Disclaimer: Mai-Hime belongs to Sunrise.
CHAPTER 7
JAPAN: DAY 3
TAPING DAY: 2
The raven haired young director was on her way out of her living quarter. She did a last minute check to ensure she did not forget anything. "Phone. Check. Keys. Check. Alright, good to go." She made a quick turn from her bedroom, passing a glance at the curvy swimming pool on her right before ascending the five flights of stairs. The memory of yesterday's unfortunate event still not lost to her as a small frown marred her beautiful feature. "No. It's too early for that." She muttered as she shook her head like the act will drive the memory away. She breathed a lungful of air before releasing it again, preparing herself for the long hours of taping ahead. She was a director because she loved doing what she was good at. She was doing it for passion above all else. "Let's get the camera rolling!" She cheered before finally going out of her living quarter.
The sight on the hallway made her halt in her movement. For there stood near the Wing A entrance was the tawny haired superstar who was once again heavily clothed but this time it was the color of white. She was wrapped in white stylish coat that flowed down below her knees. A white oversized hat on her head and a pair of dark eyeglasses was held in her right hand. Her stylish fashion screamed sophistication and fabulousness, putting to shame the raven haired young director's choice of clothing which was composed of skinny denim jeans that stopped few inches above her ankle and a loose white tee that was cut diagonally exposing her well-toned abdominal muscles and piercing. A pair of fashionable sunglasses was hanging on the low-neck of her white t-shirt.
Unbeknownst to the raven haired young director, the tawny haired superstar was discreetly admiring the view of her exposed torso but the woman composed herself before starting her way towards the elevator.
The raven haired young director seemed to be pulled out of her ogling stupor when she noticed the tawny haired superstar's movement. She followed suit, walking a few steps behind the tawny haired superstar, not wanting to invade the woman's private space. The guilt of yesterday's event that she had pushed down a while ago started gnawing at her again.
The two women reached the elevator and the raven haired young director pressed the 'down' button.
"Say hello to an awkward elevator ride."The raven haired young director thought dryly as the elevator door opened with a ding. "How I wish I could just take the next ride but I can't waste my time standing here for god knows how long. That would be inefficient." She thought before entering the glass cylindrical elevator after the tawny haired superstar entered.
She went to the farthest arc of the glass-cylindrical elevator and leaned her back on the transparent glass wall. The elevator shut and her emerald orbs look at the only other occupant of the elevator. "Okay, this is more awkward. Why is she facing this way? Shouldn't she be facing the other way?" She mused when the tawny haired superstar did not move where she was the moment she entered the elevator a while ago.
The tawny haired superstar stood in the middle of the glass-cylindrical elevator, her crimson orbs were looking at the scenery before her as she held her dark glasses in her right hand.
The raven haired young director glanced at the screen display where the elevator will be stopping. "Great. Now, this ride will be longer than I thought. All the elevator floor numbers are pressed." She thought before casting her glance on the floor, finding it more interesting than anything else inside the confinement. Her boots tapping the transparent glass as she can literally see what was down there. "Shit! Good thing I don't have fear of heights. Is the architect of this building insane? Way to be considerate of those who pissed on their pants with heights." She rant unnecessarily as her slim brows furrowed. She was brought out of her rambling stupor when the elevator opened at the 26th floor, a ding was heard. Her emerald orbs looked up to see the incoming additional loads.
"Good morning, Viola-sama!" Two women greeted the tawny haired superstar, whose back was turned towards them, bowing their heads in the process like the gesture can be seen by said superstar.
"Huh?" The raven haired young director wondered when the elevator closed and the two women did not get in.
The elevator went down and opened upon reaching the 25th floor. A group of two women and three men came into view. They were chatting among themselves as soft laughter can be heard.
"Finally. Yes, time to go!" A black haired young man said before stepping inside, her foot already on the elevator before he was harshly pulled out on the back of his collar by one of his friends. "Huh? What's wrong?" He asked not knowing the reason, looking at his friends who were looking at the tawny haired superstar. He followed their line of sight and his eyes bulged. "Shit! Gomen! Gomen! Viola-sama!" He apologized profusely bowing his head a number of times than necessary.
"Good morning, Viola-sama!" The five other residents greeted the back of the tawny haired superstar.
"G-good m-morning, V-viola-sama!" The man greeted a little bit late.
"What the hell? This elevator's capacity is fuckin 25 people. Why the hell are they not entering?" The raven haired young director wondered as her emerald orbs stared at the sealed elevator door after glancing at a small plate where the elevator's capacity and other details were written.
The elevator stopped on the 24th floor and three women came inside.
"Finally. Thought everyone's not taking this ride." The raven haired young director thought like she was just given oxygen after being trapped inside an elevator which was very ironic since the elevator was almost empty of loads. Well, except for the two of them and the additional three women.
