A/N: 42 chapters...wow. I so did not plan this. It was just a little idea! Just a tiny little thing...and then...it grew up! lol. Thank you so much for everyone that continues to read and I just want you to know that I appreciate it more than I can tell you. Reviews make my day, and I am so happy that people sit and read something that I write, since I love writing so much. If you have any criticism, please let me know, and I'll respond. (I try to respond to all reviews as quickly as possible.) Anyway, thank you and please enjoy.
But Rumor Has It
(He's the one I'm leaving you for)
Kyoko looked up at his sleeping face and smiled a little, running her hand through his soft hair and shifting so that she was closer to him. 'He must have been tired. I guess it's pretty rare for him to get time off in the middle of the day.' She thought idly, wiping her eyes of excess tears and wondering how awful she must look after crying so much. She wanted nothing more than to lay beside him and watch him sleep, slowly drifting off and resting next to him, but in the back of her mind, she knew that she had too much to do. She needed to clean herself up, change clothes, get ready to go to the hotel, look over her scripts, and make some calls, especially after the incident at the restaurant. Briefly, she wondered if she had thanked Yashiro. The whole episode, especially from the time the reporter had grabbed her arm, now felt like a surreal dream, with Yashiro always surrounded by a cool wind and a dark aura, warding off anyone within touching distance. 'He must be used to keeping reporters at bay…' She thought idly as she gently slipped from under Ren's arms. He didn't stir, only shifting one of his arms and moving his head toward the center of the pillow. She reached back and grabbed the comforter, pulling it over him so that he wouldn't get cold. Then, praying that she didn't wake him, she leaned over and kissed his forehead gently, pulling away and running from the room, red faced, before she could see the small smile that appeared on his face.
All she could remember about the incident with Yashiro was his arm around her as he led her to the taxi, and the way he led her up to the apartment, using his own key to let the distraught, frightened girl into the luxurious home of her super rich and famous boyfriend. Cursing her rudeness, she resolved to thank him and apologize the next time she saw him as she splashed more cold water on her face and, looking through her bag, pulled out the other casual outfit she had brought from home, knowing that she would be going to the hotel for the night.
She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled softy, catching the reflection of the spotless, sparsely decorated but obviously high class room. 'Not even a year ago I was a maid with no family, no friends, and no future…' She giggled softly. 'Now, reporters are trying to make up rumors about my love life.' Laughing quietly, she ran a brush through her hair. 'After Sho left…no…even before that…even before my mother left…I never though I could really be happy….that I could ever do anything. And this is all because of Kuon.' The loving thoughts of her boyfriend immediately brought back the seriousness of his situation. 'He can't overcome his past…not by himself. I have to do everything I can to help him through this.' She clenched her fists. 'No matter what I have to do, I will get him through this.'
Slipping out of the bathroom and past a sleeping giant, Kyoko hurried into the living room and pulled out her phone as she walked into the kitchen. She flipped her phone open and looked through Ren's refrigerator, briefly amazed at the fact that she always felt so comfortable and at home in his kitchen. Finding nothing for them to eat, she decided to just have Cain take them to dinner and, scrolling through her contacts, called Takarada-san, which Yashiro had asked her to do earlier.
"Kyoko-chan? Are you alright?" She had only called the President once or twice before today, and each time a secretary had answered and requested her information. This time, he answered immediately. "Are you with Ren?"
"Good afternoon, Takarada-san." She smiled a little at the worry in his voice and the resulting warm feeling that traveled through her chest. 'I am so lucky to work for someone that actually cares about me.' She realized, remembering the Fuwas with a grimace. "I'm fine, and I am in Ren's apartment."
"Good. Stay there." She frowned at the commanding tone.
"Um…is everything okay?"
"There are reporters outside of his building, and they are trying to get in. Apparently news that you are cheating on Ren with Yashiro is spreading quickly." She paled a little.
"I am not!" She cried. "I would never….why would….how could they…" He chuckled wearily, cutting her off.
"Kyoko-chan, I know very well that you would never cheat on Ren, nor would Yashiro participate in something like that." She sighed in relief. "But that doesn't matter, because the two of you have kept the relationship a secret and they are making assumptions and spreading rumors. There will be quite a few of them in the paper and on the gossip channels tonight and tomorrow…and probably for quite a while." His voice gentled. "The police are taking care of the situation outside of his building and don't seem to know where you live, so if you are careful, you should be able to remain at the Darumaya. If not…then we can find you a place with good security protection."
"Thank you." She spoke sadly and she could hear his soft chuckle.
"Kyoko-chan, this is my job. It's my responsibility to see that my employees are taken care of, and this includes both yourself and Ren. I've been thinking about assigning you a manager, since technically you should have graduated from Love Me by now…I'll have to find a suitable movie for your debut.." He was mumbling to himself, unaware of the shock on the other line.
"My…my debut!" She cried, momentarily forgetting about the sleeping man in the other room.
"Huh? Yes, of course. But you'll have time to think about that later. For now, wait until I call you back and give you clearance before you leave the building. Then you can come to the hotel basement and I'll talk to the both of you. Call me if you need anything."
