Gundam Seiyuu (The OAV) Part 7
I woke the next morning to bright sunlight shining in through the large floor to ceiling windows that surrounded our room. Blinking open my eyes and yawning I moved to stretch, and immediately stopped as I realized there were arms wrapped tightly around my body. Craning my head, and careful not to move the rest of my body, I turned and looked to find Heero beside me in bed.
It would take a wealth of words to explain how that sight made me feel. I had never slept in the same bed as him before tonight and I'd never fallen asleep in his arms, much less woken up in them. But the sight of him sleeping with his arms tightly wrapped around my waist and his face as sweet as a sleeping angel made me want to melt. I didn't want to move, never again. He looked so peaceful and happy I didn't want to disturb him, I just wanted to lay in his arms until eternity ended and the next eternity began.
Smiling softly to myself I slowly turned over in his arms so I was facing him and snuggled up against his chest, burying my face against his bare chest. I breathed in the sweet scent of his body mingled with the chlorine from mine (from the hot tub). It was a strong, sweet smell, and I loved every second of it. Closing my eyes I lay there happily for a few moments, just reveling in his scent and the soft rising and falling of his chest as he breathed in and out.
It seemed like only a few seconds later that he began to stir, not long enough for me to lay there in complete and utter bliss. But I didn't complain, instead I tilted my head upward and watched with a soft smile on my face as he blinked his eyes open sleepily.
"Good morning," I murmured softly.
Heero opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by a yawn.
I chuckled.
"What time is it?" he murmured rubbing his eyes.
"Morning..." I snuggled my face against his neck, kissing him softly. "Can we just forget about the con and stay here? Please? I want to lay in your arms all day."
I could hear the smirk in his voice as he reached up slowly and stroked my hair. "It is tempting."
I sighed. "But?" I promoted. The tone of his voice implied that there was something that had to be done today, period. It was morning, I should have known the schedule for the con but I didn't, my mind doesn't work that fast in the morning.
"But..." He said stretching his legs. "But the concert is tonight and Relena will be mad if we're not there."
I moaned loudly and sat up, mock frowning at him. "Spoilsport."
Heero smirked. Without warning he reached up and grabbed me around the waist, pulling me to lie across his chest as he seized my lips in a kiss. I didn't give a single bit of complaint as his tongue teased across my lips seeking entrance into my mouth. I responded with the same amount of hunger he showed and eagerly explored his mouth as he explored mine. It had been far too long since we'd kissed like that.
After several long minutes of heated kissing we finally broke apart for lack of air and I smirked. "Well, I suppose I wouldn't mind seeing you in that outfit again for one more day."
Heero flashed me a knowing smile and sat up in bed. Stretching he stood up and walked toward the bathroom to take a morning shower.
"On one condition."
Heero paused and glanced back at me. "And that is?"
I flashed a devilish grin. "You let me take that outfit off of you when the day is through."
Heero returned a mischievous smirk of his own and nodded.
~*~
We arrived down in the lobby about half an hour later and I discovered that we were quite early. In fact it wasn't even eight in the morning yet. I guess that's what a good night's sleep will do to you when you lay in the arms you love. I was completely rested and I knew I'd only slept for a few hours. Yet I still groaned as I noticed the clock down stairs, I couldn't have Heero thinking he was turning me into a morning person now could I?
"Aww man, it's still really early! We could have laid in bed for longer."
Heero chuckled softly as he pulled the jean jacket on over his small amount of clothing. "Well, we have enough time to get breakfast and check on the equipment before the con starts."
I grinned, happy he'd changed the subject, and even happier to see him chuckling. I know a huge load of guilt had been lifted off my shoulders last night and apparently the same went for him. Heero was actually chuckling, albeit softly, and possibly would even flash a smile at me a few times before the day was done. Things were certainly looking up compared to the last year.
"So, Hee-chan, where do I get to sit for the concert?" I grinned innocently.
He flashed a mock glare toward me. "Nowhere if you keep calling me that again."
"Ok, Hee-koi."
To that he attempted to glare but it didn't work too well, mostly because I caught him in a short kiss before he could finish and he just finally gave up with a silent sigh. "You'll have to wait and see."
"Tease." I murmured.
