Kyoko's Secret

Hey ya'll, I will say this as many times as I can before ya'll get annoyed (and even then I'll probably still continue) thank you! So much! You all really rock! Thank you for taking the time to read and review my stories I appreciate it so much! You all are so amazing! ^v^

So as for my guests, whom I wish I could email but alas cannot, I have given you your replies to your reviews here! (and I love all of them so all of you get a thank you and an virtual hug and kiss from me!)

Jeremy VD: dude, first off you rock! I've always looked forward to you reading it because I can always count on your review, so thank you soo much! Now on to your reply, Reino, the Beagle being involved in this? And Shotaro? Hmm…now that's an idea (wicked grin). You bring up a valid point my friend, and an interesting idea (rubs hands together in wicked glee). Mwahahaha!

Muchachomomo: well I hope I can continue to impress. You're catching on my friend. Yori actually is a lot like Ren, now the question is, can you figure out how and why? ;) do you think Yori's pulling Kyoko into a mess? You may be surprised ^v^. hope you enjoy this chapter too, because I love it when you review

Little Dango: your name is so cool first off . Next, your wish is my command oh Master (waves hands) behold! A new chapter lies just beyond this message enjoy! Love you too! Thanks so much for the review!

Ndy: aww, thank you for the complement ;) you think I'm cruel now, just wait to see what I've got planned for them next ^v^ mwahahahaha! As for the sister…well you never know ;) thanks so much for your review! I hope you like this chapter as well

Guest (6/5/13): well, you don't have to wait any longer! Here's a new one just for you!

Now as for all my members that review! Here is a shout out to all of you (and I know I've been behind on my messaging, my computer's mean sometimes ) hope I can satisfy here though:

Judy 1998: Welcome first off! Thanks for reading my story, it's nice to meet you (yes I consider a review like a handshake) ;) I hope you like this chapter!

.HinaNaru: always such a good friend and always good to hear from you keep rocking on your story (if any of ya'll read this, you should go check it out, it's really good!) I hurried and worked and now here it is I hope you like it!

Cana99: well actually, Yori is Lily Kyoko is Rose ^v^ sorry if I didn't do a good job of clarifying that. Hopefully this one's a little better thanks so much for your review! I really appreciate it ^v^

Data Seeker: My Debate friend and theology discusser, thanks so much for your review. I tried to interpret the paragraphs I used in Tangled (you liked those) so hopefully you'll see I still don't need a Beta Reader but thanks for the suggestion and review! I'll try to keep it as clean as I can

Darksilvercloud: she does sound really twisted doesn't she? I tend to make a lot of twisted characters. And man, you're getting close! I can't say anything for certain, but you are close to figuring out her identity (any chance you're like a detective or something?) yeah…Kyoko won't be happy when she learns she's a replacement…I'm trying to avoid talking about that as much as I can right now ^v^ thanks so much for your review!

Avid reader 21: haven't you learned? All of Kyoko's childhood was twisted ;) I'm just adding a new element to make it interesting. I'm going to explain what her issues are, but you never know, darksilvercloud may figure it out first O.O I promise though she's not cruel for no reason. Maybe you'll see a new side of her here in this chapter ;) thanks so much for your review! You're awesome!

Nannerslovessnickers: it's his jealousy, that makes writing this story so fun I hope you like this chapter too! (no jealous Ren, I'm sorry, but there is a really cute moment between him and Kyoko!) ^v^

JCB13: ah sorry can't tell you that, but if you read on, I promise you'll find out ^v^. and thank you, I worked hard to figure out what Kyoko's reaction would be ^v^

So newsflash, I'm very weird. I spend my summers writing stories and fanfictions when I'm not babysitting. However, there is another weird aspect of me. I love reviews! I'm serious! I love them! Even if they tell me I suck and I'm horrible and I never should be writing, I love them! So please, for my sanity leave me a review I promise I'll respond either through a PM or on the next chapter of my story but they are extremely important to me. Thanks a bunch!

Oh by the way, I do not own Skip Beat (though it would be interesting to see Yori in it huh) ;)

-Kate

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Yori was stunned as she observed the two on the floor. They seemed to be in their own little world that she could not penetrate. A pang of jealousy ran across her chest as she observed them.

'why does this only happen to her? Why is it always Kyoko? Damn it! I won't let it happen! I can't let it happen!'

Her resolve was steeled as she coughed and tapped Kyoko on the shoulder, "um Kyoko? Do you think you could unlatch yourself from your sempai so we can leave? If not you're going to be late."

Kyoko's eyes widened and a blush flew across her cheeks as she spun around and bowed deeply, her face buried in the ground as she apologized, "Yori! I'm so sorry! I guess Setsu was caught up in my personality again! I'm so sorry!"

Yori felt a little guilty at hearing the young girl sob, and though she had no clue about who Setsu was, knew by looking at the blush that was slowly growing deeper on her face, that "Setsu" probably wasn't the cause. She turned her back to Kyoko to keep her from seeing the blatant anger and jealously that burned in Yori's eyes.

"whatever. Look, let's just go. My car's out front."

Ren was taken aback and he clenched Kyoko's arm, pulling her away from the young woman.

"your car?"

Yori smiled and dug into her drawstring satchel that hung over her back. she smiled as she fished out a small set of keys and waved it in front of Ren's face.

