Chapter 70: Pick a Fight!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kuon would surely surface when he learns of Kimiko's treachery.

Kanae sighed as Yashiro once again had to swipe his gloved finger over his phone to decline another call. At this rate, they were going to miss everything. She did find it amusing when he donned rubber gloves just to handle his phone. While he sent a quick message to the President and Kyoko's father, he explained that he had some curse that rendered all electronic devices useless within ten seconds just from handling them with his bare hands. She looked skeptical at his confession. He told her he would prove it to her another day since right now they needed his phone. All Kanae heard was that they would see each other in the future.

"Mo! Are you sure you don't need to answer any of those calls?" Kanae asked him. "We could use my phone instead."

Yashiro sighed. He didn't want to be interrupted by work right now. He was enjoying her company too much. "They'll still be there tomorrow. I'm off today," he smiled wickedly. He knew that the calls were all from producers, directors, designers, reporters, and the like that just saw the reveal on TV. They could wait.

His smile nearly melted Kanae. Unsure how to handle this onslaught of new emotions she didn't what she knew best. She scowled to keep her composure. "I thought you took your job seriously, Yashiro-san!"

"Oh, I do, but some annoying LoveMon told me all work and no play makes a dull boy," Yashiro teased, as his gaze bore into her.

The President! Kanae blushed slightly under his scrutiny and turned her attention back to the phone screen without replying. Her heart was pounding erratically as it just dawned on her that they were quite close and very alone in his car. She could see him from the corner of her eye reluctantly turn his gaze back to the screen as well.

"I'm surprised you're taking this reveal so well. Kyoko-chan was very worried you would be angry with her," Yashiro commented, trying to fill the awkward silence.

Kanae faced him, "she told you that?" Yashiro nodded. Kanae sighed and leaned back in her seat. "That baka! Of course, I'm angry that she hid it from me, but honestly, this was work so I can't be too upset with her. I'm just speechless at how far she has come while I was away. The TV station was filled with adverts featuring her and here's another commercial featuring her...ugh!" Kanae put her hand over her face in frustration. She was being left in the dust. As she watched Kyoko's department store commercial, she relaxed and smiled. She didn't feel jealousy or resentment. She was, in fact, very proud of her friend. Kanae burned with excitement from the challenge of catching up. She needed to step up her A-game.

Yashiro smiled. "Kyoko-chan is lucky to have you as a good friend. She'll be very happy that you're home."

"Best friend!" Kanae corrected him, "but don't tell her I said that." Yashiro chuckled as the commercial ended and returned to the interview.

Kyoko sat next to Ren with her wig and contacts removed. She looked a little more herself with her long black hair cascading over her shoulders.

"Kyoko-san, tell us, was it difficult portraying Setsuka Heel? What exactly was your purpose?" Mikasa asked, curious to know why Kyoko was needed in the first place.

Kyoko nodded vigorously. "It took me some time to get a grasp on her, but anyone can attest that working with Ren makes it easy to get into the role. Our first night as the Heel siblings he almost NG'd me!"

Gasps echoed throughout the studio.

"What? No way! I can't believe it! What happened?" Mikasa asked, leaning in closer, practically at the edge of her seat.

"Well, to Setsuka, her Nii-san came first, second, third, fourth, you get the picture. No one else mattered. Some of my true self seeped through and I wasn't acting spoiled enough for him. You see, Cain loved two things, his sister and acting. In that order," she smirked. "Like her, nothing else mattered to him. It didn't take me long to realize that a little of Ren was seeping into Cain since he likes to spoil me."

Ren lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. "I like spoiling you. You deserve it." Kyoko blushed deeply. Heat immediately bloomed on her cheeks and extended down beyond her neck.

The whole studio erupted with an "Awwwweeee..."

Mikasa smiled. "If you aren't already, you're going to be the most envied woman of all Japan, Kyoko-san. And the other question?

"As for my purpose, the direction I received from the President was that I couldn't leave my Nii-san alone or it would cause a host of problems. I interpreted that to mean that I would be filling the role of his manager since Yashiro-san could not accompany him. My top priority was making sure he eats his meals," Kyoko told her.

"His meals? He's a man don't they all love to eat," Mikasa joked. The audience joined her laughter.

"You would think so, right?! With a physique like his, one would need to eat a well-balanced diet to maintain it. He gets so focused on work he often forgets to eat or just eats junk food. That habit and Cain's personality would have been disastrous. He would have sustained himself with nothing but booze and cigarettes. If I wasn't there to nag him, he would have surely fallen ill."

