A/N: I hate how this is a filler more than anything. Initially I was going to have Cloud and Tifa meet in this chapter, but I figured it was way too soon for them to meet. But don't worry, they'll reunite soon enough! ;D
I'm also gonna remind you guys that I know nothing about celebrity life or the acting business, so I had to do some research and even still, I don't think I'm accurate whatsoever. Like what exactly does a manager do for an actor...?
This is probably important for continuity purposes, but I decided to go back and edit a few things in the first two chapters. For instance, Cloud's breakout film has been renamed from SOLDIER to Crisis Core to make things easier to remember, and because I keep accidentally calling it that (and for the sake of allusion, of course! ...too obvious?)
Also, thank you so much to those of you who reviewed! Your reviews are much much appreciated ^^
Chapter 3 ~ Opposites
The simple walk from the gym to her apartment was relatively quiet mostly consisted of back roads. Tifa still adjusted her cap just a little lower as she turned onto a larger street. Starry Promises had introduced her to the threat of obsessive fans, sly paparazzi, and a new appreciation for privacy. She still had to get used to concealing her face in some form when she wasn't in Sector 5. While Tifa was disgruntled by the change, she supposed that she had already accepted the potential consequences the moment she sealed her fate in her first contract.
Tifa might have lost some of her freedom in these familiar streets, but she smiled to herself as she recalled the time she sent off one stalker with a nice bump on his head as a souvenir. That was what she practiced martial arts for. She wondered how many celebrities could fend off their creepers.
Martial arts was one part of her identity that let her disconnect from Tifa Lockhart, celebrity and Sector 5's "rising bombshell." At the dojo, she was just Tifa Lockhart, former student of the illustrious Master Zangan with eight years of experience under her belt. People there respected her for her skill and only cared about when they'll finally be able to win a fight against her. It was one final fragment of her original identity, and one that she clutched to her with ferocity.
By coincidence, she is going to play an expert martial artist in Genesis's movie, and given that this is an action movie, Tifa anticipated that she would be partaking in a lot of fight sequences. She already decided that she wanted to do her own stunts, seeing that many of those "stunts" were simple stage fights that she was sure she could do by herself. This role would help Tifa ward off the bombshell image that Sector 5 seemed to be forcing her into. The oversexualized photoshoots were bad enough; hopefully, this film would help change things and show that she's got more to her than a pretty face.
As Tifa walked down the street, she saw a sign saying Seventh Heaven come into view. It was her favorite hangout, one she went to not for the drinks, but simply for the atmosphere. Like the dojo, it was a comfortable haven where she could get a breath of fresh air. As she approached the door, Tifa impulsively decided that she would stop in for a bit.
Seventh Heaven was unique in that it wasn't just another flashy nightclub or a sleazy joint. Its appeal came from its modest but homey atmosphere. The small bar radiated a welcoming feeling that encouraged muted but pleasant conversation, and lacked the tackiness that usually surrounds the presence of alcohol. Maybe it was run that way because of the owner's four year old daughter, but Tifa appreciated the simplicity. There weren't enough places like this in Midgar, in her opinion.
She didn't care that Seventh Heaven and the dojo were in the slums, or that she enjoyed spending time in the slums for that matter. The upper plate might be cleaner, but the people were stiffer and the service was colder. Contrary to popular belief, people in the slums of Midgar tended to be quite pleasant, as long as you avoided the shadier areas such as Wall Market. Tifa always tried to make the most of her time underneath the plate before she had to return to the literal higher society.
Stepping inside the bar, she was immediately greeted by an enthusiastic "Tifa!" and the pattering of little feet. She smiled and opened her arms for the little girl running towards her, reaching down for a cuddly hug.
"Hey Tifa!" From the nearby booth he tends to occupy, a large black man waved his prosthetic gun arm. "Marlene's been hoping you'd stop by. She was upset that you didn't come yesterday."
She laughed as she looked down at Marlene. "I can't come every day, you know," she chided teasingly.
Marlene smiled up at her. "But I like it when you come," she said. "Jessie's working and Biggs and Wedge aren't here yet. It's boring." The little girl pouted.
Tifa smoothed Marlene's hair with a smile. Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge were her friends, also regulars at Seventh Heaven. The four of them liked to gather there once in a while for a drink, going so often that they befriended the owner. "You know, I'm very busy, but I'll always try to make time to come here when I can," Tifa said.
"Ah, don't trouble yourself to come just for Marlene." The black man shook his head apologetically.
"No, don't be sorry, Barret," Tifa insisted. "It's no trouble at all. I come here because I like coming here."
"What, and not because of me?" a different voice piped in.
Tifa rolled her eyes sarcastically as she turned to the bar. "Oh be quiet Johnny, you know I think you're a great bartender," she said.
Johnny grinned at her from behind the bar. "Just a great bartender? Doesn't my hotness get a shout out?" he said cheekily.
