Chapter 94: Permission Slip

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Ren's car would be ahem tinted.

Kuon froze mid-click on the mouse of his laptop when Kyoko stirred beside him, afraid of waking her. He knew he should have left the room so as not to disturb her, but right now he needed to keep her warm presence close to him. They had stayed up late organizing their thoughts and trying to get a grasp on the information that Lory provided. Even though the evidence stared him right in the face, he wasn't sure if it warranted a case.

He couldn't bear the thought that his best friend's case was filed somewhere in the LAPD's database, unsolved. If only he had contacts in the police department willing to reopen a case, particularly one like this with so many holes. Unfortunately, being on the other side of the table when he was brought into the station for fighting was not helpful. He should have been more cooperative and less of a smartass during those visits. Kyoko had suggested telling their boss or hiring a lawyer. The only lawyer he knew over there was his family's lawyer that always bailed him out of sticky situations. Would his father be willing to help him with this? Maybe Kyoko was right. He should start with consulting Lory. There was no point bothering his father just yet.

Kyoko suddenly shifted in bed and rolled to face his side. He tried to turn the computer in the opposite direction so the harsh light wouldn't wake her, but it was too late. Her face scrunched up in annoyance and she grunted softly. So cute, like a chipmunk! "I'm sorry baby. Go back to sleep," he cooed stroking her head. She moaned and stretched more like a feline beneath the covers until her eyes fluttered open. Burrowing herself into his side, she shifted up so her cheek rested on his shoulder.

"Did you get any sleep?" She asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"I slept some," he assured her quietly. Kyoko pursed her lips. Coming from him, that was code for not at all.

"Are you looking at her website again?" Kyoko asked, staring at his computer screen.

The website's main page showed the inside of an art gallery displayed on the screen. It wasn't the attractive woman smiling into the camera that caught his eye; it was the large black and white print hanging off-camera in the background that warranted his attention. If he closed his eyes he could remember vivid details of the day that picture was taken. He wasn't always angry or fighting. There had been some good days or at least days that started as good and then went to shit whenever the sun went down. The two young men stared into the camera, eyes sparkling, each holding a beer up in cheers with cigarettes tucked between their lips. Letting his mind wander, he could almost hear the faint sounds of seagulls squawking in the sky and the ocean waves crashing behind them at the Malibu pier. It was their easy go-to spot to surf. That day the water was flat so they hung out drinking and enjoyed the calming sounds of the ocean.

Kyoko recognized her Corn right away despite the hint of shadows in his light eyes. Kuon told her last night that the guy next to him was Rick. According to him, the picture was taken only a few months before his friend's death. They had clicked through Tina's gallery to see if he could find any more pictures of Rick but there were none.

Kuon didn't answer her. He closed his computer and placed it on the nightstand instead. Twisting, he wrapped the angel beside him securely in his arms and sighed in contentment.

Kyoko didn't press him for an answer and snuggled into his warm embrace. She would always be here to support him when he was ready.

...

When Ren walked out of the bedroom dressed for the day, Kyoko stared at him. It had finally clicked why she had thought Rick looked so familiar to her last night after seeing his picture. It seemed like Kuon had modeled his Ren persona after his friend down to the pendant he wore around his neck. Kyoko smiled wondering if she should voice out her observations. But what if he finds the comparison offensive? She thought biting her bottom lip.

"What is it?" he asked warily at the change of her mood. He could tell she was worried about something.

Kyoko shook her head and forced herself to smile assuring him it was nothing. The old him would have let her be and accepted the blatant lie until she was ready to talk, but he wasn't backing down.

"Please don't do that, don't shut me out. I want you to be able to tell me anything," he pleaded in a trembling voice and sank to his knees before her, snaking his arms around her waist.

Kyoko felt a sharp ache in her heart at the vulnerable expression on his face. What she had to say might hurt him? She remembered her vow to always be honest with him and tell him whatever was troubling her. Her arms wrapped around him, holding his head against her bosom.

She threaded her fingers through his hair and kissed the top of his head, hoping to ease his mind. "I'm sorry Corn. I didn't mean to. It's just that I had a thought but now I don't know if it would hurt you in the end." He tilted his head up to focus on her, his eyes urging her to tell him anyway. "I couldn't help but notice that your outward appearance is very similar to Rick-san's."

