Chapter 73: The Godfather Calls

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kanae and Chiori would definitely protect Kyoko.

Kimiko stomped up the stairs and slammed the door to her room. She thought she had easily fooled them by being calm and collected. The little family meeting they had was a disaster. She refused to go back to the States until this whole thing blew over. She completely lost her composure when they suggested that in the meantime, while they made arrangements for her departure, she should see her psychiatrist again. They tried to assure her that it was so she could have someone to confide in if she couldn't talk to her parents about her problems. She had thought they would take away her credit cards or ground her for a month; she didn't think they would really consider sending her away.

Her parents had been watching her closely. The paranoia, the emotional outbursts, and her obsession with Kyoko did not go unnoticed by them over the last couple of days. Today was the last straw for them since she had exploded in public, causing her father to react unthinkably. There was a video circulating of the incident on the internet that was going viral as they spoke.

Kimiko had insisted that if she just apologized to Kyoko everything would be fine. She pulled out all the stops and even turned on the waterworks— the heart-wrenching kind she had perfected that came from deep within her soul that they couldn't resist. She saw them slowly giving in as she continued to sob. She upped the ante by playing the family card. She would miss them and feel lonely in a foreign country.

Her mother promised that she would go with her. She could finish out her last year of school and then move on to an elite university. Realizing that she was unable to sway their minds, she stormed out of the room.

Now she was back in her bedroom. She found everything around her offensive and started tearing up the place. The sounds of pillows ripping and glass shattering could be heard throughout the house.

Jiro stood at the bottom of the stairs flinching with every crash he heard. He was about to climb the stairs when his wife stopped him. She told him to let her calm down first. He supposed that this was better than her going out and causing trouble in public.

"What if she hurts herself? I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if she took drastic measures," Jiro voiced his concerns to his wife.

His wife knew deep in her heart that there was no way Kimiko would ever hurt herself. It seemed her daughter preferred to hurt others. How many more others, she couldn't say? It was better to take her away before her reaction became more than just words.

Kimiko crumpled to her floor in exhaustion, sitting on ripped-up pages of magazines, feathers, glass shards, and bedsheets. She felt much better after her little exertion. The telltale ping of her phone caught her attention. Naturally, both her phone and computer went unscathed during her tantrum. She smirked ironically as she thought that it had to be from her stalker, wanting to gloat about her self-destruction today. It chimed again alerting her to a new message. Her stalker seemed to be impatient right now.

She got off the floor careful to step around the broken glass as she made her way towards her phone sitting on the desk. She looked at the missed messages and found two from Cedric, Are you ok? and Call me, 911. She had talked to him earlier so she wondered what could possibly be so urgent as she called him back.

"It's about time you called back. I saw the video. It's not like you to go off on someone like that. Is everything okay?" Cedric spouted without saying hello.

"I don't know what came over me. I wasn't thinking. I let my petty jealousy cloud my mind. Because of my little stunt, my parents are sending me back to the States."

"What? Why? If anyone should be leaving it should be your father!"

"No, my father is a good man. I took things too far. I deserved that slap."

"Good or not, no man should ever hit a woman. Couldn't you just apologize? You Japanese seem to forgive easily if it's a heartfelt apology."

"Perhaps, you're right. I don't want to trouble my family anymore."

"I'll do whatever I can to help."

"Thank you, that means a lot to me," she smiled as her heart soared. He was worried about her.

"No need to thank me, we're friends."

"Thanks for being my friend," she managed as she struggled to keep the pain from his words out of her voice. "Good night, Ric." Kimiko ended the call before she gave herself away.

"Thank you for all the love and support you've shown me! Good night everyone," Sho shouted breathlessly into the microphone as he bowed and blew kisses to the screaming audience. Tonight had been better. He didn't have any crazy mascots chasing him, nor were there any Kyoko fans chanting outside his hotel or his concert venue. It was like the past couple of days never happened. The news about Kyoko and him had been quickly replaced with the Heel siblings. He always knew that tall pretty boy had a dark and sinister side to him. Sho had been on the receiving end of a few of Ren's deadly glares. How much of Cain Heel was just an act?

