Eternal Moon

by Princess Serenity-chan

A DaiMao vampire fic: Hamao Kyousuke, a young talent that is dreaming of becoming a renowned performer gets the chance of becoming the assistant of Watanabe Daisuke, an actor who has made a name for himself in the industry. Kyousuke finds that there is something strange about the handsome man who keeps to himself. Little does he know that Daisuke is indeed hiding a dark secret...

2. Chapter 1

A/N: Hello my dear readers!
I'm finally back at working on my fanfics and I sincerely apologize for the delay in the updates, but as some of you already know my grandma passed away in January and I had a hard time because of it. In February and March I was insanely busy at work and two weeks ago my computer started to malfunction and I needed to take it to a repair service.
But I'm finally ready to update this story and I'm happy to be able to present you with the latest chapter of "Eternal Moon".
Please enjoy the read and let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hamao Kyosuke, Watanabe Daisuke, Theater Sun Mall and 'Kashinfu'. I only own this story.

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Chapter 1

"Time surely flies," Kyousuke sighed as he stared at the calendar in the changing room of 'Theater Sun Mall' on Thursday morning and let out a slightly worried sigh while pocketing the keys to the theater's back entrance, a peculiar feeling of nervousness and anxiety beginning to curdle his stomach.

He hadn't talked to Fujiwara or to any of the other members after the meeting he with Daisuke and his manager in the evening two days prior nor had he done so the previous day since the main cast of 'Kashinfu' had been scheduled for a photo shooting and several interview sessions in order to promote the project on a larger scale, events at which his presence hadn't been required due to the insignificance of the part he was playing in the stage production, but he was pretty certain that the self-proclaimed star of the stage play as well as the other cast members had not only heard about Daisuke's surprise visit but that they would without any doubt interrogate him thoroughly regarding the matter and he was dreading that inevitable moment.

On top of that there was another reason for the uneasiness he was feeling, a reason that was directly related to the object of everybody's curiosity itself. Since the ebony-haired youth had been off work the previous day he had used a good part of it to do some research about Watanabe Daisuke in order to get his prospective future employer a little better and what he had found out about the famous actor and his career hadn't done much to ease his troubled mind for the bits and pieces of information he had found online had created the image of a celebrity who was seemingly extremely professional and hard-working, but who also had extremely high standards regarding the people working with and around him.

The image of Watanabe Daisuke he had formed in his mind was that of a man who had very high expectations of his colleagues as well as his staff and usually demanded a great deal of them and the twenty-one-year-old was more than just a little concerned about whether or not he would be able to meet those expectations, especially since the short conversation with the renowned celebrity after the official job interview two days prior hadn't exactly ended on a very promising note in regards to the prospective position itself as well as to the regard the handsome actor was having for him, not to mention the prospect of the kind of treatment he would most likely be receiving from the other.

"Ohayo Hamao," the voice of Kojima Naoki, Fujiwara's friend, ripped Kyousuke out of his thoughts and suppressing a groan of annoyance the young man turned to face the new arrival to return the half-hearted greeting that had been extended to him properly, breathing a sigh of relief when he noticed that the idol was not only accompanied by several other members of the cast but by the producer and the director as well, which would spare him the much dreaded 'what was the famous Watanabe Daisuke doing here the other day' interrogation for a little while longer and much to his delight he should be proven right for once the obligatory greetings had been exchanged with everybody the director immediately commenced the coming day of rehearsals with a one-hour long briefing session that was followed by a couple of hours of reading practice and thus the morning hours ticked by rather uneventfully.

However, only about ten minutes before the scheduled lunch break the reading session was interrupted by a knock on the door shortly after which the janitor poked his head into the room. "I'm terribly sorry for the intrusion," he stated momentarily in an apologetic manner, "but I need to borrow Hamao-kun for a while and I was told that the matter bears no delay."

"That's quite alright since we are going to break for lunch in a few minutes anyway," the director replied good-naturedly while nodding his understanding before he turned to the young man in question. "Please go Hamao-kun and rejoin us once you are done with your duties. This seems to be a matter of a certain importance, so you shouldn't keep your boss waiting."

"Thank you for being so understanding Takehara-san," the ebony-haired youth said softly while rising to his feet. "Dewa shitsurei shimasu." And with that he bowed apologetically to the middle-aged man as well as to the remaining occupants of the room before he followed the janitor outside and allowed himself to be led to the office, blinking a couple of times in surprise as soon as he had laid eyes upon the person waiting for him inside the small yet comfortable room since it wasn't the man he had been expecting to see.

"W-Watanabe-san, konnichiwa," he stammered somewhat perplexed and bowed respectfully to the famous actor. "Due to your busy schedule I hadn't expected to see you again until the weekend. To what do I owe the pleasure of this surprise visit?"
"You can save yourself the polite palaver Hamao-kun. For once it doesn't impress me at all and I don't care much about these civilities either," Daisuke replied coolly, not showing even the slightest inclination to return the greeting that had been extended to him but reaching for the dark sunglasses he had been wearing instead to take them off, "and regarding your question...well, since you will be working for me for at least three days from Saturday onwards I'm here to let you know that the schedule for your first day of work has changed. You need to be at the event location at eight forty-five this Saturday instead of nine forty-five."

"I see, thank you Watanabe-san for having taken the trouble to come here in person to give me the news," Kyousuke replied calmly, trying his best to fight down the anger and resentment at the other man's rude and arrogant behavior that had begun to well up inside him and offered the celebrity a polite, yet barely noticeable smile, "but for your own convenience you could have just given me or the theater's office a call. Either a member of staff or my boss would certainly have forwarded the message to me."

"Much to my dismay my manager has forgotten to give me your mobile phone number and I couldn't be bothered to look the telephone number of this theater up online," Daisuke explained nonchalantly, "and since I was in the area I decided to come here in person to give you the news."

"If you want I could give you my number now, so that you can reach me any time from now on in case there should be any other changes in your schedule," the ebony-haired youth offered complaisantly in hopes to appear not only professional and seriously interested in the assistant job but to gain at least some of his prospective future employer's goodwill since he had the premonition that, if he should fail in getting on the handsome actor's good side, the three-day trial would most likely turn out to be a living hell. "And maybe you could give me your number as well, so that I can reach you in cases of emergency."

"I guess we should exchange contact details, especially since that baka manager of mine has taken down all your contact information after the meeting on Tuesday night, but has failed to give you his," the so addressed celebrity huffed and pulled a pen out of the breast pocket of his jacket. "Do you have a notepad at hand?" "Sure, here you are," Kyousuke replied instantaneously before he hastened to fetch the pad of paper that was always sitting next to the telephone on his employer's desk and held it out to the older man.

"Thanks," Daisuke mumbled accepting the pas and proceeded to write down several numbers as well as an email address. "Alright, and now pay attention," he announced once he was done and shoved the scratch pad back into twenty-one-year-old's hands. "The first number is my manager's mobile phone number. Call him to confirm schedules, working times and dates and all that sort of stuff. The second number is the one of my agency's secretariat. If you can't reach either my manager or me, the staff at the secretariat can tell you where I'm working and provide you with directions to the location, contact details if applicable and so on. The third number is my mobile phone number and I also wrote down my phone's email address. My phone is always switched on, so you don't need the number for my landline, but don't bother me with messages or calls unless it's urgent, understood?"

"Don't worry I won't," Kyousuke replied complaisantly, exerting any effort to keep his cool and to remain polite in spite of the urge to give his prospective future employer a good tongue lashing for his standoffish behavior for he hadn't done anything to deserve to be treated the way he was by the handsome and renowned actor and began to scribble down his own contact details on the note pad instead. "Here, these are my mobile phone number and email address," he announced as soon as he was done and tore the sheet of paper off the pad. "I also wrote down the number of this theater. If you can't reach me on my phone, you can always call the theater's office and leave a message for me."

"Alright, that's settled then," Daisuke stated pocketing the piece of paper and turned towards the door, ready to take his leave. "Now don't forget, eight forty-five on Saturday morning at Ueno Park."

"Don't worry, I'll be there," the ebony-haired youth replied with confidence in his voice for he refused to allow himself to be put down or intimidated by the other man. "Let me see you out." And with that he opened the door and wordlessly led the renowned celebrity through the foyer to the main entrance of the theater where he bid him goodbye with a polite bow. "What an impolite and arrogant snob," he muttered under his breath as he walked back inside once his employer-to-be had disappeared from his view. "Who does Watanabe-san think he is to treat people he considers not to be of his own station in such a snotty manner? He might not like his manager's idea of providing him with an assistant to be by his side and to attend to him, but that's not my fault..."

