Chapter 138: Parental Date Night

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, we would see Kuon get hit on by the same gender.

Back at the studio, it was confirmed that Ren only suffered minor injuries and would most likely be sore in the morning. He was relieved to find that Kyoko came out of it unscathed.

He could tell as she approached the crowd without slowing down that she was in trouble. Knowing her, she would have probably resorted to something drastic before she reached them. A vision of her crashing to the ground again like she did on the roof spurred him to act. Thank goodness he was able to intervene in time.

As they were leaving for the evening, Fuji intercepted them holding up a garment bag. "Kyoko-chan, I was behind on my email and found an invitation to a soirée from a top designer. Do you have plans tonight? Could you guys come? It starts around nine o'clock but everyone is always fashionably late. I want to show off this design I made for you."

That was Fuji code for, This is work and none of the other models can fit this dress that I spent numerous hours laboring over to make specifically for you.

Ren glanced at his watch. It was just after six o'clock. He had his date with his mother tonight and a nine o'clock appointment with her friend that would be making his tuxedo for the gala. It was the only time the designer had available so he couldn't reschedule. Although she would understand, he felt awful for bailing on his mother right off the bat.

Kyoko must have sensed his dilemma and apprehension for disappointing his mother after he suggested the outing.

"I can attend," Kyoko chirped. "Ren and Yashiro-san have prior commitments. I'm sure my friend will understand that it's for work if I have to cut our evening short."

"Hooray! My darling Kyoko-chan, I knew I could count on you. You could bring your friend if they want to come along. I told them to expect five of us. They were fine with that number even with short notice."

Ren grimaced but didn't voice his frustration. She was doing him a favor and telling him to choose his mother but he didn't want Kyoko going alone.

She gave Ren a sidelong glance. "I will check with my friend. I'm sure he wouldn't mind tagging along if you say it's okay to bring him."

"Of course! It's no problem. Thank you for doing this. I can't promise that this won't happen again since fashion week is unpredictable but I appreciate your flexibility."

"You're welcome, Fuji-san. I will see you tonight. Is there any way, in particular, you would like me to style myself with the dress?"

"How about I leave that up to you to surprise me?"

Kyoko nodded and breathed deeply. Once she exhaled, Ren noticed the fire of a challenge burning in her eyes.

"Ooh, I hope you like it. It's a bit unconventional but I'm pleased with how it turned out. I won't say anymore. We'll talk later," Fuji said excitedly. He handed the garment bag over to Ren. "At the bottom of the bag are shoes and accessories to accompany them."

"Is that everything Jay?" Fuji asked his assistant. He ticked off his fingers in case he forgot anything.

"Yup that's it," Jay replied after consulting his tablet. They organized outfits using pictures and labeled the shoes and accessories that went with them to eliminate any guesswork when things got hectic.

The sparkle in Kyoko's eyes made Ren want to take her to the nearest fashion mall and let her shop to her heart's content. He knew that would never happen but he did love seeing her overjoyed expression at new outfits.

Ren felt it was time to get them out of there before Fuji changed his mind and insisted that he had to attend. Kyoko was already doing Ren a huge favor and if he agreed, which he hoped he would, his father would also.

"Thank you Fuji-san, we shall see you tomorrow," Ren said, ushering Kyoko out. Kyoko didn't have much time to get ready as it was and he didn't want to keep his mother waiting.

"Yes, yes, good night. See you tomorrow."

They were already out the door when Fuji came rushing out toward them and handed a slip of paper to Kyoko. "The address! Okay, bye-bye now," he exclaimed breathlessly then disappeared back inside.

...

"Kyoko-chan, please get in touch with Hizuri-san as soon as you can," Yashiro asked, twisting from the front passenger seat of the car. Kyoko insisted, respectfully, that he sit in the front this time while Kuon drove. "If he can't attend. I will go with you." It shouldn't have surprised her that Yashiro would want her to follow up on "her friend."

"Yashiro-san, there's no reason for you to come along. Fuji-san will also be there so I'll be fine. You need to run your errand."

"If anyone is obligated to go it's me," Kuon told them.

"It'll be fine," she said again, digging into her bag for her phone. "I'll call him right now. We didn't have big plans tonight." Kyoko hid the disappointment in her voice. There will be plenty of time in the future to sit and watch home movies of Kuon. "You need to spend time with your mother and you need to get a tuxedo for yourself," Kyoko said firmly.

