Chapter 58: Battle Armor

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kyoko would get a modeling contract ;)

Kimiko stared at the ceiling feeling restless. She picked up her phone to look at the clock and groaned. It was already five in the morning and she still couldn't sleep, tossing and turning for the past few hours. The night out with Cedric left a bitter taste in her mouth. He had spent the entire time at dinner talking about the movie they had just watched and complimenting the antagonist actor, Cain Heel's acting prowess.

"You're missing out Kimiko. I don't know why you insist on quitting just to focus on school. Many actors do both even if it takes them longer. You might regret it in the future. It's hard to get back into the industry when you're older and your skills have deteriorated."

It was as if Cedric was rubbing it in her face that she couldn't act anymore. She would have gladly liked to act along with a talented guy like Cain Heel even if he was a complete asshole. Based on his interview, she could just imagine the nightmare it was working with him. Unlike her, that man didn't even have to put up a fake persona in real life. She hated and admired him for being true to himself and not giving two shits about what others thought. It probably helped that he wasn't a Morizumi. Kimiko had balled her hands into tight fists under the table as she listened to Cedric drone on. It had taken all her mental effort to keep from screaming at him to shut the fuck up. If she thought about it, he was only trying to help her as a "friend."

Kimiko almost lost her composure when he asked her seriously for the real reason she gave up on acting. She was tempted to tell him that she was being blackmailed by his co-star. Would he believe her if she told him? No, she wasn't confident that he would accept her story so blindly. He would most likely confront Kyoko on the matter. Kimiko wasn't ready to incriminate herself even if it was him. Instead of the truth, her smile never wavered as she responded with her usual excuses on why she retired from acting. What she was doing now could be considered acting practice, right? It took skill to keep up her pretenses in front of others, in front of him. She was biding her time until she could figure out a solution to the agreement she made with Erika. Until then, she was content with trying to bring Kyoko down with her.

Kimiko decided she couldn't sleep and sat up in bed reaching for her laptop, wondering when tabloids updated their articles for the day. Surely Koki would have something to report by now. Don't all reporters have a deadline to meet? How do they get paid if they aren't reporting on newsworthy material daily?

She checked the usual news outlets. There was no update for the day yet. Perhaps it was still too early, she thought, as she logged into the fansite. She had avoided them the rest of the day since she was starting to easily lose her patience. She focused on her studies instead and considered her next step on bringing Kyoko down. She was counting on Koki's article to completely humiliate her. Soon, all of Japan would see Kyoko for what she really was — a talentless two-bit whore. She was looking forward to seeing how fast her contracts dissolved once they saw her true colors. It would serve Uncle Joji right for choosing that no-name talent over me. I hope their movie gets terrible ratings because of her.

Her lip curled into a snarl as she began to read the recent posts. Someone had done a side by side analysis between Kyoko and Setsuka leaving the fans divided.

IceRaven: Mo! If she is Heel-san her acting is on a whole new level. It pisses me off! I'm not convinced, but I'm not dismissing the idea.

VoodooPrincess1224: My One- Kyoko-san has more talent than that girl. Although I love her dress, reminds me of something I would see at Jeanne d'Arc, Kyoko-san would normally not choose something so dark and revealing.

KyoFan1: Her Natsu was pretty badass, so maybe?

QueenB: For those of you that are suggesting that Kyoko-san is capable of portraying someone as complicated as Heel-san you are all idiots.

RenKyo#1Fangirl: B we've missed you! It was getting pretty boring here without your snide remarks.

Kimiko scowled at that post and stuck her tongue out at her screen. This person always had a way of getting under her skin. The fact that he or she resorted to addressing her as B was not lost on her. She had thought herself quite clever when she chose her username, something no one would associate with her sweet persona.

DiabolicalPen666: That's where you're wrong, Queen. Kyoko-san is more than talented enough to pull off a look like Setsuka-san. Her performances as Mio-sama and Natsu-chan are completely different from her original self, but this isn't a role so I'm saying Heel-san is her own person.

IceRaven: Mo! You have no right to insult her! If you want to say degrading things about her then join show biz and come at her on an even playing field. Prove your worth through your actions. Hiding behind your computer is cowardice. I'm out of here. I don't know why I bother with these sites you people just irritate me.

