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Disclaimer: I don't own skip beat.
Exhausted, Kyouko slumped in the chair in front of her makeup desk. Today had been an extremely long day. It was taking a lot of energy to keep up with Kuu and Julie. She couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if they had raised her instead of Sho's parents. What it would be like to have real parents who actually cared? Kyouko really wasn't sure how to treat them. What was it like to have someone always looking out for you and always trying to protect you.
"Bo-san," Kyouko jumped at the sound of the stage manager's voice from outside her dressing room. "You have a guest!"
Kyouko attached her head firmly before she opened the door. It wasn't normal for Kagomi-san to squeal like that. It only took Kyouko one guess to know who it was.
"Tsuruga-san, what can I do for you?" Kyouko said in her Bo voice as she welcomed the tale blond man in. "Did you bring me flowers?"
"Ah.. no..." laughed Ren as he took a seat in Bo's dressing room. "They're for my dinner date." He sighed as he set the flowers in his lap. "I was hoping you had a few minutes so we could talk."
"Well what seems to be on you mind?" asked Kyouko as she sat down in front of him.
"You see, it's about a woman," mumbled Ren as he fidgeted with the bouquet.
"Well I'm always willing to lend a hand to a friend Tsuruga-san," laughed Kyouko awkwardly (as Bo). "Though it's still hard to believe you have any issues when it comes to women!"
"I'm just not sure what to do," sighed Ren as he abandoned the flowers in his lap and ran his fingers through his hair. "She's the only girl in the world that can drive me crazy. I constantly do stupid things around her and I'm pretty sure she thinks of me as an older brother. I just don't know what to do!"
"Calm down there buddy," laughed Kyouko uneasily. She wasn't used to seeing Ren so wound up, and for some reason it made her stomach hurt. "Why don't you just tell her how you feel?"
"I can't," breathed Ren. "Honestly, she's too good for me. I came here to become a different person, to become a better person. There's no way she could accept all of me, not with my past. I don't even want to tell her. She'll hate me. She just..."
A sudden knock on the door made both Ren and Kyouko jump.
"Ky...Bo-san, it's time," called assistant director Kagomi from the door.
"Uh.. excuse me Tsuruga-san. I have to go. If you'd like to wait for me here we can talk when I get back?" Kyouko was trying to sound like a supportive friend but the indigestion seemed to be getting worse. She felt she had to leave. Being with him like this was suffocating her. As she edged out the the room her tail feather brushed against the table. Silky black pajamas fell to the floor. Heart burn turned to icy horror in Kyouko's throat as Ren picked up his pajamas from the floor. She knew she was so unbelievable dead.
"Do you know Mogami-san?" asked Ren taking a step closer to Kyouko.
"Yeah, Kyouko-chan uses my dressing room to change sometimes," mumbled Kyouko as she stepped backwards.
"Kyouko-chan eh?" growled Ren. "Is she on a first name basis with everyone except me?"
"Uh, I think they need me on stage!" cried Kyouko as she fled the scene like she were some kind of criminal.
Throughout the whole show Kyouko felt Ren's eyes following her every move, like a deer about to be devoured by a lion. Then she noticed Kuu and Julie sitting in the audience. They seemed to be the only members of the audience actually watching the show. Everyone else in the whole dang room couldn't help but to gawk at them. It felt like the thirty minute show was going to take eternity.
"Wow, we are truly lucky tonight to have such a distinguished audience!" announced Bridge Rock's leader Ishibashi Hikaru. Kyouko jumped. She knew they had to do something to get their crowd back, but this was going to be bad. "It's not too often that our audience is more famous then our guests. Please Hizuri Kuu-sama, Hizuri Julie-sama, and Tsuruga-sama come up and tell us how long you've been a fan of Bridge Rock!"
"Well, you see, I'm a huge fan of Bo!" said Ren bluntly as he walked up to the stage his eyes never straying from his prey. He slapped the chicken on the back with enough force to make Kyouko loose her balance. "This chicken is just so loved by everyone." He grabbed Bo's shoulders and bear hugged him.
