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FIC: Press Conference, Part 3 of 3
Title: Press Conference, Part 3
Rating: PG
Fandom: Haru wo Daiteita (Embracing Love)
Pairing: Kikuchi/Onozuka, Iwaki/Katou
Characters: Iwaki, Katou, Miyasaka, Kikuchi, Onozuka, Yoshizumi, Asano, Mochimune
Word count: ~1,450
Disclaimer: No money is being made off this story; consider it a little wish fulfillment on my part.
Sequel to: Unexpected Opportunities, Comeback (Part 1 and Part 2), Forgiveness, Firsts, First Date (Part 1 and Part 2), Going Steady (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6), Audition (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3), and Cookout (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3). The series also includes two side-stories that are outside of the main timeline: Valentine's Day Surprise and Strictly Business.
Summary: Mochimune watches the press conference on TV.
Part 1, Part 2
***
Mochimune reclined on the couch, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he watched the press conference for "Love Reborn." He was still working on "Lost Heart," but he already had his next project lined up, an adaptation of Sawa Nagisa's latest novel, "Masks," which was about a straight-laced police detective whose undercover investigation of an underground sex club awakened hidden desires. He wanted to begin filming soon after his current movie was finished, so he was scouting potential actors in advance.
He had no interest in "Love Reborn" itself. The critics always praised Kitamura for his innovation, but Mochimune felt that his young colleague lacked true vision. Kitamura was still working within the boundaries of established genres like horror, action, and sci-fi--all he was doing was tweaking the stereotypes slightly and putting a fresh spin on things. Take "Love Reborn," for example: aside from casting two men as the romantic leads, it was a standard thriller/romance.
Mochimune, on the other hand, wanted to break down the boundaries completely and turn the stereotypes completely upside-down and inside-out. Kitamura, he was sure, would never have dared to make a movie like "Lost Heart," with such a morally repugnant and irredeemable hero, or rather, anti-hero.
No, Mochimune was primarily interested in the actors Kitamura had hired for his little soap opera, specifically Kikuchi and Onozuka. Like nearly everyone of his generation, Mochimune had been a big Kikuchi fan ten years ago. Unlike many other so-called "stars," Kikuchi had genuine talent, not just looks, and he exuded an aura of charisma--and arrogance. Even now, as he was struggling to regain the fame that had been stolen from him by the scandal, Kikuchi was not the least bit humble, and still carried himself with the same defiant, rakish charm that he'd had ten years ago. In fact, he was even more defiant, because he was now comfortable in his own skin, made evident by the way he was openly flirting with his young male co-star during the press conference.
Mochimune smiled. Kikuchi obviously had a lot of pride and probably wouldn't take kindly to being ordered around by a young upstart director like himself. Of course, Kitamura was a young upstart, too, but he showed an obvious deference to the veteran actor, while Mochimune deferred to no one. Kikuchi would be a challenge, but Mochimune loved a challenge, and he savored the idea of trying to break down Kikuchi's pride to push him to go beyond his limits, as he had with Iwaki.
Well, the role that Mochimune had in mind for Kikuchi was that of the morally ambiguous club owner, which didn't seem to be all that far off from Kikuchi's real personality, so it wouldn't be as much of a stretch as it had been for Iwaki. Still, the role required a certain vulnerability that Mochimune thought Kikuchi hadn't yet shown in his previous work, so it would still be challenging enough to be interesting. There was also the fact that Mochimune wanted to cast either Iwaki or Katou in the lead role of the repressed detective, which should also create a few sparks. It would be difficult to get Iwaki and Katou to go along with his plan, of course, but the finished product would be well worth the effort.
As for Onozuka, there was no doubt that he was talented. Mochimune had been watching his current mystery drama, as well as the one he'd starred in before it, where he had played Iwaki's brother, and he had an impressive range as an actor. His best performance, though, was that of his public persona. Maybe Onozuka's fans were stupid enough to believe that the Prince was genuine, but there was no way that Onozuka could have risen this far in the industry while still remaining as innocent as he seemed.
However, Mochimune wasn't sure that he wanted Onozuka for his movie. The young actor was beautiful and talented, to be sure, but he was a little too slick and polished for Mochimune's taste. He wanted an actor who was a little more malleable, a raw talent that he could mold into whatever shape he chose, the way that a sculptor could create a beautiful statue out of a lump of clay.
Although it might be fun to break down Onozuka's polished self-assurance and build him up from scratch again.
The press conference was wrapping up, and Mochimune was about to turn off the television when the reporter for the news show said, "Earlier today we talked with Onozuka-san's friend, actor Miyasaka Keigo."
Mochimune lowered the remote, his interest piqued. He remembered that Miyasaka had done a good job in that yakuza drama with Kikuchi--the boy had a certain macho charm, but lacked subtlety. Then again, the role hadn't exactly been a subtle one, so maybe he ought to give Miyasaka a second look.
The show switched over to an earlier taped interview; a reporter appeared to be catching Miyasaka as he left his apartment building.
"Excuse me, Miyasaka-san, I'm Okada from Entertainment News."
"Yes?" Miyasaka asked cautiously.
"The press conference for 'Love Reborn' is taking place today..."
"Yes, I know," Miyasaka replied, a little impatiently. "I'm on my way to watch it with some friends, so I can't spare you much time."