And he actually smirked at that but left it unexplained. Could it be? Could my Heero actually have a mischievous streak that he was going to put to use tonight? Naw. Well, I hoped I was right because Heero wasn't the type to be mischievous, usually, so this was definitely a side of him I'd never seen before.
The taxi took us to the hotel, which was hosting the con and I split up from Heero, promising to meet him in the signing room after he was done looking over his equipment for the umpteenth time. As he headed down the hall I went straight toward the signing room and seated myself on the American signing table munching on the free doughnuts the hotel provided while I waited. As I waited, and after I finished the doughnut, I pushed the short amount of hair behind my ear. The area I'd chopped away was barely noticeable thanks to how thick my hair was but I'd managed to cut it up high enough that those few hairs just refused to stay in the braid, even though I'd French braided it.
As a result I had to constantly push those few strands behind my left ear, but that wasn't that big of a deal. In fact it served to remind me of what a huge mistake I'd almost made and how Heero had stopped me. The fact that the rest of my long hair was still intact was proof that he loved me, no matter what I or anyone else thought. Yeah, I know it sounds cheesy and romantic but it's the truth. And sometimes cheesy truths are the sweetest moments of one's life. Anyway I definitely had something to discuss with a particular American seiyuu who will remained unnamed (ALEX MUELLER). It was time for me to learn why he had such a thing against me and my hair and my relationship with Heero.
Thanks to us waking up so early in the morning it was actually a good hour before anyone else arrived in the room. By the time the other voice actors started arriving I'd managed to collect all my rage and store it deep inside. I wasn't about to let that jerk have the pleasure of watching me explode. This was going to be my fight to understand on my side, and there was no way I was going to let him win, not after what his words had almost made me do.
Quatre and Trowa arrived first, this time with Mariemeia and a fold up baby-pen for her to play in behind the tables as the day went on. I helped Quatre set it up and she must have noticed me smiling since she said something.
"You seem happier."
I grinned and nodded. "Yep, much better now."
"I take it you and Heero..." Trowa dropped off the sentence, leaving it for me to finish.
"We made up, everything's been solved."
"Great!" Quatre gave me a quick hug and smiled brightly. But she quickly looked away and blushed. "I mean... everything came out good right? You're not moving out?"
I couldn't help but snicker. Instead I leaned forward and pretended to whisper in her ear, though I knew Trowa could hear. "Even better then I expected, in fact we'll probably have to go bed shopping when we get back."
Quatre's eyes widened and then she dropped into pearls of sweet little giggles. Turning to Trowa she grinned. "I told you the Wedding Suite was a good idea for them."
Trowa flashed a small smile of agreement.
The American seiyuu arrived next as a group followed shortly after by Wufei and Milliardo. Alex Mueller immediately glanced at me. I flashed him my best devil-may-care grin and earned a scowl from him. Raising an eyebrow in amusement I walked over.
"Can I talk to you for a moment?" I asked in my most innocent voice.
Alex frowned deeply. "I have nothing to say to you, and we should just leave it at that."
The room around me went silent and I knew in an instant that the rest of the people in the room were listening, even though most of them were pretending not to. I didn't care, if they wanted to listen then fine, they could. I didn't care who listened, I just wanted to find out what this guy had against me.
"And why exactly is that?"
Alex shrugged and turned away, trying to walk away from me.
I moved forward and slammed my hand against the wall next to him, blocking his route of escape. His eyes flickered back to me in surprise but he continued to glare and said nothing. "Look," I said in a low voice. "I saw and heard the comments and looks you gave me yesterday and I don't understand why you have such a huge thing against me. All I want to do is understand and get an answer from you." I locked eyes with him and gave a small calm smile. "Is that too much to ask?"
"Leave me alone," he said, grasping my arm and trying to pull it away. I caught his wrist and jerked it off my own.
"I'm looking for a simple answer, that's all I want then I'll leave you alone. Now I asked you nicely, if you want to make more of this then that's fine with me."
"Duo..."
I didn't have to glance behind me to know that Heero had entered the room and was watching us with a confused expression. I didn't care, I need to hear this answer. I kept my eyes locked with Alex's, ignoring everyone else in the room. I was going to get my answer, damnit!
