Here is the part two of the story for One-corny-stone for skip beat secret santa event.

I had planned a part 3 or more like an continuation for this story which would have took place at Christmas'eve but didn't have the time to finish it. But well if you really want to have it i will write it. So just tell me.

Have fun.

PS: I do not own skip beat or any of the characters in it.

When Ren finally had everything he needed. He didn't lose any time and injected her directly the antibiotics syringes. One in the shoulder and one in the thigh.

But he didn't like what he saw. She was even paler than before and more worrying she didn't even cringe a little when he injected the drugs.

He shook her until she wake up again a little more and said:

-Kyoko, I'm going to take care of your shoulder properly this time, you hear me.

She vaguely nodded.

-I'm going to do the stitches, okay?

This time, she blinked one or two time and nodded vigorously.

-Kyoko, I'm going to inject you an anaesthetic but it still gonna hurt. It's going to hurt a lot even.

-Ok-kay.

He rapidly injected the anaesthetic and wait a few minutes then after a trembling breath in front of what he was about to do, pinched the edges of the wound, approached the pin and begun.

She needed six to seven stitches. If done well the scar would be shorter and less visible. Focus on the task and only that.

Kyoko hold his arm so tightly she was sure Ren would have a blue and she clenched her jaw.

The pain was horrendous. She wanted to scream and make it stop right away but even though she holds on still.

-Ahhh…

-Two more. Handle it a bit more. Soon it will be finish.

However, soon tears of pure hurt poured out from her eyes flowing down endlessly again and again while Ren was continuing to stitch her skin with hands shaking even more at each instant passing by.

And then when she was beginning to think she couldn't take it anymore it stopped.

-It's finished he whispered.

-Really? She asked trembling and crying from the pain at the same time.

-Yes.

He took her in his arms again and holds her tightly against him whispering:

- It's over. It's over.

She nearly faint from the relief and the loss of the adrenaline and only managed to stay awake by hanging on to Ren.

A little bit later Ren said that what she needed now was to regain some force after all that struggle and the blood loss.

So he gave her water to drink to take pain-killers and anti-inflammatories, chocolate and some other very sugary food to quickly regain energy and sugar in her blood.

Some clean and new clothes for a new Momiji's costume and a warmer change for later and even a cover as her fever will keep her cold for a while.

At the end, after Ren had made everything he could in order for her to regain some force and for her condition to not become worse she was finally authorized at least to rest and she unconsciously leaned on the shoulder of Ren. She had to drifted to sleep unknowingly because she only woke some moment later when Ren shook her and told her it would soon be time to go at the audition and questioned if she still wanted to try it.

She soundly glared at him. Or try to for two seconds as he surrendered with his hands up right away after having seen her face.

-Okay, I won't insist anymore said Ren, giving in. But promise to not go ahead of your strength, please. Honestly I don't even know how you're finding in you to even think about move at this very moment and how would be able to perform in this state but I won't try to discourage you more.

-I will be okay, it's already much less worse Kyoko bravely answered and noted it was rather right, she was really feeling a bit better and had started to regain a little of force in her members and some colours on her face even if she was still very feeble.

Ren frowned; not the least convinced but knew trying to dissuade her was a waste of time. All he could do was helping her in every ways possible and let her leaned on him as more as she would needed it.

Even if he had to force her to accept his help in order for her to do that.

-Fine. Then first you have to change the top of your dressing as it's completely ripped apart. You already have the new bottom from earlier and luckily the bandages actually serve your costume purpose and even increase the sophistication of it. So, there is only the top left Ren informed her.

-Okay.

-Do you think you can do it by yourself? He questioned full of concern and still very much stressed out to having to let her be this reckless and move in her predicament.

-I think so she supposed and rapidly try her thought before fortunately for her self-conservation and heart being able to change successfully.

-See she purposely voiced. I'm not so bad.

Ren rolled his eyes silently.

This girl. This girl and her hardhead.

Her iron will was truly impressive he accorded once again. In a frightening way yes, but still quite amazing.

Not so bad wasn't even close to come near in the barest way to what he thought of her. More like far of it.

Putting aside her appearance in this tenue which was by the way absolutely stunning and was making her look like a badass gorgeous adult-like ninja pixie. She had planned to hide and heal her wounds all by herself to be able to still participate to the audition. She has fever. An ankle, a wrist and a knee twisted. Lost a lot of blood. Cuts everywhere. A very severe wound at her left shoulder and a swollen one at her thigh.

And she still wanted to do it. On one hand for her. And on the other for someone else's sake.

And here, she was standing, just genuinely happy to will indeed be able to do it. And she thought she was not so bad. It was the understatement of the century he silently sighed and smiled mesmerized once again by her.

However, he would only have white hair left if he had to endure anymore-not even caring for herself and completely imprudent-behaviour from her.

He swears one day she would be the dead of him.

-If you say so he muttered in his beard.

But He didn't have the time to think through what and how they should proceed for the next step that Kyoko was trying to stand up on her own on her wavering legs.

Oh no. Not even in front of my dead body.

-I won't let you have it this way, you can't walk he nearly growled feeling his worry already rising up while he imagined the worst scenarios happening and coming to holding her hard against him as much to support her as reassure him.

She frowned focusing on the present issue rather than the proximity of their bodies.

-What do you mean Tsuruga-san? Of course I have to walk if I want to attempt the audition room she countered.

-Oh really. But could you tell me with absolute certitude that you will have enough strength to walk until there and performing during the audition? He pointed moving his hand and indicating her state.

-…

He arched his brows when she didn't reply.

-Then it's settled.

-But-she tried again. She didn't understand where he was going.

He ignored her. Then declared:

-You won't make a step by yourself until you're face to the jury.

-But how-?