"yes. my car. I'm one year older than Kyoko you know. I'm of legal age to drive."

she smiled and Kyoko's eyes went starry as she released her grip from Ren's arm and ran over to Yori, "you're amazing! you even have your own car! you are incredible Yori!"

Yori blushed and she waved it off, "yeah, well, I had to get an international driving permit this year, but once we finish up in America, I'll be taking the test so I can get a real license. for now though, it works for where we need to go. So get your bag Kyoko, we need to meet with the image consultants."

Kyoko gathered her bag and stopped before turning to Yori, "image consultants?"

Yori nodded, trying not to chuckle at Kyoko's naïve innocence, "yes. In order for you to model as an Angel, they need to give you an image." At Kyoko's worried face, she laughed and placed a hand on her shoulder, "don't worry. You'll be fine. Come on."

She shepherded Kyoko out the door and saw Ren's stunned face. She gave a wicked grin, "you know, I've been thinking. I'm Kyoko's manager, I help her with her jobs, and now…I'm her ride everywhere. Thinking like that, it's like…you aren't needed at all."

Ren clenched his fists as Yori left the room. Yashiro who heard every biting word after returning from Kanae, growled, "I really hate that woman." Then he turned to Ren and slapped him in the shoulder. That shook Ren from his frozen anger and he swung towards his meddling manager, "OW! What the hell was that for?" he slapped his manager in the shoulder but Yashiro just rubbed his arm and glared back at Ren, "aren't you going to stop her? You do realize that she could convince Kyoko to hate you right?"

Ren shook his head and gave a smile, "no. she won't."

Yashiro stopped and stared in wonder, "huh?"

Ren gave a smile making Yashiro wonder, what could've happened between the two of them?

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Yori was curious of the exact same thing. Kyoko was quiet, and while it was nice to not hear the young girl incessant prattling; it was unnerving as the girl gave a wide grin and her glassy eyes sparkled. "uh, Kyoko? What's going on?"

Kyoko turned to Yori as she opened the door to the parking garage, "huh?"

Yori blushed, "well, you just seem…really happy for some odd reason."

Kyoko's face turned red, "oh I do? Is it uncomfortable? I'm so sorry!"

Yori rolled her eyes, same old Kyoko, "you're fine! Sheesh, I just want to know what made you so happy."

By now, the two had reached Yori's purple Mazda 1.6 and Kyoko gushed over the small beautiful car. "this is incredible Yori! Where did you get this car? It's amazing! It's almost like Tsuruga-sans, but his is a little bigger."

Yori grimaced, "I see. Well, if you don't mind sliding into my incredibly small car, then we can go."

Kyoko could hear the cold sarcasm in her tone and cringed before bowing deeply, "no! Yori I'm so sorry! That wasn't my intention at all! I'm such a horrible person!"

Yori let out a sigh, "no you're not! Look, will you just please get into the car?!"

Kyoko slid into the seat and Yori shut it before walking to the driver's side. She rubbed her long fingers on her temple and popped open her bag digging out a small vial of headache pills. She popped one in her mouth and swallowed it, before massaging her temples. "calm down Yori, its only for a little while. Only for a little while. Relax. Her life is the only thing that matters, her happiness is the only thing I care about…and if in the process I can make her miserable…then all the better." She gave a wicked grin, "let's see if I can make naïve, innocent Kyoko…despise and hate her sempai."

As she opened the doors Kyoko gave her a bright smile, blissfully unaware of how cruel Yori was. Her golden eyes danced at Yori and she bowed her head, "I don't know if I said it or not Yori, but thank you for taking care of me." She said as small tears of gratefulness pricked in her eyes.

Yori's heart gave a lurch and a bolt of guilt shot through her. However, she pushed it away and faked a smile, "of course Kyoko."

Kyoko's smile grew wider and she leaned back in the seat. As she did, a wistful smile grew on her face and she giggled. Yori turned to her as she started up the car, "what's so funny?" she asked. Kyoko smiled and turned her head to Yori, "you know, when I was little all I wanted to be was just like you. Strong and confident, and so kind and willing to help others. But I guess I can't."

Yori's heart stopped for a second before she noticed Kyoko's eyes shine with more admiration than she had ever seen before, "you're more kind and strong than I could ever be Yori."

Yori's body froze, her foot slammed on the brake stopping her from colliding with the car that had just pulled out in front of them. While Kyoko both apologized for her making Yori become distracted, and gushed over Yori's quick reflexes for the car; Yori's hands clenched the steering wheel tighter as she bit her lip to keep from crying.

'kind? Strong? Confident? Shut up! You don't know me at all! Don't thank me! Don't thank me! Hate me! Despise me! I'm a horrible person! Please Kyoko, don't torture me like this anymore!'

The car pulled out from the parking complex and into the busy streets of Tokyo, the late afternoon sun soon lulled Kyoko into a blissful sleep as Yori focused on the cars that drove just ahead of her, trying to keep from thinking of the words Kyoko had said. She turned on the radio, looking for any white noise to silence the repeating onslaught of Kyoko's words that cut into Yori. She found an American music station and Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" happened to be playing. Yori was never fond of the song, but found her heart clenching more and more as Lady Gaga's lyrics seemed to relate to her…a little too well. The knot deep in her gut twisted with every note and Yori shut off the music before turning to Kyoko, who was still sleeping soundly. Yori noticed a thick strand of hair fall into her face, and Kyoko's nose wrinkled as it tickled her. Yori chuckled and brushed it back, tucking it firmly behind her ear. "You never changed in all these years have you?" she mused.

