CHAPTER 25
I do not own skip beat! Yoshiki Nakamura does.
New beginnings first need balm on fresh wounds
Ren peacefully asleep in his bed awoke when a loud bang resonated inside his flat. His eyes flew open. He turned his head on the pillow and stretched his neck backward to glimpse at his alarm. The luminescence of the screen blinded his eyes a bit but the hour was blatantly clear.
What could possibly want someone at three o'clock in the morning?
Let me sleep… What an undue hour to wake up neighbours…
Putting his head under the pillow, he intended to ignore it and return to a needed rest. The comfy that provided his bed was slowly lulling him back when several knocks followed. He groaned.
Pretty please…
The bell rang and he gave up. Still laying on his stomach, he stretched his long legs toward the end of the bed and pushed his upper body up to extended his arms in the air. Sitting, he swiftly rotated his legs to the side and put his bare feet on the plush carpet.
Maybe it's important…
Yawning profusely, Ren stood barefoot and padded in his quiet feline way to the door.
Holding the knob in his hand, he unlocked the latch suddenly suspicious and tried to ajar the door when the weight of something pushed open the door and fell into him and soaked him with its dampness.
He caught it instinctively and paled when he realised what it was or rather who it was, one second later.
-Kyoko!
…
She had been resting at the door for a few minutes now, hoping she would just fall asleep and forget everything when her support had suddenly vanished in the air and her right shoulder had inclined in the beginning of a falling process. But something had stopped her and her body met a very smooth hard surface.
The fragrance was really calming and she found herself losing all senses of surroundings when it turned out the something was also really pliant as proven when it instinctually flexed around her and surrounded her.
She was barely awake when the thing started to scream.
-Too loud…she groaned.
-Kyoko! Exclaimed again the fantastically comfy thing. Thanks god, you're conscious. What happened? Kyoko? Please stay conscious!
She didn't answer lulled by as she was by the heady rumble of his chest when he was talking. But she was rudely pulled back from her makeshift cushion.
-Kyoko the thing threatened severely but with odd tremors in the voice while shaking her very so slightly; if you don't talk to me right this instant I'm bringing you to the hospital in the next two minutes.
She blinked repeatedly at the thing, wondering why it was so familiar until the threat hit her brain and brought back a semblance of focus; her eyes recognized the face she was staring at and she strained her lips in a tired smile.
-Don't bother, Kyoko mumbled in a yawn and holding most of her weight on his arms. I'm coming from there.
-You what?!
Kyoko scrambled to think about something to tell him.
-I had a kind of an accident.
…
-An accident? What kind of accident, Kyoko?
Ren stared at her with frantic eyes. She was drenched from head to toes, the water dripping from her hands and clothes to make a pool on his carpet, her hairs were sticking to her face that looked so aghast her lips were nearly white. Her left arm was in a sling. She had bruises here and there; a bad one near the temple and on her left cheek then around her neck a blue-purple circle was appearing. She was trembling irrepressibly and couldn't stand on her own and was only supporting herself upright because she was relying on him.
She seemed to have gone through hell and back he thought dimly but the most unsettling part for Ren in all of this the agonizing gaze she was trying to hide behind nonchalance.
God…
…What in the world happened to you…
He observed her quietly while trying to remain calm but his lips shivered in renew panic when he caught something white peeking out from under her vest sleeves. Kyoko followed his sight and sighed.
-It's nothing special she hastily said, I-hum-I tried to avoid a car and fell and I managed to open my forearms a bit.
Ren's eyes expanded so much he thought they were going to fell and his hands then started to shake.
-It was to that point? You opened yourself up?
She blinked again like she was making a lot of effort to concentrate and answered.
-It's no big deal, Ren. I'm patched up, all stitches and all. Nothing to worry anymore.
He looked doubtfully at her, not believing a word. When there was really something going on or that happened, it always then you have to be cautious because she won't say a word of it.
Count on this girl to close up tightly when it's serious…
-Kyoko, you don't seem so good and it's three in the morning. Let me be sceptical on the fact it's really no big deal.
-I'm fine really she smile nearly cheerfully. Don't turn in worrywart mode she said with a teasing tired smile. I'm just tired.
