84
Muse by Nate Chang
Muse
byNate Chang
FADE IN:
INT. TOKYO BEDRROOM - DAY
AYA SAKAKI (mid twenties, punkish with blue hair and thick glasses) sits alone on her bed, staring at a wall covered with photos; she has lost her muse.
TITLE CARDS OVER IMAGE.
MUSE
Aya strums a black FENDER STRATOCASTER and scribbles in a songsheet notebook when there is a KNOCK from the door behind her. NOTE: Aya, Yuki, Ishiko, Hiro and Toyo will always speak to each other in JAPANESE, subtitled.
AYAThis better be good!
The door opens. YUKI HAYASHI, ISHIKO ASANASHI, HIRO SUZUKI and TOYO SAITO enter. Yuki, Hiro and Ishiko are the members of Aya’s band, AKI PHOENIX and are dressed punkishly save Toyo, who has a business suit.
TOYOWhy didn’t you show up at the cafe? We waited for you.
AYAI was busy.
TOYOCome on Sakaki, we have to get to the EMP interview, then we have a meeting with Nakamura, from the record label. We’re running late already.
Aya pries herself away from her exercise in futility and takes one last look at the wall, hoping for that last-minute flash of inspiration. It doesn’t come.
INT. SEATTLE APARTMENT - NIGHT
GAVIN HAYLEY (mid twenties, grunge, scruffy) sits on a stool painting a scene of Pioneer Square, Seattle. CAMERON BERNARD (early twenties, bookish businesswoman) sits at the other end of the apartment.
CAMERON(looks away from typing)
That’s one of the best scenes you’ve done.
GAVIN(doesn’t look up)
Thanks. I snapped the picture when I came out of Bakeman’s yesterday. This is the fifteenth piece for my exhibition.
CAMERONThat’s coming up, isn’t it?
GAVINTwo weeks.
CAMERONHow many pieces did you need?
GAVINMr. Maniti asked for sixteen, so I’ve got one more to go.
CAMERONYour big break, huh?
GAVINThat’s what I’m hoping. Even if the show isn’t a hit, it’s a damn sight better than portraits.
Gavin looks over and sees Cameron writing.
GAVIN (CONT'D)More homework?
CAMERONIf only it were that simple. Damn office politics, someone’s always pissed off about something.
GAVINWho is it this time? Tiberious Tim? Naughty Ned? Or was it Raging Richard?
CAMERONNone of the usual suspects. It’s the new guy, from logistics. Tom?
2.
(MORE)
Thinks he’s better than everyone, that he doesn’t need to conform to company policy.
GAVINAnd they haven’t canned him...why?
CAMERONBecause he’s the division VP’snephew.
GAVINSo it really is all about who you know.
CAMERONIf I’d have had a relative to give me handouts, who the hell knows where I’d be now. Definitely not at Sherman and Bachs.
GAVINWhat would you be doing if you weren’t in asset management?
CAMERONI’d draw.
GAVINSince when have you had the slightest inkling in art?
CAMERONI took classes and worked on comics with friends all through high school.
GAVINThen why the hell did you major in business?
CAMERONBecause there’s not a lot of money in comics. Asset management: whole different story.
GAVINSo you’re a gold digger.
CAMERONYou know what Gavin, you’re right. I’m a gold digger.
3.
CAMERON (CONT'D)
(MORE)
Shit, what am I doing here, I should be living in Vegas! Thanks to you Mr. Hayley, you’ve figured me out!
GAVINWhy Cameron Bernard, if I didn’t know you better, I’d think you were being sarcastic.
CAMERON Pain in the ass.
GAVINYou know you’re crazy about me.
CAMERONNo doubt.
Gavin smiles, then goes back to his painting. Cameron smiles at him a little longer, then goes back to her memo.
INT. CAR - TOKYO, DAY
Toyo and the band discuss their future while Aya looks out the window, distracted. The band is agitated, with rumors of their breakup flying around and angry words being exchanged. It all floats right past Aya.
INT. EXPENSIVE SUKIYAKI-YA - DAY
The band enters a very expensive sukiyaki restaurant and are led to a tatami room. ISAO NAKAMURA (fifties, executive) is waiting for them.
TOYO(polite but nervous)
Mr. Nakamura.
ISAOThank you for coming. Please sit down.
Everyone sits around the table. The air is tense until Aya breaks the ice by pouring tea for everyone. Nakamura looks relieved that someone else took the initiative.
ISAO (CONT'D)Let me tell you why you’re here. You’re here because the numbers are slipping.
4.
CAMERON (CONT'D)
(MORE)
Record sales are down, concert ticket sales are slow and the new album has gotten lousy reviews from every venue we sent it to. It’s starting to look like Aki Phoenix is yesterday’s news. I don’t want that. I’ve invested too much in you kids to throw it all away, but if the numbers don’t add up to the people at the top, they’re going to make some cuts.
TOYOWhat kind of cuts?
ISAOThey’re going to cancel your contract. You’ve got a concert at Budokan in two weeks, the last one on the album tour. This is your chance to show that you’re not yesterday’s news. If you can do well at Budokan, it will show the label that you’re worth keeping. If the show doesn’t bring down the house, that’s it.
Plates of food start arriving, but the mood is too sour for anyone but Nakamura to eat.
ISAO (CONT'D)I want to see something new. A new song, a new set, I don’t care. I just need to have something to show the rest of the executives. Can I count on this getting done?
AYA(suddenly empowered)
Absolutely. We can do this!
ISAOGood.
Everyone but Nakamura looks pointedly at Aya, who is suddenly floored by what she has just said.
INT. CAR.
The band is sullen as the car takes them back to Saito’s apartment. Aya watches Tokyo pass by outside. She looks as though twenty years have just been added to her life.
5.
ISAO (CONT'D)
The car passes by a large ad for the JAPAN TRAVEL BUREAU. The ad runs a banner reading “VISIT AMERICA! LOS ANGELES, NEW YORK, CHICAGO, SEATTLE” in huge letters. Aya notices the sign and lights up; she knows what she has to do.
AYA(excited)
I’ve got it!
Toyo shrieks and crushes a bottle of water he is holding, spraying Ishiko and Yuki in the process.
INT. TOYO’S APARTMENT
Toyo’s apartment is sparsely furnished, though large by Japanese standards. Hiro, Ishiko and Yuki sit on a threadbare couch while Aya leans against a wall. Everyone stares at Toyo, who is pacing back and forth, biting his fingernails.
TOYOThis is nuts, absolutely nuts. It’s impossible, no way. Just forget about it.
AYAIt’s not nuts and it’s not impossible! Give me some time, I can come up with something new.
TOYOA new what? New haircut, new outfit? Let’s face it, we’re done for. The party’s over.
AYAIt’s not over! I just need to find the right inspiration. If I can find that, I can have a new song inside of a week.
TOYOThat’s not much time.
AYAI know, but what else are we going to do? Sitting on our asses isn’t going to help.
TOYOSo where are you going to find inspiration?
6.
(MORE)
We’ve already toured most of Asia, isn’t that inspirational enough?
AYAI need to go somewhere I’ve never gone before.
TOYOLike where?
AYAI don’t know, I’ll figure it out. I just need you to cover for me for a few days.
TOYOWhat am I supposed to say? That you’re sick? That you ran away? The record company is going to ask questions. I’ll crack, I know it!
AYAI’ll tell you where I’m going, it’s not like I’m trying to bail on you all! Just give me a week, that’s all I ask.
TOYOWhat do you all think? Do we want to let Sakaki just waltz off to who-knows-where so she can save our band? Hayashi?
YUKISure, why not. At least she’s trying to think of a way out of this. I may not like her plan, but at least it’s a plan.
TOYOAsanashi?
Ishiko shrugs, then nods.
TOYO (CONT'D)Suzuki?
HIROFor all the good it will do, what the hell. Not like it’s my money.
TOYONo, but it’s your band, it’s OUR band.
7.
TOYO (CONT'D)
(MORE)
If Sakaki can’t figure something out, we’re all finished. Doesn’t anyone care?
YUKIOf course we care! We just can’t figure out what to do.
AYAI can’t just let us slip into obscurity. We can save Aki Phoenix, I know we can!
HIROAnd you really think you can find some great new inspiration if you go soul-searching for a week?
AYAI have to believe I can.
HIROI’ll believe it when I see it.
AYA(to Toyo)
What are you going to say?
TOYOThat you ran away with some drama star, I don’t know. Maybe I’ll even try telling the truth.
The band smiles for the first time all day as all eyes turn to Aya. She flashes a determined look and sticks out her arm. Everyone places their hands on top of hers. The excitement grows as the band readies their pre-show cheer.
TOYO (CONT'D)Out of the ashes rises...
AYA, YUKI, HIRO, ISHIKOAKI PHOENIX!
INT. AYA’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Yuki sits on Aya’s couch reading while Aya runs between her bedroom and a duffle bag, throwing clothes into the bag. Behind them, Toyo shouts orders into a phone while Hiro and Ishiko try in vain to write a new song.
8.
TOYO (CONT'D)
YUKIYou haven’t been this frantic since that party our last year of high school.
AYAI hated that night. My hair was a mess and Hiro puked on my shoes.
YUKIThat was a fun night.
AYAFun for you! You hooked up with Shinji and spent all night on the couch with him!
YUKI(nostalgic)
Good party.
AYA(frantic again)
Where the hell is my black jacket?
YUKIHave you tried the closet?
AYA(finding her jacket)
Thanks.
YUKISo where exactly are you going?
AYAAmerica, probably.
YUKIWhy America?
AYAWhy not?
YUKIDo you have any idea at all what you hope to see?
AYANo.
9.
YUKIDo you have any idea where in America you’re going?
AYANo. Where the hell is my Fender?
YUKIIt’s in the case. It was the first thing you packed.
AYAOh. Right.
Yuki sets her book down, walks to Aya and puts her hands on Aya’s shoulders.
YUKIAre you sure you’re all right?
