Italic: Thoughts
Bold Italic: Kuon/Grudges thoughts

The gears in her head slowly turned as she processed her best friends' words. Kyoko didn't know if she was just baffled or if the alcohol was warping her thought process. "Mosami-san." She heard the masculine voice. "Mosami-san." He said again. Kyoko looked up at the man responsible for that heavenly voice. "Yes." She finally replied. Ren frowned at her. "Are you alright? Did Kotonami-san say something to you?" Kyoko gazed into his auburn eyes searching for her answer but instead got lost in the hypnotic gaze. She slowly shook her head no while keeping eye contact with him. "Mosami-san if you're so incoherent that you can't even answer me, I fear taking you home in this state will leave a bad impression on your landlords." Kyoko broke her gaze from his eyes to look at the floor. "Most likely." She quietly replied with a sad tone. Ren kept his composure while asking "Then, would you like to stay the evening at my place so you can sober up?" "That would be fine." She lazily replied. Ren wasn't expecting her to say yes. Why isn't she questioning it? A man just invited you over to his home and you say, 'that's fine!?' Ren shouted in his head. Unless she doesn't see you as a man. A twinge of pain stabbed at his chest. His face formed a very deep frown and his lips pierced together. He didn't like that thought. He took a deep breath. No, he didn't like that at all. "Shall we go then Mosami-san." He stated shortly. He lightly nudged her to start walking with his arm still wrapped securely around her waist.

Kyoko didn't look up from her slumped over posture while they walked to the elevator. Actually, she didn't even realize her body was moving until her butt was planted in a cold leather seat. She shuttered out of her stupor and finally took in her surroundings. It was the interior of Ren's car that she had gotten familiar with through the internship. She inhaled the smell. It was the same new car smell mixed in with his heady cologne. A door clicked on the other side bringing her back from her wandering thoughts. Ren had entered the car and started it without saying anything. Kyoko caught herself staring at the devilishly handsome man and turned away to look out at the nightlife that played before. No music was being played; no words were exchanged. The only thing making noise was the soft rubbing she heard from Ren's thumb grazing against the steering wheel every so often. The silence was suffocating but, in a head, spinning drug kind of way. Her face flushed red looking from his thumb to the cityscape and back at his thumb. She didn't know what was coming over her just that it was uncomfortable in her lower abdomen and she wanted whatever it was to stop. For some reason the only thing that she could think of that could most likely stop this unquestionable thirst was the intoxicating man next to her. I want him. I need him! Her eyes peered at him behind heavy lidded eyes. Kyoko turned her head back around and starred at her reflection in the window with shock. W-what? What did I just say? I-I n-need him!? What an incomprehensible thought Kyoko! How dare you! He's your boss. Y-you can't think lewd and wanton things like that! Kyoko was jolted out her thoughts when Ren's face was in front of hers.

Kyoko held her breath not realizing what was going on. "Yes?" she asked timidly. Ren shook his head. "I said we are here, and you didn't reply. Are you sure you're alright?" He asked with a flat face that didn't match his question. "O-oh! Y-yes. I'm fine just a little lightheaded from too much alcohol I guess." Ren closed his eyes and sighed. Kyoko finally took in her surrounding area. Ren held her car door open waiting for her to exit into the parking garage of his building. She timidly placed her foot on the ground. The sound of her heel meeting the ground echoed and sounded like an atomic bomb went off. She hesitated to take the other foot out of the car but saw Ren's impatient face. She got up to quickly because her world started spinning. Before she could fall to her impending doom Ren had caught her by her waist making it seem like he had just dipped her while in a dance and was about to kiss her. Kyoko overreacted again, with a huge flush of red covering her face, by standing straight up. Of course, her head was still light and fluttery, so she faltered again, this time Ren caught her against his car making sure she was wedged between himself and the unmoving vehicle. "Mosami-san, it would be much easier if you didn't move around so much. Your still in no state to stand let alone walk by yourself. So, I implore you please don't move about without my assistance." Kyoko's whole body was shaking from the need to bow to him in apology but refrained due to her 'unfortunate' circumstances. So instead she sheepishly nodded her head yes. Then with a firm grasp Ren had his arm wrapped about her waist yet again sending a chill down her spine.