Maybe I'm worrying for nothing after all.
-Okay.
He was going to propose her to get her dry and ask her what he could do for her then when she mumbled something.
-I didn't catch that, can you repeat.
She bent her head against his chest and started again:
-As I said, I'm fine really but I would like to ask you a favour, if you don't mind. I'm sorry, I'm sure it will bother you but could I-could I-…She trailed off and sighed.
-Tell me Kyoko. What can I do? And you don't bother me at all. Her quakes worsened and he hurriedly took her back in his embrace and Kyoko gripped at the backside of his blouse. She's frigid.
I need to take care of her quickly…She's going to get sick at this rate…
She stood back to look at him and desperately stared at him with the most pleading eyes he had ever been victim of.
-Could I-Could I stay the night, Ren?
-S-Sure.
He responded automatically, not even thinking. Not even blinking. Being absolutely defenceless against that sort of lethal weapon.
Now…that was dangerous eyes…dangerous adorable golden eyes…
-I know I'm being a bother and it's late and I'm troubling your sleep but-but-…
He tenderly brushed aside a lock of damp hair. So cute.
As if I could refuse you anything anymore…I'm far past that…
-But what?
-I would like to be safe she whispered in a quiet but deeply frightened tone but Ren heard her alright and he nearly stumbled back.
Don't get excited Ren admonished himself.
-And I'm safe? He asked with an amused tone though also worried by amount of fear she had just displayed.
-Yup she affirmed tiredly but with irrevocable faith in her beautiful eyes.
His grip on tightened unconsciously. It was getting ridiculous really, the mere notion that she felt like he was a safe place to go overjoyed him to a point his heartbeat run riot in his ribcage and he hoped Kyoko couldn't hear it.
That's an unfair attack Kyoko.
-I'm honoured to hear that. And of course you can stay. You have to be pretty shaken.
But his joy collapsed as suddenly as it had risen. An accident? She said she had an accident. But would an accident really make you feel so unsafe you couldn't stay at your house? Future fear of cars and roads would make more sense, not wanting to get out of the home maybe…
But this…This looks like she's afraid of something lurking in the shadows…Plus she's so rarely afraid of anything…
Something definitively happened…
Kyoko nodded and smiled with great relief to his former remark and he turned back his attention to the outside world.
-We should find some- he began but was startled when Kyoko's legs gave out and she fell from his arms.
-Kyoko!
Ren caught her just before she touched the ground and he pushed her back to a standing position, holding her by the waist and getting more and more suspicious.
-Sorry. My legs are tired and a bit numbed she explained with sombre expression.
-Hmmm…he commented vaguely.
There is more…I could swear it wasn't a simple accident…
But first thing first.
He drew his left arm around her legs and cautiously lifted her up in his arms until her head could rest on the high crook of his neck. She didn't even protest. Just circled his head with arms, her shakes decreasing a bit though.
It's not normal…no resistance …no propriety speech…not even an embarrassed blush…Ren thought perplexed by her lack of reaction.
-No protest? Ren tried.
She sighed and glued herself to him.
-You are warm she murmured.
I'm really getting worried…
Watching her, he furrowed his brow and sighed with concern. Something was really fishy. He didn't even remember a day where she has been so passive.
I like being close to her but compared to this, I think I would even prefer for her to lecture me than being close but her being in this state…
He caressed her hair absent-mindedly and tightened his hold on her little form and she clang to him like he was a lifeline.
Her combativity …it's like it's inexistent…
-We are going to warm yourself up and find you dry clothes Ren said after another moment of musing.
She hummed feebly and the unease Ren felt grow.
It's like she's not really there…he thought while his long strides brought them to his bathroom.
…Like she's just in survival mode…
Inside Ren tried to reach through her drowsiness.
-Do you think yourself capable of a wash to warm you up before putting other clothes?
She didn't answer.
-Kyoko? Kyoko?! He asked louder. A bath. Do you think you could take one?
It seemed to echo in her because she finally mumbled:
-A bath?
-Yes. A warm bath. With bubbles Ren prodded. Is it tempting?
She nodded with for the first time a bit of eagerness.
