Chapter 39: The Trial

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Taisho would have words with Kyoko's father.

Tadashi stopped eating when he realized that Ren didn't have any food. He placed his chopsticks down and patted his mouth with a napkin. "I'm sorry, Ren-kun, that was rude of me to eat before you even received your meal."

"Ah, don't stop on my account. I already passed this boss," Ren boasted, gesturing to continue eating.

"If you're sure," Tadashi replied, eyeing Ren as he continued to eat. He didn't understand what the young man meant, but he assumed he was undergoing some sort of trial by Taisho. He hoped he could get on the good side of the man even if they got off on the wrong foot. He felt like he was off the hook quite easily.

Kyoko walked in with Okami bearing trays laden with food and drink. "Oh, I see Taisho fed you fish. I think he'll be pleased with the results," she said, removing the empty dishes and replacing them with more food.

"Did you cook this, Kyoko-chan?" Tadashi asked. Her cheeks flushed and she nodded shyly. Tadashi was as eager as a kid in a candy store. He was elated that he could eat his daughter's delicious cooking. It would be wonderful if one day they could cook a meal together. He went off to his version of La-la land as he imagined them together in the kitchen coming up with new recipes.

"Tadashi-san, is everything okay? Is there anything not to your liking?" Kyoko asked, concerned. Tadashi shook himself out of his thoughts.

"Everything is perfect. My precious daughter cooked a delicious meal for me, so I will eat it all," Tadashi assured her.

Kyoko smiled at the familiarity of his words. They reminded her of Kuu when she had played young Kuon with him. Could this be a natural trait among fathers?

"I will be right back with more dishes and then I'll join you." Kyoko narrowed her eyes at Ren, "I want you to eat everything on your plate." Ren gulped but picked up his chopsticks obediently. There was already too much food on the table.

"Ren-kun, is there something you don't like?" Tadashi asked, curiously. If he was going to get close to the actor, he wanted to know what his preferences were too.

Kyoko answered for him, "It's not that he doesn't like the food; it's that he doesn't eat enough. How he keeps up his amazing physique is beyond me when he eats like a bird?"

Ren smiled and teased, "You think my physique is amazing?"

"Hush! Not the time nor the place, now eat!" Kyoko said sternly, as the blush already dusting her cheeks deepened. How could he say that in front of her father? So embarrassing. She left the room with Ren chuckling after her.

Ren cleared his throat at the glare Tadashi shot him. Tadashi knew exactly what two people in love living together did behind closed doors. The fact that this guy before him was having relations with his teenage daughter didn't sit well with him. There was nothing he could do about it. It was his blunder that made her move in with him so fast.

"So why does Kyoko-chan think you don't eat enough? If you don't mind me asking?" Tadashi inquired, trying to fill the awkward silence as he watched Ren pick at his food.

"Ah, well, I was traumatized as a child. My mother is a horrible cook, and she used to force-feed me her food. Since then, I've had a strong aversion to food. I only eat what is required of me. Kyoko has made it her mission to fix my poor eating habits. I've been eating more since I met her. Her food is very delicious."

Kyoko and Okami returned with even more trays of food. There was seriously enough food for at least ten people when Kyoko sat down to eat.

"Kyoko-chan, did you cook all this too?" Tadashi was amazed at the variety and skill of the food before him. Kyoko nodded. "Will Taisho and Okami-san be joining us then?

Kyoko shook her head and said, "They would be joining later since they are still serving the last of the customers."

"Oh good, I was scared for a minute that this was all for us," He said, waving his hand over the elaborate spread.

"It is. I made most of this for you, Tadashi-san. As you know, Ren doesn't eat much, but don't all fathers have large appetites?" Kyoko asked. Her innocently golden eyes were the size of saucers anticipating his answer.

Ren started coughing as food went down the wrong pipe. Of course, she would think the man had the same black hole stomach as his father. He was her only reference. Kyoko patted and rubbed Ren on the back until he was finally able to breathe again.

