for vowlyball

[organises]

[ it's half past two in the afternoon on a friday when akaashi finds himself in his office sitting directly across from bokuto, tokyo's newest and brightest star in the music industry. he'd been discussing the paperwork for bokuto's guest appearance on a show for the past hour and akaashi realizes that that is a ridiculous amount of time spent on something that should be relatively simple, especially since this is not the first time bokuto has appeared as a guest on the show. the paperwork is still between them on his desk, untouched an unsigned and akaashi feels a migraine beginning to form between his eyes.

he loosens his tie, feels kuroo glance up at him from his magazine across the room, and sighs. ]

Bokuto-san, please allow me a moment to be frank, [ he doesn't even wait for bokuto's agreement before continuing because he has, quite honestly, Had Enough. ] This guest appearance is relatively simple and honestly does not require very much for you to do. This is also your third time collaborating with us, so I'm certain you still remember the details. I know you are very busy with your schedule, so all I ask is for you to look over this document, sign it, and we can continue on our way. If you have any questions or concerns about this agreement, you can always call my office or email me.

Comments

[vowlyball]

[Despite his carefree and thoughtless demeanor, Bokuto did, for the most part take show business seriously. He tried to be as professional as possible, to always show up to appointments on time, to bring cheer and food with him when he couldn't, and to always remember the people he'd met. Even if his bird brain wasn't so great for English or geography, it was good at remembering faces, people, and dance moves. It had made him pretty successful so far, surprising considering that the boyband he had debuted with had made a mediocre single before disbanding after lack of interest.

Kuroo would say it was because of Bokuto's force of will, charisma or something or other, but Bokuto would chalk it more up to the fact that he worked hard in an industry when that was standard.

But all that hard work had to have some reward, right? When he had first walked into the room, he had to do a double take before he had walked back to double check with Kuroo to make sure it was the right room. He had been convinced this was another ill advised attempt to hitch another boy band group to his rising popularity, because there was no way there was a producer this hot.

Even after an hour of observing Akaashi, it didn't make any sense. They should have finished this up in five minutes, but Kuroo was nothing if not a doting ( and terrible ) manager, undoubtedly cackling behind his magazine as Bokuto kept getting shot down time after time. Still, giving up wasn't in his vocabulary ( well, usually ), so he'd been trying to wheedle out as much time out of this as possible. And maybe this was his chance!]

Oh! Can we exchange numbers? I might have a lot of questions!

[He dutifully ignored Kuroo's laugh poorly disguised as a cough, smile never wavering.]

[organises]

[ akaashi had no doubts that bokuto was talented and good at what he did, despite what his demeanor would suggest. though he's never worked directly with bokuto until now, akaashi had made it a point to read up on everyone their company had worked with and bokuto's journey to success was an impressive one. on the other hand, people had often warned him about bokuto's tendency to get fixated on something and do all he could to obtain it.

he just didn't know why it had to be him. but, okay, that's a little presumptuous of him to assume that (one hour long meetings of getting hit on aside), maybe he would have a lot of questions. perhaps the former producer didn't do a good job on explaining things, he wouldn't know. ]

... Of course.

[ he takes one of the business cards propped up next to his computer and hands it to bokuto. ]

you know you never got to fluff for me gurl

[vowlyball]

[Visibly wilting a bit, Bokuto took it, examining it with a small frown. Perhaps he hadn't been obvious enough? There was a first time for everything, after all. To pester Akaashi even more would be creepy even for him, and if he was going to make it to their next appointment on time, he'd have to get out of here soon.]

Okay thanks!

[He slipped it into his pocket, before picking out another one of the business cards and writing his personal number down on the back of it, much to Kuroo's distress and delight.]

If you need to get ahold of me, this is the best number for it. I'll get the paperwork back to you by the end of the day.