"Just get me some Corel wine," she said, laughing inwardly. Johnny's horrible flirting skills might score him a lot of women, but Tifa was immune to his skeevy charms and he knew that. That didn't stop him from testing new pick-up lines on her once in a while, but there was something oddly comforting in her friendship with the bartender, as well as the owner. It gave Tifa a sense of belonging there.
After getting her glass from Johnny, she slid into Barret's booth with Marlene beside her. Regulars knew not to go overboard and antagonize the aggressive father, who could get very protective of Marlene. Barret himself handled any rowdy drunks personally. He was the bouncer of his own bar, but that's how he preferred running his business.
"So, how you been?" Barret asked.
Tifa shrugged. "Well, things are finally starting to die down, I think. Less interviews and TV appearances. But I did meet with Genesis yesterday."
"So you took his offer?"
"Yup! I signed the contract yesterday. Really, I don't think I could've turned it down anyway. It was too good to turn down." She laughed.
"Well, congrats!" Barret grinned widely. "This is gonna be big for you, ain't it?"
Tifa smiled as she nodded. "I'm a little nervous, but I'm excited to do it. It's a big movie, and Genesis said that shooting could take almost half a year. I've never filmed for that long before."
"You're gonna be outta town for a while then, huh?"
"Yeah, I was told to look forward to a lot of traveling, so unfortunately I won't be coming back here for a while once shooting starts."
Tifa felt a light tugging on her sleeve and looked down at a pouting Marlene. "So you're gonna be gone for a long time?" she asked. "Why do you have to go?"
"Because it's her job," Barret said for her.
"It won't be that long. I'll be back before you know it," Tifa promised.
"Then you have to come every day before you have to leave," Marlene said decidedly.
"Marlene!" Barret scolded. But Tifa had to smile at the little girl's insistence.
"Alright, it's a deal," Tifa agreed.
Barret gave her a look that asked her not to encourage his daughter, but that only made Tifa laugh. "It's okay, Barret. I probably would've started doing that anyway. I'm gonna miss Seventh Heaven while I'm away."
The bar owner shook his head, chuckling softly. "If you insist, Tifa."
"Really! I like coming here. It's – " Tifa frowned as she fished for the words she needed. "…Comforting," she said. "You guys are my friends, not like the people I have to work with all the time in Sector 5."
"That reminds me, so this means you're okay 'bout that Cloud Strife guy you mentioned before?" Barret said.
That's right, I almost forgot that he knows about that. The more she had thought about it, the more Tifa got nervous about how Cloud would react when he found out that she was cast. No doubt he'd think it's just because she wanted to see him. She wondered what he'd say when they finally saw each other again. Then again, I could just brush it off as a pure career move.
"It should be fine. It'd be stupid to turn the offer down because of him. Besides…" Tifa let out an empty chuckle. "Maybe he won't remember me. It's been almost ten years anyway."
Barret shrugged. "Whatever you say, Tifa. But man, you're just climbin' that career ladder so fast. Just don't be a stranger when you get even mo' famous after this!"
"Yeah, don't be a stranger!" Wide-eyed, Tifa looked at Marlene, who had just imitated her father's gruff voice. She tried to fight the smile creeping onto her face, but soon she burst out laughing, with Barret and Marlene quickly joining her. She definitely knew that even without Marlene's demand, she would be coming back every day until shooting anyway.
"He has a military background, so he's an ideal teacher for you."
Cloud released a quiet sigh as his manager continued on about the sword instructor he found. He already practiced swordsmanship himself. He didn't see why he had to get a teacher to teach him what he already knows.
"Look, Tseng, can't I just have Zack spar with me a few times a week?" he said in exasperation. "I'm not inexperienced, I actually know how to use a sword."
"Cloud, weren't you the one who said you might need extra training?" Tseng replied. "You said you'll be using a ridiculously oversized sword that will call for additional skill and strength to handle. I think it's best to get some guidance from a professional."
"Can this guy actually teach me how to use it though?" Cloud asked doubtfully.
"That's exactly why I contacted him. Angeal is known for his ability to use unconventional weapons, oversized swords included."
"Wait, Angeal? By any chance, is his name Angeal Hewley?"
"Ah, so you know him?"
"Zack's friends with him."
"Is that so? If Zack knows him, I'm sure he will be an ideal instructor for you."
Cloud knew that Angeal was Zack's combat instructor for his role in Crisis Core. Oddly enough, in that film, Zack's character wielded a similarly oversized sword. He recalled how impressed he had been back then to see Zack carrying such a large weapon with apparent ease. Actually, Cloud himself had to wield the same sword for one particular scene, although he didn't need special training to shoot it. Regardless, Zack did talk about Angeal highly, showing an obvious respect for him.
"Alright, then. Can you arrange for me to meet with him...three times a week?"
