Chapter 51: You A-hole!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Murasame would surely faint when Ren is eventually revealed as Cain. I hope Sensei shares it with us.

Taira stood among the gaping crowd thoroughly confused. His ears had to be going bad. He made a mental note to get them checked out by a doctor.

"I'm sorry, Director Konoe, what are you implying? Did you say, Tsuruga Ren?" Taira's mouth had asked the question, but it sounded muffled like he was underwater. The room began to swim, as well. Did I have too much to drink or something?

Konoe didn't respond and turned toward Ren expectantly. The actor was still emanating Cain's aura. "Tsuruga-kun, would you please?"

Ren closed his eyes and ran his hand through his hair, sweeping the dark locks off to the side. He shredded the last remains of Cain Heel and opened his eyes. As he gazed out to the audience his whole demeanor had changed. No longer did he have anger and indifference radiating off of him. The killer vibe he emitted was gone. The murderous glint in his eyes was replaced with a friendly stare. The sneer of contempt he often wore when not in the presence of his precious sister now bore a professional smile that was known throughout Japan.

Taira thought he was going to be sick as he watched the actor he had despised throughout this project sink down into an eloquent bow befitting a true Japanese.

Ren addressed his peers while maintaining the formal bow. He spoke loud in clear Japanese, "I apologize to everyone for having deceived you all this time."

He remained bowed until he heard a distinct thud of a body falling to the ground. He straightened his posture to investigate when he heard the panic gasps in the crowd. Taira was by Manaka's side as the young woman seemed to have fainted. She was already regaining consciousness when Ren reached them.

Setsu saw the little tart fall unconscious when Cain's true identity was revealed. She crossed her arms when the actress came out of her swoon and threw her arms around Ren. Kyoko's jealousy boiled over instantly as Manaka clung to her man springing her grudges to life. It had been a while since they had any fun. The angels had been lording over Kyoko's domain for some time that not even the presence of Kimiko could get rid of them. The sharpness of her nails digging into her arms kept her from doing anything rash. She wanted nothing more than to stalk up to the woman and yank her off of him as she would have with her brother. That reaction was impossible now. She couldn't do anything that would jeopardize Ren's reputation. She remained where she was and let her darkness surround her. It served as a nice little barrier to keep everyone at bay.

Ren pried Manaka off of him with Taira's help. Kyoko was still Setsu. Who knew what she would do if she saw this annoying hamster clinging to him? The thought that she would probably do nothing made him a little sad. He was no longer her brother so she shouldn't care. Kyoko, herself, wouldn't interfere because she was a professional. Thankfully, Taira grabbed Manaka to keep her away from him which left Ren searching for Setsu. She was a bit out of sight but remained where he saw her last. Director Konoe kept him from going to her.

"Tsuruga-kun, thank you so much for everything you have done to ensure this film's success. I'm looking forward to working with you again in the future," Konoe said, shaking his hand while bowing.

"I would also like to thank you, Director Konoe, for the amazing opportunity to act out dual roles. It has allowed me to expand my repertoire as an actor and prove to myself that I am capable to act out a villainous role, " Ren bowed.

"Your portrayal of Cain Heel was brilliant. I couldn't have asked for a better performance from you. I feel like I could retire from the industry alone riding on the coattails of this success, but alas, I still have plenty of creativity in me," Konoe chuckled.

Ren twisted his stance during their conversation so he could face Setsu. He could feel her heavy gaze boring into him. He flashed her an apologetic smile as Mikasa, the reporter from Fuji TV news, walked up to him. A soft blush dusted the reporter's cheeks as she bowed to Ren. She had interviewed him on two occasions before this and not once today did it ever occur to her that she was doing so again. Director Konoe's announcement was shocking. The prank they played on the Japanese audience was phenomenal. It was killing her that she couldn't report on this breaking news right away. Per the agreement between her company president and the director, she would have her shot next week.

"Tsuruga-san, I am deeply embarrassed that I was fooled by you today. I would never have guessed you were the ex-convict looking man sitting next to me," Mikasa admitted flustered.

"Ex-convict?" He asked innocently. His professional smile brightened.

"Yes, I thought that before this movie you were released from prison in England. The vibe you gave off just screamed, he's dangerous and he probably killed a person or two."

