Lunar Idols Pt. 2
Here ya go, kids! Have some unbeta'd fic.
Again, this is all because of Rishi (which means I have no idea what I'm doing). Pt 1 is here.
As people crushed forward to the stage, their screams -- mostly high pitched -- were at near deafening levels. The entire thing had been constructed hastily, scaffolds still on one side, electronic equipment and vans on the other. A man and woman walked onto the stage and the crowd grew louder still.
“Hello!!” The young woman waved happily, smiling widely. Her curly red hair was pulled back from her face, and she was dressed in a black skirt and top with vibrant orange trim. Her partner, a young man with mousy brown hair and overly large glasses, stepped forward.
“Welcome to Star Gazing! Coming to you live from Odaiba! Today we have a very special show for you--” he was cut short as the fans screamed louder, pressing forward frantically. “That’s right, today we have THE BEAT KINGS!” he called over the shrieking fans.
“I think I’ve gone a little deaf,” he hissed to his partner, mic covered with one hand.
“The ringing will stop… eventually,” she replied through a tight smile. Lifting her mic again, she focused on the crowd. “Gosh, Umino, I think they’re ready to meet the band!”
“You’re right, Naru. Would you like the honors, or shall I?”
“Oh, by all means, go right ahead!” She held her hand out to one side of the stage, smiling wide.
“I’m sure you know them already, but in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last year… allow me to introduce The Beat Kings! The bad boy with a heart of gold, Matsumoto Niou, or as he’s better known.. 2ou!”
The fans all screamed, waving signs and bouncing excitedly as a handsome man slid out from backstage. He wore faded blue jeans, ripped at the knees, and a black muscle shirt. His wavy brown hair was tied at the nape of his neck, and a large smile was plastered on his face. He spread his arms, basking in the cheers.
He moved toward the edge of the stage, touching the outstretched hands as he raced to the other side and back again. Finally he stepped away and walked to the hosts. He bowed to them.
“Such a wonderful crowd today!” he said, taking a mic from a stagehand, earning more cheers. “Good to see you both. You look beautiful as always, Naru.” He winked.
Naru giggled, one hand held up to her mouth. “Such a flirt, Niou-kun.”
“Only with pretty hosts.” He smiled widely.
“Ahem, right,” Umino interjected, adjusting his thick glasses. “Next we have Fujiwara Keiichi!!”
The man that stepped onto the stage had to duck under the bar holding the curtain in place, he straightened up to his full and waved to the fans, almost shyly. Where Niou looked unkempt, ratty jeans and unruly hair, this man was perfectly put together. His black pants were pressed neatly, his white button-up starched, and his dark vest fitted him perfectly, showing a lean waist.
He moved to the middle of the stage, bowing first to the audience, then to the hosts. The crowd starting calling “K1” over and over. Keiichi laughed softly, held his hands in front of his chest to make a western ‘K’ with his fingers, then lifted his hand over his head, flashing the number one.
The audience cheered, several of them copying the movement. Keiichi shuffled toward the hosts, bowing lowly in respect. “Thank you,” he said as Niou held a mic in his face. He sent an annoyed glare toward the auburn haired man, who only laughed in response.
“Who’s next, Naru-chan? Naru!” Umino nudged his partner, drawing her attention back to the show and away from tittering at Niou.
“Hm? Oh, right!” She gripped her mic a little firmer between both hands, nodding. “Sweet and romantic, he’s always been a favorite with the fans… please welcome, Chiba Mamoru!”
Dressed in khaki pants and a blue dress shirt, the young man that stepped on stage appeared hesitant as the crowd roared. He moved to center stage, the fans cheering louder, waving signs with “Mam0” written inside hearts, and throwing roses on stage. He caught a few, grinning widely, and fell in line with the others, bowing to the hosts.
Before Mamoru could speak, before Umino or Naru could introduce the next band member, a hand appeared on one side of the stage. Slender fingers tipped with chipped black polish, and decked in silver rings, wiggled at the fans and they went positively crazy.
The hand disappeared causing loud shouts of disappointment. Then it appeared again, followed by a slim wrist covered with a black leather bracelet. The hand waggled encouragingly, a voice piping through speaks. “You can do better than that, we can barely hear you!”
The crowd reached new levels of intensity, causing everyone on stage to plug their ears against the ringing shrieks and cheers.
“Idiots,” Keiichi muttered to Niou when the noise had died down some.
The other man shrugged.“They know how to play the fans,” he said just two young men stepped out to more defeating screams.
