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Despite the current chaos known as her life, Vivi can’t deny how excited she is to see Brook again. After her last encounter with Nami, the Suna Suna Club not talking to her, and being forced to take a break from work… Vivi felt like her life was declining rapidly. It’s why she clung to her small moments of happiness with Rebecca, Shirahoshi, and Robin; it was the only thing keeping her afloat.
It’s also why she quickly accepted Brook’s invitation, she desperately needed another moment of happiness. Even if it lasts for an hour, she’ll gladly take it.
She arrived at the coffee shop ten minutes early, mostly to prepare her heart and to make sure that no one is following her. It’s embarrassing to admit that whenever she catches a hint of red hair, she instantly freezes up. It’s not possible that Nami followed her out here, there’s nothing else for the journalist to get out of her. But knowing how obsessive Nami is… the journalist just might be outside waiting for Vivi, hoping to catch her in the act. Doing what? Getting coffee with an old friend? Someone who has nothing to do with any of this crap? Yeah, Nami would only be wasting her time.
“Vivi!” Calls a familiar voice. “I’m sorry that I’m late, I got caught in traffic.”
At the snap of a finger, Vivi brightens up, smiling deep and wide as she shoots up to her feet. “Brook!” Once the older man is within reach, Vivi is already bringing him close to her, hugging and clinging to him as if she’s a koala. Whenever she’s with Brook, it always feels like all her problems drain and wash away. Her exhaustion, depression, and anxiety fading away to nothingness. Silly to say but she feels safe and warm in the other’s embrace, she always has. Brook’s presence alone has always been so healing, as if he’s filled to the brim. He must be! Anyone who meets him would agree with him, even his fans have said that his music has healing magic. The true power of the legendary Soul King. “You’re not late, you’re actually on time. I just got here early.”
“Oh, then that’s good to hear!” He says, chuckling softly. The two of them stay like this for a few more seconds before Brook pulls away first, smiling gently down at Vivi. “It’s so good to see you again.”
“It’s good to see you too,” Vivi says. “Do you want to order something? I hope you don’t mind that I already placed my order…”
He simply shakes his head, his fro dancing with each turn. “Don’t worry about it! Go ahead and sit back down, I’ll be right back.”
Vivi nods, following his instructions and watching as he heads over to the order. Alone once again, Vivi fights back the urge to fidget and look around their surroundings. There should be no reason for her to feel so awkward or out of place when she’s very familiar with this coffee shop. Always her go-to stop whenever she’s on her way to Baroque Works, Lily & Me has always been her favorite place since it first opened a few years ago. And it’s not just her who loves it, other talent from Baroque Works also come inside, mostly to get something quick before running to their acting classes or rehearsal. Only a few really stay inside to enjoy the dark green interior, the various plants, books, and soft jazz that plays through the establishment. Vivi has only sat inside a grand total of three times, this current meeting being her third.
While she’s happy to have this opportunity to sit inside, she also hopes that she doesn’t see someone she knows here. There’s no way Robin will come, she’s most likely busy with work or meeting with Franky. Shirahoshi is filming her scenes today so there’s no way Vivi will see her, and Rebecca doesn’t come to this side of town in the first place. No, she’s worried about the other Baroque Works talent who might stop by and see her sitting inside. She wonders if word has already spread about her mishaps and sudden break. Of course it has, everyone talks in this industry, no matter who they are. People just know not to talk about those with money, not unless they want to lose their career. It’s easier to talk about people like Vivi. While famous and extremely popular, she’s still a target for gossip, hate, and terrible rumors from her own peers. With her current stream of unluckiness, she’s sure that within a few days, someone will post about it on Twitter, thus causing all sorts of ridiculous rumors to unfold about her.
“Sorry about that! Hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”
Brook sits across from her, setting his cup of coffee and slice of lemon loaf on the table. “I hope you don’t mind me eating,” he says. “I saw this lemon loaf and had to get a slice!”
“Oh, I get it, trust me,” Vivi says. “I love eating the little pastries from here, they’re so good! You should try their matcha cookies, they are so good.”
Brook nods, eyes going back to the counter where the matcha cookies live. “I just might do that before I leave.” He then turns back to Vivi. “But enough about cookies, I’m here to talk to you. How are you?”
How are you? Currently Vivi’s least favorite question because how exactly can she answer it? I’m fine, I’m alright, I’m good, not an accurate way to describe how she’s feeling, just easy and simple answers that will please the other person. Granted, she does love and trust Brook but does she really want to spill her entire heart and soul to him? In the middle of Lily & Me? No, not really. “I’ve been alright,” she says. “Just a bit tired but that’s normal. You?”
He nods, taking small sips of his coffee. “Same here, also tired and a little stressed.” Makes sense, Vivi heard that Brook is preparing for his upcoming album. A lot of work goes into creating an album, especially when you’re both the singer and songwriter. “How’s the show coming along? It’s your first time with a big role like that, yes?”
