Chapter 17: Jealous Guy

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Shotaro would have realized his shortcomings already.

Cedric sagged onto the couch of his rented apartment. He was exhausted mentally and physically. He wasn't here a full week and already felt drained. It was tough playing a foreign role. His Japanese was spotty at best. He needed the help of an interpreter and a linguist just so he could execute his role to a level he could be proud of. Normally, actors would take months studying the language they were trying to emulate. He was coming in cold. He was relying on his ability to memorize and repeat then infuse his acting skills into his character.

He reached for the small player on the coffee table and slipped on the headphones. He picked up his script. It was conveniently written in English for him. He followed along with the scenes with the voice in his head. What made it possible for Cedric to not completely fail at this role was that his speaking parts were limited. His character relied more on body language to get his point across. Cedric was no stranger to mixed martial arts and stage combat, Hollywood style. With some rehearsing and training, he would be able to execute his scenes with authenticity.

He screwed up in the States. A lapse of judgment on his part. If he wanted to go home, he needed to play by his father's rules. This role was available when the issue with his supermodel ex-girlfriend, Viola, erupted. His agent, under the instruction of his father, sent in an audition tape of his work and like usual he got the part. Yes, he was running away from his problems. He found out too late just how ambitious Viola was. The accusations she flung at him were blatant lies for once.

He promised to help boost her career but her acting lacked depth. He couldn't possibly endorse her with that skill level. He suggested acting classes and starting from the bottom. She didn't like that idea. In a heated fight, the ugly truth spewed forth from his mouth. Her beauty could only get her so far. He couldn't associate her with his family unless she improved. That was a dick move on his part. He would have eventually apologized but the next day she responded with false accusations to the tabloids. Okay, they weren't quite that false but they were taken out of context. He may have been a piece of shit in his youth but sometimes she liked it rough and he always aimed to please.

He was glad to be removed from that situation but it was difficult being in a foreign land. His only reprieve was the Japanese women. They were so quiet and delicate which was a stark change from the women of his past.

His new costar was no exception but he couldn't understand what he had done to offend her. Had he behaved impolitely in some way that was considered wrong in Japan? He couldn't think of anything. Why was she so skittish around him? Knowing she spoke English, he tried to engage in conversation with her. She would politely respond but end their talk by excusing herself. Since she was so sweet about it he didn't find her actions rude. Now that he thought about it, he couldn't quite call her delicate.

It was amusing to see her surrounded by hulking men. Momiji was a deadly weapon and by extension so was Kyoko. She needed no man to protect her. He admired her stage combat skills. It was like watching a well-choreographed dance of the deadly kind. They went toe to toe in the Minka attack scene. She made him and the other pros work hard to achieve the director's desired outcome. It fascinated and terrified him how deep into her character she went once the director called for action. Momiji was ready to strike down anyone that threatened Shizuma's life. All instincts of self-preservation were eradicated from her mind as she tried to protect the man she loved.

Speaking of terrifying, that boyfriend of hers gave him the chills. How a sweet girl like her could get shackled with such a beast was beyond Cedric's comprehension? It had been a long time since Cedric felt such fear. He had been on the receiving end of one of Ren's threatening glares. The guy's soft brown eyes turned deadly that Cedric actually felt death breathing down his neck. It made Cedric think twice about getting near Kyoko on a personal level. He didn't want any trouble which was exactly what he would be asking for if he tried to step up to Japan's top actor.

His thoughts turned to the other Japanese girl in his life. He met Kimiko in LA on a drama set. They became fast friends despite a slight hiccup in their relationship. She was demure and delicate, unlike most American women he knew that was brazen and outspoken. She had shown him around Tokyo when he first arrived and gave him the insider scoop to the city's hot spots. Hanging out with her was fun; however, she was becoming clingy. Cedric noticed right away her jealousy for Kyoko. He still couldn't understand her reasons to quit acting. It made him wonder if he was finally seeing pieces of the real her. Perhaps more of America had rubbed off on her than he thought. He still had no clue why she quit acting.

