Author's note: This fanfic contains lines from the song "Halcyon" by Ellie Goulding (in bolded italics). I do not own those words, but I do love them.

Halcyon

It wasn't unexpected, when she found the president of LME watching her watching Tsuruga-san. In fact, it was inevitable. She knew that she wouldn't be able to avoid him if she returned to the main branch. But, if she didn't, she figured he'd call her in anyway. She sighed, apprehensive of the conversation ahead. Without needing a signal, she made her way through the busy lobby to where Lory stood.

They rode the elevator up to his office in silence. As usual, the president wore a robe that looked Arabic and suited to royalty, with gold embroidery lining the dark green lapels. She focused on his wardrobe, hoping it would keep her mind occupied enough to stop her from fidgeting under his intense gaze. He'd always been able to read her so easily. Yesterday, on the set of "Tragic Marker" she knew that he'd seen something in her eyes. Even though she'd tried to hide it, it had shone right through.

They took seats opposite each other in the formal sitting room. His butler brought them tea.

"Ah," the president sighed, breaking the uneasy silence. "It feels like only yesterday that you were sitting right there..."

That's right, he thought. She had been sitting in that same seat, drinking the same tea, when she'd admitted that she'd lost an important human emotion.

Kyoko nodded stiffly. Though she was usually comfortable around the president, her grudge radar was on high alert, certain that at any moment he was going to start scolding her for being a fool.

"When I hired you as a member of Love ME, what was your purpose?" he asked, casually sipping his tea.

Kyoko folded her hands in her lap delicately, a habit from when she'd worked in Shou's parent's inn, and one that she'd fall back to whenever she was nervous. "To finish the tasks I am assigned wholeheartedly, in order to be loved."

Lory nodded. "I want to commend you on a job well done."

He leaned back into his chair, his smile genuine, like a proud father. It reminded her of Kuu-sensei. Then, with a shock, she realized that she associated that smile with goodbyes. It seemed that the men in her life would leave her as soon as she lived up to their expectations. As soon as she'd learned everything that they could teach her, they would disappear.

"I've watched as you've grown into a young actress. It seems that you've grasped that lost emotion, ne? I think it's time we start discussing your debut."

The president was nearly bursting at the seams, trying to contain his excitement. He was sure that Kyoko would be thrilled. But…

She heaved a sigh. Just as she thought, he was trying to end it.

"Are you saying I'm finished with "Love ME"?" she asked despondently.

"Yes, as of today, I'm suspending all of your Love ME activities. You can concentrate on your work in "Box R" and getting new roles," he said with glee. "Sawara-san and I will start looking for your first lead role. You will be sure to become a star in no time!"

I know it's not over, I've worked this out for sure…

"Excuse me, president, I don't want to be rude, but wasn't the point of Love ME to collect points?"

Her lack of enthusiasm struck the president as odd. She'd hated that pink jumpsuit, hadn't she? Ah, but the seeds of love are sown… he considered delightedly.

"Well… Yes, that was how you could keep track of your progress… but that was hardly…"

"I haven't gotten my stamp for my work as Setsuka Heel!" she interrupted impatiently.

Oh, right. "As for that, I'm sure that Ren would award you full points."

Just the look on Ren's face as he interacted with Setsuka on the set of "Tragic Marker" made it obvious. It was more than just that he cared for this girl, but that he also respected her as an actor. The way he took her into his arms was not ambivalent. The president knew there was no need for him to see any more after that.

"In fact, I guarantee it."

Full points from Tsuruga-san? Kyoko wondered if that would ever truly happen. He always found a flaw in her work, to the point where she'd been certain that he hated her. But now… his criticism helped her grow. Since she'd learned so much from him, it was almost frightening to think of a day when he was satisfied with her work. Would he also give her that smile? The smile of "goodbyes"?

But, there was so much more she wanted him to teach her.

Her mind froze as she recalled one of the lessons she'd refused.

"… I'll teach you directly how to do it properly…"

It's gonna be colder now you've forced open the door.

"I don't know…" she said, not wanting to give up on the project.

Lory gave her a look of surprise. Then he smiled gently.

"Well, didn't you complete this task with another's feelings in the forefront?"

"Yes…"

"And didn't you focus your whole heart on completing the task adequately?"

My whole heart?

"Well… yes."

"Then that is all I can ask from a Love ME trainee!"

"But, president… If what you say is true, then the only way I can be released from Love ME is to "complete the job"…"

It wasn't over. Not until she got the stamp.

The atmosphere changed between her and the president, as if they were squaring off for battle.

"Why do you think I assigned you as Setsuka Heel?"

"Because you needed someone to take care of Ren while he was undercover, without his identity being found out…" seeing his expression, as if coaxing more out of her as if he wasn't satisfied with the answer, she continued. "You wanted me to be an omamori… or something like a guardian, right?"

"And didn't you do that? Didn't you… ward off… evil?"

It shocked her that Lory was so observant. How would he know all of that just from a few minutes of observation? She was sure that he hadn't been there when that death god had taken over Tsuruga-san's body. Still, what had he seen in Tsuruga-san that she couldn't?

