<@A-team> [Date: Wednesday January 14th, 2004] <@A-team> [The weather is brisk, but there isn't much wind and the sky is clear. Not that this is a huge deal as most of the shooting is likely to be indoors anyways this time of year.] <@A-team> [Arisu is due in shortly, there's a bit of a pre-shoot discussion and then a chance for Arisu to see a day-in-the-life and get some shots at the event itself.] <@A-team> [Anatoly has been primping and preening over her, as is his wont, and is running into the time Kaede had set aside to give her one last pre-brief.] <@A-team> [Start!] <@A-team> * Anatoly taps his finger on his lower lip, inspecting his lastest masterwork. He's wearing an electric blue blazer with fur trim along the collar and cuffs, as is suitable for winner. "It this makeup is fabulous, yes, but I cannot help but feel I can do even more for you." 06* Kaede is used to this and really, Akemi and him *do* have a lot of solo time. He is in his managerial suit though, which in this case is a nice light grey which compliments his hair and eyes nicely. He seems to be pacing. "So you remember the key points we want to focus on, Shiraishi-san?" Her image. The personal edge. Down to earth. Humanizing the super model and making others feel she's 06* Kaede someone they could just hang out and enjoy a casual conversation or a night on the town with. Definitely her strengths. <@A-team> * Anatoly raises his finger. "Aha, I have it, a bit of gold arcing out from the eyes and reinforced by a scarf. Not merely the best of this world, but something beyond it, unapproachable. Captivating imaginations but always just beyond reach." He digs into his supply bag which is full of little vials collected from who knows where. 06* Akemi smiles at Kaede. "Yup! Just be myself and remind her that I'm a for real person." And she realize Antoly's about to get to work again, turning to hold still for him. 06* Kaede sighs slightly, letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Exactly. You don't need special tricks to be captivating. Least of all, gold flecks..." He glances Anatoly's way, trying to keep his expression calm. "Perhaps that is an idea we can use on a later date." But not for a local *interview*. Really geez. <@A-team> Tricks? Ha, technique and artistry. A pen and paper can create documents and send mail, but I don't see you-- <@A-team> Oh, I'm sorry, am I early? <@A-team> [She is early! Security was supposed to call up when she arrived.] <@A-team> * Anatoly starts somewhat at the arrival and quiets for a moment, it is not his place to distract the representative of Akemi's adoring public. 06* Akemi eeps! She was not expecting that! 06* Kaede blinks around at Arisu. Geez, it's been a long time. How long had she even been working here...oh nevermind. His glasses get pushed up and he tries his best businessman's smile, which granted is fairly small. "Ah. Sanada-san! Yes! A little early..." He walks over, arm going around to guide her back towards the door. That's his job here, playing interference. "Perhaps we could do a little 06* Kaede pre-interview session? Find the general questions you intend to ask?" And get you out of the door for a moment so Anatoly can *work* and Akemi can recoup her wits. <@A-team> * Arisu accompanies, she's willing to play by his rules for now. "I've never really had trouble finding questions, it's picking which to discard that's the challenge." 06* Akemi tries to calm down. Who barges into a dressing room like that! She looks at Antoly, pleading. 06* Kaede takes her out of the room because *seriously*, who just barges into a dressing room like that! It'd be like suddenly appearing in someone's show--oh wait, that totally happened. Or their house on their da--*why is their sense of normalcy all screwed up?* <@A-team> This building is like a maze, kleiger lights and fabric backdrops or green walls everywhere. Akemi's was the second dressing room I found. Although I had a rather interesting conversation, so it wasn't all a loss. 06* Kaede does call over his shoulder. "And recall, this is a normal interview. There will be time for flares and flourish later." 06* Kaede then finally leaves. <@A-team> * Anatoly nods. "I will hold you to that, and show just how fabulous normal can be." He taps his lip again. "Let's go with the look of amazing even without make-up. A lifetime of cinema has prepared me for that particular trick... I mean technique." 06* Akemi beams. "You're so good to me, Antoly." She shifts in her seat. "Girl next door, okay? Like Kaede said." <@A-team> [Arisu manages some small talk about interview details while finding a somewhat secluded space to chat. She seems amenable to some of the ideas, but then flips to a particular pge in one of her little notebooks.] 