Chapter 76: The Ojou-sama Returns

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Ren would have more "Bro" moments.

Sota looked at the message that popped up on his phone from Specter, She's on the move. Sota looked back at the house he was staking out. He blended in pretty well with the other reporters standing outside the Morizumi household. He walked around the side to check the gate over there. He was sure these were the only two exits of this house.

He typed back, I don't see her. Specter responded instantly making Sota laugh, You're getting sloppy old man. She obviously gave you the slip. She's heading south on foot.

Sota sighed. He usually had peons to do this kind of job, good thing he wore comfortable shoes. Since this was personal, he couldn't just leave it to anyone. Sota headed down the street in the direction Specter had specified. They were lucky kids today were glued to their electronic devices; otherwise, they would never have been able to track her. Sota would still be bouncing surveillance between the main gate and the side gate while she roamed free. While he walked casually down the sidewalk, he saw someone that looked like a boy pop out of the alleyway a few blocks down from him. Very clever little girl, he thought. He kept his distance so he wouldn't be discovered tailing her. He eventually increased his pace to catch up to her at the cross walk. He didn't want to lose her because he was held up by traffic. It would also look too suspicious if he suddenly stopped walking. He pretended to be engrossed with his phone. Sota was confident she wouldn't recognize him under these circumstances. Compared to how he looked yesterday, he was dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, and an opened button down shirt with his hair loose cascading over his shoulders. He had thrown the press badges he was wearing earlier in to the garbage a couple blocks down while he followed her.

Once they crossed the street, Sota stopped into the coffee shop on the corner to buy some time. It would look suspicious, if a grown man with longer legs walked slower than a teenage girl. There was no line so he ordered a small black coffee while he waited for her to walk past the shop. With coffee in hand, he continued the slow pursuit.

Ruto's costume earlier should have been a clear indicator of what they would find in the President's office. Kyoko and Ren were transported back to the Tokugawa era when they stepped through the threshold. They removed their shoes as they stepped on to the tatami mats that now covered the floor of the President's office. In the middle of the room in all his Shogun glory sat the President on a zabuton with four women dressed as Geisha entertaining him with music and dancing. Ren wondered if Lory did this on purpose just to trip up his visitors. The President knew he had an appointment so why would he continue this farce long into the allotted time. There was a small round of applause when the number ended and the women took their leave.

"My children, please have a seat." Lory said gesturing to the floor before him with the lacquered fan he carried in his hand. Kyoko sat down properly and tucked her feet beneath her. Ren followed suit.

"You know why you're both here. I'm not going to lie to you, it's madness out there. You two have been in LME since early this morning so you bypassed all the mayhem. Everyone wants a piece of you now. Dramas, modeling contracts, and interviews galore from magazines, televisions and radio hosts. While you were all having a nice party, I was fielding phone calls late into the night." He said lumping Kuu's phone call with the rest of them. "So mean of you guys not to tell me about Kotonami's welcome home party," Lory said with big shining tears at the corner of his eyes.

Kyoko and Ren both looked away guiltily. They had made the conscious decision not to tell the President because he had a propensity to turn a small gathering of friends into an extravagant affair. Case and point, the happy grateful party Kyoko and Maria threw for their friends and family.

"Sir, I'm very sorry. We wanted to keep things small because Mo- er um Kotonami-san would have surely declined the invitation if it was some lavish event," Kyoko tried to explain without causing Lory more pain for being excluded. All it did was remind Lory that they thought him too flamboyant for their tastes.

"Hmph," he said folding his arms. He would have definitely rented out a banquet hall for the evening if he had known. Ruto had deliberately withheld the news from him.

"So is this why you asked us here?" Ren asked raising an eyebrow trying to get things back on topic.

Lory cleared his throat to get back to business. "They all want a piece of the scoop. This reveal has definitely increased the revenue for Tragic Marker but it also has stirred up a frenzy. I'm sure Yuki has his hands full today. We can't leave either of you alone and Yuki can't be in two places at once."

"Boss, Yashiro-san can support Kyoko. I'm fine alone if Ruto is occupied," Ren said trying to assure the President that he was capable of taking care of himself. He had a packed schedule after this meeting. Yashiro did line up his schedule with Kyoko's so they could have dinner together tonight. It was actually an arranged date so it showed the couple spending more time with each other. Yashiro received a report from the Public Relations department that they have yet to be seen out on a date making the public speculate if they were even a real couple. Their manager didn't want anyone to think their relationship was rocky because they spent such little time together. The media had yet to catch wind that they were, in fact, living together. Ren wanted to keep it that way.

