Authors Chat: There was a little confusion for some as to why Kyoko now thinks Ren dislikes her. This chapter should clear that up. If you still have questions after this chapter, let me know, and I'll clarify in a PM.

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 18

"L-lets get this o-over with."

The sentence went through his mind over and over as Ren drove silently toward the studio. If any indication was given of how this would all turn out in the end, Ren had screwed over his only chance with Kyoko for good.

Yashiro seemed troubled by the awkward silence in the car, but did not feel safe asking what was going on. With how Ren had treated him earlier, he knew it would be like pulling teeth just to get Ren to tell him what was up, and he knew Ren would not talk while Kyoko was in the car with him, even though Kyoko seemed to be off in her own little world.

She stared out the window the entire ride to the studio, not looking at Ren, not looking at Yashiro, but rather into the distance as if she could see some impending doom.

"Kyoko-chan, we're here. Are you going to stay there all day?"

Yashiro was holding the seat forward so she could climb out of the back seat. She hadn't even noticed, but now she flustered to gather her bags and exit the vehicle.

Ren had not waited for them, and Kyoko saw a brief glance of his form as it passed through the studio doorway and vanished as the door latched shut.

I'm right. He is mad with me. I'm sorry Tsuruga-san, I just couldn't do it!

"Kyoko-chan?" Yashiro gently prodded her shoulder as she had stopped moving and just stood staring at the her toes. She said a hasty apology then walked with Yashiro into the studio. She split from him as she went toward her dressing room, and Yashiro followed the hall down to the set, crossed the set, and down the hall to Ren's dressing room.

"Ren? … What's going on?"

"I'm getting ready for the shoot."

"That's not what I meant. What's going on with Kyoko-chan? I know something's up."

Ren remained silent, hoping Yashiro would stop looking at him with such concern, but Yashiro was relentless.

"It's nothing I care to talk about."

Yashiro sighed, then thought of a new plan of attack.

"Fine." He proceeded to take out his cell phone and set it on the vanity in front of Ren. "My cell phone broke while I was away. May I use yours to call and let my sister know I made it back to Tokyo alright?" He proceeded to slip on a latex surgical glove in anticipation of utilizing another's cell phone.

It was Ren's turn to sigh. "…when are you going to get a cell phone that can't be defeated by you?" He slipped the cell out of his back pocket and handed it over to Yashiro.

Yashiro grinned to himself. That was way too easy.

"Now, Ren… What happened with Kyoko-chan?" He moved his ungloved hand to hover above Ren's cell phone. Ren glared hard.

"I don't think so Yashiro. That won't work on me a second time. Give me back my cell phone if you aren't going to use it."

Yashiro pulled his hands away from Ren's outstretched hand.

"Remember how difficult it was last time your phone broke Ren? What will you do this time? You have three new scripts to go through. Are you sure you can afford to not have your cell phone handy?"

Ren stared at him hard. "I'll get by. Give me my cell phone."

"Tell me what happened with Kyoko-chan."

"Yashiro, I won't tell you this. "

"Are you willing to sacrifice your cell phone for it?" He was SURE Ren would relent.

"… yes." Ren turned back to his costume rack and began buttoning Katsuki's shirt, expressly ignoring Yashiro's squeaks of protest and look of shock.

Ren left Yashiro standing agape and holding the now-dead cell phone. He headed on set and went straight to the storyboard to see what the shooting schedule was today for Kyoko. Ren only had the one scene left as Katsuki, but he intended to wait until Kyoko was finished for the day before going anywhere so that he was certain to have the time to talk to her, and she wouldn't be able to avoid him.

Kyoko did not exit her dressing room until the director called for her on set. The girls had said she wasn't feeling well, but Ren knew the truth of the matter. Either she was cramping from what had been done, or she was avoiding him. She hadn't mentioned anything about pain, so he figured she was avoiding him. …then again, she hadn't said anything to him today other than "I'm ready Tsuruga-san. L-lets get this o-over with."

Maybe he should just give her some time, but his countenance couldn't allow that. He had such a difficult time being Tsuruga Ren around her anymore, that now when he was upset… or heartbroken… he could not be Tsuruga Ren to anyone else. He could hide his personality differences in his BJ role, but that would last for only so long. The way it felt right now, he would never get over loosing Kyoko. Never get over driving her away carelessly.

Just get through this day Ren told himself as he stepped on stage and started the scene.

Acting the intro that lead up to where they climbed in bed together was perfect, but once Ren removed his shirt and Kyoko had to switch to the strapless top to give the illusion they were naked under the sheets, they both had difficulties finding their characters through all the tension that they received NG after NG. Surprisingly, it didn't upset Ren as it should have, but he was actually grateful for the fact that he got to spend more time holding and toughing Kyoko. If he never could again, he would cherish this time he got to spend with her while on set. That was why Ren could not get into character. He did not want to.

Kyoko, on the other hand, could not get into character for fear that she would loose herself in Natsu and do something further that she thought Ren would never forgive her for. What that was, she didn't know, but after how she had rejected him and made him stop working on the scene, surely he would hate her lack of professionalism. Kyoko knew and understood that actors and actresses had to give up so so much for the sake of their careers, and Ren had to have sacrificed much in his career too. Kyoko knew this and trusted him.

She trusted him to help her as he thought best, she had failed him. If he thought she needed to do … THAT… in order to fully grasp what Natsu should be feeling and how she should be acting, Kyoko had trusted his judgment, but when it came to it, she had failed him.

She could never forgive herself for that, so she was trying desperately to not get too wrapped up in her character, and it hurt her performance.

