Chapter 124: Cheers, Brother!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kuon would find peace with Rick.

He rolled over and found himself alone on the California king bed. He looked at the clock. It was almost time to get in his morning session. He would have to check the report to see if it was worth making the half-mile trek, but first, he wanted to find his beloved.

Kuu's sensitive nose tracked her to the kitchen. He found his wife dancing gaily in the kitchen as she chopped ingredients to prepare her morning shake. Behind her, something hissed and smoked on the stove. He greeted his wife with a kiss to her cheek and immediately tended to the burning substance in the pan. Her cooking skills had yet to improve.

"Awe, I'm sorry honey. I was so engrossed with my preparations, I forgot that was on the stove."

"How about we leave the cooking to me and Andres?"

Julie gave him a weak smile and added more ingredients to the blender. "Would you like a shake before you head out?" She asked, smiling broader when he took a seat at the kitchen island she worked on.

Kuu smiled. That was something she made well. "Just one serving, I don't want to be too full when I go."

Julie nodded sweetly and poured him a regular eight-ounce glass. Her nutritious shakes were delicious. Since Kuon left, she rarely attempted to cook on her own unless she was assisting Kuu. Her trying today made Kuu happy and scared all over again. That mothering instinct was reignited within her.

"Too excited to sleep?" He asked, taking a deep gulp of the drink she handed him. This would curb the hunger pains beginning in his stomach for a couple of hours. He wasn't sure if it was true hunger or just nerves overtaking his stomach.

She flashed him a radiant smile that lit up her eyes. "We're going to have a child in this large house again. And not just any child but the one he loves."

She took the seat next to him and sipped her drink before continuing.

"Things have to be perfect. She's our only hope. If we show her how wonderful it is and...and.. how wonderful we are in person maybe he'll want to come home too."

Kuu smiled and covered her hand with his. "I just don't want you to overwork yourself. I think you've outdone yourself with making her feel welcome."

"Are you still on track to finish your schedule early today? It wouldn't look good if no one was home to greet her."

Kuu laughed. "I think everyone on set including the night cleaning crew knows about my schedule. They would be glad to get rid of me. I wish I could take entire days off but I'm grateful for the time the director afforded me. I can also bring her on set like I used to do Kuon. That should interest her, right?"

"She's an actress. She would enjoy that immensely."

Kuu tilted his glass back and finished his shake. "I'm going to head out. Am I still giving you a ride?"

"Yes, I'll be ready by the time you return. Please be careful, Kuu."

"Always, my darling. I'm going to change. I should be back in a couple of hours, tops. I'll have my watch on me if you need me. I love you," he told her with a peck on the cheek.

"I love you too, honey. Don't lose track of time. You tend to do that when you're enjoying yourself."

"I'll set an alarm," He called back. Kuu was nearly out of the kitchen when he paused and twirled around. Julie's large gemstone eyes looked at him curiously. He walked back to his wife and scooped her up for a passionate kiss.

"I'll see you soon," he said, caressing her jaw. All she managed was a small hum. He was glad he could still render her speechless after twenty years of marriage.

He whistled on his way up the stairs to check the forecast and change. Even if it was lousy outside he would still find joy in it today. Nothing could get him down since today their future daughter was visiting.

Kuon used his free hand to remove the headphones covering his ears and looked at the flight attendant addressing him.

"I'm sorry. I didn't quite catch what you said." He whispered pinching the bridge of his nose to relieve the dull ache that began hours ago.

She smiled and gestured to his empty glass.

"Oh, right," He picked it up and handed it to her. How many did that make? He lost count after three. Drowning his nerves in alcohol seemed like a good idea at the time but now he was paying for it.

"Would you like me to bring you some coffee, Mr. Hizuri?" She offered without judgment in her eyes.

"Yes, please. Black coffee would be wonderful right now."

"It would be my pleasure," she said sweetly.

Kuon looked over to Kyoko as she stirred in her sleep still clutching the hand he had draped over her side. At least one part of his body was sleeping. He couldn't feel that arm anymore but he was glad she could get some rest. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Although the first-class seat was spacious giving his large frame plenty of room, he was still too tall to enjoy the reclined bed position. The only way he could make it work was if he laid at an angle or curled his legs up. He didn't expect to do much sleeping on this flight anyway. He was far too anxious to rest.

