Chapter 83: Worse Ways to Go!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kyoko would have more confidence...in bed. XD

Tadashi had accompanied Kyoko shopping for tonight's dinner, then wished her good night after he saw her safely in the apartment. Before leaving, he reminded her to set the house alarm after he left, which she did dutifully.

Once alone, she put away their newly laundered clothing and discovered something alarming. Trying to push her negative thoughts from her mind, Kyoko took a shower before getting started with dinner. During her shower, she had thought long and hard about her predicament, finally coming up with a solution. Kyoko tried to focus on drying and brushing her hair to contain the blush that threatened to burn her cheeks as her thoughts wandered back to her decision. She had it all planned out in her mind and hoped she could distract him enough to execute it to its fullest without relying on any of her roles to get her through it. Kyoko wasn't planning to do anything new, except maybe that one teeny little thing. She just hoped he wouldn't be angry with her.

Once cleaned up, she prepared something light and nutritious for dinner since it was already so late. Kyoko was going back and forth between the kitchen setting the table when her boyfriend finally entered the apartment. Her earlier thoughts threatened to bubble to the surface at the mere sight of him. She managed to contain them and reacted normally.

"I'm home, beautiful," he greeted, flashing her a gorgeous smile and holding a vibrant bouquet of wildflowers. He reset the house alarm and made his way towards her.

"Welcome home, Corn," she smiled, receiving the proffered bouquet and inhaling its fragrance. She tip-toed, wrapping an arm around his neck, and thanked him for the flowers.

Kuon leaned into the crook of her neck and inhaled deeply. He loved the warm sweet smell she gave off naturally. If he could bottle up her scent, he would call it Home. He started to nuzzle her neck, making her giggle.

"Stop it! Wash your hands and let's eat before it gets even later," she scolded him with a soft smack to his chest.

"It smells good! I'll be right back," he told her and headed to the bathroom to wash his hands. She found a vase for the flowers and arranged them just like Yayoi had instructed her in Kyoto. She took her seat at the table and turned on the television, changing it to the channel that typically aired an American cooking show. This would start her English training now and teach her new western recipes at the same time. Maybe she could cook something for him next time.

When he returned, jeweled green eyes stared at her with a raised eyebrow taking in the cooking show.

"I hope you don't mind Corn. Can we start speaking in English? To help me with my school lessons. I also don't want people to think I sound weird when I'm in America," she explained, trying her best not to resort to the British accent she typically used while playing Setsuka. She stuck with the English she often used when disguised as Ella.

"Sure, I don't mind, but you have nothing to worry about. You're already fluent." He had a feeling it was Cain's fault for her insecurity. He had been jealous then, knowing that she had learned English for the sake of Fuwa's ryokan. At the time, he had covered up his pettiness by implying that her English was too polite for his rebellious little sister.

They ate their food chatting in English. Kuon told her about breaking his silence to defend Yashiro.

"Your mother might end up hating me for commenting," he sighed, disappointed by his lack of control. His behavior might have set him back concerning his mother-in-law, but Kuon knew he would defend his friend all over again if given the chance.

"Don't worry too much about it. My mother appreciates loyalty. She won't hold it against you," Kyoko assured him.

"So how was your day," he asked, glad for the easy opening.

Kyoko gushed about the ridiculous behavior of the Ishibashi brothers and the unfairness of the producer. The recount of her TBM job had him laughing.

Kuon watched her from the corner of his eye as she told him about her night. She sounds like her usual self so maybe everything really was "fine." As she spoke, he recalled some of the relationships he had in the past. The girls he dated halfheartedly used to say the same thing back then. He was young and oblivious in those days. Kuon didn't ever want to repeat his past mistakes with Kyoko. Perhaps Kijima was on to something. After all, the man had vast experience with the female psyche.

He laid his chin on the back of the hand holding his chopsticks and tilted his head towards Kyoko as she told him her story with such animation. Kuon could watch her forever and never grow tired. She was his all-time favorite show. He reached up with his free hand to push a lock of hair behind her ear.

