Time for a second chapter! Weee! I'm so glad I received many positive reviews too! I'm really glad you guys enjoyed this story! I've been thinking of this chapter for the past week and it's still not how I wanted it to turn out (pouts) Oh well. Again, I'm iffy on my first-person quality….AHHH! (hides in corner) Geez…I need to get over this XD
Well, besides that, I really can't think of much to say, so I'll just let you guys go.
I DO NOT OWN POKEMON OR ITS CHARACTERS.
Enjoy!
"...Shit..." I muttered from underneath my breath. I don't think the cold look in his eyes could have burned than they did now. My back tensed. I can't believe this...
"Shinji's...my partner?" My voice was nothing but a choke of words. Suddenly, it felt very hard to swallow.
Keiko nodded, "Yup!" She pranced around Shinji and I happily, "I can just tell your frames are going to dazzle!" Her eyes began to shine just like stars. Was it possibly to literally feel your own face pale? Especially when a sudden realization hits you?
Chills wiggled down my body and I could barely move. All I could think about was what I would have to face.
Shinji.
That bastard Shinji.
It all started to make sense. Everything. All the details. All the clues. All the signs. Everything that I had ignored seemed to scream in my face at this exact moment. The famous trainer who was aiming to be Champion was Shinji. The picture that Reiji was talking about was this photo shoot. The very reason why Shinji was waiting for an elevator was to get to the same place where I was at. Oh no! The man whom I was thinking over many fantasies with just a minute ago with was SHINJI!
"...Um..." I stuttered as I looked across everyone's faces. From the crew, to Paris, to Keiko, and begrudgingly, Shinji. Another one of his cold gaze's lashed against me like a whip. And would I be insane to say that I felt it?
I didn't surprise myself one bit, however, when I matched his glare. Would you blame me? Do you honestly think I would expose my fears and thoughts in front of HIM? I swear to Arceus a static piece of lightning flickered between our eyes...
"So," Keiko broke the harsh silence (again!), obviously not taking note how much Shinji and I seemed to hate each other at this moment. "Let's have fun with this, shall we?" She perked up, clasping her hand together. My left eye twitched.
"Excuse me!" I flustered as I walked away from the scene. I couldn't help my sudden rudeness; Hikari was never one to falter during a shoot! I was a Professional! That's why I am the best of the best! That's why I am always the first choice for any shoot!
"Hikari-san, we're going to want to start shooting right away once you get finished!" I heard Keiko announce as I sat down in the make-up chair, the stylists already frantically working on my face and hair.
I bit my tongue as I put two and two together in my head. This shoot was for a cologne for men. I am basically the sex doll in this and Shinji would be...
I gulped.
I...was going to have to...with him...
"NO!" I shrieked, for a split second my inner-self and I becoming one. The hair stylist who was currently drying and teasing my hair, stepped back, alarmed.
"D-Did I do something wrong?" She asked.
My eyes snapped back to reality as I looked around, a few stares in my direction.
"Eh..." Another sweat-drop dowsing my forehead, "No, it's fine. Continue." I said sweetly as the stylist sighed with relief. I stared at myself in the light-up vanity, watching my hair being done. Why had I agreed to this shoot? Oh yeah., it paid well and I was an elite supermodel. But still! Why him...of all people! Why?
"All done." The voice of the stylist told me, breaking my inner rampage. I looked at her, my face slightly frowning. It was done already? Pouting, I stared at my hair in the mirror. But, my pout didn't last long. Awe took its place. My hair was perfectly dry now, but it was so pretty .Completely straight, the gloss from my locks shined so beautifully. I ran my fingers through it; it also felt so soft...
For a moment, I forgot all my rage and anger.
"Oi, is Hikari-san done?" I heard Keiko ask, "Shinji-sama is all ready to go."
And then it was back.
The stylist nodded, leaving me alone to look at myself. I stayed completely still in my seat, trying to waste as much time as I , a shriek escaped me when a cold hand was placed on my shoulder. Looking up, there was Paris's smile.