Julie informed them via text that she was able to add Yashiro to the guestlist for the gala even if he would be sitting at another table. This left Yashiro calling around to local tailors to find an outfit for himself. He made it abundantly clear that under no circumstances was he imposing on Kuon and his mother.

"It's only a rental and I have the measurements of an average man. I was told they had several available in my size. It wouldn't be a problem to go tomorrow. One thing for sure is you aren't going alone, missy," Yashiro told her seriously. Kuon agreed wholeheartedly.

She huffed and pressed Kuu's speed dial number. He picked up on the third ring.

"Hi sweetie, everything okay?" Kuu's voice filled the quiet car.

"Hi Dad, I have you on speaker." She ignored the muffled squeals coming from Yashiro. "I'm sorry but I have to attend a work function tonight."

"Oh," he said dejectedly. "Okay, it can't be helped. Are you heading there now? Is Kuon also working?"

"We are on our way home. Kuon won't be coming with me so his plans with mom are still on."

"What's that strange noise?" Kuu asked curiously. "Is it the car?"

Kyoko liked to think that Yayoi had done an excellent job raising her as a courteous and respectful Japanese girl. There must have been something in America's water that made her so bold. Without thinking she leaned forward and lightly smacked Yashiro on the shoulder for once again freaking out. Kyoko only realized what she did when Kuon burst out in laughter.

"I'm sorry Yashiro-san. I don't know what came over me," Kyoko exclaimed but joined in the laughter.

"I deserved that," Yashiro said, straightening up in his seat.

"Hello? What's going on?" Kuu asked once the laughter died down.

"Sorry, we were a bit distracted. I wanted to ask, would you be willing to accompany me tonight?"

"Eh?"

"I would feel relieved if you can go with her Dad. It's her first time in that sort of environment and I don't want her to be there alone. Fuji and a few others from the brand would be there but I trust you would keep her safe. I know it would be difficult for a man in your position to show up to such a function with her but…" Kuon piped up.

"Say no more son. I will be more than happy to escort Kyoko tonight."

"Thanks, Dad," They said in unison.

"I'll see you, kids, soon," Kuu said. Kyoko said goodbye and hung up.

For the remainder of the ride, Yashiro informed them that Cedric's manager had responded with a time for the meeting with his father, the American promoter. Kyoko watched Kuon's knuckles turn white as he gripped the steering wheel nervously. He may have been acting fine this whole time but it was obvious to her that he was forcing himself to attend this meeting. She would have to talk to him about it later. Yashiro had been very productive while they worked.

"Ren, I mean Kuon, I mean Ren," Yashiro stumbled over which name to use then shook his head. "I have a live interview lined up for you on a popular British podcast. They're interested in discussing Cain Heel and Tragic Marker. They would like to conduct it in person but gave the option to handle everything over the phone."

"If it would help promote the film overseas, I see no harm in doing it."

"That settles that," Yashiro said. Kyoko gaped as he typed a response at the speed of light.

"Now, Kyoko-chan, what do you think about doing a late-night show with Bennett-san to promote The Sacred Lotus in the Mire? His manager responded to my email for the meeting and included this opportunity with it."

"Bennett-san agreed to this?"

"It seems Producer Kuresaki placed it in his contract to promote the film in Hollywood. Did you know he's practically celebrity royalty here? His grandfather is Eltra Duris and his father is just as famous. You met his grandfather before at the grateful party last year."

"Eltra Duris?" The name did not ring a bell to Kyoko.

"The President's friend that helped reunite María-chan with her father."

"Uncle Tiger?!" Kyoko exclaimed.

"Who?" Yashiro asked, confused by the reference.

"Ah, that's what Maria-chan calls him. So Duris-san is Bennett-san's grandfather. I didn't know." She thought back to the foreign man that brought so much happiness to Maria at the happy grateful party. He was genuinely interested in her future too at the time.

"Kuon, did you know they were related?" The fact that they were related made Kyoko second guess the man's judgment. Did he not know that his grandson was an awful bully? Then again some families tend to only see good in their loved ones ignoring their flaws. Isn't that what happened with the Morizumis? It got to a point where Kimiko just snapped. Cedric on the other hand seemed to be trying to genuinely change his ways.

"Unfortunately, Dad had to remind me the other day," Kuon replied.

