The Fallen Women
CH 37 A Night to Remember.
"Kyoko?" Ren called as he walked into his apartment, dropping his keys on the table and made his way deeper inside his place .He looked around "Kyoko" he called again.
"I'll be out in a second "
Ren smiled and walked towards the bedroom, he slowly opened the door and then leaned against the frame. He stared at Kyoko she ran a hairbrush over her hair "do you need a hand" he asked.
"No you've already done enough "she said standing up and walking over to him "does it look alright?" she asked nervously. Spinning around in a slow circle for him.
"You're absolutely gorgeous and you look stunning in that dress. Do you like it?"
"It's amazing Ren, but how did you manage to set it all up."
"Ah I got Yashiro to do all the manual labour and I did have a while to plan"
Kyoko radiated joyfully at him "I should have known you would make Yashiro do all the hard work"
Ren wrapped his arms around her "if it means I get to spend more time with you always."
Kyoko gently reached up and kissed his cheek "then maybe next time I'll take Yashiro out and you can do the hard work "
"That's never going to happen."
Kyoko giggled "are you sure about that"
"Absolutely "he said and captured her lips in a heated kiss.
"Ren "she said breathlessly between kisses. Ren reluctantly pulled away from her "you are completely irresistible but I should get ready or we'll miss our reservation"
"we could always skip it" Kyoko whispered before kissing him again .Ren moaned and pulled away from her "god that so tempting but no I'm taking you on this date."
"Then I better go and put my shoes on" she said before turning and exiting the room.
Ren let out a deep sigh and quickly rushed to get changed into his new outfit.
Kyoko sat on the couch as she waited for Ren to finish getting ready, she fiddled with the necklace and started thinking about everything had happened since her and Ren had gotten together.
"So how do I look?" said Ren as he walked into the lounge room?
Kyoko looked up and felt her breath escape her body, Ren stood in front of her in a suit with a blue shirt and vest .looking as close to a god as a human could. "You look very handsome"
"Shall we head off "he said offering her his hand? Which she took as she stood up and smile.
"Are you going to tell me where we are going tonight?"
"No I don't think me will." he answered sweetly as they left his place and walked then to his car.
"Not even if I beg? "She asked "or bribes you with sexual favours"
"Unfortunately the sexual favours bribe acceptance time has expired "he returned wittily
Kyoko shook her head and then slide her hand onto his thigh "are you sure about that"
Ren swallowed and then moved his hand into her and raised it to his lips "we're almost there so I guess you'll have to try again later."
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind"
Ren slowed the car down at the valet in front of De Luna's and smile politely as the young man stepped up to the driver's side opening the door and he handed the key over and took the token before walking over to the passenger side and opened the door for Kyoko and holding a hand out towards her "my lady"
Kyoko smiled as she accepted his hand "Ren this is De Luna, it's the most popular restaurant in Tokyo"
"Indeed it is, now shall we head inside." he said placing his hand in the middle of her back and guiding her towards the entrance.
"Good evening and welcome to De Luna's "
"Good evening, we have a reservation for two under Strega ."
The lady looked down at her book and then nodded "If you would like to follow me "
They followed quietly behind the waitress who led them to a curtain which was pushed aside to reveal a small room with a single table with two chairs.
Kyoko let out a stunned sigh "Ren this place is beautiful "she said as she sat on the chair he held out for her.
"Not half as beautiful as you are "
Kyoko blushed in response and smile across the table at Ren as he seated himself. "Have you ever been here before?"
"A couple of times with Lory and Marie."
"I bet Marie loves it here, so what's good here" Kyoko asked nervously as she looked down on the menu
"Pretty much everything."
"That's a rather vague answer, I should have guessed you wouldn't know anything about food" Kyoko giggled.
"Now you only have yourself to blame for that, after having your food nothing else can compare"
Kyoko giggle "expect that I know your terrible eating habits"
"Indeed you do but even you must admit I have improved greatly since you were my manager"
A waiter came up to them note book in hand "may I take your order?"
