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"Cut!"
Out of the five actors on set, four of them immediately release the tension in their body, moving from their roles back to their usual selves. Only one is unable to make that change, remaining frozen in place as though they were a part of the set themself. Gripping their shovel tightly, they watch in silent dread as the investor begins moving. There's no question who this interruption is for, even before he begins speaking.
"Mr. Kreiss." The investor uncrosses his legs in one fluid motion, rising from his seat so gracefully that you'd think it's him the cameras should be pointed at. He walks to the cast, attention solely on the actor standing frozen in place. "This is the third time this has happened. What's going on? I can tell you, if you haven't figured it out already."
The actor's eyes nervously dart between their co-stars, but they know there won't be any salvation. The universe is far from kind enough for that. "I, um…" They release the tension in their body, straightening as best as they can to at least feign some confidence. "The line–!!"
The actor can't finish their thought. The pointed end of the investor's umbrella jabs right into their chest, cutting them off instantly. All they can do is stare at the investor in silent panic, already knowing where this is going.
"The line is a long one, isn't it?" The investor snaps his fingers and one of the mechanical crew members places an open script in his waiting hand. Umbrella staying in place, he reads the line out loud. "'What we've found out here is something that no one back home could ever begin to comprehend!'" He turns his attention back to the actor. "Now you try."
The actor gulps, nodding meekly. The umbrella isn't retracted, but at the very least now only lightly presses on their chest. Taking a shaky breath, they try again. "W-What we've found out here is s-something that no one back home could ev…"
They gasp for breath, and immediately find themself on the ground.
"Hey!" One of their costars, Ganji, moves towards the investor, but a sudden, sharp glare from the man manages to stop him in place. They both turn their attention back to the actor, Ganji frowning apologetically, the investor simply looking bored.
"It's clear what you're missing," the investor says, keeping his umbrella pointed at his actor like an accusatory finger. "Above all else, The role of the hero requires confidence . He is brave even in the face of certain doom. He does not stutter, and he certainly doesn't run out of breath over a simple sentence!"
"I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry." The actor shrinks back, before they start scrambling to get back up. "I'll get it next time. I'm sorry. I promise."
" Will you?" The investor sneers, but finally moves the umbrella away from his actor. Now it stands upright, the investor using it as an impromptu cane while effectively killing any shred of confidence the poor actor had managed to pull together. "Mr. Kreiss. I am fully aware of your history here in Metropolis. The fire you showed me in your audition, the conviction in your performance motivated by wanting something more… I thought you had what it takes to move ahead." He sighs, shaking his head in disappointment. "Perhaps I should consider recasting this role."
"N-No! Please!" The actor is on their feet now, though they're ready to drop to their knees to beg if need be. "I can do this. I swear I can! I just…I just have to–"
"Mr. Xie."
Five heads turn in unison, the room going silent as if commanded to by the actress' voice. She stands there with her hands on her hips, quietly exuding an air of authority that even the investor responds to. "Mrs. Plinius," he says, entire demeanor changing as he smiles politely. "Do you have anything you'd like to add?"
She nods. "I do…but I'd prefer to do it privately." She glances at her fellow actors, focusing on Mr. Kreiss just long enough that they get uncomfortable, then turns back to the investor. "May we speak now?"
"Oh, certainly." Tucking his umbrella under his arm, the investor claps twice. "You heard Mrs. Plinius. Take five, everyone! Or, ten…?"
"Five is enough. Thank you." The investor starts for his chair, and the actress follows behind him. The second they're out of earshot, the three supporting actors rush the lead, all with something to say at once.
"Are you okay?!"
"That was so scary!!"
"I'm sorry, Andrew…"
As this all comes at them, Andrew winces, grateful for the headphones on their costume for muffling it all a bit. Once everyone's done, they speak. "I…it's fine. No one needs to apologize but me…"
"It's him that needs to apologize…" Joker mutters, tossing a resentful look towards the investor. "I mean, who does that guy think he is?! I don't know why the screenwriter lets him have so much input–"
"It's because he has money." Andrew doesn't mean to cut Joker off, especially not with such a bitter tone. "The more money you put into a movie, the more you get to decide how it goes. And, well…that's how it works everywhere else."
