Two weeks flew by.
Ren and Kyoko hadn't seen much of each other since Ren had gone to the Darumaya to meet Taisho and Okami in his new capacity as boyfriend. It had been scary but the sincerity and honesty radiating from Ren had calmed Taisho enough that he grudgingly bestowed a blessing upon them. When Ren left Taisho didn't even throw a knife down menacingly.
Progress.
Kyoko missed Ren.
Kyoko and Ryu were sat in a waiting room for an interview Kyoko was doing. Their phones went off almost simultaenously.
Yashiro had text Ryu. They were getting their heads together to arrange their charges schedules in an attempt to get them some time together. It was difficult as the beginning of November was a very busy time, with shows and magazines scrambling for guests and interviews for holiday specials. They were, however, close to finding a date.
Kyokos was Maria.
After the party at Kyoko's, she had spoken to Maria. She was well aware of Maria's feelings for Ren and thought it best to tell her in person. Maria had turned to her and said that it was fine. She recognised that she was too young for Ren and if it had to be anyone then Kyoko was fine. If it had been anyone else she would have cursed them. This led to a very indepth and somewhat scary conversation about curses.
The text, however, was about the grateful party. Lory had once again offered his villa and the girls had sent out invitations but they didn't have a theme.
How about Ancient Japan? K
You mean like kimonos and swords? M
Exactly! The president will love it, its simple and easy to plan, plenty of menu choices. K
Great! I will ask Grandpa about costumes.M
Great plan. I have to get back to work now though. Sorry.K
It's okay. Good luck nee-san!M
Smiling, Kyoko put her phone back in her bag.
"Good news Kyoko?"
"We have decided on a theme! You're going to need a kimono!"
"I'm invited?"
"Of course you are! It's the grateful party and who do I have to be more grateful to and for?"
Ryu blushed. There was a knock at the door. She was being called to her interview. Ryu waved her off.
Her phone dinged again. It was still Yashiro.
Initial drama meeting Monday morning. Ren is free Saturday.Y
Kyoko has an interview at 10am but is free the rest of the day.R
I will let Ren know so he can make plansY
She placed her phone down on the table and marked Ren in for Saturday on Kyokos schedule.
By Saturday Kyoko had filmed a dozen Box-R scenes, completed 12 interviews, a commerical for a new fairytale book and 3 photoshoots.
"What a week! I can't wait to have some time for myself today."
"You will do as soon as this interview is over Kyoko. It's a basic interest piece, nice and simple."
"How did you manage to work my schedule this way? So much but it never felt overwhelming."
Ryu tapped the side of her nose.
"It's a secret" she said with a smile.
"You're amazing Ryu-san!"
Ryu flushed.
"I will wait outside in the car for you. This is only a small magazine and shares an office with many other publications."
Kyoko swept into the building and Ryu settled down. She had a text from Yashiro.
Would you like to get a drink with me to celebrate our favourite couple?Y
She blinked at the screen. Was he asking her out? She started to text back her regrets.
That sounds great. Let me know when and where.R
She looked at her phone in disbelief. Where her hands possessed? Was her phone?
Great! I'll let you knowY
She hoped he didn't see it as a date. She shook her head roughly and went into her emails in an effort to distract herself. She was scanning an email from the president when Kyoko got into the car.
Ryu looked at her watch. Only 20 minutes had passed.
"That was quick."
"It wasn't even a real reporter. It was her assisstant. He writes a blog and started asking me some incredibly personal questions. It turns out the actual interviewer left a message stating that she was sick and would have to rearrange. Her assisstant threw it away so he could use the time to ask me what he wanted."
"Oh Kyoko! I'm so sorry! I should have come in with you. Are you okay?"
"Oh yes. I'm fine. He may not be though. I, uh, may have scared him a bit. I..."
"Kyoko what did you do?" Ryu asked, envisioning all sorts of problems.
"I went full Mio on him and said he'd lose his job if he carried on with such unprofessional behaviour. He started crying then he started apologise." Kyoko gushed out.
Ryu nearly crashed the car laughing. She pulled over and took deep breaths.
"What's so funny?"
"I was just imagining his face after Mio had finished with him."
Kyoko stared at her. Then she smiled. Soon both the girls were in hysterics.
After a few minutes Ryu had composed herself enough to drive again. They drove down the street to the Darumaya and Kyoko let out a little squeak and was out of the car before Ryu had stopped completely.