"Hey! I resent that. I'm perfectly capable of feeding myself. Onigiri is a perfectly healthy meal by the way," he objected, coming to his defense. Kyoko rolled her eyes. "It has rice and depending on which one you get protein or vegetables," he stated proudly. He was hopeless.

"Thanks for the insight. Tsuruga-san, now I see why Kyoko-san was so worried. We just learned something new about Tsuruga-san," Mikasa announced with a chuckle. "We can all add it to our diaries."

"Kyoko-san was this a paying job for you to act as Setsuka-san?" Mikasa asked curiously, the feminist in her roaring to the forefront.

Kyoko shook her head no. "Although I wasn't paid to do this, I was amply rewarded with observing Ren act out a role he has never done before. Just seeing how the rest of the cast and crew of Tragic Marker executed the production was more than enough. As a newbie actor, I learned valuable skills from being on set. Plus, creating Setsu and acting her out also helped me grow as an actress."

"I confess, I thought Setsuka-san was a whole new level of your bully roles. You gave off a menacing aura of your own at the premiere party. I'm looking forward to seeing you on the screen more. I don't doubt that this reveal will have more work pouring in for you."

"They already are. It wasn't planned to reveal Setsuka-chan's identity, but I had received many calls over the week concerning these two that I thought it would be a disservice to not let Kyoko-san take the credit. It was always the plan to reveal Tsuruga-kun and it was only decided later to also bring out Kyoko-san. I couldn't be more pleased with the turn of events," Konoe added, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"May I ask about your styling? Did you two come up with your outward appearances alone?" Mikasa asked.

"I had a vague idea of what Cain would wear. He doesn't care about name brands or keeping up with the latest fashions. I needed to dress him to make the Japanese completely uncomfortable. The all-black attire added to the dangerous and murderous vibe I was trying to portray. People kept away and never discovered my identity. Woods-san was the one that fleshed out the details of Cain's final look. She also helped with Setsu," Ren added.

"Woods-san? Are you referring to the witch of the makeup world?" When they both nodded, she focused on Kyoko.

"Yes, Mus—, I mean Woods-sama transformed me into Setsuka to match Cain. She gave me invaluable guidance on make-up and fashion. She is truly a magician, without her help, I don't think I could have pulled off the look on my own. As you can see, Setsu's style is a little more extreme than my usual taste, but Woods-sama scolded me properly to do my job as a professional. Once I got into my role, all insecurities flew out the window," Kyoko added. She was trying desperately not to fidget in her seat. She wanted to tug at the short skirt and cross her arms over her chest. Now that she was herself again, she felt exposed. As if detecting her restlessness, Ren squeezed her hand for reassurance, making her relax. She decided to take the new wardrobe experience as part of growing as an actress.

Mikasa turned her attention back to Ren since the last interview with him regarding Tragic Marker was a bust. Cain had been so stubbornly uncooperative. She wanted Ren's honest response on the production and cast members.

"Taisho! Taisho!" Two regular patrons burst into the Darumaya in excitement. They ran up to the counter area where they found Taisho preparing some sashimi for another customer. Taisho looked up at the men and slammed his knife down onto the cutting board in a loud thump. That was warning enough for the men to settle down. They apologized to Taisho and the other patrons before taking a seat at the bar while one of them held up his phone.

"Look Taisho, it's Kyoko-chan and Tsuruga-san on TV. It turns out, you see, that Tsuruga-san is the actor that played the psychopath in that new movie Tragic Marker. He plays a very disturbing antagonist," the man shuddered.

The other man spoke up when his friend was done. "And all this time, Kyoko-chan was playing his sister off-screen as a sort of pseudo manager, but look at her. She had to take on a persona to fit in with this Cain Heel."

The man held the phone closer for Taisho and Okami to see. Taisho's eyes slid over the screen briefly, then went back to his preparations. Okami smiled and patted Taisho's arm. She knew he was trying to process seeing Kyoko dressed so provocatively.

"Ehhhh? Taisho aren't you concerned? This Tsuruga-san is a bad influence on our sweet angel. We barely get to see her anymore, too," the man pouted dejectedly. Taisho's knife slammed down on the chopping block once more making them flinch.

"Do you two plan on eating or are you just here to cluck like a bunch of hens?" Taisho glared at them as they scrambled to place an order.