"Hamao, we need to talk," his angry tirade was interrupted by Fujiwara's commanding voice and he directed his gaze into the direction said voice had come from, letting out a frustrated sigh when he noticed the self-proclaimed star of 'Kashinfu' making a beeline for him with two of his friends in tow.
"Here we go," Kyousuke murmured inaudibly and forced a polite smile onto his lips before addressing the other actor and his followers. "Fujiwara-kun, what can I do for you?"

"The guy you just escorted outside...that was Watanabe Daisuke, wasn't it," the so addressed idol spoke up sharply and glared at the ebony-haired youth. "I heard it from the janitor and I want to know what's going on here. Watanabe-san already came here two days ago and now again. What did he want here and what did he want from you?"

"Nothing much really," Kyousuke lied keeping a straight face, determined not only to keep the business he was having with the famous actor from Fujiwara and his followers, since it wasn't any of their concern, but to stand his ground and to continue facing up to the group of wannabe stars who were considering themselves above it all. "Two days ago Watanabe san and his manager came to see Okamoto-san. As it is, Watanabe-san's manager and my boss happen to be old friends and apparently Watanabe-san is acquainted with him as well to a certain extent."

"That may be so, but how are you fitting into that picture," Fujiwara hissed, narrowing his eyes in a menacing manner, hoping to be able to force everything he wanted to know out of the ebony-haired youth. "Why were you called into the office that evening?"

"Okamoto-san wanted to show his visitors the appropriate hospitality and had therefore asked me to attend to his guests," the twenty-one-year-old explained holding Fujiara's penetrating gaze without blinking, even though his heart was beating like a drum. "I merely served them tea and some snacks, that's all and they didn't talk about anything special either. They only chatted about some of the upcoming performances here at the theater as well as about Watanabe-san's current stage project 'Dracula' and Watanabe-san's manager mentioned that he is considering to hold one of Watanabe-san's fan club vents here at 'Sun Mall' in the future."

"But what about today," Kojima piped in, "if your boss and Watanabe-san's manager really haven't talked any business the other night, why did Watanabe-san come here again today?"

"He was in the area due to some business related matters and he came to see Okamoto-san, but even as we speak my boss is still out running an errand," Kyousuke explained nonchalantly, his firm, confident voice and straight face giving no indication whatsoever that he was lying, "and since I had already attended to Watanabe-san and his manager's comfort during the meeting on Tuesday evening the janitor called me out again. Watanabe-san came to invite my boss for a casual dinner tomorrow night and entreated me to pass on the message since he couldn't deliver it personally, that's all. And now if would you please excuse me...there are only thirty minutes left of our lunch break and I'd like to eat at least a little snack before the afternoon rehearsal session begins."
And with that he passed Fujiwara and his friends with his head held high, feeling their penetrating gazes boring into his back as he walked through the lobby over towards the changing rooms.

"Fujiwara-kun, do you believe what he has just told us," Kojima asked carefully once the ebony-haired youth was out of sight. "Do you think his story is true?" "Hamao's explanation of the events that have been happening here since Tuesday seems to be pretty plausible," the self-proclaimed star of 'Kashinfu' declared, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. "However, I can't help but feel that Hamao hasn't told us everything. I'm sure that there is more to the matter of Watanabe-san's visit than he has led on, so tell the others to keep a close eye on that guy and to report every detail about his activities to me without delay."

oOo

"The next stop is 'Ueno-Hirokoji'. Please make sure that you have all your belongings with you. The stop after 'Ueno-Hirokoji' is 'Ueno'," the announcement echoed through the train and Kyousuke quickly checked his watch. "Almost there," he sighed before turning his gaze back to the map he was holding in his hands, a map of Ueno park which had been sent to him by Daisuke's manager and in which the famous 'Toshogu Shrine' was marked as the meeting point.

"It should take me about ten minutes from the station to the shrine, so I'll make it to the location with about fifteen minutes to spare and thus even the great Watanabe Daisuke shouldn't be able to complain about my time-keeping skills. I just hope this day will pass smoothly and won't turn out to be a total disaster," he mouthed inaudibly, checked his watch again once he had stuffed the piece of paper into the front pocket of his bag and rose to his feet. "Ueno...Ueno," a voice coming from a recording announced only a few moments later and the young man lost no time to head for the exit of the station that would lead him to Ueno Park as the crow flies, his heartbeat speeding up with almost every step that was taking him closer to his destination.

"I wonder what kind of attitude Watanabe-san will show towards the photographer and the staff during the photo shooting today," he mused as he hurried down the winding paths of the recreation area which were lined with countless cherry trees that were in full bloom thus transforming various areas of the park, including the one he was heading to, into a sea of white and light pink blossoms, "and how will he treat me in front of the others?"

"Ohayo Hamao-kun, welcome to your first day at work," his thoughts were interrupted by the voice of Daisuke's manager. "You arrived early, that's very commendable, not to mention very professional," Kinoshita stated smiling mildly once he had come face to face with the prospective future assistant of his protégé. "If you are that professional when it comes to everything else, especially to performing any of the tasks Watanabe-san will appoint to you promptly and to his fullest satisfaction, I have no doubt that that you will be hired permanently for the job at the end of this trial. Did you have any trouble getting here?"

"Ohayo Kinoshita-san and no, I didn't. Thanks to the map you faxed to the theater yesterday evening along with the detailed directions this place was quite easy to find," Kyousuke replied truthfully and bowed lightly to the middle-aged man in gratitude. "Where is Watanabe-san?"

"Oh, he should be here any minute now," the so addressed manager stated calmly. "He already arrived about one hour ago because he wanted to take a walk and take a look at the locations that were chosen for today's photo shooting in order to get a feeling for the atmosphere of these places as well as to make himself familiar with anything that is essential for the shooting itself, things like natural light, sounds, smells and scenery, spots that are of particular beauty and so on. He always does that for any of his outdoor photo sessions."

"Really, for every outdoor shooting? Watanabe-san sure seems to be very serious about his work and very dedicated to it," the ebony-haired youth answered slightly perplexed, impressed with the apparent professionalism of the handsome celebrity which he hadn't, even after all the research he had done, expected to go as far as he had just been told.

"Yes, he is. Watanabe-san is always very serious about anything related to his work, no matter if it's just a few pictures for a magazine, a big photo shooting like today, an audition, an interview, a rehearsal or a movie shooting," Kinoshita affirmed with a hint of pride in his voice. "That's why it is such a pleasure to work with him and one of the reasons why he is so much respected and admired by everyone who is working with him. The other reasons are his many talents, his charisma, especially his stage and on- as well as off-screen presence, his beautiful looks including first and foremost his natural sex appeal and last but not least his refined manners and his great personality, his inner beauty. A man like Watanabe-san is a rare and precious gem in this industry and I'm very lucky that I got to be that guy's manager. Wait until you have got to know him a little better and I'm sure you will end up thinking just as well of him as I do."

"I hope so," Kyousuke answered quietly, hiding the fact that he was anything but convinced regarding the account of Daisuke's personality and talents the middle-aged man had just given him behind a polite smile, the memories of Daisuke's dismissive, almost hostile behavior towards him ever since their first meeting that were still only all too present in his mind making it hard for the twent-year-old to see the renowned actor as the great guy his manager had just made him out to be. "I'll do my best to be a good assistant to Watanabe-san."

"I have no doubt about that," Kinoshita said good-naturedly and gave Kyousuke a pat on the shoulder in order to give some point to his words. "And now let me tell you about your duties during this photo shooting. Most of the things related to the photo session itself like make-up, styling and so on are going to be taken care of by the staff and the crew. However, it is going to be your job to help Watanabe-san with changing into the different outfits chosen for him, to make sure that he is ready by the time the individual shootings are supposed to start so that we don't fall behind schedule and to see to his personal comfort."

"I understand, I won't disappoint either of you," the so addressed youth replied, trying to calm his racing heart and his slightly jittery nerves. "You definitely picked a very scenic spot for this photo shooting."