Ren smiled at the man "yes, I'll have the con pollo. " the waiter quickly wrote down the order and then turned towards Kyoko " and for you" he asked politely
Kyoko look over the menu " can I have the chicken and avocado risotto" the waiter nodded before walking off leaving the pair alone again .
" So how was the rest of your day ?" asked Kyoko .
" Rather slow actually ,you see I had somewhere else I wanted to be ."
"Oh really , where could that have been ?"
" At home watching you gets ready , but it was probably a good thing."
"Why " asked Kyoko slightly confused .
"Because then we would not be here , but still in bed ."
Kyoko blushed " I may not have let you keep me there you know , after all this is my date too."
"Says the women who not that long ago offer to skip it."
Kyoko blushed harder "okay fine you made your point."
Ren smiled happily as he reached over the table to grab her hand caressing the top lovingly "believe me I wouldn't want it any other way "
The waiter come and placed the meals in front of them before quickly leaving .Kyoko looked at the food "this looks fabulous"
She took a few bites and moaned in delight.
"Is it good "he asked amused?
"It's amazing, no wonder it's so popular here. How's yours?"
"Your food is lovely, but your food tastes better"
"Don't be silly, Ren "
"I'm deadly serious." Ren smiled and continued eating happily.
Kyoko looked over at Ren and asked thoughtfully "Ren is this really what a date is?"
"Yes it is, why?"
"Because we do this all the time, so that would mean we have actually really been dating for year's right"
Ren laughed "no, but I admit I often wished they were dates."
Kyoko looked at him in confusion "I don't understand this seem just like all the other times we've gone to dinner in the last six months "
"Ah but you see the different is now both of us know it's a date, there no chance of either of us being confused and thinking we're just friends out for dinner"
Kyoko nodded "oh I see and we are definitely not just friends"
"I'm glad to hear that otherwise I would have definitely have gone a bit overboard on the next part of this date."
"Next part?" Kyoko asked surprised at the new information.
Ren passed her a ticket and then waved down the waiter to get the bill. Kyoko read the ticket
"Cinderella "she whispered in awe. "But how did you get these "
"My fairy godmother is very good "
"Maybe I should date your fairy godmother then, they clearly know how to how to take a girl out in style."
Ren laughed as he paid and then held out a hand toward her and helped her up. They walked out of De Luna's
"They may be good at taking you places in style but I'm clearly more fun"
"Ah but fun can be short lived, whereas a man with connections is always useful"
"Then I guess it's a good thing I had him on call 24/7 "
The valet drove Ren's car up and they both got in and drove to the theatre.
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Lin packed up all his gear save his favourite camera before walking up to the director .
" I'm done here for now , do you mind if I take pictures of the hall and the crowd as they arrive "
"That fine, but do make sure you sit and enjoy the show yourself"
"Yes I will, thank you for the ticket "
"It's the least we could do."
Lin smiled and walked out onto the stage, he looked at the empty hall and took a couple of photo of the red chairs, the walkways, the balcony and boxes he sighed with contentment and then preceded to walk down the hallway and up the stair to get to the entrance and smiled at the crowd that was already gathering, It was only at shows like this that the extremely rich could ever be spotted with the lower classes and the photo's always showed that interesting effect.
Lin snapped pictures of people lining up at the bar, other of people looking at the artwork hanging on the wall and his favourite picture so far of a little girl in a purple dress spinning on her tip toes as her mother watched and clapped lovingly.
Lin walked over to the bar and smiled charmingly at the waitress as he ordered a glass of wine. He sipped at his drink as he walked around keep an eye out for any promising moments, he had finished his glass when he spotted Julie and Kuu walk in to the foyer with a crowd of people forming around them.
Lin put down his glass on the nearest surface he could find and started taking a couple of pictures of the couple.
Julie looked up and smiled at him, before waving him over. Lin walked over to them and greeted them cheerful.
