Disclaimer : I don't own Skip Beat

Chapter 2 : The Lady and Her Butler

"The Lady and her Butler," Cain said. "Trust you to write this kind of roles."

Setsu smiled slyly. "You can't reject the role!" she said immediately.

"I never said I would. That's what we agreed on."

Setsu grinned happily.

Cain stood up and head to the kitchenette. Before he left, he bowed slightly to Setsu. "I'll make your tea, my lady. Please excuse me!"

Setsu was confused with his sudden change. Tea? Is he already in acting mode? That's fast. He is still speaking in English. So, he is serving as butler to British lady? Well then… She closed her eyes and got into her lady act.

Butler Cain came out from kitchenette bringing a full tray. He put it on the table. There were one pot of steaming tea, an empty cup, sugar and milk cups on the tray. He smiled when he saw how Kyouko acted out the lady in Setsu's attire. It was funny but he couldn't laugh. In his perspective, she did well even in such clothes. Her charisma was unquestionable and whilst he was playing her butler, he should act it out perfectly. He wouldn't want an 'NG' from her just because he laughed. He also hoped by playing a lady, she would at least wear less revealing clothes.

The butler poured the hot tea from the pot with a graceful movement. He put the pot back with a very soft thud. He poured a little milk and a teaspoon of sugar into the tea. When he finished, he put it in front of her.

"Your tea, my Lady."

"Thank you, Cain," she said with a smile.

She took the cup and drank the tea elegantly. She saw his expression from the corner of her eyes. She almost laughed as well. How Cain dressed didn't match his role. She wanted to see more of his acting. She couldn't help respect him more. Tsuruga-san is definitely worth his title as the top actor. I hope I do well. He hasn't called for an 'NG' so far. I want to see more of his acts as the butler. It's once in a while chance. We can pick another chit if we get bored anyway. I don't think I'll get bored with this role though…

"My lady, as for today's dinner, would it be fine in the hotel's restaurant instead?" Cain asked.

"Yes, please proceed with the booking then," she said. Hehe… he actually remembered about dinner? Now, that's rare…

"I understand, my Lady."

When Cain told her that they would dine in the hotel's restaurant instead of ordering the room delivery, Setsu or rather Kyouko was thinking hard. She couldn't possibly dine in such a place with Setsu's attire and appearance. It wouldn't match the image of a lady. She walked back and forth the room. Cain stood still in the corner of the room, watching her. He saw her walked up to the closet, opened it and seemed to pick some clothes.

Cain smirked at the view. He deliberately chose to dine in the hotel's restaurant for a purpose. He wanted to see how she would act out a proper British lady. He had given the hints and it seemed to him that she caught the hint well. He knew that she could do the role just fine. The last time in Ringdoh's set had proven she could act as rich lady, but this time they had no definite plot. He just wanted to see how she would improvise. Setsu's attires and appearance are off, she have to think of something before I call for an NG. I need to do something crucial as well. He went out of the room after telling her he needed to do something. She wasn't really paying attention so she waved him off.

After Cain was out of the room, Setsu sighed. She turned back to Kyouko. She kept flipping the clothes and luckily, there was actually a short black cocktail dress. Well, guess little black dress is handy. She went to the bathroom and took a quick shower. She put on the dress and looked at her reflection on the mirror. Something is off. It is still very Setsu-like. I'm playing another role as Setsu but… She took off her wig. She took the comb and restyled the wig. The wig's hair was straightened. It turned out well even though it still got the pink highlight. She couldn't do anything about the highlight. Maybe I should ask Woods-san for another wig tomorrow. She took off the contacts as well and revealed her golden eyes. She looked at the piercings on the sink and decided not to put it on. It won't be ojousama like with those piercings. She put on some light make up. She looked at her reflection again and smiled contently.

