FAKE Fic: Unpredictable - Follows ‘Schmoozing’
Title: Unpredictable - Follows ‘ Schmoozing’
Fandom: FAKE
Author: badly_knitted
Characters: Dee, Ryo, OCs.
Rating: PG
Setting: Stuntman AU.
Summary: The unexpected rain is seriously going to mess up the movie’s filming schedule, unless the stuntmen are willing to work in the downpour.
Word Count: 2002
Written For: Theme Prompt: 064 - Rainy Day at fandomweekly.
Disclaimer: I don’t own FAKE, or the characters. They belong to the wonderful Sanami Matoh.
Dee peered out the trailer window through the driving rain, watching people clad in whatever wet weather gear they could get their hands on scurrying about with waterproof tarps and plastic sheeting, doing their best to protect expensive equipment.
“Whelp, that’s us royally screwed,” he said dismally. “It’s really comin’ down out there. Was this even forecast?”
“What’re you asking me for?” Ryo was sitting at the small table, going over the blocking for the next stunt. “I was on the shoot last night, the wire stunt, remember? I didn’t stick around to check the weather forecast; I headed back to the hotel and hit the hay right after I was through for the night, so I’d be rested and ready for today.”
“Right, sorry, forgot. It’s just, you usually know this stuff; you don’t leave anything to chance if you can help it.” The life of a stuntman was dangerous enough without taking unnecessary chances with unpredictable things like the weather.
“You could’ve checked the forecast yourself,” Ryo pointed out, glancing over his shoulder at his friend and fellow stuntman.
They’d grown used to sharing a trailer and hanging out together between takes; this was the third time they’d worked together in the eight months or so since they’d first met on the set of a big, star-studded Hollywood action movie, where they’d quickly become close friends.
This movie had a much smaller budget, but it was paying work and it slotted neatly into their schedules; it was set to wrap just before they were due on the set to begin filming the next Devon Hall blockbuster, where Ryo was to be the star’s stunt double while Dee once again doubled for the villain. Although, if the rain kept up, filming might well fall behind schedule, which would be bad.
“Could’ve but I didn’t. Obviously.” Dee flashed a grin at the man he wished was more than just his best friend. “Maybe they could change things around a bit and shoot the inside stuff first, get around the weather that way.”
“Perhaps.” Ryo sounded dubious. “But if the rain’s set in for the day that won’t help much.” He reached for his phone and pulled up the forecast, making a sound of annoyance.
“What?” Dee pushed away from the window.
“According to this, we’re getting the edge of a tropical storm that’s unexpectedly changed direction. We can look forward to heavy rain for the next three days at least.”
“Oh great.” Dee sauntered over and slumped onto the seat opposite Ryo. “Not just screwed but officially sunk. All we’ve got left to shoot are the outdoor stunts; if production’s halted for three days we’re gonna be stuck here longer than planned and that’s gonna screw up the filmin’ schedule for the next movie. We still gotta get across country when we’re wrapped here. Might haveta change our plans and splash out on air fare.”
This movie was currently filming on location in New Orleans, whereas the next one would be shooting at one of the major studios in Hollywood. They’d planned on driving back to L.A., a self-indulgent road trip, snatching a few days of downtime between one gig and the next.
There was a thoughtful look on Ryo’s face as he studied the sketches and plans in front of him. “There is another option, if you’re up for it.”
“Whaddaya mean?”
“Maybe filming doesn’t have to stop. How d’you feel about getting a bit wet?”
Dee stared across the table as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You can’t be serious! You wanna go ahead and film in that?” He gestured towards the rain streaming down the trailer’s windows. “It’s like a frickin’ monsoon out there; we’d drown!”
Ryo snorted, amused. “Drama queen! Okay, it’s coming down pretty hard, but that could work in our favour. There’s no special equipment required for the next stunt, it’s a straightforward fight scene, just slugging it out in the middle of the street; the rain would add drama.”
“Yeah, but then you’re supposed to break away, I give chase, and there’s the fall where you lose your balance and go over the railin’, and I try to save ya. I checked the spot earlier and it’s a helluva long way down.”
“Into an airbag.”
