Authors Chat: I honestly thought I'd get this update done sooner, but between the new job and Christmas, I just didn't have time. Sorry and thank you for your patience all.

Do your characters ever get away from you? Like you have what's going to happen planned, then as you're writing, you realize your characters are taking you on a different path? Yeah… these are (of course) Nakamura-sensei's characters, but they live in my mind too, and guess what. This chapter was initially going to be considerably different. My husband has a flu (fortunately not the stomach flu though) and is sick in bed, so I think mayhap my mind wandered that direction because of it. Oops, guess that was a tiny spoiler for the chapter. Well anyway… enjoy!

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 30

When Kaminari picked Kyoko up early the next morning, Kyoko seemed to be visibly dragging. She wasn't her usual energetic self, and even Kaminari could see something was bothering her.

I'm sorry Kyoko-chan. I'm sure it's my fault. I shouldn't have pushed you so much last night.

Kyoko had dark circles under her eyes, and she spaced out the whole way to the filming location. She might have closed her eyes to sleep, but every time she closed her eyes, she would see Ren turn and walk away from her to the unknown figure of a tall and beautiful woman.

She only hoped that she hadn't changed the way she looked at Kaminari. She certainly didn't WANT to think that Kami-chan was after Ren, but she had a sinking suspicion that's what was going on, and though she was unhappy about it, Kyoko felt she had no right to say anything. She had decided to let Ren go hadn't she? It was no one's fault but her own, and she had to continually remind herself of that.

It was hard, though, to focus on her work when every time she looked off stage, she had to remind herself of her commitment to NOT interfere with Ren and Kaminari. Every time she glanced their direction, she had to force down her own will and anger to focus on the role. Every time. They were always together, chatting amicably. Smiling. Touching. Her arm on his, a gentle touch to his shoulder when she would walk up, a lingering hand…

The bitterness was filling her to the brim, such that was barely containable. When the actors on set would change and Kyoko wasn't needed, she made a beeline for her dressing room. If she had stuck around, she feared she would find herself sick as her stomach would not settle. It was as upset as she was.

It's probably because of my upset tummy… That's why I don't feel so good. They're enjoying themselves while I feel ill… She frowned, No… That isn't fair Kyoko. You've always been alone when sick. Well, Shoutaro's mother doesn't count. So why does it bother me now?

The only answer she could come up with was that these were supposed to be her dear friends she was thinking about. Well, Ren being her sempai she could forgive… except that he had confessed to her, and now seemed to not care at all. Had he been playing with her feelings all along after all? Had he… done those… things… to her knowledgably after all?

…and Kaminari was supposed to be her manager! Even if it was just temporary, she should at least support Kyoko better than to flirt with her co-workers! Was she after Yashiro, or was she after Ren? It was hard to be certain since she seemed to be dominating BOTH of their time and attentions. Was she just like those girls in junior high? Pretending to get close to Kyoko in order to get close to Shoutaro? Well, in this case, Yashiro and Ren?

As for Yashiro… she thought they had enough mutual respect and understanding between them, enough for her to actually call him friend and allow him to call her by friendly terms anyway.

Were they all against her after all?

Kyoko's stomach began doing flip-flops the more she thought about it, and she found herself having to run for the bathroom as her stomach finally rebelled.

She ran into the nearest stall and knelt down at the very last possible moment before she would wind up needing a change of wardrobe, though the stall door remained open as she sat there completely vulnerable.

"Kyoko-chan?" Kaminari called her name softly from behind her. Kyoko let out a small sob as she lost the rest of her lunch into the porcelain bowl.

The hand laid aside her cheek was cool and felt good as the fingers began to brush her hair back out of her face.

"Are you alright? I saw you running into the bathroom." She spoke quietly, leaning near Kyoko as she pulled her hair gently back away from her mouth. Kyoko's skin was both clammy and warm.