-Can you do it by yourself? Asked Ren. I don't mind helping you but I wouldn't want to intrude Ren hastily said.
-I can-…do it she protested with a shake of the head.
-Okay. Give me a minute. I'm going to run a bath for you.
Ren hold her against him with one hand and turned on the tap with hot water. He then fumbled in his own stash of salts bath, bubbles bath gels and aromatics plants bath having a weakness for those sorts of things.
Kyoko looked at him oddly then at his abundant supply then at him again and bit her bottom lip as to refrain a tired smile.
He selected rosemary and lavender for the plants, lavender salt and finally alga marine for the bubble soap flagrance. He inspected them to be sure they still smell good and breathed deeply at the aromas emerging from the contents. All good. It's still very fresh and fine. The lavender should help her to relax.
He put some shampoo and classic soap on the side of the tub and when the bathtub was filled by half he added the bubble gel in it and by two thirds he added the salts and plants. All the while working with only one hand available.
-Your bath is ready, milady Ren declared after testing the water with his wrist.
Kyoko stared at the light violet water from which delightful odours came then turned to Ren.
-You sure? It looks like you just made a potion in a big big cauldron and you're planning to drop me in it to cook me and eat me.
Ren's mouth breached for a second perplexed at the absurd notion. Then he exploded violently, menacing the precarious position he held Kyoko in with his laughs.
-Do I look like a maleficent evil witch that eat people? Ren asked with an arched intrigued brow after calming down a bit.
-It's just this cauldron of a bathtub that is very mysterious and intimidating; you put so many things in it that it looked like you were flavouring it.
He chuckled again.
-Well I usually don't cook in my bathtub, you can rest assured. Plus, I don't eat most of the time, you know it, unless forced he added with a smile to her so there is really no need to worry.
-Hummm Kyoko emitted putting back her head against him.
-There are only salts, plants like rosemary and lavender and bubble bath.
She shivered with cold but still replied in an incoherent murmur:
-Two of the three are used in cooking…
Ren shook his head and Kyoko added like she was talking to herself:
-More and more suspicious.
Ren slowly detached himself from him and put her on the side of the tub.
-You should go in before it gets cold.
She nodded but held in back when he tried to leave.
-I-I might need help with my upper clothes with the sling is in the way, could you-
He blushed on the side but nodded and helped out of her sleeves delicately while staring at the roof. When done he asked her if she needed help further or could manage from here.
-I will handle the rest, yes, thank you Ren.
-No problem he curtly said. I'm going to search for clothes for you. Take your time. I will be just behind the door if you need me.
Ren hurried out of the bathroom and closed the door behind him. He went to his closet, opened it and closed the door again once inside. Then and only then, he rest his back on a wall and breathed again.
Ren took some clothes and quickly returned in front of the door of the bathroom to wait in case she needed anything.
…
When she finally got inside the tub after much struggling to remove her trousers, a few tears came as pain downside stung by the contact of water and soap but once it subsided she never wanted to get out of it. She had to be careful to not drench her left arm though but beside that, the very hot water did wonders to her sore muscles, bruises and cuts.
The bubble bath gel smelt wonderful as much as the plants. And the more minutes ticked by as she stayed in the water and the more the salts were slowly making her skin smoother and relaxed her even more.
She smiled very slightly.
How did he figure I needed that hot for the temperature?
She stayed in the bath and focused on the warm water, grasping at the relaxing feeling to not think about something else until a knock was heard.
-Kyoko, are you okay? Don't stay too long until it gets cold. I'm going to prepare something warm to drink.
She didn't answer but heard him alright.
-Kyoko?
-Okay she mumbled just loud enough so that he grasped what she said.
-Call me if you need anything. I'll be back in a few minutes.
She heard his footsteps going away and closed her eyes back. She was a lot more relaxed and a lot less on guard but with that the emotions came back in force at the front and she felt edgy so much so her feelings were overwhelming her. Now that she had nothing to fear as she was inside Ren's apartment, she couldn't find any reason to divert her attention of the elephant in the room and was close to breaking. She took a sponge and vehemently scrubbed her skin until it was red, again and again. Once she was satisfied, she dropped the sponge and closed her eyes.
