A/N: Kiss From a Rose by Seal!

Kyoko doesn't understand how graceful her movements are, even when she's doing something as simple as leaving Lory's office. It's amazing how she manages to remain somewhat professional around me when I can't help but look like a fool around her. The President came into my vision. He was returning our sitting area from another part of his office. He approached Yashiro and myself, pointedly glaring at me again.

"Honestly, you're making such a hassle for Mogami-kun. I got her a manager like you had asked. Now you get to clean up this publicity mess you made. I told you, I'm not going to help you." He turned his attention to Yashiro. "And I hope as his manager, you prevent something like this from happening again. Keep this idiot of love under some more control." He smiled and rolled his eyes, slightly shaking his head. Hmph, I'm getting humored.

"But you should get going soon too, you have a busy day like Mogami-kun." Yes that's right. I had a long shoot for Rmandy today. They're coming out with a new line. I shouldn't let my mind wander today. As much as I want to schedule dinner with Kyoko's new manager, I don't think I'll have the time for it today. We bid farewell to the President and made our way back to the parking garage.

"When am I free tonight, Yashiro?" We arrived at my car and got in.

"Depends on the shoot today. You also have an interview later tonight too. But if things go well at Rmandy, you'll have plenty of time with Kyoko-chan. Want me to call Ishikawa-san?"

Just because I might not have time, doesn't mean I don't want to try.

"I'd like to check in first with the shoot director and photographer, then I'll call."

"But wouldn't it be better if I called, letting you finish sooner, thus getting you to Kyoko-chan sooner?" We reached a red light, so I looked over. He seemed… overeager to call Ishikawa-san. But that didn't change how he had a valid point. Begrudgingly, I had to agree. Anything that meant more time with her was better.

"Fine, you call." I wanted to schedule time with her. Internally, I pouted slightly, but I forgot about my loss as Yashiro's face what a bit more excited than usual. Ever since Kyoko and I have been dating, his fan-girl moments have toned down slightly. Was it the gossip column and the exposure of our relationship that gave him this resurgence? Or… oh…. Could that be it? We'll see how today goes.

The whole shoot was rather routine, check in with the director, change into outfit, pose, take directions if necessary, and repeat. I tried changing as efficiently as I could so I could catch even a bit of the call. I was in luck just before lunch time when I noticed Yashiro taking out the latex gloves. Were his hands shaking? I moved a bit closer to where my chair was with my water. I sipped quietly. I strained to overhear the conversation without seeming suspicious in any way.

"Hello, Ishikawa-san!" His voice trembled like he did. Wait, how did he get her number already?

"I'm fine thanks, how are you doing? How is your first day with Kyoko-chan?" His words were quick and after a thick pause, he chuckled nervously.

"Yes, she can be like that. She's interesting to work with." He hesitated. "Oh, but I was wondering when she would be free tonight… Seven? Ren should be free by then, though he does have an interview at eight thirty, so it'll be a quick dinner. At least in Kyoko's mind."

"Ah she's a stickler for eating healthy… Where? Oh um…." At this he looked around and noticed me.

"Ren, come here. Where do you want to take her?"

"There's an Italian restaurant I thought she would like to try a few blocks from LME. Does she need a ride?"

"An Italian restaurant by LME, does she need a ride?... You drive? Ah well, We'll see you there. Bye Ishikawa-san." He closed his phone softly.

I may have been a failure at love all these years, but it's so much easier to see it when it's on another's face. He was nervous talking to Ishikawa-san because he likes her! But he just met her a few hours ago! We'll I guess she can be considered pretty, but a little tom-boyish. Honestly, I really couldn't tell. Nothing really compares when they stand next to Kyoko. Maybe I'll wait to confirm my suspicions before I mention anything.

Yashiro, you have no idea how much hell you have to pay back.

I can't help but hint subtly, though.

"What are you and Ishikawa-san going to do during our date?" I asked in innocent curiosity.

"Me and Ishikawa-san?" He bears quite a resemblance to Kyoko when he's flustered. Jackpot.

"Yeah, you could sit down and find out times when both Kyoko and I are free. And she probably hasn't eaten yet if Kyoko hasn't." Years of payback, Yashiro, years.

"Oh, uh…" He hesitated.

"Oh, I don't care either way, really. I just figured it'd be easier to talk with her in person than it is on the phone…" Too much fun. Really, if this happened before Kyoko came to Tokyo, I would have been much nicer. Tsuruga Ren would have been much more cool and casual about it.

