Author: merrow - G - English - Drama/Humor - Reviews: 37
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Butterflies swarmed in Tooru's stomach as she rode up in the elevator with Shigure, Yuki and Kyou. She watched the numbers turn and tried to convince herself that she was actually there. It didn't seem real somehow. Things had moved so quickly. The doors opened and she stepped out cautiously.
She still couldn't believe she was actually going to do this. She looked surreptitiously from Yuki to Kyou and felt warmth flow through her. They'd been so supportive. It had been so surprising the way she came to be here.
Tooru had stepped out of the building and managed to smile at the boys waiting for her outside. She felt exhausted; her mind had been running in circles for hours. Mika's words had chased themselves around incessantly all through her shift. Both boys guiltily noted the dark marks under eyes and the fatigued slump of her shoulders. In her weariness she didn't noticed the look that shot almost imperceptibly between the two.
"Good evening, Honda-san." Yuki took her book bag from her. "How was work?"
"Fine." She replied as they started off down the street, "Did Yuki-kun's council meeting go well?"
"Un."
Tooru turned to Kyou who was lagging a bit behind. "Did Kyou-kun have a good practice at the dojo?"
Kyou grunted in what could be taken as an affirmative manner, but kept his gaze on the stars. Tooru turned back to Yuki. "Did everyone have dinner?"
"Yes. The stew was very good." Yuki nodded, "There is some left over if you want to eat once you get home."
Kyou felt his muscles tighten and tried to keep his face turned away from Tooru as the other two chatted. He felt pissed off and irritable. He knew Tooru would take his angry look the wrong way and think she'd done something wrong. She was always doing stupid things like that. She took everything on her shoulders, made everything her responsibility. It wasn't like they asked her to. Why hadn't she said anything about that job? She never even mentioned thinking about it. Why had they been so willing to let it go?
"So are you going to take that job or not?" Kyou cursed himself. It'd come out as an accusation. That wasn't how he meant it.
"The job?" Tooru ducked her head. "I-I don't think so." She smiled bravely. "It would be nice to have a little extra money and to work a little less, but I couldn't possibly be in a magazine." She tugged a lock of hair behind her ear.
"Why not?" asked Yuki, he didn't trust Sawatari...but what he had said, it made sense.
Tooru looked up at the slender boy in surprise. The fact that it would put the Soumas in danger had been largely left unsaid between them all. In fact, no one but Shigure had mentioned it in the house. "I-I couldn't! It would be too dangerous-"
"Don't be stupid! It's not like we're going to be in the magazine!" Kyou spat. "It's not like you're cursed, you shouldn't act like it."
"Shigure said we'd manage." Yuki reminded her gently. Kyou shot the mouse an annoyed look; of course he'd use this to make himself look the prince. "I think Honda-san should try, if she wants to." He smiled at her and Tooru blushed.
"I'm sure I wouldn't be any good at it." She gave herself a little knock on the head. "I'm too clumsy."
"Oy!" Kyou gave her a light smack on the back of the head, "They're not asking you to do gymnastics! They just want you to be in some stupid pictures. Even you could manage that." Tooru looked at him goggle eyed. Hiding a blush he looked back up at the stars. "Probably."
"I'd like to see it." Tooru looked back at Yuki, "Honda-san's photo in a magazine. I'd like to see it again." Tooru went scarlet. "The first was very cute. I'd like to see that Honda-san again."
Kyou gave a disgusted snort. Damn mouse always knew just what to say didn't he? "Who cares what she looks like? She should think about herself. You need the money don't you?" He said this directly to Tooru.
"Some extra money would be nice." She agreed, feeling a bit breathless.
"Honda-san does work very hard. This would let you have more time to study."
"You can always go back to this job if it doesn't work."
"Yes." Tooru agreed both of them were talking so fast, she felt like she didn't have a moment to think. It seemed before she knew it she was home and dialing the number on Sawatari's card.
"Hey, idiot, are you even here?" Kyou asked looking down the hall at the rows of endless identical doors. Tooru came back to herself with a shock. "What room are we looking for?"
