Chapter 13: Like a Daughter

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Taisho would throw Sho's ass out every time he came around.

Shoko Aki laughed sarcastically to herself as she watched her charge. He was supposed to be conducting research on the film. Sho was ready to decline this gig until she baited him with Kyoko. As soon as he found out she would be in this production he accepted without reservation. His eyes were glued to his childhood friend. Shoko couldn't understand why Sho treated Kyoko harshly; the girl was beautiful, especially now, here in her element.

She sighed deeply. Why couldn't Sho just be honest with himself and admit that he was in love with her? It was painfully obvious given his latest hits. His songs had started to mature so why couldn't his attitude. His ballads had more depth and feeling to them ever since the Vie Ghoul incident. He had dominated the top spot on the Oricon charts for the last few months.

Shoko walked up to stand beside Sho. "How is it? Are you able to grasp the gist of the movie and start writing the song? You have a deadline for this, just one more week before your time is up."

Sho scowled at Shoko. "Quit nagging! I know what I need to do! You can't force creativity." He turned his gaze back to the scene before him. He barely recognized his childhood friend. Once the Director called action, all traces of Kyoko disappeared and the ninja took control.

The song was practically finished. He hated the direction it took and freaked out. He had thrown too much of his personal feelings into the song. Fuwa Sho did not feel despair or longing for anyone. He told himself that there was no way he could fall for someone like her. The more he declared it the less convincing it sounded; he was slowly losing the battle.

He had seen the tabloid article this morning of her with that bastard. He thought he could use that kiss picture of that loser to his advantage and get her riled up but that woman announced that it was a jest on her part. He was more concerned by the picture of her having lunch with the actor together. It was clear to him that the guy had become serious which pissed Sho off and made him anxious. He was losing his hold on her.

Watching Kyoko in this setting, she radiated confidence; gone was the unsure girl that only lived to please him. That was what infuriated him the most about her in the past. She was an incessant people pleaser. He hated it and yet he used it to his advantage. Back then, he didn't have the courage to come alone to Tokyo. If she had said no, he probably would have never left Kyoto. Sho was confident that her feelings for him would have made her say yes.

If she had declined, he had prepared a few follow-up scenarios that would have definitely convinced her to come. His last resort was a confession on his part which would have made him gag then. He was prepared to go that far and then break up with her once he made it big. A great star like him couldn't be seen with such a common-looking girl. He shook his head to clear those guilty thoughts from his mind.

Sho tried to approach her earlier but he was thwarted at every attempt by her manager or her costar. Since her hounds were watching him closely, he had to settle for just looking from afar. He had never seen her look as happy as she did when she was acting. She's moving on without me, he thought bitterly as he left the location.

Koga sought Kyoko during the lunch break. He plopped down opposite Kyoko with his bento and cut to the chase. "So Kyoko-chan, why is Fuwa Sho so interested in you?"

Kyoko was caught off guard and inhaled sharply, choking on her food. Yashiro handed her water while she tried to control her breathing.

"Eh, Hiromune-san, there's nothing going on with Fuwa-san and me."

"If that's the case, why do I keep getting a stalker vibe from him? If having him here is going to cause problems to the production I'd rather know now before too much time has passed. Should I alert the director of my feelings?"

"No, no, no, there's no need to involve the director. There's really nothing to tell. We used to be childhood friends but we had a falling out. I understand in this industry there will be difficult people I have to work with, I'm using this as a learning experience. I promise not to let our personal problems affect my work," she pleaded with wide eyes.

Shit! Those golden eyes are dangerous!

Koga nodded and went back to eating his food. She was too naive. He would run interference as necessary until the singer's work was done.

A delivery man was guided to their table by an assistant, interrupting their conversation. "Excuse me, are you Mogami-san? I have a delivery for you. Please sign." He handed her a stylus to sign on his mobile device. He thanked her and handed Kyoko the gift bag.

Kyoko peered into the bag and found a can of caramel popcorn. She read the card. I miss you! Love always, Corn. She giggled at the corniness of his reference.

Koga gazed over her shoulder and read the card before she could hide it. "Corn? Is that a name?"

Yashiro flinched at Koga's comment.