"Something troubling you?" She asked. I shook my head almost too quickly for her liking, since she didn't believe it one bit. Paris smoothed down the skirt of her dress as she took a seat next to me, concerned. Did she just see me gulp? I really hope not...
"Do you...have a problem with Shinji-sama?" She finally asked. I flinched. Of all people, Shinji didn't serve the -sama honorific one bit!
"I-I...its complicated Paris, no need to worry!" I frantically put together as I waved my hands in front of her, sweat-dropping as I proclaimed my infamous catchphrase (which got me really far in my career).
"Shinji and I are both adults and I think we will both confront this in a mature matter." I tried to reason, but she stared at me with wide eyes.
"So you guys... are ex-lovers?" She asked as she blinked, probably thinking how foolish she was for not realizing this before. I nearly fell off my stool! Where is this coming from?
"T-That's not it at all! Far from it!" I turned deep red. Shinji and I? Lovers? Arceus help the world!
"W-Why would you come to such a conclusion?" I hissed with a whisper, not wanting to draw any unnecessary attention to this conversation. Really, that would be bad.
Paris chuckled nervously, "I just assumed...how you speak so familiarly of him. Not even a -san or a -kun."
"O-Oh..." I began, finally realizing my actions. Had that little thing gave everyone these ideas?
"It's nothing Paris!" I laughed it off, "I've just known Shinji from my youth, that's all! Eh..." I dowsed a sweat-dropped. I must sound so foolish.
"But I'd rather not speak of it," I said as I placed my hands on the small vanity before me, standing up. I felt my brow twitch. Paris must had sensed my stress.
"Hikari-chan...you should know better than to mingle personal relations with your career," She gently said. I nodded. That I have learned.
"Who said that I'm 'mingling' this? Sure, I know Shinji. And yes, we are not on the greatest of terms. But I am not going to let him ruin this for me." I replied steadily, a tone of bitterness slightly present in my voice. I began to walk towards the set.
"Hikari-chan...if it's that bad you don't-" Paris spoke up but I cut her off as I looked back towards the confused red-head.
"If I back out, Paris, then why did I become a model in the first place? If I can't even handle this tiny little problem?" I faked a smile towards her, which was really convincing. I gave out a small sigh of relief as she smiled too, buying it.
As I made my way towards the set once more, my heart rate increased. I felt my blood press through my veins. My legs slowly grew more and more numb. And worse, the closer I was to the set the more numb I felt.
He was standing there by the back-drop, waiting for me. The same hatred that he held was sent towards my figure and I didn't hesitate sending it right back. Joining him on the set, the air around him and I grew heavy.
"You better not mess this up for me, troublesome." He whispered harshly towards me as I took my place, just audible enough for me to hear.
"Still keen on old nicknames?" I whispered harshly back. His cold gaze struck me once more.
"We all ready?" Keiko announced with a giddy anticipation as she appeared next to the camera, "Then let's get that film rolling!"
This was going to be the second to worst day of my life.
There were no words to describe the awkwardness the man and I shared as we posed together. He was doing his best not to tense up while I did my best to keep my composure. After all, what girl wouldn't try not to burst out into a riot by having a strange man cling to her? Particularly one who called you a slut a few hours earlier?
I was sitting on his lap, facing the camera as Shinji had his arms wrapped around my waist. Although I hated to admit it, he felt very warm. Maybe it was from the fact that I was still in a bikini and he without a shirt. Regardless, I felt very uneasy...something I'm not used to. The skin contact was almost unbearable and no matter what could be done to shift my body away from him, he always seemed to move closer.
"Hikari-san, wrap your left arm around Shinji's neck like you are reaching out for him! And Shinji, give the camera a smoldering look." Keiko instructed, an exasperated sigh in her voice. I wouldn't blame her. Let's just say, this shoot wasn't going so well.