One of the three women caught a glance of the original passenger of the lift and she went frigid for a second before she hurriedly held out her hand to stop the elevator door from finally closing. "I-I a-apolo-gize, V-viola-s-sama! Girls, let's wait for the next ride." The woman announced as the two girls also went rigid before scampering out.
"We're sorry, Viola-sama!" The two other women apologized, bowing profusely at the standing tawny haired superstar whose back was turned towards them.
"Good morning, Viola-sama!" The three greeted in unison, bowing their heads.
"What the fuck!?" The raven haired young director cursed in her head, her mouth was left slightly ajar. Her emerald orbs turned to the serene tawny haired superstar before flicking it back to the sealed elevator door. "So, she does not like sharing elevator with the commoners, huh. She's more stuck up than I thought." She thought quite disapprovingly.
The elevator stopped on the 23rd floor and the same thing happened. None of the residents got inside but just greeted the tawny haired superstar before the elevator door got sealed.
The raven haired young director casted a glance at the tawny haired superstar who was still rooted in the middle of the elevator, slightly to her right. She snorted before crossing her arms below her chest as she closed her eyes, hiding those emerald orbs behind eyelids. Knowing that the same incident will just repeat itself, she chose to wait until they reached the ground floor.
This action did not go unnoticed by the tawny haired superstar who proceeded on covering her crimson orbs with her fashionable dark sunglasses. Crimsons hidden behind those dark glasses were looking at the raven haired young director in front of her as an unreadable expression crossed the tawny haired superstar's beautiful feature.
The elevator kept stopping on every floor and the same case of residents greeting or apologizing happened everytime the elevator door opened before once again closing.
"five…four…three…two…Finally!" The raven haired young director muttered before opening her eyes, revealing emerald orbs. She was counting the number of times the elevator door opened in her mind.
After a seemed to be forever elevator ride but actually just a three-minute one, the elevator reached the ground floor. The tawny haired superstar turned around before walking out of the elevator with the raven haired young director following suit.
"Oi, oi. Just what the hell is she?" The raven haired young director wondered in her thoughts when staffs and residents parted like the red sea upon seeing the tawny haired superstar.
"Good morning, Viola-sama!" The staffs and residents greeted the tawny haired superstar who just gave a slight nod as she continued sauntering towards the exit of the building.
The raven haired young director was sexily riding her personalized black Ducati Panigale 959 behind a red Ferrari 149 California convertible car of which roof was rolled down. Black helmet was protecting her head and her hanging white t-shirt was being blown by the wind, exposing her well-toned abdomen some more.
Inside this luxurious and fast vehicle was the superstar whose tawny mane was being blown by the strong wind behind her. Her oversized hat was placed on the empty passenger's seat of her car. Slender fingers were gripping the steering wheel as her dark-sunglasses-covered crimson orbs glanced at her car's side mirror where the raven haired young director's reflection can be seen. She hit on the gas and her already fast car accelerated some more.
"Oh? Want a race huh? Not backing off." The raven haired young director muttered in her muffled husky voice as she gripped on the handle bars and accelerated her Ducati bike.
Just like that their little race towards the shooting venue started. The raven haired young director turned her head to her right when her Ducati bike was side-by-side with the tawny haired superstar's red convertible Ferrari car. "You picked the wrong game, woman." He muttered in her muffled voice as a smug smile crossed her face before she accelerated some more, leaving her race competitor behind.
The tawny haired superstar hit on the gas causing her red Ferrari convertible car to accelerate. She was now driving at max speed. In a few seconds, she was again driving side-by-side withthe raven haired young director, a smirk was on her face when she noticed the raven haired young director snapped her head towards her.
"Well, not bad yourself." The raven haired young director commended before her emerald orbs glanced at her speedometer wanting to accelerate some more. Her personalized Ducati speed was still not at maximum but it was closed to it. "Shit! That means she's driving at maximum speed right now. Fuck! Need to slow down before she got into an accident." She panicked before slowing down her speed until she was driving at normal pace, not wanting to add another accident to yesterday's mishap. As normal speed as her fast Ducati bike can go without boring her.
The tawny haired woman noticed this but still continued driving at the dangerous maximum speed. The raven haired young director was left behind.
"Fuck! Is she trying to kill herself!? She's not a god damn drug racer!" The raven haired young director grumbled in her muffled voice as her emerald orbs stared at the fast speed driving car in front of her. "I already gave up. Why is she still driving that freakin fast!? Damn woman!" She cursed before gripping on her handlebars and going on maximum speed. Within seconds, she was once again driving side-by-side with the tawny haired superstar.