One was long limbed, his naturally sandy blond hair held back in a ponytail. His jeans were ungodly snug, his black shirt hung loosely on his thin frame. He meandered to one side of the stage, bending at the waist. close to the fans; uncaring as they all tried to touch him.
The other raced to the opposite side of the stage; his spiked hair was bleached to a golden blond, his clothes loose and casual, his movements light and sure. He grinned at the fans, encouraging them to scream more. Finally the two reined in their show and made it to the group. Naru grinned at them while Umino seemed rather shell-shocked.
“I would like to offer up a warm welcome to Hamaguchi Shiro.” The crowd gave up a wave of applause, the long haired man blowing them kissing, his green eyes glowing with amusement. “And to Sanjo Junpei!” The other man struck a pose, and laughed as the girls in the front row screamed.
Naru had finally gotten over her infatuation, and was now in full form. She looked at the band, then to the audience. “Are you ready for a little Q&A?” The crowd cheered and clapped.
She turned toward the band and batted her eyes,“You can't argue with the fans.” That seemed to be a cue of some sort as stagehands appeared, carrying chairs. In a moment the group was arranged like a panel in the center of the stage. Naru and Umino were to their left, fresh place cards in their hands. To the right was a microphone and several stagehands, ready to escort audience members.
“First we have a few questions of our own, and then we'll let the fans ask theirs.” Naru grinned.
The first several questions were specifically for promotion, new songs and albums and touring, punctuated with a few innocuous ones for fun.
“I imagine touring gets a little tiresome, all the traveling.” Naru looked at them sympathetically. “And sharing rooms. Are there any annoying habits you’d like to get off your chest? Perhaps which of you snores the loudest?”
Four hands rose as one unit and pointed at Keiichi. He looked highly offended and glared at each of them in turn. “I do not snore,” he muttered.
“He does and he's loud and he can take naps anywhere. So if you ever lose him in the airport, just wait ten minutes and follow the sounds of a large pig snorting.” Junpei demonstrated, earning a cold glare from the other man.
Naru giggled, hand over her mouth.
“I think it's a lie; he only does it to ensure he gets his room.” Niou nodded sagely. “I only wish I had thought of it first. Then I wouldn't have Jun for a roommate - he's messy.”
“Like you're not?” The blond shot back.
“Could be worse, Shiro talks in his sleep.” Mamoru flinched when Shiro slapped his arm. A fight was brewing between them all, and Keiichi sighed loudly.
“Is it any wonder I want my own room?”
Niou pointed at him, scandalized. “So you ARE faking!”
Keiichi ignored him, focusing his attention on the hosts. “Next question?”
Things settled down for a while, they finished the hosts’ questions, and soon fans started lining up. Most were simple enough, delving into some personal aspects - questions on song writing, performing, favorite places they'd visited.
Toward the end one young woman stepped on stage; she wore dark, skinny jeans, a white button up shirt and a boxy tweed jacket, her hair covered by a pageboy hat. She smiled, shoving large black rimmed glasses up her nose.
“I have two related questions, if that's alright?”
“Of course, have at it.” Niou grinned at at her. At his side Keiichi shifted in his chair. “She seems familiar,” he muttered to Mamoru.
“I know, I can't quite place her though.”
“First, I was curious on your thoughts about the rivalry between The Beat Kings and 7ucky Girls? Is that something that started amongst you or is it more media driven?”
There was a moment of silence before Keiichi spoke up. “We have great respect for the young ladies of the group. They are all extremely talented, and amazing to their fans. Unfortunately personalities clash, people don't always get along, and sometimes we can all be a bit competitive.. which can make some working relationships difficult.”
“I believe you had a follow-up?” Umino prompted after another stretch of silence, much to the bands chagrin.
“I did.” The woman smiled a bit wider. “Given the rivalry, I was interested to know how you all took the news regarding the upcoming press you’ll be doing with 7ucky Girls?”
A tremor of unease and shock trailed through the group, all of them confused, caught off-guard. Then Mamoru snapped his fingers and pointed at the woman. “Wait, wait! I know who you are! Ginga Natsumi, you run that internet blog about us!”
“I do, as a fan. And I’m here asking questions as a fan.” She pulled off her hat, revealing shoulder length brick-red hair.
“No, you're trying to cause trouble.”
“Security.” Umino called. “Please escort the woman out of here, outside press was strictly prohibited.”
There was a commotion as security took miss Ginga away, and Naru politely called for a break. Everyone quickly shuffled off stage, a screen dropping down and a projector playing music videos for the confused fans.
Backstage was a mess as the band searched for their manager, echoing each other with cries of 'Miyako!' Finally a woman appeared, smiling apologetically. Her long, wavy black hair flowed down her back, and she was dressed in a simple black suit with a soft, buttercup yellow shirt underneath.