"It's from a childhood friend I recently became reacquainted with here in Tokyo," Kyoko explained. She glanced at Yashiro nervously. Would he suspect anything? Why would Ren be so careless?

"That's very thoughtful of your friend," Yashiro said calmly. Little did the actors know that he was panicking inside. Who the hell was Corn? He was relieved that it wasn't a gift a lover would send. Ren, you baka! Someone is stepping on your turf!

Kyoko tried to contain her smile as she sent a thank you text to Ren. It was a good thing she had the hindsight to change his name on her phone. She wasn't about to give away her nickname to them. She didn't want him teased or his secret exposed.

Koga and Yashiro exchanged looks. They didn't like Kyoko's giddiness over the gift.

Koga frowned. This type of behavior from her was usually reserved for Ren. Shit! Is there a new contender? His plan to knock Ren out of the number one spot was starting to become a pain in the ass. Why are there so many guys vying for this girl?

"Thank you for your hard work today, Yashiro-san," Kyoko said bowing to her manager from the curb in front of Darumaya.

"You're welcome, Kyoko-chan. Have a good night!" He said with a smile. Kyoko waved to him one last time before stepping into the restaurant. She was tired. After a long day of script reading and rehearsals, she was ushered to wardrobe for final fittings on all Momiji's costumes. Once her costumes were situated, the planning for her makeup and hair took up the rest of her evening. They would begin filming the scenes that didn't include the antagonist. She was startled when the director revealed the name of the American actor that would be joining them soon. Yashiro also expressed his concerns to her.

Kyoko stepped through the threshold to find a busier than usual Darumaya. Her eyes swept over the front room and rested on a tall young man placing four glasses of water down on a table. She stood frozen as she watched him take their meal orders. He was dressed casually in jeans and a T-shirt but had an apron tied around his waist.

He looked like a host with his easy grace, charming his way through the customers. She grumbled under her breath at the fluidity of his movements while he balanced a tray full of glasses. Is there anything this man can't do? Kyoko had no idea she would see him here today but he had yet to notice her entrance.

A regular patron called out to her. "Is that you Kyoko-chan? Welcome home."

Ren's ear twitched as his beloved's name rolled casually off the tongue of this Uncle. He pasted on his gentleman smile to hide his displeasure. He finished taking the table's order before facing her.

His smile faltered as he took in her appearance. Her golden eyes twinkled in amusement when he finally met her gaze. Her hair was back to its natural black and cascaded down around her in soft waves. Time stopped. The noise and people faded to the background. It was just Ren and Kyoko gazing at each other, electricity brewing between them.

The people in the restaurant quieted and stared at the pair. The patrons that night would swear they had front row seats to an epic love drama. This was the climactic scene when the two leads finally meet, drawn together by fate.

The spell was broken once an inebriated patron interrupted their moment. "Nooooo!" He slurred. "Kyoko-chan! Don't fall for this kind of guy. They're the most troublesome."

Unable to hide his irritation, Ren's eyes shot daggers across the room piercing the man.

The man squeaked and dropped to the floor. "Please forgive me Tsuruga-sama," he begged. A smile tugged at Ren's face as he tried not to laugh at the man and his slip.

The patrons erupted with laughter. Another man stood and clapped Ren on the back good-naturedly. He winked at Kyoko. She giggled. The sound regained Ren's attention on her. The men in the restaurant sighed collectively at her cute laugh.

"Good evening, everyone." She bowed gracefully in greeting. "I will return to help once I change into my work attire."

Her innocent comment made Ren frown. From the looks of the men, he assumed their dirty minds went to their happy place envisioning his woman changing her clothes.

The sound of a loud thud shocked them back to their senses. The male patrons jumped and turned back to their food. Ren looked at Taisho with newfound respect. Taisho nodded to him and resumed chopping ingredients.

Okami-san followed Kyoko into the changing room to assist her with the kimono. Even though Kyoko was a pro at putting one on by herself, it was faster with help. "Okami-san, what is Tsuruga-san doing here?"

...

