FIC: Interlude

[geri_chan]

Title: Interlude
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: Haru wo Daiteita
Pairing: Kenzaki/Yoshizumi
Characters: Yoshizumi, Kenzaki, Iwaki, Katou, Miyasaka, Mochimune
Word count: 2,990
Disclaimer: No money is being made off this story; consider it a little wish fulfillment on my part.
Companion piece to: Family Visit: Okinawa, Part 1
Summary: Yoshizumi and Kenzaki share a tryst before Yoshizumi leaves for Okinawa; Iwaki invites Miyasaka along to Mochimune's birthday party.

Author's note: This was written as a gift for letoutthetiger, to give some fic time to two of our favorite supporting characters in Haru, Yoshizumi and Mochimune. See more info in the afterword; contains a bit of discussion about the final volume of Haru wo Daiteita, but doesn't give away any spoilers about the plot.

***

"Mmm, that was nice," Yoshizumi murmured as he reclined on the bed, resting his head in Kenzaki's lap. After Kenzaki's half-joking scolding about not waiting so long to visit next time, Yoshizumi had arranged to spend the night with him before leaving for Okinawa. It was Kenzaki's day off, so their tryst had been more leisurely than usual: they had rented a room at a real hotel, not a pay-by-the-hour love hotel, and ordered room service and ate dinner before making love. They had showered and wrapped themselves in bathrobes, and were now relaxing together on the bed, only half-paying attention to the game show that was playing on the television: a typical celebrity game show where the guests had to perform silly stunts for the amusement of the audience. Yoshizumi was grateful that he wasn't often asked to appear on such shows, not being a popular enough star to be a big audience draw. It was an actor's duty to promote whatever film or TV show he was working on, of course, but Yoshizumi didn't think he should have to risk life and limb by bungee-jumping off a bridge, or sacrifice his dignity by racing an obstacle course against a trained monkey for the sake of "publicity."

Kenzaki seemed to be enjoying the show, though. He leaned back against the headboard, chuckling as he watched a shrieking young actress jump off the bridge and plummet towards the river. She was supposed to reach out and try to strike a target floating on the water below, but she was preoccupied first with screaming in terror, and then with trying to hold her short skirt down and keep from flashing the camera. She didn't quite succeed, but the editors had pixilated the film to preserve her modesty, if not her dignity.

"Didn't it ever occur to her that wearing a skirt to go bungee-jumping might not be a good idea?" Kenzaki scoffed, reaching down to stroke Yoshizumi's hair. "Brainless bimbo!"

"To be fair, she might not have known she was going to be bungee-jumping," Yoshizumi told him. "On shows like these, the stars often aren't told in advance what stunts they'll be performing."

"Show business," Kenzaki said, shaking his head in bemusement. "It's beyond the understanding of a simple host like me."

"There's nothing simple about you, Kenzaki-kun," Yoshizumi laughed. "And besides, you're an actor yourself, in a way--you act out the part that your clients want you to play, whether it's a suave Romeo to sweep them off their feet, or a kind and understanding confidante who will listen to their problems."

Kenzaki scowled slightly, and a startled Yoshizumi wondered what had caused the change in mood. He got his answer a moment later when Kenzaki growled, "And actors can be just as competitive and manipulative as hosts, it seems."

"Oh, are you still thinking about Asano-kun?" Yoshizumi asked, smiling at his friend cheerily. "I told you it was nothing to worry about."

"But he was spying on you, wasn't he?" Kenzaki persisted. "And he caused trouble for your friends Iwaki and Katou. He may have promised to behave, but you can't trust a guy like that, Yoshizumi-san."

"How about a guy who tried to steal customers from a rival club?" Yoshizumi replied casually, and it was Kenzaki's turn to give him a startled look. "I heard stories about you from the other hosts, you know, back when I was doing the research for my TV series." He smiled innocently and asked, "Are you saying that I shouldn't trust you, Kenzaki-kun?"

"That's completely different," Kenzaki grumbled, flushing slightly.

"Aw, you're so cute when you blush," Yoshizumi teased, sitting up to give Kenzaki a kiss. "Seriously, Kenzaki-kun, it's nice of you to be concerned about me, but I have it under control." Yoshizumi smiled sweetly. "Asano-kun is no match for me."

