Did anyone else almost die when they read 149? I loved it. I could have died a happy woman yesterday. Well, I feel like I owe you an explanation. I've actually had this written for about six months, but I felt something was off. I tried rewriting it numerous times and failed. So, I started work on an original fiction. Well, today is my birthday and I decided to do something I found fun. I forgot how much I enjoyed writing this, until I got a very sweet review yesterday. It's taken me three hours of rewriting, but here it is. I hope you enjoy it.
Thank you for your reviews. They mean so much to me. I am so thankful for everyone who reads and enjoys this fanfic. I hope you get some good laughs out of it. I am truly sorry it's taken so long to get you an update.
MP
Thick, sweltering silence filled the car as Kyouko and Ren drove to the main offices. No word had been spoken since Kyouko uttered the band, 'who should not be named's, name. Grabbing her hand like an angry mother, Ren stormed off the set with Kyouko in tow. Like the furies themselves they were set on a path of destruction leading straight to the President's office.
As they entered into the parking garage Kyouko sighed heavily. To be pulled out of work like a naughty child was too much for her pride. At some point she had to stop depending on Ren to handle her problems. Chastising herself for letting the same problem effect two separate jobs she banged her head against the dashboard.
"Ren, I can do this on my own. You're not really involved," she stated as she balled on fist into her hand. There was no way she could continue to stand in his shadow.
"Not involved?" spat Ren as hit the brakes. Parking his car haphazardly between two spots. "I'm not involved?!"
"I created this problem. I'll take care of it!" roared Kyouko as she imagined vanquishing the evil demon monster with a sword through his blackened heart.
She took no note of dark aura the thundered dangerously around her sempai. Dashing from of the car in all her righteous fury she slammed the door.
"You'll take care of it?" growled Ren from the drivers seat, as he watched her storming off towards the stairs. He exited the car and leaned against it. "Sorry, I must of over stepped. I thought you would want me here."
Kyouko was already heading up the stairs determined to show no fear when his words starting to sink in. Stopped her crusade so suddenly she expected Ren to topple over her. That's when she realized that his warm presence which was always beside her, was gone. Peering over her shoulder, her eyes met the eyes of the storm. Ren causally leaned against his car with his arms crossed dangerously in front of him. The wait of his anger was practically tangible. His unmercifully cold glare bored into her very soul. Tiny, little Kyouko devils we being drawn to his dark energy like flies to light. Her jaw dropped as she realized she was the reason for his anger. Their conversation replayed in her mind, except this time, Ren wasn't on mute.
"Ren, of course I want you by my side, you being favored by the gods and all," she stammered as she knelled down awkwardly on the stair case. "You're my sempai and my friend. But.... but you've been through enough today on my account. I caused issues numerous times on set and you didn't scold me. You never scold me anymore. To me... to me, your silence on these matters is worse then being scolded. It's like you've accepted that I'm a failure and you cover for me. Let me prove to you that I am professional."
Ren stood at the bottom of the stairs and wondered how she had noticed this and he hadn't. He had been so wrapped up in proving his love to his parents while protecting her that he forgot that one of the most powerful things that tied them together. They both loved acting. They loved acting together.
"Kyouko, I'm sorry," he said as he bowed.
Kyouko's jaw dropped again. This time she was sure it would hit the floor. 'Ren's apologizing to me.... for my behavior?!'
He's face started to mask his emotions, slipping from the demon king to the gentleman Tsuruga Ren. "It's not only your behavior but my also mine that caused numerous upsets on the set. For the first time, in a long time, I've completely let my emotions control my behavior. That's unacceptable for a professional."
"Ren, I think... when we're not at work, it's good to be emotional," Kyouko said as she reached out her hand to him. It felt to her that he was slipping way into a dark place that she didn't understand. Into a role that dominated his every word. "You give me courage to be me. I want to give you that same support. You've just immersed yourself with Ryuji. I just need to become Tsukasa. When I was thinking about that and how I've had issues on almost every set I've ever worked on it occurred to me what I should do about this."
Florescent lights glared behind her, reaching his own hand out as he walked up the stairs into the light that shined from her.
"What's that?" he asked as his hand clasped hers.
"Nothing, we do nothing," she explained as her expression changed from serious to hysterical. Demons swirled around her head. Horns sported from her disheveled hair and she smirked menacingly. "The evil monster feeds off of bad energy, so if I just don't react to him then there shouldn't be a problem. He's still obviously scared of you, so you'll have to play along too. If we act like he's just another singer, then he'll be so confused himself that he'll think he dreamt the whole thing up! Mawhahahaha..."
Ren pulled her arm and twirled her around and into his arms. Embracing her tightly he felt his guard dropping.
