FINALLY I CAN POST
Damn you LJ with your wire eating goats and cockblocking of fic!
Well yesterday was Daddy's birthday! And I finished out the first chapter of Lunar Idols for him. Which means there will be more Lunar Idols forthcoming, so it's like a continual birthday gift because Daddy loves Lunar Idols. (For all the info on Lunar Idols plz see HERE)
“They did it again!” The shriek rang out through the high-rise penthouse, reverberating against the vaulted ceilings, punctuated with a mixture of British and Japanese curses.
High heeled shoes clattered against the marble floors as the speaker marched into the main living area -- the space was open and light, windows on the far wall looking out over Tokyo proper, all the furniture white and glass. A kitchen stood to the left side of the room, large, sleek and full of the latest amenities. To the right side were three hallways, leading to various bedrooms and bathrooms.
“Do I want to know who did what?” The young woman tilted her head back over the arm of one of the leather couches, long hair -- bleached and dyed to a wheaten blonde -- spilling to the floor, and blew a giant bubble with her gum.
“Usagi-chan, you know who did what!” A printout of the latest pop charts was shoved into the girl’s face, nearly touching the pink sphere. The girl sucked in her bubblegum, popping it loudly, and took the paper.
“They knocked us out of the number one spot!”
“Minakooooooo, you take this stuff way too seriously!” Usagi scrunched up her face, handing the paper back to her irate friend.
“This is serious, Usagi!” Minako snatched the paper, crumpling it as she fisted her hands on her hips. “They come out with new singles just to spite us! Every time we reach number one, they pop up a week or so later with something new! And usually with a video aimed to tease the fangirls! Last time they were at a gym in muscle shirts!”
“Mmm,” Usagi nodded while debating this information, finger on her chin, lips puckered. “Though you have to admit Niou-kun is pretty fit.”
“Usagi!” Minako glared down the other girl. “How can you say that? He’s the enemy! Besides,” she narrowed her eyes menacingly, “when did you become so familiar with him?”
“Minako-chan!“ Usagi wailed. “Not like that! We played on the variety show together, he was nice to me.”
“He’s nice to all the girls, he’s a womanizer! You should stay away from him. Well, from them all, but him particularly!”
“Why are you yelling?” Shuffling out into the living room dressed a sakura blossom robe, the young woman rubbed her eyes sleepily, her waist length raven hair swaying as she walked.
Minako turned around, brushed her champagne blonde from her eyes and frowned at the other girl. “Rei? Are you still in bed at this hour?”
The dark haired girl yawned, eyes closed. “I was out late because I traded with you, you dumb blonde.”
“Oh, right.” Minako shrugged and waved the paper in the air. “They’re in the number one spot!”
“Of course they are.” Rei shuffled further into the room, plopped down next to Usagi on the couch, and rested her head on the blonde‘s shoulder. “I assume you mean The Beat Kings?”
“Yes, I mean them! Who else would it be!?”
“Heaven forbid you talk about anyone else… honestly Minako, one would think you were their fangirl or something.” Rei yawned again and Usagi giggled.
“K1-kun kare wa sugee!” Usagi flashed Minako her own trademarked victory sign and winked. Minako crossed her arms, golden heel tapping against the floor, nostrils flared.
“I cannot stand that pompous jerk, you know that.”
“Doesn’t matter if you can stand him or not, you still think he’s good looking.” Rei smirked, eyes closed.
Minako glared, eyes flashing. “I cannot believe you, Rei! There is no way in hell that I would ever associate myself with any of those-those IDIOTS!” She stamped her foot childishly, eyes shut tight and fists balled.
“What on earth is with all the yelling out here?” A soft voice drifted out from the kitchen. A moment later a face -- pale skinned and serene -- appeared, long lashed eyes glowing in amusement.
The woman leaned against the archway separating the kitchen from the living room, and dried her hands. Dressed in a sleeveless black and white dress that billowed around her knees, she looked like a 50s housewife just finishing up the dishes, but the teal extensions peppering her dark brown hair and studs in her ears belied the illusion.
“Michiru!” Minako whined. “Rei is being horrible.”
“I’m only telling the truth,” Rei said, curling her feet underneath her.