"Yeah…" Annie finally pipes up, finding the resolve to. "A-And at least we get more of a say here! Um, right?"
"Yeah, for now." Ganji glances at the investor to make sure he isn't looking, then leans in. "Haven't you all noticed? The director's been gone the past two days."
"Yeah…yeah, I was wondering about that." Joker nods. "And you know what? I actually saw Mr. Xie arguing with the Screenwriter yesterday! And where is he today? Huh?!"
Annie cocks her head. "Isn't today his day off?"
"Is it? I could've sworn those were Mondays…"
"Guys, c'mon! This is serious!" Ganji turns to Andrew. "You see it too, right? Something's not right here!"
"......." The actor looks down, saying nothing.
Ganji stares at them in disbelief. "Andrew! I know you know this isn't right. You don't honestly believe that this is our big break, do y–"
"I know Mr. Xie is making a lot of changes," Andrew snaps. The two actors glare at each other with matched intensity. "But what else can we do? Do you really think…"
Andrew trails off, but Ganji won't let their thought go unfinished. He opens his mouth to press–
Clap!
"Alright, everyone! May we please have your attention?" Mr. Xie motions the four others to join him and Mrs. Plinius. They hesitate, until Ganji finally relents and leads the way, though not before giving Andrew a look that makes it clear this isn't put to bed just yet. Once the group has gathered round, the investor daintily clears his throat. "I would like to start by apologizing," he begins. "I am…incredibly passionate about this project, and I know it shows. But a masterpiece like this can't be achieved by me alone. We are collaborators in this, are we not? We should work together, not against one another. Which is why, thanks to Mrs. Plinius, we will be spending the rest of today working in pairs." Mr. Xie lifts his umbrella up once more, using it to point at Ganji. "You, Mr. Gupta, will be working with me on rehearsing combat."
Ganji perks up immediately. "Wait…really?"
Mr. Xie nods. "I'm making a few revisions to the script, largely involving my own role. I know this is supposed to be 'atmospheric,' but the previous screenwriter certainly won't mind a bit of Metropolis-approved action. And I'd like you to choreograph it…should you wish to, of course."
"Y-Yes!" Ganji nods earnestly, more excited than Andrew's ever seen him. "Thank you. I can get started on it right away." From the far-off look in his eyes, it's clear he's already envisioning it in his mind.
Mr. Xie smiles. "Excellent. Now then…Ms. Lester, Mr. Joker." He turns his attention to the two redheads, who both immediately tense up. "I'd like some new props for this new direction we're moving in. A few weapons, some alien technology…but what will be crucial is a handheld rocket."
"A handheld…r-really??" Annie hurriedly pats herself down, scrambling to grab a pencil from her pocket and her script to take notes on. "Will this be just a prop?"
"Oh, no, no. I want this to be used practically, as well. It will need to be able to shoot off on its own, and the person handling it needs to be capable of such a pivotal responsibility."
"And you think…" Joker gulps before daring to speak again. "You think… I can handle it?"
"I don't think you can, Joker." The investor chuckles lightly. "I know you can."
The two actors exchange excited looks. "W-Well then, we won't let you down, sir!" Joker salutes, a genuine reaction over an attempt to be funny.
"And that leaves Mr. Kreiss." Mr. Xie's head slowly turns towards his final actor, and Andrew bites their lower lip to suppress a nervous squeak. "You need a bit more confidence for the sake of this role. Fortunately, Mrs. Plinius has a solution."
Andrew's eyes widen. "W-Wa–"
"Andrew." Any attempts at protest are completely shut down the second Andrew feels their costar's hand on their shoulder. Mrs. Plinius looks up at them, neither smiling nor frowning. Completely unreadable…But her tone is gentle…that's good, right? That means this isn't a joke? "Let's go to my dressing room. I have everything we need there."
Her dressing room?! "Uh…ah…uh…" Andrew is only able to nod in response. The corner's of Mrs. Plinius' lips quiver slightly, as if holding back a smile or, God forbid, a laugh. But she still takes initiative, leading Andrew off with her towards the dressing room.