"This Bitch!" Kimiko hissed as she read the post. Calling her out on something she had no control over. If she had her way she would be acting Momiji right now instead of that talentless newbie.

RenKyo#1Fangirl: Bye Bye IceRaven. Looks like you chased another one away B.

QueenB: oh shut up ..l..

RenKyo#1Fangirl: Guess someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. What's wrong? Didn't ruin anyone's life today, or is it still too early?

Kimiko's eyes widened. What was this person suggesting? Did they know it was her? That question was hitting a bit too close to home. She stopped her hand as she was about to slam her computer shut. If she did something like that it would only make her look guilty.

QueenB: Please, I don't know what you're on about. My greatest joy is criticizing Kyoko-san. I'm out I have more important things to do.

RenKyo#1Fangirl: Later B, I'll be seeing you soon.

Kuon grazed his fingertips up and down the bare skin of Kyoko's back inhaling deeply of the flowery aroma of her hair. He loved waking up to her warmth pressed against him. If he had his way, he planned on waking up to this feeling for the rest of his life. Pulling her closer, he placed a soft kiss on the top of her head. She felt so small and fragile in his arms, but he knew she had more courage and strength in her pinky finger than he had in his entire body. If he was true to her roots, her blood probably coursed with that of a samurai warrior. He hoped some of that courage would continue to seep into him the longer he stayed by her side.

She stirred in his arms, stretching as much as his embrace would allow. Her lids slowly fluttered open revealing beautiful wet sleepy eyes. When her cloudy eyes finally cleared, she smiled noticing him awake.

"Were you watching me sleep again, Corn? You know that's so unfair," she pouted reaching to caress his face. The rough stubble on his jawline pricked her fingers.

He placed a soft kiss on the inside of her palm. "I can't help it. I love watching you sleep," he admitted with a dazzling smile. She pulled herself up and kissed him softly on the lips. Before she could deepen the kiss, he pulled away from her.

"How are you holding up?" he whispered while tracing a fingertip along her jawline.

She blinked several times confused until he elaborated. "The article, your mother... Queen B?"

She made a silent "oh" with her mouth. Waking up in his arms always turned her brains to mush. She couldn't think when they were like this. The problem wasn't that she couldn't think; it was because she only always had one thing on the brain — touching him.

"Do you have any suspicions who it could be? I'm sure Boss or your father would have some info by now."

"My only suspicion could be Morizumi-san; however, I haven't been in contact with her. The most recent being in the street the other day. Aside from that, I don't know, maybe one of your fans. I'm used to women disliking me. It started with Sho when we were kids and now with you,"

His body tensed. "I'm sorry. I've been so wrapped up in my happiness with you, I didn't know you were struggling."

"Ehhh, no. I'm sorry that came out wrong. I'm not struggling or being bullied. Just because they loudly whisper hateful things at work or school, and hide my shoes, or write on my desk doesn't mean I'm having a hard time."

"Um...babe, that's being bullied," Kuon deadpanned.

"Really? But Naa-chan does so much more drastic things to bully people so I didn't think it counted."

Kuon shuddered. He hoped he never had to cross paths with her Natsu persona. She sounded like a nightmare.

He stroked her hair while she drew tiny circles on his chest with her index finger for several quiet moments.

"I guess I am a bit anxious," she began quietly expanding the circumference of circles. "I didn't want anyone to know about me and Shotaro. I was such an idiot back then. To top it all off, we're meeting my mother for lunch. She might be very angry about all this and send me back to Kyoto."

He grabbed her hand in his to stop her assault on his chest. Her innocent gesture was getting him worked up and she didn't need that now.

"We'll face your mother together," he assured her, kissing her fingertips. "Regarding Fuwa, I don't think you were an idiot. You were lonely and he was your closest friend. I guess I'm grateful to him for being such a complete ass and not recognizing the treasure he had beside him."

Kyoko lifted her head and smiled. He took the opportunity to fuze his mouth with hers. It started slow and sweet, then morphed into something more desperate and hungry. He kissed her until she was delirious, voiding her mind of all rational thought. That's all they did until they were startled by the alarm. Kuon groaned as Kyoko rolled off of him.

"Come on, baby," she said mimicking his favorite American term of endearment for her. "We can't go to the gym today, but we can get a workout here at home. L.A. fashion week is just around the corner!" she told him and strolled to the bathroom to clean up.