“I do not have a crush on Fujiwara Keiichi!” Minako stamped her foot again and flounced out of the room. Everyone waited a moment, quiet, until they heard her bedroom door slam shut.
“Right, absolutely no crush.” Rei sat up, looking more awake. They were interrupted by a commotion at the front door; which had burst open, bouncing off the wall, as two young women came thundering in.
Both were tall; one fair with bleached blonde hair cropped short, her body long and lean. The other with an olive complexion, her long brown hair held back in a ponytail -- she had her hands on her full hips, a scowl firmly in place.
“Oh, Mako-chan!” the blonde sing-songed, throwing her arms around the brunette’s shoulders. “Don’t be sad, one day you’ll catch me…. sadly today is not that day!” She tilted her head back and laughed.
“You’re a terrible winner, Haruka.”
“Maybe you should stop racing me?”
“Maybe you should stop gloating, I can still beat you in arm wrestling.”
“Prove it!”
“Enough!” Michiru rolled her eyes. “You do this every time, please tone it down.”
“She started it!” Both women cried at once, pointing at the other.
Michiru only arched an eyebrow. “Haruka, everyone knows you started it.”
“Michi,” she whined, moving closer to the dark haired woman. “Why can’t you be on my side?” She trailed a finger up the other woman’s arm, eyes half-lidded.
“Maybe you should stop teasing Makoto?” Michiru huffed out a breath and shoved the blonde’s hand away. “And stop flirting, it won’t get you anywhere.”
“It might later…”
“It might.” Michiru turned on her heel and moved to take a seat across from Usagi and Rei. “So why was Minako being all huffy?”
“Same as usual; they knocked us out of number one.” Rei pulled her hair back, knotting it with swift movements.
“Of course they did.” Michiru sighed. “It’s a constant back and forth, I don’t know why she lets it bother her so much.”
“Because she reads all those rag magazines that play it up, and believes it really is a competition.” Makoto flopped down in a chair, long legs swinging over the arm. “Also Akio doesn’t help matters.”
“He never does.” Michiru sighed again, shaking her head gently. “You would think we didn’t have more important things to worry about.”
“What do you expect?” Rei scoffed. “They’re both competitive and hard headed. They fan the flames.”
“They really need to work out their priorities,” Haruka muttered, pausing when all eyes turned toward her. “What!?”
“Because you’re so even tempered about everything?” Michiru blinked.
“I know my priorities!” she whined. “But that doesn’t meant the idea of creaming the Beat Kings in record sales isn’t a pleasing one.”
“As well it should be!” None of the girls had realized the front door had opened again, or that someone had come strolling through.
The gentleman that stepped into the living room was immaculately dressed in a charcoal pinstripe suit, fitted to a T. His shoulder length white hair was combed neatly, and tied back from his face.
He smiled at the girls gathered, arms spread wide. “Don’t you all look lovely today?”
“Oh, god. What bomb do you have to drop today, Akio?” Rei wrinkled her nose.
“Now, now. Can’t a manager simply compliment his singers?”
“Not when it’s you.”
He deflated, nearly pouting at the words. “Rei-chan you are so mean to me.”
“She’s mean to everyone.”
“Usagi!” Rei shrieked, swatting the other girl’s shoulder.
“See!”
“Okay, girls,” Akio clapped his hands together, “that’s enough. I have some news. Where are Ami and Minako?”
“Ami is probably being a good University student and studying…. and Minako, is being, well, Minako.”
“Right, of course.” Akio nodded as if this made all the sense in the world and whirled around, marching down one hallway. He gently knocked on the first door, there was silence for a moment. Then the creak of the door and Ami’s soft voice greeting him.
“Would you kindly head out to the living room? I need to make an announcement.”
“Of course, Akio.” There was another stretch of silence, then a petite girl emerged from the hallway, dressed in black slacks and a cream cardigan. Her short black hair glinted blue under the skylights.
“Good morning everyone.” She smiled softly at the girls gathered, sitting down primly on the footrest in front of Michiru.
All the gentleness Akio had used when he knocked on Ami’s door was gone the moment he reached Minako’s. He banged loudly, his voice carrying down the hall.
“OI! OPEN UP, MINAKO!”
“NO!” she screeched back.
“BAND MEETING, OPEN THE BLASTED DOOR!”