06* Kaede , meanwhile, is left outside with *this* girl. Well, isn't a total loss. He does turn to Arisu. "Interesting conversation?" He's curious here. <@A-team> Oh yes, one of the other models is into prestidigitation, she telling me how it reinforced her trade and I was talking about a case I was researching... 06* Kaede tilts his head to the side, watching Arisu now. "Case? I didn't know you were still doing that..." It'd been a while. "I can't see how prestidigitation can help *modelling* though. I mean...certainly parlor tricks are good for a one-trick but flair can only get you so far." <@A-team> * Arisu shakes her head. "I was also doubtful, but she was convincing. The common element is illusion. Directing where people look with a mix of body language and suggestion. But I'm getting off topic, aren't I?" <@A-team> * Arisu continues looking at her notebook again, as if she's not entirely sure she's a reliable narrator. "So, the biographical details you sent over do check out. Shiraishi-san's beginnings are notably humble and I've got any number of charming third party stories as to how relatable she is. Still, I can't help but feel this story you're selling me on is somewhat contradicted by the fact that she's--" 06* Kaede folds his hands into his lap and gives Arisu a steady, expression-neutral look. "Oh no. I think...actually I believe that has a lot of application in posing, now that I think of it. In some ways, that is how clothing design works. Accentuating certain features while de- emphasizing others. It would appear this model was only more overt about it..." He pauses, rubbing his chin. "Interesting..." Then Arisu fills in the gaps and he turns to her. "She's what?" <@A-team> * Arisu looks at her notebook, "Possessed of a supernatural tarot beauty. I don't intend to put that directly in my article. It's not worth the memory wipe. But I will not mislead my readers." 06* Arisu has stuck with the ground rules of interviews in the past, so Kaede has heard from his network and from Kyon's interview. Speaking with Shiraishi-san is a big scoop for her and she obviously wants it, but she is emphatic in her final statement. She may not tell them about Arcana powers, but she's not going to make Akemi out to be something Arisu believes she's not. 06* Kaede looks heavily on Arisu, almost as if to stare through her, then sighs, pushing up his glasses. "Sanada-san, I do not wish you to sacrifice journalistic integrity. However, I fear you are mistaken. Her beauty may be a factor, I won't deny that, but none of her personality is influenced by said effects. If she did not have that, none of her success would mean anything. She would be another face in the crowd." 06* Kaede does mean *modelling* crowd here. Surely she'd be enough for a pin-up, but he'd be hard pressed to believe she'd stand out beyond that. There's plenty of models out there who are "just another face." <@A-team> So, powers may have gotten her in the door, but no more. But personality is rather hard to nail down and isolate, isn't it? And beyond general Tarot attractiveness bump, which is established even if it does have exceptions like Ashikaga-san... <@A-team> I do have an anonymous source that is quite sure that her power must be involved somehow. Another is convinced that it's in her kiss, which is a bit hard for me to understand and I think that source might just be referencing mo-town. 06* Kaede deadpans. "...so she kissed her first contract in order to get herself in the door, Sanada-san? That's slander. I believe you'd have more integrity than to imply *that*..." <@A-team> * Arisu rolls her eyes. "Fine. It may be her personality, but I want permission to ask about her status as a Tarot beauty even if I can't print it. If she's as good as you say, she'll convince me given the chance." 06* Kaede sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. "If you *do* ask that, it is off the record. And not in front of her crew. A second interview if we need to..." He frowns then looks up at Arisu. "...can I trust you to do an unbiased interview, Sanada-san? You appear to have already made pre-determinations here." <@A-team> I've done my research. Pre-determinations are assumptions you make before researching. But yes, you can trust me. In fact, I may have a better chance of really explaining her personality than any other journalist out there because I can see more of the picture. 