An hour earlier, Ren took deep breaths as he approached the backdoor of Darumaya. Final Boss Time. Determined, he knocked on the door. He hoped he wasn't being too presumptuous by coming here. He was under the impression that Kyoko considered her landlords the closest thing to parents for her. It was only proper to introduce himself and receive their blessing.

Ren dropped into a deep bow when Okami-san opened the door. This wasn't his first time meeting them but this was his first time expressing his intentions.

"Tsuruga-san!" Okami gasped in surprise at finding the actor outside her door. "I'm sorry but Kyoko-chan has not returned home."

Ren stood and smiled sheepishly at the woman. "I'm actually here to see you and Taisho."

He handed her a bag full of assorted wagashi from a popular confectionery shop in Ginza and a bottle of high-grade sake. She let him inside where he presented himself to Tasiho bowing just as deep for the man.

Taisho grunted pointing to a seat at the bar. Ren did as instructed and waited. Within a few minutes, Taisho presented him with the fish dish. Ren had expected this challenge. He learned his lesson from his previous failure and was now confident in his ability to eat the fish cleanly. Taisho nodded in satisfaction while Ren dug into his meal.

When Ren finished, he got down on the floor and prostrated himself to the astonishment of the couple. "My main purpose for coming here is to gain your approval. Please allow me to date Kyoko. I promise I will do my utmost to make her happy!"

The couple looked at each other confused and then back to the young man kneeling before them. Okami spoke on their behalf, "Tsuruga-san, thank you for seeking out our permission but I don't think we are in any position to dictate whom Kyoko associates with."

"Ah," Ren said lifting up but remaining on his knees. "It's only proper since Kyoko considers you her family."

Ren saw their eyes flicker with emotion. Even the usually indifferent Taisho seemed touched by the statement.

"This makes us very happy. We love her like our very own," Okami admitted. "But honestly, we thought you two already had a special relationship."

Ren's eyes widened. Were his feelings so transparent to everyone but her?

"I apologize if my actions thus far have been inappropriate but may I ask why you thought so?" He wanted to know what gave him away.

"Well…" Okami glanced at her husband. Taisho nodded. "You always looked out for her safety, gave her rides, and work advice. She even makes you bento and,..."

"And?" Ren prodded curiously.

"And...well we noticed how joyful she is in your presence."

Ren was shocked. He never noticed.

"I'll admit I have loved her for a long time and my actions did convey my feelings. She was hurt by those she loved and trusted...and so I waited for her to heal."

...

Taisho grunted in understanding. She had come a long way from the broken girl that moved in with them. He was proud of the young lady she was becoming. He looked at the young man and nodded, then returned to prepping his ingredients for the restaurant's opening.

Taisho watched the actor move back to the seat and nurse his water. His wife asked Ren if there was anything he would like to eat or drink. The man declined politely with the excuse of being full. As the restaurant filled with customers for the dinner rush, Taisho focused on his work.

The actor fidgeted in his seat as more people entered, filling the place up. Taisho didn't even miss a beat while slicing sashimi when Ren spoke. "Taisho, my skills may be lacking in the culinary department but I am confident in my ability to set a mean table. With your permission, I can help Okami-san with the front of the house."

Taisho looked up at his wife as she scurried to fill drinks and take orders. The number of customers tonight was nothing they couldn't handle on their own. He looked back at Ren. The actor looked so eager to help. If Taisho was capable of it, he would have laughed. He handed Ren an apron and a menu. "Memorize it."

Taisho swelled with pride. This young man was willing to help in his humble establishment without regard for his reputation as Japan's top actor. He was impressed by Ren's ability to learn quickly. Taisho had always been wary of this man. He had known Kyoko felt differently about Ren. If it was him, Taisho felt Kyoko would be in good hands, unlike the singer. Although he had good manners, he could sense underlying anger rolling off Kyoko whenever Sho came around.

...

Kyoko blushed profusely as Okami explained Ren's presence. She was happy with his gesture.

"Do you love him Kyoko-chan?" Okami asked tying her obi.

Kyoko nodded shyly to the woman she considered her surrogate mother. She had yet to admit that to anyone, not even the man himself.

"Then I think everything will be okay. He seemed very sincere earlier. It's rare to see that kind of consideration in young people today. Taisho, may not look like it but he actually approves." She gave Kyoko a quick hug and left her to finish up.