I could tell Shinji was uncomfortable. His muscles were tensing up with each pose that we tried and even though everyone else couldn't tell, I could. He's not doing so well concentrating on the shot or getting into his character. That is going to affect the overall shot! I could tell he doesn't want to do this but neither did I. The only difference between us, however, was that I knew there was no other choice. If only I could figure out a way to make our bodies correspond more easily. Whenever I move in, Shinji moves out. When Shinji twists one way, my waist instinctively turns another.
This shouldn't happen. It only makes me look bad as I supermodel! It's my responsibility to make him, an amateur's, shot look believable! After all, any shot of mine was suppose to look flawless.
"Hmm...Does this look awkward to you?" The photographer asked Keiko-san, who hesitated before nodding. Shinji and I both cringed. Perhaps because we felt awkward!
"Um, let's try this. Shinji-sama, you sit on thestool." Shinji nodded before releasing me without warning, tipping me off the stood and onto the floor! I bit my lip as I retained a curse.
"Hikari-chan..." Paris sweat-dropped as if she could see the dreaded words forming in my head.
"And Hikari-san, I want you to go behind Shinji-sama," I hesitantly nodded as I stood up, doing so.
His neck tensed as soon as I reached him. Great, here we go again with this crap.
"Okay!" Keiko giggled like a schoolgirl, "Hikari wrap your arms around Shinji-sama's neck possessively, as if your sooo drawn to him!"
'I am sooo not!' I mocked in my head, scowling. However, I did so, and Shinji's neck tensed even more. I sighed.
"Make it look sexy and seductive!" The photographer told me, I took a deep breath, planning my character out in my head.
'Alright...I'm every man's desire who is deemed unapproachable. Yet, I am drawn to him because he wears this cologne. Okay Hikari, you can do this. Pretend Shinji is someone else. You're not Hikari at all in this shot and he is not Shinji. You two never met when you were young. You two never bickered or had differences. Alright...let's try this!'
Suddenly, a sexy personality took over my head as I was all geared to go. I visualized Shinji as someone else. A completely different person. Suddenly, my old spark came back to me. Finally.
"And Shinji-sama," The photographer said towards him, "I want you to look like you're not aware of her. As if, you're trying hard not to be irresistible"
Shinji shifted in his seat as he did so. I smirked as well. This was kinda funny in a really sick way.
"Now Hikari-san," Keiko began, "You're the professional, lead him."
I barely heard Shinji scowl inaudibly deep his throat.
'That's right, I'm the professional!' I seemed to lash at him in my head, okay; maybe this was going to be kinda fun to mess with the guy.
I sweetly smiled as I wrapped my arms around his torso, placing my hands in just above his abdominal region. Then, flipping my hair to my one shoulder, I pressed my lips along the croon of his neck and closed my eyes. Strange as it was, I didn't feel Shinji tense at all at this moment. In fact, he remained relax and completely still.
"Ooh! I love this!" Keiko praised as the camera lights flashed at a quicker pace, catching every possible frame. "I love how Shinji-sama pretends he's not aware of Hikari's presence!" She said towards the camera-person, who nodded.
Hmm, so that's his reaction towards this. Typical.
"Shinji-sama, tilt you head more!" Keiko suggested. He did so.
"But not that far!" The photographer said, "Make sure it looks like you're repelling her!"
"But you want her more than anything!" Keiko said.
"Make up your mind," Shinji cringed under his breath, which seemed to falter. A smirk formed along my lips. Thankfully, no one could see this because they were so gently pressed against his neck...
Ah, the classic photographer vs. creative director debate. Whom to follow? How to blend the orders into one?
"Stop fooling around, and do so." The photographer ordered subtly, I must have been doing the carmelldansen in my head by now. This was all too funny! Shinji found something difficult in his life for once! Something that I was good at.
He began to suddenly tense as my body pressed against him. Would it be awful to say that I enjoyed his misery? Nah, not so much. And throughout that shoot, and all the other frames and poses, I could tell he just wanted to get the hell out of here. Well Shinji, you're not the only one!
"Add the water!" Keiko suddenly called out. Shinji raised an eyebrow.
"Water?" He asked. I shut my eyes tight, embracing for impact.
SPLASH!
Ah! It was actually cold this time!
