Chapter 127: Bonding Over Wetsuits

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Surfer boys.

He eyed the line forming outside the small establishment. He wondered if he should get in line as well and pulled out his cellphone to type a message.

I'm outside the restaurant. Should I get in line?

The response was immediate.

Just enter. Okami-san is aware that I'm waiting for you at the bar.

He ducked under the curtain covering the front entrance and stepped in. Okami-san greeted him while placing drinks on a table. The interior was at max capacity. The sounds of people enjoying the food and the company filled the room.

"Seiji! Over here! I saved you a seat," the man patted the empty stool next to him at the corner of the bar. The rest of the seats at the bar were occupied.

Seiji gestured to the Okami who smiled and nodded in response. He threaded his way through the tables until he was sliding into his seat. He turned his head once more to the scene behind him before addressing his companion.

"Wow, this place is quite busy. I didn't know it existed. How did you find out about this spot, Ushio?"

The hoodlum looking man smirked at the director. "Someone recommended it at my last job. This is my second time being here. The food is good. The service is good. This place is nostalgic. It brings me back to my days in university."

"Did they really allow you into a university with a scary face like that?"

Ushio smirked and sipped his sake ignoring the question. "Taisho, can we please get a full order of the sashimi special." The Taisho nodded and went about the meticulous task of slicing up various high-quality fish thinly and placing it on a large platter in a decorative arrangement. Ushio poured sake into a clean cup and slid it to his friend.

"You're a sore loser, aren't you?" Seiji accused as he picked up the offered cup to take a swig.

Ushio chuckled. "I am. That's why I'm taking advantage of you footing the bill."

Seiji chuckled as well. If Ushio really wanted to take advantage of him, he could have demanded a high-class sushi restaurant but instead chose this family-style place. The place suited him. Seiji didn't pay attention as Ushio ordered more items once the platter of sushi was set before him.

They made a bet on who would be chosen to direct Kyoko's debut film. Normally the loser would be the one receiving the penalty, not the victor. If his American friend had not challenged him to create something outside his comfort zone, Seiji probably would have lost to Ushio. It worked out in his favor, he knew the adaptation would hit all the soft spots in Lory's heart. Maybe next time Lory would be more receptive to a script of his choosing.

"What? You haven't seen Kyoko-chan's new music video yet?" Seiji heard the man sitting two seats over ask his friend.

Seiji perked up at the name. He felt Ushio shift in his seat trying to listen as well. Were they talking about the same Kyoko? He was familiar with Kyoko's latest work but he wasn't aware of a music video.

"Taisho, you and Okami-san have seen it right?" asked another young man in a business suit.

Taisho grunted in reply but continued cooking. Seiji looked at the Taisho behind the counter. He couldn't tell if that was a yes or a no to the question but the man, apparently a regular, seemed to have understood his answer.

"To think, it felt like only yesterday that we used to see Kyoko-chan's pretty smile here every day. Now she has grown into a big star."

That last line sealed it. There was no doubt they were talking about his Kyoko.

"Speak for yourself. I saw her just last week and a couple of weeks ago she brought her coworkers from the variety show. She still helps when she has the time."

"She's such a good girl. She hasn't let fame get to her head."

"Would you two be quiet? I can barely hear the video and any louder Taisho would probably chop off my fingers," the third guy hissed. He looked up nervously at Taisho but kept his phone hidden.

Seiji smiled to himself. He was more excited than ever to work with her. To think she used to work at this establishment. She probably recommended this place to some of her colleagues so the name was now being passed around amongst them. Ushio nudged Seiji to eat. He took several bites and determined for himself that the food was delicious. He needed to add this place to the list.

After the feast, Ushio and Seiji stood outside on the street to have a smoke and continue their chat.

"Here," Ushio said around the cigarette between his lips. Seiji blew out a puff of smoke then leaned in to get a closer look at the phone Ushio held. He pulled up the music video that was trending on the couple's social media page. He watched Ruriko's new drama with great pride and was elated to see the two girls working so closely together. Seiji felt a tinge of guilt for the role he played at pitting the girls against each other. It was alleviated when he thought about the discovery he made in Kyoko. He knew she had a wealth of hidden potential but judging from this video he had no idea how much. The music video showed the range of her voice without the distraction of the shouting crowd.

Could I jump on this bandwagon and showcase her in this drama?

