Chapter 174: Secrets

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kuon's parents would have taken some action against his bullies.

Kuon felt his heart shatter after he told her everything, when Kyoko got up mumbling she needed a moment, and locked herself in the bathroom.

"Please, baby. I'm so sorry!" He pleaded, slumping against the closed door. "Hit me, curse me, but don't shut me out. I won't be able to bear it."

Every agonizing second of silence that ticked by caused Kuon's heart to break into a million pieces exponentially. He knew her initial reaction to the news was too good to be true. That nagging voice in the back of his mind kept taunting him, you don't deserve her.

He was so deep in his lament that Kuon failed to register the sound of the toilet flushing and running water. It was only when he heard the click of the lock that he scrambled to his feet waiting for the door to open.

As soon as she opened it, Kuon engulfed her in his arms and murmured apologies into her hair. Quite frankly, he never wanted to let her go. She held him back just as tightly which seemed like a good sign.

"Kuon, I'm not going anywhere," she assured him, rubbing his back in soothing circles. "I couldn't hold it anymore, my bladder was about to burst."

"Oh," was all he could muster as heat burned his cheeks. He felt silly again for jumping to conclusions and thinking the worse. "Why did you lock the door?" He was confused by that action and couldn't let it go. Since they've been living together, they weren't exactly shy in that regard.

She laughed at his question. "Have you forgotten that your parents are here because I certainly did when we were...uh...um."

"Making out," he smirked and had the joy of watching her face flush.

"I wasn't about to have either one of them accidentally walk in on me in the bathroom. Dad seems scarred for life at the moment."

"Oh, I thought, you were…" he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

"You're adorable," she teased, pinching his cheek. "It's going to take more than an almost-sex tape scandal to scare me off from you."

The vice-like grip that had claimed his heart finally faded, comforted by her words and loving smile.

"Same," Kuon laughed and kissed her cheek.

"Should we go and apologize properly to your parents?" Kyoko asked, sliding her hands up his chest and securing them around his neck. Kuon closed his eyes as her fingers played with the hair at his nape. "I feel terrible that my irresponsible actions might cause them some trouble."

Kuon understood the feeling all too well. He was barely back in LA a week and he was already fucking things up for his parents as Tsuruga Ren. He pulled away from her soft warm body before the stirring in his pants became a full-blown erection.

They walked out of the room hand in hand, offering each other moral support through their physical link. His parents were in the media room with Kuu eating from a container of ice cream and Julie typing ferociously on her phone with a frown marring her beautiful face.

Julie put down her phone immediately and smiled apologetically at them. Kuon allowed Kyoko to take the lead and followed her into the room. She caught him by surprise when she bypassed the accent chair and knelt before his parents in a perfect seiza at the foot of the couch. He didn't question her and knelt beside her.

"Kyoko, you don't…" Kuu began but Kyoko shook her head, so he clamped his mouth shut.

"Mom, Dad we want to apologize for our actions. We realize now that how we acted was…oomph!"

"Oh, my babies," Julie wailed as she flung her arms around himself and Kyoko. "I'm so sorry. Please don't hate me and say you're never coming back to America!"

"Mom," Kuon gasped, but Julie didn't hear him and continued her dramatic apology. "Mom, you're suffocating us," he managed to wheeze out. Instead of letting them go, his dad joined in on the family hug then pulled his wife off of them once he heard Kuon's pleas.

"We're sorry for overreacting kiddos. Mom and I are extremely worried that you would change your minds about taking work here again."

"It was our mistake, Dad. I'm…"

"We're!" Kyoko interjected elbowing him in the ribs.

"We're...we're sorry for disappointing you. To the public, you've taken Kyoko and Ren in as friends of Japan, yet we've gone and spit in your face, embarrassing you with our recklessness. We take full responsibility for any backlash you both face because of us," Kuon declared to his parents.

"Don't be silly! You could never disappoint us. You handled yourself well today and protected Kyoko. There was a high chance that it would have never leaked, but you went above and beyond to make sure it didn't. I'm proud of you, son."