She flicked her visor opened as she turned her head towards the tawny haired superstar whose slender arms were still outreached, hands gripping the steering wheel. "You already won, okay!? Now, slow down!" She yelled in her muffled voice as she reduced her speed to match her previous competitor's speed. "Hey! I said slow down, woman!" She yelled again when she was ignored. "Damn it!" She cursed before increasing her speed to maximum.
Within seconds she was in front of the tawny haired superstar's car as she expertly maneuvered her Ducati bike to her right, halting it horizontally in front of the red Ferrari car. Effectively blocking the car's way.
The tawny haired woman hit on the break with practiced ease causing the car tires to screech on the pavement before it went to a complete stop. Causing some smoke to come out as smell of burning tires attacked her sensitive nose.
The raven haired young director dismounted her bike hastily before discarding her black helmet revealing a scowling face. Her raven mane was being blown by the strong wind behind her.
"What does Director Kruger think she is doing?" The tawny haired superstar asked, eyes narrowing at the approaching raven haired young director after she discarded her dark sunglasses and throwing it to the passenger's seat.
"No. What are you doing, woman!?" The raven haired young director fired back, as she held on the red Ferrari car's windshield. "I told you to slow down. You might kill yourself with your overspeeding." She said sternly as she towered above the tawny haired superstar, inching her body closer to her as her emerald orbs stared directly at the woman's crimson ones.
"Why would Director Kruger care about my welfare? I see no reason for her to do so." The tawny haired superstar fired back, her face hardening as her expression started to show displeasure.
"Because I care!" The raven haired young director blurted out, surprising both of them in the process. Emerald orbs dilated as it stared back to crimson orbs which were in no different state.
The tawny haired superstar sat there with surprised crimson orbs as she was frozen from her spot.
"Shit!" The raven haired young director cursed before blinking her eyes several times. "I-im y-your Director. I-I d-don't want you to be dying while we're still shooting the movie." She stuttered explaining herself. "Yeah. That's why. I just don't want anyone dying on my movie." she added in her thoughts as if convincing herself. "Now, drive slowly." She finished, emerald orbs looking at crimson ones as she distance herself from the red Ferrari car.
"Does Director Kruger really… no! Impossible. She almost drowned me yesterday." The tawny haired superstar thought as she composed herself. A blank expression on her face. "No." She said sternly.
"What!?" The raven haired young director snapped her head back towards the tawny haired superstar, a look of incredulity on her face.
"Director Kruger perhaps has some problem with her hearing? I am not repeating my word. Now, if Director Kruger will be so kind as to step away. I wish to proceed to the taping venue. After all, time matters to us, am I right Director Kruger? Let us not waste it any further and be there fast." The tawny haired superstar answered, emphasizing her last word.
"Move to the passenger's seat." The raven haired young director sternly stated as she opened the door to the driver's seat of the red Ferrari car. "I will drive you there." She stated leaving no room for argument.
"No." The unperturbed tawny haired superstar stubbornly stated.
"Then, I will make you." The raven haired young director said in her husky voice before scooping the tawny haired superstar out of her seat. Carrying her bridal-style out of her red Ferrari convertible car before starting to move around the car front.
"Director Kruger surely likes disrespecting me. Rudely forcing me to do things out of my own will. Is this how she always treat women whom she so-called repelling?" The tawny haired superstar fired back with venom and bitterness lacing her voice as she stared at the raven haired director's emerald orbs.
This effectively halted the raven haired young director from her track, causing her to snap her attention towards the woman in her arms. A frown marred her delicate face as she released the woman and let her stood on her feet upon reaching the car's front but before finally being able to proceed to the passenger's seat side.
"I thought so." The tawny haired superstar said when she was finally released from the raven haired young director's strong arms. She was starting to tread back towards the driver seat of her car when a strong hand held her right arm. Her crimson orbs snapping towards the stoic raven haired young director.
"What is…" She started but wasn't able to finish her question when she was pulled by the raven haired young director and her lips was captured in a rough kiss.
Crimson orbs dilated as she was flushed towards the raven haired young director's body. Breaking out from her startled stupor, she struggled from the kiss, effectively breaking away from it but the raven haired young director held her in place by wrapping her right arm around the tawny haired superstar's waist as she held the woman's neck with her left hand and dove again for another forceful kiss. The raven haired young director kept striding forward until the tawny haired superstar felt herself backing up and eventually felt the car's closed hood hit her lower back. She kept struggling out of the kiss, pounding her fists on the raven haired young director's strong shoulders.
The raven haired young director did not stop her onslaught. Emerald orbs were staring straight at those crimson orbs that she found enchanting making her lost in those pools. She was reacting out of her pure bodily desire now, her rational mind betraying her.
