Chapter 10: The Aftermath

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kuon would have reached out to his parents already.

Kyoko practically flew to the guest room seeking refuge. Oh my God! oh my God! oh my God! I hit him! The Demon Lord is going to kill me! She thought, rolling on the floor freaking out as tears streamed down her face.

She didn't know what had possessed her. One minute she was so happy to know that the man that had been by her side all this time, guiding her, was indeed her fairy prince. The next minute she felt like a frightened mother whose child had gone missing and was finally found. After the initial relief of finding said child, the anger from fear set in and she just instinctively slapped him.

How could he have kept this from her for over a year and their time in Guam? My first kiss was with Corn, with Ren. Earth swallow me whole please, I beg you! Why didn't he just tell me the truth then! He had heard her rattle things off about her Fairy Prince Corn and even laughed at her when she tried to use her stone to help him. All this time, no wonder he was able to confidently say Corn grew up to be a proper adult. If she thought about it with a level head, she knew exactly why he had kept it from her. They had both changed so much in the past ten years. Their pasts were complicated and just like him, she had things in her past that she wanted to remain hidden. It had to be difficult for him to come forward. Her issues seemed so insignificant compared to his now that she knew the important parts of his past. She at least had Sho to keep her company even if he was an arrogant brat but Corn seemed to have no one by his side until he met Rick and even then, that was short-lived.

Kyoko didn't know how to feel about Rick. He seemed to want to genuinely help Corn, but his help backfired and made him destructive instead. Did it make her a terrible person to think that Rick's death was necessary to lead Corn back to her? If I think of it in terms that it was fated, it doesn't sound so bad.

She would have been devastated if Kanae was killed due to some action of hers. She once again thought about how brave and strong Corn was at such a young age. If the roles were reversed, she wouldn't have been strong enough to do what he did.

Knock! Knock!

Kyoko stopped rolling on the floor and jerked her head up in fear from the knocks at the door. "Kyoko," he called softly. Her name coming from his lips was a soft caress to her ears making her heart pound erratically. She couldn't help but think that it sounded right.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts and told herself not to be ensnared by the sound of his voice. "I brought you an ice pack. Your hand hurts, right?" She inspected her hand which was red, swollen, and throbbing. Oh my god! If my hand looks like this, what about his face? I slapped his gorgeous face! What if he hates me now?

"I'll leave it out here. I'll be here when you're ready to face me again. Good night...I love you," he said, his footsteps retreating from the door.

Eh? Is that it? He's not angry with me?

She was so overwhelmed by the fact that he was Corn that she forgot he had confessed his love for her. She could hardly believe it, so that time on Guam when he said those words... It finally sunk in that it was her that he was talking about when he told Bo about the girl; four years younger and still in high school.

He loves me! I love him! She frowned at the revelation. They shared a mutual love so why did it feel so complicated. She wanted to yank open the bedroom door and tell him right away but something held her back, fear. She was scared but not of him. She knew he would never hurt her, at least not intentionally. Was she ready to take that leap with him? If things didn't go well, would she be able to recover from this heartbreak? She brought both her hands up and smacked each side of her face. She had to stop thinking that way. She couldn't let that one lousy experience she had with Shotaro dictate her life.

Yet, she was still hesitant to open that door. She needed to talk to someone; Kanae came to mind. She grabbed her phone and was about to make the call when she noticed the time. It was late. Kanae would be super angry with her if she ruined her beauty sleep. She sighed in resignation, she would have to work this out on her own. She should just go to sleep and start afresh in the morning.

She realized she hadn't planned on staying the night and didn't have any supplies with her. She didn't even dare to face him and ask for something to wear. She looked around the room hopelessly until her eyes landed on a bag sitting on the bed with a card attached that read, For Kyoko.

Curious, she approached the bag and peeked inside. Within the bag, she found a pair of pajamas, a new outfit and two sets of undergarments which made her blush. The items were all moderately priced. She was sure he left the tags on just for her to see. She crossed her arms over her chest, shuddering, as she wondered how he knew her sizes. I should just accept this gratefully and reimburse him later. He was doing her a favor and saving her from having to face him directly.

