Chapter 109: Farewell Kunoichi!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, we would see more Momiji in action.

Kyoko sat starry-eyed. She was in seventh heaven as she sat across her best friends eating a late lunch at an all-you-can-eat buffet in Harajuku. The girls had picked her up early from school with the aid of her father. It was their way of apologizing, for not only missing her performance but also, being unable to attend the small gathering at the Darumaya. They chose this specific restaurant because of Kyoko's love for sweets. It offered a large variety of desserts and was easy on the wallet.

"You guys didn't have to do this. I already received your apology," Kyoko insisted.

"You say that, but I'm sure your feelings were hurt. I don't even know what kind of psycho carries a knife like that in their purse," Kanae said sarcastically.

Chiori stuck her tongue out at her friend.

"It's illegal to carry a knife like that in Japan, Chiori-san!" Kanae scolded their friend for the umpteenth time.

"I know! That's why we had to run. If they caught us, Kyoko would have to bail us out of jail," Chiori defended.

"We? Us?...Mo! It's your knife! Why did you have to drag me into it," Kanae sighed, annoyed by the drama that was her friends.

Kyoko had heard, or more like read this conversation and apology in their group texts, but it was ten times more fun watching the scene unfold before her.

"I'm sorry, Kanae-san. I forgot it was in there, and I panicked when the guard found it," Chiori explained.

"Please tell me you got rid of the thing," Kanae sighed again.

"No way! Wait, don't get mad..." Chiori pleaded as Kanae began her tirade all over again. "It's at home, tucked safely under my pillow."

Kanae groaned in annoyance and decided to drop the subject.

"Mo! From what I saw, you did a great job performing that role," Kanae complimented Kyoko, changing the subject.

"What? You've seen it! I was hoping someone would have snuck a phone in and leaked a video," Chiori asked excitedly. "I want to see Kyoko-san slaying it on stage too!"

"Oops! Yuki showed me what he had on his camcorder," Kanae answered apologetically. "The quality isn't good since there were arms in the way and people were so loud. I'm almost glad I didn't go." Kanae blurted without thinking. "Ah…, but don't get me wrong, you guys were great."

"Pssh! Lucky!" Chiori grumbled.

"I think Yashiro-san sent me the video. My father recorded one, but it's on my laptop. He went overboard. I didn't want a large file on my phone." Kyoko reached into her purse and pulled out her phone when something landed on the floor.

"Kyoko-san, you dropped something." Chiori reached down to pick it up and came up holding a crane.

"Oh my God! Is this one of the infamous love notes from Tsuru—." The end of her exclamation was garbled since Kyoko held her hand against her friend's mouth. Kyoko glared at her friend and looked around the restaurant. No one was paying attention to them since they were in a secluded corner. Kyoko didn't begin to think anyone would recognize them, but with Chiori shouting Ren's name, heads would turn.

"Let me see," Kanae said, snatching the paper from Chiori's hand.

Kyoko released Chiori and settled back in her chair, blushing. She told her friends what led to Ren's participation in the drama. However, his presence at the end of her performance was a surprise, even to her.

"Please be careful," Kyoko said worriedly. "And don't laugh!"

Kanae was beyond curious but slowed her movements as she unfolded the paper. Chiori leaned in eagerly to read what the actor had to say today.

Kyoko had already read the note. Nothing was incriminating in it this time...but.

"Break a leg and some noses and some necks. I can't wait to see your Momiji kicking ass on the big screen! Love always, yours," Kanae read aloud, imitating Ren's husky voice.

Kyoko covered her face with every word. Immediately after, she heard gagging and the beginnings of laughter. It started as a low rumble. Through the cracks of her fingers, she could make out the slight tremble of their bodies. She heard the first spurt of breath escape from Chiori's mouth. Kyoko watched Kanae's hand clap over her mouth to suppress the giggle threatening to escape.

Kyoko removed her hands from her face and pouted. "Go ahead and laugh since you both really want to. It's not his finest, but I love it all the same."