Seiji grabbed hold of the cell phone to take a closer look. I knew he was capable of such expressions. He looks so youthful and not at all out of place. Could this be the power of love?

Judging from the number of likes, loves, and shares, the fans were going wild for not only this couple but the Bridge Rock band as well. Seiji pulled back the timer bar to replay a part of the video. He concentrated on how Kyoko's presence brought Ren out of his shell.

If only Takarada-san would let me cast him, I wouldn't have to find a male lead.

Maybe he could appeal to Lory one more time.

"Hey Ushio," Seiji began handing him back the phone. "How would you go about convincing an eccentric mogul into letting you have an actor?"

Ushio gave him a conniving smile. That was the start of how Seiji, with the help of Ushio, devised a plan to cast Ren in his drama.

"Everything good with, Kyoko?" Kuu asked, looking up from the large display of monitors connected to his laptop. He was sitting at the desk in the large study. It was just as Kuon remembered it. The room had only one glass wall that overlooked the mountain terrain and trees. The rest of the walls had floor to ceiling shelves covered in books, awards, scripts, playbills, and an endless amount of framed family photos.

"She's still asleep but I left her a note or two," Kuon responded with a hidden smile. He walked toward his father's desk and took a seat in the chair before it.

"Come around here," Kuu gestured beside him. Kuon got up and walked behind the desk to stand next to his father.

The screens displayed real-time footage of the beach cameras. They weren't there when he was a kid, otherwise, it would have saved so much time if the conditions were bad. "It's hard to see with the lighting but it looks like the wind is blowing offshore. The breaks look clean. It's perfect for a grom like you."

Kuon snorted at the term his father used to describe his current skill level. He wasn't sure his technique was up to par with the talented kids he was bound to see out there.

"You'll get the feel of it again in no time. I brought a bunch of options. You've grown taller and really filled out since I last saw you. The water is chilly this time of year so it's best if you wear a wetsuit like mine." Kuu still had the top half of his wetsuit hanging at his waist.

Before Kuon went to the bathroom to change he looked back. "Um, Dad."

"Yes, son?" Kuu stopped in the middle of pulling up the sleeve of his suit.

"I don't want to be presumptuous in your own house," Kuon said, making Kuu frown at his choice of words.

"This is your house too, Kuon. I hope you can feel comfortable with it soon."

"Right, sorry."

Kuu shook his head. "No, I'm sorry for being pushy. This place doesn't hold a lot of good memories for you. But I hope someday you could think of it as a second home for you."

"You're wrong! This place was always my refuge. I've always felt safe here...that is until Rick died," Kuon said with a troubled expression but didn't continue.

Kuu smiled softly at him and replied, "I'm glad."

Kuon returned his smile with one of his own. Sorry, Dad.

"What I wanted to say...that is…um...in the future... can you please try not to walk around the house half-naked? Kyoko would be very embarrassed."

"Oh!" The older Hizuri looked sheepish as he scratched his head. If his Dad still had the habit of walking around shirtless or in his boxers he needed to remedy that quickly while they were visiting. Kyoko would be shocked if she caught his father in such undress.

Kuon retreated into the bathroom. He leaned against the door and sighed with relief. Only a few words were exchanged but they conveyed a lot of feelings.

"How does it fit, Kuon?" His father asked from the other side of the door.

Kuon was jolted into gear. He was already cutting into his father's time as it is he couldn't make him wait any longer. He shrugged out of his clothes and pulled the wetsuit on. It was the full suit kind that covered his legs and arms. Kuon struggled to shimmy into the tight neoprene garment. He managed to pull it on up to his waist and lost the battle while trying to zip up the back since it was near to bursting at his shoulders.

Kuon stepped stiffly out of the bathroom carrying the long cord that was usually attached to the zipper on the back. Kuu immediately burst into a fit of laughter. The legs of the suit rode high above Kuon's ankles and the back was wide open yet Kuon felt like a stuffed sausage. He was sure he sported a serious case of moose knuckle. The material at his crotch threatened to cut off all circulation. He slowly joined in his Dad's laughter. He had come out to ask for assistance on the zipper but he probably looked as ridiculous as he felt.

"Oh God, it's too small. I can't believe how much you've grown." Kuu said breathlessly as he swiped at the moisture on his face. "You're so stiff, I'm sure one wrong move and it would rip to shreds. This spring suit might fit you better," Kuu said holding up another wetsuit. The bottoms were shorts and the top portion was sleeveless eliminating the need to somehow fit his muscular shoulders.