"I can think of another way to workout, guaranteed to get the heart rate up and burn calories," Kuon suggested in the sensual voice of the Emperor. She paused at the bathroom door, her lean unclad body enticing him as she looked over her shoulder at him. "I promise you'll be bathed in sweat and panting when we're done."

He patted the side of the bed next to him. The Emperor's green eyes smoldered as they raked down her naked flesh. Her body shuddered and her mouth went dry considering his tempting proposal. She strutted back to him with hips swaying, slowly, seductively. Those mesmerizing green eyes grew darker with every step she took. Every nerve in her body ached to be touched by those rough confident hands, but she wouldn't be affected by his charms.

She leaned over him with lips hovering over his, teasing him. Her fingers dug, raking up his thigh over his hips and stopping at his chest. He groaned in pleasure from her touch. His eyes were hooded and thick with lust that he failed to notice the mischievous gleam in those golden pupils that held him captive. A blast of cold air hit his body as she yanked the covers off of him and jumped away before he could retaliate. Kuon was rooted to the bed, stunned.

"Get out of bed, my Emperor," she laughed. "I promise I will serve you well when we are done. Thirty minutes is all I ask of you." She bolted to the bathroom before he could catch her and locked the door behind her.

Saena sat next to Susumu as they looked over the article about Kyoko. It confused them no matter how many times they read it. There was no mention of Saena or the complicated dynamics of her family. They touched on how she grew up with her best friend's parents, and that was it. They had already done extensive research yesterday on a counterattack and even had Sensei Katigiri's weigh in on the whole mess.

"You're meeting with Kyoko-chan for lunch today, right?"

Saena nodded without looking up from the page she read.

"I'm sure Morimoto-san will help clear the air," Susumu told her confidently. That statement warranted a glance at her fiance from over the sheet. He was being extremely cool and understanding about this whole affair. If he was jealous or worried, he was doing an incredible job at hiding it.

The door to the conference room opened and the couple looked up as Tadashi was escorted in by the receptionist.

"Good morning, Mogami-san, Todoh-san," Tadashi greeted with a bow. "No, no, no please stay seated," he insisted, taking the seat across them and placing his bag on the table.

"Ah, I see you've read it," he nodded to the articles in front of them. "Thank you for meeting me so early. That's part of the reason I asked to see you." Tadashi secretly applauded himself for being able to face them so calmly. I guess when it comes to Kyoko-chan everything else is inconsequential. He wanted to ensure his daughter's happiness and if that meant cooperating with his past love and her future husband, so be it. Tadashi half expected to be arrested the moment he walked into the firm, but now felt more at ease since that hurdle had passed.

"I don't understand, Morimoto-san. I was under the impression that the article would be detrimental to her career, to us. I see no evidence of that here. It seems like a normal celebrity article, though I have nothing to compare since I don't read these magazines," Saena informed him expecting answers.

Tadashi filled them in on everything that came to light yesterday. The reporter having a change of heart and Kyoko's conditions regarding the article.

"It seems everything is fine yet you still look grim," Saena said, clasping her hands on the table. She narrowed her eyes at him as she would a client when she's trying to get the whole story out of them.

"There's something else you should know," Tadashi confessed. He explained the Morizumi Kimiko incident to them as he understood it from Lory. "She has it in for Kyoko-chan, but I won't let her have a second chance."

Saena's frown deepened. "I should have sent her back to Kyoto when she finally turned up."

"That wouldn't have been the right solution. Kyoko-chan loves the life she built here. She shouldn't have to run away because of some psychopathic girl. I am currently monitoring Morizumi-san's movements. If she tries to hurt Kyoko-chan again I think it null and voids whatever little agreement these girls made with each other. As a lawyer and her mother, I was hoping that you could help put together the case if need be. If it's too much, I can get my lawyers on it instead. I just thought to ask you first lest you be insulted for not knowing anything."

Saena nodded. "I understand. I'll take…"

"We'll," Susumu interjected.

"We'll... take the case when the time comes," Saena corrected, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Thank you, both of you." He replied holding Susumu's gaze for a moment longer. "I appreciate it."

Before taking his leave he handed Saena a thumb drive. "This has the video and photographic evidence of the incident."

When he was gone Saena turned to Susumu, "Is that okay? I didn't ask you and just assumed. I can do it by myself."