"The photo session today is a shooting for Watanabe-san's new photo book 'Sensual Beauty' and a beautiful, serene location like this one, in the midst of the cherry blossom season, that allows us to create a beautiful collection of in- and outdoor photos of Watanabe-san wearing different styles of traditional, Japanese clothing, fits the theme of the book just perfectly," Kinoshita explained in a businesslike manner. "Daisuke will be wearing a range of differently patterned yukata and hakama today and as these clothes will need to be adjusted every now and then so that they can come into their own and therefore you will have to be particularly attentive during each shooting."

"Speak of the devil...," Kyousuke murmured inaudibly when he noticed the handsome actor walking towards him only a few moments after Kinoshita had finished his little lecture and took a deep breath. "Ohayo Watanabe-san," he greeted the famous celebrity with a polite bow and a mild smile gracing his beautiful, delicate features. "I'll do my best to be of good use to you today. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu."

"Hamao-kun, ohayo gozaimasu," the so addressed man replied nonchalantly with a blank, unreadable expression on his face, his eyes hidden behind the dark lenses of the sunglasses he was wearing, and turned to his manager without addressing another word to the twenty-one-year-old. "Have the stylist and the make-up artist arrived yet?"
"Yes, they are here and should be ready for you by now," Kinoshita replied calmly, "so why don't you take Hamao-kun here with you to the side building of the shrine we are allowed to use as the dressing and styling room and let him help you with putting on your first outfit?"

"If you insist," Daisuke replied in a somewhat standoffish manner and turned his head to face the ebony-haired talent that would be his assistant for three days. "Do you know how to properly tie an obi?"
"Yes, I sure do," Kyousuke answered confidently, determined not to let the other's snobbish attitude get to him. "My grandmother taught me how to wear yukata, kimono and hakama and she also taught me many different ways of how an obi can be tied."

"I hope she taught you well," the renowned actor stated seemingly unimpressed before turning sharply on his heels. "Come with me." And with that briskly walked away, heading for the entrance to the grounds of the 'Toshogu Shrine', Kyousuke quietly following suit.
"That guy really thinks that he is the center of the world and that everything revolves around him," the twenty-one-year-old mouthed inaudibly while shaking his head and let out a faint sigh of dejection for he was convinced more than ever that his three-day job trial would turn out to be just what he had imagined and feared it to be, a perfect nightmare and that any of his efforts, however grand, would not be acknowledged by the other man, let alone be rewarded with the offer of a permanent working contract. "What an unpleasant fellow!"

"Listen Hamao-kun, I expect you to work quickly and efficiently today as well as during the remaining days of your trial," Daisuke spoke up once the couple had reached the shrine. "It's nine o'clock already and the first shooting is supposed to start at nine forty-five at the pond and gazebo of the Japanese garden. We'll need about six to ten minutes to get there, meaning we have to be ready to leave here at nine-thirty, so I only have a total of half an hour for hair, make-up and getting dressed."
"I promise that I'll do my best," the so addressed youth replied firmly as he followed his protégé into one of the side buildings of the shrine where they were already expected by a team of three stylists.

"Ohayo Watanabe-san, are you ready," a fashionably dressed woman, who Kyousuke believed to be in her early thirties, spoke up as soon as they had entered the room. "My assistant Mizuki and I will take care of your hair and make-up today and Yoshitaka here will be in charge of your attire."

"Ohayo Megumi-san, minna. As usual it is a pleasure to be working with you. Please take good care of me. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu," Daisuke replied bowing politely, a mild smile lingering on his lips and Kyousuke's jaw dropped to the ground for suddenly the famous actor standing next to him seemed to have become a totally different person, humble, polite, unassuming and perfectly well-behaved.

"And may I introduce my assistant Hamao Kyousuke to you. He will be giving me a hand here and there throughout the day thus hopefully making your jobs a little less stressful since we are on a really tight schedule today," the ebony-haired youth perceived Daisuke's voice and the mentioning of his full name finally brought him out of his stupor. "I'll try to be of whatever help I can," he spoke up meekly and bowed politely to the team of stylists before proceeding to help Daisuke out of his coat, then accepting the man's bag and sunglasses and while he arranged the belongings of the famous celebrity neatly on an empty fold-up style side table the handsome actor took a seat in front of another fold up table that had a mirror placed upon it as well as several styling products, including an extensive make-up kit upon which Mizuki and Megumi immediately set to work.

Kyousuke watched in awe as the two stylists completed their tasks with only a few motions and when they were done about a mere fifteen minutes later the young man's eyes went wide for the result of the two women's work was amazing.

Daisuke's silky, black hair was parted on the right side of his forehead and some of the shiny strands were flowing in a gentle wave over to the left side of his head thus offering a perfect view of the famous actor's handsome face from every angle. The renowned celebrity's make-up was merely consisting of some foundation and mattening powder, which not only matched Daisuke's natural skin tone perfectly but were applied in such a small amount that they were almost undetectable, as well as of a hint of eyeliner that had been applied to the base of his lashes thus bringing out the beauty, the glow and the endless depth of those captivating, dark-brown eyes nature had blessed him with and some lip-liner that matched the shade of the beautiful man's lips in combination with some colorless gloss that accentuated the contours of his sensually curved mouth completed the styling.

"Watanabe-san...y-you look absolutely stunning," the young man stammered, blinking rapidly a couple of times while trying to regain his composure. "Those pictures you are about to take will turn out to be breathtaking."
"That remains to be seen," Daisuke replied in a businesslike manner as he walked over to the portable screen that had been put up in the far corner of the room thus serving as a changing booth and motioned for Kyousuke to follow him. "Please be so kind to assist Yoshitaka in getting me dressed for we don't have much time left."

Nodding his head in understanding the ebony-haired youth hurried to join his protégé behind the screen where he accepted and folded the clothes the renowned actor was taking off before helping him into a beautiful, purplish-brown yukata that was decorated with big blossoms that had the most filigree tendrils flowing from their centers.

With skilled hands the young man draped two silk ribbons around Daisuke's chest and middle while Yoshitaka made sure that the hemline as well as the pleads of the upper part of the garment that would be peering out from underneath the obi and would make the yukata look as if it were consisting of two pieces, were even and once he had received the designer's approval he proceeded to tie the obi neatly around Daisuke's middle, succeeding to tie a simple, yet artistic and elegant looking knot at the first attempt, marveling at the subtle, pleasant smell that was emanating from the handsome actor's body and tickled his nose, a smell whose nature he couldn't exactly describe but that was alluring, beguiling and extremely intoxicating.

"You're looking great Watanabe-san," Yoshitaka remarked admiring his and Kyousuke's work with a content smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Now all we need is a necklace as a little eye catcher and then you are ready to go."
"That's fine with me as long as it isn't made of silver. I won't wear any accessories that are made of silver" Daisuke replied politely, yet with an undertone in his soft voice that made it perfectly clear that he wouldn't have any discussions or book any oppositions regarding the matter.

"Don't worry Watanabe-san. I know that you dislike silver jewelry. Besides I thought that a simple string of small, dark, wooden beads would go better with the traditional outfit you are wearing rather than some fancy and shiny necklace," the designer answered calmly and once the famous actor had been provided with the hand-crafted accessory as well as a fan and a pouch that was matching the yukata in its color and design he asked Kyousuke to get the bag that was containing his belongings as well as his sunglasses from the table and only a short while later the two men were making their way to the location of the first shooting where they were already expected by the photographer and his assistants. "Hello Watanabe-san, you look absolutely fantastic. Let's shoot some amazing photos today."

"Thank you Yoshida-san. I'm really looking forward to the various shootings today and I surrender myself completely to your camera and your excellent care. I'm sure you will be doing a wonderful job, as always. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu," Daisuke replied bowing respectfully to the other man. "This Japanese garden really is a piece of art. Where would you like to start?"

"Well Watanabe-san, I thought we take the first series of pictures in the gazebo at the pond and on the bridge since right now the natural light is just perfect to create the right atmosphere," Yoshida explained and pointed towards the traditional Japanese pavilion in the middle of the pond and the bridge that was leading to it.
"You are the expert and I'll do whatever you ask me to do," the so addressed actor stated smiling mildly and only a few minutes later the shooting commenced, leaving Kyousuke once again puzzled as well as awestruck, puzzled because of his protégé's demeanor towards the photographer which had yet again been so different he had been receiving from the handsome celebrity so far and awestruck because of the scenes that were unfolding before his eyes.

