A/N: I shouldn't have written this. I should have been studying. But I did...so here it is :) Hope you enjoy.

Courage

Kyoko's eyes flew open when she heard the muted sound of her phone ringing. Finding herself in Ren's arms again, she smiled, relaxing for a minute, but then remembered the events of the previous night. Slipping out of his embrace, she leaned over the edge of the bed and pulled her phone out of the pocket of her jeans on the floor, climbing out of the bed quietly. "Hello?" She whispered into the phone, leaving the bedroom and closing the door softly.

"Mo! Kyoko! I thought you were going to call and tell me what happened with your boyfriend! Where have you been?" Kyoko winced at the anger in her friend's voice.

"I'm sorry Moko-san." She said sadly. "I was sick after the sleepover, and I stayed with Ren, and then I had to catch up with filming, and…"

"Wait." Her astonished voice cut through Kyoko's tired rambling. "You stayed…with Ren. As in Tsuruga?"

"Yes…" Kyoko blushed a little. "We're…dating." She mumbled.

"Hm." The woman didn't sound surprised, but there was some caution in her voice. "When you say you stayed with him…" Her meaning clicked immediately.

"No!" Kyoko blushed brightly. "I mean…I slept in the guest room. Well…mostly. And last night….but they were special circumstances. Nothing happened." She assured her stunned friend.

"MO! What do you mean 'special circumstances'?"

"Um…well the guest bed was dirty one night."

"…Okay. And the other time?"

"I…it was last night. I…I had a nightmare." She wasn't sure what else to classify it as, but it hadn't felt like a nightmare. Kanae must have heard the residual fear in her friend's voice because she didn't question her.

"Alright. But be careful Kyoko." She warned gently. Kyoko smiled at her friend's concern and told her about how she and Ren had gotten together, trying to get her mind off of the strange night.


Ren opened his eyes blearily as his alarm blared. Groaning, he slammed his hand on the snooze button with a little more force than necessary, then lay back on the pillow. After a minute, he went ahead and shut the alarm off. As his mind woke up, the events from the previous night flooded his mind, and he was as confused and worried as he had been then. As he pondered her strange behavior, he was suddenly struck by the absence of said girl beside him. Sitting up, he looked around wildly. 'Where is she?' He jumped out of bed and peeked in the bathroom through the open door. The room was dark. Wrenching his door open, he ran into the living room, and was able to breathe again when he found her in the kitchen.

She smiled up at him tiredly from the stove where she was cooking eggs. "Good morning." She greeted with a sleepy smile. He smiled as well, coming to stand beside her and leaning down to drop a kiss on her forehead. She blushed a little, making his smile widen for a minute.

"Good morning. Were you able to get some sleep?"

She nodded and began spooning food onto plates for them. "Some. Moko-san called me earlier." She noticed his eyes on her again, obviously searching for signs of distress, and she suppressed an urge to apologize again. Instead, she handed him a plate and followed him to the living room. "Did you sleep okay?" He nodded as he sat on the sofa, and she joined him. Yawning a little, she began eating.

"What time do you need to be on set today?" He asked, swallowing a small bite of food. His plate wasn't even close to full, since she knew his appetite, and he appreciated it, but the worry in his stomach was hard to eat around.

"1. I have to work until 5, and then I have Love Me work…probably until 8." He nodded.

"I'll give you a ride home tonight. I get off at 7:30." Actually, he didn't want her to go home. He couldn't stand the thought of not being there is she had another nightmare, or was seized by the same fear from the night before, but he didn't want to make her uncomfortable by asking her to stay the night every night.

Kyoko stared at her plate anxiously. 'I'll be alone tonight.' She realized fearfully. 'He won't be there to protect me…but I can't keep inconveniencing him like this. He isn't getting enough sleep, and he works more than I do.' She forcefully wiped the fear from her face and took a bite of food. It sat like a brick in her stomach, so she pushed her plate away. Ren who was still eating, looked up in worry. His hand covered hers.

"Kyoko, you've hardly eaten anything."

"I'm just not very hungry." She assured him with a cheery smile, starting to stand, but Ren grabbed her arm and pulled her to his side. She sighed and leaned against him, closing her eyes for a minute.