Ren winced, internally. She had hit too close to home. He struggled to push thoughts of Rick out of his mind and cling to his Ren persona.

"I think you have reaffirmed why you are Japan's reigning top actor. I can't wait for next week. Many people will be talking about Cain Heel leading up to our interview. Your fans will go nuts when they learn the truth," Mikasa squealed unable to contain her excitement.

Setsu, no Kyoko, felt a slight pain in her chest as she watched Ren get pulled into one conversation after another. The gentleman's smile gracing his lips was her only solace. It was the tell-tale sign that he was masking his true emotions. This was bound to happen. Setsu was by no means a wallflower, but she didn't want anyone to question her relationship with Ren. It was best she kept a low profile. They had been intimately close as siblings so it was only a matter of time before all the hoopla died down and they began speculating about her; the actress that wasn't his girlfriend. Keeping silent might become troublesome.

Manaka finally got a hold of Ren after he had finished talking to the producers and sponsors for the movie. He had already expressed his deepest apologies to most of the crew and cast members so it was time to address the main cast.

"Manaka-san, thank you for putting up with me these past few months. I'm sorry to have treated you like the pest that you were throughout the filming process. Please accept my apology," he said, turning his smile up to full wattage.

The actress failed to take the hint and radiated with joy. "I just knew Cain-san was like Kyoshiro-sama. Deep down, the good guy I glimpsed underneath Cain-san's horrible nature was Tsuruga-san all this time. That was a terrible trick you and Director Konoe played on us."

Ren kept his professional smile pasted on his face as he gave another small bow to Manaka. "I am sorry. It seemed my character slipped that time. You reminded me of a rodent," he explained pointedly.

Manaka laughed hysterically as if he made the greatest joke. Her laughter opened him up to other co-stars that were reluctant to speak with him. Ren found himself flanked by more female cast members asking him many personal questions that he refused to answer in detail.

Taira stared at Ren, agitated by the turn of events. The guy had fooled him for the past months that he had no clue how to approach him right now. He was torn between apologizing for his behavior and punching the guy in his face. Cain had been looking down on him because he had the skill of a true professional and the talent to back it up. Taira had boastfully sworn to himself on Guam that he would steal all of Cain's techniques and have him recognized as a first-class actor. To think that he had already lost from the beginning was what was irritating Taira the most at the moment. This guy probably had a good laugh with his sister on his behalf.

His sister?! Tsuruga doesn't have a sister; at least not one known to the public. The top actor's personal life was very private until recently.

Speaking of sister, where was the woman called Setsuka? He had not seen or thought of her since the announcement. He glanced in the direction where he last saw her but she was gone. Was it part of the plan to have her just disappear during the commotion? He recalled her expression right before the director's announcement. She appeared heartbroken then. Did his identity come as a shock to her as well? Was it possible that she was being used as a cover for Cain Heel without knowing the truth?

Taira could pinpoint several instances where he witnessed the young woman's loving gaze trained on "her brother." Was she his next victim? Like so many of Ren's past co-stars, had she succumbed to his charm and fallen head over heels in love only to be doused with a cold dose of reality that he could never be hers? Cain's whole "I love my sister more than life itself" was all an act for Ren. She may have acted as his sister but it seemed that she thought Cain Heel, like the rest of us, was a real man. Taira's anger began boiling again. Even if he was playing a role, how could he play with a woman's heart so easily?

Setsu had retreated out of plain sight to a spot where she could still see him. Now and again, her eye would catch his. He would flash a genuine smile her way making her heart flutter. Even among all the chaos, he was still keeping an eye on her. A couple of the stage crew had moved to the back wall and spotted Setsu down the side of the stage. They had tried to approach her for a friendly chat. Despite her prickly attitude, she was still smoking hot to them. When they felt the murderous intent rolling off on her in waves they bee-lined it to safer territory. They had thought Setsu was an act just like Cain Heel, but it seemed she was the real deal. They wondered how a gentleman like Tsuruga could work with such a crude woman.

After being spotted, Setsu moved from her position and paused to look around seeking solitude while she waited for Ren to make his rounds. Director Konoe came straight up to her, "Setsuka-chan, you're still here. I wanted to thank you for working so well to keep Tsuruga-kun's identity a secret. We couldn't have pulled it off without your help."