"Kyoko-chan! You have a fever! I should have realized when I picked you up this morning. I'm so sorry Kyoko-chan. Come on. Lets get you cleaned up." She helped Kyoko stand and walked with her over to the sink. Kyoko leaned against the cool wall as Kaminari dampened two paper towels – one for her mouth, one for her forehead.

Kami handed one to Kyoko while she gently dabbed moisture from her cheeks and forehead with the other.

"Why don't you go ahead and get changed back into your own clothes and I'll go tell the director you're going home sick."

After taking a step toward the door, realization set in and she began to refuse the ride home. "No Kami-chan, I have to stay here! I have a job to do! I can't just leave in the middle of it, people are counting on me to be here!"

"But you're sick, they'll forgive you for leaving right now."

"No! I can't do that!"

"Kyoko-chan, if you don't go home and sleep you won't get better! You should know that!"

"I do know that, but I'm a professional. I have to stay. I don't have a choice."

"Of COURSE it's a choice! You've got a fever and are throwing up! You NEED rest." Kaminari started to gently push Kyoko toward the bathroom door. Kyoko's feet dug in as she put her hands up against the doorframe.

"NO Kaminari-chan! I can't! I HAVE to stay! It wouldn't be professional of me! I have to show him I won't quit, I won't back out! I have determination!"

Kaminari stopped pushing Kyoko. "…Show who Kyoko-chan?"

Kyoko shook her head and repeated herself. "I can't leave. I'm a professional! He would look down on me again if I left now." She pouted as tears rolled down her face.

"WHO Kyoko-chan?"

"Tsuruga-san of course! I can't leave now!"

The poor girl's face was going from white to red, so Kaminari let her go. "Okay Kyoko-chan. Then at least go and lie down in your dressing room. I'll ask the director for a little bit extra time. There are a few scenes he could shoot while you take a short nap at least. Please Kyoko-chan, please. Just do this for me. Go take a nap. I'll handle it. Trust me, as your manager, trust me!"

She hesitated, then gave a shaky nod then shoved her way out the bathroom door and back down the hall.

Kaminari, instead of going to speak with Director Shingai, walked straight up to Ren.

"Ren-san, you need to go talk to Kyoko-chan."

Her bluntness surprised him. What did she tell you!? Ren looked hard at Kaminari, trying to figure out what she may know.

"She's sick, and says she refuses to go home because she has to prove to you that she has determination as an actress. Do you know any reason why she might be like that?"

Ren's eyes unfocused as he looked no where in particular and searched his memories. "Maybe it is because I was sick once when she was acting as my temporary manager and refused to stop working. There should be no other reason."

"Then I'm right. You need to go talk to her."

"Tsutsui-san, I think Mogami-san is adult enough to know her own limits. There is nothing I could say or do to change her mind once it's made up.

"She isn't just a 'little' sick though Tsuruga-san, she was just vomiting in the ladies room!"

Ren's expression cracked for a moment and he had to halt himself from running to her side. "I'm sure she'll be all right. She knows very well how to care for someone when they are ill."

Kaminari's expression grew dark, and those around noticed Yashiro inching slowly away as her frustration grew.

"Tsuruga Ren-san, you go over there RIGHT NOW and check on Mogami-san. Only THEN can you tell me she does not need someone to take care of her while she's sick! I am more than capable of taking care of her, but I can not do that until YOU convince her it is alright to leave!"

Ren's mask almost slipped as he was surprised with the volume level Kami's voice grew to, but when he recovered, he stepped up to Kaminari and looked down at her hard. He opened his mouth to say something to her, then shut it, turned on his heel and walked down the hall toward the dressing rooms.

Kaminari sighed, then turned to Yashiro. "And where do you think YOU'RE going!?"

"Uh… No where Kami-chi."

"That's right. Now come with me to discuss the rest of the day's scenes with Director Shingai." She waited for him to step in front of her in the correct direction before she also started toward the director.

…

Ren peeked through the door and quietly called Kyoko's name after she didn't answer to his knock.

