Chapter 7: Let the Filming Begin

AN: Hey guys! Sorry for the sporadic update! A few things. Scenes will be in bold, so you won't be confused as the chapter switches back and forth. Again, thank you for the support!

Ren arrived at Kyoko's place a few minutes before he was scheduled to. Schooling his face, and thoughts, would take the extra time. I need to make sure she isn't uncomfortable. Today will likely be the first meeting scenes, so nothing romantic. Yet. And, the scene we practiced is likely to be tomorrow. He didn't know whether to bring that topic up yet, since this was a romance drama. And, from the little snippets he heard from Director Shingai, it would be a heavy one too.

A rap on the window disturbed his thoughts. Kyoko stepped into the passenger side, fastening her seatbelt as she greeted him. "Good morning, Tsuruga-san!"

"Good morning, Mogami-san."

Missing a familiar face in the back, she looked back at Ren. "Where's Yashiro-san?" "He had to be dropped off at the studio a little earlier. I'm not sure of the reason, though." He replied.

They settled into a comfortable silence as the continued the drive to the studio. When they arrived, Ren stepped out first, offering his hand as she stepped out. Using her willpower to force the heat in her face from rising, she gracefully grabbed his hand. "Thank you."

After greeting several of their costars, they parted ways, each to their dressing room for costumes and makeup. Kyoko slipped on her bracelet, and concentrated on getting into character. She was excited nonetheless.

Ren finished his preparations first, and stepped out. Finding his manager, he approached him.

"What did the call you in for, Yashiro-san?"

Yashiro tried very hard, but failed to hide the smirk on his face. "Nothing you need to worry about." Thinking of a way to keep Ren off his trail, he added, "Just that they are still casting for some of the antagonists. They have their ideas, but are just waiting for approval."

"Do you know who?"

"Not yet. They won't tell us until it is finalized."

Ren couldn't help but worry, slightly. The antagonist of the romantic drama was surely to be someone who tried to "steal" one of the leads as their lover. When he thought about who could possibly be paired with Kyoko…

Murasame's approach stalled his thoughts. He must be paying his respects. He glanced over the butler's costume, a full on tuxedo that would fit in perfectly with a princess. Of course, that was the point.

Ren's own attire was nothing fancy. He was a commoner, after all. A simple black t-shirt over trousers and sneakers was all he was wearing. "Good morning, Tsuruga-san. I'm Murasame Taira, though we met at the meeting. It will be a pleasure working with you."

"And you as well." He replied simply.

That was the moment she chose to walk out. She had a black wig on, her long locks in waves down her back. The color reminded him of their childhood days. She had a pale blue dress that accentuated her eyes, yet referencing the looks of Cinderella. It had a more modern feel, yet was still elegant enough for a princess.

She was simply stunning. And Ren wasn't the only one feeling this way. Kuon raged at the fact that other men, particularly Murasame, were ogling her in this apparel. He wanted her as only his princess.

He decided to approach her first. "You look beautiful, Mogami-san. You look like a princess."

Her face held a rosy hue as she replied, "I have the makeup artist to thank for that."

Taira, who had been approaching, also stated, "You look stunning, Mogami-san."

Director Shingai called to gather the actors and actresses. "We will be shooting the scenes chronologically for today. So, Kiyori and her parents along with her butler. Places."

Kyoko took her place off stage, with her parents on their thrones in the center. Murasame at her side, she quickly faded into the background of her character.

"Action!"

Hiyori waltzed up to her parents, her butler at her side. "Father, Mother, what do I owe the pleasure of your call?"

Her mother smiled at her. "You don't need to be so formal, Hiyori. We're your parents." She glanced at her husband. "We have decided on your partner for marriage."

Hiyori did not even flinch. She had known this would be coming for a long time. She didn't even bother to think about her love life. She would marry someone for the benefit of the kingdom. That was how her life was laid out.

"As the royal protocol states," her father began, "you will be married to a commoner who fits these requirements. A personality that is good for a leader, an intelligent partner, and one whom we personally believe you will get along with."

She nodded. "Of course father. When do I meet him?"

