Just a warning I am Dyslexic so my stories will not be perfect but I now have one Beta reader to help me along the way :D

Thank you so much to Roshelle Diall for offering to work with me :D

Hello my sweeties,

I'm so glad you're liking this :D

Its really great fun to write and thank you so much for all your wonderful reviews and support!

Enjoy.

Neh xxx

I do not own Skip Beat!

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"Well I'm here." The words were quiet in the open air. But both Setsu and Kyoko heard them, and the feelings of honesty behind them and Setsu almost smiled.

"My brother's a baka. Simple. As. That," Setsu said before turning and leaving Kanae alone on the balcony. To anyone who had not experienced the Heel siblings this would seem like a simple refusal. But to Kanae who had been studying this pair not only through their work and news reports but also in person over the last 3 days she knew that this was a step in the right direction.

To Setsu who loved her brother and doted on him unconditionally to call him stupid in another's presence was a big thing. Kanae smiled to herself as the sun broke through the dark clouded sky.

"Well I'd have to agree with that." she whispered to herself before turning and joining the remaining Heel family for their journey to LME.

Was this always how they were treated? The whispers and the pointed fingers Chiori wondered as she followed quietly along behind Cain Heel. He had said nothing when she had said she would be accompanying him to the set today, only nodded. She honestly didn't mind his silent taciturn nature it was simply who he was she had decided after being around him the past 3 days.

Straining her ears, she tried to pick up snippets of the whispered conversations going on around her all aimed around the Heel siblings. She heard a few comments about the condition of Setsuka after the pepper spray attack and maybe that being the reason she wasn't with Cain today. She also realised a lot of the conversations featured her as a main plot point.

"Who is she?"

"Don't you know? That's Amamiya Chiori. She's an actress. I've seen her on Box-R... you know the one with Rumi-chan in it? And that sexy girl... what was her name? Natsu."

Chiori smiled inwardly, wondering what her senpai would have said at hearing someone call her sexy? Saying that, she would only smile and tell Chiori they were calling Natsu sexy not her. Chiori hated Kyoko's thoughts of herself. She had been informed in bits and pieces about Kyoko's past with Sho. Not much but enough to know that he had really hurt her and Chiori though there was probably something deeper too. Maybe something from her childhood? Her thoughts snapped back to the whispering stage hands while she waited behind Cain who was currently having a one sided conversation with the director... Well the director was talking and Cain would just nod or stay motionless at least.

"Well that's all well and good but why is she here? and with him?" They didn't know all the details, but it was already apparent that the Heel siblings had made a lasting impression on all of these people already... And maybe not a very good one at that, Chiori thought sighing as she thought of how much more difficult this would make her and Kanae's job.

"No idea. Though I did see on celeb gossip this morning that the Heel-sans parents have come all the way over from England! They were even here the other day, you know the day his sister was attacked? People are saying they are trying to cover up for them, or maybe even trying to take them home."

"Maybe the rumors are true after all then? But that still doesn't explain why she's here." Chiori wanted to roll her eyes and even answer the question herself. But she would stand there with her back straight and proud just as she had seen Kyoko do so many times before. She entered her own state of Kyoko channeling as Kanae had described it, imagining the man before her was Kyoko's own beloved senpai Tsuruga-san. She held herself with grace and ease knowing that the man before her could do no wrong in her eyes.

"Well I've heard that the Heel parents know Lory... You know the president of LME and that's why the girl is with him... Poor lass maybe I will talk with her later I'm sure she is hating this and probably scared to death. Like really who would want to be stuck with that man?" The new voice was another male and Chiori doubted from his tone that talking with her for her sake was the only reason. Chiori wasn't like Kyoko. She knew she was attractive in her own way and even could be counted as desirable because of her status as an up and coming actress, but really some people...Maybe she could use that to her advantage.

She allowed the conversation to move on a little, listening to the stagehands now discussing LME and the president's 'madness' as they called it. Chiori dropped her pose a little and seemed to shrink in size slowly. She took calming slow breaths thinking about the type of person she was now going to portray. She idolised Kyoko's acting style and since joining the Love Me section and working with Kyoko on Box-R tried to emulate it in her own way. She herself was a method actress of sorts, but the depth that Kyoko and even Tsuruga-san gave their characters was something she would always strive to achieve.

Chiori's persona mask fell around her shoulders gently. Almost like putting on a new skin, she thought whilst she formulated her next move. It was simple really. She pulled herself into one of those girls that annoyed her the most. Faking the nervousness that someone like that would feel, she shyly looked about herself. When she did finally allow her gaze to fall upon the three men that had been gossiping like old house wives, she smiled nervously yet warmly almost as if agreeing with the words she had heard one of them say. She wasn't sure which one had insinuated about making friends with her, but the brown haired lighting tech who smiled encouragingly back at her gave her hope.

