Chapter 41: Proud Parent

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Koga would fall hard for Kyoko. Not romantically, but brotherly.

Tadashi smiled as he saw the incoming mail from Kyoko. He had planned his next steps and he wanted to tell her and Ren how it all went tonight. His time to go back to the States was fast approaching. He had already leased the apartment he was renting in Tokyo for another year. He needed to get back to New York and finalize his departure from the company. There was a bit of a hiccup when he announced his decision to relocate to Tokyo. His business partners saw it as an opportunity for him to take over the Tokyo branch as CEO while his predecessor retired due to health issues.

Tadashi had to tactfully decline without offending anyone. He didn't want to leave them in the lurch so he offered to accept the job temporarily while he trained the current deputy to take over. He would then remain a consultant and part of the board. He wanted to be flexible so he could spend more time with his daughter who had a hectic schedule of her own. He had missed too many years and he wasn't planning on missing anymore for work. He had invested his money wisely and could afford to continue his lavish lifestyle without a steady paycheck; he could easily retire and just take up golfing full time. He had always worked hard and knew he wouldn't be able to remain idle for too long so the parttime work was the perfect solution.

"Tadashi, Tadashi, Tadashi!" Mya called sternly, waving her hand to get her his attention. He was daydreaming again like usual these days. She was happy for him that he was able to reunite with his daughter. She had watched him grow from a young man to the capable businessman he was today. It was difficult, in the past, to watch him deny himself happiness as punishment for what he did to the woman he loved. She was aware that their old boss left him no choice in the end to betray Saena. It was because he loved her that he had to walk away to ensure her happiness.

Mya only knew the details of Saena that she was privy to on the internet. Tadashi had to know more, but she didn't have the heart to inquire about her. It was none of her business. She was just sad to see that his sacrifice was for naught. She gathered that the woman seemed to have turned herself into stone to protect herself from future heartache. No one could have predicted this outcome, not even Tadashi.

"Oh, Mya-chan, what is it?" Tadashi asked startled by the interruption.

Mya glared handing him a sticky note. Tadashi's gold eyes widened at the contents of the note, Viride General Law Office, 81 3-2656-1979.

"Thank you Mya-chan! I owe you one," Tadashi told her flashing her that boyish grin that many women found adorable.

Mya rolled her eyes at him. He always made good on his I-O-Us. She wondered what she should hit him up for this time. She was admiring a new designer handbag she saw in a magazine. It was pricey but he was always generous with his gifts. She could also tack it on as a promotion/goodbye gift to her. Hmmm, maybe I should also ask him for an autograph from both Tsuruga-kun and Kyoko-chan.

Pushing the thought of presents out of her mind, she turned serious, "You know, you don't have to do this right? What if it backfires? How could you possibly be a good father if you end up in jail or better yet, dead? Kyoko-chan would never forgive you if you abandon her again, even in death."

Tadashi waved off Mya's warnings. "You're being dramatic, Mya-chan. I definitely won't go to jail nor will I die. Saena's not like that, I think. This is something I have to do, not for myself but for her. If the roles were reversed, I would want closure."

"Are you confident that she wouldn't want you dead? What if she sends someone after you? If I was a woman scorned the way she was I would be thinking of revenge and more."

Tadashi gave a lopsided grin to the woman that helped him all these years. She was like a mother to him, or as she liked to correct him, an older sister.

"Thanks, Mya-chan," Tadashi smiled softly rather than defending himself. He knew what he was getting himself into by contacting her.

Mya's eyes misted. He may not have been her blood, but he was family. She would miss him dearly.

Tadashi cleared his throat as he watched her eyes water. "You're a stupid boy," she huffed.

His smile grew broader. "I know."

"I'm not helping you find a lawyer to get you out of jail or arranging your funeral so you better fix things properly," she argued.

"I understand. Are you all packed up?" He asked suddenly changing the subject.

"You know I can stay to help you, and we can head back together," she suggested.