"We don't have to leave for an hour. Why don't you try and sleep?" He asked softly, leaning his head onto hers. Despite her fear, she nodded a little and he stood, pulling the blanket from the back of the couch and tucking it around her as she rested her head on a cushion.

When he reentered the room to wake her nearly an hour later, her red-rimmed eyes were still wide open.


The President held back a smirk as the young man entered his office. About to open his mouth and tease his impromptu guest, he lost all amusement as he caught sight of the boy's worried face. Frowning in confusion, Lory gestured to a chair across from him and handed the actor a cup of coffee.

"What happened?" He asked softly, gesturing for Sebastian to leave and shut the door.

"Something is wrong with Kyoko." Ren told him simply, but the look in his eyes told Lory that it was more serious than that.

"Where is she?" He demanded.

"I just dropped her off at home." Ren took a sip of coffee. She came over yesterday, and we were watching a movie. Halfway through the movie…I can't even explain it." He looked up hopelessly. "She was shaking and even when I put a blanket on her, she was like ice. I couldn't get her to respond to me, and I just held her for a second. It took a few minutes for her to calm down and all she said was that she was scared. She didn't know why." The President's eyes were narrow as he listened, his mind scrolling through the possibilities. "Then, she was fine. She fell asleep, and was in the guest room." Ren flinched a little as he remembered. "I woke up a few hours later, and she was screaming. I went into the guest room, and she was thrashing in her sleep and kept screaming 'no.' I had to yell and shake her to wake her up." Lory's eyes widened. "When she woke up, she started crying, and she told me that she dreamed about a man trying to find her, and she said that she could feel it when he touched her."

"Is she okay now?" He asked softly, clenching his jaw.

Ren sighed, shaking his head. "She slept with me last night, and she got some sleep, but…" He trailed off. "I tried to get her to sleep on the couch this morning before we left but she couldn't. I think she's still afraid." He took another drink and stared at his President. "What could be the matter with her?" Lory drummed his fingers thoughtfully.

"It sounds like…a panic disorder? But she's never shown symptoms before?" Ren shook his head.

"She didn't know what was going on." He told the President. The man sighed.

"Alright. I'll have a talk with her."

"Have a talk with Fuwa while you're at it." He grumbled irritably, remembering why he wanted to talk to him in the first place. "He hit her." The President's eyes widened.

"Pardon?"


Kyoko paced, Corn clutched in her hand. 'I am not afraid.' She told herself firmly. 'I am not scared of that silver haired freak…with the long fingernails…and the freaky eyes…but that doesn't matter. He doesn't scare me.' Taking a deep breath, she reached under her pillow and pulled out her Ren doll, sitting cross-legged on her futon. 'Ren will protect me.' She lay back on the futon, closing her eyes. 'He gives me courage…and confidence.'


Ren glanced up from his make-up chair at the clock on the wall. It was 12:40. 'She'll be arriving soon. I wonder when the President is going to talk to her. Will she have to go to a doctor?' He sighed, not seeing the surprise on the make up artist's face. 'I hate this.' The make up artist frowned at him in the mirror.

"Are you alright, Tsuruga-san?" The young woman asked softly, running a comb through his hair and styling it for Katsuki's next scene.

"Hm? Oh, yea." He gave her a fake smile, and she continued with his hair without comment.

When he was finished, he stepped out of the room, looking around. Spotting her, he was taken aback. She was smiling and chatting happily with Momose-san, laughing at something the other girl said, and nodding. His eyes softening, he made his way over to her. Momose-san spotted him before Kyoko and said something to the smaller girl quietly before heading to wardrobe. "Hey." She smiled brightly up at him, then gave a slight bow.

"Hello Ren." His arms ached to hold her, but the people standing around were (not so discreetly) glancing their way, so he only smiled.

"Were you able to get some rest?" She smiled happily.

"Yes. Not much, but I feel better." He nodded.

"I'll let you get to make up." As he passed her, his hand discreetly brushed hers, and a few people nearby wondered what was making her blush so brightly.


"Kyoko-san. There's someone here to see you." She glanced up from her bento, as did Ren. Looking past the crew-member, they saw Sho Fuwa walking toward them. Kyoko glanced nervously at Ren, whose eyes narrowed. Clenching his jaw, he stood stiffly, and she hurriedly stood as well.

