Chapter 147: Immortal Butterflies

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kyoko would be on that catwalk with RenKuon.

Kyoko zipped up the back of the beautiful dress of the model in front of her and spruced out the dark green leafy neckline. The whole collection paid homage to spring with flowers, leaves, feathers, and fluttering butterfly appliqués adorning the material. Most of them weren't practical to wear but damn if she wouldn't strut her stuff to the grocery store in one of these remarkable designs. This particular dress came with a hat that had a robin's nest sitting atop complete with vibrant hand-painted blue eggs and a small veil that covered the eyes. Kyoko used a couple of bobby pins to secure the hat on the model's head.

It was unfortunate that she couldn't see Ren walk the runway like she initially hoped. By the time it was his turn, she was hard at work with the initial models filtering backstage to change. She was helping her third model when the skirt of her dress blew up making Kyoko scramble to push it down. She looked behind her and noticed the rush of wind had come from her boyfriend as he sped past to get to his station and change into his outfit. She glanced at the other models down the row. All of them were already being assisted. Kyoko took a few steps in Ren's direction when gasps and shouts rang out near the stage.

There was a small crowd gathering around the area so Kyoko moved closer to see what happened and offer any help necessary. As she pushed through the crowd to stand near Fuji, she could see Honoka sitting on the floor with tears springing from the corner of her eyes. Kyoko watched Jay, Fuji's assistant, carefully lift her foot and remove the strap of her stilettos to reveal the ugly knot forming at her ankle.

Those damn ankle breakers!

Honoka wasn't the first model this fashion week to fall and she wouldn't be the last. The show wasn't over yet.

...

The local intern that Fuji hired apologized profusely for letting this happen. Honoka had made it through the catwalk only to fall backstage and hurt herself.

"Please forgive me. I should have made sure the floor was clear of debris," the intern wailed.

"This is not your fault. You did your job properly by helping me down the stairs. I was just unlucky when I walked off," Honoka assured her. "I'm sorry, Fuji-san."

Fuji glanced at his models as Chiaki kept the show going. She had enough sense to hold each model to increase the gap between them and tell them to slow down as they walked.

"She can't walk on this and we let Reginé take the other job. Do we scrap the last dress and finish with Tsuruga-san?" Jay asked.

Reginé was the backup model Fuji hired in case of any mishaps. Even though she was still getting paid without walking, it was a disservice to any model to be riding the bench. When she received the offer to walk in another collection, Fuji couldn't say no. Even if he had Reginé, he doubted the dress would have fit her; she was fuller in build compared to Honoka.

Honoka was tall for a Japanese woman, but she was slim-hipped and her chest on the average side. The two-piece outfit, especially the dramatic skirt fit her like a glove. Fuji made sure of it. He had at best three minutes to find a replacement and five more to get her dressed. Like all collections, the final outfit was his crowning glory. It would be a shame if he couldn't show it off tonight. His eyes roamed over the remaining models finalizing their outfits. Although it felt like hours ticked by, it took him less than thirty seconds to run through the remaining models backstage. His study was cut short by Kyoko.

"I'll go find an ice pack," she announced and stalked off in the six-inch platforms without compromising her posture. Fuji's eyes trailed after her as a plan formulated in his mind. The adrenaline rush was sudden. He found himself giggling like a madman as he patted himself on the back for his genius solution. Those around him thought the stress was finally getting to their boss.

"We don't have a lot of time people. Can you please take care of Honoka-chan," Fuji asked, pointing to the intern. "Jay, Nana, Aya, follow me! We have a miracle to pull off." The four of them scrambled as Fuji told them his plan.

...

Kyoko lifted her hand and flashed Ren the okay sign when he looked at her questioningly as she strode past him. She didn't even have time to drool over how sexy his muscular bare-chest looked or glare at anyone ogling her man as he changed. She focused on finding Honoka some much-needed relief as she prayed that the model didn't break her ankle. Kyoko had the first-hand experience of the inconvenience such an annoying injury could have on life. She felt sorry for Honoka. She found the refrigerator in the back room that she knew was stocked with cold bottles of water, opened the freezer door, and cursed. It was empty; there was no ice. Thinking quickly, she grabbed a cold bottle from the refrigerator instead. This will have to do for now.