“Well yeah, but in weather like this it’ll be like fallin’ into a lake!”
“Hello, have you met me? Water stunts are my specialty, remember? If I can fall from twelve storeys up into a swimming pool, I think I can handle falling from eighty feet up into a few inches of water on an airbag without drowning.”
Dee sat back. “Yeah, you’re right; you know what you’re doin’. Fine; if you’re game, so am I. Guess that means we’d better go see what everyone else thinks.”
The director was up for anything that wouldn’t put the production behind schedule, the camera crew were willing to follow his lead, and the actors Dee and Ryo were doubling for said they didn’t mind getting wet, agreeing that the rain and slippery conditions might actually work better for the scene in question, making more sense of Ryo tumbling over the railing. That way it would be a tragic accident instead of a foolhardy mistake that led to the character being seriously injured.
Suitable protection was soon rigged for the camera equipment, and in the pouring rain, the fight was on.
Dee and Ryo staggered from one side of the street to the other, drenched to the skin, kicking and punching, falling down only to get back up again, and floundering through puddles as the rain cascaded down around them, obscuring their faces enough that no one would be able to tell it wasn’t the two lead actors beating each other up. At the prearranged point in the action, Ryo ‘kicked’ Dee’s legs out from under him, leaving him dazed on the ground, and took off down the street. Dee dragged himself to his feet and set off in pursuit at a limping run.
The next scene had Dee catching up on a rain-soaked terrace above a sheer drop, Ryo backing away, then slipping on the rain-slick surface and falling over the edge, just barely managing to snatch hold of the railing. Dee lunged forward, desperately grabbing for him, but Ryo’s fingers slipped off the wet metal and down he went, with Dee leaning over, hand outstretched. The director called “Cut!” and the crew applauded, everyone agreeing the stunt looked very effective.
As Ryo sat up on the airbag below, Dee impulsively leapt over the railing to join him, landing in a massive spray of water, most of which hit his friend in the face.
Ryo laughed, slicking his dripping hair back out of his eyes. “I can’t believe you did that! You’re crazy!”
Dee shrugged. “Hey, stuntman; goes with the territory, right? Gotta be a little crazy to jump off buildings for a livin’. ‘Sides, it was the quickest way down. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“I’m fine. Wet, but fine.”
“Well duh; it’s rainin’, dumbass!”
“Oddly enough I noticed that.”
The rain chose that moment to come down even harder, thunder rumbling in the distance. Ryo squinted up at the leaden sky. “We should probably get off this airbag and find some shelter before we get any wetter.”
“I don’t think that’s even possible.”
“Maybe not, but I’d just as soon not wait around to find out. I’m getting a bit chilly.”
The pair of them looked like drowned rats, but right then Dee didn’t care; Ryo was gorgeous no matter what. Still, he was also right; shelter, dry clothes, and hot coffee were what they needed. A chance to warm up before their next stunt, where their two characters crashed their cars into each other. The pouring rain would make that seem less contrived as well; poor visibility and wet roads conspiring to cause the collision leading to the fight they just filmed.
“Yeah, I am too, now you mention it. Okay, after you, bud.” In Dee’s considered opinion, getting to stare at Ryo’s rear, with his pants clinging to every curve, was well worth getting saturated for.
Airbags were not particularly good for standing up on though, the surface was too soft and yielding, making crawling a better option than walking. They also weren’t inflated as much as bouncy castles because they were designed to cushion a fall, absorbing kinetic energy rather than imparting it, so as the two men both tried to get to their knees at the same time they sent ripples through the heavy fabric, lost their balance, and fell into each other’s arms, clinging together and laughing at the absurdity that was their lives.
Which of them made the first move neither man could say, but suddenly they were kissing as the rain pounded down around them. When they finally broke apart, Ryo just stared at his friend for a long moment; it was as though he was really seeing Dee for the first time. He blinked the rain from his eyes, brushed wet hair out of his face, and smiled tentatively.
“I think I love you,” he murmured.
Dee’s face lit up with the widest smile imaginable.
“Finally! Took ya long enough; I’ve been crazy in love with you since the day we met.”
“You have?”