Ren escorted Kyoko over to the elevator without a glimpse at her. He looked like a man on a mission to secure his prize. Once in the elevator he pushed the button for his floor and waited. Unbeknownst to him there was a raging storm going on in the women's head next to him. Her mind was at war with herself. Part of her was telling her to go home and forget this while another, slowly growing feeling, was telling her to stay for the sweet promises that awaited her. That heady suffocation feeling was setting in again with the small space and having his body right up against her seemed to heighten her sensitivity to him. Every breath, every small brush of the finger sent her up a wall and back down. Ren may not know the war going on in this women's head but he for sure knew what he was doing to keep her on the high of the alcohol and sexual tension. That's what he wanted, he wanted her to see him as a man and not some boss she can look up to. His pride and desire were showing, and she was feeding off of it. The elevator signaled that they had arrived at their destination. So, with vigorous steps he led her to his apartment door and opened it.

Ren pulled both of them into the apartment and slammed the door behind him and pressed Kyoko against the door. He was about to delve down to kiss her but stopped just shy of her lips. He let a warm breath of air out that coated Kyoko's nose with that sweet honey whiskey smell. "Mosami-san." He said. Kyoko blinked and stared into his raging auburn eyes. "Yes." She said breathily. A low growl escaped Ren's throat. He could smell the sweet ambrosia she had to drink, and it made her seem even more intoxicating an inviting. "Please allow me this night." Even though he just wanted to take her then and there he couldn't. Every fiber of his being wanted him to push forward but his one ounce of consideration told him to ask. She stared into his eyes searching for any hint of falter but there was none. There was just a raging storm flickering in his eyes, and it was consuming her. She couldn't say anything to enraptured by him, she nodded her consent. That's all it took to unravel the usually composed and strict man. He engulfed her lips with his and pressed his body against hers relishing in her petite form. Kyoko squeaked at the sudden force but reciprocated the heated kiss. She let her hands roam the hard plains of his chest up to his neck where she let her fingers rake through the soft locks of his hair. Ren's body shuttered against her sending a sweet shock to her system. He deepened the kiss delving his tongue into her mouth to play with hers. That elicited a sweet moan from her mouth. This sent Ren into overdrive.

He pressed Kyoko harder against the door and leaned over to wrap her legs around his waist. Kyoko caught herself by wrapping her arms around his neck. Not once did their lips part from their mating session. Ren lifted her off the door an carried her into his bedroom where he placed her on the bed. He finally parted from her lips and trailed sweet kisses from her mouth then to her neck. He slipped between her legs and went down to her feet where he removed her heels. He rubbed her feet eliciting a soft moan from Kyoko. The pressure points he was hitting on her feet were sending little shocks up her spine and she tasted that insatiable flavor of arousal in her mouth, it was very moist from the sensation but there was a different feeling trying to stir in her core. Her brain was sending signals to her lower abdomen yelling for it to feel something but there was no reaction. Ren planted a kiss on her ankle and continued the feathery touches up her leg over her thin dress and over her breasts. He hovered over her for a short moment, until she took a sharp breath and her chest rose to his face. He forcefully pulled her strapless dress under her breast and started sucking on one while rolling the other between his fingers. Kyoko's head curved back as she let out a loud moan. Her body arched towards his mouth asking him to take more of her into his warmth. He obliged as he sucked and nibbled on her right breast.