In the Viride General Law Offices, Saena's frown deepened as she watched the broadcast on one of the screens in the conference rooms. Her daughter and that boyfriend of hers just revealed that they were the ridiculous foreign couple she had seen the other day at the Vivian Café. They had her duped so easily with their acting that she had to applaud them. It irked her that she still hadn't changed. No wonder I was such an easy target for him. Her only defense was that she had been estranged from Kyoko for over ten years. She knew next to nothing about her except what Yayoi reported. Saena was only ever interested in her grades, manners, and work ethic.

What is she wearing? Kyoko left little to the imagination which did not please Saena's sense of propriety. The fact that she took on a job like this, without payment, meant that the President was taking advantage of her. She had no business interfering in Kyoko's life, but as a woman in a predominantly male workplace, she felt the injustice. She had left Kyoko completely in his hands since she had no desire to be a part of her life, but things were different now. Saena still had a long way to go on her road to redemption; however, she was going to give that man a piece of her mind.

"Susumu, did you know about this?" Saena asked, wondering how he could talk about the couple so objectively.

"Not one hundred percent, but I did have my suspicions. I saw them leaving the café that day and my detective senses were activated."

She was just like her father, Saena thought. Her thoughts went back to the case she was building for her daughter's defense. The evidence Tadashi was collecting on this other actress was quite disturbing. How could a privileged young girl be so calculating?

"Oh my God, oh my god, oh my god! Is, is, is that m-my Kyoko-chan," Fuji squealed as he and the team gathered in the sitting area of the R'Mandy design studio watching the news unfold. "And that man there next to her is Ren?" He fanned himself erratically with a magazine that was sitting on the nearby coffee table. He thought he was going to faint from this revelation.

"Looks like you don't have to look for the Heel siblings anymore," Sousuke chuckled, patting Fuji on the back.

"Ugh, I'm such a failure. How could I not have known?" Fuji said his eyes still glued to the TV. This was incredible and Ten had everything to do with their appearance. Fuji had a spurt of inspiration when he spied the Heel siblings on the cover of the tabloid magazines the morning after the premiere. When he surfaced from his drawing desk with some rough sketches to fit the goth couple, they went about hunting them down. Their first and only stop was to contact the Director. They were quickly told that the Heels were unavailable and to try again next week. I wonder if Ten-chan dressed them for the premiere night as well. He needed to call Ten as soon as this program was over.

"Wow, Ten-san, really pulled off something amazing again! Her skills are incredible. One day I hope to obtain her level of artistry," Aya gushed to no one in particular. As a professional make-up artist, she greatly admired Ten and looked up to her as a mentor.

"Don't sell yourself short, Aya-chan. I would be lost without your skillful hand to fulfill my heart's desire," Fuji praised, turning to face Aya and Nana. "You both have amazing skills that are invaluable to R'Mandy. I'm so glad you're part of the team."

Aya and Nana hugged Fuji, "Aweeeee! You're the best Boss ever!"

"Do you think Kyoko-san would wear some of those designs? They are a bit risque for her and she's not even eighteen yet." Sousuke asked Fuji a bit worried.

"I don't think Kyoko-chan would be comfortable, but if we have her tap into her Setsuka persona, she should have no problems. Ah! I'm too excited to worry about details such as age. Now that I know they are both capable of such characters my imagination is running away with me."

Backstage, Ren removed his jacket and held it open for Kyoko to put on then rolled up the sleeves so her hands could peek through the ends. She was completely dwarfed by the garment, but he was glad she felt more comfortable.

"Better?" He asked rubbing his hands up and down her arms. She was still trembling a bit from the nerves of being out there and exposed.

"Yes," she said, releasing a shaky breath. "Thank you so much." Her heart seemed like it was going to burst from the love she felt for her boyfriend's consideration. It nearly overwhelmed her. She was no doubt the luckiest person alive.

The producer of the show and the president of Fuji TV greeted them excitedly. Many of the backstage crew called out their praise to the couple. Kyoko and Ren found themselves bowing repeatedly to everyone that greeted them.

Sota stepped up to Ren, "I've checked all the exits to this place. They aren't going to make this easy for us to get out. I've asked the station's security to help. I also received a message from Tadashi, it seems Yashiro has spotted Morizumi Kimiko-san in the lobby."

"Morizumi-san is here?" Kyoko asked, puzzled. Why? More importantly, if Yashiro is here that means Kanae is here too. She was ready to leave so she could meet her friend.