Kyoko laced her fingers together with his and smiled at him. He felt his lips turning up from the joy he felt now that the air was clear.

"You two have to be more careful in the future, these days everyone with a cellphone is a potential amateur paparazzi. We didn't have that issue back in our day since nothing was digital, so you kids have to remember that there are cameras everywhere, watching, waiting for you to provide them with the next juicy scoop... Kuu do you remember the storage closet," Julie giggled. His father smiled broadly at the memory his wife's words just conjured up.

"Grouchy, old man Noguchi, caught us!" Kuu laughed.

"He was a nice man. If it wasn't for him we would have gotten into worse trouble," Julie said with a laugh, defending this man.

"Only you would think so," Kuu grumbled. "Kuon would probably have been conceived sooner if he had not interrupted." Julie laughed in agreement.

"Dad! TMI," Kuon groaned. The infamous storage closet seemed to be a thing back in his parents' day. It was a no-brainer figuring out what they were up to in said closet without them admitting it. He glanced at his girlfriend wondering if she figured out what his parents were talking about. She mouthed the words I told you so back at him and smirked. Oh, she understood just fine.

Kuu cleared his throat. "Anyway, the point is to never underestimate the public. Please choose more wisely next time you feel the urge to..." he couldn't finish his sentence. "Just be more careful. There are eyes everywhere, even when you think you're alone."

Kuon and Kyoko nodded their understanding. The awkwardness was finally gone and everything was back to normal for now. Kyoko and Julie left them to take showers before the long process of getting ready began. He had excused himself from his dad and sat on the chair in their room reading over the script while he waited for Kyoko to finish. Kuon made the mistake of glancing up to look at her when the door opened. She was a mouthwatering vision in the fluffy oversized hotel robe with steam billowing around her like some eighties rock video. Instantly, Def Leppard's song "Pour Some Sugar on Me" drifted through his mind as the sweet smell of the hotel's body wash she used hit him.

Unable to take his eyes off her, he watched as she approached him smiling cutely with her hair pulled up in a messy bun. The robe was bulky only exposing her neck and collarbone yet he had to adjust himself in his seat as the crotch of his pants grew taut with need. Kuon gulped as she slid onto his lap with her back to his chest. Fuck! The semi-erection that popped up was threatening to become a full-blown boner as she wiggled her pert ass against his groin trying to find a comfortable position on him.

"Is this the script for the audition?" She asked curiously, unperturbed by the hardness wedged between her ass cheeks. Kuon groaned, closing his eyes against how good she felt against him.

"Baby," he breathed against her neck making her giggle. She knew exactly what she was doing.

"That tickles," she squealed, shying away from him. The movement only managed to torture him further as she shifted on his lap.

"You smell nice," he whispered, inhaling the new scent of the soap on her skin. "Like champagne and strawberries...and chocolate." He brushed his nose and lips up and down the column of her neck intoxicated by the sweetness radiating from her silky skin. His hand dropped the script and slid into the gap of her robe, gravitating to her breast while peppering her neck with soft kisses. Kuon wasted no time pushing up the lace of her bra, cupping her supple flesh in his hand, and rubbing the hardness of her erect nipple with the pad of his thumb. She moaned and arched her back, pressing her breast deeper into his hand and driving her ass against his now painful arousal.

His mind knew that he should stop after what just happened earlier, but his body was refusing to listen when she was so willing in his arms. Technically, this should be the best place for them to continue. They were tucked in the privacy of their room. He made sure the door was closed and locked when he entered so his parents wouldn't walk in absentmindedly again. Though, he doubted they would make that mistake again. Unable to contain himself, his hand switched breasts, teasing until the crest was pebbled like the other. The hand gripping her waist slid down to squeeze her thigh when the robe parted at her legs.

"Kuon," Kyoko whispered harshly. He hummed against her ear and nipped at her lobe, making her shiver against him.

"Did you need something, baby," he teased, flicking his tongue over her lobe.