This sensation was new for Kyoko. Never had she felt such a sensation from a man. The fact that he was giving into her needs and wants was unfathomable. Every kiss and touch were rushing to her brain which tried to send the warmth down to her core but there was no connection. The only thing she was getting was a serious high. He finally released her mounds where she let out a whimper from the loss of contact. Ren worked his way back up to her mouth where he kissed her softly and sweetly. He placed himself next her side and let his right-hand roam from her breast, down to her hip, and over her upper thigh to find the end of her dress. Slowly he slid his hand under the fabric bunching the bottom of the dress around her hips. At this point in time Ren knew she was ready. Every part of his body and hers was saying she was ready. He released her lips and dragged his down her chin then to the crook of her neck. She shifted her head to accommodate his needs. He felt her pulse beating under his lips, so he sucked and he sucked hard. At the same time his hand found her panty line that he trailed with his fingers, giving a ticklish feeling, and making her body do little jerks toward him. He smiled against her neck. He released her now very bruised neck and looked at his work proudly. A surge of possession ran over him. He let his hand slip under her panties and into her folds while his fangs protruded out towards her neck.

All functions stopped as a cold wave of reality came crashing down on Kyoko. She felt Ren's fingers between her very dry folds. Instinct coursed through her veins as she violently shoved the man off her. Her mind was empty devoid of any thoughts except one. Run. She somehow managed to not only shove the obviously larger man off her but to readjust her dress to where it looked presentable, then grabbed her shoes and purse in one fell swoop and was out the door before Ren could even utter a word. Kyoko ran, her lungs burning from the cold night air until she couldn't run anymore. She slipped into an alley where she leaned against the harsh exterior wall and slid down into a ball. She cried. Frustration, anguish, and dread poured out of her throat and eyes as the sober feeling sank in.

Ren laid on his bed in disbelief. Where did I go wrong? Did I do something wro… A sinking feeling hit his stomach as he realized his mistake. He was about to mark her as his. Ren sat up quickly hoping to go after her and apologize but when he opened the door that led to the main hallway she was gone. The elevator light didn't illuminate on the 1st floor sign which meant she took the stairs. He rushed over to see if maybe she was there and called out into the empty stairwell "Mosami-san!?" No answer. Either she was ignoring him, or she was gone. With how quick things happened he assumed the latter. He walked defeatedly back to his apartment and flopped onto his bed with his arms splayed out. His face contorted into an ugly frown. He covered his face with his hand then ran his fingers through his hair while taking a deep breath. His eyes shot open wide with a different realization. He pulled his right hand back down to his face and stared at it. There was nothing. Not a single drop of excitement on his hand. He hovered his hand above his nose and sniffed. Still nothing. He sat up still wide eyed and staring at his hand. He tried to put together the pieces of why she didn't excrete any bodily fluids. He did everything right she was making the right noises, moving perfectly to his advancements. Then a memory crossed his mind "I can't use this item Tsuruga-san!" "Can't or won't." Ren felt a chill run down his spine. Something was very wrong, and he needed to find out what.

A phone rang in the background of a large mansion with a man sitting on his sofa watching his most recent 'love' film playing on a projector. The ringing got closer with every second that passed until the annoying object was in his face. He harshly frowned at the offensive item obscuring his view. He reluctantly took the phone from his right-hand man, looked at the screen to see if he even wanted to answer it and saw that it was Ren calling. Lory paused his film then answered his phone. "What is it my boy. Make it quick I have important business I'm attending to right now." Such a fibber this Lovemon was. Ren sighed over the phone. "That's fine. I actually was hoping I could borrow or talk to Ruto really quick." Lory quirked his eyebrow up. "Oh? What could you possibly want with my secretary?" Ren fell quiet. He debated on whether to tell Lory but decided that either way he would most likely find out. "I need him to look into someone for me." Lory gave and evil grin and snickered "Are you stalking that girl you were talking about not to long ago." Ren's face heated up then yelled back "I-I'm not stalking her! She very willingly came over tonight and we were enjoying ourselves until..." Ren stopped his rambling and paled. "Oh? Enjoying yourselves huh?" Lory replied. Ren gulped with a huge lump in his throat. "Y-yes. That is, until she ran off."