"Watanabe-san is awesome, absolutely incredible," he mouthed breathy, blown away not only by the famous actor's charisma and incredible sex appeal but also by the man's ability to convey a whole range of different looks and feelings and changing the atmosphere of a shot just by making minor changes to his facial expressions and poses and as he continued to watch the ebony-haired youth began to understand what Kinoshita had meant earlier when he had referred to Daisuke as being a rare gem and thus the shooting progressed smoothly and in terms of work the day turned out to be easier than he had expected for except assisting Daisuke whenever he had to change outfits or attending to him during break times was all he was required to do.

Throughout the day he had tried several times to strike a conversation with his protégé in order to get a clearer picture of the slightly mysterious man who puzzled and fascinated him at the same time, but had failed at every single attempt and had been fobbed off with short, half-hearted answers only which hadn't exactly helped his endeavor to make out Daisuke's true character to at least a certain extent and then there were the actor's rather peculiar habits that only raised more questions instead of providing answers for the ones he was already having on his mind.

For some reason Daisuke seemed to be not only extremely sensitive to sunlight but he seemed to positively abhor it for he had immediately put on his sunglasses whenever the photographer had interrrupted the photo session for a couple of minutes, had kept only in the shade and protected himself with a parasol from the rays of sunlight on top of that and had tried to keep inside the provisional changing room as often and as long as he possibly could between the individual shooting sessions.

"I just don't get this guy," Kyousuke whispered inaudibly while packing up his belongings once the final shooting for the day had ended. "I wonder what is going on inside his head." "Ah Hamao-kun, otsukare sama. I hope you have enjoyed the first day of your job trial," his thoughts were interrupted by Kinoshita who had entered the room without the ebony-haired youth having noticed his arrival, Daisuke following suit. "I dare say that you did a great job today."

"Thank you for the praise Kinoshita-san. The work was fun, but I still have much to learn," the so addressed youth replied humbly and offered the middle-aged man a shy smile. "You are too modest Hamao-kun. I've been watching you all day and I think you did really well," Daisuke's manager stated with determination and gave the twenty-one-year old an appreciative nod before turning to the man whose career he was in charge of, "wouldn't you agree Daisuke?"

"He did alright," the so addressed actor answered nonchalantly as he walked over to the changing booth, "but he still has two days of this job trial ahead of him, so we should save the feedback and if applicable our praises for the final day of the trial period." And with he disappeared behind the screen in order to change out of the traditional outfit he was wearing back into his own clothes, leaving his prospective, future assistant standing in the middle of the room with a blank expression on his delicate features.

"Don't mind him Hamao-kun, he doesn't mean it," Kinoshita spoke up when he perceived the faint sigh of discouragement and dejection that had escaped the lips of the ebony-haired youth and placed his hand on the twenty-one-year-old talent's shoulder to give it a reassuring squeeze. "You have mastered this first day of your trial extremely well and I'm very satisfied with your efforts. If I remember correctly, you aren't working tomorrow on the stage production you have been casted for or at the theater, is that correct or has your schedule changed?"

"No, I have tomorrow off," Kyousuke replied truthfully and offered the middle-aged man a shy smile. "Would you like me to work for Watanabe-san tomorrow?"
"Yes, I do and I would need your services from ten o'clock in the morning to about six o'clock in the evening if possible. The location is the 'Minato community center'. The rehearsals for 'Dracula' are being held there," Daisuke's manager explained factually, a mild smile beginning to tug at the corner of his mouth when the ebony-haired youth nodded his agreement. "Watanabe-san and I will see you tomorrow morning then."

"Yes, I will definitely be there. Dewa, osaki ni shitsurei shimasu," Kyousuke replied with sincerity, unable to prevent another faint, dejected sigh from escaping his lips when received only a succinct, half-hearted "otsukare" from Daisuke who had reappeared from behind the screen but hadn't bothered to face him properly while uttering the formal set phrase and once he had bid the two men once more goodbye Kyousuke quietly took his leave.

"I wish I knew what is going on in Watanabe-san's head," he murmured as he walked down the graveled paths of the park back to the station. "I have never met anyone who is as changeable as he is. What is that guy's real face, his true character?"

oOo

'How do you approach someone who is seemingly unapproachable? How do you break the ice with someone and get closer to them when they don't want to let and do seemingly everything they can to keep you at a distance instead?

Looking back onto my first day at work and the things I've seen and experienced I don't believe that my prospective employer really is the rude, arrogant snob I initially thought him to be. But why does he treat me with such contempt and in such a hostile manner as if he was determined to scare me off the job and with that away from him?

I want to get to know the real Watanabe Daisuke, but how should I go about this endeavor when that guy keeps pushing me away every single time I try to establish some sort rapport with him…'

"Arrgh, this whole matter is giving me a headache! Why can't that guy just treat me in the same civil and respectful way he is apparently treating everybody else who is working either for or with him," Kyousuke sighed almost inaudibly to himself, slamming his diary shut once he had completed the latest entry and ruffled the silky strands of his shiny, jet-black hair in a slightly desperate as well as helpless manner before rising to his feet to make his way over to the doors of the train compartment.

"I wonder what today will turn out to be like," he mused as he walked the short distance from 'Toranomon' station to the 'Zendetsu community center'. "It must be quite interesting to see Watanabe-san rehearsing on stage for a big production and maybe I can somehow get him to warm up to me throughout today's rehearsals, even if it's just to a small extent."

"Ohayo Hamao-kun, you're early again," the ebony-haired youth was greeted by Kinoshita almost as soon as he had set foot into the lobby of the building, just like the previous day at the park.

"I've been waiting for you. Watanabe-san is already in the changing room rereading his lines and I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to be away all day because I have some other important business to attend to, so please take particularly good care of Daisuke throughout today and I will contact you later regarding the time, date and location for the last day of your job trial. I need to confirm Daisuke's schedule for this week first, but you can expect a call from me either sometime tomorrow or on Tuesday. And now I really need to go. If you should run into any difficulties or problems today, please don't hesitate to give me a call any time so that we can sort things out, okay?" And with that the middle-aged man hastened towards the doors before Kyousuke could say anything in return, leaving the twenty-one-year-old standing in the middle of the foyer, blinking his big, beautiful eyes several times in surprise and disbelief.

"That's great, just great…so it's only going to be 'Mister Big Ego' and me today. Heaven help me," the young man mumbled once he had regained his countenance and slowly made his way to the changing room where he stopped in his tracks and took several deep breaths to calm his racing heart as well as to calm his frayed, jittery nerves before he finally pushed down the door handle and entered the green room. "Ohayo gozaimasu."

"Ohayo," the only occupant of the room returned the greeting, looking momentarily up from the script he was holding in his slender hands. "I trust that my manager has briefed you about today's rehearsal?"
"Yes Watanabe-san, he has and he has also informed me that he wouldn't going to be around today due to some other business related matters that need to be taken care of," Kyousuke replied truthfully, "and I will do my best to attend to all your needs throughout today's practice session. Where are the other cast members? It's almost nine forty-five, so shouldn't they be here by now?"

"For some reason Kinoshita wanted you to be here at ten o'clock, but since the rehearsal is scheduled to start at ten-thirty it will be at least another fifteen to twenty minutes before the other actors and the staff arrive," Daisuke explained nonchalantly and motioned for Kyousuke to step closer. "I have made it my habit to go to the venue of a rehearsal about one hour prior to the start of the practice session, so that I have some time to read through a few parts of the script. It helps me to focus and to get into the character I'm supposed to portray on stage."

"I see, would you by any chance like me to hear you? That way you could not only check if you can remember your lines, but you could also act them out, at least to a certain extent, " the ebony-haired youth offered good-naturedly and set his bag onto the dresser, right next to Daisuke's, breathing a barely detectable sigh of relief when his protégé, after a brief moment of silent contemplation, finally nodded his head in agreement. "I have to admit that I'm not really familiar with the Broadway production of 'Dracula', but I will do my best to help you."

"I'm playing the role of 'Van Helsing'. All you need to do is to read the lines of the other characters as well as to correct my mistakes and I assume that you should be perfectly capable of doing that, even without any knowledge about this musical and its storyline," Daisuke replied in a businesslike manner while holding his copy of the script out to the twenty-one-year-old who accepted it with a shy, slightly nervous smile on his lips and soon the two men were going through several scenes in which featured the handsome actor's character.