-Easy thing Ren replied with a kind smile and a strange twinkle in the eye.

-How so? She asked perplexed and a bit anxious.

-Well, the faster and easier way is me helping you directly so…

-Yes? She insisted.

-I'm going to carry you there.

-What?! How? Kyoko shrieked panicking a little and feeling the trap slowly closing on her.

-Well, of course by holding you in my arms Ren answered with tender eyes and a marvellous sly grin.

No way.

No way.

…NO WAY…!

She showed a blank face for a moment then she burst out with a bit more of her usual energy:

-I couldn't impose on you like that Tsuruga-san. There is no need for you to do that and burden yourself like that. I'm sure we can do it another way. And if someone sees us there is a risk it started a rumour. Well maybe not as it's me but still it's-

-Mogami-san…

-…absolutely unimaginable that-

-Kyoko…

-And-

-Kyoko! Ren finally shouted which stopped Kyoko right in her track and she looked at him.

Ren inspired to calm himself.

-First it's me who offered it right? And I wouldn't have do it if I didn't wanted to help.

She barely nodded.

-Second, I already said I will stay with you today, didn't I ?

She nodded again with a light blush.

-And third does it bother you so much that I want to help you?

-No that's not that but-

-Then he interrupted her, won't you let me help you? He questioned showing for the first time today and at it full puissance his poor dog's puppy eyes.

NO!

…He showed that dangerous tricky card again…

..That's unfair …

…Not the puppy eyes…!

…Tsuruga-san!

But at the end she surrendered.

-Ok-kay…If that really doesn't bother you she signed while admitting defeat.

-Thank you Kyoko-chan. Thank you for letting me take care of you.

-It's the other way around she muttered to herself.

-Hum..? And he still heard it of course.

-I should be the one to thank you she repeated louder with a slight blush.

Cute.

He chuckled a little then kissed her. Again. On her forehead.

It was the third time.

What happened?! For god's sake, which devil kisser took possession of Ren?!

She blushed furiously and finally cried out: Tsuruga-san!

But Ren didn't even bother explaining himself. He unconsciously knew he had less control on himself than the usual but wasn't able to mind for the moment. Maybe it was because he had so much had feared for her than he wasn't able to restrain as much as before. Or maybe it was because he had fewer chains on him than in the past. But in any case, he couldn't prevent himself to want to touch her, to check she really was alive, to want to protect her, to feel her and to hold her against his heart.

So instead of struggling to explain something he wasn't able to he came back on the previous subject.

-Actually I do. I'm really thankful and glad you're letting me help you. And I hope I'm not wrong to considerate it as a mark of trust he confided to her.

Kyoko blushed even more but managed to whisper:

-Of course I trust you Tsuruga-san.

As an answer, she was once again blinded by a very gentle happy golden smile coming from her sempai.

-I'm glad to hear that he sweetly murmured. But now I think it's really time to go if you don't want to be late.

-Oh right then-but before she could finish her phrase or make any step Ren suddenly lift in the air, one arm under her thighs and the other at her back and put her body against him. Her left hurt shoulder was against his torso while he made her right arm hooked around his neck and told her to hold to him with it and rest her head if she was feeling tired or unwell.

Kyoko looked at him, as he had put her a bit higher than his chest her face was a bit above his and she could stare at him right in the eyes. But then averted her eyes when he smiled at her and she felt his breath on her face.

Too close. She was too close. And she wasn't feeling the slight like a carried wounded person. No, a lot of fantasies were merging in her clouded mind with at the highest the illusory feels to be a woman hold in the arms of the man she loved with both ready to embrace the other.

-Here we go Ren said with a grin.

She tilted her head.

- I'm imagining things or do you actually enjoy it Tsuruga-san.

His smile widens.

-Well, of course. Why wouldn't I-

She stared at him completely lost.

-When I have in my arms a beautiful girl.

For the third time she gaped.

No he couldn't. No he wouldn't.

He wouldn't flirt with her. It was just absurd.

She won't believe it.

She won't let herself be tricked and accept to hope.

So she simply classed it and decided to not think about it again and showed a blank face while Ren looked at her expecting before sighing in defeat and showed a more innocent face.

She then leaned on Ren- tired again after all these swirls of emotions-until she heard from afar some voices murmuring the name of Tsuruga-san.

She hid her face in the crook of Ren's neck, embarrassed beyond anything and afraid it might starts rumours.

-Don't worry about them. I don't mind it and in any case the bandages at your feet will make illusion and will be a perfectly good explanation of the reasons we are in this situation assured Ren.

She nodded but kept her face hidden-hoping to prevent anyone to know who precisely was in the arms of Ren-until they arrived at room where the audition will take place.

Ren put her down and ask one last time:

-You're sure?

-Yes.

-Then I'm sure you can do it.

She smiled and thanks him.

-Then I'll be waiting outside in my car. Tell me when you're done.

-But I thought-

-Didn't I tell I would stick to you?

-Called me when it ends. And no I'm won't wait you joined me in the car. Okay?

-Okay.

And then he left her there, already anxious for each step he was making away from her.

Even if he should not have been preoccupied because things turned out to be rather delayed.

First, the director directly announced that only the acting part would be test today, not the technical part as there were some doubts about the incident of this morning being merely an accident. So they wanted to alight things and find the responsible if there was one before definitively stopping their choice on someone.

So the audition would be from this moment separated in two parts. And today will be the acting part.

Even though it took some time until it was finally Kyoko's turn and she feared for a moment she wouldn't be able to handle it until then.

Her turn then unexpectedly arrived and even if she was not so fresh and that she met some unfair moves from the jury as from the others participants she was still able to perform and pull off a nearly flawless Momiji-she made three mistakes, two due to her state- but she was finally took with some others for the second part which would be reported to some weeks later.