"Alex," Van spoke softly. "They will be letting people in soon."
Alex nodded once, short and distinct, then locked eyes with me, a determined look on his face. "You're not going to let this go are you?"
"Nope." I answered.
"Even if they come in before you get your answer?"
I nodded once. "Even if they come in. I want an answer."
At that Alex let out a cold laugh. Grabbing my arm again he shoved me backward and glared. "Fine you want an answer? Then here it is. I'm sick of them calling me a faggot because of you."
I blinked in surprise but didn't move. I wasn't going to give him that pleasure, not now and not ever again. I simply remained silent, letting him vent his anger.
"It's because of you and him," pointing at Heero. "It's because of the way you two act that they accuse me of it. Have you seen them? All the time they're asking me about Solo's relationship with Odin, and it's sickening! Very very sickening! I am not a faggot! I never will be!"
I heard Heero give a small grunt of anger and start to walk towards us but I raised a calm hand, telling him not too. He must have listened because he stopped moving toward us. I kept my eyes locked with Alex's angry ones, keeping my face calm and blank. Finally I clapped a hand on his shoulder and gave a nod.
"Thank you."
His eyes widened and he grabbed my hand, shoving it off his shoulder. "Don't mock me," he hissed angrily.
"I'm not mocking you, but I do have one thing to say, and you better listen. You took this job of your own free will, you agreed to get paid to do the voice of a character who already had a fandom in Japan. Now, if you have such a big problem with yaoi and slash and things like that then I suggest you reconsider your career choice, because it isn't something that is confined to just Japan. Yaoi is out there for almost every series and most likely every anime character you've ever voiced has been slashed before. If it bothers you that much then look for another job, but don't you ever take it out on me or any other Japanese voice actor ever again. I knew about this after I got my job and I can live with it. You do what you want, react how you want-"
I stepped forward and got right in his face, almost kiss-able distance to make my point. "But don't you ever blame me or anyone else for the job that you walked into, got it? I have no control over the fans and neither do you. We live with the publicity, good or bad, it comes with the territory. Got that?"
Alex swallowed and nodded slowly, apparently too shocked to speak. We had come to an understanding, and that was all I wanted, and most likely all I could hope for in his case. Backing away, out of his personal bubble, I shrugged and released what was left of my anger with that movement, dropping it all away. Well, that problem was solved. Turning away from Alex I flashed Heero a smile and he answered with a nod of approval.
Without any more words we took our places at the tables, just as the doors opened to the raiding fangirls. The next few hours were spent in a frenzy of signing and posing for pictures and they were the most enjoyable hours of my life. I was grinning the entire time and teasing Heero just like old times. I loved it.
We took a break later, to get a few sandwiches from the staff and guest catering room and I walked over to Alex, standing next to him in line as he got his sandwich. I followed him in silence for a moment and he didn't seem to notice me, opting to ignore me and just sit down at a table to munch silently on his tuna sandwich. Grabbing my sandwich and a bag of chips I walked over to the table and looked down at him.
"Mind if I sit?" I asked in a normal tone. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Quatre glance toward me quickly, raising one of her eyebrows. Alex didn't respond.
I shrugged and sat down, still getting no response.
Shrugging again I bit into my sandwich and we munched in silence for a long time. Finally, as he was halfway through his sandwich, Alex glanced up at me with question in his eyes. "Is there something you want?" He muttered quietly.
"No, not really."
His eyes narrowed in disbelief. "Then why did you sit down, come here to rub it in my face more?"
With a soft sigh I set down my sandwich and laid my hands out on the tale, palms up, in a gesture of peace. "Look, if you're still sore about that let me offer you some advice. Just because the fans thinks that the character Solo is gay doesn't mean they think you are. Granted they might ask for strange things, like asking you to kiss Jay over there for a picture, but that doesn't mean anything. The thing is they perceive the characters how they want to, no matter what we do. We're just the actors who do the voices and that's as far as we go. What they decide to do with those characters beyond the show is their deal and not ours. There is nothing we can do save enjoy the attention. And really it's not as bad as you think." I grinned. "Believe me, I've read some of it."
Alex raised his eyebrows in actual surprise. "You've read the fanfiction out there?"
