Chapter 92: Father

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kimiko's family would finally realize the kind of psychopath they had cultivated.

Cedric smiled gratefully at the maid as she set down the tea tray. She placed a cup and saucer in front of him and poured tea into his cup. She quietly gestured towards the sugar and cream on the tray. Cedric shook his head. He didn't need anything in his tea. The maid bowed and left, assuring him that the Morizumis would be along shortly. Cedric reached for the teacup for something to do while he waited since he was a jumble of nerves. It didn't go over well the last time he approached the Morizumis. Only Jouji was nice enough to give him an update on Kimiko. According to the director, she had a long road to recovery and it would be best for him to leave her alone.

Cedric was surprised when he received the invitation from Kimiko's father for this meeting and didn't hesitate to accept the invite, wanting to apologize properly. He never meant to hurt Kimiko, emotionally.

The sound of the door opening drew his attention as the Morizumis entered. He placed his cup back on the table, stood, and bowed deeply to the couple.

"Bennett-san, thank you for coming on such short notice," Jiro greeted in English with a thick Japanese accent. Kimiko's mother didn't say a word and sat down across from him. Cedric raised his head and looked at her parents. He couldn't keep the shock from registering on his face at their haggard appearance. They were still impeccably dressed, but the stress of the last few days had taken its toll.

"I would like to apologize for our behavior at the hospital. We were very emotional and not in our right minds," Jiro explained and bowed deeply. Jiro glanced nervously at his wife who sat there with a blank stare. His wife had taken the news of their daughter's prior transgressions personally. If she had been more of a mother, perhaps Kimiko wouldn't have turned out to be the opposite of the ideal daughter she portrayed. They didn't know their daughter at all.

The night after the family meeting with Kento, Jiro had returned home to find his wife sobbing and drinking wine as she flipped through a family album. She glanced at Jiro, waiting for him to blame her. She was a failure of a mother. The minute that video went viral she should have whisked her daughter out of the country to prevent further damage to her family. She had glimpsed instances of Kimiko's decline long before everything exploded and couldn't believe that the conniving young woman in the video threatening her cousin was the same sweet little girl that used to dream of becoming an actress. Kimiko had managed to deceive those around her, including her parents, with her good girl act. Jiro sat on the floor next to his wife and wrapped his arm over her shoulder. The feeling of wanting to assure her that everything would be alright weighed on him once again, but he couldn't lie to her. For the first time since becoming a father, he was at a complete loss on how to proceed. After re-watching the video of the accident, he concluded that Cedric had something to do with Kimiko's change in behavior.

"Morizumi-san," Cedric began then dropped into a dogeza. He wanted to convey his sincerest apologies for what happened to Kimiko. Cedric knew enough from that night that his actions, in the name of friendship, had affected the girl.

"Please stand, Bennett-san. There is no need to apologize to us in such a fashion. Kimi is responsible for her actions."

Jiro motioned for Cedric to stand and sit back on the chair. When the young man was settled, Jiro took his seat near his wife.

"We asked you here Bennett-san because we understand that Kimi has an unnatural obsession with you and the actress Kyoko-san. Can you please explain your relationship with my daughter?"

Sweat beaded upon Cedric's brow. How much should he tell him? Did he have to tell him that he deflowered his daughter and regretted it ever since? The fact that Kimiko was so mature about it the next morning eased his guilt. She had convinced him that she was fine and just wanted to remain friends. They could pretend the night had never happened. Cedric jumped at the easy out she gave him. He had known Kimiko still liked him, but he never once considered that his actions were hurting her to such an extent. Cedric decided then that the fact that he had sex with this man's underage daughter should be better left unsaid. He didn't want to spend the rest of his life in a foreign prison.

Cedric began with how they had met on the set in L.A. and became fast friends due to his fascination with the Japanese culture. The latest blockbusters were adapting more of the eastern culture into their films. He was shocked upon finding out that she was no longer acting when he met up with her in Japan and had tried many times to understand her reasons. As a good friend, he wanted to reawaken her passion for the industry.