She walked into the adjoining bathroom and found a basket of toiletries with her name on another card. He had supplied her with everything she needed and even included some cosmetics. She was astonished that he had gone through the trouble and purchased these items for her. To top it all off he provided house slippers and a bathrobe for her use. How presumptuous of him? She wondered if he had Yashiro plant the seed in her mind to stay the night.

Kyoko turned on the tap to run a bath adding bath salts as the water flowed. While she was in the tub, she thought about everything that happened tonight. The dinner, the cake, and the gift were out of this world. There was no other girl, it had always been just her. He was her Corn, her fairy prince, it was hard to stay angry at him. Her thoughts strayed to his troubled past. How lonely he must have felt? She admired him for coming to a foreign country at such a young age trying to rebuild himself. The way she was now, she didn't deserve him; however, she planned on keeping him.

She stepped out of the bath once the water grew cold and toweled herself dry. The robe he gave her was a soft pink that had the word princess embroidered on the back of it. She giggled trying to imagine Ren buying all these girly things. She was sure the sales associates were practically swooning from his presence. Little did she know, he went in disguise as Kuon and excitedly told them they were presents for his girlfriend. She dressed in the PJs and had another laugh from the design on the shirt. She laid in bed, wide awake, knowing that he was right on the other side of that door.

She looked at her phone again and discovered a text from him, I'm sorry.

Unsure of how to respond, she typed honestly, I just need some time.

Her phone chimed immediately after she sent her response, I understand! She looked at the gap underneath the door and could see light shining from his room. She felt content knowing he was there.

Good night, my Corn. She typed her response quickly and hit send admonishing herself for being so bold as claiming him as her own.

She smiled radiantly her heart humming with happiness at his reply, Good night my Princess, I love you!

She giggled giddily pressing the phone to her mouth to suppress her sounds. What was with all this princess business? Her heart was so full of joy, she thought it would burst. She couldn't sleep. She scrolled through her gallery of treasures. She laughed softly holding her hand over her mouth at the image of catching him lip-sync today while cooking. The pictures she took were priceless. She scrolled through the few she caught of them as the Heel Siblings. Seeing them in character she realized they were so obnoxious as siblings. She felt sorry for the poor Japanese people that had to deal with them during that little stint. She stopped at one of her most prized possessions, the picture she captured of Ren sleeping. Her phone had made a shutter sound then too but she was fast enough not to get caught. Her eyes roamed over the entirety of his face. Although he looked peaceful, she could now recognize the lingering tension on his face.

He sighed deeply, resigned to leave the ice pack outside her door. He didn't want to leave things this way but he knew she needed some space right now. He went into his room to prepare for bed. He inspected his face in the bathroom mirror and cringed. His cheek sported her distinct handprint on the left side of his face. He caressed his bruise and like the masochist that he was, he smiled. She had marked him, again. He had no clue how he would explain this tomorrow when he reported for work. Hopefully, he could cover it up with make-up so it would look natural. Perhaps, Woods-san...er...Ten-san could work her magic on me after she dyes my hair back.

He turned on his music player before climbing into bed hoping some music could lull him to sleep. He grimaced as the song resonated with his current mood.

"By starlight I'll kiss you, And promise to be your one and only. I'll make you feel happy, And leave you to be lost in mine...My life has been empty, my life has been untrue, And does she really know, who I really am? Does she really know me at last..."

As the song played on, Kuon decided to send her an apology text in hopes that she would see it before going to bed. He stared at his phone, hoping, waiting, willing it to chime. He was startled when his phone vibrated in his hand. He exchanged a few texts with her and was satisfied with how things were left for the night. 'My Corn?' He read her last text over again and confirmed that she definitely used the word 'my.' That means she is claiming possession of me, doesn't it? He was floating in the clouds with happiness right now. Although he said he was going to get serious with her, he wasn't sure how exactly. He wished there was someone he could confide in. Rick had been that person back then but now he was gone thanks to him. He had never had to actively chase a girl before so he didn't want to screw it up.