He saw two small feet on the floor, pointed toward the door he had just opened.

No wonder she didn't answer. Kyoko, please be alright! He shoved the door open the rest of the way and entered, turning the corner where Kyoko lie, passed out. He felt her forehead with the back of his hand like she had done for him, then gently lifted her up from the floor and carried her over to the couch on the opposite side of the room. It seemed she had been in the process of changing, as the buttons down the back of her dress were partially undone.

Ren gently unbuttoned the rest of the dress to loosen the material from around her neck and chest, then laid a few towels over her to keep her warm.

It rankles me to admit it, but Kaminari is right. Kyoko can't – and shouldn't – work in this condition. He reached his hand up again and felt her forehead. She was burning up.

Ren couldn't put words to it, but he was worried and didn't know what to do. He wanted to go find someone who did, but he was afraid that if he left her, she could die. Even worse, Ren didn't even know if he was overreacting.

Damn it! Why couldn't I have been like normal children, getting sick and getting taken care of! Then I would know what to do! … Get it together Kuon.. wishing you were a sickly child? That isn't going to help Kyoko now!

He looked at the door somewhat frantically. He knew Kyoko needed out of those clothes, he knew she needed to be kept warm, and he knew she needed things he couldn't give her here. Where IS she!? What's taking Tsutsui-san so long!

When Kaminari finally came through the door, it felt like it had been hours when it had really only been a few minutes.

"Tsutsui-san! Good. I think Mogami-san may need a doctor… Or the hospital even. She… she's really bad! I-" Kaminari held up a hand.

"Let me." She walked over to the sofa and felt her forehead again. "She does have a pretty high fever, but I think she'll be alright Tsuruga-san. Yukihito and I've spoken with the Director. He's going to call off the shoot for today. Seems he noticed something wasn't right with Kyoko-chan earlier and already made arrangements to meet with the advertising department of LME for the initial posters and adds. If you could just help me get Kyoko-chan to the car, I'll take her home now."

Ren nodded a little, then more definitively. "Yeah. Alright." He gently picked Kyoko up and held her to him then picked up one of the towels he had laid on her an wrapped around her small shaking frame.

"Tsutsui-san, is this normal? … She's shaking so badly…"

"Yes Tsuruga-san, it's normal for someone who has a high fever like Kyoko-chan does. She just needs to get warm and stay under the blankets. If her fever gets worse, then… well… I'll deal with that if it happens."

Kaminari hurriedly walked around the dressing room gathering all of Kyoko's personal items she could find and stuffing them into Kyoko's bag then headed for the door, expecting Ren to follow.

Ren followed Kaminari down the hall, through the set, and down the next hall toward the exit while people looked on curiously. When they realized he was carrying Kyoko, whispers began about if 'she was alright?' and 'what was he doing to her?' The closer he got to the door though, the less he wanted to let her go, and when Kami opened the door for him, he stopped all together.

"..Tsutsui-san… If it's alright with you, I'll take Mogami-san home and watch over her."

Kaminari started to protest, but he cut her off. "Please. I owe her for caring for me when I was sick a while ago anyway. Just tell me what I need to do, and I'll do it. Please."

She could see the care in his eyes as he watched Kyoko while he held her and pleaded with Kaminari. Kami could almost feel herself blush, and though she herself really was worried about Kyoko's condition, she couldn't deny him this request."

"O… Okay Tsuruga-san. Then… Lets get her to your car first. Come on. I'll talk along the way."

She held the door open for him again and waited till they passed through before talking. "Okay. You'll need to make sure she stays covered up. She'll probably be freezing, so make sure she stays under the blankets. Because her fever and body temperature is so high right now though, she'll be sweating a lot. You need to keep her dry. Help her change into some pajamas, then if they get too wet, you'll have to help her change into dry ones."

If Ren was concerned about changing Kyoko's clothing, he didn't show it. That was good in Kaminari's opinion, but it was also eye-opening about their situation and what they would not tell either herself nor Yukihito. She mentally tucked that one away for later and continued on.

