Showtime (written for serial_translat)
Title; Showtime
Genre; AU, Humor
Length; One Shot
Rating; G to PG
Pairings; Sakuraiba (Friendship)
Summary; The members are asked to take part in a special East Meets West show being planned for the Tokyo Dome’s 20th birthday celebration.
Disclaimer; I only own the story plot and the original characters who were born in my imagination. The Arashi members own themselves.
<<<<<>>>>>
A meeting room at J Storm, February 5, 2008;
A light knock sounds on the meeting room door. “Kitagawa sama. Ms. McCrae is here.” The secretary announces as she opens the door and the seven men in the room all stand. A moment later a tall woman with short, wavy copper bright hair and laughing green eyes enters followed by three other people carrying various items. Caitlin McCrae is one half of the team arranging and preparing the special show to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tokyo Dome. They stop at one end of the long table but the woman continues forward. “Top o the morning to ya, Gentlemen!” She says in English with a clear Irish accent. “And the rest of the day to you, Ma’am.” Johnny replies also in English as he moves closer to her and they shake hands. “Hisashiburi desu ne, Sensei?” Caitlin asks switching to flawless Japanese bowing respectfully. “It has indeed, Caitlin.” He answers bowing also then they chat for a moment or so. During this time the members exchange confused/surprised looks with each other. They knew the meeting today with the noted choreographer Caitlin McCrae who was half of the team preparing the anniversary show was to discuss their corner of the show, but they had no idea that Ms. McCrae and their boss had such a close relationship. “Let me introduce the members of Arashi.” Johnny says and the guys all turn to face them. He starts with Ohno and works down the line. “Sensei sent me the DVD of your concert from last year.” She tells them when the introductions are done. “Very impressive, I can see why Sensei put you five together and I’m very much looking forward to working with you.” Caitlin tells them and then the meeting gets started, but she doesn’t sit down. Instead she motions to the others who came with her to set up an easel and other items while she talks about the show and their corner.
“The show is an East/West fusion that will be a total of 3 hours long that is divided up into 20 minute corners with a 30 minute intermission. All of the corners will have a different style focus and will also all be combined groups of Asian and Western performers.” She explains as her assistants finish with the easel. “Arashi will be opening the second half of the show in a flashy Las Vegas style corner paired with 10 showgirls selected from different casinos especially for this show.” Caitlin replies with a grin as she turns to take some papers from another assistant. “Ahh what kawaii koi fish, Sensei!” She says to Johnny and laughing as she turns around. “That word tends to have that effect on most men, Caitlin.” He replies as the choreographer hands him several pages stapled together. “And especially with young ones.” Johnny comments and lightly smacks each member on the head with the papers who all duck their heads a bit and apologize. “The songs for your corner are; Kitto Daijōbu, Dear My Friend, Wish, and We Can Make It.” She says handing them the papers. “The reason for us to meet this early is because I’ve altered the usual choreography you use for them to accommodate the showgirls, but due to their individual schedules they can’t come to Japan until March 6th so for now each group will be working with substitutes while learning the new choreography.” Caitlin explains and now the guys turn their attention to the papers. Then she takes the cover off the boards on the easel. “This is the stage design for the show, each corner will have small changes, but this is the main stage.” She tells them. “Sugoi it’s a birthday cake, ne?” Aiba comments and Caitlin smiles. “Exactly Aiba san. Now your corner happens within this central area. She tells them pointing to the big circular part of the stage and she takes that board away.
“These are your costumes.” She says stepping aside so they can see them. Again the guys exchange surprised looks and comments. The style of the costumes is elegant steam punk with the jackets each designed a little different. “The jacket and pants are leather, the shirt cotton with the vest and cravat are satin.” Caitlin says pointing to the different parts. The cravats, jacket lapels and lining are in darker tones of their signature colors with silver trim on the edge of the lapels, a silver stripe down the pants leg and have the same color and black feathers attached somewhere. “These are great, McCrae san!” Ohno says with the others chiming in as well. “To make sure everything matches right the costumes are all being made by the same company in Las Vegas and since the measurement system is different in America after we are done here you will meet with people from that company so they can take your measurements.” Johnny tells them and the members all nod. “The costumes will be coming here with the girls in March so they can do a final fitting and make any adjustments then. There is one part you get now though so you can get used to them.” The choreographer explains waving to her assistant to bring 5 shopping bags over all with the logo for Capezio Dance Wear on them. Inside each bag are two shoe boxes. “Since the showgirls are all quite tall, your shoes have 2”/5cm heels on them.” She adds and the guys all quickly take out a box to look at the shoes. “Just how tall are they, McCrae san?” Ohno asks turning the shoe in his hand. “Well Ohno san the shortest for any showgirl is 5’ 8” or about Aiba san’s height without shoes. However since the time for you all to rehearse together is only 10 days we specifically looked for ladies who were also conversant in Japanese and we ended up with a group that are 5’11” to 6’ 2 or 180 to 187cm.” She explains and the guys all look at each other and glance up. Later on they when they meet the costumers, the head of the team asks them to change into the bike shorts they wear for concerts but no shirts and to put on the heeled shoes. “We will be using the same measurement set that a ballet company uses so that you can dance and move around without the costume shifting or riding up.” He explains with Caitlin translating.
