I hadn't been planning to do another one of these so soon, but this came to
me at work today...
Deborah
==============
The director rubbed her eyes. "OK, everyone, I think now would be a good
time for lunch." There was a chorus of assent, and the cast made its way
over to the chairs scattered around the set.
The director walked over. "I'm going to that sandwich place that Ryouga-san
mentioned and bring stuff back. What would everyone like?"
Ranma boggled. "You... you mean lunch ain't goin' to be catered?"
The director looked at her feet, blushing, and didn't speak for a moment.
"Guys... this is a fanfic. I... don't exactly have a big budget, you know.
And... Takahashi-san doesn't even know I'm using you guys -- I don't want to
attract attention, if you know what I mean." She looked down again, and bit
her lip. "I'm sorry."
Ranko looked back and forth between her brother and the director. "It's...
it's OK, Debbie-san. We don't mind. Right, everyone?" There was a somewhat
lackluster chorus of agreement.
The director looked up, still embarrassed. "So, uhhh... what would everyone
like?"
Ranko piped up. "I'll have a Chinese chicken salad."
Akane added. "Me, too."
The director looked around. "Ranma-san?"
"Meatball sub."
"Ryouga-san?"
"Ham and cheese sandwich."
"Saotome-san?"
"I'll just have a salad, dear."
She looked to Ranma's father.
"Whatever they have that's vegetarian."
After collecting the rest and getting everyone's drink orders, the director
headed for the door, looking a little depressed. She stopped at the doorway.
"Ryouga-san? How do you get to that place again?"
"Out the front door, turn right and go one block, turn left at the corner
with the mailbox, past the subway entrance, right at the light. You can't
miss it."
The director nodded to herself as she ticked off the directions on her
fingers. "I think I have it." She turned and left.
Ranma sighed and slumped in his chair. "This sucks."
Everyone looked at each other, then at Ranma. Ranko came over to sit next to
her brother, and took his arm. "Oniichan..."
Ranma snorted. "At least she's buyin'. One guy asked us to brown-bag it!" He
put his head in his hands. "What's happened to us?" Suddenly, he grew angry.
"Why the hell did Takahashi have to cancel us? We were doin' great! We were
on top! What's Inu-Yasha got that I ain't got? Is half-dog better than
half-girl? It ain't fair!"
He shook his head. "Everyone loved us! We were big time! Now look at us...
the only work we can get is these damn fanfics! We're so typecast, none of
us can get another role!"
"Oniichan... I know it hurts... but nothing lasts forever. We had a good,
long run. Urusei Yatsura got cancelled, too. And Inu-Yasha won't last
forever, either. Look at it this way... the fans still love us, and at least
we're still working as actors in these fanfics. There are... worse things,
you know."
Ranma snorted. "Like what?"
Ranko smiled. "You saw 'Galaxy Quest', didn't you?" Everyone laughed.
Ranma chuckled in spite of himself. "I guess you're right... we could be
openin' shoppin' centers instead. Maybe fanfics ain't the worst thing we
could be doin'." He smiled. "Hey Ryouga -- could you see us posin' in
parkin' lots, shoutin' 'Shi Shi Houkoudan' and 'Mouko Takabisha'?" He and
Ryouga shared a laugh.
He gave his sister a squeeze. "You're right, kiddo. Thanks."
"Anytime, Oniichan."
A few minutes later, the director returned, struggling with a couple of huge
paper bags. Ranma jumped up and ran over. "Here, let me give ya a hand with
those. Sorry, I shoulda come with ya."
The director's face lit up. "Thank you, Ranma-san."
Nodoka and Ranko smiled quietly.