Then, her heart gave another guilty bolt through her body and she whispered, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I have to be this cruel to you Kyoko. You of all people don't deserve it. I'm being selfish, horrible, and cruel and I know it…what kind of person is that?"

She clenched her hands around the steering wheel tighter and forced herself to look forward as Kyoko began to stir in her sleep. Kyoko's golden eyes slowly fluttered open and a wave of envious anger splashed over Yori's body.

'those are the eyes. The eyes I would kill to have. The eyes that make me hate her and envy her. Why does she have them?'

She grit her teeth and swallowed her remarks as Kyoko looked around. Yori watched her innocent gaze flit among the many different cars that lay sandwiched between countless others on the busy Tokyo highway. Yori turned to look at Kyoko and gave a cold smile, "did you have a nice nap? You must be confident in order to have been sleeping rather than studying for the consultation."

She didn't want to make those biting remarks that she knew would hurt Kyoko. She hated whenever that look of self-hate and sadness would quiver in those pools of amber.

As expected, after a momentary pause Kyoko's head rose up and down as she instinctively curled her knees beneath her in a dogeza, pulling the seatbelt taught and sling-shooting her back into the seat rendering her helpless as she struggled like an overturned turtle. Yori watched it all with wide-eyed wonder as she pulled to a red light. She bent her head over the wheel and began to quiver. Kyoko thought she was mad at her and began to apologize profusely before hearing Yori's loud laugh echo inside the small car. She stopped and Yori gave Kyoko a bewildered smile.

"you still know how to make anyone laugh Kyoko. Please fix your seatbelt so you can stay safe." (kids, please do not try this at home)

Kyoko unlatched her seatbelt and fixed it as she sat down normally again and Yori directed her eyes back forward as the light turned. Kyoko clasped her hands in front of her and bowed her head in shame. "I'm sorry Yori. I seem to cause nothing but trouble. I know I'm horrible and don't deserve your kindness."

Yori bit her lip as the glimpse of her true motive came across her mind and she managed to force a smile on her face (using her modeling training) and turned to Kyoko, "don't worry about it Kyoko."

The car ride became silent, as both the driver and the passenger each was trapped in their own thoughts. Yori was plagued by a mixture of guilt, anger, and envy as Kyoko's words and Yori's true motive for returning clashed inside her mind. She tried to refocus on the road as she turned her gaze over to Kyoko who was smiling and mumbling to herself. Yori rolled her eyes at her client's childishness before hearing Kyoko whisper softly, "Tsuruga-san."

That brought back a vivid image, of Kyoko's glassy eyes and pleasured smile, and her hugging her sempai. 'she can't fall in love with him. I can't and won't allow that.' She swallowed the feelings of guilt, before pressing on the gas to move a little faster as she said softly, "so Kyoko, you never answered my question…what was it that made you so happy?"

Kyoko turned to her friend and the look on her face told Yori she needed to explain. Yori took a deep breath, "well, ever since you were with your sempai, you seem to be really happy. I'm curious as to the reason why?"

Kyoko's face lit up as a blush crossed her nose and cheeks and she bowed her head as she replied, "I'm sorry Yori, but I can't tell you."

That answer unnerved Yori. She was scared, terrified and she said even softer, "did you perhaps…learn of his feelings for you?"

Kyoko turned to her, "whose feelings?"

Yori clenched the steering wheel, "Tsuruga-sans."

Kyoko waited a moment before laughing as loud as she could, "Yori! Tsuruga-san couldn't have feelings for me! Think about it, I'm plain, ordinary, unappealing, nothing like a woman he would have feelings for! What are you joking about?"

Yori let out a breath of relief and smiled, "yeah, you're probably right. My fault I had a moment…of brain lapse. Sorry."

Kyoko smiled, "don't worry about it. Happens to everyone."

And with that, the conversation ended, and nothing more was said the entire way to the Victoria's Secret photo-shoot. Yori thought comforting thoughts as she drove, smiling as she thought to herself, 'she still doesn't know. And if I have anything to say about it, it'll stay that way.'

Meanwhile, Kyoko opened her folder to reread her offer (kids don't do this either) and a sad smile came upon her face, 'he could never have feelings for me. He likes that high school girl, I bet she's really pretty. Besides…a girl like me, can never love.'

But, even though that sad thought reminisced in her mind, the memory of what had happened in the Love Me room, replayed in Kyoko's mind as she began to once again nod off.

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Flashback

Kyoko was frozen. Her body rigid with shock as Kanae and Yashiro followed Yori out of the Love Me room. All she could think about was Kanae's words about Victoria's Secret. Tears began to fall down her face, "I'm such an idiot. I'm a failure to modest maidens everywhere. What was I thinking?!"

She pounded her head to the ground growling at her idiocy. Even though Yashiro had told her it would be alright, she knew it wouldn't be. "I'm so stupid! Such an idiot!"

From behind her, a deep but soft voice resonated into the room, calling her name and sending both comfort, fear, and nervousness all at once into her stomach…only one person could do that.