Just about any open space in their schedules for the following weeks is taken up with learning the new choreography and working with the substitute female dancers. Dancing in the heeled shoes is really difficult at first, but they eventually start to get used to it. “Good thing these shoes are really comfortable.” Aiba says rubbing his calf muscle while they are taking a break. “Hai, I don’t see how women wear heels every day like they do.” Nino comments laying back on the floor and flexing his feet up and down. “Ne minna, Caitlin Sensei told me earlier that all the costumes are done now and that the showgirl’s costumes weigh over 18kg.” Sho adds shaking his head. “Whoa! Hontoni?!” Ohno asks shocked and Sho nods. “That’s why they picked the songs they did, Sho kun. Dear My Friend and Wish don’t have a lot of active dancing so the girls won’t get too tired before the three numbers in the finale.” Jun explains as he stretches his legs. Then Caitlin claps her hands signaling that break is over. They all grab a last few swallows of water and then getup to start again. All too soon March 6th arrives along with the showgirls and the guy’s costumes. When they meet with the costume team in the hotel suite set up as their work room. In the main room is one of the girl’s costumes set up on a mannequin. “Mr Walker, how does this weigh 18kg?” Ohno asks the team leader through Caitlin as he gently touches the dark blue feather ‘tails’ on the hips of the rather scant looking costume. The costumer grins, turns the mannequin around where part of the velvet covering has been opened to show the steel supports underneath. “The headdress has similar supports in it which is why the costume is so heavy.” He explain with the choreographer translating. “Woah! Sugoi! Seriously?!” And such come from the members as they all talk at once. “Minna, it’s not uncommon for a showgirl’s costume to weigh as much as 22kg.” Caitlin explains to their shocked faces before shooing them off the dressing room to change. When they come back in their costumes Caitlin smiles brightly and nods while the team leader from the costume company walks around them and looks over them with a critical eye. “Very nice……..very nice indeed.” The team leader says then he has them bend and stretch so he can more closely check the fit. “You boys maintained yourselves very well even with all the rehearsing.” He adds through Caitlin. Then he has his assistant take notes as he checks each costume one more time. It turns out that very little alteration is needed on the costumes.
When the guys come back after changing back to their own clothes they stop as a group not a meter from the door. Across the room stand ten beautiful and very tall gaijin women. “We should have kept those shoes on.” Aiba whispers to the others. “Konnichiwa Arashi!” The girls say and all bow slightly in perfect unison. The guys stumble a bit with their replies since they had expected to be meeting the ladies a bit later. “The girls have a request so I said they could come over early.” Caitlin says grinning and then introduces them to the members according to the pairings. (Lucy/Lilly - Ohno, Meg/Allison - Sho, Melody/Tracy - Aiba, Phoebe/Noelle - Jun, Victoria/Paige - Nino) “Minna san, we would like to invite you to have lunch with us today in our group’s suite if you have time.” She offers and the guys accept after their manager says it’s ok. The girls have everything set up on the coffee table so they can all sit comfortably on the floor. Being able to talk without a translator and after discovering that the girls are about the same age as them the guys quickly get over their nervousness. “See girls I told you they would be much cuter in person didn’t I?” Lucy says and her twin sister along with the others nod or comment in agreement. “Absolutely, I could just gobble my little Nino here right up.” Victoria says in her deep southern drawl and making Nino ears go red. The next day is the first of the rehearsals together and the start of some very funny mishaps. Like when Ohno or Nino would make a turn while dancing only to find themselves nose to cleavage or actually running into said area. Other things included when Jun and Sho accidentally grabbed the same area or reaching for the girl’s waist and actually getting her bottom. More than a few time rehearsal would stop because they would all be laughing about those things. The only one not to have problems like that was Aiba even though his partners, Melody and Tracy were the tallest pair. As needed Caitlin adjusts the choreography to sort these things out and they quickly get used to dancing together.