Lory's eyes widened with amusement then came a rolling thunder of laughter. "It's not funny President!" Ren shouted trying to defend himself. "Something was off with her." Lory contained some of his laughter but still snickered "She was off, or have you lost your mojo of wooing women?" Ren scowled at his phone. "No, I haven't. She was very much in the mood as well as myself but when I went to touch her intimately there was nothing there." Lory hummed through the phone. "Maybe she was just acting that way so you wouldn't feel bad and then as soon as you found out she wasn't actually excited she freaked out and booked it." Ren's vein popped at his forehead. "I highly doubt that. She was very much enjoying herself and she doesn't seem like the kind of person that would be sleeping around with a whole bunch of men just for a one-night stand. She's sweet and innocent. Almost untouchable… No definitely untouchable after what happened tonight." His eyes glazed over as his dark thoughts ran through his head. "Well she didn't leave you high and dry for no reason. Did you do anything else that would have scared her off?" Ren's body jolted and his face fell dark. "I… I almost marked her." Lory's eye widened. "Ren." He said sternly. "That's not like you." "You don't think I know that! I was shocked myself when I realized what I was about to do!" He yelled knowingly. "What happened to not being allowed anyone special?" Lory asked. Ren's hand curled into a fist. "W-we had too much to drink. I got carried away and my pride was… it was hurt. So, I acted on impulse." He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "I don't know why President but whenever I see her, I lose myself. One time I saw her with some male colleagues, and I felt an anger rise over me and I lashed out at her. It was an odd reaction that even I was surprised at myself." Lory smiled knowingly. "Ren, that's what people usually call jealousy."

The gears in Ren's head were shifting. "No. That's not possible." Lory rolled his eyes. "Ren you can try to deny it all you want to but tonight and this other incident is evidence that you have some sort of feelings towards this young lady." Lory stopped and thought. "By the way Ren who is this sweet girl that has captured your heart?" Ren's eye twitched. "She hasn't captured anything and she's someone that works at LME." "Oh!? How very unusual of you Ren. Mixing business with pleasure. I'm surprised." Lory said mockingly eliciting an irritated growl from Ren. "No, I'm not." He said through clenched teeth. Lory smirked. "Yeah, yeah. So, what's her name? You said you wanted Ruto to look up info on her, so I'll need her name." Ren paused for a moment then sighed reluctantly. "Mosami Kyoko. She's in Sawara-sans department."

Lory hummed softly and had Ruto bring his laptop over to him. He quickly went through the files of the LME employees in Sawara's department and found her. A very simple looking young lady with copper colored hair and amber eyes. "She's not the type I was expecting you to go for Ren." "I don't have a type." Ren retorted. Lory chuckled knowingly. "So, what is it you need him to look up?" "Anything and everything to be honest. I know she has a rare blood disease but other than that nothing. Also, can you have him look into a guy named Fuwa Sho? He's Akatoki Inc's Vice President." Lory gave his evil grin again. "Is he the one you were talking about earlier? The one that made you jealous?" "No." Ren replied coldly. Lory pouted "Your no fu…" "He's someone that I'm concerned about." Ren interrupted. "There was an incident at Akatoki Inc. with Mosami-san and that guys face didn't look concerned. He looked offended. That's not an expression you wear when someone faints in an elevator." Ren's thoughts overcame him as he fell silent. "Alright. I'll have Ruto investigate them for you." Lory said genuinely. Ren smiled softly. "Thank you, President." "Anytime Ren. Now go to bed so I can get back to my important business I was working on." Lory said coolly. "Oh! Right. Sorry about that. Good night President." Ren quickly said then hung up.

Lory looked over to Ruto and relayed Ren's interest to him. "I will do my best sir." Ruto said as he disappeared into the shadows. Lory now content went back to watching his 'love' film.