"Eh?" The party came to a stop and all stared at her.
"You don't know?" Kyou blew up. "We're already late, how can you take a job and not know where you're going?"
"Calm down Kyou." Shigure waved a careless hand. "We'll find it." He stepped forward to a directory board and began to look at the listings.
"Are you nervous?" Yuki asked as he came up behind Tooru. She jumped a little and even though she shook her head, her face was white. "I'm sure Honda-san will do well."
"Thank you, Yuki-kun." Tooru was so relieved that Sawatari had suggested the Soumas come along. She shifted her bag of clothes, she'd been told to bring a variety of outfits so they could get an idea of her sizes. She ended up bringing practically all the clothes she owned, which wasn't much.
"It looks like we're down this way." Shigure motioned them to follow him down the hall. Looking over his shoulder he asked Tooru, "Do you have the release form from your grandfather? We need to give that to the lawyers before they can do anything."
"Ah," Tooru looked into her shopping bag and began to root around. "Yes, I'm sure I put it in here."
"Don't tell me you forgot it!" Kyou came to a stop and turned to face her. Tooru wasn't paying attention, her concentration on her shopping bag.
"Ah, Honda-san!" Yuki warned too late as Kyou transformed in a puff of orange smoke. Shigure turned in surprise just in time for Tooru to fall into him as she tripped over Kyou. A second puff of smoke went up and the girl sat between the dog and cat. She held the forgotten release in one hand, and looked like she was going to burst into tears.
"Tooru?" Mika was peeking out one of the doors. "I thought I heard something in the hall. Are you alright?"
"Yes!" Tooru scrambled to get up, scooping up Kyou as she went. Yuki quickly picked up Kyou and Shigure's clothes and shoved them into her shopping bag. "I just tripped. I'm sorry!"
"Tooru," Shigure whispered as Mika walked down the hall towards them, "You'd better hug us so we don't transform back in front of her."
"Ok!" She knelt quickly and putting her arm around Shigure's neck. Her eyes were still round with panic. How as she going to explain this?
"We were getting worried." Mika smiled trying not to look too curious about the animals, "We thought you might be having second thoughts."
"Oh no!" Tooru assured her keeping one arm around Shigure and adjusting Kyou on her other arm to make sure her hand was on his chest. "It's only that I got a little turned around in the building." She gave Shigure a quick hug. "I am a little nervous."
"It is confusing isn't it?" Mika tried to look reassuring. Poor thing. She'd probably brought along her pets to make her feel more confident. "And who's this?" She looked at the dog and smiled.
"Pochi." Yuki answered with self-satisfied smile. Shigure's ears went back, but he barked happily as Mika bent down to make herself level with him.
"I love dogs." She smiled at Tooru, "I have two myself." She held her hand out for the dog to sniff. "He seems like an agreeable sort."
"Yes." Tooru said trying to make her smile seem natural. "Sh..Pochi is very friendly."
Mika took that as an invitation to scratch between Shigure's ears. "Aren't you a handsome fellow? Aren't you?" She spoke in that over-eager, baby talk tone that people who are fond of dogs use. "Yes you are! Yes you are!"
Shigure barked in response and jumped up to lick her face and the side of the woman's neck. Might as well take advantage of the situation.
"Oh, I don't mind." Laughed Mika, gently pushing "Pochi" off of her. She looked up at Yuki, "He's yours? He's a sweetheart." She continued ruffle his ears gently, and turned back to face the dog stroking and patting his side, "You're just a big, eager puppy aren't you? Aren't you?" She roughed up his fur as she rubbed his fur roughly the wrong way then smoothed it back. Shigure made a pleased rumble and slowly slid to the floor under her ministrations. Mika didn't seem to notice the shocked look on Tooru and Yuki's faces. Shigure flipped onto his back and stuck his legs up in the air. "Does puppy want me to rub his belly? Does he?" She vigorously began to rub the dog's belly. "Yes he does!"
"Ah....Mika-san..." Tooru started, face bright red.
