Cinderella III

"So did the director give you an idea when you should be finished with filming tonight?" Ren questions Kyoko as he meets her at the back entrance of her school. The teen has just finished taking the specially scheduled finals for her term and it takes her a moment to switch from academic mind to acting mode. She takes a deep breath and offers her companion a soft smile. Tension releases from her shoulders as she repeats Kingo's plans for the completion of the Snow Bride. The final filming for Cinderella should complete this afternoon and the director hopes to have the second half of the Snow Bride finished afterwards but before ten in the evening. They will be filming in a secondary set at the normal studio so there will not be a need for waiting on scene changes. Just yesterday, the crew promised to have everything in place for the shorter production.

"Late night," Ren muses.

Kyoko grins as they both climb into Tsuruga's car.

"Yeah... for once I will be the one up late. You are done after the Cinderella wrap, right?"

"Mostly. I just have a meeting at LME after shooting. The next week or so is actually impressively light. I am hosting some sort of Christmas special that is supposed to tape tomorrow and then I have a modeling gig the day before New Year's Eve. Otherwise, I am work free since Director Kingo decided to give us the week off for the holidays."

"It was nice of him," Kyoko replies although she suspects that President Lory had more to do with the break than Director Kurayami. Despite Dark's recent changes in attitude, he is still a bit over the top in his expectations for everyone involved in the drama. He is driven to get as many episodes in the can for the program as possible. He had actually already provided the scripts for the next three programs during their last filming session. The teen's head is practically swirling with the different dialogues and character attributes.

When they stop at a busy intersection, Ren steals a quick glance at his companion when she falls silent.

Before he can lose his nerve, Ren broaches a subject he hopes will not upset the actress.

"Will you be fine filming the... um... more um... interactive scenes with Koga tonight?" Concern leaks through in his tone and he darts another glance at her despite the now moving traffic. Even though he is not in the Snow Bride, Kyoko shared her script with him when he expressed interest in the program after her series of texts highlighting her costume. He knows that there will be relationship related scenes to be filmed tonight.

"I'll be fine," Kyoko assures him. "I am able to do my job as a professional."

"I know, Kyoko. I have faith in you. You are a professional. I just... well... I worry about how being so physically close to him will make you feel. I just..."

The actor startles slightly when a hand softly settles on his forearm.

"Thank you for being concerned, Ren, but I will be fine with acting with Hiro."

"Are you sure?" he asks almost fearfully. Although he normally has faith in the actress' ability to immerse herself in a character, he could not imagine that she would be able to hold onto the character given the perceived intimacies of the second half of the mini-episode. He suspects that he would not be able to do so.

As they once again become stuck in the pre-holiday traffic, Kyoko explains how she knows that she can handle the remaining scenes of the Snow Bride. Her fingers smooth soothing circles on his tense arm while she describes the interlude on the clinic stage where the injured pair rediscovered their abilities to connect on a professional level. She stressed how their mutual love of acting would help the pair reestablish their close connection as professionals.

Utterly amazed once more by the adaptive durability of the young woman he loves, Ren finds himself staring at her with all his feelings blatantly visible in his face. If the actor had not already shared his long hidden love with the actress on their trip, his feelings would most likely have been noticed even by the previously oblivious teen. With her recent maturation, she correctly reads her companion's affection and concern. Horns blare in the unnoticed background as Ren continues to map the quiet strength and passion in her countenance. Unlike in the past, Kyoko does not flinch or deny his feelings. Although she is still not sure how comfortable she is with the possibility of a serious romantic relationship, she refuses to return to her previous state of denial.

"The light has changed," Kyoko prompts with a tiny smile when her companion fails to respond to the light change or the racket from the impatient drivers behind them. The slightest blush sneaks onto his cheeks as the actor remembers to drive.

"So are you truly feeling less overwhelmed now?"

Kyoko pauses to really consider her feelings instead of instantly assuring him that she is fine. Although in the past, she would have automatically deflected any concern, Kyoko truly intends to stop placing barriers between herself and those who care about her. The resolve she uncovered while in Singapore nudges her into sharing her feelings more honestly.

"I feel a little bit numb now. Like a soda bottle that was shaken and shaken and shaken then the top twisted open. My feelings flew all over the place and now I lost all my bubbles. I guess I am a flat soda currently. And I made a big stain all over the place too."

When Ren attempts to reassure the actress that she didn't make a mess of things, she chuckles and shakes her head.

"I realize that I am not really to blame for what happened between Koga and me but I do need to claim responsibility for how I reacted. I am quite sure that I made a mess but somehow it doesn't seem like the end of the world anymore."

She takes a deep breath.

