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Thank you everyone who posted a review. I think it would be awesome if those of you who mentioned wanting to do a TCP/Skip Beat cross over do it. There are so many awesome ways to go about mixing the two. I plan on covering the whole TCP shooting so this will probably be a long story.
MP
Disclaimer: I do not own Skip Beat! or Tokyo Crazy Paradise. I am just a fan of both
"I feel so lucky to be able to be part of this," laughed Julie as she and Kyouko waited for Ren and Kuu to meet them at the car for lunch.
"You feel lucky?" exclaimed Kyouko. "I thought for sure you did stuff like this all the time!"
"Well, Tokyo Crazy Paradise is Kuu' s favorite manga of all time. To be able to get to see him act in it is just so amazing and I feel very fortunate that I get to see you perform as well." explained Julie.
"I will do my best!" blurted out Kyouko brimming with joy. Swirls of righteous energy and tiny Kyouko angels surrounded her. "Tsukasa-san is just so amazing! I'm so lucky to have such a goddess like role! The parents who raised her were murdered by yakuza leaving her and her brothers homeless." Clouds of darkness started to swirl around Kyouko as demons overtook her angels. "Those parents who lived to protect as police were killed while off duty when they were trying to help Ryuji's dad! Ryuji you yakuza bastard! Why didn't you protect your own father?! With no parents, no home, and no food Tsukasa must do something to protect her brothers... but of all things Ryuji makes her do that. It's shameful!"
"That's an interesting perspective," laughed Julie. "You make it sound so awful. I always thought being a bodyguard was fitting for Tsukasa-chan. Since her parents raised her as a boy she seems to be so chivalrous. Her instinct to protect comes directly from her parents. I think as soon as she realized Ryuji was venerable she couldn't leave him alone no matter what. Kya! Look, here come Japan's two most handsome men."
Ren and Kuu walked out together with Yashiro in tow.
"Do you normally take showers in the middle of the day?" asked Kuu. "It must be nice to just be able to jump in the shower just willy-nilly at work. Look you made my two beautiful ladies wait so long!"
"I told you to go on without me!" huffed Ren. "I don't have much of an appetite!"
"I'm sorry Tsuruga-san!" apologized Kyouko profusely. "This is completely my fault. I asked father to make sure you came out to meet me for lunch. Since your apartment is so close I thought we might all have lunch at your house. Mom and I bought groceries this morning and kept them in the fridge on set. I know I should have asked first, but you always seem to like it when I cook for you. I thought maybe you'd like it as a surprise..."
Flowers bloomed around Ren's face as he put on his best Tsuruga Ren smile, "Mogami-san, indeed I do love your cooking. But in the future it is rude to not only invite yourself to someone else's home, but to also invite others is almost unheard of. "
Tears weld up in Kyouko's eyes to the shock and horror of Ren.
"I'm so sorry," she yelled as she threw herself at his feet. "Please punish me how ever you see fit. You can tie me upside down and leave me that way for three days, or make me go without food or water... or..."
"Do you really think I'm that awful?" asked Ren as he bent down and offered her his hand. "It's just embarrassing to have my sempai's over at such short notice. Especially since you consider them family. Next time you want me to meet with your parents I'd like you to give me a heads up first, instead of just springing it on me. I think a good home cooked meal will make up for this though."
"Sempai, you're the best!" said Kyouko as she used Ren's out stretched arm to pull herself up. "It never occurred to me that you'd be inconvenienced since I've been to your house so many times unannounced. You never seemed to mind when it was just me. Were you angry every time?!"
The terror of being such a burden to her sempai made Kyouko feel like she should be searching for a rock to crawl under. The look of complete shame on her face sent an arrow straight through Ren's heart.
"No, of course not," sighed Ren. "If it's just you then come over anytime." As the words slipped from his mouth he couldn't help but smirk at Julie and Kuu's shocked faces. He wasn't about to let them walk all over him. Kyouko was the only one permitted to walk on him.