The girls released their laughter to the point that they doubled over, grabbing their sides. Kyoko held napkins out to them so they could dab at the tears pricking the corners of their eyes. Ren's notes were adorable, and she cherished every one she received.

It took her friends several minutes to calm down. When they took the napkins from her, Kyoko stood with a huff and decided to stuff her face with dessert. The training for Momiji was amplified these last two days. Since the rest of her day was dedicated to Sacred Lotus filming, she could afford to indulge a little and piled her plate with one of everything.

When she sat back down they finally pulled themselves together. Still pouting, she dug into her stack of sweets.

"I didn't know Tsuruga-san was such a romantic," Chiori said with a straight face then burst out laughing immediately.

"He has a way with words," Kanae interjected, trying to keep from laughing all over again.

"He's always encouraging me to do my best," Kyoko defended.

"Just how many of these do you have?" Kanae asked.

Kyoko was quiet for a moment as she did the math in her head. "I think I have over a dozen so far."

"What?!" Chiori and Kanae exclaimed in disbelief. Kyoko nodded.

"Wow, he's persistent. Does each one have a note inside?"

"Yes," Kyoko declared, blushing again.

"Well, I think it's really cute. It's so unexpected yet expected coming from him. The man is devoted to you. I guess throwing him some leg did the trick!"

"Chiori-san!" Kyoko gasped. She looked around to make sure no one heard.

"I'm joking. Nobody here cares. Well, maybe the staff is suspicious," Chiori nodded to their giggling waitress with her colleagues. The young lady and her coworkers across the restaurant were whispering and glancing in their direction.

"They aren't bothering us. Let me see the video now, pretty please," Chiori begged, batting her lashes at Kyoko.

"Are you going to pursue a music career? It's like you were born for the stage." Chiori said, handing back the phone when the video ended.

Kyoko blushed and waved her hand in front of her. "There's no way! Nakazawa-san and Kei-san have been hounding me ever since. It's only been a few days. The episode hasn't even aired. For all I know, the drama ratings might plummet because of me."

"You said that boyfriend of yours is in both episodes, right? Then, of course, the ratings are going to be high," Kanae said as a matter of fact.

Kyoko frowned at her implication, but it was true. Anything Ren performed was bound to be popular.

"I can't believe a veteran like him was used like that by the director," Kanae said.

"Isn't it more like he used the director," Chiori added thoughtfully. "Tsuruga-san just wanted to show off that he was her boyfriend."

"Hmmm, I wonder how long he can keep inserting himself into your work," Kanae commented.

"Is it bad?"

"It's not bad. If you keep challenging each other to improve, it won't be a problem."

"Even before I loved him, I admired his acting ability and work ethic. I want to grow as an actress and learn from the best. I hope someday we can all be in a project together too."

Her friends smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Oh, excuse me," Kyoko said, covering her mouth as she let out a yawn. She was on location for her last taping of the Sacred Lotus and jostled herself to try to shake off the remnants of sleep. She had been fine earlier, but once she sat in the chair fatigue began to seep in. This was the first time she had to stay overnight since the set was almost two hours outside of Tokyo. She had an early shooting today since the director wanted to use the sky's natural lighting as much as possible.

"Would you like me to make you some tea or coffee?" Tadashi asked, looking way too chipper for four in the morning.

"Thank you, father. I'll take a cup of tea."

She sat still until the artist finished applying Momiji's natural makeup. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail. When the artist finished, she stood and went behind the changing screen to don her Momiji costume for the final time. She would miss playing this role.

To take her mind off the sadness of her role ending, Kyoko thought about more pleasant things like the surprise she awoke to when she checked her messages: Payback: You little Vixen.

Her phone was still in silent mode when he sent it. She missed her chance to talk to him before he went to bed. He was up way too late for her taste judging by the time stamp on his message.

Kyoko was torn. She wanted to hear his voice, but she also wanted to let him rest. She wondered if he had as much difficulty sleeping as she did being apart from him. It felt weird sleeping in a bed alone again. Kyoko had to pull herself together. It was only one night, for goodness sake. She couldn't be too clingy in their profession.