Kyoko returned wearing her kimono and instantly went into service mode. She started clearing dishes, sitting patrons, and taking orders. The pair of them developed a little routine while working the front. Everyone was impressed by their ability to orbit around each other anticipating one another's moves.

To Ren's irritation, many were routine customers. They were the business type men of varying ages that came to unwind after a hard day's work. He was sure that they didn't come here for a delicious meal but to enjoy Kyoko's company. He admired her ability to put them at ease, calling them individually by name and asking about their families.

To the more abrasive male, those that were bolder in their flirting, Kyoko used a familiar face on those customers. Ren had an epiphany. It was the same face she used when she busted into his shower as Setsu. He dubbed it her super Okami-san maid spirit face. He chuckled, realizing that she was just as affected as he was that night.

Families also frequented the restaurant with their children. The men grumbled as their wives openly flirted with Ren. He was amicable and gracious to everyone using his gentleman smile when necessary. Kyoko tried to rein in her jealousy and shuddered at how daring women were especially those married.

Ren watched a little boy clinging to Kyoko on his way out with his parents. He had reached an all-time low. He was actually jealous of a toddler. Kyoko lifted the boy into her arms and gave him a kiss on his cheek. Lucky kid. Images of Kyoko carrying their future son in her arms floated through his mind making his heart thump at the prospect.

"Thank you both for all your hard work," Okami said when the dinner rush finally subsided.

"It was my pleasure Okami-san," Ren replied with a small bow.

"I can help clean up." Kyoko protested as Okami ushered them upstairs.

"You both did more than enough tonight. Please relax and I will bring up a small meal," she said leaving them no room to argue.

"Thank you," they said in unison and headed upstairs.

Ren hummed with excitement as he followed her up the stairs and into her room. It was tidy and smelled just like her.

He chuckled while Kyoko scrambled to hide miscellaneous things. His eyes lingered on ripped corners of paper attached to the wall and wondered what could have been there before. Posters, perhaps?

He picked up the replica doll of himself sitting on her rolled-up futon. The details of the doll were uncanny, down to his styled hair and blue striped pajamas. He turned towards Kyoko holding the doll up as she flitted about.

"Can't sleep without me?" The Emperor's voice filled the small space. Kyoko paused from shoving things into a drawer. Her face took on a deep red hue as she slowly turned in his direction.

Ren chuckled, enjoying her flustered face. Curiosity got the best of him. He tugged at the Ren doll's Pj bottoms. Kyoko lunged for the doll but Ren was too fast. He held it out of her reach, high above his head. He laughed as Kyoko jumped for his arm. She tried to use him as leverage to jump higher but lost her balance. Ren caught her to him to keep her from falling. His body came alive against hers. He could feel her hot skin through the material of the kimono.

Forgetting the doll, Kyoko glanced at his mouth and licked her lips. She closed her eyes and angled her face up, invitingly. Ren's eyes drifted to her glossy lips and brought his face closer to hers. As his lips neared hers, a noise from the stairs startled them. They jumped apart instantly.

Okami walked in with a tray laden with food and drink. She placed the tray on the low table. Oblivious to the tension in the room, she left them alone leaving the door open. Ren sighed and sat down to eat.

Kyoko sat next to him. Before eating she removed the pins from her hair. It had been so long since she had to put her hair up that it was slightly uncomfortable. Ren watched with rapture as the black tresses cascaded down her back. He reached out rubbing a lock of hair between his fingers. Kyoko stared at him quizzically. He dropped his hand and started eating.

"Does it look weird?" she asked self consciously.

Ren looked at her and shook his head. "No. It suits you perfectly," he told her with a soft smile.

"The stylist thought extensions would be better than a wig. Momiji does have a lot of action scenes."

"It looks very natural. The dark color against your ivory skin makes your eyes glow...very pretty," he complimented, tucking a few strands behind her ear.

A faint blush dusted Kyoko's cheeks as she stared down at her food suddenly too shy to meet his gaze. "It- it's real hair. I have to keep it this way for the Lotus filming."

They resumed pecking at their food while they chatted about their day.

