Chapter 6

It actually took about three weeks before they could go on the date. With both of their schedules being take up with Ren's movie as Cain Heel and his appearances. Kyoko had Setsu character along with Box-R and Bo, so finding a day where they were both able to do this was interesting to say the least. They were able to schedule the date Tuesday on the third week since the show.

Kyoko looked up everything she could on Paintball. She was even able to borrow camo clothes from the agency. She was wearing light grey camo pants with a matching long sleeve shirt. Since it was cold she wore another tighter long sleeve shirt underneath the baggy camo shirt, her old white running sneakers finished off the outfit.

There was a knock at her bedroom door, "Kyoko-chan, Tsuruga-san is here." It was 9am and they would have to drive about an hour to get there. She ate a light breakfast as to not weigh her down for the day. She stepped down stairs and into the restaurant to find Ren waiting patiently at the door. He was wearing almost the exact same thing she was.

"We match!" She walked up to him cheerily. The only thing different was a light grey bandana wrapped around his head. He smiled down at her looking adorable. Of course they matched, he made sure of it buying and leaving her outfit at LME. The last touch was in his pant pocket.

He nodded, "I have something for you, too." He pulled the matching mesh headband out of his pocket for her.

She took it and it was the same color as the rest of the clothes and she found it covered the top of your head with a mesh cloth and tied in the back. She fiddled with it for a moment trying to figure how to put it on.

"Allow me," She handed the headband back to him and she turned around. She blushed lightly as she felt his hands at her hair. He ran his fingers from her forehead back, combing her hair away from her face. If she could purr she would have been as his hands worked her hair back. After what she felt was way too soon he placed the front of the headband on her forehead and tied it at the back of her head. His strong fingers left her and that was her cue to turn around. She looked up at him and was blinded by his smile, his real smile.

"Just a little…" She paused as his hands came towards her face. Her breath was stilled as his fingers curved around her ears, forcing back loose strands of hair behind them, "There. Now we are team."

"Kyoko-chan!" She turned around at Okami-san voice. She held a camera and acted very much like the mothers she seen capturing every moment of their child's life on film. Kyoko smiled and stood in front of Ren. She flushed a little as his hand laid on her shoulder, his thumb actually touching her skin where the shirt didn't cover. They both smiled for the camera as Okami-san took a few pictures. They took off, settling in for the hour ride. Kyoko broke the silence.

"Have you ever done this before, Tsuruga-san?"

"I did once or twice when I was younger. I haven't since I started acting though. Are you worried?" Ren glanced over to her.

"Yes and no. I don't want to hold you down. Is it true that the little balls hurt?"

Ren nodded laughing, "Yeah, I remember I was covered in bruises the first time I played but I didn't really notice till after everything was over." His eyes were sparkling at the memory and Kyoko wanted to ask more about his past, "It really depends on the situation, where they shot you and what type of gun shot it. If I remember correctly, I was shot at pretty close range and it didn't hurt but one that was farther away left a mark." Now Kyoko looked worried.

"Don't worry it's like someone pinched you." She looked confused so he smiled and quickly pinched her thigh. She screeched at the sudden pain and was blushing beat red as he laughed.

"That was mean, Tsuruga-san!" She had a look of determination and she pinched his bicep hard.

"Hey! I'm driving." He rubbed the spot she pinched pouting lightly.

Kyoko looked satisfied, "It serves you right, surprising me like that."

Ren glanced at her expression who already forgot about the pain, "But you already forgot about the pain, didn't you. It's like that in the field. The adrenaline is up and you forget about the small pain fast."

Kyoko thought about it for a moment and turned a dazzling smile to him. How that smile tore him up inside. He wanted to pull over and take her in his arms, kiss her and give her the world, but he kept driving instead.

They spoke about what they were going to do. They were to rent the equipment at Deep Cover and see what options they had to play with. He asked about her current projects and she happily chatted about her characters and certain scenes she found annoying or amusing. He was happy just to hear her talk about her time away from him. She was so enthusiastic when talking he didn't care what she spoke about, even when she was scolding him for not eating.