"Eh, this little bit was easy enough," she told him while yawning. "He wasn't so boring as Cain Heel. Now that my nii-san is gone, I think my work here is done, Director. These kinds of events are such a drag." Kyoko leaned in close and whispered so no one else could hear, "Can you please tell Ren that I will be waiting for him in there?" She averted her eyes to indicate one of the back exits. "I don't want my continued presence to cause any trouble."

"I understand, Setsuka-chan, have a good evening. I look forward to working with you in the future," he replied and took his leave. Setsu took one more look at Ren as the director whispered into his ear. He caught her gaze and nodded.

There were audible surprises from some of the guests that were near her when the director found her. They had completely forgotten about the woman known as Cain Heel's sister. She heard the special effects makeup artist talking about her with two women from the wardrobe team. They were being obnoxiously loud even though they were whispering. Am I being bullied? She heard the makeup artist mention the hickey that Cain sported while they were filming. She wanted to get swallowed up by the earth when she heard "teeth marks" and "deep bruise." It probably wasn't wise for her to tell them she had improved since then, no matter how tempting it was to brag. Maybe she'll seduce Kuon into letting her have a do-over tonight.

"Isn't Ren dating, Kyoko-san?" asked the first wardrobe lady.

Setsu paused from leaving and decided to eavesdrop when she heard her name.

"Yes, the actress, and she's R'Mandy's newest model! Do you think that darling girl did that to him?" the makeup artist inquired.

"Maybe she has us all fooled and she's kinky in the bedroom. I heard from my male friends in Uni that the innocent ones usually are hellions in bed. I mean she needs to be to keep a man like him satisfied," said the other wardrobe lady. All three women stared at Ren with hearts in their eyes.

Setsu fought the blush that scorched her cheeks. The woman had hit the bull's eye. She was insatiable when it came to him.

"I don't know. They weren't dating during that incident," the makeup artist replied.

"If it wasn't his girlfriend, then could it have been her doing?"

The women turned towards Setsu. "Could he have been fooling around with her before Kyoko-san?

"Is it even considered cheating if they were technically acting?"

Inner Kyoko screamed for Setsu to abort Operation Eavesdrop. She needed to disappear pronto before her presence conjured up more ideas for these women.

"We all saw how he treated her on the set? Who is she anyway? She has to be someone in showbiz to connect with Tsuruga-san. Do you think she could be Kyoko-san herself?"

The ladies studied Setsu's retreating form as she walked away. The way she carried herself and walked looked vaguely familiar, but they couldn't place it. They all burst out laughing at the silly notion. Kyoko was innocence personified in their eyes. There was no way the naughty vixen was her. They wondered if the Director's prank was still ongoing. The gag order was for one week. They weren't sure what would happen after the expiration date, but no one was stupid enough to violate it. They had all worked too hard on this project to ruin it now.

It was good that Setsu left when she had while the women continued to talk. She didn't want to expose herself while defending Ren. She slipped out the back door and found the hall deserted, regretting her choice to come this way. What am I supposed to do now? Exhausted, she leaned against the wall contemplating her options.

She turned her head abruptly in the direction from which she came when the door opened. Ren, no, it was Cain that strode towards her. She supposed he would still have to play Cain for one more week based on Director Konoe's plan.

"Nii-san, I thought you left me for good?"

"I got worried Setsu. If the director hadn't told me, I would have torn this place upside down looking for you," he reprimanded.

"It's because Nii-san was ignoring me," she pouted, looking away.

"Forgive me, Setsu." He hooked her chin with his fingers and turned her to face him. Kuon's heavenly smile shone down on her, blinding her, and obliterating the grudges that had manifested earlier.

"I'm sorry baby," he whispered and kissed her softly. He had waited all night to kiss her sweet lips. She slid her palms up his chest and encircled her arms on his neck, losing herself in his kiss. He pinned her against the wall, deepening the kiss, his tongue slipping between her soft lips and finding hers hot and willing. One hand wrapped around her waist while the other crept down the small of her back and cupped her ass. This was no place to be making out but he couldn't bring himself to care. They were so intent in their love play that they didn't hear the door open behind them.