"Tsuruga-san?" she called, turning her head around to see the tall man enter into the room. Ren stared at her and quickly rushed to her, kneeling on the ground, "Mogami-san, are you alright? Why are you on the floor?"

Kyoko had to hold in her innate desire to both hug and strangle the beautiful man in front of her, 'how dare he look that handsome to my unsuspecting heart!' she pushed it off as surprise and tried to calm her fast-pacing heart as Ren stood over her, a concerned look dancing in his brown eyes. "Mogami-san?" he repeated in that same sultry tone giving her a small heart attack. She threw herself at his feet, knowing that he was the only one who could help her with this.

"Tsuruga-san! Please punish me! Scold me and cut me with your harsh words!" she screamed, tears running down her face. Ren was taken aback and gently placed a hand on her head, giving her the smile that was only reserved for her, "Mogami-san. I can't scold you without a proper reason. What did you do this time to make you think that you deserve to be scolded?"

Kyoko peered up at him with golden eyes and they grew in size and glassy with tears before she cried, "the modeling company I signed with! It's a…" her face turned red with embarrassment before she finished quietly, "fe-female u-underwear store."

If any face could turn redder than Kyoko's was at that moment, it was Ren who had to cover his mouth to hide the blush that was appearing on his face. Gaining control of his emotions he said quietly, "you didn't know that?"

Kyoko thought he was making fun of her and stood up, angry before exclaiming, "I never paid attention to that type of thing in Kyoto! Besides I couldn't afford such expensive stuff!"

Ren, in his relief that Kyoko hadn't agreed to this simply to become famous or something like that, began to laugh before noticing the severe look on Kyoko's face that plainly said, 'this is not funny.' Trying to stifle the laughter he muttered, "I'm not making fun of you Mogami-san." Then he finally regained control and finished, "I'm just glad you're still you."

Kyoko stared at him before narrowing her eyes, "what do you mean? Are you making fun of me?"

Ren laughed and shook his head, "no."

Kyoko nodded before her face contorted back into shock and she exclaimed, "I forgot! Scold me! Scold me now! And scold me for talking back to you! I can't believe I did that! I'm such a disrespectful kouhai!"

Ren shook his head again, "I'm not going to scold you for anything Mogami-san. If you didn't know what Victoria's Secret was, why would I punish you for that?"

Kyoko bowed her head and went into a dogeza, "but- but, I should've researched more about the company I was working with!"

Ren nodded, "yes you should have. But Yori is at fault as well, because she as your manager didn't tell you anything about the job, which is her failure."

Kyoko's eyes widened, "that's the same thing Yashiro told me."

Ren smiled and offered his hand to help her up, "who do you think told me that when this happened to me?"

Kyoko pulled herself up numbly before staring at Ren, "this happened to you?"

Ren nodded, giving her a reassuring smile, "yes. Believe it or not, RMandy was not something I initially wanted to do."

Kyoko's eyes widened, "it wasn't?"

Ren shook his head, "nope. Originally, I wanted to be an actor and nothing more. I had never even heard of RMandy when the offer came to me. Without thinking, I agreed to it. It wasn't until I actually got to the shoot I learned it was a modeling thing. That's when Yashiro told me that it was his fault and took the blame."

Kyoko watched him, eagerly like a child, "what happened next?"

Ren laughed, thinking back on the memory, "well, it took a little while, but I found my niche and began shooting pictures. After that I decided to keep going, even though Yashiro told me I could pull out."

Kyoko thought about that before smiling confidently, "if you could do that, do you think I could make the same thing happen with Victoria's Secret?"

Ren stopped. He knew he had two options here. If he told her to give up, she would, and he could have her all to himself again (whenever she wasn't acting); or, he could tell her to go for it and see how far she could go. He gave a smile and decided to be honest, "I think you could make something amazing with this."

Kyoko smiled and held her head high with confidence…for a few seconds, before her doubts and fears resurrected with a vengeance. "but what about my modesty? If I do this then I might lose myself…I'm scared Tsuruga-san." She admitted quietly.

Ren was a patient person. He really was. He had refrained from doing anything (too serious) with his kouhai for almost a year and a half now. But when she admitted that, something he was sure that she wouldn't say to anyone, he couldn't help himself as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, sitting down with her in his lap. He could feel her trembling in his embrace and knew probably half of it was because he was holding her, and half of it, was because she was really scared of what might happen.

Softly, in her ear he whispered, "don't worry Kyoko. I promise you I won't let that happen. I'll be with you every step of the way so you don't need to be scared. I won't leave you alone with this."

The room was silent for a while, and Ren was scared that he had revealed too much of his feelings and now Kyoko was scared of him, before he heard a soft voice whisper in his chest, "promise?"

Relief flooded through him and he held her closer. It wasn't much to be sure, but it was a start of her trusting him. His heart pounded faster as he held the girl he loved, but he doubted she could even hear it. Kyoko's heart was pounding as well, and the ironic thing? His and hers were so synched, each didn't know the others was pounding just as hard.

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"-Oko? Kyoko? Are you still alive?"

Kyoko's eyes shot open to see Yori hovering over her, looking at her with concern, "are you alright Kyoko?"

Kyoko blushed and nodded before noticing the car wasn't moving, "where are we Yori?"