A few moments later, Kyoko got out of the audition's room completely exhausted and sure to be on the go for another pass out soon.

Still, she wasn't sure she should call Tsuruga-san and make more false rumours so she tried to walk and make her retreat discretely going by the east side of the basement which had fewer activity through the day than the common way out.

And she was sure it was for the best as she could guess that Ren would have parked there.

So she assumed it was okay without further thinking.

She has made half of the distance to reach it and was difficultly making steps after steps. Wet cold sweat making stick her clothes to her back and frizzing her even more for each inch she was making when she bumped into someone.

- Sorry I wasn't paying attention to-but then she perked her head up a little.

Crap.

There. Right in front of her. He was just before her. And he was facing her with his best lying sparkling gentleman smile.

Double crap. He was angry.

-H-hi…she lowly attempted.

-Oh yeah. Hi Mogami-san. By the way, did you even listen anything of what I discussed with you earlier?

-Yea-Yeah…? She feebly said titling her head on the side and bending it a little sheepishly.

-So?

-Ah-hum-I didn't want to inconvenience you and thought it would be easier this way.

-I see. And it's a painfully hurts person which is making that statement.

-Well-Hum…

-As it's like that. I have to inform you, Mogami-san. I intend to deeply inconvenience you and take of you until you will be in better shape as I already made it clear before.

-I heard but-

-Whether you like it or not.

How could he say that? Of course it wasn't she didn't like it but still she didn't want to bother him with her and true to be said- these types of situations were bad for her heart. So she was of course trying to escape it at all cost.

-And furthermore, as you don't seem to simply accept my help I decide to change tactics and don't ask you permission like before.

-Ah? What do you mean by-

But suddenly she felt herself easily lift from the ground and yelped in surprise as Ren took her in his arms.

-I meant that until you're healed or at least in better condition I won't ask in advance before doing this sort of things as if I don't do it that way you won't let others help you or even just take care of yourself so now it will be that way.

-Tsuruga-san, there is no need to go to that much extend. You-

-You won't be able to say I didn't warn you Ren continued while ignoring her and starting to walk in direction of the way out of the building with a neutral mask plastered on his face.

-Say the one who usually can't take care of himself muttered Kyoko trying by all means to think to anything else than the feel of being in his arms. Again. She wasn't even able to count how many times he did it today.

This sort of thing happened too much and too often today for her to handle it properly.

-Maybe but it's only valid under nutritious grounds when it concerns foods. Otherwise, I'm perfectly able to handle myself answered Ren with a bit of smile creeping up his lips and proving he had heard her even if it was only a mutter.

-So it's my responsibility to take care of a person who cannot do it Ren continued widening his smile in front of the reverse situations.

Kyoko didn't fight back. Her fever has risen up again and she was too disturbed for that anyway.

No matter what she would say it would seem she was stuck in this predicament until she felt better.

She shyly hided her reddened face in the crook of Ren's neck even if she was even more embarrassed to do this gesture. But it was better than letting him see her current feelings.

It's bad. Really bad.

I'm too close. Too close to not remark some things and that the said things not make me react. I can feel his warm flowing slowly and erupting nicely from his body enveloping me in a sweet cocoon of warmness and comfort. I can feel his soft airy brown hair caressing my ear and tickling the side of my neck. I can feel-or more like smell- his scent. His only and very personal aroma.

She blushed even more as these thoughts were going through her head.

He has a particularly singular and amazing scent. It was very unique and manly. Incredibly warm and rich. Something sweet and heart-warming which taste like a tender combination of hot cacao and hot coffee with just a thin fruity aroma perceptible in it. Something like pears maybe. It was truly refined but not so powerful to be smell without well- having it under the nose-and so she was sure it wasn't a cologne or perfume but his only fragrance. His scent was a warm gold-amber coloured like. Subtle and very sensual at the same time.

It was making her insane, groggy and drugged. The scent made her heart throbbed and flushed her up from head to toes.

It was intoxicating. Completely and utterly intoxicating.

And then as it wasn't enough came his behaviour.

He seems to worry too much. He's too nice. Too teasing (he always was but still). Too overwhelming and mesmerizing. Too caring. Too gentle. Too difficult to decrypt. Too much of a mystery in a man and for which you will inevitably wish to solve, discover; know and understand. Then desire and love. And even want to protect.

He's just too much.

It will make me hope for the impossible. And if for one illusory second fantasy and reality seems to merge and fooled me. Then at this time if I was to ever make a "faux pas" and unveiled my true feelings it would be the end.

The end of the little bit of good atmosphere we had maintained since a moment.

The bit of kohai-senpai friendly relationships-like they have would be crushed.

I have to leave and escape this arms-even if I don't want to- as quickly as I can when I would feel the least in a greater condition.

But not now. I'm not able to.

Doesn't matter if it's because of my feelings or my state. I can't. I currently can't.

I'm too close. Too feeble.

And too wound at this moment to try to fight it.

So all in all she was merging in a poodle formed half of unconscious due to her state and half of sweetness surrender from the situation she was in.

Just let me rest a little. Then I would go as far away from him as I can.

But I need to rest.

Just a little bit.

Forgive me for one instant this weakness and let me stay in these arms a bit longer.

And she fainted.

And even if she thought she heard Ren's voice speaking to her, calling her with again the desperate and caring tones in it.

It didn't prevent her to pass out however.

And anyway she couldn't put order to words anymore.

And later, even after regaining vaguely conscience she just let herself lull in Ren's arms for a more than deserved nap.

At the end when Kyoko woke up more than a little time had passed. She could tell and guess it as the bit of sun showing through the window has already ended his descent. Only remained the slight light from after his passage. And as it was spring the sun usually only went down around 8 to 9 p.m. when it was not even half past three in the afternoon when the audition had ended.