"Make sure she drinks plenty of water. If she's throwing up still, she'll get dehydrated quickly, so she needs to keep drinking, sorry, she needs to take small sips of water but often. If she doesn't have a thermometer, make sure to get one. Oh, and an ice bag would be best for her forehead. Oh, and if she doesn't have a down pillow, it would be good to pick one of those up too. It'll be more comfortable for her and won't hold the moisture as well as cotton pillows."

She held the car door open for him as he maneuvered around to tuck Kyoko into the passengers seat and leaned over to fasten her seatbelt.

"She probably won't be hungry tonight, but tomorrow she'll need to eat something to keep up her strength and get healthy. Chicken noodle soup is always the best, though other simple foods like toast and crackers are good too. Mom always gave me chicken broth an oyster crackers when I was sick. Usually a light ginger soda too helps to calm down an upset stomach, though it won't do her any good while she's still throwing up."

Kyoko stirred in the car and tried to climb out, seatbelt still on.

"Shhh… Kyoko-chan, you have to go home now. Just stay still. Stay in the car."

"No… gotta… gotta… work," her breath was now a bit laborious.

"No Mogami-san, the director cancelled today's shoot."

The look on her face showed upset, and he knew what she would say.

"…and it isn't because of you Mogami-san, he had a last minute meeting called that he had to attend." Ren gently pushed her shoulder back against the car seat, and she either let him or didn't have the strength to resist.

When they were certain she wouldn't try to leave the car again, Ren stood up for the rest of Kaminari's instructions.

"Take her temperature, then give her some Tylenol and monitor her fever taking her temperature about once every hour. If it goes above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, then give me a call. Here's my number." She handed him a business card with her home and cell numbers on them. "Don't worry, I'll give Yukihito a ride home." Her heels clicked a few times on the concrete parking garage floor a few times, then fell silent.

"Oh, Tsuruga-san, this means I'll have to take a raincheck on diner."

"Yeah, I am aware of that Tsutsui-san. Thanks." He looked up to meet her eyes. "Really, thanks."

She smiled as she turned and went back to the set to find Yashiro.

Ren carefully shut the door where Kyoko sat and walked behind the vehicle to his own side and folded himself into his car.

Kyoko had shifted position after he closed the door so that she was now leaning against the window ledge with her face toward the window.

He started the car and turned the radio off though it was only playing soft music to begin with. Last thing he needed was for her to remember him listening to sappy American love songs. Then again, maybe he could pass it off as feverish delusions.

He shook the thought from his mind and put the car in gear then began the twisted descent out of the parking garage.

The traffic in the early afternoon was usually light around the studio, but someone was shooting an outdoor film and had the main roadway shut down. When he asked, Ren was informed the roadway would be shut down for the next few hours. He couldn't wait that long though. SHE couldn't wait that long though, so he turned the car around and headed in direction to his own apartment.

He would have to make a stop at a store. He still had the pillow and ice bag and a few other items at his apartment from when she had taken care of him, but the soup and crackers, and pajamas, and other things a sick person might need – he didn't even know what – were no where to be found in his medicine cabinet, so he made a few quick stops in the shopping district and at a market, all slowed down by occasional fans noticing him below his low-brimmed hat and dark sunglasses. It always seemed to be his height that gave him away though. Why he even bothered with the glasses and hat, sometimes he didn't even know.

He politely excused himself from his fans every time, explaining he was attending to a sick friend, and they let him go with compliments of his kindness.

Kyoko was asleep when he finally made it back to the car and she remained asleep until they reached his apartment and he parked in his assigned spot.

He had to juggle a little to successfully carry the bags and Kyoko wrapped in the towel up to his apartment, but the doorman fortunately was willing to follow him up and assist with unlocking and opening his door.