She texted him so he could find her message when he woke. Hi! I hope you ate well and managed to get enough rest. I will be heading to the set soon. I miss you.

Her phone buzzed immediately after sending the message. The incoming video call was from Corn.

"Corn?" She answered quickly. Her phone screen filled with his handsome face as he lay in their bed. His hair was mussed and his green eyes were blurry from sleep. It wasn't fair how incredible he looked upon waking.

"Hi, I miss you too," he answered groggily, rubbing his face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you," Kyoko said contritely.

"You didn't. It's difficult to sleep without you," Kuon confessed.

Kyoko was quiet for a few beats, "Did you have another nightmare? About Rick?"

He smiled at her worry. "I wouldn't call it a nightmare ...thanks to some naughty little lady leaving me wanting...ever heard of blue balls?"

The tinkling of her laughter filled both rooms. "I thought it would help you sleep. I'm sorry."

"It only served to torture me. You owe me the whole thing. Did you see my response?" He teased while Kyoko blushed.

"I did," she replied, her face heating up. She had to admit, the selfies he sent in several stages of undress were a total tease, including the one with him having a bubble bath. Stupid bubbles were in the way again. She knew exactly how it felt to have blue balls sans balls. She spent considerable time running her eyes over his delicious body, wishing he was with her.

They continued talking as she got dressed to head over to the set. Kuon laid back and enjoyed the show in real-time. He silently thanked the tech people that made video chat possible. It was like she was right in the room with him. Before they hung up, she told him to get some sleep and blew him a kiss.

Kyoko came out from behind the screen and sat on the chair to pull on her black wool tabi socks. She slipped on her straw sandals and laced them up her calf. The stylist tied the black band around her forehead when she was dressed. Usually, she would secure it with pins, but it wasn't an option today.

"Here you go, sweetie." Tadashi handed her a steaming mug of tea.

"Thank you, Father," she said, blowing on the warm liquid before sipping.

Kyoko perked up from the caffeine she ingested when the assistant came by to call her to stand by.

"It's chilly outside. Make sure to wear this until it's time for filming." Tadashi held up a robe for her to shrug into.

Kyoko stepped outside her trailer to join the others gathered and waiting for the director. They had already filmed Momiji and Chidori's pursuit to meet up with Shizuma the night before.

"We're going to pick up where we left off last night. Momiji and Chidori are approaching the fray. Shizuma has set up his camp as bait to lure the enemy to him, allowing the two women to escape to safety. The women are unaware of his plan, and he is unaware of their presence. We will be killing two birds with one stone today. I need everyone to focus so it integrates seamlessly. Yuki will follow the ladies. I will follow the men. This is our epic battle scene, everyone. No expense was spared with pyrotechnics. There will be fire but no explosions. Please keep the scenes going and improvise as necessary. There are a few of you that are wearing fire suits. Your role is to catch fire. The safety crew is on standby in case something happens. We've practiced this and timed everything. They know when to put you out," Joji explained, addressing the crowd using his megaphone.

Kuresaki leaned toward Joji. The director nodded while the producer whispered to him.

"I know what I said places a lot of pressure on everyone. If anyone is seriously injured, please notify an assistant. I can't stress enough that we want everyone safe on set. Any questions?" He paused for a few seconds and looked at each one of the main roleplayers.

When he looked at Kyoko, she shook her head no. She was eager to get started. They had worked hard to get this right! It was time she said farewell to her Kunoichi.

"Okay, let's get started!" Joji clapped his hands, and everyone scattered to get to their marks.

Chidori stood at the edge of the clearing in disbelief. Shizuma's encampment was under siege. The Shogun's soldiers had found him. The place was a sea of flames full of carnage and chaos. The screaming and smell were unbearable. She became weak-kneed, gripping the sword, a gift from Shizuma, and leaning against a tree for support.

"Let's go! We need to find Shizuma-sama!" Momoji yelled, unsheathing her short swords. She slipped into what little shadows remained and stabbed the first enemy soldier that she came across. He was dead before he could blink.