06* Kaede continues to watch Arisu for a solid minute, expression thin. He seems unconvinced for the moment but gifts a small, cautious nod. "I cannot vouch for Shiraishi-san, though I suspect you will take her refusal to answer as confirmation of your suspicions. I can try to encourage her to cooperate. I have known her for some time now. She has nothing to hide." <@A-team> * Arisu nods. "I leave that to you. She could refuse to answer for multiple reasons, but that doesn't seem to fit with the portrait of her personality you trace." 06* Kaede stands slowly, glancing at Arisu coolly. "Perhaps, perhaps not. As you say, there are many reasons. I do believe you are inaccurate to say that research eliminates pre-determination. It depends on the thoroughness and interpretation of said research. Interpretations can be just as biased." His hands go in his suit pockets. "Shall I knock to see if she is ready then?" <@A-team> [Arisu agrees to the term and the initial pre-interview actually goes rather well. The report is a bit charmed despite herself and gets into the photography at the shoot. Part of the day goes by in a blur and then the four of you are back in the dressing room.] <@A-team> * Arisu checks her watch and then glances at Kaede before flicking her eyes to Anatoly. <@A-team> * Anatoly is bringing a water to Akemi, mineral with just a hint of lime and a faint herb mix that tends to perk her right up after a long morning. 06* Akemi is in her chair, having just put her hair up (with or without Antoly's permission). "Thanks, Antoly!" she says, cheerful but a little tired, and takes a sip. "This *really is* the best water ever. Arisu! Do you want to try it? It's really good." 06* Akemi has jumped straight to first name basis with the reporter, yup. 06* Arisu is a bit startled by the offer but quickly regains her cool. "I wouldn't say no." 06* Kaede pats Akemi on the shoulder before he goes to get his own water. "Really, sometimes I wonder how you do it. Keeping that boundless energy up would tire me out..." Which makes it a good thing Kaede's not a swimsuit model. 01 Oh, it's not that hard! Water helps. And you guys! <@A-team> * Anatoly gives the reporter a long appraising look. She's not worked nearly hard enough on her appearance to have earned his remedies. "Certainly *darling, I'll whip up another batch." He smiles at the compliment though and actually gets Arisu a water before too long. <@A-team> * Arisu does take advantage of the opportunity of his brief departure to query Kaede directly. "He in the know?" 06* Kaede gives Arisu a glance, as if trying to ascertain what she means by that, then sighs. "No. We'd be hard pressed to tell him and there's no reason for him to know. He has simply worked with Shiraishi-san for some time. Really a lot of models." 06* Akemi smiles like Arcana isn't a thing at all. "Antoly is extremely talented. I'm lucky to have him." <@A-team> * Arisu nods. "Well, I have a few other questions, but I'd rather like the chance to ask today. I wouldn't object to a second session, but we had..." She takes a moment to thank Anatoly for the water as he returns. "We had to reschedule this five times, so I hope you'll forgive me if I believe there's no time like the present." <@A-team> * Arisu then turns to Akemi, leaving the Anatoly situation to Kaede. "So, Shiraishi-san, aside from the mineral water, how do you manage to be so much to so many different people while keeping your ties to your roots?" <@A-team> * Arisu sips the water while she awaits the answer. Her eyes briefly widen and she goes back to her notes to underline the water, twice. 06* Kaede bites his tongue. Of course he has *other* opinions but he settles into his seat. "Very lucky," Mostly because he wouldn't wish Anatoly on anyone else. He *almost* snorts at the mineral water comment. Almost. "I do apologize for the rescheduling though." And then he settles in to glance at Akemi. But she's got this. <@A-team> * Anatoly laughs. "She's simply on another plane than the rest of us. If I accomplish nothing else in my life than protecting her *fabulousness* for herself and for the larger world, than I will still be a hero." 06* Akemi puts her fingers to her lips, thinking prettily, then answers Arisu's question. "I don't know, honestly. I don't think I *try* to do that. I just try to be myself in whatever situation I'm in. Maybe people identify with that. We all want to be ourselves, right? And show who we are." 06* Kaede responds, giving a soft glance to Anatoly. Not here, ugh. He does respond to him with "Even those on another plane can come down to earth though. You'd be hard pressed to find someone so grounded..." He then gives Akemi a grateful look. He'd let out his breath if he felt it was appropriate. <@A-team> * Arisu nods and jots down notes. "But surely, even if you can be yourself with all of them, different people want different parts of you. Even if they're as close as your own staff, yes?" She asks with a bit of a grin. 06* Kaede gives Arisu a hard, incredulous "THIS WASN'T PART OF THE DEAL" look. Akemi doesn't see it. And definitely not Anatoly. Fuck that guy. <@A-team> * Arisu waves her pencil. "Hypothetical example of course." <@A-team> * Anatoly snorts and comments under his breath to Kaede. "Wasn't hypothetical with her last manager, and we know what happened there." 