Not now…
Not here…
A few more instants to build herself back into composure and the water became too cold to bear, she got out. She took the plushy towel on the radiator and wrapped herself in it, grateful for the warm it provided.
Kyoko was more or less dry when another Knock came.
-Kyoko?
She hummed in reply.
-Are you out?
-Yes.
-Okay. I have clothes for you. They will be too large but they should be comfy and warm enough. I can creak open the door and give them to you from here if you can manage.
Kyoko tried to speak but her voice got stuck again.
-Or I can come in, he proposed after a while, I won't-
-No! Kyoko objected panicked. He couldn't see her body. It was already ugly and boring in normal circumstances but now her legs were covered with bruises and some significate and peculiar ones too. He couldn't see them. It's disgusting.
And he would surely guess what happened…
…
…I don't want him to know…I don't want him to be disgusted with me or to pity me…
No… even if he didn't…I still wouldn't want him to know…it's too raw…too personal…
-Okay answered Ren softly. Then can you catch them if I give them to you through the door.
She walked wobbly to the bathroom door.
-I can. I'm just behind.
He opened the door the slightest and extended his hand with a bundle of clothes in it. Kyoko grabbed the bundle in her hands and thanked him.
-No problem.
She stared at the clothes in her hands. A worn-out soft cotton long-sleeves deep grey t-shirt with a large shoulder to shoulder scoop 'neck cut, old black pyjamas pants, the hoodie he had lent to her the time she came to learn cat's walk and to her great embarrassment; boxers.
And to her utter shock she discovered she wasn't too far past the point of being embarrassed by this sort of thing as the deep hue on her face proved it.
Kyoko looked at the pieces again. There were so big. She could make a tent of the tee. She shook her head and his scent drugged her instantly as she passed on the t-shirt which had morphed drastically on her. The scoop 'neck cut became an off-shoulder cut that was barely hanging and the bottom of the thing went to her knees.
She blinked.
It looked like she was wearing a very too large loose dress.
Poor Ren's shirt…it really doesn't have its place on me…I'm drowning in it…but it's very comfy…
She took the dark boxers and with renew hue put them on. They weren't too loose to fall but it was still quite large.
She donned the pants then tried to make them stick but to no avail.
-Ren? Kyoko timidly asked, hesitant.
-Yes? was the right away answer.
-Do you have a hair-band by any chance?
He chuckled a bit.
-I'm not sure. I'm gonna look around, give me a minute.
He came back shortly after.
-I don't have one, sorry Kyoko. Was it important?
Kyoko didn't answer. She still felt a bit in shock but the bath had cleared her mind a bit though she still felt very tired.
She had an issue to resolve. She observed her legs in wonders. The tee went a bit past her knees, her feet were clean of any cut or bruises and her calves had barely one or two, the most damage on her thighs were completely covered by the t-shirt. She didn't feel really at ease but objectively there was nothing that prevented her to go without.
Could I?
Well I suppose I don't have a choice anyway…
She adjusted as much as she could the tee so that it wouldn't slip before taking the hoodie in her unharmed hand and opening the door just to bunt into Ren.
He took a step back.
-Sorry I- he dropped off.
-The pants are too large, they didn't stay on she explained bluntly, too tired to care more than that.
Ren didn't answer right away; he just stared at her with a crazy burning glint in the eyes, clenched jaw and tight lips. And if she wasn't so tired to be sure she could have swear his eyes wandered up to down several times.
Must be my imagination…
-I will figure it out suddenly declared Ren. Give me just a second and I'll be back with something and he left like he was on fire. Kyoko was pretty sure that even with the confusion her state invoked she could still assure she never saw him accelerate so urgently before.
And less than two minutes later he was indeed back with something else that looked a bit more snug which permitted that it wouldn't fall off as she noted after quickly putting it on. She felt a lot more at ease now.
-Thank you Ren.
…
-No problem he replied roughly and drifting off in his thoughts for a second.
My sanity couldn't have handle it…To see her coming out in just my shirt will already be heatedly imprinted in my memory like the most sexy apparition I would ever see in my life…Burning and blinding me…
Her beautiful calves…The sexy clavicles and neck visible in my loose t-shirt…
The only thing it could evoke in him was to remove this fucking shirt and worship her…To kiss every spot of her skin. To caress its velvety. To roam her form with eyes and hands. To pleasure her to no end. To make discover what it could be to feel together, to be in his embrace. And for him to be in hers.
