Chapter 135: Fangirl Overload

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Yashiro would be hysterical when he finds out Ren is a Hizuri.

Yashiro was stunned by the revelation. So many thoughts flashed through his mind that he could barely think straight. It made him lightheaded and dizzy. He buried his head in his hands to steady himself. He always knew Ren was a stage name. The man had been evasive regarding his family and personal life for as long as he knew him. As his manager, it was his job to respect and protect his wishes so he never pried too much. It wasn't until Kyoko entered his life that Yashiro had the opportunity to glimpse more behind the actor's well-sculpted mask.

"I recognize these signs! He's turning pale. He needs water and some air! I'll use this on him!" From the tiny slits between his fingers, he could make out the beautiful blonde woman rushing over to him with a legal-sized envelope in her hand. He was familiar with those types of packages. It had to contain either photographs or scripts for one of the Hizuris. That added a whole new level of stress since she was using it to fan him like he was some Egyptian pharaoh. Kanae would kill him if she knew that he managed to reduce the wife of Kuu Hizuri to a lowly servant. The extra air did feel rather nice though.

"Kuon, he needs a real drink. Get the whiskey!" Kuu's assertiveness caused Yashiro to look up from his hands. Kuon?

"So your real name is Kuon?" Yashiro asked in a hollow voice when Kuon placed a tumbler of amber liquid in front of him. Kuon winced and looked at him sadly. The others froze. He picked up the glass with a shaky hand and swallowed its contents. Kuu stepped up and refilled his glass.

"Thank you." Yashiro grimaced when he drained it again in one gulp. He placed his hand over the glass at Kuu's offer to pour him another one then looked at Kuon. He still had yet to answer his question. It was interesting to see his friend uncomfortable about something aside from Kyoko. The others in the room were silent waiting for his response. Kuu looked about ready to speak up when Kuon stopped him.

"Yes, my real name is Kuon," he finally admitted. "These are my parents Kuu and Julienna Hizuri." The couple waved to him embarrassed. Yashiro bowed his head slightly in their direction. "I'm American. This is what I look like without my hair dyed or my colored contacts on. Ms. Ten has been helping me with the upkeep since the beginning. I'm sorry for springing this on both of you like this." He bowed deeply in their direction.

Yashiro could only nod. He stood quickly making Kuon jolt. With a quick "excuse me", he vacated the kitchen and made a beeline for the open wall leading to what appeared to be an outdoor patio. He could hear the hush voices in the kitchen advising Kuon on how to approach him.

He couldn't stay in that kitchen any longer. It could have been the two glasses of whiskey he just threw back without any food in his system that was making it difficult to keep his composure. The outdoors was the perfect distraction and the fresh cool autumn air calmed him slightly. He inhaled deeply and felt the soothing effects of the breathing exercise. It lasted only a second before he was hunched in on himself with his hand covering his mouth.

…

"Kuon, he just needs a minute," His mother cooed, rubbing his back. "It's a lot to take in. You two have been working together for so long. He'll eventually come around." She left him alone and went back to arranging the cured meats on the serving tray for the antipasto dish. Kyoko and Kuu gave her the task since it required more decorating than cooking. Something she could excel at.

Kyoko stepped up to him with a reassuring smile and squeezed his hand before returning to her cutting board. Her smile was all the encouragement he needed.

Kuon peered through the kitchen watching the solemn back of his friend. Betrayal. That was probably what Yashiro was thinking about right now. Should he have told him differently? He thought saying it in person would be more respectful. Tonight seemed to be the best opportunity since he was still in his natural state. He glanced at Ten. She took the news well. It also helped that she already knew a big part of his secret.

"Here," Kuu said, handing him a water bottle. "He knocked those glasses back rather quickly. He might be feeling it right about now." Kuon glanced outside and saw Yashiro hunched over.

"Thanks, Dad." He might as well apologize again and try to salvage the night as well as their professional relationship since he completely ruined their personal one.

