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[closed] bite me.
[After the success of their Love☆Star special, it was safe to say that HiMERU had his share of working closely with Kazehaya Tatsumi for a good while; though never again would be the ideal, it's hardly realistic, he knows. Even with how ALKALOID has been skyrocketing in popularity — thankfully busy enough to keep a certain eyesore out of the way — they are still featured in tandem with Crazy:B rather often, as "units that debuted at the same time and get along well." Thus, working alongside one another is regrettably unavoidable.
Even with that being said, he's not prepared to see the saintly bastard himself at the scene of his next job. It didn't feel like so long ago that HiMERU had rejected the offer for that disgusting sequel concept (not that their unit is exactly drowning in work offers, but it's important to draw the line when needed, and that was definitely needed, lest the man snap and attempt murder in front of a film crew — again!).
He knew that the production staff had been taking more time to cast his opposite, with great consideration to potential on-screen chemistry, but... isn't this just too much? Some deliberately sick joke? Another hidden camera prank? A part of him is almost wishing for one of the Aoi twins to jump out to speed along the punchline, but no such thing happens. Of course. It's never that easy. Not whenever he's involved.
The best he can do for now is grin and bear it. HiMERU is... a professional, after all. They've only just begun. No need to overreact. Just stay calm, and take it one step at a time.
His smile may be plastered on, but that's just business as usual.]
Tatsumi. What a coincidence to find you here today. So the rumors are true, then? We're to be co-stars... again?
Even with that being said, he's not prepared to see the saintly bastard himself at the scene of his next job. It didn't feel like so long ago that HiMERU had rejected the offer for that disgusting sequel concept (not that their unit is exactly drowning in work offers, but it's important to draw the line when needed, and that was definitely needed, lest the man snap and attempt murder in front of a film crew — again!).
He knew that the production staff had been taking more time to cast his opposite, with great consideration to potential on-screen chemistry, but... isn't this just too much? Some deliberately sick joke? Another hidden camera prank? A part of him is almost wishing for one of the Aoi twins to jump out to speed along the punchline, but no such thing happens. Of course. It's never that easy. Not whenever he's involved.
The best he can do for now is grin and bear it. HiMERU is... a professional, after all. They've only just begun. No need to overreact. Just stay calm, and take it one step at a time.
His smile may be plastered on, but that's just business as usual.]
Tatsumi. What a coincidence to find you here today. So the rumors are true, then? We're to be co-stars... again?
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It would seem so. I always look forward to working with you, HiMERU-san. HiMERU-san can always be depended on for an excellent performance, so I will do my best to meet the standard set by you.
[ The slip of a smile on his face fades, despite his best efforts. His moist hands grip at the edges of his script, leaving deep creases in the pages. It's so shameful: HiMERU is a consummate professional who gives his all to every job he takes, and here he is, fretting over a role he should feel fortunate to have at all.
He is especially blessed, of course, to have HiMERU as a co-star. The excitement of being able to work together again so intimately is at war with the challenge of the role he was given. ]
Have you had the opportunity to review the script?
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He's reluctant to cater to the other man's sensitivities. But as he always reminds himself, this is a job, and HiMERU is a professional. He takes a seat beside Tatsumi, neither too far nor too intimate. A polite distance.]
Yes, of course. It's quite the compelling story, is it not? There were many times that HiMERU felt it hard to put down. Though it's only a short film, it's a wonderful opportunity to partake in. And yet...
[He raises a brow at Tatsumi, the innocent curiosity in his smile daring him to disagree.]
You seem troubled over it. Is HiMERU reading that correctly?
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You are perceptive as always.
Please, do not misunderstand: I am thankful for this reminder that I am not perfect, for this opportunity to improve and explore new ways to make the fans happy. I have no intention of failing you or the rest of the staff. Even in excluding the predispositions I've been raised with due to my faith, I still don't know where to even begin with being...
[ a shaky sigh stands in for "seductive." Self-loathing and in love HiMERU come naturally to him, but seductive and possessive are uncomfortable for various reasons. ]
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Even as he shakes his head gently, his smile remains calm and kind, masking the snickering just below the surface.]
Say no more. HiMERU understands perfectly. While this may be... far removed from your usual character, do you truly believe you would've been chosen had they not seen any potential in you? It would do you well not to underestimate your collaborators in art, Tatsumi. [Of course, he'll fit in a subtle scolding when he can.]
