Chapter 160: The Devil's Trap

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Shotaroach would have the opportunity to meet Lory.

Meanwhile in Tokyo

Japan's music industry was in an uproar over the tabloid headlines they woke up to regarding the lead vocalist of Vie Ghoul. The fans were torn. On the one hand, there were loyal fans that abandoned their plans for the day to advocate in front of the National Diet Building and U.S. Embassy for the release of their beloved frontman. While others saw him as a fallen soul that had let fame get to him and needed professional help. While the band's loyal fans were worried sick about the singer, there was one individual in particular thoroughly enjoying the negative press.

Shoko Aki rolled her eyes as she tried to ignore the raucous laughter her charge expelled from the back seat as she drove to his next appointment. She supposed it was better than the depressed mope he had become ever since news of Kyoko and Ren's Hollywood adventures began cropping up here and there in tabloid magazines and entertainment shows. She couldn't help but feel proud of the young lady for her accomplishments. Kyoko had embraced this industry and was charging full steam ahead.

"The CCTV footage shared to all the major news agencies by an anonymous source shows an inebriated Reino-san being apprehended by police officers in the United States of America. Our investigative reporters have discovered that before police arrived, the lead singer was involved in…"

Shoko's eye twitched as his cackling grew louder as the same news anchor repeated the same story. "Sho, must you be so loud! I am trying to drive here. How many times do you plan on watching that anyway?" Shoko exclaimed over his loud laughter.

"I can't help it. That dumbass getting arrested is the greatest thing in my life right now."

"Be careful, Sho. Your lack of empathy may come back to haunt you."

"Tch!" He clucked his tongue.

"Anyway, we're here," she told him as she pulled up to the gate and gave them her information. She was waved through at once.

…

Shoko left him in the waiting area while she went to check-in for his time slot. The other inhabitants recognized him, but no one acknowledged him with more than a head nod.

Tch! So this is my competition.

It irked him that there were no other females in the room. He couldn't understand why guys would prefer to have men as managers when they could have a hot lady like Shoko doing their bidding. He surveyed each guy and immediately dismissed the lot of them. Some weren't too bad looking, but none of them could hold a candle next to The Fuwa Sho, at least not in the looks department. He was confident that his reputation as one of Japan's top artists would make him the panel's number one pick.

While the other guys seemed to be lost in concentration, Sho was at an all-time high with today's good news and was unperturbed by the new adventure he was embarking on. He wasn't one to back down once he made up his mind. After all, he already starred in a CM, and he lost count of the amount of successful PVs he released in this year alone. Prisoner even received an award for the best cinematic music video, which he refused to believe had anything to do with Kyoko's angel performance and everything to do with his song.

Sho's attention turned to the television mounted in the corner of the wall when the male host squealed, making the singer's sensitive ears ring. He was under the impression that no grown male should ever be able to make such a sound and yet this one did. Something told him to put on his headphones, close his eyes, and ignore the show, but he was already ensnared by the still image of Kyoko on the screen. A glance around the room told him that he wasn't the only one entranced.

"As many of you are already aware, Japan's darling, Kyoko-san, is currently in Los Angeles for Fashion Week with the R'Mandy brand. A video has been circulating the fan sites courtesy of our Hollywood prince, Bennett-san. It's old news, I know, but I had to cover it to share my excitement. For those that have yet to watch it, you'll be blown away," the flamboyant host announced.

Pfft! What's with that platform wearing bastard's dopey face? He looks stupid!

Sho's snarky thoughts were silenced once Japan's top actor turned backstage and held his hand out expectantly. A moment later he curled his fingers around a delicate hand. It took Sho's brain a full ten seconds to comprehend that what he was watching was Kyoko walking down the catwalk in some foo-foo butterfly dress, flirting with her boyfriend in front of hundreds of people. That idiot only has love on the brain. The more he watched the more he didn't recognize his childhood friend at all as she walked gracefully down the runway.

"This is not all about Kyoko-san, we have to give Tsuruga-san some credit for showing his tremendous love and support. I love him more for the way he backed off and let her take the spotlight once she got her bearings. These...my fellow viewers are relationship goals. Find yourself a man that looks at you the way that Tsuruga-san looks at Kyoko-san and you'l…"

"Sho," Shoko called softly, shaking him out of his stupor. Sho hummed and turned to his manager.

"Are you up for this?" Shoko's eyebrows furrowed with concern. "It's your turn."

Sho blinked rapidly and peered around the room. The show was long over and a few guys were already missing from the group. What did I miss?