Chidori took several trembling steps out of the safety of the forest. Her legs felt like lead, and she tripped over her kimono. A soldier saw her lying on the ground and leered, raising his katana high over his head. All Chidori could do was shut her eyes and wait for the inevitable. She screamed as a heavy weight pressed down on her. She opened her eyes, startled to find the soldier dead. She felt bile rise in her throat as the stench of iron enveloped her. Fear gripped her as she struggled to remove herself from beneath the dead man. Once she was free, Chidori scrambled on her butt, grabbing the sword with her.

Momiji growled beside her, "Do you want to die?" Chidori shielded herself with her arm when Momiji raised one of her short swords menacingly. She squeaked as Momiji brought the katana down. There was no pain. She only heard ripping. She watched, embarrassed as the kunoichi sliced away at the fabric of her kimono, barring her legs.

"You're wasting time! If you aren't going to fight, go and cower in the forest. I'll save Shizuma-sama alone! You're slowing me down. Next time, I'll let them kill you!"

Chidori swiped away at the blood splatter on her face, resolute to follow Momiji. She was determined to help the man she loved. She unsheathed her katana just in time to block an enemy attack. The force of the man's blow was nothing compared to Shizuma's. From the corner of her eye, she saw Momiji engaging two men. She focused her senses like Shizuma instructed and concentrated on her foe.

They traded several blows. The man had the upper hand due to her lack of combat experience. She blocked another head-on attack. Her strength caught him off guard when she pushed, shoving him back half a step. She hit the man in the gut with the hilt of her katana. Chidori pivoted on her foot, sweeping the katana low and slicing the man's midsection open. She gagged as his entrails spilled at her feet.

She looked up just as Momiji came hurling at her. Chidori ducked, shielding her head. She grunted under the force as the kunoichi's foot pushed off her shoulder. Her eyes teared from the pain, but she turned in time to watch Momiji execute a flawless split kick on two more men. The sound of bone crunching was a clear indication that she had broken their jaws. One man fell to the ground closest to Chidori, gripping his face in agony. With a war cry of her own, Chidori lifted her sword and plunged it into the man's chest.

She leaned on her sword, still planted in the man, trying to catch her breath. She was barely in this fight and already winded. Despite her strict training, she had yet to build stamina. From her crouched position, she watched Momiji take on the other enemy. Unfortunately, this one did not fall from her kick.

Momiji twirled her short swords as she gauged the enemy samurai's skill. She let the man attack first while she defended. She dodged his katana easily. The man lunged at Momiji but turned in the direction of his sword. She spun away, but the tip of his sword grazed her upper arm. Momiji barely noticed the injury with the momentum twirling her. She used her body's rotation to bring down her swords and slash at the man's back. He cried out in pain and slumped to his knees. Chidori gaped in horror as the man's head rolled to the ground. Momiji delivered the finishing blow without remorse.

Chidori shivered as she looked into the cold calculating eyes of the female assassin. Her bloodlust was overwhelming.

Momiji stood and closed her eyes. Chidori watched her twitch, turning her head to the north of the encampment. 'Is that where Shizuma is?' She looked in the same direction but couldn't see anything beyond the fighting and flames.

"Move!" Momiji seethed through clenched teeth and took off. Chidori tried to keep up with her, but she was too fast. The kunoichi had the habit of disappearing and popping out to slay a nearby enemy just when Chidori thought she lost all traces of her. She felt a searing pain on her forearm as an arrow sliced her. She froze at the sight of her blood and gaping flesh. The cut was deep.

The sound of metal upon metal jolted her from shock. She gazed down to see another arrow and a shuriken lying at her feet. Momiji was at her side, removing the band from her head.

"Use this to stop the bleeding," Momiji instructed, handing her the cloth. No sooner did she take it from her hand when they were again attacked.

"Thank you!" Chidori cried gratefully.

"I'm following my master's orders. If he dies, I will kill you with my bare hands."

The kunoichi sliced through the air, stopping the next arrows from striking. They looked in the direction from which they came. Both sighed in relief as an ally took down the archer.