"Knowing how many people really and truly care about me and are not just a part of my life because of obligation... well, there is something about that acceptance that is helping me to accept myself a bit better. If so many people find merit in me, how can I discount their thoughts? If I respect everyone properly, then should I not respect their opinions on me also? It has taken a long time but the me I am now has worth. Not just as a convenience or even as an actress but as a person. It is a strange concept but I am finally getting it."

Kyoko frowns slightly as she clasps her hands tightly in her lap. She stares at her whitened knuckles for a moment.

"I am not sure I am explaining it right. This whole sharing and honesty thing is kinda hard and scary."

She sighs before lifting her chin. Turning, she offers a tired smile to her friend.

"But even if I can't describe it quite right, I am doing much better. Thank you so much for caring."

Darting his eyes off the road for just a moment, Ren reaches across the middle console and places his palm over Kyoko's clasped hands. His fingers wrap softly around them.

"I am glad, Kyoko."

The tension in her grasp loosens. Unlike during their plane ride, she doesn't pull away from the gentle touch. Instead, she flips her one hand until their palms touch and she twines her fingers with his longer ones. She shares a soft squeeze but does not withdraw the touch. It is just another way of living up to the brave person Ren and Shotaro insist that she is. As a comfortable silence settles, the pair enjoy the short moment of mutual peace.

Once they finally escape the thick traffic, the pair pulls into the relatively empty parking lot by the production studio.

"Looks like everyone is getting an early start on the holidays," Kyoko comments as she notices the lack of cars.

As Ren turns off his vehicle, a soft ping sounds on the windshield. The single ping is soon followed by slowly increasing taps as tiny pieces of ice bounce off the reinforced glass.

"Sleet?" the actress questions in surprise as they stare into the rapidly darkening skies. There had been no emergency weather notices issued in the last couple of hours so the rapid change in precipitation is surprising.

"Maybe you should take this extreme weather up with the snow fairies when you act your Snow Bride part tonight?" Ren suggests with a hint of teasing in his voice.

Kyoko giggles softly.

"I think I just might," she replies cheerily as she opens the car door and streaks through the wind and frozen rain towards the studio doors.

Shaking his head at her childish burst of energy, Ren finds himself smiling softly as he watches the actress skid on a bit of newly formed ice. Her arms flail like a windmill but she recovers her balance and continues to the protective awning over the front entrance. More of the tightness that had been constricting his chest for weeks loosens. The actor can't help but be happy to think that Kingo was right with his observations. Kyoko is as strong as he predicted. She might not be the same as she was a month ago but she has bounced back just like the director expected and Ren hoped. Best of all, it has not taken half a lifetime to happen.

He indulgently shakes his head as he watches Kyoko rush back into the freezing rain to throw her arms around the newly arrived Kanae. They scuffle and slide on the icy sidewalk until Kijima presses the tangled girls under the awning and out of the precipitation. Even from a distance, the actor can plainly see the real joy now surrounds Kyoko as she interacts with her best friend.

Ren chuckles as he exits his car. He can't help but be tickled that the spark that makes her Kyoko is still present. Despite her trials, the girl he loves is still there. Now he just hopes for the chance to share some sort of future with this newer, more mature young woman.


"I'm sorry to bother you, Sensei," Ayano offers timidly as she bows deeply.

"Hmm?" her professor replies as he glances up from his desk towards the entrance of his university office.

Standing, the student offers a large rolled tube to her teacher. He takes it and glances quickly at the small sticker attached to the tube that identifies its contents as the assignment that was due during the previous class.

"This project is a day past the due date," he warns with a worried expression marring his previously smiling face. "I will have to dock you a letter grade."

Ayano closes her eyes and immediately covers her momentary disappointment.

"I know," she admits. Despite knowing that her grade would suffer, the young woman was unable to find any time to recreate the destroyed project in time for class yesterday. As it was, she stayed awake almost all last night to complete it. The unhappy student does not offer any explanation for the delay even though the teacher seems to be waiting patiently for her to make some sort of excuse. When he realizes that she isn't going to offer one, the professor sighs. He correctly assumes that the delay has something to do with her odious step mother. Although he would prefer to not punish his favorite student for something she cannot control, the teacher must maintain a fair standard in all his grading practices. Resigned to having to dock points, he sets aside the project before pulling a thin folder from his bottom desk drawer. Keystones and Castles Competition is printed on the front of the otherwise plain packet.

"We missed you in class yesterday," the teacher offers as he taps the folder on the middle of his desk. "Your mother had you working all weekend on the Prism exhibition, didn't she?"

She simply nods but leaves her head lowered on the third movement. She doesn't want to admit how her original project was destroyed in a fit of anger or that she had been locked into her room for days in order to complete all the design work that was demanded of her.

"Sorry sir."

"I think you should plan on missing the next three classes," the teacher states evenly.