She found herself in what's looked like an unfamiliar bed and room until the decor settles in front of her eyes and that she recognized the bedroom she was in.

Then she blushed.

She was in Ren's apartment.

But!

She wasn't in the guest room.

She was in Ren's.

In Ren's bed more specifically while the owner of it was nowhere to be seen.

Ah.

Take back that.

She found it.

She caught the form of Ren's immense body on the side of the bed.

He was sit down on the floor his long legs fully stretched out and relaxed in front of him while his back rested against the left side of the bed and his head was slightly backwards leaned on the edge of it. His eyes were closed.

He was sleeping soundly.

But even though in sleep, a frown of concern has remained on his face.

Kyoko felt guilt creeping up inside her.

She had disturbed his full day. Making him reported all his work.

And then she didn't know how she had managed to make him take care of her all the while.

That's false.

She knew how.

He was too nice to let her be even when it didn't concern him.

It was urgent she leaves to let him finally rest in peace.

She had worried him too much.

Had bothered him enough.

Time to do a quick escape.

So in the most slow and silent movements she tried to move a little testing her strength and the places where pain was remaining. First came her shoulder which has been banded in a larger way now and was enveloped in a medical white scarf. It still stirred and burned a little and there was some underground uninterrupted pain but with much much less force so it was bearable now.

She attempted some moves, fidgeted a little and grimaced.

Some places were still painful.

There were a lot of improvements, however. As apart from her shoulder, the only cuts from which she could even now feel some pain were from her back, her left thigh and her feet.

But again in a now more liveable way.

Really just a few hours of sleep could do miracles.

It surprised her but at the same time she knew in the back of her mind than it wouldn't be so easy.

Especially when she would want to bath or shower or anything to clean herself for that matter.

It will tingle everywhere and hurt like hell. She knew it.

But if wasn't to time to think about it.

So after checking her body she pushed on her right arm now more or less in state of work compared to the other one and she tried to raise herself up at least to be sitting up to the middle.

Until now it was rather good.

Now if she could use and move her legs and walk on her feet she would be safe.

She managed to do just than until the moment she was on her feet.

All the blood then flew down from her face letting her as pale as a ghost and she feared for a second she would faint again.

Somehow she hold on though. Enduring the pain and the sudden weakness in her legs which was making them shake until eventually it stabilize.

So she lifted her leg and make a first step careful to not make a sound and awake the sleeping form partially hidden in the darkness now darkness of the room.

Night having apparently made the switch with the sun during the time it had took her to retrieve from the bed. Meaning she had taken more time in succeeding to do it than she thought she did.

She tried to speed up feeling powerfully time passing and conscious even more of her presence, her beating heart and her breath.

But most of all even more painfully aware of the other living in the room breathing until now evenly.

She was at the door of the bedroom slowly opening it with her right arm when she heard some ruffles and stirs.

Crap.

-Kyoko… Ren whispered.

When Ren woke up, the events of earlier in the day came back to him and he quickly rubbed off sleep from his eyes and from his foggy mind.

After Kyoko had passed out again he had panicked a bit and while driving her to his flat he had called a doctor to check on her.

So he installed her the more comfortably he could think of. More pillows under her head. Water near her. One of his owns sweater to keep her warm plus the cover of the bed.

And already the doctor was here.

He examined her state closely and made Ren explained how it had happened from the start. The doctor looked into all her injuries and of course particularly her shoulder. He then prescribed antibiotics and pain-killers for the next 12 days. Advised self-care and rest for at least a full week and more importantly to preserve her shoulder and not make it move too much for two weeks and asked to come check it in days. The city physician also stated that her fever was common reaction from the human's body when confronted to lot of injuries. In fact, it was the army of white cells running in her body trying to health the wounds the faster they could which provoked the fever. So, the important thing was just to keep an eye on in case it would too high.

Then before leaving the doctor said she could be on her own-even if she will still have to rest-in three to four days. But not before. As she would be too weak until then to do everyday tasks.

That's right. Her fever. He has to check.

So he stood up and turned to his bed to face-

Nothing.

The bed was empty.

No girl-no one in it. He even removed the cover to be sure she didn't curl up under it.

Worry came back and he turned around frenetically looking everywhere for her until he spotted her at the end of the room opening very soundly the door with her right shoulder and barely standing on her legs.

He glared at her back.

Screwed be her stubbornness.

Oh believe me lovely irritating beautiful hardhead girl, you won't have it your way. Not this time.

Not even on my dead body.

I would worry too much to die.

-Mogami-san he threatened her when he saw her trying to resume her previous actions while he was approaching her rapidly.

She stood frozen an instant and then still make another step directed to the way out of the bedroom before it would be slammed shut by a big hand attached to a long arm which was itself linked to the large and tall form of Tsuruga-san.

He didn't even let her explain. He scooped her in his arms in a deadly silence and put her back in the bed under the covers.

-Didn't we agreed on the fact I will take care of you Mogami-san said Ren while glaring at her a bit.

-But ?

-You already did this much and disturbed all your day so I thought it would be better if I left.

-First I already state it's was my choice. Second, it's too late for that I rearranged it already. And third you're simply in not a sufficiently good state to be on own. After you fainted I called a doctor and he said for the next three to four days someone has to help you as you won't be able to do the common tasks or walk properly during this time.

He then explained her the other precautions the doctor have advised and Kyoko finally accepted her sort with a nodded. He also told her he would have to leave as he couldn't reported all of his jobs and that at this time it would Yashiro-san who would keep an eyes on her. And later if the analyses of the doctor were right she should be in an enough well shape and she shouldn't have anymore fever that it won't be an issue if she was left alone some hours after the two first days.

