DISCLAIMER: The characters from Mai-Hime don't belong to me and also, the songs that I'll be using in this fan fiction. (Refer to Author's Note for the name of the band)
CHAPTER ONE
"I'm not gay; for goodness sake get your facts straight." Clearly annoyed, Shizuru folded her arms in her chest. "And before you throw an accusation always be sure that you have evidence to prove it." With a slight huff, she walked past to the man in front of her.
"Don't worry Ma'am, next time I'll bring my camera and I will take a picture of you while you ogle at Miss Kruger." The man said maliciously.
Shizuru stiffened and shock echoed around her face. "I am not gawking at her, I—I" The man could clearly see that Shizuru was struggling for an explanation but he kept the pressure.
The man smiled wickedly and shrugged, it was his turn to walk past Shizuru and he whispered nastily, "Can your career withstand the blow once I found an evidence that you are," He paused and murmured close to her ear. "A lesbian?"
Shizuru staggered backward and she felt herself panic at the prospect of losing everything she accomplished because of her secret. "You c-can't do that," In Shizuru's astonishment, the man threw his head and laughed.
"Oh yes, I can Miss Viola," He gave her a creepy smile. "I can." And he walked away.
"Cut! That was good Fujino!" the voice of Director Yuuichi Tate sliced through the set. Chatter erupted around the set and Shizuru sighed with relief. She took bottled water from her manager's hand and drank. She could feel the drumming pain around her temple because of the vicious heat outside.
Shizuru gulped another mouthful of water. "Thanks, Yukino."
"Here," Yukino gave her a towel. Shizuru took the towel to wipe off the sweat on her face.
"Geez, it's so hot in here. My makeup will melt in this brutal heat; Jude will get mad at me for ruining his work of art."
Yukino smiled a little. "I'm sure Jude will understand Shizuru," She adjusted her glasses before Yukino gave her a thorough inspection. "Don't worry Shizuru as far as I can see your make up is still intact you're just sweating."
Shizuru blew a breath. "Hopefully, it'll be intact till the last scene." Shizuru was playing one of the main casts of the show Unscripted life. The story revolves around famous and not so famous actresses who discovered life changing things about themselves. The character that she was portraying is an actress who is a closet gay who needs to out herself to her family, friends and to the world.
It amazed Shizuru she got one of the major roles from one of the most anticipated shows in their generation. Glamorous, enthralling and deviant from social norms was the description of the paparazzi, news reporter, and fans. Imagine, five of the well-known celebrities from different field of Hollywood came together to make one groundbreaking show about diversity.
"Ugh, the heat is savage." A seductive drawl came behind. Shizuru turned her attention from the approaching woman.
Yuuki Nao, a renowned sexy actress from this generation. Redhead, lime green eyes, a seductive smile, a body that curved like an hourglass. Playful and charming enough to wrap anyone around her fingers in a matter of seconds. Nao played the role of an actress who is also a gay but open to the public in her sexual preference. In the script, Viola is the love interest of Juliet Zhang, Nao's character.
"Totally," Shizuru returned her gaze to the bustling staff. After this taping, she's not due back on the set until the next day. Wistfully, she thought about sleeping for eight straight hours. Some of the schedules were re-arranged because of conflict with the schedule of the other actresses. Thinking about her upcoming rest day; it took her seconds before the snapping fingers of Nao brought her to the present.
"Geez. Shizuru. It's still too early to sleep.' Nao's eyebrow grinned.
Chuckling, Shizuru asked her. "I'm spacing out, I'm sorry. What were you saying?"
"Natsuki's tour is almost done, and she's due to come to the set tomorrow. Ugh, finally we can shoot our scene according to the schedule. This re-scheduling is messing up my other commitments and social life." Nao complained good-naturedly.
Natsuki Kuga is back, she thought. She could feel her face heating up with the sudden reminder of their awkward first meeting. Slack-jawed, she blushed her way to the seat beside her manager and apologized for being late. And Natsuki. Natsuki just smiled knowingly throughout the meeting as if thinking of a private joke. Shizuru wanted to wipe that smug look in her gorgeous face.
Geez, Shizuru, just because she's gorgeous doesn't mean she's attracted to Natsuki, she thought irritably. Well, maybe she's a little gorgeous than me but still I'm straight, she indignantly said to herself. This gay character is rubbing on me; I'm just tired and burnt out.
"Thank goodness for that." Shizuru murmured. She knew Nao and Natsuki are good friends so she kept her opinions to herself.
Nao folded her arms in front of her and leaned in her right foot. "This is her first worldwide concert tour; boy I'm glad that her tickets were sold out."