"Are you okay, Ren?" She handed him a glass of water. He nodded weakly. Her reasoning was too cute! Ren glanced at Tadashi, silently apologizing for his father. Tadashi, not missing her reference, decided he would not lose to the man she already called "Otou-san."

Not wanting to disappoint his daughter, Tadashi worked on eating all the delicious food before him. She was indeed an excellent cook. When he was nearly finished, he broke out in a cold sweat. Kyoko looked at her father concerned as he took his last bite and then laid his head down on the table for fear of regurgitating all the food he just packed in his stomach.

Ren was amazed by the man. He couldn't believe he was able to eat all that. He thought only his father was capable of that feat—the things fathers do for the happiness of their children.

"Are you okay, Tadashi-san?" Kyoko asked timidly. She was worried the food made him sick and didn't want him angry with her.

Tadashi caught the fear in her voice. "I'm fine, Kyoko-chan. It's just more than I'm used to eating, but I couldn't let your efforts go to waste. I'm sorry you have such a weak father that couldn't handle this meager amount of food. I was just too happy to have had a meal cooked by you," he confessed.

"I'm sorry, I thought you ate a lot, just like Otou-sa...Ren's father." She said, looking down at the table.

Tadashi smiled and patted her head. "I'm glad Ren- kun's father has been there for you. He sounds like a good man. I would like to meet him someday," he said sincerely.

Kyoko's face brightened at the idea. She knew they would get along.

"Now that dinner is finished, can someone tell me what Taisho was talking about? He mentioned a punk boy making you slave away to pay living expenses." The temperature in the room grew cold as Tadashi became serious. A smidgen of his anger seeped out. Ren and Kyoko caught a glimpse of the ruthless businessman hiding behind the nice guy facade.

"Ah, it's no longer anything. I have moved on from that chapter in my life, so I'd rather not open the past. Let's just say I'm grateful to him. Otherwise, I wouldn't have become an actress. I wouldn't have met Ren. I especially wouldn't have met you if I was still in Kyoto," She added with a small smile and clasped Ren's hand.

Tadashi couldn't help but return her smile. He vowed not to look into it even if he wanted too. He would just wait and see if the pest came back into her life. If she needed his help, he would be there for her this time.

Taisho and Okami joined them for a drink bringing the sake Tadashi brought as a gift. The tension in the room rose exponentially.

Ren refused a drink. "I'd like to keep my head clear since I'll be driving home with precious cargo."

Taisho and Tadashi nodded with approval of his decision. Kyoko and Okami tried to make small talk to fill the quiet room with noise. The restaurant was already closed, so the muffled sounds of guests were gone.

Taisho put down his sake cup and stared at Tadashi, making him gulp his drink down. The heated liquid slid down his throat smoothly and burned.

"Why didn't you just talk to Kyoko-chan first? Why the need to sneak around?" Taisho asked out of the blue halting Okami and Kyoko's chat.

Tadashi sweatdropped. He wasn't entirely off the hook just yet. "I apologize for the intrusion. I wanted to secretly obtain her D-N-A so as not to cause her any distress. If it turned out to be false, she would be none the wiser, and her life would not be affected. The first time I saw her on TV, I knew in my heart that she was mine. I didn't want to scare her right off the bat with accusations, but it seems I did anyhow. I have already missed out on so much these past seventeen years, I didn't want to waste any more time. My impatience caused needless trouble," Tadashi said apologetically and bowed again.

Taisho nodded in understanding, "Kyoko-chan tells us you live and work in America. Will you return?"

"Yes, that's true. My branch is in America. I will be returning there in a few weeks," Tadashi informed the owners.

Kyoko gasped and tried to hide her disappointment. She knew he was leaving, but she had no idea it would be so soon.

Tadashi ignored her and continued, "I will be turning over my workload to someone I trust and returning to the Tokyo branch. I plan on relocating to Japan permanently," he said, looking at Kyoko. He hoped that she would be agreeable to having him here. The look of relief on her face told him that she was happy with the decision.

