Chapter 10: The Aftermath

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kuu and Julie would have been parents and kicked Kuon's ass.

Kyoko practically flew to the guest room. "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god," she thought, "I hit him, the demon lord is going to kill me." She was rolling on the floor freaking out, tears streaming down her face.

She didn't know what possessed her. One minute she was so happy to know that the man that has been by her side all this time, guiding her, was her fairy prince; the next minute she felt like a frightened mother whose child had gone missing and was finally found. After the initial relief of finding said child, the anger from fear set in and she just instinctively slapped him.

How could he have kept this from her for over a year? All this time, no wonder he was able to confidently say Corn grew up to be a proper adult. If she thought about it with a level head, she knew exactly why he had kept it from her. They had both changed so much in the past ten years. Their pasts were complicated. Her issues seemed so insignificant compared to his, she at least had Sho to keep her company even if he was an arrogant brat. Corn seemed to have no one by his side until he met Rick and even that was short lived.

Kyoko didn't know how to feel about Rick. He seemed to want to genuinely help Kuon, but his help backfired and made him destructive instead. Did it make her a terrible person to think that the death of someone had led Corn back to her? She was still so happy. It had to be fate.

She would have been devastated if Kanae was killed due to some action of mine. She once again thought about how brave and strong Corn was, she wouldn't have been strong enough to do what he did.

Kyoko jerked her head up in fear, as a knock came from the door, "Kyoko," he called softly. Her name coming from his lips was a soft caress to her ears making her heart pound erratically. She couldn't help but think that it sounded right.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts, and told herself not to be ensnared by the sound of his voice. "I brought you an ice pack, your hand hurts right." She looked down at her hand, it was red and beginning to swell. Oh my god if her hand looked like this, what about his face? She slapped his gorgeous face. What if he hated her now?

"I'll leave it out here. I'll be here when you're ready to face me again. Good night, I love you," said Ren. "Eh? That's it, he's not angry with me?" she thought.

She was so overwhelmed by the fact that he was Corn that she forgot he had confessed his love for her. She couldn't believe it. He said he loved her. She was the one that he was talking about when he told Bo...er her about the girl; four years younger and still in high school.

He loved her and she loved him so why was it so complicated. She wanted to tell him right away but she was scared. She wasn't scared of him, she knew he would never hurt her, at least not intentionally. Was she ready to take that leap with him? If things didn't go well, would she be able to recover from this heartbreak. She brought both her hands up and smacked her face. She couldn't think like that. She couldn't let that one lousy experience she had with Shotaro dictate her life.

She was still hesitant. She needed to talk to someone, Kanae came to mind. She grabbed her phone and was about to make the call when she noticed the time. It was really late. Kanae would be super angry with her if she ruined her beauty sleep. She sighed in resignation, she would have to work this out on her own. She should just go to sleep herself.

She realized she hadn't planned on staying the night and didn't have anything with her. She didn't even have the courage to face Ren and ask him for something to wear. She looked around the room hopelessly. Her eyes landed on a bag sitting on the bed, there was a card on it that read "For Kyoko."

Curious she approached the bag and peeked in. In the bag was a pair of pajamas, a new outfit and even two set of undergarments. The items were all moderately priced. She was sure he left the tags on just for her to see. She crossed her arms over her chest as she shivered wondering how he knew her sizes. She was happy she didn't have to confront him just yet.

She walked into the bathroom and found a basket of toiletries again another card with her name. He had supplied her with everything she needed and even included some cosmetics. She was astonished that he had picked all this out for her. There were also some house slippers and a robe hanging on a hook. How presumptuous of him. She wondered, if he had Yashiro plant the seed in her mind about staying the night.

She decided to take a bath, using some of the salts that were in the basket. While she was in the tub she thought about everything that happened tonight. The dinner, the cake, the gift. There was no other girl, it had always been just her. He was her Corn; her fairy prince it was hard to stay angry at him. She thought about his troubled past. How lonely he must have been? She admired him for coming to a foreign country at such a young age trying to rebuild himself. The way she was now, she really didn't deserve him; however, she planned on keeping him.

She got out of the bath. The robe he gave her was a soft pink that had the word princess embroidered on it. She giggled trying to imagine Ren buying all these girly things. She was sure the sales associate was practically swooning. Little did she know, he went in disguise as Kuon and excitedly told them they were presents for his girlfriend. She got into the PJs, where she got another laugh on what was on the shirt. She laid in bed wide awake, knowing that he was right on the other side of that door.

She looked at her phone again and realized he had texted her, "I'm sorry." Not really knowing how to respond, she typed honestly, "I just need some time." Her phone chimed quickly after, "I understand!" She looked at the gap underneath the door and could see light shining from his room. She felt content knowing he was there. "Good night, my Corn," she typed and hit send. She smiled brightly at his response, "Good night my princess, I love you!"

