Love on Set
By: Orange Noel
Chapter One
"Ms. Clyne! Ms. Clyne!" An exuberant reporter shouted as he pushed a microphone into the poor young woman's face, only to be shoved roughly back by into the crowd by security.
The sound of cheering fans, fervent reporters and blinding camera flashes was almost too much for the dainty woman as she was shuffled from the back exit of the performance hall into a glossy black limo. Even as the vehicle began to pull out, she could still hear the commotion occurring outside.
Sighing loudly she turned to her manager. "I don't know if I can handle this much longer…" She trailed off, obviously distressed about what had just occurred.
The older man polished his glasses while he responded with: "You're just not used to it, Lacus. It's no wonder too! You've practically became a pop star over night. Had that executive producer never seen you perform that one night a couple months ago…" He trailed off. Putting on his glasses, he turned to her, and placed a hand on her own petite hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "Just give it a few weeks; don't worry."
Smiling, she gazed out the tinted window, still able to see many of her adoring fans cheering for her, "Yes, you're right. Thank you so much Maxwell. Besides, I should be grateful for such an opportunity."
"Speaking about opportunities…" Her manager began, grinning widely. "I got a veeeery interesting phone call from someone."
She gave him a puzzled look and asked, "Who?" then turned to crack the seal of her water to take a well deserving drink.
"From Ms. Athha." He declared, positively beaming.
Almost choking on her water, "I-Isn't she…" Lacus stammered.
"One of the biggest directors around, directing and writing such memorable teen flicks such as: 'Love Under the Influence, 'The Passions of Summer', and 'A Kiss Under the Stars'. She graduated top of her directing class, and was awarded for many of her student films in her earlier years. She's currently the queen, or rather, because of her young age, princess of romance box office hits. She's currently receiving even more awards for her newer films." He enlightened Lacus on the famous director.
"Oh yes, I've seen a few of her films with Athrun before. They were quite enjoyable, very insightful but not overly youthful." Lacus responded while nodding her head in agreement in regards to the 'Princess'' accomplishments.
"Yes, yes, annnnd," He cleared his voice, "She wants you to star in her next film!" He announced gleefully.
To say the pink haired pop star was surprised was an understatement. She was completely and utterly stunned. "W-What?" She questioned uneasily instantly dropping her water bottle onto the fuzzy interior of the limo.
"She wants you as her leading female role. I told her that you'd think about it, but it'd probably be a sure thing. I mean, think how this will affect your career! With this movie, not only will you increase your longevity, but if you do an impressive performance, you may star in other movies!" Taking a sip from his own bottle he finished with: "Ultimately you're career in the spotlight will be secured!"
"W-wow… I don't know what to say." She replied as she tried to recover from the intense shock. Ms. Athha usually casts famous actors, occasionally famous musicians, or models, never a somewhat famous newcomer to the music scene. "Wait Maxwell, I haven't acted before, I don't know how…" Seemingly sounding disappointed with herself.
Wiping his upper lip of the water residue, he replied, "Well Ms. Athha would've never called if she didn't see potential." He replied brightly, trying to ease her anxiousness. "If I have you're permission I'll make the necessary arrangements so you two can both meet up." He began to take out his beige planner from his suitcase.
Lacus numbly nodded, leaning backwards on the comfy leather as her thoughts were preoccupied of what would come.
The smell of fresh brewed coffee over powered Lacus' senses as she walked into a humble corner café with her lively manager. The mid-summer climate tempted would-be travelers to purchase a cooling caffeinated drink. Politely, she passed through many youths waiting for their order, talking aimlessly about their fixations. Following her suit clad companion, she pulled her woven summer hat over her cherry locks that had been arranged in a simple braid. She was hoping desperately that the large hat wouldn't slip off to reveal her identity. Her manager led her to a vacant table, in an isolated corner undisturbed by the heavy traffic flow of the myriad of customers. Gracefully sitting down, she pulled her white rimmed glasses down her nose to wipe the existing condensation caused by both the heat and stress of being discovered.
Looking around she noticed that no one seemed to recognize her or looking at her, for the exception of a group of boys eying her not so secretly or tactfully. Spotting an employee's only exit to the right of her, the rose haired woman made a note to make use of this safeguard if she ever needed to.