"But there is still more filming of "Tragic Marker" to be done! Who will make sure that Tsuruga-san eats properly?" Kyoko reasoned, stubbornly trying to ignore the true meaning of her assignment.

"Kyoko, I didn't give you this job just for food. Ren is a grown man and capable of taking care of himself. Surely you noticed that something was different about him? Something that Cain Heel brought out in him?"

I know you better than I ever have before.

"… Yes."

"He was fighting himself, but it looks as though he's made it through the worst patch. I doubt he'll have any trouble with Cain Heel now. He doesn't need Setsuka anymore."

Doesn't need?

But you never fought for me.

Did he tell the president this? Was he so ready to get rid of Setsu?

When I was a shelter…

No, that wasn't right. Cain would never want that. His sister was his world. And Tsuruga-san would not discuss ending the assignment with the president without warning her… She thought… that she was beginning to understand him a little better. That, maybe, they weren't so different… that they both had their demons to face. That together… that they'd face them together…

But you're not heading home to me.

How would he feel if he returned to the hotel room and she wasn't there? Abandoned? Lonely? Lost?

"Please, president!" she jumped to her feet and bowed deeply. "Please let me be Setsuka one more time!"

Yes, Lory thought happily, let me feel your passion!

"Why?"

With her body folded forward, Kyoko paused and thought for a second. Why can't I let go of this role?

"Because Setsuka would never leave her brother without a reason!"

The president waited for her to continue, obviously unconvinced. Raising her head, she settled her shoulders and tried to find certainty in her knowledge of Setsuka's character. All the while her own true feelings were ringing in her head incessantly, begging her to save the role.

We could be closer... We could be closer… We could be…

"Setsuka feels protective and possessive toward her brother. If they were apart, she would worry that he'd get into fights with the other cast members… She would worry that he'd get too close to the girls… (that damn hamster). And she'd…"

What would Setsuka do without Cain?

"Be…"

Didn't he come before everything? What emotion would drive her to be with him? To overcome the obstacles that kept them apart?

How do I feel?

"… Lonely without him," she finished in a soft voice.

Eh? What's this? The president wondered with excitement. There it is: that emotion!

When it's just us… you show me what it's like to feel lonely.

"And, though Cain would never admit it, he needs Setsu too. His sister is bossy and demanding, but he'd be lost without her."

Could this really be the same girl? wondered the president. Clearly describing what it means to love and being aware of the feelings of others? Where is Kyoko?

"Please, president. I can't leave this task unfinished!"

My pride as an actress is on the line! How could I ever face Tsuruga-san if I quit half-way?

I'll take your hand for you to let it go…

She waited nervously, as if her life was on the line.

The president looked her over thoughtfully, as if mulling it over.

Then he smiled.

"Alright," he said, getting distracted momentarily by Kyoko's reciprocal bright smile. "But on one condition: you must remain in character until you get your stamp. And once you do, you will no longer be Setsuka Heel."

You'll have to let it go. Though unsaid, those words echoed between them.

"I promise."

When it's just us…

He was back. Cain Heel entered the hotel room behind her. She'd been pacing, fretting about her choice. Is this what's best for Tsuruga-san? Was the president right, that he no longer needed Setsu anymore?

But…

She ran to him, wrapping her arms around his neck with a little jump. It was cheerful, cute and full of delighted excitement. It was Setsu's hug.

Let it go… Let it go… Let it go…

Her arms pulled him tighter. It had almost been over. She'd nearly had to give up this role that she'd fallen in love with. But she couldn't…

Let it go.

"I missed you."

"I missed you, too."

It's gonna be… It's gonna be better!

As Setsu and Cain…

It's gonna be better.

They were able to tease each other. Setsuka whined that they had nothing in the fridge to eat. Cain insisted that he'd take her out to a restaurant. A nice one.

It's gonna be better. It's gonna be better.

She laughed at him, saying that they'd get kicked out as soon as the hostess got a good look at him. The words "Death god" were used.

In the end, they ate noodles from a roadside stand. And they tasted amazing.

It's gonna be…

They took a long walk… Not really concerned about where they were going. They passed through alleys between houses, and other dark places. And they talked.

"So you're not mad anymore, Setsu?"

"Why would I be mad? It was just a hamster, afterall," Setsuka stated in a bored tone. She squeezed his hand lightly. "In fact, I've always wanted a pet."

"We could teach her some tricks," suggested Cain, squeezing back.

Setsuka smiled dangerously. "Like how to play dead?"

"I was thinking of fetch," he said off-hand, his gaze off in the distance.

It had gotten dark and shadows filled every street corner. He could have been scanning for danger, with his sister's safety in his mind, making sure that they didn't attract attention from the wrong kind of people. But Setsu didn't like it when she wasn't the object of of her brother's undivided attention.

Setsuka dug in her heels. "What is it that you want…" she demanded, pulling him around to face her. "That is not within your grasp?"

When we're alone…

His dark eyes focused on her serious face. It was a challenge. She wanted something, some kind of reassurance. He smirked. Acting with her was so much fun.