Sho made his way backstage where several scantily clad fans were waiting for his autograph. This was the best part of his night. To Sho, there was nothing better after a hard day's work than having beautiful women fawning over him. He signed a few posters and a few questionable parts of a couple of the bolder women's flesh.

Shoko came by chasing the women away as she clucked at Sho to get back to his dressing room. She bared her fangs at the young chick that dared to call her an "old hag." Maybe this job is aging me. I need a spa day.

"Damn Shoko, why are you killing my game? You're not my mother," Sho whined as he plopped down on the couch.

"Please, Sho, remove all that makeup and those girls would look barely sixteen," Shoko scolded pulling out her phone and taking a seat.

"They were pretty luscious to me for a bunch of second years," Sho retorted, smirking.

"I'm just glad you were able to perform satisfactorily after the shocking news today with Kyoko-chan," Shoko told him changing the subject.

"Tch! Why do you have to bring her up all the time and spoil my good mood?"

"Asami-san still wants to use Kyoko-chan's Heel Setsuka persona on the cover of your single."

"What?! Why do I have to work with that soul-sucking demoness!" Sho would take it to his grave the fear that Setsuka had instilled in him during that short elevator ride they shared. The thought of her coming on set in character freaked him out a little.

"Jeez, you're still calling her that. If she accepts the offer, this collaboration could show that you two are putting the past behind you and moving forward as friends."

"Of course she would accept. She should be honored to be associated with me!"

Shoko rolled her eyes. The boy just didn't get it.

Sho's dressing room door burst open, startling him by the intrusion. He was half expecting mascots to come crashing through the door. His expression quickly turned bored when Pochi came storming in.

"Sho-chan, Mimori's glad you waited for her to come," the girl cried as she threw her arms around him. This had to be the President's doing. He was given specific instructions to wait until the crowds dispersed after each show before leaving. All the Kyoko and Ren fans should have turned their attention to the Heel siblings so the coast could be clear by now.

"Oi, Pochi, how did you get in here?" Sho asked slightly annoyed. At least he could enjoy her E-cup tits pressed up against him as they pushed up out of her low top.

"So mean, Sho-chan," Mimori pouted, tears pricking the corners of her eyes. "Mimori worked hard so she could come and see Sho-chan. Even though the director was mean, she endured it because Mimori knew Sho-chan was waiting."

Sho sighed and pulled away from Mimori to lay back down on the couch. He wasn't in the mood to deal with her whining. "Pochi, if you just came here to cry like a baby you can just go back now," Sho told her dismissively.

"Mimori is sorry, Sho-chan. Please don't send me away. I know what would cheer you up the most," Mimori said pulling out her phone. For a second there, Sho thought she somehow found out his love for pudding and brought some with her.

"See, Sho-chan, read what your fans have to say," Mimori said sweetly. She knew Sho always loved when people praised him.

Sho took her phone. With each thread he read, his ego grew larger. His fans were the best.

ShoLover1: Sho-san is hands down the best singer ever!

ShoLover2: I agree he's so passionate about his music. I love his latest songs. I can't wait for his next single.

ShoLover3: I just came from his concert tonight and he sang that song he wrote for Kyoko-san. It was full of sorrow and regret. She doesn't deserve his affection!

ShoLover4: Yassssss! Sho deserves someone so much better! Ren-san can have his leftovers.

ShoLover2: Did anyone see that video of Morizumi Kimiko-san insulting her. I mean she was only saying what we all thought. It was rude of her father to interfere.

Sho's initial high came crashing down. He had no clue what these girls were talking about. What video?

ShoLover3: Yeah, Kyoko-san claims it was all an act but was it really? Did you see how slutty she was dressed at the interview? Talk about not leaving anything to the imagination. Ren-san is being duped.

ShoLover2: I don't get what everyone's obsession is with her anyway. She's not even that pretty. Take away the make-up and she's just blah! Maybe Ren-san needs his eyes checked.

