She frowned slightly, our eyes still locked in the mirror. She shook her head slightly.

"Not yet. There's something I must do first."

"You're not going to leave, are you?" I asked, not able to hide the worry in my voice. Another faint smile appeared, then grew. I gasped again. When she smiled, her entire face lit up. Gods, she's beautiful!

"No. I'm not going anywhere." She turned around abruptly and I reflexively siezed her shoulders. The emotion roiling through her slammed into me with such force I stumbled back. Unfortunately, I forgot to let go and she came with me, slamming into my chest. I quickly wrapped my arms around her.

"Sorry about that." I murmured into her hair. I didn't want to let go. Ever.

"It's all right." She said, her voice muffled by my shirt. I closed my eyes, simply enjoying the feel of her. Until I felt something poking my sides. I moved my head and saw her fingers digging under my ribs. I let go and sprang back. She smiled, a knowing, sultry smile that nearly floored me. How could this petite, gorgeous woman have such an effect on me?

"It'll be my turn soon." She stepped around me and headed back into the bar. I stood there, feeling stunned. Her turn? Does that mean...? I whirled and rushed back to our table, eager to see. Priss was in the middle of a standing ovation. I wondered what she sang. After the crowd settled down, Nick was called. He stood, flicked his hat brim at Sari and walked up. I slid back into my seat and took a long swallow of my drink.