A/N: I started writing this after finishing Tokyo Crazy Paradise a couple of weeks ago. I seriously sat down and thought about what it would take to make a manga into a live-TV adaptation, down to thinking that Akira and Kai's characters would have to be combined, and that lot of the manga cut and squished into a few episodes. I even looked up how a TV script is built (which you'll see below).

In the end, I decided to not finish it because I discovered soon after starting that someone else already had the idea of casting Kyoko as Tsukasa and Ren as Ryuji, and they even had Shingai as the director. So, in the interests of not copying someone else's fic, I shelved the idea. Below is what little I had actually started writing: two chapters and a random scene after Ren finds out that Kyoko is going to play Tsukasa to his Ryuji.

Lory Takarada lowered the proposal and lifted an eyebrow at Shingai Seiji. "You're offering him and her your lead roles?"

Shingai crossed an ankle over his knee. "You object?"

"Not necessarily," Lory said slowly, setting down the proposal to light a cigarette. "It does seem a little unbalanced. He has so much more experience. She's never had a lead role."

Shingai nodded. "I know, but I once watched them act opposite each other and though it was only a few minutes, I thought they had excellent chemistry." He smiled wryly. "To tell you the truth, sir, if you had allowed me to at the time, I would have replaced Ruriko-chan with Mogami Kyoko on the spot."

Lory shook his head, blowing smoke out through his nose. "Her guts would have only taken her so far, Shingai-kun. Her inexperience as an actress at that time would have encumbered her eventually. But…" He glanced at the proposal again, his expression thoughtful. "She may be ready this time… though it is a demanding role. Not only will she be tested physically, but emotionally as well… This would be her first major non-bullying role."

Shingai nodded. "I've been keeping track of her career. I wouldn't have offered the role to her otherwise if I didn't think she could bring forth the kind of intensity I need. I'll be happy to be the one who will finally break her out of being typecast." He sighed. "If she accepts, that is."

"Ren is a little old for the part," Lory said, cocking his head. "Isn't the male lead a teenager in the manga?"

Shingai nodded. "The screenwriter changed the ages a bit. He thought it made more sense for him to have a bit more life experience—otherwise, he's the same age as the brother characters and the writer wanted to give him a bit more gravitas." He paused. "Of course, if Tsuruga-kun doesn't accept, I'd be willing to look at ages closer to the actual role."

"Hmm," Lory said, tapping ash out onto an ashtray. "I have a feeling that neither of them will be able to resist the challenge…"

#

Kyoko hummed as she finished her chores at Darumaya.

"You seem to be in a good mood, Kyoko-chan," commented the Okamisan as she stacked chairs on the tables for the night.

"Sawara-san left me a voicemail," Kyoko said, eyes shining. She barely restrained herself from hopping up and down with excitement as she spoke. "He sounded really excited about an offer that came in for me last night, but he didn't want to say what it was over the phone, so I get to meet with him first thing in the morning, and I hope that it's a fairy princess's lady-in-waiting and maybe I'll get a magic wand and wings and special makeup and…"

She went on in his vein for a few more minutes, the okamisan listening and hiding a smile as Kyoko danced around the room in gleeful anticipation.

"Kyoko-chan, I am happy for you, but I'm curious about something," the older woman said, finishing the last chair on the last table.

"What's that?" Kyoko asked, going to the long counter and wiping up stray crumbs and drops of liquid.

"You always speak of side character roles that you're excited for. Why not lead roles?"

Kyoko looked up at the older woman, eyes wide. "Oh, I'm too much of a newbie actor to even dream about landing a lead role yet, Okamisan!"

She chuckled. "Kyoko-chan, you've been an actress for almost three years. Isn't that plenty of time?"

Kyoko shook her head, tossing her dish rag into the sink in the back and going to pick up the crate that held disposable chopsticks. She began refilling the containers set on the tables. "Some actors don't get a lead role for years and years. Some never do…" she trailed off looking troubled.

"Well I'm sure your time will come soon," the okami said confidently.

"Arigatou," Kyoko said, smiling, but inwardly vowed not to think about lead roles before it was her time. That was a sure fire way to jinx oneself. Eventually, yes, she hoped to get a lead role, but she wasn't greedy. She was willing to do the time, to wait until her acting skills were better than they were. And that really was the crux of the matter. She had so much yet to experience as an actress. How could she even think of becoming the main protagonist until she improved herself and her skills?

Feeling a fresh surge of determination, Kyoko finished her chores in record time and went to bed, excited to see what new role would be offered to her on the next day.

#

A chorus of cheering fairies was dancing around Kyoko's head.

"Congratulations, Kyoko-sama!" they sang in shrill voices, flashing their iridescent wings in celebration.

"Uh, Mogami-san?"

