"What's this?" Kuon asked holding up a wrapped box he found in their waiting room.

Kyouko cocked her head trying to place where she had seen it before. He raised a brow at her as she stared long and hard. Then the memory came to her and she scowled.

"It's Shoutaro's birthday present to me." she said waving her hand towards the trash can. "You can just toss it."

"You're not even curious about what it is?" he asked casually. Morbid curiosity had his fingers itching to open it.

"It's a cd. That's all he ever gives people is himself singing. Well, he gives me anger issues too but I'm special." She said walking to the couch and placing her head in his lap. "Pet my head."

He did as she requested running his fingers through her hair as he asked, "Can I open it?"

"If you want. You can keep it or throw it out I don't care." She said closing her eyes to enjoy the feeling of his fingers on her scalp. She hummed contentedly and he tossed the present to the table to use both hands on her head.

"You keep moaning like that and I'll need to excuse myself to the bathroom." Kuon warned in a teasing tone.

"I can't help it, it feels good." She said nuzzling into his hands. "I get why you enjoy it so much when I pet your hair."

"And here I thought you hated it when I made you into my pet." he said playfully.

Her hands covered her hair instinctively and she said, "I am not a chipmunk."

He wiggled his brows at her and she sat up inching away from him.

"Ren, we need you on set." Murasame said through the door while knocking. "Is Setsu-chan in there with you? Director Anna said there was a producer here to speak with her."

"Why are you here?" Kyouko asked opening the door. "Where's Yashiro-san?"

Murasame paused to stare at her pretty face before Ren's scowl came into view. He cleared his throat and turned away.

"Your manager was taken away by that producer lady. Director Anna seemed really excited and he forced me to get you." Murasame said looking anywhere but at her.

"You're being rude Taiga-san. Don't you know to look at people when you're speaking to them?" Kuon said wanting to tease the man. Kyouko looked between the two puzzled by the hostile atmosphere. Murasame hadn't even said anything suggestive or rude to her so why was Kuon so annoyed by his presence.

"Right, yes." Murasame said, "Kyouko-chan you don't want to keep the producer waiting, do you?"

"No." She replied and with a quick glance back at Kuon she left the two alone.

"Uh, we should go to set." Murasame said awkwardly.

Kuon motioned for him to lead the way but Murasame shook his head. There was no way he wanted Tsuruga stalking behind him. He bowed slightly feigning deference and held his arms out for Ren to go ahead of him. Kuon stifled a laugh at the other man's uneasiness before brushing past him and heading to set.

In a nearby conference room Kyouko sat stunned by the words that had just left the producer's mouth. Yashiro hid his amusement behind a mask of professionalism. He had patted himself on the back for negotiating this with production. If Kyouko accepted, then she could increase her popularity and there was the bonus that it would upset Fuwa Shou. Yashiro took pleasure in knowing he would have a part in ruining the singer's day.

"But you've never even heard me sing before." Kyouko said after the silence had stretched on for too long. She knew she needed to give them an answer, but she couldn't fathom what her response should be. They wanted her to sing on the soundtrack for Oh! Darling. Why would anyone want her to sing?

"Your manager was kind enough to play a recording for us. You have quite an amazing voice." The producer said with a genial smile.

"Yashiro-san?" Kyouko jumped remembering that her manager was beside her. Then she narrowed her eyes at him wondering what he had gotten her into.

"Yes, I recorded you singing on some of your karaoke outings." He said omitting that Ren had asked for the recordings. Unable to deny one half of his favorite couple something so cute he took advantage of the recordings when director Anna mentioned trouble with finding songs to promote the drama.

"And if you can sound that good while out with friends imagine how much more beautiful your voice could sound with professional equipment." The producer said as she nudged a contract towards Kyouko. "We don't need an answer today, but we would appreciate one by the end of the week."

A knock at the door announced Shou's arrival as he waltzed in without waiting to be invited.

He wore a sneer on his face along with a thick layer of makeup. Yashiro cocked a brow at the heavily concealed countenance but shrugged it off as something rock stars did. It was probably something the singer was doing to get Kyouko's attention, the manager concluded.

"Ah, Fuwa-san, hello." The producer said with a bow as Shou plopped down in a seat next to Kyouko.

"Forgive us for being late. It's been a rough morning." Shoko-san said with a bow to each of them then she turned to Shou. "Shou sit up correctly and apologize." She didn't know why she bothered trying to correct his manners anymore.

"Not to worry. Please have a seat." The producer said motioning to the chair on the other side of Shou.

Kyouko scooted her chair away from Shou and leaned towards Yashiro. The musician noticed and stuck his tongue out at her while no one was looking.

"We were just discussing Kyouko's possible involvement with the soundtrack." The producer said.

"What like her being in my music video?" Shou asked making a face despite, his inner feelings of giddiness over the idea. If it were just Kyouko and Tsuruga than Shou would get another chance to speak with her. Their manager would have to leave her alone sometime during shooting.