Sho handed back the phone to Mimori, unable to read anymore without getting angry. He would look up the video they were talking about later. He was feeling pretty rotten about the way his fans were trashing Kyoko. Is this what she had to put up with the whole time we were growing up? Sho contemplated their childhood together. She had suddenly stopped being a crybaby after her mother left and always had that stupid infuriating smile on her face. He recalled how she often said, "If Sho-chan's happy, I'm happy!" He was such an idiot. He thought he knew her best but all this time she was probably always enduring it. He had already apologized. Perhaps he could tell his fans to lay off her. Kyoko would appreciate that, wouldn't she?

"What's wrong Sho-chan? I thought this would cheer you up. Isn't it great how no one likes that gi-" Mimori gulped unable to finish her sentence. Why is Sho-chan glaring at Mimori? She wrapping her arms around her body protectively.

Sensing the mood change Shoko said, "Mimori-chan, I think it's better if you go. Sho seems to be a bit tired right now." Shoko guided the girl out of the room.

"But Sho-chan he…" Mimori protested, trying to look around Shoko to see Sho.

"He just needs time. It's been a long day. We'll see you back in Tokyo, okay. Bye, now," Shoko said quickly shutting the door behind the girl.

"Um, excuse me, is it okay that I hear this? I feel like I'm intruding," Chiori's manager, Yoshimoto asked uneasily. She had been engaged in conversation with the others while the girls were catching up. Now it seemed the party atmosphere had dampened. Like the rest of them, she had crowded around to watch the video on the screen and was shocked at its contents. She had no clue there was any animosity between Kimiko and Kyoko. She was interested to know what had spawned such a vehement reaction from the other actress. It was unprofessional of her to be so curious, yet she wanted to know if anyone was attacking Kyoko so she could help in some way. She owed the girl a lot for helping her and Chiori. She had grown to love the other LoveMe girls and felt protective of both Kyoko and Kanae. If she needed to use her connections to help, she would need to be in the know. Kyoko assured Yoshimoto that she was more than welcomed to stay and could be trusted with the details.

Yashiro, Kanae, and Chiori stood before Ren and Kyoko. The couple sat on the floor in seiza position as they faced the firing squad. Kanae demanded to know what was going on as she glared down at her friend.

Kyoko threw herself into a dogeza, "Mookkkooo-san! Please forgive this lousy best friend of yours. I'll understand if you want to cut ties with me. I don't deserve your friendship!" Kyoko began berating herself as big droplets of tears puddled the floor. Ren reached out a hand to comfort his girlfriend, but the look Kanae gave him made him hesitate; however, he defiantly continued and rubbed her back.

"Mo! Stop that, just explain it to me properly. How did you manage to make an enemy out of Morizumi-san?"

Kyoko inhaled and exhaled deeply trying to pull herself together. When she was somewhat calmer, she spoke, "Morizumi-san and I had an agreement so I couldn't say anything. I should have confided in you, but I thought it was over. My mind was occupied with other matters," Kyoko explained with a sidelong glance to Ren.

"Ren, what were you thinking? How could you have been so insulting to the Morizumis? This co-" Yashiro began his lecture, but Kanae cut him off.

"Yashiro-san, we can get to that part later. I want to know how she got to this point!" Kanae demanded, holding up her palm and cutting him off like a boss. Yashiro instantly shut his mouth and blushed slightly. He found her bossiness sexy. He just might be setting himself up for a world of pain if he pursued her. Kyoko's thoughts, on the other hand, went straight to dreamland, imagining Kanae as a Queen that just silenced her loyal subjects. Her best friend was amazing.

"Mo! You're thinking something weird again, aren't you?" Kanae addressed Kyoko. Her brow furrowed in annoyance as her friend's face took on a dreamy expression.

"I'm sorry your Royal Highness Moko! I beg of thee, please spare this lowly peasant!" Kyoko blurted out as she bowed her head to the floor again.

"What the hell?" Kanae huffed as her irritation meter increased a notch. The rest of the people in the room found it amusing and tried to suppress their laughter.

Kanae sat down cross-legged in front of Kyoko. "Enough, tell me what happened. Just from Morizumi-san's outburst, I can see this has something to do with the auditions."