"I can't abandon my company. There are too many employees depending on me. I don't know how long it would take, but I promise, I will be back in Japan at least for your eighteenth birthday." Tadashi didn't like the way that came out. The word abandon didn't sit well with him. He technically abandoned her mother and unknowingly her as well. Yet here he was being the hypocrite again and telling her he didn't want to abandon a company for her. The company and the people had been, in a sense, his family for a long time.

"That came out wrong. I'm trying to say that I have a responsibility to many people. Once everything is secure there, I will be back here with you."

Taisho polished off his drink and grunted. Without another word, he stood and left the room. Tadashi looked at the retreating back of the owner, confused. This did not look good. He tried to respond honestly to all the questions. He ran over his answers in the last few minutes to determine where he went wrong. Did I just fail?

"Don't mind him, Morimoto-san. That's just the way he acts. He is quite pleased that you are here. Kyoko-chan has many people that love and support her, but the love of a parent is always good for a child. You can be at ease while you're away that we will keep her safe. Please have another drink." Okami poured the sake into his cup.

He wasn't quite sure if he made a good impression on the man, but the relief from her words was profound. "Thank you, Okami-san. That means a lot to me. Thank you for taking such good care of her in my stead. I just wished her mot-…never mind, that's on me." He picked up the small cup and drank.

"So I'll see you at lunch then?" Kyoko asked as she slipped on her shoes.

"Of course, baby, I'll see you then," he said, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. She circled her arms around his neck and allowed herself a minute to lose herself in his kiss. With lips locked, she opened her eyes and looked at her watch. She tried to pull away, but he just followed.

"Ren, you need to let me go. Yashiro is already waiting," She laughed against his mouth, trying to pry his arms from around her. He was already Ren since he put on his brown contacts. Sometimes she felt like she was dating different men, but one thing she knew for certain, her senpai was becoming more playful.

"He can wait a few more minutes; I need you right now," he muttered against her lips. He pushed her against the front door and deepened their kiss. Kyoko couldn't resist him. She moaned as his hand grazed down her side, lifting her leg over his hip and squeezing her butt from inside her skirt. He ground his hips against her letting her feel his throbbing need. Rocking her hips, Kyoko rubbed herself against him. She plunged her fingers in his hair and pulled him closer. His hands roamed over her body inflaming her skin wherever he touched. He kissed her neck as he rhythmically bucked his hips against the heat of her center. A light sweat broke out on her skin as moisture pooled in her lacy underwear. She would have to change them before leaving. Her soft breaths quickened as their movements became desperate. They were so close to the edge.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

They froze. Seemingly doused with cold water from the loud raps on the door. Kyoko paled. Her eyes were wide like a deer caught in headlights. How much time had passed? It dawned on them that Yashiro had a key to the place. If he wanted to use it, he would find them in a very compromising position.

Kyoko pushed Ren away and frantically tried to fix her clothes. Why was the clasp of her bra undone? More importantly, when did he undo the buttons of her blouse? He had to have some latent superpowers when it came to undressing her.

The impatient knock came again. "Yashiro-san, is that you?" Ren asked trying to buy some time.

"Yes, Ren. I was worried when Kyoko didn't come down after 10 minutes, and neither one of you was answering your phones."

"Ren, can you please explain why I am still talking to you through the door?" Yashiro asked in an exasperated voice.

"Wait, Kyoko, you missed a button. Let me help you…"

Yashiro heard the frantic voice of Kyoko from the other side of the door, "Ren, stop, let me do it. You can open the door now. I don't want Yashiro-san to wait any longer. No wait, you aren't wearing-"

Yashiro tried to keep his expression impassive and tried even harder to hide the smirk threatening to split his face when a shirtless Ren finally opened the door. He pushed his glasses up and looked over his male charge. Ren's hair stuck up at odd angles, his brown eyes were alight with mischief, but best of all he had Kyoko's smeared lip gloss all over his mouth and neck. He could pretty much guess what he interrupted. Ugh! As a hetero male, Yashiro found him incredibly sexy. If the public ever saw this side of Ren, there would be a shortage of blood at the blood bank because of all the nosebleeds he would cause.

"Did I interrupt something important?" Yashiro asked, keeping his fangirl in check.