"Good luck!" Mr. Xie calls after them, waving almost mechanically. Andrew appreciates the gesture. They're going to need all the luck they can get.
The dressing rooms in this studio (if they even count as dressing rooms) are far from glamorous. Cramped and small, there's hardly enough room for two people unless they stand in single file. Not that Andrew would ever complain, of course; this is the first time they've ever had one all to themself. They keep it so pristine, careful not to leave even a speck of dust, that the state of their costar's room is completely shocking. Everything is so cluttered - clothing, props, and makeup cases are all haphazardly piled onto counters and whatever furniture Mrs. Plinius has at her disposal. But at the same time, it feels as though there's some method to her madness; Andrew is certain that if asked, she'd have no problem knowing where to find something amidst the mess.
It's such a stark contrast to Mrs. Plinius herself, too. Andrew hasn't budged from the door, instead quietly watching as Mrs. Plinius weaves around the area, clearly knowing it like the back of her hand. It's so obvious that she's the only one with any real acting experience. Even if you hadn't seen any of her films, just watching her deliver lines gives away how seasoned a performer she is. While Andrew was still learning their lines, she'd already memorized the entire script. No wonder Mr. Xie consults with her so much…
"...there." Mrs. Plinius' voice is soft, but with just enough power that she doesn't go unheard. She's cleared off the other seat in the room, and now walks back to the doorway. "Go ahead and take a seat," she says. "This should be quick."
Andrew hesitates momentarily. "Sit…first?"
"It's why I didn't sit down, yes." Mrs. Plinius puts her hands on her hips, and the slight irritation in her sigh kills Andrew's protest before her explanation does. "I'm going to be doing your makeup, and the things I need are in different cases. It's easier for me to be on the outside." She looks up at them, tilting her head. "Unless you're claustrophobic?"
"Huh–me? Oh, no. I'm fine." Andrew quickly shakes their head. "But…makeup? I thought this was about my lines…" The actor's stomach sinks as a very real possibility comes to mind: Mrs. Plinius probably wants to cover them up as best as she can if they're to be working together. Andrew certainly wouldn't blame her…all that remains to be seen is if she admits it or not.
"It is." Melly sidesteps her way around Andrew in order to get to the door. "It's not truly a dress rehearsal unless you're fully dressed from head to toe. A lot of people forget that hair and makeup are a part of that. So, my theory is this: when we put your makeup on, you'll be able to perform with the confidence Bi'an is looking for."
Bi'an…? Oh. Their investor. Figures someone as established in Metropolis' film industry would be on a first-name basis with everyone at the top… "We can…try, I guess." Andrew shrugs, resigning to take their seat as directed. "I just don't know if it'll help. Makeup usually doesn't."
"Why not?"
Andrew isn't able to answer her right away. They're too absorbed in watching her as once she closes the door. Removing the dome on her head, followed by the strange prop on her face, the refined Ecosphere changes demeanor slightly, notable only in the way her body loses its tension once the outfit is off. The coat comes off next, slung over on a spare trunk and giving Mrs. Plinius more room to move around.
She really is so beautiful…Andrew can still recall the first time they'd seen her in a film. It was a very minor role, as a librarian helping a detective find key clues to a case, but in just the single scene she'd been in, she'd managed to steal the entire show. With her skill as an actress, what is she doing here, with the likes of Andrew and the rest of the cast? The rest of them took this role for what it could offer them. But what could some pulp horror show offer a rising star that she can't get anywhere else?
Andrew snaps back to attention as Mrs. Plinius sits down in front of them. Man…the prop they have her wear as "Ecosphere" really does hide just how beautiful she is. Andrew would say she's on the same level as the Eternal Aurora herself, even if others might disagree. It makes Andrew feel more self-conscious than usual as she scans their own hideous face. But the usual scorn and disgust are nowhere to be seen, and instead she simply looks at them…neutrally? Analytically? As though Andrew isn't some sort of monster, but rather…a blank canvas. It's an interesting change of pace…as long as it's not negative. Andrew doesn't know if they could handle someone like her looking down on them. The fact that she doesn't already is a miracle.