They arrived sooner than expected; Ren was driving a little fast since he was distracted with his little angel beside him. They entered the main building which was empty except for the single man behind the counter. She was shocked at the equipment available and their prices. Luckily everything was being paid for by the show so she didn't have to feel uncomfortable with Ren paying for it as he always ended up doing. What she didn't know is that he would be more than happy to buy anything if it meant spending time with her like this.

There were several options for them. They could join a group with another team to do 5vs5 on the fields outside or they can do the indoor one with 1vs1 or 2vs2. Ren didn't want to fight against her nor did he want to share her with anyone else if he didn't have to.

"We'll take the 2vs2 if it's possible."

The guy behind the counter nodded. He was stealing glances at Kyoko as she was bending over looking at the guns in a glass case. The baggy camo pants were loose but it could only be taken so far, you could see the curve of her ass and notice the muscle she used as she squatted down to take a closer look. Ren took a step in front of the man blocking his view.

The guy coughed lightly at being caught, "The team is out right now on a 5vs5. It will be about 20 minutes before they are ready to play ya. They were eager for a 2vs2 as well. You can take that time to suit up."

Kyoko and Ren rented everything and since it was all paid for, they picked the best equipment they had. Kyoko ended up with a small gun with the nitrogen air tank sitting at her hip. Both their guns were electric, had a longer barrel for higher accuracy and an automatic feeder for faster shots. His gun however had the nitrogen air tank directly attached to it since he could carry the extra weight without issue. They both had an extra round of paintballs for their hoppers. The last thing on their belt was cleaning supplies should paint impede their vision.

They were both fixed up with black masks and gloves. They were shown how the guns work and the rules of the match. "You picked a deathmatch so that means the team left standing is the winner. A clean shot anywhere on your person is considered a hit and therefore you are "dead"." He eyed the very tall target of Tsuruga Ren and pressed his lips. He'd bet money that he would be the first to go most of the time. "There is one judge for this one. If you like you can practice just inside the door till your team comes in."

It wasn't long before they were called to play. They entered the area and were given green paint balls and neon green vests. The opposite team was wearing neon orange. They stepped inside the main building and it was very dark. The obstacles were all covered in multicolor glow in the dark paint. They looked at each other and the light grey was slightly brightened but it paled in comparison to the green vests. The other team looked just as bright in their neon orange.

"Isn't the point of the game so you blend in with the surroundings?" Kyoko whispered to her partner.

"With this one, it would take forever if you can't see your target so they make you bright. Don't worry, it will still prove difficult."

A man with a large white shield stood in front of them. That was their judge. There was no mistaking him and if you did, he had protection from your assault. "You know the rules of the game. Dead Man Walking* is not allowed. If you are out, hold your gun up and yell "OUT" and get out of the field. Feel free to call out a Paint Check when you like. When you hear my whistle you may start. If you hear it again, stop. If there is a cross fire with both getting hit, both are out. Never take off your PPE until you are outside of this room. Are we understood?"

Everyone nodded. Kyoko was nervous. She was looking around the area; it was two stories with a lot of cover and places to hide and climb. She glanced up at Ren and he was the picture of perfect calm. The other team where moving around eager to start. Both were men and it seemed like they had all their own equipment stating they come often.

"Alright into the field, when you hear my whistle that is the start of the battle. No excuses if you are out within the first three seconds." Ren and Kyoko took off as did the other team. The place was huge even if it was just one story but this was two. Remembering Yashiro's tactics, Ren wanted to go up.

"Climb up here." There was a rope wall climbing up to the second level. With their guns at their backs, he climbed up it faster since he had longer limbs but she was strong and was right beside him crawling over the ledge. The whistle blew and they had to roll away from the ledge as paint came towards them. Kyoko's heart was pounding as she crawled to the low wall to the right. She looked down onto the field and saw one of the players.

"10 o'clock" She whispered as loud as possible remembering how she would play the shooter games with Moko-san. More shots were fired at her as she peeked over the side and they hit the wall she was hiding behind. There was orange paint splatter on her gun and she couldn't help but laugh nervously. She crawled to the other end of the wall, stood up and fired at the direction of the player, missing completely. However, he ran from his spot and Ren shot him once he left.