Ren let her rest in his bedroom explaining it was warmer and more comfy and for the next days she stayed at his apartment and he took care of her.

There was nothing particular to say for the first two days as she practically just slept and drink water for most of the time.

Then finally in stronger shape the morning of the third day she moved a little happy to feel better. Until she discovered that if her wounds were a lot better some were still incapacitating like her shoulder, her left foot-as Ren still had to transport her to one point from another and even her resistances were feeble as it did hurts a lot-and her twisted left wrist.

Which explained why when the need and necessity to bath become too much Ren has still to help her with it.

And even her strong protestations weren't enough to push him away.

The issues were on her back and hair. With a hurt and so immobilized shoulder and a twisted hand on the other side she couldn't touch her back and wasn't able to properly wash her hair.

Not when she was forbidden of baths and showers and could just clean herself with washcloth until her shoulder wouldn't need bandaging anymore.

That's why she was now in the current predicament.

-At least let me help you with your back and your hair had said Ren after putting on a chair in the bathroom.

Which he did easily for her back like when he banded the injuries there. So it was quickly done.

He then let her clean herself for the remaining parts and only came back after that.

Here came the tricky situation.

As the sink of Ren's bathroom was too high to let rest her head on the edge of it.

-Sorry said Ren. We will have to wash it in the tub.

-Come here He said as he lift her before sitting her on the ground with her back against the side of the tub.

Kyoko didn't know how but by the force of things she was starting to become used to that. Tsuruga-san has taken her so much times in his arms to move her from places to places that she wasn't freaking out anymore.

Well, she was still shy about it in a way as she was somehow even more conscious of their proximity for each time he had to help her.

It was embarrassing her and she was still internally blushing like crazy. But in a way she has become sufficiently used to it to be less concerned about how awkward it could be and more at ease.

So she was now grandly aware of the feeling of being in his arms so very close to his broad chest, to his warm, to his beating heart and simply to him.

And even if she won't ever say it, it was more than a little pleasurable for her.

And that was what were turning her upside down. All these different sensations overwhelming more and more.

Which assuredly did not help controlled and hided her emotions.

The more she was in contact with him the more she took conscience of new things and the more she craved to know even more things and longed to touch him.

It was really quickly making things worse.

Her feelings were rising in deepness and power at higher pace every times.

Every little touches were disturbing her to the core and even more than before.

So having to be help by him one more time and particularly in this situation did not put her at ease at all.

So she debated internally whether she should after all decline the offer for her hair or not. But then Ren put a towel around her shoulders slightly grazing her neck in the process and she couldn't prevent it and she shivered agreeably.

Which deconcentrated her more than just a bit and next time she was there again Ren was asking her something repeatedly.

-gami-san? Kyoko? Are you okay?

-Sorry. I'm okay. What were you saying?

Ren smiled and repeated.

-Can you rest your head on the edge of the tub, please? I'm going to wash your hair above it.

-You're force to-Well-are you sure it doesn't bother you?

-Mogami-san said hardly Ren. I thought we were over it.

-Yeah but-

-Then no but. Let me, please he commanded then nearly begged as he showed the beginning of his puppy face.

So she surrendered with no more questions searching for any escapes while Ren was kneeling down near her. Setting his body in comfortable position close to her head to be able to support her and wash her hair at the same time.

-Tell me if it's too hot said Ren before approaching the shower above her hair to wet her.

Then he took his own shampoo and did his best to fix his attention on making it kindly foam on her head rather than on the smooth feel under his fingers while he was passing them through the slightly longer golden locks.

-Mhmm…said Kyoko closing unconsciously her eyes. That was heaven. His long fingers were massaging in a sweet powerful way her head and hair and were doing wonders on her head. Spreading mysteriously the feel to her neck and shoulders and even all the way down to the end of her back in delicious shivers. It was relaxing her to no end.

It was soothing her nerves and making her wish to just sleep there. She didn't know how he was managing to do that but he was good at it.

-Are this okay? Did I put too much force in it? Asked Ren after hearing her sighing and bringing back just a little on earth a drossy Kyoko.

-Mhmm-mhmm. Not at all. In fact it's a crime to be that good in simply massaging someone she muttered half-asleep.

Ren blinked.

Oh. So that was the meaning of her sigh. It's pleasurable for her. Apparently.

Ren suddenly barged in laughs.

-I'm glad to be able to relax you a bit he said bursting out again.

-mhmm.

-Don't fall asleep Ren chuckled.

-Going to try not to she answered in a whisper without even opening her eyes.

Ren smiled.

-Is it that agreeable?

-Mhmm…yeah she muttered.

Oh-oh. What a sweet cute useful weakness to know.

Then Ren smirked and put more effort in his task planning on checking the bad idea he just had.

So he quickly rinsed her now clean hair from the soap and smoothly said:

-Well I think we can combine pleasant and the useful. And with the recent events you got through you undoubtedly need a soothing time. And it would be my very pleasure to help you and give you that so you could relax a little. So no needs to freak out, okay?

-mhm…what do you mean? She lowly asked.

-Just tell me I do something you don't like.

Then he slowly shifted the positions of his thumbs placing them just at the base of the hair and at the high of her neck whiles the others fingers were still on her scalp.

And he rubbed the in fact quite tight part with his thumbs again winning some nice sounds from her.

-You're greatly tense…You never had massages?

She shook her head.

Ren then shifted his position from on his knees to completely sit down and removed her back from the edge of the tub to put it against his chest.

He then moved his hands to all her neck and try to ease it a bit rubbing it up and down with his fingers.

She sighed again relaxed a bit more and leaned a little against him.

-mhmm…Now she wasn't even able to think. How could something so enjoyable could exist and her didn't know about it. Even if she was sure it would have been a lot less good if it was someone else who would have done it.