After a few struggles, the tawny haired superstar gave in. Her arms were thrown around the raven haired young director's neck as she pulled her closer, causing herself to lie on the car closed hood, kissing back with more passion and fury. Lips clashing as their tongue fought for dominance, neither of them yielding. Each had a point to be made.
"You are not repelling, Viola. You're anything but that." The raven haired young director thought as she kissed back. This time allowing the tawny haired superstar to dominate the kiss.
"You don't know who you are playing with, Director Kruger." The tawny haired superstar thought as she kissed the raven haired young director furiously. Her tongue exploring the raven haired young director's mouth, tasting everything therein before biting the latter's lower lip harshly and sucking it afterwards when blood came oozing from it.
The raven haired young director hissed in pain before a suppressed moan escaped her lips. She was rendered breathless when the kiss was broken. Both women's lips were slightly parted as they both took in their much needed oxygen. Their breathing was labored as their chest heaved. Both faces were flushed from their earlier activity.
The raven haired young director released the tawny haired superstar from her hold as she instead went on trapping the now lying tawny haired superstar as she pressed her hands on the car's closed hood.
"You are not…" The raven haired young director started after recovering from the heated kiss but was interrupted when a hand came in contact with her left cheek, forcing her head to be turned towards her right.
The tawny haired superstar slapped her hard on the face. "I believe Director Kruger knows what sexual harassment is. I am certain it is prominent in New York where she came from. Now if Director Kruger would be so compliant, I wish to be released from my current uncomfortable position." She finished as her crimson orbs bore into the stunned face of the raven haired young director whose face was still turned to her right.
"Don't over speed. I'll see you at the venue." The raven haired young director turned her attention back towards the surprised crimson orbs before abruptly withdrawing herself and turning on her heels, striding towards her awaiting Ducati bike.
The tawny haired superstar found herself staring at the morning sky above her. Her hands spread around her as she closed her eyes, hiding her crimson orbs beneath them. The roar of the Ducati bike's engine came to life before it revved away until her keen ears heard no more of it. She stayed like that for a few seconds, calming her raging heart before willing herself to move. She went to her car's driver's seat before starting the car's engine and hitting on the gas. She put back her dark sunglasses on as her expert hand maneuvered the car towards her destination.
The tawny haired superstar was sitting on a swiveling chair as her hair stylist fumbled with her hair, donning it into a neat bun with few loose strands left hanging on either side of her face. The encryption "Viola Shizuru" was written in gold letters behind the chair. She was facing a rectangular vanity mirror with light bulbs outlining said mirror. Huge collection of make ups were laid on the vanity platform as her makeup artist started applying some enhancements on her already beautiful face. Her designer's stylish white coat was long discarded, replaced with a purple Kimono. Her crimson orbs were scanning the thick movie script on her hands.
The raven haired young director came in to the tawny haired superstar's tent, the same movie script was held in her hand. She halted in her track when presented with the side view of the beauty before her. Emerald orbs were glued to the superstar's body as she took in the goddess' entirety, entranced by her glorious and bewitching beauty.
"Director Kruger, Viola will be ready after a movement." The blonde manager spoke upon noticing the presence of the raven haired director in her talent's tent. She was standing at the far end of the tent, a few steps away from the tawny haired superstar.
"It's 'moment', Haruka-san." The spectacled brown haired producer, who was holding a cup of tea while sitting on a foldable chair in front of her, softly corrected her.
"Ah.Y-yes." The raven haired young director started before clearing her throat and gulping. "I came here to give her some pointers for the scene." She continued after breaking out from her ogling stupor, striding towards the tawny haired superstar.
She took a foldable chair and settled herself behind the tawny haired superstar, the tawny haired superstar's make-up artist was still working her magic on the superstar's face.
"Director Kruger, what happened to your lips? Your left cheek is swearing." The blonde manager blurted out upon taking a closer look at the raven haired young director's state.
"Suzushiro-san meant swollen, Director Kruger." The spectacled brown haired producer offered after taking a sip of her delightful beverage, noticing the raven haired young director's confused expression.
"That's what I said, Yukino!" The blonde manager huffed, crossing her arms before turning her attention to the raven haired young director once again. "So, what happened to that?" She finished, gesturing her hand to the director's face.
"Just a small accident with my bike, Suzushiro-san. Anyway, I came here to brief Ms. Viola of her scenes." The raven haired young director replied, dismissing the blonde manager.
"Nina-san, kindly bring some ice pack for Director Kruger." The spectacled producer talked to one of the personal assistants of the tawny haired superstar. She turned her head towards the seated raven haired director, a few steps away from her. "Are you sure you are fine, Director Kruger?"
"Yes, Kikukawa-san. No need to worry about me. It's nothing, really." The raven haired young director replied, nodding at the spectacled producer.