"He tried to hurt you, Kyouko," he whispered. "If it's a choice between my career and keeping you safe. I choose you. I'll talk to Lory. If he knew what that guy did, he wouldn't let him set foot in LME. This way no one is put in jeopardy, not you, not me, not our careers."
"No Ren," said Kyouko as she pulled away from him. Her fiery aura ignited. "Do you think I'm not capable of being a first rate actress?! You once told me 'No matter how badly you're suffering, when it comes to your work there will be times when you need to laugh and joke around. At those times to get over your feelings in an instant makes you a pro. To not even let someone's death affect you, that makes you first rate.' Ren, I am going to be a first rate actress. You are my goal, so I can't bare hiding behind you."
"Ahem," came from behind Kyouko. "Young love is so romantic."
Kyouko peered over her shoulder to reveal the President dressed in full cowboy gear.
"I'd prefer it if you said 'friendship is so beautiful'," mumbled Kyouko under her breath.
"Kyouko dear," sighed the president as he held his arm out to her. "It's been so long since I've seen you. You become more beautiful with each passing day."
"Thank you," stammered Kyouko as she wrapped her arm around his.
"I'm hoping you can work some of your 'love me' magic. I'm afraid I have two very troublesome young men who seem to be on the verge of ripping each other to shreds," sighed the President. "You seem to be the center of the issue, my dear. I had no idea you had so many famous admirers."
"Two?" questioned Kyouko.
"Yes," sighed Lory as he waved one arm out elaborately. "It seem Fuwa Sho wouldn't leave the building after he ran into Reino on his way out."
"Ah," sighed Kyouko as she prepared herself for her new role, famous actress that could stand on the same ground as Tsuruga Ren. "I'm sure this is all just a big misunderstanding. That Reino is in some bad right? I'm sure their just naturally competitive. Right Ren?"
"Of course," he smiled his fools gold smile. "Well, lets just see what they have to say."
With all this might Lory tried to restrain a smirk. This was almost as much fun as his newest dating game. As they entered the presidents office the sight was nothing like Kyouko had prepared herself for. Sho sat in the corner of the office facing the wall, while Reino sat facing the wall kitty-corner to him. Kyouko chuckled as she imagined both of them with dunce caps. Lory's assistant stood in the center, large whip in his right hand, wearing a western bandit outfit. His cowboy hat cast a shadow over his golden eyes and his red bandanna covered the majority of his face. This left hand rest on a gun holster slung loosely around his waist.
"Thank you," said the President to his assistant as he sat behind his desk. "Kyouko-san seems to think there has been some misunderstanding between all of you. Let's get to the bottom of this. First Reino, can you please let me know why you are trying to back out of my production?"
"As I've said before, I'm not particularly afraid of dying, but I'd like to avoid pain," spit Reino from his corner.
"Heh," laughed Sho from his corner.
"Fuwa-san, it's not your turn to talk yet," lectured Lory as his assistant cracked his whip in the air. "Reino-san, please continue. Why do you believe this production will be painful."
"I promised Tsuruga-san I would never come near Mogami-san again," explained Reino.
"What!" hissed Sho as he rose from his chair knocking it over. "What did Tsuruga Ren do to you?!"
Kyouko's demons shot out wildly in every direction as she smiled sweetly.
"Fuwa-chan, not everyone uses violence to solve their problems," she laughed as the thought continued in her mind... 'because some men are intimidating enough to scare creeps off with just their presence.' She continued trying to control the scene with Natsu-like confidence. There was no way she was going to let the President find out what happened. "Beagle-bou, I believe we have a misunderstanding. Ren and I see no issues with taking part in this production."
"Kyouko are you stupid!" yelled Sho. He flew out of his chair and tried to grab her from beside Ren. "Do you understand what that guy was going to do?"
Casually Ren put his arm over Kyouko and pulled her gently into his side.
"No one here is stupid," smiled Ren as roses bloomed around his head. "Fuwa-san, I'm not sure why you're here actually. The issue seems to be between Reino-san, Kyouko, and myself."
"Heh," laughed Reino as he scooted closer to the trio. "I see they edged you out Fuwa-chan. It's funny that I already have a more important place in her head than you."
"Like hell..." yelled Sho as he reached again for Kyouko's arm. As Reino stepped a little closer Ren forcefully moved Kyouko right into Sho's arms. So caught by surprise Sho forgot what he was saying mid sentence.
"Don't misinterpret this situation," growled Ren as he took another step towards Reino like the demon king himself. Reino immediately stepped back and flinched. "There will be no issues you taking part in this production, as long as you do not make any."
"No, no.... Kyouko! I don't like this," whined Sho as he grabbed Kyouko tighter. Kyouko's sweet facade started to falter as her demons tried to strangle him with their tiny demonic fingers.