"What do you want, Sho?" She asked, standing partially in front of Ren. 'Run you blonde idiot! Can't you sense that you life is in danger!' Telepathy failed, however, and the musician only smirked.

"I want to talk to you…in private." She was sure she heard Ren growl, so she stepped forward.

"Fine." Ren's and was suddenly gripping her wrist, so she slipped her hand away until she was holding his, pulling him along gently. "Let's talk." Sho seemed about to argue but the look on Ren's face changed his mind.

In the empty corridor, Kyoko continued to hold Ren's hand, more to keep him from attacking her ex friend than to show her affection, but Sho noticed. "I just want to talk to you." He snapped. "So make your boyfriend leave." He had hoped to make her flustered and have her deny it, to have her jerk away and ask the tall actor to leave them, but she only blushed a little and moved closer to the man who moved his arm around her waist. Sho's eyes widened.

"I'm not going anywhere. Say whatever it is you want and leave." Ren snapped. Sho smirked, and Ren thought his blood would boil over. His hands clenched into fists until he heard a soft squeak and realized he was still holding Kyoko's. His eyes softened and he loosened his grip on her, kissing her hand softly. "Sorry." He whispered. Sho's jaw dropped at the exchange between the two.

"What…Kyoko what is wrong with you! Letting this two bit actor…harass you in public!" She turned to Sho, her eyes livid.

"Shotaro Fuwa, you wanted to say something to me. Now say it!" She snapped. "I don't have time for this." Sho crossed is arms, but focused on the girl.

"Here." He pulled something out of his pocket and approached her, a scowl on his face. Ren tensed but waited. She looked down at the object in his hand and glared at Sho.

"Ren already gave me medicine." She told him stiffly, missing the fleeting hurt in Sho's eyes and the small smirk on Ren's face. "Do you think this can make up for what you did?"

"No! That's not…I mean…" He crossed his arms. "Kyoko, I…I didn't mean to hurt you." She sighted. "I…I'm sorry." He mumbled irritably. She stepped forward. "It's fine." She told him in monotone. "Is that all? I have to get back to work." He started to say something else but gave up, shrugging.

"Yea. That's it." He started to turn away, but Ren spoke up.

"Just a moment Fuwa-san." His voice was too polite and Kyoko cringed. The musician rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, scowling at the man he hated.

"What?"

"I'd like to have a word with you." Kyoko squeezed his hand nervously, causing him to give her a reassuring smile. "I just want to talk to him." He promised her. She looked at him nervously, but nodded.

"Okay. I'm going to go finish lunch. You have to hurry." She warned him quietly.

"It will only take a minute."

Sho watched Kyoko as she left him with the giant actor with a scowl. The two men were left alone in the deserted corridor, both watching the other warily. "So...was it really her acting skills that got her this job?" Sho drawled. He blinked and there was a hand holding him by the collar, lifting him from his feet and forcing him to look in the narrow eyes of a demon.

"Alright, Fuwa, I've only got a few minute, so you'd better just shut up and listen. I'll ignore that last comment. Stay away from her. Don't speak to her, don't call her, don't be in the same room with her if at all possible. And Fuwa," He shook the boy like a kitten by the scruff and lowered his voice to a hiss. "if you ever tough her again, I will come after you, and I will make your death look like an accident. Do you understand me? Just nod." The pale younger man nodded and Ren dropped him in disgust. "Perfect. Have a nice day, Fuwa-san." He bowed slightly and turned on his heels, following Kyoko onto the set.


Lory sat across from the young girl, regarding her kindly. "How are you feeling?" He asked softly. She looked up in surprise. "I heard that you were sick for a couple of days." He clarified.

"Oh. Yes, I'm feeling much better." She chirped.

"Hm. Thanks to your boyfriend?" He was amused at the delicate blush that covered her face. She nodded a little.

"Um…yes." She mumbled, embarrassed. "Ren took care of me."

"That's good. Are you sure you're up for Love Me work today?"

"Of course." She smiled brightly and he realized that she wasn't going to talk about the incident Ren was so upset about. Lory sighed. He didn't want to bring it up if she didn't want to talk about it, but he also didn't want her to be afraid to get help if she needed it.

"Kyoko-chan, if you start feeling badly again, or you need to talk to someone, please feel free to confide in me." He told her softly. "Everything in this office is strictly confidential." She looked up at him in surprise, then nodded, her eyes soft and distant.