"No, we were hoping that Kyouko could sing at least one song. If possible, we would really like to get three songs from her and have her co-write them." The producer explained. "Since you are already contracted to write four songs for us, we were hoping you could help her write the songs."

"What?" Shou yelped before clamping his mouth shut not wanting the producer to see him being difficult.

"It'll be wonderful right?" the producer asked mistaking Shou's outburst for excitement. A sound pinged from the producer's phone and she glanced down. Leaning into Shou she whispered, "I'll be right back, I'm counting on you to help convince her to sing for us."

Shou watched her leave with a pleasant smile on his face. Then he swiveled his chair around to glare at Kyouko.

"As if you could write a song." Shou sneered annoyed. The soundtrack was something he thought would be given to him alone. There was no way he was going to share it with her.

"Well, it can't be that difficult, I mean you do it all the time and you always made me do your schoolwork." Kyouko said back. "You only sat next to me in class so you could peak at my tests."

"Whatever. At least I don't make dogs howl when I sing." Shou countered leaning over her.

"You've never even heard Kyouko-chan sing." Yashiro cut in casually pushing Shou away. It was a real art the way he could make shoving someone look graceful and polite.

"Please she used to try to sing with me all the time and play my guitar. The neighborhood dogs would howl like this," he said before letting out an ear-piercing yowl.

"Coming from the guy who used to make me harmonize with him and play guitar when his hands cramped." Kyouko spat earning a menacing growl from Shou.

"If she's on the soundtrack I won't be." He declared to Shoko.

Calling his bluff, Kyouko said, "Fine by me. I'll sing the three songs they want and write them all by myself."

"You will?" the producer asked reentering the room. "That's so great. I knew you could convince her Fuwa-san."

"Wait what?" Both Kyouko and Shou said causing Yashiro to grimace.

"We were really hoping you would sing for us, and we need a song from Sayuri for the final episode. Now that that's settled…"

"It is not settled!" Shou interrupted jabbing a finger at his contract in front of Shoko. "Shoko-san tell them that I was already promised three songs on the soundtrack." Seeing the producer's face fall he sat up straight and rephrased his words, "Kyouko-chan doesn't know how to um, write songs. She can't even sing properly, and I would need to teach her," he was about to say he didn't have time for that, but the producer interrupted him.

"That is so great of you to offer to help her out so much. Thank you so much Fuwa-san." She said nudging Kyouko's contract towards her. "All that's left is for you to sign here."

"Uh, w… ah alright." Kyouko stumbled unsure of how to get out of singing. She looked to Yashiro who picked up a pen and pulled the contract in front of her.

"I negotiated an increase in salary for you, per song. Not that you care about that." Yashiro whispered to her. "This will be really good for your career. I would never have agreed to this meeting if I thought you couldn't do it."

Shaking hands took the pen and placed it on the paper.

"So exciting." The producer enthused and stood up. "I have to get to another meeting, if you'll excuse me." she bowed to them taking the signed contract from Kyouko.

Kyouko bowed to her numbly. The producer took her leave happy that she had successfully backed Kyouko into a corner and gotten what the other producers wanted.

"You'll only embarrass yourself and all of us involved." Shou sneered trying to intimidate Kyouko by leaning over her but finding Yashiro's hand in his face.

"You embarrass everyone involved with you by walking around with the bad makeup job." Kyouko retorted pointing to the poorly covered bruise on his face. She would feel guilty if he hadn't started it.

"I bet Tsuruga taught you how to properly hide bruises. I can barely tell that there's makeup on your flawless face." He said with a sneer.

"Flawless! Really Shou-chan you mean it?" Kyouko said acting cheerful as she stood up and mimed looking at herself in a mirror. "Oh, isn't it grand Shou-chan called me flawless." She batted her lashes at him before snapping the invisible mirror shut and cocking her head lazily to stare blankly at him. "Trying to distract me so I won't steal your spotlight? As if that pathetic excuse for a compliment would make anyone happy."

Shou stared at her stunned by how sexy she looked and sounded with the slightest shift in her stance and tone. Yashiro glared at the boy before taking a bow and ushering Kyouko out without another word to Shou and Shoko.

"Did you have something to do with that bruise on Fuwa's face?" He asked once they were out of hearing distance.

"I might have hit him." Kyouko admitted looking at the wall as they walked.

"You what?" Yashiro gasped.

"He deserved it." She defended before Yashiro could scold her.

"I bet he did, but he could get you into some serious trouble for that if he wanted to." Yashiro said though he secretly wished he could have seen it.

"If he tries then he'll have to explain that he was harassing me and put his hands on me without permission first." Kyouko declared hoping that would lessen her scolding.

"He did what?" The manager seethed and did an about face ready to march back to the room and punch Shou in the face. One bruise wasn't enough for the slimy creep.

"Yashiro-san." She jumped in front of him and steered him around. "Tsuruga-san is on filming right now and he'll want to see us when he's done."

"Does Ren know what that boy did?" He asked accusingly.

"Does Ren know what you did?" she countered.

"We'll talk about this later." Yashiro said sidestepping her and walking away.

"No, we'll talk now about you secretly recording me." Kyouko said chasing after him.