"Well it seems to me that both Tsuruga-san and Kyouko-san are willing to work with you Reino. Maybe, Fuwa-san, would it make you feel better if you were able to be on set when Reino-san is? That way you won't be excluded either," smirked Lory. He felt like the host of this own 'Love Me,' reality TV Show. Three full grown men battling over one woman's heart. Each was showing a side of himself never before seen, cool Fuwa Sho was whining like a dorky brat, dark Reino literally was shaking in his combat boots, and gentle Tsuruga Ren had slipped back into the evil side of Koun completely. "I'm sure I can work something out with your manager, if your interested."
Sho bowed in what Lory took as a surprisingly polite response from the cocky idol. In reality Kyouko was so caught up in her fury of being touched by the sleaziest man alive that she elbowed him in the stomach causing him to double over in pain. Her face was still plastered with an inhumanly sweet smile. She grabbed Sho by the ear as she turned to Lory.
"President-san, is there anything else I can do for you?" she asked with a slight bow.
"No Kyouko-san," smiled Lory. "You and Fuwa-san are free to leave. Reino, I'd like to tie up some loose ends before you leave. Could you wait outside? I need a quick word with Tsuruga-san."
"Sure," mumbled Reino as he slide past Ren and headed to the waiting room. Kyouko glanced at Ren with a look of sheer horror when she realized she'd be leaving without him. Ren tossed her his keys with a node of his head.
"Wait for me in my car," he explained. "with Fuwa-chan. I'll give both of you a ride home."
"I don't need a..." Sho started before he caught Ren's eyes. His voice caught in his throat by the fierceness of Ren's gaze. Ren slowly looked at Kyouko and then nodding his head toward the waiting room. Thick as he may be, Sho caught the message. "I don't need a ride home now, good. Really it's the least you could do."
"Ren, I'll be..." Kyouko stammered as she released her death grip on Sho's ear.
"Humor me," Ren cut her off. "I'd like to chat with you dear childhood friend."
"Sure," Kyouko said as she bowed and left with Sho in tow.
"Ren, do I need to find a replacement for Reino?" asked Lory as he poured himself a drink. "Please tell me what happened."
"It's just as Kyouko says," Ren smiled. "A misunderstanding."
"I see you've taught Kyouko that smile," said Lory as he sipped his drink. "She's not quite as good at it as you are though. Even through her smile... and her anger, I could see her fear. It's the first time I've ever seen anyone really scare that girl. Although, both you and Fuwa Sho seemed horrified by the idea of her being alone with Reino."
Ren stood there silently for a second. He sighed heavily before he started again.
"I don't know what you mean," he remarked.
"Ren, you pushed the woman you love into your rivals arms to move her away from Reino," explained the President. "Yashiro-san has filled me in on the Sho/Kyouko story. When it came to the rumors that Reino was also infatuated with Kyouko Yashiro was strangely tight lipped. I do not want to put her in danger. I also don't like secrets. What happened? You know I'll find out."
"Lory, if Reino is removed from this production, because of something I say, Kyouko's pride will be damaged," explained Ren. "Please give her the chance to resolve this without making her feel weak."
"I see," said Lory as he sank behind his chair. "Ren, I've received a call from Director Shinkai. He said that there was more drama on set then in the actual series. Are you really immersed in your role or are you getting too possessive of your sweetheart? For the production it's great that your acting like a lovesick youth, but for your career.... I'm not so sure."
"Weren't you the one who told me real love makes one not care if they look lame and messy," sighed Ren as his head sunk into his hands. "Ryuji is making to it worse. The way he thinks about Tsukasa... it's so possessive. He can't even do what's best for her.... It's so selfish. It would be so much better for her to become a cop and live her dreams."
"Ren, real love is selfish," laughed Lory. "Her happiness is so important to you, that your willing to drive yourself completely nuts, but I highly doubt you'd let her go. Even if someone who would be better for her appeared... You want her to be happy with you... Well, I need to finish up with Reino then... If you're sure you have no problem with him being in this production."
"I'm sure I can handle it," sighed Ren as he left Lory's office.
Reino stepped into the dark office, not entirely sure what to expect. The President had his chair facing the large window overlooking Tokyo. He stood there for a solid three minutes before Lory finally spoke without turning from the view.
"I have a bit of a dilemma," sighed Lory. "You see, Kyouko-chan. She's part of my family. Not just the LME family, but my family. Everyone who I love, love's Kyouko. I myself have fallen completely for her like she was my own grandchild. Her pride is one of the many things I love about her. She tries so hard to face life's hardships, all on her own. It's very unusual for her to back down from any challenge." Lory slowly turned his chair to face the source of his displeasure. Darkness itself filled the room. "Unfortunately I seemed to have challenged her by mistake when I approved you for your part. I want to know exactly what you did to her."