Jiro was grateful to the young man for trying to bring his daughter back into acting. His efforts were futile since he wasn't privy to his daughter's reasons for quitting. Cedric told them that he had noticed the unhealthy grudge she had developed against the actress Kyoko.

He shared with her parents the night she stayed at his apartment after being "assaulted" and how he figured out she had orchestrated the whole thing. The Heel sibling reveal might have triggered her somehow. He recalled how the pair had acted toward her when they met on the street in front of the cafe. The couple had taken advantage of their disguises to take a few jabs at Kimiko that night. It wasn't until the accident that he realized the extent of her mania. Cedric gushed out all that transpired on the set that night and the revelation that she had a hand in him coming to Japan. For them to understand, he had to explain his problems with the scandal in L.A. and the circumstances with his family. He had no clue how she did it, but she somehow managed to time everything to work in her favor.

Cedric went silent after his confession and stared at the older couple nervously. They had let him talk for the most part with Jiro asking several questions throughout his story while his wife quietly listened. He could tell she was no longer angry at him. He even thought he saw a hint of sympathy in her eyes as he talked of his friend. It was sad that he never got to know the real Kimiko despite how much time they spent together.

After seeing Cedric out, Jiro sat next to his wife, contemplating all that the young man had revealed. It was quite eye-opening. The fact that his daughter had set her plan in motion ever since she was in Los Angeles made him shudder. It would have been successful except for one vital flaw; she had underestimated the abilities of Japan's up-and-coming actresses.

"I think we should just focus on getting Kimi the help she needs," Jiro suggested to his wife. There would be no justice here. He wanted to inform Kento that he needed to drop the charges against Yashiro immediately. Kimiko's psych evaluation revealed that she was unstable and had abnormal aggression towards the actress Kyoko. His daughter had refused to cooperate, opting to stare out the window in a catatonic state and ignoring all the doctor's questions. Bringing up the names of Kyoko, Ren or Cedric did not get even the slightest twitch from her. The doctor had the bright idea to turn on the television, stumbling upon a rerun of the recent interview with Ren and Kyoko.

Kimiko's violent response was instantaneous the moment they were in her sight. She screamed, cursed, and threw anything on hand at the television set. The police officer stationed outside her room had burst in, startled by the commotion. He helped the doctor hold the frail girl down as she tried to tear at her bandages. The reaction had resulted in her being placed in leather restraints to keep her from harming herself and others. The doctor did not hesitate to recommend she be moved to the psych ward for further evaluation. Jiro had refused to treat his daughter like a mental patient.

"How can we help her if she's in prison?" His wife had voiced the question that he couldn't answer.

Jiro grimaced. She had a point. I may have to consider a mental institution as an alternative. He would have to consult with Kento. Perhaps the judge would show leniency or grant some sort of plea deal for her. Jiro was already making plans to relocate his family to South Korea depending on the outcome. The country had a plethora of highly-rated plastic surgeons, surely one of them would be able to heal his daughter. He knew restoring her exterior would not fix what was broken inside, and would also have to seek out the help of a psychiatrist.

After today's fitting, Tadashi vowed to throttle Fuji if his daughter developed a body complex. She was still sulking as they entered the LME campus for her one-hour music lessons in guitar and vocal training. Fuji had apologized profusely for his initial outburst and insisted that these things often happen in fashion. Kyoko was, after all, still a growing girl. Even though Fuji appreciated the extra curves on her, she still took it hard that she was causing needless work to him and his team.

Kyoko stopped Tadashi's hand on the door handle making him look at her curiously. He watched in fascination as his daughter paused in the hall and closed her eyes. She took a deep shaky breath in and slowly released it. All the tension she was feeling earlier left her body. When she opened her eyes again, she smiled and nodded for him to open the door.