"What's wrong?" She asked, stopping her story abruptly. Kyoko gazed at him, a small blush marring her cheeks. Whenever he stared at her with such love and concern like that, she couldn't help the erratic beating of her heart.

"You really are fine, right?" He asked her with a small smile while the back of his fingers moved to caress her cheek. "School, the press, everything went okay?"

Kyoko turned her face and kissed his fingers. The tenderness of his gaze made her brain turn to mush. She vaguely remembered all that happened at school today. Without thinking, she told him about her vandalized locker and how Mimori saw through her disguise. Aside from that, the kids weren't so bad if just a little fearful of her.

Kyoko instantly realized her mistake as Kuon's dark aura began seeping out. "I'm okay, Corn," she responded, hoping to get him to relax. "It was textbook bullying stuff. Nothing I couldn't handle," she waved off.

Kuon breathed deeply, calming himself. He wanted to call the school principal and demand these kids get punished for hurting her, but Kyoko forbade it.

What else happened today? She thought, going through her day with something to distract Kuon. Then it clicked. She knew what she had to tell him was going to spoil the mood.

Kuon became anxious by the dark aura surrounding her. Kijima was right, she isn't just fine. He waited for her to tell him what was on her mind. Kuon scooped up her hand and traced small circles with his thumb, hoping the soothing gesture would encourage her to speak to him. Breathing deeply, he told himself to keep an open mind and not to let his jealousy lead her to hide things from him. He couldn't bear it if he scared her again as he did in that hotel room. That night she had freed him from the darkness. If it wasn't for her acting skills he might have lost control.

"I...I..." She stammered. Kuon nodded patiently for her to continue trying to contain his anxiety. What did she have to tell him? Didn't he tell her this morning that he would accept anything as long as she was happy?

Kyoko took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "The thing is... I asked my mother to press charges against Morizumi-san and her manager. I'm so sorry I didn't consult you! I don't know what I was thinking! Oh god, this could damage your career," she panicked. What had she done without thinking about the consequences and those it would inadvertently affect? She had been angry and wasn't thinking rationally.

"I'm so sorry! I understand if you want nothing to do with me. I don't want to get in the way of your dreams," Kyoko wailed, throwing herself down into a dogeza. It had been so long since she screwed up like this with him.

"Like hell, you're getting rid of me that easily!" He growled and pulled her up from the floor. Wrapping his arms around her, he rubbed her back until she calmed down. Kuon assured her that everything would be fine. When she was finally relaxed against him, he asked her to tell him everything that led to her decision. By the time she finished recounting the bit about the poisoned chocolates, he was ready to rip someone's head off. It was now Kyoko's turn to talk him down and counsel him.

After talking things through, the heaviness in their hearts dissipated. They would deal with the future together. When they finished cleaning up the dishes after dinner, Kuon and Kyoko went through the packets of projects that Yashiro had given them. The Heel siblings had afforded them both new opportunities. Many producers and designers were chomping at the bit to nab them first. Yashiro had separated the individual offers into their respective folders then had a separate folder that wanted them together. Kuon knew that there were several projects not in her folder that the President had immediately rejected. Lory had a particular project he wanted to use for her debut, so he instructed Yashiro to turn down any lead roles that were coming her way. Yashiro gave him the shortlist of those projects, but that still left many more interested parties in the industry.

Kuon had reached out to Director Seiji's assistant and received a favorable reply. He needed to find time to look up the source he was given. The assistant had told him that the LME president had yet to give them a thumbs up so it could be a waste of time. It at least gave him something to work with. He wanted to be fully prepared for when the time arrived. There were many other directors interested in Kyoko that he could contact. The more he gathered, the more likely he was to stumble on the correct one.

They went through the folder that wanted them together. It was a bunch of advertisements for clothing, cologne, and alcohol. Kyoko's eyes widened when she saw that the Kimono shop they had visited as the Heel Siblings wanted to hire them. They accepted all the offers eagerly, willing to do just about anything to work with each other again. Kyoko was disappointed that there wasn't any drama work for them together, but as an actress, she hid it well. As a newbie in this industry, she had to be patient. Once they were done with the combined folder, they moved on to browse prospective jobs for them individually.