“FINE!” she yelled after a moment, sounding extremely put out. The sound of the door banging open could be heard in the living room, then the clicking of Minako’s heels as she stormed down the hall.
“What is it?” She stood, tapping one foot and pointedly ignoring Rei.
“Alright ladies.” Akio grinned widely as he stepped back into the room. “I wanted to discuss with you some upcoming PR for the new album.”
“Oh, I thought this was something important.” Minako sighed.
“This is important, you have contracts and appearances to keep up. How else do you think we afford all this!” He waved his hand.
“Fine, fine. It’s important. But how is it different than usual? It’s not like this is our first release.”
“That’s the thing.” Akio laughed, a little nervous, and rubbed the back of his neck. “The label had some ideas…”
“If this involves dressing up in animal costumes like last time, please count me out.” Haruka scowled.
“That was for a children’s charity, a very good cause! But no, nothing quite like that.” Akio paused, hesitating just slightly, but in such a familiar way all the girls had a sinking feeling in their stomachs.
“We’re not going to like this, are we?” Ami sat a little straighter, back rigid.
Akio let out a breath and pitched the bridge of his nose before speaking. Unfortunately he spoke so quickly, in one long breath, no one could understand a single word he said. Except Usagi, who gasped and nearly fell off the couch in shock.
“What!?” Everyone hissed at once, eyes darting between Usagi and Akio.
“The label wants us to do joint press with the Beat Kings!” Usagi squealed.
“WHAT!?” Minako bellowed.
“Now, now.” Akio held up his hands, placating. “They have a new album dropping soon as well--”
“Of course they do! THEY ALWAYS HAVE TO ONE UP US!” Minako scowled, hands fisted on her hips. “I won’t do it! I will not do joint PR with them.”
“There’s no choice here, Minako. I tried to get you out of it, I know how you all feel, but the bigwigs have the final say, and this is what they want! My hands are tied!”
Minako took several deep breaths through her nose. When she finally calmed her self, she straightened her back, brushing her over her shoulder. “Fine, but I won’t appear with Keiichi, is that clear!?” She turned on her heels and left the room.
“Is there something I should know about?” Akio frowned.
Usagi giggled. “Not really, just that she has a crush on him.”
“I DO NOT!”
Well yesterday was Daddy's birthday! And I finished out the first chapter of Lunar Idols for him. Which means there will be more Lunar Idols forthcoming, so it's like a continual birthday gift because Daddy loves Lunar Idols. (For all the info on Lunar Idols plz see HERE)
“They did it again!” The shriek rang out through the high-rise penthouse, reverberating against the vaulted ceilings, punctuated with a mixture of British and Japanese curses.
High heeled shoes clattered against the marble floors as the speaker marched into the main living area -- the space was open and light, windows on the far wall looking out over Tokyo proper, all the furniture white and glass. A kitchen stood to the left side of the room, large, sleek and full of the latest amenities. To the right side were three hallways, leading to various bedrooms and bathrooms.
“Do I want to know who did what?” The young woman tilted her head back over the arm of one of the leather couches, long hair -- bleached and dyed to a wheaten blonde -- spilling to the floor, and blew a giant bubble with her gum.
“Usagi-chan, you know who did what!” A printout of the latest pop charts was shoved into the girl’s face, nearly touching the pink sphere. The girl sucked in her bubblegum, popping it loudly, and took the paper.
“They knocked us out of the number one spot!”
“Minakooooooo, you take this stuff way too seriously!” Usagi scrunched up her face, handing the paper back to her irate friend.
“This is serious, Usagi!” Minako snatched the paper, crumpling it as she fisted her hands on her hips. “They come out with new singles just to spite us! Every time we reach number one, they pop up a week or so later with something new! And usually with a video aimed to tease the fangirls! Last time they were at a gym in muscle shirts!”
“Mmm,” Usagi nodded while debating this information, finger on her chin, lips puckered. “Though you have to admit Niou-kun is pretty fit.”
“Usagi!” Minako glared down the other girl. “How can you say that? He’s the enemy! Besides,” she narrowed her eyes menacingly, “when did you become so familiar with him?”
“Minako-chan!“ Usagi wailed. “Not like that! We played on the variety show together, he was nice to me.”
“He’s nice to all the girls, he’s a womanizer! You should stay away from him. Well, from them all, but him particularly!”
