Chapter 25: Red Carpet

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Maria would accept them with open arms.

Ren stood there for a few moments and let his dark eyes run the length of her. He started at her toes dragging his gaze up until he stopped at her doe-eyed stare in the mirror.

"Do I look all right?" She asked his reflection in the mirror with a smile that made him nearly weep from its beauty.

"Baby, you look wonderful tonight."He responded barely above a whisper as he tried to control his emotions. The flush on her cheeks told him that she had heard.

Their exchange triggered a memory from his childhood. His mother sat in front of her vanity and prepared for yet another cocktail party. He would sit on his parents' bed and watch her apply her makeup. Occasionally, she would look at him in the mirror with her sparkling emerald eyes and flash him a dazzling smile. He never got bored watching her and wanted to spend as much time with her whenever she was home.

It wasn't that Kyoko reminded him of his mother. It was the song his father played often as he whisked his mother in a dance around the living room before they headed out that came to his mind. It was so appropriate right now that he could hear the music clearly in his mind as he stared at the beautiful woman before him. Is this how his Dad felt about his Mom every time? He'd have to ask his Dad about the song or look it up himself. He had a general idea of the lyrics.

Earlier

Ren left the studio and headed for the President's mansion. As soon as Ruto opened the door, Ren was assaulted by a bundle of blonde curls and frilly lace.

"Ren-sama!" Maria exclaimed as she threw herself at him. Ren doubled over in pain as he hugged her. Maria managed to hit him right in the privates. He tried to hide his pain from her as he sucked in air. He didn't want to be the one to explain the male anatomy to the little girl. He scolded her lightly and told her a proper young lady did not jump on people. Maria apologized as he lifted her into his arms.

"I thought Onee-sama would be with you?" She asked, looking over his shoulder for Kyoko.

"She's getting ready for tonight but I'll be picking her up later," Ren explained.

They broke the news of their relationship to Maria a couple of weeks ago. Kyoko had joked that she expected Maria to retaliate in some way with bugs. It shocked them that Maria took the news rather well. She gave them both hugs and told them, "You two are my most favorite people in the world aside from Grandpa, Ruto, and Papa. Maria is very happy that you're finally happy together."

"Eh...Maria-chan, you don't hate me? Wasn't it your dream to marry Ren?" Kyoko asked the girl that she considered her little sister.

"Ren-sama is my ideal husband. If it's you Onee-sama, I'm willing to let him go. He is the only one worthy of you anyway. I will just have to find someone younger and better than him," she said with a humph.

Kyoko gave Maria another hug. "Thank you, Maria. I don't know what I would have done if you hated me."

"That's silly. There's no way I would do such a thing over a guy. I'm glad you finally admitted your feelings to each other and can now be happy. Sometimes Ren-sama and Onee-sama would make such sad faces that Maria has no idea how to cheer them up," she admitted sadly. "Maria is only a child. She could only stand by and watch those she loved hurt. Maria felt very helpless. Even though Onee-sama and Ren-sama always make Maria very happy, she couldn't do anything to help. I can do this small thing if it makes you two happy."

"You are such a big girl, Maria-chan," Ren praised, ruffling her hair. Even Maria noticed our feelings for each other before either of us did.

"Maria let Ren inside," Lory called from the other room pulling Ren from his thoughts.

With Maria in his arms, Ren strolled towards the room guided by Ruto. He found the President sitting in black silk pajamas, a smoking jacket, and slippers, with an unlit cigar in his mouth playing one of his love sim video games. Lory turned off the console disappointed by the latest development of his couple.

"Ren, my boy. How are things?" Lory asked, addressing the young man that was like a son to him. Ren put Maria down and sat in the empty chair Lory offered. She scampered off as he took a seat.

Lory could tell that the shadows of the past were slowly dissipating just from staring into the young man's eyes. Ren looked more relax and almost his age. His plastic facade was slowly crumbling. The walls he built up from when he first came to Japan were slowly breaking down. He had to thank Kyoko for bringing him out of the darkness. What they had tried to do for the past five years, she managed in such a short period.

Lory had a feeling it could only be love. Love transcends all. He couldn't wait to see his favorite drama play out.

"Tonight is a big night for both of you. Are you prepared for the ramifications?" Lory asked, lighting his cigar now that Maria was gone.

Ren nodded grimly. Although he reassured Kyoko that everything would be fine, he still couldn't predict how things would play out.

The American horror movie Carrie came to mind. He shook his head to clear his negative thoughts. That was the worst-case scenario. He doubted any Japanese would have the gall to pull something off like that. There was no way that would happen. He wouldn't let it.

"I'm hoping there's no crazy fan out there that would cause us trouble. Has there been anything through the mail Boss?" Ren asked.

"Nothing too concerning. Just the usual when your fans see you getting too close to another woman that's not them," Lory replied. It was the truth.