"Thank you." This time she spoke more cheerfully. "Goodbye Takarada-san."
"Goodbye, Kyoko-chan." She disconnected the phone and walked over to the counter, pulling herself onto one of the stools, and opening her phone again, this time dialing Kanae.
Ren groaned and stretched, arching his back and yawning, enjoying the pleasant sensation. 'What time is it?' For years, this had been the first question on his mind every time he awoke, and now was no exception. He glanced around for his cellphone, but frowned in confusion. 'Why am I in the…oh…' Before he could even finish the thought, the events of the day came back to him and he looked around again, this time for the small red headed woman he remembered cradling as he fell asleep. He noticed that the comforter was pulled up to his neck and smiled, pushing it back and swinging his feet over the edge. Still dressed in slacks and his button up shirt, he found his phone in his pocket and realized that he still had another few hours before he needed to meet with Ten-san in the basement of the hotel for his 'Cain Heel transformation.' The thought, of course, circled back to Setsu, and, obviously, Kyoko, making him wonder once again where she was. He straightened the guest bed, tucking the sheets back into place and smoothing the comforter, a habit from childhood, and walked into his bedroom, changing into more comfortable jeans and a t-shirt that he rarely wore except when home alone. He would have to change back before he went out anywhere, but he wanted to be wearing something comfortable for a while.
He heard her voice as he entered the living room, and found her in the kitchen, her chin resting on her hand as she spoke in a soft voice. "No, it wasn't his fault. I don't think he thought much about it either." He lifted an eyebrow and debated internally weather or not to make his presence known. "Moko-san, it's fine. Yashiro-san…no…I didn't. Of course not!" He heard her sigh irritably and wondered if he had ever heard her take that tone with her best friend. Immediately her voice softened. "No, you're right. I'm sorry. I'm just stressed about this. But it will be fine." He flinched, the thought that he was causing her added stress quite disheartening. "Yes. I will. You too. Bye." He watched as she sighed, placing the phone down on the counter and placing her head in her hands. He approached her silently, placing his hands on her shoulders and squeezing firmly and massaging his thumbs into the back of her arms, making her moan happily. He chuckled as she leaned back against him, smiling up at him, all traces of irritation and stress gone.
"You could have kept sleeping if you were tired." She informed him as she hopped down from the stool. "I was going to wake you up." He grabbed her arm and hugged her close, kissing her forehead.
"I'm fine. We still have a couple of hours. Are you hungry?" She looked suddenly uncomfortable and he frowned in confusion.
"Um…you don't have any food…"
"Well, what I was trying to say was 'do you want to get something to eat?'"
"Um…we can't." He lifted an eyebrow. "The President called…there are reporters outside of the building…and he told us that we have to stay in the building." Ren nodded slowly, his eyes thoughtful. "But…um…I ate a while ago so I'm fine." She didn't mention that she hadn't eaten but a few bites of her food and that she had forgotten to get it from Yashiro when he dropped her off. She didn't have to, however, as her stomach growled, and he gave her a momentarily disproving look. She sighed. "I'm fine. We're leaving in a few hours anyway."
Ren reached into his pocket and grabbed his phone. "What are…" She was silenced when he placed his phone against his ear and promptly ordered a pizza. Eyebrows lifting, she crossed her arms and waited as he glanced over at her.
"What do you want on it?" Surprised, she cocked her head.
"Um…I don't know. I've never really had it." His eyes widened as he stared at her in shock, then shook his head and ordered it with half sausage, thanking the person on the other line, then hung up.
"Never?" He asked incredulously, not allowing her to complain about the lack of nutritional value or the price. She smiled, walking over to his sofa and sitting down.
"Well, I always lived with the Fuwas and they never ordered any…or made any. I can't afford it anyway." She admitted sheepishly. He frowned in concern and sat next to her, reaching for the remote but not turning it on.
"Kyoko…do you need money?" He asked quietly. To stunned to reply, she stared at his serious face. "If you don't have enough money, I can help you out." She jerked out of her stupor and shook her head furiously.
"N…no!" She cried. "I…I'm fine. I have enough money to live on! Especially since I don't have to pay much at the Darumaya and I don't have many expenses." He continued to stare at her. "I just can't afford to buy expensive things or waste it on take out." He nodded. "Besides, I can't take money from you!" He lifted an eyebrow.
"Why not?"
"Because! Because…because…it would be wrong!" Now more amused than concerned, he placed his arm around her and pulled her closer.
"Why would it be wrong?" His eyes were dangerously close to the 'Emperor' and she pushed on, not letting herself get distracted.
She decided that she had to make him understand once and for all. "Because…it's a waste! And…and it isn't your responsibility to take care of me! And…"
"I beg to differ." He spoke softly, his lips too close to her face for comfort. "It is most certainly my responsibility to take care of the woman I love."