"No, not at all. I was just helping Kyoko um… find her shoes," He replied, coming up with a lame excuse. He felt like a teenager that was just caught in his room, messing around with his girlfriend.

Kyoko poked Ren in the rib. He grabbed at the spot and turned in her direction. She gasped in horror, "Oh my God!" She used the sleeve of her cardigan and rubbed harshly at the makeup on his face.

"Ow Kyoko! That hurts," Ren exclaimed, reaching up to stop her barrage on his face.

"This is all your fault! Grrr, you idiot!" She huffed and stomped out the door towards the elevator. She wished the earth would swallow her up before she died of embarrassment.

"Kyoko, wait," Ren shouted, running after her half-naked and barefoot. It was a good thing this entire floor was theirs; otherwise, the neighbors would think they were looney.

He grabbed Kyoko and kissed her passionately, "I love you, baby. I'll see you at lunch."

"Not fair!" She cried out but was unable to contain her smile. "I love you too," she called back before he reentered the apartment. He flashed her a gorgeous lopsided grin and winked before disappearing inside.

Yashiro stood stunned by their altercation. If he weren't so fascinated with the scene, he would have had enough sense to have recorded everything. Lory was going to be so jealous when he told him what he witnessed. He followed an embarrassed Kyoko into the elevator.

"Good Morning, Muse-sama!" Kyoko exclaimed when she met miss Jelly Woods in the President's private salon at LME.

"Morning Kyoko-chan, how many times have I told you if you can't call me Ten then at least drop the same," Ten scolded the girl.

"Eh, sorry, Muse-san. I keep forgetting," Kyoko said with a nervous laugh.

"That will have to do. How is everything going with work? With Ren-chan? Darling was right; you two make a cute couple," Ten winked.

"Everything is going good with work... and with Ren," Kyoko blushed as she remembered her departure this morning.

"That's good to hear. Ren-chan finally looks happy. Darling's plan to pair you up as the Heel siblings worked like a charm."

"Ehhhhhhhhhh!" Kyoko screeched. Was this part of the president's master plan? Since he already found her out, did he also know about Ren's feelings for her?

"Oh no, no, no, what I meant is that Darling knew that the role of Cain Heel would be difficult with Ren-chan's poor eating habits compounded with Heel-chan's personality. He was worried he'd live off beer and cigarettes the whole time corrupting Ren-chan's body in the process," Ten explained, trying to salvage the situation after seeing Kyoko's troubled face.

Kyoko nodded, accepting Ten's explanation. It was true that Cain would have eaten less than Ren ever would if she wasn't around. She supposed she should be grateful to her meddlesome boss since her dangerous mission allowed her to see another side of Ren.

Ten let out a sigh of relief and changed the subject. "I'm a little heartbroken that you turned to Fuji-san to help you with your awards ceremony dress. Even if he did do a fantastic job, I'm still pretty jealous. That's why this time I'm not holding back. I have the perfect dress for Setsuka-chan to wear to this premiere. I just want to make sure it fits you right, that's why I asked you to come in."

Jelly walked over to the clothing rack and unzipped a garment bag. She pulled out a dress and showed it to Kyoko. Kyoko clapped with excitement. Setsu would approve, but she wasn't sure if her Nii-san would. She couldn't wait for the premiere to find out.

...

Kyoko glanced at her watch and cleared the table. She had been sorting papers for Matsushima all morning after her dry-run with Ten. Kyoko tried on the dress, which only needed small alterations on the bodice. Kyoko was dismayed by her barely B-cup breasts. Ten assured her that she was still growing and would fill out more plus the dress will enhance all her assets. With the dress on, Ten had Kyoko try on various wig styles until she was satisfied with the overall look.

Kyoko closed her LoveMe locker when she was done changing and looked sadly at the other two lockers. It was a bit lonely without her friends here. The last time she had seen them was the spa date before Kanae left. She winced as the memory reminded her that she had her waxing appointment the day after tomorrow. That was the price of beauty. Maybe, she could look into the laser hair removal process she saw in a magazine. Now that she was debt-free, she could afford to splurge on something like that if they offered a payment plan.