AYANo, I’m not all right! Our band is on the verge of breaking up, I have a week to go somewhere, find some magical muse and write a song!
Yuki pulls Aya into a hug to comfort her.
YUKIYou’re freaking out.
AYAI know.
YUKIRelax. We don’t expect you to rescue the band in a week. We’re hoping you can, but nobody will hold it against you if you can’t.
AYAI don’t want to let everyone down.
YUKIYou won’t. Besides, we’re working on a solution too.
One of the strings on Hiro’s bass snaps from strain.
HIROSHIT!
10.
YUKII swear, we’re working on it.
Rain begins to fall outside as Aya looks up at Yuki. There is desperation in her eyes.
AYAI don’t know if I can do this.
YUKII believe you can. I have to believe you can.
Aya smiles half-heartedly. Yuki smiles whole-heartedly back.
YUKI (CONT'D)Now get moving. You can’t save the band by standing here all day.
INT. CAR - NIGHT
Aya looks out the window as the car slips through the rainy streets on its way to Narita airport. Aya’s eyes wander to a billboard advertising Aki Phoenix’s concert at Budokan.
INT. NARITA AIRPORT TICKET COUNTER - NIGHT
Aya walks up to the ticket counter wearing a large black jacket and sunglasses. A cheerful TICKET AGENT looks up from her computer.
TICKET AGENTGood evening! Do you have a reservation?
AYANo.
TICKET AGENTNo problem. Where are you headed?
Aya looks around, desperate to find an idea. She looks around and sees several people walking by with STARBUCKS COFFEE CUPS. She immediately knows where she wants to go.
AYA Seattle! I mean, Seattle. I’d like to go to Seattle please.
11.
TICKET AGENTWe have a flight leaving in half an hour. Will that work for you?
AYAThat would be great.
The Ticket Agent takes Aya’s credit card, prints her boarding pass and hands them both back.
TICKET AGENTHave a nice flight!
AYAThank you.
Aya leaves and heads toward the gate. Nobody notices who she is.
BEGIN TRAVEL MONTAGE - M.O.S.
AIRLINER.
Aya looks out the window and watches the plane take off, the lights of Tokyo fading into a blur as she drifts into sleep. When she wakes, the lights of Seattle shine through the rain-streaked window like a million tea light candles.
SEATAC AIRPORT.
Gavin walks into Seatac airport and sits at an empty bench with a CAMERA in hand. Aya comes out of the terminal just as Gavin raises his camera and snaps a picture.
TAXI.
Aya looks out the window with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Outside, leaves fall with a drizzle of rain. The airport scenery fades to seas of green, orange and yellow as the taxi enters the great forests of Washington.
SEATTLE APARTMENT.
Gavin studies the picture of the airport scene. Satisfied, he finds a fresh canvas, sets it up and starts sketching. The first element he starts working with is Aya.
12.
ACE HOTEL.
Aya gets out of the taxi and admires the eclectic Ace Hotel before going in.
AYA’S HOTEL ROOM.
Aya sets her things down and checks her black guitar to make sure it survived the trip intact. She shakes her hair out and collects a swimsuit from her duffle bag.
SWIMMING POOL.
Aya dives into the pool and lets herself sink to the bottom, exuding mock serenity like a Buddha statue. As Aya gets out, she looks out the window at the lights flickering in the evening gloom as a new rain sets in.
END TRAVEL MONTAGE.
INT. SEATTLE APARTMENT - NIGHT
Gavin wipes some paint on his pants as he works. Cameron is at her desk, writing another memo. She looks over at Gavin’s painting.
CAMERONIs that Seatac?
GAVINJust inside the bus stop on the lower level.
CAMERONLooks just like it.
GAVINThanks.
CAMERONWho’s the girl?
GAVINHm?
CAMERON(pointing to Aya)
The girl in the painting. Who is she?
13.
GAVINSome girl who walked in front of the camera when I took the picture?
CAMERONLooks like she’s part of the scenery.
GAVINMeaning?
CAMERONNothing. Just looks like she was meant to be in the picture.
GAVINOh. Thanks.
CAMERONDid she really have blue hair?
GAVINBlue highlights.
CAMERONCan’t remember the last time outside of Otacon I saw someone with blue hair.
GAVINIt’s definitely not something you see every day.
(stops to stretch)Have you had dinner?
CAMERONNot yet. I was going to order Piecora’s.
GAVINQuatro formaggio again?
CAMERONWhat else?
GAVINI think I’m going out tonight.
CAMERONWhere to?
14.
GAVINNot sure yet. Maybe Maneki. You want me to bring anything back for you?
CAMERONNah, I’m ok. Have a good time.
GAVINThanks.
INT. AYA’S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Aya lies on the bed, a CELL PHONE in her hands. She speed-dials Yuki’s number.
YUKI (O.S.)Hello?
AYAHey, it’s me.
YUKI (O.S.)Where are you?
AYASeattle.
YUKI (O.S.)What are you doing in Seattle?
AYAI have no idea. It just seemed like a good place to go.
YUKI (O.S.)Oh. Well, how’s the search going?
AYANot good. I don’t even know what to look for.
YUKI (O.S.)Couldn’t be any worse than here. Hiro and Ishiko have been working madly on a new song. It sounds like shit, but they’re convinced it’s the next big thing.
HIRO (O.S.)It is the next best thing, dammit!Just wait!
15.
ISHIKO (O.S.)This is going to rock Budokan, you’ll see!
AYAWhat’s going on?
YUKI (O.S.)We’re in the studio right now. Hiro’s trying to write a guitar part for you, but it’s not going well.
AYAOh...sorry to hear that.
YUKI (O.S.)Don’t worry about it. Just come back as soon as you can, ok?
AYAI’ll do what I can.
YUKI (O.S.)...Aya?
AYAYes?
YUKI (O.S.)Take care of yourself.
AYAI will.
YUKI (O.S.)Gotta go. Bye.
Aya hangs up the phone and looks around for the night stand, finds it and opens it. Inside, she finds THE STRANGER: GUIDE TO SEATTLE. She opens it and starts reading the section on ETHNIC FOOD. She stops at the entry for MANEKI SUSHI.
INT. MANEKI SUSHI - NIGHT
The restaurant is busy when Gavin arrives and sits down at the bar next to Aya; he recognizes her from the airport. They eat in silence, taking discreet glances at the other like a game. Gavin notices when they both order HAMACHI.
GAVINYou like the hamachi too?
16.
AYAMy favorite.
An awkward moment passes between them.
GAVINI’m Gavin. Gavin Hayley.
AYASakaki Aya. Nice to meet you, Gavin Hayley.
GAVINAnd you, Aya Sakaki. Where are you from?
AYATokyo. I am here on vacation.
GAVINHow is your vacation going so far?
AYAI wish I could find what I am looking for.
GAVINWhat are you looking for?
AYAI have no idea.
GAVINWould you like some help finding it?
AYAWhat do you mean?
GAVINI’ve lived here all my life, I don’t mind playing tour guide.
AYAI would like that.
A HOSTESS comes with their bills. Gavin grabs both before Aya can reach for hers.
GAVINI’ll get it.
17.
AYAAre you sure?
GAVINI’m sure. You can pick it up next time.
AYADeal.
Aya and Gavin pick their way through the crowd to the door.
EXT. MANEKI SUSHI - NIGHT
Aya and Gavin reach the street and slide past a line of people waiting to get in. While Aya puts her coat on, Gavin turns to face her.
GAVINWhat would you like to see first?
AYASomeplace...lively.
GAVINI think I can work with that.
EXT. PIONEER SQUARE - NIGHT
Aya and Gavin walk through the square as people scurry and stumble by, either drunk on or their way to get drunk. The air is electric with people enjoying a night out.
GAVINWhere do you like to sit at the movie theater?
AYANear the front. I like being near the action. What was the first album you ever bought?
GAVINMy Blood Valentine: Loveless. My dad used to take me to this record and comic store called Fallout. That was a fun place.
AYAWhat happened to it?
18.
GAVINIt closed a long time ago. I mourned it for a while, but stores come and go, no matter how much we fight it.
AYAIt sounds like Fallout meant a lot to you.
GAVINMy dad wasn’t around a lot, but we always shared an interest in music. I grew up with vinyl, and Fallout was a special place for us.
AYAWhat happened to your dad?
GAVINHaven’t seen him in a long time.
AYAWhy not?
GAVINHe hasn’t come back to Seattle since the divorce. That was about five years ago.
AYAI am sorry to hear that.
GAVINMy parents are nice people separately, but they fought like badgers when you put them together. What about your parents?
AYAThe only fun at home is my grandfather. He moved in with us when I was young. He taught me English and likes movies.
GAVINDo your parents not speak English?
AYANot unless they have to.
GAVINHuh.
19.
AYAIf you won a thousand dollars, how would you spend it?
GAVINI’d blow it on vinyl and art supplies.
AYAWhat kind of art do you make?
GAVINI paint. I do portraits and I’ve done a couple pieces for local restaurants. I’ve got a big show coming up in about a week at a local gallery. Could be my big break.
AYAI have never known a working artist. You must be special.
GAVINI don’t know about special, but...thank you. What do you do for a living?
AYAI...work in a record store. It is boring, but I like talking to people about music. You can tell a lot about someone by their music.
GAVINHow so?
AYAYou said you liked My Bloody Valentine, right?
GAVINI did.
AYAThat tells me you are not afraid to be different and you appreciate things most people think are weird. It also tells me you are good in bed.
GAVINIntriguing!
20.
GAVIN (CONT'D)What is the earliest thing you remember?
AYAI will not tell. You will think I am weird.
GAVINNow I’ve got to know.
AYANot going to happen.
GAVINI don’t think so, you can’t possibly hide something this interesting.
AYAYou really want to know?
Gavin nods.
AYA (CONT'D)When I was six, my grandfather showed me “Wayne’s World.” My parents had just received a letter from school saying I was good at music. They asked me what instrument I wanted and I said I wanted a sixty four Fender Stratocaster in classic white with triple coil pickups and a whammy bar.