"Good evening Lin" said Julie happily.
"Good evening Julie "he nodded toward Kuu "good evening Kuu, how are tonight?"
Julie giggle "simply marvellous darling, this morning this dear sweet man surprised me with ticket" she placed a quick kiss on Kuu cheek "now Lin when you find the girl for you. I hope you remember women love being taken out to events "
Lin smiled at the pair, he always enjoyed watching them. The way they loved each other always gave Lin hope even after years of working with the rich, famous and easily divorced.
"I'll keep that in mind, for the next lady I set my cap to wooing"
"Then I'm sure you'll succeed and winning the fair maidens heart" she smile and then whispered something into Kuu ear. "Well darling Kuu and I are going to get a drink would you like to join us?"
Lin shook his head "no thank you, I think I'll walk around for a bit, take a couple more photos"
"Well then hopefully we'll see you later " she said before the couple walked away from him happily in their own bubble.
Lin walked towards the entrance again and took a couple of pictures of women in pretty dresses and men in suits, the old and young.
He looked around and noted another circle of people gathering around someone that Lin couldn't see. It was mostly young teenage girls. Lin moved closer so as to see who was drawing the crowd only to see a young man dressed in semi gothic style suit who looked familiar but whose man Lin couldn't place.
Lin snapped another photo and moved clearer to one of the young girl to listen to her conversation
"isn't Sho looking hot tonight ,when mum dragged me to the ballet tonight I thought I would be completely bored out of my brain."
"I know who would have thought that Sho would go to the ballet, his so deep."
"And dreamy "
Lin rolled his eyes and stepped away unable to listen to more teenage pop star worship without at least three more drinks.
The foyer was now almost completely full, all the talking almost sounded musical. Like an ocean of half heard words.
Lin decided to quickly pop outside to see if there was anything that should be photographed, he spotted a young woman taking a picture of someone getting out of a car and was unable to resist taking one of her. After he had gotten the shot he let his eyes look at who was getting out of the car and instantly felt his breath leave his body as he watched a stunning Kyoko walk around the car to the driver's side and lean towards whoever was still inside for a moment.
She smiled straighten up and walked towards the entrance while the car moved off towards the parking area that was reserved for special guest. Lin himself was also parked there.
Shaking off his shock Lin moved to follow Kyoko who was now walking towards the bar, stopping every now and then to greet fans.
"Mogami-chan" called out Lin but his voice was drowned out by the many other people in the foyer. It was when she came to a stop in the line that Lin was finally able to catch up with her. He called out her name again with better success this time as Kyoko turned to find the voice calling to her.
"Good evening Kyoko, I didn't know you were coming to this "
Kyoko smile "hello Lin, how are you?"
"I'm excellent; I must say you look absolutely stunning"
Kyoko smiled and looked down at her dress "thank you and your looking quite fine yourself."
Lin smiled "why thank you, I do ""what would you like "asked the man behind the counter, interrupting there conversation.
Kyoko smiled at the man "umm I'll have A glass slipper and a johnnie walker on the rocks" the man nodded and went to work filling her order.
Lin ordered himself another glass of wine.
"So are you here with Julie and Kuu?" asked Lin hopefully.
Kyoko looked at him in shock "Julie and Kuu are here?"
"Yes I was talking to them earlier, actually it's seem there are quite a few stars here tonight."
"Really" said Kyoko as her eyes scanned the room trying to spot who he was talking about. Lin stood beside her and then pointed out a couple of star Kyoko had never met but had heard of.
"Oh and look there's Julie and Kuu. Would you like to go over there and say hi with me "
"Kyoko "came a male voice behind them. The two of them turned as Tsuruga-san walked over to where they stood the crowd seem to magically part for the tall man. He Smiled and took the scotch from Kyoko hand "Thanks "he said taking a couple of sips.
