Chapter 173: A Time and a Place
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Julie will have the opportunity to parent her kids.
Kuon cursed to himself as he gazed at their driver for the night standing on the other side of the glass front door. His dad had asked his assistant to book him a car to drive them to the hotel because all their stuff wouldn't fit in his Porsche. Kuon knew the real reason was that Kuu, quite frankly, wasn't capable of getting in the car just yet. His dad failed to inform his assistant to avoid this company just in case this man would be their chauffeur. Kuon's cover would be blown if this guy decided to go to the press. He hung back out of sight and let his father greet the man.
"Good to see you again, Mr. Hizuri," the friendly driver greeted him as Kuu pulled open the door for him to help with the bags.
"Hey, Kevin, come on in," Kuu greeted the driver smoothly. "Thanks for coming on such short notice."
"No problem, sir. Thank you again for choosing our services. We appreciate it."
"You're welcome," Kuu replied, taking a look at their inventory in the entryway. "So what do you think? Think it would all fit in your car?"
"Not a problem, sir. I brought the stretch just in case," Kevin informed him while hooking bags over his shoulders.
"Good thinking," Kuu nodded.
Earlier, Kuon had commented to his dad at the number of bags he was bringing along with them for one night. It made him worry that he had not packed nearly enough for Kyoko: two sets of matching lingerie, one of his t-shirts for sleepwear which he doubted she would need, and an outfit for work. Aside from her dress tonight, what more did he need to bring.
His father told him sagely, "Son, after twenty years of marriage to your mother, I learned never to question her propensity to overpack. According to her, a woman always needs options."
"Kyoko said they were going shopping. Won't she have more options?" Kuon countered, confused.
"Don't remind me," Kuu groaned. Nonetheless, Kuon filed that tidbit of useful information for the future just in case Kyoko ever needed options.
When Kuu followed Kevin out, carrying the garment bags that contained Julie's outfits for the night, Kuon followed at a distance behind them listening intently to the driver. The driver was friendly as ever as he chatted with Kuu toward the front of the garage. Kuon made the executive decision to trust that the driver was sincere and took his job seriously by protecting the privacy of his clients. The business would tank if Kuu made a public complaint. Hopefully, Kevin was as trustworthy as Kuon thought.
With a few chirps of the keyfob, he watched from behind them as the trunk and the suicide doors nestled at the rear-center of the Cadillac Escalade pop open.
"I was thinking we could hang the garment bags in with you and put the rest in the back," Kevin suggested directing Kuu toward the lifted doors while he headed for the back to place the bags in the trunk.
"Got room for more?" Ren called out, finally catching up to them while holding a leather duffle bag and the rest of their garment bags.
"Let me get that for you, sir. I'm Kevin Jones, I'll be your driver this evening." The chauffeur had quickly deposited Kuu's bags and rushed to greet him. Kevin offered his hand after taking the bag from him.
"Ren Tsuruga, thanks for the ride," he answered, introducing himself while shaking Kevin's hand. If the driver suspected he was Kuon, he didn't show it. Kevin took the bag and went to place it in the back with the rest.
Ren poked his head in the limo when Kuu let out a low whistle. The car was running, blaring pop music through the speakers while the neon lights on the ceiling danced to the beat. This is a party bus. He glanced over the curvy leather seats running down the length on both sides of the vehicle. It could seat at least twenty comfortably. He noticed the minibars on each end were stocked with high-grade alcohol and snacks, lots of snacks. Ren had to give the man props for going the extra mile to cater to his dad.
"There are some hooks at the top," Kevin said, walking toward them after depositing the bag in the trunk.
Ren's eyes flicked up and noticed the black handles camouflaged by the wild neon lights above.
"Ah-ha, I see it now," Kuu replied and reached in to hang his bags and then Kuon's.
"Is that everything?" Kevin asked once the garments bags were settled. Kuu glanced at Ren, who nodded in reply.
"I think we're good to go," Kuu told the driver. Kevin nodded and headed to the passenger door near the rear of the limo to open it for Ren and Kuu.
"Did you lock up the house?" Kuu asked him as they followed Kevin to the back.