"I won't do anything major today." Mrs. Plinius speaks, fingers gently pushing Andrew's bangs out of their face, tucking the loose hair under their headphones. Once she's satisfied, she nods to herself, then starts opening the nearby makeup case. "Lips, eyes, and a bit of blush. At some point, I'd like to try some foundation on you. But I get the feeling we may need to work up to that. You don't usually wear makeup, do you?"
"No. I don't…" Her costar is too stunned to say much, the ghost of her touch still searing their forehead. "U-Um. Mrs. Plinius–"
"Melly."
"Ah. S-Sorry…"
"Why do you do that, by the way?"
"--Huh?"
"I've never understood why you do that." Mrs– Melly produces a few makeup brushes and a tube of mascara. "Everyone else is on a first-name basis but me. Have I done something to offend you?"
"Wha-no! No, no, not at all!" Mortification sets in immediately. Andrew shakes their head profusely. "I don't…I couldn't ever–! "
"So…a sign of respect, then." Melly's tone doesn't change, save for a slight tinge of amusement that makes Andrew want to curl up and die right on the spot. The entire reason they took this role was to finally be taken seriously…if they're already this much of a joke, what can they do?
"...um, yeah." The only option they have is to switch the focus onto their costar. "But, well…can you blame me? You're the biggest name attached to this project!"
"........" Melly's silence only makes Andrew more anxious, their stomach in knots as they watch her produce something else from a pouch. They debate over saying something more (though they'd likely dig themself an even deeper hole), but fortunately the actress finally responds.
"...Begonia."
"Huh…?"
"Begonia." Melly looks up from the tube of…some sort of makeup in her hand. "It's a lip gloss from an old Eternal Aurora cosmetics line. A very light pink, but one that I think will work on you."
Andrew's eyes land on the lip gloss, and their mouth hangs open slightly at the color. It's a pastel pink, the color of strawberry candy…far less bold than the ruby-red lipstick Melly uses for herself. Their immediate interpretation is that they aren't good enough for such a color, but as if reading their mind, Melly explains. "Since we're going very basic today," she says, cupping Andrew's chin in her hand, "I want to pick something softer than what we'd use for the camera. If you'd like, we can be more dynamic later."
It's all Andrew can do to keep their focus on what she's saying - no one has ever touched them so gently, not since their mother had used the last of her strength to squeeze their hand. As the lip gloss' brush touches their lips, Andrew doesn't dare make a sound. They simply stare at Melly, letting her work.
"...it's not my name that's big."
"...I'm sorry?"
Melly twists the lip gloss closed, swiping a stray bit at the top of Andrew's lip away with her thumb. "Melly Plinus didn't exist until she married her husband. Plinius Productions and the man behind it are still what comes to mind when you hear that name." The actress stands up to grab another case. "When my husband died, he left me his company. But I don't have the mind or heart for business, so I decided to pursue acting. I'd worked behind the scenes to get close…but I've always wanted to be on the other side of the camera."
This is the best time to ask the question that's been on their mind. "So…is that why you joined this project, then?"
"Mm…no." Melly finds what she's looking for, exchanging the lip gloss for eyeshadow, and returns to her seat. "I could take advantage of my husband's company if I wanted to do that. But this show…I get the feeling it has something that I need. If it's going to work, however…"
The makeup opens with an audible pop!
"Everything needs to work as it's supposed to." Picking up a makeup brush, Melly begins applying some of the eyeshadow to it. It's a soft lavender color, the same delicate pastel as the lip gloss. Andrew is very aware of the sticky, shimmery gloss on their lips, and they keep a wary eye on the eyeshadow now, too. Such dainty, pretty colors…how does Melly not realize she's wasting them here?
"What about you, Andrew?" Melly tilts her head, maintaining conversation as she begins applying the eyeshadow. "What do you hope to gain from this?"
"Who…me?" It's not a difficult question to answer. "Well…ever since I started acting, I've only gotten the same types of roles. Either I'm some henchman in a slapstick comedy, or I'm a monster in a thriller. And I thought that if I could get the lead role here…it would change things."
"Playing against type, hm?" Melly nods. "You don't usually get lines in those bit roles, I assume."