GAVINYou remembered all that?
AYAMy grandfather loved films. He would make me watch them with him over and over.
GAVINSo did you get you the guitar?
AYAYes, but in black. They could not find classic white.
21.
GAVINLucky you. My parents never took much of an interest in my future. They were too busy fighting.
AYAI am sorry to hear that.
GAVINI turned out all right.
AYASo you did.
GAVINThere’s something I can’t figure out.
AYAWhat is that?
GAVINWhy am I telling you all this? I only just met you and here I am, telling you my life story.
AYAI asked.
GAVINYes, but I’m not one to ramble on like this. There’s something about you, Aya.
AYAWhat is that?
GAVINI don’t know, something...special. Can’t put my finger on it, but you have this way of getting me to lower my guard.
AYAIs that good?
GAVINI think so.
AYAGood.
22.
GAVINCan I ask you a very personal question?
AYASure.
GAVINWould you join me for a drink?
AYAI’d love to.
INT. THE OWL AND THISTLE BAR - NIGHT
Aya and Gavin sit down at a table and order a pair of drinks, which arrive a moment later. Gavin raises his glass in a toast.
GAVINTo tours.
AYATo tour guides.
The two take a good tug on their drinks.
GAVINI should warn you, my dad’s Irish.
AYAI can hold my own.
GAVIN(watches Aya drink)
I don’t doubt.
AYAWhat is this place?
GAVINHaven’t you ever been to an Irish pub?
AYAI have not.
GAVINWell let me enlighten you then. It’s a pub like any other, only it comes complete with English food, dart board and lively music.
23.
AYALet’s play darts.
GAVINOh no, I’m not drunk enough to play darts yet.
AYAWhy do you have to be drunk to play darts?
GAVINBecause I’m no good. I need to drink enough to forget I’m no good, then I’ll be good to go.
AYAThen drink up, I want to learn to play darts.
GAVINAs you like it.
Gavin takes a long tug on his drink. After a couple more, he and Aya get up and head over to the dart board. They take turns throwing darts as they chat.
GAVIN (CONT'D)What exactly brought you here?
AYAA coffee cup.
GAVINA coffee cup?
AYAA coffee cup.
GAVINA coffee cup brought you here to the emerald city?
AYAI knew I wanted to go somewhere in America, but I did not know where. I saw a coffee cup and I knew where I had to go.
GAVINEnlighten me. I know you’re here on vacation, but did you have an idea of what you wanted to do?
24.
AYAA vague idea.
GAVINLet’s have it.
Aya stops throwing darts and turns to face Gavin.
AYAI need something. Something special. I have reached a dry spot in my life and I need an inspiration.
GAVINA muse?
AYAYes. I lost mine a long time ago.
GAVINSo what has inspired you in the past?
AYAThe ocean, my home, my family. Thailand was very inspiring. So was Hong Kong.
GAVINBut it didn’t stick?
AYA(shakes her head)
It ran out eventually. Nothing seems to stick these days.
GAVINFeel like you’re missing something?
AYAMaybe. I do not know what though.
GAVINWhta about your significant other? Can they help?
AYASignificant other?
GAVINBoyfriend, girlfriend?
25.
AYAOh. I do not have a boyfriend.
GAVINWe may have to find you one then.
AYAFind me a boyfriend for a week?
GAVINWhy not.
AYANo thanks.
GAVINThan for a bit longer?
AYAHow about we try something easier. What are some nice places near the ocean here?
GAVINYou’ve got the waterfront and everything along it, the Seattle Aquarium has a nice underwater observatory. Gasworks Park is also a nice place. Bit of a contrast between industry and nature. Of course all that is better with a boyfriend on your arm.
AYAEnough already!
GAVIN(laughing)
I’m joking, I’m joking! Besides, it’s not like I know how to play matchmaker.
AYAUnlucky at love?
GAVINYou might say that.
AYAHow unlucky?
26.
GAVINMy last girlfriend left me for her vibrator.
AYAI see. What does that say about you?
GAVINHave you ever dated a nymphomaniac?
AYAWhat is that?
GAVINSomeone who absolutely MUST have sex at least four or five times a day.
AYAThankfully no.
GAVINDon’t. You can’t ever satisfy them and if by some miracle you get to a point where you do satisfy them, you have to take a week off.
AYASounds awful.
GAVINIt’s not so awful if you don’t love them. Tiffany wasn’t so hard to dump, but the others...well, let’s just say it’s difficult to mend a broken heart that receives repeated beatings.
AYAThat bad?
GAVINAll that and worse.
AYAI hope you meet the right woman.
GAVINI hope you meet a good man.
27.
EXT. ACE HOTEL - NIGHT
Aya and Gavin stop outside the hotel. Gavin looks up at it and recognition dawns in his eyes.
GAVINThis you?
AYAYes.
GAVINI stayed here once after a high school dance. Nice place. The room we stayed in had-
AYA-I want to see you again.
GAVINHow about tomorrow?
AYAI would like that.
Gavin reaches into his wallet for a scrap of paper, writes his phone number on it and hands it to Aya.
AYA (CONT'D)Thank you.
GAVINYou’re welcome. Good night Aya.
AYAGood night Gavin.
They smile at each other and laugh at their awkwardness. Gavin is the first to turn and head for home. Aya stands by the door and watches him go. He turns back and waves before he rounds a corner. Aya waves back, then goes inside.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
Cameron is hidden behind the couch while she makes out with a BARFLY BEEFCAKE. Gavin comes in and tries to sneak by, but knocks a pile empty pizza boxes over. Cameron switches a light on to see what the commotion is.
BARFLY BEEFCAKEWho the hell is this?
28.
CAMERONMy roommate, don’t worry about him.
GAVINSorry to interrupt, I’ll just be-
BARFLY BEEFCAKESorry, exhibitionism really isn’t my thing.
CAMERONBut-
BARFLY BEEFCAKEI’ll be going.
He grabs his shirt and leaves. Gavin looks at Cameron apologetically.
GAVINShould I know him?
CAMERONI doubt it. I met him at Piecora’stonight.
GAVINHe doesn’t seem like your usual type.
CAMERONThat was the idea. I’m sick of dating coworkers. It’s unsatisfying and ultimately hurts my career.
GAVINYou want to talk about it?
CAMERONI don’t even know his name. Not that it matters.
GAVINThat’s cold.
CAMERONHe’ll get over it.
GAVINYou going to be all right?
CAMERONSomehow.
29.
GAVING’night.
Gavin heads for his room while Cameron grabs a cold slice of pizza, then sits down at her table and starts typing again. Without looking back, she picks up a stereo remote, points it behind her and clicks her stereo on.
INT. AYA’S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Aya sits at the windowsill, staring out the window at the Seattle skyline. For the first time since she came here, she is hopeful. She watches cars go by, lost in a sea of lights.
EXT. SEATTLE WATERFRONT - DAY
Aya walks down the waterfront and stops in front of the SEATTLE AQUARIUM.
INT. SEATTLE AQUARIUM DOME - DAY
Aya sits down at a bench and starts watching a SMALL SHARK. She follows it with child-like innocence. She finds her songsheet notebook and scribbles a few notes; she’s on to something.
She looks around to find a LITTLE GIRL watching her. She smiles at the Little Girl, who smiles back at her. A look passes between them. The Little Girl motions to the Shark. Aya looks at it and sees it is watching her.
A moment of understanding passes between Aya and the shark before it swims on. Aya looks back at the Little Girl with a new understanding.
AYAThank you.
The Little Girl smiles, then heads off to rejoin her CLASSMATES.
EXT. SEATTLE ART MUSEUM - DAY
Aya stands on the sidewalk and dials a number in her cell phone. Gavin picks up on the other end.
GAVIN (V.O.)Hello?
30.
AYAHey.
GAVIN (V.O.)What’s up?
AYAI am at the Seattle Art Museum. Would you like to come join me?
GAVIN (V.O.)I’d love to.
INT. SEATTLE ART MUSEUM - DAY
Aya waits inside as Gavin comes through the doors. They purchase tickets and head into the museum together. The two enjoy several exhibits together, sharing in a Ferris Bueller-esque moment of imitating the poses of sculptures.
INT. SEATTLE ART MUSEUM NATIVE AMERICAN ART EXHIBIT - DAY
Gavin stops at a large carving of a loon. Aya stops in front of a large carving of a whale. She gets close and reaches out to touch it when she feels the connection again. She finds her songsheet and jots more notes.
Gavin comes up beside her and admires the carving. He looks at Aya, who is still enraptured. Her innocence is palpable.
INT. SEATTLE ART MUSEUM LOWER LEVEL - DAY
Aya and Gavin descend a flight of stairs into a small room filled with easels and ENTHUSIASTS situated around a plinth. Gavin sits down across from Aya. The MODEL comes in and strips down to a leotard.
Everyone but Gavin begins quick-sketching the Model. He draws, but it isn’t until he is done that he realizes what he’s been drawing. Aya finishes her drawing, pulls it off the easel and walks over to Gavin.
AYA(showing him the drawing)
How did I do?
GAVINIt’s wonderful.
31.
AYACan I see yours?
GAVIN(sheepish)
It didn’t turn out like I thought it would.
(turns the easel to Aya so she can see)
I think my mind wandered a bit.
Aya blushes. Gavin has rendered Aya quite well in a short time.
AYAAre you trying to tell me something?
GAVINIt just happened?
AYAWould you like to go?
GAVINSure.
EXT. PIKE PLACE MARKET - DAY
Aya and Gavin walk past the giant PUBLIC MARKET sign and into the market proper. Aya can’t help but smile at the flying fish, the scent of fresh food and the liveliness of the market.
The two stop and watch a street show being put on by a local theater company. The crowd roars with laughter as a group of clowns try to imitate the Flying Karamazov Brothers.
Aya and Gavin continue through the market, though Aya can’t seem to get past the flying fish.