"Maybe this isn't such a good idea," Kuu said when Kuon came back out dressed in the short wetsuit. "The water is in the low sixties right now. I don't want you getting sick."

Kuon could no longer boast that he never got sick. That one bout with the cold, while Kyoko was his temporary manager, ruined his perfect record. He could, however, make a case that he survived cold showers daily but that was too much information to share with anyone, even his Dad.

"I think it'll be fine. The temperature here is milder than Japan."

Kuu seemed to consider his words for a moment then hit his fist into the palm of his other hand. "I got it. Come upstairs and we can get going." His Dad rushed out of the room. Kuon cleaned up his mess quickly and waited for his Dad in the kitchen.

...

Kuu came bounding down the private stairs giddy with excitement. His son agreed to spend some time with him so he had to work hard to contain his happiness. He didn't want to spook the boy on his first day back. He wondered if he could call in sick. Everyone would know his true reason for bailing on work, he wasn't exactly quiet about Kyoko's visit. He would be wasting a lot of resources if he didn't show up for filming; plus, Kuon and Kyoko would be disappointed if he shirked his responsibilities.

Kuu told himself not to pout since this was only the beginning. He followed the only light illuminating the main floor toward the kitchen where he assumed Kuon waited. His bare feet were quiet on the dark tile as he stepped into the opening of the kitchen. Kuu's heart thudded as he quietly watched his boy slouch against the counter with his chin resting on his hand. Kuon was lost in thought looking out the large windows.

"Hey," he said, startling Kuon. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's fine. It's just…."

"Weird?" Kuu said, supplying a word to finish his son's sentence.

Kuon gave him an apologetic smile. "It will take some time to get used to everything again. There are a lot of memories for me here...but I'm trying to focus on the good."

Kuu smiled. He wanted to shout joyously from the rooftop so all could hear him. My boy is finally home and he is trying to get used to being here again. Kuu bit the inside of his cheek to keep his enthusiasm in check.

He held up an extra pair of flip flops and a blue long sleeve shirt to Kuon. "This is the largest rash guard I have. It might help a little."

Kuon took the shirt from his Dad and pulled it on over the wetsuit. The stretchy material hugged his body but it shouldn't be uncomfortable. These types of shirts were designed to be snug to reduce chafing on the chest. Raw nipples hurt like a mother. Kuu was ashamed to admit that he had experienced that kind of pain a few times.

"Thanks!" Kuon said and took the flip flops. "I have a pair in my suitcase but I didn't want to wake Kyoko."

Kuu headed to the garage with Kuon close behind. He flicked a switch lighting up the large space. It took a few blinks before his eyes adjusted to the new brightness. He looked back at Kuon wanting to see his son's expression at the contents of the garage. There were four actual cars in the garage.

Kuon let out an appreciative whistle as he walked toward the car that Julie had dubbed Kuu's mid-life crisis car. It was the newest model of the Porsche 911 GT3 similar to Ren's. Kuon admired the car and ran his fingertips over the custom paint. Kuu owned a Porsche ever since he received his license when he first moved to America thanks to Julie. She owned the SUV that was safe and convenient for shuttling around their baby. His love for the brand must have rubbed off on his son. Julie made fun of him for the pearlescent lime green color he chose this time around.

"Her name is Roxy because she's so foxy," Kuu said in a singsong voice.

Kuon groaned making Kuu laugh. "You can borrow her if you want. You could take Kyoko out on a romantic date and show her the good parts of Los Angeles."

Kuon stood up, "You'll let me drive it? You got so ang-."

"Kuon, you didn't have a legitimate license then." It was the first time that he was aware his son could drive a stick. He guessed it wasn't hard if he was used to riding other vehicles.

"Right...sorry about that."

Kuu sighed. "It's okay. I think it's a right of passage for all teenagers around the world. I'm just glad you didn't get hurt."

Kuu would have never known Kuon took the car if only he got home first. The guard was startled when Kuu returned from a premiere party with Julie in her car. He shouldn't have snapped at Kuon like that but Kuu feared the worst when his son refused to pick up his call.

I'm sorry I almost ruined your precious reputation. It won't happen again. Kuu was baffled by his son's words then. At the time, he had no idea what would compel him to respond in that manner. He couldn't care less about his reputation. After finding his journal, it all made sense now.