Two days before the show, they all go to the Tokyo Dome for the promotional photo shoot. This is when the members notice something they hadn’t before. Each pair of girls is now accompanied by a casually dressed and very burly man. “Oh our body guards? Our home casinos presidents flipped coins to decide who would be assigning the body guard for each pair.” Allison tells Sho when he asks about the large men “They’ve been here all along, shadowing us whenever we leave the hotel.” Meg ads. “Why is that Meg, Nino asks. “Well, a lot of people have the wrong idea of what a showgirl really is mainly because of how they are portrayed in old movies and TV shows, but also because there are strippers, exotic dancers and so on that call themselves Showgirls and are ready to party with anyone anytime, but it hasn’t been that way for showgirls since the late 50’s. Since the Bluebell show opened in 1958, Showgirls have to have years of dance training and ballet before that can be a showgirl and have to be totally professional about what we do.” Meg explains then Noelle continues. “Lucy, Lilly, and Meg all went to Julliard and then were in the American Ballet Company. Paige, me, Tracy, and Alli were in the Joffrey Ballet at different times, Vicky, Charleston Ballet Theater, Phoebe and Melody are local Vegas girls and were both members of the Nevada Ballet Theater before becoming showgirls.” She tells them motioning to each of her friends as she speaks. “We all have wonderful security at the casinos. No one gets near us who isn’t supposed to be there, so they made sure we had the same kind of protection while we are here. They mainly kept a low profile before because the rehearsal hall was small.” Phoebe finishes for them. “The Dome has very good security too, Phoebe.” Jun comments. “True. Demo, Tokyo Dome is way bigger than the rehearsal hall and between the stage crew, staff and others with the various artists in this show there are a whole lot more people around so they had to become more visible.” Noelle explains nodding to the blonde man standing nearby. “Everyone has been so nice here though. Aside from people asking for autographs or to take a photo with us, no one has done or said anything negative at all.” Paige, says smiling. “Same here, but still it’s a relief to have the guys with us.” Victoria, ads with a nod.
All during the rehearsals they all have been wearing normal practice clothes, tights, t-shirts, sweats and so forth, so when they gather for the photo shoot the guys get quite a surprise when the girls walk out on stage. Now, they had seen photos of the girls from their different shows in Vegas, but that didn’t prepare them at all for seeing their new friends in their costumes live. “Oh wow.” Ohno says sucking in a breath. “Subarashii ne?” Aiba and Nino ask at the same time while Sho and Jun just stare. “You guys look so super handsome.” Melody, says when they get closer. “Can you all really dance like that?” Nino asks motioning to the towering head piece and other parts of the elaborate costume. Victoria along with Sho partners, Meg and Allison step back and do a bit of their dance moves. “Absolutely.” She says with a giggle. “Now that is a killer rainbow.” The photographer comments as he comes up on stage with his camera and the girls all curtsey. “I agree completely. Minna you all look so much better than the designs.” Caitlin adds from one side. “True usually it’s the other way around.” A man next to her says and the members instantly recognize Tanaka Wateru the other promoter working on this show and they bow respectfully. “I think this is the best looking group in the show, Caitlin. With Big Bang and the Kerrigan Trip right behind them.” He continues and she nods. While the photographer is setting up the different shots he wants everyone makes sure to ask for copies of the photos. At one point he has them all standing and facing forward, each member flanked by their partners and with the guys wearing suave/sexy expressions. While he is taking those pictures Caitlin nods and all the girls quickly dip down and plant kisses on the guy’s cheeks. The photographer gets several photos of that before the guys expressions change to red faced shock. He takes some more like that before lowering his camera laughing. “Gomen guys I just couldn’t resist playing a little prank on you.” Caitlin says smiling. For the shots of the whole cast the photographer put them in the center of the second tier both because of the rainbow effect and since they are the largest group in the show. With Big Bang and the trio of strawberry blonde guys in front of them. “Alright everyone final sound check starts at 4 PM with dress rehearsal right after, so don’t be late!” Tanaka san says as he dismisses the cast for a meal break and some rest. “Caitlin I want a copy of that kiss photo.” He whispers with a grin as he leaves the stage followed by her bright laughter.