"Eh?" So that's what she was thinking. "You're not wrong. As my best friend, he did leave a lasting impression on me. As a newbie actor, I had to pull from my experience and those around me to refine Tsuruga Ren's image. I drew inspiration from both Rick and my Dad since they were the closest men in my life…men that I admired. After that, I just came into my own to portray a better man than my old self."

Ah! I'm such an idiot! How could I forget this important aspect of character development? She had done the same thing when Kuu had given her the assignment as Kuon. Because of his amazing ability, she often forgot that he too was once new to the acting scene. Kyoko held his hands, helping him stand up. She smiled up at him and reached her hand up to stroke his cheek.

"I love every aspect of you, Kuon," she confessed, encircling her arms around his neck and pulling him down for a kiss. "Now let's go before we're late for your appointment."

Kuon groaned, wanting to cancel the appointment since everything seemed to have been working just fine down there; however, Kyoko balked at the idea, insisting that she tagged along just to make sure he actually went. She went as far as calling Yashiro, instructing him not to pick them up, but to meet Ren at his first job. Something in that conversation had made her blush severely when she was talking to their manager. Kyoko had muttered Moko which was enough for him to gather that their date had gone well last night. He would have to tease his friend later if he was still in the mood; nothing could ruin his day more like another man fondling his junk.

Kyoko shook from the vibration of her phone. She pulled it out and saw a missed message from Ren, I enjoyed the pep talk! Have a great day, love you! *emoji kisses*

Kyoko stood frozen in place staring at her phone with fictional steam rising from her head. The sound of her rapid heartbeat pounded in her ears, drowning out the students talking outside in the halls. There was no responding to his message in her current state.

She rinsed out her mouth and splashed cold water on her face in the bathroom sink, then studied her reflection. Her face was beet red. Kyoko had been so brazen just ten minutes ago. Embarrassed by her shamelessness, she bolted, leaving her boyfriend behind. Every time she thought about it a new wave of heat flooded her face.

It started with a guilt trip. He looked so depressed she could only think of one way to get his mind off of the doctor's "invasive" examination. They were parked a few blocks down from her school on the usual secluded street as before where there was little to no foot traffic at this time of day.

"You poor baby," she teased. She leaned over and sucked his lobe between her teeth, her hand cupping between his legs. Ren practically jumped out of his seat looking around the street for reporters, witnesses, or anyone that could potentially be watching them.

"Kyoko as much as I enjoy you touching me, this place is very, very, public." He groaned as her hand stroked up and down the length of his growing erection.

Continuing her hand movements, Kyoko lifted her head to peer through the glass. The street was deserted, not even a stray alley cat was present. "I don't see any public. You even got this new tint on the windows," she replied, her voice lilting innocently.

Ren held in his whimper when she removed her hand and shifted. He was too busy trying to get his head back on straight, but all he could think about was the way her hardened nipples grazed his thighs as she leaned over him. An unmanly yelp escaped his lips, stunned when his seat moved into its reclined position.

"Oh fuck! We can't be doing this!" he scolded weakly, struggling to sit back up. Smiling mischievously, Kyoko gave his chest a forceful push sending him back down against the seat.

Ren was the senpai here. He needed to stop her before things got out of control. Physically, he could easily overpower her, but did he really want to. The thrill of doing naughty things with her out in the open overruled any remaining logic in his mind.

"That doctor's visit was my fault. I can't very well let you go to work in such a state. Just lay back and enjoy. I'll take care of everything," she purred, her voice thick with promise while she unbuckled his belt.

Ren didn't need any more convincing. His little head had already taken control. He couldn't believe his sweet innocent girlfriend just initiated this whole scenario in broad daylight and in the car. He lifted his ass slightly, aiding her to pull his pants down further. Can't leave any stains. His cock sprang to attention once it was free from its confines.

A smirk spread across her lips. His body is so honest. She wrapped her fingers around his length and was delighted by his responding groan. The softness of his skin and the contrasting hardness of his dick never failed to fascinate her. His body tensed when she ran the pad of her thumb over his tip.

His jaw dropped in astonishment as she gathered saliva in her mouth and let the spit seep between her lips down to the tip of his penis. It was unbelievable. Where the fuck did she learn to do that?