Horrified, Ayano lifts her head and promises that she will not miss any more classes and that she will do better at ensuring her projects are completed in a timely fashion.

Her teacher shakes his head with an affectionate smile tugging on his lips.

"No. I really think you should plan to miss those classes. Instead, I would like you to report to my office and work on this instead."

He holds the folder towards his favorite student.

Ayano frowns slightly in confusion before she takes the folder. Skimming the contents, a truly covetous expression skates over her features before she exerts enough discipline to cover the momentary loss of emotional control.

"This is an amazing opportunity," she whispers almost breathlessly. She takes a deep breath though and offers the folder back to her teacher. "I would love to participate but I just can't miss any more classes."

Refusing to take back the folder, Hara instead pulls a larger folder from his top desk drawer. He offers it to the young woman. He might not be able to wave a wand and magically change university grading policy but there is nothing preventing him from offering teaching aids for interested students.

"This is everything you will need to know for the next two weeks of classes. All my lecture points and practice assignments. It's all outlined and presented just as I will share with class. You have to participate in this project and I will not take any form of excuse. Your mother does not need to know because she already expects you to be here at the university for class. You can even leave the work in progress on my drafting desk," he offers as he waves towards his architectural table and stool tucked into the corner of his office. All the supplies she would need for the competition entry are already sitting on the desk and waiting for her use.

"Do you think I stand a chance of winning?" Ayano nervously asks with just a hint of hope creeping along the edges of her tone. In her mind, she can already envision the lines and angles of slowly emerging buildings.

"I know you do," her teacher assures her. "The founding architects for Keystones and Castles are three of the most gifted professionals I ever had the honor to teach. They started their business right out of uni and within less than five years, they have just secured the most highly sought futures project contract available in a decade."

"Really?"

"Yes. In fact, I have only ever taught one student who I thought was more impressive. More hard working and innovative."

Looking up from her reading on the competition, Ayano can't help but exclaim. "Wow. That other student must be really, really gifted."

"Yes, you are."

As Kyoko lifts her head with an utterly shocked and almost disbelieving expression on her face, snickers sound softly from the darkness of the production area.

The director glares over his shoulder but doesn't stop the scene. Not wanting to interrupt the flow, he hopes that the microphones didn't pick up the tiny outburst. In the darkness, Kanae covers her mouth to hold in her giggles. Beside her, Hidehito's shoulders shake ever so slightly as he too fights to hold in his own mirth. To the other side, Chiori turns from facing the set and bites her lip in hopes of hiding her own amusement. When Dark finally calls cut to end the scene, the three stop fighting their urges. Laughter erupts.

On stage, Kyoko frowns and turns to Kuu.

"I didn't think it was supposed to be funny," she comments in confusion. Her innocent statement draws even more laughter from her young co-stars.

"What is so funny?" Juli asks Ren as she pokes him in the side. She figures that he should be the one to answer since it was his snicker that actually sounded during the scene.

Removing his hand from his mouth to show his grin, the actor chuckles one more time. "It was that look," he explains softly to his mother. "That look was just so Kyoko."

"Especially a Kyoko who has been so well complimented on something," he adds.


Ren approaches the architectural office set when Dark calls him forward. He is expecting to be admonished for his unprofessional little outburst during the last scene. He stops in front of the director and awaits his reprimand. For a moment, Dark stares at him. Instead of snapping at the actor, Kingo just shakes his head.

"The sound crew should be able to mix out the sound if it ended up on the recording," he offers unexpectedly before waving the actor towards the set where a series of scenes between Kyoko's character and the three architects will next be taped.

"Sorry for the disruption, sir," Ren apologizes without any sign of sarcasm.

"Just go act," Dark states while waving his hand once more towards the set.

"Yes, sir," the actor replies almost flippantly before continuing on to join Kyoko on the recording stage.

"I still don't get what was so funny," Kyoko mutters to Ren as they move into position for their first scene after Ayano earns the internship at the firm. After another chuckle, Tsuruga promises to explain it to her later.

"In fact," he states. "How about I pick you up tonight after your taping and I can explain in before I take you home?"

"But it will be a bit late," the actress worries.

"It's not a problem, Kyoko. I really want a chance to talk with you in private. Just think of it as added incentive," he nudges.

After a moments consideration, Kyoko nods in agreement.

"I look forwards to it," she states with a grin.

"Me too," her companion admits before slipping into his character. Noticing his shift, Kyoko follows him into the headspace of Ayano.