He couldn't hold it against her. It would be like the pot calling the kettle black. Cedric would be the first to admit that he was a glutton for the finer things in life that his name afforded him. Yes, sometimes the choices he made got him into trouble. Nothing too serious until now. A few articles in the tabloids on his latest conquest or a night out drinking. As much as he loved to party, he eventually took work seriously. His professional attitude matured by leaps and bounds compared to his youth. He didn't care that it was his relations that afforded him certain roles. He made it a point to put all his effort into improving his skill. Someday, he would be recognized for his acting first and his family second.

He was getting antsy playing the good guy all the time. Japanese people were very polite. When he made a joke, they looked at him like he sprung an extra head. He closed his eyes and reminded himself that he needed to just do his time until his part of filming was over.

Ren sat against her rolled-up futon while reading a script for his current drama. He was a hormonal teenager again stealing glances at his "girlfriend." He didn't check with her, he just decided on his own that she was indeed his girlfriend.

Kyoko sat at her table working on her school assignments. She had school the next day and needed to review. She seemed distracted and kept peering at him under those adorably long lashes of hers. He shifted uncomfortably on the tatami mat and noticed her wipe the palm of her writing hand. Using the pen in his hand he added another tick mark to the once blank edge of his script. He had a tally going for every time she either wiped her hand on her pants or she glanced at him.

He added a tick mark on the other side of the page counting how many times he caught her biting her bottom lip. He longed to be doing the nibbling instead. He shifted positions again this time crossing his legs at the ankles reciting his mantra to keep his libido in check. He cocked an eyebrow when Kyoko shook her head vigorously and went back to work.

It never once occurred to him that his physical presence was distracting her. Since they shared mutual feelings for one another, Ren wanted to spend as much time as possible together. Whenever his schedule afforded him, which was quite often thanks to Yashiro's meddling, Ren joined her for a late dinner at the Darumaya. He often spent time afterward just hanging out, nothing more. Being in close proximity to her was enough and the perfect way for him to unwind. He still had a hard time believing this was all real. He discreetly pinched himself on the arm. Owww, fuck!

…

Kyoko stared down at the textbook in front of her reading the same paragraph again. She couldn't concentrate. At least, not with him in her room. It wasn't just his physical being that filled the space but his very existence. All she saw was him. All she heard was him, well that and her thundering heartbeat. Her eyes flicked to his legs as he shifted again. Biting her lower lip, she imagined the skin beneath those slacks, the well-developed muscles covering well-proportioned bones...nope, nope, nope. She shook her head violently to scatter the "creepy" thoughts occupying her mind.

What was with this situation? Why were they hanging out in her room, again? He was nonchalantly sprawled out on her floor like it was the most natural thing for him to do.

A small giggle escaped from her lips.

"Care to share what's so amusing?" Ren asked tossing his script down. He crossed his legs sitting up straighter.

Kyoko jolted in her seat as the heat rose to her cheeks. He wore an inquisitive expression as he waited for her answer. Kyoko sighed summoning her strength to not make up any excuses for her rudeness. She swept her arms open toward his person as if that was enough to explain the absurdity of their position.

Ren cocked his eyebrow expecting her to elaborate in words.

"You, Corn, here, in my room. It has to be uncomfortable sitting on the floor. Won't you be more comfortable in your apartment?"

"I'm actually quite comfortable," he said settling back against her futon. "Plus, you're here." He grinned and went back to reading his script. He didn't want to scare her with the truth. Meeting her here, with the threat of Taisho below, was much safer until he could get his hormones in check.

Kyoko's blush deepened. Sometimes she thought one day she would wake and find it was only just a dream. She continued to stare at him.

Ren cleared his throat, "Kyoko, you're staring."

"Eek," she ducked her head and went back to her homework.

"Would you like to go out on a date with me?" He asked casually, looking over his script.

"Huh?" She started at him dumbly.

"Are you free tomorrow night?" He asked with a chuckle. He knew she was free because he specifically asked Yashiro to schedule his time with her next early night. Kyoko's eyes widened.