She rushed out of the backroom and was accosted by Fuji. The designer plucked the bottle out of her hand and handed it to the intern.

"Fuji-san, what's going on," Kyoko gasped as he dragged her to Honoka's changing area next to Ren.

"You're walking!" He exclaimed by way of explanation. "We need to get this off her! Get the zipper!" Fuji instructed.

Aya was behind her apologizing as she did Fuji's bidding. Ren and Yashiro showed up pushing a large rack into the area.

"Wait! Wait! What do you mean?" Kyoko screeched as she clutched her dress to her body in a death grip, but Fuji was not stopping. She released it for fear of ripping the garment at the same time he realized what he was doing and released it. The beautiful dress slid down her hips and fell to the floor before Kyoko could catch it. Kyoko gasped and crossed her arms over her petal pasty covered breasts. She doubled over trying to hide her nudity since she was wearing nothing but a flesh-colored thong.

"Sorry, Kyoko-chan. I didn't mean to do that. We don't have a lot of time. We're in a pinch. Honoka-chan can't walk with her ankle. I need you to get on that catwalk and strut with everything you've got! Please, please, please, Kyoko-chan," he begged, clasping his hands together. He was not in the least bothered by her state of undress which made her less embarrassed. Kyoko felt herself searching for her senpai for his guidance, but stopped. She couldn't keep depending on him at times like these. She found him anyway shrugging on his jacket. He stood next to Yashiro with their backs to her as if they were standing guard. It was only then that she realized the rack they brought over was to give her more privacy. It was safe to assume that they were on board with this change, but she was still skeptical.

"Are you sure? Wouldn't any other model be the better choice? I don't have...I mean...my body...it's not...I'm lack-," she stammered but was interrupted by Ren.

"Don't you dare finish that sentence," Ren scolded. The Emperor's eyes smoldered to an obsidian hue as desire flamed within them. They raked over her naked form very much appreciating the view. The hot look he sent her made her feel warm and tingly all over. Beside him, Yashiro cleared his throat loudly. Ren abruptly turned to face the other way. Kyoko flushed crimson but giggled as Yashiro reprimanded him for his inappropriate behavior.

"Our resident expert severely disagrees," Fuji smirked. He glanced at the remaining models. There were only twelve left in front of Ren. Kyoko followed his gaze and realized their bomb was still ticking.

"Okay," she said resolutely. She knew how much work went into the design and production of this final look. She had helped hand sew several of the triangular layers on the sleeve. She couldn't abandon Fuji in his time of need out of fear.

"Yes!" Fuji cheered, pumping his fists in the air. Her fairy godmother went to work casting his magic upon her. It was a struggle but they got Kyoko into the top first. Kyoko felt the pressure of time pressing down on them. Fuji cursed himself for not putting a zipper on the neckline. Once it was on Aya and Nana went to work on her face and hair.

"Ren-chan, Yuki-kun!" a familiar voice greeted the men standing guard. "I'm glad I didn't miss the show entirely." A few moments later, Ten finally walked into her line of sight.

"Muse-sama!" Kyoko exclaimed excitedly. She had not seen her since the night they had dinner with the Hizuris. She must have been busy with her work.

"Wow! What is going on here, Fuji-san?" Ten asked with delight as she peeked beyond the rack. She stepped inside without waiting for an invitation.

"I'm trying to pull off a Hail Mary," Fuji explained as he and Jay held open the dramatically long skirt for Kyoko to step inside. Aya and Nana stopped working on her head and held her hands to help her balance. This must be what a Princess feels like getting dressed by her attendants.

"What do you think, Ten? I could use some of your witchy powers right about now," Fuji asked while rearranging and fluffing the bottom half of the full skirt. It was a mermaid silhouette but the bottom flared out at the knee at least three feet in diameter.