He gently pried his hand out of Kyoko's careful not to wake her. Kuon reached out to brace himself against his compartment wall as the aircraft tilted. Turbulence? He felt it sway again as he leaned against the wall. He looked around. A couple of passengers that were awake went about their business like nothing was happening. He took a step towards the door and confirmed that the plane wasn't moving, it was him.

Fuck! How much did I drink?

He grabbed his clothes and toiletries then headed to the restroom doing his best not to stumble. By the time, he made it to the lavatory his stomach was churning. The sudden brightness in the room heightened the dull throbbing in his head. He locked the door and squatted with his head between legs until the urge to puke passed. He stood slowly testing his legs. There were still a few more hours left in the flight, more than enough time to sober up. He needed coffee and pills stat. He placed his stuff on the bench conjuring fresh memories of their night before. God, he was such a creep for making her do IT in a public restroom.

He turned to the sink. He began the meticulous task of brushing his teeth and washing his face. He glanced at his reflection and grimaced. There was no hiding his haggard face from Kyoko. He opened the kit the airline provided and rifled through the products. He recalled how his girlfriend gushed about what was in the bag and found the container she mentioned. He squinted at the label with blurry eyes to confirm it was plain moisturizer and not makeup. He patted the cream on his skin similar to the way the makeup artists had done so many times on set. The mild citrus flavor was surprisingly invigorating. He felt his mood perking up. He washed his hands and surveyed his handy work. Not bad. It relieved the dryness he felt earlier on his face and gave him a dewy look. He dug through the bag again but couldn't find any eye drops. He would opt for wearing the pair of sunglasses in his bag even if it made him look like a diva. He gargled mouthwash several times to get rid of the smell of booze on his breath.

After finishing up his business, he came out of the restroom to find the cabin lit up. Most of everyone was awake and stretching. He apologized to the passenger waiting patiently for his turn in the lavatory. He found Kyoko's makeshift bed empty and everything back in order including his space. He assumed she was in the other restroom. As soon as he sat down, the flight attendant was there holding a tray with a mug of steaming hot coffee, a glass of ice water, and God bless her soul, a single packet of ibuprofen.

Kuon smiled gratefully as she placed her offerings on his table. This was quality service. He took the liberty of ordering the deluxe breakfast for Kyoko and toast for himself. She wouldn't be happy with his choice but he couldn't stomach any food right now even if it was supposed to help.

…

Kyoko did a double-take when she saw Kuon wearing a pair of sunglasses drinking from a mug. She took her seat amused by his appearance.

"Good Morning," she said leaning over to his side. He leaned in automatically to give her a peck on the lips. She could taste as well as smell the lingering liquor on his mouth mixed with the mint mouthwash.

"Didn't get any sleep?" she asked looking at her reflection in his dark lenses. She brushed the locks of gold that fell over his face behind his ears.

He shook his head no. She mentally kicked herself for not staying awake with him. Her period always drained her. All she could do was hang on to his hand as she snoozed in dreamland. She did wake once to find him leaning back with his eyes closed and headphones on. She assumed then that he was sleeping. She nodded in understanding. Returning home had to be difficult for him especially given how he left and the duration of his absence.

"Are you going to be okay?" she asked worriedly.

He nodded yes and then changed the direction to no. She laced her fingers through his and brought his hand to her lips. She wanted to reassure him that she was with him all the way.

He chuckled. "You make me want to be braver...it's just that, I don't have a lot of fond memories there and I can't keep running away. I can't avoid my parents forever."

"You're the bravest man I know Corn." He only shares bits and pieces of what he went through. Cedric and his cronies seemed to be at the root of most of it. It was surprising that the co-star she acted with could be so cruel. She didn't doubt Kuon and Cedric even admitted to being a sleazebag in his youth. She recalled the words Beagle said to her in Karuizawa about Corn being insane or dead. She gazed at her boyfriend again. He was definitely the bravest.

Their conversation was interrupted with breakfast. Kyoko was delighted by the international breakfast that included rice, smoked salmon, an assortment of pastries, fresh fruit, breakfast meats, and eggs. It was impressive.

She pursed her lips to keep from laughing at the large stack of toast, whipped butter, and jellies placed in front of Kuon. The flight attendant winked at Kyoko before leaving.

"Corn, I expect you to eat all that," she warned, diving into her own delicious breakfast. Kuon groaned.