Chiori plopped down next to Kanae while Kyoko explained the situation regarding Kimiko without breaking her promise to Koenji Erika. She told them of how Kimiko had tried to injure her after the auditions, the persistent accidents on set, and Queen B's role behind the article. The two other LoveMe members sat eerily still while Kyoko spoke. Their eyes both widened when she had mentioned Queen B. They were surprised to know that the person trashing their friend all along had been Kimiko. They felt better for defending their friend against that snake.

When Kyoko finished, Kanae could no longer sit calmly. She stood up and started pacing. Why was no one doing anything to stop this girl from hurting Kyoko? Then it dawned on her that everyone was so calm. Morizumi-san had been doing everything in the shadows until now, something had changed? Kanae looked at Ren, then Yashiro, and finally Tadashi.

"Moko-san, are you okay? I didn't mean to hide it from you guys," Kyoko explained, feeling a little more confident since it looked like Kanae wasn't angry anymore. Her friend's expression had quickly changed from confused to understanding.

"We aren't mad, Kyoko-san. Right Kanae-san? We're mad at this Morizumi! How dare she think she can rid this world of the Immortal Butterfly. If I get my hands on her, I'll give her a piece of my mind," Chiori announced vehemently.

"Oh no, please Chiori-san. I don't want either of you mixed up in my mess. Bad enough Ren went and said what he did today," Kyoko begged her friends.

"I was wondering about that," Kanae said. "You were trying to provoke her, weren't you?" Kanae asked Ren. Ren nodded. Yashiro perked up. They were finally at the part of the conversation he was trying to allude to earlier.

"I was wondering why Kimiko was getting away with all this, but you have a plan, right?" Kanae addressed Ren again.

"It's his plan," Ren admitted, nodding towards Tadashi.

Kanae jerked in surprise. She was not expecting that response. She had thought maybe Ren and the President were working to help Kyoko. She couldn't believe Kyoko's father was taking point on this issue and didn't hesitate when she saw the seriousness in her friend's father's eyes when she bluntly stated, "I want in!"

"Ehhhhh? I just said not to get involved. I don't want your career to be ruined. You want to be a top actress. I won't be able to live with myself should anything happen to you," Kyoko sobbed hanging on to her friend. Kanae ignored the heavy aura that Kyoko was wreaking on her body and stared at Tadashi.

Tadashi nodded with a chuckle. He bent down beside Kyoko and said, "It's okay, right, Kyoko-chan? I'm sure they understand your feelings, but you also have to understand theirs. You have great friends that just want to protect you. You don't have to be strong alone. You are not a burden." He handed Kyoko his handkerchief so she could dry her eyes and hoped he sounded fatherly. After all, he was still learning.

Tadashi stood and looked at the other girls. "There's nothing you need to do. The news and fans are doing all the work for us. It was just perfect timing that Ren happened to trigger Morizumi-san today. That video of the incident could either be the end game or the tipping point."

"What do you mean?" Kanae asked confused.

"The more Kyoko-chan grows in popularity, the more Morizumi-san's mask crumbles. It was just a hunch on my part, but it seems that girl hates to lose. I'm pretty sure the Heel siblings reveal shocked her. Ren's insulting words just sent her over the edge," Tadashi continued to explain.

"Do you think she would retaliate?" Kanae asked him.

"It's plausible, but her behavior was witnessed by her father and now, with the footage, all of Japan as well. If we're lucky this could be the end of her harassment against Kyoko," replied Tadashi.

After another half hour of speculation, Kanae not so discreetly released a loud yawn. The jet lag had finally caught up with her. She was tired. Kyoko had suggested that she stay the night in the guest room which she politely declined. She wanted to go home to greet her family. The rest of the party left, leaving Ren and Kyoko alone to clean up what little mess remained. It didn't take them long since it appeared Tadashi had covertly cleaned up throughout the night.

