When they got to the hospital, Yashiro led Kyoko into the nearest women's bathroom and over to a sink. On the car ride over, the shock of the situation seemed to have taken over, and she had just sat in the passenger's seat, covered in Kuon's blood, shaking like a leaf. He took her hands and guided them under the water and began washing the blood off of them.

"Kyoko-chan," he started, "We're going to get through this, and Ren is going to be fine. Okay?"

She looked at him with tear-filled eyes. "How can you be certain, Yashiro-san?"

He smiled at her as he grabbed some paper towels. "I just have to have faith that all of this will work itself out. That's show business." He dried her hands off and mopped the tears off of her cheeks. "I'm sorry, but I don't have another outfit for you right now. After we find out what's going on with Ren, I'll get you one."

Kyoko looked down at the blood that was smeared on the bottom of her shirt and over her lap and was overcome with a fresh round of tears. Yashiro hugged her. "It's okay, Kyoko. We're going to get you cleaned up, and then we're going to go to the front desk and find out where they've taken him, okay?"

She nodded. Yashiro finished dabbing at her face and then they went to the front desk. "Excuse me," he whispered to the receptionist, "My client was just brought in a few minutes ago, and I need to be very discreet about-"

"May I see your ID, please?"

Yashiro nodded and passed it over to her. She looked at it and nodded. "Tsuruga-san told the team to be on the lookout for you, Yashiro-san. He's on the third floor."

Yashiro smiled weakly, "He's conscious then?"

The receptionist nodded. "Must be."

Kyoko's knees went weak for a moment as the relief swept through her body. Yashiro led her to the elevator. When they got to the third floor, Yashiro approached the nurse's station. "Excuse me. My client was just brought in, and-"

"Ah, you must be here for Tsuruga-san. They're closing his wound now. If you wait over there," she pointed at a bench by the wall, "I'll have someone let you know when you can see him."

Yashiro smiled. "Thank you, I appreciate it." He and Kyoko sat down on the bench. He looked over at her. "Are you all right?"

Kyoko took a shaky breath. "I'll be better after I can see him."

Yashiro patted her shoulder. "I understand entirely. But, he's awake, so let's count our blessings, shall we?"

Kyoko offered him a small smile. "Yes. Consider them counted."

A nurse approached them soon after. "Excuse me, Yashiro-san?"

They stood up. "Yes, that's me. Can we go back yet?"

The nurse looked at Kyoko. "I was under the impression that only his manager was coming. Who are you?"

Kyoko felt like she had been slapped. "I–"

"She's my personal assistant, and so I will need her to accompany me. Would you kindly show me to Ren's room?"

The nurse raised her eyebrow. "This is supposed to be family only, but we're making an exception for you because Tsuruga-san asked us to. He didn't mention any personal assistants."

Kyoko felt like she couldn't breathe. Yashiro smiled winningly at the nurse. "I need my assistant to help me take care of Tsuruga-san's personal business. It is imperative that she comes with me."

"Let me check with the patient. What is your name?"

"It's Kyoko… Kyoko Mogami."

The nurse disappeared around the corner. When she reappeared, she looked dazed, having been absolutely blinded by the Jacob's ladder. "I-yes… should be fine. He's in room 303." They really hadn't needed to be told which room he was in. When they rounded the corner, there was a throng of nurses around his door, all trying to get a peek at him.

"Excuse me, ladies. I need to see my client." They dispersed like rats leaving a sinking ship. When he opened the door, Yashiro waved Kyoko inside. "You go first, we can deal with the business end in a few minutes."

Kyoko bowed to him. "Thank you, Yashiro-san." She disappeared into the room and Yashiro stood guard at the door. Kuon was sitting up in the bed against some pillows with gauze wrapped around his head. He had been changed into a hospital gown. When she saw him, she broke down in tears again. He smiled gently and held out his arms.

"Come here, Princess."

