antivanruffles: (Spawn)
[personal profile] antivanruffles
I don't even know?

Part 1. Part 2.



“Ugh! This patrol is so boring!” Haruka, transformed for the night in her trademark midnight blue fuku, kicked at a piece of crumbled sidewalk, shoulders slumping.

“Which is a good thing... less property damage.” Her partner frowned at her side.

The blond looked up, eyes sad. “But I was hoping for something exciting.”

“'Ruka,” the other woman said slowly; a warning.

“Michi',” the taller woman mimicked before grinning widely.

“You're incorrigible.” Michiru sighed dramatically. They continued on down the deserted side street, their footfalls echoing off the buildings. Normally they would have kept to the rooftops, but in the absence of civilians they took the easy path, winding through alleys and backstreets. It seemed absurdly quiet for a busy city, which set Haruka on edge.

It just didn't seem right.

“We should be happy, this gives us time to relax.” Michiru kept her voice light, but Haruka knew her well enough to discern the worry in her words.

“Except I can't relax,” Haruka said as they stepped onto the main thoroughfare. “I keep thinking something is going to happen—OH FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!”

Haruka let out a string of curses as she and Michiru stood frozen in their places. Ahead of them, with the backdrop of a high-end jewelry store, were two masked figures – both ostentatiously dressed in three-piece tuxedos, top hats, and capes.

They looked similar enough – their glamour of magic, so much like the senshi's yet so different, making it impossible to recognize specific features. Thankfully, the magic did nothing to mask their sizes and the pair were easily distinguishable by their height difference; if not the lining of the capes – one deep, forest green, the other a pale, icy blue. The taller and burlier of the two had whipped around the moment he heard Haruka's voice, letting out his own gruff curses.

“You know,” Haruka said. “One night without running into you morons would be wonderful.”

“Like we're happy about it!?”

“Calm down, Nephrite,” the other man growled before turning toward the senshi. “We don't want a fight, Uranus. We didn't find anything, so let's just all go on our way?”

“Like hell, you're the enemy!”

“We fight youma, just like you.”

“You also want the crystal!” Haruka took a step forward, eyes narrowed. She lifted a hand, snapping her fingers as she quickly lowered it again, like she was throwing something to the ground. A rumble started a few feet in front of her, rolling toward the men, causing the ground to shake just enough for them to stumble.

“Sailor Uranus! No property damage!” Michiru hissed.

The shorter of the two opened his mouth, but the other man cut in, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Zoisite, leave it. Let's go. This was a waste of time.”

Zoisite deflated a bit, cast another look toward Uranus and Neptune, and then followed his friend. They took the rooftops and quickly fled before the senshi could follow.

“Cowards!” Haruka yelled after them, taking one menacing step forward, fists clenched.

“We don't need another fight! Every time we draw youma, and ruin property and put civilians in danger. Just let it alone for now.” She reached out, curling her hand around Haruka's wrist. “Please?”

Haruka relaxed her hands and let her shoulders drop. She didn't know why they rubbed her the wrong way – albeit some more than others – but they did, easily riling her. She let out a breath and nodded to Michiru.

“Alright, let's call it a night.” She looked over her shoulder at the jewelry store, wondering if it really had been a bust for the 'Shitennou', or if they'd been lying. There was no way for her to know now.


*~*~*


Rei breezed into the radio station, large tortoise shell sunglasses covering half her face, and her hair trailing behind her like an ebony cape. She had a large mug of steaming green tea in one hand, and a large tote bag in the other.

She looked perfectly put together; her make-up simple, her clothes – dark skinny blue jeans tucked into brown suede boots and an oversized red sweater – were neat, and she was ready for the early morning interview.

It was common for her to get saddled with them, having always been an early riser, and she was fine with it. In the lobby she met up with Akio, pushing her sunglasses atop her head.

“Punctual as always, Rei-chan.” He grinned, leading her toward the elevators and punching the number for their floor.

“Dare I ask who I am sharing this interview with?” she asked before taking a sip of her tea.

Akio quirked a brow. “Why do you think you're sharing it?”

“Because I'm the only one from the group here, which means I must be sharing it with someone from the Beat Kings.”

“Well, uh....” Akio laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. Rei was sure if this were an anime he would have a sweatdrop right about now. She sighed.

“Just tell me.”

“You're sharing it with Chiba Mamoru.”

“That's fine.” She took another ship of her tea.

Akio turned toward her slowly, eyes narrowed. “That's it? Just a 'that's fine'? No yelling, no hitting?”

“Not much I can do about it, is there?” Truthfully out of all the Beat Kings, she preferred Mamoru best; he was quiet and polite, and warmer than Keiichi – unless Minako was around, then the man was practically spitting fire. “It will be fine.”

The elevator dinged their floor and they walked out together, Akio nodding down the hall to the right. She followed behind, entering a room when Akio stopped and held open the door for her. The studio was small and simple, a soundboard in the middle with a chair in front, three microphones stemming from it to three separate spots, one side of the room was separated by glass with a large mixing board and other electronic things she had no idea what they were.

