Chapter 120: The Couch

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kyoko would be an expert at kissing Kuon.

Lory's jeweled fingers wrapped around the intricately decorated goblet with a noisy clank lifting it to his lips. His pale blue eyes flashed with amusement at the boy he considered another son. He was using the sudden need for a drink as an excuse to contain his glee. He wanted to laugh. The place was buzzing with gossip regarding Ren's new look that they only ever saw in gossip rags since he rarely came to the office.

Like many of his employees, Lory was seeing it first hand. The shadows of the past were dissipating. He could see it in his bearing and his hidden eyes. It made Ren look younger than his twenty-one years in Lory's humble opinion. This could work. Julienna and Kuu will be ecstatic to meet him again.

Ren folded his arms across his chest with an air of annoyance, but Lory took his time sipping his drink. When he finally put down his cup, he flicked his tongue passed his fangs and over his lips licking the remnants of the deep red liquid. His lips twitched aching to smile when Ren's face flashed with disgust. Normally the boy wouldn't betray his feelings when it came to his cosplays. It was exciting. Lory would have loved to tease him but they weren't alone.

"Unfortunately, Ren, the elevator was too crowded to accurately determine who may have 'groped' you. There were too many people exiting the elevator at that time. According to the director here, I can't go around accusing people of sexual harassment without hard evidence," Lory began explaining.

"Not that your word isn't good here Tsuruga-san, the problem is you, yourself, don't know exactly who touched you," the director of HR interjected.

Ren sighed heavily and nodded in understanding. He knew this was a waste of time.

"Please don't be discouraged. This is a stark reminder that we must be more stringent with our policies. All employees will be required to take a refresher course of anti-sexual harassment in light of this event. A memo will be sent out reminding employees of our zero-tolerance policies."

Ren nodded in appreciation. It was better than nothing. The threat of immediate termination could make a person think twice about touching another, Kyoko, inappropriately.

"If there's nothing else, sir," Ren rose to leave but Lory stopped him.

"Ren, you are no exception to this training."

"I understand, sir. I will take the time to complete it."

"Oh, and one more thing," Lory called after him. "Just because you and Morimoto-kun are close does not mean you are an exception to the company's policy on workplace romance."

Lory had the luxury of watching Ren's face heat up before the actor gave him a quick bow and retreated. Once the door closed behind Ren and his manager, Lory let out a loud rumble of laughter. Tears sprung to the corner of his eyes. He was sure the boy would have glared him to his grave but instead, he received something better.

"Takarada-san, you're quite cruel. There can be exceptions if they are dating. Our policy on romance in the workplace isn't so stringent."

"It was worth it. Ruto, please tell me the cameras caught his expression."

"Hello? HR director still here! You, sir, are the biggest violator of the company rules. You will also need to complete the training."

Lory laughed loudly in response. "Bah! You're no fun. Okay, I'll do it. I'm insulted, though."

The HR director stood quickly and bowed formally. "I didn't mean any disrespect, sir!"

"You're fine. I won't keep you any longer. I'm sure you have plenty to do today. Thank you for your hard work."

"Thank you, sir. I will be on my way."

Once the HR director left, Lory turned to Ruto. "Can we capture quality images of the frame?"

…

Ren's embarrassment was replaced with annoyance. Well, this report backfired on me.

"The President is quite cruel. Is it considered harassment if it's mutual? Asking for a friend," Yashiro said as they walked down the hall.

Ren's step faltered. How could he forget? His friend was in the same boat as him. "I'll review LME's interoffice relationship policy while you're filming. I'm sure the President was just teasing."

"The President enjoys mocking me," Ren replied. "Thank you for looking into it. I don't want to look like a hypocrite after bringing this to his attention. I wanted to protect Kyoko from others and I didn't realize she may need protection from me. I don't like it if I have to keep away from her at the office."

"I think you're twisting things. It has been some time since I've read it but I don't believe the policy is that strict. It can't be with a LoveMon President like ours."