Even though it was quiet, he could hear Tseng's amused chuckle over the phone. "Already done. I added the training sessions to your calendar."
"Damn Tseng, always on top of things. What if I said no?"
"Please, I know you all too well."
Cloud chuckled. "I don't usually stroke your ego, but that's why you're the best in the business."
He could imagine Tseng smirking over the phone. "Also, I'd advise that you get a personal trainer. You should probably build some more muscle if you're going to wave around a giant kitchen knife. I actually haven't looked for one yet, so I can call one after hanging up."
Another thought came to his mind at the recommendation. "Actually, I don't think that's the right way to go this time," Cloud said. "My normal routines should be enough in terms of muscle. What I need, though, is to lose the fat."
"Lose just the fat?" Tseng sounded incredulous. "Why so?"
"I won't go too much into detail, but I think my character in the film is supposed to be pretty thin and sickly," Cloud explained. "I should look drained, but still powerful, like I'm running on artificial strength. Think you could find a dietitian who can help me?"
"That's a strange and specific request, but I'll see what I can do."
"Thanks, Tseng. Anything else?"
"That's it as far as what I thought you needed to do so far. Let me know if you think you need anything else."
"Alright."
Cloud snapped his phone shut and tossed it onto the coffee table. Sometimes, it feels like half my job revolves around phone calls, he mused as he exhaled and leaned back on the couch. Actually, no. One-third phone calls, one-third muscle-building, and one-third actually working.
The diet would definitely be a change of pace, though. Although Cloud hadn't acted in many films, the few roles he did have almost always called for him to force his body to shape-shift into specific body types. Cloud never liked that, and always fought to draw the line at a certain muscle mass. He personally preferred a fairly lithe body, light and agile. This had to be the first time he was allowed to retain something that really resembled his normal body, even if he had to look half-starved at the same time.
Cloud was going to play an ex-soldier-turned-mercenary who was heavily experimented on by a scientist, meaning that he'd have to look muscular but haunted. His character had gone through an immense amount of trauma and ordeal, so much so that Cloud wondered how anybody could possibly survive what he went through. Then again, this was a movie, and Cloud was playing the main protagonist.
For now, the film was in pre-production. Even before they start the first table reads, Cloud had to look forward to sword training, snowboarding, chocobo riding, and who know what else in preparation for the role. He wondered if there was anything else he was forgetting…
As if on cue, his phone began to vibrate again. Cloud let out a deep sigh before picking it up, flipping it open without even bothering to look at the caller ID. "Hello?"
"Cloud?" It was his publicist, Elena. "There's been a time change to tomorrow's photo shoot. They're asking that you come at one instead of three."
"Well, not like I got much of a choice, right?" Photo shoots were something that he never liked, but Elena always insisted that they were crucial to his career.
"Oh c'mon, Strife, I know all these photo shoots have been annoying lately, but this is the last one we have lined up. Your schedule's not that busy." Her voice betrayed a slight teasing tone.
"You promise? No more after this?"
"Nope. Besides, you're going to start filming your next movie soon, right?"
"Soon," he agreed. "I don't know when shooting's gonna start, but I'll probably be busy for at least the next six months. So no more publicity gigs for a while, right?"
"Right! Well, you'll probably have the occasional interview during shooting to promote the movie..." Cloud groaned inwardly. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot! Sterne published its latest issue yesterday with your interview, you know, the one where you got named 'Hottie of the Year'? I'll send you a photo of your cover…!"
He knew that Elena had a tendency to ramble about things she already mentioned before, and he knew that she forgot that she already told him about this yesterday. At the same time, Cloud was never really successful with cutting Elena off, so he usually just waited it out until she decides it's time to hang up.
"And that makes phone call number four today, and it's only ten AM," Cloud murmured to himself after she hung up. It seemed funny, since technically Tseng was the one who was supposed to take care of most of his business. Even still, that didn't save him from having to talk to his his publicist, his agent, his man-child of a best friend, miscellaneous people…
Cloud stared at the cell phone in his hand. Can you just combust and leave me in peace for one day?
As though the universe was trying to spite him, the phone started to vibrate. Again. He stared at it in disbelief for a moment before flipping it open.
"Hello, Cloud."
"Genesis." This was new. Genesis never really called him, and the only time Cloud could think of was when he wanted to finalize the contract for the film.
"Hopefully you are free this afternoon?"
"Today?" Cloud reflexively glanced at the clock. "What for?"
"Just to chat, maybe discuss the script and any questions you might have. I like getting to know my actors, you know."
Huh, this was different. Sure, Cloud got to know the directors he worked with, but usually more so around production. Whatever the case, he also knew about Genesis's much more personal approach to filmmaking. He usually ends up close friends with the actors he works with, and Cloud guessed that Genesis wanted to befriend him too.
"Sure, I can meet up," he said.