Kyoko groaned, spying a contract for Setsuka to model for Sho's album cover. Kuon leaned in to see what had soured her good mood.

"Ugh, why does this guy keep butting into my life?" Kyoko sighed wearily. She had long forgiven Shotaro but was hoping to keep a low profile until all the gossip about their childhood relationship became old news.

"That should be good. It would show the public that you two are still on good terms and are professionals," he commented, reading over the project description. Personal feelings aside, this would be good exposure for her.

"It looks relatively straightforward. A shoot like this would take a couple of hours tops. With you starting school again, it was probably why Yashiro considered it."

"Eh, you're okay with me working with him?" Kyoko asked, looking at Kuon in surprise. She felt almost disappointed that he was so mature about it. What am I thinking? Why would I wish he acted as he did in the past when it came to Shotaro?

"No, I'm not okay with it. This is work and though it annoys me to say this, he is Japan's top artist right now. It could only boost your popularity. If that bastard tries anything, I'll definitely kick his ass this go around!"

Kyoko giggled happily. His scowling face was so adorable. She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek in thanks.

When they finished going through their packets, Kuon left her to shower while she submitted her assignment to the class's online portal. This was especially convenient for her class since most were busy with work and often missed lessons. This allowed them to keep up with their lessons and turn in school work from anywhere on the planet.

Kyoko shut down her computer and entered their room to find Kuon lounging on the bed, bare-chested with his computer propped on his lap. He flashed her that divine smile making her heart skip and belly clench. She smiled in return, her eyes straying to the headboard. Did he notice?

All evening, she struggled to keep from thinking about her plan for tonight. It wasn't easy to stop thinking about what she had discovered while putting away their clothes. Her mind had been in turmoil wondering what it could mean. Was it something he enjoyed in the past and was holding himself back because of her? Old feelings like anger and jealousy threatened to take control of her. During her shower earlier, she thought the best thing to do was to forget she ever saw it. There was no point bringing up something from the past, but the nagging question remained. Why would he keep them? Unless… After her shower, standing wrapped in nothing but a towel, she did what any teenage girl would do, she asked Google Sensei. After ten minutes of "extensive" research, she came up with a plan to show him just how unafraid and accepting she could be with a twist.

She walked into the bathroom, PJs in hand, leaving the door ajar. Kyoko used her nightly routine as an excuse to mentally prepare herself to take action. Brushing her teeth took twice as long as her mind kept wandering. With a clean face, she focused on applying her nightly skin products. It helped thinking about her best friend. Kanae had insisted that she adopt a skincare routine early for both day and night. Thanks to a recent skin line commercial, Kyoko happily received a plethora of creams and cleansers that would last her a while. When she finished moisturizing, Kyoko changed her clothes and proceeded to comb her hair, stalling. She was glad she took the time to wash out her extensions tonight. The shampoo she used gave off a nice citrus scent. One final look in the mirror confirmed she was ready. Ganbatte, Kyoko! She pinched her cheeks to bring some life to her skin.

Kyoko hadn't realized it, but if Kuon squinted just right, he could see her through the gap of the door. Looking up from his screen, he happened to catch the very moment she cast off all her clothes, panties included, and slipped on a tiny black nightgown. Knowing he was in for a treat, he mashed keys on his computer to finish what he was doing before she came out. Sensing her presence, he gulped when he laid eyes on her leaning against the door studying her nails. Unable to tear his gaze away, he absentmindedly closed the lid to his computer and moved to place it on the nightstand. The computer crashed to the floor, completely missing the table. Kuon didn't even care. The only thing occupying his mind at the moment was the sexy vixen strutting seductively towards him. For the first time in his life, their roles were reversed. For once, Kuon knew what it felt to be the small animal ready to be devoured. Oh, God! How in God's name am I supposed to keep myself from taking her when she's acting like this?

Trying to play it cool, he readjusted himself toward the center of the bed and sank lower on the pillows enjoying the view.

Fuck, she's so sexy!

