While filming his part in The Last Emperor movie, Ryuichi and his film colleague, John Lone have been getting along. Ryuichi talked about himself and with YMO also other artists even when he worked with David Byrne long before the movie production. Lone talked about his passion for acting and he mentioned about his time being an opera performer.

"That sounds interesting." Ryuichi commented. "We can try the props left from the previous scenes if you like." Ryuichi was suspicious of Lone's offer and asked if they can get the permission. "Let's just say that we're doing the opera version of the film." Lone sneakily suggested. "Hmm, alright... but don't blame me if you get in trouble for it." Ryuichi gave a warning to Lone after half agreed and Lone's eyes curved to an innocent smile.

The next night after the party shoot, Lone begged the wardrobe and makeup to have their permission for the opera costumes and makeup for him and Ryuichi. "Did I hear an opera performance?" asked the producer, Bernardo Bertolucci when he heard John Lone's childish begging. The wardrobe crew asked the producer if they should give their permission.

"Mr. Lone does have an experience and I'm sure that Mr. Sakamoto can follow Mr. Lone's instructions just fine. It will be a very interesting performance." Lone's ears perked up when he heard Bertolucci's interested tone. "Alright. Just one performance.". "That's great!" one of the wardrobe crew accepted and both Lone and Bertolucci were happy to know.

"When are you going to held the stage, Mr. Lone?" asked Bertolucci. "I think we can do it after a short filming or maybe when we finished in Tianjin." Lone suggested. Bertolucci asked again if it will take a long time for Ryuichi to practice and Lone answered the choreography will take some time. "But I'm sure he can master it." Lone confidently answered. "Well, I trust you on this one. I can't wait for the performance!" both of them continued with the filming.

As promised, Lone modified the script a bit for the play and gave it to Ryuichi. "What do you think?". "It's our lines?" Lone gave his "help to memorize your lines" excuse and it was fair for Ryuichi. Whenever on breaks, Lone helped Ryuichi practice the moves and syncing them with the lines. During those times, they started to notice something from each other.

"I suppose we should try on the costumes?" Ryuichi half asked and Lone excitedly pulled him to the wardrobe crew, where they were expected to stop by. The crew already prepared the clothes and the two only need to try it on. After practicing with the costumes, both of them agreed that they're good enough to put their performance on stage.

While they still have some time left, Lone sneakily tried on the empress costume and gave Ryuichi the General costume. Ryuichi shook his head to Lone's antics and tried it on plus the makeup. "Does it have to be this elaborate?" Ryuichi asked the makeup artist about the result and the she said yes. A short while later, Lone finished his and went to show it to Ryuichi. Both of them were stunned to see each other.

"Y-you look great! I barely recognize you when you came in.". "I think I can say the same to you." Both men complimented while trying to hide their blushing. Ryuichi and Lone were just playing along with their characters but they couldn't keep their eyes off of each other. The producer and the director then came looking for the two, abruptly finishing the day and saved themselves.

Ryuichi and Lone tried their best to focus on their characters while filming but they couldn't stop thinking of their attraction. The shoot in Tianjin was finally finished and the crew were gathering in the main hall for the performance. "Ryuichi-san." Lone went to check on Ryuichi. Seems that both of them finished changing. "Yes?". "I... uh... Good luck!" then there was an awkward silence. "Is there something else you want to say?" asked Ryuichi then suddenly Lone pinned him to the wall.

"You've noticed it too." Lone nodded. "Let's keep this between us." And they shared a kiss. They did the performance as practiced and it was a success. The two then spent some more private time together before Ryuichi leaves China.

A.N : I've seen a lot of ships of Bowie and Sakamoto and with David Sylvian but none of John Lone x Sakamoto ships. Oddly, the fluster owl didn't came out while writing this :v but I don't know if I did it right or not. It's up to you, readers! Hope you guys enjoy the chapter and I'll see you in the next one! RD out!! Boi!!!