Kyoko had learned a hard lesson from Ren during their Dark Moon days to never bring baggage from one job to the next. Closing her eyes momentarily, helped her focus on improving her mood. Thinking of Ren scolding her properly back then always brought her out of her funk.

...

In all her seventeen years, Kyoko had never once thought that there would come a day when she would be sitting at the same dinner table with her mother and father. Sometime during her music lesson, her father received a call from her mother with a dinner invitation. Tadashi consulted her schedule and found that Yashiro had purposely included a gap so she could eat a proper dinner before she was needed on set. With Kyoko's consent, he accepted on her behalf to meet at a cafe on the way to her next job. Tadashi had every intention of leaving his daughter to eat with her mother, but to the astonishment of both father and daughter, Saena had insisted he join them.

Kyoko was glad they were seated at the back of the cafe with a few older patrons that didn't seem to recognize her. She knew that any interference by fans, or paparazzi, would surely sour her mother's mood. After they had placed their order, Tadashi attempted to make small talk to break the tension.

"Mogami-san, Kyoko-chan was promoted to her third year because of her excellent grades and conduct at school? She will be graduating on schedule," Tadashi beamed proudly.

Saena was shocked by the news and took a moment to recover. "So, do you have plans of taking any entrance exams for university?" Saena asked her daughter coolly.

Kyoko gulped nervously and fidgeted with the hem of her uniform skirt. As an academic, she knew her mother would be disappointed in her answer but she wouldn't lie about her dreams. "Ugh, well, I was planning on focusing on my acting career after I graduate," she answered quietly, peering up at her mother. "LME has a training facility that would allow me to improve my skills as an actress."

Her mother nodded curtly. "Well, as long as you continue to work hard that too is an acceptable path."

Kyoko stared, dumbfounded by her mother's reaction or lack thereof. Did I just receive my mother's approval?

"I have had the privilege to watch her work. She is amazing, Mogami-san!" Tadashi added and broke into a tirade of describing the myriad of skills their daughter possessed, down to the recent discovery that she could not only sing but also play an instrument. His boasting was interrupted when their food arrived, ending the need to speak as they dug into their meals.

"Mother, will Todoh-san be joining us tonight?" Kyoko asked between bites. She wondered if it would be awkward for her father to bring up her mother's fiancé. He didn't seem to mind it.

"He is finishing up some work at the office so I will order him a meal to go. It was his suggestion to invite you for dinner to take a break," Saena replied stoically. Susumu had given her the little push she needed to call and meet up with her daughter since she was still very awkward when it came to interacting with Kyoko. Wanting to prove that she had let go of the past, she hastily invited Tadashi to join them. What she had to say also included him. So far, it was turning out to be a pleasant meal.

Thank you, Todoh-san! Kyoko wasn't hurt that her mother had not come up with the idea herself. The point was she followed through and they were now sharing a meal. She was grateful for the lawyer's presence in her mother's life. She could see that the lines between her brows were not that deep today.

Saena could report back truthfully to Susumu that she had seen with her own eyes that Kyoko was fine. She didn't think it necessary to point out to Kyoko that in her chosen profession there would probably be more of these kinds of incidents in the future, especially since she was in a relationship with the nation's number one heartthrob.

When they were done eating, Saena decided it was time to tell Kyoko the other reasons for dinner. She reached down and removed a folder a fancy ball-point pen from her folder. "Kyoko, Morimoto-san, has approached me with the idea of putting you on his family registry," she stated, all business.

"He did!" Kyoko gasped, glancing at her father. Her cheeks heated at his adoring smile.

"Ah, I was going to discuss it with you beforehand. I was just looking for the right moment. I didn't know that was a topic of discussion tonight," he answered, glancing at Saena. He had reached out to Saena just that morning after sending her the most recent evidence on Morizumi's manager. Tadashi wanted to make sure it was okay before he broached the topic with Kyoko. The idea of having her take his name had been at the back of his mind for quite some time. He knew the timing wasn't right, but he wanted to get the ball rolling if there was the slightest possibility that she would agree.