Ren felt it the moment Chiori's character shifted. It was a very smooth and calming motion her breathing had been deep and soothing to herself and Ren knew this was something she had absorbed and learnt from Kyoko. He so wanted to turn around in that moment and watch just how this young actress would portray his love's acting style, but Cain was in control now and he was not the type to really mind if the woman was falling into an act or not. Though the way she slowly began to give off a nervous vibe made him smile inwardly. He could appreciate good acting talent and this woman seemed to have it.

Ren remembered when Lory had called him into his office that morning, wondering what he could have possibly done wrong this time or maybe what devilish schemes the old coot had thought up for him to try and confess his feelings for Kyoko. He was surprised when Lory had simply asked him to take a seat and handed him a magnolia folder. Yashiro too had been non-plussed as together they opened the profile of an actress from a little known agency 'Soft Hat.'

"What's this about?" Ren had asked skimming briefly over the bio that the young woman must have written about herself.

"That my boy is the first ever applicant to join the Love Me section." To say that he and Yashiro were stunned would have been an understatement! Ren physically could not understand why someone would do it to themselves? Cursing themselves with that pink abomination.

"Does she want to switch agencies or something? Has she failed a talent audition here or what?" Ren asked trying to make sense of all of this? Surely this young lady knew how the Love Me section worked, didn't she? Surely she understood that it was not a desirable job to say the least and that the two only members would probably think she had lost her mind volunteering for a place in their ranks!

"No she wants to stay with her current agency, but she would also like the opportunity to work in sync with us here at LME and in particular the Love Me section. I do not believe she has ever even auditioned for us here." Lory was almost too normal Ren thought as he looked across at his boss before him. He seemed to be thinking hard about this and Ren wondered why he was even showing it to him.

"So what? You want me to do an acting test with this girl?" he asked trying to figure out any reason for the president to have brought him all the way here to show him this? Was he gloating? Ren had been one of the main people against the establishment of the Love Me section. He had even made it difficult for Lory in some ways, but he had changed his mind now... He understood now just what Lory was trying to do... The fact that he was head over heels in love with the Love Me number one girl may have helped a little bit too.

"Read the bit about her favourite actor/actress and the person she aspires to be like." Lory said nodding towards the papers in Ren's hand. Turning the page Ren found the section Lory was mentioning and read.

The actress I most admire and aspire to be like would be no other than

Kyoko. I have been working currently with Kyoko on the set of Box-R and have never

before had the chance to work with someone quite like her. And I doubt no matter how hard I may try I would never find another actress or actor for that matter like her.

Like a chameleon she becomes each and every character creating not only the person,

but their life, their background and their whole being all incorporated into one.

Ren looked at how Chiori went on to eloquently say that she herself had lost her love of the job she was doing. That the show business world seemed to have become more about how cute you were rather than real talent and through Kyoko, she had realised this. Through Kyoko she had seen just how twisted she had become in her feelings and she hoped that if she was allowed her request through the LME Love Me section. She could come to find her feelings of love for acting once more under the guidance of the actress she admired.

"Rather touching isn't it?" Lory asked when both Ren and Yashiro looked up from the document. "That girl has the power to not only make people realise their own faults but also strive to change them within themselves." Ren just looked down again at the profile for Amamiya Chiori. He knew that there was a hidden message behind Lory's words. He understood entirely too well how much Kyoko made people want to be better, be the best they could be. It was something she made him feel every time she was near him and every time she smiled.

"So what are you going to do about this?" Ren asked as he placed the folder down gently on the table.

Lory smiled a slow smile. "Well I was going to ask you. Do you think that as Mogami-kun's senpai that she would be in any way influenced or become complacent if I were to allow this young lady to join the Love Me section?"

The thought that Lory could even begin to think Kyoko would become big headed and egotistical because someone thought she was a good actress was laughable. God that silly girl would even tell this girl Chiori herself that she was a talento. Ren wouldn't be half surprised if she told the girl to look up to someone more like himself.

"How could you even think something like that about Kyoko?" the venom in his voice was obvious, making Yashiro shiver slightly as the ice cold words slivered down his back.

"Well to be honest I didn't think it possible myself." Lory said still smiling even with the death glare Kuon was sending him across the desk. "But it's company policy as you know to ask all people whom this might affect." Kuon just scowled deeper as he pushed the file roughly back towards Lory.