His eyes roamed the length of her body appreciatively and stopped, mesmerized by the sway of her hemline threatening to expose her hidden treasure with every step. Knowing that she was bare beneath that silk made him lose his cool and had him giddy as a schoolgirl.

I'm a lucky man!

Kuon's sweet and innocent girlfriend had transformed into a seductive temptress. He had no clue what to expect and laid there dumbfounded waiting for her cue. The idea that she might be practicing for a role was fleeting, unable to think rationally. Regardless, Kuon vowed to do his part as all his blood seemed to be pumping straight down to his groin.

Fuck! His cock twitched excitedly in his silk pajama pants when Kyoko nibbled on her bottom lip. Visions of her heated mouth on him danced through his mind until she finally reached the end of the bed.

Kyoko moved slow, much too slow for his liking, and placed a knee on the edge. She smiled seductively, her bottom lip red and swollen from her bite. At this angle, Kuon had a clear view of her breasts down the low neckline of her nightie. On instinct, he licked his lips, impatient to have his mouth sucking on those creamy mounds.

His gaze flicked from her chest back to her face as she leisurely crawled up his form, knowing just how to work her body. Her usually vibrant eyes were dark with lust and the expression on her face had one thought blaring in his head, Empress of the Night.

Kuon's breath hitched and his throat went dry, again he licked his lips in anticipation when her hands made contact. She stayed low, running her palms up his thighs. He could feel the hardened tips of her breasts brush against his legs as she made her way up then settled herself across his mid-section. Kuon let out a tortured groan, feeling her hot wet center pulsating against his abs.

I think I died and went to heaven!

Without hesitation, his hands slid up her thighs and greedily gripped her naked ass. Kyoko frowned and shook her head "no," removing his hands from her body.

Kuon grinned, enjoying her bossiness. He made his body go slack and waited for her to take point. Kyoko in control always made him grow harder. She laced her fingers with his and positioned them over his head. Kuon closed his eyes as she leaned over him, licking his lips. Opening his eyes, he raised his head, seeking her retreating lips to deepen the kiss, but she pulled back shaking her head again.

He let his head fall back in understanding and was rewarded with her nipping and sucking on his ear lobe. The moment she released his hands, Kuon moved to touch her. Wordlessly, she grabbed his hands again and brought them back about his. It was enough of a hint for him to keep them up there. Satisfied with his cooperation, Kyoko rewarded him with a searing, toe-curling kiss, plunging her tongue into his mouth.

Who is this? Kuon's eyes widened in surprise then closed, letting his senses take over. The way she wrestled and sucked on his tongue thoroughly distracted him. He was so drunk on lust, Kuon didn't notice what her hands were doing.

Click! Click!

Kuon barely registered the sound until Kyoko pulled away from him abruptly. He wanted, no, needed to taste more of her. His eyes fluttered open, confused by the loss. It took a moment for the haze to clear and found Kyoko smirking down at him.

Kuon tried to move his arms and found them stuck. He looked up behind him and yanked on his arms only to be greeted by a rattling metallic sound.

Handcuffs! He stared at Kyoko alarmed. Not just any handcuffs; they were the handcuffs he had purchased for the night he confessed to her. He had forgotten all about them. Fuck, she found them. I knew this stupid purchase would come back to bite me in the ass one day. Is she pissed?

"Baby, this isn't what you think. I can expla-" he panicked, but Kyoko silenced him with a hard kiss. It was meant to be punishing.

There was a faint hint of copper in his mouth as she tugged on his bottom lip with her teeth and drew blood. Yeah, she's pissed. It turned him on. Kyoko pulled back and smirked, relishing in her handy work until she saw the state of his lip. For a brief moment, Kuon thought he saw a hint of pain or regret flicker in her eyes.

"Kyo—" he attempted to explain again, but she wouldn't let him. He tensed as she swooped down to claim his lips, expecting another painful exchange; however, she surprised him with a tender kiss. He moaned in satisfaction when their tongues intertwined. Whatever anger she had harbored seemed to evaporate from her body. Since she was intent on continuing, Kuon resigned himself to let her have her way with him. There would be time later to explain.