Cedric sighed and tossed his phone on his bed. His grandfather's voice didn't betray it but Cedric knew he was slightly hurt. He knew his grandfather was waiting for Cedric to ask him for help. He had mentioned his friend again. Someone his grandfather considered family. Cedric only vaguely remembered the last time he saw his grandfather's friend. He was much too young and much too selfish to care about a foreigner. He wouldn't rely on anyone, especially his grandfather. He would figure out a way to deal with his father alone.

He went back to shoving his stuff into boxes. He couldn't believe he acquired so much in such a short amount of time. A moving company would be coming by tomorrow to take care of shipping all the boxes to the states. Cedric threw down the shirt in his hands and went to open his door when he heard the bell. He was expecting Koga and opened the door without confirming the visitor through the peephole.

"Hey! The man of the hour!"

Cedric plastered the fakest smile on his face. He screamed, what the fuck bro, as loud as he could at Koga with just his eyes. He was wearing a worn-out t-shirt and sweats. He wasn't dressed for that kind of company. He raked his hands through his hair hoping to tame it a little.

"Dude, don't do that shit with your eyes, it's creepy," Koga exclaimed. "You'll frighten the ladies." His friend was dressed casually carrying a large pizza box.

Cedric scowled at Koga then smiled at the women accompanying his friend. He stepped back and opened the door wider.

"Ladies, this is Ric, my brother from an American mother."

The women giggled and bowed slightly.

"Pardon our intrusion, Ric-san. Ko-kun, seems to have brought us here unexpectedly," said the dirty blonde-haired blue-eyed Japanese woman. He appreciated her speaking to him in English.

"It's no problem. I'm sorry for being rude. Please come inside. I wasn't expecting guests. The place is kind of a mess." I'm kind of a mess.

"Ric, this here is my good friend Honoka-chan. We've known each other since junior high and work for the same agency. She's my sister from another mister."

Everyone groaned at Koga's lame introduction.

Koga grinned. "And this is her friend, Isla," Koga said, introducing the other woman. Cedric was familiar with these types of women, exotic, tall, graceful, confident. Just how many models did Koga know?

"Thank you for having us," Isla said with a bow of her head. She held up the plastic bag in her hands. Cedric noticed that they were all carrying something.

"Oh sorry, let me take those from you." He took the bags from the women and carried them to the kitchen. Koga followed placing the pizza on the counter while Cedric passed out beers from the bag to everyone and then began loading the rest into his empty fridge.

Koga began rummaging through his cabinets until he found plates.

"Let's eat, I'm starved," Koga said, grabbing a slice of a pizza that appeared to have clams, shells and all, as a topping. Cedric raised his brows at the strange pizza.

"Don't knock it until you try it. This is my favorite pie."

"What's in it?" Cedric asked, fighting back the urge to wrinkle up his nose as Koga sucked a clam into his mouth.

"It has clams, scallops, and shrimp that have been marinated in a butter sauce. It's delicious."

Cedric shrugged and took a slice watching his companions for the proper way to eat it. He discarded the shells and began eating. They were all waiting for his reaction. He took a generous bite and smiled.

"It's not bad. Different, but not bad."

"Hey, I think we'll make a true Japanese out of him yet. Let's have a toast. To my good friend, Ric, may everything work out once you get home. If not, Japan will welcome a talented son."

They raised their beer cans for cheers and took a drink.

"Ko-kun told us you're moving back to America tomorrow night. His exact words were 'I'm throwing a bon voyage party for my friend, do you want to come?'"

Honoka explained.

"I don't mind the company."

"Ladies you'll never guess what he wanted to do on his last night in Japan. I'll give you three tries."

Isla blurted out, "Have a foursome!" Everyone looked at her aghast. She covered her mouth with a giggle. "Just me?"

"Isla!" Honoka scolded. "You just met them."

"Maybe myself and three women but not with another dude. No offense man," Koga said with a shudder.

"None taken," Cedric replied, taking another sip of his beer. He never had the urge to sleep with a guy and he wasn't about to even if women were involved. Friends or not an orgy right now would have been too much for him.

"Don't be crude," Honoka scolded him. "Who would want to sleep with you? You're the si…" Koga covered her mouth muffling the rest of her sentence.

