Confession 4
By accident, I saw the current chapter cover and thought 'urk' and realized I need to make a disclaimer. I am about 9 or 10 chapters behind and the real story is probably going in a different direction. Remember don't tell me, I don't want to be influenced. Do remember this is fan fiction and the story is going the way the muses want it to go. Also it is filled with my personal preferences which is undoubtedly not the same as Nakamura-sensei's hence the 'urk'.
Also there is some time skips and bits seem rushed, well, I did my best. Enjoy.
rkrkrkrk
Jelly Woods was mad they didn't use her expertise in creating Kyoko's new look. Ren nixed that idea as they were in the middle of their first date. Ms. Woods sighed as she adjusted the extensions. It was a rushed job as they wanted to get some dinner. It took an hour to fix Kyoko's hair to her satisfaction and Kyoko was instructed to meet with her for future trimmings until her natural hair grows out. Ren sat back, leaning on one hand just staring at the beauty before him. The black bob suited her perfectly. It curled at the ends framing her pretty face and drew attention to her long neck.
Kyoko had more confidence now that she matched Ren. This morning she was at school and now was about to be transformed into Setsuka. In between home, school and Ms. Woods truck, she had several strange men whistle at her and make rude comments. She was secretly pleased by this and outwardly offended by it. She never before drew such attention and it both flattered her and disgusted her. There was only one man she wanted to please and he was currently wiping another bloody nose. It excited her that she could do that to him. Ren loved her deeply, admired her spunk and charm, but up to now, he only saw her as pretty or cute. Now he said she was sexy and gorgeous. In the middle of the night Kyoko thought her wedding night was too far away. Then she would remember how almost all of her childish dreams had been dashed by Shou. It no longer made her angry, just sad, a kind of loss. She had one last dream, to give herself completely to the man she loved and it had to be their wedding night. It is worth waiting the long months to give him her chastity. Her experiences had taken away some of her innocence but she was still a traditional, pure, Japanese girl. It was one of the things Ren loved about her.
Kyoko smiled as she stepped into the back and changed into Setsuka's outfit and placed the wig. Ren rejected the skirt and handed her a pair of leather pants. Kyoko giggled, as she changed and Jelly Woods griped they needed to hurry up as she had another appointment. Kyoko reappeared and her boyfriend gave his approval. Ms. Woods yelled at him to hurry and change. He disappeared behind the curtain as Kyoko had her make up done. Finally, Ren had the black eyeliner applied and they fell into character. Ren took Kyoko's hand and they set off. Ms. Woods smiling at her success, then driving off to her next appointment.
The days past and Cain and Setsuka played their parts and Ren and Kyoko played on their days off. Kanae waved Kyoko off when she bothered to apologize for neglecting her. Kanae mumbled about how troublesome friendships were but secretly she was happy for her friend. As the couple played they discovered different things about the other. Ren discovered the country girl was better than him in the batting cages. She discovered there was one area of show business Ren couldn't do, he couldn't sing as they giggled in the karaoke room.
All too soon it was the first test of Kyoko's love. They set aside one evening, two months into their relationship for Ren to finally tell her about that night when he was fifteen. Ren picked her up and they went to his apartment. Kyoko cooked for them and Ren couldn't believe how good it was:
"I could definitely eat this for the rest of my life."
"I'm just pleased you cleaned your plate." Said Kyoko.
After washing up, they moved to the couch and Ren asked:
"Would you mind if I rested in your lap? I recall you found the experience unpleasant before."
Kyoko thought for a minute and asked:
"Do you promise not to look up at me from below?"
Ren made his solemn promise and Kyoko patted her lap. He was grateful as he didn't think he could speak of it otherwise. He rested his head in her lap and gazed outward as he talked. Kyoko began to stroke his hair and listened silently. He spoke of Rick and Tina and of the night he ran away. He told her about the car that killed Rick. Finally, he relived the moment of death and the blood. The blood that seemed to never end and filled his nightmares. Most of all he remembered Tina as she screamed "murderer" over and over in his head as it became the soundtrack of his nightmares. He hasn't spoken of that time for five years and just saying it out loud gave him some peace. Kyoko's fingers never faltered and he felt sure of her feelings.
"Do you blame me, for what I did?"
"Yes, I do."
Ren sat up in shock and looked at her calm face. He turned away, heartbroken.
"You hate me now?"
"No I think I love you even more now that you shared with me your greatest secret."
He turned back to her with hurt and confusion written all over his face. He saw her calmness, she was smiling sadly and he recognized sadness, pity, and love in her eyes. He sighed in relief, she still loved him.
"Come, lay down again and I'll explain how I feel."
Ren settled down and braced himself for what she had to say. He sighed as she continued to stroke his hair.