An involuntary shiver ran down Reino's back as the president jet black eyes penetrated his very soul. Before him sat the man who had built LME from the ground up. The eccentric man who everyone could brush off as being a genius suddenly disappeared. This was a man who could stare down the demon king himself and win. This was the pure, unadulterated wrath of a vengeful god. A god with the power to take everything from you. Sweat beat down from Reino's forehead.
"You.... you are all family.... you.... he...." stammered Reino. "I scared her.... I tried to... I just wanted to.... she.... she is so interesting... I just wanted..."
"You like to scare young girls?" growled Lory in a low almost whispered voice. Reino could feel the air thin around him.
"She has so much anger," explained Reino with a pant. "It unusual to met such a young girl who can harbor such big emotions. I was interested in playing with her, until I met her pet lion. I have even less interest now that I met the king of the lions."
"I see," replied Lory. "It can be hard to resist bright and shiny things for people like you. If you are wise you will not push your luck. With your talents I'm sure you've seen that lions past. The feelings he has for that girl are stronger than the ones that ignited his fury so many years ago."
"I quit," said Reino. "I have no interest in your games. I just want to quit. Please.."
"Heh," smirked Lory.
***
"Just let me give you a ride home!" insisted Sho as he pulled on the handle of Ren's passenger side door. "There's no point waiting for that guy."
Kyouko rolled down with windows just enough for Sho to stick his fingers in.
"Never," she laughed as she started to close the window at rapped speed. Sho pulled his fingers out at the last minute.
"Are you trying to smash my fingers?!" he yelled. Kyouko rolled the window down again leaving enough space for Sho to poke his head in.
"I was," she laughed as her demons grabbed Sho's head to hold it in place. Kyouko quickly hit the automatic windows. Sho used his arms and legs to gain leverage against her demons as the window closed.
"Kyouko!!!" he squalled as the window pinched against his neck. "Stop, I'm sorry already!"
"What?" she smirked as her hand left the window button. "Do my ears deceive me? It can't be that the great Fuwa Sho is actually going to apologize."
"Dammit, Kyouko give up already!" he smirked as he pulled his head out of the window. "I will always be just out of your reach."
"Heh," smirked Ren as he caught Sho by the back of his shirt. "It seems to me Kyouko is just out of your reach, actually." He flung Sho to the side like a naughty puppy. He quickly unlocked his door with the key so Kyouko's could remain locked.
"See you around!" he smirked as he shut the door. Sho stood dumbfounded with his hands at his sides and his jaw dropped as Tsuruga Ren drove off with his Kyouko. He flipped out his cell phone and made a call.
"Shoko," he growled. "I need a favor."
The tires of Ren's screamed as they met asphalt. He couldn't tame his smirk. Finally he one-upped that narcissistic jerk. Kyouko glanced nervously at her sempai. Tsuruga Ren absolutely obeyed traffic laws. However, the Demon King and the Emperor of the Night had less of an affinity for laws. Unsure which of the two current possessed Ren she was nervous to voice her concerns.
"Ren," she squeaked. "Was everything alright with the President?" In the past she saw the President make Ren look lost and hopeless. He was always so very hard on Ren.
"Kyouko," sighed Ren. "You can't actually think I sold you out, do you?"
"Of course not!" she chirped. The thought actually hadn't crossed her mind. "Why would President-san ask about me anyway? I was just worried about you."
"You were worried about me?" he laughed as he started to regain his composure. "Kyouko, I'm a grown man, I'm not going to cry because my boss lectured me. I'll just work harder so it doesn't happen again. He was actually just repeating the same lecture you gave me."
"I'm sorry Ren," whimpered Kyouko. "It wasn't my place to say anything."
"Heh," he smirked. "So in the future you'll just stand by and let me make a fool of myself?"
"Wha?!" squeaked Kyouko. "No Ren, I'll always be there to support you."
"So then why are you apologizing for looking out for my best interest?" he smirked.
"I just..." she stammered. Kyouko's life flashed before her eyes as she prepared for her death. She had finally pushed Ren too far. At any minute the demon king was going to burst out to flay her. "I just don't want you to be angry with me."
"I'm not upset with you Kyouko," he sighed as he glanced at her terror stricken face. "You're very important to me. Your opinions and advice are important to me. Just because I'm a few years older than you, and I've been in the business a few more years than you doesn't mean I'm beyond reproach... but... Since you caused all this trouble you're going to need to do something for me."
"Of course," exclaimed Kyouko. "I'll do anything."
Ren's eyebrow raised as he caught her glimmering smile.