06* Akemi takes the question in stride, and she can't even hear what Antoly's saying. "It's true! And I don't want to disappoint them. But at the same time, I'm not going to be someone I'm not or do something I disagree with. That's just dishonest." 06* Kaede tenses ever so slightly at Anatoly's comment, then leans over to respond, with a carefully calculated comment and a half-smile. Yes, a smile. Low enough so Arisu doesn't hear it, "Yes, fortunately Arisu is not a gossip columnist or working for a tabloid rag." <@A-team> * Arisu nods. "So you've had to face that sort of challenge before? That's painful for anyone, but it must be especially hard for someone known for their kindness." 06* Akemi smiles, looking a little pained. "Yeah, but I don't want to talk about it. Is that okay? I don't want to name any names, and it'd be pretty tempting." <@A-team> * Anatoly responds in kind. "Yes, she's your own little pet reporter. Very nice, but *darling* Fuyuken's manager plays the gossip rags like a fiddle without any false humility. You can sell everyone on this down to earth thing, but then how will she reach the stars?" <@A-team> * Arisu nods and smiles slightly. "Of course, I wouldn't expect any different." She glances back at Anatoly and looks at her rapidly shortening list of remaining questions. "So we've talked about some of your upcoming projects, but what would you like to be doing if you had the chance?" 06* Kaede blinks and then turns to Anatoly, "You think it's false?" And yes, *that's* loud enough to be heard. He's just kind of looking Anatoly curiously. Really, Fuyuken doesn't have any humility *anyway* so it's not really false in his case. 06* Akemi hears that, and she glances at Kaede, but then she beams at Arisu! Got to ignore the spectacle. "Honestly, I'd *love* to get into acting! Even if just a little bit. I'm majoring in theater at school and it's incredibly fun." <@A-team> * Arisu nods, "Ah, a more conventional choice than prestidigitation, are you focused on stage acting?" <@A-team> * Anatoly whispers furiously. "Her down-home appeal is real, but she's also *so much more*. You are a skilled manager, no doubt, but somewhere you've lost the ability to dream. I'm very sad for you, and I'm sure it's a painful story, but I can see possibilities that you can't." 06* Akemi blinks. "Prestidigitation? Oh! Like stage magic!" She laughs. "That would be *fun*, but I don't know how to do it." 06* Kaede looks about ready to counter that, turning his eyes onto Anatoly, then notices Akemi's still totally in the room. Not gonna blow this for her. He relents. Fighting with Anatoly here? Totally a waste of his valuable time. "You may be right in that. Perhaps later I might seek out your counsel." But for now, she needs to set up a foundation and this is it. He doesn't need to explain himself to you. <@A-team> * Anatoly shakes his head. "Fine, but just give her a chance to do a show with Fuyuken within the next two months. He'll find something that helps her acting. You know she'd do it if you'd let her." <@A-team> * Arisu scoots closer during this interchange and quietly says to Akemi. "Yes, I was discussing this earlier with your manager. 'Stage' magic isn't one of your specialties." <@A-team> * Arisu continues, quietly "But what about the other sort?" 06* Kaede keeps Anatoly wonderfully distracted, turning to him. If there was any hidden ire from the previous statement, it slips away into consideration, before he hazards. "...she enjoys working with Fuyuken regardless of my influence. But they do work well together. I will speak with her about it but, as she said, cannot direct her in things that she does not wish to do..." He does turn towards 06* Kaede the man after catching the slight change in tone. "I believe this interview is going a little longer than expected. Perhaps more water? I could assist." 06* Akemi blinks at Arisu. "There isn't that much magical about me," she says, surprisingly serious. <@A-team> * Anatoly snorts. "I doubt it, but sure. You can come along if you like." He glances with slight concern about at the whisper. "Or keep watch in here." He adds quietly. 