Disclaimer: I don't own Gravitation that belongs to the wonderful mind of Maki Murakami.
Just a Show?
Shuichi's career needs an extra boost, and Yuki's needs a reboot. Tohma has got the perfect answer: a publicity stunt. Yuki Eiri and Shuichi Shindo pretend to be lovers. However what happens if they fall in love for real?
Chapter 1: Setting the Stage
Yuki Eiri frowned slightly as he listened to the radio. He usually didn't care what people thought of him, but when it effected his source of income…he cared. Growing accustom to his lifestyle, he wasn't willing to give it up. However, thanks to his latest book once again missing the best sellers list, he might be looking to adjust to a less expensive lifestyle.
He sighed, turning off the radio. This news probably didn't go well with his publishers at all. There was no doubt that Mizuki, his editor, would call him today. She would complain about the lack of press as well, he was sure. The news constantly reminding him of his reputation of being a cold-hearted playboy (while true) and his books lacking the usual quality didn't help him much at all (although, it really had been nothing but romantic drivel to begin with). Though, it had been better than no press at all. So now due to the lack of publicity, lately new writers were taking over his spot. He knew it was a matter of time, before the publishing company threatened to drop him. There would be nothing that him nor Mizuki could do.
Tohma had his hands crossed and a thoughtful expression on his face. Mizuki, with one leg over the other was sitting across from him. "So you see the problem is Yuki's inspiration seems to have left him. You are his brother-in-law so I thought you and I could devise some kind of plan to help him become inspired once more."
"So you want me to manipulate him?" the man questioned.
"Not so much as manipulate him, but help him. He refuses all the suggestions I give him. You however are his brother-in-law." She held out a hand to emphasize a point, pulling it back when she added, "Besides, not all manipulation is bad, you know that. Then if we have to use such a thing, who better than you to do it." She sipped her cup of coffee after she finished her explanation, then she leaned back in her chair waiting for his answer.
"I suppose I could…," Tohma began but then K burst through the door gripping a gun in each hand.
"Ah Bad News!" he announced, right before Sakano came in with a folder and began going around in circles of panic. Mizuki raised an eyebrow, slightly amused.
"What are we going to do?" Pulling at his hair as he asked the question, "I'm horrible at my job. I should…," The blonde man with a ponytail and a love for guns pointed one at the panic man's head. Sakano froze.
K took the folder then handed it over to Tohma, then removed his gun to let Sakano continue his panic, if he wished. The head of N.G. said nothing about the drama, not bothering him as long as they earned ever penny they were paid. Mizuki didn't lose her calm over such drama, though her dealings with it were rare.
After looking at the folder, "I see," the youthful blonde man closed the folder and clasped his hands over it, "Bad Luck is quite short in their record sells."
"Yes," K agreed, "They didn't even go past 500,000 records! Looks like I will get a chance to use my baby on our new lead singer."
"I believe then," an odd creepy smile graced the head of N.G.'s face as the wheels in his mind began to turn. "We need to get Bad Luck more attention." The producer stopped for a moment to stand in front of the man he admired most.
"Yes but how?" Sakano wondered. "The press seems to have very little interest, though their fans are seemingly loyal."
"Yes I know, but we need to gain more fans. We need something big…personal…something to catch the press' attention." A creepy smile found its way on his face. A grin graced Yuki's editor's face as well, because she could see that something was coming together in Tohma's mind.
"We need a publicity stunt," K stated. "If it works it means my guns might not get as much practice." Then he proceeded to stroke his gun while apologizing to it about how they might not get to have fun.
"I'm sure you will still be able to get much use for your guns," Tohma stated. "I believe I have an idea of what kind of stunt will work. I believe Mizuki I have a solution that will fix two problems instead of just one."
"I see," she replied, putting a hand under her chin.
"What?" Sakano wondered.
"I'm not so sure if you can get Eiri to agree to such a thing though."
"Oh, but I can and will." Tohma retorted, then picked up his phone, "Kyoko, can you cancel all of my appointments for rest of the afternoon?"
"But sir we…," the nervous secretary retorted looking over his schedule.
"I'm going to meet my brother-in law."
"Ah," Sakano realized, and K gave a big grin, finally understanding as well. "Which one of the members are you going to pair him up with?" the head of N.G. put the phone on the receiver, then leaned back to explain the details to the members in the room. He had no doubt that they would be very useful in helping him with these matters. It would benefit them all, of course. If the plan worked exactly the way Tohma expected it to, both Yuki and Shuichi would become greatly inspired, as well as gain the press' attention, especially once the two broke up.