"Yes, here are the keys," he said, handing them over to Kuu.
"Any detours we need to make on the way to the hotel, fellas?" Kevin asked as they climbed into the vehicle.
"Just to the hot…" Kuu began to answer until Kuon interjected.
"Actually, could you drop me off here. It's only a few blocks from the hotel."
Kevin and Kuu crowded over his phone as he showed them the reason for his stop. Kuu smiled approvingly and squeezed his shoulder.
"You got it, Mr. Tsuruga," Kevin agreed enthusiastically. Before he closed the door he pointed out the control panel that they could use to change the music, air conditioning, and lighting to their preference.
While Kuon fiddled with the controls, Kuu made them some drinks and attacked the snacks. They continued where they left off dissecting the script for his audition. It was inspiring being mentored by his father. He could see how his father had helped Kyoko during her act as a young Kuon and was happy to be receiving the same treatment.
"Thanks for the help, Dad. I appreciate it. I feel more confident about heading into this audition." He tried not to think that receiving his father's help was somewhat cheating. A minuscule part of the old him regretted taking his father up on his offer to aid him on the script. Am I still unable to succeed on my own? Was the time I spent away from home pointless? He quickly shook those negative thoughts out of his mind and focused on the warm feelings brought on by doing something they both loved together. He had dawdled long enough. If Kyoko had not come along, he probably would be playing it safe and the next thing he knew ten years would have passed by with him continuing to hide behind the mask.
Kuu chuckled. "All I did was read you a few lines. The ideas, the changes, Ivan...that was all you, son. Take credit, be proud, you are an amazing actor. Your mother and I are so proud of you. We love you, kid." Kuu pulled him into a side hug. "I have no doubt you're going to be great. Hollywood won't know what hit them."
Kuon's eyes watered and hugged his father back. "Thanks, Dad. I needed that," Kuon said, pulling away after a few moments.
"Anytime. I'm always here for you, son."
Kuon nodded his thanks again, moved by his father's sincerity.
Now that the audition was settled in his mind, he still worried about telling Kyoko of their near-miss sex scandal. Things would probably still get ugly with the impending release of that video. He had to tell her so she wouldn't get blindsided however the Japanese media decided to run the story.
"We're here, Mr. Tsuruga," Kevin announced through the small gap of the lowered privacy screen.
"I'll see you at the hotel," he said, reaching for the door handle.
"Are you sure? We can wait," Kuu offered before he could slip outside as Kevin opened the door.
"I want to walk...clear my head."
"I understand. Be careful, L.A. can be brutal," Kuu warned. "If you get lost or anything, give me a call." For Kevin's sake, Kuu was playing up the fact that Ren was a foreigner in this city.
"Will do, Mr. Hizuri. I'll see you soon."
"Thanks for the ride, Kevin," he said bowing slightly to the driver.
"Give Ms. Kyoko, my regards," Kevin said with a conspiratorial wink at Ren. He could only chuckle. Only time would tell if the driver used the information for his gain. Kuon sighed and walked into the shop. The email that his order was ready for pick up couldn't have come at a better time.
Even walking slowly, it took Kuon less than fifteen minutes to get back to the hotel. The walk didn't clear his head. In fact, it made things worse. Kuon couldn't come up with a single scenario that didn't end with Kyoko slapping him in the face and breaking up with him. He didn't know why he was being so pessimistic about the whole thing when Kyoko had shown him time and again that she was above what others thought, but this was different. She could have been exposed to the world because he couldn't control his lust. Sure, they could take legal action but the damage to her reputation would have already been done.
Kuon called his father's cell since he couldn't access the top floor without a room key. While he waited for Kuu to come down, he wandered over to the fancy sign announcing the event that would take place down the corridor in the hotel's ballroom. How could he not have looked up the details for this charity? On behalf of himself and Kyoko, he donated to the cause without knowing what they were supporting. Kuon trusted his parents' good intentions and since he was too busy with work it never occurred to him to do some research. Now more than ever, he was unsure how this night would turn out. One thing he knew for sure, he was extremely proud of his parents for bringing awareness to this problem.
