Title:Of Love and Denial
Disclaimer: I don't own this series (Skip Beat!), but I sure wish I do.
Summary: Different points regarding Ren and Kyoko's relationship in the perspective of the other characters.
Chapter 1: Of Infatuation
Maria really likes Nee-chan; probably not as much as she likes Ren-sama, but maybe almost.
Why wouldn't she? The two of them share many things. They both like dolls and voodoo. And Nee-chan makes the most exquisite dolls in the whole wide world -- in Tsuruga-san's likeness. And they almost have the same birthday. She couldn't forget the present that she gave her: a close-to-life-size Ren-sama doll that she goes to sleep with every night.
If only she is older, probably as old as Nee-chan… She is already 17 and can actually get married. She'd probably make a good wife because she cooks really well. Even Ren-sama likes her cooking. They had talked about it casually at times, when she could not help praising Nee-chan in front of Ren-sama. Actually, Ren-sama had become fond of Nee-chan as well, maybe because the two of them talk about her a lot. At times, he looks at her differently. It's not like how Ren-sama looks at Maria. In fact, he doesn't look at anyone like that at all, as far as Maria knows. It's a different expression, really. Not like the Ren-sama that Maria used to know.
Anyway, if only she is older, Ren-sama would not fail to notice her and confess his love. She would be a real beautiful lady just like her Mother. And maybe he would look at her with the same expression as when he looks at Nee-chan; that mysterious expression Ren-sama has, whenever she's around.
Maria wondered if Nee-chan notices. She's also nice to Ren-sama and to Maria, but not like the other girls who like to flirt around him and swoon all over him. Maria hates those girls. They are so desperate. Maybe that's why she also liked Nee-chan. Because she is not like those girls; she is different. Ren-sama and Nee-chan are fine together.
Huh? Maria was startled at herself. Where did that thought come from? It's impossible for Ren-sama and Nee-chan- to- to-… Then she imagined Nee-chan in a wedding dress and in Ren-sama's arms, saying to her:
"Ne, Maria. I'm so happy. I hope you grow up soon and find a good husband like Ren-sama".
Maria dropped with horror (face dark but pale).
Nooooo!!! Ren-sama, Ren-sama, in the arms of another woman is unacceptable. Ren-sama is only for Maria, he will wait for Maria and marry her when she is older. She will not be moved. She will fight for Ren-sama to the death – even against Nee-chan—
"Erm—Maria? Maria? Are you all right?"
It was Nee-chan, kneeling beside her, looking a bit worried.
And behind her – is—
"Ren-sama--!!" Maria almost exclaimed but caught herself, suddenly remembering the vision in her mind moments ago.
The two older people expressed in unison: "Eh?"
"I thought you were sick Maria-chan", Nee-chan explained.
Maria is now walking hand in hand with Ren-sama, who looked as handsome as ever. But she couldn't help but stare at Nee-chan as well. She is glowing. She looked like a real lady. When she looks up at them together, they glow even more brightly. Maria shook her head many times but the glow is still there.
"I'm relieved you're okay, Maria-chan", Ren-sama replied.
"I knew exactly what to cheer you up with, didn't I?", Nee-chan said happily.
She does indeed, and Maria is still clutching the Ren-sama doll that she gave her earlier. Looking at it again, Ren-sama blushed. Maria's jaw dropped in awe. She had never seen Ren-sama blush. And Nee-chan saw this too and suddenly became flustered.
"I – I – didn't mean to tease you, Tsuruga-san! Please forgive me!", she exclaimed, bowing as low as the floor would allow her.
Then suddenly, Ren-sama's face changed and showed THAT expression.
"Stop it Mogami-san. You're overdoing it", he replied with a chuckle and still with that expression, though unseen by the object.
"No. Please. It was unruly for me to do that to as senpai", Nee-chan forcefully said back.
They continued like that for another minute or so until Nee-chan was finally coaxed to stand up. And Ren-sama smiled, and Nee-chan smiled back. Maria couldn't help but smile. They smiled together for another minute or so.
Maria is happy – in Ren-sama's arms so strong, and seeing Nee-chan smiling so beautifully. And she thought that she wouldn't mind at all if these two are together. They are her most favorite people in the world after all.
And besides, she still has another 9 or 10 years to grow and make Ren-sama fall in love with her. And Nee-chan can be the most deserving rival there is.
Sidebar:
President Takarada: (sobbing) How about me? Am I not one of your most favorite people Maria?!
Maria: Oh, grow up grandfather!
FIN