He went through a mental checklist of any friends he felt close enough to call. He vetoed Yashiro immediately. He needed to talk to someone that knew his past; that criteria only left him with two choices, Boss and him…?

Kuon scrolled through his contacts on speed dial then stopped on the one that had always been there but never used since coming to this country. It shouldn't be a problem calling at this hour, right? By the third ring, he moved his thumb to disconnect the call but the other party picked up, "This is Kuu speaking!" Kuon's breath caught in his throat unable to speak for a moment.

"Hey! Look here, whoever this is, better start talking or I'm hanging up," his father said with an aggravated voice.

Kuon managed to find his voice and finally spoke up, "Hi, it's me."

Kuu was quiet for a few beats processing the voice he just heard on the phone. "Kuon, is that you, son? Has something happened?" Kuu's voice suddenly filled with panic and concern for his son. He was ecstatic that his son had personally called him but also very worried that he had called him.

"I'm fine, everything is fine...it's just...I didn't have anyone else to call."

"Tell me what happened! I'll do everything in my power to help you, I hope you know that. I'm always on your side son." Did he have a relapse? Do I need to consult my lawyer? I have to call Boss!

"It's not what you're thinking. It's just...I told her everything... You remember her right. The girl that acted out young Kuon."

"Kyoko-chan? By everything, do you mean...?

"Yes, everything."

"How did she take it?"

"Well, she's pissed! I have a mean bruise on my face to prove it."

"Ouch!"

"I'm not sure how to make it right. I love her and I want a future with her, forever, but I don't think she believes me. I know this is selfish of me to contact you out of the blue but you were the only one I wanted to talk to about this kind of thing. I'm sorry for bothering you with this."

Kuu withheld his squeal of delight. His son was being serious now and needed some fatherly advice. He was reaching out to him. Kuu cleared his throat, "Don't apologize. Don't ever hesitate to call me for anything son. But back to your problem, typically I'd say you need to give her space. I'm worried if you do that she may think you don't care. Your violent past is a bit scary so I wouldn't blame her if she turned tail and ran."

"Actually, she accepted that part of me just fine."

"Huh? So what's the problem?" Kuu asked confused.

"Remember that time I went to Kyoto with you when I was ten? I met her there while playing by the stream behind that large Ryokan. She thought I was a fairy prince and I let her believe it. When I met her again last year, ten years later, I came to find out that she was the same little girl from that time. I knew and never told her the truth about me. I've been lying yet not lying to her all this time."

"Wow, okay...let me think."

"That's not the worst part of it. We had a job overseas so I had to change back to my original appearance for my flight."

"Yeah, we met up by chance. I was so afraid of her learning my identity that I panicked! I pretended I was her fairy from that time instead of just telling her the truth!"

Kuu sighed wearily. This was all his fault. If only he had been more of a father to his son he wouldn't be so clueless about love right now. Kuon didn't need to hear his apologies or regrets right now. There would be time for that later.

"So she feels completely betrayed. You have to show her how honest and sincere you are in your affection. My advice is to shower her with love and attention; it worked for your mother. Kyoko-chan doesn't seem materialistic so any gifts you send need to be inexpensive and meaningful. Oh and the biggest thing to remember is that women are jealous creatures, even Kyoko-chan. She's an amazing actress so she can hide it better than others. Your persona Ren Tsuruga, dubbed co-star killer, may be your nemesis. You can no longer treat all women equally. You need to actively draw a line with other co-stars to let Kyoko-chan know that only she is special."

Kuon grimaced, his dad was right. The incident with Kana-san was glaring proof of his aloofness when it came to women. Kuon heard his mother's voice in the background as Kuu told her that Kuon was on the phone.

Julie let out a yelp and snatched the phone out of Kuu's hand. "Kuu, I'm never speaking to you again! How dare you hog the phone when Kuon is on the line!" He heard her admonish his father.