"That's good to hear," she replied automatically. She doesn't care about Natsuki's concert, she doesn't care if the woman sold two million albums worldwide and she doesn't care if her songs are in top charts. She doesn't even care that Natsuki is publicly open gay. Clearly, Shizuru doesn't care.
"You heard her songs? I recommend you to listen in Faraway," Nao beamed proudly like a true friend. "She played the violin part in the intro."
"Sure," Shizuru smiled politely. Shizuru wouldn't dare to tell Nao that she's got all Natsuki's songs in her playlist. After she saw Natsuki at the meeting, Shizuru googled the mystery woman. She was stunned at Natsuki's success; numerous awards sold out concerts and albums here and other countries, an advocate of LGBT rights and lastly, very much active at charity events.
Natsuki made a difference despite being famous and very much gay. It made Shizuru a little guilty for not trying hard to make a difference to others.
"Okay, guys!" Tate called every one of them. "Go back to your places, Miss Nao, Miss Shizuru lets take the next scene."
Both women nodded at the director and walked towards the set. Shizuru heaved a sigh, just a few more hours she thought and she would be home free.
Releasing a contented sigh, Shizuru groaned in pleasure after putting her feet up on the coffee table in front of her. Finally after a few scenes, they were released for the day. Stretching like a cat, she rolled her shoulder and turned on her TV to watch before sleeping. Looking for a show to watch, she took her red wine beside of her and sipped.
Her heart lurched and choked a little when she saw Natsuki in a late evening talk show. Torn between switching the channel, she bit her lips. Natsuki looked tired but she still had that mysterious aura swirling around her. Giving up, she settled back into her couch and took in Natsuki's appearance.
Even in jeans and white v-neck shirt, she looks stunning. Natsuki was oozing with a raw sensuality that makes her tongue-tied and a little off-center. Fine, dammit. She makes me breathless so what. Annoyed, Shizuru stuck out her tongue at the TV.
Natsuki laughed heartily with the host. She was confident and sexy, and those dark emerald eyes that make her mouth water. Shizuru blinked and realized she's ogling again. She groaned out loud and chanted "control" before focusing again on the show.
"Congratulations at your concert Kuga, totally sold out I heard so, what are your plans now?" The host was eager and sincere.
"Thank you, I wouldn't have done it without my fans so I want to take this opportunity to thank my fans all over the world for making my concert tour possible," Natsuki said humbly. "For my plans, I'm writing another album now hopefully, I'll release it earlier next year, and right now I'm one of the casts in the show Unscripted life. It would be our pleasure if you'll watch it."
Pleasure rippled through her when she heard Natsuki's husky voice. It was so sensual and full of promises, shuddering she focused again on the topic at hand.
"You'll be working with four stunning and lovely girls, tell me," the host leaned closer and beamed naughtily. "If have a chance to court any one of them, who will it be and why?"
The audience whooped at the mischievous question and Natsuki blushed. Astounded and thrilled at the same time, Shizuru held her wine glass tighter.
Natsuki smiled good-naturedly before answering. "Before I answer your question, I would like to clarify one thing." She gestured one finger. "They are all beautiful and very talented in their own way but," Natsuki slowly grinned and focused her dark emerald eyes in the camera.
"If God will give me a chance I will court Miss Shizuru Fujino." Aghast, Shizuru stumbled back in her couch. Oh my God. She could feel her heart hammering and her face red from embarrassment.
"Why is that Natsuki?" Shizuru could see the host enjoying her answer.
"Well, one, she's stunningly beautiful." The same secretively smile was back again. "Two, I love hearing her distinctive accent," Natsuki chuckled a little. "And three, she's honest and independent." Natsuki paused before continuing. "Nowadays, it's hard to find honest people. In our line of work, people around us tend to please us, they almost worship the floor that we walk as if were gods. I, for myself am not special. I'm just an ordinary woman that can sing and write songs, I was just lucky that I was given a chance to show it. There's no need for special treatment, even I enjoyed eating a greasy cheeseburger in fast food."
Humbled by her answer, the host clapped and the audience followed. Blushing, Natsuki tried to hush them.
"When you described Miss Fujino, it seems you are familiar with each other, have you worked together before?"
Natsuki chuckled. "Nope, this would be the first project that we'll work together but I met her when they distributed the first screenplay," Natsuki grinned. "Let's just say she made an impression to me."
Totally embarrassed, Shizuru covered her face with her hands. Oh, my god, she knew I was staring that time. Her phone beside her beep and she took a peek at her messages.
Yukino
Are you watching Kuga's interview? She was totally into you!