I wonder what taste her skin has…What scent she emit when she aroused…
God…
He cleared his throat and shook off his naughty thoughts and saw that Kyoko was resting a bit heavily against the door frame.
-Kyoko?
-Hmm…
Ren smiled, still concerned though.
-Come on, I've prepared something.
Kyoko mumbled something.
-Sorry?
-It's scary Kyoko repeated a bit louder.
-Oi! Ren protested in offense. It's something I know how to do, don't worry Ren argued a bit vexed but knowing under any other circumstances it would be fair.
-Come, it will warm you up he said again when she stayed on the frame. He saw her straightening up then stumbling and barely catching herself.
Ren observed her now covered legs with new worry. They were still shaking a bit and seemed very unstable like they could let go at any moment. Like they were supporting Kyoko's body only by the pure will of the owner of it.
Ren stared back precipitately at her face and indeed he could see clear as light drops of sweat refining at her temples under her strains.
Ren frowned at the obvious signs. It was something else than an aborted accident.
-You are not good, aren't you? Ren said more as an affirmation than a question.
-I'm fine protested Kyoko.
-Kyoko. Why are your legs so unsteady, then? It's like they are half numb or something…and it's tiring yourself out.
He saw her grimaced and it was all the confirmation he needed.
-It was not a classical accident, right? Again, not a question.
Kyoko refused to talk and kept looking on the side admitting in a way the truth and Ren signed, he had guessed it from the very beginning but she could be very hard to read and he thought he was maybe worrying over nothing like the worrywart she kept saying he is.
-Kyoko…he started, tell me.
She nabbed at her lip and circles her arms around her squeezing the hoodie against her belly as much as she could with her left one still in a sling.
-Kyoko…Please.
She harshly rotated her head from sides, closing completely up. But Ren saw her clutching at her head and wobbled on her feet again.
He promptly caught her.
-In any ways Ren sighed after stabilizing her, You are NOT fine. At all. You can't even stand. Let me get you to the living room and then we'll talk.
She tried to protest but Ren didn't give her any more time to argue and swiftly lift her light body up in his arms and once again not even one complain was heard. She just let him carry her with ease to the other room, completely relaxing her limbs after the first tense.
He put her down on the couch and went quickly to the kitchen to bring back a fuming mug.
-Here. It's cocoa. It's still very hot, careful Ren added when he saw her quickly putting her hands on the outside of the mug.
For a while, they stayed silent while Kyoko sipped her drink, though her eyes still grew the first time she tasted it and Ren, unknowingly to her, pouted.
I can still make hot cocoa...!
He then stood and went quickly to in his bedroom, sending a quick message to Yashiro-san to move around his morning schedule and came back with a cover to put on her after having seen her shivering.
-Better?
She nodded with a quick of a smile.
Ren took in a good breath and focus on the task at hand.
-Kyoko he started sternly. I know you didn't tell me the everything. What really happened?
She froze.
Shook her head again.
-Please he pleaded, you can talk to me you know that.
-I know that.
Confide in me… how can I help you if you don't?
You look so down…And your eyes…
How can I help you my sweet Kyoko…
-I know I can she murmured.
-Then-
-But no.
-Kyoko…Come on, I'm corn, remember…you used to be able to tell me everything…is it because I don't look like him anymore?
She turned her eyes and for the first time since she came, her gaze went softer.
-Ren, she said softly with a shake of the head, your appearance doesn't matter to me, neither your name. You could be have the most dull name of the universe of be blue skin with green hair and you still be corn and Ren at the same time. I don't care at all. It's not the issue.
Ren's eyes glaze over, touched by her words. Everyone used to judge him so much on what he looked like or what was his name and relations but she didn't care?
Such an amazing open woman…
He concentrated back on the subject.
-Then why? I won't judge you. I promise.
She signed and looked at him again.
-Don't you trust me, Kyoko? Ren insisted. She had helped him so much and countless times if listen to her could lift a bit of the heavy burden she seemed to carry since she arrived could help, he could gladly do it.
