Chapter 200: The Director

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kuon would have his chance to show up every asshat that tried to deny his talent.

"Are you deaf and dumb," the seething director yelled, spraying Kuon's face with spittle and smacking him over the head with the rolled-up script gripped in his hand.

Kuon stood defiantly, hands fisted and eyes burning from unshed tears. It angered the director even more that he didn't even try to defend himself or cry to his parents. He refused to cry and give this man the satisfaction of bothering his parents. They had their careers to worry about. If he was being honest, Kuon didn't want to get his parents involved aside from filling out the required paperwork. He asked them to stay away, worried that his parents would also see him as a failure if they saw him acting.

Kuon couldn't understand what he had done wrong. He had made every correction the director asked, but it was never enough. His efforts were met with nothing but harsh criticism in response. It was only the second day of filming his part and he already delayed the process with the constant NG's. Kuon could see the expressions of the other adults' present change from pity to contempt. The constant stopping guaranteed that they would be putting in long hours until the director dismissed them for the day.

"It was stupid of me to think that the offspring of Hollywood's elite would have a smidgen of their talent. That's not saying much about your father's swimmers. They must be weak if you're all he could produce. I bet you're a colossal disappointment to your parents. Without them, you'd be nothing."

Kuon gritted his teeth and dug his nails into his palms, breaking the skin. He didn't care what this man had to say about him, but he couldn't tolerate anyone belittling his parents. Kuon stamped down the urge to punch the man in the face; it would only make things worse.

"Forget it! You're wasting our fucking time and costing us money. You're done!" The director spat, making a slashing motion across his neck.

"What?" Kuon asked, startled by the finality of the director's words.

"I want your ass off my set. Don't ever show your face in front of me again or else!" He leaned in closer so only Kuon could hear him. "Let's not embarrass your parents any further."

"Ren!" A loud whisper from his friend and a tug on his sleeve brought him back to the present. He blinked a few times, realizing he was being dragged to the back of the audition room.

"I'm sorry, please give us a moment," Yashiro apologized with a polite bow to the others in the room as he continued to pull Ren further away from the table.

"Yukihito, what's going on," Ren questioned, still a little dazed by his memories. He glanced toward the people staring at them and whispering amongst themselves. Unfortunately, he hadn't imagined the man sitting at the center of the table. The need to kick himself was strong for such an amateurish mistake. The first thing he should have done was research the director. Being too busy was a flimsy excuse. He only had himself to blame for not doing his homework on the production and the people surrounding it.

"I should ask you that question. You looked like you'd just seen a ghost. Are you okay?"

That's exactly how he felt when he laid eyes on one of the men to shatter his dreams of becoming an actor. The defeated feeling he felt when he was a child came back full force at the sight of him and pulled him back into the past. He couldn't forget the harsh criticism he received from this director the day he was cut. At the time, he was supposed to act as the child version of the male lead for a movie. Kuon thought he did well during rehearsal and couldn't understand what went wrong. The director made it abundantly clear to Kuon that he would be less than nothing in this industry if it wasn't for his parents. The catalyst was getting replaced that very moment with a smug-looking Cedric.

Ren took a deep breath. His mouth opened and closed a few times, but he couldn't come up with a good lie for his behavior. He didn't want to disappoint his friend after all the work he put in to make this happen.

Understanding seemed to dawn on his manager as he flicked his gaze over Ren's shoulder to study the people behind him. Ren's back was toward the group so he couldn't see what was happening back there. Was the director ready to snap at him like before because he was delaying the audition and wasting his valuable fucking time?

"Did he know any of them?" Yashiro whispered cryptically. Ren sighed and nodded, understanding that Yashiro was referring to Kuon. The manager glared at the people chatting behind him. They couldn't see him since he was hidden by Ren's tall frame. He heard them quietly discussing something amongst themselves. No doubt talking about him.

"Do you want to leave? You don't have to do this? Everyone will understand if you back out?"

