Hello my readers! Here is the next instalment of Reach for the Stars. This one is a bit longer than normal, but I hope you all enjoy it none the less.
Reach for the Stars
Chapter Seven
Whenever I watched television shows I never once thought of the recording process cross my mind. The Director was bound determined to have episode one done and ready to air in under a week. Not being in this episode saved me from the stressful feeling everyone else had. The air was filled with it and most of the stress was coming from Mello. My coworker was enjoying a rare five minute break. Rustling around for a moment Mello produced a candy bar from the bag I assumed contained some sort of lunch. Catching a glance at its contents I raised a brow it reminded me of the time I bumped into him after work.
"Something wrong", Mello asked unwrapping the sweet. "That quiet the collection you got there", I joked slightly motioning towards the bag. "Very one has something they like", he mumbled taking a bite. As I looked again at the bag I wondered how long that was supposed to last. Not wanting to say something that would piss him off I remained silent returning my attention back to my D.S. He watched me for a long moment before continuing with his chocolate enjoying the rest of what little break he had.
Perhaps it was because I was not being filmed, but the week passed quickly. This feeling might have also sprung from the fact Mello and I's interactions were very small and very minimum. Even when there was a chance to talk it seemed like he was avoiding any heated discussion that might arise. Still the end of the week came quickly bringing with it the relief of the end of filming.
"Alright every one lets gather in the conference room", Director Man, as I had started to call him, announced with a wide arm motion. Filing into the small room a fear that normally did not bother me to this extent was rearing its' ugly head. So many people were crowded around us like this sucked the air from my chest. Calm down Mail I thought clutching my hand a bit, it is just a few people. I wondered if any would realize I am gone if I just squeeze out the door. As I looked around it seemed a few others had the same idea.
"Now that we are all gathered I would like to announce that episode one is finished", Director Man said creating a small cheer of relief from the surrounding crowd. Taking a deep breath the overwhelmed feeling did not leave like I would have wanted. Instead it grew along with the need to get out of the room. Everything the director was saying faded out, but I felt an elbow being jammed into my side pulling my attention away from the little freak out.
"You ok there gamer boy", Mello asked in a hushed tone raising a brow. "I-I just need to have a cigarette", I partially lied finding his interruption was just what I needed. Can't freak yourself out Mail was the thought forming from all of this. The look on his face told me he knew I was full of crap, but I did manage to calm enough in order to catch the last bit of the announcements.
"The episode will air this Saturday at Ten O'clock prime time, but work will not resume until Monday. See you all next week."
This announcement provided even more relief as it meant getting out of this room. As I was trying to get out of the doorway a few of the stars were gathering on the main stage blocking my retreat. I happened to glance down at my phone finding freaking out was not my only worry. I was about to be late for my other job, but if I left now I should still make it in time.
"You didn't look to good back there", Mello stated catching me just before as we exited the crowd. "It has been awhile since my last cigerate", I tried but like before he saw through it with his next question.
"I have seen you go longer without a cigarette. So what was really bothering you so bad?"
Was he really worrying over me or was this some sort of way to get ammunition for our next argument which was probably soon to come. Watching his face a moment finding no hint of evil intent I decided he might actually be concerned over me, even as odd as it sounded, "I don't do well with crowds", I said reluctantly. It was stupid to freak out over small things like that, but I can't help it.
"That is some phobia you have there", Mello remarked adding,"I thought you were going to pass out for a moment." Opening my mouth to say something it was interrupted by a theme song blaring from my phone. Shit the time I thought quickly answering it as a rather angry boss was already yelling." to god if you don't get down her fast you will be out of a job Jeavas." It seemed like she was already yelling before I even answered. Raising a finger to Mello I attempted to defend myself from her on slaught. In the end she told me it was the last time I could be late or else I would lose the job. "I have a temper but that sounded like a demon", Mello said as I sighed.
"I need to get going or else she might actually turn into one."
He simply nodded appearing to show he understood what I meant. Well this was a good way to start out a Friday night I thought as I left for the bus stop.
"Matt-san are you there", a woman asked from the other end of the phone leaving a rather tired me wondering how she had gotten my number. "Misa how you are calling me", I grumbled rubbing my eyes.
"That is not important right now. What is important is the fact today is premier day for season three."
"Misa that is at ten tonight so why are you calling me at seven in the morning?"
"I need help and you are the first person to actually answer the phone."
The last statement sounded as if she was pouting heavily on the other end. I swear to god this woman was actually a twelve year old in the disguise of a twenty something year old. Getting up from bed I asked again, "First of all how did you get my number" "You are still stuck on that. I will tell you if you agree to help me Matt-san", she said using the same tone from before.