Fidgeting slightly Lacus whispered "Why would she want to meet up here? I'm afraid someone will recognize me" While anxiously wringing her hands together on her lap.
"She said it's her favorite coffee house. Apparently this is where she usually comes to brainstorm." He said briefly while scanning the petite store for the woman in question.
Both were interrupted in their business when a low, but feminine voice spoke up. "Looking for someone?" The voice inquired. Evidently she entered through the back, employee's only entrance.
Both turned to see a woman, whose blonde locks were tied in a low ponytail, and covered partially in a black beret. She wore matching black designer sunglasses. The blonde beauty was dressed in a sophisticated gray business suit and accompanying suitcase, which made Lacus feel a little under dressed in her pastel yellow sundress. They stood up to make their greetings.
"It's such a pleasure to meet you Ms. Athha " Lacus said politely to the slightly taller woman while offering her hand.
"Pleasure is all mine, Ms. Clyne." The amber eyed female replied while shaking Lacus' hand. She turned to the man and shook his hand as well, "Nice to speak with you again, Maxwell."
The trio sat down on the Paris style table set. After her arrival a waitress made her way towards the group. She was obviously overworked in both the heat and the mid afternoon bustle. After briefly taking their orders, the young waitress left the party in silence. The famous director characteristically was the one to begin the conversation.
"Well, Ms. Clyne-"
"Lacus is fine, Ms. Athha"
"Well, Ms. Athha sounds too old to me, just plain ol' Cagalli will be fine. Alright, Lacus, I've written a script for my forth movie, and I've envisioned you as its leading lady." Cagalli said as gazed at her intently, almost daring her to refuse.
She missed the intense look as she was looking at her hands, "I've never acted before… I'm afraid I would only ruin your vision." Lacus openly remarked.
"Wow, how modest. Perfect. Actually, acting won't be so difficult, because I've written your character to be very similar. Similar in the way you're portrayed in magazines… Which would be honest, polite and with an undying spark of energy that comes off on stage. I could always make slight adjustments to fit your personality. So, ultimately, you'll be acting as yourself." She explained frankly.
"Well, if you have such faith in me, I'll do my best." Lacus smiled.
"Excellent, excellent. I can't tell you much now because we're still figuring out details. Actually, you're the first one we've cast. We're looking now for a leading male role. We're holding auditions soon." Cagalli told her, while reaching to grab her suitcase off the ground.
"It's going to be a romantic movie, right?" She asked hesitantly.
"Well, of course, I'm not much of a romantic myself, but oddly it's an area I excelled in when it comes to writing and directing movies." She placed a finger on her lower lip and murmured "Maybe it was all those observational exercises in college, or my brother's love affairs…" She trailed off, until she noticed Lacus staring at her in a questioning fashion. "Um, anyways, some people even call me an expert at it, I don't know, they're just movies…" She chuckled lightly.
Lacus smiled. "Don't sell yourself short, I personally enjoy your movies a lot, they're more realistic than most, and don't exploit love by making it delirious sweet. I think that's why they're so appealing about them."
"Oh thank you," Cagalli began, "I can see you're going to be fun to work with. I hope the male lead will be as polite as you." She said, looking at Lacus intently.
"Who will be cast as the lead male?" The cherry haired women questioned.
Glancing down at the pattern of the table cloth, she embarrassedly admitted, "We don't know yet… Casting for that part starts tomorrow, I think." She shook her head, "Anyways," She began as she took a thick script from her suitcase. "This is for you to read over. Don't memorize it yet, just get a feel for the movie." Taking out additional papers, "This is some of the paper work you should fill out with your manager" Turning to Lacus' manager, "I'll fax you additional papers, okay?"
Her manager, who had been silent while watching as the conversed, shook his head blissfully and replied with a "Yes, of course."
"Great, now turn to page 2 on the agreement…" Cagalli began to explain the paper work.
A small light shone over Lacus who was deep into the script that Cagalli offered her with. Her manager sat beside her, reading as well, but reading over the agreement presented during the meeting. The meeting had run late, which was evident now by the setting sun and impending darkness, as trio ended up going to a ritzy restaurant to celebrate their good fortune.