"Kyouko-chan!" Kana enthused rushing over to Kyouko as Yashiro rushed away from her. "I can't get Ren-sama to agree to karaoke. Kyouko-chan tell him you want to go. He'll do it if you say so."

"I'm sorry Kana-san, I'm not really in the mood…" Kyouko trailed off as Kana's face fell. "Why don't we just have a girl's night?" She asked instead and watched Kana light up again. "I could text Kanae and you can go ask Chiori-chan over there."

"Yay!" Kana cheered before sauntering off to speak with Chiori. Kyouko shook her head with a chuckle. Only Kana could make being so childishly enthusiastic look that elegant.

"Girl's night?" Another childish voice whined near her ear as she was texting Kanae. She sidestepped to put distance between herself and Kuon before they could be seen.

"Yes, and you can have a guy's night. That way you can ask your manager why he secretly recorded me singing." She said but they looked at his suspiciously innocent expression. "It was you?"

"I only asked him to record a few songs so I could listen to your voice when one of us has to go on a trip." Kuon explained with a puppy pout.

"And putting me on the soundtrack whose idea was that?" Kyouko asked thankful that their public setting kept her from falling for his expression.

Slightly shocked Kuon took a step back and asked, "You're going to be on the soundtrack?" His heart swelled with pride despite her obvious displeasure. "I don't think Yukihito would have asked them for that. It was probably the other way around. He might have been approached and asked if you had any interest in singing. If I had to take a bet my money would be on director Anna." He said pointing to where their manager stood talking to their director. "He seems to be under the impression that you're an amazingly talented young woman who can do anything."

Cheeks tinged pink Kyouko looked away from her boyfriend.

"Doesn't it bother your girlfriend that you're always flirting with her little friend?" Shou sneered shoving himself in between the two.

"Don't touch me." Kyouko seethed jumping away from him.

"Who would want to touch you?" Shou asked pretending to be disgusted by her presence. "I only came over to offer my help now. Since the pretty boy actor has another scene to film."

"You think I'm pretty?" Kuon asked acting flattered.

"Pretty face empty head." Shou explained casually then added, "Kyouko and I will be writing songs together for the soundtrack. We'll have to be alone often."

"We can work on it out here." Kyouko said before Kuon could react. She pointed to their chairs.

Shou sneered at this and said, "There's too many distractions out here. Let's go to my room."

Kyouko shrugged nonchalantly but said, "Sure, as long as you're alright with me possibly forgetting my manners and hitting you again."

Her words caused Shou to flinch before an amused smile crossed his face and he strolled over to their chairs. In moments where they openly joked about private experiences Kuon felt left out. Even their unpleasant memories made him feel like an intruder, but he couldn't do anything about it. He had to head to the stage and perform as they sat in the audience whispering and arguing.

He filmed his scene, and it took all his willpower to walk over to his chair close to director Anna instead of over to where Kyouko sat laughing at something the jerk had whispered. He supposed that was one of the things he found so beautiful about her. She was kind even to someone who deserved to have their teeth knocked out.

"Tsuruga-san your face." Director Anna said not even having to look at Kuon to know he needed to be reminded to stop staring with that brazenly jealous gaze.

Clearing his throat Kuon looked away from her and back down at the script in his hands. It was a blessedly nice scene in which Satoshi comes home from a business trip with presents for Sayuri and the kids. Satoshi always did his best to be seen as a good person. Bitterly Kuon read through the descriptions of the presents, toys for the children, a pink glass kitten and a coat for Sayuri. Kuon recalled Kyouko squealing in delight when one of her friends in the prop department had shown her the tiny glass kitten. He wondered if someone in wardrobe had let her see the long pink velvety coat and what her reaction had been.

His eyes unconsciously found Kyouko's figure again and admired the way her clothes hugged her body emphasizing her delicate curves. The word mine resounded in his head and he had to look away to gain control of his face. Other people on set were also stealing appreciative glances at her and Fuwa was one of them. The itch to strangle the younger boy made Kuon's hands shake then he felt guilty. What he really wanted to do was drag her away and keep her somewhere hidden; somewhere only he would have access to her. He took a deep breath and released it trying to force out all his anger and calm his possessive nature. Satoshi used his money to control Sayuri. Satoshi forces Sayuri to quit her job and exist only for him inside the house he built far away from all her friends. The clothes on her back were his which only strengthened his possession of her. To some extent even his bruises on her skin underlined the fact that he owned her just like the bite marks hidden beneath the expertly applied makeup and clothes.

As if sensing his distress golden eyes sought his out and she smiled politely at him. He did his best to give her a smile but could tell he had failed to mask his emotions by the concerned look on her face. He looked down in shame for making her worry. For once he was thankful that Shou had demanded her attention again with song writing. If she had come over to see what was bothering him, he wouldn't know what to say. What could he say? That he hated himself for taking liberties with her body? That he was afraid of himself? It wasn't like he could admit that sometimes his own dark thoughts made him think that he should let her go. He knew he never would though; She was his. Not that she would let him let her go if he tried.