The opportunity to confront Ren, away from prying eyes, presented itself as the actor ducked into one of the doors at the back of the ballroom. Is he trying to leave without getting caught? Taira had been stopped several times on his way to the door that by the time he walked through it, he thought he had missed his chance. Instead, he discovered Ren practically making love to his sister or whoever she was, up against the wall. Taira's first instinct was to back out the way he came from and give the two some privacy. He wasn't a cockblock. Then it dawned on him that Ren had a girlfriend; the gorgeous and talented Kyoko.

What the fuck is this guy doing with another woman?

If anyone else had caught them it would have been immediately splashed on the tabloids. He could see the headline already, Japan's Top Actor A Cheating Playboy!

This was the final straw for Taira. First, this two-faced guy fooled him with his acting, and now he was taking his role too far by toying with women's hearts.

Taira had been a fan of Kyoko since the moment he saw her in the Curara commercial. He was enamored when she portrayed the dark angel in Fuwa Sho's PV. He became devoted when the R'Mandy adds came out. His heart had shattered into tiny pieces, with the rest of the male population, when they made their relationship very public.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing, asshole?!" Taira seethed through clenched teeth hoping to keep his voice down so as not to attract others from the celebration in the other room.

Ren pulled away abruptly, looking guilty at being caught in a precarious position. It took Kyoko a minute to realize why he had stopped. Her eyes widened with shock as it landed on a furious Taira standing behind Ren.

"You know, you're a real piece of work. I acknowledged your skill as an actor. You're fucking brilliant, but man, this...this is completely fucked up." Taira told him pointing his index finger between the pair.

"You don't know what you're talking about Murasame-san so I suggest you mind your own fucking business," Ren retorted in a deadly tone.

Taira felt his resolve falter as Ren stared him down. How much of Cain Heel was an act? He refused to cower in front of this guy anymore even if his trembling body betrayed him. The guy was human and he made human mistakes.

Taira took a step forward regaining his courage. "You have all of Japan fooled with your charm. It's almost laughable how good you are at acting. You probably don't even know the real you, anymore. Does Kyoko-san know what a fucking bastard you are?"

"Shut the the fuck up, Murasame. What goes on with me and Kyoko is none of your business?" Ren growled.

"Oh, fuck off! You have a beautiful Japanese girl like Kyoko-san waiting for you at home and you're willing to fuck that up for what...this whor—!"

The wind was knocked out of him as he was slammed into the wall, then lifted off the floor by the lapels of his tux. Taira looked down into Ren's cold-blooded gaze as he struggled to free himself. The guy had a death grip on him. Why is he so strong?

"What the fuck, Tsuruga? Let me go, you fucking asshole!" Taira shouted using his forearms to push out against Ren's arms. It was a defensive move Taira had perfected on the streets, but it wasn't working on the actor.

"Ren, let him go. He doesn't know any better," Setsu commanded softly placing her hand on Ren's arm in hopes it would calm him down.

"You're too nice, Kyoko." Ren released him immediately. "Shit!" he cursed realizing his slip. How could he have made such a simple mistake?

Taira fell to the floor from his sudden release. The cogs in his mind turned slowly mulling over Ren's change in behavior. He finally understood that Ren had said her real name.

"It's fine. I don't think we could have hidden it forever. Plus, I don't think Murasame-san would go blabbing to everyone!"

Taira watched dumbfounded as the actress shook off the cloak that was Setsuka Heel and bowed formally.

"I'm sorry, Murasame-san, but it seems I also have a secret. Ren and Director Konoe were just trying to do what was best."

Taira picked himself off the ground and gaped at the actress. "Are you really, Kyoko-san?"

"Yes," she confirmed with a slight nod. "I am very sorry, but my part was necessary to protect Ren's identity. If you meant what you said earlier about being a fan, can I trust you to protect my secret as well?"

Ren stared at Taira curiously as the guy agreed, nodding his head vigorously. The man's admiration intensified as Kyoko smiled at him with relief. It wasn't manic or dark that would raise suspicions, but sweet and innocent. Ren groaned inwardly as yet another man fell under her spell. The number of would-be suitors just kept piling up, waiting for him to screw up.