Let me help you…Let me share your burdens…
Let me be your shoulder…
I would be anything for you…
You sempai, your friend, your rock, your confident; your lover…
Let me help!
She stared into his eyes and appeared to hesitate.
-Of course I trust you.
-Then-
Her eyes gazed again into his and turned pleading, pleading for something, for understanding and she turn her eyes away.
-But I can't. Please don't ask me that Ren she said. Please, not now, she looked back at him with the most imploring look on her face and begged at him, deep sorrow on her face even more poignant that tears and Ren stood there thrown into confusion for a second.
The next one, the urge to erase her tears so that she would never be sad ever again grew exponentially as his distraught and pain for her did too.
…
-Please, I trust you but I can't, I just can't talk about Kyoko begged as she saw the concern on Ren's face grow. I just don't want to talk about it.
-Please she said again while looking into his eyes, desperate.
-Please she whispered in a hollow voice, tears starting to break through.
No…not now…I promise myself I would let me now…I was doing so good at controlling it…But, he gets so easily under my guard…Before he knew it he had seen right through the cracks…right through me…
Come on Kyoko, hang on!
You can do it…
She couldn't, she wouldn't. She had always managed to handle hard things by herself; she was even used to it so why couldn't she do it again?
It's no big deal…Come o-
Long strong lenient arms suddenly broke her internal dialogue and engulfed her in a delicate yet secure clinch and big hands firmly hold her figure and pressed her cautiously on a hard chest; altering on caressing her back and lightly stroking her head with his fingers and rubbing his nose on the crown of her head, messing with her soft hair.
Her body shook, snapping when her control over her emotions shattered and she whimpered for a second before howling violently in his arms. Squashing her face into his chest and gripping at the front of his blouse with both arms even it hurt her wound one, she just gripped tighter and bawled. The urge only getting stronger and stronger by the seconds. Pearls of water flew from her eyes over and over and drenched the clothes she was nuzzling her face in.
Her cries continued for a long while bringing her to panting but for each wail, each cry; the strong arms would clench around her harder. And soft words would be mumbled endlessly, prompting her, lulling her; hoping desperately that he could appease her pain somehow.
Eventually though, she had no more tears to shed, drained beyond imaginable after such a long time crying and the dryness of her eyes was too far anyway, her pupils even burned at the new sensation.
The only remained proof of her state settling was the ragged breath coming out of her mouth as she was chocking a bit to bring air inside and inhale normally.
Kyoko cooled down a bit more and slowly the external world came back to her. She started to notice the beating heart against her ear, the slow brushes of big firm hand in her locks, the wet cloth where she was resting her head and the excruciating pain in her left arm as she had clasped it harshly despite the hurt.
She felt a bit better now that she had evacuated all the tears of her body but she didn't want to move, she now she was pushing it, abusing a lot but he didn't seem to mind and Kyoko couldn't bring herself to move away from this comforting nest. She felt like she was enveloped in the warmest and safest cocoon. She never wanted to move again.
Just a few more minutes…She thought slowly lulled to sleep.
…
Running his fingers in the silky strands hoping he could soothe her a bit, Ren reflected on her burst of tears. He had never seen her wrecked herself like that. She had even choke on her on own breath and violently quake all the while.
Not even the event concerning her mother had made such an impact…
He was sure of it. As such, driving his mind in circles in hope of figure out what could have happened. What could have been the reason of her dramatic distress. He knew something had happened, it could feel it and just by the look of it, chill was running down his back at the prospects of the ifs. He didn't need her to tell him to know it was very bad. Her way to act was amply sufficient.
He had hesitated forcing her to talk about it but finally opted against. More than anyone, he knew what it was to be drowning into darkness, to want nothing more than to escape it and therefore to never talk, think and ever addressed what were the issues, what lay in the past. He knew too well. That's why Ren couldn't bring himself to force her. If she wasn't ready to talk about it… maybe it was too fresh?
It didn't matter anyway…
If she wasn't ready, he wouldn't force her to talk about whatever happened…She perfectly knew he knew she hadn't said everything…
Ren had to respect it. And wait.
