Chapter 28: Morning Interlude
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, all mornings would be of the tempest sea kind.
Kyoko woke up shivering. With eyes still closed she reached out for her covers but her hands managed to land on something else, or more like, someone else.
She opened her eyes slowly, using the dawn light peeking through the window, she spotted Ren softly snoring next to her. He was lying on his back sleeping without a care in the world. The covers a tangled mess at the foot of the bed. He must have been hot last night. He was only wearing boxer briefs and that's when she remembered her own lack of clothing.
She was practically nude save for her underwear. She knew she should have been embarrassed at her lack of attire but she couldn't bring herself to care.
She smiled as she recalled last night. Her body no longer cold as memory of last night filled her with warmth. She had mischievously barged into his room even though he told her to go to bed. She had wanted him and although they didn't have "sex" it was still very satisfying.
She had held still last night and just let him touch her. She didn't want to startle him and let him freak out, which he was prone to do. Kyoko didn't want him to throw her out of the room. She was glad he didn't do that because it felt wonderful to have his hands and mouth on her.
Kyoko propped herself on her elbow as she watched her man sleep, looking for all the world, like the Greek god Adonis. She reached out her hand tentatively to touch him. Her fingers started with brushing his hair from his forehead. She knew from last night that he had taken out his contacts so if he were to open them now they could be as vibrant as emeralds sparkling in the sunlight or like last night, during throws of passion, they could be as dark as a tempest sea.
She traced her finger over his chiseled jaw. She could feel the whiskers already sprouting through his pores. She moved to touch his soft pink lips. Lips that could set her skin aflame with just one touch. She had an urge to kiss him but she held back and opted for her fingers to do the work. His lips parted as she traced over them, stilling her hand she waited to see if she had awoken him.
When he didn't stir anymore, her hand continued its exploration. The pad of her fingers lightly ran the curve of his long neck and down to his collar bone. She stifled a giggle as her fingers played with one nipple then the other watching it harden under her touch. So this is the same for men as it is women, she thought. Her eyes dropped to his abdomen. Her fingers lingered there tracing each muscle out slowly. She reveled at the tightness of his stomach so unlike hers. Her fingers circled his navel. She could feel the stubble of his hair and deduced that he shaved his body there. As she made her way to his waistband she inhaled sharply and pulled her hand back. She was curious to know if he was blonde all down there as well. She had never seen a man's penis before. All she had to go on were the pictures she saw during her "research."
Kyoko frowned and with a worried look up to his face thought, "I'm being an extreme pervert right now. This has to be against the law. I'm violating him in his sleep."
Ren's lips twitched slightly as he spied the young woman's face of mixed emotions through slitted eyes. Her touch had woken him up when she was playing with his nipples and it took him all his ability not to move.
He didn't want to break whatever spell had befallen her. She was touching him of her own volition and he fucking loved it. He watched her face go from a range of excitement, guilt and then curiosity. Her hand reached out for his groin area. Was she going to touch him down there? His heart was beating rapidly in anticipation.
Forgetting to feign sleep, Ren opened his eyes wider to watch her. She didn't realize he was awake since her eyes were trained on his crotch.
He watched her pink little tongue snake out over her lips as her hand neared his waist band. He lost. His erection grew under her eyes until his dick was pitching a high tent in his boxers
Kyoko's hand stopped short as she watched this phenomenon. Her eyes widened with surprise as she turned her head to Ren's face. He was awake as her eyes locked on with the dark green of the emperor, a tempest sea, this morning.
Neither of them spoke as he reached out a hand to touch the curve of her hip. She shivered as he traced his finger up her side and over her breast. His finger rolled over her nipple. Kyoko arched her back wanting more of her breast to fill his hand. Ren obliged as he palmed her breast, his thumb rubbing over her nipple. His eyes watching her as she responded wantonly to his touch. Kyoko's body hummed with desire. Ren pulled her closer so that one of his legs came between her thighs his hard cock digging in to her hip. He kissed her slowly and passionately. She responded in kind. He wanted to take his time with her. He didn't plan on actually having sex with her. Last night could attest to the fact that they can both find fulfillment in just touching.