"I couldn't respond to your mail since I was occupied with work… but I see no problem with it. If that's what Kyoko wants." This was the reason why Saena had asked Tadashi to stay. The lawyer in her found things to be a lot easier if all parties involved had an open dialogue. Saena could tell that in this short time, Tadashi made good on his promise to stay by Kyoko's side. She could see just how much the man had grown on Kyoko. She hoped for the girl's sake that this man kept his word.

"I'm sorry this is just so sudden." Kyoko's voice trembled with emotion. She had never thought that such a thing could ever be an option. Legalities aside, he had already made her feel like his cherished daughter.

"Susumu and I have already submitted our marriage license. I am now on his family registry."

"Ehhhhhh!" Kyoko screeched loudly. She stood up quickly from her seat making her chair clatter to the floor. Her outburst drew the attention of the customers near them. Kyoko apologized quickly and sat back down on the chair her father had righted. She looked up at her mother, the once shallow Mogami river was now running deep again. "I'm sorry, mother. Does this mean you and Todoh-san are ma- married now?"

Saena nodded a slight blush rising to her cheeks at the thought of being that man's wife.

Tadashi ignored the dull ache in his chest and congratulated Saena. He sincerely wished her a life filled with happiness. Saena smiled and looked at her ex-lover, noting that he seemed genuinely happy for her. She thanked him for his congratulations.

Trying to change the topic from her, Saena opened the folder. She had prepared the paperwork for the name change and also brought along the documents necessary for Tadashi's name to be added to Kyoko's birth certificate.

"Are you both okay with this?" Kyoko asked as a tear slipped down her cheek. The soft expression that briefly crossed Saena's face quelled Kyoko's inner turmoil. It dispelled any thoughts that the woman in front of her, her mother, was finally trying to get rid of her once and for all. In her own way, Kyoko believed, that Saena was trying to make amends.

"I would be very happy and honored to be legally recognized as your father," Tadashi told her taking out his handkerchief and dabbing her cheek. He was grateful to Saena for not hating him and bringing this wonderful girl into the world.

Kyoko sniffed and laughed through her tears. "I want that too," she exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck. She looked at her mother as she hugged her father and mouthed, Thank You.

Kyoko cursed and fumbled with the key card as she tried to open the apartment door. Juggling two guitars and her bag was becoming cumbersome. Before she could get the door open, Ren was standing in front of her wearing a pair of gray joggers and a black tank top that showed off every rippling muscle on his upper body. Kyoko's heart flipped at the sight of him looking so damn sexy.

"Welcome home, baby," Ren greeted her with a chaste kiss and unloaded some of her baggage. "Is your father not with you?" He asked looking into the hall.

"No, I told him I could manage coming up alone," Kyoko sighed, flopping on the couch.

"Good, I'll be right back." When he returned, gorgeous gemstone eyes greeted her. He sprawled on the couch and laid his head on her lap like a cute overgrown puppy.

"You're home early, did everything go well?" she asked, looking down at him and threading her hands through his dark soft locks. She wondered how Muse managed to keep his hair so silky even after the repetitive dye treatment.

He nodded with his eyes closed, loving the way she ran her fingers through his hair. They were like magic and always managed to calm his nerves. He wanted to enjoy this for a few more minutes before he decided to face the reality that was waiting for him in the bedroom.

He had flown through the rest of his schedule with no NGs to get home quicker; thoughts of the envelope pushed to the back of his mind as he worked. Yashiro had been grateful since he had a date planned with Kanae. He hoped his manager could have a quiet evening with Kanae and not get pestered by paparazzi. Ren had easily helped him book a table at the swanky Italian restaurant in one of Tokyo's prestigious hotels. He needed to take a page out of his manager's book and take his girlfriend out on a luxurious date.

Kuon didn't know what to do with the information Lory had given him, completely shocked by its contents He had skimmed the top sheet and cowardly shoved the documents and photographs back into the packet. He took shallow breaths waiting for the feeling of dread or anger to overwhelm him. As if on cue, he heard the front door jiggling. The sound of his cute girlfriend cursing at the door quickly filled his body with warmth. He hurried out to seek her comfort and her strength.