Ren was so shocked by her new skill that he couldn't even speak. He resigned himself to enjoy this little gift and laid his head back, moaning loudly as she pumped his penis harder a few more times before taking him in her mouth. There was no prolonging the torture, she sucked him deep and hard until his tip hit the back of her throat. It felt so incredible he had to watch. Ren tilted his head forward so his perverted self wouldn't miss a single moment of her pleasuring him. Her long black hair had draped over him, obstructing his view. He reached down and gathered her hair into a makeshift ponytail giving him front-row seats of her sucking him off. She smirked again around his dick when their eyes locked, making his heart go doki doki as he gazed into those deep pools of molten gold. She was the only one that could unravel him like this.

Kyoko took that moment to suck him harder and tighten her grip around his cock, as it followed her mouth. She had the extreme pleasure of watching his eyes roll in the back of his head. He tightened his grip on her hair and thrust his hips impatiently to meet her mouth. She had him climaxing within seconds.

"Fuck, Kyoko," he panted, waiting for his body to return to earth. He released her hair and enjoyed the feel of her tongue as she cleaned him up, flashing him a smug smile when she was done. Wiping her mouth with the back of her, she glanced at her watch.

"Oh!" She needed to hurry or she would be late for school. Kyoko kissed Ren goodbye quickly on the lips and jumped out of the car magically grabbing her bag and acoustic guitar from the backseat.

Ren was flabbergasted staring at her retreating figure from the rear window. I can't believe she left me hanging! He was still literally hanging out of his pants. He quickly tucked his dick back into his pants and fixed the rest of his clothing. Feeling euphoric, he ran his fingers through his hair and laughed giddily to himself. It was akin to being high with Kyoko being his hard drug of choice. It wasn't the first blowjob he ever received in a car, but hers would be ingrained in his mind for the rest of his life. When he was finally composed, he texted her then started his car and headed for his first work location.

Kyoko was glad she had the hindsight to pack extra underwear in her bag. It was a necessity ever since she started dating Ren. The man awakened a raw sexual desire within her she never thought existed. It had started the night that she straddled his naked torso as Setsu and slowly escalated from there. If he had felt the moisture pooling between her legs that night he was kind enough to never mention it. Back then, her soul would have left her body if he did. She had come a long way since her first failure of a hickey. The fact that she could pleasure an experienced man like him stroked her ego; however, that nagging thought at the back of her mind served as a reminder of just how experienced he was compared to her, and yet he preferred to wait. Kyoko respected his wishes and didn't push him for more, for now. She would be eighteen in a few months, maybe then he would be willing to make her completely his and vice versa. Her face flamed up thinking about Christmas. To distract herself from any further perverted thoughts, she fumbled with her compact. She needed to get this blush under control before she headed into class.

The first bell rang while she was in the middle of dabbing powder all over her face to mask some of the redness that kept creeping up. In the end, she looked pale and sickly but it was better than looking like a strawberry. She threw everything in her bag haphazardly and dashed for class. Once safely inside, she stood by the door, resting her hands on her knees to catch her breath.

Is that the new girl?

Is she okay?

She's always like that! It's cute!

Ehhhh? Really? So that's The Kyoko-san! Is she a musician?

Kyoko felt the heat rushing to her face while listening to her classmates' comments. I did something weird again. She stood up and smiled awkwardly. There was a collective sharp inhale. Kyoko noticed their expressions of horror and winced.

"What is it?" she asked uneasily, looking particularly at Gina and Hinami. Kyoko's eyes swept around the room looking at the new faces. There was a full roster in the special class today.

Gina and Hinami quickly flanked Kyoko. They pulled the guitar case off her back and ordered Gen to put it against the back wall. Staring at her with concern, they instructed her to sit down.

"Please tell me you did not go through the front gates looking like this?" Gina asked, still staring at her face. The paparazzi camping outside could fuel themselves on her face for a week.

"Why, what's wrong?" Kyoko asked, putting her hands to her cheeks. Did I miss something on my face? she thought, fearful they would find some residue and figure out what she did.

"What's wrong? You look like a damn Geisha! That's all well and good if that's the look you were going for?...Hanami," Gina said, holding out her hand. Hanami handed her friend a makeup removal packet which she then handed to Kyoko. "You're very popular now you have to be careful with your image. One bad hair day or wardrobe malfunction could make or break you in this business."