Every time he thought he was about to get a leg up on her, she managed to pull away further. Why was he continuing this anyway? She had long given up on competing with him, so why was he being so persistent. Because Fuwa Sho doesn't like to lose! He wasn't about to let this little setback stop him from achieving this next goal. He'll show her he could step into her turf too without any problem.

Shrugging off Shoko's concern, Sho stood and followed the assistant out of the room. He didn't need her pity. The assistant led him to an auditorium down the main hall. There were three men (if he considered the one off to the side as one) sitting at a table on the stage watching his approach. He nervously climbed the steps, unabashedly staring at the third man wearing the red and black pinstripe suit. He had black horns protruding from the corners of his forehead, a long pointed red tail that draped over one of the arms of his demonic throne and holding a pitchfork while a very large realistic snake slithering around him.

"Fuwa Sho, welcome," one of the normal men seated at the table addressed him.

…

Finally! The moment I've been waiting for.

"Good afternoon, thank you for having me," Sho greeted and bowed deeply.

Oh ho, so the boy has some manners when he's trying to make a good impression.

"I'm Director Shingai Seiji. This is casting director Iwagami Oki and over here is our executive producer, the president of LME, Takarada Lory. Don't mind him, you'll get used to it."

Lory gave him a knowing nod as the singer gulped at the introduction.

"We've reviewed your resume and I have to say it's not as impressive as some of the other candidates we've seen today. PVs and CMs could be good forms of acting, but how are you with reading lines," Seiji queried.

The expression on Sho's face told Lory that the young man wanted to defend himself, but was unsure how far he could take it after glancing in his direction.

"It's true I've never done it on such a large scale. The skincare CM did have some dialogue, which I was able to execute flawlessly. I'm sure being filmed is probably not as difficult as composing and performing in front of a live audience of thousands."

"You may be right, but to go along with those lines you have to back it up with emotion and make the audience believe that you are not Fuwa Sho but the character you are trying to portray. Please read the lines on this paper. Have you ever had your heart broken before Fuwa-kun?" The director asked.

Sho snorted at the question, then cleared his throat and shook his head.

"Well, you're about to and you need to convince your audience that your reaction is genuine. Your audience needs to connect with what you're feeling. In this scene, your long-time girlfriend of two years just broke up with you because she's leaving for Hokkaido to attend university and doesn't want to be burdened with a long-distance relationship. Before your breakup, she never gave you a single indication that she was going to do it. This is completely out of the blue. You're devastated and you need to convey it. Look over the sheet and let us know whenever you're ready."

Lory smirked. He liked the determination in the young man's eyes as he reviewed the mini-script in his hand. After several minutes of mumbling and shuffling around, Sho appeared to be ready.

"I have just one question. Do you expect me to act out the girlfriend's part too?"

Oh? Lory shifted the pitchfork in his hand, intrigued by the question. He caught Seiji's eye and gave him the green light.

"Can you?" Seiji asked.

Sho was taken aback. "Did the other guys have to do it?"

"Well, no," Seiji replied.

"But you aren't like those other guys, are you Fuwa-kun?" Lory interrupted.

"That's right, I'm not," he boasted. "I'll give it a try."

Sho ran through the short script. It was amusing how he changed the pitch of his voice to distinguish between the girlfriend and the boyfriend. Overall, he wasn't bad, but there was one problem.

"Your performance lacked depth. It didn't move me to tears as expected from such an emotional scene," Lory commented.

"I think there's something there," Seiji added.

"I agree," said Oki. "It wasn't exactly what we were going for, but he nailed the coldhearted girlfriend's lines. A little rehearsal might help."

Sho gasped at the casting director's feedback.

Lory sat thoughtfully. The reason he was so good at the part was probably that he had delivered similar lines in real life.

"Tell me Fuwa-kun, why are you pursuing acting? You're already a successful musician."

Sho squirmed under Lory's scrutiny "I wanted to take on a new challenge. I was...um...getting bored. I thought this would be a good alternative."

"Are you sure it's not out of petty revenge against someone?"

"No, sir," he squeaked. "I'm here for the betterment of my career in showbiz."

"Gahhhh!" Sho screamed at the top of his lungs in a high pitch similar to the host he criticized earlier as Natsuko slithered between his feet. "Holy fuck! That thing is real! Get it off, somebody please get it off," he begged.

"Natsuko-chan doesn't take too kindly to liars, Fuwa-kun," Lory warned.

"I'm not lying," he yelled hysterically as the anaconda began slithering around his ankle.

"Takarada-san, what's going on?" Seiji asked alarmed. "Why is Natsuko-chan attacking Fuwa-kun?"

"She's just saying hello," Lory defended. "Come, Nastuko-chan." The snake slithered toward him and up the base of his chair. Ruto appeared out of thin air to retrieve the anaconda and disappeared with her.

