A/N An update so soon? What is this miracle? I recently updated my profile, so you can see part of the reason. The main reason is due to the fact I want to really start working on other stories, and more often than not the reason I quit before even starting is because of the stress from Fame and Fortune. 2016 is the goal, let's see if I can reach it.
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Sunday
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Matsumoto's POV
I couldn't believe my luck. The interview with Shirosaki, which was a rarity in and of itself, blew my mind. The man didn't particularly like interviews, as much as he seemed to adore the limelight, and so every station was practically pleading with his manager for a meeting. Yet, here she was, jaw hanging open as the voice on the other line coughed dramatically.
"Are you still there, Rangiku?" The cheery voice asked, and I forced my mouth to produce somewhat intelligent words.
"Y-yes, I'm still here. I'm just a bit surprised," this isn't even a lie, Shirosaki was one thing, but this? This was on its own level. "To be completely honest with you, sir, I'm still convinced this is a joke."
"Urahara, please. Sir makes me sound so old," I can't do anything, but sit and listen as he continues as though he's known me for my whole life. "But yes, I am completely sincere. Tensa wants to confirm what Shirosaki has already spoken. He thought it best to speak to the same person as Shirosaki did, as to not cause conflict. I'm sure you understand."
"Of course, definitely. I'm open for anytime for an interview," fumbling about for a piece of paper and a pen, I quickly find some under a stack of reports that all led to dead ends, holding the phone to my ear with one hand. "Whenever works best for Tensa is when I'm available."
"I'm glad to hear this! As he would like to hurry and as he so elegantly put it 'Get it over and done with', possibly this afternoon in maybe, oh, two hours?" I actually drop the phone, pen falling out of my fingers.
"giku- Hello? My, I'm afraid I've been dropped," realizing what happened, I practically fall to the floor, gripping the phone for dear life.
"I'm so sorry, I just-"
"No need to explain. I'm glad that I'm receiving such positive reactions," he chuckles as my face explodes with red. "Tensa will be pleased, no doubt. Besides that, does that seem possible?"
"Definitely. I'll start arranging everything right away," the smile won't leave my face as the man thanks me before hanging up the phone.
"KYORAKU!" Clicks are heard as I take off down the hallway, screaming for the man who would be doing the actual interview. "Where are you?! I have important, urgent, fantastic news!"
The man himself appears, his signature pink flower haori draped over his shoulders. Even when the man is out in public, whether he's wearing a suit or ripped jeans, the piece of fabric is somewhere on his body. At first I thought it strange, but it grew on me and it quickly became his trademark.
"Where's the fire?" He lazily smiles at me, a bottle of sake visible behind his back.
"Damn it, how many times have I told you not to drink when you're here?" He hands over the bottle sheepishly when I hold out my hand for it.
"Young at heart, can't help but break the rules," scratching his head, he retreats back into his office where he sits on the couch. "But you never answered my original question as why you were yelling my name."
"Don't word it like that," I almost blush at his poor choice of words, but experience helps me keep my cool.
"Ah, sorry sorry," Kyoraku sits back with a smile.
"No, you're not, but anyways. You'll never guess who just called?!" Before he can respond, or even attempt to guess, I continue in a flurry. "Urahara Kisuke, the manager of-"
"Tensa Zangetsu," the man stands up before hugging me, spinning me around the room. "That is great news! When will he be here? Tomorrow? The day after?"
"Two. Hours," I emphasize by holding up two fingers, and his eyes widen.
"Why didn't you say this sooner? Time is of the essence! Fetch Ukitake, this is major. Contact Nanoa as well, tell her to get the set all prepared," he immediately enters his 'work mode', as he pats me once on the head. "Good job scoring this one. Don't know how you managed, but my congrats anyways."
"Hey, I resent that comment," I yell at the now empty room, stomping my foot at the fact that he's already gone. "If he wasn't my boss," muttering under my breath, I take off to make the preparations he ordered and to get ready myself.