“Man you guys have the best luck.” G-Dragon says in English to Sho as he and the other members of their combined group move aside so Arashi and the girls can get down from the higher tier. “Too right there, GD. Those are real Las Vegas Showgirls aren’t they?” Ryan Kerrigan, from the Irish trio comments. “Hey mates…..Care ta shar….mmmphf” He starts to add and reaching for Noelle who was closest to him when one of his brothers clamps a hand over his mouth while Jun steps in front of Noelle. Ryan’s other brother Mike who is also the leader of their group smiles up at the girls. “Please excuse my little brother ladies he’s a wee ass that was born with his foot in his mouth.” He adds turning a glare at Ryan then they hustle him off the stage. “Ladies, please don’t think that I meant what he was talking about when I said that Arashi had the best luck.” G-Dragon comments quickly. “I meant that it was lucky for them to get to work with such beautiful women.” He adds then they all bow and head off. “See Matsujun? That’s what we meant earlier. Even though most of them knew better there is still one who didn’t.” Phoebe asks with a small sigh. “Yeah I do and I’m sorry that happened while we were have such a good day.” Jun replies. “Hey no long faces! Let’s go get changed remember we’re treating you all to our favorite ramen shop!” Aiba says motioning to the dressing room area. “Yeah! Sho kun called ahead and booked the whole restaurant for us.” Nino tells them with a bratty grin. “It’s not that big of a deal brat.” Sho replies ruffling Nino’s hair and then looking at the girls. “The shop is really small, so the 15 of us will pretty much fill it up.” He adds and they all laugh. After lunch the girls go back to their hotel to rest and the guys camp out at Sho’s place for a while. Everything goes great the evening and the day of the show is bright and beautiful after the downpour the day before during the rest day. The Arashi members and the girls watch the part of the first half of the show on the monitor in the green room. “Big Bang and the Kerrigan Trip are pretty good together.” Sho comments back in their dressing room. “Un I was talking to G-Dragon earlier and he said that the Irish guys are really talented and Evan and Mike are really cool. It’s just Ryan who aside from his skill at rapping and dance that is a clueless ass and a troublemaker.” Jun replies and the two of them laugh.
Five minutes before the second half starts and the guys go out through the under stage to the middle area. They meet Caitlin and the girls backstage and they all wish each other a good show. When the music starts, an upbeat ‘traveling music’ piece so the girls can walk across the stage and down the ramp to the center area. Then they form two circles facing out as the middle rings rises to level 2 and the outer ring to level one. Their positions and the hip packs of their costumes hide the fact that the central disk has dropped down for the guys to get on. After a slightly extended intro for Kitto Daijobu so the platform can start upward while the other two rings head down, then Sho starts rapping just as their head clear the middle ring and the audience starts cheering. Over the rest of the corner the energy from the audience gets better and better and carries on into the rest of the show and the wrap party afterwards. “Oh no Matsujun there’s a lot more to it than that.” Phoebe says while they are talking at the wrap party. “There is a whole list of rules we have to follow in manners, speech and appearance when in public, so a showgirl is always ‘onstage’ unless we are at home relaxing.” She explains and goes on to give him some details. “That must be really exhausting and stressful for all of you. Idols have rules too but not as nearly as many or as strict as what you mentioned.” He asks shaking his head. “It is at first, but after a while you just get used to it. I know a former showgirl from Bally’s who is 70 years old and lives in a retirement community now, but she still goes by the Showgirl rules when she leaves her room. ” She explains and Jun smiles. “Sugoi!” He replies. “Come on guys, we are staying another week so we can sight see and do some serious shopping in Ginza.” Allison says as her, Meg, Melody and Tracy come over to them with Sho and Aiba. “Yeah it would be so easy to turn you two into girls so you can come along.” Meg says while Sho is furiously shaking his head and Aiba is doing his best to contain his laughter. “No, no no no….and uhh No!” Sho says quite firmly. “Alli in our skits on our variety show Sho usually draws the straw with the female character on it, so you won’t get Sho kun to put on a dress for anything.” He explains and Aiba cracks up followed by Jun then Phoebe and the other girls….then eventually Sho starts laughing too.
A week later just before the girls leave for the airport they meet up with the guys and give them a framed copy of the group photo from the show with their signatures across the top. Ohno laughs and picks up a plastic tube from next to his chair. “Looks like we had the same idea.” He says holding out the tube. Inside is a copy of a photo of the same photo with Arashi’s autographs around the edge. “Look when you guys have some vacation time together you have to come to Vegas so we can show you our favorite places in town.” Lucy says taking the tube from Ohno and carefully putting the photo back inside. “There are some great fishing places around Tahoe, Satoshi.” Lilly points out and Ohno smiles. Slightly tearful hugs and pecks on the cheek gets passed around the group of friends when the head of their body guards says that it’s time to go. “Ya ’all better come visit us soon Arashi!!” The girls all call out as they climb into their vans in the parking garage of the hotel.
