Authors Chat: Updates may be slow over the next two weeks, I have a lot going on. I'll try to put out at least one chapter a week, but I can't promise you more.

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 21

"W…. w-what?" Her face showed uncomprehending shock. What had he just said?!

Silence filled the space between them as their food slowly cooled on the table separating them. Their entrées were several degrees cooler before either of them moved or spoke again.

"…I'm in love with you." He had never intended to stay it. He planned to give some excuse, anything really, to get her to forgive him, then he would make certain not to allow himself into such a dangerous situation with her ever again. He had yelled it at her, unthinking, and now, he could only admit the truth to her and hold his breath, praying for her to not reject him completely.

Kyoko fell back in her floor chair heavily, utterly flabbergasted. What could she say to that? Wait… she was expected to say something, wasn't she?

"Tsuruga-san, I…" she started, but couldn't think far enough to finish the thought of what she was meant to reply. Kyoko had never had anyone confess to her before and was not sure what she should be thinking or feeling. Was she supposed to be feeling this elation and confusion?

She took a deep breath as if to start again, but still could not think of anything to say.

"Mogam-san…. Kyoko-chan… "he spoke her proper name softly, praying she wouldn't refute him, and it was no use playing Tsuruga Ren at this moment. The façade was already broken and he would not be able to calm down enough to put that mask back on. "It's true. I… didn't loose control because you are a woman and I am a man, even I have better control than that. I lost control because I'm in love with you, and you were doing all those things…" he had to clear his throat before continuing, "I know it isn't professional of me, falling for a co-worker… and I know we're both too busy for a relationship… but somehow, you've endeared yourself to me." He smiled here, a real smile. "I find myself looking forward to seeing you all the time. You're cute, and you're beautiful, and though it may not be the smart decision… I love you."

Kyoko stared at him, staying silent.

Kuon tried to fill the silence. "Everything about you, from your fantasies to your determination to succeed… everything has drawn me to you Kyoko-chan. I can't help but want to be with you… to hold you tight." Now he started laughing, "That's right… I had almost forgotten… It's been a while since I've realized it. Since you helped me with my Katsuki role for Tsukigomori. When you fell in my kitchen, I was frantic to catch you. So frantic I slipped and fell on top of you. You were so… so fragile in my arms… and perfect… I can still feel your warmth…" Kuon realized he was saying perhaps more than he aught to and looked at her again and his face flushed as he focused and stopped his rambles.

"I understand if you… do not feel the same way…" All the joy and warmth fell from his face, his desire to not be rejected clear on his face.

"I'm… I'm n-not sure what to say T-tsuruga-san…"

"Then don't say anything. You don't have to say anything. Just… finish your meal, and I'll take you back to the Daruma-ya… if you like."

"…un." she started at the plates in front of her and picked up a utensil. How could she eat after hearing that? She forced a bite into her mouth, but the taste did not penetrate.

Tsuruga-san… loves me? But… what about the high-school girl he's in love with? Did things already not work out with her? Maybe he didn't try… I should ask him. NO! No, I can't ask him… It was Bo he was talking with. Unless I tell him… HAH no, he would kill me! I wonder why he can talk to the chicken though… Maybe Tsuruga-san has a thing for animals? Is that what it is? He see's me as his pet who follows him around and causes trouble? A loveable pet?

"Um, Tsuruga-san… what kind of animals do you like?" her voice was soft.

"I don't know… I guess I'm not particular to any animal. They're all okay though." A strange question… what is she thinking?

That… didn't help Tsuruga-san! Maybe it isn't the chicken then. His words resounded in her mind, "I'm in love with you." That was NOT something you say to a beloved pet. That can't be right. Maybe I heard him wrong. What does he take me for? One of those women who will fall all over him with pretty words? She shook her head in silent argument with herself. That isn't fair to him Kyoko! He already said it wasn't like that. He doesn't just fall all over the women who chase him! Actually… he… he avoids them. But he doesn't avoid me. She was blushing now.

The remainder of the meal was wordless, filled with thoughts that went unsaid. The room was quiet but each of their minds were abuzz trying to make sense of the situation.

Kuon frantically tried to calm himself down. He had never confessed to anyone before, they always came after him. He was finding it difficult to not get upset and heartbroken before she actually declined him, and she HADN'T ran from the room nor yelled at him like he had expected. For Kyoko, that was a big step forward, right? Did that mean he could be hopeful?