Kyoko didn't know how much of his past he told Yashiro so she refrained from mentioning Cedric in that capacity.

"Well Bennett-san had an interview lined up for himself but when he found out you were here he asked to include you," Yashiro informed her.

"I'll have to follow my Senpai's lead on this one. If it will help spread the news of the movie, I am more than willing to participate."

"Great!" Yashiro began typing furiously again after receiving her answer.

They continued to talk about the rest of the week's plans until they arrived at the Hizuri estate. They said good night to Yashiro and went in to greet the parents.

…

Kuon let them in with the spare key. The main floor was deserted when they entered so Kuon let Kyoko head down to shower while he searched for his parents. He walked up the master stairs slowly that led to their bedroom. With each passing step, he strained his ears for any untoward sounds. He had no desire to hear his parents going at it at his age.

"Mom? Dad?" He called out after hearing muffled voices.

"Come on in honey! I promise you won't be scarred for life," Julie joked from behind the closed door.

Kuon chuckled to himself. How did she know that was exactly what he was thinking? He knocked softly on the door and slowly twisted the knob before popping his head in.

"Hi," he greeted once his eyes fell on them. His dad was sitting at his mother's vanity while his mother stood in front of him dabbing something on his face.

"Honey, come and have a seat. I want you to see your father once I'm done," Julie urged him forward with a wave of her hand.

Kuon stepped in awkwardly and sat on the edge of the oversized bed. It had been a long time since those days when he used to watch his mother get ready for some event at the same vanity. He glanced around the room while he waited. The decor may have changed but the overall room was still the same. His eyes landed on a picture of him as Ren with Kyoko sitting on the table between two cream-colored wingback leather chairs. He smiled at the thought of their picture being added to the other family photos sitting there.

He looked back at his mother when she giggled like a schoolgirl and admired her handy work. He wasn't sure what his mother was doing since his father's back was to him and his mother was blocking the mirror.

"What do you think son?" Kuu said, turning around. Kuon's eyes widened and then he smiled.

"Wow mom you have a talent for stage makeup," he complimented. "I wouldn't be able to recognize him if I met him out in the street."

Julie glowed at his praise as she began clearing up the mess on her vanity. Kuu chuckled sneakily. "This way I can tag along with Kyoko without causing a disturbance."

Kuon looked over his outfit of choice and got a clear picture of his father's character. He didn't have the heart to tell him that his appearance was another level of distraction because it still worked.

"I'm going to take a quick shower and we can head out mom." He turned to his dad and said, "Kyoko is getting ready right now so it may be a while before she comes out."

"While I'm waiting, I can whip up some stir fry for the two of us to eat," Kuu offered. "I'm starving."

"I'm sure Kyoko would appreciate the meal since she only picked at her lunch."

"Why? Is she not feeling well? I thought meals were important to her," Kuu frowned.

"No, she's fine. I'm sure it had everything to do with the fact that it was a swimsuit shoot."

Julie bristled and Kuu nodded.

"With time, she'll become more comfortable," Julie encouraged. When she was a young model, she probably experienced the stress of looking fit and confident in a swimsuit. "This was her first right?"

"Yes!"

"How did she do?" Julie asked curiously.

"She killed it of course!" He announced with pride.

"That's my girl!" Kuu said, putting his arm around Kuon's shoulder. "Come on let's make your mother finish up here."

Seeing his father up close was impressive. His mother did a really good job to make everything look natural. Kyoko was in for a major surprise.

Kuon headed to their room in hopes to catch Kyoko in the shower. To his dismay, she was already sitting at the large gilded mirror of her enchanted vanity blow-drying her hair. He couldn't resist kissing her on the cheek before making his way to the bathroom. His eyes halted on the dress she laid out on the bed. Well, that was different. He couldn't even picture how it would look on and commended Fuji for his creativity.

...

"Have fun you two," Kuu said, kissing his wife goodbye. Julie had downplayed her looks tonight so people wouldn't recognize her easily. She wore a navy poncho with leggings and flats. Too bad she was a natural beauty that even without makeup her fair features were striking. She plaited her hair in a side French braid like the Disney character all the girls loved these days. He was 99.9 percent sure that Kyoko would also gush at the resemblance.

"Thanks, honey. You too…oh and don't make that too heavy. She still has to wear a dress," she called after her as they left.