"Jules, please darling don't be like that. Please forgive me. I didn't intentionally keep him from you. Kuon needs some fatherly advice right now." Kuu pleaded to his wife.

"Kuon baby, are you there," Julie cooed to her son ignoring her husband's pleas.

Kuon cleared his throat his voice cracking from emotion overhearing his mother's voice after so many years, "I'm here mom. How are you?"

"I have to run out but I wanted you to know that I love you and I'm proud of you. Come home soon and bring my daughter with you, the doctor said I only have 6 more months to live. I want to see you both before I die," Julie lamented from the other end of the line.

Kuon chuckled; she had not changed at all. "I love you too, Mom," he said with a quivering voice. He missed her. Soon, Mom, I promise.

"I'm giving the phone back to Dad, so call us again, okay." She said quickly and reluctantly passed the phone back to Kuu. Her teary eyes rested on her husband's brimming with love and hope. She had so much more to say to her son, six years' worth to be exact, but she left things like this. It was enough that he reached out to them, she didn't want to overwhelm him. She felt it in her core that soon they would have their boy back in their lives and it would be all thanks to Kyoko.

Kuon thanked his Dad and ended the call. He felt like a weight had been lifted off of him after talking to his parents. After all these years of enduring his selfishness, they still accepted him unconditionally.

Hours ticked by, and still, he was unable to sleep. He got out of bed quietly and slipped into the kitchen for some water. Sleep had also eluded Kyoko as she tossed and turned on the comfortable bed. She heard him rustling in the kitchen and decided to get this over with.

"Corn?" she called out stepping into the dim-lit kitchen. Kyoko stopped short when she caught sight of him standing at the fridge with a bottle of water tipped up to his mouth. Kuon froze as his green eyes met with hers, he wasn't prepared to face her so soon.

He stood there shirtless with his pajama bottoms hanging low on his hips giving her an eyeful of his muscular torso and the deep ruts on his lower abdomen. Kyoko's mouth ran dry as she took in this gorgeous man with his blonde hair and his piercing green eyes.

Kuon stopped drinking when he heard her voice for fear of choking on the liquid. He ran his tongue slowly over his lips to catch the drips of water that remained there. Kyoko's eyes homed in on the movement at his mouth making her body tremble slightly. Her eyes raked down his body slowly, appreciating the wideness of his chest, the tightness of his abs and lingered at the top of his waistband.

Her eyes narrowed in scrutiny. She could just make out the light hair dotting his lower abdomen dipping lower into his pants. Would she have known if she had looked properly when she walked in on him in the shower as Setsu that his hair was a lighter shade down there? Her face bloomed into a dark shade of red when Kuon coughed to clear his throat. What was I doing? I'm such a pervert!

Kuon couldn't help blushing like a virgin on her wedding night. He watched Kyoko completely eye fuck him as her gaze roamed over his body. She probably had no idea she was doing it, but he was, unfortunately, experienced with women to recognize the hint of lust filling her golden eyes.

Kuon had half a mind to take her right then and there on his kitchen floor but the Ren half of him kept him in check. His dick hardened as her eyes slowly made its way down and stopped at his crotch. If the main lights were on, she could probably make out his hard-on and run screaming for her room. He was thankful for the soft glow of the stove light.

She looked so damn adorable in the pajamas he bought her. It was a tank top and pants set with Being a Princess is exhausting in glitter print splashed across the front. He could tell she wasn't wearing a bra, her erect nipples were straining against the fabric. Is she trying to seduce me?

"Corn, I'm sorry about earlier, your face, does it hurt?" She asked quietly looking down at her feet. She was worried he wouldn't love her anymore.

"Yes, it does! You must have been very angry! How will you take responsibility?" he asked in a teasing voice. Her head snapped up to explain when she saw the humor and mischief twinkling in his eyes. Kuon continued seriously, "I wasn't lying either whether I'm Ren, Kuon or Corn, I would always love only you Kyoko."

