Auditionee: Hello, Director. My name is Mik-
Director: Okay, next.
Manager Sun: Director, she hasn't finished yet.
Director: Next.
Auditionee: *cries* Yes, sir.
Manager Sun: Thanks, Miss. You may now proceed backstage.
Director: That's the 120th one. How much do we still have?
Manager Sun: 200 more, sir.
Director: *sighs*
Makeup Artist 1: That strict director! We spend hours to prep each auditionee then he just turns them down like nothing!
MUA 2: IKR! All that makeup gone to waste! Does he have any idea how tough our craft is?!
MUA 1: What exactly is he looking for?
MUA 3: Guys, I heard he is looking for 'special talents', 'unique faces', and 'strong personalities'
MUA 2: What? What in the world is that?
MUA 1: IKR! Anyway, let's just do our jobs. We're paid anyway.
MUA 2: I heard Ms. Marianne's son was recommended to audition.
MUA 1: OMG! That handsome prince!
MUA 3: I can't wait to put makeup on him.
MUA 1: Hey! He's mine.
MUA 2: Woah. He should be mine! I told you about him.
Director: Next! We need new breed of actors!
Manager Sun: This is the 130th auditionee, sir.
130th: Good day, Director. I am Su—
Director: Good looks. Nice build. *taps laptop* Please act the lines on the screen.
130th: *startled* Right away, sir.
SCREEN: "A VICTORY WON THROUGH DISHONEST MEANS IS NO VICTORY AT ALL."
130th: A victory won through dishonest mean is no victory at all.
Director: Are you blind? It's means, not mean.
130th: I'm sorry, sir. I'm still improving my English.
Director: Improving? What is your nationality?
130th: Japanese, sir.
Manager Sun: He knows kendo, sir.
Director: Hmm. Good. Please read the line again. Properly.
130th: *clears throat* A victory won through dishonest means is no victory at all!
Director: *smirks* Good. I like how you said the line. Full of conviction. Like, someone who adheres strongly to his own principles.
130th: *smiles* Thank you, sir.
Manage Sun: *nods* Tell us about yourself.
130th: I am Suzaku Kururugi. A full-blooded Japanese. I want to be an actor to inspire other people.
Director: Commendable, Suzaku.
Suzaku: Thank you very much, sir.
Director: *reads the rest of Suzaku's info* You're in.
Manager Sun: Suzaku, please see Dr. Lloyd for your English proficiency class and prepare your things for your training next month.
Suzaku: *smiles and bows* Yes, sir!
Manager Sun: You may go.
Director: Finally, a good one.
Manager Sun: We have more promising auditionees, Director.
Director: Really? I'm excited.
134th: Good morning, I am Euphie.
Director: Wow! *claps* you are so beautiful.
Euphie: Thank you, director.
Manager Sun: Agree. Her face is worth a princess' looks. What do you think, director?
Director: Hmm. *smiles* You're good. Can you just turn 360 degrees then smile at the camera?
Euphie: Sure, sir. *slowly turns then smiles*
Director: See you during your training, Euphie.
MUA 1: I told you Euphie was gonna get in!
MUA 2: She's my proud product. It was so fun dolling her up.
MUA 3: Bravo! Bravo!
135th: Hi! I'm Gino Weinberg!
Director: What?! Weinberg?!
Manager Sun: *spills coffee* The son of the rich Weinbergs?!
Gino: *awkwardly smiles* Y-yes.
Director: *coughs to gain composure but marks an 'ok' on Gino's paper* Please tell us more about your skills and plans as an actor.
Gino: I want to be an actor to entertain people and have fun.
Manager Sun: What are your talents or hobbies?
Gino: I can drive a car, a racing car, a truck, a monster truck, pilot my private plane, and co-pilot our helicopter. I am also currently studying how to operate a yacht. I also like to travel.
Manager Sun: I'm just curious. How many places have you been to?
Gino: 150 countries, sir. I can tell you about the places I've been to if we have time.
Director: Alright. We'd be glad to hear that during your training next month. You're in, Gino.
Gino: Thank you for the opportunity, sir.
Manager Sun: You may go and take a rest, Gino.
Gino: *smiles* Okay~ Bye, everyone.
Director: Seriously, the Weinbergs allowed their only son to the acting industry?
Manager Sun: I can't believe it as well. They can seriously buy the entire company if they wanted to.
Director: Right. They can buy our company and the neighboring companies as well.
Manager Sun: He's a good asset, sir.
140th: Sumeragi Kaguya-desu!
Director: Desu? Japanese?
Kaguya: Yes! Good morning, sir. I am Kagu—
Director: Why are you here?
Kaguya: To audition, sir.