Ren caught her as she jumped to hug him.
"Ren! I've missed you!"
"I've missed you to Kyoko. Good morning Itawa-san."
Ryu had walked up to them.
"Tsuruga-san you can call me Ryu"
"Only if you call me Ren"
Kyoko snorted.
"Ryu-san, is it all done?"
She nodded.
"She's yours for the rest of the day."
"EH!?" exclaimed Kyoko.
"You, Kyoko, are going to spend the day with Ren. I do hope it's something appropriate for November. Ren-san very kindly gave me a gift certificate to a salon for today."
Kyoko's eyes glazed over.
"We'll go another day. Today is Ren's day."
Kyoko looked at the tall man who was still holding her. She smiled up at him and got one of his divine smiles back.
They didn't even notice Ryu drive away.
"So what's the plan?"
"It's a surprise, you'll see."
She hugged him again. He helped Kyoko into the car and placed a sleep mask in her hands.
"When I say, would you please put this on?"
"Okay"
He pulled away and on the drive they chatted about work, life and anything else that came to mind. They had none of that new couple nervousness. It was comfortable, as if built over years.
"Please put it on now Kyoko."
She did so with curious acceptance and a small smile.
"Are we close?"
"We're in the same car. It's as close as we can be without risking crashing" he chuckled.
Kyoko smirked.
"Very funny."
Kyoko felt the car turn and heard the noise of a crowd.
"Where are we?"
"Just be patient. I will remove the mask momentarily."
She heard him get out of the car. She sensed him walk around the car to her side. She had her hand out for Ren to help her from the car before he even opened the door.
Ren smiled. As he knew, it would be effortless with Kyoko. They were already so in sync. He took Kyokos hand and helped her gracefully from the car.
"Really Ren, where are we?"
"You ready?"
He took off the mask.
Kyoko let out a long, soft sigh.
Ren had brought her to an outdoor art exhibit entitled 'Fairies of the Forest'.
Ren held out his hand.
"Would you like to see?"
Kyoko was speechless, her face set in childish wonder. Together, hand in hand, they went in.
It was stunning. Different trees were covered in different fairies. There were small delicate origami fairies dotted every where. There were larger ones made from wood, metal and clay dotted around.
Each one was delicate, intricate and unique.
Kyoko had let go of Rens hand and was flitting between different fairies, new gasps of wonder coming everytime she found a new one.
Ren followed her, smiling at the amazing look on her face. He loved it when she was like this. So relaxed, so innocent.
He took out his phone and snapped a picture of Kyoko crouched down, looking at a carved wooden fairy with climbing vines for hair. Her wings were pieces of gossamer that would flutter in a breeze.
Ren took another as she leant in to whisper to the fairy.
He slid his phone back into his pocket and walked towards Kyoko.
"So how is she?"
"Oh she's very well. Things are great in the fairy kingdom."
Ren chuckled. She was safely ensconced in la-la land.
"Kyoko. There is more to see. Come." he said holding out his hand.
Kyoko jumped up and slid her arm through Ren's.
"There is a cafe about halfway through. You can be served tea by a fairy."
Kyoko clutched his arm and tried to speed up. Ren stopped.
It ended up with Kyoko nearly swinging on his arm. She let go so she could regain her balance.
"We have plenty of time Kyoko. We have the whole day."
Kyoko stepped back to Rens side and linked arms again. She beamed up at him. After a few more corners and groves they came across a clearing with the cafe in it. Until they stepped inside they hadn't realised how cold it had gotten outside.
Kyoko sat holding her tea wrapped in her hands, staring at the waitresses. They were all wearing long flowing dresses of varying colours. She was fascinated by one that seemed as if it were fire.
Kyoko was observing their movements. Just as Kuu had taught, she was learning different traits and movement to incorporate into her acting.
"Kyoko... Earth to Kyoko."
She was so entranced she didn't even notice Ren.
He waved a hand in front of her face.
"Is there anyone in there?"
Kyoko startled.
"Ah! Ren I'm so sorry. I got totally absorbed. Father taught me I should use everything around me as tools and traits to help me with my acting."
"That was always one of dads greatest pieces of advice."
"Eh?"
"Remember what my name is."
Kyoko looked thoughtful. Then shocked.
