Kanae groaned. Even at 9pm (A/N the party started at 7) it was relatively busy with more still to arrive. She had to give it to Maria and Kyoko though. It was a great party.

She was tiring of people asking her the same inane question, even if they had just heard someone else ask the exact same question and her answer.

Kyoko was close by, enough so that she could keep a watchful eye and provide conversation, but not enough to deter bidders or other conversation. She saw that the person currently heading towards Kanae was the moron from the film set, the one whole stole Hious chocolates. Kanae had never actually given his name, preferring to call him more, colourful, expressions. She did however remember what she had said about him and his attitude and moved to intercept him.

"I'm sorry. Kotonami-san is about to take a break. She will be back in 10 minutes, so try then and she will be happy to explain the auction piece to you."

She said all this in her best 'aren't you a drunk customer, yes you are, aren't you funny' voice. She was immensely grateful for her training at the ryokan and the Darumaya.

He stared at Kyoko dumbly before throwing a glance to Kanae and then walking away.

Kyoko walked over to Kanae, heading off any more potential bidders before grabbing her arm and pulling her over to a small buffet table. She placed some food on two plates, tucked two bottles of water into her obi and while carrying the plates in one hand she pulled Kanae into an employee only area.

"We can really only be 10 minutes though. I just thought you might like a break."

Kanae gave her a grateful look and grabbed her plate. It grew to a small smile as she realised Kyoko had grabbed all healthy food.

Kyoko was cleaning up the small mess they had made while eating and as she threw it away asked Kanae if she was ready.

"As I'll ever be. I'll be okay for a bit, you should go check on Chiori-san. Make sure she hasn't killed her charge or something."

"If you're sure?"

"Yes. We really should make sure she hasn't upset them."

Kyoko laughed, agreeing Kanae had a point.

Back in the hall she waved to Kanae and set off round the room to find Chiori. She passed on of the security guards and pointed out the man who was to be allowed no where near Kanae. He relayed the message to all nearby guards and nodded to her. She felt better now.

She passed Hiou on her way round and directed him towards Kanae. People she passed complimented her on her kimono and she passed out cards for the shop. Cast, crew members, directors and friends waved, called out, sometimes even catching her for a chat. Ryu hovered near a wall, making notes on who she was talking to. She was quite impressed with the connections Kyoko appeared to be making.

It was an hour after leaving Kanaes side that she finally found her way to Chiori, who was surprisingly still with her charge. They appeared to be having an animated conversation. Kyoko edged over and caught segments of conversation.

They seemed to both be ranting about Misako Mia. Chiori glanced up and spotted Kyoko. She was already making introductions and waving her over before Kyoko actually moved.

"Kyoko-chan, this is Hikita Usui."

She bowed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

"Pfft, don't worry Kyoko-chan. Hikita-san completely agrees she is crazy unprofessional or maybe just plain crazy."

Kyoko smothered a laugh while gently admonishing Chiori.

"I just came by to see if you needed anything but you appear to be okay."

Chiori winked at her behind Hikitas back.

"I'm fine thank you Kyoko-chan. You should swing by the auction table. You're quite the hi-it!"

Chiori laughed as she waved at the speedy blur that was Kyoko before turning back to Hikita.

When she reached the table and saw how much her bid book amount was now sat at, her heart almost stopped. 150,000!

She looked at the attendant behind the table.

"Is this accurate?!"

She pointed accusingly at the book, as if it were lying to her.

"Yes miss. It is current as of 10 minutes ago."

Kyoko blanched. 150,000 for her to make someone tea! She walked away, sticking to the walls to avoid people but ended up walking into someone anyway. Thankfully it was Ryu who took one look at Kyokos face and grabbed her shoulder.

"Kyoko-san! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine Ryu-san. I just saw my bid book."

Ryu looked confused so Kyoko just pointed to the book. Ryu propped her against the wall and went to check it out. Scenarios that somehow the stalker had gotten in and written in the book flashed through her mind. She almost fell over in relief when she saw that it was nothing but numbers. High numbers but just that. And all recognisable names.

She went back to Kyoko.

"So what's the problem?"

"I thought it must be a mistake but the attendant told me it was accurate."

"What was?"

"The figure!"

"So it's high. Isn't that a good thing?"

"150,000 is more than high Ryu-san!"

"It's not Kyoko-chan."

"It is."

"I meant its not 150,000."

"I just looked at it."

"It's 225,000 now."

Kyoko almost fell over.

"225,000?! To basically spend an afternoon with me?"

"Maybe its Ren-san? Bidding through someone else so the President doesn't stop him?"

This seemed to get through to Kyoko. It was an entirely plausible explanation.

"And it is all for a good cause isn't it?"

It was. Maria and Kyoko had found an orphanage who wanted to encourage the talents of the children but didn't have the funds.

Ryu was still talking.

"So let them pay huge amounts for you to pour them tea. It all goes to the children, right?"