Kyoko hooked her leg over his hip not knowing what she wanted. She only knew that it felt good to have her clit rubbing against him. Ren broke the kiss and trailed lips over her smooth jaw and down to her neck. He lingered in the crook of her neck as he licked and sucked.
The blaring sound of a phone buzzing broke their morning interlude. Ren buried his head into her chest in agony and cursed at the interruption making Kyoko giggle. Who the fuck was calling this early in the morning, he thought irritated. He reached for the offending object and snatched it open. Forgetting his professional manners, he answered the phone, "What?! This better be an emergency!"
"Mo! You bastard! How dare you answer the phone like that? Are you even Japanese? Didn't your parents teach you manners? Why are you..." Came Kanae's voice ringing loud and clear in the quiet of Ren's room. Ren felt emasculated as he handed Kyoko the phone not even listening to the rest of her best friend's lecture. There was no way he could continue after that dressing down. She was hitting a little to close to home with her questions."
"Mokoooo-saaaan!" Kyoko squealed into the receiver.
"Mo! I see your relationship is going good." Kanae said in her cool voice.
"Eh, Mo- Moko-san I assure you I'm still..."
"Mo, it's ok I'm not judging. I just hope you're both being safe. Your career is..."
"But Mo-..." Kyoko's train of thought cut off as she watched Ren roll out of bed. Her mouth watered as he stalked to the bathroom and closed the door partially. She heard him relieve himself before hopping into the shower.
"Mo! Are you even listening to me? Did you hear a word I said? Even if you didn't win, it was still a win for your career. Anyway it's good you're fine, that's all!" Kanae said quickly and hung up. She should have known better than to worry about the that Baka.
Kyoko stared at the phone as she got a dial tone. That's so like Kanae. She didn't even get a chance to ask her about the States. She placed her phone back on the table and laid in bed listening to the sounds of the shower. She had a strong desire to join him but she wasn't brave enough to act on it yet.
Ren took a nice cold shower while Kyoko caught up with her friend. He contemplated rubbing one out while he was in there, Lord knew, after last night he had plenty of material to help him come quickly. He thought better of it. They had the day off today maybe they can continue later.
He turned off the water and realized he forgot a towel. "Baby, can you get me a towel from the closet." He asked as goose pimples dotted his flesh. He heard the distinct sound of drawers and doors opening and closing.
He smirked as Kyoko walked into the bathroom wearing one of his T-shirts. He smiled thinking she rummaged through his drawers. He didn't even try to cover himself up. She just stood there gaping at him in all his naked glory. He let her have her fill until the cold got the better of him.
"Thank you for the towel" he said in his husky voice reaching out for it.
Kyoko was startled from her thoughts as he took the towel. She blushed as she realized she had been staring at his crotch like a total pervert. That confirmed it, his hair was a darker blonde down there. As he was distracted drying his hair, she inspected his penis resting on his thigh. Even at rest she could tell he was well endowed. Her eyes took on a calculated look, almost medical, as she tried to envision his measurements. She could refine her dolls.
Ren cleared his throat as his face reddened. If she kept this up he might have to take her on the bathroom counter. Before he could act on it, she scuttled out of the bathroom embarrassed, "I'll get cleaned up too." She wondered if her perverted nature knew no bounds.
Ren chuckled and was a bit relieved. He looked down at his dick. He thought he was well proportioned for his size. She didn't seem disappointed. He was wondering if he was the first naked man she had ever seen? She did live with Fuwa when they were kids at the ryokan and then over a year ago alone as teens. Surely there were instances of this nature.
Ren looked at his reflection in the mirror. Kuon's cold green eyes stared back at him as he imagined her walking in on "Sho-Chan" in the shower or as he was getting dressed or vice versa. He wondered, if that was the reason she could act so naturally when she walked in on him while acting as the Heel siblings. Was she just used to naked men?
