When the plane landed at LAX, Kuon breathed a sigh of relief. His legs had been cramped, even though they had booked first class seats. He put his script back in his carry-on, put Tiny Kyoko on top of it so no harm would come to the doll, and followed Yashiro off of the plane and into the terminal. Yashiro looked out the windows, shaking his head at the darkness; it was about midnight in LA.

"No matter how many times I take an international flight, the time difference is astounding." He blinked when he didn't get an answer. "Ren?" He turned to find Kuon holding his phone up near the window, and gave him a knowing smile. "Bad service?"

Kuon gritted his teeth. "The fucking worst." He knew Kyoko would be expecting him to call her. He had been chomping at the bit since he found Tiny Kyoko in his script. He had to hear her voice. Yashiro gloved up and pulled his own phone out.

"Hmm. Mine isn't much better. We'll be at the hotel soon, though."

Kuon sighed and stuffed his phone into his pocket. "All right, let's go." He speed-walked away toward the baggage claim, leaving Yashiro to run after him. After they collected their bags after an absolute FUCKING eternity, thought Kuon, grumpily, they made their way outside to their Uber. As they drove through the city, the reality of the situation set in.

As they passed places that Kuon frequented in his youth, he felt like the car was closing in on him. A sick feeling settled in the pit of his stomach as all the bad memories came back to haunt him.

"Ren?" He turned his head to look at Yashiro, who was appraising him over his glasses. "Are you feeling alright?"

Kuon looked up at himself in the rearview mirror. Though the highway lights were dim in the car, he had visible sweat on his forehead, and he looked scared. He took a steady breath as he looked at his dyed brown hair and contacts. No one in LA knew that Ren Tsuruga was Kuon Hizuri except for his parents. He would be safe. He turned his attention back to his manager.

"I'm fine, Yukihito. I'm just tired, and I need to call Kyoko."

Yashiro, satisfied with this answer, nodded. "We'll be at the hotel soon, Ren. Hang tight."

Their drive, being that it was midnight and not midday, was over fairly quickly by LA standards. They walked into the hotel and were immediately surrounded by Gatsby-esque glamor. Yashiro took in the high ceiling in the lobby, the beautiful marble columns, and the matching floor and became immediately giddy. They checked into their rooms at the counter, and a bellhop showed them to their rooms and helped them with their luggage.

Yashiro, after tipping the man, turned to Kuon. "I'll see you in the morning. Try to get some sleep, okay?"

Kuon nodded. "I'll try. Goodnight." He went into his room, ignored the grand king size bed, the 70 inch TV, the hot tub in the corner, the kitchenette, the gift basket with alcohol and snacks, and whipped his phone out of his pocket. He speed-dialed Kyoko like a man possessed. It rang once. Twice. Three times. As he paced the room, his heart was in his throat.

"Kuon!"

He expelled a breath that he hadn't realized he was holding, and smiled. "Princess. How's Tokyo?" He heard her laugh through obvious tears.

"It's still here. How's LA?"

Kuon sat down on the end of the bed. "Dark."

She knew he wasn't just talking about the time of day. "Are you okay?"

He sighed. "I will be. It was hard to drive past all of my old haunts." He opened his carry-on that was on the bed next to him and pulled out Tiny Kyoko. He couldn't help but smile. "I got your present, by the way. She's not quite as beautiful as the real thing, but I think she'll get me through."

Kyoko smiled. "You said a pocket-sized Kyoko could be very useful."

He chuckled. "And I meant that, and I'm sure she will be. But she's no substitute for the real one."

Kyoko looked over at the dining room table where her Ren doll was sitting up against her glass of water. "I know what you mean. Have you gotten unpacked yet?"

He shook his head. "No. I wanted to call you as soon as I could, but there was no service in the damned terminal, and then I was stuck in a car with Yashiro."

She giggled. "You make that sound like a special kind of hell."

He smirked. "It is when you're trying to let your beautiful girlfriend know that you didn't crash into the Pacific."

"So," she said, suddenly serious, "Have you eaten anything?" There was a pause. She narrowed her eyes. "Kuon."

He ran his hand through his hair. "I'm sorry, Princess. They brought me food on the plane, but I wasn't hungry. I miss you too much."