…

Tadashi smiled when Kyoko waved to him from her seat with Ren. He was pleased to receive a lunch invite so soon. It had only been a couple of days after their night at Darumaya. In between that time, he had been exchanging mail with his daughter. He would text her in the morning to wish her a good day, and in the evening asking her about work. He wasn't sure if that was something fathers did, but he knew that it made him happy to receive a response from her. He planned to ask her today if it was too overbearing. He didn't want to come off too pushy.

The couple rose and bowed to him when he finally reached them. "Good afternoon, Tadashi-san," they greeted.

Tadashi bowed in return. "Thank you for inviting me, Kyoko-chan, Ren-kun. How are you both doing?"

"Were good," she answered for them both as she looked at Ren. He nodded in agreement. "I want to spend as much time with you as I can. You're leaving soon, right?" Kyoko told him honestly.

"Yes," he said with a slight bow of his head. He blinked as his eyes misted over. He was such a lucky man for having such a thoughtful daughter with no hard feelings. Was it just her sweet nature, or did the Fuwas raise her well?

Today they decided to use the counter service option and ordered their lunch. Tadashi insisted that as the parent he would pay. While waiting for their lunch to be delivered, Kyoko asked him about his family, wondering if she had any extended relatives in Japan. He told her about the unfortunate incident that occurred with her grandparents when he was just a boy.

"I'm so sorry for asking." Kyoko wanted to kick herself for having once again opened old wounds.

"It's no problem. I was young when it happened. I've mostly forgotten about them. Their graves are in Osaka. I haven't been there in a long time. I pay a caretaker to look after their gravesite. It's only right that you would want to know about the rest of your family, so don't apologize. Don't hesitate to ask me anything."

"So, were you all alone, or did you have a family friend to take care of you as the Fuwas did for me?" To save her grief, Tadashi told her he grew up as a ward of the state in foster care until he was old enough to work and afford his place.

Ren started to expand on Kyoko's question when the food arrived, ceasing all talk on the subject. Ren, having lived these past five years evading the truth, could tell he was hiding something from them. He didn't buy his story completely and planned to question him when the two of them were alone. It seemed like something he didn't want Kyoko to know about, but maybe he could get him to talk.

While they ate, Kyoko asked him about safer topics, like living in New York City. Things about the climate and culture. He told her that Manhattan reminded him very much of Tokyo: the hustle and bustle, the noisy streets, the tourists. It was a melting pot for different cultures, so it was easy for him to find authentic Japanese food there. There was even a Japanese confectionary shop that sold wagashi sweets that he frequented. The one thing he noticed different was the cleanliness. For some reason, he had to admire the way the Japanese kept their streets clean. He told her about his apartment right off Central Park. He could just walk out to his balcony and enjoy whatever entertainment was going on in the park that day from the comfort of his home.

Yashiro came to collect Kyoko for her Sacred Lotus job right on time. She would be at the studio for the rest of the day. She bowed her goodbyes leaving Ren with Tadashi.

Tadashi stood to leave as well but Ren stopped him. "Tadashi-san, may I please have a few moments of your time. I was hoping we could talk."

Tadashi gulped nervously and wondered if Ren was truly only twenty-one years old. He felt like their roles were reversed right now, leaving Tadashi feeling like a child.

"I felt like you were hiding something earlier of your life after your parents' death. If it's something that would affect Kyoko negatively I'd like to know. I want to protect her, and if that means I have to protect her from you, then I won't hesitate to do so."

Tadashi slumped in his chair and gave Ren a sad smile.

"You have good intuition. I withheld the details because I don't want her to feel pity for me. I don't deserve her sympathy."

"Are you trying to dissuade me from pushing the issue?" Ren hesitated but persisted.