"OUT" was yelled out from that area and they watched the player leave with a bright green splat mark on his shoulder. They looked around for the other player but they couldn't see him. She understood now how the bright colors helped. It was so dark even with all the glow paint on the walls. It would be impossible to see anyone in this if they weren't wearing the vests.

"Let's move." Ren spoke next to her and she nodded. They were moving north on the second story ledge running across the open areas as fast as they could. As they reached the corner they were forced to jump down a few yards. Kyoko was first, jumping down easily as he covered her. As soon as he appeared to jump a shot sounded and hit his gut over his stomach.

"Damn. OUT" Ren yelled and held his gun up. He couldn't say anything to her, once he was dead they went silent, another rule. He made his way out as fast as he could jumping and weaving over obstacles. He reached the outside room where the other player was waiting and took off his mask. His eyes widened as he noticed who stepped out of the field.

"NO WAY, MAN! You're Tsuruga Ren! I was killed by Tsuruga Ren! DUDE! My girlfriend loves you. Can I get your autograph?" Ren smiled his gentlemen's smile at the man.

"Sure, What's her name?" He grabbed a pen and paper with the place's logo on it.

"Fujioka Ayame," Ren wrote a note to her and handed it to him. The guy took the paper nodding in excitement. "This is great; she is going to love me. Hey, uh, could I get a picture too for proof, please?"

Ren nodded and posed with the man. The front desk attended took the man's phone and quickly snapped a phone of them together. Not long after, the man's team mate came out with green paint on his chest. Ren turned to find Kyoko following closely behind with the judge. As soon as they reached the area, she took off her mask. Her face was sweating but she had a huge grin on her face. She half ran over to Ren breathing hard.

"That was sooo much fun! After you left, I stayed low and kept to the little areas. He gave away his position when he shot you so I circled around as he crept forward to where we landed. When he noticed I wasn't there, he turned and I shot him! We won!" She was squirming around as the adrenaline ran through her body. He wanted to hug her in congratulations but refrained.

"Can we play again?!" she asked.

"Well, that is up to the other team." Ren replied and looked over to the team as they were looking at the picture the man took, "You guys game for another round?" Ren spoke up.

The first guy nodded, "Hell yeah. We aren't going easy on ya, just because you are Tsuruga Ren, though."

"Good. I'd hate it if you did." Ren and Kyoko slipped their masks back on. Since it was a Tuesday it was slow and they were the only ones wanting the indoor park.

The second round didn't go as well. The stuck close to the ground and Kyoko was the first to take one of them out but was the first to die as well. Ren saw the other player move to his right and shot out but caught the wall. "PAINT CHECK" was yelled out and he heard the whistle blow. A paint check was used to determine whether or not it was considered a hit. Apparently Ren hit so close to his target, the great deal of paint landed on the man but he didn't feel it so he wanted to make sure. The referee came out with his bright shield and declared it negative.

They were ordered to scatter from their spot and a minute later, the whistle blew again. Apparently Ren picked a bad spot because he was shot in the leg as soon as they began. "OUT" and the game was over.

As he left the area, he found Kyoko talking to the opponent. He felt a small pang of jealousy but tried to swallow it. He approached Kyoko and it fell away once she looked up at him with eagerly. "Did you get him?"

Ren looked at her sad, "I didn't, sorry." He tilled his leg towards her showing the orange splat mark and she just gave him a comforting smile. Ren didn't care the moment her hands took his forearm. "Aww, it's ok Tsuruga-san, next time!"

Kyoko continued, "They already agreed they would play again. Is that ok?" She looked up at him hopefully.

"We can play all day if you like, I don't mind, we have the day together, remember?" Ren answered and was blessed with a delighted cheer.

The third round lasted a great deal longer. Ren and Kyoko agreed to split up, he took the high ground with the larger covers and she took low. They covered more ground that way and found their first target easily. The guy saw Kyoko and ran towards Ren. Kyoko fired several shots but all missed their target. She drove him to the corner Ren was at and he jumped down and shot him.