"She's here with her father. Do you think he's a threat?" Sota asked looking at Ren. He already knew the extent of Kyoko's encounter with the Morizumi patriarch, but Ren was the one that worked with the man.

"I never had a problem working with him in the past. His only flaw is seriously his daughter. I can't fault the man for doting on her, but to turn a blind eye to the animosity she created on set was unprofessional. I also can't forgive her for trying to hurt Kyoko."

"Ah!" Kyoko said as a lightbulb lit up in her head. "He could be here for Cain. I'm sorry it slipped my mind to tell you. He came to visit Director Morizumi on the set of Sacred Lotus. He had mentioned he was trying to get in touch with Cain's agency."

All three of them turned towards Konoe when they heard someone call out his name. Ren raised his guard at the man approaching and Sota followed suit, trusting the actor's instincts.

"Hey, Jiro-san," Konoe returned the greeting to the other director with a mischievous smile. "You made it!"

"You slick devil. Only you would pull a stunt like this! Brilliant my friend," Jiro grinned, shaking Konoe's hand enthusiastically.

"Tsuruga-kun, Kyoko-chan," Konoe waved as he walked over to them with Jiro.

Kyoko looked around the room for any sign of Kimiko. Didn't Sota say she was with him? She relaxed when the girl was nowhere to be found.

"Well done you two. I'm extremely surprised by both of your amazing performances. You have Japan in an uproar. I have been earnestly searching for Cain Heel since the release of Tragic Marker. To think that you've been in plain sight all this time; how spectacular. I have no doubt, young man, that your performance will inspire directors throughout the world," Jiro announced proudly. "And you, my dear, are an extreme surprise. When I came to the set of the Sacred Lotus I wanted to test out the fan theories online claiming that you were probably Setsuka-san. When you didn't react to the mention of Cain I thought it was a dead end. You fooled me with your amazing acting by not giving yourself away. Joji struck gold hiring you for the part of Momiji. I also look forward to working with you in the future."

Kyoko bowed deeply at his praise. "Thank you, Morizumi-san. For a newbie like me to receive high praise from such a distinguished person as yourself in this industry is unfathomable. I hope I can live up to everyone's expectations." As soon as the words left her lips, Kyoko's grudges emerged in full force when feelings of pure hatred entered their vicinity.

Kimiko had appeared next to her father, making him glance nervously at her. She looked tired. Maybe he should have left her at home to rest. He hoped she didn't make a scene here and assumed her little tantrum in the bathroom had something to do with today's reveal.

She cozied up to Ren and wrapped her hands around his forearm while batting her eyelashes at him. "Ren-san, it's incredible that you not only acted out BJ but also Heel-san. I would be most grateful if you can teach me how to act like you. My father has a new project that he wants to use Heel-san in and promised to give me a part in it as well. It would be great working with you again," Kimiko flirted, directing a mocking smile to Kyoko.

Ren shuddered and tried to pry himself away from Kimiko as discreetly as possible. Kyoko struggled to reign in her grudges.

Please mistress we've been waiting for this moment.

How dare she touch what's ours so casually.

What is this talk of acting again?

This violates the agreement.

Her grudges retreated when she felt the weight of Ren's arm drape over her shoulders and pull her in closer. Kyoko's face heated up and her heart melted when he beamed at her affectionately. He faced Kimiko flashing her a brilliant gentleman smile.

"Morizumi-san, I'm sure you know my girlfriend. It seems you two were the top contenders for the Momiji role, but I'm glad your Uncle had enough sense to choose talent over blood this time around," Ren said in a completely friendly tone. His professional smile was still plastered on his face, but his words betrayed his outward appearance. Anyone not within earshot would think they were having a nice little chat.

Kyoko's grudges emerged again, only this time they were giddily circling Ren's, no Kuon's, dark aura. Was he trying to pick a fight with Kimiko, right here, right now with so many people around? Kyoko had no idea what he was thinking.

Director Konoe's eyes widened with surprise at Ren's remark. He must still be under the influence of Cain. There was no way Ren would have said something so callous.

Kyoko watched in amazement as Kimiko's usually pretty face broke down and was replaced with anger and hatred.

"Tsuruga-kun surely yo-" Jiro began trying to defend Kimiko and his family but he was interrupted by his daughter.