"Let's go on a regular date. I'll take you to dinner. We can watch a movie that doesn't have either of us in it."

Kyoko snorted, "Hah, I wish."

Ren smiled, "Spoken too soon but you're nearly there. Soon everyone will get to see your Momiji."

Kyoko's eyes looked hopeful as she nodded in understanding.

"I'll drop you home before curfew so Taisho won't kill me. It'll be fun," he said with a dazzling smile.

"But people will recognize you! Your fans would never let us be!" She stated apprehensively.

"Woods-san gave me something good," he said, reaching in his bag. He pulled out a couple of blonde wigs. "How about we go disguised as well me, Kuon, and you as… Ella?" he said wiggling his eyebrows.

Kyoko giggled taking the long golden wig from him. How did he know her favorite princess was Cinderella?

"What do you say?"

"Just like when we were the Heels?"

"Well not quite...not really acting just us in disguise. Me, Kuon, on a date with my beautiful girlfriend, Kyoko...that I sometimes call Ella because she's my princess." He swallowed thickly unsure how she would feel about his proclamation.

She nodded excitedly, her cheeks flushing from his words. Could they really get away with this?

Since she didn't correct him, Ren took that as a sign of acceptance. He gave her a boyish grin before standing up. "I guess I should start heading home. It's getting late. Yashiro and I will pick you up in the morning for school."

He extended his hands down to help her. Once she was up, he put her arms around his neck and pulled her in closer. This was his favorite part of his visit. He leaned down for a quick peck but she held his neck hostage pressing her lips against his fervently. Kyoko giggled against his lips as he straightened picking her up with him. He gently touched his tongue against her parted lips begging entrance. She opened her mouth wider deepening their kiss.

Ren let out a tortured groan. He ended the kiss remembering that they were in Taisho's house with Taisho's knives.

"Wow," he exhaled, resting his forehead against hers. He could see the blush on her cheeks extend to her ears and down her neck. A few more seconds went by before he selfishly slid her body down against him. He groaned internally relishing in the feel of her.

She continued to hold him even with her feet back on solid ground. He smirked as she took another steadying breath before letting him go.

"Okay?" He asked with a teasing grin. She nodded shyly stepping back from him.

"You don't have to walk me out. I know you still have more work to do." He pecked her on the lips before she could protest.

"Good night," he whispered, tucking strands of her long black hair behind her ear.

"Good night, Corn. Drive safe." She mumbled holding the ear he just touched.

"I'll see you in the morning. Sweet dreams princess." He picked up his things and headed out. If he didn't leave now they both wouldn't get any work done.

He said farewell to Okami and Taisho before heading to his car.

...

Kyoko was still working on her homework when her phone rang. Did he forget something? She looked at the caller ID and squealed with delight. Her best friend in the whole wide world was calling.

"Mooo-" Kyoko was cut off right away by her friend.

"Mo! Turn on Japan today on the TV, it's important! Quickly!"

"Moko-san, what's going on?" Kyoko asked as she made her way to the common area she shared with her landlords and turned on the TV. Shotaro's face filled the screen once she flipped to the channel.

She cursed and immediately hit the "off" button on the remote.

"Mo! Are you watching? He's talking about you!"

"What?!" Kyoko exclaimed. "That Shotaro! I'll kill him!" Kyoko said through clenched teeth as she turned the TV back on.

"Well, only people that know about your history know he's talking about you."

Kyoko sat down with her grudges swirling around her. It was a late-night interview. She rolled her eyes as the audience drank up every word that came out of his mouth.

"Fuwa-san can you tell us a little about the song you're singing tonight? The friend you mentioned earlier was your inspiration?" Asked the handsome show host.

"Yes, I've always been a fan of western music so I decided to try my hand at this one. I'm hoping my rendition appeals to Japan and to my friend," answered Sho flashing his gorgeous smile to the audience. The screams were ear-piercing.

"You'll hear it, first folks. Fuwa-san will debut his newest song tonight," the host continued, turning to the audience when they finally quieted.