"Now, now, Hono-chan. Keep your opinion to yourself."

"Any more guesses?" Koga said brightly returning to the subject.

"Take a long relaxing bubble bath?"

Cedric and Koga both looked at Honoka funny. "What? That's normally what I want to do."

"One more guess."

Honoka and Isla deliberated for their last guess. They looked at the men and said in unison, "Sleep!"

"Wrong! This guy wanted to have a Dark Moon watch party."

"It's research, not a party." When Cedric had asked around the Sacred Lotus set, nearly everyone he spoke to recommended Dark Moon. Cedric was hooked after watching the first episode. He could now understand why his father was fascinated by Ren and Kyoko. After browsing the internet for more information regarding the series, Cedric was able to find out that it was a remake and the original actor was now the Hollywood action star Kuu Hizuri. The name brought on a fresh wave of guilt. Cedric deserved to feel miserable.

"I'm a fan of Dark Moon. Kyoko-san and Ren-san were incredible in that series. I get chills watching them. It's crazy how two very sweet people could act like that," Honoka stated, shaking her body.

"You know them, personally?" Cedric asked.

"Well, I've modeled with Ren-san several times and the first time I met Kyoko-san was when she played the chicken when I was a guest on Yappa Kimagure Rock. Plus, Isla and I are working with them on R'Mandy's runway show in LA."

"LA? As in Los Angeles, California?" Cedric clarified.

"Yes, the runway show is coming up."

Cedric grew quiet, lost in thought. This could be his break. If he could somehow arrange a meeting between them and his father he should be in the clear. The thought of returning home didn't seem so bad now. Tomorrow night would be his chance to get them to agree.

Kyoko entered the dark apartment and turned off the alarm as it chimed. She reset it as soon as she locked the door behind her. She would be lectured by Ren if she failed to do so again. He was still worried about her safety since he would be late again tonight. She learned that before her, he always made it a point to work as much as possible. He told her it was necessary for him to keep living. He didn't have to elaborate for her to understand.

She blushed as she passed the couch in the living room heading to the guest room. It reminded her of the filming they had earlier. She was lucky that her personal feelings were so in tuned with Rika that she forgot to act. Nobody seemed to notice. Kyoko needed to mentally prepare herself for whenever there was a next time. At least their next job together would be modeling work.

In the guest room, she went through the motions of putting her stuff away properly. The last thing she did before leaving was to remove a large box from a drawer of her crafting table. She added the cranes she acquired today with the rest. She still had no idea how he managed to sneak several into her LoveMe locker. When did he even have the time? She lost count but the box had to contain nearly one hundred of his sweet little love notes. She sifted through the box. It wasn't hard to find the one that she was looking for. It was one of a kind in the flock of beautiful birds. She unfolded the red rose and read the note again. This was the note given to Rika but she knew it was meant for her. He had signed it with a K like all his other notes. Why the letter K? Many fans would later try to guess the name of Rika's boyfriend.

Kyoko put all her things away and went about her nightly routine. Even though she wasn't expecting him to eat, she ended up cooking. Cooking for him, especially now that he had more of an appetite, always brought her joy. She was also happy to have one more person to cook for whenever he returned. She checked her phone again. Still nothing. She busied herself by placing the food she prepared into containers. They would be perfect for their lunch tomorrow. After cleaning up the kitchen she settled into the tub for a nice relaxing soak. It was so relaxing that she dozed off.

Her phone startled her awake. She was sleeping for some time since the water had grown cold. She stepped out and dried off then pulled on her robe. Kyoko's eyes welled up as she saw the message.

Hi sweetie, I made it safely to my apartment. I'm glad your filming went well today. I can't wait to see the finished product. Feel free to call me when you have a chance.

Her phone was ringing immediately after she sent him a message requesting to video chat. Tadashi's face filled her screen once the call connected. The dark shadows and redness in his eyes were a clear indicator that he was tired.

"Hi, sweetie. I wasn't expecting you to call so late. Is Ren-kun working late?"