"I…don't, no." Andrew shrinks back slightly, starting to see where Melly is going with this. "I know it's obvious, okay? I'm not…"
"You're still new to this. Stepping outside of your comfort zone." Melly seems to…soften? It's faint, but still Andrew catches it. "I was like that, too. I didn't think a day would ever come where I could wear an outfit like this."
She gestures to her costume, the one that looks so much sleeker and elegant than the rest. Andrew starts to nod in agreement, but remembers that moving isn't the best idea at the moment. "You at least…like the costume, right?"
Melly pauses. "It's not the worst thing I've worn," she admits. "Truthfully, though…I'd prefer something more like what you're wearing, even now."
Even now…? Andrew is more surprised by the first part, though. "Really? But this is…I mean–"
"It's comfortable, and easy to move around in. This skirt and these heels…aren't." Melly finishes with the eyeshadow, and picks up a small black pencil next. "I'll need you to sit still for this next part. Eyeliner is tricky when you're not used to it."
At that, Melly gets close. Andrew flinches as she steps into their personal space, ready to bold out of their seat as she begins carefully etching away at their eyelid with the pencil. For once, talking might help to make them feel less anxious… "You, uh…you know a lot about makeup."
"I was a make-up artist originally. In fact, I met my husband on the set of one of his movies."
"Oh." A pause. "...my condolences, by the way."
"Hm? Oh, thank you." It's quite a unique reaction to the death of a spouse…you would think she'd be sadder? "His passing was sudden, but the service was lovely, at least." Another pause, but Melly doesn't let it sit for long. "But, yes. I used to do makeup, stage and screen. What I'm doing for you, though, is something a bit different."
Andrew does their best to look at her without getting poked by the pencil. "I thought this was for the show?"
"It is. But it's for you, as well." Melly pulls the eyeliner away, studying Andrew's face before nodding, satisfied. Up next is the tube of mascara. "Tell me, Andrew. Why are you cast in these bumbling, villainous roles?"
"Because I'm ugly." It comes so naturally out of their mouth that it manages to catch even Melly by surprise, quickly retracting the mascara brush before she loses control of it. Andrew blinks, continuing matter-of-factly, "I was born cursed, and I've known it since I could think. People keep reminding me of it, and it's all they ever think about when they see me, so…why not make a living out of it?"
"And yet, you take this part." Melly adjusts herself so that she leans on the vanity counter. "You sound so certain of your lot in life, yet you still put up with this role in order to play a hero. Why is that?"
This answer, on the other hand, takes a while to formulate. "Well…I thought, well…a change of pace may be nice. If I could break away from being type-cast, I…" Andrew shakes their head. "It's stupid. I know it's stupid."
"It isn't stupid." Her hand is on their chin again, only with a firmer grip as Melly stares them straight in the eye. "It isn't a stupid thing to want what you don't have. But…I think you're still holding yourself back."
"What do you mean…?"
Melly sighs. "...I've seen you act before. A few times, while looking into my costars, but once live. It was a few weeks ago. A live performance…"
".........."
"Andrew?"
"You…saw that?" Their voice is barely audible.
"The Scottish Play in the entertainment district? I did." Melly takes advantage of Andrew's near-catatonic state to continue applying mascara. "The Quickstep Theatre's the kind of place you'd only ever hear about on the Pirate Radio Station, but considering Aurora's aversion to the Bard…I'm glad I tuned in."
Andrew doesn't know what to say. It feels as though they've short-circuited. Merciful at least, Melly continues. "Lady Macduff is a minor role, but you played her as if she were the lead. You really became the character…in fact, the worst part of it all was the makeup."
For once, the butterflies in Andrew's stomach stem from somewhere…positive. The fact that Melly saw them in that role, saw them in that costume, in the dress and the jewels and all of it…and liked it…
"Softer colors work better for you. And nothing was blended…" Melly clicks her tongue. "Who did makeup for the cast?"
And the butterflies are negative once more. "...we, um. We had to do our own makeup."
"...oh." At the very least, the awkward pause is brief. Andrew likely wouldn't have seen the end of the conversation otherwise. "You don't have much experience, do you? That's alright. Makeup is a learned skill like anything else. As it is, what I'm doing today is just the basics. From what I can gather it's what many girls learn to do first."