She goes rigid, an itching feeling slowly spreading across her entire body. “It’s been alright,” Vivi says. “It’s been hard but fun. I’m glad that I’m working alongside Wyper. He’s been really helpful and kind in his own little way.” Wyper has always been a bit of an… asshole but no one can deny his ability as an actor. While this is Vivi’s first time acting in a project like this, instead of chiding her or badmouthing her, Wyper has taken every little second to help Vivi with her lines, fight choreography, and character work. He’s been a great help… Vivi just wished that he was a bit softer with his words.
“That’s good! I’m glad that you have someone to help you,” he says. “Other than that, it’s been going alright? Filming has been going smoothly?”
She pauses, debating again if she should tell Brook or not. It’ll probably be for the best if she does, so that he hears it from her and not from someone else. Vivi would hate for Brook to learn of her break from an unknown person who might exaggerate the information. “Actually, Brook… I’m currently taking, uh, a break. From filming.”
Brook pauses, slowly setting his coffee down. “May I ask why?”
Vivi bites down on her bottom lip. “Like I said, I’ve been tired and just overwhelmed with life. Robin and my director thought it would be best that I take a break. That’s it.”
“Are you sure it’s just exhaustion? You didn’t hurt yourself?”
“No, I’m okay, just really tired.” Maybe it’s for the best that she hides the fact that she did almost hurt herself while on set. “It’s only for a week or two, it’s nothing serious. I’m just resting and preparing myself to go back on set. I’m okay… I promise.”
Vivi hopes that Brook takes that and doesn’t try to pry anymore. Maybe one day she’ll tell him the truth, maybe a year or two after filming is done and the show is out, she’ll tell Brook everything and hopefully get away from Doflamingo and that room. Or at least she hopes that she’ll be able to.
“Well, I guess I’ll take your word for it.” Brooks takes a small bite out of his lemon loaf cake. “Just get some rest and you’ll be back out there soon.”
“Thank you, Brook.”
The two sit in silence and Vivi isn’t sure if it’s an awkward silence or a comfortable one. It makes her overthink the brief conversation surrounding her break, did she ruin the mood by telling Brook? Is he perhaps regretting all of this, thinking that he shouldn’t have met with her? Should Vivi start up a new conversation, ask him about his upcoming album? Maybe that will make things better and shift the focus to something that actually matters. How should she bring it up without sounding awkward and stuttering? What if she says—
“I plan on opening my own agency.”
Oh. She wasn’t expecting that. “You are?”
Brook nods. “It’s always been a dream of mine to open one, I just pushed it to the side as I focused on my own career,” he says. “But the more time I spend in this industry, the more I begin to realize how important it is for me to open this agency.”
Vivi blinks, a little surprised by the news. A good surprise, of course! “That’s great, Brook! I didn’t know you always wanted to open your own agency.”
A small smile graces his features and it makes Vivi question if this is truly great or not. “Thank you,” he says. “I’ve already discussed the news with my manager and current agency. My contract with them will be ending soon so I’m preparing myself for this new change.” He leans into his chair, looking off to the side, watching the few people inside of the coffee shop. Vivi continues to focus on him. “When I first entered this industry, I was young and naive. I was in my early twenties when I left my parent’s home to move to LA to pursue music. I was… foolish, really. I believed that coming here, I would become a success right away. I truly believed that the industry cared about talent and would just accept me. But I was wrong and a fool for many reasons.” Brook doesn’t have to continue, Vivi understands. Times were different back then, especially for a man like Brook. Vivi couldn’t imagine trying to enter the acting industry years ago, she would’ve been a wreck. Or worse, she would’ve given up and continued to live with her father.
“But you became a success,” Vivi says, hoping to shift the conversation into something lighter. “Obviously. You’re here now and known as one of the world’s favorite singers of all times.”
It’s still there, that small smile on his face, but it looks… sadder than usual. “Yes, I am a success, aren’t I?” He asks and Vivi isn’t sure if she should answer him or not. “This industry… It's evil. It was evil when I first entered it and it’s still evil today.” He then turns back to Vivi, the smile gone and replaced with a face of determination. “I have watched many artists crushed and destroyed by this industry. Some of the sweetest and most talented individuals lose themselves because of others. Individuals who have either left the industry to pursue a different career, or who became the one thing that destroyed our peers, or those who are gone entirely.” He doesn’t need to say it, Vivi knows exactly what he means, her heart dropping. “And I’m tired of it, I’m tired of watching true artists break because of this damned industry. I’m tired of just letting it happen and doing nothing. I’m supposed to be everyone’s senior, a role model, a mentor who guides and protects and yet… I’ve done nothing all these years. But that ends today, I’m going to change things and protect everyone, protect all of you.”
