Chapter 101: Great Friends, Good Food!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, best-friend dates are a must!

Once Ren entered their apartment, Ren pulled off his sweaty shirt and bee-lined it to the kitchen to grab a beer from the fridge. He flopped to the floor, leaning against the foot of the couch, sipping his beer and browsing his phone. He went to their media page to catch up on the latest gossip. He was never one for these sites, but since it allowed him to show off Kyoko on his terms, he was on board with posting updates.

He smiled and clicked quickly on the new post Kyoko was tagged in by her close friend. I'm glad she's having fun. He tapped to the next picture and let out a low whistle. How did Tadashi-san find this place? I'll have to ask him so she can enjoy it again.

As he read over the many comments on the image, an email popped up on his screen from the head of security, inorming him that the reporter had returned. It was clear that he was indeed following Ren but continued to make sure all their residents were aware of the issue since many of them were high profilers. Any good scoop could be newsworthy.

He turned his attention to his email, ignoring those concerning work, and found one of personal interest. His expression softened as he read the note and opened the attachment. A melancholy expression briefly crossed his face before a serene smile replaced it. Kyoko is going to love this when they're done. He could imagine her expression clearly; it would definitely bring tears to her eyes. I should make sure I have a handkerchief on me. He typed out a lengthy response before hitting the send button.

Eh? A new mail popped up from their manager marked important. He immediately clicked on the message: I finally finished editing this. Thanks to Morimoto-san, I was able to make this happen. I think I have a knack for this kind of thing. I hope you both enjoy it!

Ren opened the attachment, wondering what it was when a video popped open. His breath caught in his throat as it began to play with the guitar intro to Kyoko's song. It focused on her as she started singing, but cut to him, capturing the emotion they both felt at the time. It was obvious Yashiro spliced two videos to get the different points of view. The other view had to be taken by father-in-law.

Along with the footage in the studio, perfectly timed images of them panned into the frame. Some of the photos were from long before they started dating.

Was I always so damn obvious?

Ren paused the video to replay the last few seconds over. When he got to the spot he wanted, he pressed pause.

This picture! How did he get this!? This was after my Katsuki test with Boss! The still image showed him kissing her corn stone, but Ren focused on her expression. The moment he closed his eyes to kiss her stone, he had missed the loving regard displayed on her face.

Why didn't he show me this? He didn't know whether to thank Yashiro or be creeped out by him for spying on them. Ren would have to ask his manager for copies of these pictures. He resumed the video and watched it all the way through. For an amateur, he thought the video was well done. Now it left him wanting more than ever. He played it again.

Eventually, he began the meticulous task of grooming himself for the night. Satisfied with his handy work, he stepped into the large shower and turned on the water. Ren shuddered and clenched his jaw as the icy water washed over his warm skin. He resumed his cold shower ritual the night he came home to find Kyoko laying on the couch. It helped that she refused to shower with him when she was on her period; otherwise, she would have scolded him for using cold water. It didn't matter to her that some quick internet research proved cold showers were highly beneficial to the human body. Ren didn't care about any of that he just needed to refocus and get his libido under control.

After taking a long invigorating shower, he spent the next half hour standing in his closet with his towel wrapped around his hips, figuring out what to wear. Ren had so much to wear yet nothing at all.

I should have gone shopping!

His closet was chock-full of designer clothes and shoes, embarrassingly, most with tags still attached. Most of them were given to him for free. It was weird how the more money he made, the less he had to spend since many things were gifted to him from modeling projects or endorsing products. Tonight would be their first time out in public together as "themselves." They often flew under the radar as Ella and Kuon when they wanted to go out. He wanted to look polished for her, but still his age.

He rummaged through his closet before settling on a pair of hunter-green slim chino pants that still had the tags on. He threw the pants over his shoulder and searched through his shirts until he found a dark blue cotton blend button-up to wear with them and got dressed. Since they were going to an upscale restaurant, he slipped on a navy tweed blazer and shrugged his feet into a pair of black Italian leather ankle boots. He lingured on his image in the mirror before tugging his shirt out of his waistband for a more youthful appearance. Much better!

...

