Right then, before we start, I would like to point out, that in this chapter there is a "scene" from the script that is being acted out. It is marked in ITALICS and it will be written like a story, so you can feel the emotions of the characters. Please do not read it as the actors are reading it as a story, read it as if you are visualising them as they are playing the characters themselves. You will understand what I mean when you get to it.
So, without further ado, please enjoy...
For my sweet Mel, I hope this will put a smile on your face and may your computer RIP~!
Warning: Cussing…and well, Marik mayhem…
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!
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Arriving at the studio, Yami was taken aback with the turnout. There were quite a few faces present, some famous and some unknown; the petit actor suspected the "unknown" ones were after the same role as he was. The competition looked fierce as the hopefuls outnumbered the veterans. It made him wonder why he was unexpectedly offered the chance to audition, when so many others were already vying for the part. How did he even become a candidate in the first place—especially at such short notice, he wondered.
It made no sense at all.
Yami sighed wearily; this wasn't going to be an easy ride at all. At least Mai-san, due to a prior engagement, wasn't here to pressure him; he was relieved for her absence and the peace it provided him.
As his eyes scanned the room, one imposing figure stood out. Alone in the corner, standing tall and straight, the conspicuous presence of Kaiba Seto could be felt and seen. He looked almost regal in his leisurely pose. Appearing to ignore the hubbub around him, the stoic man was studying a book in his hand—a script, Yami thought enviously, looking down at his own meagre two pages of screenplay that he was to perform in front of others.
Noticing the silence, Yami felt a small wave of panic when he realised all eyes were turned towards him…well, all except a pair of cerulean blue ones. The newcomer began to feel a little uncomfortable with the curious stares; the sudden hush didn't help his situation either. Determined to break the awkwardness, the petit male decided to introduce himself.
"Good morning, I am Mutou Yami and I am honoured to be here," he said humbly, with a courteous bow. "Please give me your guidance."
Interest waned after the introduction. Little sniffs of disdain were heard from his a few of his competitors; then all eyes reverted back to whatever they were occupied with before Yami's intrusion—that was until…
"Yami-chan!" an-all-too familiar voice could be heard behind him, as a pair of tanned arms wound around his neck and shoulders in a loose embrace, rendering him immobile.
Multiple pair of eyes immediately swerved back to Yami again, including the ones that ignored him last time. Yami coloured slightly from the attention he was drawing; the warm cheek that was adhered the side of his face from the attached man, was making matters worse. Chancing a peek at the Ice Prince, Yami saw the man's face was still, his lips were curled in contempt.
"You didn't call me, Yami-chan," whined Marik, his arms tightened around Yami's neck.
Crimson orbs trained on Kaiba who was staring at him intently, a spark of unidentified emotion flickered in those blue eyes and something in Yami stirred; he felt oddly relieved that he hadn't made that call after all...
"My, my, what have we here? A fresh face, finally! And a good-looking for that!" a new voice rang out as he appeared from behind Marik.
Yami craned his neck from the near-stranglehold Marik had on him, to see a flamboyantly dressed man with lilac shoulder length hair, approach him. It was Pegasus-san, The Voice Scouter from "United Voices Agency", the man who would guarantee you fame if he chose you to work for him. Kaiba-san and Marik-san were his finds—he was their manager.
"Get lost, Onjiisan*" snapped Marik, surprising Yami. It was the first time he heard displeasure in the man's voice apart from when he acted. It sounded very hostile and threatening—and it was used on the influential man in front of him. "He's mine!" he added.
With an exaggerated sigh, Pegasus raised his hand and rolled his shoulders. "Well, if you change your mind or tire of him, Marik-kun…"
"Are you two perverts harassing people again?" growled a girlish voice.
Yami was becoming dizzy from the aural onslaught. Glancing down to the sound of the voice, he was met with a pair of large light blue eyes behind half-rimmed glasses. Long blonde hair curled around a small face that was scattered with freckles, and marred with an angry scowl. Holding her script in a roll with her arms folded across her chest, the little Miss looked every bit menacing as her voice despite her size.
"I wasn't harassing anyone," replied Marik, as he nuzzled Yami. "I was simply asking why Yami-chan, here, failed to give me a call."