"You're ruining your script Tsuruga-san." Murasame commented walking over to Kuon. He wanted to prove that he didn't fear Tsuruga Ren. If only to himself. "She looks really cute today." Murasame continued speaking. He threw a flirtatious look at Kuon. "Nii-san must be boiling on the inside knowing a lot of men in this room are ogling his cute little sister. Probably some women too. Tsuruga Ren has to play nice though, right? Must be difficult to have such a cute girlfriend. You have Kana-san too though so don't you think it's time to stop being selfish?"

"Stop being selfish? I have no idea what you could possibly mean. Kana-san is free to do as she pleases." Kuon said playing dumb.

"What about Kyouko-chan?" Murasame asked.

"Mogami-san is her own person. She can do whatever she wants." Kuon said with a bright smile.

"Right. You and I both know she won't though. What was it Setsuka-san said? This man was mine from the moment he came into this world." Murasame said in a stern tone mimicking Setsuka. "She really hurt poor Manaka-chan."

"Maybe next time Manaka-san won't touch people without permission." Kuon said ignoring the interested glance Director Anna sent them.

"Well, she certainly knows not to touch anything that belongs to that girl. I'm amazed Kana-san can even get close to you with little Setsuka-chan around." Murasame said eyeing Kuon suspiciously. "Be honest now, you and Kana-san aren't really…"

"It is rude to talk about people behind their backs Murasame-kun." Kana chirped coming up behind the three men. "What about us? Don't we make the cutest couple." It was a statement not a question but Murasame nodded anyway scratching the back of his head.

"Yes Kana-san you look very regal together." His voice was cheerful even as he added. "He only looks happy when he's with Kyouko-chan though." Then he walked off suddenly feeling a need to get his makeup touched up.

With a sigh Kana said. "He's not wrong you know. You do always look miserable without your beloved kohai." She looked around wondering where Kyouko could be then her eyes went wide at the sight of Kyouko playfully berating Shou over something. "What's that about?"

"What do you mean?" Kuon replied innocently.

"That. Over there. Kyouko and Fuwa-san acting like friends. I was under the impression that she hated him." Kana said annoyed that she wasn't informed of whatever new development this was. She had resolved to hate Fuwa along with her friends and now Kyouko was suddenly being nice to him.

"No, I think it would be more accurate to say that she cares about him. Like one would care for a dog who is too stupid or stubborn to be house broken." Kuon said bitterly.

"And I suppose you are the purebred well trained husky or golden retriever?" Kana said tilting her head to examine him unable to determine which breed he was.

"Purebred?" Kuon contemplated the word then shook his head. "No, Fuwa suits that title better. I am a mutt." He surprised himself with the pride he felt over the word. "Mogami-san prefers mutts anyway."

"You a mutt?" Kana said amused by the descriptor. She never thought she'd hear someone of his stature call themselves something so derogatory.

"Mutts are easier to train than purebreds." Kuon said with a shrug. He had had a German shepherd husky mix when he was younger, and she was the sweetest dog. His father's pure husky had been trainable, but she would at times randomly terrorize the couch cushions. Like Fuwa she could never stand for not being the center of attention.

"I suppose but you're more like a large black wolf than a mutt. Even when you're being friendly you tend to intimidate people." Kana said.

"Me intimidating?" Kuon asked and Kana couldn't tell if he was really perplexed or just acting. "Does that mean you won't go on a date with me this Thursday?"

"You want to set up a date with me?" Kana asked amazed. She had half a mind to check if he had a fever. "I normally have to send Kyouko-chan or Yashiro-san after you to get a date." She added but then with a sigh she asked, "What are we buying for Kyouko-chan this time?" he was too predictable.

"Candles, and I need to order enough roses to fill my apartment with. If you could help me measure my apartment that would be great. I also need new bedsheets or maybe that's too much." Kuon answered feeling his face heat up under her shocked gaze.

"You're going to seduce her." Kana gasped in a harsh whisper.

"She asked me to." Kuon said defensively.

Taken aback Kana said, "Really? All this time I thought she hated our sex talks."

"Your what?" Kuon asked too loudly as it caused crewmembers to look at them.

"I will schedule a date with Yashiro-san." Kana said scurrying away before he could ask more questions.

"Kyouko-chan," Director Anna called once a stagehand came over to tell him the set was prepped. "Tsuruga-san. Time for your next scene."

Grateful for the interruption Kyouko jumped up and ran as elegantly as she could to the stage and away from Shou. His idea of helping her write was to pry into her personal feelings about love. In particular, he wanted to know how she felt about a toxic love story. As if she wanted to discuss love or toxic partners with him.

"You okay?" Kuon asked blushing the tips of his fingers down her sleeve.

"Yes, I'm fine." She answered too quickly nodding at the door to their stage house. "Get to your mark."