"Mmmm," she said covering her mouth. "Thank you for ordering this for me. Do you want some?" She held up a forkful of food in his direction. He shook his head and took a bite of his plain toast.

Kyoko tapped on her phone, sending messages to everyone of her safe arrival. First and foremost she sent them to their parents. She felt guilty for lying to his parents the moment her feet touched American soil. They needed to think that she was busy with work so they wouldn't show up to collect her from the airport personally like they initially intended.

Kuon and Kyoko parted ways on the jetway just in case his parents were stubborn enough to show up at the airport. He didn't want their reunion to be at the airport. His mother was too dramatic and eye-catching to keep people from noticing the family. He would be exposed before he was ready.

So far the coast was clear. Kyoko hung back while Kuon collected their luggage. The R'Mandy clothing she was slated to wear during fashion week would be arriving with Fuji. It was one less thing she had to worry about.

Kuon came bearing their large luggage. With hats and sunglasses donned, they walked toward the transportation area and found a chauffeur holding up a sign with her name.

"Hi, I'm Kyoko Morimoto and this is my boyfriend Kuon." She was careful not to reveal his last name to the driver.

"Pleased to meet you, Ms. Morimoto and Mr. Kuon. My name is Kevin. I will be your driver today. I trust your flight was comfortable?"

Kyoko found herself responding to the man's friendly questions with excitement as he took the suitcases from Kuon. He was her first real exposure, aside from the customs agent, to the States.

He escorted them to the curb where a black luxury SUV was parked. Kuon held the door open for Kyoko while the driver placed their bags in the back.

Kevin addressed the couple when he finally entered the vehicle.

"Your request says you have multiple stops. I am at your beck and call. Wherever you want to go I will get you there providing LA traffic doesn't get the best of us."

Kuon slipped a small sheet of paper up to the front. "Can you take us here first?"

Kevin's friendly banter let up when he plugged in the address into the navigation system and read the location.

"It's going to take over an hour but I'll get us there."

"Thank you," Kuon said, leaning back. "When we get close could we stop at a convenience store or liquor store."

"No problem. The black chest at your feet between you is a cooler if you need refreshments. Don't hesitate to let me know if you need to stop for a break."

"Thank you," they replied in unison.

While they sat on the freeway in gridlock traffic, Kyoko held on to the hand of a quiet Kuon. He probably had a million thoughts swirling through his mind being back home. She was no mind reader despite how in tune she was with him. She could only guess how he was feeling by the grip of his hand and the moisture building between their palms. Every now and again he would squeeze her hand making Kyoko look at the window to see what had triggered the response. She couldn't ask him with the driver in the car.

Kevin finally announced their arrival at the store. Kuon assured her that he would return shortly but asked if she needed anything. Kyoko could only smile at his thoughtfulness during this time. He returned quickly carrying a brown paper bag.

When they arrived at their destination, Kevin waited with the car for them. Kuon used his phone to pinpoint the precise location using the map provided by Tina. The area was large so it took them a while to find the exact spot. Kuon stopped suddenly causing Kyoko to stumble into him. He held her until she regained her footing then released her hand.

He took a shaky step up to the marker of his best friend. The grave was clean with a wilting bouquet that looked to be a few days old decorating the front. Kyoko's eyes lingered on the detailed embossed portrait of Rick. She hung back and watched her boyfriend greet his best friend for the first time in years. She felt her gut wrench when he sank to his knees and silently released all the pent up anguish over the last six years.

Kyoko did the only thing she could think of and held him from behind. She wanted to reassure him that he wasn't alone. It was only then that Kuon let out an audible sob. His body shook with grief as he apologized over and over for the wrong he committed against his best friend.

Kyoko didn't know how long she knelt on that spot clinging to him. She didn't care that her legs had fallen asleep. She would stay with him for as long as he needed. They had time.

…

Kuon finally felt calm enough to pull out of Kyoko's embrace. He shifted her to sit on his lap and wrapped his arms around her waist. He breathed in deeply and kissed her hair. They sat there for a few more moments before he attempted words.

"Ri-ick," his voice cracked. He cleared his throat several times before trying again.

"Rick, I want to introduce you to my important person. I'm not...here to shove my happiness in your face." He told him speaking to the portrait of his friend. "I'm not asking for your forgiveness. After what I did to you and Tina...I don't deserve it."

Kuon shook his head at Kyoko when she began to protest. She kept quiet and instead held him while he spoke to his friend.