Kyoko was no longer angry that he hid this from her. She had almost stopped after realizing she had bitten him too hard at the taste of blood and expected him to snap at her for it. Instead, his lustful expression made her heady from the power she held over him.

The way he reacted to her every kiss and every touch delighted her. The sound of him trying to get free just to touch her did wonders to her ego. Kuon even appeared to be more sensitive than usual. Kyoko used this opportunity to apologize and covered every inch of his skin with her lips. Every gasp and every groan she elicited from him had her confidence soaring. Her tongue traced over his jawline, his collar bone, his nipples, and every ridge of his well-sculpted abdomen. Kuon hissed when her tongue dipped into the tiny opening of his belly button.

"Baby," he groaned, writhing under her ministrations, the clanging of the cuffs joined his sounds.

"Shhh, let me make you feel good, baby" she whispered sensually.

"Fuck!" Kuon moaned but settled down.

Kyoko followed his happy trail until she could go no further. Her fingers gripped his waistband and with his help tugged his boxer briefs and pants off in one fell swoop.

Kuon shuddered as his erection sprang to attention. He never felt so vulnerable in his life as Kyoko kissed her way up his inner thighs. She ran her tongue over his scrotum and traced the throbbing vein on the underside of his dick.

Kuon flailed underneath her. The handcuffs clanked loudly against the headboard as he tugged his arms. "Oh, fuck, baby! You'll be the death of me," Kuon gasped. Which wasn't at all a bad thing; after all, there were worse ways to go.

Kyoko giggled and gazed up at him through her lashes, rubbing his tip against her lips. Kuon couldn't tear his eyes from watching her pleasure him and bit his bottom lip drawing more blood. She curled her fingers around his shaft and laid petal-soft kisses up and down his length. When she was done kissing, Kyoko let her tongue take over, licking slowly as if she was eating the most delicious ice cream cone on a hot summer day.

Overcome by sensation, Kuon threw his head back when her lips finally closed over him and sucked him deep. She had him instantly panting.

"Fuck, baby….please…uh…let me…ahh..let me touch you," he begged, tugging on his restraints. She ignored his pleas and concentrated on taking him deeper until he bottomed out at the back of her throat. He was so large that she had to use her hand to make up the difference.

Kuon abandoned all attempts of coherent speech and let it all go, seeking his pleasure.

"I'm so close," he panted, thrusting his hips in time with her mouth. Knowing he was nearly there, Kyoko sped up her movements. Several thrusts later, Kuon grunted his release, his body tensing then shuddering while his cum gushed down her throat. Kyoko was ready for it, swallowing every drop of his essence. The heat of her mouth suckling him felt so good that it dragged out his orgasm. Groaning and closing his eyes, he enjoyed Kyoko licking the residue that had slipped past her lips until he was clean.

Kyoko rose from her position and smiled, satisfied that he looked spent with his chest heaving from the exertion on his body. She stretched on top of him and stared with a worried expression.

When he finally opened his eyes, she bit her bottom lip nervously and asked, "are you mad?"

Kuon chuckled shaking her body against him. "Mad? That was fucking incredible!" Kyoko smiled, relieved, and snuggled into him.

"Ugh...Babe. I love a good cuddle, but do you think you can release me now so I can hold you?"

"Oh, sorry," she flushed and scrambled off the bed to get the key. She knelt next to his head on the pillows while she opened the locks. As soon as he was free his arms snaked out, trapping her against him.

"It's my turn!" he growled.

Kyoko shrieked but didn't fight him as he eagerly ripped her nightgown over her head. She was hot and wet and so ready for whatever he had planned for her.

Not to be outdone by her, Kuon decided to take a gamble at something new even for him. He released her and laid back down, shifting the pillows beneath his head so he was flat, and said, "I want you to sit on my face."

"Excuse me?" Kyoko choked, her face turning scarlet.

"Come over here," he beckoned, reaching out for her. "There's something I want to try with you."

"You want me to s-sit there?" She gestured to the vicinity of his head.

Kuon nodded with a naughty gleam in his emerald eyes.

"N-naked?" she squeaked, making him smirk.