Kenzaki burst into laughter and grinned at Yoshizumi. "You're right, Yoshizumi-san--some wet-behind-the-ears kid like that Asano punk is no match for you!" Then he frowned, looking thoughtful rather than angry. "Hmm, it's odd that he'd be trying to blackmail you. No offense intended, but it seems like it would be of more benefit to go after the bigger fish, like Kikuchi or Onozuka."

"None taken," Yoshizumi replied sincerely. He had long ago reconciled himself to supporting actor status, and he liked that Kenzaki was always blunt and honest with him.

"So maybe it's you specifically that he's interested in, rather than just gathering dirt on a co-star," Kenzaki suggested with a sly smile. "I can't really blame him for finding you attractive."

"I don't know what Asano-kun's sexual preferences are, but I can't see him wasting time on anyone who can't help him advance his career," Yoshizumi replied skeptically. "Although it's flattering that you think so highly of my sex appeal, Kenzaki-kun!"

"You are plenty sexy, Yoshizumi-san," Kenzaki said firmly, then added hopefully, "but I can still kick that punk's ass if he steps out of line again."

"Surely you're not jealous of Asano-kun?" Yoshizumi teased.

"It's ten years too soon for that kid to compete against Rusty Nail's number one host," Kenzaki scoffed, although he wasn't much older than Asano. He hesitated for a moment, then said in a more serious voice, "We both know that this isn't true love, Yoshizumi-san. But I like you a lot and I consider you a friend, and if you ever find a good man or woman who wins your heart, then I would happily step aside and wish you the best." In a stern voice, he continued, "But not for that Asano kid--he isn't worthy of you."

"You're sweet, Kenzaki-kun," Yoshizumi said, giving him another kiss. "As a reward, I'll make sure to bring you back a special souvenir from Okinawa."

"I think I'd prefer to claim my reward now," Kenzaki purred, loosening the belt of Yoshizumi's bathrobe.

"As you wish, my hero," Yoshizumi purred back at him, letting the robe slip off his shoulders and fall to the floor.

***

Miyasaka had been moping around ever since had Onozuka left for Okinawa, although he wasn't sure why. Between Onozuka filming his movie and sneaking over to Kikuchi's place in his limited free time, Miyasaka had barely seen his friend for weeks, so it didn't really make much difference whether Onozuka was in Tokyo or Okinawa. Katou told Miyasaka not to be such a child, but Iwaki took pity on him and invited Miyasaka to go to a party with them.

"It's Mochimune-kantoku's birthday and we just finished filming, so it's a combination birthday and wrap-up party," Iwaki said. "Why don't you come along? It'll be fun, and it would be a good opportunity for you to meet the director. After all, you might end up auditioning for him someday."

Miyasaka smiled at Iwaki, touched by his kindness--and secretly gloated a bit at the jealous scowl Katou gave him. "Thank you, Iwaki-san," he replied. "Mochimune is being hailed as the brilliant maverick director, so I'd love to have the chance to meet him."

"He may be brilliant, but he's a complete asshole," Katou grumbled. When Iwaki had first begun working on Mochimune's film, Katou had complained--at great length--about the director's insistence that Iwaki live apart from Katou during filming.

"He had his reasons," Iwaki said in Mochimune's defense. "He didn't do it out of spite--he just wanted to make sure that I got into the mindset of my character. And once I was able to do that, he took back the order and said I could do as I pleased as long as my performance didn't suffer."

"He's still a jerk," Katou muttered sullenly.

"If you dislike Mochimune-kantoku so much, you can just stay home," Iwaki sighed wearily. "No one's forcing you to go to this party."

"No, I have to go along to protect you from Miyasaka, and any other men who might find you irresistible!" Katou insisted vehemently.

"I'm not going to do anything to Iwaki-san!" Miyasaka protested indignantly.

"I think you overestimate my irresistibility, Katou," Iwaki said with a smile.

"Never!" Katou said, flinging his arms around Iwaki possessively.

So all three of them went to the party. When they arrived, Mochimune was talking with a man that Miyasaka recognized as a prominent studio executive. Mochimune seemed to be trying--with limited success--to make polite small talk, but his eyes were darting about restlessly, as if seeking an avenue of escape. Mochimune had a reputation for being blunt to the point of rudeness, although it was also said that he could be incredibly charming when he wanted to be. Apparently, he wasn't finding it worth the effort right now.

The director's gaze fell on them with relief as they approached, and he said, "Ah, Iwaki-kun!"