"Oh, thank goodness," the singer sighed. "I thought I was a goner."

"I think I have the perfect acting role for a man of many talents like yourself, Fuwa-kun. Can you spare me an hour?"

"You're giving me a chance?"

"That's right. This is your one chance to prove to me that you're serious about acting."

"I have time," he responded smugly.

…

This was not what Sho had signed up for when he decided to skip rehearsals and follow the Devil into the unknown. The eccentric LME president said they needed an entertainer; one with experience in both singing and dancing. Sho couldn't agree more with the man that it was right up his alley. The devil failed to mention that Sho would be filming a kid's afterschool singalong program and that he would be dressed up as a bumblebee. The costume was almost his breaking point. He wanted nothing more than to walk out of that studio, but he was trapped. If he left, he could kiss any chance of ever trying his hand out in acting goodbye. The devil was testing him. Thank God my face is covered in face paint. Hopefully, no one will recognize me. If he gained anything from this job, it was that he had a newfound respect for the talents that worked as mascots.

Back in the City of Angels

"Damn these heels," Kyoko cursed as she chased after Kuon and Tina. She would have stopped to yank them off if they could be removed easily; the lace was practically glued to her legs. With every sharp turn, she prayed to all the deities to keep her from breaking an ankle. She quickened her pace when she heard a hostile voice scream, "Who the hell are you?" Kyoko rounded the last corner before it opened up into the main lobby of the gallery. She had been running so fast that she couldn't stop in time to keep from heading straight into the solid wall of muscle that was her boyfriend's back. She braced herself for the impact of ricocheting off of him and hitting the floor. She immediately found there was none. It took her a moment to realize that Kuon had her wrapped safely in his arms.

"I'll always be there to catch you, princess," he grinned down at her.

"Thanks, Ku…" she began, but he pressed his lips to hers in an urgent kiss. His eyes flicked to the side, warning her about the stranger in their midst. She needed to watch how she addressed him.

"Damian, let me go," Tina yelled, elbowing her captor in the gut. The man doubled over in pain releasing her at once.

Ren righted her back on her heels but held her pressed into his side. Kyoko could feel the tension in his body. Who is this man to Kuon?

"That serves you right! What are you doing here anyway? We're closed!"

"Really? Because the front door was unlocked," Damian deadpanned.

Kyoko pressed a hand to her mouth to keep from giggling at his comment since Tina was distressed by his presence. Who is he to Tina? She looked closely at the man. Damian appeared older than Ren, maybe even older than Tina. He was tall, handsome, and physically fit with short brown hair and kind blue eyes that crinkled at the corners when he flashed a dimpled smile at Tina.

Tina narrowed her eyes at him unamused.

"As you can see, I am quite busy so if you could please leave," she said attempting to push him toward the door. Tina gave up trying when he wouldn't budge.

"I believe Ms. Tina asked you to leave, sir," Ren interjected, taking a step away from Kyoko.

"And you are?" Damian scowled.

"Ren, I'll handle this," Tina told him curtly. Her tone was enough to make Ren move back to Kyoko.

"What do you want Damian?" Tina demanded, folding her arms over her chest.

"I know you told me you needed space, but…" he began. Tina covered his mouth with her hand and dragged him to the other side of the room.

Kyoko exchanged glances with Ren. Whatever this man, Damian, had to say, Tina didn't want them to hear it.

"Go on," Tina prodded.

Unfortunately for Tina, they could still hear everything that was said due to the acoustics of the open space. Too curious about what he had to say, the couple made no move to respect their privacy and get out of hearing distance.

"I was trying to give you space. I was doing well staying away. I even convinced myself that one day you'll realize that maybe...I don't know... I heard a patron mention your exhibit and I took it as a sign. You told me not to come so I respected your wishes."

"You still came," Tina retorted.

Kyoko felt her heart clench at Tina's cool reply. She felt bad for the man but could understand Tina's feelings.

Damian nodded patiently.

"It was a long shot, but I texted you last week. That band you like is playing tonight if you're interested," he replied, changing the subject.

"You do know you're trying to lure a recovering addict into a forbidden establishment."

"Shirley temples are on the house," he teased with that dimpled smile.

"I have friends visiting from Japan."

"Do Japanese not like music?"

"They're underage. You could have your license revoked."

Damian turned in their direction making Kyoko and Ren act swiftly with little coordination. They both turned to look at the nearest piece of art to appear as if they weren't just eavesdropping. It ended up being the portrait of Kuon and Rick.

Behind her, Damian chuckled wryly. "That never stopped you in the past," Damian murmured, but she still heard him.