"I don't believe you are a murderer. You weren't driving the car, nor did you push Rick in front of it. But you do carry some blame as you did run into the street and Rick followed. This why you carried around this guilt for six years. You are partially to blame for the accident but you are not a murderer. You have a big heart, if you didn't you wouldn't have felt the guilt so deeply. You are a good and kind man, and I'll be proud to be your wife."
Ren sighed and sat up, this time he smiled, gently.
"Do you mean that? You still want to marry me?"
"Yes."
Ren smiled and hugged her and Kyoko responded in kind.
"You really are beautiful inside and out."
He pulled back and kissed her gently and she returned the kiss. Smiling they held hands.
"No one ever blamed me for the accident. I'm sure they all thought it but I was on suicide watch for I can't recall how long. So no one said it in case I went over the deep end. However, I felt it in my heart and it caused the nightmares and you are right to blame me. Strangely enough, I feel at ease just saying it. Thank you for accepting me, as I am. I doubt I will ever have another nightmare. I think I can finally accept my part in this. Thank you."
Ren kissed her hand and Kyoko said:
"I think you have suffered enough. Think of Rick in heaven. Surely such a selfless person wouldn't want you to go on suffering and blaming yourself. Rick sounds like the type of person who would blame himself for being so stupid as to run out into the street like that."
Ren laughed sadly and said:
"You're right, he would have been mad at me for letting that night fester for so long."
In his heart he begged Rick for his forgiveness and he felt the wish was granted. Kyoko squeezed his hand, stood up and asked:
"How about some cake for dessert?"
Ren agreed and Kyoko straightened his bangs and kissed his forehead before entering the kitchen. Ren touched the spot and thanked God for bringing Kyoko into his life.
"Rick, I think you would adore her too." He whispered and he felt his heart lightened.
"Ms. Mogami, I'll make coffee."
"I'll rather have tea, if you don't mind."
Ren smiled and selected the K cups. They talked about their next date and Ren was glad there was another date. Both of them felt their love deepened.
rk
Two more months passed and during that time the movie shoot came to an end. Kyoko and Ren went to the wrap party as Lory's guests or so everyone thought. Soon it was revealed Ren had a double role as Cain and BJ. While people were still taking this in, Lory gleefully exposed Kyoko as Setsuka. You could hear a pin drop before the sounds of disbelief. Jelly Woods appeared with the wigs and clothes. Ren stepped behind a screen, transformed into Cain and Kyoko also transformed and the crowd clapped in amazement. They stayed in character for a while then changed back into themselves. A bit of Setsuka's eye makeup was on Kyoko's face and Ren gently rubbed it away. Their moment of affection made everyone in the room gasp in recognition. There never was incestuous siblings, it was a couple in love. The launch of the movie lifted Ren's stardom higher. Kyoko had several new jobs because her part as Setsuka was whispered around the industry, though the public did not know. Ren was grateful the time he spent with Kyoko alone was not exposed. They did sleep in separate rooms as Lory arranged at Ren's request.
rk
More time passed and it is now summer and Ren and Kyoko were at the airport waiting on his parent's arrival. Both of them were nervous. Ren was nervous because of the way he left his mother. Kyoko was nervous about meeting her future in-laws. Lory granted them a week off from work and it was summer vacation for Kyoko's school. Soon Ren saw them. His eyes on his mother. He almost ran to her, until that moment he hadn't realized how much he missed her. They embraced and cried.
"I'm sorry Mom. I'm sorry I left you like that." He said in English.
Kyoko brushed up on the language so she could speak with them with ease; even though everyone was fluent in Japanese they agreed to speak English for the week. Therefore, she understood perfectly. Kuu greeted her in this fashion:
"It seems my 'son' had transformed into my daughter. Welcome to the family my dear."
Stunned Kyoko thanked him and accepted the kiss to the cheek. When mother and son stepped back both with wet handkerchiefs. Julie also embraced Kyoko as a daughter. Kyoko wasn't as embarrassed as she thought she would be as they have been talking on the phone weekly. They gathered the bags and entered the limo Ren hired for the day. It was so the chauffer would handle the bags and driving and so they could talk properly in the back seat. The two couples sat facing each other and talked about wedding plans. Slowly it sunk into Kyoko's head that she was really going to be Mrs. Hizuri in six months time.
"Kuon?"
"Yes Mother?"
"Why is your hair brown? You have such pretty blond hair."
"Ms. Mogami and I talked it over and we agreed I look best as a brunet."
Julie sighed as she gazed at her son and daughter-in-law holding hands and looking perfectly natural together. "So the baton's been passed." She whispered loud enough for only her husband to hear. Kuu felt sorry for his wife. She just got her son back, only to have him snatched away. He put a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"Do you mind it terribly Mom?"