"And how exactly does this affect me?" he asked in the same icy tone as Lory's smile grew. It only aggravated the young man further.

"Well you are Mogami-kun's senpai after all." Kuon didn't even stick around long enough to hear the last word as he stormed from Lory's office.

"That was cruel." Yashiro said as he stood and bowed to the president he silently admired.

"Well he's got to change that title at some point Yashiro-san." Lory said with a grin as he picked up his phone ready to call Soft Hat and tell them he would happily accept Amamiya-san into his Love Me ranks. It had never been an option not to really.

Chiori offered a few more tentative smiles as she followed Cain again. He was heading to his dressing room and make up probably, but Chiori wasn't sure whether to go with him or simply wait? She had chosen the latter option and so far Cain had made no complaint or move to stop her. It was just after they had entered the tented area in the warehouse they were using for that day's outdoor shoot that they were stopped again. This time it was a young woman, probably around 25-30.

"Heel-san, I hoped to catch you. How's Setsuka-san?" Chiori was shocked to say the least. So far she had only heard whispered talk around Cain and so far only the director had even bothered asking after Setsu and her condition. Yet here was this young woman asking quite openly about the welfare of the young woman and if that hadn't been shocking enough Cain actually answered her.

"Better thank you." He replied in a very dulcet tone. It had still been an answer.

"That's good to hear, I'm guessing she is still resting?" Cain nodded, though Chiori saw the slight drawn look in his eyes. Probably thinking about their argument that morning Chiori decided as she stood a little way behind the two and listened.

"Who's your friend?" the woman asked smiling kindly at her. She smiled back still maintaining the nervous look as Cain waved her forwards. With a look that told her to introduce herself he turned and walked off in the direction of his dressing room area. Chiori and the woman just watched after him for a few moments before the polite woman turned back to Chiori.

"Man of little words that one."

Chiori just smiled and nodded. "Amamiya Chiori. I'm with LME's Love Me section." Chiori said answering the woman's question politely with a bow. "I'm here to assist Heel-san in his sister's place."

The woman smiled and nodded before bowing back."Kamikaze Riona. I'm one of the small parts in the production."

Chiori instantly checked the list of 32 names she had memorized from Lory's 'investigate further' list. The name this woman had given was not on it, she was sure.

"Erm, I'm not really sure where I should go now." Chiori said in a very sweet voice. That would normally of sickened her if it was another girl.

Riona smiled again and nodded her head. "Probably rather difficult working with Heel-san. I doubt anyone but Setsuka-san really understands him." Chiori smiled, this time it was a real smile as she nodded.

"That's definitely the impression they give off." Her eyes traveled again towards the direction Cain had gone. As if remembering the way in which he and Setsu simply seemed to know each other that well words were not needed.

"Well then how about we go and get some drinks and see where the first scene is being shot? That way you will be ready to help Heel-san if needed."

Chiori smiled and nodded. Falling into step with Riona, they walked back together through the set and Chiori took note of every single aspect around her. She needed to remember everything since she knew Kanae would be grilling her later.

Kanae was ready to scream herself. No wonder Setsu chose to spend all of her time with with her brother if this was how Calvin treated her all the time! He really was an overly loving and doting parent if she had ever met one. They had first stopped at a store to buy some snacks for the man who Kanae had decided ate like a horse and now here was the man sitting there going on and on about his wonderful daughter's achievements whilst stuck in the Tokyo traffic.

"Oya Baka," Kanae mumbled crossing her arms and staring at the street around her. It was a huffed giggle that broke her concentration. She could hardly tell where the laugh had come from. She turned and looked stunned as Setsu actually offered her a smile as she leant in towards her.

"Now can you understand why I would have rather gone with Cain?"

All Kanae could do was nod and roll her eyes. She herself had family issues, but Calvin was above and beyond on so many levels. Kanae looked across at Sayuri, who appeared to have tuned out her husband ages ago reading a fashion magazine. Then back to Calvin who was still going on and on about how wonderful his daughter was. How she had passed all her exams almost 100% and how she was sure to be amazing at what ever she chose to do.

"Did you really do so well on your tests?" Kanae asked looking at the woman beside her.

"Yeah." Setsu replied simply shrugging. "It's no big deal really" Kanae wondered if he should say she did think it was a big deal, but decided against it, thinking it would be better to maybe talk about a subject Setsu was interested in.

"So how did Cain-san get into acting?" Kanae watched as Setsu's changed. She went from being a sulking child to a radiant beauty as she spoke about her beloved brother. Calvin didn't even notice no one was no longer listening to him at all as he started listing off Setsu's achievements from the age of 4 on up.