Kyoko peeked over her shoulder and found Damian still facing in their direction. His gaze was trained beyond them looking at the large portrait of the brothers. Is he going to recognize Kuon? Kyoko cast a worried glance at her boyfriend, wondering what he was thinking. The firm hold he had on her told her that this man bothered him. Did he use to bully Kuon? The quicker Tina got rid of him the better; otherwise, her grudges would.

"You know I can't go back in there," she heard Tina whisper solemnly.

Ren's arm tightened around her again. If he squeezed her anymore she wouldn't be able to breathe. Wherever there was also affected him.

"But you did," Damian told her.

"Once."

"It still counts."

"You promised you wouldn't push me."

"It's been nearly seven years," Damian prodded.

"Get out," Tina told him icily.

"You can't keep…" Damian began to protest.

"I said get out!" Tina ordered, louder, making Kyoko flinch.

Damian held up his hands in surrender and backed off. Kyoko gaped as he did the opposite of what Tina demanded and walked over to them instead.

"Hi, I'm DamianBird. Yes, like the flying animal. Welcome to Los Angeles," he greeted Kyoko and Ren warmly, holding out his hand to shake. Those dimples were a weapon that even Ren let down his guard.

Kyoko followed Ren's lead and bowed, ignoring Damian's outstretched hand. The man retracted his hand and bowed.

"I'm Ren Tsuruga and this is," Ren paused inclining toward her.

"Kyoko Morimoto."

"Nice to meet you bo..." Damian's eyes suddenly widened. Did he recognize Kuon?

"Kyoko?...Japanese...Kyoko!" He repeated. "THE Kyoko? The singer?" He exclaimed.

Her face bloomed red and she ducked her head at the recognition.

"This is amazing! Do you know how many times I've heard your song covered in my bar?"

How could he just have a casual conversation with her after what happened with Tina? Kyoko tilted her head, confused. Damian must have misunderstood the reason for her expression because he began to explain.

"You see, we have live music at my place. Your song Dreams is popular right now that many bands have been covering it. If you come over tonight I'm confident that the band playing would have a rendition of it."

"Really? American bands do that?" Kyoko asked excitedly, finding herself getting roped into the friendly conversation. If she thought about it, Sho did the same thing with a few English songs.

Damian laughed. "If it's a good song, bands around the world do it...not just in the States."

"Wow!" As wonderful as it would have been to hear an American band, she reminded herself that both Kuon and Tina were uncomfortable with this person.

"If you're curious," Damian said, pulling out a card from the inside of his leather jacket and handing it to her. "Drop by sometime. It would be an honor to have you in my establishment."

Kyoko took the card politely and gave him a small bow.

"I should get going," he said gazing over at a scowling Tina. "I hope you both enjoy Los Angeles. She has her flaws, but she's a beautiful city," Damian added with a warm smile.

He stopped at the door to gaze one last time at Tina. "Congratulations on tonight. Take care, Tina."

When Tina said nothing, Damian pushed open the door and left.

There were a few moments of awkward silence afterward while Tina and Kuon stared at the door lost in thought. Kyoko, being the outsider here, didn't know what to say to ease the tension.

She flipped the card in her hand over and read the inscription. Bird D. The Original Bar. It sounded like birdie. The name made her smile. Was this a place that Kuon frequented when he lived here? She felt bad for making Damian waste his business card on her. It probably would have been better if she didn't take it at all. Now she wasn't sure what to do with it. Throwing it away didn't feel right and neither did keeping it. She would decide what to do with it later, for now, she needed to salvage the night.

"Is anyone else hungry," she asked, taking a cue from Kuu's book. "We still have a few hours before reporting for work. Unless we're interrupting you, Tina."

Tina smiled gratefully. "I know a place that makes a mean potato hash."

"Why mean? Is it spicy?"

Tina and Kuon burst out in laughter. Just like that, the uncomfortable atmosphere was gone and Kyoko had no clue what was so funny.

AN: Hiya everyone, thank you for sticking with me! Although short, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Sho's scene came out of nowhere! That punk keeps invading my space even though I'm done with him, but I had to bwahaha. More to come on Damian from Tina and Kuon's POVs in the next chapter. He was always in my head to come out at this point just added the Tina interest a little earlier than expected thanks to Sensei.

I'm planning on taking a break next week because life will be busy with the holidays. I am working on some fanfic fanart that I hope to have done soon and share with you. I have some on my deviant art account (under this name) if you guys are interested but it's not up to date. Maybe I'll do that during my break.

Thank you for always reading and for the reviews of the last chapter. I HEART you all!

Shout out to BrennaKai for inspiring the Ren catch!

Happy Holidays!

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^