GAVINSomething wrong?
AYAYes! I have never seen people throwing fish before. It is a little scary.
32.
GAVINThey’ve been doing it since 1965. It’s part of what makes them world famous.
AYADo you think...I could...?
GAVINWould you like to catch a fish?
AYADo they let you?
GAVINIf you ask.
Aya beams at this. She approaches a FISHMONGER and taps him on the shoulder just after he catches a flying halibut with one hand.
AYAExcuse me?
FISHMONGERHi! What can we do for you?
AYACan I catch one?
FISHMONGERAbsolutely!
The Fishmonger chucks the fish back to his compatriots and has Aya stand where he is standing. He quickly instructs her on catching technique, then signals his fellows. The crowd cheers as Aya barely catches the fish.
GAVINIsn’t it fun?
AYAI did not think catching a fish would be this much fun!
GAVINThere’s more to do here than catch fish you know.
AYAShow me.
33.
Gavin takes Aya on a tour of the rest of the market. They pass shops filled with clothing, knickknacks, toy robots and all manner of produce. Aya stops in front of LITTLE SHANGAIand admires a Chinese silk coat through the window.
AYA (CONT'D)(softly)
Beautiful.
GAVINMost definitely.
Aya looks up at him and smiles. She knows he wasn’t talking about the coat. The two continue their walk through the market.
EXT. ACE HOTEL - EVENING
Aya and Gavin round a corner and walk into the hotel.
INT. AYA’S HOTEL ROOM - EVENING
Aya opens the door and steps inside, then turns to face Gavin.
AYAThank you for showing me around. I had a great time.
GAVINYou’re welcome.
AYAI would like to see you again.
GAVINYou have my number. Give me a call whenever you like.
AYAI will.
A tense moment passes before Aya reaches out to Gavin and pulls him close for a quick kiss.
AYA (CONT'D)Good night Gavin.
GAVING’night Aya.
34.
Aya closes the door, walks over to the window and watches Gavin head off down the street. She sits and watches the view from the windowsill while she strums her guitar and scribbles notes.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
Gavin comes in to find Cameron munching on cold pizza and typing another memo. Gavin puts his things away and continues his painting.
GAVINAre you still going at it?
CAMERON(doesn’t look up)
We just hired a new guy. He has a masters, but can’t figure out how to talk to people. Boss asked for a recommendation on him, which means I get to do another personnel evaluation.
GAVINWhy don’t you hire an assistant? You’re making enough money, have someone else do the gruntwork.
CAMERONI thought about it. Briefly. I don’t trust anyone else to do it right.
GAVINThere are capable people in this world.
CAMERONSince when did you become a staffing agency?
(looks at her watch)Where have you been all day?
GAVINOut with a new friend.
CAMERONI see. And how close are you to this “new friend?”
GAVINWhat’s that mean?
35.
CAMERONIt means I don’t want to hear that you bumped into another girl you dated in high school who has undergone radical personality changes that somehow make her into a sociable human being.
GAVINIt’s not a girl from high school, nor has she undergone radical personality changes that somehow made her into a sociable human being.
CAMERONThat’s a relief. So who is she?
GAVINA tourist.
Cameron stops working and looks at Gavin.
CAMERONA tourist. From where?
GAVINTokyo.
CAMERONWhat are you, a tour guide?
GAVINSort of. She was looking for someone to show her around town for a few days and I volunteered. She’s a good time.
CAMERONWhat’s her name?
GAVINAya.
CAMERONIs she pretty?
Gavin doesn’t answer. He just stares at his painting and realizes he hasn’t been painting a scene; he’s been painting a portrait.
GAVINYes, she is.
36.
INT. AYA’S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Aya lies in bed, tossing and turning. She reaches for The Stranger Guide to Seattle and looks for night clubs.
INT. JAZZ CLUB - NIGHT
Aya comes in and is amazed at the jovial atmosphere. The music is lively and everyone is having a good time. Aya works her way onto the floor and tries to dance, but something is missing.
She gives up after a while and finds a place to sit in a corner near some GRUNGERS. One of the Grungers, TOM, is strumming an acoustic guitar while he talks to his friends. He catches Aya watching him play.
TOMHi.
AYAHi.
TOM(looks down at his guitar)
You play?
Aya nods.
TOM (CONT'D)Can I hear something? I always like hearing new tunes.
He hands his guitar over to Aya, who takes it timidly. While she gets a feel for it, Tom’s Grunger friends stop talking and watch Aya.
AYAI am still working on this one.
Everyone watches as Aya plays a few chords. The tune is catchy, but carries a deep undertone. She begins singing in JAPANESE. Nobody understands her, but her vocals convey a sense of yearning. She finishes her song to huge applause.
TOMThat was awesome!
37.
AYA(hands the guitar back to Tom)
Thank you. It still needs work.
TOM(extending his hand)
I’m Tom.
AYA(shakes his hand)
Aya.
TOMIt’s been a pleasure to meet you Aya. You know...you look kind of familiar. Do I know you?
AYAI do not think so.
TOMAren’t you...are you?
Aya nods with a “please don’t tell anyone” look. Tom gets it and nods slightly.
TOM (CONT'D)It’s a privilege to meet you Aya. I hope whoever you wrote that song for knows what they’ve got.
AYAI hope so too.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
Gavin lies awake in his bed; he can’t sleep either, with the memory of the kiss still fresh in his mind. As if to answer the burning question in his mind, his phone buzzes with a text message. ARE YOU AWAKE? - AYA.
INT. BETH’S CAFE - NIGHT
Aya and Gavin sit across from each other in a booth. The restaurant is crowded, even at the early hour. Each of them has a cup of coffee in front of them. Gavin drinks his black while Aya fills hers with packet after packet of sugar.
38.
GAVIN(watching Aya fill her coffee with sugar)
Don’t you want to sleep sometime this week?
AYA(smiling)
I cannot sleep now. What does it matter? Besides, I do not like the taste of coffee. It is too bitter.
GAVINWhy not drink soda then?
AYAToo sweet.
GAVINAnd your sugar-chino isn’t?
AYAIt is just right.
GAVINI know some coffee aficionados who would cry at what you’re doing.
AYABring them by. The looks on their faces should be priceless.
GAVINSomehow I imagine most of them are sleeping at this hour.
AYAWhy are you not sleeping?
GAVINToo much on my mind. Why aren’t you sleeping?
AYAJetlag.
GAVINShould get that fixed.
AYAI am working on it.
39.
A WAITRESS brings their orders. Aya has a bagel sandwich, Gavin has eggs sunny side-up and toast. Aya starts in on her bagel sandwich but stops abruptly when Gavin punctures the eggs with his toast and dips the toast in the yolk.
AYA (CONT'D)What are you doing?
GAVINWhat?
AYAWhy are you dipping your toast in the egg?
GAVINBecause it tastes good?
He swallows. Aya stares at him blankly before bursting out laughing.
AYANow I KNOW you are good in bed!
GAVIN(very confused)
Where do you...how can you figure that from the way I eat? Not that I’m shirking the compliment, I just want to know.
AYAOnly someone highly creative would think to dip their toast into their eggs.
GAVINAnd being highly creative makes me a good lover?
AYADoes it?
GAVINWell, I...yes! Yes it does.
AYASee?
She snickers. Gavin rests his chin on his hands and smiles at Aya.
40.
AYA (CONT'D)What?
GAVINNothing. Eat your bagel.
Aya goes back to her bagel and watches intently as Gavin continues dipping his toast in his eggs. She giggles whenever he does.
INT. ACE HOTEL HALLWAY - NIGHT
Aya and Gavin trudge down the hall in a caffeine-crashing stupor. Aya manages to get the door to her room open and the pair stumble inside.
INT. AYA’S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Gavin props Aya up just long enough for her to fall down on the bed. He sits down next to her and is about to tell her good night when she pulls him down. She wraps her arms around him and starts to doze off.
AYAYou can sleep here.
GAVINI really should go home.
AYAYou are tired. Go ahead and stay. I promise not to kick in my sleep.
GAVINI’m worried I might.
AYAPlease stay. I like having you around.
GAVINI like being around.
(beat)It’s been a lot of fun hanging out with you. And to be honest, it’s been...enlightening. I don’t know why, but I find myself feeling...different when I’m around you.
41.
(MORE)
Not “different” as in “lousy” but “different” as in “new and inspiring.” It’s just something about you.
AYA(almost asleep)
Ok.
GAVINYou’re not like anyone I’ve ever met before. You’re not loud, outspoken or a giant obscure culture maniac. You are definitely more than the status quo for me. And it’s not just because you’re from Japan. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s a spark to you, a spark that I’ve never seen in anyone before. And I doubt I will ever see again.
Gavin looks over at Aya to find her asleep. He mouths the words I THINK I LOVE YOU, then pulls her close.
AYA(mumbling)
What did you say?
GAVINI’ll tell you later.
INT. AYA’S HOTEL ROOM - DAY
Aya wakes up to find that Gavin is gone, but has left a note on her pillow that reads I’LL CALL LATER - GAVIN. She reads it and smiles.
INT. APARTMENT - DAY
Cameron comes out of her room in a daze. She grabs the pot of coffee sitting on the counter and starts drinking directly from it. Gavin is sitting on his stool painting.
CAMERONWhere were you last night?
GAVINHanging out with a friend.
42.
GAVIN (CONT'D)
CAMERONWould this perchance be your tourist?
GAVINIt would. Why?
CAMERONCurious. You busy today?
GAVINMore or less.
CAMERONThink I could wrangle you for an envelope stuffing party?
GAVINA what?
CAMERONThe guy in the mail room quit and we have a thousand press packets to ship out.
GAVINI’ll think about it.
CAMERONIf you help out, I’ll be your best friend!
GAVINI thought you were my best friend.
CAMERONI revoke my status.
GAVINThen consider it reinstated.
CAMERONThank you!
Cameron disappears into her room, then reappears with a huge box of envelopes and press kits.