"It's weird seeing his face up there," Kuon murmured, interrupting Kuu's thoughts. He followed his son's line of sight and landed on the large poster of Ren posing with the burnt orange Acura NSX tact to the wall. Kuon let out a derisive laugh that confused Kuu.

He couldn't be thinking that I prefer Ren over him, could he? He is Ren!

"Really? All I see is my son's face." He turned toward Kuon. "Your face, your accomplishment. The words you spoke in the commercial about your goals were inspiring and gave me hope. Maybe I'm weird since I greet your poster whenever I come in here. I'm happy to have the real thing today."

"Thanks," Kuon replied with a slight blush. He stood awkwardly without saying more. Kuu didn't mean to put him on the spot. He just wanted his son to know that he accepted every aspect of him.

"Come on, let's get out there before it gets crowded. I'll show you what's under there when we get back." He said pointing past his and Julie's daily drivers toward another covered vehicle.

Kuu moved to the far side of the garage while Kuon followed. "Wow, you kept it?" Kuon exclaimed walking up to the red Ducati his father purchased for him when he passed his permit test. Kuu decided to get him a motorcycle as something they could do together. He dreamt of Sunday strolls up the Pacific Coast Highway with his boy. They never got that chance. Kuu was too busy and then Rick happened.

Normal parents would have bought their child a car but Kuon insisted he was fine with any of the cars they had on hand. Kuu racked his brain to figure out the perfect gift to celebrate his son's achievement. One day while filming an action scene on a motorcycle it hit him. Kuon grew up on outdoor recreational vehicles. His son knew how to operate an ATV before he could ride a bicycle without training wheels. After he mastered the bicycle, riding a dirt bike soon followed but that didn't come without its headaches. Kuu could remember the fear he felt when Kuon's six-year-old self twisted the throttle and didn't let go. Kuu ended up pinned between the dirtbike and the garage door. He had to console a distraught Kuon after that. Kuu remembered the only weekend they spent riding in Pismo Beach. It was a lot of fun.

"I wouldn't get rid of something that belongs to you. You have your motorcycle license now right? That skill would come in handy as an actor. I lost count of how many scenes I've had to ride a motorcycle."

"Yes, it seems I'll finally get to use it in my current drama."

"Please be careful. I know what a perfectionist you could be but sometimes it's okay to leave things to the professionals." Kuu heard about the close call Kuon had while shooting the car scene during Dark Moon from Lory. He was glad everything turned out alright.

"Do you think you could give me some pointers? When you aren't busy? I mean, I don't want to take up a lot of your time."

It didn't take much but Kuu felt like he had entered Nirvana. It was the only way he could describe the utter peace and happiness he felt at the moment. He was sure there would be more instances during his children's visit that would rival it.

"I'll make time. We could go for a ride," Kuu suggested. Kuon smiled and nodded. Finally, they could take that long-awaited stroll.

Kuu walked to the wall and pulled off two boards from the rack while Kuon looked over the rest of the garage. They still had the boat, a couple of jet skis, and kayaks from before he left. With their busy schedule, they had little time for any outdoor recreation.

"I'm grabbing the longboard for you unless you want to use your old one. I think it would be challenging since you've grown taller. You can try mine once you feel comfortable again."

"The longboard is fine."

Kuu strapped the boards to the roof of an all-terrain vehicle that had all the appearance of a ruggedized golf cart. This would cut their commute time significantly than going down on foot. Two years ago, he had the path down to the beach widened to accommodate a cart safely.

"Do you want to drive?" Kuu asked, holding up the keys to the vehicle. He never did get the chance as a father to experience the fear and the joy of having his son drive him around town. He would try to make up for all the missed opportunities.

...

Kuon adjusted the settings on the seat to fit him more comfortably before driving off. He touched every knob and switch until he finally found the headlights since the sun had yet to rise. Remembering the way, he set off in the direction of the pathway that would lead them down to the beach. The roar of the engine cut through the quiet of the early morning. He apologized in his head to all the little critters he was disturbing with the noisy vehicle. He was surprised his father didn't have a more environmentally friendly electric one.