"OUT." Getting into the game, Kyoko let out a little victory yell and held her hand for a high-five which Ren returned quickly. He was ecstatic at how well they were playing together but didn't get to live in the glow as he saw an orange streak from the corner of his eye.

"Kyoko, Down!" He pulled her down and they crashed on the floor as the paint balls hit the wall where they were standing. The air was knocked out of him as she landed on top of him.

Kyoko yelped as she was pulled down, she closed her eyes for the impact but all she could feel was a warm solid body beneath her. Her hands moved across his chest gliding over his body. Even through all his clothes and her gloves she could fell the definition of his chest under her hand. She blushed as she realized that he had called her by her first name. She heard him grunt in pain when she moved.

"Are you hurt, Tsuruga-san?" She was worried and didn't make her voice as quiet as she should.

He whispered, "No, but your gun is digging into my rib." She didn't realize she was still clinging on to it. She laughed while moved the gun away from him.

"Sorry, Tsu…" Suddenly he wrapped his arm around her waist and rolled her over against the wall. She heard his gun fire and then the other man yelling, "OUT" followed by the end whistle. She was pinned against the wall and his body and she found that she didn't really mind. His scent was filling her lungs being so close to him, having him all around her. Just like her, he was sweating and it just made him more intoxicating.

She felt him move away. Opening her eyes, she looked up at him. He was crouching down with a hand held out to her. "Mogami-san? The game is over. We won." His words were muffled by the mask and she couldn't see his face very well but she could tell he was smiling at her. She tried to clear her head from her Ren exposure and took his hand. He helped her up and didn't let go over hand till they left the field.

'It was just to help her out.' Ren told himself. He wanted to stay in that spot for the rest of his life if he could. She didn't fight or roll off of him when she laid on top of him which excited him to no end. Any longer in that position and she would have felt his "gun" digging into her.

Once they left the area, they noticed a few people in the lobby. The attendant walked over to them handing them bottled water as they took off their masks. Gasps and sighs were sounded as Ren's face came into view.

"Hey you've got some more opponents wanting to play you two. You game?" Ren sighed. No doubt that picture was sent out. He figured this day was too good to be true. Looking down at Kyoko, it seemed like the day just got better in her eyes.

"Yeah! I'm game. You ok with that, Tsuruga-san?" Ren couldn't help but agree but he pulled the attendant aside.

"I don't mind but I came here to play with her." The attendant nodded.

"No problem, sir. If any come in today to stand and ogle, we will kick them out. Players only." Ren thanked him and put his mask back on.

The day was LOOONNGG to say the least. More people were showing up every time they exited the field and the games were getting shorter as the more inexperienced players started to play just for a chance at playing with Tsuruga Ren. Soon they didn't bother to leave the field as they just waited for the next group to come in.

It was 4pm by the time Kyoko was so tired and hungry she had the courage to speak, "Tsuruga-san, I'm exhausted. I'm ready to go when you are." Every muscle in her body was screaming to stop and she was past the point of feeling hunger. Ren was actually ready to eat himself.

"I agree. I'll tell the owner, we are leaving." Yup, the owner was here. The attended was panicking over the number of people showing up to play that he called him in for assistance. He made sense of the large about of people coming in to play; he had several of his employees take care of them as they played rounds and rounds of paintball with their fans. Yes, their fans, one person recognized Kyoko as being Natsu from Box-R and took a picture of her as well. More fans of hers appeared as well and the line was just huge. The owner was tickled pink at today's profits and was wondering if they would come in every month.

Ren had to politely decline. They were going to have to try and reserve the place in private if they ever wanted to play again. He spoke to the owner and nodded. They were waiting in his private office, as the crowd dispersed.

Kyoko held a small mirror in her left hand and a wet towel with the right. She was scrubbing the paint off her neck and jaw. She had pulled off the headband and the clothes would have to wait till they got into the washer but they could at least clean up a little off their skin. She ran the cloth across the back of her neck blindly trying to take off the paint. She seemed satisfied and held out the mirror to Ren who was sitting on the desk facing her.

"You missed a lot." She looked confused and brought the mirror back to herself.

"Where?" She twisted her neck around trying to find more paint.