"And...um...that's the last frame for the day. You two can relax now..." Keiko said warily. Almost immediately, I threw myself off Shinji with a bitter force as he gladly jumped off the stool. We did not look at each other, or else we would have been stuck in another glare fit. He's such a jerk!
I watched Keiko walk towards the computer to review our frames, but for a change, I had no interest in viewing them. With a piercing glance and huff at Shinji, I walked away from the scene. There was no way I was going to negotiate with him, nor even humor him! Not even worth it.
Once I made my way towards the lounge area, Paris caught up with me.
"...Tries Bien Hikari-chan...!" She tried to praise but I could tell by the falter in her voice that she was only saying it to make me feel better. I groaned as she handed me a towel, "Please don't humor me Paris, I knew it sucked." I sighed as dried myself. After that, I went through my tote.
My cell had four missed calls, and all were from Nozomi. She must have been worried about how I hung up on her. I sighed, she was going to get an earful of Shinji bashing tonight.
Putting my phone away, I heard Keikocall for me. "Oi, Hikari-san! Come look!" She said from her computer chair. I groaned again. I didn't want too...!
"Go Hikari-chan. Before things get worse." Paris tried to reason. I slowly nodded and gulped. As I headed towards the computer, I noticed Shinji's presence right next to Keiko.
Shit.
"Hi," I weakly said, making my presence known. They both turned to me. Shinji's expression the usual, and Keiko's unreadable.
She clicked through the computer as both of us watched her go through all the frames we have done, and I could tell we both blushed fiercely at each one. I looked at Shinji from the corner of my eye...and I mentally shrieked when he was doing the same to me. We both snapped our attention back to Keiko once she spoke up.
"These shots may look nice..." She hesitated. I sweat-dropped. Nice was surely not the word for these pictures!
"But the emotions...the expression...the feel...it's not there. It's like eating cake without it being sweet. It looks nice, but the taste is awful!" She tried to explain to us. I nodded, embarrassed. I, Hikari, a famous and elite supermodel, getting criticized for a simple shoot. This wasn't like me.
"W-Well..." Keiko began, "Normally, when working with someone like you Hikari..." She trailed off. I heard Shinji scoff. I glowered towards him, my eyes raging.
"Normally these shoots only take a day, but in this rare case, we're going to have to extend it for a few more days. Alright? Just to see if we can improve on this." She said, standing up from her seat. The look of failure and weariness was present in her eyes and my heart sank. I couldn't believe it! I didn't nail this? What about my solo shots? Those were perfect! Absolutely perfect!
I looked at Shinji, whom seemed just as frustrated. It's all because of him! My fists tightened in anger.
It was all because of Shinji!
"Excuse me while I go talk to the rest of the crew to inform them of my decision." She bowed before us while we bowed in return. Once she was gone, I snapped my gaze towards Shinji.
"What?" He spat towards me.
"Don't give me that! This isyour entire fault!" I argued with him, seething.
"My fault? How is this my fault?" He snapped back. I didn't seem to notice the dressers coming to me at this time.
"You!" I hissed, "You're not taking things seriously! You just have to have it your way!" I growled as two female crew workers stretched out a large white towel in between me and Shinji. Neither of us didn't really seem to notice.
"This is none of your business!" He argued as he pressed on, his voice full of more vigor. I gave him the harshest glare I could give him as a few dressers came on my side of the towel and began to undress me.
"None of my business?" I snapped as I felt my bottoms slip off, "I am part of this session too!"
"And you, Shinji, can't keep having harsh attitude!" I kept pressing on as I lifted my arms up, allowing them easier access to remove my bikini top. Then at the current moment, I was nude and the white towel was the only shield I had from Shinji getting a full view. It's a common procedure when you don't have time to run back and forth between dressing rooms.
"It's not even fair towards the rest of the crew or your partner! And like it or not Shinji, I'm your partner!" I kept on criticizing at him, why wasn't he saying anything back? Why was he giving me this wide-eyed look?