Director Sutoyo's aggravation was building, so he gave the actors a five minute smoke break while he went to have a cigarette and calm down.

Ren lay back in the bed with his arms folded behind his head, trying to ignore the thoughts of how Kyoko would abandon him and never forgive him.

"Tsuruga-san" she said softly. "I'm so sorry we keep getting NG. It's my fault. I just can't get into character."

"Why is that Mogami-san? As soon as we finish this scene, I'll go back to my dressing room, so do your best to get into character."

"…hai." It was barely audible.

He's going back to his dressing room so he doesn't have to watch me act. He doesn't even want to be around me, I've disgusted him that much with my lack of determination!

She's bothered by me being here… if I wait in my dressing room until her shoots are finished, she should be able to concentrate and focus on her character. She better not sneak off as soon as the shooting is complete…

They both lay in the bed silent until Director Sutoyo returned, ready to try the take again.

Natsu rolled over to the nightstand, pulled a piece of gum from a pack, dropped the wrapper, then turning over and scooted back toward Katsuki, slowly started eating the gum.

"What are you thinking Sensei? You were almost gentle today" she spoke softly.

"… I was thinking I'm actually going to miss you a little Kitagawa-san." I'm going to miss you Kyoko…

Natsu laughed, but the sound was empty. "Don't worry Sensei. My parents are gone for business a lot. We can still hook up over summer if you want. Besides, there's always next year."

"No Kitagawa-san, there isn't. … Do you remember me telling you about my family's death and how I would get my revenge?"

"Yeah, so?"

"I've found the bastard who did it." Ren's voice was harsh and bitter.

"Really Sensei?! Who was it? Who's the murderer? Anyone I know?" Natsu was eager and almost seemed joyous.

"No… no one you know. They … his family … doesn't live hear here." Katsuki was silent for a few minutes. "I'm dating his daughter. I'm going to change schools to be near her and her family, and because this is important to me, that means not being with you." Ren could feel his own heartbreak, as if he was admitting to Kyoko that he was abandoning her. His voice started to catch in his throat by the end of the line.

"Well… I can't say that I don't understand, so lets go one more round then… at least get our money's worth from the room." Her words were hollow. She spoke the words without emotion, trying hard not to focus on her final demand.

She leaned over and kissed him. As expected for the scene, his kisses were gentle and almost sweet. Kyoko's heart sped up, silently she was wishing this wouldn't end.

Katsuki reached up and caressed her hair, pulling her in toward him then sighed as he held Natsu to his chest.

"Kitagawa-san… the truth is… I may be in love with you just a little bit." Not just a little bit Kyoko… you are my world… There was a hesitation before Ren continued the line. "Lets let this last time be a cherished memory. Lets make love once, instead of just fucking." There was tenderness and sadness in his voice. Katsuki was asking this of Natsu, but the silent wish was existent in Ren's own thoughts. If only he could tell Kyoko. Say those same words to her that Katsuki used with Natsu… if only those words weren't doomed to fail.

She said softly, "Okay Katsuki-sensei… make love to me." Her voice was just above a murmur, the audience would have to strain to hear her response. A tear slid from Natsu's eye, unbidden. It surprised Ren, and he gently reached up to wipe the tear from her cheek. He searched her eyes for some understanding. Had she understood him? Had she heard Ren's silent plea in Katsuki's words?

Gently, he pulled Natsu's face toward him, wrapped his arms around her small body, and kissed his love for Kyoko into those lips. The kiss was sad, and deep, and filled with emotion.

"Cu…" Director Sutoyo had to clear his throat, "Cut. Perfect. Absolutely perfect. Ren, go ahead and take a piece of gum so we can finish the scene of Afterward, when Katsuki leaves Natsu behind."

Reluctantly and wordlessly, Ren slid his arms from around Kyoko. She had cried… just a tear, but it was a real tear. It wasn't Natsu's tears, of that he was certain. Ren didn't know what to think as he walked around the bed to where the pack of gum rested on the nightstand.

He avoided looking at Kyoko, uncertain how he should look at her. He could not look at her as Tsuruga Ren at this moment… Only Kuon. If she would never speak to him again, he couldn't give that secret up to her, not ever.

Wait… hadn't he said something to her last night when he put her bag in his room? …It was too fuzzy to remember clearly. What did I say!?? He seemed a bit panicked. Had he revealed he was Kuon? He couldn't remember anything clearly after he set her bag down inside the bedroom…

He ran his hand through his hair as he walked back to the other side of the bed, slipped his slacks off so he was only in boxers for the last scene, and climbed back in. Kyoko lay back down on his chest, looking up at him and waited for the Director to give the final action call.

They're eyes locked and each wordlessly tried to express something. Kyoko was searching for forgiveness in Ren's eyes, Ren was searching for forgiveness in Kyoko's eyes. It was strange how their eyes were so expressive, even for their characters. Director Sutoyo had the cameraman zoom in and take a few good shots of their gaze before calling Action for them to begin moving and speaking.

Katsuki picked Natsu's face up from his chest now and gently pulled her up to give her one last kiss, then he let her go and slipped out of bed.

Katsuki reached down to the floor and slid his slacks back on and began buttoning his dress shirt again.

He turned to leave, "I'll think only of you if I am ever chewing spearmint gum… Natsu-san." With that, he winked and smiled sadly with the gum he had stolen from her mouth sticking out between his teeth, then he turned his back to Natsu and walked out the door.

Kyoko couldn't help but feel she was loosing Ren forever, and another tear slid down her face as she watched Katsuki… as she watched Ren walk out the stage door.