Kuu felt he was being thwarted, after all, he suggested the idea to Kyouko in the first place. Ren's twenty years too young to try to beat me at this game! He thought as he planned his next move. Unfortunately Julie beat him to it.
"I understand," sniffled Julie as she made a polite bow. "Kuu and I will find an alternative for lunch if you'd like Kyouko to yourself. I was just really looking forward to tasting some of my daughters home cooked Kyoto style cooking." Her eyes grew big as tears started to build in them. "I wanted it so bad I thought I might die! But... but... I don't want to intrude. I never considered your feelings! Please forgive us!" More than anything she was dying to see how Tsuruga Ren was living for all these years. Surprising him was even better. That way he'd have no time to hide anything.
"Mom, it's okay! I'm sure if we just ask around someone will let me use their kitchen," exclaimed Kyouko and she ran to the aid of Julie. With a sigh of defeat Ren knew he had been cornered. There was no way out of this without looking like a monster in front of both Kyouko and Julie.
"No, no. It's fine," said Ren. "After all my apartment is so close." He reached down and grabbed the bags from Julie and Kyouko and started to lead the way. Kuu chuckled as he followed after them. He wrapped his arm around his wife's hips and pulled her close to him.
"I am so lucky to be married to such a devious woman," he whispered in her ear.
"Hush... you," she laughed as a blush spread across her checks. Kyouko had been watching them from over her shoulder. She chuckled at the couple acting like high school sweet hearts. It was hard for her to believe that two people could continue to be so in love for so long. She blushed as she found her eyes looked to Ren. His eyes caught hers as he looked away from the couple behind them. Both blushing , they realized they had just shared the same thought and looked away from each other.
Yashiro had been following behind the two couples. He was really starting to feel out of place. Searching his mind for a reason to escape this obviously awkward situation, he failed to notice the group had stopped at the light and ended up walking straight into Kyouko. Completely losing her balance she fell into a mud puddle from the storm that moved through the night before.
"I'm so sorry!" Yashiro said. "It must be so cold. I think it's only nine degrees today."
Yashiro was about to help Kyouko up when Ren adjusted all the groceries into one arm reached down and scooped Kyouko up as if she were Maria.
"It will be warmer this way," Ren gruffed as he sped up his pace.
"Kyouko, I'm so sorry. I'll go buy you something to wear so you don't catch cold!" said Yashiro, almost relieved that he found an opportunity to escape, but still very sorry for knocking down Kyouko. As he turned to leave he suddenly felt laser beams shoot straight through his head. He hesitated before looking over his shoulder. Looking the beast in the eyes he felt sure he was going to turn to stone. He finally looked up enough to meet Ren's gaze. Tsuruga Ren smiled warmly, maturely, like a well mannered young man. His eyes, however, betrayed him to his manager... and the rest of the group.
"Why don't you carry the groceries," Ren said as he reached his arm to his manager. "I can get Kyouko taken care of at my house." He wasn't about to let Yashiro escape.
"It's okay Yashiro-san. Tsuruga-san has a dryer. Besides, then you'd miss lunch," said Kyouko from Ren's arm.
"That's too cute," laughed Kuu deciding to torture Ren just a little more. "You look like a over protective big brother, Tsuruga. You shouldn't be angry at Yashiro-san though. He didn't mean to knock your kohai down."
"I didn't mean to come off as angry. I am merely worried about Mogami-san's health. It's cold out here I will be able to walk much faster if Yashiro-san carries the bags." explained Ren trying to sound as rational as possible. It was too much for him already. All these charades were wearing him thin. He handed the bags to Yashiro and was off.
Questions stormed through Ren's head. What in the world were Kuu and Takarada trying to achieve? Are they trying to see how far they could push me before I completely lose it? Did they want me to lose it?! And why did they have to involve Kyouko?
Kyouko could feel the storm brewing inside Ren, "Tsuruga-san." she whispered in his ear. "I promise to find a way to make up for this. So please do be mad. I didn't mean to make you mad."
Feeling her breath against his neck shot shivers down his spine. Images of her naked body from earlier that day floated through his mind. Another shiver escaped him.