"Here," He took the cloth from her hands and rewet it with the water bottle over the trash can. He gently rubbed a spot right below her right ear where her jaw dipped back, then moved the cloth up around her ear lobe.

"Turn around," He whispered softly. She did so and closed her eyes as he gently wiped off the paint around her hair line behind her ear. His fingers were in her hair for the second time that day, moving it aside to clean her up. She felt the water run down her skin under her shirt as he worked his way achingly slow across the back of her neck. She let out a shaky breath as he dipped down into her shirt, his knuckles grazing her skin as he finished up.

"All done." He said as he pulled away and took the mirror.

She turned and he had a small smile on his lips. She bit her lip slightly watching him use the same towel to wipe up his face. She blushed slightly and convinced herself to ask, "May I help you?"

She didn't see him grow still from shock but heard him speak, "Please," and held out the towel to her. She repeated his steps but had to climb onto the wooden desk to reach him. She was on her knees with his broad back to her. She untied his headband and slipped it off. His dark hair was weighed down from today's activities so it didn't fall like it usually did. She gave in and ran her hands into his hair a little. It was damp from sweat and water he poured over himself. She took a deep breath and was filled with his scent. She licked her lips and pressed the towel to his skin.

She was much gentler to him than she was to herself. She wiped the rough cloth gently across his skin, rubbing away the tiny specks of paint. She placed her hand on his shoulder to keep her self steady as she moved along his skin.

She felt this was taking too long and laid the cloth flat across her hand, since her hand was so small she could cover more area than working each spot. She pressed her hand on the side of his neck and swiped the cloth down, her fingertips sliding under the collar of his shirt. She heard a sound come from him and she stopped for a moment but continued when he didn't say anything. She moved the cloth to the back of neck slightly under his shirt just as he did for her and his head fell forward.

There was a small flake of paint left on his skin and she ran her thumb across it, removing it. Again another sound was made but she ignored it. She moved in closer, leaning against him and moved the towel forward on his shoulder. She was so close to the edge of the desk that she fell fully against him. He pulled his right arm back and she caught herself with it. His hand landed low her thigh and he twisted to look back at her. His face was very close to hers and she saw the one face she could never handle.

Her eyes went wide and she licked her lips. She saw his eyes moved down to her lips at the movement, but before either had time to speak the door opened and they were told it was safe to leave. Kyoko watched him close his eyes and take a deep breath.

"Are you ok, Mogami-san?" She nodded but couldn't speak. He helped her get off the desk and followed her out. Before leaving Ren turned to the attendant, "Is there anyplace where can eat around here?"

The attendant seemed to think about it, "There's a good okonomiyaki shop not too far from here."

Ren turned to Kyoko still flustered and asked, "That good?" The thought of food made her forget her bewilderment and she nodded vigorously. They got directions and headed to the place. It wasn't very populated so that was good. He took out his sunglasses and cap and they went inside. They took a table towards the back and the ingredients were given to them.

"What are you going to put in yours?" Kyoko took a bowl and added in the batter then started grabbing ingredients.

"Actually I was hoping I could eat what ever you cooked. I've never been too good at these things."

Kyoko paused after dumping shrimp into her mix, "Oh! Is there anything you don't like?"

"No, I'm fine with everything here. Please put in anything you like." She smiled and put in a lot more veggies.

She mixed it all up in her little bowl and poured it out on the oiled cook top. The smell of the food made even his mouth water.

"Oh, I'm so hungry. But it was a lot of fun!" She exclaimed drooling over the sizzling food.

The food smelled delicious but his eyes were on Kyoko, "That was great. We should go out more often." She looked up at him and blushed. She took the two spatulas and flipped the pancake as she rolled his words around in her mind. 'He wanted to go out again?' She enjoyed spending time with him but surely he didn't mean as a couple. He must just need a friend to go out and do fun things with like today.

She smiled up at him and nodded, "I'd be happy to." Ren was shocked that she agreed so easily. Did she understand what he said? Probably not. 'Lets test the waters.'

"Perhaps we can go out on that yacht next time." That was the most romantic option they had and he wished they had picked that one for them; however, he was sure this one was the safest choice for them. It proved correct.