She approached the bed, and hugged him. She cried into his chest, and he kissed her forehead. She sat down on the edge of the bed and wiped her eyes. "Are you going to be okay, Corn?"

He held her hand. "Yes, I'm going to be fine. They said I have a concussion, so they want to keep me overnight, but I'll be okay." He looked at her, suddenly serious. "Is Fuwa alright?"

Kyoko nodded. "You saved him from getting hurt." If Kuon, who was in perfect health, had gotten so hurt by the falling lights, she couldn't imagine what would have happened to Sho, who looked like he could have been toppled over by a light breeze.

"I couldn't just let those lights fall on him. He's an asshole, but he's your asshole."

Kyoko giggled and wiped her eyes. "Well, thank you for rescuing my asshole."

Kuon smirked. "Any time." There was a knock at the door, and Yashiro came in.

"Sorry for breaking up the party, but I do actually have to make a report to Lory."

Kuon smiled. "You can tell him I'm fine, just pushed some asshole out of the way of a light fixture and got a concussion."

Yashiro smirked. "Noted. How are you feeling?"

He winced. "My head hurts pretty bad, and I feel dizzy. They don't want me sleeping yet in case of a brain bleed or whatever, so no pain killers. They're keeping me overnight for observation." At the mention of a brain bleed, Kyoko felt sick. She hoped that it wouldn't come to that.

Yashiro nodded. "I see. Do you need me to get you anything?"

Kuon chuckled. "Pants. These nurses were pretty excited to put me in this backless gown."

Kyoko got up and went to the door.

"Kyoko-chan, where are you going?"

When she opened the door, there were no less than six nurses standing around by it. She closed it softly behind her and then fixed her eyes on the closest nurse. A sadistic smile took over her face. "You'll do." The other nurses broke away quickly and disappeared down the hall. The nurse retreated backwards a few steps and hit the opposite wall as Kyoko's grudges rooted her to the spot. Kyoko grinned and stroked the nurse's cheek with her finger.

"You like trying to see an injured man naked?"

"N-no!" the nurse stammered, "We were just-"

"Trying to see a concussed man's naked ass. That's what you were doing." Kyoko ran her thumb along the nurse's quivering bottom lip. "If I hear that any more of you were harassing Tsuruga-san, I'll come back here, and I'll curse every. Last. One of you."

The nurse's eyes were wide in horror. "I-I'm sorry! We won't do it again!"

Kyoko glared. "Good. Go do your job." The nurse hastened to obey, and Kyoko reentered the room, smiling sweetly. "I don't think you'll have any more problems, Ren."

He smiled sheepishly. "Thank you, Kyoko-chan." He looked over at Yashiro and raised an eyebrow. "Yukihito, are you okay?"

Yashiro was pressing his handkerchief under his nose, trying to contain his nosebleed. THEY USED FIRST NAMES IN FRONT OF ME!? HOT DAMN! "Perfectly fine, Ren."

The following day, Yashiro picked Kuon up from the hospital. When they got to Kuon's apartment, Kyoko was waiting at the front door to walk him in. When they got to his door and she opened it, a delicious smell wafted out. "That smells amazing. What is that?"

She smiled as she closed the door behind him. "Nikujaga."

He caught her and pressed her against the wall. He inhaled softly just beneath her ear. "Mm. No. I think it's Eau de Kyoko."

She blushed and looked up at him through her lashes. "You ought to behave yourself. You just got out of the hospital." In response, he kissed her. When they broke apart, she was blushing. "Kuon!"

He smiled. "I'm sorry. I haven't kissed you in days. It was starting to eat at me." She hugged him and nuzzled her face into his chest. She wrinkled her nose.

"You smell like a hospital."

He shook with silent laughter. "I can always count on you to be honest."

She led him over to the dining room and sat him down at the table. "You eat, I'll go get a bath ready for you."

He shook his head. "I can just get a shower, Kyoko. You don't have to do that."