"Yes!" She gasped, grabbing the hand caressing her leg and bringing it to the juncture between her thighs. Kuon chuckled against her neck as she forcibly held his hand against her mound, pushing his fingers against her clit. Kuon groaned into her neck as the heat and wetness of her arousal coated his fingers through the lace of her underwear. He was on the verge of pulling his cock out and having her ride him reverse cowgirl style when the room filled with twinkling chimes. They were still frozen several seconds after the sound stopped, waiting. The murmur of new voices outside told them their time was up. He couldn't even protest when Kyoko slipped out of his arms and bounded to the dresser drawer where he unpacked their clothes. Before she disappeared into the bathroom, Kuon recognized the lacy garment dangling from her fingers and smirked. It was a small consolation, but he took great pleasure knowing she needed to change her panties.

"Sorry, baby," she said, rushing to him. She kissed him passionately on the lips and brushed her hand over his hardness. "Raincheck," she whispered against his lips with one last peck before leaving the room.

Kuon roughly ran his hands over his face to clear his perverted mind. He glanced at his tented pants and whimpered pathetically, willing his erection to go down. He needed another shower, a cold one.

...

"Muse-sama!" Kyoko exclaimed when she finally came out to greet the visitors. Ten and another woman broke away from Julie to address her.

"Hi, Kyoko-chan," the magical make-up artist greeted her.

"Are you our makeup artist?" She asked excitedly.

"You betcha. I couldn't pass on an opportunity to beautify my favorite girl, and I've brought help."

"This is my friend Kimberlee, celebrity stylist and beautician extraordinaire. She'll be helping me tonight. We go back a long way and get together when we can."

"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Kimberlee," Kyoko bowed to the pretty quirky young woman (at least she looked young) with teal hair and perfect makeup. "Thank you for coming tonight, Ms. Muse is amazing."

Kimberlee and Ten exchanged smiles at Kyoko's use of the nickname she had given Ten long ago.

"I've had the pleasure of working with Julie before, but it's wonderful to finally meet you. Ten has told me great things about your work and your performance on the runway the other night was phenomenal. I didn't believe Ten when she told me it was your first time on the catwalk, you were a natural."

"Ah, you're too kind Ms. Kimberlee. I owe everything that night to Ms. Julie and Ren. They both helped me grow so much as a model."

Kuu joined them, chatting casually with Ten and Kimberlee after brief introductions.

"Where is Ren-chan?" Ten asked Kyoko.

"He was studying a script in the other room. He should be out soon," Kyoko told them, not exactly lying. She felt bad for leaving him like that but promised to make it up to him later. The thought of his parents knocking on their door was mortifying, so she jumped off of him without hesitation. It was once again all her fault for taking things too far and teasing him in broad daylight with his parents in the other room. She needed to get a grip on her libido before she got them into serious trouble.

"Kyoko," Julie called her over to her friend. "This is Ryan, she's modeled for Victoria's Secret for years, hence all the angel wings. Ryan this is our ray of hope." Julie smiled and squeezed Kyoko around the shoulders. Kyoko dreamily looked at the wings hanging from the hooks on the hotel's luggage rack and the cases lining the bottom. Someone from the hotel must have helped them bring everything up.

Kyoko blushed at the introduction. "It's wonderful to meet you, Ms. Ryan. Thank you for lending us your wings."

"Oh, you're just as sweet as Julie bragged, and you're welcome. The company tends to recycle these each year, but they allow us to take home those we want. A good set of wings make all the difference in the bedroom."

"Ryan!" Julie gasped and began to laugh.

"Oh hush, babe. You've been married for twenty years, you know how it is. Gotta keep the magic alive."

"You're so bad!" Julie replied good-naturedly.

Kyoko knew she heard some very important relationship advice and filed the information for the future.

"Anyway, Julie has been so good to me. I would do anything to repay her for the kindness she's shown me through the years; however, this one is going to cost you, young lady."

Kyoko was taken aback by the woman's demand for payment, but it was only fair that she paid for using her stuff. She had plenty of money thanks to her father.