Her mother smiled, proud of the easy accepting nature of her daughter. "You will meet him this afternoon. Bailey will take you to meet him."

Her butler nodded solemnly. Although he liked her, no one could know. And it would never work out. So he decided to sit back and help her find happiness. Even if it seemed as if she had given up on it herself.

"I understand Mother. Is that all?"

Her father spoke instead. "Yes. Thank you for being so understanding, dear."

She merely nodded as she exited with her butler.

"Cut!" Shingai called. "That looks fine. We're just reviewing the replay. You seemed to have taken my comments to heart."

Everyone nodded, relieved to meet his expectations. "First meeting scene for Haruto and Hiyori! Places!"

"I'm looking forward to acting with you, Tsuruga-san!"

"The pleasure's all mine."

"Action!"

Bailey knocked on the door of the house. While it wasn't run down or shabby, it was tiny compared to the castle she was used to.

As the door opened, she looked down to see a small child. "Hello," she greeted warmly. "Is there a Haruto here?"

The boy's eyes widened with shock as he realized the princess was here. "Brother! The princess is here!"

Six boys of increasing age scrambled forward. The oldest, in the back, walked forward. He was tall, with dark brown eyes and completely average attire.

"What do you need, Your Highness?" He asked.

Bailey spoke for her. "We are here to take you with us. You are to be the princess's fiancé."

Haruto was shocked. These people can't just waltz in here and order him around. "I don't care if you're royalty. I'm not coming."

The princess replied this time. "That does not matter. All has been accounted for. A royal servant will come to take care of your brothers. Money will be paid for them, including for education. And we have a royal order. I will not allow you to disobey."

While he didn't care about the royal order, the money was something he could not refuse. As the only one able to work, he had problems providing for his large family. He wanted better for them. As his conflicted emotions ranged on his face, anger to confusion and finally acceptance, the princess walked out.

"Come. We need you to get cleaned up."

"What?"

"My fiancé can not look like that."

She stepped into her carriage without glancing back. She really didn't care about what this man said or did. It was simply for her kingdom.

As he reluctantly gave his goodbyes, he thought. How am I supposed to get through this? They just show up, and now I have to obey. He didn't even like the princess, yet now, he was her fiancé.

Yet, against his better judgment, he followed her into the carriage.

"Cut! Let's do that one more time. Murasame. I want more emotion on your face. You don't have to mask it as well. You are watching the woman you love meet her fiancé. Kyoko. I like the difference between your attitude with the kids and with Ren. Bring that out more."

They completed the scene with the director's suggestions, and when they got the ok, they returned to the castle set for the next scene.

Kyoko and Ren were feeling good about their acting. Neither had broken character, however, it was only the beginning scenes. More trials were yet to come.

As they prepped for the final scenes of episode 1, Kyoko and Murasame chatted.

"Your character development is very thorough. I saw that from the very first meeting. It's fun acting opposite you." He told her.

Kyoko smiled and blushed. She enjoyed playing as Hiyori. Especially after learning her true character.

Ren could feel himself getting jealous as he watched how they talked from a distance. He tried to control his emotions as he got into his dressing room to change costumes for the scene.

When Ren returned, he looked every part of the prince. His regal outfit, complete with golden embellishments, complimented his height. The blue and gold reminded her of Prince Charming. And just like that, her heart rate quickened and she blushed.

Great. Now, just the sight of him can get reactions like this. What am I going to do later? This is why I wanted to lock that wretched box.

She was pulled out of her thoughts when Ren approached her. Noting the rosy tinge to her cheeks, he smiled. It was a reaction he had been dreaming of. And when he saw her looking like that, he couldn't help teasing her. "See something you like?"

Her faced turned crimson. "Playboy."

"I thought we already cleared that misunderstanding. This is how…"

Shingai called for places, interrupting their playful banter.

Just maybe she's starting to see me as a man. (With the help of her fairy tales, of course.)

But boy, he didn't know how far gone she already was.

AN: Phew! Again, sorry for the weird schedule. There might be an update Friday or Saturday, since I have a day off, but who knows. Thanks again for all your support.