"Oop!" Mika said with a laugh and looked up at Yuki. "You know, you should really get your dog fixed." She didn't seem to notice Shigure's head that had been lolling with his tongue hanging out suddenly lift in alarm. "You wouldn't want him to get some girl in trouble."
"Ah." Yuki said pale faced. "Right."
"There are enough unwanted dogs and strays as it is." She admonished laughing inwardly. It was so funny how guys got uncomfortable at the mere thought, even if it was just a dog.
Yuki nodded and swallowed heavily.
"Who's your vet?" Mika asked continuing to rub Shigure's belly in slow strokes. He just wasn't into it the way he was before. "Um..." Yuki struggled, but managed as usual to keep his composure. "We're between right now."
"Wait, hold on a second." Mika took her hands off the dog to dig in her ever-present photo bag. Shigure scrambled to get back to Tooru; she quickly knelt and put her arm around him again. She could swear that Shigure looked pale, if a dog could look pale. Mika pulled out a pile of business cards and quickly thumbed through them. She picked one out and stood. Handing it to Yuki she said, "Here, this is mine. He's really nice. It's really not that big a deal." She assured the kids, both looked a little scandalized and tense. "It's just a little snip-snip." She made a scissors motion with her fingers. "And then you don't have to worry anymore."
Shigure gave a pained whine. Mika laughed.
"Isn't it funny how they seem to know what we're talking about?"
"Yes." Yuki smiled, flipping the card around in his fingers. "Thank you for this. I'll give him a call later."
"No problem! Now we better get inside before Yakumo has a conniption." She gave "Pochi" a final pat on the head and turned to go back inside.
Shigure's ears went back and he looked up at Tooru for sympathy, tears coursing down his face. "Yuki-kun is scary!"
"Stop whining!" Kyou whispered back, "It's your own fault! Pervert!"
"Did you say something?" Mika looked back in the doorway.
"I was just saying that I'd better run Pochi down to Hatori before he leaves with the car." Yuki said quickly, seizing the opportunity to get Shigure out of there. "He'll probably get in the way."
"Good idea." Mika agreed. She looked at Tooru who held her cat in a death grip. She looked terrified. "You can keep your kitty with you if you want though. We can just lock him up in the dressing room during the shoot."
"T-thank you." Stammered Tooru as she was ushered into the studio. She cast a panicked look over her shoulder at Yuki. He tried to give her a reassuring look as he stepped back into the elevator with Shigure.
As the doors shut Shigure looked up at Yuki again. "You're not really going to call."
"I'm keeping this card." Yuki smiled, tucking it securely into his shirt pocket.
"Yuki-kun is so cruel!"
* * *
Mika escorted Tooru through the crowded studio explaining the itinerary as she went. "Ok, this is how it's going to go. First, we're going to get your paperwork finalized and get your measurements taken. We've got a contract with some clothing and jewelry lines and we're going to dress you up in them for our "match the fashion" section of Spotted! That's where we dress up a model then break down the outfit for people to put together themselves. While you're being dressed and getting your makeup done we'll have our interviewer asking questions for the follow up column we're having on you." Mika smiled as she gestured her to sit at a small table. "By the way, I want to thank you for asking for me to be your photographer. I've never had a chance to work on a full photo spread for the magazine before."
Tooru smiled shifting Kyou in her arms. "I knew that if Mika-san was taking the pictures that I wouldn't have anything to worry about." She glanced around at all the people setting up lights and equipment in front of a couple of backdrops spread around the cavernous room. Everywhere she looked there were people moving, talking and working. She hadn't thought that there would be this many people here. Kyou looked around and tried to calm down. His legs were dangling uncomfortably and he was terrified of what would happen if he changed back in front of all these people.
Mika laughed, "I wouldn't know about that, I'm not used to doing this kind of photography. I'm not going to be the only one taking pictures either. Since I haven't done this before, I'm just the junior photographer. I'm going to be working with a senior photographer who has had a lot of experience in this sort of thing. Don't worry," She assured Tooru who still looked nervous, "Kinomoto is a great photographer and really easy to work with." Mika felt sorry for that poor cat. Tooru kept it held tight in her arms, the photographer bet that the thing was probably having trouble breathing.