"It's gorgeous!" She clapped excitedly. She circled Kyoko like a shark would its prey.

"But?" Fuji asked quickly, continuing to smooth out the skirt. He looked at the line of models. They were down to eight.

"It looks stunted. She's too short for this skirt," Ten added as a matter of fact. Fuji tugged on the waistline to lift it higher closing the gap in the midriff.

Ten hummed thoughtfully. "What size heel are you wearing, Kyoko-chan?"

Kyoko thought a moment and answered, "It's about 15 centimeters."

"Do you have something taller?" She asked Fuji. Jay was already off running before Fuji could get a word in edgewise. By the time Jay returned, her makeup had been retouched, and her hair was pulled back in a messy low chignon. Fuji wanted her hair out of the way so it wouldn't detract from the extraordinary design of the layered collar. The stacked triangular shapes rose off her right shoulder above her ear and cascaded down the length of her right arm. The top itself was a black crop top with mesh sleeves that molded to her arms. Kyoko wished she had a pushup bra to give her a little extra in that area. Fuji had to pin it in the back so it wasn't sagging on her chest. She held both hands out as Aya slipped on a pair of black suede gloves. On her left hand, Nana slipped a large crystal-encrusted ring onto her middle finger and a thick sparkling bangle to her wrist.

Kyoko's eyes widened at the blue strapped black lacquer platform shoes and socks Jay found. They had to be the tallest geta sandals she had ever seen. The highest sandal she ever wore with her yukata was 10 centimeters. The pair Jay held appeared to be double in size and then some. She had no idea they came that high which made her believe they had to be custom made.

"Those are perfect!" Ten exclaimed. The men lifted her skirt slightly as the women removed Kyoko's current shoes. Stepping out of her heels reminded her of just how short she was in comparison to the other models; however, it was confirmed at her last visit to the doctor that she had grown a little over a centimeter. It gave her hope for continued growth in the future.

Kyoko held each foot out so Nana could slip on the tabi socks. It was finally the moment of truth. Could she, on her first-ever runway show, walk wearing these ultimate ankle breakers?

Fuji held her hands as she steadied herself on the shoes she secretly dubbed as stilts. She felt towering next to the designer, but at least the skirt of the dress finally flowed properly without bunching awkwardly at her calves.

Fuji looked at the dwindling line of models. It was almost time. "Can you walk?" Fuji asked. Kyoko nodded but didn't release his hand. Despite the illusion that the dress began flaring at the knee, the base construction restricted the length of her steps. It was similar to a Kimono. Kyoko closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She conjured up all the lessons Yayoi had ever given her on walking properly while wearing a kimono with geta sandals.

She opened her eyes, gripped the shoe with her toes, and took a small step to familiarize herself with the sandal. She was rusty. It had been so long since she last wore a pair, and never one this tall. She adjusted the next step to compensate for the extra weight on her ankles. A few more corrections had her releasing Fuji's hand and shuffling on her own, albeit in short strides.

"Tsuruga-san," Chiaki, waved. "Please get in line." There were only three models left at this time.

"Shall we," Ren asked, holding out his hand for Kyoko to take. Inner Kyoko wanted to protest. She needed more practice. What if she tripped over her feet and fell? She would embarrass him, embarrass Fuji, but most of all she would embarrass Japan.

Ren gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I promise I won't let you fall," he whispered, reading her mind. He leaned in and kissed her forehead. Kyoko felt a tingly sensation flow through her as the power of his kiss soothe her. She smiled and nodded confidently. It was funny how their roles reversed in such a short time. It was now his turn to lend her strength.

Kyoko nodded her thanks and blinked back tears. She couldn't afford to mess up her makeup now.

"Thank you, Kyoko-chan," Honoka called out, gaining her attention as she waited by the stairs for her turn. "You look lovely."