Kyoko came back to Earth, waving to disperse her imaginary chorus. "Yes?"

Sawara Takenoshi peered at her in concern, saw the way her eyes were wide in excitement and felt a twinge of nervousness. What would he do if she wasn't as excited about the offer once she heard it?

"This came in yesterday from Shingai Seiji. He specifically requested you for the part," Sawara-san said, handing her the script. "I didn't know you knew Director Shingai, Mogami-san. I'm impressed with your networking skills."

Kyoko frowned in thought. "Shingai?" she repeated doubtfully. Why did that name make her think of tea? Then it hit her: he was the director of Ring Doh. He'd been the first director she'd ever acted in front of.

"The script is the first episode a live-action adaptation of a popular manga from a few years back," Sawara-san continued, unable to keep a grin from his face. "The part is for the main protagonist."

Kyoko's eyes widened, her jaw dropping open. "N-No way," she breathed. "Me? A newbie talento?"

Sawara-san chuckled. "Well, you made your debut within a few months of joining L.M.E. I don't think you quite qualify as a 'newbie' anymore. Still, getting a lead role is rare for a actress within the first five years of her career. I'm very proud of you, Mogami-san. Please take some time to read over the script and let me know what your decision is by the end of the week. We won't want to keep Shingai-san waiting."

"Hai! Thank you very much!" Kyoko bowed and left the office, her fingers clenched around the script as if it was going to sprout wings and fly off. She had trouble believing that she was being offered the lead role in an action drama. Her instinct was to say "yes" immediately—who knew when she would get a chance like this again?—but she decided to follow Sawara-san's advice and think about it seriously.

Since she had some time in her schedule, Kyoko made her way down to the cafeteria and purchased a cold tea. She chose a table near the back, isolated from the others—there were a few scattered people eating breakfast—and opened the script.

TOKYO CRAZY PARADISE

by

Shingai Seiji

Based on the manga

by

Nakamura Yoshiki

SUNSET. SOUNDS OF SIRENS, CARS, AND STREET CHATTER.

MUSIC. TITLES.

EXT. DOWNTOWN TOKYO-SUNSET

The sparkling skyscrapers of Tokyo give way to a darker city scene on the streets. A woman is being chased by three thugs. She is getting tired of running, looks back to her attackers, and trips. The thugs swarm around her, and her scream is muffled. Camera sweeps to other citizens avoiding the area, looking worried but making no move to intervene.

EXT. MOUTH OF ALLEY

A figure smaller than that of the thugs steps up. Thugs glance up but barely have time to react as KOZUKI TSUKASA (mid to late teens) begins to use martial arts to pummel them. The thugs are left moaning on the pavement as Tsukasa checks on the woman.

TSUKASA

You okay?

WOMAN

I… I think so… thank you…

EXT. DOWNTOWN TOKYO-SUNSET

Tsukasa sends woman on her way, begins to walk home. She is wearing a boy's school uniform, hair cut short to hide her gender. At this point, the audience should think that she is a boy. The streets begin to thin of other people and shadows lengthen. She obviously has to walk a long way from school to get home.

TSUKASA - VOICEOVER

No one seems to care about anything but their own business any more. But not me… I can't stand it… maybe I get it from my parents, I don't know. But I've never been able to just walk past something like that and not do something.

EXT. FRONT OF APARTMENT

Tsukasa pauses in front of a shabby apartment building. Her teenage brothers TAKUMA (late teens early twenties), SHOHEI (mid-teens), and TOSHIYUKI (young teens) are waiting for her wearing dejected expressions. They all have the subtle appearance of kids who've been taking care of themselves: hair cut unevenly, clothes not as clean as their mother would have liked. Takuma, the oldest, is the only one standing, looking protectively over his siblings.

TSUKASA

What's wrong?

TAKUMA

The landlady kicked us out. Said that since… since mom and dad died she knows we don't have any income and can't pay the rent. We have until the end of the day to leave.

VOICEOVER - TSUKASA

If only other problems could be solved with a kick to the face.

As Kyoko read, she became more and more enthralled. Kozuki Tsukasa was a fantastic character: strong-willed and passionate, and she cared deeply about her brothers enough to do something she disliked to ensure their survival.

Tsukasa wasn't the fairy or lady in waiting that she'd hoped for, but… she was sort of like Cinderella, or maybe Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Yes, that was more accurate. This Ryuji character was rude and condescending, and he was shackling Tsukasa to himself by mountains of debt. Kyoko felt her excitement grow.

She checked her watch. It was nearly lunch time. Sawara-san usually ate lunch at his desk, so maybe he'd still be there. She hurried back upstairs, rocking on her heels impatiently as the elevator made its way up.