"Ren!" Kuu waved to him. A short tanned man in a suit was standing with him. By the time he made it over to them, he fully embodied his alter ego and introduced himself with a bow.
"Welcome to the Beverly Hills Wilshire, Mr. Tsuruga. It's a pleasure to have you with us. I'm Miguel Hernandez, your concierge." Miguel executed a perfect bow deeper than the one Ren gave him. "If there's anything I can do to make your stay more enjoyable, please don't hesitate to contact me."
"Thank you, Mr. Hernandez." He knew from experience that he could probably ask Miguel for anything, short of murder, and the man would be able to make it happen regardless of the legality of the request. The perks of being with a Hizuri. They said goodbye to Miguel and made their way up to the top floor.
"The girls are still down at the spa," Kuu commented when he opened the door to an empty room.
"Their shopping trip appears to be a success," Kuon mentioned, motioning to the numerous bags sitting on the living room couch. He was glad he stopped himself from buying Kyoko anything more on his way back. Knowing his mother, she probably paid for everything. His sweet frugal girlfriend was probably feeling overwhelmed.
"Were you able to find what you were looking for," Kuu asked, nodding to the bag in Kuon's hand.
"Yeah, it's not much," he shrugged.
"But it's a start," Kuu finished.
"It is," Kuon replied and removed his shoes to put on a pair of the new house slippers sitting by the front door.
"I'm going to order room service, do you want anything?"
"I'm good," Kuon replied. He had a decent lunch and didn't need anything more until dinner.
"I'll just order a bunch of stuff. Maybe Yukihito and the girls might be hungry after a long day. There's beer in the fridge and the bar is stocked," Kuu told him as he dialed room service on the house phone.
"I'll grab a drink in a bit. Which room is ours?"
Kuu pointed down the hall on the other side of the living spaces as his call was answered. He left his dad rattling off things like cheese bites, chicken wings, and loaded nachos.
Kuon found the room easily since there was only one on this side of the penthouse. It afforded them a lot of privacy. He went about unpacking their clothes and placing them in the drawers and closets. He found what he was looking for folded between the pages of his little notepad. Satisfied that the room was set for when Kyoko returned, he went back out to join his father.
"Are you watching football?" Kuon asked, surprised to find the game on.
"It's research for a film I'm thinking about producing. The guys at work have been talking nonstop about this game all week. I thought I'd check out what was all the fuss. Turns out the rivalry between Berkeley and UCLA is a real thing."
Kuon never followed college football even when he lived here so he wouldn't know. He did catch on to what his father said first. "Did you say producing?"
"Yeah, it's something new I'm trying. Since I'm getting older, I gotta make way for you young bucks while I get all the "Dad" roles."
Kuon rolled his eyes. "You're nowhere near old enough to be considered for those roles."
"Thanks, kid," Kuu smiled at his son.
"If you want to bounce ideas off me, I can hear you out while we watch the game."
"You want to watch this?" Kuu laughed gesturing to the large screen TV displaying the game. It reminded Kuon of a time he spent with his dad before he became too busy.
"Remember when you took me to that Raiders game?" Kuon asked nostalgically.
"You remember that?" Kuu's lips quirked at the memory.
"You fell asleep!" "I fell asleep!" They said at the same time making them laugh together.
"I'm going to grab a beer. Do you want one?"
"Yes, please."
They talked about Kuu's new venture while they watched the game until Yashiro arrived and easily joined in on the impromptu football party along with a few other unexpected guests. It was a good distraction from his impending doom.
…
Kyoko and Julie exchanged confused glances at the dull ruckus that seemed to be coming from inside the suite. They had parted ways with Tina on the ride up in the elevator with the promise that she would come up in an hour so they could get ready together. Julie had gushed that she hired a talented hairstylist and makeup artist to work their magic on them. They walked into the penthouse to a group of men cheering and exchanging high-fives all around which would explain the sounds they heard outside. Kyoko noticed that among the usual suspects was Miguel and two hotel staff.