"I knew it…" he said, touching her cheek.

When we're alone…

His face moved closer, until they were only a breath apart. He could feel Kyoko's panic under Setsu's blank façade. It excited him to no end, teasing her like this.

"You're more of a cat person, anyway."

It could be home.

Back at the hotel, Setsu was taking a shower. It was nearly morning and Cain usually would have been curled up in his blankets by now. He would have been, had it not been for that little heart-shaped notebook he'd found on his sister's dresser.

The Love ME stamp book.

It had been impressive how well they were keeping to their roles this time around. Her hard work inspired him to try just as hard so as not to disappoint her. But… something like this… an item that was so obviously Kyoko's left out so casually… She must have done it on purpose.

When it's just us, you show me what it feels like to be lonely.

He'd been staring at it since Setsu had left the room. It was like the book was taunting him, reminding him that this was just another job that she was completing as a stepping stone to her true goal. No matter how many times he'd confronted her about her reasons for getting in to acting, she still felt the need to get revenge on that guy. That guy! Why did it always come back to him?

You show me what it feels like to be lost.

Did this mean she thought she was done with Setsuka Heel? That she was planning on ending this role?

No! pleaded his heart.

Though they might have the chance to act alongside each other again someday, it would never be like this again. Their secret plays that no one else sees…

But one day he would have to…

Let it go…

The door opened, releasing steam from the bath into the room. Setsuka emerged in nothing but a camisole and a pair of silky shorts.

"Niisan, why haven't you gone to sleep?" she purred, aware of the stricken look on his face. "Or were you waiting for me to tuck you in?"

Let it go…

She sashayed her way across the room to him. He could only watch, without making a move as she crouched down and took off his boots for him. Then, she lifted the blankets and spread them over him.

She giggled. "Usually you make a cocoon, don't you?" Then she tucked the blanket around him, wedging it underneath his sides, until he couldn't move. "Ah, that looks better," she grinned.

Let it go...

How could he live without this interaction? He'd miss Setsu too much.

The girl turned off the lights and got into bed.

"Good night, Niisan."

Let it go.

Maybe one day, he could have this again. He glanced at the stamp book one more time. He needed to set her free.

"Thank you, Setsu."

It's gonna be...

She stiffened at the tone of his voice, filled with heart-felt appreciation.

That day when he could have this kind of relationship for real… with Kyoko… He'd look forward to it until the end of his days.

And it's gonna be better.

Here it was. Kyoko panicked. She had left the stamp book out in plain view. The president had told her it was time to move on, but that she couldn't break character until it was over. There was no way for Setsu to ask for a Love ME stamp, so she'd had to get creative.

But, she didn't want it to end.

It's gonna be better.

She had to tell herself that there would be more roles that she would fall in love with. With the debut the president had promised her, there would be many roles. So many that she'd ask him to take them back… No. It will be fine.

It's gonna be better.

There will be good roles and bad ones, princesses and witches and tragic heroines. She didn't need Setsuka Heel. She told herself that she didn't need Cain Heel, either.

Not when she already had Tsuruga Ren.

It's gonna be better!

The next morning, Cain was up before Setsuka, taking the shower he hadn't taken last night. She used the opportunity to check the stamp book. Flipping through the pages slowly, remembering all the tasks she'd completed as a Love ME trainee, reluctantly finding herself on the last page. She took a deep breath as she turned it.

"100 points! Will definitely make it!"

And then there was a note next to it:

"Thank you for your hard work as Setsu. Your acting has reached new and excitingly wonderful levels. Congratulations. I anxiously await your debut into the acting field. I only hope that we'll be able to act together again, someday."

Something was scrawled under the message, and it took her a moment to realize it was his email address:

Ren XX. co .jp

Just as she'd promised the president, the moment she saw the stamp, Setsuka Heel dissolved. Her essence floated away like crystalline bubbles on the air. She wanted to reach out to snatch her back, but she knew she had to let it go.

She gathered her things, making sure not to leave a trace. A note she'd prepared was left in exactly the same position on the nightstand as the stamp book had been. Quietly, she let herself out of the hotel room, giving one last glance at the room and smiling sadly. The door closed with a soft click.

Cain remained in the bathroom longer than necessary. He didn't want to go out too soon and witness her leaving. It would hurt too much. It would be better if he waited. Still he clung to the hope that she'd burst in and yell at him for taking so long that his breakfast was getting cold.

When he finally trudged out, the room was empty. The only explanation was a note left behind.

"Niisan,

I'm going back to England. I know you were busy with your role as BJ, but I'm glad you made time to visit with me while I was here. I figured if I left, that you'd be able to concentrate better on your acting, and that you'd be able to come home to me sooner this way. But, if you need anything, just say the word and I'll be on the next plane back to Japan.

Please, take care of yourself.

Setsu, XX"

Tsuruga Ren exhaled slowly. He couldn't help but feel disappointed knowing that the next time they meet it wouldn't be any different from before. But his eye caught a few words scribbled near the bottom of the page, and his heart skipped a beat.

"P.S. I'll email you every day."

It's gonna be better!