Shiro pointed frantically toward the stage. “How did the blogger know that before us? Is she making stuff up again?”
“I'm not entirely sure how she found out.” Miyako frowned thoughtfully. “That will take some investigation... I swear if Nekome Akio had anything to do with it I will wring his neck!”
“Right, okay, so it’s true? Will you tell us what the hell is going on?” Shiro asked, voice bordering on hysterical.
“Well, the record company had some big plans,” she said slowly. “Those plans include lots of PR for the upcoming album.”
“And?” Shiro prompted when she paused for a breath.
She sighed, nostrils flared at the interruption. “The PR will involve joint ventures with the band members of 7ucky Girls.” Miyako held up a hand, forestalling any protests. “I don't want to hear it, Shiro. I don't want to hear it from any of you. There is no choice in the matter, you will just have to be adults and put on your big boy pants.” She looked at each of them in turn, almost challenging them to say something out of turn.
No one spoke.
“I will expect all of you to act on your best behav--” She stopped short when Keiichi's phone beeped. Everyone turned to look at the tall man.
“I don't know?” He shrugged, pulling it out of his back pocket. “Everyone who normally texts me is here. It's from Minako. Oh, it doesn't sound like she's very happy about things either.” He cleared his throat and read, “I swear if you had anything to do with this, I will flay you.”
Niou sidled up to his friend, eyes narrowed, hand shielding his mouth. “How come Minako has your number?”
“Oh, um. I d-don't know. She just does.” Keiichi pressed his lips together until they were a thin line. “It's not like I gave it to her.”
“Right.” Niou nodded, dragging out the word. “I believe you. Do you two text a lot then? Is there something we should know?”
“Shut up, Niou.”
“I’m just curious! Hey, since you have an in with the girls, do you think you could get me-OW!” He held the back of his head, glancing toward an angry Miyako.
“You're lucky I didn't hit you with my shoe! Stop being a pervert, you will keep things strictly professional with 7ucky Girls, is that clear?”
“Yes.” Niou pouted, still rubbing the sore spot.
“Good. Now why don't you get back out there and finish the show.” Miyako glanced around to see if anyone was listening to them. “Once we're back somewhere quiet, we'll have another meeting. Alright?”
Everyone nodded in understanding before trekking back on stage to sing.
Again, this is all because of Rishi (which means I have no idea what I'm doing). Pt 1 is here.
As people crushed forward to the stage, their screams -- mostly high pitched -- were at near deafening levels. The entire thing had been constructed hastily, scaffolds still on one side, electronic equipment and vans on the other. A man and woman walked onto the stage and the crowd grew louder still.
“Hello!!” The young woman waved happily, smiling widely. Her curly red hair was pulled back from her face, and she was dressed in a black skirt and top with vibrant orange trim. Her partner, a young man with mousy brown hair and overly large glasses, stepped forward.
“Welcome to Star Gazing! Coming to you live from Odaiba! Today we have a very special show for you--” he was cut short as the fans screamed louder, pressing forward frantically. “That’s right, today we have THE BEAT KINGS!” he called over the shrieking fans.
“I think I’ve gone a little deaf,” he hissed to his partner, mic covered with one hand.
“The ringing will stop… eventually,” she replied through a tight smile. Lifting her mic again, she focused on the crowd. “Gosh, Umino, I think they’re ready to meet the band!”
“You’re right, Naru. Would you like the honors, or shall I?”
“Oh, by all means, go right ahead!” She held her hand out to one side of the stage, smiling wide.
“I’m sure you know them already, but in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last year… allow me to introduce The Beat Kings! The bad boy with a heart of gold, Matsumoto Niou, or as he’s better known.. 2ou!”
The fans all screamed, waving signs and bouncing excitedly as a handsome man slid out from backstage. He wore faded blue jeans, ripped at the knees, and a black muscle shirt. His wavy brown hair was tied at the nape of his neck, and a large smile was plastered on his face. He spread his arms, basking in the cheers.
He moved toward the edge of the stage, touching the outstretched hands as he raced to the other side and back again. Finally he stepped away and walked to the hosts. He bowed to them.
“Such a wonderful crowd today!” he said, taking a mic from a stagehand, earning more cheers. “Good to see you both. You look beautiful as always, Naru.” He winked.
Naru giggled, one hand held up to her mouth. “Such a flirt, Niou-kun.”
“Only with pretty hosts.” He smiled widely.
“Ahem, right,” Umino interjected, adjusting his thick glasses. “Next we have Fujiwara Keiichi!!”
