Disclaimer: Nothing of Skip Beat belongs to me, only the original parts of the plot for this fanfiction.
Warnings: Implied m/m, but nothing bad. I hope. ;-) And still not betaed.
Note: Thanks to all readers and reviewers. I'm glad that you like the story so far, even if it's a bit on the slow side right now. When this arc is done things will heat up ;-)
The Harem Flower
Part IV
August 2010
"Aaand cuuut!" Director Ogata stood from his place next to the set and clapped his hands. "That's a wrap! Hereby Dark Moon is officially finished, people!"
Loud cheers broke out at this announcement, and people all over the place hugged each other and clapped onto ready shoulders. The lights turned on and bottles of sparkling wine appeared magically. A camera captured Ren and Itsumi, still on set, smiling happily and perhaps a bit embarrassedly before panning over the whole studio and crew. It had been the very last scene of the last episode – it wasn't usual to film in chronological order but Ogata had admitted to this little superstition and had kept the last scene actually for last.
When the greatest tumult was over, Ogata spoke again. "Dear actors, please remember that we'll need you for post-production and synchro, so pleace keep a few openings in your schedules." A few of the actors groaned good-naturedly. Unimpressed, Ogata continued: "That being said, the producers of Dark Moon cordially invite you all to the Dark Moon set party, so please attend if you can and celebrate our success! Time and place will be forwarded to you. Thank you all!"
Dumbfounded, Kyoko stared at Director Ogata as he left his place on the set. She could not believe that this was it. Her last evening at the set of Dark Moon, her first drama, and the first time that she had really developed her own character. This was her first almost-everything – and it was over! Just like that!
It was unbearable and actually pressed the air out of her lungs.
The first who found her was her film sister. They hugged and promised to keep in touch. Kyoko then talked to a lot of stage hands and make-up artists, thanking them all for their help and the good work. A good thirty minutes had passed before she got the chance to meet the others of the main cast in the raucous crowd.
"Kyoko-chan, please don't cry or you'll make me cry too," Itsumi Momose exclaimed, her eyes suspiciously bright. She hugged Kyoko impulsively and sniffled. "We'll see each other at the party, won't we? And we'll stay in touch."
"Of course, Itsumi-chan." Kyoko hugged back, relieved that she had met such good co-workers. Many of them had become more than just acquaintances; a lot of them had become friends over the eight months that they had worked on Dark Moon together. They exchanged mail-adresses and then Ogata came up to Kyoko.
"Kyoko-san, thank you for the good work," he said, smiling brightly. "I can honestly say that you and your new Mio inspired the whole team to give this drama their best. Without you we might'nt have been able to pull it off." He bowed, which made her blush in mortification.
"Th-thank you, Ogata-san," she stuttered, bowing deeply in return. "I loved working with you and I'm glad that I could help."
Ogata chuckled and winked. "The only advice I want to give you is not to scare other directors like you did me, you know, with running off and not telling anyone. They might take offence if you do. Otherwise I'm truly very satisfied with your performance."
"Yes, sir," Kyoko replied meekly. "I'll keep it in mind."
Ogata bowed again and then left to talk to another of the many actors. Kyoko was so deep in thought at his unexpected praise that she didn't notice the tall man that appeared before her.
"Ahem," said Ren, sounding amused.
Kyoko squeaked and actually jumped at hearing his deep voice.
"Sometimes I wonder where you're wandering off to when you're so deep in thought," he teased.
"I'm sorry!" she exclaimed, blushing hotly. "I just-I wanted to-"
"It's okay," said Ren, hiding his smile. "So, this is the end of your first drama. How do you feel?"
What a stupid question! she thought, thinking of her undoubtedly glassy eyes and unhappy face.
Kyoko looked up at him, pouting. But all too soon her pout gave way to sentimental tears again which she tried to wipe away quickly. She didn't want to embarrass her sempai with her girly problems.
Ren, of course, was not fooled. Ignoring all possible onlookers he gathered her into a tight hug. "Don't be ashamed," he murmured. "It's only natural to be sad when a good time ends."
"I don't see anyone else bawling their eyes out," she grumbled, hiding her wet face in his chest. It was embarrassing to be held like this but it would be even more embarrassing to blubber out in the open where everyone could see. For the two months that she had posed as Setsuna Heel she had had ample opportunity to get used to his hugs, so she didn't think as much about it as she would have before. Of course she was still aware of the glares sent her way, but the comfort of his hugs mostly outweighed the latent mobbing.
Ren laughed at this. "They will, trust me. When a set party is starting to wind down people usually lose their heads. Especially when alcohol is involved."
Sniffing, she wiped the tears away. "I've got to see that," she announced petulantly. "And I'll make photos."
She didn't notice Ren's sly smile when he said: "Is that so? In that case you'll have to stay until the end, otherwise you can forget it."
