Lunar Idols: Part 4
Part 1. Part 2. Part 3.
“Don't talk to me!” Niou held up his hand, forestalling any comments from Keiichi, and sank down to the floor of the recording studio. He had the hood of his sweatshirt drawn over his head, and a pair of sunglasses on.
Shiro entered behind him, in much the same attire, only instead of holding up his hand, he flipped off the entire room with both hands. “Too loud,” he whined, sliding down next to Niou.
“It was only patrol, you big babies.” Keiichi rolled his eyes.
“A worthless patrol that ended up in a run-in with Uranus!” Niou said.
Keiichi lifted a brow, “Did she kick your ass... again?” Mamoru snickered in the corner.
Niou slowly pulled down his sunglasses, revealing narrowed brown eyes and bunched brows. “You're scared of her too, so don't give me any of that shit.”
“Shiro said it was fine, nothing happened. You're upset because you didn't get eight hours of sleep. Which is not my fault because Miyako booked the studio.” Keiichi shook his head, throwing his hands up in exasperation.
Niou turned on Shiro, pulled his arm back, and socked the blond in the shoulder.
“OW!”
“You traitor, why do you always report everything to him? Leaving your damned love notes? We could've gotten off easy today!”
“It was the truth!” Shiro pouted, rubbing his arm.
Niou let out a string of curses as he scanned the room. He sat up, pushed back the hood of his sweatshirt and glared up at Keiichi incredulously. “Jun's not even here! I could still be sleeping!”
“He took my interview this morning,” Mamoru said. He had a surgical mask covering half his face, and he coughed for effect.
However, Niou was not convinced. He pushed himself up, dropping his sunglasses on Shiro's lap and pointed an accusing finger at the other man. “Don't give me that horseshit! You are not sick, you lying bastard. You just wanted the TV spot because Usagi will be there!”
“I have no idea what you're talking about?” Mamoru held out his hands, brows tightly knit. “All we ever do is end up arguing.”
“Because you like the attention! You have a crush on the Bubblegum Princess, just admit, you dumbass!”
Instead of dignifying that with an answer, Mamoru frowned - or so Niou thought by the way his eyes crinkled - and threw a pen at Niou's head.
“Mam0 and Usako sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G,” Shiro sang in English, suddenly full of energy; his green eyes sparkling. “First comes LOVE, then comes marriage, then comes Mam0 with a baby carriage!” He laughed while miming a bundle in his arms.
“Everyone quiet down!” Keiichi frowned disapprovingly, arms crossed tightly. “Let's actually get some work done, hm? Since patrolling has been a bust of late, we can at least accomplish something.”
“We can't do much without Jun here, can we?” Shiro said. He pulled down the sleeves of his sweater, covering his hands, and burrowed a bit deeper into folds until only his eyes showed over the collar.
It was at that moment, like a puppy being called, that Junpei breezed into the room, perky and bright eyed. “Morning everyone!” he cried happily.
“Shut up,” Niou and Shiro moaned in unison.
“What did I say?” he asked, brows knit in confusion.
*~*~*
The offices of Elysion Records were modern, but relaxed. The main floor was open, windows taking up two walls to let in bright, natural light, and plants were scattered around the room, hiding desks and chairs.
There was a reception desk and waiting area near the elevator doors, everything was made of polished metal and plush leather. The walls were a dark, garnet red and lined with the highest selling records of the contracted artists and groups. Past the main floor were several hall ways leading to the private offices of the producers and executives.
Down one of these halls, the last door on the left, was the office of Miss Meioh Setsuna, lead producer and co-founder of the company.
The interior of her office was immaculate, but comfortable; something one might expect to find inside a home rather in an office building. The chairs, covered with grey felt, were overstuffed and large enough for one to curl into them. The carpet was plush and inviting, asking for toes to be dug into it.
Everything was softly lit with antique Tiffany lamps, and the study desk was made of dark mahogany, finished with a glossy sheen, and matching the wardrobe that stood to one side. Behind the desk was a large leather chair, with a high back and thick cushions. The walls were done in steel grey, and covered with vibrant pieces of modern art, and one accent wall by the door was the same garnet red as the waiting area.
Miss Meioh Setsuna, herself, was of an indiscernible age; her beauty timeless, and her manner of dress classically chic. Her long dark hair, died with a subtle, forest green tinge, was held back from her face, looped around in a bun that sat atop the crown of her head. She wore a well tailored herringbone suit, the skirt hitting just past her knees with a slight ruffle along the edge, and a black silk shirt under the jacket. Her brown skin was smooth and unmarred, with very little make-up, save a dusting of powder and a sweep of dark pink lipstick.
Her long, French tipped nails drummed a beat on her desktop. She glanced toward the clock across from her desk, set in twisted wrought iron and mounted on the wall, and sighed.