Ren smiled fondly. If he had known it was the answer to help her to be at ease he would have done it sooner.

He would record and treasure this information.

He didn't have many advantages with her. And this knowledge could be one of it.

It could be his joker card.

Well, sometimes and if the occasion permit it but still.

And anyways, he was always glad to learn new things on her.

Ren took off the towel and moved his hands to her shoulders. Careful to not put too much pressure on the left one he massaged both of them softly.

And then when he was about to remove his hands from her and ask her how she felt he remarked a great detail.

She was sleeping soundly against him.

He lowly chuckled in his hand shaking in a delusional way his head. She was practically in his arms. Asleep and defenceless. And all it took was a little massage.

He looked tenderly at her and pushed away some humid strands from her forehead.

His affection for her never ends to grow. He couldn't help it.

She was too cute and strong. Incredible.

Beautiful.

In every ways imaginable.

He spent again a long moment looking at her adoringly like the foul in love he was then he slowly and silently took her and put her back in her bed under the covers.

She woke up some hours later with a note near saying he had left for a few hours and the remaining of this day and the next one passed quietly. Ren being absent at least six hours a day.

And Kyoko was recovering and regaining more and more force as she still spent a lot of time to sleep.

Still her left foot was not enough healed at the end of the fourth day and Ren nicely proposed she stayed until she could walk on it properly. She could now bath by herself again and walk to go to restroom or to eat and had even enough force to cook if she stay standing while doing it.

But normally walking was still impossible for her and if she try to overdo it and stand or walk more than one hour on it then it would start to hurt much more again.

So Ren nicely proposed her she stay until she could walk properly and even though she protested as he won't accept anything else than yes she finally had to surrender.

So at the end she stayed three more days at Ren's home-her foot then enough to walk on it as she wished to- and it's only on the evening on the seventh day it was planned Ren would drive her back at Daruyama's restaurant.

But at half past seven p.m. on that very evening when Ren arrived and greeted her; he saw she was ready to leave right away and already a bit depressed that she won't be there soon and that she was so hasty to leave; he sighed.

Then he said:

-Sorry but there is still one more thing that has to be taking care of before we leave. Don't worry it won't be long but I already had to pushed it back enough so I think it's more than time.

Kyoko was a bit confused but she nodded nevertheless.

-I have to retrieve something then but first I would like to speak with you. It's nothing big but well I don't know if you will accept.

-What do you mean?

Ren summoned his courage and plunged.

-Well, first I'm to stick to Kyoko.

-What?

-I mean I'm going to continue to call you Kyoko. if it doesn't bother you of course?

Ren continued to speak before she could say anything afraid she would refuse if he let her talk.

-I mean. I think it's about time we called us by first name bases, don't you think. We knew each other since a moment now and I would say we are rather close. Or at least enough for that.

-Well-

-And after all that happened it would seem a bit ridiculous to call us by last name, don't you agree?

To say that Kyoko was surprised was an understatement. She never expected Tsuruga-san to wish to call her by her first name. It made a happy. Greatly even. And somehow it's true that staying at last names bases could seem strange and that they were closer than before. And then he had called her several times by her first name since that incident. So it's only make sense he continue to do it. And By hearing it she was now a little more used to the feel of it than before so she supposed it was okay if he wished it.

- …Well…If that doesn't bother you and that you wish it then…okay.

-Okay?! Close to be overjoyed.

-Hai and she nodded.

Then she stopped realization hitting her.

-Wait! You- Did you say "us"?

Ren smirked.

-Right. Of course. It wouldn't make sense to be the only one to work by first names bases and it wouldn't be fair.

Kyoko panicked and blushed a little.

-But-…I could never…you…

-You just said okay Ren pointed out stubbornly.

-that's true but-

-No buts.

-Tsuruga-san!

-Is it disgusting you so much to call me Ren?

-What?

How could he think that?!

-Of course not. I would be gladly honoured and happy to do it but-

-Then please.

Puppy eyes started to perk out and she knew she will lose.

-Tsuruga-san-…that's…You…

Puppy eyes level rose up a little.

Arghhh…!…Cute…!

Then…

-Pretty please Kyoko…Ren finally said in a soft pleading voice.

Not fair…!

She blushed and blushed and blushed. So very disturbed by the feeling that Ren was acting that way-as a cute child or a close person- with her to obtain something from her and pleading to her to accept it.

Not fair at all!

How can anyone resist to that feeling of closeness you felt when the matured Tsuruga Ren let the mask drop and act a child to gain a favour from you.

-AGhh…mhm… Grrrmlgrmmlr…she muttered in her beard.

Then she sighed and nodded while partially hiding her chin and trying to look anywhere but at his face but not succeeding in doing it.

Ren beamed an angelic smile blinding her with hidden silent tenderness. He felt joyful.

That should count as progress; it was an enormous victory in itself and he was encouraging himself. But he had never planned he would make him That happy and that he would feel such a joy in the simple thing.

-Thank you Kyoko.

She blushed. Then sighed and eventually said while redness of her face was rising:

-That was not fair…Ren.

But Ren just smile in an endless soft way. So loving actually that Kyoko wondered if calling others by first names bases has a special meaning for Ren which could explain why he was so attached to it.

Then I'm going retrieve the thing I need for the other matter I want to discuss with you, give me a second.

She nodded and waited for him by sitting down on his couch.

And when she heard him come back and turned she became very suspicious in front of the weird view offered to her.

Because right to her way was coming back a Ren with a giant-or past one meter high at least-package hold in his arms and a wide grin plastered on his face.

He came back in the living room carrying this huge weird form thing and sat down on the couch near her.

Then turning to her and presenting the huge thing:

-Here you are.

-Huh?

-Take it.

-I don't understand Kyoko said confused.