"Does that mean that there are no hard feelings between the two of you, then?" Okada asked. "You both auditioned for the role that Onozuka-san won, so aren't things a little awkward between you at home, considering that he's your roommate?"
"Not at all!" Miyasaka said indignantly. "Sometimes we compete for the same roles, but that doesn't affect our friendship. Of course I was disappointed not to get the role, but I don't blame Onozuka for that! When I lose a role, whether to Onozuka or someone else, it just drives me to keep working harder to perfect my acting so that next time, I'll be the one who wins. I'm disappointed for myself, but I'm happy for him, and I'll be the first one to go see the movie when it opens. And I know that if the situation were reversed, he'd feel the same way! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to be on my way. I don't want to miss the press conference!"
Miyasaka jumped into his car and drove away. Okada looked taken aback for a moment, but quickly recovered and said, "There you have it--Miyasaka-san offering genuine congratulations to Onozuka-san. What a great friendship these two must have!"
A smile slowly spread across Mochimune's face--here was his lump of clay, just waiting to be molded into the perfect form! Miyasaka still lacked subtlety, but Mochimune was intrigued by the raw passion he saw simmering just below the surface--he was drawn to that heat far more than he was by Onozuka's cool polish.
And behind the boy's outward brashness was a naive earnestness that Mochimune found strangely appealing--it was a rare quality in a profession where cynicism was the norm. Miyasaka's indignant defense of his friendship with Onozuka was kind of cute--he was obviously the type who wore his heart on his sleeve.
Of course, people who exposed their vulnerabilities so easily in this business tended to get chewed up and spit out, but Mochimune's grin grew wider as he thought to himself that Miyasaka would make a very tasty treat. If Miyasaka was resilient enough, he'd gain strength and experience from the process of being broken down and built back up again. And if Miyasaka remained broken...well, it was no skin off Mochimune's nose, as long as he got the performance he needed before Miyasaka broke. If the weak got eaten up by the strong, it was their own fault for choosing to enter such a cutthroat business.
It was a little early to begin the casting process, but Mochimune made a mental note to ask his assistant to get him some tapes of Miyasaka's old shows, and perhaps to put out some tentative feelers towards Miyasaka's agency. It wouldn't do for the young actor to be tied up with another project when Mochimune was ready to begin filming. He didn't intend to hand Miyasaka the role on a silver platter, though--the boy would have to audition along with everyone else and earn it. However, even a chance at a part in a film by the celebrated director Mochimune should be enough to make a young rising star keep his schedule clear.
Mochimune turned off the television and laughed out loud. Finding a new toy to play with was always so much fun!
THE END
Next story in the series: Sanctuary
***
Afterword: I sort of had Snapelike in mind when I wrote this final chapter, since she sold me on the Mochimune/Miyasaka ship. In fact, we were totally channeling the same idea, as you can see from this wonderful ficlet, Autumn Fire, that Snapelike wrote for me. We were both writing our stories around the same time, unbeknownst to each other, and came up with the almost identical theme of Mochimune being captivated by Miyasaka.
I must give credit where credit is due, and say that it was Snapelike and Bronze Ribbons's wonderful Mochimune fics that have given me insight into this character and made me like him. I still think he's a creep, but he's certainly a fascinating one!
Mochimune recs:
Masks, Removed by Snapelike (Mochimune/Miyasaka)
Good Taste by Bronze Ribbons (Mochimune/Miyasaka)
Histories by Bronze Ribbons (Dumbledore/Mochimune, with allusions to Filch/Pince, Dumbledore/Lupin, and others)--Yes, you did read the pairings correctly! It's an HP/Haru crossover that is wonderfully squicky and twisted.
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Impressed!
despite the fact that I have been reaaally busy in the past two months I read ALLL of your fics and I am looking forward to so much more.
I also looove the fact that you can keep me entertained with PG rated fics too!(it is really such a feat!)I caught myself grinnning more than a couple of times and rooting even more for Kikuchi in the end of Part 2.
one humble request:keep Mochimune out of this EVIL rut,please let him remain the disgustingly lovable voice of logic and innocence (if they can ever coexist!)
Re: Impressed!
I'm also happy that you didn't mind the PG rating; I was a little worried that people might be disappointed that there was no smex in this one. ^_^
Mochimune: I don't really think he's evil, although he is arrogant and self-centered. But there's something idealistic in his single-minded pursuit of artistic integrity. I like your description of him as "the disgustingly lovable voice of logic and innocence," so I'll keep that in mind for future fics.
Re: Impressed!
And thanks for considering the suggestion about Mochimune. I am looking forward to your future plans for him.
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and look at me, checking out PG rated stories ROFLI also really enjoy your A/N at the end XD
Great job ♥
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you have such a good grip on everyone it's so easy to get dragged in by your writing!
soooo looking forward to more!!!
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i'm looking forward to see Miyasaka being eaten by the big bad Mochimune! XD
ivy
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Thanks for sharing the story - I love the ongoing series feel, and the insight you provide into the characters. And all the cultural notes are invaluable. :)
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Someday I'll have to try making those manju bunnies...
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Is there a possibility of reconciliation? No, wait! Don't tell me!
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Thanks for reading!
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