The restaurant in Roppongi didn't have a designated parking lot. Ren had to circle the blocks until he came upon a "pay to park" lot. He handed the parking attendant two, one-thousand yen, bills to cover his space until midnight after the lot's gates were secured for the night. Ren didn't think they would be out that late since Kyoko had school the next day. He got out of his car and buttoned up his blazer.

A peek at his watch, Rick's watch, to check the time told him he had a good fifteen minutes to spare. He walked to the passenger side of his car and picked up the bouquet before making the trek to the restaurant a few blocks down the street. He checked the area around him, wondering if the paparazzi camping outside his home had secretly followed him. Ren assumed he was in the clear since the man wasn't in front of the gates when he left. Hopefully, he found some other prey to chase for the night.

Walking down the street, Ren nodded politely at the gaping mouths and wide eyes of passersby that recognized him. Up ahead, he noticed a large crowd gathering outside a venue so he crossed the street to avoid any unwanted attention. He didn't want to get tangled up in whatever was happening over there. He crossed back over when the restaurant came in to view and spotted Yashiro standing out front. At least he thought it was Yashiro since the man holding a similar bouquet under his arm was wearing surgical gloves while handling his phone. His manager had taken on a more casual appearance tonight, wearing gray jeans, a white button-up shirt under a maroon V-neck sweater, and a navy pin-striped jacket with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Ren had to chuckle at the pair of them as he walked up to join his friend. It was hard to believe they were here for a double date and not work.

"Mo, don't cry! I know your makeup is waterproof, but your face will become all blotchy and your eyes will be red." Yuki, you baka! Why the hell did you send this today? Kanae seethed internally.

Kyoko had turned on her phone once they settled into the car and found the pending email notification. Finding the attachment to be a video, the girls crowded around her to watch.

"Wow," was all Chiori could muster as she handed her friend tissues to dab at the tears forming. I thought that only happened in movies.

"How are you two not sleeping with each other yet?" Chiori asked Kyoko, her question completely serious. It had to be awkward to be any of those guys in that studio at the time.

"I told you, he..."

"Yes, we got that. I think that will all change tonight."

"What do you mean? How do I get him to...you know?"

"Mo! We told you already. You don't have to do anything, just be yourself. Everything else will follow naturally. If you get stumped talk and be honest with him. I think it will be more than enough, especially when he sees wants under your dress." Kanae and Chiori laughed at her expense.

Kyoko pouted. She chewed on her bottom lip to keep from asking more questions. She didn't want them to continue teasing Ren or her.

Kanae's pupils dilated as a thought occurred to her. "Excuse me, sir, could you please stop at the nearest convenience store?" Kanae told her friends to stay in the car stating that she forgot something. She came back carrying breath mints and handed them out. They dropped Chiori off at the meet-up location for her date. Kanae wished her luck and pressed something into her palm before they departed, ignoring her friend's bewildered expression.

...

"Mo! Will you stop fidgeting? You look gorgeous!" Kanae scolded Kyoko as they walked the short distance to the restaurant. The street had become congested with traffic as they neared the location so they decided to walk the rest of the way, carrying their shopping bags and thanking the driver.

"See, even those men think you're stunning. Let's pick up the pace before they get some dim-witted ideas!" Kanae commented as they ignored the catcalls and whistles directed their way.

Kyoko did her best to lengthen her stride while wearing the suede ankle-breaking heels Fuji had gifted her. They weren't uncomfortable, not with all the padding they put inside, but she did have to work to maintain her balance.

Kyoko continued to make small talk with Kanae when she was suddenly yanked back by the wrist. She would have toppled over if strong arms didn't encircle her to keep her from falling. It took her a millisecond to realize she was safe and in the arms of her boyfriend. She buried her face against him and inhaled his familiar scent mixed with cologne. Thank god I didn't fall! The night would have been ruined if I seriously injured myself.

"Do you gentlemen have a death wish tonight? Don't ever fucking touch what's mine again," Ren threatened, his voice laced with malice as Kuon came to the forefront.

"Hey, man, we're cool," the guy held up his hands in surrender and backed off. "She looked like she was losing her balance. I just tried to help."