The car came to a soft stop, and the driver opened the door, to an unsuspecting Lacus.
"Ms. Clyne, sorry to startle you, but we have arrived at your home." The driver said respectively.
"Oh yes, excuse me, I wasn't aware." She turned to her now attentive manager. "I'll see you later, Maxwell" She said, and turned to the driver. "Please escort Mr. Fischer home."
"Of course, Ma'am."
"Thank you and Goodnight to you both" She added.
The driver nodded and shut the door, not before her manager replied with a "Goodnight" himself.
She stayed to watch the limo pass her front gates, until she turned and headed towards her tasteful looking home, humming all the way. As she unlocked the doors, she was greeted to a dark house, with some of the setting sun casting dark shadows on her pale walls. Fumbling with the lights she caught the switch and lit up the entrance to her home. Setting her script down on a nearby bench, she swiftly took off her cardigan and hung it up on a coat stand. Kicking off her shoes, she picked up her script and clutched it to her chest as she began to fumble through the rest of her house.
Clicking on the light to her living room, she instantly awoke her mechanical pet, Haro.
He warmly greeted her. "Haro! Haro!" He chanted as he circled Lacus' form.
She laughed at his antics and fondly petting him on the head, to which he responded even more gleefully. "Hello dear Haro." Giggling even more, "I'm sure happy Athrun gave me such a cheerful pet, it makes this place so much more lively." she told her little friend.
Haro began to zoom around the room, randomly saying "Haro"'s and making a variety of beeping noises.
Lacus watched with affection and then proceeded to check her answering machine. She approached the little black box which sat on an equally small wooden table. Her answering machine was specifically used for her friends and relatives only, and was her only connection with them, since she was hardly home. The little LSD screen flashed a continuous '1'. She pressed the play button, to hear a familiar voice:
"Hi Lacus this is Athrun; I'm in town for the next few days and I was hoping if we could meet up. Call me back on my cell. 'Bye."
Beaming from the phone message, she hurriedly picked up the phone off its crib and began to dial the well memorized number. Her steady boyfriend Athrun, of two years was often overseas acting in various movies. He was a very accomplished actor for someone so young. She loved him dearly, but still saw him more of a close friend rather than her boyfriend. True she had been steady with him for two years, but with him often absent, and her often on tour, it felt like they've been dating for only two months.
After the second ring someone picked up. "Hello?" A low male voice asked over the loud chattering occurring on his end.
"Hi Athrun." Lacus said brightly into the phone.
There was a pause and a soft, 'quite down' on the other line before Athrun replied. "Oh hey Lacus, glad you were able to call back." The prattle previously heard in the background abruptly stopped.
"Of course. I'm so happy you're in town, when can we meet up?" Lacus asked while drawing daisies on a near by note pad.
"How about tomorrow? We can go out to movie and later get some dinner, if you like?" Athrun offered.
Smiling she placed the pen she was holding down, "I'd like that very much."
"Alright then I'll pick you up at your place at 4pm?" Athrun asked.
Checking her calendar, she hummed in approval of the time, before she responded, "That would be perfect."
"Sorry, I have to run, my publicist is trying to get me an audition, and I have to take some new head shots, the photographer just arrived." The previous chatter resumed just as loudly when the photographer arrived.
"Okay, see you!"
"Bye"
Once Lacus heard a click on the other end she gently placed the phone back onto the receiver. It wasn't uncommon that Athrun had little time to talk on the phone, whether it was performing in films, negotiating movie deals or going to auditions.
Walking back into her living room, she grabbed her script which was sitting by her large comfy easy chair. With script in hand, she sat heavily in a large, plush easy chair. Sighing she thought, "What am I getting myself into." Haro floated around the plush chair until he landed on the head rest, watching Lacus intently.
Glancing at the clock, she already noticed it was 7 pm. She decided to spend the rest of the night reading the script, since she just finished off her last tour, and her next one had not be scheduled yet, leaving her time for herself. Leaning back on her comfortable easy chair, she began her long read through the lengthy script.
There was a bustle as many youths were milling about in the lobby of a tiny mall theatre.