-while the conversation on the phone was happening-

Kyoko had finished her fit of crying and mustered the strength to get up and flag down a taxi to take her home. When she arrived at Darumaya she noticed that it was dark inside. She pulled out her phone to see what time it was. It glowed 1:30am. Of course, it would be dark. She made her way up to the door unlocked it and went inside quietly trying not to wake her landlords. She sluggishly crept up the stairs, into her bedroom to grab her pajamas, then made her way into the bathroom. As she undressed herself in front of the mirror Kyoko noticed a dark spot near the crevice of her neck. Her face became lobster red as she realized 'who' was responsible for it. She curled into a fetal position and silently screamed as not to wake the landlords. W-why'd he do that!? H-how did I not feel that!? What am I supposed to do! It's like he marked me! Realization flooded Kyoko. No… He didn't mark me. If he did then there would be two puncture marks. Kyoko franticly stood up and looked over the bruise carefully confirming her thoughts. Tsuruga Ren had not bitten her. She sighed relieved that he didn't go that far. She smiled to herself. He's such a gentleman. Seriously!? A gentleman!? More like a conman! Oh, stop it! He didn't do anything serious besides I can cover this up with makeup. No harm done. Um may I remind you how he forcefully pushed you against a door and started fucking your mouth! He still asked first! -Tsk- Well if you ask me, he's no gentleman! He's a serious playboy! Well I didn't ask you so you can keep your opinions to yourself! I am nit wit. Kyoko huffed as she argued against her grudges while heading to bed. She fought with them until she fell fast asleep with a small smile gracing her lips, forgetting the real reason of why she ran away in the first place.

Kyoko woke the next morning surprisingly well rested. She stretched while sitting up in her futon feeling revived. She got up walked to the window and threw the blinds open so she could be kissed by the warm sun. She opened her window and heard the birds chirping in the distance. No matter how old she got she still loved her fairytales and right now she felt like one of the princesses with all the critters greeting her a good morning. Kyoko twirled herself towards her closet, while humming a tune, to pull out her outfit for the day. She readied herself in the bathroom making sure to put in a little extra time on covering the hickey that was yelling for attention. She looked herself over in the mirror and nodded her approval. Perfect. She skipped down to where Okami-san and Taisho were having breakfast and asked if they needed help with anything. They both shook their heads no and told her to sit and eat with them. Okami-san asked Kyoko questions about how her day with Kanae was and Kyoko beamed with happiness then happily told her tale of the day with her best friend. "So how late were you and Kotonami-san out last night?" Taisho asked sternly. Kyoko stopped mid chew. She stared at Taisho as she had a mini panic attack. I-I can't tell them that Moko-san and I parted ways at the bar and I went home with a guy while drunk and almost had… her mind trailed off but Okami-san came in and rescued her. "Oh dear. You don't need to interrogate her like that. Her and Kotonami-san were probably having so much fun that they lost track of time." Okami looked over at Kyoko lovingly. Kyoko nodded her head cutely with a light blush on her cheeks. She then bowed and apologized. "I'm sorry for coming home so late and not letting you know. I should know by now that you both worry about me." Okami-san quickly went to Kyoko. "Kyoko-chan there is no need for you to apologize. You are a grown adult. So, your aloud to live your life the way you want. But if you'd like to, next time do let us know when you'll be home okay?" Kyoko nodded her head vigorously. "Good! Now let's get back to eating." Okami replied.

Kyoko finished her breakfast with the couple and bid them a good day as she left for work. Happy thoughts ran through her head as she took the bus to work. She watched the cityscape move in front of her but all she saw were the sweet fairies playing in the trees, flying in the sky, or even skipping around on the ground between people's feet. This brought a big smile to her face. The bus stopped a block before LME and she happily skipped the rest of the way over to her work. As she entered LME, she browsed around the lobby to see if maybe her most dearest person was there and to her absolutely joyful surprise Kanae was standing near the elevator waiting for the doors to open. Kyoko stealthily made her way next to Kanae where she grabbed her arm and gave it a big bear hug. Kanae jolted at the sudden contact and let out a small 'Eep.' Kyoko looked at her friend surprised by the cute noise that came out of her lips. Kanae's face was bright red from both anger and embarrassment. The doors to the elevator opened and Kanae stomped her way in while Kyoko merrily followed her in.