Director: *annoyed* Well, that's a given. What can you do?
Kaguya: I can sing and dance.
Director: You're on the wrong audition. Nex-
Kaguya: I can also act, sir.
Director: Yes, everyone can say they can act but can you prove it or are we just wasting our time?
Manager Sun: Kaguya, look at the camera and do your act.
Kaguya: *panicking* Without any preparation?
Director: *annoyed* You are SUPPOSED to be prepared!
Kaguya: Y-y-yes! *hurriedly turns to face the camera* I'm going to do an act showing different facial expressions using lines from your script.
Director: Do it. *gives a portion of the script*
(Kaguya scans the script)
3…2..1…ACTION!
Kaguya: *cheerful* Zero-samaaaa!
Kaguya: *agonizing* Zero-sama, are you abandoning us?
Kaguya: *cutely* Because I am the Goddess of Victory!
Kaguya: *serious* But, they took everyone aboard the Avalon as hostages.
Director: Woah. Incredible emotions. And quick.
Kaguya: *serious but cute* No! You must not marry the Empress to anyone!
Kaguya: *kind and concerned* At least for him, right?
Director: Oh, my. This is pure talent.
Kaguya: *comical* Don't worry! I'll catch up to you in no time!
Kaguya: *tearful and afraid* Emperor…
Kaguya: *teasing* Hee.. Is that right, Kallen?
Kaguya: *friendly* That makes us the three court ladies!
Director and Manager Sun: *applauds and stands* Wow! That was amazing!
Kaguya: *bows* Thank you very much! *winks*
Director: I really commend how you quickly changed from one emotion to another. That's real skill right there.
Manager Sun: Truly. It would be a pleasure to have you in our company.
Kaguya: No, sir. The pleasure is mine.
Director: Have you been taking acting classes?
Kaguya: No, sir. I just got this 'skill' from watching TV.
Manager Sun: You have a lot of potential for a lead role. Keep it up.
Director: Congratulations, Kaguya! See you during the training.
Kaguya: Yeey! Thank you, everyone! ^_^
148th: Hi! I'm Milly Ashford! An aspiring actress!
Director: I like the energy! Tell us more about you, Milly.
Milly: Well, I like to talk and I have been hosting since I was a child until now, during small events and parties. I have also guested in radio shows as a student DJ.
Manager Sun: Okay, let's test how well you can talk. Shall we, director?
Director: Good idea. Milly, please endorse the chair behind you.
Milly: Eh? This chair? *pointing at the plain, white wooden chair*
Manager Sun: Camera, please standby.
Director: Are you ready, Milly?
Milly: *eyes the chair* Y-yes, director!
3!
2!
1!
Milly: Tired of backpain? But still have a lot of work to do? Worry no more! SUNRISE has launched its newest relaxing chair that will help you finish all your chores in no time! *goes behind the chair* The plain and sleek design is to minimize eye constrain as you do your work and the flat back support helps in easing your shoulder and back muscles. The curvature is especially designed to carry your entire weight for a relaxing and worry-free work day! *walks in front near the camera* What are you waiting for? Hurry! Visit and order now in the nearest SUNRISE store in your area and receive 50% discount by using the coupon MILLYASH. See you!
Manager Sun: Good. Good.
Director: Well, that was impressive for an on-the-spot endorsement. You can still improve, Milly.
Milly: Thank you, sir!
Director: Work on your body and language skills, okay? See you during the training.
Milly: Yes, sir. Honestly, I have been stress-eating but I'll shape up in no time. Thank you for accepting me!
Manager Sun: You're welcome!
Director: Finally, the new breed of talents is slowly appearing.
MUA 1: Ms. Marianne's son is next!
MUA 2: He never went to us for his makeup!
MUA 3: Why?!
150th: *walks slowly with his shoes clicking on the floor*
Director: *stares*
Manager Sun: Director, this is..
Director: That is one killer walk. He definitely gives that prince-vibe.
Manager Sun: Yes, as expected.
Director: Expected? Why?
Manager Sun: You'll see.
150th: *deep voice* I am Lelouch.
Director: Lelouch?! You mean Marianne's?
Manager Sun: *nods, in tears* That explains his majestic walk and pompous presence.
Director: Hi, there. I heard you are Marianne's son. Would you like to follow your mother's footsteps?
Lelouch: Yes, Mr. Goro Taniguchi.
Director: Oh, you're the first to call me by my name. I'm impressed you did your research.
Lelouch: It's common sense to do so, sir.
Manager Sun: *chuckles* Indeed.
Director: *smiles* Okay, Lelouch. You stand at the top of them all. For assurance, I just want you to say the word projected on the screen.