"Anything on your end?" Lory asked shrewdly. He narrowed his eyes at Ren. The young man had the tendency of bottling things up hoping to not trouble anyone with his problems.

"There's someone from my past. He didn't make things easy back then," Ren admitted but didn't elaborate. He hid most of his problems from his parents so he doubted Lory knew any of the details either. The last time he saw Lory before his move to Japan was when he visited with his father for the movie promotion.

"His name is Cedric. Cedric Bennett."

Ren missed the look of shock that flashed across Lory's face at hearing the name because he looked away unsure of himself.

"Our families go way back. I don't know why he's here but Dad said he's hiding out because he got into some trouble with a model. He's working with Kyoko on the Sacred Lotus. He doesn't recognize me."

Lory was surprised. He exchanged mail and phone calls with Kuu routinely with Kuon as the subject. His friend never mentioned this side conversation he had with his son. The name could be a coincidence. He would need to make a call to look into the matter. He didn't want this man causing trouble for Kuon prematurely.

Lory cocked a curious brow at the boy. Something else bothered him more than his past with this Cedric fellow.

"Don't worry about Mogami-kun, that girl is a fighter. She laughs in the face of adversity. Her role as Momiji will only skyrocket her career. Seiji-kun has already approached me for her debut movie. I told him a little about her family situation though she's under my care. He's willing to wait until she's eighteen so she won't need parental permission for work. He doesn't have a script yet just an idea brewing in his mind. He's trying to contact the author of a certain book to see if he can make it a movie. He wanted to let me know about it in case some other Director tried to beat him to the punch. She must have made quite an impression on him on the set of Ring Doh. He's actively following her career."

Ren was pleased to hear the news. He wondered what Seiji had in mind. Who would be playing the male lead? He would try to pull whatever strings he needed to play the role that was opposite of her.

Lory clicked his tongue and gave him a knowing smile.

Ren flinched. He hated how Lory had a sixth sense about him and knew exactly what he was thinking. He filed His thoughts on Kyoko's debut away for later. He had plenty of time to think about it before her eighteenth birthday. He would put feelers out to Seiji's assistant.

Lory knew the name of the book but didn't want to give anything away. He wanted to know what length Ren would go through to land the male lead acting opposite Kyoko. He didn't tell Ren that Seiji personally requested him for the role but was denied. As he was now there would be no way Ren could pull off the role. The whole production would look forced. The media would accuse them of using Ren as a publicity stunt. He didn't want the movie to be a dud.

"I'm ready for you, Ren-chan." Ten announced walking into the room.

Ren startled. He didn't realize she was already here. Nothing he said earlier gave him away. He stood and bowed. "Thank you for helping me Woods-sa-, Ten-san." He corrected her name when she flashed him an irritated smile.

Her smile softened. "That's better." Ren walked into the President's private salon and sat in the chair. "So are we going back to your natural color?"

He shook his head. He wasn't quite ready to shock Japan with his true identity.

Muse frowned. It was a pity that he continued to hide his gorgeous hair from the world. The Japanese would embrace his natural appearance. All she knew was that he was American and for some reason, he was hiding that part of himself. She ran her fingers through his hair and gazed at him in the mirror. She was happy to see the brightness in his eyes compared to when she first met him as a sullen teen. His eyes were dull and lifeless then. It baffled her. How could a beautiful boy have such a broken soul? She smiled knowing Kyoko was the direct result of his happiness. Darling was right, love heals all wounds.

"It's getting long and falling into my eyes a lot. I was wondering if you can trim it," Ren suggested to her reflection.

Muse smiled with a nod. That was an excellent idea. She had just the look in mind.

They made small talk as she worked. They mainly talked about Kyoko which was his favorite subject these days. Ten lectured him like a nagging mother about treating her right and not taking advantage of her. He was appalled that Ten would think him capable of treating her as anything less than a princess. The talk turned to gifts. Should he show up with one or not, he wasn't sure. She recommended he pick up a rose for her. She knew a shop that sold dyed blue ones. Ren perked up, Kyoko would appreciate a small gesture like that.

Ren thanked her again, satisfied with the results. He bowed and took his leave. He said goodbye to Maria and Lory and made his way toward the shop that Ten mentioned. He was glad he listened to her recommendation. The flowers at this shop were beautiful just like her. He found a large blue rose similar in size to Queen Rosa and hue to her Corn stone. It was perfect. He paid for his purchase and thanked the florist.

He sat on his couch staring at the clock on his phone willing time to speed up. He still had a couple of hours before he could collect Kyoko. He turned on the TV and watched an episode of Box-R from his list of recordings. Her Natsu captivated him. He frowned at how well she flirted with the boys in her class. Where did she learn to do that so well? Was it from him? No, she was still too pure and innocent to learn any of that from him, wasn't she?