Kyoko was speechless. She had never seen Kuon and Yashiro look so at ease with a group of men and only managed to snap a few pictures before Julie interrupted the Bro fest. She was going to send the image to Kanae as soon as she got the chance.
"Hey boys, having fun?" Julie teased. The room went dead for a moment as if they were caught doing something scandalous.
"Hey, honey," Kuu jumped from his seat to greet his wife. "How was your girl's date?" He pulled her into a bear hug making her squeal like a besotted teenager.
"Kuu," she laughed. "How much have you had to drink?" She asked eyeing the bottles and plates that Miguel and his staff were now frantically cleaning up.
"Miguel and his crew were helping me show our Japanese friends how to properly enjoy American football."
"I appreciate it, Miguel," Julie thanked the concierge.
"We'll be out of your hair in a second, Mrs. Hizuri," Miguel assured her as they cleaned up the remainder of the mess.
Kyoko beamed as she walked over to her boyfriend to say hi, but was immediately pulled into his lap. Kuon nuzzled his face into her neck and inhaled deeply sending a shiver down Kyoko's spine.
"Thanks, Miguel!" Kuu told the concierge then noticed Kuon and Kyoko getting cozy on the couch.
"Hey, none of that kiddos," Kuu scolded with a chuckle.
Kyoko tensed, embarrassed but Kuon's extreme reaction had her rear on the floor when she fell off his lap. Did he just push me off him?
"Sorry, baby," Kuon apologized, helping her off the floor. "Is your butt, okay?" He asked, dusting it off with his hand.
"Kuon," Kyoko giggled, swatting away his wandering hand. My goodness, is he drunk? He had to stop looking at her with those lusty eyes before she did something indecent in front of his parents.
"That looks like everything," Miguel announced. "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to contact me." Yashiro had also taken the opportunity to depart, returning to his room a few floors down.
They said their goodbyes and moved to the kitchen.
"So what did you guys do today?" Julie asked, taking a seat in one of the leather chairs.
"We rode up to Santa Monica and back then stopped at Louie's for lunch. He said I can't come back unless you're with me."
She narrowed her eyes at her husband. "Did you start another fight?"
"I didn't, I swear," Kuu replied defensively.
Kyoko couldn't tell if he was lying or not, but his answer sounded very suspicious. She took Kuon's right hand in hers and brushed over his knuckles on the pretense of holding his hand. The skin was smooth and unbroken assuring her that they didn't get into a scuffle that involved his fists. After chatting about their day, each couple went their separate ways with Kyoko grabbing several of the bags sitting on the couch belonging to her.
She gasped as she stepped further into the room and noticed a flock of cranes surrounding a black box in the middle of the bed. Kyoko turned to the door to find Kuon smiling lovingly at her as he leaned casually against the door jamb. She didn't know if her heart could handle him looking sexier at that moment.
She climbed onto the large king-size bed and crossed her legs reaching for the first crane, anticipating what could be written inside. It was adorable how he kept this up every day. Her eyes were already watering before she read the first note she grabbed.
You never cease to amaze me. I'm excited to work with you again!
Kyoko smiled warmly recalling how good they were together during the music video shooting. It wasn't over yet and she couldn't wait to finish the rest.
Your performance tonight was incredible, baby! I love you!
She smiled at him and placed it off to the side to fold later as she grabbed another one.
I couldn't have faced that place without you, thank you for always lending me your strength.
She had a feeling he was talking about the place of Rick's accident. Her heart clenched knowing how much he was hurting last night and yet he still found the time to make these.
She giggled, sniffed, and rolled her eyes at the next note. Thanks for indulging my mother. I love you, saint Kyoko! She glanced at him still resting against the door frame with that alluring look in his eyes that spoke volumes of his love for her.
I miss you.
The last crane was simple and sweet and was the final straw that made a tear spill from her too watery eyes.
All she wanted to do was pull him into her arms and fall into bed. She had seen what awaited them downstairs and loved his parents all the more for taking a stand.
"Open the box." His voice was gruff with emotion. Kuon moved with easy grace from the door and in the blink of an eye, he was settling on the other side of the bed, crossing his legs. He leaned over and swiped another tear pooling at the corner of her eye as she stared at him.