"Now that you are aware, Murasame-san, you need to apologize for jumping to conclusions. Let this sink in. Kyoko is the love of my life. I would never ruin what I have with her, but I have to thank you for defending her."

Taira's eyes bulged at the obvious affection Ren displayed for Kyoko. The man was hopelessly in love with her.

Kyoko stared at Ren in the same manner. The loving expression Taira observed Setsu giving Cain before the movie had to be Kyoko shining through all this time. Taira was so relieved. It had disturbed him greatly that a sister would gaze at her brother like that. Their 'baka' sibling act was all a sham to keep everyone at bay. Rather than being a couple, as siblings, they could alienate themselves from the cast and crew with their antics. These two had taken their roles that far. Taira had a long way to go before he could run in their league.

"Why were you following me anyway?" Ren asked irritatedly, breaking through Taira's thoughts.

"Yeah, ugh sorry for ugh um interrupting you two," Taira stammered out an apology. He was so embarrassed now he couldn't look Kyoko in the face.

Kyoko covered her red face in her hands now that the drama was over. She couldn't believe they were caught doing that in a hallway of all places. Her boyfriend was blushing cutely, as well. She couldn't even blame him, she didn't think twice about what they were doing.

"And for my outburst. I shouldn't say such derogatory words when I don't even know the person. I'm sorry!" Taira bowed deeply.

"Ah, it's okay. I accept your apology. I did give you that perception of me. Setsu is willful when it comes to her brother and often takes over. Thank you for thinking kindly of me though," Kyoko told him red-faced and still unable to look in the eye.

"I followed you because I thought you were leaving before I had a chance to speak to you. I didn't want an audience in case I embarrassed myself further. I was mulling over the last few months for any weaknesses in your character that I may have missed. It left me defeated when I could find none. To think this whole time I was working with Tsuruga Ren and I never noticed. I feel like you've manipulated me into reacting to you this whole time. I'm such an amateur. It made me realize that I have a long way to go. I meant what I said though. Someday I'll get to Hollywood like my idol Kuu."

For the first time since they met, Ren smiled genuinely at Taira. "You're a good actor Murasame-san. I enjoyed working with you. I was impressed by the dedication and seriousness you put forth into your work."

Taira blushed at the compliment. How could he say something to a man so smoothly?

"I look forward to acting alongside you without the pretenses in the future and I apologize for Cain's behavior. I hope there are no hard feelings between us," Ren bowed.

Taira chuckled shyly, enamored by the actor's humbleness. "It's no problem. That's what we actors do best. You were hired to act out a role and you nailed it. If we do work together, I plan to gleam every skill I can off of you."

"Deal," Ren smiled, holding out his hand which Taira took without hesitation. The trio was startled by Director Konoe bursting through the door.

"There you are! I thought Tsuruga-kun and Setsuka-chan left," Konoe exclaimed, barely remembering to keep Kyoko's identity in mind. "It's clearing up outside. Is everything okay?" he asked, looking between them.

"Everything is fine, Director. Murasame-san and I were just clearing the bad air between us," Ren informed him. "There is one thing, um...Murasame-san knows the truth about Setsu. He has promised to keep it to himself. Right, Murasame-san?" Ren's gentleman smile was back on his face, promising his co-star death if he sold-out Kyoko.

"Ugh, that's right. I won't tell anyone. I promise!" Taira replied bowing to the director.

Director Konoe looked worried. He had not thought about the fallout between Ren and Setsuka. He would wait and see how the week played out before devising a new plan.

AN: Sorry for the delay, everyone. I felt all your love as your grudges wrapped themselves around my throat. A busy weekend, many FF updates, and a new toy (graphics tablet in case you all perv'd on me)...that shiz ate up my time.

The night will continue in the next chapter ;) Some of you already guessed that I was causing problems by not revealing Kyoko with Ren. I wanted Taira to catch them so he did...LOL. I'm so simple-minded. I hope you guys enjoyed it!

Thank you for sticking with me and continuing to read. Thanks for always reading and leaving me a review. You guys make me laugh and fuel me to continue. I will be traveling for work this week so I'll probably use the plane ride to work on the next chapter.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^