Fin~~
Click here for a picture to the story
Genre; AU, Humor
Length; One Shot
Rating; G to PG
Pairings; Sakuraiba (Friendship)
Summary; The members are asked to take part in a special East Meets West show being planned for the Tokyo Dome’s 20th birthday celebration.
Disclaimer; I only own the story plot and the original characters who were born in my imagination. The Arashi members own themselves.
<<<<<>>>>>
A meeting room at J Storm, February 5, 2008;
A light knock sounds on the meeting room door. “Kitagawa sama. Ms. McCrae is here.” The secretary announces as she opens the door and the seven men in the room all stand. A moment later a tall woman with short, wavy copper bright hair and laughing green eyes enters followed by three other people carrying various items. Caitlin McCrae is one half of the team arranging and preparing the special show to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tokyo Dome. They stop at one end of the long table but the woman continues forward. “Top o the morning to ya, Gentlemen!” She says in English with a clear Irish accent. “And the rest of the day to you, Ma’am.” Johnny replies also in English as he moves closer to her and they shake hands. “Hisashiburi desu ne, Sensei?” Caitlin asks switching to flawless Japanese bowing respectfully. “It has indeed, Caitlin.” He answers bowing also then they chat for a moment or so. During this time the members exchange confused/surprised looks with each other. They knew the meeting today with the noted choreographer Caitlin McCrae who was half of the team preparing the anniversary show was to discuss their corner of the show, but they had no idea that Ms. McCrae and their boss had such a close relationship. “Let me introduce the members of Arashi.” Johnny says and the guys all turn to face them. He starts with Ohno and works down the line. “Sensei sent me the DVD of your concert from last year.” She tells them when the introductions are done. “Very impressive, I can see why Sensei put you five together and I’m very much looking forward to working with you.” Caitlin tells them and then the meeting gets started, but she doesn’t sit down. Instead she motions to the others who came with her to set up an easel and other items while she talks about the show and their corner.
“The show is an East/West fusion that will be a total of 3 hours long that is divided up into 20 minute corners with a 30 minute intermission. All of the corners will have a different style focus and will also all be combined groups of Asian and Western performers.” She explains as her assistants finish with the easel. “Arashi will be opening the second half of the show in a flashy Las Vegas style corner paired with 10 showgirls selected from different casinos especially for this show.” Caitlin replies with a grin as she turns to take some papers from another assistant. “Ahh what kawaii koi fish, Sensei!” She says to Johnny and laughing as she turns around. “That word tends to have that effect on most men, Caitlin.” He replies as the choreographer hands him several pages stapled together. “And especially with young ones.” Johnny comments and lightly smacks each member on the head with the papers who all duck their heads a bit and apologize. “The songs for your corner are; Kitto Daijōbu, Dear My Friend, Wish, and We Can Make It.” She says handing them the papers. “The reason for us to meet this early is because I’ve altered the usual choreography you use for them to accommodate the showgirls, but due to their individual schedules they can’t come to Japan until March 6th so for now each group will be working with substitutes while learning the new choreography.” Caitlin explains and now the guys turn their attention to the papers. Then she takes the cover off the boards on the easel. “This is the stage design for the show, each corner will have small changes, but this is the main stage.” She tells them. “Sugoi it’s a birthday cake, ne?” Aiba comments and Caitlin smiles. “Exactly Aiba san. Now your corner happens within this central area. She tells them pointing to the big circular part of the stage and she takes that board away.
“These are your costumes.” She says stepping aside so they can see them. Again the guys exchange surprised looks and comments. The style of the costumes is elegant steam punk with the jackets each designed a little different. “The jacket and pants are leather, the shirt cotton with the vest and cravat are satin.” Caitlin says pointing to the different parts. The cravats, jacket lapels and lining are in darker tones of their signature colors with silver trim on the edge of the lapels, a silver stripe down the pants leg and have the same color and black feathers attached somewhere. “These are great, McCrae san!” Ohno says with the others chiming in as well. “To make sure everything matches right the costumes are all being made by the same company in Las Vegas and since the measurement system is different in America after we are done here you will meet with people from that company so they can take your measurements.” Johnny tells them and the members all nod. “The costumes will be coming here with the girls in March so they can do a final fitting and make any adjustments then. There is one part you get now though so you can get used to them.” The choreographer explains waving to her assistant to bring 5 shopping bags over all with the logo for Capezio Dance Wear on them. Inside each bag are two shoe boxes. “Since the showgirls are all quite tall, your shoes have 2”/5cm heels on them.” She adds and the guys all quickly take out a box to look at the shoes. “Just how tall are they, McCrae san?” Ohno asks turning the shoe in his hand. “Well Ohno san the shortest for any showgirl is 5’ 8” or about Aiba san’s height without shoes. However since the time for you all to rehearse together is only 10 days we specifically looked for ladies who were also conversant in Japanese and we ended up with a group that are 5’11” to 6’ 2 or 180 to 187cm.” She explains and the guys all look at each other and glance up. Later on they when they meet the costumers, the head of the team asks them to change into the bike shorts they wear for concerts but no shirts and to put on the heeled shoes. “We will be using the same measurement set that a ballet company uses so that you can dance and move around without the costume shifting or riding up.” He explains with Caitlin translating.