Ren growled, taking as much of an intimidating step toward the men as he could, while holding her in his arms. He saw the guy grab her to get her attention. If Ren wasn't so focused on her, he would have been too late to catch her. There was no telling what he would have done to the guy if she got hurt.

"Dude, let's get the fuck outta here. We didn't mean any trouble," his friend said, dragging the guy away.

"That was fucking Tsuruga Ren, you fucking idiot! A-K-A Cain Heel! A-K-A Black Jack! You're lucky to be alive!" His friend informed him frantically as they walked away.

"No way!" The guy that grabbed her exclaimed. He glanced over his shoulder and felt chills run down his spine. The actor was still looking at them as if memorizing their faces for later. Shit!

Ren clenched his jaw with suppressed anger as he watched the assholes flee. The upside to being tall was he could see above everyone else. He had spotted the girls walking toward them down the street so he and Yashiro decided to head them off. They were walking behind a couple of guys when their male bravado was directed toward their girlfriends coming up on them. Ren moved to say something to the men, but Yashiro held him back shaking his head. Kyoko and Kanae were too focused on their conversation to notice the leering men. Ren saw one of the guys reach out a hand for Kyoko, making her stumble. Good thing he had her in his arms before she could hit the ground.

"Mmmm, you smell good," Kyoko whispered into the crook of his neck. The height of her heels gave her easy access to his neck. Ren's anger dissipated as his whole body lit up from the warm woman in his arms and her soft lips pressed against his skin. He hugged her closer and rubbed her back with his free hand.

"Baby, as much as I love you in my arms right now, may I remind you that we are in the middle of the street," his sexy voice purred into her ear, making her shiver.

"Oh!" Kyoko squeaked, moving back from him. Her flushed face made Ren smirk.

He smiled warmly as his eyes swept over her appreciatively. "You look beautiful tonight. No wonder those men couldn't control themselves." She looked ravishing in a teal mini-dress. It had a low yet tasteful scalloped neckline with the same detail on her fluttering sleeves. The dress cinched at her waist with a little bow, almost like a package. The hem of her dress stopped just short of mid-thigh and showed off her muscular legs encased in sheer black hose. He noted her high heels that allowed her to stand about 175 centimeters to his towering 190. Her makeup was neutral with golden hues and shimmering highlights, making her amber eyes pop beneath full curled lashes. The only adornments she wore were Princess Rosa, the charm bracelet he had gifted her, the new glass slipper on it glittering under the street lamp, and a pair of peacock feather earrings.

Kyoko's face bloomed red as his heated gaze roamed over her body. He always managed to make her feel like she wasn't wearing any clothes as his penetrating eyes devoured her.

The clearing sound of Yashiro's throat broke through Ren's perusal of the gorgeous woman in front of him. He was once again in trouble. Kanae gave Kyoko a knowing wink before turning to walk with Yashiro.

Kyoko giggled. So this is what they were talking about. Her boyfriend's reaction to her appearance was all she hoped for and more.

"What's so funny?" He asked, grasping her free hand and kissing the back of it.

Kyoko shook her head and replied shyly, "It's between girlfriends."

The conversation with Yashiro about how women talk floated through his mind. This was probably one of those instances he mentioned. Ren nodded, letting her keep her secrets.

"I see...these are for you. I'll trade with you," Ren offered, reaching for the bags and handing over the small bouquet. She lifted her face to kiss his cheek in thanks then inhaled her flowers. This particular bouquet had fuchsia-hued daisies, lavender roses, and pink lilies of the flowers she could readily identify. It was beautiful.

She squeezed his hand as they walked behind their friends and said, "You look very handsome tonight. Is that a new outfit? Wait! Let me help," she offered. Kyoko stopped him and buttoned up two of the remaining top three buttons of his shirt. It irked her that he liked to walk around with his shirt undone so anyone and everyone could get a glimpse of what was hers.

"It's something I threw together," Ren answered, then pursed his lips together to keep from laughing. He knew when he got dressed that those buttons would annoy her. He purposely left them undone to see what she would do. She also didn't need to know how he rifled through his closet believing he had nothing to wear like a spoiled teenage girl. "Did you have a good time today?" He asked as they resumed walking.