I wanted to ok

[organises]

[ he sees that wilting but doesn't react, meeting bokuto's gaze evenly while trying to force down what must be an embarrassed blush threatening to creep up his face. ]

You're welcome, [ he starts, pushing his chair back to stand up, but bokuto beats him to it when he starts writing down his own number. akaashi glances over to kuroo before taking the card, and fails to hide the small blush on his face this time. instead, he leans over to pull an empty envelope and places the documents inside, handing it to bokuto. ]

Thank you, Bokuto-san. I look forward to working with you.

you're in too deep friend. i say as i compare their astrological signs orz

[vowlyball]

Likewise!

[Bokuto accepted the documents with a beaming smile and a slight bow, waving as he headed back to join Kuroo.]

Sorry to take up so much of your time! I hope to hear from you soon!

[He ignored Kuroo nudging him, whistling happily as he headed out the door. While there was a possibility that Akaashi could sell his number or post it online just because he could, it would definitely be worth the hassle of getting a new number just for that flush.

An hour or so later, as he was taking a break from auditioning for a new shampoo commercial ('they don't test this on animals right?!' 'for the last time bo, no. now go up there and rap') he looked over the paperwork. It was pretty standard stuff, nothing he hadn't signed a thousand times before, but he opened up an email anyway.]

from: k.bokuto@fukurodani.com
sub: QUESTION

this dress code doesn't say anything about not wearing an owl costume. can i wear an owl costume?!

Omg how compatible are they

[organises]

[ akaashi watched them go and he foolishly thought that would be the last he'd hear from bokuto until the filming of the show. he thought wrong.

he was in the middle of reading over the script for the show when his computer alerted him to a new email. it wasn't from an address he recognized, but the sender was obvious. akaashi didn't know whether bokuto was being serious, but he decided to go along with it after considering his options. ]

from: k.akaashi@aceentertainment.com
re: QUESTION

Yes. If you'd like to wear an owl costume, we should be able to work it into the script.

[vowlyball]

from: k.bokuto@fukurodani.com
re: QUESTION

really?! that would be awesome! the other stations said absolutely not, but i read the other day that the blakiston's fish owl is endangered and i wanted to raise awareness! i was going to write a song too about it but kuroo said i should focus on the new single more...

[Is he for real or is he joking...?]

[organises]

from: k.akaashi@aceentertainment.com
re: QUESTION

In that case, perhaps you'd be willing to consider the idea of wearing a traditional Ainu costume instead? The Blakiston's fish owl is revered by the Ainu as a Kamuy, or divine being. It would provide more cultural context and relevance while also raising awareness for the owls.

[ mostly bc he knows he can probably get an ainu costume last minute and it'd look a lot better on bokuto than an actual owl costume. ]

[vowlyball]

from: k.bokuto@fukurodani.com
sub: YOURE A GENIUS

do you think it would be okay? i don't want to make them mad if i wear their stuff. who should i ask? though it only looks like old guys are wearing it...

[Bokuto you were willing to wear an owl costume on national TV. Why does it matter if only old guys are wearing it omg.]

[organises]

from: k.akaashi@aceentertainment.com
re: Thank you

I don't think age would be much of a concern for what you aim to accomplish, Bokuto-san. However, I understand if you have reservations about wearing culturally significant clothing on television. If you are willing to compromise, I can look into inviting a representative of the Ainu Association to the program onto the show. We could organize some kind of interview for you and the representative with a few prepared questions based on the importance of the owls to their culture, which we will send to you in advance. Would that suffice?

[ and because akaashi doesn't do anything half-assed, there is a small list of website links at the bottom of the reply mostly about the ainu association, their culture, and more on the owls. you're welcome. ]

[vowlyball]

from: k.bokuto@fukurodani.com
sub: I CAN SEE WHY EVERYONE SAYS YOU'RE THE PRODUCER TO WORK WITH

really?! you're the best! i was going to make kuroo do it but if you can, i'd feel more at ease. you're really thorough! do you think they'd bring one for the show?! it would be so cool!