"R-Right… I'll ask her to dinner, then." His determination was shaky at best.

"What about scheduling?" Too. Much. Fun. All of my acting skills were put to use to keep me from grinning wickedly.

"O-oh. Yeah, that too. Of course!" It'll be interesting to see how this turns out. I wonder if she will reciprocate. Or better yet, she could be totally oblivious like Kyoko. On second thought, she seemed rather attentive. She was observing the room aptly. It reminded me how my father told me to watch people and save those experiences for later.

What was she going to remember it later for? Kyoko uses her observation skills for making eerily realistic looking dolls. That gift to Maria-chan still gives me the shivers. It was flattering that she watched me like that, but for that? What if Ishikawa-san made doll houses? The thought of Kyoko and Ishikawa-san sitting playing with dolls and houses filled my head. A snicker made it past my lips. No, Ishikawa-san seemed a bit too mature for that sort of thing.

I wonder how they'll get along. As much as I hate the teasing, I do enjoy having Yashiro around. He's become a close friend over the years. I can only hope that Ishikawa-san has the same potential. So long as Kotonami-san is still clearly 'the best friend.' I guess I'll just have to wait to see.

I pushed myself to finish around 6:15. I wanted to make sure that I would get there in time. She was already waiting by the door with Ishikawa-san by her side. Before I got lost looking at Kyoko, I took a glance at my own manager. I'm not sure if his expression was anticipatory or if it was panic. Maybe somewhere in between.

I let myself get caught up with Kyoko. I don't care if I just saw her this morning. She's more beautiful each time I see her. It helps that she had new lipstick on. That must have been from the audition today. I broke out of my reverie to actually greet her.

"Hi, Kyoko-chan. How was the audition today?"

"Hi, Ren… I got the job." She looked away blushing. Now why would she be blushing, I haven't even told her what I'm thinking yet.

"Well, with the way that I want to kiss you right now, they'd be foolish not to." I couldn't keep the smirk off my face.

"Ren!" She blushed more.

"Let's eat, I have an interview later." We started to go in, but I wanted to check in with the managers before we lost visual contact. As expected, Yashiro was scratching the back of his head while he was talking to Kyoko's manager. She tilted her head to the side slightly and gave him a small smile.

"What's wrong? What are you looking at?" Kyoko noticed I stopped. I smiled and nodded at our managers. She turned to look as well. Her eyes widened, then she smiled too.

"Why is it that you noticed that right away, but didn't notice I was in love with you for so long?" I pouted a bit as we continued on in and sat down.

"It's not my faul- well, maybe it is… I just didn't want to risk my heart and feel that pain again…" I hated seeing that look on her face.

"Well, you don't have to worry. I'll make sure nothing like that ever happens again." Her bright eyes shone hope in them. But her lips were just as bright and distracting. I need to change the subject before I lose control. "So how was your first day with a manager?"

"Oh! Yoriko-san is so nice! She used to play sports all the time in school, but she was never good enough to become professional with it. She always thought that she was going to be a detective like her father. He was posted as part of a security detail for a musician playing in their town and he brought her along. She stayed backstage the whole time, but that's when she saw everything that happened behind the scenes. That's when she started liking show business, but she said she had no talent besides above average skills in sports. Then Yoriko-san found a class at university about managing and that's when she wanted to become a manager! And she just graduated recently and one of her professors is a friend of the President, which is who recommended her in the first place!"

"I take it you like her then?" Amusement flavored my voice.

"Yeah… if I ever had a big sister, I would hope that she would be like Yoriko-san…" Those dreamy eyes… and those lips! Why a lipstick commercial, of all things? Now other men are going to think about kissing her. The waitress came over and we ordered something quick, but healthy, otherwise Kyoko'd have my head.

"Oh, why weren't you more excited about the commercial?"

"Ano, I… I had to appear… attracted… to someone… and do flirty things?"

"And that was bad?" I felt my voice get darker. Did she have to kiss someone?

"Well, it feels like I always rely on you for help when I make my roles." She looked away and her ears were as bright as those lips. "I pretended I was… That you were…" She licked those lips. "I couldn't do those sort of things if I didn't think about you…" Oh. Really? She was thinking about me for those things?

"So what were you thinking?" My voice felt husky. She noticed to since her eyes snapped to mine. She remained silent. If we weren't in public right now…

Thankfully our food came over then. It broke the thick air and started the conversation again.