The host engaged Sho again. "I heard it was an English cover. Are you fluent in the language?"

"Of course!" Sho replied with an air of arrogance and a sweep of his hair. "My plan is to gain international stardom. It's only natural that I speak English well."

Kyoko gritted her teeth. This cocky bastard! It was all thanks to her. She spent so much time and effort in helping him with his English studies. She developed an easy teaching method just so he would feel comfortable learning the language. This reminded her of her blind stupidity for him in the past. Not even so much as a thank you from him even then.

Sho walked up to the microphone with his guitar strapped to him. "I'd like to dedicate this song to someone special. K, I hope you're listening and my words reach you."

Kyoko froze. K?!

The lights in the studio dimmed as a spotlight shone upon him. Strumming his guitar, he sang, "I was dreaming of the past, and my heart was beating fast…"

"I didn't mean to hurt you, I'm sorry that I made you cry, oh my I didn't want to hurt you, I'm just a jealous guy..."

Kyoko found the song moving and enjoyed the melody. His annunciation of the words was perfect. She gave herself a pat on the back for being able to teach the idiot so well.

When the song ended, the audience's cheers were thunderous. Kyoko exhaled the breath she didn't realize she held. Was this his way of apologizing? The song brought her back to the past when she could hear English music wafting from his room. She wasn't allowed inside unless it was to clean or help him with homework. If this was supposed to count as an apology, it was too late.

Kyoko turned off the TV without bothering to finish watching the segment. She returned to her room gripping her phone absentmindedly.

She smiled glancing at the spot where Ren sat in her room earlier. He was obviously uncomfortable sitting on the floor since he kept shifting positions. She made a mental note to pick up some floor pillows when she had free time. Sho's performance was easily forgotten as she tried to think of ways to make her "boyfriend" more comfortable on his next visit. She smiled softly to herself letting the warm feelings of love, she vehemently tried to deny for the past year, wash over her.

"Mo! Hello! Kyoko are you still there?" Kanae's muffled voice came sounded over the receiver of the cellphone. The sound of Kanae's voice penetrated through her thoughts.

"Sorry, yes, I'm still here," Kyoko responded quickly. She forgot her friend was on the line.

"So?"

"So...what?"

"How did you feel about that guy?" Kanae asked exasperatedly.

"Ehhh?! What do you mean?"

"Are you moved by his apology?" Kanae asked after such a performance.

"I'm not sure what he's trying to achieve. Even if I do accept his apology, I don't see myself being friends with him. He took advantage of my friendship in the past...I'm in a good place now. I love Ren and I'm happy and terrified all at once."

"That's valid. Has Tsuruga done anything for you to doubt him? Because I'll kill him if he has."

"No, he's very sweet and understanding. I'm doing better at not overthinking everything. I still can't believe that he loves me back."

"You two are both love idiots….What are you going to do about Fuwa?"

Kyoko groaned. "Can I just ignore him?"

"Well you grew up with him, will he cause trouble? He didn't say your name but who knows about next time."

"Shotaro has always been selfish and arrogant. It only dawned on me that I never once received a thank you for all I did for him. There's no changing that attitude overnight but maybe he's trying. I'm happy now. I have you and people that care for me for just being me not for what I could do for them. In a way, I'm grateful to him. I probably would have been stuck in Kyoto working in the ryokan for the rest of my life if I didn't follow him here."

"Mo, if you put it that way that I have to thank him too. We wouldn't have become friends, otherwise."

"Best friends!"

Kanae groaned, "Yes, yes, best friends!"

"Kyaaaa! Moko admitted to being best friends. I'm so lucky!"

"Mo, stop it! Don't go off-topic. You need to tell that guy loud and clear that you've moved on. This kind of guy will continue to persist and could be detrimental to your career and your relationship with Tsuruga-san."

"You're right Moko-san. Thank you for looking out for me!"

"I'm hanging up now since you're fine. I need my beauty rest."