Kyoko wondered if there would ever be a time where she wasn't a bumbling cry baby mess over his sweet gestures. She closed her eyes softly as his knuckles caressed her cheek. When she opened them again she glimpsed something that was quickly hidden by those chocolate brown eyes of her senpai. She blinked unsure if her eyes were playing tricks on her. Why would he be sad? It had to be her imagination.
She scooted the box closer to her and tugged at the black silk ribbon tied securely on the top of the box. Lifting the lid let the sides collapse and butterflies like those from the Grateful party took flight shocking her. She wasn't expecting it. Her eyes were so focused on the fluttering creatures that it wasn't until they floated back down when she noticed that wasn't the gift. Under a dome glass, sat a small bouquet of five royal blue roses without stems.
"It's so pretty," she whispered. Kuon reached over and hit a switch on the thick base. A blue-ish light flickered on casting an enchanting glow over the roses. Immediately, the musical notes from Tale as Old as Time began to play.
"How did you...?" She asked in wonder unable to finish her question as she lifted the flowers from the base to peer in the glass closely.
"There's a shop here that specializes in these roses. They're called infinite roses and can last for several months to a year."
"Just like the enchanted rose in Beauty and the Beast."
"Exactly like," he smiled.
Once the song ended, Kyoko meticulously replaced the encased vase in the box, including tying the ribbon into a bow as she found it. Calmly, she put the box off to the side along with the open notes and the butterflies that had landed nearby. Kuon's eyes followed her movements curiously as she worked to put everything back in its place. When she was satisfied with their location, she launched herself across the bed at Kuon in a surprise attack. The force of her was so unexpected he fell back on the large bed unfurling his legs. His arms didn't hesitate to encircle her waist as her lips crashed into his, colliding teeth and all. It wasn't pretty initially, but eventually righted herself and melted. The taste of him was intoxicating. Kyoko took advantage of his surprised gasp and slipped her tongue between his parted lips, sweeping through and entangling with his. A soft moan escaped her lips as one of his hands slid down to squeeze her ass and another buried itself in her hair.
The need to surface for air was imminent as she broke away from his lips to breathe. Kuon's lips traced her jawline with soft hot kisses and trailed down the column of her neck, sucking and pecking at her sensitive skin, sending shivers of need to her core.
He growled against her skin when her hips bucked at the growing bulge in his pants wanting to get closer. The rumble in his chest beneath her made her pucker with arousal.
Kyoko was so lost in her lust for the man beneath her, she forgot where they were and who was with them. Other voices barely registered in her mind as her man's lips attacked the sensitive skin behind her ear.
"Jules, you can't just barge in on them…."
"The door is open, we need to settle this now...Oh!" She exclaimed finding them in a compromising embrace.
Kyoko and Kuon froze and whipped their heads in the direction of the door.
"Oh God," Kuu lamented. Being taller than his wife he could see what they were doing.
"Mom, Dad, really? A little privacy please!" Kuon fumed, glaring at his parents.
Kyoko scrambled off Kuon so fast she fell off the bed. She hissed as her butt hit the floor.
"Kyoko, are you okay?" He rushed off the bed to make sure she wasn't injured. Kyoko's face blazed with embarrassment as she told him he was fine. Why oh why didn't she think before trying to jump her boyfriend's bones with the door wide open in his parent's hotel room.
Julie was jolted out of her shock by the commotion. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt, but since we're on the subject of privacy and um...intimate relations!" Julie crossed her arms and looked sternly at them. Kyoko gulped. Kamisama, please don't let her bring up the hot tub incident! "Dad just told me what happened today. There's a time and a place for this sort of thing you two. I'm going to excuse Kyoko since she's new to the business, but you of all people should know this Kuon! Don't give those bastards any ammunition to use against you...to hurt you," Julie reprimanded.
Kyoko was confused as Julie chastised Kuon. Her boyfriend paled at his mother's words and glanced nervously at Kyoko. What's going on?