He looked over to ask him about it but hesitated at the serene look on his father's face. He didn't want to disturb him any more than he already had this morning. He couldn't hear the waves over the cart but the smell of the salty sea air got stronger as they neared the cliff. Kuon stopped at the gate on the edge of the property while Kuu got out to punch in the code. This was an added security measure so people couldn't gain access to the property from the public beach below. Kuon nervously pulled through the gate. The path was plenty wide for the cart but that didn't stop his balls from relocating itself into his stomach. He wasn't afraid of heights but the edge was too close for his comfort. He drove down carefully and concentrated on staying close to the rock face as they traversed the zigzagging path. The bumpy path itself answered his earlier question. An electric cart wouldn't have been able to handle the rough road. When they neared the bottom, Kuon let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"Pull on to the sand and turn it back on to the path. We'll have to walk the rest of the way."

Kuon did as instructed and got out after parking. They gathered up their gear and walked out to the water. Kuon followed his father getting lost in memories. They used to spend a lot of time playing on this beach when he was younger. Over there was where his mom helped him make a sea turtle out of sand and seaweed. That spot was where Rick poured cold water on Tina while she sunbathed on her stomach with her top untied. His friend wanted to teach his girlfriend a lesson for taking her top off in public. She couldn't run after them with her tits hanging out. She eventually got her revenge by placing Rick in the "doghouse," also known as the couch, that night. They both learned their lesson.

"This way, Kuon," His Dad called out to him. They were going to the spot his father favored. The waves broke just right there. He could make out a couple of people already in the water.

Kuu dropped onto the sand with his board on his lap so Kuon did the same. His Dad began rubbing a bar of wax over the areas where his feet would make contact with the board to reduce the chances of him slipping. When he was done he handed the bar to Kuon to do the same.

"You don't have to wait for me Dad. This is going to take a while," Kuon said, rubbing the wax on the clean board. He would need to get a good build on it if he wanted a fighting chance at staying on the board.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I've already taken up enough of your time this morning. Get out there."

"Okay, I'll see you out there."

Kuon went back to rubbing on the wax and was startled a minute later when someone dropped beside him.

"Dad?" Kuon asked wide-eyed.

"I bummed a bar off those guys over there," he nodded to a pair of guys just paddling out.

Kuon couldn't hold back his smile. He could feel the warmth spreading in his chest. His father was still the same. He used to help Kuon the same way when he was a kid. After a few more minutes of vigorous rubbing, Kuu stopped and said, "I think it's good. Shall we?"

Kuon attached the leash to his ankle and stood up holding the longboard without any problems under his arm. He looked out at the water and watched two men catch the same wave. The guy on the right waved off the guy on the left. Kuon forgot how heated things could get out in the water with guys fighting over waves. It created a lot of tension. The guy to the left had done the right thing and backed off the wave.

"Are you coming?" Kuu asked already in knee-high water.

Kuon resumed walking. The water sent a tingle up his spine as soon as his foot touched it. It took him a few seconds but he eventually adjusted to the temperature. It wasn't too bad. The air itself was mild in comparison. As he continued to walk into the water he watched the guy come out of a barrel successfully. He was energized by the guy's cheer and the applause and whistles from the other surfers. He put the board down and walked it out a few more steps until the water reached his waist then he climbed on to it.

The rush was instantaneous. He began alternating his arms to paddle out beyond the break. He managed to make it over the smaller waves but the further he got out the more difficult it became. He could feel himself getting pushed back to shore a little more each time. The next time a wave was upon him, Kuon rolled to his side three hundred and sixty degrees so the wave washed over the underside of the board. Once he was right side up he increased his tempo and paddled harder. When a larger wave came at him, he shifted his weight and pushed down on the board. He ducked under the water with the board and let the wave pass above him. He kept his eyes open the whole time and watched the power of the wave churn up the water into an endless sea of bubbles. Kyoko would love this. A thought suddenly occurred to him while surfacing for air. Can she even swim?

He couldn't dwell on the thought as he scrambled to dive back under. Another set of waves bombarded him. He popped out of the water and paddled hard, he couldn't wait to ride one. He had to duck under a few more waves but eventually made it to his father's side.

"Just like riding a bike," Kuu said with a grin.

Kuon sat up and watched the other surfers catch waves. He looked back at the ocean trying to remember how to look for a good one.

"Kuon, set up. This one looks promising. I'll tell you when. Remember they're breaking right so compensate for that."

Kuon positioned himself flat on his belly. He looked over his shoulder and waited for the wave's arrival.