Kyouko couldn't stop shaking in her chicken feet. She was terrified he was about to unmask her in front of the whole studio audience and all the viewers at home. Dying to escape Ren's wrath she quickly flew to the aid of Julie who was walking up the stairs to the stage. She offered a feathered wing to the beautiful blond woman.
"Oh my, what a charming chickening," laughed Julie. "I can see why everyone loves you." Julie wrapped her arm around the chickens neck and kissed Bo on the beak.
"You better watch out there Bo," laughed Hikaru. "I here Hizuri-sama is the protective type!"
Kuu untangled his wife's arms from around the chicken and kissed Bo on the beak as well.
"What can I do? Even Tsuruga Ren loves Bo. If you can't beat them join them!" laughed Kuu. For once, Kyouko wished she was the type to pass out under stressful situations. Kuu wrapped one arm over her shoulders effectively using her as an arm rest. "We actually came because our Kyouko-chan said such good things about you! She works in this building you know? We're hoping to meet her for dinner."
"Kyouko," laughed Hikaru. "Of course we know Kyouko. I ask her out at least once a week! She always declines though. Say, if she accepts your invite can I join you for dinner?"
"I do love to meet Kyouko's friends, but you have to remember Kuu is the protective type!" laughed Julie as Kuu started to strangle Bo.
"Well that will be all for tonight! We hope you tune in next time to see how Bo-chan makes it out of this one!" said Hikaru as the audience started to roar.
Kyouko took advantage of that split second where everyone was still under the audiences eye. She swept Julie in what looked like a Hollywood style kiss and whispered in Julie's ear.
"Help me. Tsuruga -san can't find out!" she whimpered.
"Run." Julie whispered back, immediately recognizing her adopted daughter's voice. Kyouko swung Julie to her feet and into Ren's arms then took off.
"Where's my kiss?!" yelled Kuu still thinking Bo was teasing him. Kyouko ran straight for her dressing room, tore off the chicken suit and slipped into her dress. A loud pounding on the door made Kyouko's heart skip a beat.
"Kyouko-san hurry, let me in," hissed a familiar voice. Kyouko threw open the door.
"Hikaru-san, why are you here?" asked Kyouko as she peered around the corner.
"Don't worry Tsuruga-san is being preoccupied by a large group of fan-girls," hissed Hikaru as he started to put on the chicken suit. "Your mom said you didn't want him to know about Bo, so I'm going to hang out here in the chicken suit so that when Tsuruga-san comes in he'll definitely know your not Bo."
"Hikaru-san, Tsuruga-san is mad at Bo..... you may be in danger," whimpered Kyouko.
"You'll protect me right?" laughed Hikaru. "I mean he always seems so calm, what's he really going to do?"
Just then the door burst open.
"Speak of the devil, eh?" whispered Hikaru. Ren stood there visably fuming, but before he could say a word Kyouko jumped in front of Bo.
"A little birdie told me you were upset," said Kyouko arms out stretched so Ren couldn't clearly see behind her. "This bird is my friend and I'm sure it was just a misunderstanding. I don't mind at all if my friends choose to call me Kyouko. I'm very used to it since that's what I go by as my stage name."
"So this bird is closer to you than me?" fumed Ren. Why was she protecting him? Ren knew he was on thin ice. One mistake now and it would cost him everything he's worked for.
"No, of course not, Tsuruga-san." sighed Kyouko as her arms dropped to her side limply. She finally understood why Ren was angry. Of course, he was jealous she may have another, more favored, sempai. "You're the only person I can't stand seeing disappointed in me. Your whole existence is more important to me than any one else. Bo is just a friend from work." She took a step closer to Ren. "If you want to, you can call me Kyouko. You've just never asked before."
"I have too," huffed Ren under his breath.
"What was that?" asked Kyouko not quite hearing what Ren mumbled.