Kyoko was adding the final toppings on the okonomiyaki, the sauce, smoked benito, aonori and dried seaweed on top. She cut it up and served the first piece to Ren. "That place was very lovely, but that would be more for the girl you like, Tsuruga-san."

He snorted, 'of course' well at least she agreed to see him personally even as just friends. He took his first bite and it was heavenly. He watched Kyoko devour the food. She didn't eat since this morning so she was ravenous. She made another with pure veggies then another with pork instead of seafood. He ate half of the first two but only one slice of the last and that was beyond his limit. She didn't seem to mind when he stopped eating since she seemed content once she finished the third.

He paid for the meal and they headed home. It was growing dark and she fell asleep by the time he arrived at Daruma-ya. He parked, turned towards her and unbuckled her seat belt. She was curled towards him, her sweet face peacefully sleeping.

"Mogami-san." He spoke softly.

"Hmm…" She moaned and he smiled.

"Kyoko, you're home."

"Mmhmm." She agreed but refused to wake up. His fingers caressed her cheek slightly causing her to shift in her seat but still stayed blissfully asleep.

He slipped out the car and walked around to her side. She still didn't wake up even after opening the passenger side door. He slipped his arms under her and picked her up. She moved to curl against his chest as he stood up. He didn't remember her being such a heavy sleeper. He walked up to the side door with her in his arms. He kicked the door lightly while staring at her face. The side door lead into the kitchen, where he hoped someone was there to hear. It wasn't long that Taisho came and opened the door. His stern face never changing ushering them inside.

He looked at the sleeping girl in his arms and motioned to the stairs, "Second door on the right." Ren nodded and made his way to the stairs. He passed by Okami-san and bowed slightly. She just smiled at him as he slipped off his shoes and carried Kyoko upstairs. She turned to her husband and smiled. They both saw the way he cared for their "daughter" and had no problems with him.

Ren carefully walked upstairs and opened her door. This was his first time in her room. It was very clean and didn't have much in it. He frowned lightly at the much larger poster of Fuwa than his; however he noticed all the markings and darts all over it, while his was almost pristine. He smirked and lowered himself slowly to the ground trying not to wake her up. He put her on his thigh to free one arm and pulled back the sheets. He lifted her small frame and set her on her futon. He moved down and slipped off her shoes and socks. She curled onto her side as he pulled the thin sheet over her.

He stayed crouched over her and sighed watching her body move as she breathed softly. As he stood, he could feel his muscles argue with him. He was going to need a hot bath to get soothe his aches away.

"Ren," he stopped with his hand at the door and turned to look down at her. She had turned onto her back, her head slightly turned towards him. She wasn't awake but he heard his name. Her voice was so soft he thought maybe he imagined it.

"Mogami-san?" He stepped away from the door and kneeled beside her to make sure he was right. A minute passed and there was nothing. He twisted to move away and there it was again.

"Ren… stay." 'Did she know I was here?' He shook his head, impossible but… but she was dreaming of him. He turned fully towards her again.

"I wish I could." He spoke softly as he bent over her. He pressed his lips onto hers with the barest of touches. He pulled back slightly, his face still a breath away from hers and pressed his lips together in regret, "I shouldn't have done that." he whispered to himself.

He watched her lick her lips, seeing her little pink tongue lick her lips from his kiss was just too much. He closed that distance again and kissed her, her lower lip between his for fuller contact. She responded to him this time and he pulled back quickly in shock. He stared at her for a moment, but she was still asleep.

He shook his head at his vivid imagination, "Good night, Kyoko." He stood up, turned and left without looking back should he be tempted again.

Kyoko open her eyes as soon as the door closed behind him and blushed, "Good night, Tsuruga-san."

*****

A/N: I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading.

*Dead Man Walking = This is when a player who has not been hit walks beside someone who has been hit to change their position on the field to get closer to the enemy. It is sneaky since it's a moving obstacle for them to move freely without much threat of getting hit. Some players don't like it and I figured this course wouldn't like it. Granted I'd like to see Ren try and use Kyoko like that... pfft.