He stopped at the doorway and observed his friend. Not only was he hunched over, but he was also shaking as well. Oh God, I made him cry! Kuon felt like the lowest scum on the planet. This was exactly why he couldn't have friends. He always managed to ruin things. He thought about turning back and giving him some privacy. He twirled on his heel quietly to not disturb the man and caught Kyoko watching him. She gave him an annoyed glare and pointed toward the manager. He gave her an exasperated expression. Wouldn't it be better to leave the man to his privacy right now? She narrowed her eyes at him and gestured with her hands in a shooing motion. He smiled at her pushiness and turned back around to his target. Kuon exhaled deeply. Well, his only alternative was probably to hash it out with his friend or have Kyoko annoyed with him. If he couldn't clear things up would she kick him out of the room? He didn't want to sleep on the couch. He needed to stop being a coward and face this problem head-on. They were both grown men and surely they could overcome this bump in their relationship.

"Yukihito," Kuon called out, alerting his friend to his presence. He reverted to Japanese so nothing could be lost in translation. Yashiro's body tensed then stood tall but he didn't turn around. "I'm really sorry for keeping such a huge secret from you….You see, the thing is...I made a promise to myself and my parents before I came to Japa…"

Kuon stopped talking when Yashiro shook harder and started making strange noises. Crap! I'm making things worse! He had no clue what other way to get his friend to accept his apology. He stepped closer and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Yukihito...I know I betrayed your trust but I hope one day we can be friends aga…"

Kuon pulled back his hand with a loud gasp when Yashiro turned to face him. He jumped back. All his instincts for self-preservation kicked in. He didn't think it was possible at a moment like this but he swore there were hearts, stars, and sparkles swimming in the manager's brown irises. His hands were curled under his chin and his body practically vibrated from head to toe. He had never seen such an extreme reaction from him before. He had come close several times during his relationship with Kyoko but so as not to spook her the manager always kept himself in check. Kuon almost wished he had a crucifix right now or some holy water...anything to ward of this fresh hell directed at him. He wanted to scream at the top of his lungs for his human talisman to save him.

"Ren...I mean Kuon," Yashiro screeched but kept it to barely a whisper in an effort not to disturb the others.

"I can't believe it," he wiggled excitedly. "All this time I've been working with the great Hizuri Kuu's son. How is this even possible?!" He gushed.

Kuon sighed in resignation and sat on a patio chair. There was probably no changing it. He would always be Hizuri Kuu's son. This was why he needed his true identity to remain a secret for now. He supposed this reaction was preferable to being loathed by his friend even if he had to endure his painful fangirling squeals.

Yashiro must have sensed his mood because he stopped gushing over Kuon and his parents and sat down across from him.

"I brought this for you." Kuon slid the water bottle across the table.

"Thanks! I was feeling parched after those drinks." Kuon glanced sidelong at his manager drinking. He seemed to have calmed down significantly from his earlier antics.

He was lost in thought and didn't notice when the manager finished drinking. Yashiro pushed up his glasses and said, "I'm going out on a limb here and guess that you moved to Japan and changed your identity all to keep your ties to your father hidden so you can make it in this industry with your own hard work and talent."

Kuon's eyes widened and his pulse raced. He had hit the nail on the head. It shouldn't have surprised him, Yashiro had always been astute.

"The time on the Dark Moon set makes so much sense now," Yashiro muttered.

"What do you mean?" Kuon raised his eyebrow, confused.

"That time Director Ogata collapsed. You said something to him when Izuka-san compared him to his father. When I mentioned you being the son of Hizuri-san, I noticed a similar reaction to the Director. Could it be that you suffered something related growing up here?"

"You're not wrong but there's more to tell. What I'm about to tell you cannot be repeated. Can I trust you?" Kuon asked him gravely.

Yashiro gulped and replied with conviction, "Bro code!" Yashiro held his hand out to Kuon in a tight fist.