"I'll do it!" she yelled as she ran toward Sawara-san's desk. Her forward momentum was checked by a tall black-haired man standing next to Sawara-san. Kyoko blushed, and ducked in a bow. "Excuse me, I didn't mean to interrupt."

"Ah, Kyoko-san, it's good to see you again," the man said with a friendly smile.

Kyoko looked up and then smiled in recognition. "Director Shingai!"

"I happened to be in the area and stopped by," he explained, then he gestured at the script in Kyoko's hand. "I take it by your shout as you came around the corner that you've read the script?"

"Yes," Kyoko said. "I'm very excited by this role, Director. Thank you very much for the opportunity."

"Ah, well, you may want to hold off on your acceptance," Shingai, smiling a little. "I forgot to instruct Sawara-san to let you in on a few details that will be coming down the road in later episodes… unless you're already familiar with the manga?"

Kyoko shook her head. "No, not at all."

"Okay," Shingai said, nodding. "Then I need to let you know that this role will have some romantic elements including partial nudity."

Kyoko froze, heat creeping across her face until it blazed like the noonday sun.

"It will be tasteful," Shingai continued. "We don't want to exclude our main target audience by the censors' ratings, but it is a part of the story." He paused. "Do you need some time to rethink this, Kyoko-san?"

Chapter 2

A dark, gloomy atmosphere seemed to sweep through the room, making Sawara and Shingai shiver.

"Is this a pornographic TV show?" Kyoko asked a low voice, eyes narrowed with suppressed fury. Sawara gulped and took a step away from the frightening Mio-esque aura that was surrounding the young actress.

"No, not at all," Shingai said reassuringly. "Look, you've read the script for the pilot episode, right?"

"Yes…"

"Don't you remember the scene in the shower room when Tsukasa is taking too long so Ryuji comes to get her?"

Kyoko frowned. She had been reading so quickly that it hadn't really hit her that the simple line "Ryuji doesn't seem surprised at Tsukasa's true gender" probably meant that he had seen her naked.

"It will be tasteful, like I said," Shingai promised. "Also, we can get a body double if it makes you uncomfortable. It's not all that uncommon. I wouldn't have asked you to fill this role if I didn't think you would be able to meet the challenge that many actors have to face in their careers."

The words hit home. Kyoko's eyes widened. What would Tsuruga-san do? It was obvious. Tsuruga-san may have rejected a role that wasn't appealing, but Kyoko had already read the first complete episode and already liked Tsukasa. To reject a role simply because she was nervous about some of the requirements of the character was cowardly and didn't show the professionalism of a true actor.

Kyoko met Shingai's eyes. "I'll do it," she said quietly. "I want to grow, to expand my horizons as an actress. I won't run away from a challenge."

Director Shingai nodded, grinning and held out his hand for her to shake. "Excellent. Sawara-san has the contract ready, which you can sign today if you like. You'll need to get in contact with our martial arts trainer, but Sawara-san will fill you in on that."

As soon as Shingai left, Kyoko dropped into the chair in front of Sawara-san's, feeling a bit dazed at what she was about to commit herself to. Sawara-san took a look at her face and slid the contract across his desk, but kept his hand on it.

"If you need more time, Mogami-san," he said in a quiet voice, "please don't feel obligated to sign right away. You can think about it more if you would like."

Kyoko shook her head, taking a pen from a cup on his desk. "No, I'm already committed here and here," she said, pointing to her head and heart. "I won't hesitate," she said in a firm voice, scrawling her name across the page in bold strokes. "I won't run away."

"Good for you," Sawara-san said approvingly, retracting the signed contract and getting out a slip of paper with an address written on it. "This is the training school of Ishii Takeo-sensei. He's a friend of the President's and regularly trains actors from L.M.E. for any martial arts needs they have. The training courses were scheduled ahead of time for you and any of the other actors that might need training. You as Tsukasa will need the most training, though I think a stunt double will do most of your difficult shots."

Kyoko shook her head. "If possible, I'd like to do my own stunts."

Sawara-san sighed. "Mogami-san, the reason we have stunt doubles in the first place is so nothing happens to the schedule should they happen to get hurt. If you get hurt, on the other hand, than filming will be delayed. Besides, you don't know any martial arts, do you?"

"No," she admitted. "Judo and kendo were extracurriculars at the high school where I grew up, but I dropped out after junior high ended so I never got to take them."

"This should be a fun experience then," Sawara-san grinned. "Tsukasa is quite the warrior."

Kyoko looked at the slip of paper. The first training session was in a couple of days. "Was he so confident I'd accept the role?" she asked, pointing it out.

Sawara-san blinked. "Huh, maybe he was? Directors tend to be decent judges of character: you have to be in this business. Maybe he knew before you did," he said, chuckling. "Let me know if you need anything else. I have a feeling this will take up most of your time from now on until filming starts."