Ren scratched his head vaguely wondering why he was even surprised things won't go smoothly as it was Kyoko.

He sighed then said embarrassed:

-It's-…Well-…

-…For you.

-I beg you pardon? Made Kyoko blinking confusedly like crazy.

-You know- As a return present for the wine jelly you gave to me at Valentine 's Day.

Kyoko opened widely her eyes staring at him soundly while she was proceeding what he was saying. Then she just helplessly looked at him so surprised not a sound could get through the barrier of her lips.

In front of her silence Ren awkwardly continued to babble hoping to prevent any attempts of refuse.

-It's a white's day gift said Ren with a sweet smile. I know you were nearly certain I won't give you anything but-well- How could I forget you. Even more after you especially made something for me based on my tastes.

-That's true but you didn't have to-

She was so sure she won't receive anything. So sure it wasn't even to be questioned. She hadn't imagined other way.

So now she was so completely disconcerted she didn't even know how to react anymore.

But before she could put herself together Ren simply slowly popped it in her lap and said already pleading:

In any ways, it's for you so just take it, please.

She unconsciously nodded and Ren sighed in relief. Now he has something to make her accept it.

Kyoko looked at the package still dumbfounded.

-Why don't you open it? She heard Ren said.

She nodded again fixing the thing like it was dangerous then took the gift ribbon in her right hand and tugged slightly at it.

The lovely purple wrapping slide and revealed the mysterious content of it.

She took it out to have a better look of the hug fluffy-silky thing and stared.

She was holding in her hands an one meter and 20 to 30 cm tall cuddly and very soft Fairy!

A nearly human size fairy!

And not a cheap one with that!

Her clothes-an elegant deep blue and emerald dress-a light sapphire nearly transparent draping like a waistband and around her arms and littles pearls at her ears, neck and between her big toes and the next one-were like silk and expertly cut.

Then came her light bright transparent wings which were in the same tissue as the rest but a bit thinner and aesthetically designed.

The facial features were also particularly thin and well made for a cuddly form.

Then her eyes stopped on two things which were a little different in aspect from the rest.

First in the back of it at the foot of the wings of the fairy hanged a silver-like key chain with a miniature reproduction of the cuddly fairy only in a solid again silver-alike version and with a bright amber goon instead of the blue-emerald one.

Then holding at one of the wrists of the fairy was a really beautiful silvery bracelet with some thin silky twisted ribbon going around it and through some of the rings of the bracelet. While charms in different fairies forms and colours of dresses and light little sapphire and transparent white roses were hanging at other rings.

Then hanging at one ring on the side were a square engraving silver plate, a bright golden orange rose with this time a bright green stem under it.

And hanging on a little longer bit of chain on a singular ring and apparently removable from the rest of the bracelet by a clips-a light blue night tear drop shape charm slightly bigger where visible inside of it you could read in a pearly coloured inscription my angel .

Kyoko stared at it for an endless time. She couldn't find the words.

She had never seen nor a cuddly thing neither a bracelet so enchanting.

It was truly amazingly mesmerizing.

So she simply stayed still staring and gaping at it like hypnotized by its beauty. Gone to the world of Lala-land for a long-long time.

Then at the end after recovering and returning on earth a deep blush on her cheeks she turned to Ren searching her words.

While he on the other side was waiting impatiently to see her reaction. Dread and excitation were sharing the baton inside of him.

An encouraging sweet smile was gracing his lips while he was staring tenderly but expectantly at her.

-That's-…

She shook sides to sides her head trying to put words together.

Ren frowned fearing the worst. That she didn't like it.

-…Really…

How could she phrase what she was feeling…?

Then giving up on that she just said:

-It's-…Wonderful…and amazingly beautiful…she finally said.

-But-Ren guessed as he was sure there was one coming.

-grmmlr…She muttered too low for Ren to hear it.

-Come again.

Kyoko sighed.

-Ren…It's too-

-…Too much…

…and there is the bracelet and the key chain…

Oh. That's what was bothering her. He should have guessed it. He made a decision without any second thought.

-Don't worry I only paid for the sweet cuddly fairy. The accessories such as the bracelet and the key chain were with it. Something like an all included. I didn't paid more because of that. So do not bother about it Ren assured her quickly but casually.

Complete pure lie of course.

But she didn't need to know that.

Nor that neither the fact he had personally order for the specific forms, material, tissues, colours and charms of the three pieces. And had thoughtfully imagined the design of them from one end to the other on what could love Kyoko and would be enough intimate without be too much of a give out on his own feelings.

She even less needed to know the true price of each of the three gifts, the real material used to make it or that it was true silver on the key chain and the bracelet.

That the goon of the miniature fairy was in amber.

Or even that the number of precious metal and stones in the bracelet made it a true treasure as every little charms from fairies to roses and the tear drop were pure jewels like sapphire for the drop, blue fire opals for the light blue roses, rainbow moon's stones for the white ones roses. Then for the fairies charms and their dresses: white gold for their skin and then for the dresses: aquamarines' stones of several colours, moon rayon topazes and green jade. And of course all of it cut or toned a bit mat to be harder to guess and less blatantly evident that it was true jewels. Then on top of it, pure silk for the thin ribbon which was intertwined with it.

All in all you could say it really was not a cheap bracelet. At the least.

Of course, an expert or someone who is used to it could still recognized it right away but for the others the blur and disguise were sufficient for it to be confounded with just bright glasses' pieces that you find in cheap shops.

Then the fact that a lot of the charms were removable was making more secured as with less stones the degree of expensive evidence would descend. And finally the mere fact-oh he hoped so anyway-that Kyoko would wear it without bothering the less would be like a give out it wasn't that precious but just seems like it.

As often said to hide something puts it in plain sight.