She was introduced to the show's host – he was young and the newest up and comer. His hair was an unkempt mess of brown waves, and a three day old stubble graced his strong jaw.

“Hello, Hino-san, I'm Yuuchiro.” He bowed respectfully and she returned the favor.

“Please, call me Rei,” she said as she straightened.

“Alright, Rei.” He smiled, fumbling a bit as he sat back in his chair.

Rei took her seat, setting down her things while Akio went into the glass encased portion of the room with the sound engineer. Glancing at the clock above Yuuchiro, she frowned. Mamoru was running late, that was strange for him.

The door opened at that moment and she turned around just as it clicked shut. The welcoming smile on her face fell the moment she saw who it was.

“Junpei,” she growled.

“Good morning, Rei-san!” He chirped, sliding into the chair next to her.

“I thought I was supposed to be doing this interview with Mamoru.” She crossed her arms and turned away from him.

“Not feeling well, we switched; he's taken my spot on a game show tomorrow.”

“Are you sure you didn't beg him to switch?” It was no secret that the young man had a crush on her, he made it well known every chance he got. Pining after her like a lovesick puppy. She might've been flattered if he didn't see her as only a pretty face.

There was also the fact that he had been raised in New York City, and most of his mannerisms were decidedly... American.

“I did not beg, I just jumped at the opportunity to see your lovely glare first thing this morning. My day is now complete.” He grinned widely, leaning his head on her shoulder. She shrugged him off and wrinkled her nose in distaste.

A cough interrupted them, and Rei realized they'd be ignoring the host. Junpei smiled, greeting Yuuchiro; who was less pleasant in return. They seemed to be sizing one another up, and Rei looked toward Akio, but he wasn't paying any attention to what was happening.

She took another sip of tea instead.

Soon they were underway with the interview, moving through the required announcements and product placements and whatever else it was the label deemed important. Then it was time to settle in for the personal questions and banter.

Junpei was a whiz at that.

“First of all I would like to apologize to any of the fans out there expecting to hear Mamoru's voice. He's feeling a bit under the weather so I had to step in last minute.” He kept his voice full of remorse, as if prompting fans to 'awww' at their radios. “I hope you won't be too disappointed?”

“I don't think so,” Yuuchiro cut in with a fake laugh, “the calls are coming in already. I'll ask everyone to be patient, we'll start answering your calls in a bit.”

“Junpei, forgive me if I'm not quite prepared....” Yuuchiro said as he shuffled through papers.

“No, no! That's fine. Ask me Mamoru's questions, I can pretend to be him. Wait, we're streaming online right? Let me get the look too!” Junpei set about arranging himself; finger combing his spiked hair until it covered his forehead, and settled into his chair. He crossed one leg over the other and leaned forward a bit, elbow on his knee, his opposite hand fisted on his hip. “Okay, go ahead,” he gave Yuuchiro a sultry look.

Against her better judgment – and entirely against her will – Rei giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. “Very convincing,” she said after a moment.

“You can trust Hino-san,” he said carefully, speaking as properly as possible. “She and Mamoru were in training together; she knows.”

Rei cursed herself, but she giggled more. Turning away from the microphone and Junpei, shoulders shaking. It was over the top but completely accurate, and she couldn't seem to stop laughing.

However, Yuuchiro seemed less than enthralled as he looked at Junpei blandly. “No, that's fine. You should be yourself.”

“Whatever suits you!” Junpei said. He absently raked both hands through his hair, causing it to stand on end again, and Rei finally understood the hairstyle choice – it was a necessity.

“Junpei, now you've only been in Tokyo for two years, correct?”

“That's right.” Junpei nodded. “I was born in Kyoto and lived there until I was eight, then my family moved to the United States, to New York City.”

“Has it been much of a culture shock for you?” Yuuchiro said carefully, as if he were testing something. She wondered what.

“Yes and no. I really love Japan, and Tokyo has been amazing. I feel like I have more opportunities here... like it's where I'm supposed to be.” Junpei took a deep breath and nodded again, full of resolve.

Yuuchiro seemed to have found the opening he was looking and took it. “Your family isn't here though, they're still in the US? Would you say they're proud?”

Rei was shocked to see Junpei's smile falter a bit, but just for the space of a breath and then it was bright again.

“Not in the least!” he said happily, but Rei could tell how forced it was. “It's not a secret that my family and Keiichi's are the most disapproving of our careers. Keiichi has it worse than I do, so I feel bad complaining, but my father thinks this is frivolous and silly; my mother even more so. However, I can't imagine doing anything else. Especially not when I have the amazing fans I do. I am very thankful for them.”

And they were thankful for him, judging by the way the lights on the phone blinked into life. Despite the quick save and his seeming brightness, Rei could sense how on edge he was.. how bitter he seemed. She wouldn't say she pitied him, but she certainly felt something.

“Well, I suppose we should start taking a few calls before they wear out the lines.” Yuuchiro laughed, hitting a button. “Hello caller, what's your name?”