"Hi, I was up. And yes, Ren is still working."

"Your voice sounds scratchy. Are you feeling okay?"

"I'm fine, it's from overuse today. I drank tea."

"Hmm, that's good. Did you remember to set the alarm?"

Kyoko rolled her eyes, "Yes, Dad!"

Tadashi smiled happily as tears pricked his eyes. "Mya had my place cleaned and she stocked it with food. I don't think I brought enough gifts to thank her."

"Maybe you can give her a day off at the spa."

"That's a good idea. Maybe I'll take it further and give her a whole spa weekend. She has been holding down the fort while I was away."

"I'm sorry. I've caused you so much trouble."

"There's no reason to apologize. I enjoyed every minute with you."

Sirens blared and horns honked loudly like it was right inside his apartment. "That's New York City for you. Let me close the balcony doors. I was trying to reacclimate myself with the place."

"Father, are you sure coming back here is what you want? Won't you miss it...your work, your home."

"Oh sweetie, everything I want is in Japan. Unless, of course, I'm being too pushy."

"No, no, I will be very happy to have you back here."

"Good, because the renovations of the apartment should be complete by the time I return. Would you mind helping me decorate when the time comes?"

"Yes, I would love to help!"

"Great, it will be exciting."

They moved on to talking about their day. Tadashi, unfortunately, had nothing interesting to report on his long flight from Japan to New York. He admitted to watching the singing drama from the very beginning to support her and Ruriko. He enjoyed the drama of the young women trying to make their dreams come true. He could relate to their struggle.

Kyoko had him laughing as she described the way the Ishibashi brothers behaved on set. They made her feel like the older sister of triplets but when it came to the actual music part they were completely focused. She enjoyed working with them. Tadashi chuckled warmly as she gushed about working with Ren. She could see her animated face in the small picture in picture screen of her phone. She looked ridiculous in her tiny box. She could only imagine how she appeared to her father on a larger scale.

"It sounded like you had a very interesting day at work...and Linh-san? Are you two getting along?"

"Yes, she has been wonderful. Did you know that she could make a dragon lady face? It's like this," Kyoko said trying to imitate her manager's expression.

"She uses it on the paparazzi and they scamper in fear. She's amazing," Kyoko praised then yawned absentmindedly.

"I'm glad it's working out. I should let you get some sleep. I may take a nap myself. I'll be jet-lagged for a couple of days until my internal clock adjusts."

"How inconsiderate of me. You had a long flight, you need rest."

"I'm fine. I'm used to surviving on less. Get some rest sweetie. Is it safe to assume that we can still maintain our daily texts?"

"Yes, I'll be sure to send a message tomorrow morning. Good nig- or well good morning more like it."

"Good night sweetie, talk to you again soon."

Kyoko nodded then hung up the phone. Ren should be home soon. She curled on the couch pulling the throw blanket over her as she browsed through her phone. Social media was blowing up with eyewitness accounts of Ren's outfit today. She found a decent motion shot someone snapped of him while he was walking through the lobby at LME. How did he always manage to look runway ready? Those jeans should be illegal! I have to hide them so he can't wear them anymore. There had to be some charity auction in need of a donation. They would probably go for millions of yen. If they were labeled as not washed after wearing it would sell for more. All proceeds would be donated to a non-profit organization. She giggled at her mischievous thoughts and saved the image as her phone's wallpaper.

…

He glided his thumb back and forth over the fingertips of his left hand. They were sensitive. He was told that he would eventually get used to it with time. He looked at his watch and sighed. He hoped she wasn't awake waiting for him. He wouldn't be able to do what was necessary if he knew he was keeping her up at night with worry. He didn't want to text her when he was leaving in case she was sleeping.

He should have bought flowers or cake as a way of an apology but he was too in a rush to get home. The cranes he had in his bag would have to do. He felt a little like Santa Claus stashing away presents for her to find the next morning. The upside to ending his day at LME, he was able to gain access to her locker in the LoveMe room. Tonight he spent a little more time placing the little birds inside. He had to get creative. He still had a long way to go.