He watched her for a minute as their onscreen children gathered around the breakfast table, she was to start off the scene setting. Then he was to enter the house shouting out that he was home, and everyone would run to his open arms. It was a moment that should belong to a happily wed couple not to Sayuri and Satoshi. Kuon didn't want Satoshi to have the family moment, he didn't think Satoshi deserved anything good at all. He had to shake that disdain from his mind however and film the scene. He took his place and allowed Satoshi to come to life.

For a moment he listened at the door as his wife struggled to make the kids settle down. They were all excited as he was meant to be coming home that night. As a special surprise he had not told Sayuri that he had and caught an earlier flight home.

"Well, Toshi-chan, we'll have to ask daddy about that when he gets home tonight." Sayuri said to their youngest.

"Ask daddy what?" He said in leu of announcing himself. There was a beat of confusion before Sayuri lit up and ran to his arms and the children followed suit all screaming some variation of daddy's home.

He caught his wife first and their lips met in a loving embrace. Then the children were piled on top of them both and he had to brace himself on the door to keep them all upright.

"Alright, alright calm down. Let daddy breath." Sayuri said and tried to move away from Satoshi. His grip on her hip tightened though, almost painfully and her smile faltered for a second.

"What's the hurry. I think I deserve hugs and kisses from the family I provide for." He said coldly before a joking smile broke across his face. He released her and stooped down to stage whisper to the children. "I guess mommy is in a hurry to get her present."

"Presents!" the children exclaimed gleefully. He moved out the way so that they could run out the door and retrieve the gifts he had set down on the front steps.

"You didn't have to get us presents." Sayuri said concealing her fear of being alone with him, however brief, under a mask of gratitude.

"Nonsense." Satoshi said caressing her face. Sayuri was thankful that she had practiced not flinching away from him. He cupped her cheek and reached into his pocket to pull out a small, wrapped package. "It pleases me to spoil my beautiful family."

The children brought their gifts over to the couch to unwrap them. Satoshi took a rectangular box off from their eldest daughter and handed it to Sayuri.

"To keep you warm." Satoshi said opening the box for her and pulling out the coat and held it open for her to try on. Obediently she placed the box aside and slipped her arms into the coat sleeves. The move enabled him to trap her in his arms under the pretense of buttoning the coat for her.

"You look beautiful mommy." Their daughter said and Sayuri gave her a warm appreciative smile.

"Thank you." Sayuri said trying to step out of her husbands grasp to examine the dress. He wouldn't let her go though. His hand went to her neck and gripped the coat in a way their children wouldn't notice.

"Mommy does look beautiful, today doesn't she? Why do you need a full face of make up for breakfast, Sayuri? I wasn't supposed to come home until this evening." The first sentence he said allowed the second two were whispered harshly against her ear.

"Cut!" Director Anna called out happy with the expression of fear slowly seeping into Kyouko's expression as the camera zoomed in close on her face. "Good job."

"Is the coat okay?" Kyouko asked slipping it off right away to check the collar.

Kuon couldn't help the chuckle that escaped knowing that she had most likely concocted some story about the coat being on loan from a princess. She smoothed her fingers over the soft material checking for any tears.

"More importantly, are you okay?" Kuon asked tugging on her shirt collar to check for any bruising.

"I'm fine Tsuruga-san." She answered then turned to the little girl who played their daughter. The child actress had brought the box for the coat over and was holding it open for Kyouko to place the garment in. "Thank you."

"You're welcome Mogami-san." The child said politely.

"Miki-chan, I told you to call me Kyouko-chan." Kyouko reminded with a pout. She kneeled to put herself on the child's level. "Let's play later okay."

"Yes." The little girl agreed before running off to tell the other children that Kyouko was going to play with them later.

"Since when do you like kids?" Shou asked slapping a notebook on top of Kyouko's head.

Before Kuon could throw him off the stage for daring to hit her Kyouko slapped Shou's hand and spat, "I've always liked children. You were the one who turned your nose up whenever Yayoi-san asked us to play with the kids of the guests."

Kuon cleared his throat before the two could start screaming at each other and he said, "Mogami-san I believe Kana was looking for you. She said something about your girl's night."

"Oh, excuse me." Kyouko said with a brief bow then ran off stage grateful for Kuon's excuse to be away from Shoutaro. She had had more than enough of him for one day and decided that he could cower at Kuon's mercy for awhile for irritating her.

"You're a liar." Shou accused.

"And you're an abusive asshat." Kuon countered starting to walk off stage to get away from Shou.

"Hey Tsuruga, I remembered that I need to speak with you." Shou sneered stalking after him.

"No time. I have to prep for the next scene." Kuon said continuing to walk away. His longer legs would have enabled him to escape but he stopped as soon as he reached his waiting room and turned to his pursuer.

"What do you want Fuwa?" he growled seeing that the boy wasn't going to give up until they spoke.

"Kyouko." Shou seethed unable to say much else in his anger.

"Mogami-san isn't an object to possess." Kuon said then asked, "Is that all?"

"Kyouko…" Shou started again through gritted teeth. He couldn't help but imagine Kyouko in the older man's arms.

"Is over there." Kuon said again as though he were speaking to a petulant child.

"I know that!" Shou shouted drawing attention from the cast and crew.

