This is incredibly short and you had to wait very lond, so I apologize. It is one of the chapters that aree neccessary, but absolutely boring. So, I'm sorry.
I don't own Skip Beat!
Shooting Waterlily had begun five days ago and so far Nigel was happy with the progress it made. Now that the actual filming had started he was often seen discussing scenes with Lucy, the director. He was happy to have chosen her, because she was intent on realizing his vision. The woman was in her late twenties and still as bubbly as a teenager, to which her bleached hair with colorful streaks only contributed. Her handling with the camera and cutting though, was that of a veteran and she had a gifted eye to get the best out of a setting.
She was unrelenting, when it came to the actors and the crew, but nevertheless she was fair and the fact that she pushed herself twice as hard made them easily accept her. There weren't any newbies, who had a twisted view concerning their own fame, on the cast anyways.
Word had spread by now that the role of Kohane's sister Sayuri was taken by no other than Coco herself, which caused Ren to have something close to a heart attack. Therefore everyone was looking forward to today, where she would finally come to shoot the first scene.
They had taken some scenery shots and Sakomo's arrival at his aunt's house as well as his fight with the family the last few days, so this day was full with 'Sayuri-shots'
Ren was asked to come for mask at seven, they wanted to start around eight. He and Yashiro had not seen the other actors on their way to the dressing room, where Yashiro was briefing his charge about the other appointments he had later that day.
The manager couldn't help feeling a little apprehensive, when he remembered how Kyoko had just walked past him in the hallway in LME. He wasn't so sure if putting her and Ren in one place for so long was a good idea. Her fiance probably had no idea, who he had cast.
Coco was more or less sleeping, as she went through make-up. She was already in costume, long black pants and a breezy green shirt. The make-up artist helped her put on the wig. She now had longer, but equally black hair. Her eyes matched the shirt. She grinned.
"I always love these transformations." The woman laughed and then got up from her chair. Sue entered the dressing room.
"Coco, the director wants you to film a scene from the first act, number twelve. You got that ready?", she asked.
"Yes, of course. Is everyone on set already?"
"No, they went to collect the others, but we can head there now I think."
The actress nodded, thanked the staff and followed her manager out the door.
They were shooting indoor today, the setting was the interior of the establishment Sayuri owned. There were shelves overflowing with potted plants and small boxes filled with damp earth. The floor was covered by old carpets that did not match and the counter was a mess, papers, folders and other clutter was strewn across it.
Even though it was not easy to see at first, the place possessed a magic that was almost breathable. Bright light filtered in through the slightly stained windows and drew shapes on the floor. The dust in the air glittered brightly and Sayuri standing in the middle was just like an ethereal being. She moved through the room, like her feet didn't even touch the ground, surrounded by her constant companions, her plants, she was at home.
The door chime rang and the spell broke. Suddenly the world seemed to return to reality and the light that was soft and warm a second ago became harsh and revealing. Revealing the tired lines around the persons' eyes and the dirt on Sayuri's hands. They uncovered the wrinkles in the businessman's suit and his unshaven face.
"Good afternoon, can I help you?" The woman's voice was brisk and strong. She greeted him with a professional air, but it didn't conceal the slight hostility she felt towards strangers.
"I do hope so." His voice was soft and comfortable, for another person maybe disarming. "I am looking for a job."
"Would you be so kind and tell me your name as well as your reason to come here?" She was cold and for a second he was startled that his charm had not worked on her.
"My name is Sakomo, I decided for a new beginning and I've always liked flowers." She stared at him, not sure he was serious. She was just about to inquire about his last name and maybe a worthier qualification, when her sister entered and soon after he was employed to work in Sayuri's flower and landscaping company.
The scene dissolved after with the picture of Sakomo's lingering look on Kohane.
Coco felt Kyoko pull her forward and accepted the change of personalities. It was Kyoko developing this character and though Coco was a excellent actress as well she had left this part to her creator. She had found that acting was soothing for Kyoko and she needed to comfort the woman while she was so upset because of being in Japan again.
She nodded at Kotonami Kanae, who looked stunning in the white suit she wore. Her character worked as a secretary, even though she lend her sister a hand in running the company.
The black haired woman smiled in return and then proceeded to head for the catering to get a light breakfast.
Coco turned to Tsuruga Ren, feeling Kyoko inside struggle not to come forward. He must have seen something in her eyes, because a flicker of hope bloomed on his face. She knew she had to destroy it right away.
"It's a pleasure to work with you, I hope the next weeks will be equally productive." She was warm, but retained her distance and professional attitude. An amused smile filled his face though and she frowned inwardly. He did not take her seriously. He thought she was merely an act.
"I agree, this project will surely become a success." She nodded curtly and then left. He was slightly startled. Aside from the glimmer of recognition in her eyes right after the shoot, this had not been Kyoko.
He watched the woman as she went to talk with the director, her face carrying a delighted expression. He saw Yashiro wave him over and he followed his manager to the catering.
"I spoke with the president.", the blonde man said. Ren looked at him.
"Lory?" Was the man scheming something, now that Kyoko was back?
"Yes, he warned me that you should acknowledge Coco. He said, he'd be very disappointed, should he hear you are unable to distinguish between reality and what you wish to see."
This left Ren speechless. Had the president written Kyoko off?
Coco walked set the tray down on the table and sat. She looked at the person opposite her and Kanae threw her a cold look.
"Sorry, nowhere else was free." Coco explained and met the hard stare without flinching. She began picking at her vegetables and had soon retreated to her thoughts, while she ate the lunch.
"Now I'm sure. You're not Mogami Kyoko." Kanea's voice was a bit disappointed and Coco looked up again.
"No, I'm not."
"Kyoko would have asked at least twenty times, before she sat. And she would have cared about the way I looked at you."
"That's probably true." Coco chuckled lightly. This woman knew Kyoko very well. And though she did not admit it, she missed her. "I'm sorry, I am not what you are looking for."
"How is she?" The question was asked tentatively, like the woman was afraid to reveal too much of herself.
"She's resting."
"You watch over her sleep, don't you?"
"I torment her every second I breathe, but yes, in a way I shield her from worse." The raven haired beauty contemplated the statement for a second and then nodded. She collected her cutlery and got up.
"I will wait. She will be welcome if she decides she's strong enough to return."
Coco nodded, but the woman was already gone. She felt the despair tugging at her again and got up to leave as well, her food almost untouched.
"You need to eat. Sit down." Gentle hands pushed her shoulders down and she obeyed.
"Nigel, I know you're right, but I don't feel like eating now." He had slipped into Kanae's place and studied her face.
"How about we share?" It was an old joke between them, they used to order in, back in America, and then ate in turns. "I'll start." He picked up the chopsticks clumsily and put a large piece of carrot in his mouth. He decided on another one and presented her with the loaded sticks. "Now you."
Without further argument she ate it. They continued and soon the plate was empty.
"You need to look after yourself, Coco. Even if you don't feel like it, you need to make sure that your body can cope." His honest concern was heartwarming and she found the corners of her mouth lift slightly.
"Yeah, I know." He got up and she followed suit. She took his offered hand and together they left the refectory. There was still work to be done.
There you go, I'll concentrate on getting the next chapter ready... You're lucky I'm sick at home so even though my headache is positively murdering me, I'll try to get something done.
Love, Colc Moon