"She cheated! Producer Kuresaki had cut her right from the start, but she barged into the auditions anyway. Who does she think she is? A newbie like her acting all arrogant?! She doesn't even know proper show biz etiquette. Continuing to date her would only be a blight on your perfect image Ren-san. She obviously seduced you! I mean look at what she's wearing! She probably fucked her wa-"

Well, that escalated quickly! Ren thought he would have to insult her a few more times before she showed her true colors. He smiled internally prepared to defend Kyoko.

Slap!

Kimiko gasped, holding the left side of her face. The pain was unlike anything she ever felt in her life, emotionally and physically. "Tou-san, you too?" Kimiko sniffled with resignation as tears slid down her cheeks. Even my father is against me.

"That's enough Kimiko! You have said enough! I thought you were over your jealousy by now but clearly, I was mistaken. Apologize at once!" Jiro scolded. His face went purple with rage directed at his daughter. His hand stung from the slap he had just given her and regretted it the moment he had hit her, but he had to keep his face firm; otherwise, she would continue to act like a spoiled brat. To hear his flesh and blood, his pride and joy, spout such malicious things about another actress in front of so many of his colleagues was atrocious and embarrassing.

Kimiko stared at her father, shocked by the dressing down he was giving her in public. He had never raised his hand at her before. She glared at Kyoko briefly and noticed the audience her outburst had attracted.

That's Kimiko-san, how embarrassing?

What a disgrace to the Morizumi name?

She's jealous because she can't compete with Kyoko-san.

I guess she pissed off Daddy this time, serves her right.

Did anyone hear what Ren-san said to her?

Kimiko glanced around the area. People were staring at her like she was crazy while Kyoko and Ren looked at her with pity. She fled the room, away from the whispering and the giggling, but most of all from the sympathy she saw radiating from her nemesis' golden orbs.

"Kimi! Kimi!" Jiro called after her. He sighed deeply when he saw it was no use. "I'm sorry everyone. I apologize for my daughter's rude behavior. I hope we can still work together in the future. I have to go after her." Jiro left the room already pulling out his phone to try to find his daughter and possibly salvage what just happened in there. He may need to take her back to the psychiatrist. Maybe sending her back to the States would be a good change for her.

Breaking the tension, Sota let out a low whistle letting a little of his personality escape. "I thought she was going to go all Carrie and kill us all." Ren snorted, but Kyoko stared blankly at Sota. "Come on? You never heard of that movie? It's a cult classic in America. You need to ask your Dad about it."

"We better take our leave before people start getting nosy," Sota told them, watching the idle gossipers nearby. He would have to report this to Tadashi. This was the kind of reaction they had been hoping for; it meant that what they were doing was working.

The couple apologized for the commotion and said farewell to everyone before leaving.

Three security guards waited outside to escort them to their car at the front entrance of the building. It didn't matter whether they picked the front or rear exit there were equal amounts of fans and paparazzi camping out at both. The upside to going out the front was that the distance from the door to the car was significantly shorter. Ren held Kyoko close to him as they braved the gauntlet of media and fans. It reminded her of the time she acted as his manager. She had done so many things wrong that day, but Ren was right there to help her out. Once again, he was protecting her. Sota and the guards did their best to keep the mob at bay.

"Kyoko-san, Tsuruga-san," a familiar voice from the crowd gained their attention. Kyoko lifted her head to confirm the voice.

"Koki-san!" Ren and Kyoko exclaimed in unison as the Boost reporter fought his way to the front of the pack. They stopped for a few moments to chat with the reporter.

"You two are amazing! Thanks to both of you, I was able to move on," he declared, holding up his Fuji News Reporter press badge. The exclusive article he had written about Kyoko-chan was enough for him to get hired by the reputable news company.

"That's great, Koki-san! I'm glad things are working out for you," Kyoko told him trying to ignore the shouted questions and camera flashes trained on her.

"We have to move. The fans are starting to press in," Sota warned. Ren and Kyoko said a quick goodbye as they continued to the car.

"Good luck you two! I hope I can get another exclusive soon!" Koki called out to them. Ren held up a thumbs up in response before he ducked into the car after Kyoko.

AN: Thanks for sticking with me everyone, I hope you enjoyed it! Just like that bullet 3 (Heel reveal) out of 7 was achieved. More reactions to follow. I'm getting there with Kimiko. I'm pretty sure I stole that Carrie line from something I just can't quite remember at the moment.

Thank you for continuing to read and big thanks to my reviewers. I truly appreciate you all!

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^