"Bro Code," Kuon responded confidently and bumped his fist against his friend's.

…

Yashiro listened intently as Kuon told him about his childhood, the hardships and bullying he endured at the hands of his peers and adults. He had a feeling that he had a rough past but he didn't understand the depth of his charge's despair. He was surprised by the coincidence of the death of his friend Rick and the connection to the Morizumis.

At least there's one silver lining, Yashiro thought, catching a glimpse of Kyoko setting the table inside. He was a firm believer of fate now more than ever after listening to his friend's tragic story. It was astonishing to know the full details of their meeting as kids and then again ten years later when they needed each other most. Their love story would be the stuff of legends. Who knows maybe someone would write a book about them?

He smiled at how natural and happy she looked talking to Kuon's mother. It was the kind of mother-daughter relationship he knew she deserved. He couldn't discredit her real mother. Saena was doing the best she could. Without Saena things may have turned out differently for him regarding the Morizumi incident. He could be rotting in prison right now unable to cherish this momentous occasion.

"How long has Kyoko known?" Yashiro asked curiously. If she had known all along she was an incredible actress. The grimace on Kuon's face did not please him one bit. It could only mean that she had no clue while "Ren" on the other hand knew exactly who she was. His big brother instincts roared to the forefront.

"He told me the night we had dinner after his return from Guam," Kyoko said, interrupting from the doorway.

Kuon hung his head in shame. Yashiro smirked, recalling the bruise on his face when he picked them up the next morning.

"It was difficult to digest. I felt angry and betrayed. Later that night when I was able to think rationally I was able to let those negative feelings go and embrace the idea of being loved by my childhood friend and senpai." Kyoko placed her hand on Kuon's shoulder which he latched on to and kissed.

Kyaaaaa! They're so Moe! What do I do? OH MY GOD! Will I be able to keep my cool with this lovey-dovey atmosphere? I need my phone!

"I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive him Yashiro-san."

1, 2, 3, 4... Who's the couple we adore?! 5, 6, 7, 8...We want a wedding, we can't wait!... Give me a K! K! You got your K! You got your K! Give me a U! U!...

"Yashiro-san? Well, maybe you need some more time…" Kyoko began. Yashiro snapped out of his fangirl cheer squad delusions and paid attention to Kyoko.

"Oh, I'm sorry. You were saying? I kind of got lost in my head," Yashiro smiled awkwardly. He would have to ask for Kanae's forgiveness. There was no way he would be able to hold it together.

"I understand. I dropped a lot of baggage on you. Your friendship is important to me. I don't want to lose you," Kuon admitted solemnly.

"What are you talking about? We're best friends. This isn't something that could come between us. Thank you for trusting in me," Yashiro assured him. He smiled at the relief on Kuon's face.

"Kids? Dinner is ready if you care to join us," Kuu said at the door reverting them to English. He smiled at the trio glad that they were able to reconcile.

"Kyaaaa! Mr. Hizuri called me kid!" Yashiro squealed with excitement.

"Is he going to be okay?" Kuu raised worried eyes at the manager.

"That's Yashiro-san for you! Don't worry Dad you'll get used to him soon," Kyoko answered since Kuon was too busy laughing.

Yashiro gaped at Kyoko. "D-d-dad?! D-d-did you two elope? And I wasn't invited! How could yoooouuuuu?!" He writhed in agony. His cheerful inner fangirl threw herself to the ground and wailed in despair.

"Wha, wha, wha!" Kyoko screamed, flustered, and turned to Kuon for help.

"You got it all wrong, Yashiro-san." Kuon began. "It was established long before Kyoko and I began dating when she worked with Kuu in Tokyo. My dad took it upon himself to unofficially adopt her."

"What's going on out here? Is everything okay?" Julie poked her head out concerned by the commotion.

"I'm fine. It was just a misunderstanding, Mrs. Hizuri," Yashiro explained smoothing back his hair.