"Honoka-san, I'm very sorry for your injury. I hope you make a speedy recovery," Kyoko said with a formal bow.

"Eh, no need to apologize. This wasn't your fault, but I appreciate the sentiment. You're so sweet, Kyoko-chan" Honoka said loudly. Models were returning from the stage and began whispering loudly about Kyoko.

I can't believe her. Did she injure Honoka just so she could walk?

You think? That's quite sneaky.

How did she get so tall anyway?

"Ignore them," Honoka told her. "If anyone can do this, it's you."

"Thank you, Honoka-san," Kyoko bowed again, grateful for the encouragement.

Kyoko was glad that Ren's limbs were so long. He was able to hold her hand comfortably while giving her skirt a wide berth.

"Okay Tsuruga-san, you're on deck," Chiaki ushered him up the stairs. Ren stood waiting at the top of the stairs for his cue.

At the moment Kyoko stood alone waiting for her turn, she felt the familiar creepy tingle on the back of her neck.

It was short-lived as Chiaki whispered her name, "Kyoko-chan." Kyoko followed the direction of the assistant's pointing finger. Her face split in a radiant smile as she took a decisive step forward.

…

He shoved himself away from the wall, knowing that Ren would come walking out soon. He threaded his way through the crowd so he could get a good view of the actor/model when it was his turn. He noticed that the gap between models increased and they seemed to walk slower despite the fast tempo of the music, but it didn't deter from the show in any way. It had been almost three years since he last attended a fashion show. During that time he dated a Brazilian supermodel that was far too young for him now that he thought about it. He forgot about the amount of work that went into these types of events as he watched the back screen flash with a kaleidoscope of blooming flowers.

He pulled out his phone and set it to video when the last model he recalled coming out before Ren finally took the stage. He should be next. The actor stepped onto the stage and paused for the initial pose once the model in front of him was further down the runway. This time he was wearing a three-piece slim-fitting silk suit. The cut of the suit fit him perfectly, but overall it was something no self-respecting businessman would ever wear to a board meeting due to its outrageous color. The material of each piece was white with a repeating vertical pattern of various species of butterflies in black. Compared to other designs he witnessed tonight, this outfit was wearable. He knew fashion shows were a place for designers to push their creativity, but the last collection had a male model wearing a frumpy green corduroy skirt and jacket with a bedazzled looking white t-shirt. He couldn't understand fashion.

Instead of stepping forward Ren turned and extended his hand out from where he came. A black-gloved hand promptly settled into his. The look on the actor's face was captivating as he peered at this unknown person emerging from behind the scenes with unguarded adoration. He only ever saw that expression on Ren when it pertained to her. He strained for a better view as more of the woman's body became visible with each beat of the music. His hand flew to his mouth after a loud gasp escaped his lips. Glancing around he found it was unnecessary since no one heard him above the volume of the music. He frantically raised his phone and pressed record. He thanked his lucky stars that he had the hindsight to sacrifice sleep to be here tonight and witness this astonishing event with his own eyes.

...

As the model strutted by, Karina couldn't help glancing over at the supermodel and her charismatic husband. It was inevitable since they were sitting in her line of sight across the runway. Any veteran in this industry knew these were the best seats to enjoy the full immersion of the fashion show. Karina may no longer be a model but she remained active in the industry as a socialite whose opinion was valued. It didn't matter that she was in her forties, she still had quite the following on social media. She did make sure to post age-appropriate content to cater to the larger demographic of married women that followed her. Her most recent post tonight with her son already had hundreds of likes.

When she first arrived at the venue, she greeted the Hizuri couple amicably as was expected of her. They exchanged the usual polite pleasantries avoiding the taboo topic of family for the Hizuris. Soon, they had nothing left to talk about and went their separate ways.