"Tooru-kun!" Sawatari swaggered up to the table. "I'm so glad you could make it. Only 10 minutes late." He smiled expansively to show that he was just kidding. He looked around the room. "Where are your chaperones? Weren't the Soumas going to come with you?"
"Souma Yuki is here, he's just dropping his dog off downstairs before the shoot begins." Mika explained. "You should see it, it's adorable."
"Don't like dogs." Sawatari said dismissively, "I've always been more of a cat person." He looked at the orange cat in Tooru's arms. "Is this your cat?" It did not look happy to be there. But she wasn't the first model to bring a pet along with her a on a shoot.
"Yes." Tooru said hesitantly. She clutched Kyou a little tighter to her chest. Kyou was so angry she could practically feel him vibrate. "I'm sorry Kyou-kun!" She thought desperately.
"What's his name?" Sawatari smiled, he started to hold out a hand as if to pet the cat between it's ears.
Name? Tooru blurted the first name that came to mind. "Tom!" Kyou's fur went up and his eyes bugged. TOM?! He had to clench his teeth tightly together to keep from exploding. He couldn't stop his lips from drawing back displaying a row of sharp cat teeth.
Sawatari snatched his hand back. "Not very friendly, is he?"
"Honda-san." Tooru turned in relief to see Yuki striding towards her. "You dropped the release in the hallway."
"I'll take that, and thanks." Sawatari turned to a gray suited man who suddenly appeared at his side. "Here, get this to legal." He clapped his hands together. "Ok, now we're all ready to get started."
Tooru gulped and held Kyou even tighter. "O-ok."
"Why don't you hand Tom over to Souma-kun here, and step into the dressing room?"
Kyou shot Yuki a look that said "try it and die" louder than he could have shouted it. Yuki coughed delicately. "We don't get along, it might be best if Honda-san kept 'Tom' with her for now."
Another one of the gray suited men turned up at Sawatari's elbow and whispered into his ear. Sawatari turned an annoyed glance to Yuki and Tooru. "Shigure isn't with you?"
"Something came up and he wasn't able to come right away." Yuki said calmly.
"We need an adult to chaperone the photo shoot. It's in the contract." Sawatari fumbled in his jacket and pulled out his cell phone. "Get in touch with him and find out when he's going to make his appearance." He tossed the phone to Yuki who easily caught it but let the older man know with a glance how rude he thought he was being. Sawatari ignored him and turned to Tooru. He pasted on a smile. "Why don't we head over to wardrobe and makeup? They can get started on deciding your outfits and I'll send the interviewer over to begin."
"Ok." Tooru was starting to feel a bit calmer, but still felt the swarm fluttering about in her stomach. She followed Sawatari a few steps behind.
"Lift up my legs!" Kyou whispered roughly. "They're falling asleep, I can't feel them anymore!"
"I'm sorry Kyou-kun!" Tooru whispered back and lifted his legs so that she was cradling him like a baby against her chest. "I'm so sorry!" She whispered again.
"It's not like you did it on purpose." Kyou mumbled, trying not to think about what he was being held against.
"I should have been watching where I was going." Tooru sniffled. She was so worried. What if Kyou transformed in front of all these people? She never should have taken this job; she'd put the people she cared about most in danger.
"Hey, idiot!" Kyou stretched his face up towards her, his whiskers tickling at her face. "Don't cry now, you're about to get your picture taken." He kneaded at her arm a bit with his paws, careful to keep hid claws retracted. He looked away and said irritably, "It's nothing to cry over. What kind of model has puffy red eyes?" Tooru nodded and managed a weak smile. "Stupid."
Many of the staff watched the girl cuddling and whispering to her cat and chuckled. Was she really 16 years old? But it was cute and the girl seemed sweet. It was pretty different from the self-confident girls they were used to working with. As the makeup and wardrobe crew came over to take her measurements and discover her color palette, they found themselves automatically speaking gently and encouragingly to the girl. They were gratified by how polite and respectful she was.