EXT. NORTH 36TH STREET - DAY
Aya walks down the street, then abruptly stops when she walks by the giant troll coming out of the ground under the bridge.
43.
She smiles at it as if it were tearing it’s way toward her to say hello when her phone rings; it’s Gavin.
Aya waits at the base of the troll for a while. When Gavin comes walking down 36th St, he finds Aya sitting on the troll’s left hand waiting for him. He climbs up and sits next to her.
AYAIf you could just pack up and move...would you?
GAVINAre you asking me to move?
AYANo, just asking if you would.
GAVINI’d have to tell all my clients that they would have to wait for their paintings to arrive. I’d have to build a new client base for portraits and I’d have to put my show on hold. Depending on how far I moved, I might have to buy new supplies.
AYABut would you?
GAVINWhat was the first song you ever fell in love with?
AYAThe first song I ever fell in love with. I think it would be “Heart of Asia” by Watergate. I heard it at a club a long time ago and it has been my favorite song ever since. I do not know why, but the song brings out something special in me.
(Laughs at herself)You probably think I am strange.
GAVINNot any more so than myself.
AYAYou did not answer my question.
GAVINI didn’t, did I.
44.
AYASo?
GAVINI’d have to think about it. It’s a big step for me.
AYAWhat...what if I were asking you to move?
GAVINI’d give it some serious thought. That enough of an answer for you?
AYA I think so.
INT. PACIFIC SCIENCE CENTER - DAY
Aya and Gavin walk through the exhibits, learning about electric motors, gyroscopes, 3-D movies and tides. Aya looks like a kid again as she enjoys the hands-on exhibits.
INT. PACIFIC SCIENCE CENTER DINOSAUT EXHIBIT - DAY
Aya and Gavin wander into a room filled with moving models of dinosaurs. Aya is thrilled to see them while Gavin looks a little melancholy.
AYAIs something wrong?
GAVINIt’s weird, but I kind of feel like one.
(Points to a Tyrannosaurus)
Like a dinosaur. You know, being an analog artist in a digital world. I feel a little behind the times.
AYAWhen it first came out, people thought the synthesizer would destroy music as they knew it. Look how that turned out.
GAVINInteresting perspective.
45.
AYAThere will always be a place in this world for painters, just like there will always be a place for non-electronic instruments.
GAVINI hope so.
Aya takes his arm and starts to lead him away from the dinosaurs.
INT. TROPICAL BUTTERFLY HOUSE - DAY
Aya pulls Gavin to a sign that reads TROPICAL BUTTERFLY HOUSE. Both are lost for words as hundreds of beautifully-colored butterflies fill through the air around them.
Aya lets one land on her outstretched hand. She admires it as it rests it’s wings. Before either of them get too attached, Aya gives the butterfly a gentle push up, which it uses to fly away. She looks at Gavin and sees his mood has lightened.
EXT. SEATTLE CENTER - DAY
Aya and Gavin amuse themselves with various carnival games and a ride on a rickety wooden roller coaster. Gavin is having fun, Aya is having a blast.
Aya’s eyes light up when she sees the video arcade. She rushes in and is immediately drawn to GUITAR REVOLUTION. She slams quarters into the machine, dons the guitar and starts slamming out chords, racking up a near-perfect score.
Before long, the arcade is filled with GAWKERS, watching Aya master song after song. When it’s all over, the crowd cheers for her.
GAVINThat’s amazing, I’ve never seen anyone do that well!
AYAI like to play.
GAVINI’ll have to remember that.
AYACome on. What else is around here?
46.
GAVINSince you seem to like music so much, we could always visit the EMP.
“EMP” rings a bell for Aya, but she can’t remember from where.
AYAWhat is that?
GAVINThe Experience Music Project. I think it would be right up your alley.
AYAThen let’s go.
INT. EXPERIENCE MUSIC PROJECT - DAY
Gavin buys the tickets while Aya looks around the lobby and admires the giant sculpture of guitars. Her world grinds to a screeching halt when she sees a poster for FURITA ROCKU - MODERN ROCK IN JAPAN and looks like she’s about to throw up.
GAVINReady to go?
AYA(Quickly recovering)
Yes.
The two enjoy the exhibits, but Aya is clearly nervous.
GAVINSomething up?
AYADo we have to see this?
GAVINI thought you’d like it.
AYAYes, but I get so much of this at home. Can we do something else?
GAVINI already bought the tickets, we’re already in the museum.
47.
(MORE)
What’s going on, why are you so jittery all of a sudden?
AYAIt...it is nothing.
GAVINOk.
They continue through the museum until Aya’s worst fear is realized: they come to the exhibit that features her. Gavin takes a look at a picture from one of Aki Phoenix’s concerts.
GAVIN (CONT'D)(reading the plaque next to the picture)
Damn, that looks like it was a fun concert! Wish I could’ve been there to-
Gavin stops when he sees Aya’s name on the plaque. He looks at the picture again: it is clearly her on stage. He looks back at Aya, who is starting to cry.
AYAI am sorry. I wanted to tell you, but...
GAVINDid you think I couldn’t handle knowing who you were?
Another TOURIST spots Aya and makes the connection.
TOURISTHey, it’s Sakaki Aya! Oh my God, what’re you doing here?
Several other Tourists rush in to see Aya and before she knows it, people are snapping pictures like crazy. Gavin gets lost in the crowd and fades into the background as Aya is drowned in a sea of flashes and fans.
INT. APARTMENT - DAY
Gavin storms in and throws his coat against his stool, knocking it over. Cameron is dozing on the couch surrounded by stuffed and addressed envelopes. She wakes up when Gavin’s stool crashes to the ground.
CAMERON(startled)
What the hell?
48.
GAVIN (CONT'D)
GAVINShe lied to me.
CAMERONWho lied to you?
GAVINAya.
CAMERONWho the hell is Aya?
GAVINThe tourist.
CAMERONWhat’s the matter?
GAVINShe’s not who she said she was.
CAMERONYou tell everyone you meet who you really are?
GAVINOf course I do. Don’t you?
CAMERONHell no!
Gavin pulls an EMP brochure out of his pocket. The brochure highlights the FURITA ROCKU exhibit and features the picture Gavin was staring at. He points to Aya in the picture.
GAVINThat’s her. She’s not a clerk in a record store, she’s the guitarist for the band Aki Phoenix.
CAMERON(recognizing her immediately)
Holy shit! You actually met SakakiAya?
GAVINYou know her?!
CAMERONI know of her. We did some PR for her firm’s American affiliate.
49.
(MORE)
Album promo, radio spots, photo shoots. Bigtime campaign.
GAVINMeaning?
CAMERONIt means she’s big in Japan, she’s a superstar. Or was, anyway.
GAVINWhat do you mean “was?”
CAMERONTheir last album’s American sales have been terrible. Reviews say their music has gotten all poppy and emo.
GAVINI don’t believe this. I need a drink. Where’s that clear shit you keep around?
CAMERONThat would be my Tsing Tsao, and it’s not shit. It’s above the stove.
Gavin reaches into a cabinet above the stove and pulls out a large bottle of CLEAR ALCOHOL. He doesn’t bother with a glass. Cameron watches him chugging her favorite drink and dashes over to him.
CAMERON (CONT'D)Hey hey HEY, cut that out! This is my favorite and it’s expensive!
GAVINTastes like rubbing alcohol.
CAMERONBecause you’re not supposed to chug it!
Gavin takes another hit and coughs.
GAVINSmooth.
Cameron takes the bottle from Gavin, slams a hit and watches as Gavin slumps to the floor. She sits down next to him and hands the bottle over.
50.
CAMERON (CONT'D)
CAMERONYou wanna talk about it?
INT. SWIMMING POOL - NIGHT
Aya dives into the pool and tries to swim to take her mind off Gavin. She fails miserably. She swims over to the side of the pool and looks longingly out the windows at the city, wondering what Gavin is feeling.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
Gavin wakes up and finds himself on the floor next to Cameron. It takes him a moment to register how drunk he was. He immediately regrets it when his PHONE RINGS.
GAVINHello?
MANITI (O.S.)Hello, Gavin?
GAVINMr. Maniti?
MANITIJust calling to check up on you, make sure you’re ready for your show this Saturday.
GAVINSaturday?
MANITIYes. You do know it’s Tuesday, right?
GAVINRight! Right. Been putting in some long hours.
MANITIAnd late nights?
GAVINYou might say that.
51.
MANITIDon’t be nervous, it’s perfectly normal to sweat over your first exhibit the week before. You’ll do fine.
GAVINThanks. Mr. Maniti...would it be possible for the show to go on without me?
MANITIPossible, but highly irregular. Has something come up?
GAVINMaybe. It’s probably nothing, but I may have to go out of town for a while.
MANITII see. Keep me posted and if some special arrangements need to be made, give me a call as soon as you can.
GAVINI will. Thanks.
INT. AYA’S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Aya sits at the window and watches the cars go by, unable to bring herself to do anything more. She rests her head against the window and closes her eyes. She ponders whether or not to call Gavin but decides against it.
EXT. FRYE ART MUSEUM - DAY
Aya walks up the steps of the stylish museum and through the front door.
INT. FRYE ART MUSEUM - DAY
Aya works her way through the museum. She stops to appreciate the different works, but something is missing for her. She is enjoying the museum, but she lacks a certain sense of wonder.
She is about to give up when she walks by MATHIAS SCHMID’spainting “TIRED OF LIFE.” She stops and examines the painting closely and then...she gets an idea.
52.
EXT. SPACE NEEDLE OBSERVATION DECK - DAY
Aya leans up against the railing, taking in the view of the city. Her fears come to a head when a JAPANESE TOUR GROUP comes onto the observation deck. She leaves before anyone can recognize her.
EXT. GASWORKS PARK - DAY
Aya wanders past the mazes of rusted pipes, admiring the contrast between dead machinery and thriving city. She watches a child flying a kite. The child notices her watching and walks over to her, then offers her the kite. Aya takes it.