"How long do such parties go on?" she asked, now guarded and on her toes. She knew him all too well and recognized his tone of his voice. It was the one with which he wanted to cajole her into doing something. What it could be this time she had no idea but she resolved to be careful just the same.
"Well, considering that Ogata-san will have his on a Saturday it is pretty much an open end affair," Ren replied casually. "People will get drunk and then go home whenever they're in danger of passing out."
"Ugh." Kyoko stepped out of Ren's embrace and dried the last few tears. "I'm not so sure if I want to witness that."
"Hm, giving up already?" he teased. "Well, perhaps it would be a bit too much for you. You're only seventeen after all and shouldn't witness such deplorable behaviour …"
Kyoko's eyebrows came down in a frown. "I have seen drunk people before, you know."
"In that case, come. And stay until the end," said Ren with a shrug. "I might even help you take pictures."
Studying him, Kyoko decided that whatever he had planned couldn't be so bad, so she nodded. "Alright, I will."
A sparkling smile (which, to her surprise, wasn't his usual lying gentleman smile) momentarily blinded her and caused half a dozen women in their vicinity to sigh dreamily. "Good. I'll come around seven and pick you up then."
When Kyoko finally remembered how to work her mouth to protest against his unwarranted politeness, Ren was already gone. The girls who had sighed over him only seconds before now glared balefully at Kyoko.
I really should learn how to say no to him, Kyoko groused. Why is he always going out of his way to pick me up? I'm not a little girl anymore!
Angry and in quite a funk she stole away from the impromptu party as soon as was polite and hid in her dressing room. She took off her make-up and black wig and dressed in her own clothes. She was glad that Alimah had said that she wouldn't mind a visit from Kyoko today, even though Maeda-sensei had scheduled the next appointment for tomorrow – she needed to punch something.
With that in mind she stepped out of the studio, looked up into the darkened evening sky and then got her bike. It looked as if it would rain soon but she didn't care. She wanted to go to the dojo, and a little rain would not deter her.
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"Why are you angry?" Alimah asked bluntly when Kyoko had showed up to use the sandbag. Today she wore simple training clothes and not one of her colourful costumes. It changed her appearance drastically but did not lessen the impact of her sinuous movements.
"It's nothing," Kyoko replied sourly. "It's just my irresponsible sempai … again."
Alimah stepped aside and watched how Kyoko slid her small hands into the provided boxing gloves and fastened them. "He is a man, yes? What did he do?" Her solemn words sounded even more solemn with the background noise of heavy rain and occasional grumbles of thunder. Because the dojo's walls were still open despite the downpour, the fresh smell of rain, grass and clean air permeated the semi-dark room.
Kyoko punched the bag, feeling better even though the heavy thing barely moved. "He always says and does embarrassing things," she ground out. "He has no shame!"
"I don't understand." Alimah came closer. "Did he insult you?"
Kyoko kept punching the sandbag. "No."
Sighing, Alimah stopped her and angled her arms into the right position. "Then what is your problem?"
"You know Tsuruga Ren, right?" Kyoko asked through clenched teeth. She threw another punch, pleased that it had more effect on the poor sandbag than her others. When Alimah nodded, she continued: "If you were his kohai, would you find it alright if he picked you up for some stupid team party?"
Alimah's mouth actually stood open in surprise. "He asked you out?" she asked.
"No, he didn't." Kyoko threw punch after punch, working herself up. "He should have asked someone else. Someone important to him. Instead he takes care of me, who is only his kohai. It doesn't make sense."
Baffled, Alimah studied Kyoko as if seeing her for the first time. "Why do you think that you are not important to him?"
Kyoko lowered her arms. She looked sad and reproachful, a curious mix. "He thinks he's responsible for me and sacrifices his time with girls who really like him. It's not fair to him but he won't listen."
Alimah stepped up to her again, this time correcting her complete stance. When she was done she said: "Well, I think that you should be glad. He'll take you home, too, right? Young girls shouldn't be out alone at night."
"I could have taken a cab," Kyoko insisted. She punched the sandbag again. "And he should take care of himself instead of worrying over me."
"Well, you lost this round, no?" Slowly, Alimah's teasing nature came back through her momentary surprise and she smiled broadly. "Next time you can teach him."
"I'll try, even if it kills me." Kyoko punched the sandbag one last time and then stepped back from it.
"Ah, don't worry about it. Men will be men, yes? Come, let's dance. It's more fun than hitting."
Alimah wandered off and started the music. Panting and puffing, Kyoko took off the gloves and followed her to the middle of the dojo. Alimah was right. Dancing was more fun, she had just needed this little exercise to be able to concentrate on other things.
Only two minutes later she allowed herself to be carried away by foreign rhythms, strange moves and her patient, likeable teacher.
End of Part IV