Yori smiled and brushed aside one of Kyoko's orange locks that had fallen into her face when she was asleep, "this is the Victoria's Secret photo-shoot."

It took Kyoko a second before she leaped up and in a fit of incredible athletic ability, she had jumped from the car, grabbing her bag from the floor and landing firmly on the concrete. Yori was surprised but hid it as she brushed her clients' clothes, "remember Kyoko, you need to be polite but not too formal with these people. Listen to what they say, but don't take their comments to heart, do you understand?"

Kyoko was overwhelmed by the contradictory directions her manager was giving her but nodded, determined to do this right. She was going to make this something amazing, just like Ren had predicted. After all, if her sempai had so much confidence in her, she had to prove it to him it wasn't wasted. She pulled her head high and stood in the proper posture before walking into the small building.

Yori steered her down different halls until they reached a white room with a gold plaque that said, David Daniels, Victoria's Secret CEO. Kyoko gulped, not realizing that the image consultant would be the one who offered her the job. She shivered and Yori placed a hand on her shoulder trying to comfort her, but even Yori was staring forward with a serious gaze. Kyoko waited before hearing the door open.

The hinges squeaked and her heart jumped as Yori bowed her long black hair falling over her shoulders, "Konnichiwa, Daniels-san." Kyoko's heart lurched at the notion of the CEO here, and she bowed her head down low as well speaking as formally as she could, "Konbawa, Daniels-sama." The two women waited there for a little bit, and Kyoko was afraid that after taking a look at her, Daniels-sama had decided she wasn't cut out for Victoria's Secret.

Luckily though, after a few minutes, she felt a soft hand on her head, "you don't need to be so formal with me. I'm not that scary of a guy." His voice was as soft and gentle as his hand, and reminded Kyoko of the Presidents. She imagined what kind of man would make Victoria's Secret. She muttered an apology for being so formal, to which Mr. Daniels gave a sigh. Kyoko was scared that she had disappointed him just by talking, before she heard him exasperate, "Yori! Please translate. You know I can't speak or understand Japanese! Honestly, I don't know why they told me to come here!"

Kyoko paled. He couldn't understand her? Would he hate her for that? She pulled up her head in a flash, scaring both Yori and David Daniels. "I am sorry for not speaking English Mr. Daniels! Please forgive me!" she shouted in English. She bowed her head in shame and quivered with fear. Would he yell at her, call her stupid, throw her out? Visions of her being tossed out of the building came to mind, oh how Tsuruga-san would be mad at her! He would probably be very disappointed in her, and President might just decide that a failure who can't even love and now can't model isn't needed to waste any more time on them. She was surprised when she heard a laugh. She peeked up to see Mr. Daniels laughing. He was clutching his stomach in pain as he laughed. Yori stared at Kyoko in shock, before turning her attention to Mr. Daniels.

"uhh? Daniels-san?" Yori asked with curiosity. Mr. Daniels saw both girls look at him with concern and stopped laughing then he coughed and turned to Kyoko, "my apologies, Ms. Kyoko. It caught me off guard when you started speaking English, and so fluently as well. Tell me, where did you learn?"

Kyoko bit her lip. If she was honest, the Okami at the Fuwa's Ryokan taught her when she was young, "some costumers come from different countries. We must know how to communicate with them as well." She learned by listening and reciting to other people how to speak English. She responded, "I was taught when I was young Mr. Daniels."

Yori was shocked. She never knew Kyoko could speak English so well. 'this will make things much harder…' she glanced to the side nervously as David Daniels knelt down with a warm smile.

"Kyoko? Why won't you look up? Do I seem like that scary of a man?"

Kyoko glanced even further down and shook her head, "no sir."

David Daniels smiled and pat her head gently, "then can't you let me look at you? You are our new model right?"

Kyoko nodded and lifted up her head. She was shocked. The man who ran Victoria's Secret should have been gaudy and presumptuous, (maybe even gay) but this man seemed kind. He had warm blue eyes and graying blonde hair that was now turning a bright silver. His face was adorned with wrinkles, but rather than making him look bad; it reminded Kyoko of a grandfather. He was tall and seemed strong, and Kyoko could tell a few years before he was a very beautiful man. 'he looks like an older version of Kuu Otou-san.' She thought.

David Daniels smiled as he held a hand to his chin as he appraised his newest model, "hmm, petite. Almost fairy like. Large gold eyes, such a rare color; reminiscent of honey. Your hair, has it always been this short and orange?"

Kyoko shook her head and responded, "no sir. It used to be longer and black. I changed it when I decided to work in showbiz."

David nodded, "let it grow out and dye it back to its original color," he commented and continued his evaluation. Under his magnifying blue eyes, Kyoko felt exposed. Her face turned bright red and David laughed, "don't worry Kyoko. It's just a look over so I can put together a look and character for you. Now let's see, raise your arms a bit." Kyoko did and David smiled, "you have a very small waist. It's like a ballerina; and your chest, well it's smaller than usual, but very cute and noticeable with your short height and petite stature. Your curves are perfectly placed; like a work of art Kyoko! And your skin…its perfectly white and clear."

He looked over at Yori and gave a wink and a smile, "this is a perfect new Angel. A new look that has never been produced by Victoria's Secret." He paused dramatically before framing Kyoko with his hands, his bright blue eyes glittering.