She sighed. "Do I need to make you send me videos?"

He grinned. "I would be happy to send you videos. I can start tonight before I go to bed if you'd like."

"Okay then. I'm going to go so you can eat something, send me a video, and get plenty of sleep."

Kuon frowned. "Do you have to go?"

"If I don't go, you won't eat, and it's late there. You need to sleep, Corn."

He hated it when she was right. "I'll try to call you tomorrow on my lunch break."

"I'm looking forward to it. Goodnight, Kuon. I love you.," she said softly.

"Goodnight, Kyoko-chan. I love you, too."

They hung up, and he went to the refrigerator in his kitchenette. The fridge had a charcuterie tray in it with meat, cheese, fruits, and crackers. He chuckled to himself. She's going to hate this. He took the tray out and brought it over to the small dining table in the corner. He set his phone up to record himself.

About 30 minutes later, Kyoko's phone chimed. She snatched it off the coffee table in the living room. She had ulterior motives in agreeing to being sent a video. She wanted to see him, even if she couldn't be with him, but she couldn't have asked him for that directly. If he knew how badly she missed him, it would only make it harder on him, and he had a very important job to do.

She opened the video with a tap of her finger and her heart melted into a puddle. He waved at the camera with the sweetest smile.

"It's too late for room service, so I'm making do with this meat and cheese board that they left in my room. I hope that's okay." He put some meat and cheese on a cracker and took a bite. He chewed and swallowed. "It's pretty good," he said, "But it's got nothing on your cooking, Princess." He made sure he ate some of the grapes that were included, and a few more crackers. He ate until he felt she would be satisfied with the amount and then smiled at the camera. "I miss you. I hope you have a good rest of your night, and I hope we can talk tomorrow. Goodnight, Kyoko. I love you."

She wiped her eyes. "I love you, too," she whispered.

The next day, Kuon rolled out of bed and rubbed his eyes. He had managed to get about six hours of sleep. He reached for his phone to text Kyoko good morning, and stopped when he realized that it was midnight in Tokyo. He picked up the hotel room phone instead and ordered breakfast. They delivered it around 20 minutes later, giving him time to get dressed. He set his cell phone up to record his breakfast and chuckled to himself. Kyoko was going to have an awful lot of videos of him eating. When he finished, he sent the video to her. He knew she would still be asleep, but she would at least have proof that he was good and ate a proper breakfast when she woke up.

There was a knock at his door, and he opened it to admit Yashiro into his room. Yashiro looked around and his mouth popped open in shock. "My room is nice, but this one is… wow." They sat down at the table and discussed the schedule for that day. They would be leaving for the studio first, and doing some press that morning, and then meeting with the Director of The Route Project, Leonard Herbert, to go over some paperwork. Then they had to meet with a stunt coordinator later that day to start martial arts training, and then it would be dinner time. Kuon looked at his phone, at the calendar that he shared with Yashiro and frowned.

"Am I going to get a chance to have a lunch break?"

Yashiro nodded. "You should have time around 1:00 PM for that, but it's going to have to be quick."

Kuon sighed, but nodded. "Fine."

They went downstairs where a car was waiting for them. They spent almost an hour and a half stuck in traffic, but Yashiro, being the best manager ever, had accounted for this in their plans. When they reached the studio, the sidewalk out front was covered with people. Kuon took a deep breath and exited the car into a throng of Japanese and American reporters and paparazzi.

"Tsuruga-san! Welcome to the US!"

"Tsuruga-san, look over here!"

"Tsuruga-san, how are you enjoying the states!?"

Kuon flashed them his patented Ren Tsuruga smile and followed Yashiro wordlessly through the crowd and into the building. They were met at the door by Leonard Herbert himself, who was dressed like a Kamen Rider, complete with a helmet. Kuon shook his hand.

"It's good to see you again, Herbert-san."

Leonard nodded. "Likewise, Tsuruga-san." He extended his hand to Yashiro as well and then they followed him down the hall to the press room. They sat down at the long table at the head of the room to the sound of thunderous applause.

"Welcome, everyone!" began Leonard. "Tsuruga-san has joined us this morning to answer some questions about our project, after a long flight yesterday. Are you feeling ready for this, Tsuruga-san?"