"Corn I…" She began, but he interrupted her. "You don't have to say anything, you don't even have to respond to my feelings right now." He slowly stalked towards her." I just wanted you to know that I'm not backing down. I won't hand you over to anyone. I want to be the only man that occupies your mind and your heart. I won't lose to Fuwa."

Kyoko's eyes widened at the mention of Fuwa breaking the intense spell his words before it had cast. She shifted her eyes breaking contact, her lips trembled as tears threatened to spill from the corner of her eyes. Kuon looked at her with concern and asked, "What is it?"

"I'm impure!" she wailed at him as the first droplets of tears fell from her eyes.

It was Kuon's turn to look upon her with surprise as he halted his steps. What do you mean?! His mind roared. Are you and Fuwa already together?! Did that kiss mean something?! He was mere centimeters from her trying desperately to control his anger and conceal his pain. With every ounce of control he could muster he asked her in a distant voice, "Tell me?"

Kyoko panicked as she watched the range of emotion flitter across his face and settle into a mask of the demon lord. "I'm unclean! He soiled me! That's why you can't love me! If only you know… I don't deserve you," she gushed tearfully. Ren was working overtime to keep his cool whilst Kuon wanted to punch a fucking wall in.

He leaned heavily on Ren to remain calm, the last thing he needed to do was scare her away from him. He tried to think with a level head willing his mind to not think the worst. His body remained rigidly unable to physically replicate the calm in his mind and repeated quietly, "Tell me!"

In tears, Kyoko broke down and told him. "It was the night my mother denied my very existence on public television….before you came to me in the park. He…Shotaro…he…"

"What did he do to you?" he asked feeling the last remnants of control slipping. "He kissed me! I didn't initiate it. He did it on his own and I wanted to vomit. I failed you, I let my guard down! I'm so disgusting," she wailed in despair shuddering at the thought of that kiss.

The tension in his body evaporated immediately and was replaced with laughter. I'm such an idiot, of course, she would think that a stolen kiss from that guy was the end of the world for her. How could his thoughts turn so dark so fast? He still wanted to break Fuwa's neck for his transgression against her. Still chuckling, he looked at her lovingly. She was still his Kyoko-chan, so pure, so innocent. He had feared that he would taint her with his darkness but looking at her now, he knew in his heart that her light would never dim.

Kyoko scolded him, beating his chest with her "delicate" fists.

"What is so funny Corn?! My chastity is at stake because I broke the actor's rule of the heart!"

Kuon grabbed her hands to stop her from hitting him, she was starting to hurt him. She had no idea how strong a punch she packed. Holding her hands against his chest, he leaned his body into her, pinning her between him and the wall. "Show me where Fuwa kissed you," he demanded, the Emperor of the Night taking over.

She didn't realize she was unconsciously backing up until her back touched the wall behind her. Her body came alive as he pitted his body against hers. Every fiber of her being that was pressed against his body was hummed with delight. Her nipples grazing against his nude chest hardened painfully. She felt a new sensation tingling between her legs and dampness pooling in her underwear. She felt something hard pressing into the lower part of her abdomen and willed herself not to think about it. She focused on answering his question his smoldering green eyes rendered her speech incoherent. With her breathing shallow, she was able to restore motor functions to her hand and point to her lips. She licked her lips in anticipation unaware that her little action was sending him over the edge. He leaned down to brush his lips against hers, barely a whisper of a kiss.

An electric shock sparked between their lips making Kuon jump back as if suddenly burned. Regaining his senses, he ushered her to bed. She went to her room a little disappointed but happy he wasn't angry with her.

"Good night, Kyoko. Sweet dreams," he said placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Good night, Corn," she said with a shy smile before closing the door behind her. In their respective rooms, Kyoko fell asleep instantly. Kuon, on the other hand, tossed and turned into the wee hours of the morning.

AN: Awe, making up is so sweet. 10 chapters and we made it through the first day...lol. Thanks, everyone for reading and reviewing. I appreciate all the feedback.

The song Ren was listening to was Smashing Pumpkins "Starlight."

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^