"I know I'm already breaking my selfish promise to never have anyone special in my life. Having her here didn't make me forget all the bad that happened but she helped me remember the good. I forgot about the good times we had. Now that I think about it, I know you would be pissed with the way I chose to live my life after your death."

Kuon chuckled softly. "I could hear you lecturing me about it. You were always such a damn nag."

He laughed again. He felt like he was having a conversation with his deceased friend. Maybe he lost his marbles.

I see you've got a pair of stones on you, finally. Took you long enough.

"You might be right, I finally grew some balls. I'm sorry for being such a lousy friend and taking so long to come to see you. You deserved better." Kuon was too distraught at the time to attend his friend's funeral. He doubted anyone, including Rick, would have wanted him there.

Well, that part of you hasn't changed. Quit apologizing for something out of your hands! It's seriously annoying.

"I'm sor-!"

Geez! Don't apologize for apologizing.

"I guess what I wanted to say is thank you for giving me a second chance. I promise I won't waste it anymore."

I wish you the best, little brother.

"Thanks, Rick."

Kuon grew quiet, not sure of what else to say.

"Do you want to give him your gift?" Kyoko suggested. She had him figured out. He loved how intuitive she could be when it came to his whirlwind of emotions. He had too much baggage. Any other woman would have run screaming for the hills by now.

"Oh," Kuon said, reaching for the paper bag. He pulled out three shot glasses with I heart LA written on them and a tall slender amber bottle of tequila. It was Rick's favorite. Kyoko raised her brows at him when he filled all three cups and handed her one. He clinked his full glass against the one he placed on top of the headstone and waited for Kyoko to do the same then clinked his glass with hers. The liquid sloshed over their hands when they did so, making Kyoko giggle. Kuon tilted the glass and drank the liquid in one gulp. He grimaced slightly. The peppery taste and the slight burn going down still hadn't changed. He watched Kyoko throw her glass back like a champion.

Kuon couldn't stop laughing at the distaste that she tried so desperately to mask. He poured Rick's glass on his grave. He refilled the glasses except Kyoko's. As cute as she looked drinking it he wouldn't continue to torture her.

"Cheers, brother." He had one last drink with his friend and placed the bottle next to the flowers.

He took another look at his friend's grave and smiled. He felt better after confronting Rick's ghost. He glanced at his watch and covered it with his right hand. He wasn't quite ready to give it up.

Kyoko slipped her hand into his left and smiled up at him. She gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Ready?" He asked, squeezing back. She nodded. They were about ten paces away from Rick's grave when she pulled out of his grasp and rushed back.

Kuon watched her in wonder. "Thank you, Rick," Kyoko said, bowing deeply. "I will watch over him in your stead."

She bounded back to Kuon and together they walked hand in hand back to the SUV.

"CUT! That's great people! Let's move to the bathtub scene." The director shouted, glancing at his watch.

"Mr. Hizuri! Mr. Hizuri!" the young intern anxiously called out rushing to the set gripping the veteran actor's cellphone. Kuu had watched the guy pace anxiously behind the cameras for the last ten minutes. His only guess was that it was from Kyoko.

"Thanks, kid. I owe you one," Kuu praised. He unlocked his phone with his thumbprint and opened the new messages.

Oh my God, she's on her way. You need to drive fast but not too fast!

Kuu typed out a quick reply after reading his wife's message following Kyoko's. I'm on my way, honey.

"Kuu? Are we still good for time?" the director called over to him. Kuu shook his head negatively. The director looked dejected but accepting. He was prioritizing family over work from now on. He hoped it wasn't too late.

"Well, we got more time out of you than expected. Thanks for your dedication. I expect to see her soon."

"You bet!" Kuu said, pointing at the director and backing away before anyone else could stop him. He needed to change and pick up Julie on the way home. She was only ten minutes away in another studio. That's why they chose to ride together.

Kuu popped out of the studio and was flagged down by an approaching golf cart. "Kuu! It's me!" Julie called waving him down. She thanked the driver and removed her bag.

Kuu chuckled at her impatience. "We have plenty of time, babe!" He kissed his wife on the cheek and grabbed her bag from her.

"I want to look over the house one more time and get cleaned up."

"Cleaned up?"

"Yes, cleaned up. I'm meeting her for the first time. I want to be presentable so step on it."