Kuon had a moment to think wondering if Fuwa Shou had ever told her he loved her. If he had, this could just seem like a repeat of past events. He didn't know what he would do if she ever treated him like Fuwa. To see her anger and her hurt and her hate of Fuwa Shou, and to have that aimed at him, was an abhorrent thought.

Kyoko had absently picked at her food, and was surprised to find her plate clean when she looked down thinking she could eat no more.

Kuon, on the other hand, had poked at his food but not a single bite had made it to his mouth.

"Tsuruga-san… You still have to eat," she said meekly.

It made him smile slightly. She still cared about his eating habits throughout this. Either that or she's trying to get out of the room faster and get me to drive her back sooner… Ren banished the thought.

He was finding his head starting to clear and he began to regain his composure. She had done something to treat him how she usually did. That was a definite plus.

He ate half of the meal left on his plate at her demands, then leaned back in his floor chair and pushed the plate away from him on the table.

"Mogami-san," he said her surname slowly and carefully, "my offer still stands. I will help you with anything you need help with… and you are always welcome in my apartment."

She was still welcome in his apartment. That still made her feel good, and she blushed slightly accordingly. He would still allow her to come over and cook for him or to practice acting with him. Unless there were scenes like with Natsu and Katsuki. Actually… anything with Natsu was probably out. N-not because of what happened with Ren… but because Kyoko didn't have enough control over her Natsu.

Kyoko nodded to Ren appreciatively and smiled innocently at him, "Thank you Tsuruga-san."

She stood up and walked into the common room and over to where her shoes sat beside the door.

Ren leaned out the door to the dining room. "Mogami-san?"

"You said after we finished eating you would take me back to the Daruma-ya. I'm ready Tsuruga-san."

What does THAT mean!? To suddenly get up and go get her shoes… did I say wrongly? Should I not have left the invitation open for her to come over?

Ren smoothed out his furrowing brow and stood, entering the common room as well. "You're right Mogami-san. I did say that. " Just play it cool. If I say anything now, it may scare her…

Ren slipped his shoes on as well and led her out the door and down to the lounge. He gave her the valet ticket to give the valet attendant while he went to the concierge to speak with Toshi.

Toshi was surprised Ren was already finished with the room. After desperately calling and requesting a suite be available to him, Toshi was SURE Ren would be spending the night with his lady friend. Ren carefully explained that she was a co-worker of his and they needed a quiet place to discuss a work issue. He was only half lying.

Ren called their debts even, handed the room key over to Toshi, and exited to find Kyoko already setting in his Porsche, waiting for him to climb in and take her home.

The ride to the Daruma-Ya was relatively quiet, an awkward silence filling the atmosphere. Neither knew quite what to talk about, and since Katsuki's cameo on the Box 'R' Chronicle had ended, their lines of work were no longer crossed. Every new subject of conversation was new to them, and with Ren unable to talk about his upcoming project, not many subjects remained.

They talked briefly about Yashiro's sister's wedding, but without the actual guest in their presence, there was not much to say. Only short retold stories of how his sister had done this or said that. It was clear to both of them that Yashiro doted on his family, and was grateful to have had the opportunity to see them. So frequently managing Ren had left little time to himself.

The long ride seemed surprisingly short to Ren who was loathe to let Kyoko out of the car once they arrived at the Daruma-Ya. Was this going to be the last time he saw her in a non-professional manner?

He walked to the passengers side and opened the door for her. She slid out and stood up, the door the only thing between him and her. He had kept it there like a buffer that he couldn't cross.

Kyoko turned and leaned over to grab her bag from the back seat. Ren had to look away to prevent himself from looking down her form as it bent to reach behind the seat. If she did not leave now, he would never let her go. Not again… no… he had let her go once before, when he himself had to leave. She was his first real friend, the popularity of his father didn't mean much to her as a young girl from the country.

Ren found himself reaching out to catch her hand as she started to walk past, and up the path to the door of the Daruma-Ya.

She looked down at his hand on hers. "Tsuruga-san?" She almost sounded… normal.

"Oh… sorry Mogami-san." He dropped her hand now. "You still have my cell phone number, right?" He quickly rattled off his number, as if to make sure she still knew it.

She nodded. "Yes, I do." She looked down at her shoes, almost as if she were embarrassed to know for certain she had his number.

"Then… when you're ready… call me."

She hesitated a moment, then nodded, and turned back toward the Daruma-Ya's door and walked up the path.