My first Skip Beat Ficcie! Well actually I am truly hooked on the Emperor of the Night *-nosebleeds-* I'm really surprised Kyoko haven't jumped him yet. -.- Well I hoped you all enjoy this little shot of my take on this couple!:) And I would have loads of fun poking at Ren's hormones, ohohoho! On the side note, I tweaked it a little bit and taking place around right after Kyoko turned seventeen (see manga chapters 115-120) and Ren had to film a movie overseas. Again critcisms, suggestions and advices are much loveth!:) Further explanations at the end of this chappie :3
NewsFlash: Skip Beat now on Anime! 10/28/08
Excuse to Find
Stage One: Commencer
Summary: His excuse: she was a high school student. Her excuse: No more heart breaks. The Problem? She just turned eighteen. Can he keep her hands off her? KyoRen One Sided/Snippets of ShoKyo.
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Shrouded in white puffs of clouds and rushing wispy winds created moisture at the clear window pane of the plane, obscuring his vision of a land never forgotten. Little droplets of water webbing and winding about the surface of the otherwise smooth plate, twining themselves together as it formed little patterns spiraling downward, downward, downward and towards the edge.
It had been…almost a year in a half.
A year in a half of working overseas for an epic movie...or rather, a trilogy movie that nearly drained half of his life (not that it already wasn't, he mused).
He sighed dejectedly, slumping further in his seat in boredom, and admittedly, exhaustion. But to the untrained eye, he was merely reclining rather gracefully. Of course, nothing less they'd take him for. A professional, a prodigy, a picture of perfection by which no one would ever dare think less of him.
He was just…finally glad he was home.
Home.
To most, it was associated with coming home to a family, a group of friends, a warm house and a ready meal. But to him…home means—
"Kyoko…I miss you so much."
A fine brow twitched, annoyance clearly mirrored at his window as Tsuruga Ren didn't dare glanced at his companion…a rather annoying one too.
Not to mention his manager even managed to put on the fake and mocking look when it came to her (more like when it comes to guessing about his thoughts of her) and completing the statement with heart-filled eyes (really, like otaku heart-filled eyes) and disgustingly blushing cheeks. He wondered if the elder male somehow had too much free 'drinks' in his system.
"I bet that's what you're thinking." Yashiro nodded gaily at his silence which proves the current thoughts of his charge. Really, it was all over his face and it wasn't hard to figure out what "that look" was for, especially now that they were coming back after almost a year and a half of separation. The older man admired the young actor for his patience…let alone the feelings that he kept buried underneath an exterior of cool and collected professionalism.
"And what exactly," it was a futile and fairly stupid attempt on his part to ask why, but Ren wasn't about to admit his thoughts or even give a chance to let his nosy manager triumphed over the fact that he was thinking of her. "Makes you think that I was thinking about her?"
And when he turned to look, he was rewarded with the infamous 'like-I'm-buying-that' look of his manager, who successfully again pointed out his stupidity to question such an obvious subject without the use of words.
"You had this love struck look—"
"I do not." He rubbed at his face.
"Your face is slipping into that blissful—"
"Why don't you drink some more wine, eh?" the thousand watt smile, also translated to: leave-me-the-hell-alone smile was directed at his (maybe) inebriated manager.
"Don't change the subject, Ren." The exasperated sigh was accompanied with an eye roll, already immune and knowledgeable that that particular smile was nothing to be scared of, at least not that smile.
'Damn, he's sober.' The dark-haired male muttered to himself. He was half-wishing he really was drunk, that way his stupid manager wouldn't bother him and increase his already twisted anxiety that kept looping in and out of consciousness. Maybe he could chug a bottle down his throat and tie him up next to the cockpit or even duck tape his mouth—
"…see her and yet here you are! Wallowing in self-pity over things you've missed together. It really is sad that…"
"…"
"Ren, were you listening to me?" Yashiro gave him an annoyed look. A look that Ren often visualize to a mother haranguing her children, it almost amused him.
"Ren!"
"What?"
"Are you thinking of her, again?"
"No."
Really he wasn't. And he wasn't about to divulge him the details of his current…murderous thoughts on his meddlesome manager.