Yami sweat-dropped and gulped as all eyes and all ears were on him now. "Erm…" he began. "Was that really your phone number? I didn't think you would give it so freely to someone you've just met, so I dismissed it as a joke."
"What? You saw it as a joke? Did you honestly think I would give my cell number to anyone and everyone?" Marik asked incredulously. "I am not that fickle and flighty, you know! I can assure you, I am the most dependable and responsible lover there is, which is why—"
"—you change your cell number every week, you faithless man!" finished the girl.
Marik glared at her.
"Besides, he doesn't suit you!" she added. "He's better with someone who will take care of him, one who is reliable, devoted…"
"That's me!" protested the wounded male. "I am reliable in ensuring he will get taken care of every night. I'll devote myself in pleasuring him so much that he'll be writhing beneath me in ecstasy, whilst crying out for me to fuck him into the next century and back!"
Yami flushed to the roots of his hair. His attempt to object to the direction of the conversation, was prevented by the Marik pressing closer to him. Uncomfortable with the close proximity of the other male along with, what he hoped was the blond's cell phone prodding his rear; he began squirming to escape. Unknown to him, it only excited Marik more!
"You wish, you delusional pervert!" scoffed the teen.
"Oh yeah? Then who do you suggest suits my Yami-chan?" challenged the blond.
"Kaiba-senpai!"
Gasps could be heard around the room when she uttered the name and Yami temporarily stopped struggling. Marik tightened his grip possessively around Yami and pouted.
"Aw, Becca-tan that is so mean! Tell me you don't mean that," he drawled sulkily. "Tell me that I deserve Yami-chan and I will get you the autograph of Tsunami Mako, whom, I know you have the hots for!"
Aquamarine eyes widened at the offer; her ire temporarily forgotten, "There's no way you'd be able to do that," she gushed. "He is so popular that it's impossible to get near hi—" The excited girl stopped, her eyes narrowing to thin slits when realisation dawned on her. "You slept with him, didn't you?" she hissed, dangerously brandishing the roll of paper like a weapon.
Marik kept quiet, but the broad smug grin he wore, practically proclaimed it!
"DIE! YOU HORNY BASTARD!" screamed the disillusioned girl, as she proceeded to brain him with her script. "How dare you lay your hands on him, my poor innocent Mako… He was MINE! MINE, I tell you!"
"Ow, ow, OW!" cried the assaulted man in mock pain. "Yami-chan save me from this vicious brat!"
Yami was too occupied trying to dodge the raining blows himself, since the other male had cunningly employed him as a human shield!
"I'm gonna kill you, YARICHIN*!" shrieked the violent assailant as her attacks doubled in ferocity; her desire to inflict as much pain as possible on the lecherous offender was evident in her hysterical frenzy.
"Now, now children," intervened Pegasus, as he tried to soothe the bickering pair. It was obvious Marik was getting his cheap thrills by deliberately taunting the incensed female and the noise was beginning to give him a headache. His delicate constitution was suffering immensely from the din that polluted the room.
Yami was not faring too well either. With Marik still clutching him, he was getting pummelled as the blows became increasingly indiscriminating and off-target. Suddenly, the hard spine of the book made contact with the middle of his forehead; it knocked his head backwards—hitting Marik squarely in the jaw. The latter released his victim as hands flew to his tender chin and Yami staggered unsteadily whilst nursing his throbbing forehead; he began to feel dizzy from the lack of sleep, the over-excitement and the beating he just received. As the room swam before him and his head reeling from the pain, Yami desperately tried to reach to a chair, his free arm flailing blindly in front of him.
Strong arms grabbed him by the shoulders and steadied him.
"Thank you," mumbled Yami to a well-toned chest before his eyes strayed up to his rescuer.
Blue-eyes looked at him questioningly, scanning for possibly signs of damage.
Yami was taken aback by the concern he saw; it was a far cry from the indifference, which had been exhibited up to now. Maybe, he had hit his head harder than he thought, hence he was seeing things that weren't there. Shaking his head to clear it, he felt his body being steered towards the rows of chairs by the side of the room.
Gentle hands pushed him onto one of the seats, and he felt a light finger trace the small dent on his forehead. Yami grimaced from the sharp pain it emitted and the hand retracted.