She did have that moment as Setsu in the hotel room. He groaned remembering how it felt to have her thighs straddling him. Her short skirt hiked up, a hint of dark material peeking through. He closed his eyes recalling the feel of her hands traveling up his chest. The warmth from her heat set his abs on fire. He had to give himself props for keeping his cool that night even if moments before his heart was in turmoil over Fuwa. He laughed softly at what he had to think about to keep his erection in check after she broke the hold dark Kuon had on him; old ladies, drag queens, and his mother force-feeding him. Nothing deflated him faster like the thought of eating his mother's home-cooked meals.

No one would have blamed him should things have turned south that night. You could only put a hot-blooded man and woman in a hotel room for so long before they broke. He didn't know if he should have thanked or cursed Lory for his meddling. Either way, he managed to face his inner demons and her honestly thanks to Lory's interference.

He looked at the clock again. He was getting restless since there was still plenty of time left. He suddenly had the urge to call them while he waited. They always kept late hours due to work or other commitments.

"Hi, it's me. Did I wake you?" Kuon said as the line connected.

"Kuon! How are you?" Kuu responded, pleased to hear from his son. "Your Mom and I are on our way home from a party!"

"Hey, Sweetie! How are you doing?" Julie squealed delightedly to hear her baby boy's voice again. "You're on speakerphone. California laws, hands-free and all."

Kuon chuckled. He missed his parents. He tried to call his Mom after he promised his dad but she was in the middle of work so it was a short call. This was the first time since then that he was able to catch each other free.

"What's up bud? Something on your mind," Kuu asked with a concerned tone.

"Ah, no, I'm sorry I just had some time so I wanted to call and say hi! Is it okay that I did?" He was afraid of their rejection.

"Don't be stupid. Your Mom and I have been waiting for over five years for you to call us. We never need a reason for you to call," Kuu scolded. Kuon knew that if he had said that to his dad's face he would have earned a super flick to his forehead. The kind that stung and left a mark.

"Yes, sweetie, call us anytime you ever want to talk. If we can't take the call, then please leave us a message. We'll call you back as soon as we can," Julie reassured him.

"Thanks, Mom. I'll be sure to do that," Kuon replied softly.

"Hey, tonight is awards night, right?" Kuu asked, switching subjects. "Congratulations son. I hear you're up for the best actor and my daughter is nominated for best supporting actress. I sent her an email regarding it. I would have sent you one or called but I didn't want to break our promise."

"I'm just so proud of you both! Your dad has been boasting about Kyoko at work. We saw the R'Mandy photos. You two are so beautiful together. You should hear him talking about the good for nothing 'Tsuruga Ren' trying to steal his daughter's purity," his mom said with a laugh.

His mom's laugh was still the same, almost musical. Kuon smiled as he listened to his parents' banter. His Dad argued with her that it was true. He needed to go back to Japan and keep her locked up from all the dirty men.

Kuon scoffed, "Jeez dad, even your son!"

"Especially my son! The biggest wolf of them all. By the way, how is she doing? You guys okay? You're being safe, right? Not that I don't mind grandbabies," his Dad asked."Actually, forget I said anything. I want grandbabies don't be safe."

Kuon groaned, his Dad was still embarrassing and now contradictory. One moment he was inadvertently threatening Kuon to stay away from Kyoko the next he was talking about having grandkids. "We're great! We're more than great! I, I'm really in love with her. I've never felt this way before that it's kind of painful…" Kuon could feel his face heating up. He didn't know why he just said so much. He cleared his throat to hide his embarrassment. "Anyway, we're taking things slow."

He thought he would go crazy from wanting her. He searched the internet to see if an excessive amount of self-ejaculation was detrimental to one's health.

"We're so happy for you sweetie," Julie cooed. "Do you think you guys would visit us soon?"

Kuon grew quiet. He didn't know how to answer without disappointing her.

"We don't want to rush you. I just want to see you again. We miss you, honey."

"I know mom. I'm sorry for the way I acted. For running away. I'm getting there. Anyway, I should go now. I have to get cleaned up and pick up Kyoko. She's currently getting beautified for the ceremony. It's only been a few hours but I already miss her," Kuon told his parents.

His parents laughed which was a promising sound to Kuon. They weren't too hurt by his words. He felt like he was running away now that he was rushing off the phone.

"That love bug bit you hard," Kuu teased with more laughter ensuing on their end.

"HA! HA! Very funny guys." Kuon eventually joined the laughter. It was funny because it was true.

"Okay sweetie, thanks for calling. We hope to talk to you soon. Good luck to both of you tonight. Give Kyoko our love," Julie said, making blowing kisses sounds to the phone.

"Um Mom, Dad, if ever you want to call me or send me an email I would like it. Thank you for being patient and understanding. I love you guys," Kuon told them.