Kuu looked down at the chicken he was cutting and the other ingredients he had on the counter. He supposed he could reduce the amount of chicken he placed in the dish but for the most part, it was all vegetables. Didn't that make it healthy? He placed the unused chicken back in the refrigerator and started on the sauce. When he had his ingredients prepped he pulled out the large wok to start cooking. He enjoyed cooking this meal since it was quick and plentiful.

Fifteen minutes later, Kuu was downstairs knocking on Kyoko's door to call her for dinner. He could hear muffled voices on the other side of the door. There wasn't a television in the room so she must be on the phone. It took her several moments to open the door. She was dressed in a buttoned-down shirt and a pair of loose-fitting pants.

"Wow! You look gorgeous, sweetie," Kuu breathed out. She wasn't wearing much makeup but what she did have enhanced her beautiful features including the gold in her eyes.

Kyoko covered her mouth in shock and stuttered. "D-dad?"

"Yes?" He replied unsure why she was acting weird then remembered his face and started laughing.

"I figured this would be less trouble for us tonight. Is it that shocking?" He asked stroking the mustache and goatee Julie helped apply. He had a black wig to go with it that he wasn't wearing yet.

"You look like a yakuza. How did you change the bone structure of your face?"

"Julie did that. I believe the term she used was contouring."

"Incredible so it's makeup? Can I touch it," she asked eagerly.

"It's magic," she said after confirming that his face only looked so sharp because of the way Julie applied the makeup.

"By the way were you on the phone. Am I interrupting?" Kuu asked. " I made us dinner. I thought you might want to eat before we left and I also have a surprise for you."

Kyoko became flustered "Ah, it's okay. I was finishing up anyway. I'm so sorry you had to cook for me! I didn't even help!"

He sensed what she was about to do and stopped her head before it dipped into a bow with the palm of his hand.

"It's a parent's job to provide for their children. It's not much, just stir fry."

Her eyes brimmed with tears.

"No, no, no! You'll ruin your makeup," he said rushing to get tissues from the bathroom. He forgot how sensitive she was to family actions with how seamlessly she had been interacting with them. "Here...use this to dab the corner of your eyes." Once she had her emotions under control they went upstairs to eat.

Kuu sat since she insisted that she could plate their food. While waiting for her to sit he opened his laptop to show her surprise. While they ate they watched a few of the home videos Kuu promised for the evening. It was probably a mistake because both of them kept dabbing at the happy tears that sprung to their eyes. They were both in desperate need of touch-ups before leaving.

"Are you sure this is where you want to go?" Kuon asked his mother as he pulled into the parking lot of a nondescript Japanese restaurant that received great reviews online.

"I know it's not as authentic as you're used to but I want to experience something that's become a part of you since you left. I reserved a private dining room for us. We should be safe from prying eyes but just in case…" She gave him his hat and put one on herself. "Voila! What do you think?"

Kuon chuckled at her idea of an instant transformation. Her plan to hide in plain sight might actually work for them. When his mother told them where she wanted to eat, Kuon thought it would be safer to go as his natural self and donned his blonde wig. He would change back to Ren after dinner. He wasn't sure if the staff were Japanese or fans of Tsuruga Ren but he couldn't take the risk of them recognizing him. They would take his date with this mother completely out of context. He wasn't sure what kind of impact that would have on his or Kyoko's careers in Japan without him coming clean about his heritage.

It never once crossed his mind that he would be recognized as the long lost son of the Hizuris. He had been gone for years that everyone probably assumed he was dead. He put his hat on just in case.

Kuon waited for his mother to sit down on the floor at the low table before taking his seat across from her. The hostess handed them menus that were written in both English and Japanese before leaving. The place was more traditional than he expected. The shoji door slid open again and revealed a young Japanese woman kneeling in a plain kimono similar to the one Kyoko wore at the Darumaya. She bowed slightly before entering with a tray of ice water. She took their drink order and left.

Kuon looked at the menu and smiled fondly at the familiarity of the food.

"Do you see something you like?" She asked with a tender smile of her own.

"I recognize some of the dishes Kyoko cooks for us sometimes," he replied glancing over the menu at her. "Do you already know what you want to eat?" He asked since she wasn't looking at her menu but staring at him.

"I'll go along with whatever you want," she told him. Kuon groaned which made his mother laugh. That was his line.

When the hostess returned with his beer and a lychee martini for Julie, Kuon rattled off a variety of dishes including sushi rolls.