"Stay put for the time being and don't make sudden movements. I'll make sure you go last in the audition so you will have time to recover," a voice instructed softly. The tri-coloured head gave a brief nod of acknowledgment and the imposing figure of Kaiba Seto walked away—unaware that crimson eyes greedily followed his form as he made his way towards his two colleagues.
Rebecca looked somewhat ashamed whilst the stern man reprimanded her; the downcast eyes, the drooping mouth and slumped shoulders, spoke of her misery. Nervously fingering her script, it was obvious she took to heart the scolding she was given. Marik, on the other hand, wore sullen expression. Unlike the petit teen, he wasn't paying much attention to the preaching of his esteemed colleague; instead his mischievous eyes travelled to Yami and he gave him sheepish grin.
Yami smiled back.
After being dismissed, Rebecca made her way to Yami...though Marik wasn't so lucky. Just as he was about to turn and approach the injured man, Kaiba's hand shot out and grabbed him by the arm. Words were exchanged in low tones so none except the two could hear; but Yami was sure it had something to do with him and Marik's detainment, it was apparent as violet eyes darted back and forth from crimson to blue. Finally, with a chuckle, the tanned male shrugged off his restraints and turned to face Yami. This time, he made no effort to go to him; instead from the distance he mouthed the word, "Sorry," and sealed it with a wink and an air kiss.
Yami shook his head in merriment, his lips pressed together in silent mirth.
Kaiba looked murderous before storming off to look for the organisers; his impatience, it seemed to Yami, was at the end of his tethers.
Rebecca arrived by Yami's side and sat next to him. "I am sorry, Yami-kun," she said remorsefully. "I didn't mean for you to get hurt! Its just Marik-san really knows how to push my buttons, so when I fly into a rage, I tend to forget about the possible casualties of others around me."
"I'm fine, Rebecca-san so do not fret about it, okay?" assured Yami, with a small smile.
"But Kaiba-senpai was so cross with me! He never pays attention when I beat Marik-san before...even when I hurt others. But this time, he was livid, as if…" the teen trailed off into silence, lost in her thoughts.
Leaving the girl to her musings and resisting the urge to rub his throbbing head again, Yami stared ahead of him and watched as the proceedings began.
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"…And finally our last candidate, please!" an authoritative voice called out.
Yami slowly got up and made his way towards microphones. The panel, themselves, were situated in a small room with a window looking out into the auditioning area; it consisted of two females: the authors of the manga that the anime was adapted from, an overseer, the producer; and the voice director. Thankfully, all the other candidates had gone, leaving behind just the selection team, Kaiba, Marik, Rebecca, Pegasus, and a handful of staff.
Still, it didn't allay Yami's anxiety, and his nerves played up making him jittery in the process. The fact that he was conversing with Kaiba in the next scene made the feeling worse.
Yami was very nervous.
Standing in front of the microphone, beside the Ice Prince, he cleared his throat and began speaking. The dialogue was short and easy, it didn't require all that many emotions or effort but Yami really wanted the part, so he gave it his all.
However, halfway through it, Kaiba stopped and looked Yami. The latter raised a quizzical brow at him.
"Look, if you are going to do this half-heartedly then I suggest you to quit now and stop wasting everybody's time," the veteran advised tersely.
Appalled and shocked by the severe criticism, Yami asked bewilderedly, "I don't understand, what do you mean by 'half-heartedly'?"
"What I mean is: you are giving a third rate performance!" accused Kaiba.
"I beg your pardon?" the smaller male blinked in confusion, not quite believing what he was hearing. He was doing his best so the reproach, in his opinion, was unjustified.
Kaiba rolled his eyes and huffed his annoyance. "Listen, what part of 'you are crap', do you not understand?" he sneered. "If you can't act then stick to whatever you do best—Boy Love, was it?"
Yami blanched at the remark, the colour draining from his face. "Now see here, Your Majesty, just because I am not well-known or sought after as you are, it doesn't mean you can undermine me on every account. Whether it's my character or my behaviour at the beginning, you have no right to criticise me because you don't know me! And as to my performance, do not underestimate my ability as an actor just because I do 'Boy Love Dramas', I take pride in my work even if it just moaning, panting and sobbing. Voice acting is the occupation of my choice and I am proud of it! What I can't believe was how hypocritical you are! One minute you are rude, the next you are caring and then you are maliciously mean! You are despicable and I HATE YOU!"