"That's a wrap," Kingo states as he watches the last playback on the final climactic scene. The Cinderella character had finally escaped the curse of her evil step mother by accepting a position in the architectural firm after the three architects had hunted their wayward intern down and demanded she be released from her obligations to her father's business. Alhough it is not a romantic based happy future, the more modern version still hints at the potential for future feelings to grow between Ayano and any one of the three other young designers. "Everyone but Kyoko, Hiromune and production team two are dismissed. I will see you all after the new year. Enjoy your holidays and make sure you are ready to wow me with your preparation for the next episode. With the extra week off, I expect great things from all of you."

Amidst the clamoring to leave, Kanae takes a moment to slip away from the bustle. She approaches Hiromune and his manager who are preparing to move to the smaller studio at the back of the building.

"Koga," she hisses softly in hopes of keeping anyone from overhearing the conversation.

Hiromune stiffens for a moment. His manager places an encouraging hand on his forearm as he shifts to face the icy countenance of his costar. His eyes dart past her eyes before he lowers his head slightly. He fixes his attention on a tiny scuff mark on the floor near Kanae's stylish winter boot.

"I don't like you," Kotonami states evenly. "I have always found you unprofessional and spoiled."

"I am not sure this is a conversation my client needs at this moment," Sato injects in hopes of deflecting what she suspects will not be a pleasant exchange.

Koga shakes his head and asks the older woman to allow the younger actress to speak. He can't imagine Kyoko's best friend can do any more harm to him than others have done. He even doubts that she can even approach how badly he thinks of himself at this point.

"I don't like you," Kanae reiterates. "But for some unfathomable reason, Kyoko does."

Hiro's eyes widen a bit in disbelief. Kotonami had used the present and not the past tense in relation to her best friends regard. Even though he doesn't want to hope, a tiny spark of warmth flames in his chest as he meets Kanae's gaze. He can easily read her annoyance and disfavor for him but he cannot see any dishonesty in her intention.

"Just, stay in character as much as possible tonight," the younger actress advises gruffly. "It will help her get through the rest of your little personal shoot. Hopefully without setting off any triggers. For either of you."

"Why are you trying to help me?" Hiro asks suspiciously as he tilts his head a bit to the side. His green eyes stare intently at Kanae as if her intentions are written on the skin of her face. Even his manager finds the verbal advise unexpected.

"I'm... it's not really for... mou..." Kanae huffs. "Your acting feeds off each other. It's disgustingly annoying. Like REALLY annoying. But I can't fault it. We have all seen it. She said that you helped her get over her fear during the bungee shoot. She led you by the nose when you were sick during the Ugly Duckling taping. The two of you have a profound professional chemistry that the rest of us find so... ugh... just annoying. That's why I think if you stick to your scripted personalities, then you both will be able to succeed with tonight's taping."

Unsure if she should say anything else, LoveMe number two falls silent. She is startled when the former Akatoki actor thanks her. His quiet expression of appreciation is followed by a second thank you from Sato Iku. Flustered, Kanae grumbles a rough reply about not hurting her friend and turns to flee the uncomfortable exchange. She pauses in her flight and turns to watch the manager and actor leave the large studio.

"That was a bit more than just civil," sounds in her ear.

Startled, Kotonomi jumps and whirls around to face the tall man who has leaned over to whisper in her ear. A slight blush travels up the actresses neck and across her cheeks.

"I was just... um..." she stammers nervously.

"You were just being a good friend, Kanae. A good person," Hidehito states proudly.

"Well... it's for Kyoko... of course I'm gonna..."

Her reply is interrupted by a soft brush of lips across her own. Long fingers ghost lightly along her cheek and tilt her head ever so slightly so that Kijima can more easily continue the kiss. It's a gentle, warm exchange lacking the punch of passion that the playboy could have employed. It is exactly what he wanted their first to kiss to be. Something soft and special. Pulling back with a smile on his lips, Hidehito moves the hand on her cheek down her neck and arm until he grasps Kanae's hand. He steps back and smirks at the slightly embarrassed and utterly surprised expression on the actress' face.

"Come on, Beautiful," the actor nudges as he turns towards the exit. He gently pulls the strangely silent actress behind him. "Can't be late for our top secret meeting, now can we? If we're lucky, it won't run too late and we'll have time for your chance to kiss me."

Kanae gasps and stops walking for just a second. Frowning fiercely at her companion, she then speeds up and plows past him until she is pulling him behind her towards the exit.

"You just assume I want to kiss you," she mutters with a quick glance over her shoulder that is punctuated with a pinched expression.

"Well, yeah," the actor replies confidently while his smirk shifts to an even more mischievous smile that has his eyes twinkling.

Kanae huffs. She turns and continues to stomp towards the exit. All the while, she never releases Kijima's hand nor does she even try to pull away from his grasp.

"That is not a denial," the actor teases with a quiet chuckle.

"Oh! Shut up, you!" the actress orders as her cheeks flush even further.

Wisely, Hidehito keeps his continuing chuckles to himself.