Chapter 24: Only for You

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Ren's voice would incapacitate womankind.

Kyoko groaned as the alarm on her phone went off. She barely slept a wink last night. She hit snooze one more time hoping for more sleep but the sun shining through her window had other plans for her.

Finally, the day of the ceremony was upon them. She knew tonight would be a turning point in her career whether she won or not. The fact that she was showing up with Ren would be monumental in itself but she was willing to take the risk. She hoped Japan would accept their decision and find her worthy of him.

She was slowly closing the gap between them. More work had been trickling in for her ever since the R'Mandy photos came out. Last week, she sat down with Yashiro and went through her new offers. She recently finished her exams and was now on holiday so she could take on more work while she was out of school. She accepted and recently completed the CM for the expensive cosmetics company. She owned some of their products thanks to Ren.

The CM was a challenge for her. She had no speaking lines. All her "words" needed to be conveyed through her actions and expressions. They wanted her to act like she was sitting in front of a mirror and just top off her lips with lipstick and a long-lasting gloss in a shade of pink. She received several NGs before the director was satisfied with her performance. Her biggest hang-up was keeping the label of the product facing the camera as she opened and closed the containers without looking unnatural.

It was a relief that the director wanted her to look refreshing and cute, not flirty or seductive. She was selling to the female populace, after all. She channeled the charismatic good girl side of Natsu to complete the job.

It was nerve-wracking knowing that the advertisement would run this evening during the awards show for anyone watching at home to see. She was glad her lips were healed. By the time she finished the job, her lips were irritated and red from all the removing and applying that was done to them. But it was worth it. She happily accepted the bag of free cosmetics they gave her like a kid in the candy store. She really could get used to the perks that came with modeling.

Kyoko thought about her upcoming work schedule. She had a small cameo to play the jealous ex-girlfriend in another high school drama. Her character would cause trouble for the male lead and his current girlfriend. That contract was for two episodes but had yet to be scheduled.

She also chose to do a photo shoot. Yashiro managed to squeeze it in one day next week on a rare occasion that she was not needed on the set for the Sacred Lotus and before her regular TBM slot. The shoot was for a popular handbag line that she could only envy due to the high price tags. They assured her they would only need a few hours of her time.

Kyoko could hardly believe that she was already in a position to turn down work. The R'Mandy ads were spearheading her influx of work but Sacred Lotus filming was her priority. Although Kyoko was not a lead character, she would still be a part of the promotions that were fast approaching. The schedule was demanding since the production was behind schedule due to the Momiji casting fiasco. The director and producer were doing everything in their power to make up for the lost time which included making the cast and crew work demanding hours.

She was pulled from her musings by her ringing phone. She picked up on the third ring and smiled after glancing at the caller ID.

"Good morning, baby. Sleep well?" His alluring voice sent a warmth throughout her body that settled in the pit of her stomach.

Her mood brightened as he spoke. It was a good morning indeed. It fascinated and terrified her the way he could completely lift her spirits.

"Good morning, Corn. I didn't sleep well but hearing your voice has revived me," she confessed. "I'm too nervous. I don't want to ruin things for you. You've worked too hard to free yourself from your father's hands."

He was quiet for a few moments that she thought the line went dead. She looked at her phone and confirmed the connection was still good. "Hello?" She asked hesitatingly.

"I'm still here," he replied softly. "I was thinking about what you said. My reason for coming to Japan was to escape my father's shadow and my past. Then I met you again and everything changed."

Kyoko grimaced. She wanted to interject but he continued talking.

"My dream is still the same, just a bit altered. I'm still striving to be a top actor but I want to do that with you beside me. You make me stronger. I can now look in the mirror and barely feel the self-loathing that used to consume me. I'm still working on piecing myself together...and I know that's not fair to you...but it gets easier every day with you around. You bring out the best in me so let's do our best together! Together, we'll take on the world," he exclaimed with determination.

Kyoko swelled with love and giggled. "Yes," she gushed, pumped up by his enthusiasm. "You have always been there for me Corn. I am happy I can now be your support. It's thanks to you that I can have lofty dreams. I want to strive to be an actress that can proudly represent Japan across the globe. I'll do better at facing my fears."

"You don't have to face them alone. I will always protect you," he vowed. Kyoko smiled at the conviction in his voice. She knew he meant it.