She walked out of the bathroom and was surprised when he saw Cain was waiting and all dressed up. He wore a black tux. His hair was combed back and he wore golden framed glasses. He was… a real butler? she thought. Green eyes. Tsuruga-san reveals his green eyes. It's so beautiful. She was captivated by his green eyes once again.

Ren was surprised as well. She only took off her contacts and straightened the wigs. She looks so different. Oh and that black dress is… really sexy. She is being defenceless again. It was too low and her chest is… Dirty old man, don't stare at her chest! Do something! You don't want any other men to see her like this, do you? he cursed himself.

"Cain, are you alright?" Setsu asked.

"Yes. My apologies, my lady, it is very cold downstairs, you might want to put on a shawl and a coat?"

Setsu looked thoughtful and nodded. "Sure. Thank you for reminding me, Cain." She smiled. Eh? I think I have to take off the coat later? Well… whatever…

Cain walked into the room and second later he was back. He handed her a black coat, a pair of gloves and a black cashmere shawl. Setsu quickly put everything on. Ren smiled contently when he saw her covered up well. Cain knelt down and made Setsu raise her brows in confusion.

"Your shoes, my Lady," Cain said. He was putting a pair of black court shoes with stiletto heels in front of her.

A pair of black court shoes? Wow, the shoes haven't crossed my mind at all. She cursed herself inwardly. She smiled and thanked him. She was about to put on the shoe when she realised he was still kneeling before her. "Um, Cain…" she called out.

"Yes, my Lady?" Cain answered.

"Would you please stand up whilst I am putting on the shoes?" she asked with a smile. No way would I put on the shoes whilst he is kneeling before me. The skirt is short. My knickers will be seen.

"My apologies, let me help you with the shoes, my Lady."

EH! Kyouko screamed inside. Before she could say anything, Cain put the right shoes in front of her right foot. She suppressed all her embarrassment and went along. She knew if she rejected, she would get an NG. Butler did offer personal services as well. She wasn't really sure if butlers helped their ladies putting on their shoes.

Meanwhile, Cain groaned in misery inwardly. He tried to not see but he saw a glimpse of her knickers. What's the colour? He almost gasped when he realised his dirty thoughts about her. Oh great, I'm just like a horny old man. I need to focus and stop thinking about her underwear!

Both parties felt the shoes putting moment was like an eternity. Both got flustered for their own reasons. When the Lady had finished putting on her shoes, the butler stood up. He put on a coat as well and escorted her out of their room.

Many eyes were on the couple when they walked their way to the restaurant. Cain saw how the bellboy stared at her and didn't like it a bit. He glared and the bellboy stepped back in fear. They entered the restaurant, escorted by the maitre d', heading towards the table which was in the corner of the restaurant. Many men turned their head to see her. Some of them openly admired her beauty. Even though she was covered properly, the dress was stopped in her mid-thigh, revealing her long legs. Some men were starting to drool over her sexy legs. Cain realised the open stares and emitted the dark waves causing the men backed away without them realizing it. Those men were shivering involuntarily for a reason they didn't know.

They arrived at their table. The maitre d' was about to pull the chair out when Cain held out his hand. Cain asked the maitre d' to leave and let him handle the rest. The man obliged and left. Cain pulled the chair out for her and she thanked him. She lifted her brows confusedly when she saw him kept standing beside her instead of taking a seat. He even stood still with her coat in his hand.

"Sit down, Cain," Setsu said.

"My apologies, my lady but…"

"You dare to talk back to me? I said sit down!" Setsu intercepted his words. It's the only way I can make him eat. I know he must have planned to skip the meals altogether. He thought I don't know about the hidden cigarette pack in his coat? Geez, either Tsuruga-san or Cain is hopeless… Cigarettes aren't foods.

Cain looked hesitant since he was only the butler but Setsu insisted he had to sit down. Fuh, I can't go against her now. She's my master. Cain walked up to the coat hanger and hanged her and his coats then came back to their table. Cain sat down facing her and gave her a smile. She almost blushed upon seeing the smile but she smiled back instead. They ordered the food and had a chat. Or to be exact, Setsu talked about things, asked his comments about something she was interested in and had him answer her back.

