Disclaimer: I don't own Kaleido Star.
A/N: I was thinking… Has anyone else noticed that Anna and Mia have the pet names for anorexia and bulimia… well almost, actually its Ana and Mia. Sorry, just noticed that. No one else is writing and Sora X Layla… Maybe I'm weird. I thought they made a good couple…
"Leon…" Sora paused.
"Yeah, I'll be performing today, just don't screw it up," he said.
"Thank you Leon. I promise I'll be a better partner for you," said Sora sincerely.
"I doubt you're able to. You could surrender the role to May Wong you know," he reminded her.
"Oh…" said Sora unsure of how to respond.
Sora tried harder than ever trying to add a dramatic flair to it. She breathed hard, barely able to keep up with Leon. Though she'd performed the entire show herself yesterday she'd been doing it at her own pace. Now she had to mach Leon's grace. She was glad when the whole thing was over, which was unusual for her. Normally she would've enjoyed the stage. Leon's demanding maneuvers made that impossible.
"You're improving," remarked Leon before entering his dressing room.
"Sora," said Kalos angrily. "What was that today?"
"What did I do wrong?" asked Sora.
"Everything. There was no life to it. The children in the audience were bored. Do better tomorrow," said Kalos.
Sora nodded. She looked at her watch. "I should be getting to Layla's."
"No need, I saw the show today. What happened?" asked Layla.
"Leon…" said Sora.
"It's all right. I think he's trying to ruin you to make himself look better," said Layla.
"But that's not right! We can both look better if we cooperate, and then the show would be better," said Sora confused.
"I know, but Leon doesn't care. He's a star. He doesn't have to. Sora, when you're a star, I know you'll still care about the audience," said Layla smiling.
"Mmm. Do you want to work your shoulder now?" asked Sora.
"Yes, let's go to your room," said Layla.
Sora shut the door behind them as Layla slid off her shirt. She blushed and unwrapped it.
"Does this bother you?" asked Layla noticing Sora's blush.
"A little. I know it shouldn't, because you're very pretty Layla. I admire you a lot," said Sora still blushing.
"Maybe it's not how I look," murmured Layla.
"What?" asked Sora confused.
"Nothing. Thank you for thinking I'm pretty," said Layla quietly. She slipped on her shirt and started the exercises.
"I still don't know why you need my help," said Sora.
"Well, once my shoulder gets so tired I can't lift the weight and I'd have to drop it if I didn't have help. I couldn't stretch my muscles out either. I can't lift it now," said Layla.
"That's five more than yesterday! You're getting better," said Sora smiling. She rubbed Layla's shoulder gently.
"I really appreciate this. So, how's everyone doing?" asked Layla.
"I think Kalos is disappointed in me. I'm trying to make him, Leon, and the audience happy, but it's not working. If I don't keep the Leon happy the audience is going to be disappointed, and then Kalos is disappointed. But it I do keep Leon happy the audience and Kalos are still disappointed, and then if I keep the audience happy then Leon—"
Layla drew a sharp breath.
"I'm sorry! Did I hurt you? I'm so sorry!" exclaimed Sora.
"No, you didn't hurt me, you just massaged a little low in front," said Layla blushing.
Sora's face turned bright red. She thought Layla's shoulder was a little to soft. "I'm so sorry! I got distracted! I'll never do it again! Please forgive me!"
Layla laughed. "It's okay Sora. It was an accident. I don't mind."
"I'm sorry," said Sora.
"I really don't know what you should do about Leon. Maybe find out a secret and threaten him with it," said Layla. "Then he'll be forced to perform."
"That's a good idea, but it's playing dirty, besides where are we going to find out a secret?" asked Sora.
"He's playing dirty. I have a few connections. Hold on a second while I make a phone call," said Layla.
Layla dialed a number on the phone. "Yes, this is Layla Hamilton… Okay, I'll hold…. Yes, what do you know about Leon Oswald?... Yes…. Really? Thank you. Bye."
"Well?" asked Sora.
"This one is major. It turns out he's gay, which would definitely reduce his number of fans. He'd be a fool to let that out," said Layla smiling.
"Fool? Oh no, Layla I'm so sorry!" blurted Sora.
"What is it this time?" asked Layla curiously.
"I let you uncover yourself without tying Fool up first! He probably got an eyeful," said Sora.
"That's okay, he's probably done it to a lot of people, especially those who can't see him," said Layla.
"Fool, where are you?" asked Sora.
"I'm busy," said Fool from inside a cracked drawer.
"You watched didn't you?" asked Sora opening the drawer. "Shimata!" She shut the door.
"What?" asked Layla.
"Fool! You are a bad person! You're going to get it later," said Sora angrily.
"Why?" asked Layla confused.
"He's in there… He watched you and now…" said Sora her face red.
Layla opened the drawer to see Fool busy with his pants down. She shut the drawer quickly and blushed.
"Hey, there's no other spirits for fun, get over it," said a slightly muffled Fool.
"I'm sorry Layla," said Sora, her face still red.
"Sora," said Fool. "You peeped at me, when do I get to see you?"
"NEVER!"
"Sora? Do you want to stay with me at the hotel? That way you can get away from Fool?" asked Layla.
"Really? Thank you Layla!" exclaimed Sora.