"Don't deny it." the bespectacled manager didn't know why of all people he had to serve such a difficult person! Every normal male his age would be getting it over with and jumping at the idea of declaring their love for the girl of their dreams. Sadly, this wasn't the case for Tsuruga Ren.
"It is perfectly normal that you miss the girl you love." Yashiro nodded somberly with an all-knowing visage. "Why I think she'd be missing you too! Thinking back on it now…"
"Hn…"
He turned back towards his window, half-listening to Yashiro's rants and predictions of the on-goings and news that circulated in the past year. Although during their separation, they still kept in close touch, and he was partly grateful (partly because he once listened in on their conversation and hounded him every chance he could get when it involved her) to Yashiro on that.
The occasional mails were used for stories or happenings in their side of the planet. And warm little messages of comfort and encouragement was enough to put him through another day of work. Sometimes, in moments of complete abandonment, they would call each other at least once or twice a month, or even more when she desperately needed help on her acting skills. It always brought him great pleasure just by hearing her voice, the excited tones sometimes almost lulling him to sleep as if she was just right there. And the memory of her lending her lap to him for seemingly such a long time ago would resurface and give him a sense of happiness and relief.
While it filled him with joy to see that she would confide in him about advice in the showbiz world and the portrayal of her blinding trust and admiration, there was still that fearful and lingering doubt that that was all she thought of him.
A sempai.
And that never fails to prick at his heart whenever the thought occurred that she only calls him for purposes that clearly connects to the improvement of her own success. Of course, he was glad in helping her to develop her talent and rise in the showbiz world…but there was still that nagging thought that all that, all her work and dreams to become big one day was to someday…somehow, defeat him.
Fuwa Sho.
His name alone seemed a bigger significant than he, Tsuruga Ren of the big showbiz world. The mere mention of his name always, and never fails to bring her past, to change her demeanor to that of pure unadulterated determination of revenge.
Even though he had confronted her long ago for her purpose of entering the show business was sufficed enough that it was reasonable and honest, he still couldn't help but think that there was also more to it than doing for herself. And that includes proving herself better than Fuwa Sho.
But no matter, it wasn't like she would bump into him, at least not willingly, and there was no indication in the past year that she had met him again. And even if she did…even if she did, it was highly unlikely that it would make any impact. More or less, any encounters of him would just make it worse.
'Or even strengthen that bind in her heart.' He mused. Ren was all too aware of Kyoko's fear. Her fright over letting anyone in, on what was once a loving and accepting heart now chained behind a dark and tall tower that fortified and barricaded anyone that dared knock or come through. One of the reasons why he hesitated to even try and "seduce" her in his own way was because it doesn't feel right…and because she was Kyoko.
The girl he truthfully and intensely cared for.
"Your face is slipping again." His fair-haired companion pointed out.
"Do you enjoy being my mirror or mocking me?"
"Both. But it's true!" Yashiro beamed happily! "Oh I'm so excited! I miss everyone so much! I've brought everyone a souvenir! Do you think they'd like it?"
"Hn."
"I can't wait until we land! Finally…the first think I'm going to do is eat some gyudon or maybe yakitori and sumonomo," the bespectacled man held an almost hopefully solemn look as light came down out of nowhere. "But more importantly! I'm excited how everyone had changed!" An evil glint came into his eyes, that alerted Ren too late.
"Kyoko surely had grown more beautiful." Yashiro inwardly laughed in glee as he envisioned himself to bait his brooding charge and start him off with a more excited flair at the prospect of seeing her again. He knew he was excited…but this was all layered with mounds of trepidation and uncertainty.
"She must've gotten more popular now. With all her talent and skill, I wouldn't be surprised if she got some lead role!"
"Yeah."
Yashiro froze, brows ticking. What the hell kind of reaction was that?
It was a resignation of acceptance…no, wait…defeat! He cringed back in disbelief. W-was this man…t-t-truly nervous to see her? Th-This was completely opposite effect of what he wanted! He expected Ren to…well, at least express more than cool nonchalance about the matter, especially concerning his own love life.