She watched the second hand tick by, mentally counting down. Once she reached 'one' her office door burst open, and in strolled her top two managers: Kurosora Miyako, in a navy pant-suit with a white shirt and a bright yellow silk scarf tied around her neck; and Nekome Akio, looking immaculate in a well fitted, black suit with an electric blue dress shirt and tie.
They glared at each other before each taking a seat in the chairs positioned in front the desk. Setsuna smiled serenely at them, and balanced her chin on the palm of one hand. “How can I help you both today?”
“There was a leak!” they cried in unison, stopping to glare at each other again, then turned back to Setsuna.
Miyako spoke then, brushing back a wave of curls over her shoulder. “As you're aware, the other day Miss Ginga Natsumi ambushed the Beat Kings regarding the label's idea for joint press with 7ucky Girls. This happened before a proper press announcement was made, or before we even had a chance to tell the groups.”
“I'd already told the girls,” Akio cut in.
“Fine.” Miyako took in a deep breath, nostrils flaring. “Before I could tell the Beat Kings. It had been an early day, and I hadn't had time alone with them at that point.”
“Yes, I'm well aware of this,” Setsuna said calmly. “While it was less than ideal, is there a further problem that I'm not aware of?”
“Well, I believe someone leaked the information on purpose.” Miyako cast Akio a shrew glance, which set the man over the edge.
“And of course that means it was me!” He spread out his hands. “What gain would I have from doing that!? 7ucky Girls are under the same contracts as the Beat Kings!”
Miyako twisted in her chair, eyes narrowed. “To make them look bad! You're always calculating, Akio! And certainly always trying to undermined me! There's no real harm done in the long run, other than making the boys look like asses on television!”
“Please!” Akio snorted, rolling his eyes to the ceiling. “They don't need my help for that.”
With frustrated growl, Miyako turned toward Setsuna, leaning forward, eyes pleading. “Must we really work together? You know our history! YOU WERE THERE FOR IT!”
“I was there.” Setsuna nodded. Indeed, it would be hard to forget any of it. Akio and Miyako, or as they'd been known at the time, Mau, had been Elysion Records first signed duo; to this day they were still one of the most popular.
Charismatic and dynamic; they were well trained singers and performers, talented songwriters, and the media sweethearts as a couple both on and off stage. Of course things had taken a turn when the media decided the happy picture wasn't selling anymore, and decided to rock the boat.
Setsuna, as their manager and friend, had done her best to save the relationship - not caring about the professional aspect - but the damage had been done, and Miyako called off their two year long engagement before the duo terminated their act.
The pair had barely been civil to each other ever since.
Sighing, Setsuna shook herself and focused on Miyako again. This would all work itself out. Eventually.
“I was there, and I know how well you used to work together. You know the business inside and out, you both are very talented people, and I think having you both around to guide 7ucy Girls and the Beat Kings will prove beneficial and fortuitous for everyone involved.” She looked them both in the eye, making sure they were paying her close attention. “I know there is bad history, but it's been years, don't you think it's time to work past it?”
“Fine.” Miyako stood and nodded firmly. “I will do my best to be professional... even if others aren't as capable.”
“One last dig, eh?” Akio stood as well. “I'll try my best, Setsuna.”
Miyako opened her mouth to say something, but Setsuna cut her off with a glare. “Alright,” Setsuna said. “Now that we have that worked out, I'd like to get back to work.”
They managers bowed and left the room. Once the door was shut, Setsuna smiled again and hit the intercom on her phone.
A voice answered, “Setsuna?”
“I think it's all going well, Helios. They're going to try to work together.” She leaned back in her chair, while the other founder of Elysion Records laughed.
“Good, about time they finally swallowed their pride.”
“Funny, I was thinking it was more that they've pulled their heads out of their asses.”
“Setsuna!” Helios abashed, even as he continued to laugh. “They really are a lot of work, aren't they?”
“They are! It would be so much easier just to tell everyone.”
“Of course, but where's the fun in that?”
Now it was Setsuna's turn to laugh. “You're terrible, Helios.”
“Perhaps, but you do know it's against the rules.”
Setsuna rolled her eyes; even though her partner couldn't see, she was sure he knew. “Yes, yes. I'm aware. I just wish they would remember.”
“They will, in time.”
“We've tried this once before, you know? The waiting game. They didn't remember anything...”
“They were young, Setsuna. The time wasn't right. Things are falling into place now. All we can do is set up the dominoes and hope they fall together to make the pattern.” He paused, and when he spoke again she could hear the smile in his voice. “You know, for the Guardian of Time, you really are impatient.”
She rolled her eyes again. “Goodbye, Helios.” She closed the intercom, cutting off his laughter.