The obvious impression was that it was a typical "teen" hangout, because of the various youthful looking groups and couples, waiting to buy tickets or concession stand food. Lacus, dressed in casual jean overalls and flower print shirt, entered this scene first as Athrun held the door open for her.
Athrun entered himself, a moment later adoring his own disguise consisting of casual jeans paired with a plain top, thick rimmed glasses and baseball cap to cover up which were probably his more famous assets: emerald green eyes and rich black-bluish hair.
Together they went to stand in line, behind many couples who did not wait to get into the theater to start making out.
Standing behind one ravishing couple, Lacus coughed uneasily and avoided looking at the couple in front by turning to Athrun and starting a conversation. "Wow, what a long line." She stated, observing the long line that was still forming behind them.
"Yeah" Athrun agreed, ignoring the immodest couple, who now began to grope each other. "What movie would you want to see? It seems like…" He squinted to see past the many couples in front of him to read what movies were playing "…they're showing Cagalli's new movie 'A Kiss Under the Stars", and a double feature showing Cagalli's older films, "The Passions of a Summer" and "Love Under the Influence'. I guess we're stuck watching a movie directed by the famous Cagalli, aren't we?" He chuckled lightly.
"Hm," She began by placing a pale finger on her lips, "I wouldn't mind seeing 'A Kiss Under the Stars', I haven't had the chance yet."
"Alright, it got great reviews, so we might as well." Athrun shrugged as he replied.
Lacus smiled but then paused and let out a gasp of air, "I almost forgot to tell you!" She said excitedly as they began to inch toward the ticket dealer.
"What about?" He seemed curious about her sudden outburst.
"I've been cast as the leading female role in Cagalli's new movie" She replied gleefully.
"Really?" He seemed very surprised.
"Yes, I had a briefing yesterday with her. And I accepted the role." She turned to admire a movie poster, both excited and worried that in a few months she'll be on one very soon.
"Congratulations" He gave Lacus a great hug "Now I'll surely work twice as hard for my audition" He told her.
"What?" She responded as she pulled away, "What do you mean by that" She asked looking attentively at his face.
Trying to suppress his smirk he stated, "Cagalli is holding auditions for the male role, and I've set up my audition for tomorrow. Wouldn't that be great, if we acted in the same movie together?"
"Yeah, it would, I would feel much more comfortable… The prospect of acting out such intimate scenes with a stranger scares me." She replied as she gave him a worried look.
"Well, it's no matter; I'll surely get the part. I'll make sure to get paid whatever Cagalli offers me, so it'd be a steal for her not to hire me" He responded as brushed some hair away from his eyes.
Lacus smiled at him and was about to reply when the ticket dealer asked them what movie they wished to see.
Athrun arrived early at the studio for his awaited audition. Ever since Lacus told him about her starring role, he was enthused to get the lead male role. During dinner with her, he had even made an uncharacteristically snobbish remark that he would surely get the part, because of his high rank as an actor. His female companion could just sigh, knowing when her boyfriend got competitive, he became slightly arrogant, it was all because of his sudden fame as an actor. Even with his snooty tone, she still wished him the best of luck.
As he entered the studio, he quickly glanced at day planner with all the audition information written in, by his assistance's boyish scrawl. Arriving at the door he doubled check the room number and stepped in.
He looked around the room and noticed few peered over their scripts to look at the latest addition to the many hopefuls vying for the lead male role. Without thinking superciliously, he mildly figured he was the most known actor out of the bunch. Sitting in a blue cushioned chair, he began to wait for his time slot. His assistant was able to get an early timeslot, but looking at the majority of the other actors, he figured that their slots must be later in the day, for they brought bags with them. Smiling inwardly, he had to give them credit for being so enthusiastic about role. Taking a quick peek at his watch, he noticed that the casting director must be behind schedule. Picking up his script, he began to look over his lines, just to for his assurance.
A moment later Athrun was interrupted from his studying when the green room's door opened quickly and slammed against the wall adjacent to it. Breathing deeply the person came in and announced: "Thank you for all coming today, unfortunately we have already found a lead for the male role. Sorry for the sudden decision, by it appears Ms. Attha found her main man." And with that he left, not before yelling at what seemed to be his assistant to call the other impending actors.