When Chidori finished tending her injury, they crept through the camp, trying to avoid detection as much as possible until they came to the heart of the fighting. They were spotted easily. Momiji sheathed her swords and sprinted at full speed toward the samurai in front of them without slowing down. The kunoichi deflected his sword strike using the iron and leather gauntlets on her forearms.

Chidori gaped at the fearlessness at which the girl gripped the man's torso swung her body around, and clamped her legs around the man's neck in a scissor's hold. The movement was quick. Momiji twisted her body down, flipping the man to the ground and snapping his neck in the process.

This takedown allowed Chidori to catch up since Momiji slowed at rising. The move must have stunned her. Chidori rushed to her side.

"Are you okay?" She asked Momiji breathlessly. Chidori could feel the throbbing ache in her body. She looked at the ninja by her side and assumed she was also tired based on her rapid breathing. She didn't know if Momiji was injured, but the kunoichi sneered at her question.

"Is any of that blood yours?" Chidori asked, trying to gauge Momiji's health status. The girl had taken on nearly a dozen soldiers on her own so far.

"Tch! Let's go!" Momiji dismissed her concerns and pressed forward.

Chidori could tell they were getting closer to the heart of the fight. They encountered more of Shizuma's followers. What confused the women was their use of armor. If it was a surprise attack, how did so many of Shizuma's allies have time to don their armor?

Chidori's heart sank. The enemy here was also dressed in armor. She saw the largest one mowing down their allies with not only strength but skill. Katanas broke against his armor. He was swatting them away like annoying flies.

Momiji hesitated to leave, apparently torn at seeing so many of her master's allies fall. Their numbers were crucial to his cause. She stopped to observe the last of Shizuma's allies engage in battle. A few enemy soldiers gathered around, cheering for their champion as he slew two more men.

Before Chidori could stop her, Momiji unsheathed her katanas and dashed toward the armored giant. Her body rolled to the side, his sword missing her by a centimeter. The sound of his blade cutting through the air with a loud whoosh was terrifying. The lock of hair at the end of Momiji's ponytail fell victim to the giant's steel.

Momiji twisted on her knees and sliced the back of the man's kneecap, finding one of the armor's weak points. The man grunted and slashed down, causing Momiji to tumble away. Despite his size, he was agile in his suit.

The man pivoted and swung his katana at Momiji. The ninja dodged, bending backward in a bridge position. She was upright instantly, blocking the heavy sword with both katanas. He applied pressure to his sword, pushing her back. He pulled his sword back quickly and swung down again with all his might. This time Chidori heard Momiji grunt. He was too strong for her. Momiji retreated, snarling at her enemy.

Chidori prayed to Kami-sama that Momiji could stop this man. The kunoichi began a deadly dance of strike and retreat. She used her agility and speed to deal quick hits in the weak points of his armor, jumping and flipping to avoid his katana. The man grunted in pain when Momiji landed a cut to the interior of his elbow. The injury failed to slow his arm as he backhanded her with his gauntlet.

Momiji flipped in the air and fell to the ground. She shook her head, stunned by the contact. She spat blood and swiped her mouth. The kunoichi growled, baring her reddened teeth. Momiji's slashes eventually grew slower. Chidori could see Momiji's body trembling with fatigue.

Chidori looked around for anything to help the ninja. Her eyes landed on a good-sized rock. She just needed to create an opening for her. Momiji growled in frustration as her strikes sparked off the man's armor. The man was now defending the chinks in his armor. He seemed to figure out her tactic.

Chidori ran for the rock and threw it. The samurai stumbled, momentarily stunned as the rock connected with his helmet.

Momiji saw her opening. She slid between the giant's legs, skinning her knees against the course ground. She slid almost flat to the ground, sweeping her katanas out behind her and slicing his Achilles tendons. Chidori felt the earth shake as the giant fell to the ground, howling in pain with blood gushing from his wounds.

Momiji didn't hesitate. She plunged her short sword into the narrow slit of his armor between the neck and shoulder to deal the final blow. Chidori turned her head away as blood gushed when Momiji pulled her sword out. Momiji flicked the blood off her blades. The three enemy soldiers watching the fight converged on the women warily. Heaving with exhaustion, Chidori held her katana in a ready stance. The women stood back to back prepared to fight off the soldiers.