The tawny haired superstar faced the raven haired young director who was now sitting opposite her. Her crimson orbs caught a sight of the raven haired young director's swollen left cheek and gashed lip. Crimson orbs dilated for a moment that the raven haired young director could swear she saw a flicker of guilt passed across the superstar's immaculate face before it instantly vanished into thin air as the superstar composed herself.
"Here is your ice pack, Director Kruger." A raven haired young personal assistant came with an ice pack held towards her.
"Thank you, Nina-san." The raven haired young director took the offered ice bag from the personal assistant.
"You're welcome." The raven haired young personal assistant replied before going her way and continuing her tasks.
The raven haired young director then, turned her head towards the spectacled brown haired producer to her right, nodding. "Thank you, Kikukawa-san." Before dabbing the ice bag on her gashed lips, hissing as it first made contact with her abused lips.
"Don't mention it, Director Kruger." The spectacled brown haired producer replied as she looked up from her teacup, eyes were focusing towards the seated raven haired young director.
The raven haired director placed the script on her lap as her left hand held the ice pack to her lips. She started browsing the script and when she came across the page that she was looking for, she lifted her emerald orbs towards the crimson ones that were now focused on her lips. Uncomfortable with the attention, she decided to nurse her swollen cheek before speaking as emerald orbs looked at crimson ones.
"Ms. Viola, we'll be shooting the scene where Kiyo found her lover's lifeless body." She paused when she saw an emotion flickered on the tawny haired superstar's feature before it was gone in second. She continued. "I want you to appeal to the audience emotions. Make them sympathize with Kiyo's loss. Make them understand why Kiyo did all those killings. They should hate Kiyo's victims and be able to forget how brutal and ruthless Kiyo was in executing her revenge. You can do that, right?" The raven haired young director asked the tawny haired superstar in front of her but before she can hear any response from said superstar, a voice came in making them turned all their attentions.
"Shizuru-oneesama!" A voice from the tent's entrance came in sing-song as the cheerful brown haired personal assistant of the tawny haired superstar came. "Here's your iced black tea!" she chirped as she held the beverage in her right hand out, showing it to the tawny haired superstar as she skipped towards her.
As if in slow motion, she tripped on her foot. Her eyes bulging as the held out beverage started to fly towards the tawny haired superstar.
"Shit! She's gonna ruined Viola's Kimono." The raven haired young director thought as she abruptly stood and went in front of the tawny haired superstar who was frozen on her seat. The script on her lap fell to the floor and the ice pack was thrown to her side.
The last thing that the tawny haired superstar's crimson orbs caught was a blur as the raven haired young director blocked her view. The beverage splashed on the raven haired young director's white t-shirt, drenching her in the process. The disastrous catastrophe did not end there as the cheerful but clumsy personal assistant's head bumped on the already-injured raven haired young director's lips.
"Ow!" The raven haired young director hissed in pain as her right hand held her injured lips. Her left hand was holding the clumsy personal assistant's body in place lest they might find themselves on the floor.
The spectacled brown haired producer stood frozen while the blonde manager's eyes bulged.
"Gomen! Gomen! Gomen!" the clumsy personal assistant apologized profusely as she lifted her body off the raven haired young director's hold, bowing her head.
"Hmn." The raven haired young director hummed, still nursing her lips.
"Arika-san." The spectacled brown haired producer muttered as she massaged her forehead like a head was coming.
"Director Kruger, you're feeding!" the blonde manager blurted out while pointing at the raven haired young director's mouth.
"Director Kruger, you're bleeding." The spectacled brown haired producer stated, not minding to correct the blonde manager, when her eyes caught the current state of the raven haired young director who was now facing them.
"Huh?" The raven haired young director asked, slim eyebrows furrowing, before removing her right hand from her lips and looking at it. Emerald orbs stared at her blood smeared hand.
The tawny haired superstar abruptly stood up from her swiveling chair when her crimson orbs caught the horrible state of the raven haired young director. White t-shirt drenched in black iced tea while blood oozed from her bleeding lips. Her right hand flew to the raven haired young director's left cheek as she pressed her thumb on the latter's bleeding lips, applying pressure therein.
Her action surprised the occupants of the tent in the process, including her. The blonde manager blinked her eyes a few times before looking at the spectacled brown haired producer who was sitting in front of her. The spectacled brown haired producer met her questioning gaze with a light shrug.
"Director Kruger should have not done that." The tawny haired superstar said looking at the still shocked emerald orbs. Her right hand held the raven haired young director's face as her thumb continued pressing on the latter's gashed lips.
"It's fine. No big deal. Just a scratch." The raven haired young director replied when she was brought out of her startled stupor. She held the tawny haired superstar's right hand with her clean left hand. "You're gonna stain yourself with my blood." She removed the woman's hand from her lips before speaking once again. "We're start shooting in ten minutes. Get yourself ready." The raven haired young director finished before turning on her heels and walking towards the tent's entrance where she came from.