Most love struck men would be yipping (okay yipping cannot be associated with Tsuruga Ren, but at least he wasn't saying it out loud) with anticipation to see the girl they love for such a loooong, long time! Alright maybe looooong time would be exaggerating it, but for a love sick man he should at least feel the effects of "separation makes the heart grow fonder" phrase, right?
Right?
"Can't you feel at least enthusiastic about coming home?" Yashiro gave up, hoping he'd just get his grip together before they land. There was no use teasing a bundled up nerves of a man.
"Mhm."
Leaving him to his thoughts, the dark-haired male propped his hands over the armrest and leaned again towards the window. Tiny specks of red lights visibly shown through the fog and haze that signaled their near landing, as the city loomed and grew closer and their plane to its designated place. Whirls of questions flooded his mind. He did thought of what she'd look like…he really was excited to see how much she had grown, but knowing her…she was still probably into fairies and magical lands.
A small smile flitted in his lips. No doubt…she hadn't changed, because that's the way she was…and how he loves her for. Innocent, naïve and—
"Ah! Oh yeah, hey Ren," Yashiro suddenly turned to him, "I know this may be late, but do you think we could stop by a gift shop in the airport?"
The younger male tipped his head in curiosity, "Why?"
"Well, I just remembered," his manager grinned nervously, "I was so caught up in buying souvenirs I forgot to buy Kyoko-chan a birthday present…" at this the taller male froze.
"I mean it had been like at least five months since her birthday and—"
"H-how old is she?"
He knew…but of course, there was no harm in playing dumb, right? I mean December 25th was after all, a universal date to remember. But since he was so busy with work and schedules, and he purposely ignored the matter, and it was forgotten.
A choir and orchestra of victory were played in Yashiro's head complete with Chopin No. 9. He really wasn't planning to shed some light in this little tidbit of info, but he just couldn't help but strive to push the young actor to take some romantic action. He knew that Ren didn't want to be reminded of it. While the occasion doesn't call for it now, he thought it would be easier and even better to tell him sooner than later, which would also give him an ample amount of time to digest and possibly prepare himself.
That and he was aching to tease him about her.
Besides, wasn't Ren the one who argued that she was just a high school girl? With that chain of adulthood and adolescence came unbound, Ren would have a hard time finding another excuse.
Yashiro didn't hesitate to announce the "joyful news."
"Why Ren, she's eighteen! I wouldn't have thought you'd forget!" his manager's voice dropped down an octave lower, practically brimming in his own revelation of events as the plane touched down. "In society's terms, an adult..."
At this…Ren groaned. This small piece of news did absolutely nothing to help his already frazzled nerves. He just hoped that, well…hoped that he'd still able to look at her with the same familiar professionalism of a sempai to kouhai terms.
He could do it.
He was a top notch actor.
So she turned eighteen, so what? Good for her. And what if the girl he pines for had presented herself available in "the market?" It wasn't like she's his property…like someone. He sneered at the thought of that blond, egomaniac fool of a musician. If Yashiro thought he was going to take the bait of "whisking her off her feet" just because she turned to a legal age, does not mean he could do so.
Tsuruga Ren will not fall into the trap of involving himself more intimately with Kyoko just because she was now an adult…and, dare he say it, fair play. Not that he was going to just 'play' her of course. He was a gentleman after all, and it would not do that he would suddenly take interest in her (in the eyes of others) when he had already harbored long feelings of (real) love for her. He was determined to take things slowly but surely with Kyoko, and to carefully plant a seed of loving trust that he would not betray her like that guy.
He was gambling with time, but it would be worth it in the end if she would return his love.
In short, he just need to find another excuse.
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The residents of the Darumaya, which included the couple and their rather eccentric help was going through a relatively normal morn—
"! I'm laaate! I'mlateI'mlateI'mlateI'mlaaaaaateee!"
The couple simultaneously sipped their tea, as thudding noises seemingly fit for ten people were made by their only teenage tenant.
Yep, normal.
They have both grown accustomed to their young help over the years and had learned to grasp her different mood swings as something harmless and normal emotions for a girl her age. But all these years, she hadn't change a bit from her habits, and that was the way they wanted her to be. They had taken her in as if she was their own child, and both were grateful for the young lady's stay and devotion with them. Even when she's making enough money to live on her own, she had decided to stay and contribute what she could offer the couple and still manage to help around the restaurant.
