Chapter 108: Cheers to Success!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Darumaya would become the secret celebrity hot spot.

Kyoko entered the private room carrying a tray of appetizers while Ren followed up behind her with a tray of sake, beer, and water. It was humbling for those present to be served by the couple. Kyoko explained her connection to the restaurant as a part-time employee and practically adopted daughter of the owners.

They were at the Darumaya celebrating a job well done for the drama. The others present were Bridge Rock, Ruriko, and their respective managers, less Yashiro and Tadashi.

Tadashi had some business in another time zone, while Yashiro excused himself to dine with Kanae and her family, leaving the couple to enjoy the time with their colleagues. To squeeze the cameo into Ren's schedule, Yashiro performed a miracle. This meant the actor's upcoming days would grow longer until he made up the lost time. Ren seemed confident and promised that the schedule would not be interrupted further.

Shortly after Ren entered the Darumaya, he headed straight to the kitchen to find Taisho. He had plenty to atone for since he last saw the man: the Heel siblings, the Kimiko incident, and everything else in between that was captured in the tabloids, especially the recent PDA.

"I apologize, Taisho. I should have come sooner. I have no excuse," Ren bowed formally.

Taisho grunted and looked at the man. Kyoko stood at the opening and smiled. To Taisho, she looked happy and healthy. He saw nothing the man needed to apologize for but handed him a rag and pointed to the dishes. Ren bowed his head again slightly and helped without complaints. Taisho turned his full attention to Kyoko. He looked at Kyoko's attire and scowled at her hair before handing her an apron.

"We just came from filming. They let me keep the outfit." Kyoko said by way of explanation for her short leather skirt and blue hair.

Taisho nodded. "Was it successful?" He asked, engaging in conversation. He had not seen her in a while and found himself quite chatty.

"Yes," she replied, pulling the apron over her neck and taking her spot beside him. "It was a small role, but I played a rockstar. I learned how to play the guitar, and I sang on stage. It was a bit scary, but I had plenty of support." She glanced back to look at Ren washing the dishes.

A small smile played on the chef's lips as he caught the quick action. "Will you become a musician?"

Kyoko paused in her cutting and thought about the question. "I want to focus on acting out different roles. I've decided to continue my voice and guitar lessons. It would be a waste if I let my newly acquired skills dull." Taisho grunted in approval.

Taisho finished plating a generous portion of sushi and sashimi on separate plates. He turned to the hibachi grill and removed the beef and chicken skewers he had placed there earlier to a serving platter.

"You two take these trays to your friends and join them," he motioned to the trays of drink and food. "I can handle things from here." Ren and Kyoko left the kitchen with their trays just as Tasiho threw some fish on the grill.

They settled on the floor beside their colleagues and began picking away at the food. Kyoko went into hostess mode, pouring drinks for her friends.

"Ren, would you like some warm sake or beer?" She asked, holding the flask of warm sake in her hand.

"Ah, just one," he said, picking up one of the small ceramic cups.

"Wait!" Hikaru shouted, stopping Ren from sipping his drink. "Let's have a toast. To hard work and excellent performance. To our frontwoman, Kyoko-san, you were brilliant out there!"

Ren took the flask from her and poured her a cup of sake. They raised their cups and saluted while Kyoko burned red.

"Cheers!"

They refilled their cups for another toast. "To Tsuruga-san for pulling the biggest prank on us tonight! Well played, sir, "Yuusei exclaimed.

"Kanpai!" they cheered, raising their glasses again.

"My turn," Kyoko said, refilling glasses giddily. She was already slightly pink. Ren didn't know if her coloring was from her embarrassment or alcohol.

"Many thanks to my esteemed senpais, my coworkers, my friends. I could not have pulled that taping off without all of you," she said, staring at each one of them and lastly Ren. She held up her cup and clinked glasses with them.

When they finished the salutes, Ren started placing food on Kyoko's plate. "Eat," he said sternly. Kyoko giggled, making Ren smile. It had to be ironic to her that their roles have reversed.

"Kyoko-san, look at this. My manager filmed your performance." Ruriko handed her the small handheld camera from across the table.