“Don't talk to me!” Niou held up his hand, forestalling any comments from Keiichi, and sank down to the floor of the recording studio. He had the hood of his sweatshirt drawn over his head, and a pair of sunglasses on.
Shiro entered behind him, in much the same attire, only instead of holding up his hand, he flipped off the entire room with both hands. “Too loud,” he whined, sliding down next to Niou.
“It was only patrol, you big babies.” Keiichi rolled his eyes.
“A worthless patrol that ended up in a run-in with Uranus!” Niou said.
Keiichi lifted a brow, “Did she kick your ass... again?” Mamoru snickered in the corner.
Niou slowly pulled down his sunglasses, revealing narrowed brown eyes and bunched brows. “You're scared of her too, so don't give me any of that shit.”
“Shiro said it was fine, nothing happened. You're upset because you didn't get eight hours of sleep. Which is not my fault because Miyako booked the studio.” Keiichi shook his head, throwing his hands up in exasperation.
Niou turned on Shiro, pulled his arm back, and socked the blond in the shoulder.
“OW!”
“You traitor, why do you always report everything to him? Leaving your damned love notes? We could've gotten off easy today!”
“It was the truth!” Shiro pouted, rubbing his arm.
Niou let out a string of curses as he scanned the room. He sat up, pushed back the hood of his sweatshirt and glared up at Keiichi incredulously. “Jun's not even here! I could still be sleeping!”
“He took my interview this morning,” Mamoru said. He had a surgical mask covering half his face, and he coughed for effect.
However, Niou was not convinced. He pushed himself up, dropping his sunglasses on Shiro's lap and pointed an accusing finger at the other man. “Don't give me that horseshit! You are not sick, you lying bastard. You just wanted the TV spot because Usagi will be there!”
“I have no idea what you're talking about?” Mamoru held out his hands, brows tightly knit. “All we ever do is end up arguing.”
“Because you like the attention! You have a crush on the Bubblegum Princess, just admit, you dumbass!”
Instead of dignifying that with an answer, Mamoru frowned - or so Niou thought by the way his eyes crinkled - and threw a pen at Niou's head.
“Mam0 and Usako sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G,” Shiro sang in English, suddenly full of energy; his green eyes sparkling. “First comes LOVE, then comes marriage, then comes Mam0 with a baby carriage!” He laughed while miming a bundle in his arms.
“Everyone quiet down!” Keiichi frowned disapprovingly, arms crossed tightly. “Let's actually get some work done, hm? Since patrolling has been a bust of late, we can at least accomplish something.”
“We can't do much without Jun here, can we?” Shiro said. He pulled down the sleeves of his sweater, covering his hands, and burrowed a bit deeper into folds until only his eyes showed over the collar.
It was at that moment, like a puppy being called, that Junpei breezed into the room, perky and bright eyed. “Morning everyone!” he cried happily.
“Shut up,” Niou and Shiro moaned in unison.
“What did I say?” he asked, brows knit in confusion.
*~*~*
The offices of Elysion Records were modern, but relaxed. The main floor was open, windows taking up two walls to let in bright, natural light, and plants were scattered around the room, hiding desks and chairs.
There was a reception desk and waiting area near the elevator doors, everything was made of polished metal and plush leather. The walls were a dark, garnet red and lined with the highest selling records of the contracted artists and groups. Past the main floor were several hall ways leading to the private offices of the producers and executives.
Down one of these halls, the last door on the left, was the office of Miss Meioh Setsuna, lead producer and co-founder of the company.
The interior of her office was immaculate, but comfortable; something one might expect to find inside a home rather in an office building. The chairs, covered with grey felt, were overstuffed and large enough for one to curl into them. The carpet was plush and inviting, asking for toes to be dug into it.
Everything was softly lit with antique Tiffany lamps, and the study desk was made of dark mahogany, finished with a glossy sheen, and matching the wardrobe that stood to one side. Behind the desk was a large leather chair, with a high back and thick cushions. The walls were done in steel grey, and covered with vibrant pieces of modern art, and one accent wall by the door was the same garnet red as the waiting area.
Miss Meioh Setsuna, herself, was of an indiscernible age; her beauty timeless, and her manner of dress classically chic. Her long dark hair, died with a subtle, forest green tinge, was held back from her face, looped around in a bun that sat atop the crown of her head. She wore a well tailored herringbone suit, the skirt hitting just past her knees with a slight ruffle along the edge, and a black silk shirt under the jacket. Her brown skin was smooth and unmarred, with very little make-up, save a dusting of powder and a sweep of dark pink lipstick.
Her long, French tipped nails drummed a beat on her desktop. She glanced toward the clock across from her desk, set in twisted wrought iron and mounted on the wall, and sighed.