"So, what happened to you and that guy at the bar?" Kyoko nudged Kanae's shoulder with a silly smirk on her face. Kanae finally composed replied. "Nothing. I told him I was getting back at you and didn't want anything further to do with him. So, when we got downstairs, we parted ways." Kyoko's mouth opened agape at her friend. The elevator signaled their arrival and Kanae got off first while Kyoko looked incredulously at her friends receding back. She quickly caught up to her before the elevator doors closed and was about to ask why when Kanae asked her. "So how was your evening with Tsuruga-san?" Kyoko stopped mid stride and stared blankly at her friend. A bright red flush ingulfed Kyoko's body as she tried not to look at her friend directly while replying. "I-it was fine. N-nothing happened. I left before things escalated to much. So, yeah. Nothing happened." Kanae got up in Kyoko's face and glared at her. "It doesn't sound like nothing happened." It was Kyoko's turn to squeak. She took a tentative step back. "L-Like I said, I left before anything could happen so it's fine. Nothing serious happened." Except the hickey he gave you! "So please don't worry Moko-san." Kanae stared her down. "Fine. But if I find out something did happen, and you are lying to me. I won't talk to you for a month!" She threatened. Kyoko shook her head aggressively. Kanae smirked content.

While the girls were ending their conversation, Sawara had approached them. "Good morning Kotonami-kun, Mosami-kun." Both girls bowed and said. "Good morning." Sawara smiled happily. "Mosami-kun are you clocked on yet?" he asked. Kyoko shook her head. "No not yet is there something you need me to do?" she asked. "Yes, actually. If you could make copies of these files and take them up to Ren's office that would be great. He'll be needing them for the conference they are holding at nine thirty." He said as he handed her over the documents. "Yes, I will get right on it Sawara-san." She said. They bowed their farewells and parted to do their tasks. Kyoko quickly logged into her computer and signed into her time clock so she could start her day. She picked up the files that were given to her and headed up to the thirty-seventh floor witched housed the best printing room as well as all of the conference rooms. The layout of this floor was fairly closed off due to each room needing privacy for making deals and proceeding with special projects. Directly across from the elevator were the doors for the printer room. It was centrally located for easy access in case anyone needed to make copies while in the middle of a meeting. She headed into the space closing the door behind her. The large printer was located at the back in the center with counters on either side making it easy to move papers where needed as not to get them mixed up or confused.

As she busied herself with printing, she heard the door behind her open and close she didn't bother to look thinking it was just someone coming in to get their copies from a meeting. What she didn't here was the soft click of the doors lock. Next thing she knew there was a prick at her neck. Her body jolted from the sudden pain and whipped around to yell at the person, but nothing came out of her throat as if someone had just turned an off switch on her voice box. Her face paled as she saw the smirking blonde-haired man in front of her. "Hello, Kyoko." Sho said cocking his head to the side while mirthfully smiling at her. "Long time no see."

Authors note:

-Peaks head from behind wall and waves timidly-
Hi. Long time no see. Sorry it's taken me over a year to continue this story. I didn't think with everything going on that I'd completely stop working on this story. This chapter was in the back of my head so as not to lose it I made an outline for it then just let it sit there to collect dust. -sigh-
So thank you for your patience with me.
I hope you enjoyed the story. And I apologize about the really bad cliff hangers I've been leaving you with but it really builds the anticipation for the next chapter. Don't worry though my boyfriend has reprimanded on the readers behalf on leaving you in suspense. As you can see I still did it anyways.
Alright until next time you beautiful people! :3
Critics & Comments are welcomed!