"You're supposed to go with the flow of the shoot. You have to develop a character!" My rampage was far from over. I was taking full advantage of his silence. I felt my regular underwear being slipped on as I continued and I lifted my arms up as a dresser put my bra in place.
"You can't mix both your private life and your professionalism into one! It doesn't work that way!" Another spat came from me as I felt my usual ivory color dress slip over my head. After I slipped my arms into the shoulder straps, the white towel disappeared between us and I was fully dressed. As soon as the dressers walked away, it was only myself and Shinji.
"Well, say something!" My brow furrowed as I held my arms crossed. He just continued to stare at me, wide-eyed.
"What?" I yelled. But then, as if I was acting like a complete retard, two and two clicked together. Shinji witnessed me being changed.
He witnessed them take off my tops and bottoms, witnessing me semi-nude for a brief moment , witnessing them throw the stuff on me, and the dressers walking away like it was no big deall. How it was no big deal for me.
I turned a little pink but my expression had no sign of embarrassment what so ever!I rolled my eyes as I glared at him, "Oh, grow up you pervert!" I insulted as I walked away, grabbing my things as I headed out.
I threw my coat over me, my tote over my shoulders, and my heels onto my feet I bid my adieus to Paris, to Keiko, to the crew members, and I just glared towards him. Our eyes once again met with such a passionate rage that even I had no clue where it came from. However, I wasn't going to let this bother me. With a flip of my hair, I headed towards the door and left the studio.
It seemed with each click of my heels down that lovely hallway my anger grew. This time, instead of feeling flushed by the stares of many bystanders, I ignored them. I ignored the beautiful portraits of models which I normally would marvel at and I even ignored those who called out my name for an autograph.
My anger could had busted out of my body and attack the citizens of Sinnoh! That's how upset I was. If this was an average day in my life, I wouldn't fret over such a simple mishap at a photo shoot.
But now that Shinji has been involved...
It was anything but.
About a half hour later, I found myself walking out of the elevator and back into the agency's main lobby. Thank goodness! I thought I forever would have to listen to slow jazz music as my rage kept building and building in that forsaken thing!
Not even waiting for the doors to fully open, I practically squeezed out of the elevator and nearly sprinted down the hallway, reaching the main lobby.
Who knew that a lobby with glossy white walls and tan marble flooring would bring me such joy? I never felt more relieved when I saw the comfy black velvet waiting chairs or the gold doors! Just as I was about to make my way to the revolving doors, a familiar voice stopped me.
"Hikari-kun!"
Reiji.
I slightly Reiji was here...then that must mean he came to see Shinji. That means Shinji wouldn't be too far behind. And if I stay here just a little bit longer and chat with Reiji, then that means there's a chance I'm going to have run into Shinji...Gulp.
"U-Um...Reiji-kun!" I nervously greeted as I plastered on a fake smile, walking his way. I had to make this short and sweet.
"How did your shoot go…? Your hair's all wet..." He asked. I nervously laughed. What could I say?That I hated it because I had to pose suggestive and sexy scenes with your brother, half-dressed?
"Um, it was ...interesting! And water was part of the shoot...eh heh heh..." I said, trying my best not to make my words falter. How come I couldn't get these suggestive images of me and Shinji out of my head?
"Aw, that's great! Seems like fun." He smiled, "I wonder how my brother's went..." He trailed off, thinking. I flinched, a vein almost popping on my forehead. I could probably fill him in on a few details...
"Oh, did you see him? Did you give him any advice?" Reiji seemed to snicker. I grimaced. You could say that.
"Um Reiji-kun, I have to go-" I began but then suddenly, a voice cut both me and Reiji off.
"Aniki," The person approached us. I swear to God my muscles froze! I couldn't move!
"Aniki, let's go." Shinji said as came up to us. He didn't seem aware of my presence to the slightest. I began to take note how he was once again fully dressed in the attire I saw him in this morning; everything was the same except his hair was still wet like mine.
"Ah, Shinji! How did your picture go?" Reiji seemed to ask. Shinji's expression didn't falter a bit. Normal? This was anything but normal! Jerk!