Shizuma's allies in the area joined the fray, helping the women. Chidori glanced around, now that the large soldier was down, she could see many enemy soldiers retreating into the forest. The scales tipped in their favor, but there was still no time to rest. They still needed to find Shizuma. She scanned the camp.

"There!" She screamed, pointing toward the north. Shizuma was partially dressed in his red armor, making him easy to spot. He wasn't wearing his helmet or chest plates. The only thing protecting him was thick leather. His opponent dressed similarly. He still managed to look like a demon from hell as the nearby flames danced around him and Yamada. It was ironic that Shizuma's armor mimicked a red devil while the enemy's armor was white— the color of purity and goodness. Yamada was anything but.

Momiji sprang forth on pure adrenaline. Chidori followed behind. The enemy soldiers were few and far between as they closed the gap on Shizuma. Momiji engaged the stragglers only long enough to get them out of her path. She didn't waste time killing them off and managed to leave an easy route for Chidori to follow.

"Shizuma-sama!" Momiji screamed. Chidori looked up at the man she loved as he fought desperately with Yamada. He fell to one knee, narrowly blocking the next blow. She could now hear the faint clashing of their steel as they fought.

Her eyes pulled from Shizuma and focused on what was in front of her when an arrow whizzed by, barely missing her. There were still enemy archers in the camp. She watched Momiji's head twist over her left shoulder. It was the first time she had seen the girl's golden eyes widen with fear. Chidori followed the kunoichi's line of sight. An archer stood almost 10 meters away with an arrow nocked and aimed at Shizuma.

"Sakanoe!" Chidori screamed as tears blurred her vision. Her voice couldn't reach him. She watched him cut down Yamada, but it was too late. She turned to see the archer release his arrow. She stumbled to the ground, feeling the breath leave her as she heard Shizuma's howl in agony moments later.

She closed her eyes and gripped her chest as tears spilled down her cheeks. It was all over. They were too late.

Chidori's eyes shot open when she heard his voice. "Somebody, help me!" He roared vigorously, not at all like a dying man. She watched his men surround him to form a protective barrier. It was then she noticed through the gaps in the men's legs, Momiji, an arrow protruding from her body. A sob escaped her throat.

Chidori struggled to stand. It was like all her energy had fled her body. She growled with determination and used her sword to stand on shaky legs. She willed herself to take a step, then another. It was pathetic. She was barely injured.

Chidori dropped to Momiji's side, gripping her hand. By now, the sun was on the rise. Chidori could see the extent of the kunoichi's injuries. Fresh cuts and bruises riddled the girl's body. Her eyes traveled to the arrow in her chest. It pierced her heart. There was nothing they could do. Tears blurred her vision.

Momiji shifted her gaze to Chidori, "Promise me you will take care of him." Chidori nodded through her tears.

"He doesn't like to eat his vegetables. You have to mince them like you would for a child so he won't notice it in the broth," Momiji instructed. She started coughing, blood dripping down her chin.

"Shhh! Don't talk Momiji. Save your strength," Chidori urged. She used the underside of her sleeve to wipe the blood from Momiji's mouth.

"Don't let him drink too much sake. It will make him go bald and grow fat."

Chidori forced a laugh. Her heart ached as Shizuma leaned in, whispering to the girl he thought of as a sister.

"My sweet Momiji, forgive me." He kissed her forehead. Momiji reached her hand to caress his cheek.

"I'm glad I was able to fulfill my mission," Momiji murmured with a soft smile gracing her lips. She took her last breath.

"No!" Shizuma cried to the heavens, gathering the girl closer to him.

Chidori bowed her head and cried harder. This was her fault. If she wasn't so weak, Momiji could have easily saved Shizuma's life and her own. She vowed to fulfill the girl's dying wish. She would stay by Shizuma's side, loving and protecting him in her place for the rest of her mortal life.