"No, I just realized I'm not the most important person in your life anymore."
"It was going to happen sooner or later."
"Honestly I was hoping for later." Said Julie, then turning to Kyoko, she bowed her head and said:
"Please take good care of my son."
"I'll do my best." The words were common place but Kyoko still blushed to the roots of her hair. Kuu quickly changed the subject and the two couples chatted happily.
Soon they were at Ren's place and he gave his parents a tour. They were very impressed with his apartment, and complimented its spaciousness. Kyoko made tea and they continued the conversation they started in the car.
Sometime later, Kyoko got up to start dinner. Julie got up to help, leaving the men in the living room. Suddenly they heard a crash and the men ran into the kitchen to find Julie laying on top of Kyoko. They were surrounded by pots and pans. Kuu pulled his wife off of Kyoko and started to laugh. The laughter was contagious. After a few moments Julie said:
"Kuon?"
"Yes, Mother?"
"Ms. Mogami can't move into this place. She is a normal sized girl. How can see cook for you? You need a normal sized apartment for your normal sized wife."
"I agree, part of the fun of being newly married is setting up housekeeping. I'm sure Kyoko will enjoy picking out new furnishings for your new nest." Said Kuu
"It is a nice idea, I picked this place to suit myself, and it is only fair that Ms. Mogami gets her choice. What do you say?"
Kyoko realized there was a new dream. As a child, she thought she would be moving in with Shou's parents. She practically lived there as it was. This was their chance to feather a nest.
"I would be delighted of course." Said Kyoko.
"I have an idea. Dad and I will begin looking at realty sites, while you ladies cook."
Julie began to chop vegetables into a huge pile as her husband was eating they needed massive quantities.
"Ms. Mogami may I call you Kyoko?"
"I'll be delighted."
"Thank you dear. You may call Julie or Mom, which ever you prefer."
"I think I would like to call you Mom as my own mother abandoned me." Kyoko's voice shook a bit over the English word "mom".
Julie voiced her distress over Kyoko's abandonment and Kyoko explained what happened. After sharing this story Kyoko felt closer to Julie. Julie in return told her about how she met Kuu. Kyoko explained how she met Ren. Julie was shocked at his rudeness.
"His manager says it was the first sign of love as he treated me differently from all the others. After that we ran into each other repeatedly and looking back I think I was drawn to him for more than his superior knowledge of acting. Before I knew it I was in love. Falling in love, when neither one of us wanted to, I guess it was fate. I needed someone to lean on and he needed to come out of the darkness."
"I see, now I understand. I'm worried that you two are marrying so young..."
"The urgency was all on Mr. Tsuruga he was so worried I would be snatched away by imaginary suitors."
"You are a beautiful, talented, charming girl, I'm sure the suitors weren't imaginary."
"Maybe…" Blushed Kyoko.
"Kuon is a man of the world, he noticed men looking at you, making him jealous…"
"…"
"I suppose it isn't such a bad idea. You two were friends for a long time, been dating for a while, and the marriage is still a few months away. I'm just not looking forward to being a grandmother."
"Grandmother?"
"But of course, you will be married and having a baby or two is only the natural next step."
"Oh no, I won't even be graduating high school until next year. Mr. Tsuruga suggested we put off having kids for about five years. I would give me time to settle into the business. And of course we both love children and are looking forward to that period in our relationship but we still feel like kids ourselves. We want to enjoy being married first."
Julie breathed a sigh of relief.
"A very good plan indeed. It would give me time to get used to the idea too."
The ladies worked for a while in silence as the pile of vegetables increased. When the pile was a meter high Julie stopped and wiped her brow.
"Whew that should be enough for Kuu."
There was a pile of rice, also a meter high, that Kyoko prepared.
"Indeed."
"You begin cooking Kuu's food and I'll start on the food for the rest of us."
Kyoko begin stir frying the food when Julie said:
"Kyoko, may I make a suggestion? It's a bit personal…"
"Go ahead."
"There is a type of birth control that lasts for five years that I think would be suitable."
Kyoko blushed but she had no one to consult in these matters and nodded her head to say:
"Go on."
"I have a friend who is a doctor and took care of me when we lived here. She can implant a device here…"
Julie touched Kyoko's upper arm.
"The device can be implanted in her office and it simply releases birth control directly into your blood stream. You and Kuon will be able to live as husband and wife without worries. How about this plan?"
"I think that would work." Kyoko blushed.
"Good. I will give her a call. Brace yourself dear, she will want to give you an exam."
Kyoko blanched.
"It will be alright, nothing wrong with a health check. It will be a base line for your yearly checkup. This time next year, you will be a married woman and quite broken in."
