Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing or it's characters, neither do I have anything to do with the actors and plays mentioned in this fic.
Warnings: AU, (artistic) Cross-dressing, (eventual) Yaoi, (kinda) OOC and if I told you the pairings it'd spoil it.
Author's Notes: Now…this is my experimental romp in the creative woods. I've done some research, but of course I'm unlikely to have got much correct. Creative license…
Kabuki
Nichou
Duo Maxwell frantically searched for his friend amid the mass of people in the theatre lobby. He was late as usual. People crowded in small clumps, socialising and creating a din of noise.
Quatre had to be here somewhere.
Duo dodged yet more people, before he spotted who he was looking for. When he was able to finally get to Quatre's group, Duo bent over resting his hands on his knees, trying to get his breath back. He stood straight starting his apologies, "I'm sorry, the traffic was hell and I couldn't find the theatre…"
He trailed off as he saw the amusement that played in Quatre's eyes. The blond gave a warm smile and said "It's okay, we were only having some drinks before the show."
Duo rubbed some of his bangs away from his eyes, and glanced at Quatre's colleges. They all wore suits, with freshly pressed shits, ties…oh god. The American wondered if the businessmen were noticing his own attire—his favourite zip up turtle neck and leather jacket. It looked like he was slightly under dressed.
Quatre started introducing his work mates, and Duo dually grinned and shook hands.
"This is Richard McMichale, and Balbinder Dhaliwal…"
The braided man's smile stayed fixed as the list of names washed over him. Smile and nod, smile and nod…
Finally the introductions were finished, and a conversation about share prices continued.
Duo fixed his eyes on some random spot, and tried to look interested in the discussion.
Quatre's company was sponsoring the performing Theatre Group's tour, and had of course been offered complementary tickets. Trowa wasn't able to make the show, and Quatre had offered Duo the ticket.
He'd not been able to refuse the offer as he'd looked into Quatre's hopeful blue eyes. But Duo had never really been into this arty stuff…it all just seemed above him.
The blond caught Duo's eye and indicated they were going to sit in their seats now.
Duo's smile never wavered.
Quatre now talked enthusiastically about the Theatre Company.
"In Japan they're very famous." He was nearly bubbling as he spoke, "It's run and starred in by a family who have been Kabuki actors for generations, now it's the father and son…"
Duo's mind started drifting off again…Japanese huh? So does this mean that it's not in English? He really had no idea about this kind of thing.
The group entered the theatre stalls, and walked to the front seats. The stalls were already filling up, and glancing up saw the heavens filled too.
Finally the entourage was at their reserved row, and everyone started taking seats. Duo sat on the end next to Quatre.
The American looked with curiosity at the stage. A passageway connecting Duo's side of the stage with the back of the hall through the spectators' seats at about head level of the audience.
A noise to his side brought Duo's attention back to his blond friend. In his hand was a small blue box from which he unwound a wire attached to a small ear piece.
"Quatre, what's that?"
The Arab looked up surprised. "It's the translation ear piece [1], didn't you rent one?"
Duo tried to control his groan; the entire play was in Japanese…well duh! He must have missed the stand renting them out in his hurry to get here on time. Great. He made his excuses to his friend and settled down into the plush red chair. This was going to be a long show.
With that thought, wooden clappers and foreign chanting began. The striped curtain that reminded Duo of a deck chair started to slide across to reveal the scenery of the first set.
~~
Duo watched the characters on stage conversed poetically in Japanese, he had no idea what they were saying, but it sounded nice.
The show seemed to be comprised of two plays. The first the American found deeply confusing…it was something about these two guys trying to catch women with fishing poles [2]. The Kabuki theatre seemed comprised of larger than life gestures, traditional costumes and a boom-crash orchestra.
Which is all very well and fine but to understand the plot would be nice.
Duo sunk even further into his seat, it looked like the second play was starting now. People immediately hushed as the performers started entering the stage.
The American couldn't help but hold his breath as the star of the show made her grand entrance.
Duo looked closely, and she was wearing kimonos of orange and red. A yellow over robe covered most of the reds, and the longs sleeves and train that slid on the floor behind her hazed to a strong tone of magenta. Around her waist was a deep purple sash, tied in an elaborate bow at the front [3].
The lead actress gracefully glided to the centre of the stage, her robes fluttering with her short strides.
All visible skin was masked in a pure eggshell white; her lips and eyes outlined in a vibrant red. Her long black hair was styled smooth to hold combs and ornaments. She reminded Duo of a geisha he'd seen in a book.
The chestnut haired man heard a couple of people shout from the rows of seats behind him, "Yuiro-ya!" [4] He looked back briefly, but no one had said anything more. The braided man was confused, why did people shout? Were they heckling the beautiful performer?
The star's mere presence seemed to hold command and attention, especially when anyone got caught in her clear blue eyes.
The actress started speaking and Duo felt himself being lost in the stream of foreign words.
The play started to look a lot more interesting.
~~
The performance was nearing its tragic ending. Duo again had difficulty following the plot, but that didn't matter anymore, his attention was now focused on the female lead.
Duo's eyes followed each and every graceful and controlled movement of Ohatsu (he'd asked Quatre what her name was), as she lay on the floor embracing her lover.
She spoke tearful words of encouragement to the man, and pressed a knife into his hand. He embraced her again, before raising the knife. [5]
The music slowed, and the curtain started to come down. People around the theatre had started applauding loudly, which only grew when the curtained raised again to show the entire cast standing in a row. They bowed in unison, and the curtain fell again.
The clapping continued at full strength, when the curtain rose once more. But now it was just the female lead. She took a slow deep bow, the applause growing louder and a few calls from the Japanese audience members.
Duo couldn't help himself; he stood up to clap. As Ohatsu slowly rose, Duo was absolutely certain her cobalt blue eyes made contact with his own for a brief second.
To Be Continued
[1] An ear piece you can rent at theatres which will give you a translation of what's going on if the plays in a different language.
[2] The romantic comedy Tsuri Onna (translated loosely means 'Fishing for a Wife').
[3] Prostitutes tied their obi (sash worn with kimono) at the front, the idea being that they'd be getting undressed again too soon to bother tying it at the back…watch samurai drama anime and you'll see it all the time!
[4] Known as Kakegoe, calls from knowledgeable members of the Kabuki audience which
[5] Sonezaki Shinjû a love tragedy where the cheated merchant and his lover (Ohatsu, a prostitute) commit suicide together.
Author's Notes:
Nichou- a loud double clack from the
Confused? That's likely the case. The next chapter will clear up any doubt. Predictable? Perhaps…
I'm sorry, I really suck at describing costumes.
I don't think this is going to be a popular fic, so those of you who do read it, please review and tell me what you think.