But since you seem so unconvinced... What is it in particular that you struggle to see yourself as? "Predispositions" notwithstanding.
[Sure, he has an idea or several of what exactly plagues Tatsumi now. But there's petty pleasure to be found in coercing the man himself to admit it.]
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As a solo artist, being erm, "seductive" wasn't part of my image. And even now, with Alkaloid, that feels disparate with us as "underdogs."
Even if the director has faith in my ability, I do not know how to find that within myself.
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Is that not the exact reason you were given such a role? You understand the concept of "gap," don't you? The fans— no, the world delights in seeing rare and different facets of us, truth or otherwise.
[The multi-layered irony of this does not escape him. Not only was their previous joint work's success largely attributed to that very "gap," but HiMERU so dearly loves to sacrifice as little of his dignified image as possible. It's without a doubt that Tatsumi's role poses the greater challenge than HiMERU's own, but he's not feeling especially merciful about it.]
There is no "if" you can muster such an image; you will, for the sake of those watching on the other side of the screen, and for the rest of us staff as well, always endeavoring to make dreams come true.
[If the pressure wasn't already on, it certainly must be now. He might as well get some enjoyment out of watching Tatsumi squirm and flounder, even briefly.]
Though if you truly find yourself unable to make any progress... perhaps you should just learn from HiMERU.
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[ The thought makes him even more hesitant. Tension grips his throat, phantom sensations of what HiMERU did. It isn't that he thinks HiMERU is a bad example, if anything, he's too good of an example— too committed to the role he needs to play.
Tatsumi couldn't hope to emulate that with such committment, not when the only thing he wants is to be someone good enough for HiMERU to consider a friend. He isn't greedy enough to hope for anything more than that. And yet, for this role, he's supposed to be greedy. He's supposed to want HiMERU('s character) to only have eyes for him, and never leave him, even if he has to imprison them. That is the "gap" that the audience wishes to see, and the staff expects him to deliver. ]
Then, is it alright if I...
[ Without touching HiMERU, or even looking in his direction, heat rises to his cheeks. It's hard to not feel self-conscious, to act with the same decisiveness HiMERU had shown him. His character wouldn't feel flustered. He wouldn't ask for permission. He would just take what he wanted.
Since there isn't a wall, he fences HiMERU in against the couch, his hands on either side of his co-star's shoulders. ]
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The next movement only worsens both emotions. The couch cushion creaks under the shifting weight, and while it can't be said that Tatsumi had moved quickly, it was so unprecedented that even HiMERU's reaction is delayed.
... What is this?
Disgust churns in his stomach and turns his skin cold, his shoulders stiff and curling in to make himself smaller as Tatsumi awkwardly boxes him in, wanting to shrink away from the touch. It's so clumsy and novice that he could almost laugh, if not for the horror of it all paralyzing his every muscle. When he had suggested that Tatsumi learn from him, HiMERU had more or less envisioned that the other man would watch how a pro does it — that he would observe from afar and learn from his example. And if he was so pathetic that he still couldn't improve from that, perhaps HiMERU might have given more generous device. When necessary.
That's what he had imagined. Not whatever this is. Or whatever it's trying to be.
He thinks about lashing out at him. Letting his disdain boil over, his anger at this spineless, stupid, virgin bastard having the audacity to even try "making a move" on him (his character). Shoving him off, maybe a slap or a punch as the cherry on top. The sweetest humiliation after a brutal rejection, both well-deserved! But for as emotional as he always seems to get when it comes to Tatsumi, that... would not help his case. It's not like him, not like HiMERU to continuously slip up, and that has to change before he makes that final, fatal error. And like hell he's going to let Kazehaya Tatsumi be HiMERU's downfall again.
For HiMERU, this is child's play. He has the upper hand here, the experience, the composure; there's no way he can lose to this imbecile. All he has to play his role, and play it perfectly. He wills the tension to ebb away from his body, at least enough to adopt a lounging posture even more relaxed than before, smirking evenly at Tatsumi.]
Hmm. So this is the scene you're concerned over? The pitiful vampire, finally showing himself before the object of his obsession. Little does the hunter know, at this point, that the vampire has no intention of hurting him. Murderous intent versus overwhelming desire. An intriguing place to start from... if not ambitious. Very well.