"Are you chilly?" asked Kyouko as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'll help you stay warm!"
Ren's chill melted instantly as he turned and looked at Kyouko, their faces so close their noses almost touched. He smiled his first real smile of the day. His blond hair caught the sun and turned golden. "Thank you." he cooed.
THUMP-THUMP-THUMP Kyouko was sure everyone could hear her heart beating. She couldn't hide her blush or turn away. For a second she was sure Tsuruga-san had turned into a fairy prince. Unable to talk she smiled impishly and snuggled her head into his shoulder.
Questions were now racing through her head. What was that? Silly heart. Did you think that Tsuruga Ren was Corn? Is that why you're beating so fast? Ren is Ren, Corn is Corn and love is love which is not for me! Ren, was this your way of torture for all that happened? Are you just teasing??
"Kuu, I want to be carried too," teased Julie. He swooped her up in his arms and matched Ren's pace.
They walked through a huge western style building and into the elevator. Ren pressed the button and up they went. No one spoke a word. Never before witnessing the sweet, protective side of Ren both Julie and Kuu were terrified of ruining it. He actually looked happy. Really happy. The relief they felt knowing that someone whole-heartedly cared for their child was something they would always treasure.
Yashiro looked like a school girl reading ecchi manga. Such a scene of love in front of Kyouko's "parents"! Ren was sure stepping up his game.
The doors opened to a long hallway with a door at the other end. Julie squeezed Kuu's arm in excitement.
This was it.
"Please excuse any mess," said Ren as he opened his door. His apartment was, of course, spotless. "The living room is right this way." Everyone took off their shoes quickly and replaced them with slippers that were set out. They followed Ren to a large room with beige leather couches and a huge TV. "Please make yourselves at home."
"We're in your care, please take care of us." said Kuu politely as he sat down on the couch and flipped on the TV. Julie looked the room over trying to take in every inch while Yashiro tried to blend into the wall. Ren set off to his bedroom with Kyouko still in hand.
"Are they dating?" Julie asked Yashiro as soon as Ren had left the room.
"I have no idea what your taking about," Yashiro said in an unusually calloused manner. In his mind he decided to practice his role as Bun-san.
Julie sighed, not wanting to press the manner. Kuu was not so easily deterred.
"It seems like my Kyouko-chan has been over several times. Have they spent the night together?" he asked as he stood up and strode over to Yashiro.
"Um..." sweat was now dripping from Yashiro's head.
"Ring... Ring... Excuse me." said Yashiro, ring and all. "I must take this call." He ran out of the room and locked himself inside the main restroom determined to stay their until Ren was back.
It was not the first time Kyouko had been in Ren's bedroom. Each time she felt a weird pang in her stomach. He set her down gently on his bed and walked into his closet.
Danger! Danger! Danger! Sounded Kyouko's heart alarm. She jumped off the bed like it was on fire. Ren made all his female co-stars fall for him. No!! Kyouko decided to peek in the closet to see what Ren was looking for hoping to hurry him along. He looked up to see her shyly peering in.
"Come on in," he said as he waved her in. "I thought my pajama's would fit you best." He handed her a pair of silky black pajamas. "You can use my restroom to change. I'll wait for you in the living room. Bring your clothes out and I'll throw them in the wash. I'm sorry but they won't be clean and dry by the time we have to go back to the set."
"It's okay. I just have an excuse to go to work in pjs," she laughed. Ren messed up her hair with his hands as he passed her. It was impossible for him not to touch her. He had to get out of that room before he did something he regretted.
"Tsuruga-san!" called Kuu.
"Please Ren is fine," said Ren as he strolled into his living room with the sudden premonition; although he just leapt out of the fire in his bedroom, he'd landed in the lion's den. Kuu noticed the look on Ren's face. He didn't want to push the game any further and end up regretting it later. No it was better to only push Ren when Kyouko was there to help him keep his head on straight.
"Ren-san, Are you enjoying this project?" asked Kuu.