"There's no way!" Kyoko shrieked. "What if you suffocate or something? Your fans would murder me!"

"Then at least I'll die a very very happy man!" he replied with a goofy grin on his face. Kyoko smacked him. "Don't be shy, baby. I want to make you feel as good as you made me…please," he pleaded, turning level 3 puppy dog eyes on her.

"Fine," she giggled. She was powerless against those eyes, especially in green. Kyoko couldn't believe she was entertaining this idea and stood above him, legs spread with her feet just under each armpit, trying to figure out how to place herself without killing him.

"Fuuuccckk," he moaned, gliding his hands up the length of her legs. Kyoko gazed down and watched his eyes darken with lust. The rush of heat between her legs dispelled any embarrassment she might have had in this position.

"I need to taste you," his voice husky and heavy with desire. Kyoko's knees threatened to buckle as his hands slid past the back of her knees and further up. Kuon had to lean up to squeeze her ass.

"Come down here," he whispered, guiding Kyoko to place her knees on each side of his head. He groaned, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply. Her sex filled his nostrils, heightening his arousal.

Kyoko stared down at him, stunned by his passionate response, making her whole body flush when he pulled her closer. This was such a bad idea, he was sure to die from lack of oxygen. She tried to get off of him, but Kuon clamped on her thighs firmly and blew at the dampness between her legs.

"Mmmm," she moaned as heat shot throughout her body. She grabbed the headboard in front of her to steady herself.

Kuon chuckled, glad that she was aroused and not trying to get off him. He nuzzled his nose against her clit and inhaled again. This had to be paradise. Vowing to drag her pleasure out, he kissed her sex softly, deliberately, tortuously until she was squirming above him. His mouth moved over her silky flesh with the same tenderness he used while kissing her lips. Kuon continued at this pace until he had her begging and trembling above him for more.

Kyoko watched him through narrow slits. She couldn't tear her eyes away from what he was doing to her. The look of pure bliss on his face shook her to the core.

"Kuon," she gasped, gripping the headboard so tight that her knuckles turned white.

Kuon's eyes shot open at the desperate sound of his name, catching her stare. He licked, sucked, and kissed until she started whimpering, then tightened his grip on her thighs and thrust his tongue into her pulsating core, making her scream his name.

"Oh God, Kuon!" She moaned, arching her back and urging him to continue. She was so damn wet and the ache in her core intensified. Kyoko had held her hips still for fear of suffocating him, but her body had a mind of its own and began rocking into his face with every thrust of his tongue.

Kuon reached a hand between her legs and rubbed her clit with his thumb. Her voice grew louder, screaming his name over and over. He had her strung so tight until she finally snapped.

"Kuon!" Kyoko screamed, throwing her head back in ecstasy when the pressure building in the pit of her stomach finally exploded. Kuon continued to lap at the juices flowing from her core. Still trembling from her orgasm, she glanced down at him, making her sweat-soaked hair hang over them like a veil.

Kyoko was brought back down to earth when Kuon gripped her thighs and tried to pry them open. She had him in a death grip.

"Sorry," she yelped. Embarrassed by her inhibitions, Kyoko rolled off of him. Kuon followed, caging her body under him, and smirked.

"I take it, you enjoyed that as much as I did?" He asked curiously. Sated and feeling thoroughly fucked, Kyoko sighed happily. Kuon leaned down and kissed her then pulled back.

"Can I tell you why I have those handcuffs?" he asked earnestly, bringing them back to what started this all. Kyoko nodded. She might as well hear him out.

AN: My mantra is Fluff and Smut! Fluff and Smut! I had this partially done since I cut it off from the last chapter so I'm posting it early because I haven't perv'd in almost eight chapters?...XD. Forgive me for the lack of progress, but I wanted to lay the foundation on what my lovebirds would be doing before heading off to LA for Fashion Week. I will get back to the Kimi thing next chapter unless I'm derailed by YukiNae.

Thanks for sticking with me and I hope you enjoyed it! I appreciated the reviews of the last chapter. Good or bad, they're always very encouraging!

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^