"Sorry." Kuon said with a bow to those nearest to them.

Then with graceful ease he gripped Shou's arm and dragged him into his room. Why was it up to him to teach the musician manners? Kyouko had grown up in the same home and she was a perfectly mature adult. How could Fuwa have missed all the lessons on how to behave in public from his own parents?

"What do you want Fuwa!" Kuon growled shoving Shou into a wall then backing off. He knew if he stayed near the boy, he would do something regrettable. Not that Shou didn't deserve to be hurt. "You're shit at makeup by the way." He added motioning to the layers of cover up badly masking the bruise.

"It's not my fault your lover is a fiend." Shou grit out momentarily forgetting what he had come to confront Tsuruga about.

"Kana did that? Impressive." Kuon said feigning ignorance.

"Not her the little slut you've been fucking behind her back." Shou spat.

"Language Fuwa." Kuon said in a dark voice.

Shou gulped hearing the promise of violence in Tsuruga Ren's voice.

"I'll say this once and only once." Kuon began and stood at his full height to tower over Shou. "I am not a nice person." Shou scoffed at that but Kuon continued. "Kyouko may be nice to you and it is because of her that I have not killed you yet. Hurt her again in any way and no amount of her fondness for your childhood memories she has will make me spare your life." Kuon lifted his hand to Shou's neck and seethed lowly, "She is my friend and if I see another bruise or hear of you harassing her again, I will end you."

"Tch," Shou scoffed but he had zero confidence in his defiance. He swallowed hard as Kuon's hand gripped his neck. "Friend? Am I supposed to believe that you aren't fucking her?"

"Believe what you want." Kuon said dropping his hand and backing away from Shou. "That girl has found a place where she belongs? She has friends who love her like family. I will not let you worm your way back into her life to ruin what she has cultivated for herself."

"A place where she belongs?" Shou asked mockingly. "She's one of LME's top stars, now isn't she? Her face isn't on every billboard and she isn't quite a household name yet, but she is popular, and directors do request her by name. All she had to do to get that was spread her legs for you. Is that what the Love Me section really was all about? Did your president gift her to you for being his top earner? Maybe I'll ask my president for a virgin as a bonus too. One I can do whatever I want to because she has zero self-esteem. Oh, wait only Kyouko thinks so lowly of herself that she would do anything to make it to the top…"

Shou gasped as a fist came for his face. He braced for an impact that never came. The air around him was dark and suffocating and he couldn't open his eyes to look into the pair of eyes that felt like daggers piercing his skin. Shaking he counted to ten then peaked one eye open only to see that he had been transported to the hallway and Tsuruga Ren was no where to be seen.

Kuon needed to get Shou away from him before he killed the boy. As much as Kyouko swore she hated him, Kuon knew that deep down she did still care for the musician. At one time the little shit was the only reason she had to live and that was something that even Kuon was grateful for. He reminded himself that if not for Shou, Kyouko never would have come to Tokyo or LME. That was the reason Kuon could permit the boy to live.

Kana sneaked up on Shou who was still staring dumbly at the wall across from himself. She cocked her head curiously before walking up to him and making her presence known.

"I'm curious Fuwa-san, what is your obsession with my darling friend Kyouko?" she asked causing Shou to jump and raise his hands up to shield his face.

Seeing Kana, he immediately stood up straighter and corrected his face into a cool expression. It wouldn't do for her to see him as anything other than manly.

"Shouldn't you be asking your boyfriend that? He's the one who has sleep overs with that girl." Shou stated hiding his pain over the thought.

"Really? Did you see this with your own eyes or are you simply jumping to conclusions?" Kana asked wanting to cast doubt in his mind.

"Yes." Shou replied but then back peddled. "No, I didn't see them, but he answered her phone at like three A.M. What else could they have been doing at that time?"

"Sleeping probably." Kana said seeming to agree with him at first but then to Shou's dismay she added, "Kyouko often comes with me when I go to Ren's place. Are you certain she didn't leave her phone there by accident?"

"What?" Shou asked taken aback by how reasonable her excuse sounded. Wasn't that his initial thought as well? He supposed that could have happened but no Ren and Kyouko were too suspicious. Maybe Kana was being too trusting and being duped by that pretty boy actor. "He is too defensive of her for them to not be up to something Kana-san. Doesn't it bother you?"

"Not at all. Kyouko-chan is my dear friend. She's like a sister to me and so of course my lover would protect her for my sake. Besides, Ren is always defensive of women. Especially when they are being accused of things without proof." She said and, in her mind, she added especially when it's nobody's business.

"Yeah whatever, saint Tsuruga was just defending her honor. It has nothing to do with how badly he wants to bone her." Shou sneered. He had thought that Kana was smarter than that, but it seemed she had been hypnotized by Tsuruga just like Kyouko.

Kana narrowed her eyes at the boy and dropped her friendly smile to say, "You're sort of a terrible person Fuwa."

"What me?" Shou asked astounded that she had come to that conclusion.