Ren leaned in to watch over her shoulder as Kyoko pressed play. Her ears burned red with embarrassment as she watched herself perform for the crowd. She had used what she learned from the band at the live show she and Ren came across on their double date. She engaged the crowd and interacted with her bandmates similarly to the foreign singer that night. It was difficult at first because the crowd hushed when she began to sing, and her stomach fluttered nervously. She focused on her character's love for music to pull her through those tough few seconds and eventually, the crowd acknowledged her skill. The audience's positive reception fueled her to do her best.

"Ah," she said softly. "Hikaru-san, thank you for saving me there. You truly are a professional at putting on a show."

"That's what we're there for. Can I ask what happened at that moment?" Hikaru asked curiously. "You lost focus, but it wasn't a bad thing. It worked with the way the episode concluded."

"Ugh, I should have been NG'd. I'm so disappointed in myself."

"What do you mean?" Ren asked. Kyoko rewound the footage for several seconds.

"I got a bit distracted right...here," she said, pointing out the moment of her error. "I saw you in the crowd and lost my focus."

Ren chuckled. "Wow, but it's seamless. That kind of dynamic can only be gained by those with a close working relationship." He put great emphasis on the word "working."

Kyoko bit her bottom lip to keep from smirking. She thought to tease him later for his jealousy, but the back of Ren's fingers brushed against her exposed thigh beneath the table, shooting hot waves straight to her core. Kyoko didn't know what hit her. One minute, she was having a serious conversation about her performance, and the next minute, her body was hot with lust at the mere touch of her boyfriend. Kyoko felt parched. She took a sip of water and concentrated on Ren's words. The unintentional warmth his fingers exuded on her skin was distracting.

"You have all been working hard, not with just this performance, but on your variety show. I can guarantee your ratings are going to soar once this episode airs. If I were your manager, I would negotiate a salary increase when it happens," Ren complimented.

Kyoko scooted away. Ren frowned and scooted closer. When Kyoko attempted to scoot again, Ren clamped his hand firmly on her thigh to keep her from moving. His palm felt like a branding iron on her sensitive skin. He flashed her his gentlemanly smile to hide that he was pissed.

She smiled in apology, her cheeks taking on a deeper shade of red. He gazed at her with confusion. Her eyes drifted to his lips, her pink tongue licking over her lips. Ren stiffened beside her and let her leg go. This wasn't good. He glanced at his watch. Leaving too early would be considered rude. They needed to hold out for at least twenty more minutes.

He glanced at the others in the room. No one had noticed their small exchange.

"Woohoo! Tsuruga-san is right! Here's to the success of Yappa Kimagure Rock!" Hikaru exclaimed, raising his glass of beer. The couple was relieved by the distraction and picked up their waters eagerly. Everyone followed with their drinks and cheered again.

The topic turned to music preferences. Ren found himself engaging more in the conversation as a way to deter him from touching his girlfriend under the cover of the table. To Kyoko's surprise, he revealed his favorite foreign bands and songs, which impressed the brothers. Somehow, Hikaru's guitar was retrieved from his manager's car and they found themselves having an impromptu sing-along. Kyoko didn't even cringe when he played Sho's Prisoner song.

When that number ended, Ren discreetly checked his watch again. He thought they stayed a reasonable amount of time. He leaned into Kyoko and whispered. "Are you ready to go home, baby?" His lips brushed her ear, setting her body aflame. Kyoko ducked her hot face.

Ren smirked. He could only imagine her reaction if he said what was really on his mind.

Ren stood and held his hand out to Kyoko to help her up. "We have to call it a night. I have an early call tomorrow and Kyoko has school."

The others booed the party poopers making Kyoko apologize immediately. Ren dropped enough yen on the table to cover the tab and leave a generous tip. When they protested his generosity, he simply replied, "Tonight is on me. We are celebrating you guys, after all. Someone else can cover next time."

Before leaving, the couple said goodbye to the Taisho and Okami, then headed out through the rear of the restaurant.

Tadashi's regular driver waited for them in the alley behind the restaurant as promised to take them home.

Another person could have sat between them with the wide-open space in the back seat. Kyoko sat close to her side of the window, legs crossed and face flushed. She stared out the window, avoiding Ren's hot gaze. She may not have been acknowledging him but their hands were securely connected. She tried concentrating on the sights outside, anything to divert her attention from the heat his circulating thumb generated through her entire body. She trembled with need. Why is this drive taking so long?