I laughed and nodded. "Oh yeah, and it really isn't as bad as you think. There's a lot of it that is really good. Try reading some, I mean try reading some honest to god good fanfic, it'll give you a better view of the whole fandom behind it."
Alex nodded slowly and seemed to mull over it for a moment, seemingly not sure what else to say. "Perhaps," he murmured finally and I decided to leave it at that. I'd gotten my answer before but I couldn't just leave him hating me, not if I could help it. Maybe I could get him to halfway understand this whole yaoi thing that surrounded the Gundam fan universe and maybe that would help him understand.
As a result, when we got back to the signing room, I immediately left the room and flagged down Hilde at a small table where she and the rest of her group were selling their doujinshi.
"Hey cuz!" I called out through the crowd. Immediately Hilde jumped up and a line seemed to form in front of the table of people buying the doujinshi for me to sign. All I could do was laugh and sign a few as I made my way toward the table. "I need a favor."
Hilde grinned and looked at me. "Oh really?"
"Yeah, I need a copy of your first doujinshi, the one that takes place right after the OAV and explains how Solo and Odin get together."
Hilde's eyes lit up. "Really? What for? And what do I get for it?"
I laughed and dropped down next to her, leaning forward to whisper into her ear. My idea worked because she immediately moved toward the boxes and started digging through the issues for the first one. She pulled out two copies.
"I've got one in translated English, that work?"
"Perfect."
She handed me the doujinshi and I dropped a few bills in her hand then turned away. Immediately she grabbed her camera and followed me, tossing a hurried "I'll be right back" to Catherine, Dorothy and Sally who just sat at the table in confusion.
Heading back to the signing room I walked behind the tables, free of the lines of fans and cosplayers, and walked over to Alex. Tapping him on the shoulder I handed the doujinshi to him.
"Here, it's on me. I'm not trying to play favorites but I have to say it is one of the best ones out there and it may help to explain a few things. Do what you want with it."
And I left it at that, not even waiting for his answer. Alex would do what he wanted with it and that was all I was going to ask of him. As far as I was concerned that argument was over and was not going to be brought up again, never again. I was much happier now and it didn't really matter to me what he did with the doujinshi or the rest of the fandom that was his business.
Turning my attention I walked over to Heero and tapped him on the shoulder. He glanced up at me with a blank face.
"Don't get mad, Heero but I promised Hilde a picture."
Heero's eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion but he nodded and stood up. We walked over to a clear corner behind the tables and stood next to each other. Heero placed his hand over my shoulders and I did the same to him, interlocking our arms and looking toward the camera. As Hilde raised her camera I winked at her, the signal I'd told her. Then, before she took the picture, I jerked Heero around and wrapped my arms around him, and seized his lips in a kiss. This time it was his turn to be surprised and his eyes went wide as my lips locked with his.
All around us I swear hundreds of cameras suddenly snapped pictures and there was hooting and cheers. I held Heero in the kiss for a good long time, until he finally stopped being surprised and kissed back as the flashes from various cameras continued. Then we finally pulled back and I laughed, glancing back at the others.
Quatre was clapping while Trowa smiled softly, holding a cooing Mariemeia. Wufei was coughing nervously to hide his smile behind his hand while Milliardo was grinning ear to ear and giving us a thumbs up. The American seiyuu were watching with amazement and Alex had an eyebrow raised. I watched him for a moment and he nodded, a small smile moving across his face. We'd made peace, and that was all I wanted.
I took a seat next to Heero at the signing table and grinned innocently.
"You..." he muttered with a smile.
"Who me?" I asked innocently.
"Yes, you. You know exactly what I'm talking about so don't you dare try to get out of it."
I grinned. "I wouldn't dare. So, where do I get to sit at the concert tonight?"
Heero shook his head and laughed. "Up near the front, I supposed. You need a good seat for the surprise."
I raised an eyebrow. "Surprise?"
Heero nodded.
"What surprise?"
Heero laughed. "Nice try, you'll just have to wait and see."
I grinned widely and went back to signing photos and posters.
A surprise eh? I couldn't wait!
TBC...
*laughs* Sorry about the little rant about yaoi and doujinshi. Didn't mean to get carried away :)
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