"Shuichi of course," K stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"Really?" Mizuki spoke up not so sure if Shuichi was a good match for the novelist. "I never met the boy, but from what little I read he is very…,"
"Active," Sakano supplied.
"Yes," Tohma agreed, "He'll probably clash with Eiri quiet a bit, but I think both parties need to be stirred a little, besides Hiro would never agree to such a thing, and Suguru is my cousin."
"I see, so that really does leave Mr. Shindo as our only option," she realized.
"Do you really think your brother-in-law will go for it?" the producer wondered.
"Not without something that greatly benefits him," the head of N.G stated, "but naturally, I know what that is. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to take my dear brother-in-law for lunch. Why don't you two go back to what you were doing. I will call for your help when needed." Mizuki and Sakano politely bowed, while K shot off a round before leaving.
The band members had dragged themselves out of bed early in the morning on the request of K's babies. They were supposed to be practicing, but exhaustion from last night's performance was taking its toll. So for now they were just resting until the gun happy American and Sakano return, then it was back to work. K, the slave driver would no doubt make sure of that.
Shuichi sighed. He knew that Tohma wasn't happy, none of them were. He thought the concert had been awesome, but when the results of records sales came in, a cloud of disappointment hung over everyone. As a result they were stolen away from their precious sleep. Why couldn't the sales come in tomorrow? They wouldn't have had to come in early at least. Though, sooner or later, they still would have had to pay for it. Shaking his head, he couldn't understand why he wasn't doing as well as liked. It didn't make sense, their fans seemed to be crazy about them, yet…something was missing.
"Hey," Hiro called patting his friend on the back as he sat next to him. Stealing the pocky that Shuichi had been chewing on while in deep contemplation. He assured him, "Don't worry about it, we'll get it with the next record, alright?"
"I know, but I just don't understand why we didn't get it this time around." The pink-haired man complained.
"I don't know either. I really thought we were on our way to outdoing Nitter Grasper." A thoughtful expression crossed Suguru's face, "unless…hmm."
"What?" the two band mates wondered leaning in close to him. He pushed them aside.
Tapping his fingers as he thought about something for a moment before answering, "We need more press attention." Confusion was written across all over Shuichi's face, thinking about how they were just in the paper the other day.
"You mean we need more press attention in our private lives? I'm not so sure if I would like that idea," Hiro stated.
"True, the press can be a real nuisance, but without them our popularity won't increase."
"How do we get more of the press' attention?" their leader singer asked.
"Not sure, it probably will require some kind of stunt." The green head man noted contemplatively.
"Stunt?" An image of jumping out of a helicopter popped into the pink-haired man's mind, making him very nervous. He didn't want to do it, but if K thought they needed to, he would somehow find himself doing such a task.
"Yeah, something dramatic needs to happen. We need something like umm… "Snapping his fingers, then pointing at his two band mates, "say you and Hiro kisses on the stage."
"What!" both of his band mates stared at him as if all sense had left his mind.
"I wasn't serious, but it would need to be something like that."
"Oh, well, why don't I try to work on these songs, and you guys can work out the music sequence."
"Yeah," Eager to change the subject they all agreed to go to work on something, and Hiro high fived Shuichi.
The novelist frowned at the computer screen, his muse ran off, again. "Damn!" he muttered "Mizuki is going to kill me." Frustrated, he ran a hand over his face. It looked like another all nighter. "Beer," with that he got out of his chair, grabbing a pack of cigarettes before heading to his refrigerator for a can of beer. A pounding at the door was heard just as he was about to enjoy his beer. He ignored it.
"Eiri-san, I have come to see you my dear brother-in-law." The voice behind the door made the novelist cringe. It was Tohma.
"What for?"
"Your books aren't doing as well as they could be, are they?"
Eiri growled. Damn meddling brother-in-law knows everything. Of course, he knew about the lack of publicity he was getting. With a deep sigh, the tall blonde went over to open the door, knowing that if he didn't Tohma would just use his key. No matter how many times he changed the locks his family always managed to get a copy. It was probably Tatsuha who got it, the damn sneaky idiot.
Opening the door, Tohma fell to ground because he was already starting to unlock the door. Eiri glared. The platinum blonde calmly stood up, smiling politely.
"What do you want?" he growled, his golden eyes looking downward on him.
"Is that anyway to talk to your brother-in-law?" Eiri took another sip of his beer. "Don't you think it is a bit earlier to be drinking?"