"So I'm…on the same level as a child?" Andrew almost wishes this topic had never come up… almost. There's something almost relieving about talking about this with someone else. That play out in the entertainment district…it had been their own secret, a chance they'd taken in a rare spurt of courage. To think Melly had seen it and…and admired it! It takes a bit of the sting out of this current humiliation…but only a bit.
"There's no shame in that. It's better to start now than never." Melly puts the tube of mascara away, now taking out the final blush compact. "I can lend you some of these to practice with. Eyeliner and mascara can come later - they do require practice, considering how close they are to an open eye. But I'd recommend you at least start with lips, eyes…" She opens the compact, brush in her other hand. "...and blush."
"...why?"
"Hm?"
"Why?" The first time, it had been a thought Andrew voiced out loud, but now they decide to double down. "You…no one has been this nice to me before. They always want something, or they think it's charity…" She…she has to have some ulterior motive, right? Andrew's let their guard down for way too long here. There's something not adding up. "You…there's a reason you're doing this, aren't you?"
"..........." Melly remains quiet long enough for Andrew to squirm. But finally, she softly sighs. "As I've said before, everything needs to work as it's supposed to for this project to succeed. Everyone needs to work at their full potential. Ganji works best when he's given a reason to be passionate. Annie works best when she's able to work off-camera. Joker works best when he feels appreciated. And you and I…" She begins dusting the soft pink blush onto her brush. "If we don't feel confident in our own skin, how can we expect to feel confident in another role?"
Andrew remains silent as Melly applies the blush. They're tempted to ask just how she knows all this about them, how involved Plinius Productions really is with this show, how she knows their mystery investor so well. But all of those questions are out the window when Melly speaks again.
"Once you've learned the basics, we can go over concealer and foundation. If you'd like to hide your facial scars, there are ways to do that with makeup." She leans in to get Andrew's left cheek, and as she does, they notice her own - specifically a patch of skin with a rougher texture, hidden so expertly by makeup that you wouldn't know it's there if you weren't up close like this.
"It doesn't stop at just makeup, either. There are ways you can dress to flatter your height and build…ways to conceal broader shoulders, an Adam's apple…"
"Is this all part of being a makeup artist…?"
"No." Melly actually chuckles at that. "Just a part of being me."
She doesn't give Andrew much time to process that. Just as quickly as she'd spoken, a mirror is handed to them, and her voice is right back to normal. "At the end of the day, who you are is something only you can know. But there are ways to see if you're going in the right direction."
"..........." Andrew takes the mirror, staring at their reflection with mouth hanging open. The makeup, basic as it may be, is expertly applied, with actual care put into the color choice. Such a difference from the slapped-on mess from their stage role, which had left them deeply frustrated and certain that makeup could only ever make them worse. There's a relief that comes from what Melly has shown them - they're still learning, this is new…and there is still a chance to learn. It's going to require patience, of course, but…at the very least, this is a start.
Granted, of course, that Andrew can even move ahead at all. This show needs them to play a hero, and they know they can do that. Now they do, at least - Melly had said so, hadn't she? Stepping in to keep Mr. Xie from firing them, all the things she's said here…so what if it's for her own benefit at the end of the day? That's the entire reason Andrew puts up with the demands of their investor. Even if they couldn't admit it to Ganji earlier, they know it's true. They'll do anything to get their big break…just as Melly will for hers.
But that's…that's it, isn't it? In this short time together, Melly has made it perfectly clear: she understands. Maybe not in the exact same way, but…it's the closest to being understood Andrew has ever felt since losing their mother. And Melly's revealed that she understands on a deeper level than anyone ever could. Maybe their mother would've understood, had she made it this far with them…but they won't be able to ask her for the time being. Right now, Melly is all they have. And with someone like her offering to help, well…
"I look…um." Andrew tears their eyes from the mirror, hoping the emotions they feel translate properly. "Thank you. Really. I think…I can try reading my lines again."
Melly nods, and Andrew swears they can see a hint of a smile as their mirror is swapped out for a script. "Ready?"
Andrew straightens up in their seat and nods. "Ready.
"Okay. And… action."
-END-