In a tiny corner of her mind, she felt irritation that he thought she needed to be taken care of. However, almost immediately, that was crushed by the realization that no one had ever willingly stepped forward and acknowledged that they would like to be responsible for her, to help her unconditionally. She knew that he wasn't saying that she was incapable…he was saying that he loved her. Blushing, she lowered her head so that he couldn't see her bright red face and the tear falling down her face. "I don't need any money." She mumbled.
"Alright." He murmured. She could hear the smile in his voice as he kissed her temple right above her ear. "Just let me know if you change your mind."
Setsu strolled around the hotel room, trying to pretend that she didn't notice the hungry look her 'brother' was directing at her. Although they weren't currently acting their roles, they were dressed as the Heil siblings and Kyoko was cleaning up after her 'brother,' whose look grew darker when she leaned over and picked up his jacket. She glanced back at him and blushed, pulling at the miniskirt that barely covered her thighs.
Ren barely managed to keep from groaning aloud as she walked around in her tiny outfit. 'Why isn't she wearing pants?' He wondered, half thankful and half irritated, mostly at his own lack of self control as he carefully shifted on the bed, crossing his legs. She glanced back over at him, her pixie like face made more attractive by the long wig and make-up. "I'm going to go take a shower." He announced suddenly, startling her as she stood at the sink, cleaning the dishes. She nodded and went back to the dishes, a slight blush on her face as she remembered what happened last time he took a shower in a hotel room with her.
Shaking the thought away, she stared down into the dish-water as it drained from the sink. 'I have to help him.' The thought came with a rush of determination and she clenched her fists, leaning against the sink. 'Tomorrow…when he starts filming…I have to be totally in character. I have to be Setsu, and support him no matter what.'
She wiped her hands on a dishtowel and went into the bedroom section of the hotel room, grabbing the remote from the table between their beds, and sat on her bed. For a moment, she was lost in thought as the TV played a random show. Suddenly she froze as her own name caught her attention. "And our sources are telling us that rising actress Kyoko is cheating on Japan's number one actor, Ren Tsuruga!" There was a dramatic pause as Kyoko felt bile rise in her throat. "With…guess who! His manager!" There was a picture of Yashiro with his arm around her, glaring over at a photographer, while she just looked stunned as she leaned against him. "LME hasn't released any kind of announcement about the two, so we can only wonder if the rising starlet and the number one actor are actually dating, but we have pictures from the Dark Moon set…" Kyoko didn't catch the rest, placing her hands over her face and shaking her head until she heard another voice.
"It's obvious she's just sleeping with him to get her name out." A young woman glared into the camera, making Kyoko stiffen in shock. "She's just whoring herself out so…" Suddenly the TV was shut off and Kyoko looked up into the murderous face of Kuon. She swallowed hard.
"I'm…I wouldn't…I can't…" When she obviously wasn't able to speak, his eyes softened and he walked over to where she was curled on the bed, sitting beside her and holding her.
"I know." He assured her calmly, his fingers trailing down her arms. "I know you wouldn't do something like that." She looked up at him, obviously desperate to see some sincerity, and released a breath of relief when his eyes were the same as always, loving and gentle.
"I'm so sorry." She whispered. Kuon shook his head and kissed her briefly on the cheek.
"I'm not angry with you." He promised firmly. "I'm angry with those reporters. All we wanted was a private relationship, and they've ruined it." He sighed, squeezing her again and then standing. "We'll deal with everything tomorrow. The shower's free if you want to use it." She smiled gratefully and slipped into the bathroom as Ren sat down heavily.
He never suspected his best friend of trying to steal his girlfriend. Ever. Not for one second did he think that Yashiro would betray him like that. But hearing the reporters say it aloud… He closed his eyes and took deep, calming breaths. 'It isn't true.' He reminded himself. 'They are just stupid rumors.' It was, by far, his least favorite part of show business. He couldn't honestly say that having fans wasn't nice, and that hearing people praise him throughout Japan was a nice ego boost, but it sometimes grew tiresome, especially when these people thought that they should have some say in his personal life, as if he belonged to them. 'And most importantly, they are hurting Kyoko.' He was perfectly fine with rumors about himself. He'd dealt with them over the years and would continue to do so. 'But when they called her a whore…and suggested that she was using me…' He clenched his teeth, imagining her shocked face and tear filled eyes as she placed her hands over her mouth, then desperately tried to assure him that it wasn't true…as if he needed reassuring. 'It has to stop.' He decided firmly. 'I can't let them hurt her, not because of me.'
Yashiro groaned and dropped his head into his hands. "She's like my little sister!" He screamed at the television in mounting frustration. "Why would I try to date her!" He shook his head and dropped his head back against the sofa, then paused when his phone vibrated. "Hello?"
"Yashiro? This is Takarada."
"Oh. Hello Takarada-san." He greeted his boss wearily.
"I need you to come by my office, Yashiro. We need to talk."
A/N: The semester is finally wrapping up. I am so happy, and I will have a week off before summer classes start. Thank goodness for summer. I am loving the warm weather, but not the TON of work I have to do. So thank you for reading and I will hopefully update soon.