"Director Kruger." The tawny haired superstar called out at the retreating back of the raven haired young director, effectively halting the latter from her steps. "Your script. You have forgotten your script." She finished after a long period of pause, thanking the object for she did not know what to say next when the raven haired young director halted because in the first place, she did not even know why she called her out.
"I'll get it!" The cheerful but clumsy personal assistant volunteered, retrieving the fallen script from the floor and jogging towards the raven haired young director before offering the item. "Here's your script, Director Kruger!" She finished, the unfortunate event that had just occurred did not spoil her overly-cheerful mood even a bit.
"Thanks, Arika-san." The raven haired young director muttered before finally letting herself out of the tent.
The raven haired young director was behind a camera. She took it to herself to do the filming. Emerald orbs focused on the camera as the scene in front of her registered. Headphones on her head. Her gashed lips were already taken care of, thanks to the on-site medical team that they had. But her stained white t-shirt was still on. Though, dried already.
In front of her was the tawny haired superstar clad in purple Yukata cradling the supposedly lifeless body of the teal haired young actress who was clad in powder blue Yukata.
"Camera lights, ready?" The raven haired young director began looking at the crews who were flashing the camera lights, earning her nods. "Light reflectors focus on the two ladies." She continued looking at the crews who were holding a round light reflector. "All cameras in position. We'll start rolling in three…two…one…Action!" She finished before looking at the screen in front of her.
"Scene 58. Take 1." A cheerful young lady, holding a black rectangular-shaped film clapper, announced.
"Cut!" The raven haired young director barked. They just started rolling a few seconds ago when her emerald orbs caught a sight of an out of place focus and camera angle registered on the huge screen to her right. "Camera 6, I told you to get the top angle. Why did you pan down and zoomed in on Viola's chest!?" She barked, looking up at the cameraman who was elevated a few feet off the ground.
"G-gomen. G-gomen, Director Kruger." The cameraman flustered as he sheepishly scratched the back of his neck.
"Get back to your focus and angle and stop being a stupid pervert!" The raven haired young director barked, irritated.
"Yes, Director!" The cameraman straightened up before complying what was instructed with him, eyes on the camera in his hand.
"Cut!" The raven haired young director barked. Lifting herself from the camera and facing the actresses in front of her. She turned her attention towards the teal haired young actress. "Ms. Marguerite, will you stop grinning like an idiot there!? Kiyo's lover is dead. You hear me? Dead. A dead person does not move neither does it grin like a mad woman! Stay still. Give me a serene expression as Viola kisses you. Do I make myself clear, Ms. Marguerite?" She paused looking at the lying teal haired young actress who was cradled by the tawny haired superstar in her arms. "This is our seventh take already. Get your act together." She finished before going back to behind the camera.
"We're rolling in three…two…one…Action!" She barked as her emerald orbs focused on the scene registered on the camera screen.
"Scene 58. Take 8." A cheerful young lady, holding a black rectangular-shaped film clapper, announced.
"Shizuru-oneesama will kiss me. She will kiss me. A kiss from my Shizuru-oneesama." The teal haired young actress giddily chanted in her head as her soul soared high in ecstasy of the thought of the tawny haired superstar's soft lips making contact with her own.
Behind the young director, off the screen, the blonde manager and the spectacled brown haired producer looked at each other with a questioning gaze.
"Do you think Viola will do it!?" The blonde haired manager asked in her thought while looking at the spectacled brown haired producer when the tawny haired superstar started dipping down her head towards the teal haired superstar.
"Hmn. I don't think so." the spectacled brown haired producer replied in her thought shaking her head lightly before turning her attention towards the scene in front of her.
These two women had been together for a very long period of time that sometimes just a single look at each other, each knew what the other one was thinking. Add the fact that they can't be loud while the taping was going on.
Kiyo was slowly dipping her head down to meet her lifeless lover's awaiting soft lips. Crimson orbs looked with adoration as she caressed the serene face of her lover. Seconds dragged on like forever as she slowly inched her face closer. Their lips were inch apart that her breath can be felt on her lover's lifeless face. Just a little more and their lips will finally meet until she abruptly withdrew her head and straightened up.
"Huh?" The raven haired young director blinked her eyes at the screen in front of her before barking on her microphone. "Cut!" She finished as her face darkened in agitation. Just when she was finally able to get the teal haired young actress to do the act right, the tawny haired superstar decided to screw up her act. "Just what the fuck is wrong with these actresses!" She cursed as she strode forward towards the scene where the two actresses were.