"And you really aren't familiar at all with this production," the famous celebrity inquired casually once they were through and gave his prospective, future assistant and expectant look.
"N-No, I'm not. I…I only read the original novel once a few years ago, that's all," Kyousuke answered truthfully and began to fidget a little in discomfort under the other man's intense gaze that was resting upon him. "W-Why are you asking?"
"I'm asking because for someone who doesn't know anything about this production, its storyline and the characters you did fairly well in reading their lines with the right tone and emotion, that's why," the so addressed actor stated nonchalantly before taking the script out of the ebony-haired youth's hands and putting it onto the dressing table.

"T-Thank you Watanabe-san," the twenty-one-year-old stammered somewhat shakily while lowering his head in order to hide the astonishment that was written all over his delicate features for the compliment out of his prospective, future employer's mouth, the man's first kind words ever since the evening of the job interview had caught him completely off-guard and feeling that the present moment might be the perfect occasion to try striking a friendly, casual conversation the ebony-haired youth decided to take his chance. "C-Can I ask you something regarding your job?"

"Since I assume that you would ask me anyway, even if I would say 'no', why we just get this over and done with," Daisuke replied coolly, his eyes narrowing in alert and suspicion and although Kyousuke's heart sank almost instantaneously at those words the young man refused to chicken out of the situation and to give up on his endeavor to break the ice with the renowned actor for whose needs and comfort he could become responsible on a regular basis should he be offered a permanent working contract. "What got you interested in acting and how did you become an actor," he asked carefully and offered the handsome celebrity a shy smile. "Was it difficult for you to make your break-through?"

"When I was still in college I worked part time as a model in order to make some extra money. While I was on a job a producer approached me and I ended up doing some TV commercials that became quite successful. I found that I really enjoyed acting, so the producer recommended me to a talent agency he was doing business with. Apparently the agency liked me and my work quite well because they offered me a very good contract which I signed without thinking twice…end of story," Daisuke replied in a rather short-spoken manner, a certain but indescribable undertone in his voice making it clear that the famous celebrity wasn't willing to elaborate on the subject or to go into details, let alone willing to answer any other questions and understanding only all too well that the conversation was over Kyousuke knew better than to push the matter any further.

"You were really lucky," he replied softly, trying to hide his disappointment about the other man's standoffish reaction to his innocent question behind a mild half-smile. "Not many people harboring the wish to work in this industry get such a chance and if they do, only a few of them can actually use that opportunity to their advantage as well as you managed to."
"You mean talents like yourself who…," the renowned actor began but was interrupted in mid-sentence by the sound of the door being opened.

"Ohayo Watanabe-san," the voice of Yoka Wao, a famous Takarazuka actress who had been casted for the main role of 'Count Dracula' echoed through the room, soon followed by the voices of several other members of the musical's extensive cast. Only a few minutes later the producer arrived as well, with the director and the co-producer in tow and after Kyousuke had been formally introduced to everybody and the obligatory briefing about the agenda for the day was over the first practice session began.

The ebony-haired youth watched the rehearsal from the auditorium, once again, just like the previous day, unable to take his eyes off his prospective, future employer, impressed anew by the handsome actor's professionalism and positively blown away by his acting as well as singing skills.

"Watanabe-san is amazing, isn't he," the voice of the co-producer ringing in his ears caused him to finally avert his gaze from the famous celebrity in order to face the man who was in charge of certain sector of the production.
"He sure is and wherever I go I hear nothing but praise from his co-stars, staff and other officials about his skills and talents, his hardworking attitude, his personality and good manners as well as about his professionalism and perfectionism," Kyousuke replied truthfully, " and since I might become Watanabe-san's permanent assistant in the future I would like to know more about him, but unfortunately he isn't exactly communicative when it comes to himself and his career, let alone his personal life."

"I can tell you what I know," the co-producer stated, a good-natured smile tugging at the corners of his mouth when he perceived the twenty-one-year-old nodding his head eagerly in agreement. "Well, Watanabe-san debuted roughly around eight years ago when he was about twenty-four years old," the middle-aged man began thoughtfully after a brief moment of silence and offered his listener another smile. "Like almost every talent in this industry he started out with minor, supporting roles in small TV or stage productions, appearances on some internet variety shows and his agency had him appear in some idol DVDs as well in order to promote him properly to the public. Thanks to his hard-working attitude, his many talents and skills as well as his charming, friendly and cheerful personality he quickly became more and more popular and eventually his career took off like a rocket…"

"Cheerful…," Kyousuke exclaimed in disbelief, his eyes growing wide with surprise. "It's only my second time working for him, but from what I have witnessed so far Watanabe-san doesn't exactly strike me as a very sunshiny person."
"I don't blame you for thinking that way…I guess nobody could," the so addressed co-producer replied, nodding understandingly. "The man Watanabe-san is today is a very different guy compared to the one he used to be when I first met him only a year or two after his debut and breakthrough. I don't know what happened, but for some reason his conduct and habits began to change drastically about two years ago, just after his thirtieth birthday."

"And you really have no clue or knowledge whatsoever regarding any matter that could have triggered such an extreme alteration of Watanabe-san's personality," Daisuke's prospective, future assistant inquired carefully, his curiosity extremely piqued by what he had just heard.
"None at all," the other man answered truthfully and let out a heavy sigh, "all I know is that within a few after his thirtieth birthday Watanabe-san had lost his cheerfulness and while remaining perfectly friendly and polite towards anyone he was working with as well as considerate and respectful, he had become not only distant and withdrawn at all other occasions but had started to isolate himself, to build walls around himself and to push anybody away who tried to get even the least bit closer to him."

"Whatever happened that had led Watanabe-san to do all those things and to undergo such a drastic change must have been a very grave matter indeed," Kyousuke concluded thoughtfully, his mind and heart now set more than ever on giving his endeavor to break through the handsome actor's defenses and to get him to open up a little yet another try. "Thank you so much sensei for telling me all this."

"You are welcome Hamao-kun," the co-producer of 'Dracula' replied smiling mildly. "I hope that you can somehow build some rapport with Watanabe-san and establish a good relationship with him for he definitely isn't the cold, distant guy he makes everybody believe he is or at least tries to make them think and I'm convinced that having a friend by his side, someone he could trust and confide in, would do him a great deal of good. And now I should get back to work, so will you please excuse me?"

And with that the middle-aged man gave Kyousuke a light pat on the shoulder as well as another encouraging smile before he quietly took his leave, leaving the ebony-haired youth in deep thought for the rest of the morning, musings that were only interrupted by the firm voice of the director announcing a one-hour lunch break. The twenty-one-year old made his way speedily down to the stage where Daisuke was still talking to the director while the rest of the cast had already gone backstage, which caused the young talent to breathe a sigh of relief at the prospect of being able to catch his protégé alone.

"Watanabe-san, otsukare sama desu," he addressed the renowned celebrity once the director had left, trying to hide his nervousness behind a mild, slightly shaky smile. "You must be quite fatigued after such a long rehearsal session. What do you say, shall we go and grab some lunch together? There are some really nice, but reasonably priced restaurants around here."
"Thank you for your offer, but I would rather stay here and prepare for the afternoon rehearsals," Daisuke replied in a cool, businesslike manner and turned to leave, only to be stopped by the feeling of the ebony-haired talent's hand pressing gently against his upper arm.

"But you have worked so hard all morning," Kyousuke stated somewhat shyly, his confidence gradually waning with almost every passing second. "You need some rest and surely you must be hungry. I'm sure that some food would do you good even if it's just a little snack."
"Listen Hamao-kun, I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself and therefore, why don't you just leave me alone and focus on doing your job instead, so that I can do mine," the so addressed actor replied in a huffy manner, brushed the ebony-haired youth's hand, that was still lingering on his arm, off with a resolute decisiveness which made it more than clear that the conversation was over and strode briskly out of the room without sparing his prospective, future assistant another glance.

For several long moments Kyousuke remained standing motionlessly in front of the stage with his head hung and his fists clenched, looking terribly forlorn and dejected. "Looking after your wellbeing is part of my job, but I should have known," he finally sighed dolefully into the quiescence of the auditorium. "Of course his highness would refuse to have lunch with someone like me whom he considers as being so far beneath him. At the rate things are transpiring at the moment I think I will probably be heartily glad if Watanabe-san decided against hiring me permanently once this trial is over."