She chose to ignore her manager's text and the other messages that pop out informing her same thing, she was too embarrassed to text them back. Shizuru knew that they were alone when they first met, but Natsuki made it sound like something happened between them. Shizuru glared at the TV, I'm going to murder her first thing in the morning, she vowed for revenge.
"Oooh! Juicy! Maybe we can talk about that later?" the host wiggled his eyebrows.
"Sorry, but I would like to keep our meeting to myself." And she gave that secretive smile again.
"Aww! Spoilsport!" the host pouted. "But I heard Miss Fujino is with someone now,"
Natsuki's smile didn't falter. "Yes, I heard she's with Kanzaki Reito and I guess she was very much straight but that was just a rhetorical question right? I'm pretty sure Kanzaki wouldn't like it if we talk about Fujino like she's a gay."
"Oh, yes you are right. I apologize about that, like what Natsuki said it was just a random question to spice up the interview. One last request Natsuki, can you sing for us?"
Natsuki nodded to him. "Sure thing."
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's give her a round of applause. Here is Natsuki Kuga with the song Faraway." The light faded, spotlight emerged and focused on her.
Natsuki got up from the sofa and someone from the staff gave her a violin. A shiver went up to Shizuru's spine. Anticipation rippled through her body, she could no longer deny to herself how much Natsuki's sight affects her.
The audience became silent as Natsuki played her violin melodiously. Shizuru drew a ragged breath as if she could feel Natsuki's fingers touching her, playing her like a violin.
Why can't I fight this feeling?
Is there any way to endure this loneliness
That consumes me inside... inside...
Natsuki's husky voice flowed and she fixed her dark emerald eyes to the camera.
I always whisper
All the things I feel for you
But deep down I know I wanted to be heard...
Natsuki closed her eyes and she moved more closely to the microphone, trying to convey her emotions to the song.
I have you but yet I don't
You were close but yet so far away...
Oh I'm just too weak
To face the truth that I love you... I love you...
Why can't I say it
That deep down I want to give you
One perfect slow dance
The way you want me to
I won't say a word
Nor tell you sweet words I will just hold you as if it's my last
My last...
Natsuki's hands fisted in her chest, and she swayed to the music while holding her violin to her side.
I have you but yet I don't
You were close but yet so far away...
Oh I'm just too weak
To face the truth that I love you... I love you...
'Cause I'm afraid we can never be.
She brought her violin to her chin and played magically, Shizuru was spellbound by the tune and Natsuki's swaying blue locks.
I have you but yet I don't
You were close but yet so far away...
Oh I'm just too weak
To face the truth that I love you... I love you...
Slightly panting, Natsuki raised her violin and bowed to still amazed audiences. Thunderous claps rose to the audience and the host walk towards to Natsuki to congratulate her more. She could see how good Natsuki as a singer. Natsuki played like a storyteller; she will mesmerize you with moving tunes and the listener can relate themselves to lyrics. The audiences were trying to get her attention and some fans were trying to slip pass through securities. Clearly, Natsuki is one popular gal.
Shizuru directed her gaze back to Natsuki and glared at the laughing woman. Just because you make me so crazy doesn't mean you're safe from my wrath. She could still feel her belly quiver but she's not sure if it's because of annoyance to Natsuki. She immediately pushed her irritation aside and turned off her TV.
Too restless to sleep, she took her phone and turned it off. Shizuru doesn't want to talk to anyone; she doesn't want anyone teasing her about Natsuki's declaration. It's too ludicrous, Shizuru was sure that Natsuki's messing up with her. Two can play the game, she thought. Deciding to momentarily to forget Natsuki, she walked towards her bedroom to settle in for the night.
Her dark emerald eyes softened when her assistant handed her coffee, she reached it out and grunted thanks before settling in back in her chair. One of the makeup artists was methodically applying light makeup to her face; leaving her hair as it is, he sprayed a little of something and brushed it till it's straight and gleaming. Natsuki was looking forward seeing Shizuru Fujino, she knew she made fun of her long enough and she was expecting Shizuru furious at her.
Disappointed, she blew a breath. She liked making fun of the supermodel. This is the first time someone stirred her attention enough to do something rash for someone to notice her. Yes, Natsuki wanted Shizuru to notice her. Asking herself why she came up with empty answers but she won't stop, she can't stop.
Natsuki will play the character of Natsumi Kruger; she's one of the three gays in the story. Like Viola's character, Kruger is a closet gay but her character is much more withdrawn and deep. Kruger was trying to change her sexual preference because of her upbringing in a strict family. Shizuru's character has a big crush on her, and Natsuki was very excited to see Shizuru's reaction once they filmed their solo scene.