"There's no need for you to stay for nothing. We're pretty much done here. Head back home. I'm sure your husband and the kids miss you terribly. Plus, I need to selfishly ask you to get things started over there for me."

She sighed. "They are ready for me to come home. The latest technology has made it easier for all of us. But if you're sure then…my flight leaves tonight. Call me if you need anything in the meantime."

Tadashi stood, came around the desk, and pulled her into a warm embrace. "Have a safe flight, Mya. I'll see you soon."

"What are you going to do in the meantime?" She asked as he walked her to the door.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm going to spend time with my daughter. I just received a mail from her. She said I can come and see her at work later. After I set things up with Sae, Mogami-san, I'll be heading over to join her."

"What?! You didn't even invite me! I have taken care of you since you were this small." Tadashi laughed as she held her hands up about a foot apart from each other to indicate just how tiny he was when they met. "This is the thanks I get. Koga-san is even her co-star this time. I would have loved to have met him. You better get me his autograph or I won't speak to you again."

Tadashi gasped. "Mya-chan, I didn't peg you as a cougar."

"What are you talking about? I'm happily married, but I can still appreciate pretty young things. Speaking of which, I would also appreciate it if you could get me an autograph from your daughter and Tsuruga-kun. Walk with me to my office. I'll give you a magazine for them to sign."

Tadashi chuckled. Even at her age, she was still such a fangirl. After rummaging through her packed box, she handed him the magazine. It contained an article of their CM for the French restaurant Mon Amour Cafe. He smiled broadly at the picture captured for the article. It featured his little Princess looking darling while Ren was on bended knee kissing the back of her hand. Could this be a prelude to their future?

After saying goodbye, Tadashi took a quick look at the magazine Mya gave him. He read the section talking about the restaurant. He wondered if the young couple would be willing to join him for dinner there again. He reached for his cell phone and typed his reply to Kyoko's mail. He still had a few hours before he would meet her at her filming location. He turned his attention to the sticky note that Mya had given him earlier. It was now or never.

...

"Hello, thank you for calling the Viride General Law Office. How may I help you?" The receptionist on the other end of the line greeted through the speaker on his desk phone.

"Hello, my name is Morimoto Tadashi. I'm looking for Mogami Saena-san. I require her services," Morimoto explained in his no-nonsense business tone.

"I'm sorry sir, Mogami-san is out of the office. If you would like to leave a message, I will be sure to pass it on to her."

Tadashi contemplated her question. Maybe if he left her a message now she would be able to prepare herself before actually talking to him. Kyoko had informed him that she was aware of his real name and that he was in the city. Since she knew he was here, it would be cowardly if he didn't reach out to her. Winding up dead wasn't the problem. There was a nagging thought at the back of his mind that this might be a mistake. What if it did backfire as Mya mentioned but in a different way. What if him contacting her affected Saena negatively. Would she become depressed all over again? Would she try to take her life because of him? All he could do was deal with the consequences of his actions later. He decided to leave a message and put the ball in her court. He would leave it up to her to reach out to him now.

Tadashi walked up to the entrance of the outdoor studio location Kyoko gave him. With his bouquet of wildflowers, he thought he was visiting a prison facility with all the fencing and security around. The only thing that made him believe he was in the right place was the fans and photographers surrounding the entrance. He heard the whispers running through the crowd speculating at his identity. He wondered if this was a good idea. He didn't want to cause any trouble for her.

He smoothed down his suit and ran his hand through his hair. If he was going to get photographed he might as well make sure he looked good so as not to embarrass her. He finally made it up to the guard, who asked for his name and identification. Tadashi reached into his jacket pocket a pulled out his wallet then handed his ID over. He looked beyond the guard and stared in awe at the detailed set within the fence. After consulting his list, the guard handed him back his ID and waved him through.