Kuon nodded. "Absolutely. I've been looking forward to making this movie for months, and I'm looking forward to really starting in a few weeks when the rest of the cast have joined us."

"Why is there such a long wait? Why isn't the whole cast here yet?"

Leonard chuckled at the reporter who had spoken. "Opening up with the hard questions first, I see. That would be because of prior obligations of the other cast members, and the scenes that we need them for. Koga Hiromune is finishing up shooting for Lotus in the Mire, and then he will be here in a couple of weeks. Kanae Kotonami and Kimiko Morizumi aren't needed until much later, just due to our schedule, and Cedric Bennet also has prior obligations.

Kuon's teeth clenched reflexively. Perfect, princely Cedric. Racist, fuck-mothering Cedric. He knew his asshole cousin would be involved with the project, but he hadn't wanted to back down. They hadn't seen each other in years, not since they were teenagers, and he didn't think he would be recognized. That didn't stop him from hating him.

And Kimiko Morizumi, the girl that Kyoko thought he had been in love with. Kuon let out a soft sigh. He hoped that wouldn't cause problems.

"Your cast is star-studded, Mr. Herbert. Did you get everyone that you wanted?"

Leonard Herbert made a noise as though he were wounded. "If I could only tell you that I had! Unfortunately, I had cast my film prior to seeing Mogami-san, and I did not have space for her. But there will be a next time."

Kuon couldn't help the smile that spread over his face.

"Do you mean Tsuruga-san's kohai, Kyoko Mogami?"

The Director nodded emphatically. "Mogami-san is an extremely talented young lady. It pains me to not have her in this film."

You and me both, thought Kuon.

"Do you miss Mogami-san, Tsuruga-san?"

Kuon smiled. "I will certainly miss working with Mogami-san," he answered safely, "But I expect she will do great things in my absence. I look forward to seeing her growth over the next year."

The journalist, satisfied that nothing untoward was going on with Ren Tsuruga and his kohai, continued on. "No details have been released about the film yet, Mr. Herbert. Is there a reason for this?"

Leonard chuckled. "The details are for us to know and for the rest of you to find out. This is a super secret project. I look forward to blowing all of your minds!"

Another reporter decided to veer off course."Tsuruga-san, I imagine you left many broken hearts in Japan!"

Kuon shook his head with a smile. Oh, here it comes. "If I did, it was certainly done unintentionally."

"So, no special girl… or guy waiting for you at home?"

Kuon laughed. This was not the first time his sexuality had been brought into question, but the Americans were a different breed of nosy. "I'm sure Hidehito Kijima is currently drowning his sorrows. I am his only friend, after all."

"What about Kana Kusunoki?"

Kuon shook his head with a smile. He had called Kana and called off their "affair" when he had made the decision to move Kyoko in with him.

"There is absolutely nothing going on between Kana Kusunoki and myself."

"So there's no girl in your life?"

He flashed them a brilliant smile. "I have always admired American persistence, but I feel our time here would be better spent answering questions about the project."

The press conference lasted another hour, during which Kuon answered questions not only about the project they were working on, but about what flavor ice cream he preferred, what designer he was wearing that day, and even a question from a buxom female journalist about how he was going to build muscle for the film. He had given her the most generic answer possible and moved on; he definitely didn't want her thinking he was interested in her.

When it finally wrapped up, Kuon checked his watch as he descended from the stage. 11:30. Just an hour and a half. You can do this. They moved to a private conference room, where several lawyers sat around the table. They explained the small mountain of paperwork, and took time getting his initials and signature in all hundred places that they needed to be. He could feel his brain turning to mush with every new page presented to him.

In Tokyo, Kyoko's alarm sounded, and she reached over in the dark to shut it off. She buried her face in the covers and breathed in Kuon's scent. She knew he would be calling her soon, and she was glad. Going to bed without him had been hard, and she had cried herself to sleep. She sat up in bed, stretched, and then looked at her phone. One new text message. She smiled as she opened the video.

"Good morning, Kyoko-chan," he started. He pointed out the meal he had ordered, eggs and bacon with toast and some orange juice. She smiled as he ate and talked about his plans for the day, including the press conference and his meeting with Leonard Herbert. In closing, he smiled at the camera. "I can't wait to talk to you later. I'm counting the seconds. Love you."