She pushed his plate toward him. "I'll decide what I have to do. Eat." He did as he was told, and she went to draw a bath. When she came out of the bathroom, she heard him talking quietly down the hall.

"No, Mom, it's not serious. I got a bump on the head and some staples. Kyoko is staying with me for a little while to make sure I'm okay."

Kyoko sat down at the table beside him. One side of his mouth was turned up in a wry smile as he listened to Julie losing her mind on the phone. He waited for his chance to get a word in.

"Mom, no. It's okay. You don't have to come here. I just wanted to tell you what was going on before you saw it on the internet or something. I'm sure the media will make it sound like I'm half dead." He chuckled. "Yes, I'm sure. I need to go so I can eat this beautiful dinner that Kyoko made for me." He laughed. "Yes, mother dear, I will send you pictures of it. But I need to go before it gets cold. Yes, I love you too. Goodbye." He hung up the phone and rested his forehead on his palm. "You'd think I told her I had cancer."

Kyoko smiled. "She's a good mother."

He smiled. "The best." He snapped a picture of his plate and sent it to Julie. "Now, on to more important things." He took a bite of his dinner and sighed in contentment. "This is so much better than that hospital food. Thank you, Princess."

She kissed his cheek. "The bath's ready when you're done."

Kuon ate quickly, not wanting his bath to get cold. He finished the last couple of bites and stood up, only to fall right back into his chair. Kyoko rushed to his side. "Are you okay!?"

He nodded with his eyes closed. "Just got dizzy. The doctor said to expect that for a few days." She helped him to his feet and held his hand as they walked down the hall to his bathroom. When they got there, she stopped at the door.

"Um… will you be okay by yourself?"

He smirked. "Why? Do you want to join me?"

"I-I-uh…," she stammered, getting redder by the second. He laughed into his hand.

"Kyoko-chan, I'm kidding." He kissed her forehead. "If I do need you, I'll call for you, okay?"

She nodded. "I'll be out cleaning up the kitchen."

When he entered the bathroom, he was hit by the smell of eucalyptus and bath salts. When he saw that a pair of pajamas was folded up on the counter for him, he smiled. She really thinks of everything. He got undressed and settled into the water, which was still nice and hot, and full of bubbles. He leaned back against the sloped wall of the tub and closed his eyes with a sigh, glad that he hadn't managed to talk her into just letting him take a shower.

"Kuon."

"Hm?" His eyes blinked open, and her face came into focus. "Ah. I fell asleep, didn't I?"

She giggled. "You did. Did you get a chance to wash up?"

He shook his head. "No. I slipped in and went right out."

"Oh. Shall I help you?"

He watched as she began to peel her clothes off. Holy shit. His mouth went dry as she stripped down to just some pink lace lingerie. She slid into the water in front of him and grabbed a washcloth. When she ran the cloth up the inside of his leg, he narrowed his Emperor's eyes on her.

"Kyoko. What are you doing?"

She leaned over him, pressing her wet bra against his chest. "Doing what those nurses wish they could have." He stiffened as she ran the wash cloth directly over his manhood, and let out a shuddering breath as she began to stroke him.

"Kyoko," he moaned, "Y-you shouldn't-" She put a finger over his lips.

"Shhh. I'm just giving you a bath." She kissed him and slid her tongue into his mouth, and his self control shattered. He palmed her breasts, pinching and pulling at the wet lace over her nipples. She moaned his name.

"Kuon!"

One of his hands disappeared under the water to rub between her legs. She ground herself against his fingers.

"Kuon!"

He moved the lace to the side, ready to bury his fingers inside of her-

"KUON."

His eyes flew open. Kyoko was on the outside of the tub, fully clothed, looking down at him, her face as white as a sheet. When she saw him wake, she relaxed a little. "You scared me! Are you okay!?"

