Authors Chat: I had a problem starting this chapter. I faced the conundrum of if I wanted Ren to find out Kyoko was Bo now, or later ('cus let's face it. He's going to find out some time!).
SO. Now, I ask what you all think. I pose a question at the end of this chapter that I would like to hear what you, the readers, can come up with. I certainly have a few ideas, but it isn't set in stone yet.
Also, if you haven't checked it out, the next installment of A Project of Dedication and Appreciation is out (for a little while now, but I think people may not have realized it). It's an M fic, based on B-Czar's idea. I really enjoyed writing it. I hope you all enjoy it.
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 47a
Kyoko was stiff in his lap, though Ren thought nothing of it. It was a new position for her, surely she was somewhat uncomfortable, but if he didn't push the bounds of their relationship, it would never go anywhere. Not that he wanted it to go anywhere… like the bedroom… but he did want to be closer to her, emotionally as well as physically.
Kyoko, however, was stiff as she waited anxiously for him to explain more about his response.
"T-the c-chicken?" she squeaked.
"Un. I've chatted with him a few times. He's helped me out with a few problems. Strange, how I seem to be able to tell him my problems."
He. HE. Tsuruga-san thinks the chicken is a 'he'. She almost laughed, but didn't. She DID, however, start to relax, laying on his lap. I can watch the show without worrying then. It seemed weird, watching herself on the television. Granted, she was in a chicken suit, but she knew it was her and her own actions that gave the chicken personality.
"You know, Tsuruga-san…. Sorry, Ren…. You can tell your problems to me if you need someone to talk to."
He smiled down at her. "I know, but it would be weird for me to talk to you, about you."
She blushed. If he only knew.
Kyoko didn't know what to say, and when she remained silent, Ren turned his attention back to the television screen, just as the chicken flapped his displeasure.
It was weird watching herself on the television. It felt rather like déjà vu. Or maybe an out of body experience… She was watching herself perform "live" on television while sitting on the sofa perfectly comfortable.
"Um…"
"What is it Kyoko?" but GOD, he loved saying her name.
"No… nothing."
"Tell me."
"It's just… I know the show is filmed earlier in the day, so… why do they say it's 'Live' when it's filmed before it's aired?"
So… even like this, she still thinks of me as a Sempai. "Well, a taping is called 'Live' if it airs within three hours of being filmed. It gives them time to do minor corrections, like blanking out cuss words. So long as it has a live audience upon its filming, it fits the qualifications." The chicken prostrated himself in front of the guests in apology for insulting their new song. It was an act of course, but it got a laugh from the audience, and from Ren.
"That chicken really is something."
"How so?"
"Look at how he plays to the audience, without even trying. He isn't a main focus of the filming, just a support character, but he drives the whole show. You can't take your eyes off of him."
If Ren hadn't been watching the television, he might have wondered about the deepening of Kyoko's blush.
As it were, he was enamored with the chicken.
Kyoko had just returned on stage as Bo with the basket of question eggs though, signifying the last few minutes of the show. There would be a few questions from the egg, then a final performance by the musical guest, and the final show credits.
Credits again. She would have to time her distraction well… but what could she do?