When she'd first come in they'd been a bit skeptical. She was somewhat cute and well shaped, but she wasn't someone who was immediately eye-catching. She just wasn't the type of person that a column and a photo-spread were usually devoted to. But as she smiled and obediently followed their directions to lift arms, turn, look this or that way, and stand still as they held clothes and colors against her they found themselves responding to her. She was just so...nice. Tooru felt a bit overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the crowd about her and just focused on keeping a hold of Kyou and doing what was asked of her.
"Here, dear," one of the women said gently, "Go try this outfit on and we'll see how it looks."
Tooru accepted the clothes awkwardly with one hand, making sure to keep Kyou supported with the other. She let herself be guided to her dressing room with no little relief. She shut the door securely behind her and leaned against it with a sigh. Kyou leapt from her arms and up onto a small couch. Tooru hung her clothes up against the door and looked around the little room. There was a loveseat style couch, a makeup table edged with bright lights and stool, a small closet, a cushioned chair and a hat rack in the other corner. Tooru walked to the closet and opened it up. It was empty besides a few stray hangers. The closet was pretty roomy.
Grabbing the clothes from the wardrobe people, Tooru walked over to the closet. "Please wait here Kyou-kun, I'm going to change."
"In there?" Kyou looked up. "Don't be stupid there's not enough room for you in there. I'll sit in the closet while you change in here." The cat trotted into the closet and looked expectantly at the door. "Shut the door!"
Tooru jumped to obey, shutting the closet. She paused for a moment, trying to remember what she was supposed to be doing. She looked at the forgotten outfit in her hand and sighed. Getting changed, she was supposed to be getting changed. The girl sighed and began to disrobe. She didn't even look at the clothes that she put on, her thoughts racing with how she was going to manage to keep up with all that was going on.
Pyon!
"OUCH!"
Tooru heard a crashing sound of falling hangers and whirled towards the closet.
"Kyou-kun?" Tooru said hesitantly and placed her hand on the doorknob of the closet.
"Don't open the door!" Kyou shouted in panic.
Tooru went scarlet. Kyou must've transformed back, but the boy didn't have any clothes in there. The girl looked around the room for something to give him. All she had was the clothes she'd just taken off.
"Tooru-chan?" One of the ladies from the wardrobe department was knocking on the door. "Are you alright in there?"
"Yes!" Tooru called, "Just a moment!" She turned back to the closet door, "I'm sorry Kyou-kun. Please stay there for now. I'll try to get some clothes for you."
Tooru stepped out of the dressing room and stopped at the sea of expectant faces waiting for her. The entire makeup and wardrobe department stood there, a couple of the gray suited men, some people who looked like they might be photographers, and various curious staff and crew. Sawatari, Mika and Yuki stood at the forefront. Tooru glanced at Yuki. His face blazed as their eyes met. Tooru looked down at herself and followed suit.
"Mmm..." Sawatari said speculatively. "I don't know. Turn around."
Tooru obeyed automatically, slowly turning in place. She wore a pair of very short shorts that showed off her slim legs. They were black denim with heart shaped pockets on the back. It was sewn together with scarlet thread and had a heart shaped button at the top its zipper. They were in the current low-slung style with the top band of the shorts falling just below her navel. Her shirt began an inch above her navel, showing off her midriff. It was a sleeveless red jean vest, with large black topped buttoned pockets over each breast and more heart shaped buttons in a straight line up the front. It had a black collar that emphasized the v-shaped neckline. It was a very stylish, urban outfit. The kind that many girls wore out clubbing. Tooru felt very, very out of place.
"Maybe," one of the wardrobe ladies said hesitantly, "if we accessorized a bit..." She stepped forward and slid a couple of large bangles on Tooru's wrist. Another perched a pair of thick-framed sunglasses on her head, pulling out her ribbons at the same time. She flinched as a man came up behind her and fixed on a pair of large round earrings. Everyone stepped back and stared at her again.