"I am," said Ren with relief in his voice. He didn't remember that man to be so forgiving. "This role is actually very complex. Unlike B.J. or Katsuki, Ryuji has a lot more dimensions. He's always giving off the persona of the perfect yakuza leader. Even when he is scathing with anger he always thinks what's best for his yakuza clan. He's completely willing to sacrifice his own happiness."
"Ah, but Tsukasa really turns him inside out," laughed Julie. "From the start he can't deny her anything if she asks desperately."
"Are you talking about Ryuji?" asked Kyouko as she appeared from around the corner clad in Ren's pajama's. With the bottom of the pants rolled tightly and the drawl sting pulled so tight the image created that of parachute pants. Kyouko rolled the sleeves of his shirt up to her elbows. The bulged of it had to be 4 inches thick.
"Oh dear," laughed Julie as Kuu and Ren burst out in laughter. "Maybe you could wear one of his shirts as a dress?"
"No, no, Tsuruga-san has been kind enough to lend me these. It's no worse than the 'love me' uniform," laughed Kyouko uneasily. Really she just didn't want to be alone with Ren in his bedroom again. "I better start on lunch!" Kyouko picked up the groceries from the hallway where Yashiro set them.
Within fifteen minutes, Kyouko had prepared lunch. Everyone sat around the table. Yashiro finally emerged from the restroom when Kyouko knocked and let him know she prepared a special lunch for him that was sure to help with this diarrhea. The meal was going well with only talk of work and school, until Kuu decided to toy with Ren a little more.
"Kyouko, have you spent the night here before?" ask Kuu very seriously.
"Yes, three times," responded Kyouko with no hesitation. Yashiro slammed his head into his hands and Ren stopped chewing mid-bite. Kuu, amused that Kyouko had no signs of embarrassment decided to press the matter.
"How far have you progressed in your relationship?" asked Kuu.
"Tsuruga-san has taken great care of me since the time we first met. The last time I stayed over he spent the whole night helping me progress. I didn't get to sleep at all!" exclaimed Kyouko still oblivious to the sexual connotations. Ren still unable to swallow looked at Kyouko and shook his head. "Tsuruga-san don't be embarrassed. You're the whole reason I was able to create Natsu!"
"Mogami-san, I just taught you how to walk like a model. You did the rest," said Ren as he choked down his food.
"You taught Kyouko to walk like a model in one night?" questioned Julie.
"You taught Kyouko how to walk like a female model?" questioned Kuu.
"Yes," said Ren simply. "We stayed up all night working on her Natsu role. Before when she slept over she was taking care of me. I unfortunately became ill while Yashiro-san was ill. Mogami-san was assigned to manage me and so she spent two nights here to insure I was healthy enough to work."
"I see, well that's a relief," laughed Kuu. Honestly he thought he may have to kill Ren if he had taken advantage of her.
"You shouldn't be worried about me taking my progress as an actress seriously, father," exclaimed Kyouko. "I want to be the best actress I can be. Tsuruga-san has continually guided me. Without his constant guidance I wouldn't have made it so far."
"Kyouko, Father and I aren't worried about you progressing as an actress, you're sure to do that. We worry about you progressing as a woman," sighed Julie as she picked up the plates from around the table. "You three better hurry back! Yashiro-san and I can clean up and meet you back there."
"Thank you Mom!" said Kyouko. Ren was shocked to hear the words come from her mouth. It had been so long since he called Julie the exact same thing. His eyes meet Julie's eyes. For a second he was beside himself.
"Mom," he said quietly.
"Yes that's the English word for Mother!" exclaimed Kyouko assuming it was a question. Kuon snapped back to Ren.
"Oh yeah, I remember now. Mom means Mother in English," he laughed awkwardly. "We better get going."
Kuu grabbed Kyouko and carried her piggy back out the door followed by Ren.
"Mom," sniffled Julie unable to contain herself. Yashiro finally understood the game. He gently put his hand on her shoulder.
"Your children are truly amazing," he whispered in her ear as tears flowed down her cheeks. "Don't worry, they take care of each other."