The man that stepped onto the stage had to duck under the bar holding the curtain in place, he straightened up to his full and waved to the fans, almost shyly. Where Niou looked unkempt, ratty jeans and unruly hair, this man was perfectly put together. His black pants were pressed neatly, his white button-up starched, and his dark vest fitted him perfectly, showing a lean waist.
He moved to the middle of the stage, bowing first to the audience, then to the hosts. The crowd starting calling “K1” over and over. Keiichi laughed softly, held his hands in front of his chest to make a western ‘K’ with his fingers, then lifted his hand over his head, flashing the number one.
The audience cheered, several of them copying the movement. Keiichi shuffled toward the hosts, bowing lowly in respect. “Thank you,” he said as Niou held a mic in his face. He sent an annoyed glare toward the auburn haired man, who only laughed in response.
“Who’s next, Naru-chan? Naru!” Umino nudged his partner, drawing her attention back to the show and away from tittering at Niou.
“Hm? Oh, right!” She gripped her mic a little firmer between both hands, nodding. “Sweet and romantic, he’s always been a favorite with the fans… please welcome, Chiba Mamoru!”
Dressed in khaki pants and a blue dress shirt, the young man that stepped on stage appeared hesitant as the crowd roared. He moved to center stage, the fans cheering louder, waving signs with “Mam0” written inside hearts, and throwing roses on stage. He caught a few, grinning widely, and fell in line with the others, bowing to the hosts.
Before Mamoru could speak, before Umino or Naru could introduce the next band member, a hand appeared on one side of the stage. Slender fingers tipped with chipped black polish, and decked in silver rings, wiggled at the fans and they went positively crazy.
The hand disappeared causing loud shouts of disappointment. Then it appeared again, followed by a slim wrist covered with a black leather bracelet. The hand waggled encouragingly, a voice piping through speaks. “You can do better than that, we can barely hear you!”
The crowd reached new levels of intensity, causing everyone on stage to plug their ears against the ringing shrieks and cheers.
“Idiots,” Keiichi muttered to Niou when the noise had died down some.
The other man shrugged.“They know how to play the fans,” he said just two young men stepped out to more defeating screams.
One was long limbed, his naturally sandy blond hair held back in a ponytail. His jeans were ungodly snug, his black shirt hung loosely on his thin frame. He meandered to one side of the stage, bending at the waist. close to the fans; uncaring as they all tried to touch him.
The other raced to the opposite side of the stage; his spiked hair was bleached to a golden blond, his clothes loose and casual, his movements light and sure. He grinned at the fans, encouraging them to scream more. Finally the two reined in their show and made it to the group. Naru grinned at them while Umino seemed rather shell-shocked.
“I would like to offer up a warm welcome to Hamaguchi Shiro.” The crowd gave up a wave of applause, the long haired man blowing them kissing, his green eyes glowing with amusement. “And to Sanjo Junpei!” The other man struck a pose, and laughed as the girls in the front row screamed.
Naru had finally gotten over her infatuation, and was now in full form. She looked at the band, then to the audience. “Are you ready for a little Q&A?” The crowd cheered and clapped.
She turned toward the band and batted her eyes,“You can't argue with the fans.” That seemed to be a cue of some sort as stagehands appeared, carrying chairs. In a moment the group was arranged like a panel in the center of the stage. Naru and Umino were to their left, fresh place cards in their hands. To the right was a microphone and several stagehands, ready to escort audience members.
“First we have a few questions of our own, and then we'll let the fans ask theirs.” Naru grinned.
The first several questions were specifically for promotion, new songs and albums and touring, punctuated with a few innocuous ones for fun.
“I imagine touring gets a little tiresome, all the traveling.” Naru looked at them sympathetically. “And sharing rooms. Are there any annoying habits you’d like to get off your chest? Perhaps which of you snores the loudest?”
Four hands rose as one unit and pointed at Keiichi. He looked highly offended and glared at each of them in turn. “I do not snore,” he muttered.
“He does and he's loud and he can take naps anywhere. So if you ever lose him in the airport, just wait ten minutes and follow the sounds of a large pig snorting.” Junpei demonstrated, earning a cold glare from the other man.
Naru giggled, hand over her mouth.
“I think it's a lie; he only does it to ensure he gets his room.” Niou nodded sagely. “I only wish I had thought of it first. Then I wouldn't have Jun for a roommate - he's messy.”
“Like you're not?” The blond shot back.
“Could be worse, Shiro talks in his sleep.” Mamoru flinched when Shiro slapped his arm. A fight was brewing between them all, and Keiichi sighed loudly.
“Is it any wonder I want my own room?”