...
Tensa's POV
"Do I really have to do this right now?" I complain, my foot killing me.
Pain pills were my best friend, but I was being denied them because they made me a little loose lipped. Understandable in my position, but still I shouldn't even be in this sort of position in the first place! Hat N' Clogs had pulled another stupid stunt, and I was meeting with Kyoraku in two hours for an interview.
The moment I had released my first chart topper, the media had their eyes set on me like birds of prey. To date, I only had a handful of meetings, always avoiding them when I could. For one, if I slip up during an interview I am literally royally fucked. There would be no 'oops, redo button', no magical solutions. That's it, game over, do not pass go do not collect two hundred. Secondly, with all this blu-ray shit it was becoming easier for people to notice small details that were out of place. On a recent blog dedicated to unveiling my true identity, someone had commented that the color of my hair had orange tints to it, but was quickly shot down thanks to Ishida who kept track of that for me.
But that was all beside the point. The one main reason that should have been more than obvious was my broken fucking foot. Unless we managed to bribe everyone on set, word would lead out that Tensa was currently one fully functional limb short momentarily and then hospital records would be hacked by my more obsessive fans. Yet, Urahara was always one to not listen to reason, so here I was in a makeshift room that my manager had set up just for this, my foot throbbing without the cast and a spiteful glare aimed at everyone in my sight.
"Now, Kurosaki-kun, there's no reason to look so distraught," Urahara hides his smile behind his fan.
"I'm not fucking distraught, I'm in pain and pissed!" I screech as he shakes his head in mock disappointment.
"As much as I see your hesitance, this is required. With Shiro's recent declaration, he's going to be watched every waking moment. Since he's with you more often than not," the man trails off as my face pails in realization.
"If they think Tensa is unhurt, they would never imagine one of his injured friends to be the legend."
"Correct! Again, I'm sorry that it has come to this, but nobody ever said that being a celebrity would be without sacrifices."
"This sucks," I pout as Shiro enters, hovering in the doorway. "Why is he here anyways?" At this the man enters, hitting me upside the head. "As if I'm not in enough pain already, you pale bastard!" Hissing, he rolls his demonic eyes.
"Oi, no need ta get pissy wit me, it wasn't mah idea," he defends. "I'm here fer emotional support, an ta ensure ya don't fuck up. I'll be standin' right over there," he points to a corner of the room that is hidden with a room divider, a place that nobody would think twice about observing for more than a few seconds if they even noticed the thing, "an' if ya say some'in tha' might be bad, I'll give ya a signal."
"What will the signal be?" I ask despite already knowing the answer.
The man doesn't even grace me with a verbal response, only a psychotic expression and a finger slicing at his throat. Urahara's cellphone beeps, signaling that the other people have arrived and are heading up, Shiro quickly heading to hide behind the divider, giving me one last thumbs up before disappearing from view.
"Remember, watch your words carefully. There is much more at stake here than normal, and you can't afford to make a mistake," Urahara deadpans, and at his serious tone I swallow around the sudden lack of saliva in my mouth as nervousness sets in. "I'm sure you'll do fine, though, Kurosaki-kun~"
"Get the fuck out," I snarl as he laughs just as Kyoraku and his crew walk in.
"It's an honor to finally meet you, Tensa," he walks closer, sitting in the chair opposite me and shaking my hand. "It truly is."
"I could say the same," he laughs, attempting to wave me off. "Everyone knows who you are, and might I just say," his eyes look questioning as I suddenly drop off before whispering loudly enough for everyone else to hear me, "the TV doesn't do that magnificent haori justice."
The man is almost falling off his chair, holding his stomach as he struggles to breathe through his laughter. Tears are falling in record time, and I'm watching with a smirk as his assistant fixes her glasses with a frown. The blonde girl I recognize as the main reporter is covering her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter as Ukitake watches in amusement.