"Your...he...I"
Ren placed a finger on his lips.
"You must also remember that no one else knows."
They looked over the table at each other. Kyoko nodded and placed her hand over Rens. Ren delighted in the fact that Kyoko wasn't afraid of contact anymore. She didn't waver. He smiled and she blushed.
(A/N We all know exactly what smile.)
She ducked her head but didn't remove her hand. Ren loved it when she blushed and that she hadn't let go. He hoped he could always make her blush.
Kyoko had turned her attention back to the waitress with the fiery dress.
"Is there something special about her? The way she moves or smiles perhaps?"
"Not really. She's nice but I was actually admiring her dress. I really like it."
"It would look really good on you."
Kyoko flushed crimson. Ren was imagining her in that dress. Sensing a need for a change of subject Ren asked her how her tea was. This was a prelude to a 15 minute chat about different teas and Kyoko telling some funny stories about customers in the Darumaya.
Sebastian snapped a picture.
Once done, Ren paid the bill and took Kyoko's hand. They set off into the rest of the exhibit. By the end Kyoko was back in la-la land, Ren was smiling at her and Sebastian had used two memory cards.
Next to the exit was a shop selling copies and representations of the works they had seen. Kyoko almost levitated towards it.
Inside there was clothing, jewelry, paintings and sculptures.
Kyoko headed over to jewelry, Ren to clothing.
He found a muted version of the dress Kyoko had liked. Not being as vivid, it suited Kyokos colour better.
Kyoko had chosen a necklace from the men's section. She had found a simple leather necklace with a single silver charm. It was designed to bring good luck and protection to the wearer.
They paid at separate tills and clutched their respective bags tightly.
"What would you like to do now?" asked Ren as they joined back together. They were heading to Rens car, walking side by side.
Kyoko was brushing her hand against Rens.
~Is she trying to flirt with me?~
Ren pulled Kyoko to his side and placed an arm over her shoulders. She stiffened for a second then relaxed against him. Using his thumb he began to trace small circles on her shoulder. Kyoko liked the feeling. Ren was so warm. She snuggled closer and placed her arm around his waist as she had seen other couples do. Apparently this was the right thing to do. He gave her a squeeze and held her close.
"So what would you like to do now? You didn't answer first time."
"Lets go grocery shopping!"
Ren laughed.
"Is that what you really want to do?"
She nodded.
"Yep! Then to your apartment where I shall cook for you!"
What she said caught up to her.
"That is if it isn't to rude or presumptuous," Kyoko babbled nervously.
Ren stopped and turned to face her. He took her face in his hands and smiled at her.
"It is never rude. I love your cooking and I love your company. Dinner sounds like a great idea."
Ren turned back toward the car but Kyoko was still stood perfectly still.
"Ren... If I become a burden or a bother, you will tell me, won't you?"
Ren walked back to her and engulfed her in a hug.
"You will never be either of those things to me Kyoko. Ever."
"But..."
"In the impossible eventuality that that does happen then yes I will tell you."
He placed a kiss on the top of her head. She looked up at him and saw the look of sincerity on his face. It chipped a small part of her self doubt away. She wasn't sure that she wouldn't become a bother to him, but if she did Ren would be honest about it to her. Ren seemed set that she wouldn't. Kyoko wouldn't let him down.
He released her from the hug and took her hand. He helped her into the car.
On the way to the store they discussed the exhibit and their favourite pieces. Kyoko had liked the fairy with the gossamer wings. Ren had liked the little flower fairies.
Kyoko dashed into the store on her own, knowing Rens choices would be expensive, inedible or both. She grabbed the basics, plus some extra meat and the ingredients needed for a hot pot. She hoped it would be okay. It was simple and easy, yet filling and nutritious.
The cashier gave her a nod and a smile. She recognised Kyoko from previous trips to the store and TV. She understood that Kyoko was an actress and didn't want a lot of fuss. She liked Kyoko as she was always nice to the cashiers and people who worked in the store. She never acted like she was better than them. The cashier made an extra effort to be effcient when she served Kyoko and always made small talk. They tended to talk about normal things like the weather or the news.
As she paid Kyoko made a mental note to send the cashier some flowers or a card. She was always very helpful, very fast and very nice. She helped keep Kyokos feet on the ground.
Back in the car Kyoko told Ren of her plan to get the cashier a little something to say thank you. Ren agreed that it was a great idea.