Julie laughed at Kyoko's embarrassment and busied herself with the cooking. At the same time, she was grateful for a mother to talk to and said so.
They finished up the food and called the men into the dining room. As they ate, they shared their plans. Kuu was the only one disappointed he wouldn't be a grandpa anytime soon. They looked at various apartments for sale online and began to talk about what they could and couldn't live without. They talked over the wedding plans, which were very simple as they wouldn't have a traditional wedding. It would take place in a pretty little room set aside in the registry office just for this purpose. Afterwards the reception would be in a hotel, Kyoko already reserved the rooms. Julie and Kyoko made plans to go dress shopping.
"What about the honeymoon?"
"Okinawa. I used up a favor to secure a cottage on a private beach."
"I was amazed." Said Kyoko.
"You're marrying a man with money and connections."
"I am indeed."
They shared a laugh and Julie and Kuu looked on pleased to see their Kuon so happy. Not just happy but contented to just to be with her. They felt happy for him.
"Why don't you two call each other by your given names?" Asked Kuu
Ren and Kyoko exchanged a look and Ren spoke.
"The issue of the names is more complicated than that. Ms. Mogami wants to be Mrs. Hizuri but first I would have to come out as myself. Would you guys agree to that? It would be announced on TV and you guys would have to appear too."
The gleeful parents agreed instantly. Lory was given the go ahead as he had been planning the show for weeks. Julie snatched the phone from her son's hand. She spent five minutes reaming Lory a new one for stealing away her baby. Lory was shaken and apologetic. Her husband and son looked on with pride. And Kyoko looked on in wonder.
The evening ended with the jetlagged parents wishing for their bed. Ren showed them the guest room and drove Kyoko home. Kyoko found the courage to mention the birth control method. Ren thought it was a practical idea and told her he would get a checkup himself. He dated a few girls before Kyoko and always protected himself so he wasn't worried. But better safe than sorry. Kyoko didn't want to know about his old girlfriends but she was a bit relieved one of them was experienced. They kissed good night in the car and he escorted her inside. Kyoko told the missus all about her new in-laws.
"It seems everything is settled. You're lucky to have a nice mother-in-law."
"Yes, I'm very pleased."
Kyoko fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow, it was a busy night. But this was just the beginning. The week was a whirlwind of activity. The ladies went dress shopping and Kyoko's heart wanted a "princess" dress. However, her head knew a simpler dress would be suitable for a civil ceremony. Julie said:
"Why not purchase two gowns?"
"I can only afford one."
"Kuu and I will gladly purchase your gown for the reception."
Kyoko began to protest and Julie said:
"Consider it a wedding gift."
Kyoko accepted the dresses and stood for her fittings. Luckily she was a standard size and required few adjustments. Jelly Woods insisted on doing her hair and makeup for the day. The flowers were ordered and they spent an entire day in consultation with the hotel manager.
On Friday, Lory arranged for them to appear on television. Ren made two announcements, one was his engagement to Kyoko and she came out wearing her new princess cut diamond in a gold setting. Ren gave it to her at dinner the night before at his apartment. She was beaming. After a dramatic commercial break Ren introduced his parents and removed the brown contacts for the last time. This show caused a media sensation but it was necessary. Ren wanted to be Kuon again. He finally felt he stood at the same level as his dad. Kuu even said so. While the women were occupied with wedding plans, the men drove around looking at properties.
"I'm proud of you son, you turned out to be a fine man and a great actor. I'm even more proud of your intelligence."
"Intelligence?"
"It's smart of you to snatch up that girl. She is perfect for you and I know you two will be happy."
"Thanks Dad."
On Saturday they said goodbye to their parents. For mother and son it was a tearful goodbye. Julie spoke of her happiness and pride in her son and made promises. Kuu kissed Kyoko on the cheek and Julie hugged her. They watched as the two disappeared into the crowd. Ren's eyes stayed on his mother until he could see her no more. He sighed and felt a warm hand clasp his own.
"They will be back on the 30th of November."
"Why can't it be tomorrow?"
"Kuon?" Ren smiled as she called him by his real name. He nodded as he was too emotional to speak.
"The time will pass quickly. We are all busy with our projects, it will be December before we know it."
"Then we will be married." Ren lifted her hand and kissed the back of it and he said:
"I can't wait."
"Me too."
rkrkrkrk
Please forgive any grammar mistakes, I was anxious to post this quickly. The final chapter is next and should be a fun one. Yay, I get to write a wedding scene.
Many thanks to the readers and especially the 18 reviewers, the 30 people who faved this story and the 48 people who put it on alert. I am overwhelmed. Thank you.
Please Review.