Tadashi walked through, taking in the sights. He felt like he had stepped into feudal Japan. He headed towards the crowded area, where he thought Kyoko was bound to be. He stood in the back for a moment and took in the scene. There she was, dressed as a kunoichi. In this scene, she trained with a man dressed as a samurai that he assumed to be Koga in costume. Several other cast members kneeled around the two as they took in the match. His breath caught as she threw her swords in the air and watched her do several backflips to avoid being attacked by his sword. The samurai was fast, when she was done flipping she had to immediately raise her swords to block his attack. The samurai relentlessly bombarded her with blow after blow putting all his strength into his attacks. Tadashi could tell she was getting tired. When she tripped from obvious fatigue, he watched her hand grab some sand and throw it in the samurai's face. Tadashi smiled at the cunning move. As a kunoichi, she had to use her wit against stronger opponents even if it meant fighting dirty. Her actions slowed him down long enough for her to get the opening she needed. She swiped the back of his leg and had him sprawling on his back. She straddled his chest, a triumphant smile on her face, as her blade pressed against the artery on his neck.

"Cut!" The Director called through the megaphone. "That was great people. Let's take fifteen minutes while I review the footage and then we'll shoot that same scene at a few more angles. Koga-san, Kyoko-san great work. Let's keep that momentum going after the break. We have to get in as much of the remaining scenes with Kyoko-san since she has another important commitment for the next three days."

He watched his daughter humbly bow to her colleagues as she moved off the set. She thanked the staff member that handed her a bottle of water and a towel.

Tadashi walked towards his daughter to get her attention with a look of love and pride on his face. Kyoko smiled as she bounded towards him excited that he could make it. "You were amazing Kyoko-chan!" He praised when she was close and handed her the flowers. "I'm so proud of you! I had no clue you had that kind of acrobatic skills. It was terrific."

Kyoko blushed and ducked her face into the bouquet. She had waited her entire life to hear those kinds of words coming from her mother. She was equally as happy hearing them from her father that her eyes filled with moisture and tears spilled down her cheeks before she could stop them.

Tadashi looked stupefied as he watched his daughter start to weep. Was it something I said? He bowed several times, apologizing for anything he may have done to upset her.

Kyoko laughed through her tears. "It's nothing. I'm sorry I'm a bit emotional," she explained swiping at her tears.

Tadashi stood confused. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief which she took gratefully.

"I'm just so happy," she continued to explain. "I'm glad you could make it." She used his handkerchief to dab at her eyes and blow her nose. She knew her face was a mess and would need the makeup artist to fix everything.

Koga eyed the man talking to Kyoko suspiciously. Why is she crying all of a sudden? Did he hurt her? He had never seen this man before so how did he get past security. Why did Ren and Yashiro choose this day to leave her alone? He supposed it was up to him to intervene.

As Koga approached, he took in the appearance of the man. He was wearing a well-tailored dark blue designer suit with brown dress shoes. The man had to be almost six feet tall which was rare for a Japanese. He had a medium build and a full head of hair which he wore short and swept back. He even brought her flowers. Sugar daddy? So what was Ren, a cover? A lot of celebrities lived scandalous lives so that scenario wouldn't shock him if it was the truth.

"Is everything okay over here," Koga asked interrupting the man's apology. "Is this man bothering you Kyoko-chan?" Koga asked observing Tadashi.

Kyoko laughed and dashed the remaining tears away. Tadashi felt a little stab pierce his heart. His poor daughter had been deprived of a parent's love for too long that even a small compliment from him could bring her to tears.

"Hiromune-san, I'm okay. I was just moved a bit by something," Kyoko said not bothering to explain. Nobody needed to know her life story especially this guy. It would just be ammo for him to tease her in some way.

"I'm glad it was that. I thought he hurt you in some way," Koga said still skeptical. She bowed slightly and thanked him for his concern. Cain aside, this was how she imagined a protective older brother would look after his sister.

"Oh no, no, no, he would never hurt me, at least not intentionally. Would you?" She asked turning to her father.