She put her phone down and wiped her eyes. Not too much longer now, she thought. She went to the kitchen and made herself some tea, and set about grilling some fish for breakfast. When she finished, she plated her food and went to sit at the table. She frowned as she looked at Kuon's empty chair.

Then her phone rang.

"Good morning, Princess."

"Good afternoon, Corn. How was your press conference?"

He chuckled. "Exhausting. I've never had so many weird questions asked about my personal life at one time."

Kyoko giggled. "What kinds of weird questions?"

"They asked me what I had for breakfast! Who cares!?"

"... I do."

Kuon chuckled. "Yes, but you're different. You genuinely care about my wellbeing. These people are just nosy." He sighed. "I miss you. Have you had breakfast yet?"

She shook her head, laughing. "I'm having grilled fish and rice."

"Sounds heavenly." He looked at the turkey club sandwich and salad in front of him and smirked. "Do you want a video of my lunch, or shall I just describe it to you?"

"Do you promise to eat it all?"

"Yes, Princess."

"Then you can describe it."

Yashiro, who sat across the table from Kuon in the green room that had been prepared for him, was glowing. He was going to do his absolute best to make sure that Kuon got a phone call like this at least once a day, but he knew that wouldn't be feasible every single day that he was gone. The time difference was too great, and the schedules were going to be too full to allow for such miracles.

Kuon finished describing his meal, and then switched topics. "What are you up to today?"

"Helping Moko-san study for Route, and then Yappa Kimagure Rock later."

"Ah, the Bo Show. I wonder if I can catch it at the hotel."

"Won't that be in the middle of the night for you!?"

"I could at least record it."

Her cheeks were blazing. "You don't have to do that."

"I know I don't. I want to. I'll probably watch Box R while I'm at it."

"Ren," said Yashiro carefully, "I'm sorry, but your next appointment is in 15 minutes."

Kuon heaved a heavy sigh. "Princess, I'm sorry to cut this short, but Yashiro is telling me I need to go."

Kyoko smiled. "Oh, tell him I said hi."

Yashiro, who was close enough to hear her over the phone, beamed. "Hello, Kyoko-chan!," he called.

Kuon shook his head with a smirk. "I don't know when I'm going to be able to talk to you again, Princess. So, I'll just say, I hope your day is good and that Kotonami-san isn't ornery."

Kyoko giggled. "Moko-san's default setting is ornery, but I appreciate that. Good luck with your training."

"Thank you, Kyoko-chan. I love you."

"I love you too, Corn. Goodbye."

They hung up, and Yashiro winced. "I'm sorry, Ren."

Kuon sighed and started eating his sandwich. "It's not your fault. I'm the one who wanted to be a world class actor, after all."

Yashiro frowned. "I just hope they get her a new manager soon. Biking from the Darumaya to LME is too risky."

Kuon smiled nervously. "About that…"

Back in Tokyo, Kyoko went downstairs to the bike rack outside of the apartment, but found a car waiting instead.

"Mogami-san!"

"Ruto-san? What are you doing here?"

"The President wanted me to bring you to work today."

"Oh. That's kind of hi– WAIT. How does he know I'm here!?"

Ruto smiled a mysterious smile. "He is the LoveMon, Mogami-san. He is inevitable."

In LA, Yashiro was pressing his handkerchief underneath his nose and was bright red. "YOU DID WHAT!?"

Kuon shrugged sheepishly. "We just thought it was a good idea."

"REN, DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THIS GETS OUT!?"

Kuon's smile could have blinded God himself. "I imagine that President Takarada will bail us out of trouble, and that my super competent manager will help."

Yashiro didn't know if he was going to develop an ulcer or bleed to death from joy.

HI GUYS! :D I'm currently battling a massive depressive episode. Life is currently kicking this chicken's butt. Actually, it is currently drop-kicking this chicken into an electric fence. (Cat won't eat, job search is driving me nuts, Christmas is coming, and PROM IS TOMORROW D: ) BUT, I got this fic going for me, which is nice. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Leave me a review, give me a dopamine hit so I don't defenestrate myself, and I'll see y'all next week. ALL OF MY LOVE - BO