[Bokuto was definitely going to read all of it, don't worry. If it's for the owls, he can be strong.]

[organises]

[ there is a very warm, glowing feeling that swells in his chest when he reads bokuto's email. it's embarrassing but it's also really nice to be acknowledged like this once in a while. ]

from: k.akaashi@aceentertainment.com
sub: You're too kind.

I can also send Kuroo-san the information as well so that he can work with you on the interview questions. If he has any suggestions, please let me know.

I can't say for sure if they will agree to send a representative, but I will do my best.

akaashi... be strong... remember this idiot wasted an hour of your time

[vowlyball]

from: k.bokuto@fukurodani.com
sub: NO WAY! IT'S THE TRUTH! EVERYONE SAYS SO!

yeah, it might be best to send a copy to kuroo. i already showed him this ( he says you do good work and that is high praise! ) and he said he'll look into it. it might be best if you formally ask them first and then i can follow up with a more personalized touch. we'll be an unbeatable team! they'll definitely send someone!

too late

[organises]

from: k.akaashi@aceentertainment.com
sub: I'll take your word for it.

I will make a note to send the questions to him as soon as possible; I'm flattered he thinks so highly of me, thank you.

In the meantime, I will contact the association and CC you on the email so that everyone will be on the same page. Let me know if you have any concerns or questions.

gdi akaashi it didn't have to be like this

[vowlyball]

from: k.bokuto@fukurodani.com
sub: DON'T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT! ASK ANYONE

you should! kuroo says he hasn't seen someone who has been able to handle me so well since- HEY.

anyway thanks for your help! i'm sure the owls would thank you too! though since you know mine, what's your favorite animal?

shakingandcrying.gif

[organises]

from: k.akaashi@aceentertainment.com
re: I think I'll be fine if I didn't.

You're welcome. I hope to be able to give you the good news soon.

[ ATTACHMENT: Northern Hawk-Owl ]

/patpat

[vowlyball]

from: k.bokuto@fukurodani.com
sub: IT'S OKAY TO BE PRAISED! IT'S THE BEST!

hey hey hey are you kidding me right now?! i should have known a smart guy like you would have great taste! guess birds of a feather will flock together!

[organises]

from: k.akaashi@aceentertainment.com
sub: I'll keep that in mind.

Thank you. I didn't expect you to be so passionate about owls either. Is the Blakiston's fish owl your favorite?

[vowlyball]

from: k.bokuto@fukurodani.com
re: I'll keep that in mind.

i don't discriminate against owls because i like them all, but this one is my favorite! i dyed my hair and spike it up to try and match it since it looks cool!

[ATTACHMENT: Great Horned Owl]

[organises]

from: k.akaashi@aceentertainment.com
re: I'll keep that in mind.

The resemblance is very striking.

[ ... it's really cool. ]

[vowlyball]

from: k.bokuto@fukurodani.com
sub: OWLS ARE THE BEST

right?! i think you look like a hawk-owl too! like you don't take any shit and could swoop down at any time! which is awesome!

[organises]

from: k.akaashi@aceentertainment.com
re: OWLS ARE THE BEST

I'll take that as a compliment. Thank you, Bokuto-san.

[ and because this has veered into small talk long enough and this is his work email: ]

Have you had a chance to look over the agreement yet?

[vowlyball]

from: k.bokuto@fukurodani.com
re: OWLS ARE THE BEST

yeah! i'll send it all back once i'm done with practice! are you really busy today?

[organises]

from: k.akaashi@aceentertainment.com
re: OWLS ARE THE BEST

I have things I still need to take care of before the day is over, but not enough to warrant being really busy.

I hope practice goes well.

[vowlyball]

from: k.bokuto@fukurodani.com
re: OWLS ARE THE BEST

oh then it's okay for me to keep emailing you even after i send in the paperwork?

i dunno, tell me what you think.

[ATTACHMENT: Honestly just insert shamelessly hot choreography I'm not falling into the youtube dance channel hell this late at night.]