With that his voice trailed off and with another heavy, slightly desperate sounding sigh tearing from him the ebony-haired youth exited the room and headed down the corridor towards the dressing rooms, only to stop dead in his tracks when he perceived hushed, yet sharp voices coming from the foyer which was situated just around the corner to the right, one of the voices belonging to his prospective, future employer.

"…look, I can well imagine how frustrated you must be feeling because you weren't chosen for the role you auditioned for, but for another, smaller one instead because I have been there myself many times as well, but even though the producers and the director favored me in the end for the role you originally wanted to play, can't you and I just act as professionals should and try to get along with each other anyway?"

"Be professional about this matter, you say? I don't see how! I bet you only got the role of 'Van Helsing' because of your status and most likely you, your manager and your agency used their connections to change the odds in your favor, I'm sure of it," the other man huffed. "You can't fool me with your polite, friendly and respectful behavior. You and your manager definitely manipulated the audition. I bet that it was already decided that you would get to play 'Van Helsing' before you had even set foot into the audition hall."

"I don't know what makes you think on such a way, where you heard such nonsense or from whom, but my conscience is clear," Daisuke replied calmly, but with a stern, somehow dangerously low undertone in his firm voice. "I auditioned for the role of 'Van Helsing like everyone did and I got it fair and square. I have enough talent, skills, charisma as well as experience to succeed on my own at auditions and therefore I don't have to depend on connections or use underhanded methods in order to make sure that I get chosen for a role I auditioned for. Besides, even if I was lacking skills in certain areas relying on my management or the CEO of the agency to get me roles by using their connections would not only be extremely unsatisfying for me but it would also be against my gospel. From the very beginning of my career I have been working very hard for my success and I can proudly say that I can, in good conscience, take full credit for what I have achieved up to this day. I'm well aware that you are anything but happy with the outcome of this audition and that you were only chosen for a minor role instead of the one you had been aiming for, but don't vent your frustration about that out on me by going around and accusing me of having manipulated the audition."

"You can say whatever you want, but I don't believe you for a second," the so addressed actor huffed. "I know your true colors. You didn't play by the rules at the audition and I'm pretty sure that you never do."
"I don't know what's going on inside your head to profess such ridiculous, far-fetched opinions, but have nothing to blame myself for, nothing at all," Kyousuke's prospective future employer stated sternly and turned to leave, only to stop in his tracks as soon as the other spoke up again. "So that's all? The great Watanabe Daisuke is walking away from an argument about a topic that that puts him into an uncomfortable position, how cowardly is that?"

"I don't see the point of continuing a conversation with someone who is not only being insensible and irrational, but who stubbornly insists on a claim he can't back up with any proof whatsoever and ignores everything that is being said against it because he is unwilling to admit that he has got it all wrong," Daisuke explained calmly, "and I have better things to do with my time than wasting it on discussing a totally ridiculous assertion with the person who professed it when I know that whatever I say will definitely and deliberately be ignored by them."

"Listen carefully Watanabe-san, we both know that the entertainment world is too small for the two of us," the other man growled angrily, "and I for my part consider you not as my rival, but as my enemy. I will compete with you until the bitter end and fight until only one of us is left standing and I'm going to do whatever it takes to make sure that this person will be no one else but me."
"Are you trying to threaten me," Daisuke inquired snidely while looking over his shoulder, disgust evident on his fine, handsome features, "because neither am I afraid of threats nor am I scared of a fight and if you really mean to start a war, let me advise you to think the better of it for you might not like the outcome."

"I'm not threatening you," the other actor hissed, "I rather see my words as a proper warning because I will be wherever you are going to be and I won't give up until I have surpassed you and made people forget about you, just you wait!" And with that the young actor turned sharply on his heels and stalked away with his fists clenched and his head held high.

"Ano…excuse me Watanabe-san…I don't wish to seem bold, but who was that guy," Kyousuke asked carefully, making his presence known by poking his head around the corner of the wall once the disgruntled celebrity was out of sight and finally stepped somewhat hesitantly into the open. "I…I…I was on my way to the changing rooms, but then I heard voices and I didn't want to barge in and interrupt you guys…I…please believe me, I…I didn't mean to eavesdrop…really, I swear."

"Forget about it since that guy will continue to share his assertions regarding myself with anyone who is willing to listen to that nonsense," the so addressed actor replied in a slightly dismissive manner, "so you would have eventually come to know everything you heard just now anyway. As for your question Hamao-san, that guy's name is Yamada Akikiko. He debuted about four or five years ago and has become quite well-known since then, but has not yet managed to establish himself among the top performers in the musical and theatre scene."

"I see," the ebony-haired youth replied thoughtfully and for a moment silence settled between the two men before Kyousuke finally picked the conversation up again. "Like I said, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but Yamada-san seemed to be not only extremely unhappy about the outcome of the audition for this musical but also pretty mad at you. What is going on between the two of you? I'm only asking because this seems to be, at least on that guy's side, more than just the usual rivalry and competition for popularity between two renowned talents…"

"Whatever it may be, it's none of your business," his musings were interrupted abrasively by Daisuke's firm voice that was now having a sharp, unpleasant edge in it. "It's your job as my temporary assistant to attend to my needs, nothing more and nothing less, so kindly confine your concern to matters which are within your province and stay out of my affairs. Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes you have," Kyousuke replied in a meek, contrite manner and lowered his gaze momentarily. "But I didn't mean to be nosy or anything, I just wanted…."
"I don't care what you wanted. My business is my own and I don't intent on sharing it with you or anyone so wholly unconnected with me," Daisuke interrupted once more with a hint of irritation ringing in his full, rich baritone and gave the ebony-haired talent a long and intense, almost penetrating look which made it perfectly clear that the subject was closed before he brushed past the twenty-one-year-old and took his leave without addressing one more word to the young man.

For several long moments Kyousuke remained motionlessly in the middle of the now deserted foyer, as if he had turned into a statue, taken very much aback by the unexpected harshness of the words with which he had been reprimanded by his prospective, future employer. "I didn't mean any harm with my questions, so there was no need to snap at me like that, even if Watanabe-san wants his private matters to himself. It sure seems that I can't do anything right in that guy's eyes and how am I going to face him now after this quarrel," he whispered softly, letting out a dejected sigh before he finally trudged over to the changing rooms, ruffling his hair in a desperate manner and for the rest of the day the ebony-haired youth exerted any effort to stay away from the handsome actor, until the end of the rehearsal that was.

Knowing only all too well that he couldn't avoid the renowned celebrity forever, not with the final day of the job trial left, the young man made his way down to the stage as soon as the producer and director had begun to praise all the cast members for their hard work during the rehearsal session and called out to his prospective, future employer as soon as everybody had started to make their way backstage. "Watanabe-san, otsukare sama deshita! Do you have a moment please?"

"What do you need," Daisuke asked in a monotone voice and jumped gracefully off the edge of the stage to face his prospective, future assistant.
"First of all I wanted to apologize for this afternoon. I hadn't meant to cross any boundaries and invade your privacy with my questions and I hadn't meant to upset you either. I'm not the kind of person who sticks their nose into other people's business," Kyousuke explained lowering his gaze. "And then I wanted to ask you if you would like to join me for a casual dinner, my treat."

"Thanks, but I don't feel like having dinner now, I'm not hungry at all," the so addressed actor replied coolly. "Besides I don't like dining out or in the company of others. I prefer having my meals in the solitude of my home and most importantly by myself."
"I understand, if that be the case I won't bother you again in the future with another invitation," Kyousuke stated softly in a slightly despondent manner. "But you have to promise me one thing, okay?"
"And what would that be," Daisuke asked skeptically, narrowing his eyes in suspicion and alarm at the other's words.

"Promise me that you will eat a proper dinner once you get home," the ebony-haired youth answered boldly. "You are looking really exhausted and compared to this morning your complexion has lost most of its brilliancy, probably because you haven't eaten anything at lunchtime today and yesterday you haven't eaten anything throughout the whole day either, don't think I haven't noticed. But no matter how busy you are, skipping meals isn't good for your body and your health and…"

"There you go again! My habits and what I do or don't do are none of your concern," the so addressed celebrity snapped enraged, thus interrupting the twenty-one-year-old talent's little speech. "Stay out of my life! Just because you are working for me on a three-day trial basis doesn't mean that you can patronize and dictate me! What is it that you really want from me anyway, some help with your career I suppose? Are you hoping that you can take advantage of my status in the entertainment world and my connections to finally make your breakthrough or maybe even expecting that I will eventually introduce you to a recognized producer and personally recommend you for a major role in some big stage pro…"

The handsome actor didn't get to finish the sentence for the palm of Kyousuke's hand had connected quite painfully with his cheek, the noise of a hard slap echoing through the audience thus interrupting his angry tirade.