Silence filled the room as the occupants stared at the bold man, their mouths agape. Taking a look around him, Yami saw the flabbergasted expression on each and every one of their faces—all but one, that is…
Kaiba stared at Yami and then smirked.
Oh SHIT! Yami thought. I've gone and done it now! I've blown my chance and Mai-san's going to have my hide!
"I think we need a break!" the voice director announced, breaking the silence through the speakers. "Please be back here in ten minutes. Thank you."
Yami turned and left the room, his anger had evaporated after he realised what he had said and now he felt deflated. Tired and miserable with a small bruise forming on his temple, he felt defeated and drained. He wanted nothing more than to go home, take a shower, curl up on his futon and sleep; he could worry about the consequences of his actions the day after.
Once outside of the room, he headed for the restroom. He needed to be alone for a while, so he went and sat inside a locked cubicle until it was nearly time for his return. The solitude did nothing to lessen, either his apprehension, or his dread. Sluggishly emerging from his confinement, he went to the basin to wash his face. The feeling of cold water on his face was refreshing and it washed away a little of his tiredness; he doused his face repeatedly with the water until he heard the restroom door open. Thinking it was Marik he said brusquely, "Not now, Marik-sensei…"
"Then, when?" came the cold reply, a large hand holding out a small square wad. It was handkerchief with the letters: "KS" embroidered on it.
Yami's head immediately shot up, scattering droplets of water around him; fiery crimson glared at the frigid man. However, before he had the chance to respond, Kaiba said, "Dry your face, it is time." With those words, he left.
Back in the auditioning room, Yami stood before the panel. Filled with regret, he knew it was going to be an outright rejection and he deserved it. Keeping his head down, he waited for the sentencing.
"Mutou Yami," the voice director began and Yami tensed up with dread…
"We would like you take a quick look at this script and then act out the following scene with Kaiba-sensei. You will be 'Osiris' to Kaiba-sensei's 'Obelisk.'"
A gasp was heard from the audience as they looked on with unconcealed curiosity, it appears they knew nothing of the request.
Yami's eyes flew to the speaker's face and then slid to the taller male who was holding out the script to him. Kaiba looked challengingly at him, daring him to best him with that insolent look in his eyes and the infuriating smirk on his lips. Receiving the proffered screenplay, Yami dropped his gaze to the open pages before him; his eyes widened at the contents.
A few minutes later, Yami faced Kaiba and spoke…**
"Obelisk! Wait!" Osiris called out urgently.
"No! I have waited too long," objected Obelisk. "With each passing second we spend doing nothing; gives Ra the opportunity to get away! I cannot allow that to happen—not where Kisara's safety is concerned! I will go alone as I do not want to endanger more lives."
"No, you'll do no such thing, Obelisk!" Osiris remonstrated. "The council is about to meet now; wait until we have devised a plan before you—"
"By then it will be too late!" Obelisk interjected, desperation colouring his voice. "I have to do something NOW! Can't you see, Osiris, if we don't seek him out now, I fear we will lose Kisara forever! I cannot allow it! I will not allow it!"
"Then, as your senior commanding officer, I order you to remain until further notice," declared Osiris stubbornly.
"You dare order me like some low-level lackey?" growled Obelisk. "You hold this position not through merit, but through birth, and you think it gives you the right to treat me like a nobody! May I remind you, it is your sister that we are trying to rescue, do you have a heart of stone, that you wish not for her return?"
"Do not speak of things you do not know, Obelisk!" spat Osiris venomously. "I cannot justify the sacrifice of many for the safety of one—even it were my sister. Do you think it does not break my heart, to make a decision like this? Do you think I can permit my best friend to go on a suicide mission knowing I will be losing, not one, but two of the people I hold dear. It appears you do not know me well enough, Obelisk; and with that I am disappointed in you!"
Obelisk snorted. "So you cling onto your selfishness and leave your sister in the hands of one, that is evil and deranged. Are you telling me that I have to wait because you are too scared to be alone? If that is the case then I am wrong in thinking you were honourable and courageous, when in fact, you are cold and cowardly!"