"So, Yashiro-san likes Yoriko-san?"

"Apparently, but I don't think he knows it yet. I needed advice from a chicken to realize that."

"I would have never had said those things if I knew you were talking about me."

"Kyoko, you can't take back those words now. What's said is said. And I intend to follow your advice." She drew a deep breath. Unfortunately my interview was too soon and I had to leave. We got out to the sidewalk and didn't find any managers around.

"Oh, I wonder where Yoriko-san is, her car isn't here anymore."

"Wow, he actually asked her to dinner, then." He's going to tease me that he can ask a girl that he likes out the same day he meets her and I took my time. I shook my head. Just because my manager isn't here doesn't mean I can slack off. "Where do you have to go next?"

"I'm actually done for today."

"Would you like me to drop you off?" We walked over to the side street where my car was parked. She paused as we got in.

"Umm…." Her shining eyes glanced up at mine while she bashfully played with her fingers.

"Or would you like to come and watch?" Was I too bold to offer?

"Mmmhmm." My self control can't hold much longer. Talking was getting difficult while watching her smile sweet like honey.

"Okay, I'll take you home after, too." I hardly noticed that my voice dropped to a whisper

"I'll call Yoriko-san and tell her she can go home." She did just that. I thought about calling Yashiro, but he would either make his way over or spend more time with Ishikawa-san. He might get upset if I interrupt anything. The remainder of the short ride was in a charged silence. We were caught deeply in our own thoughts.

Mine were along the lines of her finally within arm's reach. With those bright amber eyes watching my own after I parked in the studio's garage. The back of my fingers brushed against hers of their own volition. They trail up her arm and up to her cheek. And seep into her hair. Those shining lips that teased me all evening parted with the contact. She leaned in at the slight pull from my fingers. That's all the encouragement I needed. I managed to whisper one thing before I lost myself.

"I love you, Kyoko." I didn't wait for a response, since I knew those words still felt foreign for her on her own tongue. But that didn't prevent me from playing with hers until then.

Sweet heaven, I don't deserve this girl. No, that's not quite right. She's becoming more of a woman every day. She's picked up how to kiss quickly. And she picks up just what I like- oooh- like that. When did she learn that? My other hand reached forward to pull her closer. There really wasn't enough room for either of us to breathe, but that's not what I wanted. I just want her and those sexy lips. My heart jolted when her hands clutched at my shirt and hair. I'm totally undeserving of this angel in my arms and will fully accept when heaven and hell decide to strike me down for sharing this moment with her. It's entirely worth it.

The ache in our lungs finally forced us apart. It took us a few moments of panting to regain the ability to speak.

"You're going to be late for your interview." As much as I wanted to pull her in again, she was right. I'm a professional and I need to act like one. Otherwise, I'll get an earful for being a hypocrite from her.

"Yeah, you're right…" I grab my things and exited the car, still in the process of regaining my breath. I don't think she quite understands the full effect she has on me yet.

My eyes catch a glimpse of a familiar sight as I fully stand. There before us and next to the door leading to the studio was our managers, who stopped as they recognized us. Yashiro looked between us a few times. His face started turning pink attempted to keep from laughing. Ishikawa-san did a slow once over both of us and her face grew into a grin.

"Yashiro-san, why don't we go ahead while our charges touch up their appearances, ne?" Yashiro allowed himself to chuckle finally.

"Good idea. Ren, make sure you get it all off. Let's go, Ishikawa-san." They went into the door leaving me confused.

"Get what off?" Kyoko turned to determine what they were referring to and her face fell into horror.

"I'm so sorry, Ren! This is so embarrassing. I forgot I was wearing that lipstick and I was going to let you walk into that interview looking like this." Kyoko pulled out one of the many handkerchiefs I had to trick her into keeping. Namely by monogramming them with her initials.

She started dabbing and wiping my lips and cheeks after she made her way around the car to me. I had to think of anything but her or else I'd kiss her and get more lipstick on me. I only spoke when she pulled away.

"I don't mind too much." I gave her a smirk. "Plus, I think your directors made a good choice for their product. I couldn't keep my eyes off you all night." Her blushes are the cutest.

"Okay, let's get upstairs and assure our managers they don't have to come get us."

"Mm!"

That lipstick is definitely an attractive product. Good thing they have a very attractive Kyoko modeling it for them. In my opinion, at least.

A/N: Sorry, I'm so slow at writing, I get caught up in everyone else's stories and forget to write my own - whoops!