Dangerous! Tsuruga-san is such a lady killer as usual. What a con artist. He could be really a successful one too if he ever thought about it. I think playing his love interest would be a disaster for me… if ever… Thankfully all the roles on the papers I wrote were nothing near that. Tsuruga-san couldn't possibly write something like that as well. Maybe he wrote some roles where he can bully me, Kyouko thought.

She's really beautiful whatever she's dressed in. I like her the best as herself... but this kind of view is rare, Ren thought. That Dark Moon ending party was the first I saw her all dressed up. It would be better if I was the one who offered her the make-over. Why did it have to be Kijima? He was killing Kijima and stepping on his corpse inside of his mind. He quickly dismissed the thought when he saw her looking at him with an indescribable expression on her face. He wondered what she was thinking about.

Their food came and they ate in a silent. The dinner session went smoothly. They talked several times when they were waiting between dishes. Cain never talked unless she asked which she understood because it was how the butler supposed to act.

Cain stood up when they had finished their dinner. He went to take the coat and put it on her. He then held out his hand to her and she took it gracefully. They proceeded to walk out of the restaurant when Setsu suddenly slipped, not far from the centre of the restaurant. Cain caught her on time, prevented her from falling flat on her arse. She blushed a bit when she realised how close his face was from behind her. She noticed his hands around her waist. She could feel his hard chest against her back. She felt her face warm and blushed redder. She quickly stood up properly before he realised her reactions.

"Are you alright, my lady?"

"Yes, thank you, Cain."

"Shall we go back to the room?"

"Yes."

They saw the waiters hurriedly came to them and apologised profusely. They now knew why she slipped. She stepped on the wine drops on the floor. It was from white wine therefore it was not visible especially with the white tiles floor and brightly lit room. The waiters had just gone to take the cleaning kit when they realised they were too late. There was already a victim.

"We're very sorry, Miss. Did you get hurt?" the restaurant's manager asked in her accented English. The manager was a thirty something lady with glasses.

"No, I'm fine. Cain caught me on time," Setsu answered with a smile.

"Oh…" She bowed to the two.

Setsu saw how the manager stared at Cain and lifted her brows in confusion. She knew that women attracted to Tsuruga-san but not Cain. Even though he is Cain, he still attracts women. She didn't know why but she didn't like how the lady stared at her butler. She coughed a bit and the lady's attention turned back to her.

"We're really sorry, Miss," the restaurant manager said.

She asked for Setsu and Cain's room number and said that their foods wouldn't be charged for the night as an apology. She apologised once more and Setsu waved off the apologies. She wanted to leave hurriedly.

They went back to their room after they managed to get rid of that overenthusiastic restaurant manager. When they entered their room, Cain went into the bathroom to change after taking all his sleepwear from the wardrobe whilst Setsu was going to change in the room. Cain changed his clothes fast and Setsu didn't seem to realise that he was already behind her. She thought that he was taking a bath or shower as usual, so she thought she would get some time to change before he'd finished.

Cain saw her back facing him. He saw her slid out of her dress. He stood stiff at the undressing moment. It seemed like a slow motion playback from a football match to him. She stood in the centre of the room with only her strapless black lacy bra and panties. He felt his face was getting hot and he felt his pants were getting a little tight.

Setsu turned back and her eyes widened when she saw him standing just outside the bathroom. She blushed red when she saw his eyes wandering down her body. She grabbed anything near her and threw it at him. It was her black dress she had thrown him with. The dress fell before his feet. She got even more flustered at it.

"Don't look at me! Turn over there, Cain!" she barked an order at him. Her face was completely red.

Cain turned back quickly whilst Setsu put on her pyjamas hastily and walked past him, storming off her way to the bathroom.