"Thank you Matsuri-san. I can get it from here. Just leave the keys on the kitchen counter." He nodded toward the kitchen as he dropped the bags down on the living room kotatsu and made his way back to the guest bedroom with his precious cargo wrapped in his arms.

She was rather like a rag doll as he laid her down on the bed, her arms sprawled out only moving where he moved them. He shook her gently. "Mogami-san. Mogami-san…"

"hmmm?" She didn't open her eyes.

"Mogami-san… you have to change your clothes. Can you do it?

"um-hum," she mumbled in ascent. He let her go and stood up to leave so she could change, but even as he turned, she rolled over onto her side and curled into a little ball.

"Mogami-san…. Kyoko-san…" He brushed the hair back from her face. God, she's so hot…

She let out another 'hmmm…' in her sleep and made it clear to Ren that she would not wake up enough to change her own clothes.

Ren knew it had to be done, Kaminari said she needed to be in pajamas… Kyoko would forgive him since he was the only one around, wouldn't she? She had proven she wouldn't do it herself… and he HAD seen her in less before, right? Ren blushed at that, then slapped his own face to remove the thoughts.

He sat down on the edge of the bed beside her and gently picked her up and laid her against his chest while he worked the final buttons on the back of the dress then pushed the dress down over her shoulders and over her arms as she leaned against him. She would be pleased to know he couldn't see anything from this angle.

Ren held her in place as he reached over to the night stand where he had laid the bag with pajamas and fished out a pajama top. Kami had said cotton would soak up too much moisture from her skin, so he had grabbed a two-piece linen set of pajamas. The nightshirt was meant to slid over Kyoko's head, but Ren first had to deal with her arms so they did not get confined as he tried to help her into the shirt.

By the time Ren finally had gotten her into the top, he had almost worked up a sweat himself. He assumed the bottoms would be much easier though as he pulled Kyoko up to stand against him.

She was so hot against him, and he was so worried, but that didn't stop his body from reacting, and when he let the dress drop from around her waist, he found himself breathing a little harder than normal.

Stop it Kuon… She's sick. How can this turn you on!? He sighed to himself. Alright… I know why. It's because it's her. It isn't just some random person, but after so long… she's in my arms again when I was beginning to think I had lost her forever. No. Stop it. Don't get excited. She didn't come her willingly, I took her here.

Ren set Kyoko back down on the bed and gently slid each foot in through the appropriate leg hole of the linen pants then stood her up again to bring them up to her waist. He laid her down then reached to her waist and tied the tie loosely before pulling the covers up and tucking her in.

Ren went back to his living room to empty the contents of his bags onto his kotatsu and found the medicine and other goods which would need refrigeration overnight or until Kyoko was ready to eat.

He filled a glass with water and took the medicine in to Kyoko, coaxing her to swallow it down along with some of the pills he had chosen for her symptoms.

After taking a few sips of the cool water and swallowing the pills, she looked up to Ren's face, realizing for the first time that it was him who cared for her.

"Tsuruga-san…" she was surprised but lacked energy to truly act it. She had tears glistening on her eyelashes and her cheeks were flush.

"Yes Mogami-san?" He sat on the edge of the bed and felt her forehead with the back of his hand, mimicking Kaminari's action though he did not know how cool or warm she would have been normally.

He slid his hand down to her cheek as Kaminari had done, and Kyoko reached up to grasp his hand then sat up a little with his arm still across her frame.

"What is it Mogami-san?"

"Tsuruga-san, I… I think…" and she leaned over as she lost the medicine and the water she had just swallowed all over his lap. She breathed heavy sobs between retches as her flu did not subside until her stomach was once again empty.

Ren was utterly shocked at his now wet lap, and did not know what to do, but felt horrible all the same. Not for himself, but for the woman he loved, sick in his guest bed, and being unable to do anything for her but hold her and as she was ill.

He raised his empty hand to her head and gently brushed back her hair as he cooed in her ear "shhh… It's okay Kyoko, it's okay."