“Why are you yelling?” Shuffling out into the living room dressed a sakura blossom robe, the young woman rubbed her eyes sleepily, her waist length raven hair swaying as she walked.
Minako turned around, brushed her champagne blonde from her eyes and frowned at the other girl. “Rei? Are you still in bed at this hour?”
The dark haired girl yawned, eyes closed. “I was out late because I traded with you, you dumb blonde.”
“Oh, right.” Minako shrugged and waved the paper in the air. “They’re in the number one spot!”
“Of course they are.” Rei shuffled further into the room, plopped down next to Usagi on the couch, and rested her head on the blonde‘s shoulder. “I assume you mean The Beat Kings?”
“Yes, I mean them! Who else would it be!?”
“Heaven forbid you talk about anyone else… honestly Minako, one would think you were their fangirl or something.” Rei yawned again and Usagi giggled.
“K1-kun kare wa sugee!” Usagi flashed Minako her own trademarked victory sign and winked. Minako crossed her arms, golden heel tapping against the floor, nostrils flared.
“I cannot stand that pompous jerk, you know that.”
“Doesn’t matter if you can stand him or not, you still think he’s good looking.” Rei smirked, eyes closed.
Minako glared, eyes flashing. “I cannot believe you, Rei! There is no way in hell that I would ever associate myself with any of those-those IDIOTS!” She stamped her foot childishly, eyes shut tight and fists balled.
“What on earth is with all the yelling out here?” A soft voice drifted out from the kitchen. A moment later a face -- pale skinned and serene -- appeared, long lashed eyes glowing in amusement.
The woman leaned against the archway separating the kitchen from the living room, and dried her hands. Dressed in a sleeveless black and white dress that billowed around her knees, she looked like a 50s housewife just finishing up the dishes, but the teal extensions peppering her dark brown hair and studs in her ears belied the illusion.
“Michiru!” Minako whined. “Rei is being horrible.”
“I’m only telling the truth,” Rei said, curling her feet underneath her.
“I do not have a crush on Fujiwara Keiichi!” Minako stamped her foot again and flounced out of the room. Everyone waited a moment, quiet, until they heard her bedroom door slam shut.
“Right, absolutely no crush.” Rei sat up, looking more awake. They were interrupted by a commotion at the front door; which had burst open, bouncing off the wall, as two young women came thundering in.
Both were tall; one fair with bleached blonde hair cropped short, her body long and lean. The other with an olive complexion, her long brown hair held back in a ponytail -- she had her hands on her full hips, a scowl firmly in place.
“Oh, Mako-chan!” the blonde sing-songed, throwing her arms around the brunette’s shoulders. “Don’t be sad, one day you’ll catch me…. sadly today is not that day!” She tilted her head back and laughed.
“You’re a terrible winner, Haruka.”
“Maybe you should stop racing me?”
“Maybe you should stop gloating, I can still beat you in arm wrestling.”
“Prove it!”
“Enough!” Michiru rolled her eyes. “You do this every time, please tone it down.”
“She started it!” Both women cried at once, pointing at the other.
Michiru only arched an eyebrow. “Haruka, everyone knows you started it.”
“Michi,” she whined, moving closer to the dark haired woman. “Why can’t you be on my side?” She trailed a finger up the other woman’s arm, eyes half-lidded.
“Maybe you should stop teasing Makoto?” Michiru huffed out a breath and shoved the blonde’s hand away. “And stop flirting, it won’t get you anywhere.”
“It might later…”
“It might.” Michiru turned on her heel and moved to take a seat across from Usagi and Rei. “So why was Minako being all huffy?”
“Same as usual; they knocked us out of number one.” Rei pulled her hair back, knotting it with swift movements.
“Of course they did.” Michiru sighed. “It’s a constant back and forth, I don’t know why she lets it bother her so much.”
“Because she reads all those rag magazines that play it up, and believes it really is a competition.” Makoto flopped down in a chair, long legs swinging over the arm. “Also Akio doesn’t help matters.”
“He never does.” Michiru sighed again, shaking her head gently. “You would think we didn’t have more important things to worry about.”
“What do you expect?” Rei scoffed. “They’re both competitive and hard headed. They fan the flames.”