"I have toooo... go to the restroom," said Ren as he turned to leave. After all those years of acting and all he could come up with is the bathroom. He could feel the blood running to his cheeks in embarrassment. It was finally setting in how incredibly possessive he was becoming. Bo had always been there for him and Kyouko barely realized men existed anyway. He looked back over at the trembling chicken in the corner. A wave of guilt spread quickly through his body as he walked over too Bo and knelt down. "I'm sorry. You've always been there for me when I needed to talk. I hope you can forgive me for acting like this." He leaned in a little closer so only Bo could hear. "I think you understand now about what I mentioned earlier. She really drives me crazy! Please forget this happened. I can't believe I was so jealous of you."
Hikaru couldn't stop shaking. Who in a million years would guess that Truruga Ren was a raving maniac when it came to this one high school girl?At least it all made sense now. No wonder Kyouko always turned him down. If she was turning down Tsuruga Ren there was no way he ever had a chance.
As Ren walked by Kyouko she caught his arm. The overwhelming urge to see his smile, to know he wasn't angry at her took control of her body.
"Tsuruga-san," she pleaded. "Ren."
He reached down to ruffle her hair. It had become his way of touching her when he wanted to hold her in his arms. He was always dying to touch her. Her normally silky hair was damp and clumped together around his fingers. He quickly wiped his hand on his shirt and then placed it on her forehead. A rush of worry swept over him as he ran through the days events in his mind.
"Kyouko, do you have a fever," asked Ren unable to move his hand from her head. "Is it because of earlier?"
"Ah.. No..." stammered Kyouko. That costume was just so hot. "I just have to run around a lot while I'm here."
"Don't work yourself too hard," sighed Ren with relief. He twirled a piece of her hair in his fingers as he looked her over more carefully. "We should go meet Julie-san and Kuu-san. I believe they wanted to have dinner with us."
Kyouko started to leave but noticed Ren wasn't following.
"Are you coming?" she asked.
"I'll be down in just a second. I'd like to privately apologize to Bo-san," explained Ren.
"Oh, I see." stuttered Kyouko. This was not good. "Well, I guess I'll be going first!"
As soon as the door shut behind Kyouko, Ren locked it. He strode over to the chicken and with a quick flick of his wrist he plucked the head right off the bird.
"Heh," he smirked. "You can't be Bo-san."
"I...ah.... Kyouko-san, she a..." stammered Hikaru. His shaking had become uncontrollable. This was just too much for him to process.
"Kyouko is Bo," laughed Ren as he took a seat next to the impostor. "I must look like a complete fool. There I was talking to a Kyouko about Kyouko."
"She was probably only trying to protect your feelings in some way," explained Hikaru with a sudden need to protect Kyouko's reputation. "It's not like Kyouko to be sneaky."
"You right," laughed Ren as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Do me a favor, and don't tell Kyouko that I know."
"Sure," stuttered Hikaru. There was no way he wanted to make an enemy of Tsuruga Ren, not after seeing his raving lunatic side. "She's a good girl though. Don't mess with her please?"
"She's too good for me, that's for sure," Ren laughed as he slapped Hikaru on the back. "But there's no way in hell I'm going to let anyone else have her."
On the elevator ride down to the lobby Ren thought of ways to use this information. Actually, it was a great way to tell her things without actually telling her. He thought of all the advice Kyouko, as Bo, had given him in the past. She even went out of her way to visit him when he was having problems with work. Kyouko really did do everything in her power to make him happy. She even creating a character to be his sempai, knowing he couldn't talk to her about everything.
As the door opened he felt like the wind had been knocked out of him. Kyouko stood in the center of the room in that clingy light blue dress. He could see the outline of her bra and panties through the thin material. Ren wondered what his mom was thinking dressing Kyouko this way. Did she want every man in a five my radius chasing after her daughter? Kyouko hadn't even noticed the door open. She was just staring at floor with both hand neatly crossed behind her back. A young couple walked past her and out the door. The man quickly peered over his shoulder to steal another glance of her. As the man opened the door for his mate a cold wind blew through the room. A shiver shook Kyouko's whole body. Ren quickly took off his blazer and through it over her shoulders as he walked up to her.