She lets the lines out, allowing the kite to fly. For a brief moment, it seems as though everything is right with the world.
Aya hands the kite back and smiles to the child. The child smiles back, then runs off. Aya keeps on watching the kite, still awed by it’s beauty, even as her concerns begin to weigh on her again.
She gets up and starts walking.
INT. CINERAMA - DAY
Aya takes in a movie at the crowded Cinerama theater. GABRIELLE, dressed as Audrey Tautou in “Amelie”, sits down next to Aya. Aya smiles at the reference. Gabrielle catches her smiling.
GABRIELLE(in French, subtitled)
Do I fit the part?
AYASorry?
GABRIELLEI asked if I fit the part.
AYAYes you do. If I did not know better, I would have thought you really were Audrey Tautou.
53.
GABRIELLEThank you. I try to dress up as someone different every time I come here. It tells you who really likes movies.
AYADoes it?
GABRIELLEYou can always tell who the real movie fans are. They are the ones who are not afraid to say something constructive about a costume. Those who just say something like “I like the outfit” or “you look cute” don’t really like movies that much, they just think the reference is quaint.
Aya considers this for a moment before looking back at Gabrielle.
AYAI am Aya.
GABRIELLECall me Gabrielle.
AYANice to meet you.
GABRIELLEWhy are you here? Isn’t there someone who wants to see you?
AYAWhat?
GABRIELLEYou know he’s not a lost cause.
AYAHow did you-
GABRIELLEOh please, you think I can’t tell when someone is going to a movie to escape?
Aya stares at her in disbelief.
54.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)It’s OK to escape once in a while. But sooner or later, you’re going to have to go back and talk to him and tell him why you couldn’t let him know who you are.
(Examines Aya closely)But you’re not ready yet, are you.
AYAI do not even know what to say.
GABRIELLEThe truth is usually a good place to start. Of course, truth is stranger than fiction.
The lights go down as the trailers come on.
AYAWho are you?
GABRIELLEI am just a girl who likes the movies.
Gabrielle pulls a notepad and a pen out of her pocket. She writes something down in Japanese, then folds it and hands it to Aya.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)Don’t open it just yet. Wait.
AYAWait for what?
GABRIELLEFor the right time. You will know when it’s time.
Gabrielle smiles, then turns her attention to the movie. Aya slips the paper into her bag and watches the movie.
INT. APARTMENT - DAY
Gavin sits in front of his canvas, a cup of coffee cooling in his hands. The only area Gavin has painted is Aya. He looks down at his cell phone: no calls. He sighs and downs his cold coffee. He picks up a brush and tries to paint.
55.
EXT. 7TH AVENUE - NIGHT
Aya walks down the street, past expensive stores and a newer, flashier movie theater. She keeps walking until she passes GAMEWORKS. She stops and walks inside.
INT. GAMEWORKS - NIGHT
Aya wanders through the maze of lights and sounds, lost in the world of American games until she comes to a familiar sight: Guitar Revolution. A pair of PLAYERS are finishing up a set when Aya steps up and takes the guitar.
Aya blasts out songs, slamming her way through set after set as though she were actually on stage. Before long, the entire arcade has stopped: everyone is crowded around the machine to watch Aya play.
She finishes with a bang and turns to the crowd. A massive wave of cheers hits her at the peak of her adrenaline high; she hasn’t felt this good all day.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Aya leaves Gameworks and begins walking down the street when she gets a call. She looks at her phone: Toyo is calling. (Aya and Toyo speak JAPANESE, subtitled.)
AYASaito? What’s up?
TOYO (O.S.)Aya, I’m glad I caught you! We’re in deep shit, I don’t know what to do!
AYAWhat’s going on?
TOYO (O.S.)Things are going to hell here! Everyone is worried that you’re not coming back, nobody’s seen Hiro in two days, things are bad and-
AYACalm down, calm down. What happened?
56.
TOYO (O.S.)I told you there would be questions! Nakamura’s asking where you are and why you aren’t showing up for rehearsals and interviews.
AYAWhat did you tell him?
TOYO (O.S.)I said you were ill, but you know these management types, they don’t blink twice about signing “death by overwork” on a final paycheck! You’ve got to get back here, everything’s falling apart and we haven’t even played Budokan yet!
AYASaito, relax. I think I’m on to something, but I can’t come back just yet. I need you to buy me more time.
TOYO (O.S.)I can’t do that.
AYA(dead serious)
Saito, please, I’m begging you. Just give me five more days. I know I’m on the right track, there’s something here that...well I can’t go into it now.
TOYO (O.S.)This had better be worth it.
AYAIt is.
TOYO (O.S.)So what is it, a song?
AYABetter than that. I think I’ve got the workings of a new album.
TOYO (O.S.)(Disbelief)
You’re joking.
57.
AYAI’m completely serious.
TOYO (O.S.)I’ll see what I can do.
He hangs up abruptly.
INT. AYA’S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Aya comes in and sets her things down on the bed. She sits down and reaches for her guitar when her phone rings; it’s Gavin.
INT. DENNY’S - NIGHT
Aya and Gavin sit across from each other, sipping hot coffee. Both of them look like they have volumes to say to each other, but neither can find where to start.
GAVINI understand your band did the theme song for Hikki Love Song.
AYAYes we did. How did you know?
GAVINMy roommate Cameron did some PR for your American release. She clued me in to your band when I showed her the picture.
AYAOh.
(beat)I met an Amelie look-alike at the movies.
GAVINYou met Gabrielle?
AYAYou know her?
GAVINI met her at a movie marathon a long time ago. She was dressed as Leeloo from The Fifth Element.
58.
AYADid she give you a piece of paper?
GAVIN(surprised)
You know, I think she did.
Gavin rustles around in his coat for a moment and produces a crumbled sheet of notebook paper.
GAVIN (CONT'D)She told me not to open it until the time was right and that-
AYA-you would know when that was.
GAVINDid she give you a note too?
Aya pulls the note from her green messenger.
AYADo you think...?
GAVINSure. Why not.
They unwrap their messages and read them. Gavin’s note reads:
YOU WILL FALL FOR A GIRL WITH BLUE HAIR.
He looks up at Aya and smiles. Aya’s note reads:
FOLLOW THE MAN WITH PAINT STAINS. HE WILL SHOW YOU EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED.
Aya looks up at Gavin’s shirt and sees that it is indeed stained with paint stains. She smiles.
AYAAmazing.
GAVINWhat did yours say?
AYASomething I knew, but was not ready to admit. Yours?
GAVINSame.
59.
A quiet moment passes between the two. No words are said but each knows in their heart what was on the other’s paper.
AYAI am sorry I did not tell you who I was. I was afraid you would be like everyone else.
GAVINHow would I be like everyone else?
AYAI was afraid you would only like me because I was famous. Everyone else seems to, but...a part of me knew you would not. I am sorry.
GAVINSorry I walked out on you.
AYAI never liked reading about myself anyway. They always make something up about you that is not true. But...oh well. What are you doing later today?
GAVINNo plans.
EXT. SEATTLE ARBORETUM - DAY
Aya and Gavin walk through the arboretum, past trees of a thousand different colors. They walk side by side, admiring the scene. For Aya, the picture is complete: her muse is returning.
INT. UWAJIMAYA - DAY
With bubble tea in hand, Aya and Gavin cruise through the aisles of Japanese groceries. Despite being surrounded by stuff from home, Aya seems inspired. It is as if having Gavin around has brought out the beauty she never noticed before.
Aya stops to look at a display of bonsai, awed by their beauty.
GAVINI’ll be right back.
60.
Aya just nods; she is too captivated by the bonsai to notice Gavin sneaking off.
INT. KINOKUNIYA BOOKSTORE - DAY
Gavin slips into the bookstore and looks through the section on LEARNING JAPANESE. He selects “JAPANESE FOR BUSY PEOPLE” and pays for it.
INT. UWAJIMAYA - DAY
Aya comes back in with a bag of roasted chestnuts as Gavin comes out of the bookstore.
AYAWhat did you get?
GAVINA little something for later. What did you get?
AYARoasted Chestnuts. Want one?
GAVINSure. You know, I’ve been here hundreds of times, that stand has been out front every time...but I’ve never tried a roasted chestnut.
Aya hands Gavin a chestnut, which he eats gingerly. He likes it.
AYAHow is it?
GAVINThat’s pretty good. I’ll have to get that again.
AYAThey sell them all over the place in Tokyo.
GAVINDo they really. Shall I take that as a hint?
AYAMaybe.
61.
INT. JADE GARDEN RESTAURANT - DAY
Aya and Gavin sit down to a dim sum meal. A WAITRESS comes by a moment later, pushing a steam cart filled with bamboo steamers. She says something in Chinese which Aya doesn’t catch. To her amazement, Gavin begins ordering in Cantonese.
AYA(shocked)
You speak Cantonese?
GAVINNo. I just know how to order. My dad introduced me to dim sum when I was a kid, so I learned the Cantonese names for everything.
AYAI am impressed.
GAVINThanks. They used to look at me funny when I ordered in Cantonese, but they know me now.
AYADid your dad take you here?
GAVINSometimes. Our favorite place was up the street, but they closed a while back.
AYAI am sorry to hear that. Seems like all your favorite places have gone out of business.
GAVINPlaces come and go. Fortunately, the food here is excellent.
AYAWhat are we having?
GAVINNo mai gai, char siu bao, ha kow, u-gok, ham sui gok, jin dui and fried wonton.
62.
AYA(confused but satisfied)
Sounds good.
INT. BONSAI NORTHWEST - DAY
Aya and Gavin walk through row after row of bonsai trees in every conceivable shape, size and color. Aya is completely captivated by their beauty. Gavin is also awed, but is more interested in the change in Aya.
Aya turns to Gavin to try and express herself, but nothing comes. He takes her hand and smiles warmly.
