Chapter 5

Yukihito was beside himself ever since he sent those stills to Ren. He thought for sure it would have prompted more than just flowers. Which is why he sent the most recent photos of her drinking a Black Martini and "flirting" with "James Bond, 007". If that didn't get his attention and light a fire under him, he wasn't sure what would. Thankfully, the discrete photos were allowed. If they were leaked, it would only mean more publicity for the film. Director Steven's didn't mind at all as long as it didn't give away the plot-line or reveal too much. For all anyone knew, it was the ad for the vodka brand she was drinking and that, along with her bikini photo, was all he was getting for now.

He felt a sense on relief wash over him when Kyoko smiled softly and began petting Yōsei-chan, while reading something on her smart-phone. That, was a new smile. It certainly wasn't the one she gave when getting something from Kanae, Chiori or even Maria. This was a new one that he could safely say, he hadn't seen on her. He would definitely need to keep an eye out, because that one would have men falling at her feet left and right. He smiled and shook his head. She and Ren are made for each other. He chuckled inwardly as he went back to checking their scheduling for the next day.


Flashback:

Yashiro groaned inwardly as they shot the beach scene that all of the movies from the franchise seemed to have. Apparently Mr. Bond would accidentally meet Ms. Léonn again, by fate, at the pristine beach near where they had originally met. Ms. Léonn had a nice little bungalow within walking distance and had decide to take in some sun and fun in the water. However, Ms. Léonn did so sans top, like most of the other bathers on the beach.

Nope... Nu'uh... Denied... Ren will absolutely NOT be getting a photo in his email of Kyoko-chan in only a white, Brazilian cut thong, minus the top, coming out of the water like the goddess of love herself and walking... scratch that, prowling to her towel to dry off all of that exposed, He swallowed the large lump in his throat, all of that exposed, very perky, perfectly tight skin. Nope, nope, nope... No photos today... Even I'm not that cruel. Yuki thought as he decided to take Yōsei for a potty break. He groaned inwardly. I really need to call Kanae.

~xoxo~

When she handed the costume lady her top, she was a bundle of raw nerves. She wasn't sure she could actually do the water scene in one shot, but she was sure as hell going to try. There was no way she was going to hold up filming because of her hang-ups, especially when over half the women on the beach had no problem doing the same thing every day.

As she walked confidently out into the surf, there were no cat-calls, no blushes or scandalous looks, the only comment that was made, was from the makeup tech that told her she looked perfect and beautiful. She told her that her body was flawless and didn't need any touch-ups. The woman had even made a comment about how most of the stars with good bodies, insured them. Kyoko thought for a moment after the scenes were done, when she was covered and Yuki had returned with Yōsei-chan, maybe she should look into it, if they were actually advising her to do so. After all, her body was her biggest asset in acting. It was a fact that she was quickly being convinced of.

In the end, she did do a quick little pose in her full bikini set while holding Yōsei-chan. Yuki had told her it was for her portfolio. She supposed that was a good thing. The more photos, the more her potential employers had to work with when making a decision.


Now, to think that Yuki is the only person that sends Kuon photos would be a grievous error. Kuon/Ren had a very well traveled friend, who was also a model for R'Mandy, who frequently spent time on the beaches of the French Riviera. Of course he did, Nick was French. So when Kuon received an email titled "The Beauty of Monaco", he somewhat expected a sunrise, a sunset, a skyline or something involving the area's nature. What he did not expect, was a photo of a pair of perfect twin "suns" and a beautiful "moon". What made him swallow his cold can of coffee down the wrong pipe and shoot it out of his nose and nearly drown him, was the fact of who that celestial body belonged to. WHEN THE FUCK DID THAT HAPPEN?! Yes, that was the only thought that blared in his mind after he cleaned himself up, password protected the photo and bury it so deeply in his phone that it was nearly impossible for even Lory to find.

For the first time ever, his co-workers would see him freeze, blush more brightly than a virgin on her wedding night, and finally disappear into his dressing room for several minutes throughout the day during breaks. That night he would officially make first contact. There was no way he was going to allow her to slip through his fingers and into the hands of anyone else. So the text, that was born of a culmination of all of the photos he'd been sent, reading, "I really miss you." and "Can I call you?", was what brought that stunningly divine smile to her face that nearly blinded Yuki.

End Flashback.


He had stayed up until 4 am talking to her, apologizing and pouring out his feelings to her, almost. He didn't tell her he loved her yet. He wanted to be standing in front of her when he told her that, but he did strongly impress upon her that it was something that he would tell her without reservation next time they met face to face. He suspected that she got the message loud and clear. Well, a little whispered "I love you" at the end before hanging up completely may have slipped out, and into the ether.

Even after only three hours of sleep, he felt like a million bucks. He'd never slept so comfortably or so soundly. There was an extra sparkle in his eyes, a pep in his step that hadn't been there before and he was definitely going to have to arrange some vacation time. He really didn't mind talking to Lory about it either.

Kyoko on the other hand, had heard the whispered confession. There was a mix of feelings loaded into that night as she prepared for bed. She was elated to know he loved her. Troubled, because she thought she had damaged his relationship with that girl that was four years younger. Irritated with herself when she realized that she was that girl, and felt completely stupid for being so blind to that point. Nervous, because she had no idea what to do, she had never been in a real relationship before, and stupid again because she mistook whatever it was she had with Shotaro, as more than what it actually was.

So at 9:30 pm, she decided to put the lead on Yōsei-chan, grab her card key and the little wrist container that housed his little poopy-bags, and escort him to the rooftop grassy area for his evening relief and playtime, before bedtime.

The next morning, at precisely 4:01 am, she was routinely awakened by the morning kisses of Yōsei-chan and a wonderful text that made her smile, that read "Good Morning Princess. I hope you have a wonderful day. - Ren." and a wonderful day she did have, as did everyone that came into contact with her. After all, happiness is pretty infectious and with a smile beautiful enough to gift wrap, she would have more that a few new admirers trying their hand at winning her heart. Fortunately for Kuon, he had an inside man, Yuki. Unfortunately, Yuki can only do so much without being completely obvious about it.