Chapter 11: 11. An Unusual Process

Shiro

It takes only a little while to set up the handheld camera and lights, and we’re off. 

“We like to shoot this all in one take. It’s supposed to be natural, so unless you really mess up, we’re not stopping, okay?” 

We all nod, and a chorus of yeses breaks out.

The interviewer is a young woman named Nadia Rizavi, with whiskey-colored eyes and purple hair. She’s a little bouncy but approaches the interview with professionalism I can’t help but envy. Clearly, this is her bread and butter, nothing that should make her nervous. In a way, it allows me to clear my head as well. Now let’s see if an ex-marine makes a decent talking head. 

Nadia eases us in by first questioning Keith and Allura, the two most experienced cast members. They both rattle off a bit stock-sounding phrases about how excited they are to work on the project, how they can’t wait to start shooting, and how they love the characters. If I weren’t so nervous, I’d probably zone out, but I get it’s all a part of the program. Keith’s detached mask slotted back into place, smoothing all his fascinating sharp spikes into charming nothingness. Guess it goes with the job, being polite and as inoffensive as possible, but I prefer the snarky version of Keith, the one he doesn’t seem to share with many people. 

The interviewer’s mention of my name snaps me out of my musings, reminding me I’m not here to daydream but to do a job.

“Now I hear the audition process was a little… unusual, am I right? You hired two completely inexperienced actors, Shiro and Katie, for the main characters. Isn’t it a bit of a gamble?”

“Everything in life is a gamble, Nadia,” Keith says with a hint of a drawl. “You can trust that the audition process was rigorous, and we tried our damnedest to find the best actors for every character. Shiro and Katie will be tremendous assets to our casts, and I hope you can see that for yourself soon.”

As Keith answers the question, his gaze locks on mine, soothing my fraying nerves. His words of support mean a lot, even if I’m sure they’re just a PR stunt. I take a while to process Nadia has asked me a question, lost in the indigo blue once again. 

“Shiro, what has your experience with a Hollywood production been like so far?”

She looks at me expectantly, but my mind is a blank slate, all prepared answers evaporating once the camera settles on me. Well, that’s going to leave a great first impression. I rub my scar when I notice Keith’s encouraging nod. He put his faith in me when he voted to hire me for the role, and it’s time I earn it.

“Honestly, a little overwhelming, but everyone’s been so welcoming, which made the entire process a lot easier. Keith especially has been incredibly helpful with navigating everything.” 

I send him a wide, open smile and, to my astonishment, the impassive mask of his slips, revealing a pink flush underneath.

“Keith? Is that true?”

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“Shiro’s too kind. It was just a couple of tips because I know how difficult it is to break into the business. But I have to add that so far, it’s been an absolute pleasure working with Shiro, and I can’t wait for our further cooperation in bringing Voltron to the fans.”

“Thank you. Katie, what do you think about playing Pidge?”

Nadia turns to Katie, questions Lance and Hank about their roles, and finishes by asking Mike a few questions about directing. Our time’s almost over, and I relax a fraction, but then she winds back to me.

“One last thing. Shiro, your character’s gay, right? I’m not giving away a secret?”

Mike shakes his head. “How do you feel about that?”

For a moment, I consider how to phrase my answer. Nobody would ask an actor how they felt about playing a straight character, right? But I’m not here to make waves, so I school my face into neutral as I say, “Pretty good. I know as a kid, I’d love to have more queer heroes to admire, so I welcome this opportunity, and I hope to do it justice.” 

Nadia’s lips shape a cute little O as her eyes zero in on the little pride flag in my T-shirt.

“Oh, cool. Can’t wait to see what you do with it.”

“What an interesting question. Why don’t you ask me how I feel about my character being straight,” Keith says, the edge in his voice so sharp it almost scratches the camera lens. He echoes my earlier misgivings, and my attention snaps to him, warmth pulsing in my chest at the gesture. As the lead and already famous actor, he’s granted more leeway, but based on Mike’s frown and Nadia’s confused expression, it’s not something he was supposed to say. Out loud, anyway. 

To defuse the situation, I laugh. “Keith has a point. I don’t think the sexuality of a character should be the only thing to focus on. Ryou is a complex person, a leader, a friend, who just happens to be gay.”

I try to ignore the hot brand of Keith’s gaze on my face, hoping he doesn’t resent me for stealing his answer.

“An excellent point, Shiro.” Nadia smiles. To everyone’s relief, the panel wraps up with a little bow on top.

Keith keeps staring at me as we pack up our things, brows creased in a scowl, indigo eyes inscrutable. Something painful twinges in my jaw. Let’s hope I didn’t just turn my co-star into an enemy.

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