"I'm feeling more positive about tonight. Thank you for calling but I have to help Taisho. I'll see you soon, love you." She hung up the phone after he said goodbye. She would see him later for a late lunch then he would take her to the R'Mandy studio. According to Fuji, he needed several hours to get her ready for the "Ball" when all Ren needed was a quick shower. It was completely unfair but she was sure the results of her transformation would be fantastic.

She checked her email quickly before she got out of bed. Kanae had sent her an email telling her that she had arrived safely in America. She wished Kyoko lots of luck on the award and mentioned that she would try to catch the broadcast if she had the time.

Kyoko washed up and went downstairs to help Taisho with the restaurant's lunch preparations. When the time neared for Ren to arrive she took a shower and made sure to shave her legs and underarms. There was no maintenance necessary in her nether region thanks to the spa day the girls had a few days ago. This was the first time since hitting puberty that Kyoko was bare below. It left her highly sensitive especially to the lace covering her.

The whole ordeal was an embarrassing and extremely painful experience. She never wanted to experience it again. According to Kanae and Chiori, every good actress should receive routine maintenance in that area. One never knew when she would be thrown into a job where she had to either act in lingerie or a swimsuit. With that said, Kyoko made a recurring appointment every four weeks for the upkeep.

Kyoko had no idea that her friends played a mischievous prank on her. They wished they could see the look on Ren's face when they ever got to that stage of their relationship. He should reward them for their meddling.

...

Ren enjoyed the view as his lady love moved with ease preparing their lunch. She looked gorgeous in her little dress even if it did show a little too much flesh. The white and blue wrapped floral dress swished at the hemline whenever she stepped riding up on her thighs. The thin spaghetti straps and cold shoulder sleeves emphasized the smooth skin at her shoulders. The apron she wore over it to keep herself clean while she cooked added domestic flare to the outfit. With her back to him, he imagined her in their house making them a meal. He offered to help but it was too crowded with Taisho in the kitchen, as well. Rather than be in the way, he sat and daydreamed of days to come.

Taisho grunted catching Ren's attention. He probably caught sight of his lovesick face. Ren coughed with embarrassment and immediately straightened up under the glare of the older man. He could swear he saw the corners of the man's lips twitch in what could only be described as a rare smile.

When the meal was complete, she sat to eat with Ren. Her landlords would eat when they had a spare moment.

While eating Ren asked, "How are you feeling? You're probably missing Kotonami-san right now."

Kyoko could only nod sadly at the reminder that her friend was so far away.

"Did you know you two are a hot topic?"

"Yashiro-san mentioned something but I didn't pay attention."

He reached for his phone and showed her the media traffic regarding their airport escapade. Kyoko's eyes widened as she read the thread shipping a relationship between her and Kanae.

Ren laughed at her expression. He was tempted to kiss her pouty little lips. He warned her before that the media could be ruthless. The next one read Canary Dumped and featured a picture of a teary-eyed Kyoko as she watched Kanae walk away.

"I wonder what they would come up with after the show we put on tonight," he joked. Ren felt the sweat break out on his back when her eyes lost all its luster.

"I don't like that they are insinuating that Kanae and I have such a progressive relationship. Kanae is an amazing actress. I don't want them to tarnish her image and I don't want them saying mean things about you because of me," she huffed.

"Hey, it's okay," he reassured her. "The media will do anything for a scoop. I'm surprised we have been able to lay low for so long."

She smiled softly at him. "I just don't like anyone talking about you or my friends negatively when they know nothing about you guys."

Ren agreed. "Unfortunately, it comes with the job."

Kyoko shook herself as if trying to clear the negative air around her. That was another thing he found fascinating about her. One moment she would have this dark cloud hanging over her and the next it would be gone.

He scrolled down to show her some more and found a slew of positive posts. It had pictures of her interacting warmly with her fans. They praised her for her beauty and her kindness. There were many complimenting her for her acting roles as Mio and Natsu. There were other posts about the R'Mandy advertisements. People were predicting that she and Ren were an item and if they weren't already a couple, they should be.

Ren smiled as he watched her face transition through a variety of expressions for every thread she read. He looked curiously at something that made her freese then blush.

"What is it? Let me see?" He asked, turning the phone in his direction.

The thread read: From their body language in the photos you can definitely tell they're doing it with each other.

The post conjured several delicious images of a very naked Kyoko in his mind. He used the excuse of putting away his phone to hide the light blush that crept on his cheeks. Fans could be so crude sometimes.