A light breeze swept pass them as the blur of the young woman swiftly grabbed a toast from the table and waved a cheerful "Good morning!" to the couple.
"Ah, Kyouko you sure are early today," Midori-san commented with a knowing smile, but she knew that today was a special day.
"Mrhm ith isha speshaldai—"
"Kyoko."
"Sorry boss," raven locks swished fluidly over her shoulders ending at the small of her back, hazel eyes twinkling in sheepishly as she removed the toast from her mouth with a helping hand.
"I meant to say that it is a special day!" Kyoko beamed, even her little devils were in unnaturally high spirits today as their demon god had—er their sempai was finally here. If the calendars and little notes all over her room marked "the Big Day" was any indication, this day was truly exceptional.
She could not afford to be late. Or else…the first time they'd see each other and—
"Is this how you treat a senpai? Coming in late to greet me after all I did for you even in my work overseas? What an ingrate."
She could see it. The sweet-sugary coated smile under his demonic fangs and the—
"K-Kyoko?" Midori-san inquired the now tearful girl, with her hand outstretched in plea to some invincible force. She must've been in one of her…phases yet again. It still never ceased to disturb them at times, though her husband seemed calm about it.
Snapping from her ominous reverie, Kyoko practically bolted out of the door in her haste to be the first one to greet her sempai in nearly eighteen months, (and avoid his wrath) shouting a quick "Thanks for the meal and I'll be going now!" to the Darumaya couple.
"She seems to be in such an elated mood today," Midori commented offhandedly as she watched the girl seemingly floating and skipping about with a trail of flowers and butterflies in her wake, her demeanor instantly changing in mere seconds. "This Tsuruga person must be really important."
"Ah, it's good for her."
"Mhm, to be in love at that age must give her tons of energy." The couple shared a knowing smile and wished for the younger lady and the lucky man the best for their blooming future as they started to prepare for the day's work.
Meanwhile, about a half a mile from the Darumaya restaurant, Kyoko sneezed and turned around with an almost horrified and alert look. Sensing the danger as intangible and undisruptive, the auburn-haired girl slowed her pace and reverted to her own mind of fantasies.
For long arduous months of her sempai's absence and his divine knowledge of acting skills she could barely get through. Although she was successful in her roles and finding her own style. What little communication they had over the past months were cherished and upheld in such reverence that the thought of learning from the Tsuruga Ren again in the flesh was…miraculous.
The thought of someday acting in the same level as he almost filled her with a pleasant anticipation, but of course! A newbie like her still had a long road to go, for the meantime, she was just glad that they still both kept in touch even outside the world of acting. A reminiscent smile touched her lips. She was happy as long as he was there cheering her on or even scolding her reckless ways.
She was grateful for these little things, because in the end, Tsuruga Ren had helped her achieve the dream and goals she'd want for herself. Looking up and breathing in the busy city air, and today, things would prove to be even more pleasant and she wanted to be there to welcome him home and thank—
Looking up wasn't such a good idea as the large city building clock bared the hour of the day.
9:52
Ren would be in LME at 10:00.
Oh no.
Hair freezing up in mixture of shock, fear, excitement and a combination of surging adrenaline, the (used to be) composed young woman sprinted with an insanely amount of speed, scurrying past any obstacles and frightened passersby.
"Nooooo! I'm laaate!"
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He blamed the president.
Blinding flashes of lights that were like a miniature suns, kept its sporadic and irritating snaps and clicks to his "homecoming" entrance back home. He already had enough from yesterday night's almost red carpet event with all of the reporters from different TV and radio stations waiting for his arrival to get the latest scoop and to welcome the most successful and famous actor of Japan after a year and a half of production of a big-hit film overseas.
He was tired, sleepy, and annoyed.
But President Lory thought that his homecoming must be fit for a "king." Complete with a damn parade and band inside LME (and was that an exotic animal?) for his entrance and even allowing the reporters stationed in the entry way…along with hordes of screaming fans.