"Yes, you are not a good person." Kana firmly stated. "You mistreat and belittle Kyouko-chan and I can tell that you expect her to be okay with the abuse. When she isn't you become belligerent and concoct stories about how bad she is. You're incredibly good at pretending to be a nice young man in front of those who matter but I've heard some of the things you say to my friend."

"It's Tsuruga who is terrible. He's the one cheating on you with Kyouko." Shou said annoyed that she could see through him. "Plus, he just threatened to kill me and admitted to not being nice."

"You Fuwa are a childish man and a poor excuse for a friend." Kana said crossing her arms. "To add to you offences against that girl you keep accusing her of something that could ruin her in our industry."

"If it isn't true than her career should be…"

"Whether it is true or not her reputation will be tarnished. Ren would recover from the scandal. I too would be perfectly fine but Kyouko could lose everything she has worked so hard to achieve." Kana explained. She leaned into him with a cold expression on her face. "Choose to be a good friend and keep your mouth shut."

"Whatever if her reputation and career were so important than Tsuruga and her should have thought of that before they started cheating." Shou scorned unused to being treated badly by a gorgeous older woman.

"There is nothing going on between Ren and Kyouko. If she did have someone though then as her self-professed friend, you should be happy for her. But I suppose you would have her be miserable the rest of her life." Kana said. "Miserable and alone like you."

"I am not miserable, and I am definitely not alone." Shou said moving away from Kana. "I'm sure I am needed on set."

"If you weren't miserable you wouldn't be trying so hard to make Kyouko miserable. As for being alone," Kana said pinning him in place with her piercing gaze. "I'll bet you have countless girls waiting for your call but not one of them is Kyouko and that is what makes you bitter towards her."

"Whatever." Shou grumbled wanting to walk away but unable to break away from her gaze.

"Yeah whatever." Kana said with a malicious smile. "I will tell you this Fuwa, if you hurt my friend I will not be as saintly as Ren. I will not be as forgiving as Kyouko."

He flinched away from her stern countenance. He wasn't sure who scared him more, Ren or his strange girlfriend.

"See you around Fuwa-san. For your sake I hope you learn to be nicer to my friends." She said her threat clear in her voice. She walked away leaving him alone to sulk.

Shou passed Kyouko on her way to her waiting room. He grimaced at her but said nothing. The urge to grab Kyouko and make her see things his way made him realize that just maybe Kana was at least partially right. He had never been a good friend to Kyouko. It didn't feel good being told he was a bad friend, and he didn't want to prove Kana right.

Kyouko tentatively entered the room and locked the door behind herself. Kuon was on the couch, leaning his head back with his eyes closed tight and his lips pressed into a thin line. As agitated as he looked, she thought he also looked regal and beautiful. She took a moment to admire his strong jaw and neck and let her eyes travel down his broad chest. His features softened as he felt her presence in the room.

When the door had opened and closed, he thought it had to be Yashiro but then the lock clicked, and silence followed, and he knew it was her. A smile broke across his face as he heard the soft footsteps coming closer to him. Without uttering a syllable or even opening his eyes he held his arms open for her to sink into his embrace. She happily accepted the invitation and perched herself on his lap to snuggle against the chest she had been ogling.

"Corn?" she broke the silence after a moment of peace.

"Yes, princess?" Kuon said.

"Can I have a kiss?" she asked.

Kuon lifted his head to give her a quizzical look but he wasn't about to argue. He brought his lips down to hers. A contented sigh parted his lips as he slipped a hand into her hair and tilted her head to gain better access to her mouth. She melted into his kiss letting him slip his tongue into her mouth and tangle with hers. Her hands slid up to tangle in his hair and she leaned back knowing he would follow her so their kiss wouldn't end. Her breath hitched when his hands travelled down one to cup her breast. The other smoothed down her back to settle on her hip pulling her closer.

She squeezed her thighs, rubbing them together as the heat from his hands and the taste of his lips made her delirious with need. He groaned feeling her nipple harden beneath the layers of fabric. He pinched and kneaded her aching breast as he ate her moans.

It took him a moment to realize what she was doing. She had noticed his irritation and was using herself to calm him down, again. Reluctantly he pulled away and threw his head back with a groan.

"I told you not to use yourself to ease my frustrations." He said and Kyouko huffed.

"Maybe I'm the one who needs to alleviate my frustrations. Did you ever think of that?" she asked.

"What?" Kuon asked popping his head up to stare at her.

"Yashiro-san didn't prep me for dealing with the producers. He didn't even ask me if I wanted to sing, but now I have to thanks to stupid Shoutaro. The producer was so excited when he tricked me into saying I could fucking sing that I couldn't refuse. I've never sang in front of anybody besides you and our friends. I don't know how to write songs. Now I'm going to do both, and they expect me to co-write the songs with Shou which means more time spent with that pompous asshole." She complained then gave a relieved sigh as she had finally gotten the words out.

Kuon smiled at her and said, "Somehow you make swearing sexy."

"I'm sorry." She said covering her mouth as he words caught up to her.

"It's my fault for teaching you vulgar words." He said with a shrug. "Say fuck again."