She giggled, what was with all this princess business. Her heart was so full with joy, she thought it might burst. She still couldn't sleep. She started to scroll through her gallery of treasures. She laughed softly at the memory of catching Ren today singing while cooking. The pictures she took were priceless. She also had a few of them as the Heel Siblings. Seeing them in character she realized they were so obnoxious as siblings. She felt sorry for the poor Japanese people that had to deal with them. She stopped at one of her most prized possessions, the picture she captured of Ren sleeping. Her phone had made a shutter sound then too but she was fast enough to not get caught. She scrutinized the picture this time. Although, he looked peaceful , she could now tell there was still some tension in his face.

He sighed as he left the ice pack outside her door. He didn't want to leave things like this but he knew she needed some space. He went into his room and got ready for bed. He looked at his face in the mirror and cringed. He saw her distinct hand print forming on his cheek. He caressed his cheek, and like the masochist that he was, he smiled. She had marked him, again. He had no clue how he would explain this tomorrow. Hopefully he can cover it up with make-up so it would look natural. He was seeing Ms Woods tomorrow for his hair so hopefully she could help.

He turned on his music player before climbing in to bed, hoping some music would help him sleep. He grimaced as he listened to the song. It resonated with his current mood.

By starlight I'll kiss you
And promise to be your one and only
I'll make you feel happy
And leave you to be lost in mine
And where will we go
What will we do?
Soon said I will know

As the song played on Ren decided to send her an apology text in hopes that she would see it. He stared at his phone hoping, waiting, willing it to chime. He was startled when his phone vibrated in his hand. He exchanged a few texts with her and was satisfied with how things were left. His mind reverberated with the fact that she texted "My Corn!" He was in the clouds with happiness right now. Although, he said he was going to get serious with her he wasn't sure how. He wished there was someone he could talk to. He had never had to actively chase a girl before. He didn't want to screw it up.

He went through a mental check list of any friends he felt close enough to call. He vetoed Yashiro at once. He needed to talk to someone that knew his past, that only left Boss and him…?

Ren dialed the phone number. It shouldn't be a problem calling at this time right. He was about to hang up when the other party picked up, "This is Kuu speaking!" There was silence on the other end. "Hey look here, whoever this is, better start talking or I'm hanging up." He said with an aggravated voice.

Ren finally spoke up and nervously said, "It's me."

"Kuon, is that you son, has something happened?" Kuu's voice suddenly filled with panic and concern for his son. He was ecstatic that his son had personally called him.

Kuon assured him that he was fine but something did indeed happen. He told his father about his confession to Kyoko. How he spilled about his problems as a teen and his real name. "She's angry at me Dad and I'm not sure how to make it right. I love her and I want a future with her, forever, but she doesn't believe me."

Kuu wanted to squeal with delight but he knew his son was being serious now and needed some fatherly advised. Kuu cleared his throat, "Well son I'd say you need to give her space but I'm worried if you do that she might think you really don't care. Your past is a bit scary so I wouldn't blame her if she turned tail and ran"

Ren told him that actually wasn't the problem. She accepted his issues as a teen and even the fact that he was his father. "So what's her problem?" Kuu asked confused. Ren told him how they had met as kids in Kyoto and how she thought he was a Fairy Prince. He'd known for over a year who she was while he stayed quiet.

Kuu sighed, where did he go wrong? How could he have raised a son that was so clueless about love, "So she feels completely betrayed. You have to show her how honest and sincere you are in your affection. So my advice is to shower her with love and attention, it worked for your mother. Kyoko doesn't seem materialistic so any gifts you send need to be inexpensive and meaningful. Oh and the biggest thing to remember is that women are jealous creatures, even Kyoko, she's an amazing actress so she can hide it better than others. Your persona as Ren Tsuruga, dubbed co-star killer, may be your nemesis. You can no longer treat all women equally. You need to actively draw a line with other costars to let Kyoko know that only she is special.

Ren grimaced, he knew his dad was right. The incident with Kana-san was proof. Ren heard his mother in the background and Kuu told her that Kuon was on the phone.

Julie let out a yelp and snatched the phone out of Kuu's hand. "Kuu, I'm not speaking to you again for hogging the phone when Kuon is on the line!" she yelled at his father. Kuu was pleading with her to forgive him but Kuon needed his fatherly advice.

"Kuon baby, are you there," Julie cooed to her son. Ren cleared his throat as his voice cracked from emotion over hearing his mother's voice after so many years, "I'm here mom."

"I have to run out but I wanted you to know that I love you and I'm proud of you. Come home soon and bring my daughter with you, the doctor says I only have 6 more months to live. I want to see you both before I die," Julie admonished.

Ren chuckled she hasn't changed at all, "I will Mom, I love you too."

"I'm giving the phone back to Dad, so call us again, ok." She said as she passed the phone to Kuu. She looked at Kuu full of love and hope. She had so many things she wanted to talk about but she left it at this. It was enough that he called, she didn't want to overwhelm him. She felt it in her core, that soon they would have their boy back in their lives and it was probably thanks to Kyoko.

Ren thanked his Dad and ended the call. He felt lighter after talking to his parents. They didn't seem angry or upset with him.

Hours ticked by, Ren was still unable to sleep. He got up quietly and slipped into the kitchen for some water. Kyoko unable to sleep either heard him rustling in the kitchen and decided to get up too.