"Shall we give them something to talk about," the Emperor asked, turning smoldering eyes toward her. His eyes shifted around the area before kissing her passionately. When he pulled back from her, her lips followed his not wanting to break contact. It managed to breathe life back into her but left him breathless. It had the desired effect since she was now smiling goofily as if she was floating on clouds. With a chuckle, he pecked the tip of her nose. He glanced sideways and thanked Kamisama that Taisho was still in the pantry.

Ren held the door open as Kyoko slid into the passenger seat. With much trepidation, he placed her overnight bag in the trunk. Since it would be a long night, it was decided she would stay over at his apartment. His solution was to lock his door to keep the big bad Kyoko out. He ignored the tiny voice in the back of his mind that whispered but who exactly would keep you in. Taisho said nothing when he picked up the bag by the door as they were leaving. There was no need when his glare was loud and clear.

He entered on his side and started the car. The music he was listening to earlier came on immediately blaring through the speakers. "Sorry," he muttered and turned down the volume. He tended to listen to music loudly when he was alone. A new song started while they were stopped at a light. Ren shook his head and chuckled as the male vocalist sang, "You're no Dame, I'm no Duke, Somehow love is a fluke..." It was fitting for fate to play this song.

Kyoko was curious at the change in mood that overcame Ren when the new song played. She watched him from the corner of her eye. His head bobbed slightly to the slow beat and his mouth mimicked the words. She paid special attention to the lyrics until he did the most surprising thing she had ever witnessed in her life. At the next red light, he twisted in her direction and reached for her hand then kissed the back of her knuckles. He lifted his eyes to her and sang along with the song, "I don't care what the world has to say, You should know that I love you, I love you, I love you today..."

Kyoko's heart skipped a beat as he serenaded her in the privacy of his car. The tone of his voice was smooth and he sang in key. The sound of blaring car horns behind them broke the spell. Ren chuckled as she jumped in her seat. Still holding her hand he shifted gears. He continued to quietly sing along with the song until it ended.

A small smile played on his lips as he heard Kyoko grumbling under her breath. He caught words like playboy, fairy, and heart attack. He glanced over at her and found her pouting while looking out the window.

"I'm sorry. Did you say something just now, baby?" Ren teased.

"I said you're so sly. The Gods clearly favor you. That talent, that face, that body, and now that voice. I mean seriously! Is there anything you can't do?"

She wondered if he ever went into singing would he obliterate Sho from the charts. She knew he could learn an instrument at an alarming rate. He learned to play the piano for Dark Moon in mere weeks, so if he wanted a music career he could get pretty far.

He chuckled again and kissed her hand. "Oh, so you like my body?"

Kyoko didn't know if her face could get any redder. "That's not what I said," she sputtered, turning to face him. The thought of his body combined with his voice conjured up erotic images that left her wanting. Kyoko squeezed her thighs together as she felt the familiar ache between her legs.

"I'll only sing for you, baby," he assured her with a divine smile.

Willing her hormones to settle down, she responded in a matter of fact tone. "Good, because I don't think my heart could handle you singing to anyone else. I don't think the female population of Japan would be able to survive. You will obliterate our sex with that voice."

Kyoko missed the blush that flooded Ren's cheeks at her mere mention of the word "sex." He chided himself for taking the term out of context when she was referring to gender and not the act. He needed to get his thoughts in order; otherwise, it was going to be a long and grueling night.

They entered the R'Mandy studio to controlled chaos. The receptionist showed them to a private dressing room and went to inform Fuji of their arrival.

"Hello my beautiful people," Fuji said with more flourish than usual. "Excuse the craziness. Awards days are always hectic. Too many beautiful people to dress."

Kyoko stared at Fuji with stars in her eyes. He was an amazing and talented designer. Several people entered the room carrying two garment bags and accessories. One contained her dress while the other held Ren's suit.

Fuji addressed the assistant holding the slimmer of the two bags. "Please show Ren to another room. I want him to try on the suit before he leaves to make sure everything is absolutely perfect."

Ren kissed Kyoko on the cheek. "I'll pick you up later, baby," he told her before following the assistant out the door.

Fuji turned his attention to her. "Let's get started," he said, rubbing his hands together with excitement. "We'll start with your hair. This is Nana. She's my hair genius."