Ren's eyes widened at his friend's suggestion. It never crossed his mind to just walk out of here. He thought of all the work and encouragement he received from those he loved, making the idea of running away not an option. If he wanted to elevate his career in this industry, Ren needed to face all his demons.

The note his father left him on the script took on a whole new meaning. Did Kuu pay attention? Was his father aware of the history he had with the director? He had shrugged off losing the part as a kid like it was no big deal so his parents wouldn't worry about it. His parents never pushed him for an explanation and as far as he knew, they dropped the subject and carried on with their busy lives. Did his father somehow figure out the truth? The answer to that question had to be a solid...maybe.

The way his father had tried to dissuade him from auditioning now made sense. He thought his father was worried about him taking on another dark and complicated role. Perhaps he was also concerned about who would be spearheading this project. He didn't know what to do. Ten years ago he told Kuon to never show his face in front of him again. What if he finds out the truth about his identity and acts on his threat. This could ruin his chance to act in future Hollywood productions?

After a few moments of silence on his part, Yashiro continued, breaking him from his thoughts. "Before you make your decision, I have something for you. Open your hand," his manager instructed and pulled a familiar-looking coin pouch out of the inner pocket of his jacket.

Yashiro handed over the little purse to him. He stared at the pouch another beat before dumping the contents into his palm. The coolness of Kyoko's corn stone was an instant relief to his sweaty hand, but that wasn't all that came out of it. A red folded paper in the shape of a heart tumbled out, fluttering toward the ground. With his quick reflexes, Ren was able to grasp it before it could hit the floor. Straightening up, he rolled the stone in his hand, becoming reacquainted with the rock that took away his sadness as a kid. The comfort he received was instantaneous. He could feel Kyoko's essence seep from the stone and infuse itself within him, calming his anxious heart. Her warmth spread through him the same way it did when she held his hand after the Dark Moon car incident. It managed to bring him out of the past and gave him the courage to face this new obstacle head-on.

"I was sworn to give that to you at the first sign of trouble," Yashiro told him. "I didn't know what was in it and it looks like you're not the only one that knows origami. Do you think she left a note inside it?

Ren's heart surged at the prospect and delicately pulled open the simple folds. Sure enough, written in perfect Japanese was a message from his girlfriend.

It's time to spread your wings and soar high, Corn! I know you can do it!

xoxo

Love ~K

And just like that all Ren's fears and doubts dissipated into nothing. He wasn't that kid anymore. Technically, he wasn't Kuon Hizuri at all. Right now, he was Ren Tsuruga, Japan's highly respected and top actor. He was ready to show them what he had to offer. Ren couldn't keep the smile that split across his face. He had received her message loud and clear and wasn't about to disobey a direct order from his princess.

"Ahhhh, stop it!" Yashiro protested and shielded his eyes. "I'm only the messenger. You can't use the full force of your heavenly smile on me. My heart can't take it!"

Ren chuckled, trying to dial back his happiness and save it for when he reunited with Kyoko. It would have been nice to have her here with him in person; well, not here per se. She couldn't be in the audition with him, but knowing she was close by would have eased his mind. He had to respect her decision to stay back even if she seemed a little suspicious listing out everything she needed to finish with the little time left before they had to leave. He felt a little guilty leaving everything to her while he spent hours getting his hair changed for the return trip.

"Is everything okay, Mr. Tsuruga?" A familiar voice approaching grabbed his attention. Ren spun around to confront the man while tucking the stone and note in his pocket in one fluid motion.

"Mr. Date," Ren greeted the director, confused by his presence. "I didn't know you were part of this production."

"I'm not," Date waved him off. Ren's brows scrunched in confusion. Then why is he here. Did my father send him? Before he could ask more questions, they were interrupted.

"He's here to poach talent," the director from his past stated as he joined them. It took all of his acting prowess to not flinch at the man's voice, even if it did grate his ears.