"Thank you, sweetie. That makes us very happy. We love you too. Have fun tonight and remember to stay out of trouble," his mom warned.

After a final goodbye, he hung up the phone with his parents. He was glad he called. It was becoming easier to talk to them without feeling ashamed or that he was troubling them.

Present

"Good evening Japan, this is Yuna here and this is my co-host for the night Abe-san, live from the red carpet at the Tokyo Drama Awards. We'll bring you the scoop on the hottest stars as they walk the red carpet and head into the ceremony."

"Yuna-san, it looks like the crowd of bystanders by the road are going wild out there again. I wonder who's pulling up this time," Abe exclaimed.

They watched Koga exit the Limo flashing his million-yen smile to the crowd. He had a gorgeous international supermodel hanging from his arm. He blew kisses and waved to the crowd as he walked down the carpet with his date. The screams from the women in the crowd were deafening.

Koga stopped to provide comments to several reporters and posed for pictures before he made it to the hosts.

He stopped for a quick highlight with Yuna and Abe while his date stayed off to the side and waited.

Yuna asked, "Koga-kun you're looking quite gallant tonight in your blue suit. Can you tell us who you're wearing?" Koga responded to her question and twirled to show off his outfit.

"Congratulations on your nominee for Best Actor. How do you feel about going up against Tsuruga-kun?" Abe asked.

The Japanese audience watching the broadcast at home shivered at Koga's version of a gentleman smile as he kindly and professionally took a shot at his competition. After a few more questions regarding his latest works, he made a shameless plug regarding his new drama the Sacred Lotus in the Mire. He thanked the hosts and made his way inside with his date.

The crowd was quiet as they waited for the next car to pull up.

"It looks like several cast members from Dark Moon along with Director Ogata and Momose-chan have arrived," Abe announced for the home viewers as the camera panned to the new arrivals. "Dark Moon is up for several awards tonight. Best Drama, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, to rattle off a few."

"As it should be, Abe. It was the most anticipated drama that people tuned into every week. The remake surpassed its predecessor in viewer ratings and polls. The acting was superb. Director Ogata did a phenomenal job with his rendition," Yuna added.

Yuna intercepted Director Ogata before he could slip inside. The poor director was nervous as always but he managed to stammer through her questions. Asami approached the platform to relieve her friend from the stress. He would need his energy for later.

The next car that pulled up did not disappoint the fans camping out on the street. When the door was open out stepped none other than Fuwa Sho.

The cheers for Sho could rival that of Koga. The young visual kei singer was basking in the glory as he blew kisses out to the crowd. He even went so far as to shake a few hands of his fans, the best looking female ones of course. A few fainted from being so close to the rock star. Sho had to be ushered along just to keep the flow moving.

"Fuwa-kun, it's good to see you this evening. You're looking dashing in your tuxedo. We heard through the grapevine that you will be performing a new song. Can you tell us about it?"

Sho was still schmoozing the crowd as the catcalls started to die down when Yuna asked her question. He blew a kiss in the direction where a fan yelled, "Have my baby, Sho-kun!"

He turned his full attention to Yuna. "Thank you, Yuna-chan. You're looking quite ravishing yourself," He praised while admiring the woman's well-endowed assets." The older woman blushed under his scrutiny.

Abe cleared his throat and interjected. "Fuwa-kun, can you give us a little hint about your song tonight?"

Sho rubbed the back of his neck shyly. "It's not my usual style but I was inspired by a situation that happened with one of my dearest friends. I appreciate if everyone doesn't judge me harshly. You have to stay tuned to get more than that." His expression was so endearing to the viewers at home that his fans doubled that night across Japan.

Sho's interview was disrupted by a thunderous roar that came from the front of the crowd as a white limo pulled up to the curb. Women screamed, cried, and fainted as Japan's most desirable man stepped out from the limo. To see the great Tsuruga Ren in the flesh was staggering for his fans. He stepped out and gave the crowd his professional smile as he waved to them.

A hush fell over the crowd as they watched Ren do the unthinkable and turned back to the car. In all the years they had watched Ren's career he had never once shown up to these events with a date and always opted to attend with the cast of his latest work. They watched, with bated breath, as his hand closed around a delicate hand wearing a crystal-encrusted butterfly ring he helped her out of the car.

AN: I apologize for the filler and the cliffie. I'm dragging this day out again…LOL. I have a limited imagination, so I hope you enjoyed this.

Thank you for reading and thank you to those that indulged me and left reviews of the last chapter. One review opened my eyes to the fact that there are non-English speakers or ESL (English as a second language) reading this. I also just recently started clicking links on my FF acct that shows the breakdown of readers from other countries and I was floored. I admire people that can speak/read/write another language aside from English. I, unfortunately, do not have enough talent or exposure to learn another one, duo lingo only gets me so far ;)

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^