Just about any open space in their schedules for the following weeks is taken up with learning the new choreography and working with the substitute female dancers. Dancing in the heeled shoes is really difficult at first, but they eventually start to get used to it. “Good thing these shoes are really comfortable.” Aiba says rubbing his calf muscle while they are taking a break. “Hai, I don’t see how women wear heels every day like they do.” Nino comments laying back on the floor and flexing his feet up and down. “Ne minna, Caitlin Sensei told me earlier that all the costumes are done now and that the showgirl’s costumes weigh over 18kg.” Sho adds shaking his head. “Whoa! Hontoni?!” Ohno asks shocked and Sho nods. “That’s why they picked the songs they did, Sho kun. Dear My Friend and Wish don’t have a lot of active dancing so the girls won’t get too tired before the three numbers in the finale.” Jun explains as he stretches his legs. Then Caitlin claps her hands signaling that break is over. They all grab a last few swallows of water and then getup to start again. All too soon March 6th arrives along with the showgirls and the guy’s costumes. When they meet with the costume team in the hotel suite set up as their work room. In the main room is one of the girl’s costumes set up on a mannequin. “Mr Walker, how does this weigh 18kg?” Ohno asks the team leader through Caitlin as he gently touches the dark blue feather ‘tails’ on the hips of the rather scant looking costume. The costumer grins, turns the mannequin around where part of the velvet covering has been opened to show the steel supports underneath. “The headdress has similar supports in it which is why the costume is so heavy.” He explain with the choreographer translating. “Woah! Sugoi! Seriously?!” And such come from the members as they all talk at once. “Minna, it’s not uncommon for a showgirl’s costume to weigh as much as 22kg.” Caitlin explains to their shocked faces before shooing them off the dressing room to change. When they come back in their costumes Caitlin smiles brightly and nods while the team leader from the costume company walks around them and looks over them with a critical eye. “Very nice……..very nice indeed.” The team leader says then he has them bend and stretch so he can more closely check the fit. “You boys maintained yourselves very well even with all the rehearsing.” He adds through Caitlin. Then he has his assistant take notes as he checks each costume one more time. It turns out that very little alteration is needed on the costumes.
When the guys come back after changing back to their own clothes they stop as a group not a meter from the door. Across the room stand ten beautiful and very tall gaijin women. “We should have kept those shoes on.” Aiba whispers to the others. “Konnichiwa Arashi!” The girls say and all bow slightly in perfect unison. The guys stumble a bit with their replies since they had expected to be meeting the ladies a bit later. “The girls have a request so I said they could come over early.” Caitlin says grinning and then introduces them to the members according to the pairings. (Lucy/Lilly - Ohno, Meg/Allison - Sho, Melody/Tracy - Aiba, Phoebe/Noelle - Jun, Victoria/Paige - Nino) “Minna san, we would like to invite you to have lunch with us today in our group’s suite if you have time.” She offers and the guys accept after their manager says it’s ok. The girls have everything set up on the coffee table so they can all sit comfortably on the floor. Being able to talk without a translator and after discovering that the girls are about the same age as them the guys quickly get over their nervousness. “See girls I told you they would be much cuter in person didn’t I?” Lucy says and her twin sister along with the others nod or comment in agreement. “Absolutely, I could just gobble my little Nino here right up.” Victoria says in her deep southern drawl and making Nino ears go red. The next day is the first of the rehearsals together and the start of some very funny mishaps. Like when Ohno or Nino would make a turn while dancing only to find themselves nose to cleavage or actually running into said area. Other things included when Jun and Sho accidentally grabbed the same area or reaching for the girl’s waist and actually getting her bottom. More than a few time rehearsal would stop because they would all be laughing about those things. The only one not to have problems like that was Aiba even though his partners, Melody and Tracy were the tallest pair. As needed Caitlin adjusts the choreography to sort these things out and they quickly get used to dancing together.