Ren smiled his "killer" smile to his audience, in which some practically fainted.
No one but those very close to him new that it was a dangerous smile.
He wanted to kill the president.
Maybe when they're alone in his freaking room he could shove that cane of his up his—
"Reeen! I loovee youu! Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!"
"Look here! Ren!"
"Here, here!"
"How was the filming overseas?"
"Any news on how and when this big-hit movie will come out?"
"Ren! Did you find a special someone overseas?"
"Ren! They say you're up for a new film again this year, what do you think of it?"
The cacophony of noises and the ringing of his name to some mundane question drummed from one ear to the other as he stopped at some distant call and waited…listened to—
"Ren, what's wrong?" the worried voice of his manager came from afar as he strained to hear.
"-ga-san!"
Something…somewhere… He would know that voice. That warm familiar tone, the soft, gentle but with underlying firmness when determined- a unique voice.
"—sruga-san!"
He didn't care if Yashiro laughed at him for this. Being attuned and almost poetic to the girl enough to the point that he could identify her to voice out of the thousand screaming fans and flurry of questions being shot at him in an incoherent speed, but that one voice held a memory, a face, a—
Normally in most love scenes there would be a handsome man (check) walking—no striding gracefully with an air of nobility and charisma (check). There would be a light road way and sparkles and glittering stars in his wake (check). The background of the scene is a lovely shade of pink and red, symbols of love (check). And he, Tsuruga Ren would turn around with a flutter of sakura petals, with a dazzling and expectant smile as the wind gently caressed his hair over his face, as he stopped and pivoted to take the girl he loves in his arms.
Check. Check. Check.
Well…screw that.
"Tsu-ru-ga-saaaaaaan…"
Within that twenty feet radius…Kyoko had miraculously (syn: frighteningly) made her own Moses' Roadway…only this time, there were piles of (cursed) fan girl bodies that toppled and littered the once teeming entryway.
Unfortunately…Tsuruga Ren didn't expect whether her version of getting his attention were for better or worse. It did shatter the "Forever Amour" moment though. And amidst the chaos and frantic fans and reporters, there was no better way for her to have his complete focus...on the woman that stood in front of him.
"K-K-Kyoko-chan?" his manager only managed to stutter for him in speechlessness and disbelief.
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Gaaahhh! Unfaaaiiirr! I dunno why I have such a long first chappie. Weird. -.- Anyways! I hoped you enjoyed! I know it's not much for now 'cuz it seems like I'm re-attaching some old ties to the manga just so I could put some grounds on where the plot of this fic stands. Now for some (vague) explanations!
As for Ren going overseas…I have no idea much of the timeframe to make movies, but I just snipped in there and said it was some kind of trilogy movie, and hopefully I would incorporate the why's and how's that came about the 18month leave, but I am going to make it as logical as possible, by which I am debating on including his parents for the reason. But as for where it was filmed, I would decide between hmmm…in Europe and the Americas…it was adventure! (oh and he was doing that BJ film too…yeah). And Ren would still look smexified X3!
For Kyoko I left them at the scene around a month before Ren leaves for this movie and she came to do that "Natsu" role, and from there she started appearing in a few scenes and working her way up, but in the long run she met some very famous directors (OC's of mine later) by which I'm planning to have her do some break out movie later…but details for that are surprise! ;3 Also her appearance is very much like the opening song in the anime, though I figured the way like the one she did the angel in Sho's PV. And I made up the Darumaya couples first names cuz it's not in the manga. -.-
In the whole of things, I would make Ren some kind of…well, let's just say he'd be struggling to keep in his Emperor Night façade from breaking out in front of Kyoko. So I am guaranteeing you all that I'd make some heavy fluff and torture to poor Ren dealing with still innocent Kyoko. Also… yes snippets of Sho/Kyo are in pending, and throw in some surprise appearance for Reino too! But that's all, I'm zipping out for now!
Any questions, you know where to find me! (666th Seventh depth of Hell and dropping, FTWUpdateNow Ave.) I'm buddies with Kyoko's devils. XD Crap, I think this A/N had said enough, so yeah! Chappie two, soon: Goodbyes and Hellos.
…I love reviews… -.-