"Wow, have you tried all that before?" Julie asked impressed.

"More or less. I tried to order what I thought Kyoko would recommend if she saw the menu."

"Oh, I see. I'm envious of Kyoko. I'm even embarrassed to admit I resented her," his mother confessed.

"What? Why? If there's anyone you need to direct your displeasure at it would be me," he said defensively.

"Oh honey, I could never be angry at you. It took a full hour of therapy to vent all my frustrations to my doctor but I managed to get it all out and leave it there. I know what a blessing it is to have Kyoko in your life, in all our lives. My shrink helped me recognize that my old habits were resurfacing. There's a lot to gain from talking to a professional with an unbiased opinion."

Kuon kept his expression neutral. He understood that she was dropping him a big hint. He was sure he needed therapy but he had a rough experience with it after Rick died. He was convinced that all they wanted to do was stuff him with pills that made him stop feeling. He didn't deserve that kind of relief from his suffering after what he'd done. Now that he had come to terms with his past was it even necessary? Wasn't he better?

His mother continued unaware of the thoughts swirling in his head but it was enough to bring him back.

"I'll admit I'm still a little selfish but I'd like to think I've matured since you've been gone. I love that girl fiercely like she's my own but I will still always love you more. I will always be on your side."

"So Kyoko?" he asked grasping her words.

"Is an angel who I adore," she assured him. "But I'm still a little sulky that I've been replaced."

Kuon frowned at her. "No one can ever replace you, mom."

"Okay, maybe replace is too strong a word. She takes up a good portion of your heart now and I had to come to terms with that. She's the woman you chose and that's how it should be. It's something all mothers of boys have to endure."

Their conversation halted as the waitress brought in their starter dishes. His mother was no stranger to chopsticks or Japanese food. She did, however, ask him about each dish. He assumed she was just trying to get to know the man that he had become. The rest of the dinner went smoothly. They had a steady flow of conversation. She wanted to hear firsthand about his plans and dreams for the future even though his father had told her already. Julie was beyond excited and full of ideas on how to help when they finally left the restaurant.

…

"Juju darling…" a high masculine voice greeted followed by a resounding, "Oh fuck me...tall, dark, and handsome." Ren heard the flirty male voice exclaim as soon as he stepped through the door after his mother.

"Vincent, don't be vulgar," Julie warned air-kissing both sides of the man's cheeks.

"But darling, you didn't give me any warning. I don't have any makeup on...God, my face is atrocious. I knew I should have eaten vegan today. Karma's such a bitch to me." Vincent said whipping out a hand fan from the pocket of his gray slacks and began fanning himself furiously. "Introduce us already," he whispered to Julie, while coyly batting his eyes in Ren's direction.

Ren instantly went on the defense mode. The man was a harmless flirt but he still pasted on his ultra-gentleman smile for him. He had to keep things professional regardless of gender.

"Ren, this is Vincent Bellini. Vincent this is Ren Tsuruga." Ren kept his distance and greeted him with a bow. Vincent was amused by the gesture and bowed in return.

"Please excuse my language earlier. I hope I didn't offend you. It's not every day that I see a fine specimen such as yourself."

Ren kept the cringe off his face and instead looked at the designer with confusion. "Ms. Julienna tells me that you design men's wear, don't you see plenty of good looking men in your profession."

Vincent let out a high pitched laugh to cover up his embarrassment. "Oh honey, you are by far the finest. Where have you been hiding all my life?"

"I live in Japan," Ren replied simply.

"Well, that would explain it. Small country...killer fashion trends though."

"Have you been?"

"No, but I think I'm overdue for a visit. Are there more like you over there?"

"I'm an only child," he replied seriously.

Ren wasn't trying to make a joke but Vincent laughed hysterically anyway.

"You're funny...sexy and a sense of humor. I like that in a man," Vincent said biting his lower lip.

Ren felt a shiver run down his spine as he followed Vincent to the back of his studio. He glowered at his mother while Vincent's back was to them. She mouthed an apology but the sparkle in her eyes told him she was having fun.

Ren looked around the room. It was set up very much like R'Mandy but on a smaller scale. On one side there were machines, supplies, and material while the other side was filled with racks of clothing. The back of the room had a couple of dressing rooms while the rest of the empty rear wall was covered in floor to ceiling mirrors.