"O-Oh my," he catches his breath, but it's still labored from the episode. "I have never had such a compliment, thank you for that."
"I speak no lies," singing it, the man looks as though he wants to fall over again.
"As hilarious as this might be, we have an interview to get on with," the smirk still present, I lean back and ignore the flash of pain at the movement.
"I'm ready whenever you are."
"Alright," it takes them about five minutes to finish setting everything up properly, Kyoraku and I making small talk the entire time. "Ready. We'll start in five, four, three, two," she waves her hand letting us know that it's rolling.
"Welcome everyone, to our emergency broadcast," Kyoraku speaks just loud enough to be heard through the microphone on his haori that is expertly hidden. "Usually we don't have interviews on Sunday, but this is a very special airing. Today, we have Tensa Zangetsu with us, following his now co-partner, Shirosaki Ogichi! Tell me, how has your day been so far?"
"It's been a great day," knowing what I'm doing and the extent of the action, I stand up and notice Shiro's eyes widening to epic proportions as Urahara hides his look of surprise behind his fan. "I even bought this new outfit for today," the man smiles as I turn in a circle before sitting back down gracefully, head light.
"I'm glad to hear that, and might I compliment you as you did for me earlier," a smile tugs at my lips. "So, just to confirm, this album is actually a reality?"
"Oh, of course," my index finger lands on my cheek as I leave the rest of my fingers underneath my chin. "We plan for it to be quite the doozy, I've already got a few ideas," a wink sent his way.
"Is there any release date set for this or is it still up in the air?" My head is still up in the clouds from my actions, and I don't notice the words spilling from my lips until it's too late. "That's quite… bold. Can you really write, perfect, and publish the first song all within two weeks?"
Shit, I must have accidently spilled the date for our school project instead of the month I was originally supposed to answer. Shiro is making the signal as Urahara already has his phone halfway out of his pocket, ready to pull the plug, but with a look from me he stops.
"That's correct. Now, that's just one song," I inform as he looks at me questionably, wondering why I'm emphasizing this fact. "So don't expect all of the music to be released as quickly. The album will take a shorter amount of time due to the fact it's a collaboration, but it will still take time. I really just want people to get hyped for the album, and releasing a song early is a way I'm sure will serve that purpose."
"Ah, so how long do you estimate it to take?" Kyoraku questions, before sipping on a glass of water, trying not to look too interested.
"Let's see, I'd say," I look over in Shiro's direction as he holds up three fingers, Urahara holding up two and a half. "Two months to three," I get two twin thumb ups. "But again, that's merely an estimate. As you know, complications might arise that are simply out of our control."
"I understand, I'm just hoping to give the fans some sort of foundation," nodding the man startles me with his next statement.
"On a different note, is it true? The rumors about Hisagi Shuuhei and you?"
"A-Ah, no no no," holding up my hand to try and buy me a second to word my answer, I know I'm on thin ice. Better not to bring up how Nel broke up with me. "You know how it is, you have one too many and things start spiraling out of control. I'm sure it's a situation many can identify with." Always try and relate with the audience. "It's one of my more… embarrassing moments, I will admit."
"Does this mean that you're sexual orientation has not changed?" The man is giving me the most critical examination I've ever been through, and I wouldn't be surprised if I was sweating in nervousness.
"I can assure you, I am still straight," the man nods as Urahara stares at me, Shiro neutral in the background for once. "There has been no alteration regarding that."
"I would say I'm glad to hear it, but I feel that would insult many viewers. I'm sure you're aware that a fraction of your fans are not heterosexual?"
"Hey, I'm more than willing to support them," I automatically defend, more than aware of this. "I've been to many walks and events supporting them."
"Ah, sorry sorry. It was not my intention to upset you," it takes a collosal effort on my part not to huff, but I somehow manage it. "Is there anything else that you would like to add, Tensa?"