Two days before the show, they all go to the Tokyo Dome for the promotional photo shoot. This is when the members notice something they hadn’t before. Each pair of girls is now accompanied by a casually dressed and very burly man. “Oh our body guards? Our home casinos presidents flipped coins to decide who would be assigning the body guard for each pair.” Allison tells Sho when he asks about the large men “They’ve been here all along, shadowing us whenever we leave the hotel.” Meg ads. “Why is that Meg, Nino asks. “Well, a lot of people have the wrong idea of what a showgirl really is mainly because of how they are portrayed in old movies and TV shows, but also because there are strippers, exotic dancers and so on that call themselves Showgirls and are ready to party with anyone anytime, but it hasn’t been that way for showgirls since the late 50’s. Since the Bluebell show opened in 1958, Showgirls have to have years of dance training and ballet before that can be a showgirl and have to be totally professional about what we do.” Meg explains then Noelle continues. “Lucy, Lilly, and Meg all went to Julliard and then were in the American Ballet Company. Paige, me, Tracy, and Alli were in the Joffrey Ballet at different times, Vicky, Charleston Ballet Theater, Phoebe and Melody are local Vegas girls and were both members of the Nevada Ballet Theater before becoming showgirls.” She tells them motioning to each of her friends as she speaks. “We all have wonderful security at the casinos. No one gets near us who isn’t supposed to be there, so they made sure we had the same kind of protection while we are here. They mainly kept a low profile before because the rehearsal hall was small.” Phoebe finishes for them. “The Dome has very good security too, Phoebe.” Jun comments. “True. Demo, Tokyo Dome is way bigger than the rehearsal hall and between the stage crew, staff and others with the various artists in this show there are a whole lot more people around so they had to become more visible.” Noelle explains nodding to the blonde man standing nearby. “Everyone has been so nice here though. Aside from people asking for autographs or to take a photo with us, no one has done or said anything negative at all.” Paige, says smiling. “Same here, but still it’s a relief to have the guys with us.” Victoria, ads with a nod.
All during the rehearsals they all have been wearing normal practice clothes, tights, t-shirts, sweats and so forth, so when they gather for the photo shoot the guys get quite a surprise when the girls walk out on stage. Now, they had seen photos of the girls from their different shows in Vegas, but that didn’t prepare them at all for seeing their new friends in their costumes live. “Oh wow.” Ohno says sucking in a breath. “Subarashii ne?” Aiba and Nino ask at the same time while Sho and Jun just stare. “You guys look so super handsome.” Melody, says when they get closer. “Can you all really dance like that?” Nino asks motioning to the towering head piece and other parts of the elaborate costume. Victoria along with Sho partners, Meg and Allison step back and do a bit of their dance moves. “Absolutely.” She says with a giggle. “Now that is a killer rainbow.” The photographer comments as he comes up on stage with his camera and the girls all curtsey. “I agree completely. Minna you all look so much better than the designs.” Caitlin adds from one side. “True usually it’s the other way around.” A man next to her says and the members instantly recognize Tanaka Wateru the other promoter working on this show and they bow respectfully. “I think this is the best looking group in the show, Caitlin. With Big Bang and the Kerrigan Trip right behind them.” He continues and she nods. While the photographer is setting up the different shots he wants everyone makes sure to ask for copies of the photos. At one point he has them all standing and facing forward, each member flanked by their partners and with the guys wearing suave/sexy expressions. While he is taking those pictures Caitlin nods and all the girls quickly dip down and plant kisses on the guy’s cheeks. The photographer gets several photos of that before the guys expressions change to red faced shock. He takes some more like that before lowering his camera laughing. “Gomen guys I just couldn’t resist playing a little prank on you.” Caitlin says smiling. For the shots of the whole cast the photographer put them in the center of the second tier both because of the rainbow effect and since they are the largest group in the show. With Big Bang and the trio of strawberry blonde guys in front of them. “Alright everyone final sound check starts at 4 PM with dress rehearsal right after, so don’t be late!” Tanaka san says as he dismisses the cast for a meal break and some rest. “Caitlin I want a copy of that kiss photo.” He whispers with a grin as he leaves the stage followed by her bright laughter.