EXT. SEATTLE CENTER INTERNATIONAL FOUNTAIN - EVENING
Aya and Gavin skirt the edge of the fountain. Below them, KIDS run through the streams of icy water. Aya watches them, then turns to Gavin with a devious grin. He looks at her and instantly knows what she has in mind.
GAVINNo.
AYACome on, it will be fun!
GAVINIt’ll be damn cold is what it’ll be!
AYAWho cares, come on!
GAVINIt rains enough here, I think I’m ok.
AYASomething wrong?
GAVINWe’ll freeze to death if we go in there!
AYA(Pointing to the kids)
They seem to be fine.
GAVINKids are different!
63.
AYAYou too old to act like a kid once in a while?
GAVINI-
He tries to protest, but loses his chance when Aya dashes off and starts splashing through the water. She screams as the icy water hits her skin.
She waves for Gavin to come join her; he does so reluctantly. When he gets close, Aya pushes him back into a stream. He shrieks as freezing cold water jets down the back of his shirt.
He pulls her over and puts his arms around her. They draw ever so close to each other, still underneath the drizzle of the fountain. Their lips are so close that each can feel the other’s breath even through the water.
GAVIN (CONT'D)I’m freezing.
AYAMe too.
GAVINYou want to go?
AYAPlease.
The pair leave quickly, each trying to wring some water out of their clothes before they freeze.
INT. AYA’S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Aya and Gavin burst into the room in a mad dash to get warm. Aya dashes over to the heater and cranks it on full. Gavin spends a moment to admire the aesthetic qualities of the room while Aya slips into the bathroom and turns the shower on.
GAVINNice place.
AYAI thought so.
Aya starts to take her shirt off. Gavin’s eyes go wide, then he turns around quickly.
64.
AYA (CONT'D)What?
GAVINYou’re-
AYAMy clothes are ice cold.
GAVINSo are mine, but I-
He stops when he realizes Aya is pulling his shirt off from behind. He turns around and lets her pull his shirt off. As she pulls him into the shower, the chill from the fountain ebbs away with any doubts they may have had.
Gavin wakes up in the middle of the night. He sits up, grabs his boxers and and towel, then heads for the door. He slips out quietly without waking Aya.
INT. SWIMMING POOL - NIGHT
Gavin lowers himself into the pool and swims a couple laps before he stops to rest. He catches himself staring off into space, then he notices the view from the window. He is awestruck by the glittering lights in the morning drizzle.
INT. AYA’S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Gavin comes back in, collects his clothes and grabs a notepad and pencil from a desk. He starts to draw. He leaves the paper next to Aya when he finishes, just as the first rays of sun begin to slip over the windowsill.
Aya wakes up with the dawn in an oversized t-shirt. She finds the note and reads it.
I’LL CALL YOU LATER. -GAVIN
The bottom of the note is accentuated by a beautiful drawing of a rose creeping up the side of the page. Aya smiles as she reads it.
65.
INT. APARTMENT - DAY
Gavin comes in and drops his stuff in front of his painting. He hears a sob and turns around to see Cameron sitting on the couch. She is wearing a gigantic hockey jersey with her legs tucked under the shirt. Gavin sits down next to her.
GAVINRough night?
Cameron nods.
GAVIN (CONT'D)You want to talk about it?
CAMERONWhere were you last night?
GAVINI was...out. With a friend.
CAMERONWith her?
GAVIN...Yeah.
Cameron wipes away some tears.
CAMERONSo what’s next for you two?
GAVINI wish I knew.
CAMERONWell I hope you had a really great fucking time.
Gavin knows where this is going, and he’s not in the mood to fight. He nods, picks up his coat and heads for the door. Cameron turns around to face him as he reaches the door.
CAMERON (CONT'D)Don’t go.
He stops.
CAMERON (CONT'D)Please don’t go.
66.
GAVIN(earnestly)
Any reason I shouldn’t?
It seems like an eternity before Cameron wells up the courage to say what her heart has felt ever since she first laid eyes on Gavin.
CAMERONBecause...because I love you.
Gavin stops in his tracks and closes the door.
GAVINYou-
CAMERONLove you. Ever since the first time you smiled at me in English 205, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you.
GAVINWhat about all the other guys? You dated half a dozen guys since the time we met, why didn’t you ever say anything?
CAMERONI didn’t know how to tell you! You know me, I’ve never been exactly direct. I tried to fall in love with someone else, but it never really worked. All I could ever think about was you.
GAVINYou’re a good writer, couldn’t you have just written me a letter?
CAMERONI...I didn’t think you’d ever read it. You always had some girl fawning over you, I never found the right time. I was going to write you a letter the other day, but then you met her, and I thought...I thought I could get you on the rebound.
GAVINRebound?
67.
CAMERONCome on, how many people you know hooked up with a tourist for anything more than a passing fancy? How the hell was I supposed to know you were going to fall in love with her?
GAVINWait, I never said that-
CAMERONDon’t think I’m an idiot Gavin Hayley, I’ve seen you fall in love before and believe me, the way you swooned for some of those girls pales in comparison to how you’re swooning now.
GAVINI don’t swoon.
CAMERON(laughs halfheartedly)
Yes you do. You ass, you swoon like no other man I know.
Gavin walks over to Cameron and pulls her into a hug.
GAVINI’m sorry Cam. I’m really sorry.
CAMERONOf all the fucking bad timing. Should’ve written the note a couple years ago, huh?
GAVINThat would’ve been nice.
CAMERONDon’t suppose I could convince you to have another drink?
GAVINNo thanks.
CAMERONDamn. So getting you drunk won’t work.
GAVINIt might have...but not today.
68.
CAMERONI see. Well, go on then.
Gavin pulls back a little and hesitates.
CAMERON (CONT'D)Go on! Go get your girl.
INT. AYA’S HOTEL ROOM - DAY
Aya starts to get up, but is interrupted by her phone ringing.
AYAHello?
TOYO (O.S.)You’ve got to come back now.
AYAWhat, why?
TOYO (O.S.)Things have gotten worse, the label is demanding to know what we’re going to do for the big show.
AYAI can’t come back, not yet. I’m so close Saito, I just need a little more time!
TOYO (O.S.)I know we can pull this off but...I don’t think we can do it without you here. We need your new album or at least a song from it.
AYAHow much time do I have?
TOYO (O.S.)...I booked you on a flight back to Narita at 8PM Pacific Time tomorrow night. I’m sorry Aya.
AYAI guess that’s it then. I’ll see you soon.
69.
She hangs up the phone and looks out the window, trying to work out what to do in the little time she has left. Her phone rings again. This time it’s Gavin.
INT. MUSEUM OF FLIGHT - DAY
Aya and Gavin wander through the space exhibit, taking in the history of America’s voyage to the stars. They stop inside the SPACE STATION DESTINY EXHIBIT.
As they tour through the station, each stops at a window and looks through. Aya sees the earth and for a moment, she forgets her worries. Gavin sees an infinite sea of stars, galaxies and planets; he is lost in universal possibilities.
INT. MUSEUM OF FLIGHT - SPACE CAPSULE - DAY
Aya and Gavin sit down inside a replica of a lunar landing capsule and strap themselves in.
GAVINMy dad loved this place. Said that if he couldn’t go the stars himself, this was the next best thing.
AYAI can see why.
GAVINI never really understood what he meant by it. Whether it meant he wanted to be an astronaut but was afraid to chase his dream or whether he was content to just let it go. Either way, it was always kinda sad to hear him say it.
AYAThere is another possibility.
GAVINWhat’s that?
AYAThat he wanted to be close to the stars, but did not want to actually go into space.
GAVINHuh. Never thought of that.
70.
He smiles at Aya and for the first time today, notices that she seems to be carrying a heavier burden than she lets on. She smiles halfheartedly in an attempt to cover her troubles.
GAVIN (CONT'D)Come on. Let’s go get some ice cream.
EXT. MUSEUM OF FLIGHT - DAY
Aya and Gavin leave the museum with a small packet of ASTRONAUT ICE CREAM. Aya is giggling to herself as she eats some.
AYAThis is not ice cream!
GAVINIt is! It’s just freeze-dried.
AYAIt is so weird!
GAVINBut so good!
Aya shakes her head at Gavin as they continue to walk.
EXT. FERRY DECK - DAY
Aya and Gavin stand on the upper deck of a ferry as it makes its way across Puget Sound. Aya looks up at Gavin, knowing she has to tell him.
AYAI have to leave tomorrow.
GAVINWhy?
AYAMy band is in trouble, I need to go back and help them. They need me.
GAVINOh. Yeah, I guess that is kind of important. You know, the whole “saving your career” bit.
Aya takes a deep breath and summons all her courage before she speaks again.
71.
AYAI want you to come with me.
Gavin’s heart skips a beat.
GAVINYou what?
AYAI want you to come back to Tokyo with me.
GAVIN(can’t believe what he’s just heard)
You can’t be serious.
AYACompletely serious.
GAVINI can’t do that. I can’t just pack up and leave on a moment’s notice.
AYAWhy not?
GAVINBecause I’ve got a life here. I’ve got clients and an art show this weekend. This is my big break, I don’t think I can turn my back on it. And I...I don’t know if I’ve got it in me to just pack up and leave.
AYA(disappointed)
It is a lot to ask.
GAVINI’m sorry Aya, I just...
AYAWill you think about it? Please?
GAVINI’ll think about it.
She goes back to admiring the view, feeling defeated. Gavin’s expression is blank. He doesn’t know what to make of it.
72.
EXT. SEATTLE WATERFRONT - DAY
Aya and Gavin walk side by side down the rows of docks and touristy shops. Each has a cup of coffee.
GAVINYou really wrote an entire album’s worth of songs while you were here?
AYAI have not slept much since I got here. I figured I might as well do something other than try to sleep and fail.
GAVINWhat’s the new album about?
Aya smiles for the first time today as she turns to Gavin.
AYAI cannot tell you.
GAVINWhy not?
AYANow is not the time.
GAVINSecrets don’t make friends.