"Nonsense, we're a team, rely on me a little more." He kissed her on the lips making her blush. "Mmm, it's cherry flavor," he murmured, licking the lip gloss residue off his lips. Her blush turned a deep scarlet and extended down her shirt collar.

"That's against the rules. Not in the office," she scolded. He chuckled and left her behind in the conference room.

They sat down at the coffee table in the living room for breakfast. Kuon smirked while watching her from the corner of his eye delighted by the slight blush remaining on her cheeks. They both managed to get the workout they wanted this morning. To him, the first workout was thirty minutes of pure torture. Kyoko in spandex coupled with doing squats was enough to drive him to the brink.

Kuon reached for the remote to turn on the TV but Kyoko stopped him. "Could we just pretend for a little while longer that the world isn't judging me right now?" She asked meekly, staring at her wringing hands on her lap.

Kuon put down the remote and lifted her chin so he could gaze into her eyes. There was so much uncertainty reflecting in them. "Whatever awaits us out there we'll face together, okay? I'm not going anywhere. I wish I could stay by your side today. Maybe, Yashiro could rearrange my schedule and I can tag al-."

"No! You can't do that! Think of all the people you would be inconveniencing! I'll be just fine. Jeez, I can't believe you would suggest such a thing. So unprofessional! You can't shirk your responsibilities for me. Terrible idea!" she exclaimed.

"There's the girl with all the guts I fell in love with," he said with a smile. He knew that would get her fired up, but he still would have loved to watch her work.

Kuon's phone rang so he stood up to answer it. Yashiro wasn't due for another half hour so he wondered who it could be. He looked at the caller ID and groaned.

"Good morning, Boss!" Kuon answered and rolled his eyes. "I'm putting you on speaker."

"You two break my heart. I raised you ever since you were babies and this is the thanks I get. I'm regulated to finding out like everybody else. I'm heartbroken,"

"We aren't following. What are you talking about Boss?"

"Kids! You two met as kids! I remember that particular trip when you came with your father. He was here to promote his new movie and brought you along. He was so glad he did since he felt that you had enjoyed your time in Kyoto. Now we all know why."

"Oh, right," Kuon replied.

"That's it? That's all I get?!"

Kyoko covered her mouth to keep from giggling. The melodrama in Lory's voice had reached another level.

"I told my parents about her months ago. Since my Dad tells you everything I assumed he told you. Sorry Boss."

"That backstabbing Kuu! I gave him updates on you and this is how he repays me. I bet he didn't tell me because Julie probably forbade it. She still hates me for kidnapping her precious baby boy after all."

Kuon snickered. That was something his mother would do to make Lory pay for her agony. He would try to put in a good word for Lory to get him back into her good graces.

"I take it neither of you has seen the news. All of Japan will be watching you two even more from now on especially after the interview. I'll be sending reinforcements today to aid Yuki in his duties. He'll rendezvous with you at R'Mandy."

"Roger! Anything else, Boss?" Perhaps some information regarding Queen B or something.

"That's all. Good luck today," Lory answered and ended the call.

The couple went back to finishing their meal then prepared for their manager's arrival.

…

In the car, Yashiro chattered about what he had seen and heard so far regarding the article drop less than an hour ago.

"Everyone is already in an uproar, and it's not just one single thing about the article. The morning entertainment newsgroup couldn't decide what was more shocking; the fact that you were once betrayed by your best friend slash first love."

Kyoko cringed at Yashiro's statement. To have Shotaro referred in that way made her queasy.

"Or that you two knew each other as kids. Koki-san did well on his promise and completely neglected the circumstances of your upbringing. I have a copy here if you want to read it." Yashiro held the magazine over his shoulder for them to take.

Kyoko's eyes bulged as she stared at the cover photo of the magazine. "Yashiro-san, where in the world did they get this picture?"

It was the photo of her smiling into the camera in her god awful hot pink LoveMe coveralls pointing her fingers like she was shooting a pistol. She recalled that particular photo session with her two best friends. Lory explained that it was to commemorate and promote the LoveMe section. The girls were messing around with poses and started thinking of themselves as Charlie's Angels; however, in their case, it was more like they were Lory's Angels taking on missions to obtain Love and Peace.

"Koki-san had called last night requesting for a photo to use since his editor wanted you to be on the cover. That is what the President had provided him. I think it was a good choice by Takarada-san, it gives you that je ne sais quoi feel you have as a LoveMe member."