On the surface, Karina's family life was perfect but it was far from it. She confirmed through a private investigator that the only affair her husband was having was with his work. He was a certified workaholic. She loved that passionate side of him but disliked that she was often left to her own devices especially after Cedric moved out. The only disagreements they ever had were over how much she spoiled their son and how little her husband did. She thought he always expected too much from Cedric. On the bright side, Callister wasn't pushing for Cedric to someday take over the business. He was fine letting their son pursue his independence as an actor. It always annoyed her that he was unwilling to help their son gain more experience in the industry so she did what she had to.

Her eyes flicked to the couple again. No one would have known that she disliked the Hizuris based on their earlier conversation. They were always showing off their success and flaunting their happiness. When her offers slowed almost twelve years ago, she decided to save face and retire focusing all her attention on promoting her son. She had no regrets at the underhanded tactics she used to make her son shine in the limelight. When her name alone wasn't enough to sway directors and producers to always choose Cedric, she used money or other means. There was no one else at the time around her son's age with enough talent that could challenge him for roles. It was a done deal and when it wasn't, she simply put the unruly child back in their place. It was a crying shame that sometimes that child was no other than Kuon Hizuri. Hardly anyone ever questioned her methods and those that tried ultimately regretted it later.

She put the past away and stared fondly at her son. "Are you okay?" Karina leaned over whispering into Cedric's ear. She was genuinely concerned about him. He had been fidgeting beside her all night.

What is he really doing here? Please don't tell me he has his eye on another model. Maybe Cal was right, he didn't learn his lesson after that last gold-digging whore. As his mother, it's my job to help him find a good woman. He may not need her as much now, but it wouldn't stop her from always trying.

"It's nothing. I'm fine," he replied apprehensively. She stared at him closely and noticed the tiny beads of sweat gathering at his hairline. She placed her palm to his forehead to check for a fever. His skin was clammy but his temperature seemed normal.

"I said I was fine," he told her, pushing her hand away slightly annoyed. Karina pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. Something is going on with him. I'll ask daddy to interrogate him later.

"Kyoko?" Cedric gaped, looking beyond his mother. Karina turned her gaze around to the top of the runway just as Kyoko centered herself on the runway clasping the hand of the male model. Earlier she had thought the devilishly handsome foreigner seemed oddly familiar as he walked past her now he knew why. They had to be the young Japanese couple she met this morning, but she wasn't one hundred percent sure. I thought they were actors.

Across the way, the Hizuris squealed and clapped their hands in delight. The rest of the audience followed suit and began clapping as well. Julienna just made it known to industry that she fully endorsed this young woman.

Karina sat quietly, fascinated by this young couple walking down the runway together both exuding the confidence and grace of royalty. Whenever their eyes met one another a warm aura surrounded them and a secret smile was exchanged. She felt like she was intruding on something sacred, but she couldn't tear her eyes away. A few steps later the young man released her hand as if setting her free to flutter away, literally.

The two-piece gown, aside from the black bodice, had the dramatic print of one of the largest butterflies in the world, the blue morpho. The light above reflected off the vivid, iridescent blue of the extraordinary design of the skirt that Karina had to almost squint to appreciate it.

Even closer, this confident couple did not appear to be the same one she met this morning. A thought from the past popped into her mind. It was something her father once told her when she confronted him about never being home because of work. "I'm on a quest my darling. I can't rest until I find the…"

"Immortal butterfly," she whispered just as the couple glided passed her seat. Moisture blurred her vision. She now understood what her father meant when he explained his idea behind his life's work that night. She was too young and stubborn to understand. She stared after the mysterious couple and wondered if her father had ever found his immortal butterfly.

AN: You guys... I realized I'm a couple of days shy of two years of writing this monstrosity. I just want to thank you all for continuing to read, re-read, review, follow, favor, and all that jazz. I appreciate it. On that note, I'd like to thank brennakai for her review. I wasn't planning on it but she put it in my head to have a Karina POV...It wasn't as dramatic as I would like but I hope it was decent.

Now I can spend the next few days hunting for SB manga spoilers! I hope sensei will share with us the Ren/Kanae discussion. I want to know since their last confrontation sort of fell flat.

Until next time, ja ne ^_^