AYAYou are already my friend.
GAVIN(deviously curious)
What kind of friend?
AYA(shutting him down)
A good friend, and we leave it at that.
GAVINDamn.
Aya stops in her tracks when she spies a SOUVENIR PENNY MACHINE outside of WATERFRONT LANDMARK STORE.
73.
AYA(pointing to the penny machine)
What is this?
GAVIN(confused)
This? It’s a souvenir penny machine. You give it two quarters and a penny, then crank the handle. It squashes the penny and imprints another design onto it. It’s great if you like defacing essentially worthless currency.
Aya’s eyes light up. She immediately sets about making two EMERALD CITY PENNIES. She hands one to Gavin.
GAVIN (CONT'D)Pennies for sale?
AYA Now you have something to remember me by.
Gavin smiles at her.
GAVINThank you...but I don’t need this to remember you by.
INT. AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
Aya and Gavin sit in the middle of a huge crowd, watching JET CITY IMPROV’S “TWISTED FLICKS” where the troupe does a Mystery Science Theater 3000-style spoof of a B-movie.
M.O.S.
Everyone in the crowd is roaring with laughter, except Gavin. Aya notices him not laughing and elbows him in the ribs. He looks at her and smiles meekly.
A moment passes between them as the noise of the room dies down and their eyes meet.
GAVINAya, I’m sorry, but-
She stops him.
74.
AYAI know.
(Kisses him tenderly)I know.
The crowd goes back to the show as Aya and Gavin continue to tune out the world around them.
INT. AYA’S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Aya and Gavin sit next to each other on the windowsill, staring out the window. They never look at each other.
AYAWill you visit?
GAVINI’d like to. I’d have a hard time getting around though.
AYAI can play tour guide for a few days.
GAVINWhat about in between? I’d like to at least text you between visits.
AYAI hate text messages.
GAVINWhy?
AYAIt is such a mediocre form of communication. You cannot tell hardly anything from a text message. Letters or even phone calls are much more personal.
GAVINDoes that mean words aren’t any good? What about books? Page upon page of beautiful text. It may not be as personal as someone telling a story, but it still has it’s charm.
AYAWhat does that make text messaging then?
75.
GAVINA beautiful mediocrity?
AYASounds quaint.
GAVINWill you call?
AYAOf course I will call. It is the least I can do.
GAVINGood.
Aya shuffles over to him. He drapes an arm over her, pulls her in close and kisses her.
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
Gavin comes in to find Cameron watching a movie. He sits down next to her on the couch. She doesn’t look at him.
CAMERONHave a nice date?
GAVINNo. She’s leaving tomorrow.
CAMERON(beat)
Sorry to hear that.
GAVINWhat are you watching?
CAMERONChildren’s programming.
Gavin thinks long and hard before he speaks.
GAVIN Would it be ok if I left some of my stuff here?
CAMERONWhat?
76.
GAVINI mean if I went away for a while. A few weeks, a month or two. Can I leave my stuff?
CAMERON(pauses her movie)
Are you bailing on me?
GAVINNo! No, I’m just asking hypothetically.
CAMERONNo it’s not ok. If you’re going to leave, take your shit with you. I don’t want your crap hanging around collecting dust.
(Softening a little)Besides, I’d need to rent the room out to someone else. Can’t do that with all your stuff in there. Ok?
GAVIN(satisfied)
Ok.
Gavin gets up and goes to his work area. He pulls a piece of paper out from his supplies and starts writing a note. He picks up his PHONE when he is done and dials a number.
GAVIN (CONT'D)Mr. Maniti? It’s Gavin Hayley. Remember how I said something may have come up?
INT. INTERNET CAFE - DAY
Aya sits at a computer, confirming her flight information. She is checked in to leave from Seatac at 8:04 PM. When she is finished, she slips some pieces of paper into a scanner, finds her phone and dials a number.
TOYO (O.S.)Hello?
AYAI just sent you some pages. Tell me what you think.
77.
TOYO (O.S.)Hold on a second, let me look.
(rustling, crashing, glass breaking)
Shit, of all the...what’s this? Is...is this the new album?
AYAPart of it. I’m still working on it, but there are three songs there.
TOYO (O.S.)This is...good. Really good. I’ll make some copies and send them around tonight.
AYAThanks. How’s Hiro?
TOYO (O.S.)He’ll live. We found him in a bar two blocks from his house. He’d been there for two days, ranting and raving about how his career was over. This should sober him up.
AYAHow’s everyone else?
TOYO (O.S.)They’re holding up. Wondering how you are. I’ll let them know you’re ok.
AYAThanks. I...I missed you guys.
TOYO (O.S.)We missed you too.
(beat)I’ve got to run. We’ll see you soon.
He hangs up. Aya sets the phone down and leans back in her seat. She thinks for a moment, then sits forward again and starts browsing again until her phone rings; it’s Gavin.
78.
INT. AYA’S HOTEL ROOM - DAY
Aya and Gavin enjoy lunch in her room. They sit on the floor, facing each other. The scene looks almost Japanese, were it not for the punk room and Aya’s blue hair.
AYAWhat do you want to do today?
GAVINHadn’t thought about it. Is there anything you’d like to do?
Aya thinks about this for a moment, then gets an idea.
AYAI could use some new clothes.
GAVINWhat’s wrong with what you’re wearing?
AYANothing, I just feel like something different.
GAVINWhat kind of clothes? Seattle has a very...unique fashion sense.
AYASomething classic.
GAVINClassic.
AYAAny ideas?
INT. RED LIGHT VINTAGE CLOTHING - DAY
Aya wanders through the store, awed by the array of esoteric garments. Gavin looks a little awkward, but no more so than any other man in a clothing store. Aya grabs a few things to try on and disappears into a dressing room.
INT. RED LIGHT DRESSING ROOM - DAY
79.
Aya finishes putting on a classic grey pant suit. She is doing up her signature necktie when she looks over at the other item she grabbed: a dark blue vintage dress. After a moment’s consideration, she stops putting on the necktie.
INT. RED LIGHT VINTAGE CLOTHING - DAY
Gavin waits outside the dressing room and is stunned when Aya walks out wearing the dark blue dress. Gavin cannot believe what he is seeing. Aya looks more beautiful and feminine than she ever has.
Aya smiles and does a twirl to show off the dress. It is the only dress she will ever wear.
AYAWhat do you think?
GAVINI think you look like a totally different person, I...you’re beautiful.
Aya blushes.
AYAThank you.
She looks in a mirror to get a feel for her new self.
AYA (CONT'D)Now if only my career was as beautiful.
GAVINYou’ll get by.
AYAAs a washed-up rock star? I do not know how I would like being a mediocre musician. I think I would rather be great or nothing at all.
GAVINAt least you’d be a beautiful mediocrity.
AYA(turning to Gavin)
What?
80.
GAVINIt’s better than being just mediocre.
AYANo one has ever told me I was beautiful before. Cute and sweet, yes. But not beautiful.
GAVINThen they didn’t know what they were missing.
Aya wraps her arms around Gavin and rests against him. She would give anything to stay just one more day. Gavin closes his arms around her. He is more torn than ever.
AYAWhat now?
INT. MANEKI SUSHI - EVENING
Aya and Gavin sit down at the bar, in the seats they sat in when they met. They both order and start eating. They both make sure to order the HAMACHI.
AYAWhat about your show?
GAVINThe show will go on.
AYAAre you sure?
GAVINI talked to Mr. Maniti, he said they’ll miss me and people will wonder what kind of stunt I’m trying to pull, but he understands if I can’t make it.
AYAYou know you don’t have to see me off.
GAVINYes I do.
81.
INT. AYA’S HOTEL ROOM - EVENING
Aya collects her things from her room. Gavin carries her duffle bag for her. It starts to rain as they close the door on the room.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE ACE HOTEL - EVENING
Aya and Gavin wait in the rain for a cab to arrive. When a CAB eventually pulls up to the curb, Gavin sets Aya’s things in the back. They face each other, but are unable to say what their hearts are screaming.
After a tense moment, Gavin pulls Aya close and whispers something to her. She pulls back, shakes her head as if she would never do what he asked. They kiss and try desperately to hold onto the moment. But they know it can’t last.
Aya lets go and gets into the cab. She waves to Gavin as the cab drives off into the rain. Gavin watches her go and stands in the rain for a moment before he decides he isn’t ready to say goodbye. He hails a cab.
INT. TAXI - EVENING
Aya watches the city go by through the rain-streaked window and wipes tears away from her eyes at the thought of leaving Gavin and Seattle.
INT. SEATAC AIRPORT - NIGHT
Aya steps into the terminal and approaches the DEPARTURE TERMINAL. She looks despondent until she sees Gavin learning against a wall, waiting for her.
She dashes over to him and jumps to hug him.
GAVINI wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye.
AYANeither was I.
He starts to speak but she stops him; no words are needed for this goodbye. They give each other a final farewell kiss before Aya dashes to the security checkpoint. Gavin stays and watches her go.
82.
BEGIN CLOSING MONTAGE.
AIRLINER - NIGHT
Aya wakes and looks out the window to find the airplane circling over Tokyo.
NARITA AIRPORT - DAY
Aya steps out of the concourse to a throng of REPORTERS, FANS and camera flashes.
AYA’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Aya walks up to her apartment, happier than ever to be home.
AYA’S APARTMENT - HALLWAY - NIGHT
Aya stands outside her door for a moment before going in. She takes a deep breath before she unlocks the door.
AYA’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Aya sets her things down and goes out to her terrace. Tokyo sprawls out before her as the wind throws her hair about. She smiles as Gavin walks up beside her. They put their arms around each other and in that instant, everything is right.
FADE OUT.
AS CREDITS ROLL: AKI PHOENIX’S NEW ALBUM, “MUSE”. THE COVER IS DECORATED WITH IMAGES OF HER TRIP TO SEATTLE. IN THE CORNER IS GAVIN’S SIGNATURE.
83.