"Ms. Viola, care to explain to me just what the hell did happen just now?" The raven haired young director asked through gritted teeth as she loomed over the two actresses. When she heard no response, she continued. "You are supposed to kiss Kiyo's lover. Your lover just died and the only way to show the audience that you really loved her is by kissing her. We have to show them your affection towards your lover. People love romantic scenes at whatever circumstances the characters are and we are giving them just that. Now, do as I say Ms. Viola." She finished before turning on her heels but she was immediately halted when she heard a stubborn reply.
"No." The tawny haired superstar firmly said with conviction in her voice as she stood up.
"Are you kidding me!?" The raven haired young director snapped her attention towards the tawny haired superstar as she turned her body towards said superstar.
"I believe Director Kruger heard me well. My word is final. I am not doing it." The tawny haired superstar replied with a sound of finality in her voice, holding her ground.
"What the hell is the big deal with kissing her!?" The raven haired young director barked, pointing at the teal haired young actress on the ground. Her emerald orbs were focused on the tawny haired superstar in front of her. "It's just a damn kiss. You are an actress. A freakin' superstar even! Now, I don't see any reason for you to fuss over a light gentle kiss." she finished as her face hardened, looking at the crimson orbs in front of her.
"Perhaps for Director Kruger it is just a kiss and nothing more however, for me that is not the case." The tawny haired superstar responded calmly as her crimson orbs stared back at the now enraged emerald orbs.
"Says the woman who threw herself at a stranger whom she barely knew at the very first night she met her! Hypocrite." The raven haired young director fumed in her thought before throwing her hands in the air in utter surrender. "Why are you being so hard?" She continued, emerald orbs looking at the actress in front of her as she massaged her forehead with her right hand.
"Viola doesn't do real kissing scenes, Director Kruger." The blonde manager announced as she strode towards the two women, her eyes were looking at her charge before flicking towards the raven haired young director as she stood beside the actress.
"What are you saying, Suzushiro-san?" The raven haired young director snapped her attention towards the blonde manager, her slim eyebrows were furrowing in confusion.
"Director Kruger, one of the things that the audience is anticipating to see is who will be the first person to be kissed by Viola-san on screen. All her previous kissing scenes were done with the aid of camera tricks which the audiences are well aware of." The spectacled brown haired woman interjected as she started approaching the women, knowing that the blonde manager might again stumbled on her words causing more confusion than clarification. "We respect her decision whatever her reasons might be behind it and we intend on leaving her just like that." She finished with finality, looking straight at the emerald orbs in front of her.
Surprised emerald orbs snapped at the calm tawny haired superstar standing beside her manager. "I see." Then, realizing something she put back her headphone on her head before speaking on her microphone. Her emerald orbs were still glued at the superstar's face.
"Camera 4, did you take the back angle of Ms. Viola?" She waited for seconds before a sound came over her headphone.
"Yes, Director." A man's voice came in.
She nodded and resumed talking. "Is our shot for Ms. Viola side angles good, Camera 5?"
"Yep. As beautiful as Viola-sama is." The light-toned reply came.
"Camera 6, your top view?" She spoke through the microphone again, ignoring the comment.
"Yes, Director. Just the right shot." The voice replied, drawling her last sentence in approval of his shot.
The raven haired young director removed her headphone and placed it back around her neck before addressing the women in front of her. "We'll proceed to the next scene, Kiyo lamenting over her lover's unfortunate demise." She finished before turning on her heels and going back behind a camera and placing back her headphone.
The area was once again cleared, leaving only the two actresses in front with the villagers on the background.
"We'll start rolling in three…two…one…Action!" The raven haired young director announced over the microphone.
"Scene 58. Take 9." A cheerful young lady, holding a black rectangular-shaped film clapper, announced.
"Cut!" The raven haired young director barked over her microphone as she harshly discarded her headphone and let it hung on her neck before striding towards the scene.
"Ms. Viola, this is our eleventh take already. Which part of my instructions did you not understand?" The raven haired young director asked in annoyance, emerald orbs were looking at the tawny haired superstar. When she heard no response she heaved a breath and released it before resuming."Let me repeat myself again for what it's worth, Ms. Viola. Stop projecting that damn blank look as you cradle the lifeless body of your lover. I want to see agony in that face. Convince the audience that you are in great grief and sorrow. Show some tears. Show them how broken you got when those bastards killed your lover. Your stoic look will come later after you grieved not before. Kiyo is a kind-hearted and weak woman who was forced by circumstance to be strong and ruthless. So, it is expected for her to break down like any other normal human will do. Getting hysterical is a normal reaction. Do I make myself clear, Ms. Viola? Or do I still have to give you a spontaneous acting workshop here just for you to get the act right? We don't want to do that, right? Since, it will insult your competence as a superstar." The raven haired young director finished before turning on her heels and walking towards the camera.