"Mr. Tsuruga, Sam Wilson, director. I'm so glad you could fit us in. We were impressed with your work on Dark Moon and Tragic Marker. When we heard that you were in town, we had to get a meeting," Sam rambled, excitedly. He held out his hand for a shake, but Ren ignored it. There was no way he was voluntarily touching the man.

His amenable attitude caught Ren off guard, but the actor didn't show it. Is this what he's like when he respects someone or did I get the wrong man? It was surprising that he allowed Ren to have so much time with Yashiro before getting started. The director he remembered was ill-tempered and impatient. This man had Ren questioning his memories. The name was the same as he remembered, and he would never forget the face of a man that helped shatter his dreams. Although his hair was now graying, he still sported the same creepy mustache from all those years ago and had the same beady eyes that he often hid behind sunglasses whenever he could. In fact, a familiar pair of aviator shades hung at the center of his collar. Ren snorted, finding that revelation funny.

True to his Japanese roots, he bowed his greeting not wanting to touch the man and Yashiro followed his lead. Ren knew it was rude to ignore the man's hand, but he couldn't help it. Something in him wanted to get a reaction out of him even if it cost him this job.

"Oh, right. I forgot Japanese do that stuff," Sam chuckled and gave a half-hearted bow in response, surprisingly. It gave Ren the impression that the man was kissing his ass.

"Thank you for the opportunity, I appreciate it, Mr. Wilson," Ren replied in fluent English.

"Just call me Sam, please. It sounds so stuffy when you say it like that. And your English is impeccable by the way," he complimented, making Ren bow his thanks. "Your profile did mention you spoke English, but you never know if someone is lying until you meet them in person. It's good that's not the case here."

"I'm glad I could meet your expectations so far," Ren replied and bowed again.

"It would be a waste of everyone's time if you lied. Ivan was scripted to be an American. My colleagues and I were willing to make an exception for you because of your success in your recent roles. If you're selected, we're hoping you could bring diversity to the film that people are expecting nowadays and help rope in a younger demographic that would normally pass up a thriller like this one. Your recent escapades with Cedric Bennett have also put your name on the map."

"Escapades? Cedric Bennett almost died," Ren snapped, annoyed by the callous way he described the actor's attack. It amazed him that he felt angry and defensive toward anyone who would think less of Cedric. How had his mindset changed so fast?

"That kid has nine lives, he can't die. It's a shame really, we had him pegged for the male lead, but he went off and committed career suicide by putting himself on blast…I do wonder if his attack wasn't all planned to garner sympathy," Sam shrugged.

"What?" Ren was flabbergasted, as his mind raced over everything that happened since that night.

"I've known that boy a long time. I'd like to think I know how his mind works," Sam answered, but didn't elaborate further.

"Don't start making up rumors," Date scolded the man. Sam held up his hands defensively.

It was too late. The director had planted a small seed of doubt in his mind, but Ren wasn't going to go there. Not yet, anyway. He would hold on to the apology Cedric gave him and not listen to a word this toxic man had to say about him.

"Mr. Bennett was going to star as Trevor?" Ren questioned, ignoring the earlier exchange about the actor. It shouldn't have surprised him but it did. If he was lucky enough to get the part could he have worked with Cedric? It would have been a hard no if he was dealing with the Cedric from his past. If he truly did change his ways, as he claimed to in the hospital, then maybe.

"He was, but with his injuries, who knows. The part is up for grabs now," Sam gave him a knowing look. "Anyway, shall we get started? Date are you coming?" The other director nodded and headed for the table, discussing something along the way.

Ren's gaze trailed after them, curiously. Why was Date staying? This couldn't have been a coincidence.

"Ren, you can do this. I'll be waiting for you outside. For what it's worth, I think Bennett-san was genuine." Yashiro gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze then left the room.

As he approached the table, Ren instinctively stuck his hand in his pocket and smiled at the familiar feeling. I can do this!

"Well, Ren Tsuruga, how are you enjoying Los Angeles so far?" Sam inquired in a friendly tone.

