Murasame Taira – no, Taira Murasame, as the Americans would say– felt that he was at the epoch of his life. Today, he would audition for the leading role in a movie with Hizuri Kuu.

Murasame was in the large meeting hall of Loews Hollywood Hotel. He sat on a plush, hard-backed chair in a corner of the hall, observing his companions. Some twenty other young men were scattered throughout the room, chatting amicably. Murasame couldn't understand how they could all be so carefree – were the Americans really so good that they had none of the worries that had plagued Murasame ever since he had left Japan? Probably. After all, this was the turf of none other than HIZURI KUU; Los Angeles no doubt housed other immensely talented actors.

The simple thought of his idol soothed Murasame's nerves, and he began to trace the kanji of 'Kuu' onto his palm. Murasame stopped suddenly and glanced around. He relaxed as he saw nobody had been watching him. It wouldn't do for him to be looking uncool in a place like this.

Murasame glanced around again, considering talking to some of the other guys, but quickly shook the idea. He felt woefully out of place. When he had first arrived, he had automatically begun a customary greeting, only to quickly shut his mouth as he realized that, aside from a few glances, no one even seemed to have noticed his arrival. Since then, he had been far too intimidated to initiate any conversation. Unlike Cain Heel, these were foreign actors whom Murasame wanted to impress.

Cain Heel. Ugh – the name itself brought back unwanted memories. Nevertheless, his flawless BJ had obviously complemented Murasame's hero, as Murasame had been offered this audition due to his performance in Tragic Marker.

The double doors of the entrance swung open to reveal a figure. In the shadow of the door, his hair was black and his tall figure was robed in darkness. Murasame sat up in shock. Could it be!? The man strode forward and –

Murasame gaped.

The man looked around the room briefly, but suddenly his eyes snapped back to meet Murasame's, widening imperceptibly. Then, with an almost guilty smile, he raised a hand in Murasame's direction. As Murasame watched, the man scanned a list of audition timings taped beside the door. He nodded slightly after a moment, then turned back toward Murasame.

Murasame stood as the man approached him.

"Tsu –Tsuruga Ren!?"

The man bowed his head slightly. "Ah, yes. Excuse me … Murasame Taira-san, I do not think that we were ever introduced."

Murasame, snapping out of his shock, quickly bowed in response. "Y-yes, of course. Gomen, Tsuruga-san, I was surprised to see a fellow Japanese actor here."

Ren laughed indulgently, "I understand. I myself was surprised, I must say."

It was Murasame's turn to laugh. "Yes, well, I was offered this audition after Tragic Marker was released and – um, that is, well, if you've seen it …?"

"Yes," said Ren, "It was an amazing film. Director Konoe really outdid himself. Actually, I heard the director mention that he was very impressed with your dedication to your role."

Murasame looked to the side with a dark look as he remembered what had caused his change in attitude. "Surrounded by the talented cast, I was forced to push myself to a new level," Murasame said as he looked up. "Speaking of which, how was it that Tsuruga-san received this offer?"

Ren turned to the side as though thinking, "I suppose they must have watched some of my recent work and thought I may be suitable? As this is such a great opportunity, I didn't think too much on it before agreeing to an audition."

"Of course," Murasame said, "After all, you were once again named number one actor."

Ren chuckled, "It is an honor of course, but a little embarrassing. There are many great actors in Japan, so a ranking isn't necessarily indicative of talent, I should think."

Murasame looked at him with admiration, "Wow, Tsuruga-san, you are very cool!"

Just then, the side door leading to the audition room opened and a middle-aged man called, "Number 16?"

Murasame jumped, glancing at his watch in surprise. "Ah, that's me," he said, looking back at Ren, "I'll be leaving now."

"Ganbatte."

A/N: I just really wanted Ren and Murasame to meet and talk. I haven't decided whether to leave this as a one-shot, but I have some ideas, so I might continue a little further ... However, this will definitely not become a full-fledged story.

Anyway, thanks for reading! Please let me know your thoughts!