"That's good news. I'm glad you made up but please call me Julie, Mrs. Hizuri makes me feel so old. Let's eat before everything gets cold." She motioned for everyone to come inside.

They all filed into the house and headed for the formal dining room that sat between the kitchen and the living room. Yashiro gaped at the amount of food on the table and the sideboard behind them. Were they expecting more people because this was a banquet for at least twenty? Yashiro's inner fangirl did a back handspring when Kuu walked to the head of the table and flared his arms out for everyone to sit. It was then he knew he was among Hollywood royalty.

"I hope you like Italian food...well, mainly pizza if that counts. But we do have pasta," Kuu chuckled. "Kyoko mentioned the oven we have in the kitchen and it gave me the idea to not only show her how it works tonight but also provide a home-cooked family meal. There's just something about Italian food that gives you a sense of family and togetherness. I'm glad my son is surrounded by people that care for him."

"Ooh let's have a toast," Julie said, picking up the bottle of wine near her and began filling the glasses near her while Kuon took hold of the other bottle and filled the rest in his side. "By the way thank you both for the gifts. They're my favorites."

"Excuse me, Mr. Hizuri. Do you mind if I take a photo of everyone?" Yashiro asked.

"No, go right ahead but on two conditions," Kuu told him seriously. "Please call me Kuu and you need to send me all the pictures you take."

Kuon groaned.

"That could be easily done. I share photos with Kyoko's father as well." He pulled out his glove and then reached in his pocket for his phone. He could feel the eyes of the Hizuri couple on him.

"Mr. Yashiro, my father doesn't know about Kuon yet so please don't share any photos with him in it," Kyoko pleaded.

"Oh, okay no problem. Your secret is safe with me. I will only share with Mister...er...Kuu then."

Yashiro stood at the front of the table while everyone held their glasses up in cheers. It was a great photo. Everyone dug into the food afterward. As a fan, he found out how shocking it was that Kuu could not only cook but he could eat as well. Yashiro ate several different slices of pizzas. He especially enjoyed the bruschetta and the wings. He was told that the wings were Kuu's special recipe and baked in the pizza oven.

Throughout the evening he took pictures of the family. He did have to explain his affinity to break all things electronics if touched by his bare hands for more than ten seconds. Kuu thought it was an excellent superpower which made Yashiro giddy inside. He couldn't wait to brag to Kanae.

It was fantastic to see both his usually reserved charges at ease as they shared stories of how they spent their last couple of days while in California. Ten along with his parents also shared some embarrassing stories at Kuon's expense.

The food and wine were almost gone by the time Yashiro said good night. He was amazed by how much they consumed in one sitting. A car from the company Kyoko hired to drive them around upon their arrival was called to take Yashiro back to his hotel. Ten would remain behind to transform Kuon's hair.

Before he left they talked a little about business. Kuon, with the consent of Kyoko, asked Yashiro to coordinate with Cedric for a meeting. Yashiro wrote it down in his notes to do that as soon as possible. They only had a short amount of time while in the States but this was fair game to Yashiro to get his charges some major exposure. He had work to do.

Yashiro thanked the Hizuris for their hospitality. "Good night, Re...Kuon, and Kyoko. I'll see you both in the morning. "Here's the key to the car and the manual. You'll need it." Kuon tilted his head and stared at the little key fob that looked like a toy car. He would figure it out in the morning. They waved him off with a good night.

In the back of the hired car, Yashiro fell apart over the entire evening. He must have seemed crazy to the driver but chalked it up to being inebriated. One could say he was drunk. Drunk on excitement for the new material he captured on his phone. He couldn't wait to see them on his computer. He even had the coveted personal email of the legendary Kuu Hizuri. It wasn't like he would abuse it in any way but he now had one more parent to add to the RenKyo private fan club. He sent the very first picture he took of the night to Lory as a sort of teaser. For once, he could torture the LoveMon.