"It hasn't been boring, that's for sure," the people in the room chuckled at his comment. Aside from the panel in front of him, there was also an assistant and a cameraman. "I never thought I'd be involved in something like that without a camera rolling."

"It seems like your experience as an actor saved all of you. We're glad you weren't hurt."

Ren flexed his fists, remembering the state of his knuckles just the other day. The skin might have still looked a little rough, but they no longer needed to be bandaged up. He didn't even bother to have Ten hide them with makeup, the injury fit with Ivan.

"Thank you," he nodded. It was interesting to be on the receiving end of this man's kindness. He saw it when he was a kid, but it was never directed at him. He still couldn't understand what he did wrong to earn this man's malice. Maybe one day, he would be willing to find out. Right now, he had an audition to get through and he was ready.

Before they got any further, Ren was introduced to the casting director, Helen Combs, and the head acting coach, Marcus Sanders. Helen's presence was self-explanatory to him. The coach's role was to provide an independent assessment of the actors' skills. He was there to pull just a little more out of them and made sure it translated over to film.

Ren bowed to each of them as they took turns explaining their positions. When it was Date's turn, Sam spoke first.

"Date here is not part of this project. Apparently, some little bird told him that you would be here. Did you know he directed the original? What was it called? Suzie something?"

"Tsukigomori," Date clarified, scowling at Sam. "And yes, your Katsuki and Kyoko's Mio were incredible. You both embraced the characters and made them your own. I'm very proud of what you youngsters accomplished there."

"We couldn't have pulled it off without the guidance of your son, Director Ogata." Ren kept his eyes from narrowing suspiciously at the director. Why was he acting like this was their first meeting? Either way, Ren went along with it until he could corner the man for answers.

"Ahh, I'm so proud of my son. I knew Dark Moon would beat Tsukigomori's ratings," Date beamed. His response to his son's achievement pleased Ren and made him wonder if Ogata knew that his father thought so highly of him. They had suffered some setbacks at the start of filming Dark Moon, but he eventually overcame his anxiety and became a true leader.

Date kept an innocent air about him. Which wasn't hard since the man barely looked a day over twenty (Kyoko's words not his) so to hear him talk like a senior citizen was humorous. He couldn't unsee the starry way Kyoko had greeted the man, thinking he was his son, their director from Dark Moon. She could hardly contain her excitement when she found out he was Ogata's father.

Having Date here turned out to be a good distraction. Once Ren was assured that the man would not give away his true identity, he relaxed. Couple his relief with thoughts of his girlfriend and the heaviness of his heart was receded.

"Now that we're all acquainted, how about we jump right in," Sam instructed. He went through a few equipment checks with the cameraman standing behind the stationary camera set up on a tripod. When the man gave the thumbs-up sign, he proceeded to address Ren.

"The scene I want to start with is meeting Ivan? Have you had a chance to study it?" Sam challenged Ren.

"I'm good," Ren replied confidently. The instructions were to study that scene and pick another of his choosing. He had fulfilled both requirements, but Kuu had warned him that they could be unpredictable, especially if the competition is tight. Kuon did his best to memorize most of the script to be prepared for anything.

"Do you need the script?"

"I think I can manage," he answered the director. Now he was just showing off. Ren hoped he could back up his cockiness.

"Well, finally, someone who's prepared. You might even give Kuu Hizuri a run for his money…" The director mumbled some other words, but Ren couldn't hear any of it from where he stood. He did see the uncomfortable shift of the people around him that heard. Whatever he said even made Date frown.

Did he just bad-mouth my dad? The idea that this man would say terrible things about his father made the anger that had on simmer boil back up.

"I'm sorry I didn't quite catch the end of your sentence," Ren commented in a clipped tone.

"It was nothing," Sam said, flashing him a patronizing smile. That smile said it all. He was sure that he had said something about his father.

Ren counted backward from ten to get his anger in check and once again slipped his hand into his pocket to rub the stone.