"Don't you think it is a bit early to disturb?" the novelist questioned back.
"Perhaps, for you, even if it is in the middle of the day." The head of N.G. calmly walked in, immediately making himself comfortable on Eiri's couch. "But I have a proposition you might just like."
"Oh," the blonde took another drink, "I doubt that, but for laughs let's hear it." He sat across from him.
"I have a new band working for me," Tohma began, "they are not doing too well in record sells."
"So," Eiri retorted. "Isn't that your problem? You could always just drop them."
"Of course," Tohma nodded in agreement, "but I believe they are worth the investment. The leader singer reminds of Ryuichi, and has the ability to surpass him. All they need is a little more press coverage."
"Who doesn't?" the taller man mumbled.
"Well, I have a solution, but it requires your help. You see the lead singer is very likable, but he doesn't quiet know how to grab more attention from the public. I believe that what he needs is a...," Tohma looked up to meet Eiri's eyes. The novelist could see this was leading to a dangerous zone. "Is a boyfriend," beer spurted all over the place.
"What! Don't tell me you are suggesting...," he was appalled by the thought. One: he was straight. Two: He didn't like commitment.
"Yes I am," N.G.'s head replied calmly wiping off his coat. Straightening himself, he began to try persuading him, "it would do wonders for your image. You just be pretending, of course."
"Why can't you just get him a girlfriend?"
"Oh but Eiri-san I really want to help you, too."
"Nothing stirs the press like controversy, and there is no controversy like a gay romance," Eiri spat back at him throwing away his beer.
"Of course," Tohma admitted while the novelist searched for another can of beer.
"Damn, that was last can!" he muttered, "and what the hell makes you think I'll do it! I don't think Mika will like this very much."
"She won't know this is just for show, nobody except me, you, Shuichi, K, Sakano and Mizuki. Everyone else will think this is real and I will make it worth your while."
"I doubt that, and honestly I don't think it matters if this is for show or not, Mika will still be on my back." he retorted with a snort.
Tohma smiled a creepy grin, "I'll keep Mika off your back, and as well as your father."
"I doubt you could do that either."
"Oh, I believe I can keep her busy. Don't worry, but let me add another thing to this. I will quit meddling completely."
"Really, I don't think you can."
"I will, even if it backfires and hurts your image even more. I will quit getting into your affairs once this is over. If I don't I'll sign my company over to Sakano,"
"Yes, well considering he worships you he would probably still obey your ever order anyway. I doubt you plan to keep out of my business while this is going on?"
With a smile Tohma said, "I will have to make sure things go smoothly."
"Of course," the novelist spat, "is that all you got." He walked over to the door.
"I see…well…I have one more card under my sleeve."
"Naturally you do," under his breathe he muttered in a growl, "You manipulative bastard."
"Ayaka,"
"What about her?"
"I'll get rid of whatever promises your father made to her family. You won't have to marry her, Eiri."
Yuki thought about it for a moment, he really didn't like the girl that way at all, or anyway actually. Though, it hadn't been a huge problem, he was never going to marry the girl regardless of his family or hers. It would be nice to completely be rid of the pest. "Alright, you help keep my family off my back and get rid of that problem my father calls my "fiancée" in exchange I will do this favor for you for two weeks."
"Two months,"
"Three weeks,"
"A month and a half,"
"A month, that's it."
"Very well, nice talking to you," Tohma smiled as he walked out the door. Eiri had a funny feeling that it was exactly the amount of time the head of N.G. wanted. Damn prick! The novelist slammed the door shut after the youthful blonde, and then once again went back to his laptop.
"What the hell did I get myself into?" He wondered running a hand through his blonde hair. Suddenly, he smirked as a thought popped into his mind. Letting his fingers fly he typed.
She was aware this was all part of 'her' plan, her dear controlling mother, had planned this from the beginning. The woman was a master at it, and was willing to do anything to get what she wanted even use the only daughter she had and loved. Yes, forcing her into this position with this…Man was exactly what her mother had wanted. Forcing both Elle's hand as well as the man she barely knew.
"No!" Slamming his hands on Tohma's desk with a sense of bravery nobody had expected from one as such as him, Shuichi Shindo. The man just stared at him with a grin. "I won't do this! How do you even know I'm gay?!"
"So you are?" the platinum blonde questioned calmly, he was slightly surprised though he wouldn't show it. This was working too much into his favor.