A short fat man in the front shook his head. "Nope. Won't do." He shifted a complicated camera around to his side. "She looks like she's going to fall to pieces. No way we're going to get a good picture. She looks totally unnatural."
"Just give her a minute to get used to it, Kinomoto." Sawatari said. He looked at Tooru, "You look very cute, you just need to relax a bit." He slapped Yuki on the back, "Doesn't she look cute?"
"Ah...uh." Yuki staggered forward a bit under the weight of Sawatari's blow. It wasn't that she didn't look cute...it was just that she didn't look herself. And he wasn't used to seeing quite that much of Honda.
Tooru looked at the floor and fidgeted. Her cheeks were still stained and she looked absolutely miserable. The crew's hearts went out to her.
"She looks very cute!"
"Adorable!"
"Very pretty!"
"It suits you completely!"
They all rushed to assure her, many shot angry glances at Yuki. Most had assumed the handsome teen was her boyfriend. Some boyfriend he was if he didn't know how to boost up his girlfriend's confidence. He ought to know when she needed encouragement. Surely he could have thought of *something* nice to say.
Yuki felt like the situation was spinning out of control. He could tell that Tooru felt uncomfortable in the outfit. But with everyone shouting out compliments she was afraid to offend them by saying so. He didn't want to hurt her feelings by saying she looked bad in the outfit. She didn't look bad, she just didn't look...right. He didn't know how to rescue her from this situation. For once he wished Shigure were there. Surely the dog would have known what to do. Shigure had been rather enigmatic over the phone about when he'd make his appearance. Yuki wished he'd get there soon.
"We'll need the chaperone's OK before we can take any pictures." One of the faceless men from legal said.
Sawatari pushed back his hair, "That shouldn't be a problem-"
"IT'S A BIG PROBLEM!"
Yuki spun around. It couldn't be!
"Ayame-san!" Tooru blinked in surprise.
The crowd had parted in surprise at the booming voice. Ayame stood at the back with hands on hips. His hair managed to fly about dramatically even though they were indoors with no discernable wind. He wore one of his long western styled robes, this one in a deep blue with silver edging. Mine stood behind him dressed as, of all things, a nurse. Her outfit was a standard nurse's uniform complete with cap except it was in a jewel toned blue that matched her employer's robe and seemed to be made of silk. He strode up the corridor the crowd made with a determined look on his face. Mine trailed behind smiling happily and nodding to the people as she passed. She carried a bag under her arm.
"This is all wrong!" he came to a stop beside Tooru, and took one hand in his and put his other hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him in shock. "It is true that the pieces are very cute. The shorts display Tooru-kun's legs to great effect. That the vest awakens appreciation for her well-formed body cannot be denied. But, BUT!" Ayame stepped forward and shook his finger at the crowd. "It is completely unsuitable for Tooru-kun!"
"Ayame! What are you doing here?" Yuki finally regained his voice.
"Who ARE you?" Sawatari at last stopped gaping and started talking.
"I am Yuki's splendid and amazing older brother!" Ayame stepped forward and shook Sawatari's hand firmly. "Gure-san called me. When I heard how desperately my dear younger brother was in need of my help I rushed over immediately. I am here to chaperone!" Ayame laughed and continued to shake Sawatari's hand.
"SHI...GUR...EEE...." Yuki growled. He was determined to make the dog pay later on.
Sawatari turned in panic to one of the men from legal. "Is that ok? Doesn't the contract say that it has to be Shigure?" An eager Ayame was still pumping his hand.
The man shook his head, looking a little nervous. "No sir, it just says that Ms. Honda must be accompanied by an adult. Who the adult is up to her."
Sawatari managed to shake off Ayame. "Is this okay with you Tooru-kun?" He asked her desperately. "Are you sure you don't want to wait for Shigure? Or maybe call your grandfather?" Anybody else but this madman!
"A...Ayame-san fine with me." Tooru said hesitantly looking back and forth between Sawatari and Ayame. Yuki was silent, lost in thoughts of revenge.