"Can we get the chairs set up," Sam called. The young assistant ran to the center holding two foldable chairs. He quickly set one by Ren and the other about five feet away on his left side. "Marcus," Sam addressed the acting coach. "Would you do the honors of reading Trevor's part for Ren here?"

"Absolutely," Marcus stood excitedly. Ren gave the man a small bow when he took his place off to the side.

"I feel like I'm in a karate competition with all the bowing," Marcus joked and bowed toward Ren. The coach became flustered when Ren flashed him his brilliantly fake smile.

"Trevor just climbed into his truck parked next to Ivan's car, and...action."

Trevor climbs into his truck with an unlit cigarette hanging from his mouth, he leans forward and depresses the car lighter to heat it, then slinks down into the seat, resting his eyes while he waits. Several quiet moments pass by as Trevor appears to fall asleep with the cigarette barely hanging off his lips.

"Looks like rain," a disembodied voice called out, slowly rousing Trevor from his impromptu slumber. Trevor blinks awake, startled, and sits up. He leans over to appear out his window and notices the top of a man's head in the other car beside him.

"Radio, says there's a storm on the way," the man continues. His voice is deep, gravelly, and unfamiliar.

"Guess, their right," Trevor mumbles around the cigarette still pinned between his lips.

"I'd say it's already here," the man replies, ominously. Trevor doesn't reply as the lighter clicks when it's ready.

"You on first shift?" The man asks as Trevor lights the cigarette and takes a puff.

"Yeah," Trevor nods, blowing out smoke.

"Me too!"

"Funny, I've never seen you before," Trevor draws out sleepily and leans back against his seat, closing his eyes.

"I've been here, I work in the pit. I just picked up Reynold's shift."

"Where's Reynolds at? Trevor asks, not really interested in the answer.

"Feds picked him up, for a warrant," the man replies. Trevor's eyes flutter close. As several seconds of solitude tick by, Trevor appears to fall asleep again. The man startles him awake.

"I'm Ivan," the man introduces himself loudly, standing right outside Trevor's passenger window with a smile that appeared more creepy than friendly to him and puffing on a cigarette too.

"Trevor," he manages to respond and they exchange handshakes.

"Well, I guess I better be getting back. I hear that Tucker guy can be a real prick!" Ivan comments, smoking.

Trevor sighs, "you got that right!"

Ivan takes a drag of his cigarette and points to Trevor. "I'll see you around," he promises and heads toward the factory. He drops his cigarette on the ground and stubs it out with his boot.

"Cut!" That's all Sam shouts. He didn't elaborate or provide any feedback at all after calling Ren back to the middle. Instead, they continued.

"We're ready to move on to the next piece. What scene did you select?" Sam asked.

"The bar scene," Ren replied. It was the one he practiced with his dad.

"Good choice," Marcus gave him a small nod.

"Indeed!" Sam agreed. "This time, I want you to be Trevor and Marcus to be Ivan. Do you think you can handle that?" The director asked, expecting protest.

"I can do it," Ren answered as a flurry of butterflies took flight in his gut. He had a vague idea of what the director was trying to do and could only hope he was wrong.

AN: Thank you for your patience and for sticking with me. I believe a few of you were able to pick up on who was the director, but why is Date there too…XD. You'll find out soon, maybe. Did anyone guess the movie? It's The Machinist starring Christian Bale. I think it's underrated and more people would watch it if the cast were more attractive, I'm shallow like that…don't judge me. XD

But holy heck, you guys, I'm at 200 chapters already. I can't believe you're all still reading this monstrosity. I thoroughly appreciate it and thank you for the reviews on the last chapter. I HEART you all!

BTW I have to confess. I went and did something stupid and got promoted at work. I've been super busy ever since. Sprint writing with other SB fanfic authors has been my saving grace! I thank them for their dedication and constant inspiration every night to get me writing, even if it's only a few hundred words a night before sleep consumes me. So please have mercy on me for my erratic releases.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^