"It's true I do have Ruto looking after Maria. I'm afraid, I can't trust anyone else to be quick enough to stop her mischief," Lory told them with a weary sigh. She had been quite active this morning. Lory would normally let her be while she pulled off her little pranks but today she decided to go the extra mile and use live insects. If the health inspector got wind of this, LME would be in quite a predicament. He hoped Ruto would be able to contain her. He needed to consult a parenting book on how to properly discipline his granddaughter.

"Actually Mogami-kun, your father has volunteered his services to be your temp manager. He should be meeting with Yuki as we speak to get your full schedule," Lory informed her. Tadashi had actually called Lory last night with his concerns regarding Ren and his daughter. He was convinced that the Morizumi girl was going to retaliate in some way given how the social media were sinking their teeth into the show biz family.

"Eh, but doesn't my father have work of his own. Will his company be ok?" Kyoko asked a little worried. She was troubling people again. Ren laid his hand over her knee and gave it a reassuring squeeze. This seemed like the best solution for both of them. He smiled at her when she looked up to him.

"It's ok right? He wants to make sure you're safe. I wish I could be there with you, to protect you, but if it's Tadashi-san I can be at ease and focus on my work. I know you will be in good care," Ren told her warmly. Kyoko laid her hand over his and nodded with a smile.

"That's not to say that if you need me. Please don't hesitate to call me. I will rush to your side. I'll leave my phone on with Yashiro-san," Ren pleaded. He failed to protect her one too many times already. He prayed to God nothing more happened to her.

"Eh, but I could never. You have to do your work properly. I'm sure everything will be fine," Kyoko tried to tell him with confidence but she had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. It was probably just nerves. She just had no idea what to expect today.

Ren unexpectedly placed his forehead against hers, "just promise me please," he pleaded again. His intense gaze mesmerized Kyoko. He was worried for her. She nodded against his head and smiled. For some reason his concern calmed her and she felt much better. They stayed that way for several beats until they heard a rustling sound. They didn't have to turn their gaze to know that the sound was coming from the President. Lory had tried to take a picture, discreetly, with his cellphone. Kyoko pulled away red faced while Ren glared at the President. Did these two actually forget I was here? Lory wondered with a sly smile. He wanted to see more lovey dovey expressions from his favorite couple.

"Please don't mind me," Lory said with an air of innocence. He had hoped to capture a photo of them sharing a kiss together. He stood up from his seated position and stretched his joints. Sitting on the floor for long periods was getting harder and harder on his body as time went on. He signaled for them to join him at his desk.

He turned on the television to reveal the entertainment news channel. "This is what I wanted to talk to you about." The Heel siblings reveal was the hottest topic. Kyoko's article and affiliation with Shotaro was placed on the back burner; however, she was now in the spotlight with Ren

Yashiro and Ren greeted the Director on the set of his next CM. Yashiro excused himself to make some calls. They had arrived a good ten minutes earlier than scheduled reaffirming Ren's reputation as the never late king. At each appointment, directors expressed how they wondered if he would adopt Cain's habit of being late for work now. It was all thanks to Yahsiro's latent abilities to hold back fans and the media with one powerful glare that allowed him to keep to the schedule. No one dared get too close to Ren when Yashiro was around. This was his last appointment before picking up Kyoko for dinner. He hoped he could have this wrapped up a little earlier so he could catch Kyoko in action.

It brought him great pride to witness her amazing skills first hand. They often helped each other at home with script reading and gave each other tips on how to improve each scene. He was glad Yashiro had to turn down the act of having him play Shizuma. He didn't want to play a role where he would have to break her heart and show love for another. One night, while he was rehearsing with her, he had complimented her on her character development. He felt that she solidly grasped Momiji. Still resonating with Momiji's spirit, Kyoko had surprised him by bursting into tears. She clung to him and confessed that if he weren't such a big idiot she would never have known such intense heartache. A tightness in his chest, that Ren had no idea was there, was finally released. All this time, he had harbored dark thoughts that she channeled her painful past she had had with Fuwa to act out Momiji. Ren couldn't keep the warmth from flooding his body. She pounded his chest when he started to smile. It made him happy to know that it was her so called "unrequited" love for him that helped her lock down the role. That night he enveloped her in his embrace and apologized repeatedly. He had kissed away her tears and showed her, as much as he could, just how much he loved her. He hoped that when they did act together, it would be an epic romance with the two of them having a happily ever after together.