"Damn you!" Shuichi yelled. Neither K nor Tohma wavered in their expressions, but of course Sakano was in full panic mode. He had been running around in a circular motion for the last ten minutes. However, N.G.'s head had anticipated some resistance, though not quiet this blunt. Sure, the pink-headed man was very friendly, calm, and cheerful, but nobody likes to be manipulated. Despite this shocking display, however Shuichi was a push over compare to his dear brother-in-law.
"Do you like your job?" K asked with a gun to Shuichi's head and a grin. "Or better yet do you love your life?"
Gulp. "Yes," the pink-headed singer's mood switched from rage to panic, as he slightly begged. "Please get that gun away from me."
"Good, then it is a deal you will meet with Eiri tomorrow," Tohma stated as he gathered papers on his desk. "Now, I believe you all have work to do." He then waved the young man off who was about to say something, when metal touch his head once more.
"Yes sir," he screeched. K grinned and escorted the young singer out. He winked at the head of N.G. studios before heading out the door.
"Now," the happy gunman began as he walked along with Shuichi to one of the practice rooms. "Nobody else is to know, understood," he commanded as he cleaned his gun.
"But Hiro…," The gun seemed to be really love his head today, because it was there once again.
"Understood."
The young man nodded his head in agreement.
"Good, now let's go, we have plenty of work to do!" with that K gave a hearty laugh, creeping Shuichi out.
"Sakano," Tohma began hands crossed under his chin, "you are one of my closest employees."
"Of course, sir I…," he began to tell his boss how wonderful he was, but the man held his hand up for the producer to stop his praises.
"I need you to make sure Shuichi goes through with this. He trusts you and you know him a little more than I do."
"Sir but Eiri…,"
"I may have Eiri at the moment, but if he sees Shuichi isn't willing. It will make it very easy for him to get out of this little deal of ours."
"Yes of course," the man adjusted his glasses, "Mika?"
"She'll be my problem, as expected. Don't worry about it. She won't be happy at all, but if I can convince her that Eiri is 'happy' then she will back off a little."
"I see," Sakano nodded, his expression becoming somber. "I will not let you down sir."
Three men sat in the head of N.G.'s office, Tohma in his usual chair, Shuichi and Eiri sat in front of him. He watched with amusement at the exchange of expressions coming from the two men.
The novelist glared at the sight before him: The man had violet eyes, pink hair, and a somewhat slender body. Pink hair! Tohma couldn't seriously think he would even pretend to know this guy, let alone date him. Okay so he didn't look that bad! The novelist found himself study the man, once more. Actually, the pink suited him. He had a feminine look to him, his violet eyes were round, bright, and there was a sparkle to them. His lips appeared to be…kissable. In reality, the boy was kind of cute when the novelist thought about it. Wait a minute! Eiri shook his thoughts then looked at Tohma.
Shuichi stared in astonishment. The man was gorgeous! Handsome narrow golden eyes, blonde hair, and a tall, but well toned figured. It wasn't a surprise as to why women loved him, despite his reputation. His physical looks were perfect. A small smile escaped Shuichi's lips if he had to pretend to date a guy at least he was eye-catching. Tohma could have tried to hook him up with Taki. That made a shiver go down his spine, there was something off with that guy.
"Are you cold?" his boss asked.
"No," Shuichi replied, "just had a frighten thought came to mind, that's all," the man gave a bright grin. Eiri raised an eyebrow in a questioning gesture.
"Alright," Tohma directed his attention towards the tall blonde, "You two will need to meet at least once a week to 'date.' We have a few locations that are 'preferable.'"
"You mean ones that the press always stalks," The novelist observed removing his cigarette for a brief moment. "Fine, so how long do I have to put up with the brat?"
"Brat?" Shuichi sprung out of his chair. Tohma knew this was going to happen, yet he had hoped it wouldn't have been for another minute or so. He couldn't predict every little thing to the precise moment, oh well; he just let it play out. "I'm not a brat! I'm twenty years old!" he exclaimed, "and an upcoming lead singer you bastard!"
The novelist flinched. "Yes, an upcoming artist who has to pretend to date me because he can't get his own date and the press finds him boring," with that the handsome golden-eyed man flicked some ash in the tray sitting on the desk.
"You bastard!" Shuichi slammed his hands against the desk looking over next him where the novelist sat, "What is your problem?"
"My problem," he answered calmly, "is that I'm being forced to pretend to like a brat such as YOU, who obviously shouldn't even be in this business. You can't even get the press to pass a glance let alone put you on a cover of a magazine." Eiri smirked at the disbelief look on Shuichi's face. Too easy!