"Wait for it...wait for it...now! Paddle hard."

Kuon pulled his hands through the water with all his might trying to gain momentum. He felt the moment the board caught the wave. Just as he was about to go down the face of the wave he put his palms flat on the board and pushed up. He scrambled to get his feet positioned beneath him. He felt the old familiar thrill of standing up on his first wave. His elation was short-lived as he lost his balance and wiped out. He was pulled under the water and dragged around like a ragdoll by the oversize board. The board pulled him close to shore by the time he was able to recover it. Kuon stood in the shallows trying to catch his breath. He watched his Dad successfully carve through a wave before dropping off when the swell died. He found himself pumping his fist in the air in excitement for his Dad. Kuu waved him back out. That was the cue for Kuon to get back on his board and try again. It didn't take him long to reach his father this time around. One thing about Kuon, he learned from experience.

"You alright? You almost had it. I couldn't see you from back here."

"Yeah, I struggled to keep my balance. My feet were probably off."

"Hmmm…I always make sure to stay on the centerline. I bring my back foot up first...then my other leg comes up between my arms. Only then do I raise my arms...what else do I do...yes, keep your knees bent and use your arms to balance. I don't know if any of that is helpful," Kuu said trying to verbalize the motions he goes through to catch a wave.

"Kuu!" A surfer yelled down the way. "You guys are up."

Kuon raised his eyebrow curiously.

"What we have here is a gentleman's agreement. We're all too old to fight over waves."

Kuon's laughter rang out across the ocean. It was unreserved and pure. There was nothing old about his father or the other men out here still shredding waves. He hoped when he was their age he could be just as fit and healthy as them. He was glad he agreed to put aside his insecurities and spend time with his Dad. He forgot how freeing it was to immerse himself in nature.

"Get ready," Kuu urged.

Kuon laid down in position again and began paddling on his father's mark. This time when he caught the wave, he paid more attention to his foot placement and managed to hang on just a little longer before eating it. With each wave Kuon caught thereafter, he improved his personal best each time.

Kuu's alarm on his watch went off signaling that their session was up. By then, the sun had been out for over an hour. Kuon pulled back the sleeve of his shirt to look at his watch. It was already 8:30. He didn't realize they were out for so long.

"You still wear the watch?" Kuu asked when they were back on shore. He handed Kuon a dry towel.

"What do you mean?" Kuon asked in return not understanding the question.

"Sorry, I could be mistaken. It looks like the same one you had when you left. Lory kind of told me what it symbolized."

Kuon tensed up. "My reasons for wearing it have changed."

"That's good to hear, son."

Kuon had picked up the watch the night of Rick's accident. The paramedics had removed it to tend to Rick and left it on the ground. Kuon retrieved it, not wanting anything to happen to his friend's stuff. He selfishly used it as a constant reminder of his betrayal. It was probably time he returned the watch to its rightful owner.

AN: Oh boy, I sure got carried away with the Hizuri boys. I still can't believe I managed over 4K words on this alone *slaps forward*... I poured a lot of my personal experience in this chapter from vehicles to surfing. If I ever took up surfing again I would probably drown...LOL.

Does anyone have a good theory on how Kuon got Rick's watch? I was racking my brain for a good one. #1 is the one I shared, #2 Rick's personal effects were given to Kuu or Kuon after he was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Tina was not around to receive it due to her mental breakdown. But this is not believable for me because it would either go to Tina or his family eventually before Kuon. Unless Kuu was his guardian for some unknown reason. It would suck if Kuon's only friend was there out of obligation. #3 The watch is actually Kuon's that he was wearing that night (ref chap 165) and he just kept referring to it as belonging to Rick because he stopped the time to coincide with Rick's death. This one was a close runner to being used. *sigh* I would like to hear other theories.

Thank you for always reading and for the reviews. I love reading what you all think. To those bingers and re-readers...you all make my day. *kisses*

To my guest reviewer that wants Sho to suffer, you are an esper. You read me so well. As for Kyoko continuing to get revenge on Sho, that has long passed in this story. Whatever she does in the future is entirely for her without a thought of Sho in her mind. He may or may not be a casualty...XD.

Anonymous: You guessed it. I had to get these Cali boys out in the water.

To the Guest reviewer that just asked about their joint page. One of us is a mind reader XD.

Until next time, Ja ne! ^_^