Authors Chat: First of all, sorry if it was a little hard to follow Ren's drunken ramblings. Honestly, I had a hard time writing it in drunk'ese!

Second, I really appreciate all of you leaving reviews for me. I love hearing/reading what you all think regarding the story development. Your speculation to me is like crack to an addict!

I'll be out'and'about a lot of tomorrow (okay, it's after midnight here, so later today), so there'll most likely be a day's break between this chapter and the next. I know how the next chapter roughly will go though, so if you're lucky, there'll still be a chapter at the end of the day.

I would greatly appreciate your comments and constructive criticism!

That being said, italics text are direct thoughts of characters, text is in quotes, noises are done with asterisks.

DISCLAIMER: Skip Beat! and it's characters are not my original creation, they are owned and created by Nakamura Yoshiki.

Story Timeline: Y'all know the timeline by now. If not, go back and read it in an earlier chapter! (taken out for length).

Playing With Fire

Act 17

*BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM!*

The pounding on Ren's door was almost as loud as the pounding in his head. He couldn't shut either out, but he could do something about the pounding at the door.

Ren sat up and tried to stand, but the world threatened to dump him on the floor, so he sat back down for a minute before attempting a second time.

*BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM!*

He let out a non committal grunt as he heaved himself up and shuffled to the door.

The pounding started a third time, but Ren silenced it with a harsh "Just a MINUTE!" as he worked the locks open.

He dragged the door open and leaned his cheek against the coolness of the door as he looked down at his visitor.

Yashiro was back. It had completely slipped Ren's mind that Yashiro would be back this morning. Had he remembered, things may have gone differently that night.

No, who was he kidding… Yashiro's return wouldn't have made him desire Kyoko any less. He was just trying to find any excuse, anything at all to make it seem what happened was preventable.

Ren leaned heavily against the door and held it wide for Yashiro.

"Come on in."

Yashiro sidled in, looking at Ren's bandaged fist and bruised collarbone. He stared at Ren turned and pushed the door closed. Long red gashes ran down his back.

"Ren… what happened while I was gone?" Yashiro stood in disbelief that his charge would be so reckless with his body.

Ren stalked past him mumbling, "I broke a mirror."

Yashiro looked dubious but let it drop. He slid his shoes off and noticed they were not alone. Kyoko's shoes lie at the entrance beside his own.

What happened? This couldn't be good… Oh no… what if she was stalked and kidnapped again! Ren had to have been ballistic! But why did he break a mirror then!? Kyoko-chaaaan! I hope you're okay!

"Um… Kyoko-chan's here?"

"Yeah," he paused, listening, "sounds like she's in the shower getting ready.

Ren went into the kitchen and dug through the first aid kit, still on the counter, and took out a bottle of aspirin. He filled a glass with water and took two full doses of aspirin before forcing himself to drink the entire glass of water, then got more. He had a monster headache, and guessing from present company, it wasn't about to go away.

Yashiro looked around the living room, taking note of the empty decanter and tumbler, and saw the sofa cushions disheveled and could only assume someone had slept on the couch.

"Ren, why didn't Kyoko-chan use the guest room? Was she warm enough on the sofa?"

For a long time, Ren did not answer. Yashiro looked up and saw Ren hesitate, drink the last sip of water, then set the water glass down heavily. When he spoke, it was slowly and somewhat forceful.

"The bed was not made up for any guests. We returned late and practiced our scenes until we could no longer think clearly."

"Practiced? Was there something Kyoko-chan didn't get then? Are you two ready for today?"

"… if we don't get going, we'll be late. I'm going to shower and get ready." Ren turned and walked out of the room.

Yashiro could now hear both the shower in the bathroom in the hall and the shower in the bathroom in Ren's room. Somehow, Ren seemed stiffer than usual. Something HAD happened with Kyoko-chan.

Yashiro helped himself to the instant coffee in the kitchen, then sat on the sofa going over the planner for this week's work assignments. It didn't take Ren long to get ready, and he met Yashiro again in the living room shortly thereafter.

"You beat Kyoko-chan?"

Ren's expression went blank.

"I mean you're ready before she is. She's still in the shower." Yashiro pointed to the ceiling beside his ear, indicating he could still hear the shower running. What HAD happened!? Ren's reactions were making him more and more curious.

Ren at his watch, then down the hall toward the bathroom door.

"Yashiro… go ahead and wait down in the car. I'll let Mogami-san know we need to hurry." He walked Yashiro to the entrance, almost pushing him out the door, and handed him his bag and the keys to the car.

Yashiro gave him a quizzical look as he closed the door in his face.

Inside, Ren turned around and walked slowly to the bathroom door, then knocked gently.

She was hesitant in her response, "…yes?"

"Mogami-san… um… we need to leave for the set. Please hurry and finish getting ready so we can leave."

There was a small shuffling sound, a meek "alright," and what sounded like… soft sobs?

Is she crying?

Ren couldn't get the thought out of his head, and he hesitated before asking. "Mogami-san, are you crying?" He asked softly at the door.

He took the lack of response to mean that she was.

"I… I'm coming in."

"NO!" she yelled, but too late, the door had unlatched and opened.

The bath and shower were separated from the rest of the bathroom by a thin wall of frosted glass with a latched French door for entrance. Ren could only tell from the blurred form that Kyoko was sitting on the shower stool, but the spray of water did not reach her, the sound of the droplets hit loudly against the tile.

Ren leaned against the counter and after a minute, spoke.

"Mogami-san… I… have already seen more of your body than this room allows me to see, so please… just bare with me."

"What happened last night… I am sorry. It never should have gotten out of hand. I could lay the blame on you, but I myself am also at fault. Actually… I'm mostly at fault. I'm a man, it should have been my responsibility to … sorry. Um… We… SHOULD talk about …what happened… more, but we have a job to do first. We have a responsibility to finish the shoot for the Box 'R' Chronicle. Then… Yashiro is back this morning… then if you never want… to see me again, I'll understand. He can handle things as my manager."

Kyoko only said a noncommittal "Un."

Ren closed the door as he exited the bathroom and waited for her to finish her shower and getting ready.

He's right. Chin-up Kyoko! I have to finish this shoot. I can't be late. I have to be a professional! Cry… Crying here does no good. I'll get up, we'll finish the shoot, then we'll talk about this. I… I have only myself to blame. Tsuruga-san said it was mostly his fault, but that isn't it. If Natsu hadn't gotten out of control… no… if I hadn't let her… let myself… get out of control, Tsuruga-san wouldn't hate me now. But… I had a dream… he said he loved me…ACK! What are you THINKING Kyoko! I told myself I would NOT fall in love again! Focus on being an Actress and bringing Shoutaro DOWN! That's right… Today is just another stepping stone. If… If that's what Tsuruga-san thinks we need t-to do in order to get the scene right, then i-it's a-alright.

Kyoko hurried to finish her shower after she decided to finish the shoot and met Ren in the living room with her bag over her shoulder.

"I'm ready Tsuruga-san. L-lets get this o-over with."