Kyoko nodded and bowed. "Thank you very much, Sawara-san." She looked up at him, smiling. "You've been looking after me for a long time."

"Ah, it's nothing," he replied, feeling heat creep up his neck. "I'm glad you have you in my department, Mogami-san. Good luck with your new role. Work hard!"

"Hai!" she said happily left his office with a spring in her step.

#

"So what do you think, Ren?" Yashiro asked.

Ren tapped the script on his knee thoughtfully. "I'm not sure. A yakuza gangster? It seems a little overdone."

Yashiro's mouth dropped open. "Ren, this is an adaptation of a really popular manga. It's almost guaranteed good ratings from the start. Not to mention, it's a very physical role. I thought you liked that kind of stuff."

"Physical?" Ren frowned. "Shooting a gun doesn't take much talent, especially prop guns."

"There's martial arts," Yashiro countered. "Street chases… a girl in disguise…"

Ren grinned. "I take it you're a fan of this story, Yashiro-san? It's a shoujo manga…"

"Hey, it has a lot of things appealing to guys too," Yashiro scowled. "Car chases, gun fights, huge battles…That will appeal to the male demographic and the love story will appeal to the female. This show has the potential to be a high ratings earner... Besides, it's Shinga Seiji who's directing. You've always respected his work."

"True." Ren tapped the booklet against his knee a couple more times. "Okay. Go ahead and accept."

"Excellent!" Yashiro san made a note in his booklet. "I'll have the contract ready for you this afternoon." He looked up from his schedule book. "We should head to your next appointment."

"Sure." Ren unfolded his long frame from the chair and they made his way to the car.

"I wonder who the female lead will be?" Yashiro said as they buckled themselves into Ren's silver Audi.

"Does it matter as long as she's a professional?" Ren said, checking his mirrors as he reversed out of the parking spot.

Yashiro cast a look at him, his expression plainly saying that he thought the taller man was no fun. "Well, if I remember the manga correctly, there are a few kissing scenes. You want to like the girl you're going to kiss, don't you?"

Ren grinned. "I'm surprised at you Yashiro-san. Are you advocating I chase after someone other than Mogami-san?"

Yashiro shook his head vehemently. "Not at all! All I'm saying is that you don't want… I don't know… thin lips on the woman you have to kiss."

"All I care about is her professionalism," Ren said, pulling out into traffic. "I'm more concerned if she can perform her role rather than if she has 'thin lips.'"

Yashiro sighed. "This coming from the man whose first kiss was a middle-aged man with a paunch."

"Oh? And was your first kiss any better?"

"It was with a girl at least!" Yashiro countered, straightening his glasses.

Ren glanced at his manager, realization dawning on him that he really didn't know too much about the other man's personal life.

"Do you have a girlfriend, Yashiro-san?" he asked, curious.

Yashiro cast him a strange look. "No," he said. "This job is rather demanding. I wouldn't…" he hesitated. "It would be hard to maintain a relationship right now."

Ren frowned. "But I thought I remembered you talking to a pretty girl from Accounting last week? Weren't you going to go on a date? Did that not go well?"

Yashiro shifted uncomfortably. "She, ah… well, no. It didn't."

Ren felt a twinge of embarrassment. "Sorry," he said quickly. "I didn't mean to pry."

Yashiro shook his head. "No, it's nothing bad." A corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. "It's only… she was really going out with me in hopes of meeting you. Luckily, I figured it out within a few minutes of talking to her on our date, so I ended that rather quickly."

"Oh." Ren didn't know what to say to that and if he could have slumped while driving, he would have. What an awkward situation to be in. It wasn't unusual that people would try to reach him through Yashiro—he was a celebrity, it came with the territory—but for the first time it occurred to him how it could affect his manager on a personal level.

"Yashiro-san," he said glancing at the man beside him. "You know you only have to ask and you could have some time off."

Yashiro smiled. "Thank you, but I'm happy to work. It's not the end of the world if I don't have a date for every weekend."

#

[random unconnected scene after Ren finds out that Kyoko is Tsukasa]

"Ren are you okay?"

Ren lifted his head with an effort and glared at Yashiro.

Yashiro chuckled and dropped into the seat beside him. "And I thought living with her as Setsu was bad. This is ten times worse! Now you actually have to look at her naked."

"Yashiro-san…" Ren said in a warning voice.

Yashiro stifled his giggles with difficulty, apologizing again.

Ren sighed and leaned his forehead into his hand again. "I can't get out of this can I?"

Yashiro shook his head. "You're under contract. I mean, you could break it, but…"

Ren clenched his jaw. "No."

Yashiro glanced at him. "Guess your professional pride is at stake then. Can you go through a scene like that and treat her as you would any other professional actress?"

"I'll have to," Ren said, jaw clenching. "Even if it kills me."