"Oh sorry where are my manners, hello Lin. How are you "Ren ask as he took Lin hand firmly in his to shake
"I'm good Tsuruga-san, and you?"
"I'm excellent "beamed the man as he stepped slightly closer to Kyoko. He looked around and asked politely "Are you here with anyone?"
Lin shook his head "No I was doing a photo shoot with the ballet company and was given a ticket"
Lin didn't know if he imagined it but Ren seem to move even closer to Kyoko.
"That amazing "said Kyoko happily "do you often get ticket to events you photographing?"
"Yes I do .It definitely a benefit that comes with the job,"
"Well Kyoko we should probably go found our seats, it's about to start "
Lin didn't want Kyoko to go "what are your seat numbers? "He asked hoping to delay them.
Ren looked at his ticket "we're in the dress circle box seats three and four "
Lin laughed happily "now that's what I call fate I'm in seat two of the dress circle box he said showing them his ticket.
Ren smiled at him but for some unexplained reason Lin suddenly felt a strong sense of dread overcome him .It was as if all the negative energy in the world was being radiated from that smile and directed at him.
"We should go then "said Kyoko smiling at the men and then walking off to the stairs.
The group arrived at the door and handed there ticket over to the lady who pointed them down the stairs and to the left.
Kyoko walked in first but stopped abruptly coursing the two men following her to bump into each other.
"Kyoko are you okay?" asked both the men at once.
Sho stood up and stared at the stunning female in front of him "oh you've got to be kidding me, not only do I have to see the most boring thing ever now I'm stuck with sharing my box with the ugliest woman ever"
Kyoko quickly recovered from her shock and moved to her seat "if you don't want to be here you're more than welcome to leave "she said before turning her body away from his. Ren sat down and Lin quickly followed and sat in his between that was between Kyoko and Sho. He looked at Sho in shock, how any man could not see how beautiful the woman beside him was, was beyond belief to Lin.
"I think Kyoko looks stunning "said Lin to everyone in the box.
Ren clinched his hands unsure what was worst the outright admiration from Lin or the insulting presence of Sho.
"What is she fucking you, that ugly ones are always the best, so grateful "
Ren stood up quickly and went to grab Sho but Kyoko wrapped her hand around his arm and pulled him back to his seat. She turned and faced Sho "and you would know of course, because no self-respecting female would touch you with a ten foot pole."
Sho laugh "so that explains why you wanted me so bad"
Kyoko rolled her eyes and ran a calming hand along Ren leg. "I never really wanted you Sho that was just brainwashing by your parents who wanted me to marry you, I've grown up and now I know I need a man, whom by the way you'll never be and not a spoiled little boy, now if you don't mind I would like to enjoy the show."
Lin looked on in complete confusion. He looked from Sho who looked like he was going to explode to the calm Kyoko who was looking over the side of the box.
"Look at all the people Ren isn't it amazing they all look so pretty. "She smiles at him as if he was the only person with her.
Lin felt his heart plummet as he watched the pair's interaction, the easy physical contact, the way they talked and the fact that Kyoko seem able to calm and sooth Ren without any effort. Scream that they were together louder than if they would have gone onto that stage and kissed in front of the whole theatre. And sadly that meant he had little to no chance all. He smiled to himself but at least if she if did leave Ren he had a better shot than the idolt who sat beside him
"They definitely have pulled a good crowd" he said happy to be her only focus. She pointed across from them "Ren is that Julie and Kuu across from us "
Ren looked in the direction she pointed "yep that's them, I should of known they'd be here tonight Julie loves the ballet "
"She does, do you think that maybe she'd like to go with me some time?"
"I know without a doubt she would love to go with you"
The lighting in the room dimmed and the dancers came on stage. Kyoko watched completely taken in by the magic of the performance following the story intently and sliding her hand into Ren when Cinderella fairy godmother transformed the girl, she leaned her head on his shoulder and sighed contently when the prince danced with Cinderella but then straighten again when the girl ran away and the curtain came down for intermission .