He snapped the toothbrush he was holding in his hand which brought him back to his senses. His insecurities and overactive imagination would only cause them problems. He knew nothing happened between them. He had witnessed the fiasco during valentine's day. She was so distraught from him taking just her first kiss.
With his mind finally made up that he took himself on a pointless downward spiral, he went to get dress.
His suit and her dress were laying neatly on his bed. When did she take all that out of the bathroom? He hoped she didn't notice his pants. He would be so embarrassed if he had to explain a man's secretions. He hoped he never had to.
His phone chirped indicating that he had messages. He quickly dressed and reached for his phone. Sure enough there was a message from Yashiro. "Congratulations Ren, I hope Kyoko isn't too disappointed. President wants to see you guys in the morning. Lay low for today."
Ren looked at his phone oddly. Why would Yashiro send him such a cryptic message? He decided to give their manager a call.
"Yashiro-San, what is going on?" Ren asked perturbed by their manager's message.
"Ren, it's nothing serious or I would have called. It's just the media outlets are kind of hunting for you guys. They are actually staking out Kyoko-Chan's place. I'm not sure how they found out where she lived. Your apartment has high tech security so I'm pretty sure you're safe," Yashiro-san explained.
Ren could hear a but coming on so he waited. "But they also know she didn't come home last night. So here we are."
Ren cursed, he didn't think about the implications of her coming home with him would bring.
"That is why the President wants to meet with both of you. Anyway, you two just enjoy this rare day off together," Yashiro couldn't contain his glee any longer and squealed. "So Ren how was it? Were you gentle. Having the woman you love in your apartment all to yourself..."
"Good bye Yashiro-san," he said as he cut him off and hung up. He couldn't deal with his teasing right now. He had to figure out a way to protect Kyoko.
He looked up when there was a knock on the door. He told her to come in. Kyoko opened the door and found Ren standing there with a worried look on his face which quickly turned into a calm smile.
"Corn is something wrong? I heard Yashiro, did he say anything?" She asked concerned.
Ren gave her a reassuring smile and told her everything was fine. Kyoko gave an irritated nod and told him she was going to start breakfast. He was hiding something from her again. She thought they were past keeping secrets.
Sensing her animosity, he reached out for her. Of course she would be mad. She could tell something was wrong with him and he was shutting her out. He pulled her into a hug. Kyoko stiffened in his embrace. He was trying to placate her using his body but she was not having any of it.
He sighed in defeat when she didn't return his hug. Why was he messing this up?
"I wanted to come up with a plan before telling you. Yes that was Yashiro. He told me that there are some reporters camping outside of Darumaya."
"What?" She wasn't expecting that answer. She thought it had something to do with her actions last night and then again this morning.
"They know you didn't come home last night so there may be some harsh tabloid articles coming out."
"Oh, that's it." She asked wondering why that would be such a big deal. Is it not natural for a girlfriend to stay with her boyfriend? She didn't know since this was her first real relationship.
"That's it, you aren't worried about your reputation at all?" Ren asked bewildered.
"I think my reputation went out the window the day I posed with you in the R'Mandy ad. Fans speculated we were sleeping with each other remember. So I don't see the big deal. It's none of their business where I spend the night." Kyoko said hugging him.
Ren marveled at the strength of this tiny woman in his arms. How could she just see things for what they were?
"Plus I don't plan on letting you go so they might as well get used to it," she said in a matter of fact tone.
She pulled back with a worried look biting her bottom lip, "does Yashiro think it would be a problem because of our age? I am still in high school. I don't want you going to jail."
He laughed so like her to worry about everyone but herself. "We're meeting with Boss tomorrow. I think everything would be fine."
"I also don't want to cause my landlords too much trouble." She would be heartbroken if she had to move soon. She really enjoyed living with Taisho and Okami. They treated her like a daughter. With her work picking up, her income had definitely increased. She used a good chunk of her R'Mandy paycheck to pay some of her debts off and put the rest in savings. She would be able to afford a modest apartment if things continued.