The actors stayed in their position, improvising the remainder of the scene. "Oh, sorry, cut! CUT!" The director shouted. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his eyes and nose. Those present had been so moved by the performance that they forgot it was all an act.

A round of applause erupted throughout the set. Fallen actors rose from the dead, including Yamada and Momiji. It was the only way for Momiji to go with dignity.

It took the crew a few moments to pull themselves together and begin the meticulous task of putting out what remained of the fires and cleaning up the set.

They would spend the rest of the time perfecting the scenes of Momiji. They had lost the natural light. Anything that needed reshooting could be easily edited since they had the baseline footage. Although the main part of Momiji's role was over, the special effects would still need to be perfected. Kyoko would have to return for any cleanup scenes.

Omake

Earlier, for the first time in a long time, Kuon came home to a cold and dark apartment. He sighed at the overwhelming loneliness that filled his heart. He needed to get used to nights like these when he or she was away for work.

He walked to the kitchen and bypassed his usual bottle of cognac. He went straight for the scotch. He poured two fingers worth into a glass tumbler and parked himself on the couch. He thumbed through his messages again from Kyoko and found the one he was looking for: Surprise! For Your Eyes Only!

He had been tempted the last two hours to steal away somewhere and open the message from prying eyes. If it was what he hoped, he wanted to take his time, enjoying the surprise. His imagination ran rampant with what it could contain; lingerie selfie was at the top of his list. Then his attention turned to the style and color of the lingerie. His mind kept lingering on red.

Now he was home and free to enjoy to his heart's content. Since he knew Kyoko wouldn't be home tonight, he had kindly pushed the director and his co-stars to continue filming. His persistence allowed him to get off a few hours early the following day. He could spend some quality time with her.

Kuon clicked on the message and found a video file attached. Her beautiful face greeted him, telling him about her day. How she spent it with Moko and how filming was going. The whole time she was talking, she was undressing. Does she know what she's doing on camera? He remembered the message title and wondered how far she had taken this.

Kuon took a swig of his drink and licked his lips in anticipation. The video paused before she could remove her undergarments and cut over to a new scene.

Kyoko was singing. "You make me feel like the Amazon's running between my thighs…"

Holy Shit! It took Kuon a moment to realize what he was watching. There on his phone was a very naked and very wet, literally wet, Kyoko taking a hot shower. Her back was to him. He gulped as the water cascaded over her long hair and down her smooth back, disappearing in her crack and down her legs.

She turned around, "You make me feel love, love, love, love, love... love, love, love, love, love..."

He gasped and instantly hardened.

She lathered soap in her hands and smoothed it over her neck, shoulders, and collar. Her eyes opened to narrow slits. She gazed into the camera with that lusty look that he had come to know intimately. He stopped breathing.

Her pink, pouty lips parted, singing the next lines with her smooth sultry voice.

"You make me feel like a candy apple all red and horny, You make me feel like I want to be a dumb blonde, In a centerfold, the girl next door…"

He had never heard this English song before. It had to be the sexiest song he ever heard. She swayed her hips provocatively under the hot spray, caressing herself. Kuon wished he had been there. Her hands dipped lower and began kneading her breasts. Her thumbs swirled over the crests of her nipples. She smiled seductively as one hand continued its descent. Over her abdomen and further, to cup between her legs. She shuddered.

The screen froze with her in the throes of ecstasy.

"Fuck!" Kuon cursed, checking his phone to see if it ran out of juice. He confirmed it. His little tease ended the video there. Two could play this game, he thought and replayed the video.

AN: Happy New Year to all you lovely people! I tried something different with the Lotus section and wrote it from Chidori's POV. Let me know what you guys think about it. Was it too random? I'm a bit unsure of it myself, but that's the way my brain flowed this chapter. I just write whatever comes to mind. After such a depressing scene, I thought I'd follow it up with some naughtiness. I hope you enjoyed it! Thank you for reading and for the lovely reviews of the last chapter. I appreciate all of you.

The song Kyoko sang at the end was "Feelin' Love" by Paula Cole. I think this song is a total hot sex edge-of-bed, couch, floor, and shower-type one.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^