The young blue haired actor was shocked beyond belief, as were the other men in the room. Eventually the once packed room cleared out leaving him as the only one there. He was vying for this role and became severely irritated that it had already been taken since had not even auditioned. Determined to get the role, he began to walk around the studio, his well-known status allowed him to walk around without a care as people assumed he was part of the cast.
After fifteen minutes of searching, Athrun came across a badly lit hallway; though, the intense light at the end suggested something of importance was down the walkway. He was too preoccupied thinking up stratagems regarding how to convince the director and casting director to let him play the lead role that he failed to see a nearby door swing open as lanky figure exited.
Both were aware of the other which led them to bump harshly into each other.
"Ow, I'm really sorry I didn't notice you." A boyish voice responded quickly, as he crouched down to pick up a thick manual.
Rubbing his head, Athrun quickly replied with "No, it's my fault, I wasn't paying any attention to where I was going." He looked down young man as he began to rise from his squat position.
The figure rose up to his full height and brushed off invisible dust of his jacket, then looked up to Athrun. Even through the hazy lighting, both were able to identify the other.
"Athrun…"
"Kira…"
The both stood there dumbfounded until the figure named Kira began, "Wow, it's been awhile from our school days, hasn't it Athrun?" He smiled at the sapphire haired boy, shyly scratching the back of his head because of their abrupt meeting.
"Yeah, it has." Athrun returned a small smile of his own.
"I'm very happy for you, and your success. I knew you'd be a great actor one day, you were after all, the top of out acting school." The violet eyed boy said sincerely.
"T-thanks" Athrun stuttered, no knowing what to say. "I'm sorry, though."
"Hey, it's alright, I've got a thick head," Kira lightly tapped his head for good measure, "Nothing hurts."
Athrun chortled at the other man's actions, and shook his head. "Not only that, that I let my fame get the better of me. I should've contacted you." He stared at the brown haired boy, hoping he would accept his modest apology.
"Oh, no, I understand. You've been in more movies than I can count. It's a wonder how you ever found time for even yourself." He chuckled softly, "Besides, I've got Torii who kept me company all these years."
"Oh wow, you still have him?" Athrun thought back when he made the green mechanical bird for Kira as his graduation gift. "I'm glad."
"Yup, oh shoot" Kira said as he glanced at his watch, "I've got to meet up with the casting director."
"Oh, are you auditioning for a role?" The green eyed man asked him.
Grinning, the youth replied, "I did, and I got it."
Smiling that his long time friend found some work, he responded with "Congratulation. Which part did you get?"
"Lead male" Kira verbalized gleefully.
Before Athrun could reply with anything intelligible, someone shouted loudly: "KIRA! You're late!" The figure was at the end of the hall, the vivid light only cast a silhouette of a thin framed woman.
"Sorry, bye Athrun." He quickly fished out a card from his pocket. "Here, call me on my cell sometime, we can meet up, if you like." He placed the textured white card in the blue haired youth's hand. "Bye!" Kira yelled as ran off to meet up with the shadowed figure down the hall.
Athrun's eyes followed the fleeting figure as he knitted his brows together. "So Kira got the role… What am I to do?" Distressed between his close friend acquiring the lead male role and girlfriend who obtained the lead female role, the young man could do nothing but to walk away and think about this recent development.
To be continued.
Author's Note:
This is my first Gundam Seed fanfic that I wrote last month, I didn't post it sooner because my beta reader was taking to long. But in the end, I'm glad for the wait, because my first draft seemed way to OCC (especially Cagalli). Oh, and the reason for Athrun being snooty is because I'd assume fame would change anyone. And the reason why Cagalli of all people writes and directs romance movies is that I think she's capable of knowing relationships really well, and like wrote above, her movies aren't the sappy, cavity inducing type (more on that later). As for pairings in this story, it'll be Kira x Lacus and Athrun x Cagalli. Initially, it was going to be primarily KxL, but after seeing episode 24, it wouldn't surprise me if it went into the other direction.
I apologize for grammar mistakes as that (and wording) are my major writing faults. Please tell me what you think! Any comment (especially if it's constructive) will help! If this story is liked by anyone, I'll continue to post it here. If not, I just won't bother posting it here, and just continue writing it for myself.