"Thank you again for the gift. It was cute and tasty. Hiromune-san and Yashiro-san read the card. I blundered and told them you were a childhood friend from Kyoto. I'm sorry if it causes you trouble."

Ren laughed. "I know all about it. Yashiro-san left me a panicked voicemail. It's not a big deal. If we are found out we can just say it's my nickname and keep them guessing how I received it. Kind of like how aviator pilots get their call signs. It's usually given to them by their squadron based on how bad they screwed up while in a drunken state. We can come up with something funny like...maybe I inhaled while eating corn and the outcome was unforgettable."

Kyoko made a disgusted face and shook her head vehemently. Ren chuckled and took another bite of food.

"Okami-san told me your reasons for being here today," she said shyly. "You didn't have too but I appreciate it. They've been very kind to me."

Ren reached for her hand. "I know how much they mean to you. It was only right that I let them know my intentions. I plan on being around for the rest of your life. Plus, I don't think Taisho has a good impression of me. I needed the brownie points."

Kyoko gulped. Her heart thumped loudly and wondered if he could hear it. Did he not realize that was practically a proposal? The blush on her cheeks extended down her neck and could be visible on her hands.

Ren looked away embarrassed and cleared his throat. "Are you busy tomorrow morning?"

"I have to hand in my assignments at school but I'm free to stay or go afterward. Why do you ask?"

Ren recalled his time spent prior to arriving at the Darumaya. He was at a fitting for his upcoming modeling shoot.

The man behind the brand R'Mandy, Fujiwara Hiroshi, was once against chittering around Ren for personal information based on the recent tabloid. He wanted details but Ren remained mum.

Fuji gave up. "So Ren, will you be attending the awards ceremony again this year?"

Ren nodded, "I'm actually a nominee."

"Woohoo! I knew this was your year! I have to do something bold with your suit! Something that screams WINNER!"

Ren cringed, "Please don't go overboard, Fuji-san." He had no choice but to wear whatever the designer gave him. It was in his contract that he wore only the R'Mandy brand to those events.

"Would you, perchance, be attending with say a lovely woman?" Fuji closed his eyes and crossed his fingers praying to the Gods that his answer would be positive.

"I am," Ren admitted.

Fuji groaned in disappointment then shouted. "Wait!... What? Are you seriously bringing a date this time?" The designer danced around the room excitedly. "Who is she? Do I know her? Tell me!"

Ren smiled at the overzealous designer. He wanted to shout her name from the rooftops. "She's also a nominee and my costar in Dark Moon. The actress that played Mio, Mogami Kyoko."

"Oh my God! Is she the young lady in the tabloid?! Or, oh, she's the gorgeous woman that you interviewed with during the wrap party! Please tell me it's her!" Fuji begged.

"Both her."

"Yes! Oh my God, yes! Does she have a dress? Ask her if I can design a dress for her, pretty please!"

...

"What do you think Kyoko, would you like to wear R'Mandy on the red carpet? I was told you can keep the dress," Ren asked.

An R'Mandy designer dress?! On me?! Kyoko's brain went to LaLa land. She envisioned herself dressed in a sparkling ball gown— an Ojou-sama waited on hand and foot.

Ren laughed at her expression. She was probably thinking about Princess dresses. He cleared his throat bringing her back to the present.

"Is that a yes?"

"Is it okay for me to say yes? I'm just a nobody. R'Mandy is expensive. I can't afford anything so luxurious. I'm not good—"

"Please don't do that. Don't belittle your accomplishments. You're quickly making a name for yourself in this industry. You're talented and beautiful and you work hard." Ren lifted his hand to caress her cheek. "Someday, I hope you can see yourself the way I see you."

Kyoko inhaled shakily and looked away embarrassed by the emotions threatening to bubble up from inside her.

"He has seen your performance. He knows who you are. I may have dropped your name in the heat of the moment but it's up to you to seal the deal."

She bit her lip unsure. The allure of wearing a designer gown tugged at her heartstrings. It barely crossed her mind what she would wear to the ceremony. If she showed up with Ren all eyes would be on them. She couldn't embarrass him. The designer was offering her an easy solution.