His words feel pointed, as if he’s speaking directly to her. It makes her nervous, more than before. Vivi doesn’t need protection, she’s fine. It’s other people who need protection, more than her. She just can’t bring herself to tell Brook that, in fear that he’ll ask more questions on why she feels that way. “Is that why you’re making an agency? To protect others?”
“Yes,” Brook says. “I want to open an agency that is a safe place for artists of all kinds. An agency that truly cares and protects artists from the industry and from certain fans— I’ve dealt with many crazed fans in my lifetime, many who my agency let follow me to my home and other places. I refuse to let that happen to others.” He nods his head at Vivi. “I’m sure you understand what I mean. I’ve heard some things about Baroque Works.”
She goes still, surprised and unsure of what to say. Embarrassed to know that Brook is aware of the secrets of her agency (which shouldn’t be a surprise, Brook has been in this industry for a very long time. He has probably seen and heard a lot of things). And also relieved that someone, an outsider, who is willing to hint and speak of what’s going on with no fear. Someone who wants to change things, to save others. Just like her. However, unlike Vivi, Brook’s methods are genuinely pure. She wonders if Brook would judge and cut all contact with Vivi if he learns of the things she has done. Of what she allowed to happen. “Well, I wish you luck with your agency. Really,” she says, yanking the words out. “It sounds like an amazing idea and knowing you, I’m sure that it’ll become a reality. I can’t wait to see who you bring in.”
“Thank you, that means a lot hearing that from you,” he says. “Especially because I wanted to ask you a question.”
“Of course! What is it?”
“I want you to join my agency.”
Vivi blinks, the smile on her face slowly slipping away. “Y-you want me?” Why?
“Yes! Of course, I know that you’re still under a contract with Baroque Works but when that contract ends, I want to extend an offer to you. You’re more than welcome to sign under my agency, that is, if you decide on leaving Baroque Works.”
From Brook’s tone and his previous comment regarding her current agency, it sounds as if he expects Vivi to leave. And really, Vivi hasn’t thought too much about leaving Baroque Works until now. She has been with the company since it opened and never has she thought about leaving. Even with everything that she knows about it, of its secrets, of its problems… Vivi has never considered leaving. Why would she leave when she’ll experience the same thing, worse if she’s being honest with herself. Why would she do that to herself?
Though, with Brook’s offer sitting before her and his plans… it wouldn’t hurt to consider it just a little… right?
“Brook,” she says, trying to find the right thing to say. Should she thank him? Reject his offer? Accept it? Where’s Robin when she needs her. “I-I don’t know what to say…”
“Oh, nothing! I don’t expect you to come up with an answer just yet. You can think about it and even talk to Robin about it— oh, should I send her an email? I’m still trying to figure this all out and how to go about everything.” He pulls out his phone, unlocking and scrolling through it. “As of now, I’ve already reached out to a few potential talents. I’ve spoken with the actress Lola, you know her, correct? There’s also Buggy but he has yet to give me an answer. It might take some time to hear back from him knowing that he’s finally seeing success with his clown school. Oh, there’s also—”
Vivi zones out, unsure of what to say or do. There’s no denying that Vivi loves the idea and thought behind the agency, she’s supportive of it. She’s just not sure if it’s wise to join, afraid that something will go wrong if she does. There’s still the problem of Nami and her upcoming article that could ruin everything. The article that will pin all blame onto Vivi, the article that will ruin her career as an actress and her relations with others. With people like Brook and his desire to change the industry. What happens when he sees the article and cuts Vivi out of his life, snatching away his offer and friendship? Would he look at her as if she’s a monster, will he even care to listen to the full story from her? Or maybe he does learn of the full story and will look at Vivi as if she’s trash on the bottom of his shoe? It’ll destroy her beyond repair.
There’s also the other person, someone who can cause more damage than Nami. The one man who can destroy an entire person with just the snap of his fingers. If Vivi is able to move to Brook’s new company and Nami never drops the article, there’s still Doflamingo who will do everything in his power to keep a hold on Vivi and what she can do for him. Even if that means destroying Brook’s agency and his career. While her friend may be a popular singer known globally, his popularity would be unable to save him from the power of money and influence. He would be reduced to absolutely nothingness, no one would utter his name unless it’s to wonder what happened to him. And the answer to their question would be Vivi.
She can’t let that happen. Not to Brook, not to anyone.
Shooting up to her feet, Vivi stares down at Brook with red eyes. “I-I’m sorry, Brook, I can’t—” She sniffles, the few tears slowly rolling down. “I need to leave. I’m so sorry.”
“Vivi…” He says, reaching for her hand but she snatches away. Hurt floods his entire face and it kills Vivi even more. “Okay. I understand. Just… take this with you at least.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a small card and holds it out for Vivi. “You have my number but I still want to give this to you. Just in case you change your mind. Be safe out there, Vivi.”
Vivi takes the card, stuffs it into her pocket, and leaves. Not once did she look back at Brook but the hurt on his face will forever haunt her.