"Kyorororo!" Kyoko's stomach growled from hunger pains. She groaned. Her body really chose the most inopportune times to interrupt.
Ren chuckled and pulled her towards the kitchen. "Come on, let's eat some breakfast. I'll get things started, while you call your landlords. You're worried about them right."
Kyoko nodded and smiled. She swore he had to have some sort of fairy powers since he was always able to read her mind. Kyoko went to call the couple she treated as parents. They had assured her that everything was fine but told her she should probably stay away another night just until things settled down.
Feeling better about the situation, Kyoko went to help Ren prepare breakfast. Knowing Kyoko was coming, he had the hindsight to stock his fridge and pantry with groceries. Kyoko was impressed by his selections. With Ren's "help," they made a modest breakfast of tomagoyaki, sausage, miso soup, rice and salad.
When they were settled at the table in the living room, Ren turned on the TV. He scrolled through a few channels until he landed on the entertainment news channel that was running a segment from last night. The hosts were talking about them. This particular show critiqued the outfits worn by the stars on the red carpet, a best/worst dressed type of scenario.
"Can we just stop and take a moment to focus on this couple's style? How adorable did they look tonight?" The female host smiled as cheers rang out from the audience She receives the reaction she desired.
They flashed through shots of Ren and Kyoko posing on the red carpet. "Let's start with Kyoko-san, can we get a solo shot of her on the screen," asked the female host.
A picture of Kyoko filled the large screen making Kyoko blush. She had never watched any of these shows before so she was a little embarrassed that all across the city people were seeing this picture.
Kyoko had to admit that under Fuji-san's guidance she had felt like a Princess last night. Ren and Kyoko ate their food as the hosts continued.
"Isn't her dress just darling on her. Fuji-San sure knew what he was doing. The whole ensemble from her heels to her edgy hairstyle just worked in her favor," The female host mentioned as they mulled over Kyoko's outfit.
Kyoko studied the dress closely. It had been a strapless corset dress with a full skirt that stopped a few inches above her knee. Fuji-San had added a small "v" cut out right in the center breaking up the bodice. The dress was originally floor length but Fuji-San insisted on showing off her legs. The lining was actually nude with a smoky colored tulle over it. The sheer overlay had sea-foam green petals and beading hand stitched into the material over the bodice and on the skirt which floated and shimmered in the light as she walked. Her minimum use of accessories only amplified the look.
"I love this lighter flirty take on her. She's a very gorgeous young woman. Fuji-San knew what he was doing putting her in this dress. She is the epitome of fresh and modern enchantment and look at those big golden eyes, ugh just gorgeous!" Said the male host in a flamboyant tone.
"Let's take a closer look at the accessory on her arm shall we," he said.
The audience laughed as a picture of Ren replaced Kyoko. Kyoko stopped her chopsticks in mid air, stunned by the audacity of the host to lower her esteemed Sempai to nothing more than an accessory to her.
Ren chuckled, he was loving this host. No one ever had the balls to make fun of him like that on television but he didn't find it insulting.
"Japan's hottest man on the arm of a beautiful woman. Who isn't loving them right now? I am a huge fan of their relationship," the female host chirped.
"Seriously, they say a maiden in love becomes more beautiful but the same can be said for a man. Have we ever seen Tsuruga-San look more relaxed and comfortable in his own skin? Sure he's always been gorgeous but there's definitely something different about him. He seems almost approachable here," she continued as she studied Ren's appearance.
The audience all agreed with her in unison.
"I also like what Fuji-San did here. He adorned Tsuruga-San in a well-tailored charcoal silk suit. The slim fit really showed off his great physique and the matching sea foam colored tie and pocket square really pops against the gray. With Kyoko-San by his side the color choice of his suit makes a lot of sense."