Once the door to their apartment closed, they were all over each other. She pulled off his hat and buried her fingers in his scalp, pulling him down to her. Their mouths collided in a heated kiss. His hands slipped beneath her skirt and gripped her ass, pressing her against his hardness. She moaned into his mouth while their tongues dueled until they were both gasping for air. Kuon pulled off her studded leather jacket and proceeded to expertly remove her clothes until she was left standing in her knee-high stiletto boots and lacy undergarments. He was on her again, his mouth devouring every piece of silky flesh he could reach.

"Ow!" Kyoko winced. The doorknob pressed sharply into her back.

"Sorry," he muttered against her skin. He picked her up. Her arms encircled his neck, and her legs wrapped around his waist. Using his teleportation skills, they were in the bedroom in a flash. Kuon placed her gently on the bed despite his impatience. He pulled off her boots and socks, then yanked off his t-shirt and chucked it over his shoulder. Wanting to feel her warm body against him, he lay back down on top of her without removing his jeans. She opened her arms to receive him and wrapped her legs low around his hips. She gasped in delight when her center found his bulge. She pressed her heels into his back and ground against him. Her fingers raked down his back, feeling the coils of his muscles beneath his flawless skin.

He closed his eyes and groaned in pleasure. He held his upper body up, propped on his elbows, his hands holding each side of her face. His fingertips stroked softly, caressing her hair and skin. He brought his lips down to brush delicately against hers. He kissed her slowly, savoring her taste. He licked at her lips until hers parted, opening to allow his tongue entrance.

He wasn't drunk but she was intoxicating. Her smell, her taste, he couldn't get enough of her sweetness. He pressed his hips against her, rolling in slow, tantalizing circles as their tongues mated.

Kyoko's hand worked its way down his front and reached between them. She unbuttoned his fly and cupped his erection, stroking over his hard length. He closed his eyes again in ecstasy, his hips gyrating in time with her hand as she worked him toward the brink. He pulled back from her hand, wanting inside her. Kuon tugged his jeans lower on his hips and then froze.

Kyoko looked up at him, confused. "Is something wrong?"

Kuon released a tortured groan and rolled off of her onto his back. He covered his eyes with his forearm and cursed.

"Kuon?" She sat up, worried that something was seriously wrong. He didn't look sick or hurt but dejected as if his life was over.

"I forgot to buy condoms," he moaned in agony. Kyoko couldn't help but laugh.

Kuon eventually joined in her laughter at their ridiculous plight. It was already too late to go out. He knew if he called downstairs the concierge would be more than willing to help him out, but this errand was far too intimate.

"I seem to recall a time or two when I was able to pleasure you in other ways," she teased, stroking him as he lay there. His body reacted instantly to her touch.

Kuon's eyes rolled in the back of his head as the heat of her mouth closed around his cock.

Yashiro picked them up earlier than usual the next morning since Ren's schedule shifted. Kyoko had no problems going to school early. She could use the extra time to study her notes in case there was a pop quiz on any of her subjects.

The atmosphere that Kyoko had experienced days ago was still present. The school was quiet, but the few students that were there smiled and greeted her.

Kyoko turned the corner towards her locker and found her friends crowding in front of it suspiciously.

Gina turned around, eyes widening as soon as she recognized Kyoko. She smacked Hanami on the back, making the other girl curse.

"Ow! That hurt!" Hanami complained, turning to her friend.

Gina mumbled to Hanami, but Kyoko couldn't hear what was said. Hanami shut the locker door and turned around with a smile.

"Good morning, Kyoko-san! We weren't expecting you so early after such a long day of filming," Hanami said guiltily.

"You were awesome yesterday! We didn't know you could sing so well," Gina added, hiding something behind her back.

"Good morning, Gina-san, Hanami-san. Thank you for coming yesterday. I appreciate your support," Kyoko greeted with a slight bow. "Was there something interesting in my locker?" Kyoko asked, flashing a brilliant smile reminiscent of Ren's gentlemanly smile. The girls cringed at having been caught. They knew she was angry.

"I got them! I got them! It was the last pair in her size!" Gen said, running down the corridor from the other direction. He stopped short when he finally saw Kyoko hidden behind the other girls. "Oh shit!"

Kyoko looked at Gen, carrying a pair of new indoor shoes. He hid them quickly behind his back out of habit more like it.

"What's going on guys?" Kyoko asked, confused by their behavior.