“Yeah. You seriously didn’t know? Man, you can be such an airhead! I kept flirtin’ with ya and droppin’ hints, but I just figured you must not be into me that way.”
Ryo blushed. “Sorry. I’ve never really gotten the whole flirting thing,” he admitted. “What’s the difference between flirting and just being friendly? Never could figure that out. So what happens now?”
“Now, we get off this damn airbag and get dry; we’re not done for the day yet, still got one more stunt to do, and it’s the big one so we gotta keep our heads in the game. But later… I guess we could maybe order room service and then just play it by ear. Whaddaya think?”
“Okay, sounds good.” Ryo looked down at the water pooling around their knees; it was already about six inches deep. “Better move before we have to swim for it.”
“Lead the way; I’ll be right behind ya, takin’ in the view.”
Laughing, they scrabbled towards the edge of the airbag and dropped to the ground. Dee couldn’t stop smiling; to think only a couple of hours ago he’d been complaining about the rain, and now he felt like dancing through it all the way back to their trailer. Tipping his head back he let out a whoop of sheer joy! This had to be the best day of his life!
Then Ryo caught him by the hand and tugged. “Come on, doofus! Or do you want to stand out here for the rest of the day, soaking wet?”
Dee turned a giddy grin on the man he loved. “Wouldn’t matter if we did; it’s not like we’re gonna shrink or anything.”
“Maybe not, but I’d still rather get out of these wet clothes.”
Now that was an appealing prospect. Despite the water-laden air, Dee’s mouth went dry, and it took him a moment to find his voice.
“Y’know, I could help you with that.”
Ryo smiled. “I seem to remember you making that offer once before.” He hesitated, blushing again. “Maybe this time I’ll take you up on it.”
“Yeah? What’re we just standin’ around here for then? C’mon, race ya back!”
It wasn’t much of a race; hand in hand, they took off at a run, splashing through puddles, pausing once they were out of sight of the film crew and spectators to kiss again before continuing on at a slower pace. Suddenly there didn’t seem to be any rush.
Dee slipped his arm around Ryo as they walked, relishing the warmth where their bodies touched. He was never going to look at rainy days quite the same way again.
TBC in: ' On Location'
Fandom: FAKE
Author: badly_knitted
Characters: Dee, Ryo, OCs.
Rating: PG
Setting: Stuntman AU.
Summary: The unexpected rain is seriously going to mess up the movie’s filming schedule, unless the stuntmen are willing to work in the downpour.
Word Count: 2002
Written For: Theme Prompt: 064 - Rainy Day at fandomweekly.
Disclaimer: I don’t own FAKE, or the characters. They belong to the wonderful Sanami Matoh.
Dee peered out the trailer window through the driving rain, watching people clad in whatever wet weather gear they could get their hands on scurrying about with waterproof tarps and plastic sheeting, doing their best to protect expensive equipment.
“Whelp, that’s us royally screwed,” he said dismally. “It’s really comin’ down out there. Was this even forecast?”
“What’re you asking me for?” Ryo was sitting at the small table, going over the blocking for the next stunt. “I was on the shoot last night, the wire stunt, remember? I didn’t stick around to check the weather forecast; I headed back to the hotel and hit the hay right after I was through for the night, so I’d be rested and ready for today.”
“Right, sorry, forgot. It’s just, you usually know this stuff; you don’t leave anything to chance if you can help it.” The life of a stuntman was dangerous enough without taking unnecessary chances with unpredictable things like the weather.
“You could’ve checked the forecast yourself,” Ryo pointed out, glancing over his shoulder at his friend and fellow stuntman.
They’d grown used to sharing a trailer and hanging out together between takes; this was the third time they’d worked together in the eight months or so since they’d first met on the set of a big, star-studded Hollywood action movie, where they’d quickly become close friends.
This movie had a much smaller budget, but it was paying work and it slotted neatly into their schedules; it was set to wrap just before they were due on the set to begin filming the next Devon Hall blockbuster, where Ryo was to be the star’s stunt double while Dee once again doubled for the villain. Although, if the rain kept up, filming might well fall behind schedule, which would be bad.
“Could’ve but I didn’t. Obviously.” Dee flashed a grin at the man he wished was more than just his best friend. “Maybe they could change things around a bit and shoot the inside stuff first, get around the weather that way.”
“Perhaps.” Ryo sounded dubious. “But if the rain’s set in for the day that won’t help much.” He reached for his phone and pulled up the forecast, making a sound of annoyance.
“What?” Dee pushed away from the window.
“According to this, we’re getting the edge of a tropical storm that’s unexpectedly changed direction. We can look forward to heavy rain for the next three days at least.”
“Oh great.” Dee sauntered over and slumped onto the seat opposite Ryo. “Not just screwed but officially sunk. All we’ve got left to shoot are the outdoor stunts; if production’s halted for three days we’re gonna be stuck here longer than planned and that’s gonna screw up the filmin’ schedule for the next movie. We still gotta get across country when we’re wrapped here. Might haveta change our plans and splash out on air fare.”
This movie was currently filming on location in New Orleans, whereas the next one would be shooting at one of the major studios in Hollywood. They’d planned on driving back to L.A., a self-indulgent road trip, snatching a few days of downtime between one gig and the next.
There was a thoughtful look on Ryo’s face as he studied the sketches and plans in front of him. “There is another option, if you’re up for it.”
“Whaddaya mean?”
“Maybe filming doesn’t have to stop. How d’you feel about getting a bit wet?”
Dee stared across the table as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You can’t be serious! You wanna go ahead and film in that?” He gestured towards the rain streaming down the trailer’s windows. “It’s like a frickin’ monsoon out there; we’d drown!”
Ryo snorted, amused. “Drama queen! Okay, it’s coming down pretty hard, but that could work in our favour. There’s no special equipment required for the next stunt, it’s a straightforward fight scene, just slugging it out in the middle of the street; the rain would add drama.”
“Yeah, but then you’re supposed to break away, I give chase, and there’s the fall where you lose your balance and go over the railin’, and I try to save ya. I checked the spot earlier and it’s a helluva long way down.”
“Into an airbag.”
“Well yeah, but in weather like this it’ll be like fallin’ into a lake!”
“Hello, have you met me? Water stunts are my specialty, remember? If I can fall from twelve storeys up into a swimming pool, I think I can handle falling from eighty feet up into a few inches of water on an airbag without drowning.”
Dee sat back. “Yeah, you’re right; you know what you’re doin’. Fine; if you’re game, so am I. Guess that means we’d better go see what everyone else thinks.”
The director was up for anything that wouldn’t put the production behind schedule, the camera crew were willing to follow his lead, and the actors Dee and Ryo were doubling for said they didn’t mind getting wet, agreeing that the rain and slippery conditions might actually work better for the scene in question, making more sense of Ryo tumbling over the railing. That way it would be a tragic accident instead of a foolhardy mistake that led to the character being seriously injured.
Suitable protection was soon rigged for the camera equipment, and in the pouring rain, the fight was on.
Dee and Ryo staggered from one side of the street to the other, drenched to the skin, kicking and punching, falling down only to get back up again, and floundering through puddles as the rain cascaded down around them, obscuring their faces enough that no one would be able to tell it wasn’t the two lead actors beating each other up. At the prearranged point in the action, Ryo ‘kicked’ Dee’s legs out from under him, leaving him dazed on the ground, and took off down the street. Dee dragged himself to his feet and set off in pursuit at a limping run.
The next scene had Dee catching up on a rain-soaked terrace above a sheer drop, Ryo backing away, then slipping on the rain-slick surface and falling over the edge, just barely managing to snatch hold of the railing. Dee lunged forward, desperately grabbing for him, but Ryo’s fingers slipped off the wet metal and down he went, with Dee leaning over, hand outstretched. The director called “Cut!” and the crew applauded, everyone agreeing the stunt looked very effective.
As Ryo sat up on the airbag below, Dee impulsively leapt over the railing to join him, landing in a massive spray of water, most of which hit his friend in the face.
Ryo laughed, slicking his dripping hair back out of his eyes. “I can’t believe you did that! You’re crazy!”