"There's not much to a suit but can we talk about his hair style for the night. It looks like he recently had a haircut. I wonder if he will style his hair this way from now on. It's actually refreshing to see this voluminous blown back look on him rather than his usual side part. I hope he keeps it up. What do you think ladies, should Tsuruga-San keep this hairstyle?"
"Yes," the audience screamed with great enthusiasm.
"Well there you have it, the fans have spoken, we hope you keep it up Tsuruga-san. Well that's all our time for tonight," the female host said.
Ren looked at Kyoko as she stabbed at her breakfast. His smile quirked as he heard her mutter under her breath.
"You know that's a really bad habit of yours," he said teasing. "What has you wound up beautiful?" He asked tucking her hair behind her ear as she looked at him.
She laughed nervously, "it's nothing I'm just talking to myself."
"Hmm, I wonder if that's all," he said his sparkly gentleman smile crossing his face.
"Ehhhh, I'm sorry. It really was nothing. I was just having dark thoughts and being selfish. "
"Care to enlighten me?" he asked thoughtfully.
"Ugh!" She got up frustrated and was pacing the living room while Ren stared at her with mild amusement. She didn't know how to put what she was feeling in to words.
"I'm just worried. Worried that someone better would come along with the total package and snatch you away. Then where would that leave me. So many women are starting to notice the side of you that only I used to know," she said with a whine that was annoying to even her ears.
"Baby, I..." Ren began but she cut him off.
She held up a hand to stop him from talking. "It's ok you don't have to explain, trust me, my logic will work me through this and I will move on." She thought hard about the situation. He loved her she rationalized with herself. He had shown her on numerous occasions. She had no right to be jealous. This was their profession after all. She held her hand to her chest to will her heart to stop being so negative.
Ren watched with awe as she did exactly what he just did in the bathroom. He stood up and gathered her in his arms. "I'll love you for always baby, forever ever."
She sagged in his arms her face buried in his chest, "I really am a love idiot."
"You and me both babe. Let's be idiots together," he said kissing her smack on the mouth.
Changing the subject suddenly to try to rid the place of the heavy atmosphere, "So what should we do today? I'm pretty sure the paparazzi hasn't found where I live yet otherwise security would have alerted me. Someone had to have tipped them off on where you're living."
"Perhaps Shotaro may have..." Kyoko began speculating.
Ren shook his head no, "I don't think it was him. I know he's been an extreme thorn in our sides but I'm quite sure he has moved on. It could just be the same person that followed Fuwa the first time. So I guess in a way it could be him. Anyway, back to my first question."
"Do you think Kuon would like to come out and play with Ella," Kyoko asked with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"I think that could be arranged. What did you have in mind?" he asked with a broad smile of his own.
On the other side of Tokyo on the 10th floor of an upscale apartment Kyoko's red carpet face was frozen on the screen of the large TV.
"It's Morimoto. I need your discreet services," he paused as he listened to the male voice on the other end of the line.
"Target is Kyoko-san. Yes, the celebrity. No, it's nothing like that. Whatever it costs, just get me the information as soon as possible."
Morimoto ended the call and sighed heavily as he placed the cellphone next to him on the couch. Ignoring the obvious sounds and smells of food burning on the stove, he removed his glasses and rubbed at the bridge of his nose. When he opened them again he looked at the beautiful young woman smiling at him on the screen. Despite her golden eyes, she looked just like her mother.
AN: I felt like I said a lot yet nothing at all and I leave you with a cliffhanger. So on that note, I hope you enjoyed. Guess who I'm setting up to have a roommate XD. Thank you for continuing to read. Big thanks to the usual reviewers of this story. You guys spur me forward. I heart reviews!
I tried to describe their outfits as best as possible. Like I said I have a poor imagination so I somehow stumbled across this dress that I thought would look cute on Kyoko. I changed phones a month ago and of course I deleted all unrelated photos. I have yet to find it again so I tried to describe it as best as I could from memory.
For those that celebrate; Happy Thanksgiving! I'm super thankful for this site and all you lovely readers and authors that keep me going.
Until next time, Sayonara ^_^