Gina sighed. She pulled out what she was hiding behind her back: a pair of indoor shoes ruined by some red substance.

"Are those mine?"

All three of her friends nodded. "We were trying to clean it up like usual before you arrived."

"Like usual? How many times has this happened?"

"A few," Hanami admitted.

Kyoko inhaled sharply and looked up and down the hallway.

"This will also be the last time," Gina announced. "We wanted to handle this without your knowledge." Kyoko looked skeptical.

"Here they come!" Hanami announced. Kyoko turned to find Maru escorting three girls down the hall. The girls were tittering at the attention of the celebrity that they didn't notice her until she was right in front of them.

Their eyes widened with fear while Kyoko and her posse stared them down. Two of the girls hid behind one, distinguishing her as the leader. She tried to put up a brave front, but the fear in her eyes betrayed her act of courage.

"Wh- what is going on?" The girl stammered, raising her chin.

Kyoko stared at the girls coldly. Gina spoke, "We know you're responsible for vandalizing her locker."

"I don't know what you're talking about. We didn't do anything of the sort," the girl countered defensively.

"Really? Shall we show you our proof?" Gina nodded to Gen. Their friend took his phone out of his pocket and played the video of the girls vandalizing Kyoko's locker.

"This will serve her right. The slut thinks she could have any guy in school just because she's a little talented now. I can't believe he broke up with me, thinking he had a chance with her. Stupid! Baka! Idiot! Baka!"

The other two girls looked pitifully at their friend while handing her trash and a brush dripping with red. The final touch was an open can of sardines.

Someone could be heard off-camera talking to another, making the girls finish up quickly and run away.

When the video was over, Kyoko bowed to the girls in front of them. "I'm sorry. It seems you were hurt because of me."

"I don't need your pity," the girl spat, folding her arms over her chest. She blinked her eyes rapidly and bit her bottom lip, attempting not to cry.

"It's not pity, it's compassion. I know what it's like to be betrayed by a loved one. I've been in your shoes before."

The girl bowed her head in shame, her friends following along. Kyoko's falling out with Sho was public knowledge now, so they knew what she was referring to.

Kyoko stepped forward, the air around growing frosty. She took the girl's chin in hand. "With that said, don't cause any inconvenience to others. Handle your own problems."

The girl nodded vigorously, "Please forgive me, Kyoko-sama."

Kyoko let go of her chin and glanced down the hall as others started to enter the area. She couldn't be caught bullying someone. "You are forgiven. Don't forget, any guy that doesn't appreciate you for you is not worth your time."

The girls nodded and made a hasty retreat.

Kyoko sighed and bowed deeply to her friends. "Thank you very much. I'm sorry you had to go through the trouble. I'll be sure to compensate you all for-."

"Don't be stupid, we're your friends," Hanami interjected, mussing up Kyoko's hair as she bowed. Kyoko stood up and smiled radiantly.

"Whoa, whoa, reserve that one for Tsuruga-san," her friends joked, shielding their eyes from the brilliance of her smile.

Kyoko laughed and changed her shoes. They cleaned her locker thoroughly. It now had a fresh lemon scent.

Once they made it to the classroom, they groaned in unison. The desk Kyoko usually sat in at the front of the class was gone. Unfortunately, for whoever took it, there were more desks than students in their section, so it wasn't missed.

Kyoko and her father entered the studio where the Sacred Lotus production had taken up residence until the outdoor set was ready for their use again. Heavy rains overnight had left the ground at the location muddy. They weren't filming in this studio, but rather, perfecting the final scenes that would be filmed outside, minimizing the need for retakes.

Not seeing the director, Kyoko went straight to the crowded area where Koga and Cedric were in an intense battle wearing samurai armor.

"Oh good, Kyoko-san is here. Now the real fun can begin," the stunt coordinator said when he spotted her.

AN: Filler, filler...I apologize for cutting it off here, but I wanted to get this out since I'll be busy with family during "the most wonderful time of the year." Either way, I hope you enjoyed it. Happy holidays to all! Thank you for continuing to read, and I appreciate your reviews of the last chapter.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^

PS. If you have not done so, please check out the new story Cancel My Engagements by CollaborativeBeats. Your favorite SB authors pooled together to give you a wonderful gift this season. The version on AO3 is a work of art done by none other than SilkHandkerchief. A lot of love went into this story, so I hope you all enjoy it.