"Please excuse me for interrupting," Iwaki said politely.

"Not at all," Mochimune replied hastily. To the executive he said, "Excuse me for a moment--I need to talk to Iwaki-kun about a certain scene."

"Always working, even during your own party," the executive chuckled. "Well, I suppose that's why you're so successful, Mochimune-kun."

Mochimune's brow creased in irritation at the "kun" suffix, and Miyasaka repressed a smirk. So the stories about Mochimune being a prideful man were true--he obviously expected to be referred to by the title of "director" even by a man who was essentially his employer, since the studio was footing the bill for the movie budget and Mochimune's directing fee. Miyasaka thought that it was an interesting contrast to Onozuka, who acted humble while secretly considering himself superior to everyone else.

They headed to the bar to get some drinks and Mochimune said, "Thank you for rescuing me from excruciating boredom, Iwaki-kun. I hate chatting up the sponsors and studio bigwigs."

"You're welcome," Iwaki said, laughing a little. "I can sympathize, because that's my least favorite part of the job, too."

"But a necessary evil in our business," Katou added philosophically.

"Ah, forgive my rudeness," Iwaki said. "Mochimune-kantoku, this is Katou--"

"I recognized him, of course, though we haven't met before," Mochimune interrupted.

"And this is our friend, Miyasaka-kun," Iwaki continued.

"I'm Miyasaka Keigo," Miyasaka said, bowing a little more deeply than required for minimum politeness. Mochimune obviously had a big ego, and it wouldn't hurt to flatter him a bit. "Best wishes on your birthday, Mochimune-kantoku."

Mochimune merely nodded in response, as if such obeisance was his just due, and Miyasaka thought, Arrogant son of a bitch, but was gratified when recognition and a spark of interest flared in the director's eyes.

"You were in that yakuza drama with Kikuchi Katsuya, weren't you?" Mochimune asked, and Katou automatically scowled at the mention of Kikuchi's name. "You did a good job in that role."

"Thank you," Miyasaka replied, preening a bit. "I'm honored that Mochimune-kantoku remembers me."

"It's too bad that you weren't able to work with Kikuchi-san again in his new movie," Mochimune added casually, and this time it was Miyasaka's turn to scowl. "Didn't the role go to your friend, Onizuka?"

"Onozuka," Miyasaka corrected through gritted teeth, taking some small comfort in the fact that at least Mochimune didn't take enough notice of the Prince to bother remembering his name correctly. "And yes, it did."

Mochimune smiled slyly, looking amused by his reaction, and Miyasaka wondered if the bastard was deliberately baiting him. "Too bad," Mochimune said, not sounding particularly disappointed. "It would have been interesting to see you play Kikuchi-san's lover."

"I'm sure that Onozuka will do a very good job of that," Miyasaka replied, trying not to sound too sarcastic. He added defiantly, "Onozuka may have won this round, but I'll work hard to win the next time I go up against him!"

Mochimune chuckled, still looking amused, but there seemed to be a hint of respect in his eyes as well--or was it just wishful thinking on Miyasaka's part? "I like a young actor who shows some spirit," he said, taking a sip from his glass. "You're working on a comedy now, aren't you? It seems like an odd choice, considering your past roles."

Miyasaka stood up a little straighter--maybe he hadn't imagined that respect, after all, if Mochimune had followed his career well enough to know about his past and present roles. Up until now, most of his roles had been similar to the one he'd played in "Yakuza Love Story": brash and hot-tempered, yet good-hearted young men, and he had worked mainly in action shows and serious dramas. He was currently playing the lead role in a sitcom about a naive, idealistic young teacher fresh out of college, whose first assignment was a class filled with the worst delinquents in a school with a bad reputation. It wasn't as substantial a role as the one he had lost to Onozuka, but he had accepted it because it was a good change of pace from his usual roles, and his pride had been stung by his failure at the "Love Reborn" auditions.

"I wanted to try something new," Miyasaka explained. "I won't grow as an actor unless I challenge myself with different types of roles. I've never done a comedy before, and some of my sempai have told me that getting comedic timing right can be much harder than performing a serious role."

"It can be, depending on the individual role," Mochimune agreed, regarding Miyasaka with a little more interest and respect now. Then Mochimune turned to Katou and said, "Speaking of roles, perhaps you'd consider accepting one in my next film, Katou-kun?"