Twenty minutes into the drive had Julie fuming beside him. They were stuck in traffic. If they could just get to the next exit Kuu knew a shortcut to get them home.

"We're going to be okay with time honey. If we're stuck in traffic so is she."

Julie turned teary eyes toward her husband. "I hope that's the case. I will feel awful if we aren't home before her."

"Look, we're moving. Don't start crying, your eyes will be puffy and your face will get blotchy. You don't want to greet her looking like that, do you?

"No, you're right." She dabbed at her eyes with a tissue and controlled her emotions.

"That's my girl," he said using the road shoulder illegally and making his exit. From there it was smooth driving. The route had a lot of traffic lights but he knew they would be home with time to spare.

Once in the house, Julie ran around the place like a hurricane double-checking that the housekeeper completed her list of things to do. Kuu let his wife be and strolled to the kitchen. He wanted to check that the order he placed with his local Asian grocery store was delivered properly. He thought having familiar food would make her feel more at ease with them. His eyes lit up on the pantry full of eastern food. Unable to resist, he opened a bag of his favorite spicy potato chips and began eating.

"Kuu! I thought those snacks were for Kyoko."

"I bought some for myself as well. You know how much I love these."

"Well, you better brush your teeth when you're done. I don't want your breath scaring her away."

"Yes, dear."

"I'm going to get ready."

...

"Kuon? Are you going to be okay?" Kyoko asked, rubbing her boyfriend's back. His head was bent over his lap with his hands on the back of it. He took deep shaky breaths.

He nodded vigorously.

"Is everything okay back there? Should I pull over? We'll be reaching the gate in less than ten minutes."

"I'm fine. It's fine...right?" He asked, turning wide eyes in her direction. Kyoko smiled reassuringly. Maybe this was too much for him. She shifted her hand up to the back of his neck and began kneading.

"We're coming up on the gate."

"I've come this far. I can do this." Kuon said, sitting up straighter. "They deserve better."

"Trust me. You are enough," she replied, kissing him on the cheek.

The guard was welcoming at the gate when Kyoko gave him her name. He didn't even take a second glance at Kuon on the other side as he waved them through. Kyoko was speechless as they drove up a long winding driveway with woods shrouding each side. She rolled down her window to gawk at her surroundings. She felt like she was entering some sort of legendary portal into Fairyland.

Kevin stopped after looping the car around at the end of the wide driveway in front of what Kuon told her was a six-car garage. Kyoko tried not to act speechless when he told her that it was fairly small for this area. Why would two people need six cars?

She forgot about the cars and focused on the majestic oak trees surrounding the property. When they looped around the driveway she caught a glimpse of glass to the right of the garage and was curious about it. From what she could see of the immediate property she could barely make out a tennis and basketball court shaded by the large trees. There was a neat pattern of pavement and grass decorating the courtyard with a long glass railing lining what looked to be a drop-off. That knowledge heightened her senses. She could now hear the sound of crashing waves. Are we that close to the beach?

It was then that Kyoko realized they were on a side of a hill or a cliff. Enraptured by the landscape, she took a few steps toward the railing. She wished she asked Kuon more about his childhood home but she didn't want to upset him with the memories. She could imagine him living here engulfed by nature.

As she walked, the movement to her left caught her eye. She turned with mouth agape at the vision of a tall and graceful blonde woman walking purposefully behind the glass in her direction.

"The Fairy Queen," Kyoko murmured in awe. She watched Julie lift her hand and pull on the handle of the glass door.

"She's here Kuu, hurry up!" The wind carried the most melodious voice, aside from Kuon's, Kyoko had ever heard in her direction. She saw Kuu half jogging half walking across the other side of the glass wall to join his wife.

Kyoko heard a rumbling sound behind her. She turned to find Kuon still wearing his beanie and with the help of Kevin rolling the suitcases.

"Oh my God!" Came a startled cry. "Jules!" Kuu screamed in panic.

Kyoko whipped her head back in the direction of the Hizuris only to find an unconscious Julie cradled in the arms of her worried husband.

AN: Yes, I freakin did that! Gomen, gomen! I needed a place to stop. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I may have teared up once or twice.

If it wasn't obvious, they are speaking in English. I'm no longer going to bold their speech while in the USA. That would be too much. XD

Thank you for always reading. I appreciated the reviews for the previous chapters. You all are wonderful and I hope everyone is doing well.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^