Kyoko bowed to the beautiful woman with spiked up purple hair standing with Fuji. Nana gestured for Kyoko to sit in the chair in front of the mirror. She took her seat and stared at Nana and Fuji's reflections. While Fuji brainstormed, Nana ran her fingers through Kyoko's long black hair.

"Kyoko-chan, I'm envisioning going short. I want to use your natural hair so no wigs. I want you and the rest of Japan to see your God-given beauty. Nana is going to remove your extensions for a…" He looked at Nana.

"For a shaggy bob," the stylist finished his sentence.

"Don't look at me like that…" Fuji scolded. "We'll replace it tomorrow, the director will never know the difference." Kyoko gave him an apprehensive nod and placed all her faith in him and his team.

It took an agonizingly long time for Nana to finish her hair. It surprised Kyoko that her hair had grown to her shoulders. Nana had to trim it to get the texture Fuji demanded. The stylist parted Kyoko's hair on the right and flipped it over to the left with added volume. Kyoko thanked the stylist profusely for her hard work. She gazed at her hair in the mirror. Fuji was right, the cut was edgy and whatever products Nana used made her hair glossy.

Fuji was pleased with the results. He was so excited to see the results that he urged the makeup artist Aya to get to work. Aya only laughed unfazed by his behavior. She was used to working with the man in this capacity.

"Aya, please give her a neutral smokey eye with more eyebrow definition. Ooh and use a volume-boosting mascara on her lashes, none of those fake lashes you ladies favor these days...I want her amber eyes to pop naturally tonight!"

Aya agreed and got to work. She complimented Kyoko on her beautiful skin and dusted her face lightly with powder mainly to control the shine. The whole time she worked on Kyoko she gave her tips on proper application. Aya finished by topping her lips with a pink gloss. She handed the tube to Kyoko in case she needed to reapply later.

Finally, it was time for the dress. Kyoko stripped out of her clothes with little hesitation. She was getting used to standing in her underwear in front of others in this new profession. She wore a black lace strapless bra and matching cheeky underwear.

"Lose the bra," Fuji instructed with a bored expression. Kyoko's face reddened. She always used a bra during the fittings. What spurred the change? "The dress has a corset so you won't need it," he stated simply.

"Trust me, honey, I have seen it all in my profession. All body types, male and female, and with less clothing than what you're wearing…"

Kyoko was only in her underwear. She understood his statement to mean that the other models were nude. Fuji kindly turned around for her. Kyoko breathed deeply as she removed her bra. She cupped her hands over her small breasts. The cold air instantly perked up her nipples. Aya quickly helped her into the dress. When she was decent again Fuji turned around. Kyoko was over her embarrassment once the dress was on. It fit her like a glove.

"Bellissima!" Fuji exclaimed clapping his hands together. Kyoko wasn't sure what language he spoke but she had an idea of what it meant. It had to be good judging by his reaction.

"Sit down young lady. I have your glass slippers." Kyoko giggled as Fuji handed her a pair of four-inch gold strappy stilettos to wear. Once she was standing again, he handed her a crystal-encrusted butterfly ring to wear on her index finger and a pair of teardrop earrings. Kyoko went giddy over the ring. It looked like a butterfly perched upon her finger.

"Fuji-san, can I wear my charm bracelet?" It was the gift Ren gave her and mean a lot to her if she could wear it tonight.

"What an adorable bracelet." Fuji inspected the piece and admired the detail. "It's fine to wear." He handed her a sparkly gold clutch to complete her outfit. Kyoko transferred her school ID, lip gloss, tissues, and money into it then proceeded to admire herself in the mirror until Ren's arrival.

...

Ren entered the room carrying a single blue rose. He caught her twirling in front of the full-length mirror. She stopped short when she caught his reflection. The smile she flashed him was unrestrained and brilliant; it could rival the sun.

He froze captivated by her beauty. His heart went doki doki when she smiled at him. A single thought flowed through his mind to describe the vision before him. Ethereal.

AN: Thank you all for the continued interest. I think I update so frequently because I want to know what happens next...lol. I'm following a lot of Skip Beat fan stories that I check daily for any updates on them. It's like Christmas for me when I get one. Thanks to those who left a review on the last chapter. I heart reviews so please leave me feedback.

The song Ren serenaded Kyoko with was "Heaven Knows" by Squeeze. How Kyoko refrained from jumping his bones in that car is beyond me.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^