Or not. "Well that is a lot coming from a man who hasn't been on the best seller's list in what…a YEAR. Having a bit of a writer's block? Hmm?"
Brows twitched. That brat! He stood up, "I think this is a waste of our time," and Yuki began to leave.
"Are you sure?" Tohma inquired. "Perhaps I'll tell your father you will finally accept Ayaka," the golden-eyed man froze. Damn! He was stuck.
"Fine, we'll give this a try," he replied calmly. "I will see you on Friday, Shu," with that the man tossed his cigarette aside, and then walked out the door.
The pink haired singer stomped in rage from the great Seguchi's office then headed to work on some lyrics. He had some sudden inspiration for a very angry song. Once arriving in one of the conference rooms, he was immediately pounced on by his producer, Sakano.
"Shuichi?" he questioned as he watched the boy scribble something on paper. Was he writing? He had been having problems with lyrics lately, so maybe this whole thing was working out after all.
"What?" he snarled.
Then again maybe not, "How did it go with Mr. Yuki?"
"You mean Eiri, the blonde bastard! FANTANTASTIC!" Shuichi scribbled something else. The producer tried to think of something that would help keep the situation under control.
"I see, well if it helps, Eiri is that way with almost everyone," the easily panicked man began. Shuichi stopped writing for a moment to listen, "he hasn't had a serious relationship in years, so don't take it too personal,"
The cute singer smiled, "Yeah, I'll try. Thanks Sakano. Hey!" suddenly the pink-haired man was filled with joy, "Look, that bastard really was good for something. I was able to write some pretty good lyrics. I got to find the guys!" he exclaimed dashing away with his lyrics.
Sakano smiled; perhaps his original thought had been right, this may just worked out. He just hoped Tohma knew what he was doing! His boss had a tendency try to control everything, usually he could, but Eiri, and (unknown to Tohma) Shuichi weren't predictable or controllable forces.
Hiro was so surprised when Shuichi showed and slammed a piece of paper in his face. Looking at him, he blinked several times. They were lyrics and they weren't bad at all. Suguru was completely amazed.
"So you can write?" the green-haired man questioned, Shuichi glared.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I was starting to wonder. You've been taking so long getting around to writing something. And with our lack of attention we can't afford for you to slack off," he retorted.
"You…you,"
"Okay, we are all surprised." Hiro broke in the between the two of them, "I'm wondering who do you think is pretty?" He then pouted his lips and then batted his eyelashes, teasing his friend, "Other than me? Hmm?"
"Hey, hey..." Shuichi began nervously searching for something to do, "umm let's uh…Suguru why don't we start on the arrangements?" he suggested trying to push Hiro off him, making his friend burst into laughter. "Alright, let's go!"
K and Sakano watched them from behind the glass, discussing the recent events. "Shuichi seems to be doing rather well…considering," Sakano began.
"Yes, well I think it will do all of us well in the long run," the American said. "Though, I believe we will need to watch out for the boss on this one. If we really want things to go the way they need to."
"Oh,"
"Yes, he may push this too far or perhaps not far enough. You see gravity isn't a force to be reckoned with, that is exactly what Mr. Seguchi is doing."
"I see so you felt it as well?" the producer inquired. K simply nodded. "That Mr. Seguchi's only main concern is really Eiri. What shall we do?"
"Watch and wait," K answered. "Our main concern is Shuichi, not Eiri Yuki." He looked at the intense playing band members. His arms crossed as he smiled, "Hopefully, I'll get to show off my baby a few times."
Eiri couldn't believe what was happening, after days without his muse, it returned. Or maybe he got a new one? An image of a pink-haired brat popped in his mind. He shook it away, once more. What was with that brat? How dare he insult him like that! But he did have guts, didn't he? Standing up to him like that, it was shockingly refreshing to have someone not fall head over heels for his looks. Though, it pissed him off just as much as it impressed him. "Damn brat! Why can't I get you out of my head? We just met?"
Once more he began to type furiously. The words seemed to just flow, he couldn't stop writing. Sleep would not be something he would get that night. Although, in this case it was a wonderful thing, he might actually make his deadline.
He hadn't been impressed with the woman at all, so he told himself. Yet she lingered in his mind, not leaving it once since their meeting. There had just been something about her. Though, she appeared to be just like every other woman he met. Skylar couldn't help but think of that long exotic pink…Delete…violet….Delete…blue and bright…vi…green eyes.
Author's Commentary: So what did you think? I think it needs some tweaking, but I think it is pretty good. It was fun to write.