Hiya, so embarrassing. Why did I have to let him see the so unattractive me? If only I have a sexier body… she thought and then hit herself on her forehead. What am I thinking about? Stupid! Stupid! What if I have sexier body? I'm only a teenager. There are sure more attractive mature women around him. He already said that he wouldn't do anything to me. It's obvious that he viewed me as a child. She sighed and got frustrated by herself the more she thought about it. Why do I have to feel disappointed? I'm not going to think about it again. It is not my concern anyway. Gee… I'm so helpless and stupid!

Meanwhile, Ren thought otherwise about what he had just seen. He almost got a nosebleed. Damn! I'm acting like a hormonal teenager. Was it Miss Woods who prepared those underwear or she bought it on her own?

30 minutes later…

Kyouko got out of the bathroom and found him nowhere to seen. She sighed in relief. She couldn't stand the embarrassment being seen only in her underwear especially when she wasn't playing Setsu. Setsu could just brush that off and felt perfectly fine being seen by her beloved brother. They were abnormal siblings after all, she thought. She walked up to her bed and noticed the black dress. She hung it in the wardrobe. She sank herself on the bed. She then took her bag right beside her bed, pulled out Box-R script and started reading it. She had Box R shoot at 10 the next morning.

She wasn't able to concentrate on the script. Her eyes felt heavy. She fell asleep with the scripts still in her hands.

Ren entered the room again. He was out in the balcony before, and without he realised it he had smoked the whole pack of cigarette. He found her lying on the bed, still clutching the script in her hands. He smiled at the sight and walked up to her bed. He pulled her blanket slowly, and covered her with it. She didn't seem disturbed by it. She mumbled something like "Stupid Kyouko!" and it surprised him. He laughed softly and said, "Good night, Kyouko!"

Kyouko was awakened by a burning smell the next morning. She sat up hastily and found her script sliding down her torso, and finally landed on her lap. She found her dishevelled blanket on the floor and picked it up. She glanced at the bed beside her and found it empty. Where is Tsuruga-san? He's already awake then? I hope he didn't see this… Hiya… I'm so messy… She got flustered suddenly. She folded the blanket and put it nicely on the bed. The burning smell was getting stronger and it disturbed her more. She pondered and wondered what smell was it. She got off the bed and quickly walked to the kitchenette. She gaped at the view before her.

"Cain?" she asked carefully after she recovered. She went into the lady mode since she remembered that their roles were still rolling.

"Ah, my lady. Good morning! I'm preparing breakfast for you. Please wait a minute!" He said with a smile.

She lifted her brows in amusement. Breakfast?

Ten minutes later, the breakfast was served. It was supposed to be sunny side up and toast. He also served her tea. She knitted her brows when she saw it.

"Niisan, it's an NG for you," Setsu said with a grin.

Cain stopped in the track. "Is there something wrong, Setsu?" Butler Cain turned back to Cain Heel.

"Sorry, niisan but… are those sunny side up and toasts?" she pointed.

"Yes," he answered nonchalantly.

"Wait! Don't turn back to your butler role yet. I'm going to eat it first and tell you what I think is wrong about it later," she said. "Sit down, niisan!" I knew Tsuruga-san can't cook but… these are too much alike with the things I prepared for Hizuri sensei. She laughed inwardly. Oh, I have just given him an 'NG'. I hope I don't anger him. She shuddered when the image of Demon Lord appeared in her mind.

"Setsu? What's wrong? Are you sick?" he asked with concern.

"No niisan," she answered with a mischievous smile. She scooped the eggs and ate it.

Cain was stunned when he heard a loud gritted voice from her mouth.

"Is that egg shell?" he asked in horror. "Darn, is this why you give me an NG? I know I can't cook."

"Don't worry niisan! Someone told me that egg shells got calcium in it," Setsu said. "Ah, you better sit still. I'm going to be fast. We're taking a break from the role for now. Thanks for the tea, it's nice."