"All you have to do is meet him tomorrow. I'll admit his personality is a bit over the top so you may be put off by him. He's just really passionate about fashion. If you like what he has to offer then it's a win."

"Okay, I'll meet him. It would be rude not to do so."

Ren smiled warmly. "I'll let Yashiro-san know."

Okami stood at the door wringing her hands. "I'm sorry to interrupt Kyoko-chan." Okami glanced at Ren. "May I have a word with you for a moment."

Kyoko nodded and stepped into the hall.

"I didn't want to be presumptuous but Sho-kun is downstairs. Should we turn him away?" She asked quietly.

All hint of amusement left Kyoko's face as she absorbed Okami's news. Dread washed over her as she looked back at Ren sitting in her room. He heard. He looked more annoyed than angry by the news which was a relief.

"I'll talk to him Okami-san thank you. I'll be down in a minute." Kyoko said. Ren got up to follow when she turned on him and with a Mio-like glare told him to sit. He did, obediently.

Kyoko didn't want him involved with this problem. If things escalated, she didn't want Ren punching Sho in the face. Though she admitted to herself, she would really love to see it. Kyoko didn't want Ren's reputation to be tainted by Sho at all.

Kyoko hurried downstairs to face her nemesis before the Demon Lord lost his patience.

"What do you want Fuwa-san? I'm very busy so make it quick," Kyoko sneered.

Sho's eyes widened. Why was she treating him like he didn't exist? He didn't come here to fight but she just fired him up these days. He couldn't get a handle on his feelings. Like the stupid man-child he was, his mouth spoke before his brain could process what he said.

"What the hell is your problem? What did you tell those guys that they keep interfering with me? I swear if you slander my reputation, I will have my lawyers sue you for everything you have and don't have!" He threatened.

Kyoko looked bored. She examined her fingernails as she spoke. "Such a difficult word Fuwa-san, do you know what it means? It's only slander if they're lies. In your case, it's nothing but the truth. The only person that will hurt your reputation is you. If that's all you came here for then please leave."

Sho stood frozen in place. Her indifference angered him. His threat didn't affect her as he had hoped. It was infuriating being dismissed by her. "Jeez, when did you become such a cold-hearted bitch!"

The kitchen door burst open. Taisho appeared drying a large sharp knife with a rag.

Sho gulped in fear as Taisho stepped closer. "Sho-kun, I think it's time you left. Please never return. You are no longer welcomed here."

"Fuck off old man!" Sho screeched pointing at Taisho. He instantly regretted his words. Rather than apologizing, he made a hasty retreat. His rudeness shocked him. The Darumaya couple always treated him kindly. He didn't want to risk making things worse. Kyoko stalked after him prepared to give him a piece of her mind. Taisho held her back.

"You better not forget your promise Kyoko!" Sho yelled. Kyoko looked at him blankly.

"Hah, you forgot already! I'll own you if you ever fall in love with that platform wearing bastard! Judging by the pictures in the tabloids it seems he has better taste anyway. You said you were only using him to steal his acting techniques to beat me remember! So prove it!" Sho stomped off after his final outburst.

Her face paled. She glanced upstairs. Did Ren hear that? She forgot about the bet Sho coerced out of her in the parking garage.

Taisho placed a hand on her shoulder making Kyoko jump. She promptly dipped into a deep bow, apologizing for the trouble.

"There's no need for that. Are you okay?" He asked with a worried frown. This little showdown sealed the deal for him. He felt exactly like the father of this teenage girl.

She stood up, tears swimming in her eyes.

Taisho's gaze softened. "He's a good man. I'm sure if you two talk properly, he will understand."

Kyoko smiled weakly. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hands. Feeling like Marie-Antoinette, she squared her shoulders and prepared herself for the guillotine.

AN: Thanks again for reading and reviewing of last chapter. I appreciate it.

I picture Ren being the perfect gentlemen and getting permission from Kyoko's pseudo-parents to date her. I'm assuming Taisho was aware of Kyoko's feelings towards Ren that's why he was always wary of him.

I disliked the fact that Taisho thought well of Sho just because he can eat a damn fish neatly. I was like WTH Taisho!…lol.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^