-SoKawaii

ACT II
Unfamiliar Territory

The little girl stared into her white gloves, wholly confused. She stared at the snow that drifted into her hand as if it were foreign. Her chocolaty hair did little to hide her large glassy russet eyes. They were incredibly innocent, though somehow saddened by her surroundings.

"Are you lost, little girl?" The stark tall silhouette unexpectedly emerged from the dark shadows of the dense forest, standing tall amidst the softer falling snow. He lifted his head, staring ominously and hungrily down at the frozen little girl. "May I…" He paused, only to reveal a wicked smile paired with a sharp set of fangs. "Suck your blood?" His dark voice slightly dipped in amusement, certainly pleased with child who stood still with wide eyes of fear.

The little girl snapped from her trance horrified to feel his cold lifeless hand atop her head, easily overpowering the terrified little girl who stared in horror to her demise. She helplessly watched as crimson splattered against the pure white snow in large unsightly blotches.

"You're a disgrace to all Vampires…" A young boy mused, his hand bloodied after single handedly killing the vampire who attacked the child. However, her savior's eyes flashed crimson as well. She watched him bring his hand to his lips, gently licking blood from his index finger in a somehow gentle manor, despite the animalistic act.

The little girl sat in the snow, staring blindly up at the young man who smiled with care. He stepped forward, breaking the girls silent awe by holding his hand out to the curious lost girl. "Are you Okay?" He smiled softly with heavy eyes of care, awaiting her smaller hand to slip into his larger warmer hand.

She stared hesitantly with calmer russet eyes, though something drew her towards the monster's abnormally warm presence. She took his hand instinctively. . .

"Cut!" The director screamed above all noise, snapping his clapboard with a widened gleeful grin.

I quickly glanced to the other side of the set surprise as the two children parted their separate ways without care as to where the other went. It was as if my eyes betrayed me. The two seemingly played their part, and that was all there was too it. Such emotion was… no more than a show? The two seemed so deeply involved in their parts; I almost mistook it for a real scenario. However, the large barrel of glittery snow and the many props on set brought the reality of the scene back to life, resting in the back of my mind.

"Are you sure you're up for this?"

I turned in respect of the woman who'd hired me without so much as a résumé—Matsuri Hino. She smiled warmly at me; her dark eyes were both thankful and tender. Somehow they seemed comforting, so I nodded. However, my eyes gravitated back to the set almost annoyed at my idiocy for falling victim to the show.

"I understand if you don't feel comfortable with this, but I believe you were made for this, Zero.' Matsuri gently placed her hand on my arm, trying to boost my confidence in myself—non-existent at the time. "All I ask is for one week. If you don't feel comfortable, then there is no obligation to stay… but if you feel the way I do, you must sign your contract immediately. The absolute latest cut-off is Saturday evening." Matsuri explained, deeply troubled by the thought of my absence, though I hadn't even started working—acting.

"Thank you," I turned back to her appreciatively, "For your kindness." I placed my hand on her shoulder. Her eyes lit up with joy and utter disbelief.

Matsuri glanced around herself, worrying me the slightest as her cheeks alit a lighter shade of pink. Her wide gleeful eyes quickly regained composure, clearing her throat with her fist clasped over her coy grin. I then noticed the many watchful eyes, some were confused… others were absolutely awestruck.

"Well, I think we should get you ready for the photo shoot this morning." Matsuri smiled, index finger pointing to the young feminine boy who was obviously the makeup artist, which was obvious by his light lip-gloss. However, beside the boy was a robust woman who held her arms crossed over her chest, eyeing me skeptically from head to toe. "I do appreciate that you came early, Zero." Matsuri smiled excitedly, tugging me closer.

"You're not the only one…" The busty, heavyset middle-aged woman scoffed. Her tone was both bitter and unpleasant, somewhat nasally and gaudy. However, her appearance wasn't very pleasant either. Her makeup was poorly done, and her hair was a brittle fiery red that lay atop of her head, fixed in a bun.

"He's definitely going to need some work." The boy sighed sadly. "He has great eyes though." The boy stared, smiling faintly. He must have been my age. However, he was much smaller in frame. His tone was also soft and higher, and his appearance was somewhat girlish with curly blonde hair and bright blue eyes with a classic baby face.

"His eyes don't matter, look at him! His too thin and lanky." The haggard old bat snidely huffed, glaring back at Matsuri who smiled back at me with eyes of glistening adoration. "He's going to look like a stick in his costume, and I don't think there is enough material or a size that will properly fit him either. I'll have to custom make his costume, and that could take all day!" She whined, glaring at me with certain annoyance.

"I wonder, whatever happened to the handsome guy who was supposed to play his part? I was so sad to hear that he wouldn't be in series!" The young boy pouted to the disgruntled woman, "Well, I guess his fill-in isn't bad either." His blue eyes glistened back at me, unnerving me slightly.

"Zero Kiryuu is not a fill in." Matsuri defended, stepping in front of me with a certain need for clarification. "Kiryuu is our last actors replacement. If you wouldn't mind, I suggest we all do our jobs before the rest of the actors get here." Matsuri defended with a soft, but rigid tone. Both stared with regret.