Tadashi gave him a wry smile, shook his head, and told Ren the truth. He was abused when he was in foster care and ran away when he was about ten. He lived on the streets for a few years. He did unsavory things such as lying and stealing or worse to survive. It was on the streets that he learned to hide his identity and manipulate those around him in his favor. He watched friends in similar circumstances succumb to the harsh life. A few had overdosed from drug use and died whiled others were arrested and doing hard time in prison. He turned his life around when he was finally old enough to acquire a legit job. His father had instilled the value of education in him so he studied as best he could until he entered a tuition-free public school. From there, he was able to get a scholarship for a reputable high school and then go to college. Somewhere along the way, he became obsessed with success. The thought of being homeless again frightened him. As he said before, he saw a chance at rising to the top when Saena's case proved troublesome for the company. He thought he had everything planned out, but he failed to take one thing into account; falling in love with her.

"I thought I was doing her a favor by leaving. I didn't deserve her love, and I didn't deserve happiness. When I saw Kyoko-chan on the screen, it was a sign, a possible second chance. I wanted to do things right this time."

Ren thought of Kyoko's father in a whole new light. This man was dealt a heavy blow in his young life and still managed to come out unbeaten and successful. He felt ashamed as he thought about his life in the States, the land of opportunity. He grew up with two loving and successful parents. Anything his heart desired, he was given. How did he repay them? By rebelling like a typical over indulged teenager that had everything given to them on a silver platter. He wasn't the first celebrity child to suffer from the success of their parents. It was a common occurrence among the privileged upper-class adolescents of Beverly Hills. When they're routinely ignored by their parents, have endless credit, and are not held accountable for their actions, the result is self-destruction for attention. Coming to Japan had been a wakeup call for Kuon. He wasn't sure how his life would have turned out if Rick didn't die. Something told him his outlook wouldn't have been so good.

Tadashi couldn't read his expression once he was through explaining. "I'm sorry for troubling you with my story Ren-kun. I wanted to be honest. I understand if you feel you need to tell Kyoko the truth about me. I don't want my troubled past to interfere with her success."

Ren chuckled. "Thank you for your honesty, sir. I think you should share your story with her when you're ready. You need to give her more credit. She's not as fragile as she looks."

"I feel like you have more to say about it though, Ren-kun," Tadashi hesitated.

Ren shook his head softly. "It's not what you're thinking, Tadashi-san. I'm ashamed of how I lived my life as a teenager. Compared to you, I was an extremely spoiled brat that took my life for granted. I caused my loving parents a lot of pain with my rebellious nature. Since meeting Kyoko again, I can now find the courage to face them and apologize."

"Again?" Tadashi asked.

"Ah," Ren said, realizing his slip. "Well, uh, you see," Ren rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Ren decided it was best to come clean here. Sharing how they met wouldn't give much away about his identity if he kept it vague. "We met as children in Kyoto. My father had business there, and I tagged along. I believe she and her mother lived at the Fuwa Ryokan when I met her. We used to play by the river together."

"So lucky, Ren-kun. You knew her when she was younger. I'm very jealous. Can you tell me a bit about her during that time?" Tadashi asked, looking at him with those same large golden eyes that Ren could never refuse.

"One second," Ren pulled out his phone and sent a quick message to Kyoko. He smiled when he got her swift response. "She says it's okay but not to exaggerate anything."

AN: So I lied, I said I didn't know where I was going with the next chapter and right after I posted the previous one, I started this one...lol. I wanted to continue with Tadashi because I'm having him return to the States. I went back and added the bit about DNA testing after reading Brennakai's review. So thanks for the reviews, I appreciate them.

To the Guest reviewer of Chpt 36 that mentioned a Facebook debate, unfortunately, I didn't get in on that discussion though I would have loved too. That chapter was just my interpretation of the Saena arc. Sensei drew this creepy hand, and she was drugged, which made me think of the date rape drug, but Saena admitted in another chapter that they had already slept together, so I thought if she was a willing partner why would he have bothered raping her. Plus, she said that her head was stroked by a large warm hand, so it made me think, lovingly.

Anyway, thank you all for continuing to read. I hope you enjoyed it. I never know how long these chapters are until I post it to FF, so I hope it's okay. I appreciate feedback, so leave me some. Thank you to the reviewers of the last chapter, you made me think.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^