"Hmm, let's see," tapping my lips with my right index finger, I snap my fingers together. "I would like to thank everyone of my fans for helping my latest record go platinum in such a short amount of time."
"And thank you for coming and explaining recent topics," he reaches out once more to shake my hand before the camera cuts off, and I shake his hand back.
"It was a pleasure," I give one last smile for the camera.
The blinding light is gone and I release a sigh of relief.
"For that being your first interview with me, I would say you did fairly well. Again, sorry for suddenly springing that question on you. I prefer to get honest reactions, so I'm a little harsh," Kyoraku explains as he stands up, fixing his haori.
"It's no problem," Ukitake hits him lightly upside the head, causing me to laugh. "Really, there is nothing I'm trying to hide."
"Besides your identity," the response is instantaneous as he looks back to me.
"Well, besides that."
When everyone has cleared out of the room, I fall back and shut my eyes, the pain finally overwhelming. In one last attempt to prove myself, I had stood up and gave the blonde a hug and a picture. She had left squealing with joy and happiness, but now I'm not so sure that it was a good idea on my part. White clouds my vision and I look up to see Shiro glaring at me, pills in his one hand with a glass of water in the other hand.
"Tha' was tha' stupidest thing I've ever seen," he growls as he pushes them into my hand as I swallow them not a second later, reaching for the water and downing it.
"You said you wanted a convincing performance, and you got one," I give the cup back as I attempt to push through the pain. "Besides, that man is observant as hell. If I had stayed seated, he would have noticed something was wrong. As it is, I think he realized not everything was as it seemed."
"No doubt," Urahara's cheery voice comments as he looks at me. "I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he already knows who you are."
"WHAT?" Excuse me?
"Indeed, but although he's known as the 'Celebrity Ruiner', he knows when not to cross the line where it's not welcome."
"It's never stopped him before," I retort as I remember all the horrible stories he's covered over the years and wonder how many people he had ruined.
"Yah, but tha's all thank ta their own stupidity," Shiro pipes in. "C'mon ya haven't noticed? It's all cheatin', or doin' drugs, or involvin' alcohol."
"I guess you're right," thinking about it, I realize he's right.
"See? That's why I called here. Kyoraku and I go way back," Urahara smiles as he texts Kenpachi to come up. "He won't say a word, believe me~"
"I'll trust you just this once," grumbling, the pain kills kick in just in time. "There we go. Thank god."
"Baby," Shiro teases as he wraps his arm around my waste and throwing my arm over his shoulder. "Time to get you back home."
The rest is a blur, and the next thing I know I'm waking up to a bright light shining in my face surrounded by familiar faces. Shinji, Renji, Rukia, Ishida, and even Chad and Orihime are giving me a look. Shiro is sitting beside me, a sheepish grin.
"Now, I can explain…"
"We don't want an explanation from you," Rukia practically spits. "I'm sure that you're part of the reason he didn't tell us anything to begin with."
"I'm afraid I must agree with her," glasses glint. "We want to hear it from Kurosaki's mouth, not yours."
Well, shit. I thought they would at least wait a day or two before ambushing me.
Does nobody understand that I'm fucking injured?
Honestly.
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A/N Another chapter, complete. It's not my best work, by any means, but I noticed that it's been over two weeks. I want to finish this up soon, so I'm gonna have to start forcing myself to write it, and eventually it will probably come naturally again. It's like writing with a pencil after summer is over. I hate that, feeling like I can't even write properly anymore.
Anyways. Review if you notice anything, helpful tips are always welcome, tell me what you like or didn't like (nicely please?). If you have predictions as to what will happen, lemme know! Review or PM me, I love talking to all of you! If maybe you have a scene you might like to see, PM me! I'm normally friendly!
Almost to 200 reviews! I'm so excited, but I'm beyond thankful! I want to thank all of you who read this and continue to support me. You're all wonderful, and to commemorate 200 reviews, I'm working on a one-shot. Look for it sometime in the near future!