…

Kyoko's breath hitched as her eyes locked with Kuon's. His beautiful gemstone eyes glimmered from the reflection of light coming from the screen of his phone. The device was forgotten as soon as she emerged from the bathroom wearing his favorite light blue silk chemise. She blushed as his gaze roamed appreciatively over her form from head to toe. The nightgown accentuated her curves in all the right places and its thin spaghetti straps showed off her creamy shoulders. The plunging neckline trimmed in lace highlighted her small, but perky breasts. Kyoko was no longer oblivious to the effect she had on him. She climbed into bed on her side and snuggled up to him laying her head on his bare shoulder.

"Tonight went surprisingly well," he told her as he trailed his fingers up and down her bare arm while Kyoko innocently traced her fingers through the dips and valleys of his abs. It always amazed her how solid he felt.

"Do you think Moko hates me?" Kyoko asked, shifting to look up in his direction. Kuon made the mistake of looking down at her. Her breasts were practically spilling out of her nightgown with them pressed against his chest. He tried to focus on staring at her eyes but her breasts kept distracting him.

"Kuon?" She pouted at his lack of attention and pushed herself to a sitting position. She folded her arms over her chest, knowing what had him distracted.

"Eyes up here, buster!" She teased, hitting him with her usual choice of weapon. Kuon was prepared for her attack and blocked the pillow from hitting him. His victory was short-lived. Kyoko anticipated his move and had another one ready, landing a solid hit.

"Why you little imp!" Kuon exclaimed before retaliating with a tickle attack. He started at her sides, but every brush of his hands against her breasts sent scorching waves of heat between her legs and had her panting in no time. Her skin was aglow with a light layer of sweat from the exertion. Kuon couldn't help himself from staring at the rise and fall of her chest. He settled his body over her, intertwining their legs. He was practically nude save for his boxer briefs. Leaning down, he slanted his mouth over hers in a searing kiss. His tongue ran over the seam of her lips begging entrance. Kyoko parted her lips, eagerly inviting him to taste her. He captured her mouth, hot, wet and so very enticing.

Kyoko writhed restlessly beneath him as rocked his hips against her warm center while continuing to tango with her tongue. He ran the palm of his hand slowly starting at the back of her knees making her shudder at his touch. He discovered some time ago that the back of her knees was a sensitive spot for her and looked forward to discovering more ways to pleasure her. He trailed his hand up the length of her thigh relishing in the silkiness of her skin. He pulled back surprised as his hand reached her hip. Her eyes were alight with mirth and screamed surprise! She wasn't wearing any underwear. His control almost shattered in that instant as he pounced on her. Kyoko let out a shrill of high-pitched giggles as he rained kisses over her face and continued lower. Suddenly, he stopped his attack and frowned.

"Is that music? Where is it coming from?" Kuon groaned, keenly aware that it was close. "Is someone watching the Godfather?" Kuon asked, glancing up at the ceiling to the floor above. All the apartments in this building were soundproof, so it had to be coming from inside.

It took Kyoko a few moments to realize that it was her phone ringing. She jumped up to search for it and found it in the bathroom. A second later she rushed out with a bewildered expression.

"It's Otou-san! He's trying to video call. I need clothes! You need clothes! Oh my god, this is so embarrassing!" Kyoko yelled frantically as she ran around the room like she just got caught by her father doing naughty things with her boyfriend. She practically did.

Did I just get cockblocked by my father? How does she even know about the Godfather? A t-shirt smacking him in the face startled him from his thoughts. He pulled the shirt off his head a little amused. She really had a bad habit of throwing things at him. There were more important things he wanted on his face right now and the way she looked in his oversized sweatshirt was not helping.

While they were changing, Kuu's call ended. Kyoko made sure they both looked presentable before she returned the call. As the phone rang, she continued to fidget nervously. Kuon focused on how cute they looked on the picture-in-picture screen on the phone and kissed her full on the lips to get her to calm down.

Ahem!

A throat cleared while their lips were still locked. Kyoko heard it and shoved Kuon away from her with a scream. Not expecting the move, he was caught off guard. Kyoko squeezed her eyes shut and covered her gasp with both hands, unable to believe what she had just done. She had pushed so hard he went right off the bed. Kuon's legs were still on the bed, but his upper body was on the floor. He had been holding the phone when he fell over too.