"Well we were always around sets when we were younger. With mom and dad's jobs we always got to meet the actors and actresses. During the summer holidays we used to go to some amazing on location shoots and I think that's where Cain's love of acting comes from. Don't get me wrong he loved watching Dad and he loved the stunt work too, but he just wanted to take it that one step further. He used to bring home the leftover scripts and let me help him practice the lines with him at home."

Kanae smiled thinking of all the scripts and literature she herself had learnt at school, she too had loved the challenge acting gave her. "So what about you? What do you want to be?" Kanae hoped that even with the conversation deviating from her beloved brother Setsu would continue talking. The first part to befriending someone was simply talking to them, or that's how it had started with Kyoko... well that and telling her she was basically a housewife but they didn't talk about that now.

"Well I just like helping Nii-san so maybe I could be his manager or something." Setsu replied in an offhanded way. Kyoko looked at her best friend. Even though it was hard lying to Kanae she found that even Setsu had a small draw towards the girl. Especially after she had simply offered her an ear on the balcony.

Setsu had always been all about her brother. Yes she loved her family, but as Kanae had now seen her father could be a bit of a baka and her mother? Well her mother had always flipped from one extreme to the next emotionally. The way she had nearly tackled Setsu in a hug at the set had proved this. Her Nii-san asked for nothing but obedience. She could deal with that and even enjoyed it.

Cain had always been the one willing to listen to her, to look out for her and in return her love and respect for him had grown. Setsu knew that maybe it was unconventional and as people had already started to do, people portrayed it as wrong. But Setsu had gone beyond the point of caring by that time. Cain was her beloved brother and she would do anything for him.

"Well wouldn't you ever be interested in acting with him?" Setsu looked as if she pondered the subject for a few minutes while inside Kyoko was smiling sadly.

Oh Moko-san if only you knew... would you hate me? I'm lying to you and I really do hate it , but I'm an actress and this is my role. Unless the president allows me to disclose it I'm forced to play my part. Yet I have to admit, I've wanted to act alongside you again for so long and even if it is a one sided act, I'm enjoying it!

"If i was acting with Nii-san, I think I would like it." Setsu said slowly before turning and looking back out of the window. Kanae knew that their small conversation was over so she too went back to staring out the window. Neither of the girls noticed Sayuri noting down all the things Setsu had spoken about her brother. They had already started their 'family book.' This was just a little more information to add to it.

Their arrival at LME was uneventful. The Heel's and Kanae simply passed the security who had been told of their visiting rights. Once inside the building it was a different matter entirely. Kanae didn't know what was worse, the men drooling over Setsu as she glided through the halls like a supermodel or the whispered conversations and pointed stares.

Calvin and Sayuri were far enough in the lead to have a good distance between themselves and Setsu. But for Kanae who was walking just behind her she simply felt sorry for the young woman.

"Does it bother you?" she asked suddenly as Setsu stopped to allow the passing of a line of camels which were probably here due to the president Kanae decided.

"Does what bother me?" Setsu asked looking at her.

Kanae knew she could not mistake her question and although it annoyed Kanae, she took a breath and took a moment to explain even if it wasn't needed. "People's reactions. All of the rumours about yourself and your brother."

Setsu just looked at her coolly for a moment and Kanae wondered if he would answer. "To be linked with my Nii-san in anyway is the biggest compliment anyone could give me. But yes the use of physical violence against my brother annoys me." Setsu never spoke of the physical violence against herself, just her brother.

"Then you can understand why Cain-san did not want you at his shoot today?" The words were out of Kanae's mouth before she could stop them. Her heart froze for a second as she expected Setsu to close up on her again, but as Setsu shrugged

"I suppose, but Nii-san still needs me."

"He's a big boy I'm sure he can look after himself for one day." Kanae was shocked as Setsu stopped and spun to face her. Her face was unreadable as she looked over at Kanae once more.

"There are some needs only others can give you." Was her simple reply. Kanae was shocked. Was this girl really insinuating what she though she was?

"Such as what?" Kanae asked crossing her arms but Setsu had already turned and begun walking off. Kanae sighed. Yet again she had let her real thoughts slip through and yet again she had probably just blown her chances with the strange woman before her.

"Emotional needs." Was the quiet reply.

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suddenly separated the siblings are not so closed,

what will happen in the next chapter when Setsu faces the president?

just who will be in LME looking for Kyoko?

and how will Chiori cope alone with Cain and Murasame?

thanks for reading

Neh xxx

Comments and reviews please, I will happily reply to PM's and questions