He stepped off the elevator with a little more pep in his step anxious to snuggle up against her warm body. He was at the door in a flash placing his card against the reader and typing in his code. He gently turned the knob, easing the door open quietly. He had to move quickly to shut off the alarm. At the front entrance, he removed his shoes and emptied his pockets. The lamp in the living room cast a warm glow in the room beckoning him inside. He found her curled on the couch with her phone barely clutched in her hand snoring softly.

He smiled taking a seat on the small space beside her. He should have expected this. He removed her phone from her hand and placed it on the end table. He brought his hand up to her face and brushed the back of his fingers against her cheek. Her skin was so silky. Her eyes fluttered open unperturbed by his presence. She flashed him a smile so bright he swore it rivaled the sun.

"Welcome home," she whispered hoarsely, reaching up to take hold of his hand and kiss it.

His breath caught in his throat. All he could manage was a smile as words escaped him. He would remember this moment so he could write out his feelings into his notebook and express them properly in his notes. His other hand reached up and tucked the strands of hair obstructing her vision behind her ear. He wondered if she would continue to wear it long like this. Either way, she would look adorable.

"I'm home, you should be in bed," he finally whispered back.

"In a minute." She scooted over on the couch and patted the space beside her.

He smiled in amusement and stretched out on his side tucking his arm under so she could rest her head on it. The couch was big enough to fit them snugly unlike the one used this afternoon. He could stay like this forever.

"How was your day?" She asked, running her fingers through his loose hair. He closed his eyes and let the warmth from her fingers ease the tension of the day from his body. He draped his free arm over her waist and slipped his knee between her legs for a more comfortable position. This way he wouldn't roll off the couch.

"It was good. The director announced that the pilot and second episode is ready for release," he told her.

"Kuon, that's wonderful! We'll be able to watch it with your parents. I'm sure they'll be very excited to see you," she exclaimed, her voice coming in and out. The excitement of watching him act a new role was apparent in her flashing golden eyes.

"You think so?" Kuon asked a little unsure.

"I know so," she said, her voice cracking again. She swooped in for a peck on the lips. She pulled away before he could take it further.

"Your voice?" He asked with concern. It was in and out but the more she spoke the more he heard it.

"It's raw from overuse today. It'll be fine in the morning."

"Then let's not talk," the Emperor said smoothly. She rolled her eyes but happily obliged brushing the tip of their noses together before sealing his lips with hers. His hand trailed from her hip to cup her bottom. Kyoko did the same only she successfully wedged her hand into his back jeans pocket and squeezed. He groaned against her lips. Her action overlapped the incident of earlier. He wouldn't mind if she was the one doing all the groping.

He took his time enjoying their kiss. Her lips were soft against his. A stark contrast to her demanding tongue sweeping inside his mouth mating with his. She was a kissing expert and knew exactly how to get him riled up. His hand wandered up and down her back to her thighs kneading as they continued to make out. Her top leg popped out of her robe to hook over his hip. His eyes widened with disbelief. She always took him by surprise. Kyoko was bare beneath. He could feel her arousal hot and wet through his jeans.

His hand snaked into her robe aching to touch her bare skin. His fingertips tingled but he couldn't say the sensation was painful. She hissed against his lips and tried to pull away from him. She had nowhere to go. If his arm couldn't stop her the back of the couch surely would. He chuckled. It was payback for her using his body to warm her cold feet. It didn't take long for her to melt back into him once his hand warmed up against her.

Without breaking the kiss, he rolled her beneath him releasing them from their restricted position on the couch. He pulled back kneeling between her legs. The princess robe she wore had come partially undone exposing portions of her glorious skin. His eyes raked over her body, ingraining the beautiful image into his memory. She laid there staring up at him her golden eyes burning with untamed desire aching for his touch. Her tongue flicked out moistening her lips. They were bruised and red from the heated kisses they shared. He ripped off his layered shirts in one swift motion and tossed them to the floor. He swore he saw her eyes glow with appreciation making him swell with pride below the belt. His jeans had become unbearably tight.