Vincent directed Ren to the first changing room. "Your pants and shirt are in that one. I have the rest of the pieces out here." He gestured to the rolling rack beside him.

"Thank you," Ren said with a slight bow then headed into the dressing room. While he changed he could hear their conversation outside.

"He's so polite. Are all Japanese so polite? Where on earth did you find him?...Wait! Oh my God, you dirty slut. Is he your boy toy? Does Kuu know?"

Ren nearly tripped over his jeans as he shrugged them off. The man was like a teenage girl. He had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing when he heard a smack and the dramatic ow from the designer that followed.

"I told you he's my daughter's boyfriend. They're working fashion week here."

"You crazy Russian lady, you said that but it doesn't make sense. Since when did you have a daughter?...oh you poor thing...I know what this is. Did Kuu have an affair and she's his love child? I'll help you neuter him. I watched it in a K- drama"

Smack!

"Ow!"

Ren nearly lost it. He had heard those accusations directed at him before from his girlfriend's lips. He guessed it was a thing. He grumbled at the thought of Kyoko being his half-sister. That would make their Heel siblings act more of a horrible reality. Thank goodness her father came forward otherwise he might have seriously considered the possibility that she was his father's daughter based on her skills and her background. He shook the awful thoughts from his mind and focused on putting on his pants.

"I was only kidding," Vincent said defensively.

"Well, you aren't funny. Don't ever accuse me of cheating on Kuu. What kind of stupid woman would I be to cheat on a man like him? He's perfect! Can you give me an example of a better man?"

"Matthew?"

"Ewwww."

"Ewan?"

"He's a respectable actor but nothing compared to my husband."

"Fine, fine I digress. No one is as amazing as Kuu."

They returned to talking about him as Kyoko's boyfriend and how she had to work tonight with Kuu acting as her bodyguard. He owed his dad one. He could only imagine how hard his father was working tonight.

Ren slipped on the white dress shirt gently so he wouldn't aggravate the wounds on his back. The only problem was the shirt was snug enough that he couldn't button it over his chest without stretching the fabric. He didn't want to ruin the shirt.

He zipped up his pants and stepped into the dress shoes he brought with him. He would need to buy a new pair for the occasion but the sole of these shoes was the right height. He stepped out of the dressing room with his shirt undone.

"Um, excuse me," he said, interrupting their conversation.

"Oh goodness," Vincent yelped and rolled his eyes heavenwards in thanks then eyed Ren's physique from head to toe and lingered on his bare chest. Julie cleared her throat harshly.

"I'm sorry. Is there something wrong with the shirt, Ren?" Vincent asked, taking on a professional tone.

"It's too tight on the chest. I can't close the buttons without possibly breaking them."

"May I see," the designer asked hesitantly, reaching out to the buttons. Ren nodded his consent. "I used the measurements Juju gave me so I wonder where I went wrong." He said tugging at the shirt to close the buttons. "Hmmm, you're right it's not off by much but you could see it tugging. How do the pants fit?"

"They fit perfectly in my opinion. Very comfortable." He stood still while Vincent circled him. Even the length was perfect.

"Do you mind removing the shirt so I could measure," Vincent asked, reaching for the measuring tape on the cart.

Julie gasped when he took off his shirt since his back was facing her. "What on earth happened to your back?"

Ren ducked his head in shame. "I kind of fell off a skateboard today at work. It looks worse than it feels."

"I didn't know you could skate," Julie said examining his back.

"I didn't either until I tried...then I did."

"I beg to differ since you hurt yourself falling."

"I'm with Juju. You clearly can't skate. Can you lift your arms?" Vincent instructed then slipped the measuring tape around his broad chest. The measurement was off by less than a quarter of an inch.

Ren prayed that this difference did not screw with Fuji's designs otherwise the designer would probably kill him. Thank goodness tomorrow would be a rehearsal for the runway any snafus would be caught then.

Meanwhile, in an upscale area of Los Angeles, a model and her bodyguard arrived fashionably late to a work party by twenty minutes because they got carried away watching a toddler take his first steps.

AN: Hiya! Thanks for sticking with me! I apologize for the abrupt ending but it was getting long. Next chap will continue the Kuu and Kyoko date. I hope you enjoyed it!

Thank you for reading and the reviews of the last chapter. I appreciate reading your thoughts.

Until next time, Ja ne! ^_^