"I've had enough! Who on earth do you think you are, you arrogant prick," the ebony-haired youth exclaimed trembling lightly, his voice cracking with rage and his big, beautiful eyes clouding over with tears of fury. "I only meant well and just for the record, I don't need your or anyone's help in order to make my breakthrough and to reach the next step in my career! I don't care one straw about the prospect of becoming your assistant or this stupid three-day job trial! I only agreed to this scheme because I didn't want to appear ungrateful to Okamoto-san who has arranged that job interview with you and your boss without my knowledge and more importantly without asking me and I have never, not with one single word, asked him for such a favor nor would I have ever done so! And the other reason why I agreed to this job trial is because I have bills to pay just like everyone else who is living by themselves, so don't you dare judge me, question my motives or look down on me and treat me with contempt just because you are at the top while I'm at the bottom!"

And with that Kyousuke stormed out of the auditorium, furiously wiping the tears that were trickling down his cheeks away with the back of his hand, leaving a perplexed and stupefied Watanabe Daisuke behind.

oOo

"Dinner time…dinner time," the tall, dark-haired man whispered contently as he poured some red liquid into a filigree wine glass and was just about to lift it to his mouth in order to take a sip when his phone started ringing from somewhere in the living room. Setting the glass down with a growl of dissatisfaction he let his head droop momentarily before he finally strode into the living room to answer the call, muttering something about bad timing.

"Moshi Moshi, Minami Keisuke speaking," he spoke up once he had pushed the 'accept call' button, a mild smile forming on his lips as soon as he recognized the voice at the other end of the line. "Hi Keisuke, I'm sorry for calling at such a late hour and I hope I'm not disturbing you." "Dai-chan konbanwa…no, you aren't disturbing me. I was only just about to enjoy a drink, that's all," Keisuke explained truthfully. "What can I do for you my friend?"

"I…well…I…I need to talk with you about something and I would like to hear your opinion on the matter as well as your advice," the other man replied somewhat hesitantly, "for I'm not sure what to do."
"I see, is this matter you wish to discuss by any chance related to a certain young man who has started to work for you on a trial basis as your assistant," Keisuke inquired casually, a self-satisfactory smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth when his question was met with a few seconds of stunned silence.

"H-How did you know," Daisuke finally asked perplexed which earned him a light chuckle from his friend.
"Oh come on Daisuke, ever since your manager told you about his plan of getting you an assistant, you have brought up the subject and complained about your manager's scheme basically every time we met," the dark-haired man pointed out factually, "so guessing the purpose of your call on a day that you were supposed to spend with your assistant attending to you wasn't exactly rocket science. Did you have some trouble with the guy?"

"Well, I'm not certain whether you call label what happened as 'having trouble', but…," the so addressed celebrity replied softly and proceeded to tell his friend about everything that had happened at the community center that day. "…and then he stormed off and I was so taken aback by his outburst that I couldn't think of anything to say or do to hold him back."
"I see and honestly speaking, I can't blame Hamao-kun for his outburst or for the slap in the face he gave you," Keisuke spoke up thoughtfully and ran a hand through his hair, "can you?"

"I guess not. I shouldn't have snapped at him like that for what he had asked me to promise," Daisuke admitted ruefully. "My words have been really harsh after all, too harsh maybe."
"And not only that. You have obviously hurt, offended and insulted Hamao-kun a great deal with your assertions," the other man explained calmly. "Not everybody has ulterior motives for their actions you know and based on what I have just heard I think that Hamao-kun was merely concerned about your wellbeing and therefore wanted your assurance that you would look after yourself since attending to your needs and comfort is part of his job as your assistant."

"You are probably right as usual and the strangest thing about this whole matter is that I can't even tell why I got so upset in the first place," Daisuke sighed dejectedly. "What do you think I should do now? I guess I owe Hamao-kun an apology, don't I?"
"You certainly do and I dare say that deep down inside you also know the reason why you acted towards Hamao-kun the way you did," Keisuke stated calmly, his voice ringing with sympathy and understanding for the other.

"You have at last reached the point at which you have a decision to make, not just about Hamao-kun but about your future life. Listen Dai-chan, you have many, many years ahead of you and you have to decide how you want those years to be, whether you want to spend them in solitude and loneliness or share them with a circle of friends, maybe even someone special and the only valuable advice I can give you in your current situation is to thoroughly think it through, but to listen, on this special occasion at least, to the voice of your heart rather than to the voice of reason in your mind."

"Thank you Keisuke for listening and sorry again for the intrusion so late in the evening," Daisuke replied softly and let out another faint sigh. "Speaking to you has helped me a great deal."
"You're welcome my friend and don't make yourself uneasy because of the late hour at which you called. I'm a night-person after all," the so addressed man chuckled and with that the two friends exchanged their goodbyes before Daisuke finally ended the call.

oOo

"…then after lunch we will go through the scenes of the second act," the producer of 'Kashinfu', announced at the end of the first set of rehearsals of the day," and now enjoy your lunch break everyone. I will see you back here on stage in one hour and…oh yes…Hamao-kun, your boss wishes to see you in his office at your earliest convenience."

"Thank you for telling me, I will go and see him right away," Kyousuke replied bowing respectfully to the older man before hastily leaving the stage. 'I wonder what Okamoto-san wants to speak to me about. I sincerely hope this isn't about the incident at the community center yesterday. I haven't heard from Watanabe-san and his manager ever since,' he mused as he made his way to the office of the man who owned the theater 'Sun Mall' and knocked on the door, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves when he was asked to enter.

"I'm sorry if I have disturbed you Okamoto-san, but the producer said that you wished to see me," he stated politely once he had stepped into the room and closed the door behind him.
"Yes I do. I wanted to inquire how your job trial is going," the owner of Theater Sun Mall replied and motioned for Kyousuke to take a seat. "Are you enjoying your work and are you getting along well with Watanabe-san and his manager?"

"The work is interesting and I'm really enjoying it, especially because I have already learned so much and everybody is really kind to me," Kyousuke lied, not having the heart to tell his employer how things were truly lying between him and the famous actor and not wishing the middle-aged man to worry or to regret having used his connections in order to bring the interview for the job trial about. "Especially Watanabe-san's manager is really patient as well as very supportive. He gives me a lot of praise and I can always consult him if I have a problem or need some advice as to how to go about a task. However, in the end it won't be him, but Watanabe-san alone who is going to decide whether or not I will be offered a working contract and he is a man with high standards and expectations and is anything but easy to please."

"I understand Hamao-kun," Okamoto replied, offering his employee a sympathetic smile, "and I'm very proud of you that you were willing to accept the challenge. Keep doing your best for the remainder of this job trial and don't worry about the outcome. Like I said to you the other day; if Watanabe-san shouldn't offer you the position at the end of your final trial day, you will still have your job here at 'Theater Sun Mall' waiting for you to come back to."
"Thank you so much Okamoto-san, that is really kind of you," the ebony-haired youth replied and offered the middle-aged man a grateful smile.

"You're welcome Hamao-kun and now I won't detain you any longer from enjoying your lunch break," the owner of the theater stated good-naturedly and only a couple of minutes later Kyousuke left the office, breathing a faint sigh of relief about the fact that his employer had apparently no notion whatsoever regarding the incidents at the community center the previous night. "Yokatta, the last thing I want is to cause trouble for Okamoto-san and make him look bad in front of his friend and Watanabe-san," he whispered softly to himself and slowly made his way towards the dressing rooms, only to be stopped in his tracks by a hand, that had seemingly come out of nowhere, landing heavily on his shoulder when he was just about half-way through the foyer. "Hamao, I have been looking everywhere for you. You and I need to have a little chat."

"What can I do for you Fujiwara-kun," Kyousuke asked cautiously, a bad premonition causing his heartbeat to speed up a notch.
"A little birdie told me that that you have only very recently started to work for the famous Watanabe Daisuke," the self-proclaimed star of 'Kashinfu' growled tightening his grip on the other talent's shoulder. "Did you really think that you would be able to keep such news from me or any of the other guys?"

