Voices Carry
                        by Takani Megumi X

Part II -- Megumi's Determination  

    "Wow, that was...  Really...  Intense, that was great, let's hear it for Sanosuke!"  The perky blonde's eyes glowed with heat as she watched Sano leave the stage.  "That's some lucky girl, who's got his heart all wrapped up like that.  I don't mind admitting I'm jealous!" 
    The crowd kept roaring its approval.  Megumi alone sat in silence, shock registering still on her face.  Wordlessly she reached for the list of songs.  Nodding to herself at last, lips pursed, she went to the blonde and submitted her request.  Then she went up to the bartender and ordered a drink. 
    "I think someone should talk to her," Kaoru said.
    "Oiy, what about me?"
    "I think she has an answer for you, Sano.  You just need to wait a little to find out what...."  The answer did not seem to do the tall and crestfallen young man any good. 
    Kenshin stood .  He'd been nearly as quiet as Megumi since their friend's performance.  "I'll go.  Somehow I think she's not in the mood to talk much," he added ruefully as she slugged down a glass of something pinkish in a rather unladylike manner.  He threaded his way through the throbing mass of humanity until he reached the doctor's side.  "Daijoubu de gozaru ka, Megumidono?" 
    She looked at him and took another hit.  Her expression said it all.
    Kenshin nodded.  She'd been freaked out, panicked completely, and was now blinding herself up enough to have the courage to answer.  "Do you want company at least?"
    She shrugged.  Megumi was upset, and he didn't want to leave her alone, but she didn't seem to want him (or anyone else for that matter) around at the moment.  Sighing, Kenshin leaned against the bar and turned away, watching the distraught woman peripherally while seeming to survey the room.
    "You're not fooling me, Kensan," she drawled into her mostly-finished drink.  "You think I need babysitting."  The bitter tone of the woman's words did little to hide the understones of fear and discomfort.  "I don't.  If there's one thing I don't need, it's to be babied.  It's not like this is easy for me..."  Her voice trailed off as she polished off the last of her second glass. 
    "Megumidono..." 
    "Kensan, don't.  You know better than anyone."  She placed the glass on the bar as the blonde introduced her with every bit as much enthusiasm as she had for Sano. 
    "Hey folks, here comes the answer...  And remember, cute stuff!  You can always take my number!"  She was clearly talking to Sano now.
    Then again, so was Megumi about to be, as she picked up the microphone and met the music with a huskily feminine, sensual, yet determined voice of her own...

"Like anyone would be I am flattered by your fascination with me...
Like any hot blooded woman I have simply wanted an object to crave...

But you....  You're not allowed.  You're uninvited.  An unfortunate slight...

Must be strangely exciting to watch the stoic squirm...
Must be somewhat heartening to watch shepherd need shepherd.

But you...  You're not allowed.  You're uninvited.  An unfortunate slight...

Like any uncharted territory I must seem greatly intriguing...
You speak of my love like you have experienceced love like mine before...

But this is not allowed!  You're uninvited.  An unfortunate slight...

I don't think you unworthy.  I need a moment to deliberate..."
   
    Silence reigned for a long moment as she lay down the microphone -- a notable phenomenon in and of itself in a karaoke bar.  Everyone in the room stood and watched Megumi as she left the stage, making a path for her and murmuring admiration and sympathy -- and in some cases, envious anger.  There was respect in that crowd.  Only one man remained sitting,  pained bewilderment evolving on his strong features into hurt and understanding with no small amount of inwardly directed anger.  The crowd closed in behind Megumi, cutting off any hope of following her that her friends might have had. 
    Tears streaked her face as she turned her back on them all and walked into the darkening night.