Ryan dug in her oversized purse and pulled out her cellphone along with a notebook and pen. "I demand selfies and autographs," the model stated, clicking the pen open.

"I think I can arrange that," Kyoko smiled, taking the pad and pen from her. Ryan gave her the names of several family and friends for the autographs. Not only did Kyoko sign her name in Japanese, but she also wrote it in English and added little personal blurbs for each person. After declining Kuu's offer for food and drink, Ryan had to leave for a prior dinner engagement. Opening the door to let her out, revealed Tina coming down the hall with Miguel carrying her dress. More introductions were made then Ryan left with Miguel. It turned out he was the one that brought them up before.

Tina stopped to say hi to Kuu, Julie, and Kuon in the kitchen, Her boyfriend had finally shown himself looking fresh from the shower. He was helping his dad put together a Charcuterie board filled with an assortment of cheeses, meats, crackers, olives, nuts, and fruit for the ladies to munch on during the makeover while Julie gathered glasses for champagne and wine.

The Hizuris declined their offer for help, so Kyoko rushed Tina to the third bedroom that was designated as the base for "operation makeover" before her mind could conjure up any naughty ideas as to why her boyfriend needed to take another shower.

Ten and Kimberlee were already inside unloading the tools and products they needed from the cases that she saw on the rack with the wings.

"Ms. Muse, Ms. Kimberlee, this is my friend Tina Flores. She will be joining us tonight. She's a talented photographer here in Los Angeles."

During introductions, the Hizuris brought in the food and drinks which consisted of much more than what Kyoko had seen them making.

"If you ladies need anything else just let us know," Kuu offered. A chorus of thanks followed him and Kuon out of the room.

Before Muse and Kimberlee got started, they had Kyoko, Tina, and Julie put on their dresses one at a time so they could draw inspiration from the garments. Kyoko went first, brimming with excitement to put on the gown Julie had gifted her. She had no problems putting the dress on but struggled to fasten the gold choker around her neck that held the top of her halter dress. The chains connecting from the choker draped over her shoulders and attached to the separate sleeves that started in the middle of her upper arm leaving her shoulders bare. The sleeves were long and flowy but didn't encase her arms and dropped to the floor only to connect at the end by gold bracelets wrapped around her wrists. Kyoko felt like a sea goddess whenever she put on the dress because of the band of gold that encircled her head with a large gemstone resting against her forehead.

...

Kuon and Kuu chuckled at the sound of excited squealing coming from the room. The ladies seemed to be having a lot of fun in there. It made him happy to know that Kyoko, Tina, and his mom were getting along so well. In all the time leading up to the flight to come to LA, Kuon never imagined that his reunion with his parents or Tina would have unfolded this way.

"Hey, son," Kuu said softly in case someone might be eavesdropping.

Kuon hummed glancing away from the screen. They were sitting in the media room watching a formula one race on television to kill time. Watching cars battle for first place wasn't exactly boring.

"Can we talk in your room privately?" His father asked gravely, looking him dead in the eye.

This doesn't sound good. He glanced down the hallway leading to the bedroom where Kyoko was and stood to go to their bedroom. Kuu followed him in and closed the door behind them locking it.

"Let's sit," Kuu suggested, trying to ease the tension. He sat on the same chair where things had gotten hot and heavy with Kyoko.

"I think I'll stand," Kuon retorted, defensively. Whatever his father had to say did not sound like good news. He wouldn't be able to handle it if Kuu had something against his girlfriend.

"Right, okay," Kuu muttered and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I wanted to tell you that there is a high probability that Cedric Benett will be in attendance tonight."

"Why? How do you know?" He asked, slightly panicked.

"Because I invited him."

Kuon glared at his father, anger and betrayal replacing the panic.

"He came to me recently, begging me to end his career...end his life essentially...take whatever I wanted to exact revenge on him for you."

"What?" He gaped. Kuon couldn't believe that Cedric would fall so hard. There had been plenty of hints that he was a changed man, but Kuon was still wary that it was all an act. Cedric was a talented actor in his own right, so Kuon kept his guard up around him, waiting for him to fuck up and show his true colors.