"Rose, the Fairy Princess!"

The words penetrated Kyoko's mind and her heart perked up. Yori gave a groan, "now you did it Daniels." She muttered. Kyoko's eyes grew wide and glittery and she threw herself at Daniels, grabbing him by the shirt. He was shocked; was this the same quiet, shy girl from a moment before? She stared at him, her dark aura growing as her eyes sparkled (giving her a very…demonic look) "are you serious?" she growled. Daniels nodded, as sweat beaded down his old face. Kyoko stared at him for a second more, before her aura became bright. Her face lit up and a huge smile crossed her features.

"THANK YOU MR. DANIELS! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!" she pranced around the room singing it until Yori covered her mouth. She rolled her blue eyes and stared at David Daniels who was biting his lip to keep from laughing.

"thank you for accepting my client Daniels-san. We'll go to the dressing rooms now for the trial shoot."

She ushered Kyoko out to two interns who took the nervous and frightened young girl to the dressing room, conversing with her about how to make her look like a perfect fairy princess. Yori stood to follow when she heard a voice behind her, "I know it's you Lily. No matter how different you look or sinister, you're still the same Lily I know and love."

Yori clenched her fists and turned to sneer at the old man, "careful Daniels, you might start to be known as a child molester if you say things like that."

David Daniels could have been mad, that was a horrible thing to accuse; but instead he laughed, "same old Lily, saying harsh things to keep people from coming close to her."

Yori felt the tips of her ears burn and she retorted, "same old Daniels, talking about people like he's a psychologist."

David nodded, agreeing with her, "my wife can't stand that habit either. But it helps when it comes to my models."

Yori narrowed her eyes, "is that why you made Kyoko a princess?"

David nodded again and laughed, "that and to show you that if you want to deter her from show business by scaring the daylights out of her and destroying her confidence; you'll have to try harder." He stared at her now, his eyes losing the sparkle and his face becoming grim.

"she's a young girl Yori, and if memory serves correctly, she was your best friend right? Why are you doing something like this to her? You're never cruel; sadistic, sarcastic, and cynical, but never cruel. What are you doing?"

Yori bit her lip. How was she supposed to explain her mission? She wasn't allowed to speak of it to anyone. She shook her head and glared at Daniels, "don't try your psycho-analogy tricks on me Daniels. I'm not telling you anything. You care about her so much? Pull her out. Tell her she's horrible. Because I'm warning you, keep her here; and I will do whatever I can to make her life in this company miserable."

Daniels glared at the former model, before his look softened, "no, you won't. You'll try, but those words sounded like they came from someone other than you Yori. You can't hide behind that forever."

Yori glared back at her former employer before her blue eyes softened, "I have to." She opened the door to follow out Kyoko. As she stepped through the door, her back to Daniels she said in a broken voice, "the girl you knew, wanted to work with you forever. But we can't all live in a fantasy. It was time for her to grow up. But for what it's worth…" She turned to him, tears brimming in her blue eyes, "thank you."

And with that, she left.

David smiled and shook his head before calling Lory on his phone. They had met a couple years ago on the "famous talent company and billionaires cruise" and had become fast friends. The phone rang for a little while before a breathless, "hello?" came through on the other end.

"hey Lory, playing with your snake again?"

Lory's indignant scream of calling his baby a mere "snake" was heard and David just rolled his eyes and laughed.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Look I called you to ask you something."

Lory of course, began going on all sorts of rants that David could barely comprehend and left him wondering why such a strange man was so successful in the entertainment. He cut off his friend mid-rant, "look! Lory, did you set up that Love Me Section? You told me about it on the cruise as an idea you had; did you ever put to action?"

Lory began talking exuberantly about his three Love Me girls and how far they had progressed. As he told each passing story, the smile on Daniels' face grew bigger, and bigger. Finally as Lory reached the newest climax, Kyoko performing a dangerous mission that would cause her to face her biggest fear of loving someone; Daniels cut him off. "perfect. I have a question for you Lory. Are you looking for a new Love Me girl?"

"who are we talking about here Daniels? I already told you I can't take any of your models. The uniform is too extreme. If I try, I may get sued!"

Daniels chuckled and turned to his desk where an old, battered folder with a beautiful young girl stared glaring at the camera, "she's not one of my models anymore, but if anyone can show her to let herself love, it's you."

The two love-happy old men continued to scheme.

Yori felt a chill down her spine but disregarded it as she followed down the hallways. She peered at the pictures, where all sort of models smiled down at her. She even smirked when she saw her own picture. She was known as "Lily, the dark Enchantress." Many a man had been put under her spell. She smiled and gently fingered the picture, before noticing someone out of the corner of her eye. In a flash the smile turned grim and she coughed and brushed her hand over her suit, 'get ahold of yourself Yori! That's not you anymore!'

She continued walking down the hallway at a much brisker pace.

***************************************VS********* ****************************

Kyoko was lost. Not physically, the women had taken her straight to the dressing room where she was to meet with the image consultant and have her first "test photo-shoot"; but mentally, she was lost.