"Thank you." She told him softly. He nodded and stood briskly.
"Of course. I'll let you get back to work. Do you have a ride home?"

"Yes. Ren is going to drive me." He nodded and saw her to the door.

"Alright. Have a nice evening, Kyoko-chan."

"Thank you, President Takarada. You too." She bowed and headed toward the elevator and the Love Me office.


Ren glanced over at his passenger occasionally. Her hand was warm and encased in his, but he was still worried. She seemed at ease as she watched the buildings rush by, but inside she was steeling herself. 'If he appears again, then I'm going to have a talk with him. I want to know who this freak is, and why he's coming after me.' She took a deep breath and Ren's eyes darted over.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." She smiled reassuringly. He didn't try to argue with her, but squeezed her hand, rubbing his thumb over the top. When he pulled up to the Darumaya, he put the car in park and pulled her over, crashing his lips against hers. She squeaked a little but didn't fight, allowing him to pull her over to the drivers side and nearly into his lap. She felt the blood rush to her face at the thought of anyone catching them, but the way his hand moved over her back made her completely forget the existence of anyone else. His tongue slipped into her mouth and she wanted to pull away at the strange sensation until he gently used it to stroke her tongue. She moaned softly, closing her eyes.

'I have to stop.' The thought came to the forefront when he heard the soft sound come from her throat. He stroked her tongue one more time and then slowly cooled the kiss down, pulling away a little, leaning his forehead against hers. "I love you." He whispered, his hands rubbing up and down her back. He realized that she was nearly straddling him, her knees on either side of her thighs, and tried to ignore the fact that she was wearing a skirt.

The blood rushed back to her face. "I love you too." She whispered.

"Do you want to stay with me tonight?" He asked her quietly, looking into her eyes. She shook her head with a smile.

"I'll be fine. You can't keep getting up early to take me home. You aren't getting enough sleep as it is."

"I don't mind." He told her earnestly. "I promise. Or if you're that worried about it…" He trailed off, realizing the weight of what he was asking. But she was curious.

"What?"

"I was just going to ask If you wanted to stay with me for a while." Her eyes widened.

"You mean…live with you?" He smiled gently, easing the fear in her eyes.

"Yes, but I understand if you don't want to. You're not ready for that." He kissed her again, short and sweet, and opened his door, helping her out of the car. "If you need anything, call me." He told her, catching her hand, and she nodded, then hurried into the restaurant.


Kyoko felt the presence before she saw it. Taking a deep breath, she looked around and found the silver haired man standing in the corner. "Where's your guard dog?" He smirked. She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms and giving him a cool glare.

"What do you want, you demon from Hell?" He laughed at this.

"You think I'm a demon?" Once again she was unable to move as he approached her, but she called on Mio to hide her terror, showing him a cold, hateful glare.

"Stay away from me." She snarled. "Who are you?"

"I'll tell you…just as soon as I find you again." He reached out again, but as soon as he came within touching distance, she forced her arm back and slapped him across the face. His eyes widened and he stepped back, his eyes lighting up in amusement. "You are strong." He laughed. He looked at the little blue grudges that were circling her. "That's why I was interested in you in the first place." She lifted an eyebrow, now more confused that scared.

"Where did you see me?"

"Oh, at the studio after your fight with Fuwa." He waved her question away, suggesting it wasn't important. "I found one of these laying around." He reached out and snatched at one of the grudges that barely managed to evade him. They formed a protective circle around her.

"Leave me alone you stupid demon!" She yelled angrily. "Go find someone else to stalk." His eyes trailed over her frame and she took a step back, the fear returning.

"Hm." There was an appreciative look in his eyes as he stared at her and she swallowed hard. "Fine. I'll leave you alone for now. This is making me tired. But I'll find you sooner or later, Kyoko." He grinned at her suggestively. "Hopefully you'll fight just as hard when I catch you." He disappeared and she jerked awake, her heart pounding in her ears. Taking a deep breath, she realized that she felt like she hadn't slept at all. She looked at the clock and groaned. It was three in the morning. Rolling over, she closed her eyes and tried to go back to sleep.

A/N: Thoughts? I hope you are all still enjoying the story. Let me know what you think.