"Yes! I had a lot of fun. What about you? I'm sorry I couldn't spend the day with you."

"Don't worry about me. I had a very productive day getting my SWOL on," he replied with an impish grin and a flex of his bicep.

"SWOL?"

"I'll tell you more once we're settled," he chuckled, pulling the restaurant door open for her. The smell of delicious food wafted toward them, making her stomach growl. Thank goodness the restaurant was lively enough that it drowned out the embarrassing sound.

Since the place was more business casual, the men handed their jackets to the excited hostess to check along with their shopping bags. When everything was settled, the hostess escorted them to their reserved room in the back corner of the restaurant. They were greeted by a man who was both the owner and head chef of the restaurant standing on the other side of the grill. The men let the ladies sit directly in front of the chef while they took the outside seats. Kyoko had never sat in front of a teppanyaki grill before while a chef of his caliber cooked the food right in front of her so this was a new and amazing experience. After a short discussion with everyone, it was decided that they would let the chef have creative reign over the meal he would serve them tonight. Kyoko watched with rapt attention as the chef went through the motions of grilling seafood, vegetables, rice, and portions of Kobe beef and chicken. He put on a little show to display his cooking skills but nothing to the extreme that was seen overseas to entertain guests at similar establishments. They all ate a little of the different dishes as the chef served them and continued to another ingredient.

When the final dish was served, the chef excused himself to give them time to enjoy themselves together. Kyoko moaned in contentment as the high-quality beef melted like butter in her mouth. It was perfectly cooked. They chatted about the meal as they ate then turned to topics about their day. The guys told them about their gym experience and playing basketball with Kijima.

"Please tell me someone captured the moment. I want to see it! Moko! You want to see it too, right?" Kyoko asked, nudging her friend in the ribs.

"Did you manage to score any points?" Kanae asked Yashiro with a devilish grin.

"For your information, I did manage to get a few points on the board. I'm pretty athletic if you haven't already noticed," Yashiro replied, satisfied that he could make Kanae blush.

"Mo, stop your nonsense!" Kanae scolded, making Kyoko giggle.

She glanced at Ren watching her in quiet contentment and her face heated up. What is he doing? Why is he looking at me like that?

"Did you enjoy playing the game?" she asked shyly while Yashiro and Kanae had a conversation of their own.

"I had fun," he replied not taking his eyes off her. He reached out a hand to cover hers and rubbed his thumb along her skin reveling in its smoothness. "How was your spa date?" he asked, admiring her cute manicured fingernails with intricate cherry blossom designs. How did they do that? It looks like a miniature work of art!

"It was amazing, right Moko?! The place was incredible!" Kyoko gushed, trying to shift the discussion to the group. "The indoor onsen was so relaxing. It had this wall of windows so you could look out at the city while you soaked."

"It took over three hours to go on a nourishing journey," Kanae sighed contentedly.

"Nourishing journey?" Yashiro inquired for more elaboration.

"It's what they called the package we decided to do. We had a full body wrap, facials, and my all-time favorite was the massage," Kyoko chirped, staring off into La La land as she recollected her amazing experience, just like an ojousama. She would have to thank her father again. I should make him something as a thank you gift.

Kanae groaned, "That massage was relaxing. I think Chiori-san even fell asleep." Kyoko nodded, agreeing that she heard her snoring softly next to her.

The chef returned to check on them and proposed dessert after they all said they were completely satisfied with the meal. He left again with the promise to return with dessert.

"Yashiro-san, thank you for the music video. I didn't know you had that kind of talent," Kyoko complimented their manager.

"Ah, so you've seen it. I'm glad you liked it. It did take me some time to get it just right. Ren, have you seen it?"

Ren nodded to his friend withholding eye contact. He didn't have to look at his friend to know his eyes dazzled with amusement. Some friend. Yashiro knew how Ren reacted that day and still decided to torture him with an encore. Ren was guilty of watching that video several times since he received it.

"Yashiro-san, could we get a copy of those pictures you had in the video?" Kyoko asked, embarrassed by the secret photos he had of them. She had no clue he was photographing them at the time. The candid shots really captured their emotions.

"Of course, I'll give you a thumb drive with them tomorrow," he beamed, excitedly.