Even if it's killing me to not be able to help her more than this…
Even if he would have gave nearly anything to know so that he could help her.
He would respect her choice and wait, hoping she could or would want to confide later.
She had done it for him before, it was just fair.
Ren looked down, she had finally relaxed and was clinging to him and Ren couldn't help to think that in any other circumstance not involving her being upset, he would had enjoy this very much.
He tried to move away but she wouldn't let him go.
Adorable…
He finally managed and observed her face; red eyes and all with reinforce attention.
-How do you feel he finally questioned when he saw her blinked a few times like she was disoriented.
She looked at him. Somehow during her crying bout she had moved into his lap and had curled herself around him. She looked completely defenceless.
Her face is a mix between bewilderment and innocence…it's criminal how cute it is…Ren chuckled inwardly.
-Hum she mumbled still hooked to him and his shirt. A bit relieved and tired.
-I bet Ren said with a smile and brushed away the tray of her last tears with his thumbs and he saw her blush a bit which ease his concern a great lot.
Finally a normal reaction…
-You should go to sleep he suggested after a few more minutes of gazing at her.
She nodded and yawned.
-I would gladly get you to the guest room Ren proposed and he circled her with arms again to hoist up before standing.
But Kyoko paled greatly all of sudden and he stopped his action.
-What is it? Do you feel nauseous? Is it too soon? Ren asked with concern.
She refuted it and shook her head.
-That's not it Kyoko explained shyly and she raised her gaze to meet his own. I-I don't want to be-…
She whispered the end and turned her eyes on the side resulting in him not catching the last part.
-I didn't hear that.
She blushed fiercely this time but kept her lips closed.
-Kyoko? Ren asked again and put his hand on her cheek to make her look at him. Tell me. I would gladly help but you have to tell me. I'm at your commands.
After a lot shifting from her part, which was really not a good idea in Ren's mind, he didn't need any distraction if he wanted to hear what she was going to say, Kyoko finally blurted out in hushed murmured:
-I don't-want-to-be-alone-please.I-would-like-to-stay-with-you-for-sleep.
Ren blinked.
Did that just came out of her mouth?
-Come again he said frozen on the spot. I hit my head and my delusional mind is making up all this …
Kyoko whimpered a bit but repeat a slower.
-Can I stay with you for sleep? She demanded with pleading eyes. Please?
She knew was out of line but the fear of being alone right now was far more greater than the one of improper behaviour.
Ren stared at her, more than a bit shocked but once again having no power to resist her.
-You sure? He still asked.
She nodded.
-Please.
Ren gulped once and rose up.
-Let's go to bed he declared while carrying them to his bedroom a bit shakenly when Kyoko curled to him even more.
It's a reverse universe…
Once in the bedroom he laid her down under the covers and stretched out at the other side of the bed, more jumpy than ever before in his life which was quickly proven when he half leaped when Kyoko closed the gap between them to press her form to his chest and he enveloped her in a tight hug, incapable to not feel pure bliss in holding her in his arms right now.
-Thank you Ren she murmured sleepily before drowsing off.
-You're welcome he whispered back and between the rollercoaster of emotions and the very late or early hour, he drifted only a minute behind surrounded by the marvellous knowledge of her being just there, soothed away by her presence as she has been by him even after the hardships she just went through.
PS: Sooooo…Here is the balm for your bruised hearts. As I said I'm not that cruel. We are back on fluffy goodness and it's great! The only moments that could be dark will be flashbacks or sometimes talks about it in the close future. After I don't know but I don't have anything else that harsh planned. Though it doesn't mean it won't have hard moments but no more very very dark ones.
Hope you will like it. I loved it, it was fun and really moving though sometimes the emotions are too much for me.
Next chapter will also be a long one. Then there will have a shorter one and it will be the end of part one. The shortest of the three. Then, the releases will become slower and it will be the beginning of the endless teasing…nyarkk nyarkk nyarkkk…
You have no idea how much fun I had making Ren an addict of bath products-…it was so appropriate with what we already knew about it…XD
Give me lots of reviews.
Bad ones or good ones. Long ones or short ones but lots of it.
Kisses. Mimagfan.