"Hello! Is everything okay? Julie called through the phone. "Are you two okay? Kuu call that kidnapper! Our kids need help."

"I'm fine, I'm fine..." Kuon groaned. Kyoko crawled to the edge of the bed and stared down at him in shock. It was quite comical to see Japan's sexiest man looking so very uncool.

"I'm so sorry Kuon. I didn't mean to," Kyoko tried to apologize while suppressing her laughter. If only I caught that on camera. Kuon handed her the phone so he could get up.

"Are you sure you're both okay? Maybe you should go to the hospital," Julie insisted very worried that her son may have a concussion or something.

"I'm okay, Mom. I didn't hit my head or anything," Kuon assured her.

"Oh, thank goodness!" Julie was relieved both her babies were unharmed.

"Did we call at a bad time?" Kuu asked. "We wanted to congratulate you both for your remarkable performance as the Heel siblings. Your mother and I have watched the interview several times this morning. I can't wait to brag to my coworkers today about my gifted daughter and her 'boyfriend.' We have yet to watch your movie son, but we are penciling in some time for a date. Aren't we honey?"

"That's right, honey. We can't wait to see your movie. The trailer looked very promising," Julie exclaimed in excitement.

It was Kuon's turn to fidget nervously, "you don't have to force yourself. I know mom doesn't like gory movies, so it's okay if you don't see it."

"Blood and gore are not going to stop me from supporting my baby boy!" Julie replied with a burning determination which only caused Kuon more distress.

"What's bothering you son? You know you have our love and support unconditionally. Both of you."

Kyoko squeezed Kuon's hand, hoping she could comfort him in some way. She wanted him to open up more to his parents and be honest with his feelings.

"I'm just worried it would remind you of the past. How awful I was? And that I'm a cold-blooded kil-"

"Don't you dare! We would never think that! What happened to Rick was an accident?" Kuu scolded, "Stop blaming yourself for something outside of your control. You've come too far."

"But all the violence. I almost reverted to my old ways during filming," Kuon confessed. "If it wasn't for Kyoko I would have been lost."

"But you didn't let it control you. You conquered your dark side and grew as an actor. The love of a strong woman is a powerful thing. I know, I speak from experience," Kuu told him sagely with a wink. He wished he was there to flick some sense into his son.

Kyoko swiped at the tears from her face. It was so wonderful to hear Kuon sharing his feelings with his parents. She was glad she wasn't the only one tearing up as Julie dabbed at her eyes. She kissed Kuon on the cheek and smiled. He returned her smile in kind.

"We'll let you guys get going. It was great talking to you both. We love and miss you. Make sure to call us if you need anything. Kyoko-chan we're excited to have you here soon. If only time would speed up. I wish you were coming son, but we understand. We'll be waiting until you're ready."

They exchanged their goodbyes with promises to call again and hung up. Kyoko glanced at Kuon, wanting to ask him if he was okay. He looked like he was mulling something over in his mind. She wondered if he was still upset with how BJ stirred up the past he was still trying to come to grip with. What he said instead surprised her.

"Why is dad's ringtone the Godfather theme song?"

"Oh, you recognized it? It's because Otou-san is like my fairy godfather in acting. When I searched the best ringtones for a godfather that American movie popped up. I liked the song and decided to use it for him."

Kuon chuckled. Of course, it had to be something like that. He didn't want to tell her what the movie was really about.

Yashiro happily walked Kanae to her door. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek to thank him for taking care of her and disappeared before Yashiro could see her embarrassed face. Yashiro vowed that he would never wash that part of his face again.

…

Back in his apartment, Tadashi hit submit on his phone to deposit one million yen into Spectre's account. The young man deserved this bonus for taking quick action and retrieving the video before the Morizumis could pull it. He hoped this would be the end of it.

AN: Hi hi, thank you as always for sticking with me! I apologize for the delay I found myself rearranging this chapter several times. I'm sure I'll find tons of errors in the a.m. I so wanted to finish my lime but damn did I need to include the Hizuris..XD. I appreciate all your interest in this monster of mine.

Spoiler alert of Chapter 269: I was stoked that Sensei brought Boost back. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it!

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^