"I was angry. I wanted nothing more than to make him pay for what he did to you, what he did to Rick, but all I saw was you. I saw a young man drowning, begging for help. As much as I wanted to put my foot on his head and hold him under the water until he stopped thrashing and took his last breath, I couldn't. I'm sorry son, I couldn't do it. I don't deserve to be your father." Kuu hung his head shamefully in his hands, silently sobbing.

Kuon placed a comforting hand on his father's shoulder. The anger and hurt he felt earlier dissipated the moment his father broke down. "You're a good father and I'm proud to be your son." Kuu placed a hand over the one Kuon had on his shoulder and squeezed it as he reined in his emotions.

"I'm sorry it took me so long to tell you," Kuu apologized, swiping at his face. "I've been meaning to tell you about the meeting with him, but I was selfishly enjoying what we had going on as a family. I didn't want to ruin it. I'm letting you know just in case he shows up tonight. I don't want you to be blindsided by his presence."

"Thanks for the heads up," Kuon replied without any sarcasm. "Do you really think he'll show?" He sank onto the love seat at the foot of the bed, suddenly emotionally too drained to remain standing.

"If he was sincere in his apology to me, he'll come to show his support. If he doesn't, I'll know he didn't mean any of it and deserves to be miserable. I won't do anything that would hurt you, just give me the word and I'll end that bastard's career. I don't care what Callister or Eltra has to say about it."

Kuon chuckled. "Thanks, dad. I don't want to trouble you."

"You're never any trouble. I'll do anything to help you, son. I hope you know that."

He nodded in understanding. Even while he was in Japan, his parents were always protecting him in their own way. He smiled to assure his dad that he was no longer angry at him for keeping him in the dark.

"So," Kuon breathed out breaking the uncomfortable silence that stretched for several seconds. "Any other secrets you've been keeping from me?" He asked jokingly to change the subject. It was only a fraction of a second but Kuon caught the hesitation before his father laughed.

He narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Kuu. "What else are you hiding?"

Kuu took a deep breath before speaking. "That night Rick died, the police arrested three men that were involved in jumping you."

"Men?" Kuon asked, confused. The guys he fought with that night were older than him, but they were still just teenagers.

Kuu flushed guiltily.

"What did you do?" Kuon whispered past the lump that was stuck in his throat. He had a feeling he wouldn't like what his father was about to say.

"Two of them were over eighteen. I had my lawyer push for child abuse charges. They took a plea deal and were sentenced to six years in a maximum-security prison without counting the time spent in minimum security."

"Holy shit, Dad. How come you never told me about this?... Wait, don't answer that. It was a stupid question." Kuon remembered the catatonic state he was in after Rick's death. It didn't take him long to hop on a plane with Boss and leave everything he knew behind, never looking back.

"Why are you telling me this…" Kuon paused, eyes widening as he figured out the answer to his next question. "You said six years! They're out aren't they?"

"They were released last week," Kuu answered, solemnly.

"Are we in danger?!" Kuon shouted, pacing the floor.

Kuu shook his head. "I have the guards at home on high alert. They have yet to report anything suspicious. I'm hoping they don't waste their second chance on petty revenge. I had a PI check on them: one got a job doing manual labor while the other is a waiter."

"Well, that's something at least. It seems like they're trying to continue with their lives, but I'm worried about you and mom."

"Don't be, your mom and I are going to be just fine." Kuu saying it didn't make him feel any better. He was still worried. Hard time could change a person. Kuon didn't know Cedric's lackeys, so he couldn't even put a face to the names his father mentioned as he told him everything that happened after he left LA. He had no choice but to use google-sensei on his phone to search for pictures just in case.

AN: Gomen, my dear readers. I have zero excuses for this late update. Thanks for sticking with me. I hope you enjoyed it!

Thank you for always reading and for the reviews of the last chapter. I HEART you all! XoXo

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^