"How about you?" he asked, opening his eyes to admire her beauty.

"I had dinner with my parents," she answered thoughtfully.

Kuon bolted upright. "Your parents? As in Tadashi-san and your mother?" Kyoko giggled at his reaction and nodded. This is why she didn't text him about it. He would have been too distracted at work with worry for her.

"How did that happen?"

"And you know what else, my mother was the one that invited us."

Kuon rubbed his hand over his face in disbelief.

She told him about her dining experience with her parents. He wasn't shocked by her mother's quiet marriage. He figured his future mother-in-law would opt for something more practical than a ceremony. The proposal to take her father's surname was even less shocking. Even a blind person could see how the man doted on his daughter. He was happy for her that things were going smoothly with her parents. A black cloud loomed over him as he thought about his parental situation. The time to rectify his relationship with his parents was fast approaching. Thankfully, communicating over the phone had eased some of the tension.

"Corn, what's wrong?" She asked, gazing at him with concern.

"I have a lot to tell you, but first I want you to get cleaned up and ready for bed."

Kyoko frowned, wanting to press him right then and there, but she decided to do what he asked quickly. Since she had already taken her shower after filming Momiji, she was done in less than ten minutes. When she came out of the bathroom, Kuon was sitting on the floor leaning up against their bed. His green eyes pleaded with her and handed her a thick manilla envelope.

"Can you help me with this? I don't know if my mind is playing tricks on me."

Kyoko sat down next to him. Whatever was in this envelope had agitated him to a certain degree. She pulled out the sheets and scanned the first page. Her eyes bugged out from shock at what the document was implying. It seemed to all be speculation, but whoever put the document together had strung various evidence that pinpointed a crime, accidentally covered up by shoddy police work almost six years ago, against one Richard L. Johansson.

Kyoko sifted through the pictures that told a story, in chronological order, why the author of this report believed that the culprit for this crime was none other than the real owner of the vehicle, Yuri-san, Kimiko's manager.

Kyoko shook her head in disbelief and looked up at Kuon, "Is this about your friend… Rick?"

Kuon nodded. He was sitting with his knees bent, elbows propped on them holding his head. Kyoko looked at him seriously.

"Who gave you this information?"

"Boss gave it to me before we met with Fuji-san. I managed to ignore it because of work but as soon as I got home it was the only thing on my mind. I just skimmed the top sheet before you came home," he admitted in a tremulous voice thick with tears. If he had not been so distraught by his friend's death maybe he could have used his family's position in society to seek justice for him. Some stranger had managed to make the connections he could not.

Kyoko blinked several times to hold back her tears. With this new information, her poor boy had to relive the tragedy of losing his best friend. She knew that Rick was hit by a car, but she didn't know that he was a victim of a hit and run. She scooted closer to her boyfriend and pulled him towards her so that his head rested on her chest.

"Do you want to look at it with me properly?" She asked softly petting his head. Together they could think of a plan once they sorted through all the information. Perhaps this is the closure he needs to finally let go. From what Kuon told her about that night, Rick seemed to have carelessly stepped into the road, putting himself in harm's way. Emotions were running high that night and led to a tragic mistake. It was an accident, but Kyoko couldn't forgive the driver for not stopping.

AN: Surprise, S & S got hitched!...XD. Thanks for sticking with me! This was a serious one but I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless! Thank you to the reviewer that suggested Kyoko take her father's last name way back when. I didn't forget you so I hope it worked in this setting.

Be glad Disney World closed early today because of the approaching hurricane, I was ready to bail from my bunker and go play rather than finish this chapter XD. Not to deter from the seriousness of the storm, I hope you all stay safe if you are in the impacted areas. Hugs and prayers!

Thank you for reading and all the wonderful reviews. I appreciate the support!

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^