Natsuki was disheartened when she found out that there wouldn't be a possible love team. The show was promoting diversity, not romance; that's what their producer said but Natsuki took a chance. She'll take the matter into her own hands and set her plan in motion.
"Hello lover girl." A purring voice came from behind. Natsuki gave Nao her sexiest smile and the woman snorted at her.
"I never knew you were that devilish." Natsuki just smiled at her. Nao knew that the bluenette has a huge crush on Shizuru but knowing Natsuki's personality, she was completely surprised at the woman's gesture in the late night show last night.
Natsuki shrugged nonchalantly before answering. "Like what I said last night, it was a rhetorical question. For fun."
"Really." Nao purred naughtily.
"Shut up," Natsuki said good-naturedly. "We both know it's impossible right? Number one rule of being a lesbian is never, ever date a straight woman. It'll only bring a messy heartbreak."
Nao took her own coffee from her assistant and thanked her. "Who says you'll be courting her? You're too futuristic, I'm just joking." Nao raised her elegant eyebrow before taking a cautious sip in her coffee.
Natsuki rolled her eyes at the woman in front. Busted, she thought.
"You got any engagement later?" Nao asked her.
"None for the moment," Natsuki sipped her coffee before continuing. "Thank god I'll be free these coming months, I love my job but it's so chaotic that I feel like it's been years since the last time I slept in my own bed."
"You can't have it all, my friend." Nao chuckled at her. "But you are happy right?"
Natsuki gave her a gentle smile. "Yep, totally." She paused and smiled pensively. "They are paying me big bucks to do what I want and to do what I'm good at, so who I am to refuse it."
"The only missing in your life now is a woman that can make you happy." Nao watched her.
"Maybe." Natsuki just shrugged. "You know that it's hard to find someone like me."
"You mean a gay?" Natsuki nodded.
Nao snorted and rolled her eyes. "Geez Natsuki, there are so many gays now in our generation, with your looks and money you can have anyone."
Not anyone. Natsuki's heart skipped a beat as she thought of a certain ash-blonde woman she knew. "That's not what I mean Nao and you know it."
"Geez Natsuki, Not everyone is after your money."
"Maybe it's the sex?" Natsuki joked at her.
"You are not that good my dear Natsuki."
Dumbfounded, Natsuki stuttered. "Did something happen between us that I didn't know?"
Nao punched her and laughed. "Silly! What I mean is you rarely have a relationship!"
Natsuki laughed with Nao. "But that doesn't mean I'm not great in bed, I can sleep for days!" the bluenette said indignantly.
Nao rolled her eyes. "Whatever!"
A staff approached them. "Ma'am we will be shooting in a few minutes." Both women nodded and thank the woman.
"So are you free later? We could hang out in our usual club." Nao stood.
"Yeah, yeah. You want me to pick you up?" Natsuki also stood and straightened her clothes.
"Nah, just go ahead. You know your way around right?" Natsuki nodded.
"I'll be there by eight; I'll let you know when I'm on my way," Nao said. "And don't bring your Ducati. We're going to get drunk!" Nao hooted.
"And our face will be posted in every tabloid here in the Hollywood with a caption, "Diversity at its finest."," Natsuki said dryly.
Nao laughed loudly and sauntered towards the set. Natsuki shook her head lightly before following the woman. She was surprised that she was looking forward spending her time with Nao.
Natsuki parked her car near the entrance of the club Nirvana. She could hear the beating music of the club even though her car is still closed. Taking off her coat, she studied her face in the mirror. She took off her baseball cap and combed her hair with her fingers. Satisfied, she got off her car. A valet approached her and asked if she wanted her car to be parked in their underground garage. Natsuki refused and thank the man.
A few paparazzi suddenly showed and took her pictures, but instead of being rude; Natsuki smiled at them "Hey guys, don't you have any social life?" Natsuki grinned at them good-naturedly.
Some of them laughed at what she said. "Well, someone's got to report what you guys are up to!" One of them shouted at her.
Natsuki groaned. "We are not that bad! Well, almost." She grinned sheepishly.
More laughter echoed, camera continued to flash and Natsuki bid goodnight when she saw Nao waiting for her in the entrance. She raised her hands when one of the securities checked her for any concealed weapons, seeing none Natsuki thanked the woman and moved towards Nao.
"I still can't understand why you need to patronize paparazzi," Nao said when she stood in front of her.
"Why not? They are more pleasant and they don't get in the way when I treat them nicely. They can be annoying but most of the time they can be amusing." Nao just shook her head.