The young woman on the other line spoke so quickly in her excitement, Rei could barely understand her. It was obvious Junpei was completely lost, though he kept his composure, kindly asking her to repeat herself a little slower.

“I was, ano, I was wondering if Junpei had a favorite 7ucky Girls song, and if Rei had a favorite Beat Kings song?”

“Shiro and I are very fond of 'Bubblegum Princess'. It's become our warm up song backstage, mostly to annoy the others, and we've been learning the dance.” He laughed lightly, absently miming part of the choreography – a particularly complicated series of hand movements that Usagi always messed up, even though it was her song.

“I would pay to see that,” Rei muttered, not realizing she'd spoken out loud.

Junpei turned toward her, grinning widely. “Remind me next we're all together. Shiro and I would be happy to make idiots of ourselves.”

Rei blanched, but recovered quickly enough. “I'll keep that in mind.” She smiled at him.

There was a pause, and a frantic hand motion from Akio told her it was her turn to answer. “Oh! I... I'm actually a fan of 'Faded Memory', it was a B-Side from the debut, but I've always liked it; I think it's a nice ballad.”

Junpei seemed rather surprised by that, and stared at her until she shrugged at him and motioned that there was a new caller. Most of the callers were fairly innocuous, plenty of fans calling in to ensure Junpei they loved him and supported him always, even if his family did not.

Rei thought while the intentions were kind, it was taking a toll on Junpei to be reminded of his family constantly. She was glad for him when things shifted back into band questions, no matter how ridiculous. Like asking if she or Junpei would accompany someone to a social event.

“Actually, in regards to dates, I do have an announcement: in a few months, I'll be appearing on 'Idol Connection'.” Junpei paused, as if he could hear the collected gasp from the fangirls. “No dates are set yet, but you're encouraged to go their website to submit entries to win a date with me!” He laughed, almost nervously, and Rei couldn't help but wonder how he felt about the whole thing.

They concluded the interview, leaving Yuuchiro to finish things with entertainment updates and sponsor plugs. As he sent the show into adverts, Junpei turned on Rei.

“Did you mean that about 'Faded Memory'?”

“Yes, why?” She tilted her head.

“I...” he glanced down and shrugged. “Nothing. I just, I wrote it. I didn't think anyone really knew it outside of diehard fans.”

“It really is my favorite,” she said, and found herself fighting a blush. “Do you write a lot of songs?”

“Yeah, but the label doesn't care unless it's a catchy pop song, or one of Mamoru's love songs.” He shrugged again, and looked up to meet her gaze, a smile in place. “I'm glad you like it though.”

She opened her mouth, but Yuuchiro was calling her name.

“Rei-san? Akio said you would record some promo spots for us?”

“I, yes. Of course.” She cast the DJ a quick smile before looking back to Junpei. “I need to work.”

“Yeah, I should get going, we're supposed to hit the studio later.” He stood slowly, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Goodbye, Rei-san.”

“Goodbye, Junpei-kun.” She watched him go before she was forced to concentrate on Yuuchiro again.

She was still fighting a blush. Ridiculous.

Date: 2013-10-31 03:04 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sailorsomething.livejournal.com
I find it really interesting that they're still the senshi/shitennou even though they are idols. Other than that, I think we're both very aware of how I feel about this entry.

Date: 2013-10-31 03:52 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] warriorofice.livejournal.com
ASLDKAJSFL)(*#u@)#*U@$)!

HOW DID MISS THIS MAGNIFICENCE??? (Okay, I know the answer to this... I was hiding under a rock for a couple months and am oblivious to all fic updates that occurred.)

BUT ANYWAY. This means that I got to read all 3 chapters RIGHT NOW IN ONE SITTING! But it also means I need more.

Here I thought it was going to be an AU, non-senshi/shitennou fic, but now I see that they're not only band rivals but also both hunting for the Silver Crystal. So exciting!!

I also like all the names you've picked and the bigger role the Outers are playing (are Setsuna and Hotaru going to show up too?).

Awww... Rei and Junpei are getting along and she LIKED HIS SONG! I bet when they all get together (because they are right? RIGHT??) the tabloids are going to explode.

Can't wait to see who plays what role in each of the bands :) And I love Artemis and Luna in their roles as managers!

Date: 2013-10-31 07:44 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] satine86.livejournal.com
The tabloids bring me infinite joy within this world. You can thank Rishi for his wonderful insights into that... when the time comes. ;)

Date: 2013-11-01 07:56 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mrcrybrilliance.livejournal.com
Sorry I didn't review earlier, was dead in the brainness last night!

I love this. I really love this. I love how she feels bad for him because Yuuchiro was an ass and then all the callers making it worse though trying not to.

Awww, her favorite song is one he wrote!

Also awww :( his writing gets ignored for the most part :( sads.

Love the Senshi/Shitennou action.

And seriously I LOVE that the first Senshi we see in Senshi-ness are Haruka and Michiru! And that even as Senshi Michi has to keep Ruka in line...

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