"Oi, Hikari-kun, are you alright?" Reiji turned towards me, a look a concern on his face. My teeth were clenched, my first in tight balls. Shinji then was finally aware of my presence and I could see his fists tighten as well.
"Perfectly fine," I said bitterly through closed teeth, the answer directed towards Reiji, yet my face turned towards Shinji.
Shinji rolled his eyes before once again, turning towards his brother, "Turns out I'm going to come back here for a few more days. The model I was working with didn't seem to cooperate-"
"Don't you dare-!" I suddenly lashed out, "Don't blame this all on me!" He was not going to weasel his way out of this!
"What the hell!" Shinji lashed at me. I glowered furiously at him.
"My solo shots were fine! Only the shots with you came out awkward!" I hissed.
Shinji smirked. "Is that my fault?"
"Yes, yes it is!"
Pretty soon, Shinji and I went into a hysteric bickering match. Most of it going like, "Shut the hell up!" and "If only you didn't grip me so hard!" etc. etc. etc.
"You're so unprofessional!" I lashed at him, "When we had this same conversation before, all you could do was stare at my figure!"
"Well excuse me for being a man!" Shinji snapped back.
"Oh? You're a man?" I mocked-surprised, "You sure could have fooled me during the shoot, with how tense you where! Besides! It's called self-discipline! Oh wait, you should know all about discipline!" I suggested towards him harshly. He narrowed his eyes at me.
Shinji and I once more drifted back into another heated and senseless argument. We soon forgot that Reiji was standing right there, a confused and shocked expression on his face.
"I-I'm going out to the car..." He said as he tried to excuse himself from our heated battle.
"THEN GO!" We both hissed at him., Reiji was quick to nod and scurry out of the building!
Poor Reiji...
But then immediately, Shinji and I lashed back at once another as if Reiji wasn't there at all.
"Why can't you just follow my lead?" I complained as I stomped my foot, somehow we got back on the main topic. Modeling.
"You're making me look bad! This is my career! Do you know how embarrassing it is for me now that I have to work on a simple shoot for more than a day?"
I kept saying this over and over. When will this get into big his purple head?
"Shut the hell up, bitch!" Shinji yelled at me, "I need this more than you do any day!"
I gaped at him, before scowling and glaring at suddenly, I took a deep breath and regained my composure.
"Look Shinji, I want you to listen and you better listen well." I said slowly, walking up to him so that I was only a few steps away from him. He didn't seem fazed by my seriousness, yet he didn't do anything to stop me.
"I don't know what your reason is here or why you're doing this. But guess what, I really don't care." I cautioned as I narrowed my eyes as I got right in his face. He didn't seem to falter and neither did I.
"But right now, you're in my world. And in my world, you can't just rely on a pokemon's strength to get you far. You just got here by flashing your high-class trainer status right into Keiko-san's eyes and that's all the handicaps you're ever going get." My eyes became small slits as I pressed forward.
"And if you ever want to get publicity, if you ever want to get through this shoot, if you ever want to become Champion, you better do as I say. Or you can just kiss it all goodbye!"
And with that, I straightened out my back as I turned around, leaving that building.
Leaving Shinji there in my wake.
What's the matter, Hikari? Are things not going the way you planned for the first time in your life? Oops! I'm sorry, it's not the first time, right? Kudos to you for standing your ground to possibly the hottest trainer that hit Sinnoh. Oh but then again, your experience with men hasn't quite been the best recently, has it? How does it feel to sense the professionalism slip through her delicate fingers as you slowly lose your hold on everything?
Want my advice? Get your hands on the situation fast before this man becomes your downfall all over again.
And by situation, I mean the man himself.
Mwah!- HG10
Ooh, I like that ending! HAHA! Yes, I had fun with this chapter. :3 Ooh, but right now, they seem to hate each other! (giggles) I'm going to have fun with this! Aw, but don't worry Hikari and Shinji! The next day will be better!Maybe not…-troll face-
Well, that's all I have to say now.
Until next time!