"I'm sorry you have to do this so late Ten-san," Kuon smiled half-heartedly.

"Nonsense Ren-chan, this is what I came here to do. It's my job and I love my job," she winked at him in the mirror while she brushed more of the dark dye over the golden strands.

"If there's anything you want to ask me, I'll do my best to answer." Ten glanced up and met his worried green eyes reflecting in the mirror of the guest bathroom. She smiled warmly at him to ease his anxiety.

"Don't worry Ren-chan, your secret's safe with me." Unlike Yashiro, she always knew a little more about his past. As a stylist, she tended to pick up on the things her clients didn't say while sitting in her chair. She knew how guarded he still was even if he had opened up so much to her tonight.

"Thank you, Ten-san. I couldn't have come this far without your help," he said sincerely.

"You're very welcome." She wasn't sure how long she would have this job but she had a feeling the time of hiding his true identity was near its end. Maybe I should ask Darling for some added compensation. I think a romantic date is in order.

"Okay, all done for now. I'll be back when the timer goes off." It was always easier and faster coloring his hair from blonde to brown. She still thought it was a sin but now understood his motivation. She left him alone in the bathroom to pick apart the brain of the beautiful fashionista in the house. She was feeling inspired by his mother.

"Hi," Kyoko knocked softly on the bathroom door. He opened his eyes slowly to look at her.

"Everything okay," she asked, taking a seat on the covered toilet.

"Yeah, just thinking about tonight. It went smoother than I thought."

Kyoko nodded vigorously. "I agree. I'm sure Yashiro-san's enthusiasm will eventually mellow out. Perhaps in the next ten years." They laughed together at her joke. Yashiro had been a riot all evening. His fangirl level had increased at least tenfold. He had to have taken a thousand pictures tonight. It wouldn't surprise her if his phone ran out of storage space.

"Yukihito on a normal day is scary but tonight he was terrifying. I almost called for you to come and save me," he chuckled.

"I'll always come to your rescue," she declared.

"Thank you, Princess." Kuon flashed her his heavenly smile. Her face flushed and turned to goo. She would probably never get used to that smile in this lifetime. She was glad Yashiro didn't hold a grudge against him and they could continue growing their friendship without any more secrets.

"Yukihito did have a fantastic idea. What do you say, Princess?"

"Hmmm?" she wasn't sure what idea he was talking about.

"Want to elope? Vegas is about four hours away." Kuon wiggled his dyed covered eyebrows at her with his green eyes twinkling beneath. He looked so ridiculous right now she burst out in laughter.

"Isn't that against the law here?" She asked, not outright denying the possibility. He shrugged. She decided to play along with his jest. "We can find the best Elvis impersonator to conduct the ceremony at a chapel with flashing neon lights."

"You know about Elvis?"

"Who doesn't know the King of rock and roll," she stated as a matter of fact. Her pride swelled when he looked impressed. At least Shotaro was good for something.

Talks of eloping ended and they turned the topic over to dinner. Kyoko excitedly told him how Kuu showed her how to use the oven to cook the pizzas. It was fun learning the new recipes. She wondered if she could find a countertop pizza oven for the apartment. The flavor would be different since she couldn't use wood or coal but it was worth a shot since Kuon enjoyed the meal. It would also give her something to share with her father when they resumed Sunday night dinners. She had to check her messages later to see if he sent her a message for the night. His morning message said he was very busy this week. She hoped he was at least getting enough rest and eating healthily.

Ten returned to the bathroom once the timer went off. Kyoko sat and watched the Muse work her magic. His hair color might have changed but he was still very much her fairy prince.

AN: Hiya! Thanks for sticking with me! I was trying to pull my schedule back but I was easily distracted. I had so much fun writing Yashiro fangirl...I hope you enjoyed it too.

Thank you for always reading and for the reviews of the last chapter. I appreciate it.

Until next time, Ja ne! ^_^