"How dare you judge me with your overwrought sentiments! Tell me, Obelisk, had it been a person other than Kisara, would you have been willing to act so rashly? Your feelings for my sister are clouding your judgement and with that you are behaving recklessly—being a danger to yourself and others. I may not be a great fighter like you, but I take great pride in my work as a strategist. It may seem to you as cowering behind maps and papers, but I save countless lives with my tactics; and with that I am proud of."
"Then let me go alone!" Obelisk implored. "I will risk no one but myself in the process, so it should be fine, right?"
Osiris sighed. "You cannot ask that of me, Obelisk," he replied sadly. "Your skills are needed here, without them, my plans are useless and ineffective. I need your 'Iron Fist of Justice' to win the fight against Ra—the people need your might to keep them safe, can you not see that?"
Obelisk laughed bitterly at the admission. "So you are telling me I have to sacrifice my happiness for a bleak life of misery, just so you can utilise my power? Come now, Osiris, if you are such a good tactician as you say you are, then I am sure you can provide something just as spectacular without me. With or without your permission, I will go and rescue Kisara, so I suggest you start thinking about employing a back-up plan."
Osiris gasped aloud at the insolence. "Carry it out and I will never forgive you, Obelisk! NEVER!" he avowed firmly.
"So be it then, Osiris," whispered Obelisk, sadly. "...So be it."
Silence enveloped the room when the performance was done.
Yami felt ecstatic that he had the opportunity to work with Kaiba. Undeniably, the man's attitude was questionable but his skills were flawless, the acting, magnificent! Even if he did not get a part today, he would not be disappointed; the experience was enough to make him happy for the rest of his life, and with that he was contented.
Able to tear his eyes away from Kaiba, Yami was about to give his heartfelt thanks to the man before him when Pegasus-san began clapping, this was quickly followed by a round of applause from the shocked audience, including the panel themselves.
Yami beamed with joy at the response, indeed, he was truly happy.
Finally, after the commotion had died down, the voice director said, "Mutou-san, thank you for your time today, we will be in touch with your agent regarding our decision."
Turning his attention to the panel, Yami bowed gracefully. "Thank you for the opportunity," returned Yami graciously. Then, turning to Kaiba, he said, "Thank you, Kaiba-sens—"
"It's 'Kaiba-sama' to you," sneered the conceited man.
Stunned and speechless, Yami stared at him. "Wha—" he began and then he stopped. A playful grin began to slowly spread across his face, giving him a devilishly alluring look.
Kaiba's eyes narrowed suspiciously at the change, his lips pursed into a grim line.
Taking a few steps forward until he was in front of Kaiba, Yami pressed himself close to the lean body. With half-lidded eyes, he gazed up provocatively at the haughty Ice Prince, and seductively purred his appreciation, in his sexiest and huskiest uke voice, "Thank you so much, Kai...ba…sa…ma…"
Then, he marched out of the room with his head held high.
Silence ensued as the occupants gaped in wordless astonishment. Kaiba's expression was unreadable.
A wide-eyed Marik finally broke the ensuing silence with a low whistle. With his lust-filled gaze still glued to the spot where Yami was last seen, he shivered delicately.
"Well, fuck me with a feather," he announced distractedly. "I think I just came in my pants!"
~TBC~
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A/N: **I hope the "script-reading" part made sense to you all. I did not want it write it like a screenplay with "Yami said this" and "Kaiba said that" or Yami: "Oblelisk!" ...because they wouldn't have been able to effectively express the emotions, in a way, I want them to. With the way I have written it, I want you to *feel* their emotions and *hear* their different expressions, feelings and attitudes. I dearly hope you were able to understand my intentions in that respect.
Needless to say, I would like to know if the method worked for you or not. If the majority of you are not getting it, then I will have to devise another way of screen playing.
Anyho, as it is my birthday next Friday, I am uncertain if I am able to update anything "Pride" for two next weeks. If I do update a fic, I plan on tackling "Misgivings" since I feel I have been neglecting it far too long now, and I know some of you are eager to know what happens next.
However, knowing how my evil plunnies operate, I might end up updating this instead! *head-desk* So, if you do not have me on your "Alert" list, then be sure to check regularly…just in case I have the urge to let Marik loose again…
Well then, thoughts, anyone?
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*Onjiisan – Old geezer, old aged citizen and grandfather…you get the picture, right?
*Yarichin – Male Slut, "Player".