Lelouch: Sure, sir. *glances at the screen*
Manager Sun: Ready?
Lelouch: *nods*
3…2…1… ACTION!
Lelouch: *smirks deviously and holds a hand above his eye* DIE!
Director: *stamps 'priority' on his paper* Awesome. You are definitely in. See you in our training.
Lelouch: *bows* Thank you, sir.
MUA 1: OMGGGGGG! HE IS SO HOT! OH MY! CAN I JUST BE HIS PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST?
MUA 2: GIRLLL! WE SHOULD SHARE!
MUA 3: HE WAS THE BEST OF ALL! VOICE ON FLEEK! ACTING ON FLEEK! AND LOOKS ON TOP OF IT ALL!
CODE GEASS SHOW SET
Milly turns the big screen off, "That ends our Secret Tape Number 9! Seriously, those were my most embarrassing yet proudest moments as an actress."
Lelouch laughs, "I can't believe I did that. I almost forgot about it."
"You were so cool at that time, Lulu. I seriously regretted not auditioning with you.", Shirley commented while tapping Lelouch's shoulder.
Milly excitedly laughed, "Right. But, we did not see C.C., Shirley, Nunnally, and Kallen's auditions. How did our Director find you guys?"
"I was recruited while I was punching some bullies outside our school.", Kallen replied.
"Woah—when you what?", Gino clarified, holding in his amusement.
Kallen giggled, "Unbelievable, right? I had this friend who was bullied so I defended her, then Director was like 'awesome moves, girl' and just talked me into training for his new show."
Suzaku sighed, "I should've done that as well."
"Nah. I'm still stronger than you.", Kallen bickered.
Suzaku laughed, "Yes, Guren MK-II."
Shirley raised her hand, "I was scouted when I was modelling for our new school uniform back in homeland. The director was like 'oh, typical campus girl crush' and offered me a new job! At first, I was hesitant since I was still studying but then I saw a certain someone on the lineup of trainees and decided to give it a go!"
Milly snickered and elbowed Shirley, "Well, well, is this the same person I and the audience are thinking of?"
Shirley blushed, "Come on, Milly. Knock it off!" Past is past.
"Fine, girl. Going back, I have heard that Nunnally was directly recommended by the president for her role.", Milly shared.
"Yes, actually Kaguya and her took another audition to decide who will play the role of being my sister.", Lelouch mentioned.
"Yes! We were asked to say 'My fart smells good' while crying. Then, they selected the one who delivered it better.", Nunnally explained while holding her laughter.
HAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
The audience burst into laughter.
Kaguya laughed hysterically, "Guys, we are serious! Nunnally and I had 10 takes to finalize our acts. It was the toughest moment of my career. Hahaha! Imagine saying those words while crying. I admit that Nunnally delivered it really well. She had no signs of laughter and I even cried when she did her act."
"That crazy director!", Milly shrieked while gasping for her breath from laughing.
Nunnally wiped her tears, "You should've seen Kaguya's part. It was funnier than the whole thing!"
"Hahaha! I couldn't hold my laughter at all. I was overjoyed and just laughed until the entire thing was finished. I just stopped laughing when the director scolded me! He said some harsh things to me and I was so close to full-blown crying on set. That actually made me act properly but then I remembered the line once again and started laughing like a seal! That was so embarrassing!", Kaguya explained while laughing her heart out and giggling from excitement.
"Imagine if Kaguya were my sister? We would be laughing nonstop and Code Geass would take years to finish.", Lelouch added.
"Indeed. The choice of characters for Code Geass was perfect", Milly replied.
"How about C.C.? How were you scouted?"
"I attended an audition as well but it was in Europe, at that time. I was alongside Leila and Akito and most of the cast from Akito the Exiled. We dub ourselves as team E.U.", C.C. explained.
"Was the director tough as well in your batch?"
"Definitely. He told us he was looking for a someone 'unique' and had us do a lot of act-switching. He was really picky in terms of his actors and immediately discarded the normal ones.", she added.
Milly nodded, "For sure, he saw something really unique in you. We can all see that, too. Your presence radiates mystery."
After her mini-interview, Milly faced the front camera to conclude the program.
"Then, after that my dear audience, we all met during our training at the house where we faced a lot of challenges and got close to each other. We will never be this close without facing hardships and having each other for ten long years. Of course, we made all these happen because of your love and support. So folks, next week is our final Secret Tape and we hope to see you all present! We love you all!"
EVERYONE: See you, next week!
AND, CUT!
Everyone left in their own car after having dinner. They parted ways since most of them have fan meetings or conferences to attend and were very in a hurry. Milly, Shirley, Lelouch, and C.C. only remained.