Kyoko took the packet gratefully and started cleaning her face. Her red face that was hidden under all the white brought on another slew of questions. Was she sick? Did she have a fever? What did she do before school? The teacher entered the room, relieving her of having to answer any of their questions.

It was during the first break that the girls raided her makeup bag and applied cosmetics to her face just like the pros. Hinami had the skill to become a professional makeup artist and accepted Kyoko's praise humbly. She was introduced to the rest of the students in the class. They all seemed to be accepting of her and relatively nice. It was the other girl, Ayuko that was questionable. She was unfortunately a fan of Shotaro. She asked her several questions regarding him which Kyoko responded politely. Her angels gave her a solid pat on the back for not releasing her demonic aura on the poor girl. It proved that she had moved past that phase in her life. She was saved once again from answering awkward questions by the vibrations of her phone.

Kyoko's happiness meter grew astronomically when she received a message from Kanae, Get your permission slip for Sunday. We're having a girls' date!

Would Ren be okay with something like this? It was their first day off together this week, would it be selfish of her to want to spend it with her friends? She texted Ren quickly and was surprised to get a quick response. He must be on break as well.

Thank you for considering my feelings, but you don't need my consent. Have fun with your friends, babe! I have you for the rest of my life! *heart emoticon, chu!*

Kyaaa!

Kyoko had to calm her heart so she could respond properly to both her boyfriend and her best friend. She was so excited about the upcoming date.

Meanwhile in a courtroom in Tokyo

"Not guilty!" the head judge said announcing the unanimous verdict. A consensus was reached between the three judges presiding over the case. The trial took less than an hour to conclude after hearing the arguments from both attorneys and their witnesses.

The prosecuting attorney walked up to Saena's side of the courtroom while she was packing up her briefcase. Susumu had already left first to check on their client and sign the necessary paperwork for his immediate release to his family.

Saena cocked an eyebrow at the man as he addressed her, "Excuse me, Mogami-Todoh-san." Her new name was ridiculous and long, but Susumu had excellent negotiation skills. It was a compromise she had to live with. "I really can't believe you of all people defended him. Aren't you also representing the actress Kyoko-san? Isn't this a bit contradictory? He was paid to intentionally hurt her while working! I don't understand?"

Annoying. She would rather have ignored him than responded. Unfortunately, this was her job. Maintaining a professional relationship is crucial in her line of work. She might need to call him for help on a case someday. Saena had no choice but to answer him. "I'm not happy about his methods or his motives either, but given his backstory and the fact that no one got injured; I was hired to help him," Saena told him curtly and returned to packing up her files. The attorney sighed at his dismissal and turned away shaking his head.

Saena snuck a glance at the lawyer as he walked away, confirming he wasn't going to bother her again. She wanted to sigh but refrained. In her eyes, Hanazawa Soujirou, was guilty as charged for his crimes. It was Kyoko's and her father's wish to reunite the man with his family. Susumu convinced her to take the case, claiming she was already familiar with all the information, but she knew what he was doing. Her husband was trying to improve the poor relationship she had with her daughter.

It didn't take much time to release him. The judges didn't see the remorseful man as a threat to society. His name had already been dragged through the mud and his reputation in his field of work was tarnished. They were convinced that trying to live freely would be punishment enough for him. Since his victim and his employer weren't willing to press any additional charges against him, there was no point in wasting everybody's time. It would have been over sooner if the prosecuting attorney didn't push for all the formalities of a trial.

Saena picked up her briefcase and walked to the back of the courtroom where Hanazawa and his family waited for her to join them. The whole family including his daughters all bowed to her in reverence, adding her and Susumu to their list of saviors in their darkest hour. She gave them a small nod. Now that she had Susumu, she could understand the man's feelings a little more.

A swarm of reporters and photographers were waiting for them when they exited the building. She ignored their questions and followed the family to the waiting town car that would take them home. Once the family was on their way, she entered Susumu's car beside it. Tadashi would take over from here. He had taken it upon himself to relocate the family to a new apartment so they could start fresh. It would be ideal to have them leave Tokyo altogether, but they needed him to stay local to give his testimony against the Morizumis.

