Chapter 143: Remorseful

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Cedric will have to answer to Daddy Kuu!

"Is everything okay, Ren? You seem tense." Yashiro startled him as he watched Kyoko's interview on the large television screen backstage.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Yashiro-san," Ren replied, flashing him his brightest smile of the night.

Yashiro ignored him and pressed on, "I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that you have a history with him." His manager nodded to Cedric on the screen.

Ren sighed letting his smile drop. It was unfair to Cedric that he kept anticipating for him to screw up. The guy gave him no cause for him to suspect foul play, and yet he silently persisted on condemning him for the past. Would he ever be able to let it go?

"I figured," Yashiro simply replied then returned to watching the screen. That was it; nothing more came of it. The little interruption put Ren at ease, allowing him to focus on his girlfriend rather than the man beside her. She was doing a wonderful job answering the questions and engaging the audience. He was sure she already had many enraptured by her beauty, personality, and grace.

Just when he thought she couldn't be any more incredible, she appeared before him panting and barefoot, stripping him of his jacket with expert precision. Ren stood speechless as his cheeks heated up. He watched her bow to another woman before disappearing.

"Ren, close your mouth before you catch a fly," Yashiro chuckled.

Ren brushed his fingers through his hair roughly and adjusted his tie in an attempt to cover up his embarrassment.

"Kyoko-chan is quite skilled," Yashiro squealed.

Ren couldn't have agreed more. He didn't realize what was happening to him until his jacket was halfway off his arms. He pervertedly wondered just how quick she could strip him out of the rest of his clothes.

"Look at that stance, it's perfect," Yashiro commented, staring at the screen.

Ren shook his head slightly to get his mind out of the gutter when he realized Yashiro was talking about her skills with a sword. He stared at the screen and let out an internal groan. Why? Why did she have to look more tempting and provocative in my jacket?! It covered her up alright, but it only served to emphasize her long lean legs. Every hot-blooded man's fantasy was being fulfilled right about now. Every time she twisted or lunged at Cedric with the wooden blade, the material would ride up a few inches showing silky skin hidden beneath. It was a total tease.

"She watched the swordsmen train enough that she's able to wield that weapon confidently...but Ren, does it look like she's not holding back?" Yashiro asked with worry after Kyoko's blade landed against Cedric's side. The grimace on Cedric's face was evident for a moment, but he managed to school his face. "Is she baiting him?"

"I don't think she appreciates him taking it easy on her," Ren replied. Cedric became serious after she made contact on his shoulder. Ren narrowed his eyes at the screen waiting to see what the actor would do, but the duel ended without incident. The audience was in an uproar when the pair returned to their seats. Once he got the crowd to settle down, Kenny had the audience judge the victor. The crowd cheered for Cedric, but they cheered louder for Kyoko making her the clear winner. Kyoko stood and bowed before the audience, thanking them for the honor. The host eventually said his closing remarks and ended the show.

Ren stood off to the side backstage and waited for her. She exchanged a few more words with the host before walking in his direction with Cedric. Ren ignored the man and smiled once she spotted him. