Chapter 9: Winds of Change
Hi! is me again!
Here is another installment of the tragedy... LOL
I have no intention to offend or infringe any copyrights whatsoever. This is just my way of expressing my admiration for them.
Chapter 9: Winds of Change
The kitchen clock chimed softly, piercing the darkened apartment’s peace and quiet. It was Monday night, there was still the whole week to go through but still she felt exhausted. It’d been exactly a week since the Unfortunate Event. A week that’d passed amidst such a flurry of deadlines, emergency meetings and calls; she hadn’t had the chance to think about the situation at hand. Or so she repeated to herself tirelessly whenever his name appeared before her mind’s eye.
The dreams were getting worse in both frequency and content. She felt heat gather at her cheeks every time she recalled them. The heat, the caresses, the whispered nothings, the touches… It was enough to wreak havoc on her already shot nerves, promoting bouts of insomnia and crankiness. Her dreams insisted on recreating in minute detail the complete Incident, step by step for her inspection and viewing pleasure; showing her how much she enjoyed the whole situation. ‘You are one sick cat, Joyce. Sick! You hear me?’ She thought with a shiver.
When she started to remember, she realized she had felt incredibly free and desirable as he looked at her. She remembered seeing herself reflected in his dark eyes and how they made her feel unique, alive and wanted. She shuddered trying to chase those thoughts away.
‘Stop it right now, Joyce! This is not helping at all! You are not supposed to want that man! He is insufferable! Oh my God! I mentioned wanting and Ren in the same sentence! I’m screwed!’ Restless, she decided that all she needed was some TLC. ‘Yes! That’s just the thing! I only need some loving and cosseting, not the midget’s hands, his body, his mouth or… Shut up! Will ya?’ She went to her room to change into her favorite silk bathrobe and cat-paw slippers.3
This was the first time she had an opportunity to pamper herself since coming to Japan and she was making the most of it. She’d decided to let the girls to their own devices when she crawled out of the office that afternoon, after a grueling 12-hour day. Sammie had an invitation to an after-hours party from the new Publishing crew, all very eager and competent. Valerie decided to join them earlier that afternoon because she was peeved at Masa-kun who hadn’t called yet. ‘She is such a brat! No wonder she always gets what she wants!’ Smiling softly at her own thoughts, she ran herself a hot bath, deciding as a spur-of-the-moment thing, to treat herself to a Home Spa Night.
‘After such a week, I’m most definitely worth it!’ she smiled as she added a dash of bath salts and her favorite bubble bath, Forbidden Desire. Those always made her feel wanton not only for its name but because the intense jasmine and incense notes always brought a mysterious atmosphere to mind. She lighted a few of her favorite blue candles, poured herself a some sparkling wine on a champagne flute, and, feeling naughty, she let her bathrobe slip off her shoulders at the tune of her favorite song.
Two hours later, she was so relaxed she almost didn’t hear Valerie enter through the door. She sat on the darkened living room feeling fragrant, sated and relaxed, going over a book she’d been meaning to read for ages. She heard her mumbling incoherently, ranting angrily about ungrateful dark haired men who should be strung by their dicks.
‘Masa-kun again, I see Val. Give the man a chance! Maybe he’s not interested, although Sammie said…’ a ring interrupted her thoughts, making her flinch. Valerie pounced on it quickly.
“Moshi, moshi? Masa?… Masa who?… I don’t think I… Oh, that Masa!… Yes, I think I know which one. Would you mind holding on for a bit?… I think there’s someone at the door...” She put the caller on hold and started to holler fit to raise the dead.
“He called! Oh my God! Masa’s calling me, Masa’s calling me! He actually called!”
“Who is it Val?” Joyce couldn’t help asking.
“Joyce! Masa is calling me! Masa’s calling me! Finally, after three whole days! He called! I can’t believe it! I think I’m in love!”
“Are you planning on leaving him on hold for the rest of the evening?” she asked ruefully. Valerie yelped, having clearly forgotten about putting him on hold. She returned to the phone.
“Masa? It was some pesky salesman. How can I help you sweetie? … You’re wondering if I called you? No, I don’t remember calling you. … Did I, really? I’m sorry then I must have- … Yes, yes, but that was 3 days ago! … Oh my God! I’m such a klutz! I was looking for Mason, a friend who arrived from the USA a week ago. He gave me his number and … it seems there was a mix between your numbers. I’m so sorry! ... Are you sure? … Oh, have you? … Ok? Yes, yes… I would love to go but first let me check my agenda to see if it’s clear. Work, you know. Then I’ll call you back, ne?” Joyce could hear her gushing on the phone, flirting with enough savoir-faire to shame even Masa himself.
A few racy comments later, she hung up and came bounding into the living room, turning on every light in the house as she came.
“Joyce, did you hear that? Masa called me! He really called me! He was so cute and very serious-like! He recognized my voice from that wrong number call I made -purposefully if I may say-. He knew it was I the one who called! He remembered!” She left herself fall on the sofa.
“So I gathered.”
“What should I do now, Joyce? I made him think I’d mixed up his number with a friend’s so I could call him and see if he remembered me or not. I just needed to know if he was interested!”
“Did you know most cell phones in Japan have Caller ID?”
“But of course that was the idea! If he kept my number, the one I gave to him the night the midget broke your nose, then he would know who called. If not, then he would just let it slide. Perfect logic, right?”
“Right?”
“Did I do wrong? Do you think?”
“It’s too late to ask that, don’t you think? Anyway, what did he say?”
Valerie was bursting up with enthusiasm so hyped up she couldn’t sit still.
“heinvitedmeforacupofcoffeetomorrowafternoon!” she said rapidly
“What? He what?”
“I said heinvitedmeforacupofcoffeetomorrowafternoon!”
“Slow, now dear. I don’t understand!”
“Masa invited me for coffee tomorrow afternoon. Get it?” she said pointedly
“Ah! Are you going?”
“Of course” she stood up and started walking nervously. “I don’t know what to wear, I don’t have anything to wear!”
“Yes you do! You have a closet-full of clothes and shoes. Your paycheck goes there.”
“But there’s nothing there. I want to look special.”
“Val, dear you always look special.”
“You are mocking me Joyce! I can tell!”
“I’m not! I swear I’m not” Valerie looked at her suspiciously “Ok, maybe I am. But just a little bit. Don’t worry about anything. He likes you! Everything will be just fine, you’ll see. Just be you! And yes, you should go out with him. He is quite sexy. So enjoy! You know I would.” She drawled lightly.
“You are such a nice friend, Joyce! Why don’t you go out? Sammie invited you for drinks with her people. You’ve been cooped up here for the past week. Want to come with us tomorrow? I can tell Masa to call Ren up for you.”
“Thanks but no thanks! You need time alone with Masa and we would interfere with your plans.”
“You would be fighting, you mean! I don’t know why you dislike him so! Other than that time when he went and got you naked, he hasn’t done anything to you! Do you want him to? Is that it?” she asked curiously
“Are you crazy? What he did was more than enough! Also, my nose hurts! That’s why I don’t go out.”
“It never seems to hurt whenever you were screaming at him, so I wonder what’s the difference, screaming over the phone to screaming face to face. That way at least you can enjoy the view! Right?”
Sammie chose that moment to make an entrance. Valerie started running around wildly while she screamed “Masa called me! Masa called me! He did, Sammie! He wants to go for a cup of coffee and Joyce says I should go! What do you think? Should I go?”
Sammie entered the living room, walking tiredly with her briefcase in hand. She sat heavily on the sofa, an accomplished look on her face. She unbuttoned her blazer before looking in Valerie’s direction.
“Great, dear! I’m glad for you. It was time already. You see? Waiting was a good idea, right?” She smiled, stretching her tired feet.
“To the contrary, Sammie. She called him behind our backs 3 days ago. She didn’t pay any heed to your words. Kill her!”
“I did too! I didn’t call him exactly; I just gave fate a push in the right direction! And you talk like this because Ren hasn’t called you yet.”
“Neither do I wish him to!”
“Ah, Joyce! Before I forget let me tell you. Tomorrow morning I must go pick up the proofs for the Company’s publicity campaign. But we have an appointment at 9am sharp with LiNCLOVER to discuss their change of image and inform them about Makoto-san’s change of status. I set that up before I left, because it seems you forgot to do it.” She remarked casually.
“You did what? Why? That meeting could wait until later, it was not urgent!” she protested.
“But of course it was! They are our most important artists, so they should be the ones we call first. Any way, the meeting’s set up and you can’t change it. Valerie will assist you.” She said with a dismissive flick of her hand.
“Weren’t we supposed to attend these meetings together?”
“I’ll be there to support you, dear. But I’ll be in late. The proofs, remember?”
“You are doing this on purpose! You know I don’t want to see him! I’m not ready yet!”
“At this pace, you’ll never be ready! You need to get that over with, to be able to cement your professional relationship with LiNCLOVER! That’s what you are supposed to do, you know?”
“I don’t want to! What if he opens another door and hurts me again? I don’t know maybe he will start raving about the calls I’ve made and become violent? I don’t know how to face him. I get goose bumps every time I try to picture myself in the same room as him. Please Sammie, don’t do this to me!”
“I’m not doing anything to you. You are the PR; I’m in charge of Publicity and Marketing. You have to do this; I have to do my stuff. You wouldn’t forgive me if I missed the deadline of one of our presentations, right? You can’t miss a meeting with our Artists. I’ll be there by 10am. Do what you can. Remember, we already discussed the changes LiNCLOVER needs. Valerie already did the Art for the concept. So the only thing that needs done is the meeting. You do it, ok? Well, I’m tired. I’m taking a shower and then going to bed. Good night and sweet dreams, Joyce!”
“I’ll go call Masa to tell him I will meet him at the café near the office. I’m so happy he called! Breathe in! Breathe out! Calm down, Valerie! Pick up the receiver and butter won’t melt in your mouth, baby!” muttered Val as she also left for the kitchen.
Needless to say, that discussion didn’t contribute anything to Joyce’s peace of mind before going to sleep.
After a night of restless tossing and turning, she awoke cranky and uptight. As usual these days, her mind had shared with her new Ren images while whispering ‘motto kudasai, Joyce!’ like a broken record. She was tired of seeing herself prancing around naked for his viewing pleasure, a white scarf on her chest as only covering. She didn’t want to remember how it felt to have him under her as they slept, nor smell the scent of his skin on her bed. She’d changed the bed sheets enough times to make even her compulsive mother worry, but still she could sense him. ‘Damned cat! He sprayed my bed! He needs to be neutered.’ She thought with resentment, ‘Anyway, if it smells, I shall have to learn to bear with it! Period! I’m not investing on another bed, and that’s that! Damn cat pheromones! I’d so love to wring his neck! Fffttt!!’
She dressed quickly, trying to leave as early as possible. ‘That way I can tell Sammie I forgot I had to meet with them. Better be quick, she has ears like a bat!’ But Sammie, ever wise was already in the kitchen, sipping unconcernedly from the coffee cup on her hand while she prepared breakfast for Valerie and herself.
“Good Morning, Joyce! I see you are leaving really early today, Joyce. It’s nice to see you so eager to start your day. I suppose you are leaving this early because you want to put your last minute ideas together, right? I hope you remember to meet with LiNCLOVER today at 9am sharp in the conference room. Valerie will meet with you early today to go over our game plan. That’s one less worry, right? I’ll make sure she leaves here on time and I’ll be there after 10 am, ok? See you later, dear! Have a nice day!” She said unconcernedly as she flipped her pancakes like a pro. Joyce was seething by the time she left, she’d been duped and there was nothing she could do about it. When she heard Sammie start to whistle unconcernedly she was suddenly unable to resist the urge to slam the door. ‘My roommates are so dead!’
Once at the office, she went over her notes, trying not to feel too apprehensive and restless. She knew that if she didn’t strike the correct note with LiNCLOVER she wouldn’t get their respect nor would they be able to work properly. That was bad for business. She tried to gather her thoughts as she wrote what needed to be discussed, grimacing when she realized their manager had signed himself over to the new company more than a month ago, and she hadn’t informed them of his move yet. ‘That is what I call starting with your left foot, darn! I can’t believe so much time had passed already’
9 o’clock rolled by completely indifferent to her desire for time to stand still. LiNCLOVER and Valerie had arrived more than 15 min. ago. They were waiting for Ren to start their meeting. Incredibly offended, Joyce motioned for them to enter the conference room to start even though the bassist was not present.
‘Sammie informed them of the hour they were expected. He should at least show up punctually, baka neko!’ she fumed as she gestured for those present to take a seat.
“Good morning Nao-san, Yuri-san, Perkins-san. Samantha Gautier sends her heartfelt regrets for not being able to be present for the first part of this conference but she will be joining us at a later time. Thank you for being as diligent and punctual as always. I notice Ren-san is not in yet but I fear we must proceed with our agenda as planned since we all have busy schedules ahead of us. We are exceedingly grateful for your cooperation and hope that the time we spend here today may be extremely productive for all parties concerned.” She paused gathering her thoughts and crossing her hands in front of her.
“As you well know, Samantha Gautier, Valerie Perkins and I are the people in charge of the merger transition project between Gilgamesh and Ant Hill Records. New people! New places! New ideas! that’s our motto. It is to our best understanding LiNCLOVER is a very talented alternative rock band but times being what they are, we feel you are in need of an image overhaul. Your music is innovative and appealing on its own, but we think the image approach is not doing much to further your needs. Seeing LiNCLOVER’s promise as trendsetters, our team chose trendy ideas with a mainstream edge, but without losing its musical appeal. We are interested in exploiting these hidden resources to the maximum.” She paused gauging their reaction.
Hard rapping was heard on the door and immediately it flew open. A disheveled looking Ren entered abruptly. The excuses he was about to offer died a short merciful death on his mouth as he registered who was at the helm of this meeting. With a silent glare and a brisk movement of her hand, she indicated he should be seated. He didn’t try to make excuses for himself, but sat as silently as possible waiting for her to continue.
“We called this meeting to discuss these proposed changes with you since, as the artists concerned, should have your say. This does not mean you will be allowed to stay as you are image-wise. We really mean it when we say LiNCLOVER is due an image change given our poll results and marketing strategies. Perkins-san will discuss with you our image ideas and Gautier-san shall discuss the poll results and the new strategies. I will talk briefly about our ideas regarding public appearances, live contracts and interviews. Let’s begin. Perkins-san”
“Good Morning once again. Let’s get down to business. If we were in the USA, we wouldn’t call for an image change because your look as it is now would be perfect for the American market. But in Japan, this is not so. According to the Research and Development team’s investigation, which Gautier-san will explain later, your look has been the downfall of records sales. So I went out and did an investigation on my own. Mainstream J-Pop is very kawaii or very dark. Since we see you as trendsetters, we want for you a mix of both.” Valerie started to hand out a package with the pertaining information.
“If you go to the 2nd page of this package, you will have a summarized report on my findings on this matter. Page 3 gives an introduction to the different styles from which you will have to choose, as they are the most effective ones. While you thumb though it, I’ll discuss another issue. I would like to inform you of the fact that Makoto-san, your Manager is now officially a part of our team. The decisions concerning LiNCLOVER are up to us, the people in this room, Gautier-san included. If you go to the last page, you will find the changes made to our contract with Makoto-san regarding LiNCLOVER’s representation and management procedures. This will benefit all of us as you shall be backed by the very best team there is and all the resources available to us and our sales will be positively affected.” Valerie finished with a smile in Joyce’s direction. ‘You owe me one’ she thought
“Now, going back to the topic at hand, you will see in Page 5 what I have come to call lovingly the Goth look. Here Nao-san and Ren-san will bear strong vampirism influences, and Yuri-san shall be exquisite as the sexy undead with lots of dark make-up and slashed gauze. We want to project Toxic Beauty. This will attract a lot of the mid-teens to young adults going over the rebel phase although it could be quite off putting to the older generations.” She started discussing this idea in depth, feigning not notice the look of horror and dismay that crossed all around the table while she talked.
“If you find that too dark for your taste, turn to Page 8, there you will see the extra kawaii Bubble Gum Image, perfect for teens and females of all ages. Here Ren-san” she paused, staring pointedly at him, “will need to dress as cute as possible and dye his hair a deep fuchsia shade, which shouldn’t be a problem given his preference for red hair. Using bold, bright patterns in his clothes he will be our focus, shining brightly since he is the most kawaii of the three. Nao-san, being taller would need to both wear darker colors and cut his bangs, growing the sides longer and dyeing his hair to a lighter shade of brown to attain the tragically misunderstood teenager-look and Yuri-san will be our wingless fairy; full of sparkles and good will. Both these looks have fan service in mind.”
Pandemonium erupted as all three-band members exploded to their feet in disagreement; Ren being the most vocal of the three, if possible. Joyce relished his trauma and smiled when looking at the picture Valerie had altered to fit her descriptions completely. In the proposed picture, Ren had on a hideous shade of pink that made him look ridiculous to say the least, girly to say the worst and he was the best looking. ‘If she’d done that to my picture, I would burn her on the stake. But since its only Ren, I’ll buy you a drink when we are done! Love you lots, Val! Keep at it!’ she thought as her eyes filled with badly concealed amusement.
“There, take it easy, we are not done yet! We have two more propositions for you. I just showed you the trendiest looks first. These other two seem positively boring in comparison.”
They sat looking at her with equally worried expressions.
“On page 11, we have the Pop look, which if you look at the picture… come on, look at the picture it won’t bite you! Now, this would mean Britney Spears meets Backtstreet boys meets Ricky Martin. Please do close your mouth, Ren. I know you don’t get my drift from the name dropping but, I’m sure Rivendale-san does.” Ren shot Joyce a dirty look, his belief in her responsibility for this sacrilege clearly written on his face.
“In this instance, Ren-san would need skin tight leather pants and jacket for the motorcycle look, we leave him the option of wearing a shirt underneath or not. The same goes for Nao-san although we prefer no shirt. Right, Joyce” she looked at her friend who was starting to look blue around the edges, trying to contain her laughter she guessed.
“Yuri-san would use low cut pants or skirt, whatever she prefers and blouses that show her midriff, particularly strapless ones. And if she doesn’t mind, a belly button pierce would complete her ensemble. This would be a really sexy look for you guys; and, as you well know sexy sells. Think Hyde from L’arc-en-ciel. People call him sex-on-a-stick. That’s what we strive for with this look. Cool, ne?” she asked bemusedly, watching Joyce stare hungrily at the pictures before her.
“Yeah, cool! Especially if you are planning on opening a love hotel… Yes, very nice! That would go great in an S&M one. The only thing missing are the handcuffs and the blindfolds,” Ren complained.
“I can provide those if you are really into that. They would go marvelously with this look. Great idea Ren! Thanks! I shall make note of it to be included in this package. Oh, my God” she drawled as she wrote on her copy “Imagine the fan service in that get up… Yaoi for ever!” she whispered darkly, trying not to raise her hand and pump the air
“Now for the last one. Please remember these ideas are open to change.
Anything you don’t like we can negotiate. The only thing that’s final here is your current look goes. Please open page 13. We call that the Alternative meets J-Rock look. Its our least favorite, I would go Pop if I were you. Now discuss this among yourselves, while I go get the coffee.” With a toss of her head, she left quickly as if running away from the battle..
“What do you think guys?” queried Joyce after a while.
“I’m all for a change, we really need it. But from these ideas the only one worth anything is the last one.” Said Nao.
“I agree with you but don’t tell Valerie I said anything. She really goes for Pop”
“Un, I don’t know. The Bubble Gum one’s not that bad. Maybe we could…” Yuri paused when she heard Ren hiss menacingly under his breath.
“No, I know, Ren. I like the Goth one, though. Anyway, I’m not sure because our actual look is not that bad.” Sighed Yuri not totally pleased with a specific look.
“That’s the problem. If it worked then no change would be needed. It would
boost your sales, and you would feel comfortable in it.” Countered Joyce
“This is ridiculous! LiNCLOVER doesn’t need an Image change. We are just fine the way we are. We are alternative rock, so we dress the part. I’m not joining the pop/trendy mainstream, you know. I left my other gig because I wanted to explore music and its different nuances. It’s not about selling records only. It’s about making good music.” Ren argued
“You can make the best music in the world, but if it doesn’t sell, it’s no good. There must be a balance!”
“Don’t talk about balance. You don’t know anything about Japanese music or art. You have no idea!”
“Maybe, maybe not. But I know when something ‘s not selling due to poor management decisions. Use your head for once, man! Don’t let your stubbornness rule over whatever good sense you possess”
“We are not prostituting ourselves to be worrying about selling faces and bodies. We are musicians not models, damn you! You have no right to interfere or tell us what to do!”
“Yes, I do! Like it or not I’m your PR, I have every right, damn you! You play your music; I fix your public image! Let me do my job!”
“You must remember most of the time, people buy for what they see, not for what they hear.” Interrupted Sammie as she entered into the conversation with Valerie in tow. “You have a good project going. Your music is not the theme today, nor is it going to be. We don’t want you mainstream musically speaking. We only want your project to sell, understand? Your music is different and we want it out there reaching people.”
“I think you are wasting your breath Sammie, he doesn’t want to listen.”
“When you give me a good argument for change other than exerting your will over us, then call me. I see no reason to change anything on LiNCLOVER.” Ren said
“You don’t see a reason because you are a blind fool! This is for your own good. If you plan on looking like a deranged football player who forgot to take off his helmet every time you are on a Live, then go ahead, I won’t stop you! We said we’re open to change and discussion but you are not cooperating, Ren. Make your decision, because time is money and you are wasting my time. I’m not a patient woman. What are you going to do, little kitten?”
“I’m not going to change anything at all.” His band mates croaked silently begging him not to be rash.
“Ren-san, you should reconsider. You signed a contract with us less than a year ago. It wouldn’t please me to amend or void that contract but it could be done. What you are saying could be construed a breach of contract. Think of the hassle that would be for your latest project, Fury. You know, looking for a new records deal, establishing new contacts, and looking for a new manager after having to break a perfectly good contract. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk, the other companies would start wondering what happened. It would be a shame for them to be informed that all was due to you negative attitude. Why, Fury would have to be postponed for at least another year! And there are also all those pesky legal repercussions to deal with, you know? Your future starts with an image change, why look elsewhere when we’re willing to provide you with all you need? Think about it, Ren-san. But remember! Don’t take too long; in this business time is money. And we are losing money while you stall!”
‘Damn her guts, she’s right! I’m cornered! But that doesn’t mean I’m happy about it!’ He didn’t dare to say another word because he couldn’t trust himself not to start another shouting match. Looking at the smirk in her face, he whished he could have hit her harder that first time, to have been able to break her face not only her nose.
‘That bitch! She thinks she has me by the balls! Before that happens I’ll cut them off myself!’ In his mind’s eye he could see himself, chibi style, scratching and biting an also chibi-sized Joyce into submission.
“Well, now that that’s resolved we can continue, right? I’ve always said all’s well that ends well, right? I’ll leave you to Sammie to continue this conference. I’ll be back with my presentation.” Turning on her heel she left briskly, not before letting Ren see her triumphant smile when she passed by him.
Angry beyond words, Ren stood up and told Nao he would wait outside.
“What’s up with those two?” queried a confused Yuri
“I don’t know, Yuri-san. Joyce’s not like that normally. She is a hard player but normally she is not such a blackballer.” Valerie confessed
“I don’t understand. We spoke yesterday on the phone after Gautier-san called and he was eager to see your plans. He wants change more than any one of us. Normally I would be in his position and Yuri would be in mine! I don’t know what happened. Yuri san can tell you, he is very optimistic and positive.” He added with a confused air.
“You are right, he’s never arrived late to a meeting with management before. I was more surprised to see he was late and even more, when he didn’t offer his excuses immediately.”
“We must talk to them Nao-san, Yuri-san. They could make or break this business agreement, and they must be able to function professionally. Please talk to Ren, we’ll deal with Joyce. Think about the image change, make as many changes as you want and please feel free to bring suggestions. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible with our arrangement” said Sammie as she continued the meeting.
Once it was over, Nao went directly to the smoking neko, who was busily walking from one side to the other still trying to vent his anger.
“Ren.”
“Don’t start with me! I didn’t do anything! Didn’t you see how that bitch was treating me?” he fumed
“She barely said anything at all. She just responded to your attitude.”
“Fuck you! She’s been trying to screw me since I broke her nose!”
“That makes for a good reason. You have to be patient. What she proposes is quite good. I would have thought you would be a happy kitten when you heard her plans. They may not be exactly what we had in mind but they are open to discussion. It could have been worse!”
“I’m sure that woman has an ulterior motive! She must want a piece of my ass to hang from her wall as a prize. I’m not going to give her the satisfaction of accepting defeat.”
“But Ren that would mean breaking the contract! She said she would sue if we did.”
“You don’t have to leave if you don’t want to! I will. Look for another bassist!”
“Are you running away again? We started LiNCLOVER because we wanted to play our kind of music. They are not asking us to become mainstream. If you leave this contract you are stupid and childish. Also the contract specifies LiNCLOVER and then our names. Without you there’s no LiNCLOVER. Besides where would you go? Back to him?”
Ren stiffened “That was really low, Nao. But you are right. It’s just that it galls me to let her win. She is insufferable! I can’t stand her!”
“That’s probably because you like her!” said Nao half-jokingly
Ren sighed and kept on smoking, deliberately ignoring him.
“I suggest we sit down, analyze their suggestions, make our own and reach an agreement with them. It’s the correct way to proceed from now on, ne? Ren?”
“Ne, nya! Ne!” Nao left and entered the building again. Ren felt too restless after having to eat crow to return meekly to his beloved bass. He decided to walk a bit to vent some steam. He passed by a nearby café/bar and on a whim, decided to have a drink. He entered and sat on his favorite spot, a half hidden table beside the partition that separated the bar from the café. He lighted a cigarette, as is cell started buzzing.
“Moshi, moshi! To the point, Chacha.” He said seriously
“I need to talk to you. He’s gotten worse. Please koneko-chan!”
“Not now, I have problems of my own. I don’t want to hear it.” He flickered the ashes on the tray distractedly.
“I understand but I really need to talk this over and there’s nobody around to do it with. Please?”
“Ok, you can come. I’m near the studio in the café/bar. The one with the green shades, do you remember it?” he exhaled the smoke slowly, eyes half closed.
“Be there in 10 min. tops! Don’t leave!”
“I’ll be waiting, Cha. Don’t worry”
Meanwhile, Ren ordered some dried squid and a beer. He was happily munching on that when Chacha entered the café, 10 min. later. ‘He looks peaked around the edges. Wonder if it still Gackt-san? It must be. Cha doesn’t know when to quit… just like me.’ He grimaced knowing his friend meant well but still resenting his presence. Deciding to hurry along the inescapable, he beckoned him towards the table.
“Hey!” he raised his beer lazily
“Good to see you! How’s it going?” answered Chacha as he neared the table.
Ren gestured for Chacha to sit and grab a bite while he called the waiter over to take his order.
“The same as always, you know. My projects are doing quite good right now and I’m satisfied with my accomplishments. How about you? Not good judging by those.” He smiled softly pointing at the half empty breaded squid platter in front of him.
“Nah, everything is perfect. New record label, new disc in progress, new Image, new Publicity, new Manager, new flyers… hell, even my underwear is new. All is new and that’s wonderful!” He said while he stubbed his cigarette on the half full ashtray.
“And you hate it because…?” Chacha queried softly, taking out a cigarette from his case and gesturing for Ren to light it.
“What makes you think I hate it? I told you, I love change! It gives me a rush just thinking of the possibilities. All the proposed changes were the ones I’ve always dreamed of making but didn’t know how to express. Those chicks have an uncanny knack for giving you just what you’ve always wanted. It scares the hell out of me.” He confessed, lighting another cigarette distractedly.
“And you resent them because they are women?”
“Either! They are very competent! Gautier-san is a very strong-willed female, she gives us solid facts and knows her stuff impressively; Perkins-san may act like a ball of fluff but she’s a whiz at Designing and Developing Ideas. Quite sharp! Even Rivendale-san is good at her job! She exceeds at making us sound and look good! And she’s even better at making me look like the fool I am. She drives me up the wall by just being there! And yes, she is my problem!” Ren was gesturing wildly now, clearly pissed while remembering her attitude.
“Oh! I see”
“No you don’t! You don’t see anything! You don’t know what she’s like. You only saw her once.” He paused. When Ren registered Chacha’s face of confusion he remembered Chacha didn’t know about the changes in his life. “Remember the gaijin whose nose I broke almost two weeks ago? Remember her friends?” Chacha exhaled, nodding sagely “those three are my new production team. Imagine! Of all the women in the world, I had to go and break the nose of the head of my new production team! Now she hates me!”
“She is the one that mews, ne?” he looked at Ren for confirmation “Now, I understand!”
“Not yet, you don’t! She is such a bitch! She’s insolent, demanding, obnoxious and heartless! She treats me worse than a dog! Always looking at me over her shoulder because she is taller than me! May be I’m responsible for her attitude but still she makes me so furious I can’t think when I’m around her! It’s gotten so bad; she only has to breathe near me and Bam! I’m furious! Whenever I see her, I feel something sizzling inside of me, like an inferno, trying to consume me; and I just want to… to…” His feelings were so intense his eyes burned brightly and his hands clenched the air, cigarette forgotten between his fingers.
“Kiss her? Grope her? Screw her senseless? Dominate her? Make her yours?” finished Chacha, while stubbing his cigarette, clearly unimpressed. Ren blushed, obviously taken aback by his words.
“What? How? No! Chacha! I don’t like her! How could I ever want her?”
“Ah, koneko-chan… For such a Hentai neko, you are very naïve. Liking doesn’t have anything to do with wanting or lusting. They should go hand in hand but are rarely accompanied at the beginning of a relationship, if at all. You know that, ne?”
“I’m not interested in bedding her. I won’t ever be interested in doing that! I would prefer to cut my own dick off before I touch her that way again!” he retorted hotly
“Ah, koneko-chan, so you’ve tried! See? Don’t go making any rash promises! It seems to me you are fighting the attraction you feel towards this gaijin neko and maybe she is too.”
“Impossible!”
“If you insist! But lets discuss the topic that brought me here! I’ll leave you to your gaijin neko if you pay attention to what I came to say.”
“Damned if I do, damned if I don’t! Shoot!” he ran his hand through his hair.
“Gackt has been mentioning you again…a lot!” A pause “ We think he’s ready for your apology.”
“Chacha, I told you I wouldn’t apologize for leaving GacktJob! It was his fault I left! Stop trying to make me change my mind because I won’t!”
“Haven’t you thought about our last conversation at all? I hoped you would already have an answer for me. It’s been almost 2 weeks.”
“Have you heard a word I’ve said today? My life is too busy to sit around thinking about Gackt! There are lots of things I have to work with, too many changes going on in my life to be worrying about Gacku-chan! I’m worried about his health; but I need to think about myself too! Furthermore, I”
A sudden squeal of delight stopped his word flow. He looked around trying to detect its origin.
“My table! It’s empty! Lets sit here girls! I love this spot! It reminds me of home! Pretty please!” What sounded like Valerie had interrupted his argument. ‘It can’t be Valerie! Those three walk together everywhere! That would mean Sammie-san and Joyce san are not far behind. And that’s im-’
“Ok, Val. Let’s sit there! Just stop squealing! I hope they have broccoli-cheddar soup today! I’m dying to have it again, right Sammie? That was good!”
‘Yep, fate was definitively against him today!’ he grimaced. He looked at Chacha who was busily arguing with him still although what he’d said was now totally lost to him.
“Ren, are you paying attention or not?” He asked demandingly, his face an unhealthy shade of red.
“Shush! Blood pressure, Cha! Remember your heart and liver! Want some red tea? We could ask for some. It’s quite good for cancer prevention…” he replied mockingly, keeping his voice deliberately low.
“I don’t want tea, I want you to pay attention!”
“There, there Cha! Don’t give us away! There is an inuyoukai, an usagiyoukai and a nekoyoukai, just beside this partition. Remember Sammie-san, the one you fell on top of? She’s there too! She’s the inuyokai I’m talking about!”
“Oh, you mean the chick with the big ass, tiny waist and beautiful legs? That one?” he perked up with enthusiasm. “I loved teasing the heck out of her! She is so easy to provoke and blushes so delightfully!”
“If you don’t lower your voice, stub that cigarette and stop calling me by my name, you’ll bring those three youkai on top of us! The worse is Rivendale-san; she transforms you into stone if you dare to look upon her face! Now shut up! I want to hear what they are saying! Hey! That was my name I heard!” He crouched, covering his mouth while holding his breath. When no dark eyes came out from between the artificial plants, he motioned for silence and inclined in their direction. Hearing a chair scrap slightly, he glanced at Chacha. He was stubbing his cigarette with dancing eyes preparing to get near the partition to share the fun.
“Let me ask again, Joyce and don’t give me that crap about not knowing what I’m talking about! Why are you being so mean to Ren-san? You threatened him, Joy! That was not part of the plan and you know it!” Sammie was very upset about something.
“You practically… no! You told him to take his bass and look for another label if he was not prepared to toe the line!” said Valerie, sounding very upset
“Maybe I should have told him to stick his bass -bottom first- where the sun don’t shine, right? Is that better or do you want me to tell him to add the bass case after that?” she answered defiantly.
He grimaced as Chacha muttered near his ear “Ouch!” He agreed clenching his ass reflexively.
“I’m surprised at your attitude! I’ve never known you to be such a bitch with anyone! Not even McKissen has ever received this amount of nastiness and he really deserved it! That one should have been strung by the balls for what he did to you but not Ren-san!”
“It’s his own fault! Nobody told him to arrive late and in such a manner!”
“You heard Nao, he had car trouble! Be reasonable!”
“I’m not apologizing, I said! He arrived late; car trouble or not, he should have left home earlier. Then, he had the gall to criticize your designs! As if he knew the difference between chartreuse and puce! You worked so hard to present LiNCLOVER with lots of gorgeous options and he shot off without trying to see our side first! Fuck him I say!”
“Joyce, did you forget we had settled on the alternative meets J-rock look from the beginning? It was you who suggested we give them options. It was your idea from the start, you knew Ren-san was going to blow his top as soon as we suggested a change even if he wanted it just because it was you behind it.” She paused and deepened her voice “Val, you said, give them Wide angle, Cutting Edge options that will lead them to choose the least objectionable of the designs, which will be the one better suited to them. Remember? You chose that look yourself after hearing to their music for quite a long time. We liked the idea, I just added a few Ideas I was fiddling with for completion.” She stated quite simply.
“You knew he was going to blow up, we all knew and prepared for the eventuality! Especially after all the times you’ve had to call them for information regarding their managerial procedures. But we never expected you to squash him like that!” Sammie retorted wryly “He’s not the most patient man after all. He can be very stubborn but so can you. We expected the usually clearheaded attitude from you, that’s why we were surprised by your reaction! You should have handled it differently, Joyce! And I know you are aware!”
Chacha looked at him, surprise written all over his face. “They know you, koneko-chan! Or at least, the gaijin neko does!” Cha whispered. He shrugged nonchalantly.
“Maybe I was wrong, I suppose. But I won’t apologize to him! That’s final! He never apologized after he broke my nose! Nor after the things he said to me after waking up that day!”
“She has a point there, Sammie! Even you would be resentful, but still that doesn’t explain everything! I thought you were-” Joyce burst out laughing, interrupting Val.
“Did you see his reaction to the Bubble Gum Idea? Even poor Nao-san couldn’t close his mouth when Val told him about his new hair do! I thought I was going to explode when I realized I wasn’t supposed to laugh! Ren with Pink Hair and wild geometric designs! Oh, my God Valerie! I wanted to kiss you then! He looked like he’d swallowed a whole bottle of wasabi!” she hooted deliriously, Sammie and Valerie joining her amidst giggles and guffaws, making the other patrons look weirdly at the laughing gaijin’s.
“Sush, girls! They’ll throw us out! Oh, you are so bad Joyce! But it’s true! I loved the look of horror on their faces when you showed them the Goth! Nao and Ren were squirming like they had rats up their pants!”
Ren fumed insulted, ‘they are all laughing at my expense, even Chacha and he didn’t seen the design. Thank God!’
“No, dears, you are wrong! That was the Pop look! Imagine Nao-san and Ren-san in tight fitting leather pants, especially our cute little Ren with his long legs and tight ass. That look was hot if I may say so myself! I hated to see it go!” Sighed Sammie
“That was actually my favorite look, very sexy. Leather always enhances a man’s natural beauty if you follow my meaning. The leather clinging lovingly to all the correct places!! Both of them would have looked stunning, impressive, finger-licking good… in a word fuckable!” Val finished by licking her fingers lustily.
Ren blushed fiercely at their comments, squirming uncomfortably on his chair.
“What did you think about that look, Joyce? Still prefer the Alternative one? You seemed very affected by the idea of Ren in leather… I looked at your face when I showed them that one. You hadn’t seen it either… and judging by your reaction, something tells me you liked it!”
“What did she do?”
“Why, she stopped laughing for once. Leant forward slowly to look better at the picture I’d composed for LiNCLOVER stopping dazedly in Ren. She never saw Nao’s design or Yuri’s for that matter.”
“I saw them all!”
“Then you must remember if Nao’s pants were bell-bottoms or straight leg? Also if Yuri used a skirt or a Bermuda?”
“Bell-bottom and Bermuda?”
“You see? I rest my case! Neither dear. Bell-bottoms are for Ren. To encase his thighs and emphasize his lean hips and firm ass; extra low-cut to let fans a peek at his abs and bellybutton. Nao had on Straight leg pants, low riding for the same reason. Yuri had on a short leather skirt, with a really high left slit. Very sexy, if I may say so myself! You see? You were not paying attention Joyce, because you were entranced with Ren.”
“No way! I was distracted! That’s all!”
“Is that why you suddenly stopped laughing, dear? I swear your eyes grew dreamy when you saw those leather pants. You like him! That’s why you are always picking on him! Confess already!”
“No, I didn’t. That’s your overactive imagination. I wasn’t looking at him!”
“Then you were looking at Nao? Don’t think so or you would remember his clothes!”
“I don’t like Ren! He’s a pest!”
“Then why is your face so red? You are blushing from your hairline to your chest, ears included. You like him Joyce!” They started bickering both Sammie and Valerie pushing at Joyce for a full-fledged confession, she resisting valiantly until, fed up she blew.
“Ok! OK! Enough already! Yes, it seems I’m attracted to the pest! But not for long! I will flush him out of my system soon!”
“Oh, Sammie… she’s planning to fuck him soon! Naughty, naughty Joyce!”
“Gods Joyce! Never had you pegged you as an S&M lover. He breaks your nose and you fall for him!”
“And I never had you pegged for a faggot lover? Don’t think I haven’t noticed you looking for Chachamaru every time Ren visits! That’s why you are over eager to see LiNCLOVER! You are hoping for a free Chacha viewing!” It was Ren’s turn to look surprised. Chacha smiled approvingly.
“No way! I don’t like that blond faggot!”
“Of course not, Joyce! He has longhair, uses tight pants and he’s cross-eyed! Isn’t that enough? She can’t like somebody like him,” reasoned Valerie
“Why can’t I like him? He’s a good-looking man and he is not cross-eyed! In fact his eyes are his best feature! I just love a man in tight pants; you can see his ass better! So what if I like him? He has long hair? That’s even better. Lots of hair to hang on to when making love!” Sammie retorted. Chacha straightened up, eager to hear more
“Then why don’t we call them both up and see if they are interested?” queried Valerie innocently
“You do that and tomorrow you are visiting the fishes with your new concrete shoes, get it?” bit Joyce heatedly.
Ren gulped and looked at Chacha with a smirk. There was an answering grin on his friend’s lips, eyes half closed in concentration: planning.
‘She likes me! That’s why she treats me like a dog! Joyce, you big pussy! Maybe I can use this to save face and turn you around to my way of thinking…’
Chacha signaled for them to leave, Ren assented still deep in thought. Their conversation was getting more heated by the second and it would not do to risk discovery.
‘Joyce would find a way to find me at fault!’
They were settling the bill when he glanced around looking for Chacha. He found him near the door, staring hungrily in the direction of the café.
“Hey, Cha, you ready to leave? What’s the matter?”
Chacha didn’t answer nor did he acknowledge his presence but gazed intently in one direction. Suddenly, he lowered his shades, smiled slowly and devilishly licked his lips. Mouthing ‘mata ne?’ he blew a kiss in the air. Then, he turned on his heel and left with a flick of his wrist. Curiously, Ren looked in the same direction and his gaze stumbled with a blushing Sammie. She started stammering and stood up nervously when her friends tried to turn to see what was distracting her so. He smiled knowingly as he gave her a jaunty salute. Turning, he left, feeling decidedly better. Scanning the street he smiled mischievously as the sun warmed his skin and set his hair on fire.
Hope you like... Please don't kill the cat! Its not the best... but I try hard! Nya!
This is Chapter 8 : Dancing Cats over Coffee!
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/13899.html
This is Chapter 7: Free Drinks and a Stolen Car
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/11328.html
This is Chapter 6: Rehearsal Blues
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/10643.html
This is Chapter 5: Neutered Cats and Singing Birds
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/9593.html
This is Chapter 4: Strays and Broken Noses
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/8619.html
This is Chapter 3: A Sexy Witch Hunt
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/7776.html
This is chapter 2: A Study in Make Believe
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/5282.html
This is chapter 1: Music and Beer
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/3026.html
Here is another installment of the tragedy... LOL
I have no intention to offend or infringe any copyrights whatsoever. This is just my way of expressing my admiration for them.
Chapter 9: Winds of Change
The kitchen clock chimed softly, piercing the darkened apartment’s peace and quiet. It was Monday night, there was still the whole week to go through but still she felt exhausted. It’d been exactly a week since the Unfortunate Event. A week that’d passed amidst such a flurry of deadlines, emergency meetings and calls; she hadn’t had the chance to think about the situation at hand. Or so she repeated to herself tirelessly whenever his name appeared before her mind’s eye.
The dreams were getting worse in both frequency and content. She felt heat gather at her cheeks every time she recalled them. The heat, the caresses, the whispered nothings, the touches… It was enough to wreak havoc on her already shot nerves, promoting bouts of insomnia and crankiness. Her dreams insisted on recreating in minute detail the complete Incident, step by step for her inspection and viewing pleasure; showing her how much she enjoyed the whole situation. ‘You are one sick cat, Joyce. Sick! You hear me?’ She thought with a shiver.
When she started to remember, she realized she had felt incredibly free and desirable as he looked at her. She remembered seeing herself reflected in his dark eyes and how they made her feel unique, alive and wanted. She shuddered trying to chase those thoughts away.
‘Stop it right now, Joyce! This is not helping at all! You are not supposed to want that man! He is insufferable! Oh my God! I mentioned wanting and Ren in the same sentence! I’m screwed!’ Restless, she decided that all she needed was some TLC. ‘Yes! That’s just the thing! I only need some loving and cosseting, not the midget’s hands, his body, his mouth or… Shut up! Will ya?’ She went to her room to change into her favorite silk bathrobe and cat-paw slippers.3
This was the first time she had an opportunity to pamper herself since coming to Japan and she was making the most of it. She’d decided to let the girls to their own devices when she crawled out of the office that afternoon, after a grueling 12-hour day. Sammie had an invitation to an after-hours party from the new Publishing crew, all very eager and competent. Valerie decided to join them earlier that afternoon because she was peeved at Masa-kun who hadn’t called yet. ‘She is such a brat! No wonder she always gets what she wants!’ Smiling softly at her own thoughts, she ran herself a hot bath, deciding as a spur-of-the-moment thing, to treat herself to a Home Spa Night.
‘After such a week, I’m most definitely worth it!’ she smiled as she added a dash of bath salts and her favorite bubble bath, Forbidden Desire. Those always made her feel wanton not only for its name but because the intense jasmine and incense notes always brought a mysterious atmosphere to mind. She lighted a few of her favorite blue candles, poured herself a some sparkling wine on a champagne flute, and, feeling naughty, she let her bathrobe slip off her shoulders at the tune of her favorite song.
Two hours later, she was so relaxed she almost didn’t hear Valerie enter through the door. She sat on the darkened living room feeling fragrant, sated and relaxed, going over a book she’d been meaning to read for ages. She heard her mumbling incoherently, ranting angrily about ungrateful dark haired men who should be strung by their dicks.
‘Masa-kun again, I see Val. Give the man a chance! Maybe he’s not interested, although Sammie said…’ a ring interrupted her thoughts, making her flinch. Valerie pounced on it quickly.
“Moshi, moshi? Masa?… Masa who?… I don’t think I… Oh, that Masa!… Yes, I think I know which one. Would you mind holding on for a bit?… I think there’s someone at the door...” She put the caller on hold and started to holler fit to raise the dead.
“He called! Oh my God! Masa’s calling me, Masa’s calling me! He actually called!”
“Who is it Val?” Joyce couldn’t help asking.
“Joyce! Masa is calling me! Masa’s calling me! Finally, after three whole days! He called! I can’t believe it! I think I’m in love!”
“Are you planning on leaving him on hold for the rest of the evening?” she asked ruefully. Valerie yelped, having clearly forgotten about putting him on hold. She returned to the phone.
“Masa? It was some pesky salesman. How can I help you sweetie? … You’re wondering if I called you? No, I don’t remember calling you. … Did I, really? I’m sorry then I must have- … Yes, yes, but that was 3 days ago! … Oh my God! I’m such a klutz! I was looking for Mason, a friend who arrived from the USA a week ago. He gave me his number and … it seems there was a mix between your numbers. I’m so sorry! ... Are you sure? … Oh, have you? … Ok? Yes, yes… I would love to go but first let me check my agenda to see if it’s clear. Work, you know. Then I’ll call you back, ne?” Joyce could hear her gushing on the phone, flirting with enough savoir-faire to shame even Masa himself.
A few racy comments later, she hung up and came bounding into the living room, turning on every light in the house as she came.
“Joyce, did you hear that? Masa called me! He really called me! He was so cute and very serious-like! He recognized my voice from that wrong number call I made -purposefully if I may say-. He knew it was I the one who called! He remembered!” She left herself fall on the sofa.
“So I gathered.”
“What should I do now, Joyce? I made him think I’d mixed up his number with a friend’s so I could call him and see if he remembered me or not. I just needed to know if he was interested!”
“Did you know most cell phones in Japan have Caller ID?”
“But of course that was the idea! If he kept my number, the one I gave to him the night the midget broke your nose, then he would know who called. If not, then he would just let it slide. Perfect logic, right?”
“Right?”
“Did I do wrong? Do you think?”
“It’s too late to ask that, don’t you think? Anyway, what did he say?”
Valerie was bursting up with enthusiasm so hyped up she couldn’t sit still.
“heinvitedmeforacupofcoffeetomorrowafternoon!” she said rapidly
“What? He what?”
“I said heinvitedmeforacupofcoffeetomorrowafternoon!”
“Slow, now dear. I don’t understand!”
“Masa invited me for coffee tomorrow afternoon. Get it?” she said pointedly
“Ah! Are you going?”
“Of course” she stood up and started walking nervously. “I don’t know what to wear, I don’t have anything to wear!”
“Yes you do! You have a closet-full of clothes and shoes. Your paycheck goes there.”
“But there’s nothing there. I want to look special.”
“Val, dear you always look special.”
“You are mocking me Joyce! I can tell!”
“I’m not! I swear I’m not” Valerie looked at her suspiciously “Ok, maybe I am. But just a little bit. Don’t worry about anything. He likes you! Everything will be just fine, you’ll see. Just be you! And yes, you should go out with him. He is quite sexy. So enjoy! You know I would.” She drawled lightly.
“You are such a nice friend, Joyce! Why don’t you go out? Sammie invited you for drinks with her people. You’ve been cooped up here for the past week. Want to come with us tomorrow? I can tell Masa to call Ren up for you.”
“Thanks but no thanks! You need time alone with Masa and we would interfere with your plans.”
“You would be fighting, you mean! I don’t know why you dislike him so! Other than that time when he went and got you naked, he hasn’t done anything to you! Do you want him to? Is that it?” she asked curiously
“Are you crazy? What he did was more than enough! Also, my nose hurts! That’s why I don’t go out.”
“It never seems to hurt whenever you were screaming at him, so I wonder what’s the difference, screaming over the phone to screaming face to face. That way at least you can enjoy the view! Right?”
Sammie chose that moment to make an entrance. Valerie started running around wildly while she screamed “Masa called me! Masa called me! He did, Sammie! He wants to go for a cup of coffee and Joyce says I should go! What do you think? Should I go?”
Sammie entered the living room, walking tiredly with her briefcase in hand. She sat heavily on the sofa, an accomplished look on her face. She unbuttoned her blazer before looking in Valerie’s direction.
“Great, dear! I’m glad for you. It was time already. You see? Waiting was a good idea, right?” She smiled, stretching her tired feet.
“To the contrary, Sammie. She called him behind our backs 3 days ago. She didn’t pay any heed to your words. Kill her!”
“I did too! I didn’t call him exactly; I just gave fate a push in the right direction! And you talk like this because Ren hasn’t called you yet.”
“Neither do I wish him to!”
“Ah, Joyce! Before I forget let me tell you. Tomorrow morning I must go pick up the proofs for the Company’s publicity campaign. But we have an appointment at 9am sharp with LiNCLOVER to discuss their change of image and inform them about Makoto-san’s change of status. I set that up before I left, because it seems you forgot to do it.” She remarked casually.
“You did what? Why? That meeting could wait until later, it was not urgent!” she protested.
“But of course it was! They are our most important artists, so they should be the ones we call first. Any way, the meeting’s set up and you can’t change it. Valerie will assist you.” She said with a dismissive flick of her hand.
“Weren’t we supposed to attend these meetings together?”
“I’ll be there to support you, dear. But I’ll be in late. The proofs, remember?”
“You are doing this on purpose! You know I don’t want to see him! I’m not ready yet!”
“At this pace, you’ll never be ready! You need to get that over with, to be able to cement your professional relationship with LiNCLOVER! That’s what you are supposed to do, you know?”
“I don’t want to! What if he opens another door and hurts me again? I don’t know maybe he will start raving about the calls I’ve made and become violent? I don’t know how to face him. I get goose bumps every time I try to picture myself in the same room as him. Please Sammie, don’t do this to me!”
“I’m not doing anything to you. You are the PR; I’m in charge of Publicity and Marketing. You have to do this; I have to do my stuff. You wouldn’t forgive me if I missed the deadline of one of our presentations, right? You can’t miss a meeting with our Artists. I’ll be there by 10am. Do what you can. Remember, we already discussed the changes LiNCLOVER needs. Valerie already did the Art for the concept. So the only thing that needs done is the meeting. You do it, ok? Well, I’m tired. I’m taking a shower and then going to bed. Good night and sweet dreams, Joyce!”
“I’ll go call Masa to tell him I will meet him at the café near the office. I’m so happy he called! Breathe in! Breathe out! Calm down, Valerie! Pick up the receiver and butter won’t melt in your mouth, baby!” muttered Val as she also left for the kitchen.
Needless to say, that discussion didn’t contribute anything to Joyce’s peace of mind before going to sleep.
After a night of restless tossing and turning, she awoke cranky and uptight. As usual these days, her mind had shared with her new Ren images while whispering ‘motto kudasai, Joyce!’ like a broken record. She was tired of seeing herself prancing around naked for his viewing pleasure, a white scarf on her chest as only covering. She didn’t want to remember how it felt to have him under her as they slept, nor smell the scent of his skin on her bed. She’d changed the bed sheets enough times to make even her compulsive mother worry, but still she could sense him. ‘Damned cat! He sprayed my bed! He needs to be neutered.’ She thought with resentment, ‘Anyway, if it smells, I shall have to learn to bear with it! Period! I’m not investing on another bed, and that’s that! Damn cat pheromones! I’d so love to wring his neck! Fffttt!!’
She dressed quickly, trying to leave as early as possible. ‘That way I can tell Sammie I forgot I had to meet with them. Better be quick, she has ears like a bat!’ But Sammie, ever wise was already in the kitchen, sipping unconcernedly from the coffee cup on her hand while she prepared breakfast for Valerie and herself.
“Good Morning, Joyce! I see you are leaving really early today, Joyce. It’s nice to see you so eager to start your day. I suppose you are leaving this early because you want to put your last minute ideas together, right? I hope you remember to meet with LiNCLOVER today at 9am sharp in the conference room. Valerie will meet with you early today to go over our game plan. That’s one less worry, right? I’ll make sure she leaves here on time and I’ll be there after 10 am, ok? See you later, dear! Have a nice day!” She said unconcernedly as she flipped her pancakes like a pro. Joyce was seething by the time she left, she’d been duped and there was nothing she could do about it. When she heard Sammie start to whistle unconcernedly she was suddenly unable to resist the urge to slam the door. ‘My roommates are so dead!’
Once at the office, she went over her notes, trying not to feel too apprehensive and restless. She knew that if she didn’t strike the correct note with LiNCLOVER she wouldn’t get their respect nor would they be able to work properly. That was bad for business. She tried to gather her thoughts as she wrote what needed to be discussed, grimacing when she realized their manager had signed himself over to the new company more than a month ago, and she hadn’t informed them of his move yet. ‘That is what I call starting with your left foot, darn! I can’t believe so much time had passed already’
9 o’clock rolled by completely indifferent to her desire for time to stand still. LiNCLOVER and Valerie had arrived more than 15 min. ago. They were waiting for Ren to start their meeting. Incredibly offended, Joyce motioned for them to enter the conference room to start even though the bassist was not present.
‘Sammie informed them of the hour they were expected. He should at least show up punctually, baka neko!’ she fumed as she gestured for those present to take a seat.
“Good morning Nao-san, Yuri-san, Perkins-san. Samantha Gautier sends her heartfelt regrets for not being able to be present for the first part of this conference but she will be joining us at a later time. Thank you for being as diligent and punctual as always. I notice Ren-san is not in yet but I fear we must proceed with our agenda as planned since we all have busy schedules ahead of us. We are exceedingly grateful for your cooperation and hope that the time we spend here today may be extremely productive for all parties concerned.” She paused gathering her thoughts and crossing her hands in front of her.
“As you well know, Samantha Gautier, Valerie Perkins and I are the people in charge of the merger transition project between Gilgamesh and Ant Hill Records. New people! New places! New ideas! that’s our motto. It is to our best understanding LiNCLOVER is a very talented alternative rock band but times being what they are, we feel you are in need of an image overhaul. Your music is innovative and appealing on its own, but we think the image approach is not doing much to further your needs. Seeing LiNCLOVER’s promise as trendsetters, our team chose trendy ideas with a mainstream edge, but without losing its musical appeal. We are interested in exploiting these hidden resources to the maximum.” She paused gauging their reaction.
Hard rapping was heard on the door and immediately it flew open. A disheveled looking Ren entered abruptly. The excuses he was about to offer died a short merciful death on his mouth as he registered who was at the helm of this meeting. With a silent glare and a brisk movement of her hand, she indicated he should be seated. He didn’t try to make excuses for himself, but sat as silently as possible waiting for her to continue.
“We called this meeting to discuss these proposed changes with you since, as the artists concerned, should have your say. This does not mean you will be allowed to stay as you are image-wise. We really mean it when we say LiNCLOVER is due an image change given our poll results and marketing strategies. Perkins-san will discuss with you our image ideas and Gautier-san shall discuss the poll results and the new strategies. I will talk briefly about our ideas regarding public appearances, live contracts and interviews. Let’s begin. Perkins-san”
“Good Morning once again. Let’s get down to business. If we were in the USA, we wouldn’t call for an image change because your look as it is now would be perfect for the American market. But in Japan, this is not so. According to the Research and Development team’s investigation, which Gautier-san will explain later, your look has been the downfall of records sales. So I went out and did an investigation on my own. Mainstream J-Pop is very kawaii or very dark. Since we see you as trendsetters, we want for you a mix of both.” Valerie started to hand out a package with the pertaining information.
“If you go to the 2nd page of this package, you will have a summarized report on my findings on this matter. Page 3 gives an introduction to the different styles from which you will have to choose, as they are the most effective ones. While you thumb though it, I’ll discuss another issue. I would like to inform you of the fact that Makoto-san, your Manager is now officially a part of our team. The decisions concerning LiNCLOVER are up to us, the people in this room, Gautier-san included. If you go to the last page, you will find the changes made to our contract with Makoto-san regarding LiNCLOVER’s representation and management procedures. This will benefit all of us as you shall be backed by the very best team there is and all the resources available to us and our sales will be positively affected.” Valerie finished with a smile in Joyce’s direction. ‘You owe me one’ she thought
“Now, going back to the topic at hand, you will see in Page 5 what I have come to call lovingly the Goth look. Here Nao-san and Ren-san will bear strong vampirism influences, and Yuri-san shall be exquisite as the sexy undead with lots of dark make-up and slashed gauze. We want to project Toxic Beauty. This will attract a lot of the mid-teens to young adults going over the rebel phase although it could be quite off putting to the older generations.” She started discussing this idea in depth, feigning not notice the look of horror and dismay that crossed all around the table while she talked.
“If you find that too dark for your taste, turn to Page 8, there you will see the extra kawaii Bubble Gum Image, perfect for teens and females of all ages. Here Ren-san” she paused, staring pointedly at him, “will need to dress as cute as possible and dye his hair a deep fuchsia shade, which shouldn’t be a problem given his preference for red hair. Using bold, bright patterns in his clothes he will be our focus, shining brightly since he is the most kawaii of the three. Nao-san, being taller would need to both wear darker colors and cut his bangs, growing the sides longer and dyeing his hair to a lighter shade of brown to attain the tragically misunderstood teenager-look and Yuri-san will be our wingless fairy; full of sparkles and good will. Both these looks have fan service in mind.”
Pandemonium erupted as all three-band members exploded to their feet in disagreement; Ren being the most vocal of the three, if possible. Joyce relished his trauma and smiled when looking at the picture Valerie had altered to fit her descriptions completely. In the proposed picture, Ren had on a hideous shade of pink that made him look ridiculous to say the least, girly to say the worst and he was the best looking. ‘If she’d done that to my picture, I would burn her on the stake. But since its only Ren, I’ll buy you a drink when we are done! Love you lots, Val! Keep at it!’ she thought as her eyes filled with badly concealed amusement.
“There, take it easy, we are not done yet! We have two more propositions for you. I just showed you the trendiest looks first. These other two seem positively boring in comparison.”
They sat looking at her with equally worried expressions.
“On page 11, we have the Pop look, which if you look at the picture… come on, look at the picture it won’t bite you! Now, this would mean Britney Spears meets Backtstreet boys meets Ricky Martin. Please do close your mouth, Ren. I know you don’t get my drift from the name dropping but, I’m sure Rivendale-san does.” Ren shot Joyce a dirty look, his belief in her responsibility for this sacrilege clearly written on his face.
“In this instance, Ren-san would need skin tight leather pants and jacket for the motorcycle look, we leave him the option of wearing a shirt underneath or not. The same goes for Nao-san although we prefer no shirt. Right, Joyce” she looked at her friend who was starting to look blue around the edges, trying to contain her laughter she guessed.
“Yuri-san would use low cut pants or skirt, whatever she prefers and blouses that show her midriff, particularly strapless ones. And if she doesn’t mind, a belly button pierce would complete her ensemble. This would be a really sexy look for you guys; and, as you well know sexy sells. Think Hyde from L’arc-en-ciel. People call him sex-on-a-stick. That’s what we strive for with this look. Cool, ne?” she asked bemusedly, watching Joyce stare hungrily at the pictures before her.
“Yeah, cool! Especially if you are planning on opening a love hotel… Yes, very nice! That would go great in an S&M one. The only thing missing are the handcuffs and the blindfolds,” Ren complained.
“I can provide those if you are really into that. They would go marvelously with this look. Great idea Ren! Thanks! I shall make note of it to be included in this package. Oh, my God” she drawled as she wrote on her copy “Imagine the fan service in that get up… Yaoi for ever!” she whispered darkly, trying not to raise her hand and pump the air
“Now for the last one. Please remember these ideas are open to change.
Anything you don’t like we can negotiate. The only thing that’s final here is your current look goes. Please open page 13. We call that the Alternative meets J-Rock look. Its our least favorite, I would go Pop if I were you. Now discuss this among yourselves, while I go get the coffee.” With a toss of her head, she left quickly as if running away from the battle..
“What do you think guys?” queried Joyce after a while.
“I’m all for a change, we really need it. But from these ideas the only one worth anything is the last one.” Said Nao.
“I agree with you but don’t tell Valerie I said anything. She really goes for Pop”
“Un, I don’t know. The Bubble Gum one’s not that bad. Maybe we could…” Yuri paused when she heard Ren hiss menacingly under his breath.
“No, I know, Ren. I like the Goth one, though. Anyway, I’m not sure because our actual look is not that bad.” Sighed Yuri not totally pleased with a specific look.
“That’s the problem. If it worked then no change would be needed. It would
boost your sales, and you would feel comfortable in it.” Countered Joyce
“This is ridiculous! LiNCLOVER doesn’t need an Image change. We are just fine the way we are. We are alternative rock, so we dress the part. I’m not joining the pop/trendy mainstream, you know. I left my other gig because I wanted to explore music and its different nuances. It’s not about selling records only. It’s about making good music.” Ren argued
“You can make the best music in the world, but if it doesn’t sell, it’s no good. There must be a balance!”
“Don’t talk about balance. You don’t know anything about Japanese music or art. You have no idea!”
“Maybe, maybe not. But I know when something ‘s not selling due to poor management decisions. Use your head for once, man! Don’t let your stubbornness rule over whatever good sense you possess”
“We are not prostituting ourselves to be worrying about selling faces and bodies. We are musicians not models, damn you! You have no right to interfere or tell us what to do!”
“Yes, I do! Like it or not I’m your PR, I have every right, damn you! You play your music; I fix your public image! Let me do my job!”
“You must remember most of the time, people buy for what they see, not for what they hear.” Interrupted Sammie as she entered into the conversation with Valerie in tow. “You have a good project going. Your music is not the theme today, nor is it going to be. We don’t want you mainstream musically speaking. We only want your project to sell, understand? Your music is different and we want it out there reaching people.”
“I think you are wasting your breath Sammie, he doesn’t want to listen.”
“When you give me a good argument for change other than exerting your will over us, then call me. I see no reason to change anything on LiNCLOVER.” Ren said
“You don’t see a reason because you are a blind fool! This is for your own good. If you plan on looking like a deranged football player who forgot to take off his helmet every time you are on a Live, then go ahead, I won’t stop you! We said we’re open to change and discussion but you are not cooperating, Ren. Make your decision, because time is money and you are wasting my time. I’m not a patient woman. What are you going to do, little kitten?”
“I’m not going to change anything at all.” His band mates croaked silently begging him not to be rash.
“Ren-san, you should reconsider. You signed a contract with us less than a year ago. It wouldn’t please me to amend or void that contract but it could be done. What you are saying could be construed a breach of contract. Think of the hassle that would be for your latest project, Fury. You know, looking for a new records deal, establishing new contacts, and looking for a new manager after having to break a perfectly good contract. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk, the other companies would start wondering what happened. It would be a shame for them to be informed that all was due to you negative attitude. Why, Fury would have to be postponed for at least another year! And there are also all those pesky legal repercussions to deal with, you know? Your future starts with an image change, why look elsewhere when we’re willing to provide you with all you need? Think about it, Ren-san. But remember! Don’t take too long; in this business time is money. And we are losing money while you stall!”
‘Damn her guts, she’s right! I’m cornered! But that doesn’t mean I’m happy about it!’ He didn’t dare to say another word because he couldn’t trust himself not to start another shouting match. Looking at the smirk in her face, he whished he could have hit her harder that first time, to have been able to break her face not only her nose.
‘That bitch! She thinks she has me by the balls! Before that happens I’ll cut them off myself!’ In his mind’s eye he could see himself, chibi style, scratching and biting an also chibi-sized Joyce into submission.
“Well, now that that’s resolved we can continue, right? I’ve always said all’s well that ends well, right? I’ll leave you to Sammie to continue this conference. I’ll be back with my presentation.” Turning on her heel she left briskly, not before letting Ren see her triumphant smile when she passed by him.
Angry beyond words, Ren stood up and told Nao he would wait outside.
“What’s up with those two?” queried a confused Yuri
“I don’t know, Yuri-san. Joyce’s not like that normally. She is a hard player but normally she is not such a blackballer.” Valerie confessed
“I don’t understand. We spoke yesterday on the phone after Gautier-san called and he was eager to see your plans. He wants change more than any one of us. Normally I would be in his position and Yuri would be in mine! I don’t know what happened. Yuri san can tell you, he is very optimistic and positive.” He added with a confused air.
“You are right, he’s never arrived late to a meeting with management before. I was more surprised to see he was late and even more, when he didn’t offer his excuses immediately.”
“We must talk to them Nao-san, Yuri-san. They could make or break this business agreement, and they must be able to function professionally. Please talk to Ren, we’ll deal with Joyce. Think about the image change, make as many changes as you want and please feel free to bring suggestions. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible with our arrangement” said Sammie as she continued the meeting.
Once it was over, Nao went directly to the smoking neko, who was busily walking from one side to the other still trying to vent his anger.
“Ren.”
“Don’t start with me! I didn’t do anything! Didn’t you see how that bitch was treating me?” he fumed
“She barely said anything at all. She just responded to your attitude.”
“Fuck you! She’s been trying to screw me since I broke her nose!”
“That makes for a good reason. You have to be patient. What she proposes is quite good. I would have thought you would be a happy kitten when you heard her plans. They may not be exactly what we had in mind but they are open to discussion. It could have been worse!”
“I’m sure that woman has an ulterior motive! She must want a piece of my ass to hang from her wall as a prize. I’m not going to give her the satisfaction of accepting defeat.”
“But Ren that would mean breaking the contract! She said she would sue if we did.”
“You don’t have to leave if you don’t want to! I will. Look for another bassist!”
“Are you running away again? We started LiNCLOVER because we wanted to play our kind of music. They are not asking us to become mainstream. If you leave this contract you are stupid and childish. Also the contract specifies LiNCLOVER and then our names. Without you there’s no LiNCLOVER. Besides where would you go? Back to him?”
Ren stiffened “That was really low, Nao. But you are right. It’s just that it galls me to let her win. She is insufferable! I can’t stand her!”
“That’s probably because you like her!” said Nao half-jokingly
Ren sighed and kept on smoking, deliberately ignoring him.
“I suggest we sit down, analyze their suggestions, make our own and reach an agreement with them. It’s the correct way to proceed from now on, ne? Ren?”
“Ne, nya! Ne!” Nao left and entered the building again. Ren felt too restless after having to eat crow to return meekly to his beloved bass. He decided to walk a bit to vent some steam. He passed by a nearby café/bar and on a whim, decided to have a drink. He entered and sat on his favorite spot, a half hidden table beside the partition that separated the bar from the café. He lighted a cigarette, as is cell started buzzing.
“Moshi, moshi! To the point, Chacha.” He said seriously
“I need to talk to you. He’s gotten worse. Please koneko-chan!”
“Not now, I have problems of my own. I don’t want to hear it.” He flickered the ashes on the tray distractedly.
“I understand but I really need to talk this over and there’s nobody around to do it with. Please?”
“Ok, you can come. I’m near the studio in the café/bar. The one with the green shades, do you remember it?” he exhaled the smoke slowly, eyes half closed.
“Be there in 10 min. tops! Don’t leave!”
“I’ll be waiting, Cha. Don’t worry”
Meanwhile, Ren ordered some dried squid and a beer. He was happily munching on that when Chacha entered the café, 10 min. later. ‘He looks peaked around the edges. Wonder if it still Gackt-san? It must be. Cha doesn’t know when to quit… just like me.’ He grimaced knowing his friend meant well but still resenting his presence. Deciding to hurry along the inescapable, he beckoned him towards the table.
“Hey!” he raised his beer lazily
“Good to see you! How’s it going?” answered Chacha as he neared the table.
Ren gestured for Chacha to sit and grab a bite while he called the waiter over to take his order.
“The same as always, you know. My projects are doing quite good right now and I’m satisfied with my accomplishments. How about you? Not good judging by those.” He smiled softly pointing at the half empty breaded squid platter in front of him.
“Nah, everything is perfect. New record label, new disc in progress, new Image, new Publicity, new Manager, new flyers… hell, even my underwear is new. All is new and that’s wonderful!” He said while he stubbed his cigarette on the half full ashtray.
“And you hate it because…?” Chacha queried softly, taking out a cigarette from his case and gesturing for Ren to light it.
“What makes you think I hate it? I told you, I love change! It gives me a rush just thinking of the possibilities. All the proposed changes were the ones I’ve always dreamed of making but didn’t know how to express. Those chicks have an uncanny knack for giving you just what you’ve always wanted. It scares the hell out of me.” He confessed, lighting another cigarette distractedly.
“And you resent them because they are women?”
“Either! They are very competent! Gautier-san is a very strong-willed female, she gives us solid facts and knows her stuff impressively; Perkins-san may act like a ball of fluff but she’s a whiz at Designing and Developing Ideas. Quite sharp! Even Rivendale-san is good at her job! She exceeds at making us sound and look good! And she’s even better at making me look like the fool I am. She drives me up the wall by just being there! And yes, she is my problem!” Ren was gesturing wildly now, clearly pissed while remembering her attitude.
“Oh! I see”
“No you don’t! You don’t see anything! You don’t know what she’s like. You only saw her once.” He paused. When Ren registered Chacha’s face of confusion he remembered Chacha didn’t know about the changes in his life. “Remember the gaijin whose nose I broke almost two weeks ago? Remember her friends?” Chacha exhaled, nodding sagely “those three are my new production team. Imagine! Of all the women in the world, I had to go and break the nose of the head of my new production team! Now she hates me!”
“She is the one that mews, ne?” he looked at Ren for confirmation “Now, I understand!”
“Not yet, you don’t! She is such a bitch! She’s insolent, demanding, obnoxious and heartless! She treats me worse than a dog! Always looking at me over her shoulder because she is taller than me! May be I’m responsible for her attitude but still she makes me so furious I can’t think when I’m around her! It’s gotten so bad; she only has to breathe near me and Bam! I’m furious! Whenever I see her, I feel something sizzling inside of me, like an inferno, trying to consume me; and I just want to… to…” His feelings were so intense his eyes burned brightly and his hands clenched the air, cigarette forgotten between his fingers.
“Kiss her? Grope her? Screw her senseless? Dominate her? Make her yours?” finished Chacha, while stubbing his cigarette, clearly unimpressed. Ren blushed, obviously taken aback by his words.
“What? How? No! Chacha! I don’t like her! How could I ever want her?”
“Ah, koneko-chan… For such a Hentai neko, you are very naïve. Liking doesn’t have anything to do with wanting or lusting. They should go hand in hand but are rarely accompanied at the beginning of a relationship, if at all. You know that, ne?”
“I’m not interested in bedding her. I won’t ever be interested in doing that! I would prefer to cut my own dick off before I touch her that way again!” he retorted hotly
“Ah, koneko-chan, so you’ve tried! See? Don’t go making any rash promises! It seems to me you are fighting the attraction you feel towards this gaijin neko and maybe she is too.”
“Impossible!”
“If you insist! But lets discuss the topic that brought me here! I’ll leave you to your gaijin neko if you pay attention to what I came to say.”
“Damned if I do, damned if I don’t! Shoot!” he ran his hand through his hair.
“Gackt has been mentioning you again…a lot!” A pause “ We think he’s ready for your apology.”
“Chacha, I told you I wouldn’t apologize for leaving GacktJob! It was his fault I left! Stop trying to make me change my mind because I won’t!”
“Haven’t you thought about our last conversation at all? I hoped you would already have an answer for me. It’s been almost 2 weeks.”
“Have you heard a word I’ve said today? My life is too busy to sit around thinking about Gackt! There are lots of things I have to work with, too many changes going on in my life to be worrying about Gacku-chan! I’m worried about his health; but I need to think about myself too! Furthermore, I”
A sudden squeal of delight stopped his word flow. He looked around trying to detect its origin.
“My table! It’s empty! Lets sit here girls! I love this spot! It reminds me of home! Pretty please!” What sounded like Valerie had interrupted his argument. ‘It can’t be Valerie! Those three walk together everywhere! That would mean Sammie-san and Joyce san are not far behind. And that’s im-’
“Ok, Val. Let’s sit there! Just stop squealing! I hope they have broccoli-cheddar soup today! I’m dying to have it again, right Sammie? That was good!”
‘Yep, fate was definitively against him today!’ he grimaced. He looked at Chacha who was busily arguing with him still although what he’d said was now totally lost to him.
“Ren, are you paying attention or not?” He asked demandingly, his face an unhealthy shade of red.
“Shush! Blood pressure, Cha! Remember your heart and liver! Want some red tea? We could ask for some. It’s quite good for cancer prevention…” he replied mockingly, keeping his voice deliberately low.
“I don’t want tea, I want you to pay attention!”
“There, there Cha! Don’t give us away! There is an inuyoukai, an usagiyoukai and a nekoyoukai, just beside this partition. Remember Sammie-san, the one you fell on top of? She’s there too! She’s the inuyokai I’m talking about!”
“Oh, you mean the chick with the big ass, tiny waist and beautiful legs? That one?” he perked up with enthusiasm. “I loved teasing the heck out of her! She is so easy to provoke and blushes so delightfully!”
“If you don’t lower your voice, stub that cigarette and stop calling me by my name, you’ll bring those three youkai on top of us! The worse is Rivendale-san; she transforms you into stone if you dare to look upon her face! Now shut up! I want to hear what they are saying! Hey! That was my name I heard!” He crouched, covering his mouth while holding his breath. When no dark eyes came out from between the artificial plants, he motioned for silence and inclined in their direction. Hearing a chair scrap slightly, he glanced at Chacha. He was stubbing his cigarette with dancing eyes preparing to get near the partition to share the fun.
“Let me ask again, Joyce and don’t give me that crap about not knowing what I’m talking about! Why are you being so mean to Ren-san? You threatened him, Joy! That was not part of the plan and you know it!” Sammie was very upset about something.
“You practically… no! You told him to take his bass and look for another label if he was not prepared to toe the line!” said Valerie, sounding very upset
“Maybe I should have told him to stick his bass -bottom first- where the sun don’t shine, right? Is that better or do you want me to tell him to add the bass case after that?” she answered defiantly.
He grimaced as Chacha muttered near his ear “Ouch!” He agreed clenching his ass reflexively.
“I’m surprised at your attitude! I’ve never known you to be such a bitch with anyone! Not even McKissen has ever received this amount of nastiness and he really deserved it! That one should have been strung by the balls for what he did to you but not Ren-san!”
“It’s his own fault! Nobody told him to arrive late and in such a manner!”
“You heard Nao, he had car trouble! Be reasonable!”
“I’m not apologizing, I said! He arrived late; car trouble or not, he should have left home earlier. Then, he had the gall to criticize your designs! As if he knew the difference between chartreuse and puce! You worked so hard to present LiNCLOVER with lots of gorgeous options and he shot off without trying to see our side first! Fuck him I say!”
“Joyce, did you forget we had settled on the alternative meets J-rock look from the beginning? It was you who suggested we give them options. It was your idea from the start, you knew Ren-san was going to blow his top as soon as we suggested a change even if he wanted it just because it was you behind it.” She paused and deepened her voice “Val, you said, give them Wide angle, Cutting Edge options that will lead them to choose the least objectionable of the designs, which will be the one better suited to them. Remember? You chose that look yourself after hearing to their music for quite a long time. We liked the idea, I just added a few Ideas I was fiddling with for completion.” She stated quite simply.
“You knew he was going to blow up, we all knew and prepared for the eventuality! Especially after all the times you’ve had to call them for information regarding their managerial procedures. But we never expected you to squash him like that!” Sammie retorted wryly “He’s not the most patient man after all. He can be very stubborn but so can you. We expected the usually clearheaded attitude from you, that’s why we were surprised by your reaction! You should have handled it differently, Joyce! And I know you are aware!”
Chacha looked at him, surprise written all over his face. “They know you, koneko-chan! Or at least, the gaijin neko does!” Cha whispered. He shrugged nonchalantly.
“Maybe I was wrong, I suppose. But I won’t apologize to him! That’s final! He never apologized after he broke my nose! Nor after the things he said to me after waking up that day!”
“She has a point there, Sammie! Even you would be resentful, but still that doesn’t explain everything! I thought you were-” Joyce burst out laughing, interrupting Val.
“Did you see his reaction to the Bubble Gum Idea? Even poor Nao-san couldn’t close his mouth when Val told him about his new hair do! I thought I was going to explode when I realized I wasn’t supposed to laugh! Ren with Pink Hair and wild geometric designs! Oh, my God Valerie! I wanted to kiss you then! He looked like he’d swallowed a whole bottle of wasabi!” she hooted deliriously, Sammie and Valerie joining her amidst giggles and guffaws, making the other patrons look weirdly at the laughing gaijin’s.
“Sush, girls! They’ll throw us out! Oh, you are so bad Joyce! But it’s true! I loved the look of horror on their faces when you showed them the Goth! Nao and Ren were squirming like they had rats up their pants!”
Ren fumed insulted, ‘they are all laughing at my expense, even Chacha and he didn’t seen the design. Thank God!’
“No, dears, you are wrong! That was the Pop look! Imagine Nao-san and Ren-san in tight fitting leather pants, especially our cute little Ren with his long legs and tight ass. That look was hot if I may say so myself! I hated to see it go!” Sighed Sammie
“That was actually my favorite look, very sexy. Leather always enhances a man’s natural beauty if you follow my meaning. The leather clinging lovingly to all the correct places!! Both of them would have looked stunning, impressive, finger-licking good… in a word fuckable!” Val finished by licking her fingers lustily.
Ren blushed fiercely at their comments, squirming uncomfortably on his chair.
“What did you think about that look, Joyce? Still prefer the Alternative one? You seemed very affected by the idea of Ren in leather… I looked at your face when I showed them that one. You hadn’t seen it either… and judging by your reaction, something tells me you liked it!”
“What did she do?”
“Why, she stopped laughing for once. Leant forward slowly to look better at the picture I’d composed for LiNCLOVER stopping dazedly in Ren. She never saw Nao’s design or Yuri’s for that matter.”
“I saw them all!”
“Then you must remember if Nao’s pants were bell-bottoms or straight leg? Also if Yuri used a skirt or a Bermuda?”
“Bell-bottom and Bermuda?”
“You see? I rest my case! Neither dear. Bell-bottoms are for Ren. To encase his thighs and emphasize his lean hips and firm ass; extra low-cut to let fans a peek at his abs and bellybutton. Nao had on Straight leg pants, low riding for the same reason. Yuri had on a short leather skirt, with a really high left slit. Very sexy, if I may say so myself! You see? You were not paying attention Joyce, because you were entranced with Ren.”
“No way! I was distracted! That’s all!”
“Is that why you suddenly stopped laughing, dear? I swear your eyes grew dreamy when you saw those leather pants. You like him! That’s why you are always picking on him! Confess already!”
“No, I didn’t. That’s your overactive imagination. I wasn’t looking at him!”
“Then you were looking at Nao? Don’t think so or you would remember his clothes!”
“I don’t like Ren! He’s a pest!”
“Then why is your face so red? You are blushing from your hairline to your chest, ears included. You like him Joyce!” They started bickering both Sammie and Valerie pushing at Joyce for a full-fledged confession, she resisting valiantly until, fed up she blew.
“Ok! OK! Enough already! Yes, it seems I’m attracted to the pest! But not for long! I will flush him out of my system soon!”
“Oh, Sammie… she’s planning to fuck him soon! Naughty, naughty Joyce!”
“Gods Joyce! Never had you pegged you as an S&M lover. He breaks your nose and you fall for him!”
“And I never had you pegged for a faggot lover? Don’t think I haven’t noticed you looking for Chachamaru every time Ren visits! That’s why you are over eager to see LiNCLOVER! You are hoping for a free Chacha viewing!” It was Ren’s turn to look surprised. Chacha smiled approvingly.
“No way! I don’t like that blond faggot!”
“Of course not, Joyce! He has longhair, uses tight pants and he’s cross-eyed! Isn’t that enough? She can’t like somebody like him,” reasoned Valerie
“Why can’t I like him? He’s a good-looking man and he is not cross-eyed! In fact his eyes are his best feature! I just love a man in tight pants; you can see his ass better! So what if I like him? He has long hair? That’s even better. Lots of hair to hang on to when making love!” Sammie retorted. Chacha straightened up, eager to hear more
“Then why don’t we call them both up and see if they are interested?” queried Valerie innocently
“You do that and tomorrow you are visiting the fishes with your new concrete shoes, get it?” bit Joyce heatedly.
Ren gulped and looked at Chacha with a smirk. There was an answering grin on his friend’s lips, eyes half closed in concentration: planning.
‘She likes me! That’s why she treats me like a dog! Joyce, you big pussy! Maybe I can use this to save face and turn you around to my way of thinking…’
Chacha signaled for them to leave, Ren assented still deep in thought. Their conversation was getting more heated by the second and it would not do to risk discovery.
‘Joyce would find a way to find me at fault!’
They were settling the bill when he glanced around looking for Chacha. He found him near the door, staring hungrily in the direction of the café.
“Hey, Cha, you ready to leave? What’s the matter?”
Chacha didn’t answer nor did he acknowledge his presence but gazed intently in one direction. Suddenly, he lowered his shades, smiled slowly and devilishly licked his lips. Mouthing ‘mata ne?’ he blew a kiss in the air. Then, he turned on his heel and left with a flick of his wrist. Curiously, Ren looked in the same direction and his gaze stumbled with a blushing Sammie. She started stammering and stood up nervously when her friends tried to turn to see what was distracting her so. He smiled knowingly as he gave her a jaunty salute. Turning, he left, feeling decidedly better. Scanning the street he smiled mischievously as the sun warmed his skin and set his hair on fire.
Hope you like... Please don't kill the cat! Its not the best... but I try hard! Nya!
This is Chapter 8 : Dancing Cats over Coffee!
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/13899.html
This is Chapter 7: Free Drinks and a Stolen Car
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/11328.html
This is Chapter 6: Rehearsal Blues
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/10643.html
This is Chapter 5: Neutered Cats and Singing Birds
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/9593.html
This is Chapter 4: Strays and Broken Noses
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/8619.html
This is Chapter 3: A Sexy Witch Hunt
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/7776.html
This is chapter 2: A Study in Make Believe
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/5282.html
This is chapter 1: Music and Beer
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nekochan_nya/3026.html