Dee shrugged. “Hey, stuntman; goes with the territory, right? Gotta be a little crazy to jump off buildings for a livin’. ‘Sides, it was the quickest way down. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“I’m fine. Wet, but fine.”
“Well duh; it’s rainin’, dumbass!”
“Oddly enough I noticed that.”
The rain chose that moment to come down even harder, thunder rumbling in the distance. Ryo squinted up at the leaden sky. “We should probably get off this airbag and find some shelter before we get any wetter.”
“I don’t think that’s even possible.”
“Maybe not, but I’d just as soon not wait around to find out. I’m getting a bit chilly.”
The pair of them looked like drowned rats, but right then Dee didn’t care; Ryo was gorgeous no matter what. Still, he was also right; shelter, dry clothes, and hot coffee were what they needed. A chance to warm up before their next stunt, where their two characters crashed their cars into each other. The pouring rain would make that seem less contrived as well; poor visibility and wet roads conspiring to cause the collision leading to the fight they just filmed.
“Yeah, I am too, now you mention it. Okay, after you, bud.” In Dee’s considered opinion, getting to stare at Ryo’s rear, with his pants clinging to every curve, was well worth getting saturated for.
Airbags were not particularly good for standing up on though, the surface was too soft and yielding, making crawling a better option than walking. They also weren’t inflated as much as bouncy castles because they were designed to cushion a fall, absorbing kinetic energy rather than imparting it, so as the two men both tried to get to their knees at the same time they sent ripples through the heavy fabric, lost their balance, and fell into each other’s arms, clinging together and laughing at the absurdity that was their lives.
Which of them made the first move neither man could say, but suddenly they were kissing as the rain pounded down around them. When they finally broke apart, Ryo just stared at his friend for a long moment; it was as though he was really seeing Dee for the first time. He blinked the rain from his eyes, brushed wet hair out of his face, and smiled tentatively.
“I think I love you,” he murmured.
Dee’s face lit up with the widest smile imaginable.
“Finally! Took ya long enough; I’ve been crazy in love with you since the day we met.”
“You have?”
“Yeah. You seriously didn’t know? Man, you can be such an airhead! I kept flirtin’ with ya and droppin’ hints, but I just figured you must not be into me that way.”
Ryo blushed. “Sorry. I’ve never really gotten the whole flirting thing,” he admitted. “What’s the difference between flirting and just being friendly? Never could figure that out. So what happens now?”
“Now, we get off this damn airbag and get dry; we’re not done for the day yet, still got one more stunt to do, and it’s the big one so we gotta keep our heads in the game. But later… I guess we could maybe order room service and then just play it by ear. Whaddaya think?”
“Okay, sounds good.” Ryo looked down at the water pooling around their knees; it was already about six inches deep. “Better move before we have to swim for it.”
“Lead the way; I’ll be right behind ya, takin’ in the view.”
Laughing, they scrabbled towards the edge of the airbag and dropped to the ground. Dee couldn’t stop smiling; to think only a couple of hours ago he’d been complaining about the rain, and now he felt like dancing through it all the way back to their trailer. Tipping his head back he let out a whoop of sheer joy! This had to be the best day of his life!
Then Ryo caught him by the hand and tugged. “Come on, doofus! Or do you want to stand out here for the rest of the day, soaking wet?”
Dee turned a giddy grin on the man he loved. “Wouldn’t matter if we did; it’s not like we’re gonna shrink or anything.”
“Maybe not, but I’d still rather get out of these wet clothes.”
Now that was an appealing prospect. Despite the water-laden air, Dee’s mouth went dry, and it took him a moment to find his voice.
“Y’know, I could help you with that.”
Ryo smiled. “I seem to remember you making that offer once before.” He hesitated, blushing again. “Maybe this time I’ll take you up on it.”
“Yeah? What’re we just standin’ around here for then? C’mon, race ya back!”
It wasn’t much of a race; hand in hand, they took off at a run, splashing through puddles, pausing once they were out of sight of the film crew and spectators to kiss again before continuing on at a slower pace. Suddenly there didn’t seem to be any rush.
Dee slipped his arm around Ryo as they walked, relishing the warmth where their bodies touched. He was never going to look at rainy days quite the same way again.
TBC in: ' On Location'