She watched the second hand tick by, mentally counting down. Once she reached 'one' her office door burst open, and in strolled her top two managers: Kurosora Miyako, in a navy pant-suit with a white shirt and a bright yellow silk scarf tied around her neck; and Nekome Akio, looking immaculate in a well fitted, black suit with an electric blue dress shirt and tie.
They glared at each other before each taking a seat in the chairs positioned in front the desk. Setsuna smiled serenely at them, and balanced her chin on the palm of one hand. “How can I help you both today?”
“There was a leak!” they cried in unison, stopping to glare at each other again, then turned back to Setsuna.
Miyako spoke then, brushing back a wave of curls over her shoulder. “As you're aware, the other day Miss Ginga Natsumi ambushed the Beat Kings regarding the label's idea for joint press with 7ucky Girls. This happened before a proper press announcement was made, or before we even had a chance to tell the groups.”
“I'd already told the girls,” Akio cut in.
“Fine.” Miyako took in a deep breath, nostrils flaring. “Before I could tell the Beat Kings. It had been an early day, and I hadn't had time alone with them at that point.”
“Yes, I'm well aware of this,” Setsuna said calmly. “While it was less than ideal, is there a further problem that I'm not aware of?”
“Well, I believe someone leaked the information on purpose.” Miyako cast Akio a shrew glance, which set the man over the edge.
“And of course that means it was me!” He spread out his hands. “What gain would I have from doing that!? 7ucky Girls are under the same contracts as the Beat Kings!”
Miyako twisted in her chair, eyes narrowed. “To make them look bad! You're always calculating, Akio! And certainly always trying to undermined me! There's no real harm done in the long run, other than making the boys look like asses on television!”
“Please!” Akio snorted, rolling his eyes to the ceiling. “They don't need my help for that.”
With frustrated growl, Miyako turned toward Setsuna, leaning forward, eyes pleading. “Must we really work together? You know our history! YOU WERE THERE FOR IT!”
“I was there.” Setsuna nodded. Indeed, it would be hard to forget any of it. Akio and Miyako, or as they'd been known at the time, Mau, had been Elysion Records first signed duo; to this day they were still one of the most popular.
Charismatic and dynamic; they were well trained singers and performers, talented songwriters, and the media sweethearts as a couple both on and off stage. Of course things had taken a turn when the media decided the happy picture wasn't selling anymore, and decided to rock the boat.
Setsuna, as their manager and friend, had done her best to save the relationship - not caring about the professional aspect - but the damage had been done, and Miyako called off their two year long engagement before the duo terminated their act.
The pair had barely been civil to each other ever since.
Sighing, Setsuna shook herself and focused on Miyako again. This would all work itself out. Eventually.
“I was there, and I know how well you used to work together. You know the business inside and out, you both are very talented people, and I think having you both around to guide 7ucy Girls and the Beat Kings will prove beneficial and fortuitous for everyone involved.” She looked them both in the eye, making sure they were paying her close attention. “I know there is bad history, but it's been years, don't you think it's time to work past it?”
“Fine.” Miyako stood and nodded firmly. “I will do my best to be professional... even if others aren't as capable.”
“One last dig, eh?” Akio stood as well. “I'll try my best, Setsuna.”
Miyako opened her mouth to say something, but Setsuna cut her off with a glare. “Alright,” Setsuna said. “Now that we have that worked out, I'd like to get back to work.”
They managers bowed and left the room. Once the door was shut, Setsuna smiled again and hit the intercom on her phone.
A voice answered, “Setsuna?”
“I think it's all going well, Helios. They're going to try to work together.” She leaned back in her chair, while the other founder of Elysion Records laughed.
“Good, about time they finally swallowed their pride.”
“Funny, I was thinking it was more that they've pulled their heads out of their asses.”
“Setsuna!” Helios abashed, even as he continued to laugh. “They really are a lot of work, aren't they?”
“They are! It would be so much easier just to tell everyone.”
“Of course, but where's the fun in that?”
Now it was Setsuna's turn to laugh. “You're terrible, Helios.”
“Perhaps, but you do know it's against the rules.”
Setsuna rolled her eyes; even though her partner couldn't see, she was sure he knew. “Yes, yes. I'm aware. I just wish they would remember.”
“They will, in time.”
“We've tried this once before, you know? The waiting game. They didn't remember anything...”
“They were young, Setsuna. The time wasn't right. Things are falling into place now. All we can do is set up the dominoes and hope they fall together to make the pattern.” He paused, and when he spoke again she could hear the smile in his voice. “You know, for the Guardian of Time, you really are impatient.”
She rolled her eyes again. “Goodbye, Helios.” She closed the intercom, cutting off his laughter.