Naturally, it was President's idea.

Kyoko read the headline on the cover page: BETRAYAL, REINVENTION, LOVE. The subheading in smaller font read, LoveMe Member #1 paving her way to her happily ever after. Inside scoop to Kyoko-san's struggle to stardom, pp. 15 for the full story.

Kyoko turned quickly to page 15 and read eagerly with Ren hovering above her. Right off the bat, the article started with her reasoning for coming to Tokyo. She groaned when Koki went into detail about her sacrifices to support her friend and their falling out. Once she got past that embarrassing part of her life, the rest of the article was bearable. He included a timeline of photos from her beginning to Momiji.

When they arrived at the R'Mandy design studio, Kyoko stood stiffly as Fuji immediately gathered her into a bear hug.

"You poor beautiful thing. Come with me. Big brother Fuji has a surprise for you," he said with a warm smile.

"Good morning, Fuji-san," Ren and Yashiro greeted him. Ren felt ignored but not at all bothered by the way the designer was fussing over his girlfriend.

Fuji rebuffed Ren's greeting and pulled Kyoko along with him. She stared back at Ren with an equally bewildered face. What was going on? She thought as he dragged her towards the dressing rooms.

Ren groaned and exchanged glances with Yashiro. They slowly followed them towards the back.

"Father!" Kyoko exclaimed surprised to see Tadashi waiting in the room. Tadashi smiled and crossed the room to hug his daughter. "Are you the reinforcements the President sent?"

She took in his appearance. He was wearing designer jeans, a button-up shirt, and a sports jacket. He looked so casual and relaxed without the business suit. "Do you not have work of your own?"

Tadashi chuckled, "I volunteered my services. How are you holding up?"

Kyoko's shoulders slumped in embarrassment unsure of what she was feeling. The article was well written and highlighted her in a positive light. She was just feeling overwhelmed. The president was right, she was going to be in the spotlight until this all blew over.

"There will be none of that. You stand tall and keep your chin up. Don't show any weaknesses to those vultures," Fuji clucked as he led her to the salon chair.

Ren, Yashiro, Nana, and Aya walked in a minute after them. The hairstylist and make-up artist both gave her hugs. "Don't worry sweetie, we big sisters we'll prepare your armor," Nana told her.

"Armor? Wasn't this just a fitting?" she asked confused.

"To battle the media. This won't take long. We already have a good foundation to work with all we are doing is enhancing your beauty," Aya responded.

Ren and Yashiro greeted Tadashi while Fuji and the ladies fussed over Kyoko. Ren could already see the magic reviving in her eyes. Soon she would be off to La La land again. It never got old watching her face light up when it came to getting a professional makeover.

"Good morning, I hope you guys don't mind me tagging along. I asked my assistant to clear my schedule today. I'll be sticking around another few weeks until things settle down with Kyoko-chan," Tadashi informed them.

"I'm sure Kyoko would be very happy having you with her Tadashi-san," Ren told him with a smile. He was grateful he wasn't abandoning her in her time of need. He wondered if Tadashi had received any information from his informant already and didn't like what was discovered; hence, why he changed his travel plans. He needed to talk to him later in a more private setting.

True to their craft, the ladies were done with her make-over by the time Fuji returned with a beautiful sleeveless dress for Kyoko to wear. It was designed with a fitted bodice and a skirt that flared out at the waist. The color was white, but large embroidered flowers in varying shades of red helped to keep it from washing her out. Kyoko giddily went behind the changing screen to put on the dress.

Ren smiled like a besotted fool when she stepped out from the screen wearing the dress. He groaned, inwardly, when she twirled around. The back had an oval cut-out exposing a good portion of her porcelain skin. No bra, again.

Fuji handed her a pair of white strappy low block heels. Once he was satisfied that she looked impeccable in the outfit, he instructed her to remove the dress so they to continue with the fitting. Fuji had her try on various outfits that she would be wearing throughout their time in Los Angeles. He pinned and marked where the changes needed to be made. The men were all enjoying her mini fashion show.

"Ehhhhhh!" Tadashi and Ren stood quickly when they heard Kyoko's scream. Then relaxed as they heard their conversation, "do I have to wear this?!" Kyoko cried in mortification.