"No, I just haven't told anybody yet because I'm only working on a trial basis for the time being and whether or not I will be offered a permanent position has not been decided yet," the so addressed youth explained truthfully, trying to free himself in vain from the other's painful grip. "I don't like speaking openly about any matters that are as uncertain as this one still is."

"I don't give a damn about what you like and don't like doing, the only thing I care about is that you are acquainted with Watanabe-san," Fujiwara stated in a nonchalant, dismissive manner, "and I want you to introduce me to him at the first chance you get because becoming acquainted with a top actor such as him can only be advantageous for my future career."

"I'm sorry Fujiwara-kun, but I can't do that," Kyousuke answered resolutely and jerked away from the other once more, finally managing to free himself and turned to face the self-proclaimed star of 'Kashinfu'. "I'm not at all close to Watanabe-san and he would consider me introducing you or any other talent to him as an impertinence. I also have to think about my boss since he his friends with both Watanabe-san and his manager and I won't do anything that would make him appear in a bad light or put him into an uncomfortable position. If you really want to be introduced to Watanabe-san so badly, then please beseech your management to arrange a meeting for you."

"And this is your final resolve Hamao," Fujiwara growled, his voice dangerously low and narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure that this is how you want things to be?"
"I most certainly am," the twenty-one-year-old answered holding the other actor's menacing, penetrating gaze, hiding his nervousness and discomfort behind a mask of perfect indifference. "I can't help you and nothing you say or do will change my mind."
"You are going to regret this Hamao! I won't let this go, I swear," the so addressed youth hissed angrily and stalked away without sparing Kyousuke another glance.

"That great, just great…even when Watanabe-san isn't around he is still causing me trouble. Thanks to my connection with him the remaining weeks of 'Kashinfu' are going to be a living hell for me, Fujiwara will definitely see to that," the ebony-haired talent sighed and trudged over to the staff room instead of the dressing room in order to seek some solitude and for the rest of the afternoon he avoided the self-proclaimed of the stage production as best as he possibly could, trying with all his might to ignore the menacing glares the young man as well as his followers were constantly shooting him.

Thus the afternoon passed slowly, an afternoon at the end of which Kyousuke was both physically and mentally exhausted and all the twenty-one-year-old wanted was to go home and to somehow get the bad memories about the events of the day out of his head.

"Ano Hamao-kun, before you leave would you mind to come with me for a moment. You have a visitor," he was addressed by the janitor, just when he was about to head for the backdoor of the theater. "I'm sure it won't take too long." "But of course," the ebony-haired youth replied, nodding his head in agreement and followed the older man into his small office, his eyes growing wide in astonishment as soon as he had come face to face with the person waiting there for him. "W-Watanabe-san…"

"Konbanwa Hamao-san, this visit must be quite unexpected and surprising for you," Daisuke spoke up, stating the obvious and motioned for his prospective, future assistant to step closer, "especially after the events of yesterday evening."
"I have to admit that, after what had happened between us, I was quite convinced that I would never hear from you or your manager ever again," the so addressed talent replied coolly and gave his visitor an expectant look. "So, what brings the great Watanabe-Daisuke here?"

"I haven't told my manager a single word about what has happened at the community center last night and I came here to apologize to you for my behavior towards you and for the way I have been treating you these past two days," Daisuke explained softly, wincing inwardly at the cold manner in which he was received by the other, but knowing that he hadn't deserved any better. "I know that the way in which I have behaved towards you is unpardonable, but I still want to try and make amends if you will let me."

"I will listen to what you have to say," Kyousuke stated seemingly unfazed and folded his arms in front of his chest, determined to let the renowned actor reap the fruits of his own offence, "and then I will decide whether or not I will accept your apology."
"Fair enough, being given the opportunity to explain myself is all I'm asking for," the handsome celebrity replied with sincerity and offered his prospective, future assistant a mild, melancholic smile. "I am in the truest sense what people would call a loner. I hardly ever socialize with my colleagues after work or in my free time, I'm used to take care of myself and to work alone whenever I can and I don't have many friends inside and outside the industry."

'Considering your attitude I can see why,' the ebony-haired youth thought, but chose to ask a question instead of voicing his opinion out loud. "You don't like to be dependent on other people, is that it?"
"Yes and no, it's true that I wasn't anything but pleased with my manager's plan about providing me with an assistant and that I vented my frustration about that scheme out on you, not to mention that I tried to scare you off the job," Daisuke explained meekly and lowered his gaze in embarrassment, "but the other reason is that I find it very difficult to trust anyone. After I had become an actor and my career had taken off I have been used and hurt several times by people of whom I had always thought of as being my friends. However, in the end I had to learn the hard way that they didn't care at all about me and that they only things they were interested in were my status, my connections and all the benefits that are generally attached to my profession and that's when I started to shut people out and began to keep everybody who was trying to approach me at a distance."

"I see, so you have nothing against me personally," Kyousuke asked carefully. "You don't dislike or even hate me, do you?"
"I may have distrusted you and questioned your motives for accepting the job trial as readily as you have done, but nothing more than that," the so addressed celebrity admitted truthfully, "and I hope that you can forgive me. I could understand if you wouldn't and I could understand just as well if you were to turn down the offer I'm about to make, but I want you to know Hamao-san that the job as my assistant is yours should you still want it and I promise that I'm going to be civil from now on and treat you with the respect that you deserve."

"I thank you Watanabe-san and I accept your apology because I'm of the opinion that everybody deserves a second chance," the ebony-haired youth stated after a brief moment of silence and offered the famous actor a mild, yet genuine smile, "as for your offer, I will consider it and inform you and your manager at the end of my final trial day. Would such an arrangement be acceptable to you?"
"Certainly," Daisuke answered promptly and held out his hand towards his prospective, future assistant, breathing a sigh of relief when Kyousuke accepted it almost instantaneously upon which the two men sealed their arrangement with a firm handshake.

"Thank you Hamao-san for giving me the chance to redeem myself. That means a lot to me," the renowned celebrity stated softly once he had released the other's hand from his hold and after having bid the twenty-one-year-old goodnight he almost instantaneously took his leave, the cool night air that was brushing against his skin as soon as he had stepped outside the theater causing him to close his eyes for a long moment and to let out a sigh of pleasure before making his way towards the nearest subway station at a leisurely pace and only about twenty-five minutes later he inserted the key into the front door of his comfortable 2LDK apartment.

"Finally home," Daisuke sighed as he switched on the ceiling light and trudged from the small corridor over into the main room of his studio-type flat which featured not only a living and dining area as well as a small kitchen, but whose windows as well as the ones in the rest of the apartment were covered with long, heavy and dark curtains. "I need a drink…darn daylight," he muttered as he opened a secret compartment in the back of his refrigerator and took out a bottle that was filled with a red liquid of which the handsome actor poured some into a tall glass standing on the kitchen counter before putting the bottle safely back, closing the door and finally taking a long sip of the drink he had just poured himself.

"Watanabe Daisuke, what have you gotten yourself into this time," he sighed while he took his appearance that was reflecting in the polished steel doors of the refrigerator in closely. His skin had grown pale, almost as white as the skin of a porcelain doll, his beautiful hazel-brown eyes had changed their color and were now a mix of various shades of blue that had purple prisms in them and fangs were poking out from between his lips that were now of a pale pinkish shade.

"Hamao-san can never know about this, about what I am," he whispered softly and averted his gaze from his reflection, "Keisuke was right, I pushed Hamao-san away because he was showing me kindness and tried to become friends with me while I was afraid of the consequences of what would happen if I would allow him to get close to me and he should find out about my secret, afraid that he might turn away from me in disgust and fear once he knows what I am and that I might once more end up hurt like in the past…and I don't think I could bear it to see myself as a monster in someone else's eyes again."

To be continued...

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A/N: Well, and that's it for this chapter...liked it, hated it? Please let me know!
As usual, due to my busy schedule, at least 5 reviews = new chapter

For now I will leave you with some questions to dwell on:

Will Mao accept the job offer or will he turn it down?
How will his relationship with Daisuke change and develop?
What about Fujiwara and Yamada who have, at least in their opinion, a bone to pick with Daisuke and Kyousuke?

Find out the answers to these questions in the next chapter!