[HiMERU lifts a wrist and rests it on the couch, between his own shoulder and Tatsumi's hand. He's supposed to be pinned in this scene, so they can at least pretend for now. Just as quickly as his body language had changed earlier, he adopts a resisting pose this time, defiance in his expression from the depth of his glare to even the clench of his jaw. He assumes that, unlike himself, Tatsumi hasn't memorized the script front to back yet — so they'll have to make do with just the atmosphere.]
As a word of advice, or even warning... Seduction is not only found in aggressive, forceful actions. There's much to be gleaned from restraint, and inaction. In the case of your character — Ah, it wouldn't do for you to be given all the answers. Then... would you say the timeless vampire is a creature of animalistic instinct, of instant gratification? Or does he recognize his immortality in most regards, until juxtaposed with his ephemeral human prey? Food for thought.
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[ He has no reason to be facetious, especially since he's blessed enough to be receiving advice from one of the people he admires and respects the most. The insight is certainly food for thought, and chews on it slowly, with great care. Tension leaves his arms, and he unconsciously dips forward. Possibly too close for comfort, though— as always— he's oblivious to this. A hum, a deep rumble in his throat, accompanies his meditation. ]
Indeed, in knowing eternity, the days or weeks needed to ensnare their "prey," for lack of a better word— sorry— may seem like a trifling matter. To an abomination that is immortal, a human lifespan passes in the blink of an eye. But I also think that in understanding that their lives are so fleeting, there is... at least a little bit of urgency to possess them, to preserve them as they are in the moment that captivated them so.
[ Of all times, the old ache in his knee returns again. Even if he feels the twinge, his own professionalism keeps it from showing on his face, lest he cause HiMERU-san to worry unduly. Maintaining eye contact and a placid smile, he rests his knee between HiMERU's legs. A little more tension leaves his body, relief apparent in a soft huff. ]
After all, people can change quite a bit in just a day, and even more in a year. Ah— but of course, you're just as dazzling and radiant as you've ever been, HiMERU-san.
[ In what is probably intended as a reassuring gesture, he smiles and slides a hand over HiMERU's, giving it a gentle squeeze. ]
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Though it cannot be helped to some extent, HiMERU is tired of balking at every little thing Tatsumi does in his presence. Every millimeter more of closeness he forgives is another needle swallowed, but his life has always been one of trial and endurance; his pride would never allow so much as a speckle of blood on his lips, so he'll continue to drink in each dreadful inch of this proximity and will himself not to cough any of it up.
Even though the following words and the smooth palm slipping against his make him want to puke.
Something dark and malicious winds thick knots in his stomach, and despite the unperturbed quirk of his lips, for just a moment, his focus seems to rest somewhere far beyond the man in front of him now — a distant happiness, a simpler time. Things both long gone. How quickly people change.
Another blink of his eyes snaps him back to this regrettable present, his fingers twitching uncomfortably within Tatsumi's grasp.]
... If you mean to say HiMERU has not changed from a year ago, that reads as more of an insult than a compliment. He's worked hard to become the ideal idol he is now, and he'd thank you to not diminish the progress he's made despite all his lost time.
[Ah, but this isn't about him. He'll digress, clear his throat. And make it at least seem like he never strayed from the true topic at hand.]
For an immortal to reduce the mortals to one crowning, captivating moment. A singular snapshot of that life with no regard to its other triumphs or calamities alike. Why, it's as though he thinks himself a god among men. How arrogant. How... pitiful. Even should he come to understand humans more, the humans would not do the same for him. Such is the cost of hierarchy.
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He doesn't mind arrogant and pitiful— he won't deny being either of those things. The words have the weight of legitimacy behind them, coming from HiMERU. His challenging expression makes him want to fall to his knees and drink down more of the venom spilling from his lips.
But this isn't about him. HiMERU is in character. He's diligently read through the script, and went over the scenes he found "challenging" three more times. While there aren't any lines exactly like what HiMERU had said, the spirit of his character is clearly there. Coupled with the helpful suggestion to take things slower, he takes the pressure off HiMERU's hands. It's a false offering of benevolence, a chance to push back, however futile it would be. ]
A "God among men?" You of all people should know a vampire is the furthest thing from God, even more so than humans.
[ A smile that doesn't reach his eyes plays across his lips as he whispers in a low voice. ]
Wouldn't it be better to consider me a cohort of the Devil Himself?