He covered his face with a hand. Fuck. "I'm fine, Princess. I just fell asleep. I didn't realize how tired I was until I was able to relax." He looked down at the water, thankful that the bubbles were still plentiful enough to hide the evidence of his dream.

Kyoko handed him a washcloth. "Wash up, and I'll get your bed ready, okay?"

He took the washcloth from her hand and kissed her fingers. "Thank you, Kyoko-chan." When she left the room, he breathed a massive sigh of relief… and frustration.

When he emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, he found Kyoko sitting on the edge of his bed in a t-shirt and pajama pants. She grabbed a glass of water and a pill from the nightstand and gave them to him. He took his pill and got into bed. She cuddled up next to him.

"You smell much better," she sighed.

He smiled. "I'm glad." He kissed the top of her head and inhaled her scent. "I can never smell as good as you do, though."

She sat up and kissed his cheek. "I need to talk to you about something important, and I don't want to stress you out, but I have to tell you."

He sat up against his pillows. "What is it?"

"I'm going to a meeting tomorrow with President Takarada… and Sho."

He took a breath. "Okay."

She swallowed. "Okay?"

He nodded. "I have to trust your judgment. If you think he's worth getting Lory's help, then it's not for me to say that he isn't."

She kissed him. "Thank you, Corn."

He pulled her close and hugged her. "I should be saying that to you. You've been babying me since I got home."

She nuzzled against his chest. "I was so scared. I thought I was going to lose you. There was so much blood, Kuon." she choked out the last sentence through tears, and he ran his fingers through her hair.

"Kyoko-chan, look at me."

She looked up at him, and he kissed her nose. "I'm not going anywhere. Okay? I'm right here." Her face morphed into a mask of sadness. "Kyoko?"

But you are leaving. In a few weeks, when The Route Project starts filming, you're not going to be here anymore. And Moko-san won't be here anymore, and Koga-san won't be here anymore… She swallowed. "It's nothing."

Cue the NG sigh. "It's not nothing. You can't look at me like that and then try to pretend it away, Kyoko. That's not how this works." He kissed her hair. "If you're not honest with me, then I can't help you."

The tears were flowing freely now. "You're going to be in the US for such a long time."

Shit. He had known they were going to have to discuss this at some point, but not after a potentially life-threatening injury. He sat up a little straighter against his pillows. "And? I'll be calling you every day, and texting you every day, and probably sending you too many presents and irritating the hell out of you." The last bit made her laugh. He hugged her. "It's going to be hard for me too. I get antsy if I can't kiss you for two days. A few months? I'm going to be a fucking wreck."

"It's not just you. Moko-san and Koga-san will be gone, too."

He frowned. "I understand entirely, Kyoko-chan. When I first came to Japan, I didn't have anyone but Lory."

She blinked. "Oh god."

Kuon laughed. "See? It's not all bad. You'll probably be working too much to miss me anyway."

She nuzzled her face into his chest. "I spent 10 years missing you and wishing for you to come back at every shrine and festival I went to, no matter how hard I worked. That's not changing."

He tilted her face up to his and kissed her deeply. When he looked down into her eyes, he smiled. "I love you, and we're going to get through this. And when I come back, things are going to be even better than they are right now. Do you believe me?"

She nodded. "Yes. I believe you."

He winced. "As much as I want to keep reassuring you, Princess, my head really hurts."

She pushed him down against his pillows and tugged the covers up to his chin. She cuddled up against his side. "Goodnight, Corn."

He smiled. "Goodnight, Kyoko-chan."


I just want to take a minute to really impress upon you guys how much it means to me that you read my shit. I struggle hard with anxiety and depression, but the last few weeks that I've been posting this, man I've been looking forward to every Friday like it's Christmas. (And let me tell you, Bo is one of those hardcore Christmas people. Tree's going up in T-minus 35 days!) Anyway, thanks to everybody for your support and for making me feel like I know what I'm doing, even when I don't really have a clue. I LOVE ALL OF YOUR FACES - BO