"OF course it is! Who is better suited then I?" Ayame gestured to himself self-importantly.
"No one!" Mine said encouragingly, pumping a fist into the air.
"Exactly! Ha-ha-ha!" The snake put his fists on his hips and laughed.
"Yes, well," Sawatari clapped his hands together, trying to keep calm. "I suppose that's that. Shall we get down to business then?"
"Yes!" Ayame walked back over to Tooru and gestured to Mine. "First we must fix this problem."
"I wouldn't call it a problem-" Sawatari started.
"It is a BIG problem!" Ayame insisted shaking a fist in the air. "Tooru-kun is best suited to pure romantic ideals. Things like parasols, little white dogs, gazebos and Victorian houses! This is completely wrong for her! I cannot allow it!"
"Now wait a minute!" Sawatari was just past getting angry, and starting in on furious. "We've got an experienced staff here who know what they're doing. Why don't you let them do their jobs?"
"What do they know of romantic ideals? What do they know of *romance*?" Ayame rolled the r's and drew out the word. He placed a hand over his heart. "I AM THE ROMANTIC IDEAL!" he proclaimed. He snapped around and pointed to Tooru. "Mine! It is time to deploy our secret weapon!"
"Secret weapon?" Sawatari gaped.
"Yes, Boss!" Mine grabbed Tooru by the neck and dragged her back into the dressing room and waved her package in the air. "Right away Boss!" She shut the door and there was an audible "click" of the door being locked.
"What is the "secret weapon"?!" Sawatari demanded.
"It is something constructed just for Tooru-kun! It is full romantic ideals, like white lilies, bows, lace and garden parties!" Ayame explained happily.
"That doesn't explain anything!" Sawatari shouted, completely losing his cool. Mika looked at him in surprise. Yakumo never lost his cool.
She turned to an exhausted looking Yuki. "Is he always like this?" She asked sympathetically. She couldn't think of two people less alike.
"Always."
Mika shook her head and snapped a picture of Ayame and Sawatari who continued to argue. What a family.
A soft click from the door as it was unlocked was enough to make everyone quiet down. There was hush of anticipation as the doorknob slowly turned. Mine stepped out and smiled at the crowd. She turned back to the door and gently tugged Tooru out.
An appreciative "oooo" rose from the crowd. The dress was a snowy white that set off the delicate flush of Tooru's skin nicely. The skirt was short showing off as much leg as the shorts had done, but still managed to look elegant. It had a soft, silken look and it flowed and fluttered around her legs at her slightest movement. It brought to mind the scarf-like skirts that ice skaters and professional dancers wore. The top of the dress made one think of fairy tales and knights or Greek maidens. It seemed to be modeled after a princess's dress, with long sleeves that gathered just above the elbow with ribbon ties before dropping away in loose v's away from the her arms. The neck was slack and gathered at the shoulders with ties in the in a style that imitated Greek illustrations of temple maidens. It dropped over her chest in loose folds in that same gauzy fabric till it lightly draped over a golden belt at her waist. Her hair was done up in ribbons again, this time in a big butterfly looped style with long draping tails that twined in her hair. On one wrist was cuff of thick gold ribbon embroidered in beads in some complex style. The outfit was completed with a ruffled lacy garter on one thigh threaded through with a pink ribbon that draped down her leg.
Kinomoto took a photograph. "Much better. Camera loves it."
Sawatari turned to Ayame. "Fine, but the rest of her outfits have to be made from the clothes from wardrobe. We're getting paid to use them."
***
Tooru glanced around the busy set. Mika and Mr. Kinomoto were looking over one of the sets and gesturing to a couple of staff members. The chubby little photographer had insisted that Tooru's new outfit needed a new set built around it. Sawatari was going over a sheaf of papers with the gray suited men. Ayame and Mine were chattering away to an adoring wardrobe and makeup crew.
"For Tooru-kun only the purest of ideals must be attempted." Ayame-san lectured.
"Yes!" Mine agreed, "Purity is the goal!"
"Soft fabrics!"