06* Kaede nods at the reply, though his face is remarkably impassive. "Understood. I shall make sure the interview does not get out of hand." He'll leave you to your magical, mystery citrus water, Anatoly. <@A-team> * Arisu nods and is gratified as Anatoly steps out, she keeps quiet though just to be safe. "So, you don't think that your tarot association is part of what propelled you to fame? Some other..." She checks her notebook again "Arcana think otherwise, but I could see how they might be wrong." 06* Kaede settles in a nearby chair and then looks at Arisu with sudden concern. This is the first he's heard of it. "There is concern from other Arcana?" <@A-team> * Arisu looks over. "There's speculation "She's an embodiment of beauty" end quote. That said, my source was at pains to say that he didn't think the power was sinister, as such, in nature." 06* Akemi adjusts her ponytail. She looks to Kaede, trying to get an idea as to if it's okay to speak frankly right now. <@A-team> * Arisu follows Akemi's eyeline and looks at him as well. 06* Kaede gives a quick nod, and then gestures with his head in the distant direction of Anatoly. Okay to speak freely, but be mindful when he comes back in the room. And of his general presence. Otherwise... <@A-team> * Arisu looks back to Akemi, notebook at the ready. She does actually write in an difficult to decipher shorthand now that talk is getting real. 06* Akemi then looks to Arisu and speaks, quickly and quietly, "There are a bunch other super cute Arcana. I don't know if how I look is a power or what, but it's not like I can turn it off! And I don't use any magic to get ahead or anywhere. It'd be dishonest! We just talked about that." <@A-team> * Arisu nods, she seems like she believes Akemi but she still hasn't quite found her hook. She continues with a few more questions, when did she find out about her powers, does she feel they separate from other people, is it true that she's "empirically speaking, the best kisser in Japan," does she think what she's been through will inform her acting. 06* Akemi answers the questions one at a time! She found out her powers during the break between junior high and high school at a party. She feels they bring her closer to more and different people, if anything, and for that she's kind of thankful (she glances at Kaede there). She isn't sure if she's the best kisser in Japan, but she'd be happy to help with testing! And she does think that it will, though obviously she can't tell people about that. 06* Kaede is grateful about the honest questioning but lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He had his reservations, but this *was* important. To show the genuine Akemi Shiraishi. Although he does blink at Akemi's glance, catching it for a moment and then looking away, standing up to get some water. <@A-team> * Arisu nods and writes merrily. No one amazing hit but she seems to be filling out her understanding of the girl. "Well thank you Shiraishi-san. You've been more than generous with your time." She stands up and bows, as she turns to head out she does catch Kaede's eye. "So Takeuchi-san, am I allowed to mention the kissing discussion on the record?" She sighs, "I'd prefer not to, lacking firm proof, but my editor loves that sort of thing." 06* Kaede coughs into his fist. He was just about to get his water too! "I...do not believe there is enough empirical evidence to support whether she is the best kisser in Japan or not..." There's *some* hesitation there. He's surely not going to share *his* opinion. <@A-team> Don't care to venture a personal opinion? <@A-team> * Anatoly comes back with more water for Akemi, he cares that much. 06* Kaede gives Arisu a careful look before responding "...I do not have enough empirical evidence to warrant an opinion..." Seriously. His kiss ratio is, like, two people at this point. And *no* Anatoly doesn't get to know what they're talking about! <@A-team> * Arisu grins. "You and me both. Thank you for an illuminating interview Takeuchi-san, consider me convinced." 06* Akemi thanks Antoly, now clearly tired since the spotlight's off of her, and sips her water. 06* Kaede gives a small smile, then settles into the chair. "I suspect a good interview then. Also we can discuss ways to interplay the results of the shoot amongst the article..." 01 [And so, they discussed the article Arisu was going to print - she only making promises she fully intends to keep - and Antoly took care of Akemi in the meantime.] 01 [End!]