"you're going to love Angel! She's a real teacher and absolutely amazing! She can take care of any new model! You're so lucky! Lily herself worked with Angel! What's your Modeling Name? What agency are you from? What's your specialty?" Kyoko stared wide eyed at the bright green eyes that interrogated her. During the journey down the hallway she learned that they both were models for Victoria's Secret, but they had never told her their names. They just chattered away on their own.

She stood awkwardly between the two of them. She had to question why Daniels would choose her to be his model. Comparing herself to the two that sandwiched her, she hardly looked palpable as a Victoria's Secret Model. The one who asked all the questions had beautiful blonde hair like amber that matched her beautiful green eyes. She was a little more curvy and very tall. Her chest stuck out at least three inches from her body and her legs were well toned and muscular. Her skin was a little tanned but for her body, it worked fantastic. Her face was oval with soft cheeks that had a sprout of freckles. The freckles would show when she showed a bright smile that made her green eyes shine.

The other one was a complete opposite but still just as beautiful. She had soft warm brown eyes and dark skin, that reminded Kyoko of Tiana from "The Princess and the Frog." Her lips were large and painted a beautiful red. Her dark black hair was cut short to her shoulders and teased so she looked very flirty. Her chest was smaller than the other girls but still noticeable. Her body was small and lithe and hardly looked like she was any type of athlete. But still, she was very beautiful.

'compared to these girls…what can I do?' Kyoko thought depressingly. The African American noticed it and nudged the girl beside her who turned to see the girl with a downcast expression.

"you okay honey? Arissa I think you frightened her." The African American scolded her friend. The other girl, Arissa's eyes widened and she took Kyoko's hand, "I'm so sorry! I got so excited when I learned we were getting a new model! Especially when I heard she was a "Princess Typecast," I'm sorry if I scared you!"

Kyoko's eyes widened and she began, "no no, you didn't scare me I just…" she was cut off by Arissa, "oh that's so great! I was so scared that I scared you!"

Kyoko didn't know what to make of the hyper woman. She edged away from her towards the African American who placed a comforting arm around her, "it's okay sweetheart, Arissa's just a little more excited than most. That's why her modeling name is Athena. With her enthusiasm and stature she makes for a great dominatrix."

Kyoko stared at the girl and asked quietly, "and you? Who are you?"

The girl laughed as Arissa began speaking, "Julianna has three names. Her modeling name is Jazz, because of her sultry, soulful personality, but we all call her Mom. "

Mom? Kyoko was very confused now. Julianna laughed, "I tend to take care of most of the girls we work with. That's how they gave me the name Mom. You can call me that too if you want."

Kyoko figured that's what Julianna wanted her to call her, but she couldn't. The minute the syllables for Mom (in either English or Japanese) would approach her lips; images of her abandonment and her mother's cruelty would silence her. She shook her head and bowed it in shame, "I'm sorry I can't Julianna-san."

Julianna was disappointed but shrugged, "don't worry about it. It takes time to readjust. Your name's Kyoko right?"

Kyoko nodded and Arissa smiled, clapping the young girl on the back, "don't worry Kyoko! Things here aren't as bad as people make it out to be."

Before Kyoko had a chance to ask, they had reached the door.

Victoria's Secret: Model Image Consultant

Was typed on a piece of paper taped to the door. Kyoko took a gulp and turned to see Julianna and Arissa with an encouraging smile, "you can do it Kyoko. We'll be right here."

That comment, made Kyoko feel a little comfort. Though both girls were odd and strange; they were kind. She opened the door and walked in.

"IT'S THE CIRCLE OF LIFE!" was the first thing that hit her. She stared wide-eyed as a woman with brown hair that curled in ringlets to the middle of her back, sang at the top of her lungs. Her brown eyes were shining as she smiled, her long arms outstretched like an opera singer. Kyoko was dumbfounded as the woman continued to sing with a voice more beautiful than Kyoko had ever heard. As the song finished, Kyoko began clapping, alerting the attention of the woman.

She looked older than Kyoko thought. Her face was adorned with wrinkles in her eyes and mouth, but they were "smiling wrinkles" it was like this woman had never ceased to smile. There were streaks of gray in her brown hair, but it still looked beautiful. Her body was as beautiful as ever, with a small chest and smaller waist. The former model bowed and smiled at the young woman, "thank you. I didn't know I had an audience."

Kyoko blushed and bowed her head, "I'm so sorry! I just love that song and you sang it so perfectly! Forgive me for intruding!" she quivered with fear but was shocked when she heard a tinkling of bells that sounded like a laugh. The woman pat her head gently, "don't worry. I take it as a compliment. You're the new model aren't you? Kyoko right?"

Kyoko nodded and the woman smiled even bigger, "you're the new "Princess" right?"

Kyoko's insides bubbled with excitement. After all the hard and mean roles she was in she was finally a princess! She nodded and the woman clapped her hands together in joy.

"that's so good! I was wondering when they would find a new Princess to replace me!"

Wait what? Kyoko stared at the woman and asked softly, "you were a princess model?"

The woman nodded, "mm-hmm. My name was Belle. But after I retired ten years ago, they changed it to Angel."

Kyoko nodded and gave a smile, "you look a lot like Belle! I see where they gave you your name."

The woman laughed, "I would agree with you, but I didn't get my name because of how I looked."

Kyoko was baffled, "what?"

The woman nodded, "yup. I actually got my name as a joke. They called my husband "the Beast" so of course I had to be Belle the "Beauty". It became a joke within our company."