He palmed the top of her thighs squeezing before sliding them up until he reached the tie on her robe. With a slight tug on the end, the knot came loose. Kuon spread the robe wider uncovering her body. His hands wrapped around the small of her waist kneading her abs with his thumbs. He slid them slowly up her rib cage finally resting on her breasts. Kyoko writhed beneath him. Her bare center rubbed against the bulge of his jeans making her moan in ecstasy. He continued his ministrations on her breasts delighted to watch her squirm under his hands. She threw her head back and gripped the couch cushions when his mouth closed over one rosy tip. He licked, nipped and sucked at the peak until she was gasping. His hand slipped between her legs, finding her hot and ready for him. She sucked his fingers in bucking up to meet his hand.

"Please, Kuon," she whimpered above him continuing to thrust. Her throaty voice was music to his ears. Her begging did wonders for his libido. He looked up at her through his lashes tonging the other crest. Beautiful! He licked her juices off his fingers then leaned down to kiss her. Her fingers dug into his scalp pulling him into a hard kiss. He met her tongue with the same need until he could take no more. The heat of her coating his abdomen drove his lust for her. He needed inside her. She refused to let him go so he was forced to use one hand to undo his belt and shimmy down his jeans just enough. He finally managed to work his erection free of the confines with his jeans hanging on his hips.

Still kissing her he contorted his body enough to find her entrance to slip inside. He had long dismissed the need to wear condoms after that night in the bath. It was selfish of him but she felt too good to go back to wearing a rubber. Once he got a taste of what she felt like uncovered he couldn't go back. He made peace with his decision and was ready to brave the future with her.

Kyoko gasped in shock finally loosening her grip on him. Kuon took this opportunity to prop himself up and slid deeper within her core. She reacted instantly and raised her legs high on his sides. Her hands slid down his back and plunged into his jeans to cup his bare ass. He hesitated a mere moment and looked down at her mischievous smile. She thrust her hips and pulled against her. She was setting a hard pace by gripping his ass. Kuon worked to accommodate her needs. Soon she was shuddering beneath him and screaming out in ecstasy.

…

Kyoko released her hold on him as her body shook from the aftermath of her orgasm. She felt a gush of wetness flow between her thighs and still, Kuon didn't let up. He wasn't done. He had yet to climax. Kyoko's eyes flew open after being yanked up against him. Kuon was on his haunches with her ass resting against his thighs. She found the strength to wrap her legs around his waist as he pounded into her. Kyoko clawed the cushions as she felt the slow crawling of another release approaching. She wasn't ready but Kuon had other plans. His fingers found her sensitive bundle of nerves and began his torment. Every muscle in her body quivered as she gripped the couch like a life raft.

"Come with me baby...I'm close," he cried breathlessly. She opened her teary eyes and stared into his bedroom brown eyes. He was grunting from the exertion but when he caught her staring at him, he flashed her that heavenly smile. Kyoko feared she died and went to heaven. Her vision blurred. She could hear Kuon praying to God as he rammed into her. Her body felt mind-numbingly wonderful after wave upon wondrous wave crashed over her.

Kuon collapsed on top of her with a loud groan once he found his release. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his sweat-slicked body.

"You were wonderful, baby. I love you so much," he whispered kissing her face. How did he still have the energy? She turned her head to meet his searching lips. She could never get tired of making love to this man. Kyoko laughed but helped him struggle out of his jeans. Maybe she would let him keep them to wear around the house. Kuon didn't bother with cleaning up or removing his contacts. He found the blanket she was using earlier and covered them. Tonight it would be the couch. Laying snugly in his arms, she fell fast asleep.

AN: Hiya! Thanks for sticking with me. I was reminded that I haven't perv'd in a few chapters so you're welcome! I hope you enjoyed. Tadashi survived. My mantra is fluff and smut there will be no angst here...LOL.

So I realized I screwed up by adding Cedric's grandfather, it opened so many plot holes for me. I've looked over a few past chapters and with some tweaking, I think I can still pull this off. They would be minor but it would help my peace of mind for new readers.

Thank you for continuing to read. I appreciated all the reviews of the last chapter.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^