"Yes, it's a beach shoot. I made my design more conservative to make you get comfortable with the idea. You have a beautiful body, and it looks good on you. Quit complaining and stand up straight before I poke you with this pin!"

Tadashi was on the verge of marching back there and demanding to know what Fuji was doing to his daughter. There was no way he was going to make her wear something she wasn't comfortable in. He stopped in his tracks when she stepped out from behind the screen and crossed her arms over her chest shyly.

She was wearing a modest yet adorable two-piece teal bikini. The top was a striped racerback that looked like a cropped tank top and the bottom was a ruffled skirt. Tadashi cocked his head sideways, confused. It was just a normal swimsuit. He was used to the revealing swimwear in the States. A lot of women wore G-strings on the beaches and many women went topless overseas.

"What's wrong with it?" he asked to understand the problem.

"Ehhhh! You don't think there's too little fabric, Father?" Kyoko whined.

"Well, in the States and Europe, the swimwear is more revealing. I guess you can say I'm used to more skin showing. I think Fuji-san did a fantastic job in considering your feelings. I believe this design would appeal to the younger and conservative Japanese women."

She nodded a little relieved by her father's words and turned to Ren. He wasn't even looking at her. I must look hideous to him.

"You look cute, Kyoko-chan," Yashiro offered. He looked at his male charge and caught him blushing. Ren had to have seen her in less if they did that already. Could it be that the bet is still on?

Yashiro elbowed Ren and whispered, "Ren, don't you think Kyoko-chan looks cute. She's looking dejected because you're giving her the cold shoulder. She might even think you don't like it on her."

"That's not true," he blurted, turning in her direction. She stood there expectantly, arms still folded with a deeper blush on her cheeks than the makeup allowed. He felt his blood pumping to his groin as he gazed at her scantily clad body. One would think seeing her naked often would diminish his attraction for her, but that wasn't the case.

"You look very beautiful, Kyoko," he said trying to control his male anatomy by repeating his mantra in his head. Kyoko's answering smile dazzled him, making him lose his grip. "If you'll excuse me, I need to find a restroom."

The room erupted with laughter at his hasty retreat, leaving Kyoko confused.

"That's all I have for you today, Kyoko-chan. Now that I've confirmed the way the suit lies on you I can begin designing more. I'll work on Ren when he returns."

"I'll go find Ren," Yashiro offered. He left the room to find him and return some phone calls.

Sousuke, the photographer, entered the room to take photos of her in the swimsuit and more candid shots of Kyoko in her new dress. He even offered to take some of her with Tadashi, which delighted both father and daughter. Kyoko didn't have any pictures with her mother, so to have some with her father made her very happy.

Ren returned ten minutes later, once again composed but still receiving the cold shoulder from Fuji.

"Fuji-san, can you please tell me what I did to anger you? I will correct any of my wrongdoings."

"I'm just being petty. You knew Kyoko-chan when she was young and you couldn't even protect her heart from that good for nothing so-called friend of hers. It's unfair of me to hold that against you. You were a kid yourself and had no control over the situation. I'm sorry."

"No, you're right, I should have stayed in contact with her somehow." If only I wasn't hell-bent on keeping her fairy prince fantasy alive when we were children maybe things might have been different for them.

Ren's fitting went smoothly afterward. Fuji's assistant came to inform them that the media had somehow found them and were now camping outside the studio. Since the fitting took longer than expected, Yashiro and Tadashi had decided to divide and conquer. Tadashi would take Kyoko to the Sacred Lotus set while Ren and Yashiro headed to the studio for his fireman drama. They managed to sneak out the back door undetected.

Kimiko let out a "whoop" as she watched the Entertainment news. She had finally fallen asleep as the sun began to rise. It was already late morning by the time she stirred. She had immediately launched herself out of bed to check the news. The footage on TV showed Kyoko getting out of a sleek sedan with an older man. She was immaculately dressed as the man protected her from the onslaught of reporters. Koga and Cedric joined the man in trying to get Kyoko to the safety of the security gates. As the footage switched to the hosts in the studio her delight quickly turned to confusion. What are they talking about? Who did they admire?

AN: To be continued XD…Thank you for sticking with me and continuing to read. I went overboard with the fluff, but it made me happy after seeing the raws of the last chapter.

Thank you to the reviewers of the last chapter. I appreciate your feedback.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^