"Corn?" she said as she stepped into the kitchen. Kyoko caught sight of him standing at the fridge with a bottle of water tipped up to his mouth. Ren froze as his green eyes met with hers, he wasn't prepared to face her so soon.

He was shirtless. His pajama bottoms sat low on his hips. His muscular upper body was exposed. Kyoko's mouth ran dry as she took in this gorgeous man with his blonde hair and his intense green eyes.

Ren stopped drinking when he heard her voice. He ran his tongue over his lips to catch the drips of water that remained there. He watched Kyoko's eyes stare at his mouth and watched as her body trembled slightly. Her eyes wandered down his body taking in his wide chest, his tight abs and stopped at the top of his waist band.

Her eyes narrowed as she could just make out the light hair dotting his lower abdomen dipping into his pants. Would she have known if she had looked properly when she walked in on him in the shower as Setsu that his hair was actually a lighter shade down there? She felt like such a pervert when she heard Ren cough to clear his throat.

He was blushing like a virgin on her wedding night. He watched Kyoko completely eye fuck him as her gaze roamed his naked torso. She probably didn't know she was doing it, but there was a hint of lust filling her golden eyes.

He had half a mind to take her right then and there on his kitchen floor. His dick started to harden as her eyes slowly made it's way down and stopped at his crotch. If the main lights were on she could probably make out his hard-on. He was thankful for the soft glow of the stove light.

She looked so damn adorable in the pajamas he had bought her. It was a tank top and pants set with "Being a Princess is exhausting" in glitter print splashed across the front. He could tell she wasn't wearing a bra her erect nipples we're straining against the fabric. Was she trying to seduce him?

"Corn, I'm sorry about earlier, your face, does it hurt?" She asked quietly looking down at her feet. She was worried he wouldn't love her anymore.

"Yes, it does. You must have been very angry. How will you take responsibility?" he asked teasingly. Her head snapped up to explain when she realized he was just teasing her. Ren continued seriously, "I wasn't lying either whether I'm Ren, Kuon or Corn, I would always love only you Kyoko."

"Corn I…" She began, but he interrupted her. "You don't have to say anything, you don't even have to respond to my feelings right now." He slowly stalked towards her," I just wanted you to know that I'm not backing down. I won't hand you over to anyone. I want to be the only man that occupies your mind and your heart. I won't lose to Fuwa."

At the mention of Shotaro the spell was broken. Kyoko looked on the verge of crying. Ren looked concerned and asked, "what is it?"

"I'm impure!" she wailed at him in tears.

Ren looked surprised, what did she mean, his mind screamed. By now, he was only a few inches away from her trying desperately to control his anger, he said, "tell me." Kyoko was panicking, "I'm unclean. He soiled me. You can't love me. I don't deserve you, " she gushed. Ren was freaking out trying to keep his cool, whilst Kuon wanted to punch the wall.

He needed to calm down, he didn't want to scare her. He didn't want to think the worst. His body rigid with controlled anger, he repeated again "tell me." In tears, Kyoko broke down and told him about the night when he met her in the park. How Fuwa came over trying to get a reaction out of her after she just heard her mother deny her very existence on public television.

"What did he do to you?" he asked feeling his control slipping. "He kissed me. I didn't initiate it. He did it on his own and I wanted to vomit. I failed you, I let my guard down." She wailed in despair shuddering at the thought of the kiss.

Ren's body deflated as he realized that was it. He laughed heartily, of course that was it. How could his thoughts turn so dark so fast? He still wanted to break Fuwa's neck. He looked at her lovingly, she was so pure, so innocent. He was afraid he would taint her with his darkness but looking at her now he knew in his heart her light would never dim.

Kyoko scolded him and started beating on his chest. She said that her chastity was at stake because she broke the actors rule again. He grabbed her hands to stop her. She was actually starting to hurt him. She had no idea how strong she was. Holding her hands against his chest, he leaned his body into her. Pinning her against the wall, "show me where Fuwa kissed you," he said in a sultry voice, the emperor of the night taking over.

She didn't realize she had backed up so far. Her body came alive as he pinned her against the wall. Every nerve of her being that was pressed against his body was humming with delight. Her nipples grazing against his nude chest instantly hardened. She felt a new sensation between her legs and dampness pooling in her underwear. She felt something hard pressing into her abdomen and wondered what it could be. Her breathing shallow, she pointed, licking her lips in anticipation. He leaned down to brush his lips against hers, barely a whisper of a kiss. There was an electric shock that sparked as their lips met.

Ren jumped back suddenly as if burned. Regaining his senses, he ushered her to bed. She went to her room a little disappointed but happy he wasn't angry with her. They bid each other good night as he kissed her forehead. In their respective rooms, Kyoko fell asleep instantly. Ren on the other hand, not so much.

AN: Awe making up is so sweet. 10 chapters and we made it through the first day...lol. Thanks everyone for reading and reviewing. I appreciate all feedback.

BTW, I found that chapter where Ren actually uses a keycard to get into his place along with a pin code so I wasn't too far off canon (ref. my chpt 8).

The song Ren was listening to was Smashing Pumpkins "Starlight."