"Of course." The older woman dipped her head in acknowledgment, pulling me by my arm towards a seat.

"Come see me once you've finished dressing, Kiryuu." Matsuri nearly giggled, though that only left me feeling even more uncomfortable in the seat I was forced into.

"Hm, you have so many shinnies!" The younger boy eagerly ran his finger around the shell of my ear. However, I'd snatched his hand after the sudden uncomfortable feeling. He stared back in shock and embarrassment with a hot tinge to his cheeks at the many stares averted his way.

"Be careful, Ayumu. He bites… and then he swallows his prey." The haggard woman snickered, elbow deep in a coat rack of black uniforms. I glanced back, confused by what she said. Did I look that malicious?

"Shut up, Chiyo." Ayumu mumbled beneath his breath, near crying as he returned to a vanity, angrily sorting through a drawer. "Don't you think that I already know he's a vampire?"

'Vampire? Matsuri feels that I was meant to be . . . a monster?

Forbidden Act

"Zero… you look," Matsuri's eyes grew widened with surprise to my quick approach. "As I said, perfect." She smiled excitedly, absorbing my new image with the black uniform that was pieced together from several costumes in order to fit properly. Unlike the old Halloween costumes of my early childhood, this costume was not as uncomfortable. However, I felt more uncomfortable in such unusual clothing.

"What is this I hear about being a monster?" I pulled Matsuri just out of eyesight behind the set, softly demanding as I tried not to draw any attention from the many surrounding people.

Matsuri's expression dropped completely. She seemed upset, though he soft dark eyes were also speechless. "I suppose probably should have explained earlier that your character is a vampire. I'm sorry, I didn't know that it would upset you?" Matsuri stood tall, somewhat disheartened.

"I didn't agree to become the villain." I pointed out, clear and firm.

"Who said you were the villain!" Matsuri shrieked, flustered and seething in rage. "You're not the villain, your one of the protagonists of the story. Without you, there really isn't a story." She settled down, though frustrated until she saw my lost expression. She could tell by my expression that I was unsure as to what she meant. I didn't have a high school degree, nor was I qualified enough to have this job… and she knew it. "Zero, there is no villain." Matsuri assured in a hushed tone.

"Then what am I supposed to be?" I glanced down at the black attire, still confused. I looked like a high-schooler… However, if I went to school I would have graduated two years ago.

"Did you read the script I gave you last night?" Matsuri's tone dipped to slight disappointment.

"I began reading, but I wasn't able to finish." I explained.

I tried to read it, but it took to long to try to piece together the information in the script. Thankfully, Ichiru read most of the script to me, translating most of the confusing script in to a comprehensible story. I however fell asleep in the beginning of the script. Ichiru said he would look it over for me, telling me the basis of the story. He even promised to help me memorize my lines.

Matsuri's eyes were soft and calm once more. "Zero, are you still working other jobs besides this one?" Matsuri asked in a hushed tone. Her dark eyes already knew the answer to her question, though she waited for my answer.

I sighed, running my fingers through my hair, catching silver locks with my fist before finally facing Matsuri once more. "I understand this conflicts with my contract, but I can't quit my livelihood for a whim."

"I would be a fool if I asked you to do so."

My eyes flicked back to Matsuri, confused with her slick tone and heavy cat-like eyes of amusement. She was pleased with my agreement to sign the contract and become one of her puppets that were used at the expense and enjoyment of others. "I feel I've underestimated you." I glanced above the changing-station, watching the heavy bustle of the camera crew and directors as they worked to set up the first scene. "You're more than just looks." I complimented Matsuri with thoughtless cynicism. However, she took it quite well, blushing only slightly with a proud smile.

I stepped out of the small make-shit dressing room in haste and in regret. I caught the figure that bumped into me, nearly falling backwards before I reached out and caught her with my arm by her slim waist. She instinctively placed her hands against my chest, gripping the black uniform with manicured and dainty hands.

"I'm so sorry!" She gasped, still gripping my uniform with balled fists. I stared down into her wide and deeply embarrassed russet eyes. She was innocent, curious, and somewhat coy towards me, though her grip said more about this strange girl. Her hair was a chocolate brown that was above her shapely shoulders. Her complexion was pallid yet glowing. Her lips were a light rosy-pink—recently glossed.

"You must be Kiryuu?"

I released the girl, turning to hear a gentle voice behind me. It was a tall and slender man whom I'd obviously never seen before. His hair was tousled and chocolate-like, much like the girl beside me. His complexion was pallid as well, and his features were elegant, yet heavy with an unknown emotion—amusement or annoyance.

"Kaname, you didn't have to come to the set this early! I thought Matsuri said you didn't have to be here till two or three." The girl beside delicately and nervously rubbed the nape of her neck. Though her tone was ecstatic and enthusiastic, her expression was suddenly heavy and somewhat ashamed. She obviously knew this man.

"I missed my fiancée," He spoke warmly though his sharp russet eyes flicked back to mine. "I see you've already met my love rival Kiryuu Zero, Yuuki."

'This uncomfortable girl is his Fiancée? Wait... I am this mans love rival? Over a girl I've never even met!'

Author's Notes: I know. . . kill me, kill me, kill me! I've taken forever to update!
As always, thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this short chapter! More to come!