Kyoko was back to upright and smiling. 225,000 could by a lot of equipment for the children.

She patted her cheeks.

"Back to it. I shall see you later Ryu-san. I have to check on Moko-san."

Ryu smiled at her.

She was walking back to Kanae when Ren entered.

He spotted her and started heading towards her but Kyoko shook her head. She spun a finger indicating he should mingle and then pointed at Kanae.

He nodded that he understood.

He had to mingle. There were directors here and other important people. Kyoko had to go back to Kanae. He tapped his watch and smiled before turning away. She smiled to herself, he'd see her later.

Ren watched Kyoko go back to Kanae. Directors Ogata and Shin stepped in front of him and engaged him in conversation. They were discussing Ever After when the room suddenly fell silent, then rapturous applause thundered through the room. He turned to see the new arrival and paled.

They were here.

He felt a hand on his arm and saw Lory had grabbed him.

"Uh-uh-uh. No running."

He kept an unnaturally strong grip on Rens arm as his parents made their way to him. Most people saw who they were headed for and decided they could wait to chat with them. Everyone knew that Kuu and the President were friends.

Ren tried to pull his arm free.

"Please let me go."

"No. I've taken my lecture and she's excited to see you. Don't worry. She knows who you ARE. She will behave accordingly and I will be here to make sure she does. I will not leave you alone with them but they have requested that you meet with them in my office after the party."

To anyone else within earshot it would have sounded as if the President had just hissed at Ren.

Then there they were. Right in front of him. He took one look in his mothers eyes and nearly broke his mask. One glimpse and he almost cried.

"Julie. This is Tsuruga Ren. He's our Kyoko-chans Senpai and I believe more recently her boyfriend."

Ren gulped. He recognised the tone in Kuu's voice. The kind a dad gives his daughters first date. The one where he asks what his intentions are and that he owned a shotgun and a shovel and my weren't they lovely and wasn't he going to have her back by half 10.

Lory laughed. So did Julie and Rens heart almost broke. He had missed that sound.

He shook her hand and gently squeezed. The closest way he could get to an actual hug somewhere this public.

He looked at his parents.

"The President told me you had a request? I would be happy to oblige."

Kyoko across the room felt the full force of Julies smile. She looked over and saw that she could see where Ren got it from.

She was dazzling.

Kyoko was moving before she knew it. She had to go to Ren. He would be struggling right now. She weaved through the crowd and approached them.

Kuu beamed and swept her into a hug that caused her to squeal.

"Hello Otou-san. It's nice to see you too."

"Ah Kyoko-chan! It warms an old mans heart to hear that."

He gave a pointed look to Ren.

"Congratulations on Ever After by the way. The lead role! I'm so proud!"

Kyoko froze, almost imperceptible to anyone but those who knew her, then tightened her hug on Kuu while mumbling a thanks into his shoulder.

She released him and discretely wiped her eyes.

She turned to Julie and bowed.

"I have heard so much about you Hizuri-san. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Oh Kuu! You were right! She's adorable! And so polite and cute."

Kyoko blushed.

"T-thank you Hizuri-san"

Ren gave an odd look at Kuu who had suddenly developed a 'cough'.

"Oh none of this formal nonsense. You must call me M… Julie."

Kuu almost choked on the sashimi in his mouth at Julies slip. Ren chuckled to but more at the fact Kyoko was trying to get her to allow 'Julie-san' but Julie wasn't having it.

"Now now love. Kyoko-chan is a very polite girl and it is normal for her to use honorifics."

Julie pouted and crossed her arms.

"Hmph fine. Julie-san for now but I intend on getting it down."

She threw a glance at Ren who rolled his eyes.

Kyoko was in a daze. She couldn't quite cope with it all. Lory looked at her.

"Kyoko-chan. Shouldn't you be with Kotonami-san?"

"Yes sir. I just saw Otou-san and figured I should come and say hello before he pouts."

"Understandable Kyoko-chan but I think Kotonami-san may need you."

She mouthed a thank you to him, sent an apologetic look to Ren who nodded and dashed off.

She rushed back to Kanae and as soon as the latest bidder had gone practically tore her arm off dragging her back to the employee area. She burst into a flurry of apologies and explained about why she was late, only excluding the fact they were his parents.

"She's so beautiful and elegant. You remind me of her actually."

Kanae blushed. She was actually a huge fan of Julies and based some of her look on her and her range.

"Thank you Kyoko-chan."

"I really am sorry about leaving you and everything."

Kanae looked at her. She was stood a little too stiff, too straight. Kanae changed the subject.

"So how was Chiori-san?"

Kyoko launched into great detail about her journey over, who she had met and that Chiori and her charge were getting along like a house on fire.

"Come on Kyoko-chan. Back to it. Theres only an hour before the final part of the auction begins."

They adjusted outfits, set on their battle faces and once more headed back out.