Tadashi tensed. I would never hurt her! It was true that he was still trying to gain her trust so he could understand her misgivings. Their relationship was progressing by leaps and bounds but it seemed she was still insecure. The fact that he was leaving again probably wasn't helping.

"Of course, Princess. If I can help it, I would never hurt you on purpose." He patted her on the head, his words poured out with all the love a father could have for a child.

Koga's eyes widened at what he just walked into. This man loved her. He wondered if Ren was aware of it. Kyoko could be so oblivious when it came to these things. He cleared his throat to regain their attention.

Tadashi turned to the young man and bowed. "Forgive my rudeness. I am Morimoto Tadashi, please to meet you."

Kyoko added quickly while Koga bowed in return. "This is Hiromune Koga-san. Hiromune-san, please meet my father."

Tadashi's heart nearly jumped out of his chest at her warm introduction. He wasn't sure how she wanted to introduce him so he tried to keep his greeting vague.

A sigh of relief escaped Koga's lips. That would explain the weird vibes he was getting off the man. Boy, did he feel stupid? He was thinking the worse here.

"Morimoto-san pleased to meet you," Koga greeted with a more formal bow. "What brings you by the set?" Koga asked for idle chit chat.

"Well when Kyoko-chan asked me to come by I couldn't say no. The scene I walked into was amazing. You both performed brilliantly. I can hardly wait to watch the film," Tadashi gushed. "But I warn you, young man." All traces of the carefree man disappeared as he faced Koga seriously. "If you hurt my baby girl during filming you would have to answer to me!"

Koga gulped and nodded as the hair on the back of his neck stood up from the threat. Who was this man? He had the same oppressive aura as Ren when it came to Kyoko.

Tadashi's face crinkled into a smile again and asked him for his autograph. "Please make it out to Mya-chan?" He asked holding the magazine Mya gave him earlier and flipped to the feature with Koga. He even managed a photo with Koga holding the magazine. When Koga finished, he bowed and left them alone.

"Do you like the flowers? I wasn't sure what your favorites were but Ren-kun told me you like the outdoors so I thought these were appropriate."

Kyoko took a deep inhale of the fragrant smell, appreciating them more now that she was calmer. "They're lovely, thank you! Shall we go to my dressing room? I have to retouch my make-up before we resume filming."

Tadashi followed her to her trailer. She stopped and asked a crew member to send the makeup artist over as soon as possible. Inside her trailer, Tadashi saw the trinkets and stuffed animals all over the place. Are these all from her fans?

He watched her enter the bathroom and emerge with a vase of water. She arranged the bouquet in it and placed it near a gorgeous bouquet of roses. Kyoko caught him eyeing it. "They're from Ren. He sends me some whenever the previous ones begin to wilt."

Tadashi smiled. He was pleased that her boyfriend treasured her properly.

"Most of these are from Ren," she said waving at all the little fairytale tchotchkes littering her table. "This one is my favorite," she told him and held up a rectangular wooden box hand-painted with vines and flowers. She twisted the cog beneath it and opened the lid. A golden-haired fairy princess began a ballet dance over the mirrored bottom as Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" song filled the air.

Tadashi was ecstatic that she still had a sweet and innocent side to her and that Ren had no problems indulging in it. He looked at all the various pieces she had, maybe he could find her something to add to the collection.

AN: Thank you everyone for continuing to read. I apologize that there's no Ren in this filler. I pretty much cut it off because it was getting long again. I hope you enjoyed some father-daughter bonding though I had to get the ball rolling with his fateful meeting with Saena.

Thanks again for continuing to read. I appreciate those that reviewed the last chapter. Merry Christmas! I had a wonderful Christmas Eve with my family and friends. I'm waiting for more family to arrive tonight so I thought I'd spend it writing this chapter while also watching the greatest Christmas movie ever with my hubby, "Die Hard"...LOL.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^