“Man you guys have the best luck.” G-Dragon says in English to Sho as he and the other members of their combined group move aside so Arashi and the girls can get down from the higher tier. “Too right there, GD. Those are real Las Vegas Showgirls aren’t they?” Ryan Kerrigan, from the Irish trio comments. “Hey mates…..Care ta shar….mmmphf” He starts to add and reaching for Noelle who was closest to him when one of his brothers clamps a hand over his mouth while Jun steps in front of Noelle. Ryan’s other brother Mike who is also the leader of their group smiles up at the girls. “Please excuse my little brother ladies he’s a wee ass that was born with his foot in his mouth.” He adds turning a glare at Ryan then they hustle him off the stage. “Ladies, please don’t think that I meant what he was talking about when I said that Arashi had the best luck.” G-Dragon comments quickly. “I meant that it was lucky for them to get to work with such beautiful women.” He adds then they all bow and head off. “See Matsujun? That’s what we meant earlier. Even though most of them knew better there is still one who didn’t.” Phoebe asks with a small sigh. “Yeah I do and I’m sorry that happened while we were have such a good day.” Jun replies. “Hey no long faces! Let’s go get changed remember we’re treating you all to our favorite ramen shop!” Aiba says motioning to the dressing room area. “Yeah! Sho kun called ahead and booked the whole restaurant for us.” Nino tells them with a bratty grin. “It’s not that big of a deal brat.” Sho replies ruffling Nino’s hair and then looking at the girls. “The shop is really small, so the 15 of us will pretty much fill it up.” He adds and they all laugh. After lunch the girls go back to their hotel to rest and the guys camp out at Sho’s place for a while. Everything goes great the evening and the day of the show is bright and beautiful after the downpour the day before during the rest day. The Arashi members and the girls watch the part of the first half of the show on the monitor in the green room. “Big Bang and the Kerrigan Trip are pretty good together.” Sho comments back in their dressing room. “Un I was talking to G-Dragon earlier and he said that the Irish guys are really talented and Evan and Mike are really cool. It’s just Ryan who aside from his skill at rapping and dance that is a clueless ass and a troublemaker.” Jun replies and the two of them laugh.
Five minutes before the second half starts and the guys go out through the under stage to the middle area. They meet Caitlin and the girls backstage and they all wish each other a good show. When the music starts, an upbeat ‘traveling music’ piece so the girls can walk across the stage and down the ramp to the center area. Then they form two circles facing out as the middle rings rises to level 2 and the outer ring to level one. Their positions and the hip packs of their costumes hide the fact that the central disk has dropped down for the guys to get on. After a slightly extended intro for Kitto Daijobu so the platform can start upward while the other two rings head down, then Sho starts rapping just as their head clear the middle ring and the audience starts cheering. Over the rest of the corner the energy from the audience gets better and better and carries on into the rest of the show and the wrap party afterwards. “Oh no Matsujun there’s a lot more to it than that.” Phoebe says while they are talking at the wrap party. “There is a whole list of rules we have to follow in manners, speech and appearance when in public, so a showgirl is always ‘onstage’ unless we are at home relaxing.” She explains and goes on to give him some details. “That must be really exhausting and stressful for all of you. Idols have rules too but not as nearly as many or as strict as what you mentioned.” He asks shaking his head. “It is at first, but after a while you just get used to it. I know a former showgirl from Bally’s who is 70 years old and lives in a retirement community now, but she still goes by the Showgirl rules when she leaves her room. ” She explains and Jun smiles. “Sugoi!” He replies. “Come on guys, we are staying another week so we can sight see and do some serious shopping in Ginza.” Allison says as her, Meg, Melody and Tracy come over to them with Sho and Aiba. “Yeah it would be so easy to turn you two into girls so you can come along.” Meg says while Sho is furiously shaking his head and Aiba is doing his best to contain his laughter. “No, no no no….and uhh No!” Sho says quite firmly. “Alli in our skits on our variety show Sho usually draws the straw with the female character on it, so you won’t get Sho kun to put on a dress for anything.” He explains and Aiba cracks up followed by Jun then Phoebe and the other girls….then eventually Sho starts laughing too.
A week later just before the girls leave for the airport they meet up with the guys and give them a framed copy of the group photo from the show with their signatures across the top. Ohno laughs and picks up a plastic tube from next to his chair. “Looks like we had the same idea.” He says holding out the tube. Inside is a copy of a photo of the same photo with Arashi’s autographs around the edge. “Look when you guys have some vacation time together you have to come to Vegas so we can show you our favorite places in town.” Lucy says taking the tube from Ohno and carefully putting the photo back inside. “There are some great fishing places around Tahoe, Satoshi.” Lilly points out and Ohno smiles. Slightly tearful hugs and pecks on the cheek gets passed around the group of friends when the head of their body guards says that it’s time to go. “Ya ’all better come visit us soon Arashi!!” The girls all call out as they climb into their vans in the parking garage of the hotel.
Fin~~
Click here for a picture to the story