"Tsuruga-san! Oi Tsuruga!" Kijima said snapping his fingers in front of the actor's face to get his attention.

"Oh Kijima-san, you're finally here!" Ren said snapping out of his lovely daydream.

"What are you talking about? I am right on time. You're the one that just gets here too early!...Anyway the Director wants us to get ready," Kijima said pointing a thumb over his shoulder towards the dressing rooms. Ren nodded and fell in step with the other actor as they walked towards their rooms.

"Were you thinking about Kyoko-chan just now," Kijima asked teasing while flashing a sexy grin at a beautiful female staff member. She returned it with a flirty smile of her own as they passed by. Ren just nodded uninterested. Kijima made a note to get her number after work, maybe even invite her out for a drink.

Kijima stretched his arms up into the air as they walked. He thought of Kyoko from the Dark Moon days. She had grown so much in such a short time as an actress. "Man... to think that I let such a treasure like Kyoko-chan slip through my fingers. You're one lucky S-O-B."

Kijima's comment bothered Ren. He still couldn't forget how this guy managed to dress up his girlfriend. Ok so she wasn't his girlfriend back then. Semantics aside, it still peeved him that Kijima managed to do something he could not at the time. He knew Kijima was thinking of the most recent events. He was elated that his girlfriend was getting the recognition she deserved and from what Yashiro had told him earlier in the car, she had quite a number of offers stacking up. Yashiro had disclosed to Ren that Lory instructed him to refuse any leading roles for Kyoko. According to Yashiro, he had the feeling that the President had already planned Kyoko's debut role. Ren needed to follow up on some of his contacts. He wanted in on whatever Lory had up his sleeve.

"I was shocked when I saw your reveal yesterday. You know I had nightmares after watching that movie. I even had to watch it twice. The first time I went, my date was so sick and terrified, I had to take her home in the middle...tch that was a total waste. She was so my type too. I went the second time alone. I still don't know which is scarier you as BJ or you as Cain Heel," Kijima said stopping just outside their rooms. He stared at Ren as if he wanted to say more. He shook his head and entered his room leaving Ren confused. What did the other actor want to say?

Ren wasn't deaf. He heard the staff whispering as he walked towards the set. His ears twitched whenever he heard Kyoko's name mentioned. They had prepared themselves for the worse but he didn't think it would happen all so quickly. This is how it was going to be for a while until some new story replaces it. He hoped Kyoko was doing ok. He spotted Yashiro against the back wall tapping away at his phone and went over to him.

"Everything alright Yashiro-san? You look quite occupied."

Yashiro let out a sigh and looked up from the phone, "I'm just trying to respond to some of our PR department's questions. Nothing I can't handle." Yashiro held his phone up to his mouth trying to cover the teasing smile that threatened to split his face. "Are you ever going to tell me what went on between you two while on Tragic Marker? It seems those members from the Tragic Marker set have a lot to say. There's a lot of questions from the press asking for confirmation on whether or not their stories are true."

"No comment," Ren said ignoring Yashiro's knowing smirk. "Can you hold on to my phone? In case she calls." Yashiro couldn't help the broad grin that spread across his face when Ren handed over his phone. It was so good to see all these different sides of Ren.

Kijima clapped Ren on the shoulder interrupting his conversation with Yashiro. "Yo! Let's get this over with. I've got a date." Kijima said nodding over to the woman earlier. Ren laughed shaking his head. I guess he couldn't wait until after work.

They walked over to the Director to receive their instructions. Even months after Dark Moon wrapped, the actors were still fulfilling some contractual obligations. Today, they were filming a Beer commercial for one of Dark Moon's sponsors.

Ren and Kijima took their seats at the center of the table that had been laden with food and drinks. They were a bunch of salary men eating and drinking after a long day at the office. It was supposed to be comedic with the dialogue mainly between Ren and Kijima. At one point, they both had to chug down a pint of beer while the extras chanted "chug, chug, chug!" It was a close race. Ren and Kijima both slammed their glasses down at the same time. They cheered obnoxiously as only drunk men could. For authenticity and easy, Japanese directors tended to use the real products during commercials. It was up to the actors to make it work. Ren had never been a rowdy drunk even in his younger days. He tended to sit in a corner and brood so this was something new for him. After a couple of NGs, he got the hang of it by imitating the other guys and creating his own character. By the time the Director called it a wrap, Ren was feeling quite proud at his ability to hold his alcohol. He joined the guys in one last celebratory drink before heading back to his dressing room.