"Thank you," Kyoko smiled at her manager and then at Ren. The Chef finally returned with two orders of Banana tempura and vanilla bean ice cream for each couple. Kyoko and Kanae ate most of the dish while the men hung back to let them enjoy themselves.

"I'll take care of the check," Ren told Yashiro as they headed to the front of the restaurant to retrieve their things while the ladies used the restroom. "You can get it next time."

Yashiro agreed, knowing there would always be a next time.

"Yukihito, do you mind if I post this?" Ren asked while they waited for the women to return.

"I have no problems with it," Yashiro replied, biting the inside of his cheek as Ren expertly navigated their combined social media page to post a picture from their dinner tonight.

Kanae and Kyoko weren't like average women. They went to the bathroom together because they both needed use it, not babble about needless things in private. They finished up their business and headed back out. Kanae wished they had the hindsight to bring their purses with them and not leave them with the men. It would have made what she had to do so much easier. She did, however, have to admit that both guys managed to keep their masculinity while holding their bags. At least hers was a gold clutch that matched her sleeveless metallic shift dress in gray with gold foil woven into the threads. It didn't faze Ren at all to stand there with a black sequined cat-face-shaped purse slung over his shoulder while he waited for his girlfriend.

As they parted ways, Kanae surprised Kyoko with a friendly hug. "Don't look at it now. Wait until you're alone when you get home," Kanae whispered into her ear. Kyoko's hand crinkled over whatever Kanae had just slipped into her dress pocket. Kyoko nodded blushing, and took Ren's hand to head in the opposite direction.

"Thank you for the wonderful dinner. I learned a few tricks watching the chef," she said as they walked.

"It was my pleasure. I like watching the excitement on your face when it comes to food. You make me almost want to eat better."

"Almost?"

"You have to admit, I'm doing better."

"Yes, you are," she agreed. "Otou-san would be so proud of you."

"I'll never reach that man's level," Ren shuddered. He almost wanted to revert to his old eating habits at the reminder of his father's black hole of a stomach.

Kyoko stopped and looked across the street at the small crowd gathering outside a building. A bar? She could hear music, English music, and singing carry over to where she was standing.

"Something wrong, Baby?" He saw her staring at the spot that had the large crowd earlier.

"I know this song," Kyoko said, humming the beat until she found the words. "Do you think it's a live band?" she asked excitedly.

"We can check it out. It's still early. Do you want to?" Ren asked, hoping to prolong the inevitable time at home.

"Do you mind?"

"Let's put this stuff in the car first. It's only a few more blocks."

After dropping off her bags, Ren and Kyoko were back at the spot in less than ten minutes. He asked the people gathered outside smoking who was playing.

"Holy shit," the guy coughed up his smoke. "You're Tsuruga fucking Ren and you...you're Kyo- Kyo-" he stammered, his attention on Kyoko.

"Don't mind him. He's a bumbling idiot. It's a closed show but the doorman should let you in if he's not stupid."

"Thanks!" Ren grabbed Kyoko's hand and headed down the steps carefully so she didn't fall in her heels.

The doorman gawked at them but held open the door with no questions asked. Kyoko smiled at him sweetly, turning the large stern man into a drooling puddle at the door. Once inside, Kyoko took the lead pulling Ren behind her. Memories of the past slowly floated through his mind. The place reminded him of the bar where Rick used to play. That place felt more like home in that last year than his parents' empty mansion. Not liking where his thoughts were going, he shook his head and concentrated on the dainty hand clasped around his and the dancing figure it belonged to. The lights flashing around her made her seem otherworldly as he was pulled under her spell.

Kyoko let the music wash over her, filling her with excitement. So this is what a live show is like. Shotaro had never invited her to any of his concerts and she couldn't afford tickets on her own back then. Being so short, she threaded through the crowd and headed toward the front of the stage to get a better view of the band. As she walked, she threw backward glances at Ren with a beaming smile on her face. This is the kind of crowd Rika would definitely play for, she thought, as she did a 270-degree sweep of the room. No one was paying any attention to them; all eyes were on the band.