Niou pointed at him, scandalized. “So you ARE faking!”
Keiichi ignored him, focusing his attention on the hosts. “Next question?”
Things settled down for a while, they finished the hosts’ questions, and soon fans started lining up. Most were simple enough, delving into some personal aspects - questions on song writing, performing, favorite places they'd visited.
Toward the end one young woman stepped on stage; she wore dark, skinny jeans, a white button up shirt and a boxy tweed jacket, her hair covered by a pageboy hat. She smiled, shoving large black rimmed glasses up her nose.
“I have two related questions, if that's alright?”
“Of course, have at it.” Niou grinned at at her. At his side Keiichi shifted in his chair. “She seems familiar,” he muttered to Mamoru.
“I know, I can't quite place her though.”
“First, I was curious on your thoughts about the rivalry between The Beat Kings and 7ucky Girls? Is that something that started amongst you or is it more media driven?”
There was a moment of silence before Keiichi spoke up. “We have great respect for the young ladies of the group. They are all extremely talented, and amazing to their fans. Unfortunately personalities clash, people don't always get along, and sometimes we can all be a bit competitive.. which can make some working relationships difficult.”
“I believe you had a follow-up?” Umino prompted after another stretch of silence, much to the bands chagrin.
“I did.” The woman smiled a bit wider. “Given the rivalry, I was interested to know how you all took the news regarding the upcoming press you’ll be doing with 7ucky Girls?”
A tremor of unease and shock trailed through the group, all of them confused, caught off-guard. Then Mamoru snapped his fingers and pointed at the woman. “Wait, wait! I know who you are! Ginga Natsumi, you run that internet blog about us!”
“I do, as a fan. And I’m here asking questions as a fan.” She pulled off her hat, revealing shoulder length brick-red hair.
“No, you're trying to cause trouble.”
“Security.” Umino called. “Please escort the woman out of here, outside press was strictly prohibited.”
There was a commotion as security took miss Ginga away, and Naru politely called for a break. Everyone quickly shuffled off stage, a screen dropping down and a projector playing music videos for the confused fans.
Backstage was a mess as the band searched for their manager, echoing each other with cries of 'Miyako!' Finally a woman appeared, smiling apologetically. Her long, wavy black hair flowed down her back, and she was dressed in a simple black suit with a soft, buttercup yellow shirt underneath.
Shiro pointed frantically toward the stage. “How did the blogger know that before us? Is she making stuff up again?”
“I'm not entirely sure how she found out.” Miyako frowned thoughtfully. “That will take some investigation... I swear if Nekome Akio had anything to do with it I will wring his neck!”
“Right, okay, so it’s true? Will you tell us what the hell is going on?” Shiro asked, voice bordering on hysterical.
“Well, the record company had some big plans,” she said slowly. “Those plans include lots of PR for the upcoming album.”
“And?” Shiro prompted when she paused for a breath.
She sighed, nostrils flared at the interruption. “The PR will involve joint ventures with the band members of 7ucky Girls.” Miyako held up a hand, forestalling any protests. “I don't want to hear it, Shiro. I don't want to hear it from any of you. There is no choice in the matter, you will just have to be adults and put on your big boy pants.” She looked at each of them in turn, almost challenging them to say something out of turn.
No one spoke.
“I will expect all of you to act on your best behav--” She stopped short when Keiichi's phone beeped. Everyone turned to look at the tall man.
“I don't know?” He shrugged, pulling it out of his back pocket. “Everyone who normally texts me is here. It's from Minako. Oh, it doesn't sound like she's very happy about things either.” He cleared his throat and read, “I swear if you had anything to do with this, I will flay you.”
Niou sidled up to his friend, eyes narrowed, hand shielding his mouth. “How come Minako has your number?”
“Oh, um. I d-don't know. She just does.” Keiichi pressed his lips together until they were a thin line. “It's not like I gave it to her.”
“Right.” Niou nodded, dragging out the word. “I believe you. Do you two text a lot then? Is there something we should know?”
“Shut up, Niou.”
“I’m just curious! Hey, since you have an in with the girls, do you think you could get me-OW!” He held the back of his head, glancing toward an angry Miyako.
“You're lucky I didn't hit you with my shoe! Stop being a pervert, you will keep things strictly professional with 7ucky Girls, is that clear?”
“Yes.” Niou pouted, still rubbing the sore spot.
“Good. Now why don't you get back out there and finish the show.” Miyako glanced around to see if anyone was listening to them. “Once we're back somewhere quiet, we'll have another meeting. Alright?”
Everyone nodded in understanding before trekking back on stage to sing.