“They really need to work out their priorities,” Haruka muttered, pausing when all eyes turned toward her. “What!?”
“Because you’re so even tempered about everything?” Michiru blinked.
“I know my priorities!” she whined. “But that doesn’t meant the idea of creaming the Beat Kings in record sales isn’t a pleasing one.”
“As well it should be!” None of the girls had realized the front door had opened again, or that someone had come strolling through.
The gentleman that stepped into the living room was immaculately dressed in a charcoal pinstripe suit, fitted to a T. His shoulder length white hair was combed neatly, and tied back from his face.
He smiled at the girls gathered, arms spread wide. “Don’t you all look lovely today?”
“Oh, god. What bomb do you have to drop today, Akio?” Rei wrinkled her nose.
“Now, now. Can’t a manager simply compliment his singers?”
“Not when it’s you.”
He deflated, nearly pouting at the words. “Rei-chan you are so mean to me.”
“She’s mean to everyone.”
“Usagi!” Rei shrieked, swatting the other girl’s shoulder.
“See!”
“Okay, girls,” Akio clapped his hands together, “that’s enough. I have some news. Where are Ami and Minako?”
“Ami is probably being a good University student and studying…. and Minako, is being, well, Minako.”
“Right, of course.” Akio nodded as if this made all the sense in the world and whirled around, marching down one hallway. He gently knocked on the first door, there was silence for a moment. Then the creak of the door and Ami’s soft voice greeting him.
“Would you kindly head out to the living room? I need to make an announcement.”
“Of course, Akio.” There was another stretch of silence, then a petite girl emerged from the hallway, dressed in black slacks and a cream cardigan. Her short black hair glinted blue under the skylights.
“Good morning everyone.” She smiled softly at the girls gathered, sitting down primly on the footrest in front of Michiru.
All the gentleness Akio had used when he knocked on Ami’s door was gone the moment he reached Minako’s. He banged loudly, his voice carrying down the hall.
“OI! OPEN UP, MINAKO!”
“NO!” she screeched back.
“BAND MEETING, OPEN THE BLASTED DOOR!”
“FINE!” she yelled after a moment, sounding extremely put out. The sound of the door banging open could be heard in the living room, then the clicking of Minako’s heels as she stormed down the hall.
“What is it?” She stood, tapping one foot and pointedly ignoring Rei.
“Alright ladies.” Akio grinned widely as he stepped back into the room. “I wanted to discuss with you some upcoming PR for the new album.”
“Oh, I thought this was something important.” Minako sighed.
“This is important, you have contracts and appearances to keep up. How else do you think we afford all this!” He waved his hand.
“Fine, fine. It’s important. But how is it different than usual? It’s not like this is our first release.”
“That’s the thing.” Akio laughed, a little nervous, and rubbed the back of his neck. “The label had some ideas…”
“If this involves dressing up in animal costumes like last time, please count me out.” Haruka scowled.
“That was for a children’s charity, a very good cause! But no, nothing quite like that.” Akio paused, hesitating just slightly, but in such a familiar way all the girls had a sinking feeling in their stomachs.
“We’re not going to like this, are we?” Ami sat a little straighter, back rigid.
Akio let out a breath and pitched the bridge of his nose before speaking. Unfortunately he spoke so quickly, in one long breath, no one could understand a single word he said. Except Usagi, who gasped and nearly fell off the couch in shock.
“What!?” Everyone hissed at once, eyes darting between Usagi and Akio.
“The label wants us to do joint press with the Beat Kings!” Usagi squealed.
“WHAT!?” Minako bellowed.
“Now, now.” Akio held up his hands, placating. “They have a new album dropping soon as well--”
“Of course they do! THEY ALWAYS HAVE TO ONE UP US!” Minako scowled, hands fisted on her hips. “I won’t do it! I will not do joint PR with them.”
“There’s no choice here, Minako. I tried to get you out of it, I know how you all feel, but the bigwigs have the final say, and this is what they want! My hands are tied!”
Minako took several deep breaths through her nose. When she finally calmed her self, she straightened her back, brushing her over her shoulder. “Fine, but I won’t appear with Keiichi, is that clear!?” She turned on her heels and left the room.
“Is there something I should know about?” Akio frowned.
Usagi giggled. “Not really, just that she has a crush on him.”
“I DO NOT!”