"Everyone, on standby. We'll start rolling in three…two…one…Action!" The raven haired young director commanded before staying behind the camera once again.
"Scene 58. Take 20." A cheerful young lady, holding a black rectangular-shaped film clapper, announced.
"Haruka-san, I don't think Shizuru-san can pull this scene out effectively." The spectacled brown haired producer said, her voice laced with worry as she looked at the tawny haired superstar in front of her. They were far from the taping scene, making it possible for them to talk without disturbing the on-going shooting.
"Hmn. That woman never dried after that day."The blonde replied, nodding her head in agreement.
"It's 'cried', Haruka-san." The spectacled brown haired producer corrected.
"Whatever, Yukino. I'll stop this before it goes out of hand again." The blonde manager replied as she started to move towards the scene.
"Cut!" The raven haired young director barked again, removing her headphone and left it hanging on her neck before striding towards the tawny haired superstar.
"Damn it, Viola! Why are you not crying?" She said, towering above the two actresses in front of her. "Fine! Then, let me help you visualize things if ever you haven't experienced losing anyone you love dearly in your happy luxurious and glamorous perfect celebrity life. Imagine yourself being alone in this world. Your sibling's gone, parents gone. You alone in a cold harsh world with no mother to cradle you in her warm embrace whenever you feel scared. No father to guide you whenever you feel like you don't know which path to tread. No sister to share late night chats with. No brother to protect you from perverts. Imagine all those you love gone in an instant. What would you feel, Viola? What would you do if all these happened right in front of your eyes?" She paused but she saw no reaction but instead a cold stare and a blank expression were directed to her.
"Alright! I get it." She relented throwing her hands in the air in surrender before facing the tawny haired superstar again. "I should have known. Ms. Viola lives in a carefree life with a perfect family by her side." She announced nonchalantly to no one before looking at the tawny haired superstar again. "You don't know how that feels. Then, just imagine your precious designers' shoes or dress getting ruined. I don't care whatever shining shimmering material things that you harbored strong attachment with or valued deeply in your merry little heart free of any worry. If imagining losing them will make you cry then, do it!" She finished with annoyance, her tone laced with mockery.
"Director Kruger! Enough!" the blonde manager roared as she grabbed the raven haired young director's right arm harshly, turning the latter's body towards her. "You're going overboard, Director." She hissed on the raven haired young director's face, her voice filled with venom and threat.
"This is why she's being a brat! You're patronizing her!" The raven haired young director retorted, emerald orbs glancing at the tawny haired superstar before glaring at the blonde manager.
"You don't know what you are saying, Director Kruger." The blonde manager hissed again before turning her attention to the crews. "This taping is over! Everyone, pack-up!" she finished before releasing the raven haired young director's right arm from her firm grip.
"No. This taping is not yet over. I'm the bloody director here and I got the say whether this shitty taping is over or not and I am saying that this is not over." The raven haired young director said firmly, her fury and annoyance towards the tawny haired superstar's stubbornness in following her instructions getting the better of her judgment. She turned towards said tawny haired superstar. "You are doing what I say, Ms. Viola. We are not ending this taping until you pull out this scene perfectly. I don't care if we'll take forever in this set."
"Touch a strand of Viola's hair and don't say I didn't warn you, Director." The blonde manager hissed with threat in her voice as she clenched her fists dangerously, her knuckles were turning white as she flexed them. Clenching and unclenching her hands on her sides.
"Haruka-san…" The spectacled brown haired producer muttered, seeing the enraged state of her childhood friend. The blonde manager can be as protective as a wolf to her pup. The fact that she was not mixing up her words meant that she was serious with her business and when she was in that mode that would only result to broken ribs and blood bath.
"Director Kruger, that's enough. Apologize to Ms. Viola." The orange haired manager intervened, holding the raven haired young director's left arm, knowing that she will explode anytime soon. It did not help that the blonde manager was also in no let-just-talk-things-over-a-cup-of-tea mood. Looking at the blonde manager's stance, she was ready to snap the head off the raven haired young director's neck.
"I'm not apologizing for doing my job, Mai." The raven haired young director hissed through gritted teeth, emerald orbs stared at crimson ones before turning on her heels and walking back towards her tent, leaving her orange haired manager behind.
The orange haired manager sighed before facing the women in front of her. "I apologize for Director Kruger's unbecoming behavior." She bowed before turning around and following the raven haired young director.
"Everyone, taping for today is done. Thank you for your hard work." The spectacled brown haired producer announced to the crews and talents.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as the tension in the atmosphere was finally lifted off. The crews had held their breaths the moment they heard the director ordered the halting of their taping. The tension got worse when she started unknowingly underestimating the tawny haired superstar's emotional endeavor in life. It also did not help that the crews were torn as to whose instructions must be followed.