The Director came up to Yashiro, "Yashiro-san I'm quite pleased with how things had turned out. I'm embarrassed that I was a bit worried that this concept would be difficult for Tsuruga-san to grasp since he was always so…"

"Uptight?" Yashiro offered.

"Eh, I was going to say professional or serious. The original concept was actually a quiet evening between good friends. Lately I've been getting a more cheerful vibe from Tsuruga-san that I wanted to try this route. It was a little rocky at first but I'm very satisfied with the outcome," the Director told him with a bow.

...

Kijima intercepted Ren as he walked towards the exit. "Tsuruga-san, thanks for the hard work. We should go drinking more often. You should bring Kyoko-chan too."

"Kijima our lives are hectic. I definitely don't want to share my free time with Kyoko with you," Ren told him seriously.

Kijima laughed. "So stingy. Well you have my number if you guys ever want to hang out," Kijima said waving his hand as he walked off to find his date.

Ren made his obligatory rounds around the set to say his farewell. The Director congratulated Ren for fooling all of Japan for his act as Cain Heel. From the corner of his eye, Ren saw Yashiro put on a glove and pull out a cellphone. He excused himself from the Director and hurried over to Yashiro.

"We should get going," Yashiro told him handing over his phone. Ren looked at the message, Thank you for the gift! I'll see you soon, love you. Ren frowned, what gift.

Sota took a long drag from his cigarette. He sat in a cafe glancing out the front window across the street at the hotel entrance. He looked at the clock on his phone. He had been sitting there for the equivalent of three cups of coffee and two slices of cheesecake. It would be dusk soon. He was actually happy for the breather. Sota had a few moments earlier where he thought his cover was blown. He wondered if the girl was actually aware of his presence and giving him the run around. He followed her to a high-end boutique where she spent over an hour trying on clothes by the looks of the large shopping bags she was carrying. Her next stop was to an upscale salon and spa that was by appointment only. When she finally emerged from the salon several hours later, her hair was a lighter shade and hung in soft waves. From there she stopped outside a gift shop. He watched curiously, as she switched gift bags with a female worker. Now he sat waiting for her to emerge from the hotel. Specter had relayed to Sota that the room was under her name using her credit card information. The hotel's database indicated that she had rented out the suite since yesterday.

Sota's phone chimed with an incoming message, she's finally moving again. Sota stood and threw down a few yen to pay for his tab. After a few minutes, he saw the attendant open the lobby door. He watched the young woman exit the hotel wearing a lightweight, cream colored, long sleeve shirtdress with a belted waist. Looks like the Ojou-sama has finally decided to grace us with her presence. Everything was in its place. Her hair, make-up, outfit and accessories were impeccable. She reeked of money.

Sota climbed into his car. He had it delivered while he waited in the cafe. His gut feeling told him that her "on foot" adventure was ending and he would need to keep up with her without inconveniencing a cab driver.

…

Kimiko thanked the besotted doorman as she stepped out into the evening air. Her father had called her several times in the last half hour that she ended up blocking his number. He finally noticed that she was no longer at home. She feigned mock sympathy as she thought about the poor maid she left in her room. Her father probably sent her packing already.

The rear door of the car she hired automatically opened to allow her in. She handed the startled driver the address on a slip of paper and sat back to enjoy the ride. After a long luxurious day at the spa, she was feeling more like herself again. She made it a point to avoid all things that would agitate her until it was time to get ready. She had ordered room service and watched some variety show that had celebrities making fools of themselves.

Kimiko clenched the gift bag with her fingers in anticipation for what was to come. As they neared her destination, a calm had settled over her. Everything was going to work out just fine.

AN: Hi hi, thanks for sticking with me. I apologize for cutting it off here but it was getting too long. I think I'm doing this on purpose to buy myself some time...XD I hope to wrap up Kimiko by next chapter.

Thank you for reading! I appreciated your reviews on last chapter.

Until next time, sayonara! ^_^