Kyoko got sucked in with the music swaying to the beat. Ren pulled her back up against him and held her hips in his hands so they could move together. They stood like that for two more songs while Kyoko watched as the band played up the crowd and each other, making mental notes on how she would execute the live scene in her upcoming drama. The band's next song led the crowd into an uproar as they began to sing along. It was more upbeat so Ren had to let Kyoko go as her movements changed to match the song's tempo. He was able to follow along and get lost in the music with her.

Familiar with the song, Kyoko joined in the singing. "What are you… holding out for? What's always...in the way? Why so damn… absent-minded? Why so scared...of romance?...This modern love... breaks me, This modern love... wastes me!"

On cue with the song, Kyoko threw her arms around him and kissed him soundly on the mouth.

"Let's go home," she whispered into his ear. She didn't have to tell him twice. He was ready to have her to himself. Ren gripped her hand while they made their way out.

Outside, swaying in the cool breeze, Kyoko exclaimed. "That was so much fun! Thank you!"

"It was my pleasure," he beamed, his eyes stalking her every move.

Ren followed after her as she continued humming the last song and moving to the rhythm in her head. She rushed back to him and encircled his neck with her arms, his arms automatically wrapping around her waist. "I love you," she murmured against his lips and kissed him. He was done for. Ren returned her kiss eagerly, forgetting that they were in the middle of the sidewalk. When they finally broke from their mini make-out session, they walked with their hands entwined, taking their sweet time.

The night air was cool but it felt refreshing on her hot skin. Kyoko shivered, not from the cold, but from their time in the bar. She could feel his semi-erection pressing up against her as they danced until she thought they had both endured enough for the night.

They rode home in silence, fingers still interlaced. Now and again, Ren would lift her hand to kiss the back of it. When they got closer to the apartment, Kyoko scrambled to the back seat. As she crawled to the back, Ren made the mistake of glancing up into the rearview mirror. He swerved a bit off the road when he got an eyeful of supple flesh, lace, and garters peeking out from beneath her dress. Kyoko screamed in the back as she was thrown off balance.

"Sorry, sorry, there was something in the middle of the road," he lied to cover up his perverted thoughts. He adjusted the crotch of his pants which had just become unbelievably tight. "We're coming up to the gate." Kyoko slid down in the backseat and giggled as she hid.

Maybe, I should ask Tadashi-san to deal with this reporter.

Later, in the City of Angels

"Kuu, what are you doing?" Julie called from the other room.

"Jules, come and see. Our babies posted another picture." Julie was in his study in a flash.

"Awe, they look so adorable. They look happy, right Kuu? Our baby boy looks really happy!"

"He looks very happy, honey," Kuu assured, standing up and kissing his wife's tears away.

Julie laughed through her tears, "what are you wearing?" He had on a pair of white coveralls. He gave her a lopsided grin and plopped a white cap on his head.

"This is my uniform! I figured it was better after the disaster I made to my clothes last night. I'm ready to finish painting."

"Are you sure you have time for this?"

"I don't have to go in until this evening. I want to help you. I wasn't here to help decorate Kuon's nursery so I want to at least help you with her room."

"Do you think she'll really like it?"

"Are you kidding? What girl wouldn't love a woodland fairy-themed room? The decor is still tasteful and age-appropriate. I'm fully committed to hanging that canopy over the bed today."

"Are you sure you can do it?"

"Of course, let me just consult some instructional videos before I attempt it," He answered and sat back down at the computer. She knew he was only using that as an excuse to look at more pictures of the kids.

Julie giggled and walked out of the room, "Don't respond on their page with your account Kuu. The Japanese don't need you trolling their young stars."

"I know! I know!"

"You have ten minutes then I'm starting without you!"

"I'll be right there!" he replied, typing a cute little response to the picture labeled, Good food with great friends!

AN: Hiya! Thank you for sticking with me! A few things in here were inspired by Nuri1978 (On discord). Her amazing analytical skills of the manga allowed me to add in Rick's background as a musician and the fact that Kuu was not in the States permanently during Julie's pregnancy/Kuon's birth.

Thank you for continuing to read and I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you to those that reviewed the previous chapters. I appreciate all of you!

The song the band played was called "This Modern Love," by the Bloc Party.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^