"Moko, can we hang out. We can go to the Karaoke box if you don't want ice cream."

"Sure, let me know the time. Goodbye!"

"Good n-" Click

Kyoko wasn't even upset that her best friend hung up on her suddenly. She felt like the luckiest girl on the planet. Her best friend called her first, worried about her, and even agreed to hang out with her soon.

She didn't like how the threat of Sho exposing her worried her friend. She had no clue what was his main objective. Was he really trying to apologize? When she kicked him on the shin she thought he had matured a little. Kyoko sighed and tried to push thoughts of Sho out of her mind while she resumed her homework.

Finally finished with her homework, Kyoko stretched her limbs and prepared for bed. She blushed as she stared up at her ceiling lying on her futon. She held the sheets to her nose wondering if his scent lingered. It didn't.

It warmed her heart knowing that Taisho was slowly accepting Ren. Out of respect for her landlords, they kept the door open though Okami said it wasn't necessary. Her thoughts quickly became unsettled as she thought about how Sho could possibly ruin their new relationship. She had to call him and straighten things out right away.

She settled back into bed and made the call. He picked up after the second ring.

"Hey baby, miss me already?"

Kyoko's heart quickened as a sense of warmth settled over her. Her eyes watered. It was crazy how much she already missed him.

"I," she cleared the lump from her throat. "I did," she admitted honestly.

"What's wrong?" he demanded. "Did something happen after I left? Did Fuwa show u-?"

"How did you know?" She asked incredulously. He always astounded her with his insight.

"What did he do?" Ren practically growled over the phone. Kyoko gripped her phone. Maybe this was a bad idea. "I'm sorry."

He was quiet as she told him about the broadcast. "I don't know why he's doing this. Shotaro rarely apologizes. I want to move forward with my life, with you. I don't want my past popping up turning everything upside down. In a way, I'm grateful to him. If he didn't ask me to come to Tokyo, I would have never discovered my love for acting…or found you again. Do you believe in fate? I think she has been weaving her threads all along. It may not have been easy but I'm glad she made me take the detour. It made me stronger."

"I understand very well. The issues I had growing up, Rick's death. I can't help but wonder if it was all planned to lead me back to you."

"I'm sorry you had to go through that alone." Her voice barely above a whisper. The lump was back in her throat. It saddened her that she couldn't have been there for him the way he had been for her.

The line was silent for a few beats before Ren finally replied, "I have you now. You make me stronger."

Kyoko smiled as peace settled over her. She was glad she could be his strength now. They couldn't change their past but they could definitely find joy in the future with each other.

"Thank you, Corn."

They both settled into a quiet, each lost in their thoughts, content with knowing the other was on the line.

"Corn?"

"Hmm?"

"I think I need to talk with Sho but I don't want to upset you."

"I'm sorry. I keep giving you a bad impression of me. I'm working on reining in my jealousy but if he hurts you in any way..."

Kyoko heard the promise as his voice trailed off not finishing his threat.

"No, I don't want you risking yourself, your career, or everything you've built here like that. I can handle him. Please trust me.."

"I do trust you! It's him I can't trust. Even if I don't like it, I know you need this closure."

"Actually, I'll let him seek me out instead if he really has something sincere to say. I'll tell him clearly that my heart belongs only to you."

"I love you," Ren responded. Kyoko hummed in reply.

"I should let you get to sleep," he added quickly. "I'll see you in the morning. Sweet dreams, baby."

"Good night, Corn," She loved him too so why was it so hard for her to just return the words. Even if she couldn't say them, yet, she could continue to show him.

AN: Thank you, everyone, for your continued support and for reading, favoring, and following. I appreciate everyone that reviewed the last chapter. It's nice having feedback.

Today is my deadline at work (yes I'm 100% a procrastinator) and I thought I'd take a break to edit and get this chapter out instead. I'm veering off on a tangent to my original non-plan for some characters but I heart fluffy. I hope my decision doesn't flop. I leave the angst to the other writers.

The song Sho sang was "Jealous Guy" by John Lennon

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^