"No." Kyouko said but giggled and leaned her head on his shoulder. "I shouldn't have said it in the first place. Stupid Fuwa just gives me a headache. He wasn't even trying to help me with the songs just prying into my personal life and mocking me."

"I'm sorry, love. We could tell Yukihito to go to the producers and say that LME won't allow for you to sing for them. The president might get mad for being used but he won't force you to sing." Kuon suggested and tucked her hair behind her ear.

"No, I can't let Yashiro-san lie like that, he might get in trouble." She lamented.

They for a moment enjoying each other's company then Kuon had a thought. "You could ask Ishibashi-san to help you write the songs."

Kyouko looked up in excitement. It had not occurred to her to ask her other friends for help. They would certainly be more helpful than Shoutaro and less likely to pick on her. She could bring them dinner and at the next Kimagure rock show and ask them for tips. Thankful for the suggestion she pulled Kuon's head down and swallowed his gasp sweeping her tongue into his mouth. Kuon gripped her chin and pulled her away to look at her with his dark eyes.

"Lie down." He ordered and entranced by his gaze she obeyed.

He got up to lay her legs on the couch and crawled over her eyeing her like a predator. His thumb pressed to her lips and she timidly licked it.

"Maybe I can't help you get out of singing but can help channel your frustrations into something more pleasant." He whispered and she nodded.

His mouth replaced his thumb on her lips as he climbed over her. All thoughts of Shou and singing had left her mind to make room for thoughts of all the things Kuon's lips and hands could do to her. Hurriedly he unbuttoned her blouse aware that they could be called back to set at any moment. His hands slipped beneath pink satin camisole where he drew soothing patterns along the edge of her pants. He trailed kisses down her neck to the lacy edge of her camisole where and his tongue flicked out to taste the tender flesh. Her legs moved to tangle with his and she felt a need for him to touch the warm wetness between her thighs. Their heavy breathing filled the room and Kyouko had to clamp a hand over her mouth to restrain her moans. Kuon grinned as he travelled down past her breasts to her stomach and she squirmed as the ticklish sensation of his teeth nipping around her belly button. Her hips raised in heated need.

"Kuon!" She gasped out hands flying to his hair wanting to push him down further.

"Sshh!" Kuon admonished. He took her hands in his and kissed her knuckles. "If you can't be quiet then we can't play here anymore."

Kyouko's already flushed skin tingled at the embarrassing thought of being overheard. She bit her lip and bent her neck back to check that she had locked the door. Kuon took the opportunity to attack her exposed neck.

"Hey!" her protest melted into a moan and she returned her hand to her mouth.

Placing his hands on her neck he massaged his way down and tugged the camisole down to expose her nipples to him. She shivered as the chilly air hit her. He lowered his mouth to the revealed flesh and blew hot breath onto one erect nipple. Her back arch up needing to be closer to his warmth. He smirked and turned his head to blow on the other nipple and received the same reaction.

"Do we really have time for your teasing?" Kyouko asked trying to glare at him but it was impossible to do with him blowing heat on her sensitive skin.

"I'm just distracting you love. It's not your birthday yet." He said and laid kisses around the dusky pink skin of her areolas.

"I know that but I…" her words turned into a loud gasping moan as he bit down on her nipple. He followed the bite with gentle licks until she was softly mewling and scratching his scalp then he closed his lips around the swollen bud and sucked.

"Mm." Kyouko squirmed beneath him, her thighs rubbing together as a warm tingle grew downwards from the pit of her stomach.

At her hip there was a familiar vibrating sensation which she ignored. Nothing else mattered besides Kuon's mouth alternating between sucking, licking, and nibbling on her abused nipple. There was nothing more important than his hands, one pinching her other nipple the other wandering down. It traveled over her ribs and tickled her abs. Then it went lower to dip into the waistband of her pants. The hand vanished then and all too quickly he was off of her panting and staring down at her phone. His tongue darted out to lick his lips and she wanted nothing more than to suck it into her mouth.

"Yukihito says we need to get back to work." Kuon said with a sinful smile on his face. "I wonder if he heard you. If he did, I'll have to punish you for being so loud."

"Not the cat." She said covering her head.

"Why are you so against cats?" he asked getting off the couch so she could sit up and fix herself.

She looked away from him not wanting to explain that she felt the need to lick and purr and in general play the part of a needy cat whenever she wore the ears. It wasn't like that with the bear ears or even the bunny but when he made her wear the cat ears, she felt compelled to act like a cat. She suspected the same thing would happen if he ever got her puppy ears which thankfully, he hadn't found a pair he liked yet.

"Maybe I'll make you wear ears someday. See how you like being my pet." She said instead of answering. Instant regret filled her as she was met with a hopeful puppy dog stare. "You know sometimes I really can't tell which you like more inflicting pain or being abused."

The emperor smiled down at her and said, "Princess as long as it's with you I love both giving and receiving."

Kyouko turned into a tomato and stammered, "we need to get to set Tsuruga-san." Somehow his words could make her feel just as heated and out of breath as his actions.