Kyoko nodded before casting her eyes down to the floor. She studied her white flats that she chose to wear today before feeling a warm hand on her own, "Kyoko? Dear, you don't look so well. You look frightened."

Kyoko bit her lip and shook her head, "I'm alright Belle-san."

Belle cut her off and held up a hand, ""Angel, my dear. Call me Angel or Susan. And you can't fool me Kyoko. I've been dealing with our girls for twenty five years. What's wrong?"

Kyoko sighed and shook her head once more. She had to get over it. It wasn't important anyway. She couldn't afford to cause anyone trouble. Angel glared at her, her brown eyes becoming hard then she sauntered over to the door and clicked the lock, "you'll find Kyoko, not many things bother me. But what I cannot stand; is a girl who lies and says "she's fine" when I know she's not. Do you think of me a fool Kyoko?"

Kyoko paled and threw herself at Angel's feet, "no! I would never do that!"

Angel stared at her, "then what is wrong? Why are you so frightened?"

She helped Kyoko off the floor and Kyoko shuffled her feet, "I just don't know how you all can be so happy. You're in your underwear! How do you all keep smiling? Isn't it infuriating to be used by guys?"

Angel stared at her before smiling gently, "so that's what it is." She said. Kyoko blushed at her outburst and was going to throw herself into another dogeza as an apology for berating their jobs, but she found herself being guided to a couch. Angel sat her down and then sat down on the opposite side, keeping her hand on Kyoko's. "Kyoko. Let me ask you something. What do you think of when you think of women?"

Kyoko had to think. Most women (with the exception of Kanae and Chiori) were boy crazy and always hyped up on the stupidest things. She stared at Angel and said, "they seem dependent, used constantly for men's pleasure, maids." Her eyes darkened as she thought of Sho's words.

Angel nodded, "that's right. That's one of two stereotypes that's usually placed on women. We're either dependent, destitute doormats; or we're strong, independent women that need no one and can make it on our own."

Kyoko nodded. That's the type of woman she wanted to be. One that would make Shotaro suffer for all the wrong doings he had done to her. Angel shook her head, "none of those are correct."

Kyoko was flabbergasted. Angel smiled and continued, "woman is woman. Just like man is man. Women are both independent and highly capable of doing amazing things, but at the same time dependent. We have feelings, we long to be cared for, to be loved."

There it was, that word. Kyoko shuddered and shook her head. Angel's eyes went wide and Kyoko began asking, "but if that's true, why do women get hurt?! Loving someone will only hurt you! It's stupid!"

Angel shook her head, her brown curls bouncing about, "is that what you think? True, sometimes you will get hurt. But that means that that man wasn't right for you."

"not right for me?" Kyoko asked.

Angel nodded, "that's right. There's a theory that God made a box inside all of us. In that box, is a heart that yearns to be loved. But. The only one with the key, is the one He's made for you. "

Kyoko felt irritation and embarrassment bubbling inside her. Her devil chibis appeared and chided, "you know that's not true Kyoko! No one would love someone like you remember?!"

Kyoko shook her head, "forgive me Angel-san. But I don't think that's true. What does this have to do with being a Victoria's Secret Model?"

Angel knew she was avoiding the topic, but relented and replied, "everything. See, just like the unique box that's made for one person, so too each woman is unique and beautiful in her own way. People think we try to sell women's bodies and make other women uncomfortable with how they look, but the reality is, we can't make anyone feel like that. In actuality, my family, who made and owns this company, designed it so women could feel strong and beautiful. No matter how they looked. My husband decided to take that further and find something special, something unique that is only seen within that one model. That's why we have models of all shapes and sizes. Each woman is beautiful and talented, it just varies how."

Kyoko nodded, her voice was cut off as Angel took her hand gently, "when you came here, did you think you'd have to compete with all the other models? Models like Lily, Jazz, and Athena?"

Kyoko nodded, her face cast down. Angel knelt down and picked her chin up so Kyoko's gold eyes were staring into Angel's soft brown ones. She smiled, "that's not the way it works. A rose is a Rose. Kyoko, be a Rose."

Kyoko understood and nodded before asking shyly, "if you don't mind me asking Angel-san. Who is your husband? How would the company know him?"

Susan smiled and turned around before handing Kyoko a small plaque. On the plaque it said:

Susan "Belle/Angel" Daniels, COO of Victoria's Secret.

Kyoko's eyes went wide and she bowed in apology for saying such mean things. Angel laughed and shook her head, "don't worry about it. Now come on, let's get you prepped for your shoot!"

All the fear, all the nerves of being a Victoria's Secret Model melted away. Kyoko smiled, her gold eyes shining and nodded. From outside however; down the hall away from the two girls who waited outside, Yori glowered and seethed.

'put her with Angel? Trying to protect Kyoko that badly Daniels? I can't let her succeed. Kyoko Mogami must leave show business.'

*************************************VS*********** ****************************

So riddle me this, Yori gives Kyoko this job but wants her desperately to fail? What's the game here? Think you know? ;) tell me what you think!

(by the by, everyone calls her Kyoko because in the manga, that's her stage name)

REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW, AND I'LL RESPOND RESPOND RESPOND! ^v^

Hope to hear from ya'll soon!

-Kate