Saena hoped to return to the office and find that the charges against Yashiro were dropped. It was the only move they had left since giving them their collection of evidence against the young women, especially if they wanted any kind of plea deal. Any deal that they had planned to offer for Kusanagi, Yuri would be instantly rejected.

After reviewing the documentation Tadashi had sent to the firm yesterday, she planned to use the trial to have the manager confess, under oath, to the vehicular manslaughter crime she "allegedly" committed almost six years ago in the United States. It was risky, but there were similar case studies available in the public records for her to review. She had sent a formal request for copies of these files so she could develop a firm argument in court. Tadashi wanted closure for the remaining family of the victim in the United States and for Yuri to take full responsibility for her participation in these crimes. He didn't want her getting off easy as a mere "accessory" to Kimiko's actions if she was responsible, accident or not, for that man's death. It was a long shot, but if they could get her to admit to being the driver in that incident it would further solidify the calculative nature of the young woman and her cousin. Their long reign of terror that spanned two countries would come to an end.

Saena had already received several calls from other potential victims of Kimiko. Most were mainly threatened with the promise to end their careers if they did not simply comply with her requests. Saena had two junior associates following up and filing their stories by severity. There was the occasional blackmail and physical harm story which earned a place at the top of the pile. She would probably have to file a civil lawsuit case against the Morizumis for these additional victims if they so desired.

"I'm proud of you, you know," Susumu stated from the driver's seat, twining his fingers with hers. Saena huffed in response making him chuckle. She knew what he meant, he was proud of her for moving forward from the past. She turned her head to gaze out the window a small smile gracing her lips. This case was actually very stimulating. It was a great change of pace from the normal marital and custody battles she had been stuck with lately.

Ren clenched his jaw and glared at the cowboy in front of him. He had come to ask for help only to be told that he didn't need to do a thing. How was that possible? Wouldn't he of all people be the only one that could possibly do something? To be told to sit back and do nothing felt like a slap in the face.

"Your eyes are looking quite dangerous there, my boy," Lory prompted, taking a swig of his leather-encased flask. He was dressed in a white Stetson, a pair of blue jeans, white cowboy boots with spurs, and a set of rhinestone studded chaps in an illegal shade of pink. Ren's brow twitched as he tried to ignore the mechanical bull whirring around behind him in the middle of the President's office.

Ren broke his gaze from Lory's first and counted to ten to calm down. "It's not as if I'm telling you that nothing is being done. I'm saying that YOU don't need to do anything right now."

He wanted his friend's killer behind bars now. If he had to fly back to L.A. and present himself as Kuon, so be it. Ren clenched his fists, feeling helpless.

Lory's heart went out to the boy. After almost six years, his friend's death was once again looming over him. This reaction wasn't so bad either. It was better than him shutting down, but right now he needed to talk this boy down from the ledge.

"Morimoto-san has already forwarded the file to a reputable law firm in Los Angeles. He's hoping they could do something with it," Lory explained with a small pout. He was disappointed that Tadashi was so dependable and wondered when it would be his turn to shine? He hid his conniving smile as he thought about the script he had chosen for Kyoko's debut. He would have his fun once they returned from the States.

"Tadashi-san is? Does he know?"

"He doesn't know. He's just being thorough. He wants those women that plotted to hurt Mogami-kun and others to take responsibility for all their crimes."

Ren shuddered thinking about his father-in-law as an opponent. God help him if he ever upset Kyoko. Tadashi would have his hide and it wouldn't just end with him. Not that he would screw things up with her, but he would have to contend with Taisho and even his own Dad.

"Things will work themselves out so go to L.A. as planned, continue living your life," Lory instructed, walking towards the temporarily erected corral. "Do you want to have a go on Gloria?" Lory asked, changing the subject and pointing at the fake bull.

"You do know bulls are male?" Ren replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes. Of course, he would have a name for the non-living thing. Lory stared at him blankly as if to say, and your point?

"Remember what I said, Ren. Try to continue as usual. If Tadashi's method doesn't work we'll find another way."

Ren nodded and said goodbye. It would be difficult to not take action but he decided to trust the people around him.

AN: Hiya everyone thanks for sticking with me. Just chugging along in their day-to-day being pervy as usual. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Thank you always for reading and for the reviews of the last chapter. I very much appreciate it.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^