Kyoko Stood up and excused herself from the room. Following the crowd into the hallway.
Ren sat rather uncomfortably with the two other men.
"I think I'll go get a drink, would either of you two like something "
"No thank you "said Ren and Sho just shook his head. Lin exited the room leaving only Sho and Ren together.
"So are you enjoying my sloppy seconds "asked Sho bitterly? Ren glared at him angrily "Kyoko is not and has never been your anything "he responded.
"Kyoko is my property, she belongs to me "yelled Sho standing up and facing Ren.
"You do not own her, she belongs to herself not you, not me, not anyone, what about that don't you get"
"Kyoko is nothing but an old toy and she'll always be my toy no matter what you say."
"No she a woman the woman I love and believe me when I say you are never going to be able to get to her ever again "
Sho laughed "she'll never love you, I'm all she thinks about "
Ren stepped up to Sho and whispered in his ear "I can guarantee you that she hardly ever thinks of you now days, I keep her too busy for that"
Sho stepped back "what"
Ren laughed "do you need me to explain, Kyoko has given me something you'll never get and we haven't stopped since "
Sho yelled and launched himself at Ren "you'll keep your filthy hands off my property "he yelled as he sent punch after punch to Ren body.
"Never" replied Ren before he hit Sho in the stomach.
"I'll fucking kill you, you good for nothing son of a bitch." The two continued fighting each other till they were dragged apart by Lin and a worker. Ren felt the weight of Sho body being moved from him and noted the arm that held his. He quickly took a few calm breaths and turned to Lin and another man who was holding him as Sho was being taken from the room by another as.
"oh god I'm so sorry, it won't happen again. I know you should kick me out, my behaviour was completely unforgivable but please let me stay, this is supposed to be Kyoko and I first date. Oh god how could I fuck this up, please " Ren said begging.
Lin looked at Ren completely in shock; he had never seen the man show so many emotions outside of work. It had always been one of the things that had surprised him about the man. How he could be so expressionless in real life but so good at showing the exact right emotion need for a picture or scene.
Lin nodded at the staff member "I'll act as his guardian, if he does anything else I'll take responsible for it." said Lin
"I'm not sure we can do that sir," Ren and Lin both nodded in understanding. The man shook his head looking at the sadness that radiated from the young man "alright you can stay but if there any more troubled you'll be banned from this venue."
Ren smiled "Thank you, I promise I'll not do anything to break the faith you have put in me "
The staff member left and both Ren and Lin return to their seats.
Ren looked over at Lin "I'm sorry about that, Umm I know I probably have no right but could you not tell Kyoko about this "
Lin nodded in agreement. Not even a minute later Kyoko came back and sat between them.
"Are you alright Ren, you look kind of flushed "
"I'm alright it's just a little warm in here "he said sweetly. Gathering her hand in his and pressing a kiss on the top of it "nothing to worry about, now are you enjoying the show?"
"Yes Ren It lovely, thank you for bringing me."
The lighting dimmed again and the second half began. Kyoko became just as enchanted by second half as the first.
At the end Kyoko stood up and clapped.
"Wasn't that fantastic Lin?"
"Yes it was and tonight has sure been enlightening "he said look at Ren in an assessing way. Kyoko looked at him in a slightly puzzled way but shook it off when he gave her a brief hug and saying goodbye
"Good night Ren "he said with a curt nod before leaving the room.
Kyoko walked up to Ren "I'm tired can we go home now"
Ren kissed the top of head "of course let's go"
The two of them walked from the theatre towards his car and then he drove them to his place. As soon as they arrive Kyoko kicked off her shoes and got changed into one of Ren T-shirts .crawling into bed she yawned loudly.
"Are you coming to bed" she asks sleepily.
Ren kisses her forehead "in just a second "he whispered, quickly changing and getting into bed with her. "Goodnight Kyoko" Kyoko moved closer to him seeking out his lips and kissed him leisurely.