"Come on now, Chie and others will be here later." Natsuki followed her inside the club. Pop music pulsated inside the club. Natsuki was thankful that the club was not jam-packed, she can't stand crowded club. It was suffocating and nauseating. It's different when it's her concert because she's elevated and she's in front of them.
Nao led her to their usual VIP seats, and Natsuki sat. She called their waiter and ordered scotch while Nao ordered a martini. "Are you eager to get drunk? The night is still young." Nao teased her.
"I'm not trying to get drunk, I brought a car."
"So that's why you brought your Porsche Boxster. Well, I don't care, that won't stop me from making you drunk." Nao snickered.
"Why are you dead set getting me drunk?" Natsuki sipped her scotch.
"I wanted people to see that you are not perfect." Nao huffed.
"Idiot! What the heck are you talking about?" Natsuki blushed.
Nao smirked at her and she crossed her arms in front of her before answering. "Honestly Natsuki, you are too good to be true. Are you sure you're happy?" Nao asked her seriously.
"You really are stupid." The bluenette huffed. "Of course, I'm happy. Did you drag me in here to interrogate me?"
Before Nao could answered, her face lit up. "Hey! Cara, long time no see!"
Both women hugged each other. Natsuki shook her head, now she knew why Nao asked her out.
"Hey, stranger." Cara smiled softly to Natsuki.
"Hey yourself, how are you?" Natsuki kissed Cara's cheek, smelling the same familiar scent that she enjoyed before.
"Busy as always." Cara gazed at her longingly. "Congratulations on your world tour, I'm sorry I missed it."
Natsuki grasped Cara's hand and she gently squeezed it. "Nah, I know that you are busy with your modeling gig." Natsuki signaled their waiter. "Martini?"
Cara smiled as if touched that Natsuki remembered her preference in alcohol. "Sure." Cara tapped Natsuki's hand and elegantly, she settled beside her ex-girlfriend.
"Modeling suits you, my dear, you look gorgeous," Nao said with twinkling eyes.
Natsuki tried to glare at her best friend, but she knew she can't. It's been a long time since the last time she saw her ex-girlfriend. Natsuki missed her, but not as a lover. Even though they parted ways, Natsuki knew that Cara cared for her the same as she cared for Cara. Cara will always have a place in her heart. Cara will always be her first love.
"I guess it comes with the job." Cara smiled and took her drink from the waiter.
"Geez, you're just like Natsuki. You're both too humble for my taste." Nao rolled her eyes on them.
A buzzing excitement caught their attention; the three of them craned their head to see the cause of the sudden racket.
A man with a dark messy hair caught Natsuki's attention; goose bumps crawled through her arms. She knew the guy, Reito Kanzaki. Armed with a perfectly calm smile, he weaved through the crowd. In tow, a same perfect smile was plastered on Shizuru's face. The media was right; both of them are popular as Natsuki watched the crowd gathered around them.
A slight brush in her cheeks drew her attention, slightly annoyed she looked back at Cara's serene face. "Are you okay? You look upset?"
Natsuki sighed, Cara knew her too well. "You didn't watch my interview last night?"
"No, I'm in flight last night." Cara raised her eyebrow.
"Did you listen to Nao's advice? Did you do something bad?"
Natsuki laughed at Cara's puzzled face. Cara can always make her feel better, "Of course not, you told me specifically and sternly, that never, ever listen to Nao's advice."
"Hey! That's harsh!" Nao barked at them and they both laughed.
"Good evening ladies, mind if we sit with you?" A smooth baritone voice called their interest. Reito was smiling at them. Behind him, Shizuru was smiling at them pleasantly.
"Sure we don't mind right, Natsuki?" Nao said with a mischievous tone.
Natsuki rolled her eyes; she didn't care if everybody saw her. "Sure, the more the merrier."
Natsuki scooted to the right, Reito settled beside Nao and Shizuru ended up beside her. Natsuki smiled to ironically to herself. This is going to be a long night.
She took a glance at Shizuru's stunning face, emerald eyes met crimson eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. A long night indeed.
To be continued…
A/N:
Hello, guys! Yes, I know. It's a miracle that I updated this one and before you expect, I'll be busy this coming week so I'm not gonna update both of my stories. Sorry! Duty calls! Hopefully, I'll be able to update first week of April (Hopefully :P)
Come on guys! Don't be stingy in reviews and comments! I want more reviews and comments! Har-har-har!
PS: The name of the band is GRACENOTE.
The name of the band is GRACENOTE. They are from Philippines and you can find their music in Spotify and Itunes. Do listen to them guys! They are one of my favorite bands!