"I understand last night, emotions were high. You both couldn't help yourself, but it makes me angry when I think about the way the media could exploit your love and rip it apart and turn it into something ugly."
Julie's green eyes flashed furiously and began speaking in what Kyoko assumed to be Russian based on her experience with the language. Whatever she was saying couldn't have been good since both Kuon and Kuu winced at some of her words. Kuon seemed to take it harder because he couldn't even look at Kyoko when she tried to get his attention.
"Jules, you have to calm down," Kuu said in a soothing voice. "It's not good for you to get so riled up."
"How can I calm down, Kuu? A sex tape was almost released of our kids!" Julie wailed at her husband.
Kyoko gasped. "What do you mean? What's a s- sex tape?"
Julie's rambling came to a complete halt as she stared at Kyoko like she had grown another head. Her gaze landed on her son.
"You didn't tell her?"
Kuon shook his head in shame.
"Tell me what, Kuon?" Kyoko barely whispered, her lips trembling as hurt washed over her. He was keeping a secret from her again.
"Oh, baby, I was going to tell you. Please don't be upset."
"Is that what the gift was about? To placate me?" Her golden eyes watered for the second time in a span of fifteen minutes.
"No, I bought that before this happened. To congratulate you on your successful runway show."
Kyoko nodded seeing the truth behind his words.
"Then," she glanced at his parents holding on to each other anxiously, fear evident in their eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Kyoko. I shouldn't have overstepped myself," Julie confessed, coming to the aid of her son. "I'm not upset with you or Kuon."
She nodded to her future mother-in-law but focused on Kuon. "Tell me, senpai. What is a s-sex tape?" she stuttered embarrassingly on the word. She had an idea, but she didn't want to misunderstand what they were talking about and needed clarification.
Kuon raked his fingers through his hair and breathed deeply. She watched him steel himself to deliver the blow. "It's a video of people having sex. In this case, us, last night."
Kyoko inhaled sharply and her brain ceased to function. She was frozen in place. Did she hear him right? There's a video somewhere out there of them having sex. Her brain went into hyperdrive as the gears began turning. Images of their night flashed through her mind. Last night...in the car...oh, Kamisama. Someone saw us...recorded us. This is all my fault for being such a hentai!
"I'm so sorry!" She wailed, throwing herself on the ground with her forehead down to the floor, displaying a perfect dogeza to the Hizuri family. A part of her should have worried more about her reputation or her career but none of that mattered at the moment. "This is all my fault. Mom, Dad, please don't be mad at Kuon. It's all my fault I seduced him."
"Oh, God! La, la, la, la" Kuu wailed, running from the room.
"Kuu!" Julie shouted chasing after her husband.
Eh? Kyoko peeked from her prostrate position as the room grew quiet. She thought they all left until she heard the beginning sounds of laughter.
She straightened her posture but remained kneeling on the floor and discovered the source of the laughter coming from her boyfriend. Tears sprung to his eyes and his shoulders shook as his laughing intensified. Kyoko cocked her head in confusion wondering what was so funny. She was about to ask him when he engulfed her in his arms, pulling her onto his lap, and holding her against his muscular chest in a tight embrace. A sense of security washed over her as she hugged him back.
"You never cease to amaze me, baby," Kuon whispered, placing a kiss on the top of her head.
"Do your parents hate me now?" Kyoko asked in a hollow voice. "Have I ruined your life?"
Kuon chuckled. "I think they love you more than ever...and no, you have not ruined my life. You made it worth living again."
After several moments of silence, Kyoko finally asked a very important question. "Corn, is my career going to be over?"
"No, baby. Everything is going to be fine. I'll always protect you," he vowed, hooking his finger under her chin to tilt her face up and capturing her lips over in a heated kiss.
"Tell me everything," she demanded staring into his eyes when they finally came up for air.
AN: Hiya, hiya! Sorry for the delay! As excuses go, it was spring break here, meaning my life was high-jacked by non-stop family time. Allergies also kicked my ass so I was down for the count for a few days. Thanks for sticking with me and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Thank you for always reading and for the reviews of the last chapter. I HEART you all!
Until next time, ja ne! ^_^