Anyway, he didn't give a damn if it was precious or not. All was mattering was that it would make happy Kyoko. And he knew to be able to have the design he wanted he had to order it from true specialists in jewellery. And therefore, the stones used won't be some cheap ones. There was no choice in it. If he had found more "magic like" stones made of glass he would have took them there.

No she didn't need to know any of that. It wasn't important anyway.

-So you see you don't need to worry about the price. It's nothing consequent continued Ren and trying to appease her.

Kyoko look at Ren then look at her gifts and the bracelet then look at Ren again.

At a loss of words to say the least.

She had a hard time believing that but she couldn't think of a valuable reason Ren would spend so much money on her. And anyway she didn't know anything about that sort of things and it was indeed true that it does looked a bit like glass.

A lot more than princess Rosa anyway.

-You sure?

-Absolutely. It was an all-in I tell you.

-Still-…Precious or not…it's too-

-Kyoko Ren cut in. I wanted to give it to you. If I didn't want to I won't have done it. I don't care about it so you can't neither.

-But-

-Kyoko. Do you like it?

-Hum?

-Do you like it? Ren insisted staring in eyes afraid the true reason was she didn't like it but was too polite to say it.

Kyoko looked at him confused.

-How could he ask that…? Of course I like it.

No I love it. It's the best gift I ever received. It's so beautiful I don't know how to thank him.

…And…

…I don't know how…

…But…

The nature of the gift-

It show he had thought of me before buying it.

…And somehow…

It moved me more than anything else.

More than the gift itself-

More than receiving something-

I feel so much more happiness to know he had thought what I would love to receive.

So much joy was pouring inside of her at this very moment.

The blush came back at full force and she took an inspiration before gazing tenderly at Ren.

-Of course I like it Tsu- Ren. I love it actually.

-Really? Asked an uncertain Ren.

-Yes really. I love it very much actually. It makes me joyful said happily Kyoko. And-

-Yes?

-In fact I'm quite-hum- moved by the gest Ren whispered shyly Kyoko with a big blush on her face.

Ren beamed widely overjoyed he had succeeded to find something she would like.

-Then you accepted it?

-Hum she nodded and Ren again showed a so genuine truly happy and beautiful smile that it blinded Kyoko for a moment and made slipped her mask for an instant. Which had as a direct consequence made a show a longing gaze for Ren before disappearing the following instant.

And before realizing it could be a mistake she moved and acted on her feelings.

She tugged at right sleeve making him bow a little in the process. She then closed the distance and approached her lips from his face.

Then she kissed him. On the cheek.

When she detached herself from she looked right in the eyes of Ren and letting slip completely her mask she said with a genuine so very soft smile:

-Thank you Ren.

And for the poor Ren it was too much.

It froze him. Completely.

Ren? She asked

-Ah yeah. You're welcome. He finally said with a totally blank face plastered on him.

He's angry?

Did I overpassed my rights again?

But to the obviousness of Kyoko angry wasn't the torment which was torturing Ren right now.

First he was very embarrassed. Then so happy he could explode.

And then he discovered something terrible. His control was menacing to break to the no return point with this last blow.

How could she have done that while saying something like-…

…Arffff…

…I'm going to hell…

I didn't see that coming…

I didn't know that even if I want us to be closer it would raise the torture's level at the same time…

And once again I closed myself when I was feeling happy…

…arfff…

…We have to get out of her before I lost it and transform in a wild animal hungry for something very different than food…

…I want to kiss her…

He turned to look at Kyoko who was looking at him with worry.

…I want to kiss you…

…I want to hold you in my arms…

I want you…!

Getting out of there…Now!

-Ren? asked Kyoko while arching her head the side in a cute way.

Damn it!

Ren opened his mouth and said the first thing which came into his mind.

-It's not I'm complaining but the last time I kissed you as a thanking manner you scold me for at least fifteen minutes so how come now you're doing it?

Then she blushed.

Cute. Stop that. Think about something else.

-It's through spending time with you I think. I'm starting to get your bad manners shyly but boldly answered Kyoko with a slight grin.

Ren gaped.

Since when did she start answering that sort of bold tempting answers in a so cute way…arfff…

Well if it's that sort of manners I don't mind it as long as she does it only with me.

You know putting like that I could think you're okay with my bad manners…He teased.

-Mostly I think. And anyway I trust you so I don't see where's the matter.

She trusted me.

AND

She practically said I could do what I wanted.

I have to get out now.

-I see.

-I think I should drive you back it's getting late and I monopolized you enough these last days don't you think.

She blushed but nodded. Not saying it would never seem enough for her but assuredly thinking it.

They drove in seemingly peaceful silence even if they were both still very conscious of the other.

Then when they arrived at the restaurant Kyoko took her new huge friend holding the big cuddly thing in her arms and Ren seized the occasion to test his new authorization.

So he bent to her face and said:

-As you're okay with it. I will help myself and act on it.

Kyoko looked at him perplexed.

-What do you me-

But before she could finish he turned his head on her side and kissed her on her right cheek.

Then he stand and looked at her very completely red face and smile fondly.

-Goodnight Kyoko. I spent a wonderful week and evening thanks to you. Yeah even if I had to take care of you he quickly added when he saw her about to protest. I will call you to see how you are if that's okay.

Kyoko barely nodded still not recovering from the earlier traitorous kiss and so not able to speak evenly.

-Then I'm off.

She waved her hand then whispered in the wind.

-Goodnight Ren.

Words of the author:

Yeah i know XD. The bracelet look awfully expensive. But the meaning behing it was to show that Ren would spend without thinking about it, without counting for her. And would do anything to make her happy and for her.

So that's why it came out like that XD ^^.

Thanks again for the possible reviews and comments.

Kisses.