Chapter Twenty-Seven

Hell Week indeed. Everyone, male that is, that he spoke to and tried to glean information from, had told him about the Ice Queen's impossible standards. The rumor was that she didn't date models, she had a boyfriend that her mother had introduced her to. Was it the guy with red hair that was always doting over her? No, It was some European guy with long platinum hair. No, that wasn't him, her boyfriend was a brunet. Another rumor said that he had black hair and blue eyes, Irish or, something. He could never get a clear picture on the situation. Thankfully he would see his father the next day. His mother was going to stay in New York until the weekend. He didn't want to deal with her lectures and scorn any more this week, it was stressful enough, especially after the Hush-Hush show he had attended. That had been a huge mistake. Seeing Kyoko decked out in black silk with red ribbons everywhere had made him feel like he had been hit in the head with a bag of bricks, repeatedly.

He dialed the familiar number as he waited on his flight in the lounge. The call was answered on the third ring.

"Hello?" Kuu greeted.

"Hey Dad." He nervously replied.

"Kuon? How are you holding out?" Kuu asked.

"Dad? You mind if I stop by for a couple of days?" He asked hoping the answer would be positive.

"Sure, but your mother isn't here though." He informed him.

Kuon sighed deeply. "Yeah, I know. She's here in New York with Kyoko." He dropped the bomb.

Kuu was silent for a moment. "I see. So... You met Lily." It was a statement, not a question. Kuu knew Kuon probably got shot down for it too. Lily was not very kind to ardent admirers.

"Yeah, unfortunately. So... See you in about six hours?" He asked.

"Sure." Kuu agreed. "What's your flight number and what airline?" Kuu asked.

Kuon gave him the needed information and they talked until his flight was called.

It is truly amazing what torturing a deserving soul does for the ego; however, she did feel a bit guilty for shooting Kuon down so much over the past few days. He had been so persistent and she had been so consistent. She now knew that if she ever encountered the other male that had been in her life, either she or, Mark would definitely be able to handle it.

"Okasan... I just feel so bad about this. What if he hates me for it and never speaks to me again?" Kyoko whined a little.

"Kyoko... I know my son. Trust me. He will not give up. Just sit back, enjoy yourself and wait. If anything he will double his efforts." Julie did know her son. When he truly wanted something there would be nothing that would stop him from getting it and this little trap had an especially sweet treat as bait. They would all have him back home in no time at all and Kyoko would have her 'fairy prince', without the lies.

"So, who's she?" The blond male asked his cute little companion after he saw the icy blonde with green eyes strut like a panther to the hotel elevator.

The buxom little ravenette pouted cutely and huffed. "She's a total bitch."

"Isn't that what you say about all the other models?" He casually commented.

She sighed. "That's Lily. She's a model for Hush-Hush and R-Mandy." She finally told him.

He shot a leering gaze down the hall after her. A lingerie model huh? I could get that. She would look really good on my arm.

The ravenette scowled. She was going to stop this before it started. "You aren't even her type. She likes them really tall and ripped." At least that's what I heard. Besides, she's got a boyfriend, it's that tall guy that always follows her around. You are not going near her. She thought while watching his reaction.

His brow furrowed. "Che... Whatever. Let's get out of here Poochie. I'm getting hungry." Did she just imply I'm not good enough to get that chick?! We'll see.

"Alright Sho-chan." She bounced out the door after him, with her proverbial tail wagging.

"So... Wanna talk about it?" Kuu asked while he kept his attentions on their dinner.

Kuon grimaced, then told him about the entire fiasco that was his experience in trying talk to Kyoko and everything that had happened up until that point. "What should I do?"

Kuu looked at him thoughtfully. "Well... I think, if you truly think she's worth your time and you really do love her, then... you shouldn't give up. Just keep trying. Do everything in your power until she gives in. That's what I did with your mother. She hated me when we first met. She thought I was an egotistical ass." Kuu smirked and winked at him. "And I do have to say... I pretty much was. I learned a lot, going after your mother. A lot about myself and her."

Kuon nodded and took in all the advice and information that his father was willing to give.

He sat in the lobby waiting for a glimpse of the little ice queen as he feigned reading a magazine. He thought if maybe he could catch her alone without the tall red head and Julie Hizuri, he could get to know her, flirt a little and turn on the charm. He could definitely get her to see him or, go out to dinner with him.

"What do we have scheduled today?" He heard the breathy angelic voice ask.

"You have another walk for Hush-Hush and the R-Mandy dinner this evening. I've made sure that your dress has been pressed and your invitation is on your dresser by your makeup. You need to be at theater by 1pm and the dinner begins at 7pm, so you will have more than enough time to prepare." The tall red head informed her as Sho Fuwa approached them.

"Excuse me." Sho interrupted their conversation, gaining the attention of her agent as she smoothly turned her attentions to her watch.

Mark looked at him and in a business like tone asked, "May I help you?" She and her mother had warned him about this young man in case they ever encountered him.

"Mark, I'll meet you at the pool." Her hand slid up to the tall man's shoulder and she pulled him down for a thank you kiss on the cheek. Internally, she was a bit surprised that she didn't have the overwhelming desire to commit murder at the moment. Her inner beast was calm and relaxed. She was happy that the thought of hunting him down in a dark alley and ripping his throat out had not once crossed her mind, in fact she hadn't had any dangerous thoughts lately of him or, Kuon. Maybe Mother and Father were right. She smiled internally but, kept up her Ice Queen persona.

Mark nodded.

"That was kind of rude." Sho commented absently to himself.

"Did you need something sir? Lily is a very busy person. If you're a designer, you'll have to contact her agency. I can give you that information if you like." Mark told him in a cordial voice, but the hard look the man was giving him was quite the opposite. He felt like he was an insignificant bug being examined under a microscope. He had never felt so brushed off by a female before.

Sho silently shook his head. "Uh.. No, I just wanted to find out who she was and talk to her."

Mark raised an eyebrow. "I see. If that's the case you would have to speak to her father, Kuu Hizuri."

"Oh..." Sho was speechless at the moment. Kuu Hizuri happened to be one of his favorite action film stars. "How do I contact him?" Sho asked.

Mark smirked. "I'm afraid that information is confidential." He turned and walked in the direction of the pool to join Kyoko, leaving a very perplexed Sho. He had not had as much trouble meeting a hot girl since Kyoko disappeared from Japan. At least this meeting didn't end with him being ejected from a building by security. He was making progress.