"Perhaps," Katou replied coolly; he obviously hadn't forgiven Mochimune yet for imposing that forced separation on himself and Iwaki. "If it's a role that I consider challenging, but I have to warn you that my standards are pretty high."

"Katou!" Iwaki snapped in reprimand, but Mochimune just grinned.

"I would never offer you anything less, Katou-kun," the director purred.

"What is your next project, Mochimune-kantoku?" Miyasaka asked curiously. "Do you already have a script lined up?"

"I do, but I'm not allowed to reveal the details yet," Mochimune replied. "However, I'm confident that it's a story interesting enough to live up to Katou-kun's high standards--and my own, which are very high indeed."

"Please present me with a proposal and I'll seriously consider it," Katou said with a careful, exaggerated air of politeness, and Mochimune bowed, with an equally careful and mocking air of courtesy, and Iwaki heaved a sigh of exasperation.

"Please keep me in mind, too, if there is a role that you feel would be appropriate," Miyasaka said. It was a bit bold to be putting himself forward like this, but he would never have a better opportunity to bring himself to Mochimune's attention. Besides, being hesitant had never won an actor a role, and he felt his boldness was not too far out of line, considering that Mochimune seemed to have taken an interest in his career. He felt a moment of smugness--he might not be as smart as Onozuka, but he was the one who had caught the famed director's eye, not the Golden Prince.

Mochimune grinned, his eyes lighting up with a fierce, feral gleam. It was similar to the wolfish look that Kikuchi would flash at reporters in play and at Onozuka in earnest, but not quite--there was something a little colder, a little sharper about the look in Mochimune's eyes. It made Miyasaka feel uncomfortably like a tender morsel being sized up by a hungry predator.

Then Miyasaka raised his head and defiantly met Mochimune's gaze. He wasn't some naive bumpkin freshly arrived in the city with dreams of stardom in his head. He might be young, but he was an experienced actor and a celebrity in his own right, if not yet on the level of Iwaki and Katou. Miyasaka wasn't about to be intimidated by a fierce look or a few harsh words. Iwaki had said that Mochimune could be very strict and demanding, but it was all for the sake of making the movie better. For a chance to work with a director of Mochimune's caliber--not to mention the attention and respect that even a supporting role in one of Mochimune's films would win him--Miyasaka was willing to put up with the director's ego and eccentricities.

Mochimune's grin grew wider and he replied, "Actually, there is a role that might suit you, Miyasaka-kun. I promise to keep you in mind when the time comes."

"Thank you, Mochimune-kantoku!" Miyasaka exclaimed, bowing deeply to hide the look of triumph in his eyes. Wait till I tell Onozuka about this! he thought gleefully.

***

Mochimune chatted a bit longer with Iwaki and his lover and friend, until one of the other actors from the film smiled and waved across the room at Iwaki. "Go ahead," Mochimune told him. "Sanada-kun's wife is a big fan of you and Katou, so I'm sure he's eager to introduce you."

Iwaki sighed a little, but smiled resignedly and excused himself. Miyasaka-kun bowed again, the very picture of graciousness and humility--except for that glint of cocky self-assurance in his eyes, which he mistakenly thought Mochimune did not notice. Katou gave Mochimune a suspicious glance, then followed after his companions.

Miyasaka had underestimated Mochimune, but that was fine--the boy would learn the truth in time. "Ah, Miyasaka-kun," he chuckled wickedly. "You have absolutely no idea what you're getting into!" Mochimune smiled as he thought to himself that Iwaki had brought him a lovely present today, although it was a pity he wouldn't be able to play with it until much later...

-End-

Next story in the series: Family Visit: Okinawa, Part 2

***

Afterword: I was trying to come up with an idea for the gift fic, and I remembered a discussion we were having about the final volume of Haru, and how we were a little disappointed that Yoshizumi and Mochimune don't appear in it. So I thought it would be nice to write a fic that featured those two, and Miyasaka worked his way into it as well.

Also, I really did see a Japanese game show where the contestants had to bungee-jump off a bridge and a girl's skirt flew up, although the contestants were mainly normal people, with a few entertainers mixed in.

There's a manga called "Great Teacher Onizuka," and I was thinking about how close the name was to Onozuka's, so that inspired the mistake with Onozuka's name (deliberate on Mochi's part, btw), and the idea of giving Miyasaka the role of a teacher in his current series.