Kyoko headed straight into the kitchen when they got in. Ren had even brought a step stool for Kyoko to use in the kitchen so she could reach everything on her own. Ren was only allowed to set the table and do drinks. She had tasted his cooking before.
With dinner on the table and a variety show on the TV, they dug in.
"After dinner would you like some tea?"
"I'll make it when I take the dishes out Kyoko. You cooked. I can do tea."
The rest of dinner continued in companiable silence, broken only by occasional comments about the food or the program. Ren took the dishes out and started to prepare tea. Kyoko dashed to her bag and grabbed Rens gift. She was sat comfortably on the sofa when Ren came back through. Ren placed the tea on the table and sat next to her on the sofa.
"So what are we watching?"
"The variety show that Chiori-san did. I never got a chance to see it when it first aired. I hope thats okay."
"Of course. I'd like to see how Amiyama-san did. Didn't she really not want to go?"
"Uh-huh. She asked me to go with her. We turned up in our LoveMe overalls. Quite a shock for people really."
They watched Chiori slip, slid, tumble and generally get messy. At the end of it she had a huge smile on her face.
"Oh I just remembered! Chiori-san comes back Monday. I'll have to catch up with her soon."
She grabbed her phone from her pocket.
Am I free anytime this week?K
A few minutes later she got a reply.
Yes, why?R
I would like to go into the office. Maybe see Chiori-sanK
Not a problem. I'll put it in and let you knowR
Thank you :) K
She turned to Ren with a satisfied air.
"Ryu-san is amazing! She can always sort something out!"
The gift bag brushed her arm as she placed her phone on the table.
"Umm Ren. I-uh- I got you this!"
She thrust the bag towards him, eyes closed.
"Can I open it now? Or is it another one that could ultimately embarass you?"
She gave him a strange look.
He baa'd softly at her.
Kyoko flushed.
"No! Nothing like that! Just open it and see!"
Ren pulled the tissue paper out of the bag and found the small velvet drawstring bag that contained the necklace. He let it spill out into his hand.
"Kyoko it's beautiful. Where ever did you find it?"
"The fairies pointed it out to me."
~Ah. She found it in the shop at the exhibit.~
"It's supposed to bring you luck and protect you."
"Isn't that what you're for?" Ren teased.
"Well I can't be with you 24/7. This will be your charm when I am not around."
Ren admired it in the light. It was an intricate design. He slipped it on over his head.
"What do you think?"
"Suits you nicely."
Ren stood up and Kyoko looked worried.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"Eh? No, no. Nothing like that Kyoko. Never that. I love it. It's just I have a gift for you too and I was just going to get it."
Kyoko looked relieved. Ren disappeared into his room and in a flash was back with a box. Kyoko stared at it as Ren placed it on the table in front of her.
"You can open it if you'd like."
Kyoko reverently took the lid off the box and folded back the tissue. It was the dress. The one she wanted. Almost.
"I thought that the lighter colour one would suit you better. The bold colours didn't really match you."
Kyoko looked up at Ren who had a nervous look on his face.
~He's really worried I won't like it. He's so nervous, it's kinda cute. Well he doesn't have to worry. I love it.~
Tears brimmed Kyokos eyes as she flung herself at Ren, all the while telling him that it was perfect, she loved it, thank you.
"And thank you for worrying. That you were so nervous means you care. But don't worry. I really do love the dress."
Ren smiled, relieved.
"Would you like some more tea Kyoko?"
"Yes please."
Ren took the cups and disappeared into the kitchen. Kyoko folded the dress back into the box and replaced the lid. She settled back and yawned. She placed her head on the back of the sofa.
When Ren came back in with the tea, Kyoko had fallen asleep. He placed the cups on the table and scooped Kyoko up.
She snuggled closer to him in his arms.
~Gods don't do that!~
He took her to the guestroom and tucked her into bed. He placed sleepwear on the chair by the bed. He kissed her on the forehead and left her to sleep. Back in the front room he text Ryu and Okami from Kyokos phone letting them know where she was and that she had fallen asleep in the guestroom.
Ren tidied the cups up and went to his own room.
He dreamt of dancing with Kyoko at a grand ball.
Kyoko dreamt of her fairy prince. She and Ren were holding a party.
In their sleep, they each reached out for the other.
