Thread: Hyde and Seek [ Chai & Mr Quixotic ]

RE Hyde and Seek Ariamella Mr Quixotic Michael shoved his way through the crowd, some of whom had stopped to question him. The conversation in the bar would have been overheard, and they were curious about what he intended to do next. Had Kat truly been fired? Surely not, the director was just making a point, wasn't he? Some had seen her exit the room with phone to ear, but as far as they could see, she didn't appear to look particularly upset, or to display the emotion of one who had just lost her extremely lucrative job. But then, that was Kat they hadn't seen her express much emotion at any time during the shoot, either in character, or out. Unlike the Director, who pushed away hands, barged through those too slow to move out of the way, ordered them in no uncertain terms to leave, and continued to search for Katrina. Hannah Davis was on the same mission, and as he noted her diminutive frame ahead of him, she suddenly stopped, looked straight at him, and inclined her head to the left, Michael followed the motion and spotted....Renier. A half smirk played across the man's lips - the guy was a bit of an asshole really - as he approached the director, and Michael called Kat's name. As his hands dropped from his lips, and Renier passed to allow an unobstructed view, there she was. The cast and crew had by now departed, except for the male co-lead who had paused to view the confrontation between actress and director, however he soon followed. A furious glare from Michael had him scurrying for the exit, and when the door slammed shut behind him, only three remained the Director, Hannah - who'd pressed herself against a wall, and was barely visible- and the young actress, who'd reached Michael, and was gibbering nonsense. Michael raised an eyebrow. All he heard was 'blah, blah, blah, you were right, I was wrong', and a truckload of apologetic bullshit spewing from her mouth. The sentiments might have been correct, but to Michael's ears, the manner in which they were uttered could not have done more to increase his agitation and annoyance. He attempted to not roll his eyes, and glanced towards Hannah. They communicated without words Michael was about to explode - or to at least appear to -, and he asked for her not to intervene. He waited for the woman to acknowledge him with a brief nod, then pulled his focus back to the still rambling young actress. Michael deliberately remained silent until she eventually paused for breath. You know what disrespects me, Kat? He spoke slowly and emphasised each word as he moved closer, until their bodies almost touched, and he towered over her. Your pathetic acting, and your even more pathetic apologies. One of Michael's hands reached out to grip Kat's elbow, and he roughly jerked her arm up, at the same time as his head dipped down, and he shoved his face right in hers. I don't want to hear sorry one more fucking time. Instead, what I'd like is for you to do your damn job the one you're being paid eight millions for. If you're haven't the ability or the professionalism to be able to do that, then admit it, and go find another career. If you have, then shut up, stop making excuses, and do it. It's that simple. Michael's choice of words was deliberate, as were his actions. As he tightened his grip on her elbow, he waved his free hand in the general direction of the exit door. The one her male co-star had walked out of less than a minute previously. That's if you even care. Do you Kat, because it doesn't appear to me as if you do. How would Renier have reacted if I'd attempted to fire him without notice? I can't envisage him apologising and grovelling like a subservient little schoolboy, can you sweetie? It was a rhetorical question, and the epithet designed to mock her youth and perceived immaturity. No, the man probably would have punched me in the face, and vowed to prove me wrong, and that, I'd be able to respect. However, what I can't respect is simpering bullshit. Hannah had moved from the wall with a concerned expression as Michael's anger increased, and he began to jerk Kat's body back and forth with each word, however she didn't interfere. Her gaze flicked between Kat and the Director, and she relaxed a little when Michael suddenly released Kat's arm, and stepped away, thinking any threat of violence over. She couldn't have been more wrong. Although Michael's tone softened, he'd commenced to taunt the young woman more venomously. Most actresses would give their right arms for the opportunity you've been given, but now I'm not even sure if you're capable. Are you Kat, or are your emotions buried so deep that you'll never be able to release them as I need you to. That you need to be able to, to bring justice to the character. For all your so-called talent and potential, are you really nothing but a B grade actress who doesn't even deserve third billing in a made-for-tv movie? Another failed child star who couldn't make the transition to adulthood? Michael ignored Hannah's gasp at the comment, and kept his eyes locked on the young woman in front of him. His tone was totally calm now, and his expression half amused. Mocking. Do you find that insulting, Katrina? Would you like to prove me wrong, slap me, hurt me, possibly attempt to gouge my eyes out with your nails. Would that help provide solace, or satisfaction? Michael smirked. I know it would me, and I know it would Lily, but you, you're an enigma. Do you just have no feelings, no emotions, or are you're too frightened to display them? If it doesn't affect you Kat, then there's nothing I can do, nothing anyone can do, however if deep down inside you're seething, then allow us to see it. As he issued the last word, Michael raised his hand, and struck Katrina across the cheek with an open palm. The slap wasn't issued with enough force to leave a mark, or to create anything more than a brief sting, but it was enough to humiliate. His voice rose as the crack of palm against cheek faded. No more apologies, no more bullshit. Don't be scared. Prove that you can be Lily, and that acting means more to you than a fucking pay-cheque, and magazine covers. Show me some emotion, some passion, some fire. Show me Lily.