"Silk, velvet, and laces."
"Light colors!"
"Pinks, creams and yellows."
"Delicate jewelry!"
"In gold!"
Ayame turned to Mine with a considering look on his face. "Don't you think silver is much more appropriate?"
"Gold brings to mind classical images!"
"But silver is more subtle and...."
No one was paying attention to her. The interviewer was supposed to be over in a moment. If she was going to check on Kyou it had to be now. She quickly slipped into the dressing room and closed the door behind her. The room was dead quiet. Had Kyou managed to slip out somehow? She held her breath and listened for a moment. Something shuffled in the closet.
"Kyou-kun?"
The closet door opened a crack and an eye peeped out. Seeing that she was alone he poked his head out.
"I'm sorry this is all I could find." Tooru held out a small towel she had filched when they had done her makeup.
Kyou grabbed the towel and tied it around his waist. He looked up and was about to start in on an angry diatribe when his words caught in his throat. Tooru was looking worriedly at the door, and was framed by the light of the makeup table. She looked like an angel.
Tooru glanced back at Kyou and caught his startled stare.
"Kyou-kun, are you all right? Did you catch a cold? Your turning red!" She stepped forward apprehensively. He'd been in that closet for a while now without any clothes. It would be all her fault if he got sick.
"I'm fine." Kyou backed up apprehensively inadvertently closing the closet door. "What are you wearing?"
Tooru looked down at herself and blushed. She'd forgotten she was wearing such a strange outfit. She spun in place, displaying the dress. "Ayame-san made it for me! Isn't it just like a princess's? It's much too pretty for me, but it's fun to wear."
Kyou swallowed hard and became aware of just how small the towel he was wearing was as he watched the floaty material of Tooru's dress flutter up as she turned. Then what she said penetrated into his brain. He straightened, pushed himself off the closet door and stepped towards her.
"Ayame?! What is that freak doing here?"
"Shigure-san couldn't come so he called Ayame-san to chaperone." Tooru smiled clasping her hands together, "It was very kind of him to come. He even closed the store and brought Mine-san with him." Kyou grimaced and silently promised Shigure a fitting retribution when they next met.
Kyou and Tooru went ridged with panic as a rattle from the door was resounded through the little room. The doorknob on the dressing room door was turning. Someone was coming in! How were they going to explain a mostly naked boy in her dressing room? Kyou scrambled for the closet door. There was no way he was going to be able to get inside before whoever was at the door came in. In a panic Tooru launched herself at the scantily clad boy and wrapped her arms around him.
Yuki walked in the room just as the orange smoke began to fade and the little towel fluttered to the floor. Tooru was bug-eyed with surprise. Kyou's fur stood on end. Fur?
"Why are you a cat?" Yuki asked accusingly.
"Kuso Nezumi! Don't you know how to knock?!" Kyou arched in fury.
"I'm sorry!" Tooru babbled, "It's all my fault. I couldn't find any clothes for Kyou-kun so he had to stay in the closet. Then I found a towel and I gave it to him, but then Yuki-kun started to open the door and I didn't know who it was so...I didn't know what else to do!"
There was a light rap on the door and Mika popped her head in. "Did you find her Yuki-kun?" She looked at the tableau before her. Tooru stood clutching her cat and looking upset and Yuki straightened from an angry looking crouch. A lover's spat? Funny, the boy hadn't seemed the type. Maybe he was feeling insecure with all the attention Tooru was getting. Mika's mouth quirked. He was probably used to being the "pretty one" in the relationship. She walked into the room and put a reassuring arm around her. "Tooru-kun, the interviewer is ready. Better get out on the set."
Tooru looked down at Kyou in her arms. "Ah...ok Mika-san."
Mika smiled and guided her towards the door. "I'm sure that Higurashi won't mind at all if you keep Tom with you while you two chat. We might even be able to use him in some of the pictures!"
Tooru clutched Kyou to her and took a deep breath. This day just wasn't going to get any easier. But she had promised to her mother that she wasn't going to give up, no matter how hard it got!