"Damn, my car broke.", Lelouch clicked his tongue as he read a text message from his driver.
Shirley smiled, "Lulu, would you like to ride our car? Just like the old times?"
Lelouch glanced at C.C. who was busy eating her fifth slice of pizza. Still eating, huh?
"I'll be washing my face for a bit, guys.", Milly said as she left for the wash room. Her face was a little oily.
Shirley gave an 'ok' sign to Milly before turning to face Lelouch, "If you don't want, it's fine. I see you've chosen something else over friendship."
C.C. raised a brow while listening to their conversation.
"I'm sorry, Shirley. I'm going with C.C. today since we have a photoshoot at CLAMP.", he explained.
Shirley remained silent then scoffed, "Photoshoot. And if you were not? Would you still go with her?"
Lelouch asked, "W-what? What are you getting at?"
"It seems I have noticed something that everybody else haven't. As far as I can remember, Manager Sun strictly told us that dating is not allowed since it will affect the fan bases of Code Geass.", Shirley attacked.
Lelouch turned away, "Shirley, you do not want to continue this conversation."
"I do, Lulu. I'm just prioritizing our show over anything else.", she replied.
C.C. picked another slice of pizza from the box.
Shirley glared at them both, "Give me an answer, Lulu."
Lelouch did not want to hurt Shirley any further than breaking her heart. He does not want to say right in her face that he and C.C. are dating. He knows it will hurt her the most that's why he chose to remain silent and wait until C.C. finishes her last slice of pizza, if it's the last one she'll eat tonight.
Shirley glared again to push Lelouch, "Lulu."
"Look, Shirley—
"Lelouch, I'm done. Please pack the rest of the pizza. I'm eating them inside the car.", C.C. plainly stated as she grabbed her bag.
When Lelouch was about to do as she told, Shirley pulled his hand. "We were talking."
C.C. smirked and turned to face the two, "Lelouch, we're going to be late for our photoshoot."
"You do know that dating is not allowed for us.", she reiterated.
C.C. scowled before crossing her arms on her chest, "Who are dating?"
"You're still feigning innocence.", Shirley probed further.
"We have no time for your crap talk. We are busy people prioritizing our show over any baseless speculation.", C.C. boldly replied. "If you've got time prying into other people's business, how about you work on your promotions and fanmeetings?"
Lelouch lightly pushed C.C. to stop her sharp tongue from hurting Shirley. He still feels apologetic for breaking her heart.
"A-anyway, Shirley, I'll be going with C.C. for our photoshoot so maybe I'll just join you guys next time when I have no schedule.", Lelouch assured. "Don't worry. If ever I date or C.C. or someone else does, Manager Sun will be the first one to know then the press."
Shirley nodded and went silent.
Argh, when it's Lelouch talking, I just can't talk back. Shirley, be strong!
"We'll be going now. Bye!", Lelouch said as he and C.C. stopped by the entrance and went inside the car.
C.C. glared at Shirley before walking away.
"C.C."
"What?"
Lelouch sighed, "You lost your cool back there."
C.C. scoffed, "She started it. So annoying."
"That's so unlike you.", he replied.
"She's sticking her nose into someone else's business."
Lelouch smiled, "Relax, C.C. I'll handle her next time, okay? Maybe she hasn't moved on from met yet, hence, her indifference towards you. She probably noticed the way I looked at you."
"You are too obvious, you know. Even Suzaku notices."
Lelouch smiled and sighed, "I can't help it."
C.C. breathed out slowly and looked away to hide her blush, "Fine. So, are we not gonna tell Manager Sun about us?"
Lelouch blushed when he heard the last word.
C.C. smirked, "Oh, you just blushed after hearing the word 'us', lover boy."
He turned away to hide his embarrassment. "F-for now, let's keep it a secret."
"When will we publicize our relationship?", C.C. asked out of curiosity.
"Uhm, I'm planning to announce it when I—nevermind.", he stopped midway.
C.C. grimaced, "When you?"
"No, it's nothing."
"Tell me, Lelouch!"
"No, witch. It's a secret."
"C.C. is ordering you to tell me!"
Lelouch smirked, "Geass doesn't work on me."
"Whatever. Give me my pizza. I'm hungry.", she talked back.
"You just ate.", he replied, still handling her the beloved pizza box.
He watched as C.C. ate slice by slice until the entire pepperoni pizza was gone into her stomach. She offered him some but he refused as he found delight watching her eat her all-time favorite food.
I'm planning to announce it when I propose to you.
"We're in CLAMP.", the driver said.
They both nodded and went out of the car. Lelouch opened the door for C.C., his eyes still glued on her.
