Finally Summer's here! Maybe I'll be able to get more of these out! Sorry I haven't been updating very consistently. I'm going to really try to finish this for you guys, okay? Thank you for continuing to read this if you've stayed with me since the beginning ^^

Enjoy~

"Len!" Rin called to me as I sat down in a chair beside her for the make-up artists. I groaned inwardly and wished that I was playing a more rugged character. "Kaito and Meiko can't wait until your performance!"

I smiled, reading what she was really saying… still, I wanted to hear it. "And what about you?"

For a moment, Rin was quiet. When she finally spoke, her voice shook ever so slightly. "I'm excited to see you, but I don't like your role."

Oh, I was wrong. Careful not to move too much for the sake of my make-up artists, I reached my hand out and found hers. "It's only a story."

"You can't pretend you weren't angry when you thought I was dying."

She had me there. "Never the less, it's only a story. Besides, the plot will probably inspire me."

I barely caught her reply, "Me too."

At that moment, I was thrust forward, almost hitting my head on the ledge in front of me. The beautician that had been carefully applying whatever to my face gasped in surprise and then followed with a cry of protest. Meiko grunted noncommittally, then mussed my hair. "Len, are you excited?"

"Uh… yes, but you might want to let them get back to work so that we can start?"

"Oh, right," Meiko glanced behind her and muttered a quick apology to the woman. "Well, I'll see you on the stage, Len."

As soon as Meiko had left the room, Rin asked, "Is there ever a time when she isn't intoxicated?"

"That's a very good question. We could try stealing all her sake to see what she does," I suggested.

"Or replace it all with water and see if she notices something's different," Rin countered.

It was almost like old times – my sister and I planning little things to pass the time or, more often, to survive.

Just then, the director called me in to do the shoot. On my way over to the set, I glanced at myself in a mirror and was shocked.

They had slicked my hair back so that it wasn't as spiky. They had also made me up to look so clean and, well, not what I was used to. My clothes were those of a nobleman – or a royal servant – opposed to my usual attire.

"Hey Kid," Ty greeted as I passed him. "Remember, let your feelings show on your face and in your body language." I nodded.

I stumbled over to where bright lights were being shined on a white background.

Rin stood there already and I heard the director call for quiet, then the track began. I sang along under my breath, even though I didn't need to. They would add the lyrics to the video later.

After that, my memory is vague. I remember not completely feeling the love for Miku that I was supposed to feel. I also remember not completely understanding why Rin laughed when I told her the snack would be brioche. But I nailed the air of self satisfaction when I gave myself up in place of my sister.

We had to stop at that point so that Rin and I could change costumes. The director took that opportunity to film the few shots we needed of Miku, Kaito, and Meiko. When we came back, I could already see Rin preparing for her emotional scene. For some reason, I didn't feel the need to become mentally prepared. It just came when they restarted the track.

Rin cried and I fulfilled my duty as her loyal servant – as the script was written. The final instrumental notes were played and I caught sight of Miku examining me. She had a curious expression on her face that I couldn't quite figure out. Admiration? Jealousy? Wonder? It was too vague to establish. Perhaps it was nothing more than indifference and boredom.

It was so astonishing that it brought me back to the real world. Suddenly, the castle was gone and the angry villagers didn't exist.

"Fine job, Kid. Didn't know you had it in ya," Meiko congratulated as I wiped my face free. She smiled in such a carefree way that I had to wonder how she wasn't feeling the emotion that I still couldn't shake.

Kaito came up behind me and grabbed my shoulder familiarly. "I have to say, for a first job, that was fantastic."

Rin didn't say anything. She only grasped my hand and refused to let go until we arrived back at our apartment.

Camille had walked us back, filled with nothing but praise.

As soon as the door closed, Rin released my hand, trading it for my body. She embraced me and I could feel my shirt becoming soaked with her tears.

"Rin!" I exclaimed. "Rin, it's okay! It was only a story! It's alright!"

She didn't glance up at me, just held on tighter.

I hated seeing her like this, especially when there was nothing I could protect her from. So I resorted to the next best thing and encircled her in my arms. "It's fine," I murmured, "I'm here. Don't be scared. I'll never leave you alone."

We stayed like that for a long while. Just hugging, reassured by the other's presence.

"You didn't see yourself," she finally responded.

"Huh?"

"You didn't see the expression you made when you offered to take my place as the princess," she clarified.

"And?"

"And… it was so sure. You really looked like you would die for me."

"I would," I replied without hesitation.

Rin let out another sob. "I don't want to live without you," she choked.

I drew back so that she had to look into my face. "You won't. I'm here for you. Remember? That's why we're here. We're creating a better life for ourselves. We'll always be together. Remember our promise?" I held up my locket.

She wiped her eyes clear before raising her own. Simultaneously, we flicked them open.

Despite Rin's qualms, I know that we both enjoyed shooting. It was almost as if the jobs were made for us. I couldn't believe how completely I lost myself in the song, but now that I knew of this other world with Rin, it would be difficult to isolate myself from it.

If it doesn't get at least a hundred thousand hits, I'll have to pull you guys from the company… Ty's voice found its way into my thoughts.

That night, I held Rin's hand in one hand and with the other, I crossed my fingers, pleading.

That was really emotionally charged… at least it was for me.

I watched Servant of Evil again in preparation for this chapter and yeah, I cried.

Just because the cake is a lie, doesn't mean the reviews have to be. Please review ^^