Setsu stood up and walked fast to the kitchenette. Cain could hear some buzzing voices and 5 minutes later, he saw her bringing a tray. She put it in front of him. It was the same sunny side up only it was beautifully shaped and wasn't burnt at all.

"Please eat niisan." Setsu held out her right hand, motioning Cain to dig in.

Cain was stunned and nodded. He started to eat and amused when he saw her still eating the thing he made for her. "Wait, you don't have to…"

"Why? This is something you prepared for me, niisan. I will eat it whatever the shape and tastes are, but as myself." She grinned and continued eating.

Cain smiled and raised his hand. He patted her on the head and said, "Thanks, Setsu."

Setsu smiled whilst Kyouko was trying her best not to blush. Setsu wouldn't blush. Ganbatte, Kyouko!

They managed to finish the breakfast 15 minutes later. Setsu gave him an okay to restart his role and Cain turned back to being butler again.

They played the roles for a week. They even did it outside their Heels act since none of them were calling for an 'NG' and none of them got bored yet. It got Lory and Yashiro interested with their strange behaviours. They decided to tease him once when he had just finished changing, and about to head for his photo shoot. Kyouko was nowhere in sight at that time since she was still inside the trailer, changing her clothes.

"Why are you acting like my aide recently, Ren?" Lory asked with a wide grin.

"He called Kyouko-chan my lady." Yashiro laughed out loud. "If only…"

Ren smiled his 'lying gentlemanly smile' and both men stopped in track. They didn't dare enough to ask or tease him further. He had an eerie aura which they caught as 'if you ask, and I answer, then I'll have to kill you'. Even though so, both of them were still beaming ear to ear.

Jelly, on the other hand, after knowing their play, helped them with the clothing and the props. She gave them a big suitcase of props after both of them told her separately what the play would be. Ren actually didn't tell her specifically what the roles he had written. He only told her what he needed for the play. Jelly was used to his discreet attitude and prepared everything he asked her to without asking anything. She could only guess what it'd be.

Not only Lory, Yashiro and Jelly, some of the Tragic Marker's crews and actors found the Heels were weird especially when they saw Cain stood whilst Setsu sat down. They were already felt strange with their non-approachable and bored yet cold attitude. They didn't talk to the others. They got their own little world which couldn't be entered and comprehended by the others. They found it funny when they saw the older brother walk behind the younger sister and call her 'my lady'. They started to think that the two weren't siblings, perhaps more to a rich lady and her servant. They were just guessing since they didn't know what the two were talking about. Not many of them were able to speak English. Even Director Konoe was confused by how the two acted towards each other.

"You got bored? Now, that's rare." Cain smirked when she said it was time to pick another role.

She brushed it off and said, "Well, can you blame me for getting bored, niisan?"

"You have always wanted to play that kind of role and you got bored just after a week? Sounds funny…"

Setsu pouted. "I need to polish my acting skills too. If we aren't changing roles, how can I improve?"

"Well then… shall we?"

"Of course, right?" She smirked at him.

He smiled a little and took the glass where they put their written roles. Paper with previous role was put on the other glass. They didn't need it any longer since they were finished with it. He spread the papers on top of the table. "Pick one!"

"You can pick it this time, niisan," she said. "Close your eyes!"

He did as she said and he felt her takes his hand. He was happy because she never really initiated any contact before except when he was in that car crash. He took one of the papers, hoping it was something he wrote. He opened his eyes and said, "This is it… you read it," He handed the paper to her.

Setsu grinned evilly and made Cain confused. "Oof, mine again…"

"What is it?"

"For this time, we will be playing…"

A/N : The reason I post this early because I want to concentrate on my manga translation project so then I could finish it earlier and proceed with checking this fic's next chapter. I hope you enjoy this very first chit of them and not found it boring. I'm a slow starter. I will go with short chapter for the start and getting longer chapter gradually. :) Thanks for reading. Review if you'd like to tell me what you think.