"Fine fine what do you need me to do", I said reluctantly opening my small closet with the feeling getting dressed would be needed for the tasks ahead. "I knew you were a good person", Misa giggled before adding,"Can you meet me at the mall in the food court around eight?" "Yeah whatever see you then", I said pulling out a worn looking t-shirt with a favorite show on it. "Yes see there and I got your number from the staff info book at the studio", she said before hanging up. For some reason the fact my number was so readily available was a bit unnerving. Pushing it aside I concentrated on the task at hand. Got to get ready for a day of dealing with people.
It was not even five minutes before I was out the door. Might as well get this over with quickly I thought. Glancing over at Mello's door I found myself wondering if he had been called by Misa as well. It was also then I notice a rather full mail box of his. Well someone is popular today I added to the previous wonder paying no other heed towards it.
Scantily clad in all her child-like glory Misa sought me out announcing that she found me loudly. "Matt-san you are hear." "Nice to see you too Misa", I said sighing slightly at her outfit. People were already staring at her and it would only grow worse throughout the day. "I thought you were not going to show up for another hour", she said plopping down in a chair. "I figured I could buy a few things before seeing you", I lied as the only reason I was here early was because I didn't want to wait around the house for an hour having a chance to bump into a very cranky Emile. Last night I didn't hear her get back from work until two or three in the morning.
"Well it is good that you came early. We have a lot of things we need to get before the party", Misa said with a childish serouse tone while raising a written list for me to read. "Party", I asked raising a brow as I took the list. Sure enough it had the normal things one would expect for a 'party'. These type of things were never my thing with my phobia it would never be either. "Yeah for the series premier tonight", she said watching me. Looking up at her I asked, "How do you know people will actually show up?" "I know they will so don't worry about that part. Right now we need to get these things. Look I even circled what I need you to get, but of course I will give you some money for it all", she said all at once making it sound a bit jumbled. After a moment of deciphering just exactly what she said I didn't like the idea even more so. Still I nodded showing that I would help the girl. I can't help but think she would be the death of me.
It occurred to me a moment as Misa was handing me an envelope that this all sounded like something interns did. Normally the intern is referred to as a gopher for all the other cast and that was exactly what I was about to do with collecting these party supplies. It was too late now though. "Alright we will need to meet back here by eleven so we have time to make the snacks and decorate", Misa said before rushing off without so much as a conformation from me.
I swear that I will never help Misa again. After shopping I was whisked away to the girl's condo home as it came as no surprise that she lived in a place like this. It was big though and I was tasked with following some rather bad diagrams of where to place decorations while she cooked or something. The smells coming from the kitchen made it seem like she was making some sort of potion instead of actual food. By the time I finished everything though it was almost four in the afternoon and I was so tired and ready for all of this to be over. "Alright Misa I am done", I announced entering her kitchen causing my assumption of her making some sort of potions grew at the sight. It was a large mess of different ingredients scattered about the counter in and out of their packages. "Now all that is left is to get everyone over here at six", she said tapping a wooden spoon on the side of a pot.
"Thought you said not to worry about that", I asked wondering if the apron Misa wore was actually for cooking. "Well I meant it but I need you to gather one last person for me. Mello lives over by you right", she asked continuing without even waiting for an answer,"I need you to go get him."
"Why don't you just call him like you did me?"
"I would but Mello-san's info page wasn't in the book so I don't have his number."
Not in the book I questioned silently that is a bit odd, but then why the hell would my number be in there. "Anyways I need you to go get him for the party", she reiterated returning her attention back to her concoctions on the stove. "I guess I can but I don't know if he will come", I answered honestly as the guy seemed to have good and bad days. "Drag him here if you have to but we all need to be at the party." That was the end of that conversation as Misa seemed to be set on this. Having no other choice, due to the fact I was sure she would make my life a living hell if I didn't, I made my way to the bus stop with the apartments being my destination.
Judging by the mail box still being full I could only guess that Mello had not left the apartment yet. I would not lie that it was a bit nerve wracking to knock on his door saying,"Hey Mello it's me." Normally when we had days off we would avoided each other be it either on purpose or unintentionally. It was a few moments before I could hear someone moving around inside. Not long after that the door was opened to reveal a rather sleepy looking Mello.
A/N: This chapter is a bit longer than usual, but it is important. I wanted to also thank everyone for all the reviews so far. I get rather excited when my email tells me another person wrote one for my story. Here are my replies to the latest ones;
Mirei-Chan: I like Matsuda better as well, but Vincent Tong is the name of his voice actor. Also Mello might have just been abducted by Aliens. Finally I hope you enjoy this chapter and I can not wait for your next review. ^.^
Harley Quinn: I am really happy that you love the story so far!
Ern Estine 13624: Thank you!
I really love it when you guys write reviews to me (I don't believe I can say that enough), and I hope you all like this chapter.
Until the next chapter! Thank you for reading!