"Are your parents meeting us at the restaurant?" asked Ren as he peered over his shoulder to make sure that disgusting man couldn't look at his Kyouko any more.
"No,well, I told them I was too tired to go out tonight," explained Kyouko as she squired around in Ren's blazer. As she breathed in his smell and hugged the warmth of his jacket closer to her it felt like she was being tightly embraced by him.
"Oh, do you need a ride home then?" he asked as he turned back to face her. He couldn't help but put his hand on the small of her back. She looked to small and for some reason scared to him.
"Would you like it if I call you Ren?" asked Kyouko as a tear fell from her trembling chin. She was still shivering from head to toe.
"Yes," sighed Ren as he pulled the girl he loved against his body. "I'm sorry I made you cry." He ran his hands up and down the length of her arms in an attempt to warm her.
"No, it my fault," she cried sobbing into his chest. "Because of me you were so mad at Bo. Bo just wanted to be your friend. Bo worries about you and he really just wants to be close to you. I almost ruined all that. Bo really treasures your friendship."
"I really treasure Bo too," laughed Ren as he wrapped his arms around Kyouko. "I feel like Bo will accept me no matter what. I am truly lucky to have someone who loves me so much."
Kyouko froze in his arms. "Loves?" she squeaked.
"Isn't that what you call it when a friend goes out of his way to help another friend?" said Ren. "Kyouko don't you think Bo loves me?"
"Bo is a boy!" stammered Kyouko. At least she had always though of Bo as a boy.
"So," laughed Ren. "Just like there is love between parents and children there is love between friends. Wanting to make someone happy is a kind of love. So I definitely think Bo loves me because he is willing to go to such lengths to make me happy. What do you think Kyouko?"
"Love?" Kyouko gulped overwhelmed. Love was that simple? She thought of all the people who she tried so very hard to ensure their happiness and those that did the same for her. "Moko loves me?" she asked.
"Yes," sighed Ren as he squeezed her tighter. "But why do you think that?"
"Because you said that friends love each other," she sniffled. "And because she always tries to cheer me up when I'm down and she bought me a present because she new it would make me happy and she let me stay the night because she was worried about me and she always listens to me."
"I see," chuckled Ren. "So do you love Moko?"
"Yes!" exclaimed Kyouko as she broke free of the chains that had kept her bound to hate. She finally started to understand real love was a two way street. She wrapped her arms around Ren tightly.
"I love Moko!" Kyouko yelled at the top of her lungs.
"So do you think Bo loves me?" asked Ren holding his laughter in. He new it was a sly way to get her to say it, but after all he had been through today he felt he deserved something.
"Bo loves Ren!" yelled Kyouko hugging Ren tightly. At that moment Hikaru stepped out of the elevator to see Kyouko exclaiming the chickens love for Ren and hugging him tightly.
"Damn he's good," mumbled Hikaru as he walked out unnoticed.
"How about we grab a bite to eat and then I'll take you home," laughed Ren unable to control his cheeriness.
"Thank you, Ren," said Kyouko. "I am very sorry I caused you so much trouble today."
"You're worth it!" he laughed as he gently guided her to the door with his hand on the small of her back. He wasn't sure when it happened but it seemed like Kyouko was getting more and more accustomed to his touch. "Today you let me carry you in my arms," he smirked.
"Um," Kyouko replied blushing.
"A little over a year ago I thought you would have scratched my eyes out for something like that," he laughed.
"Hmm," Kyouko responded. "I thought you were just trying to pick on me then. Now I know you better, and I completely trust you!" She laughed as she looked up at him.
"Trust eh?" he laughed as he felt fate kick him in the stomach. He wondered how much longer could he keep up his lies and what would the truth would do to her newly found definition of love.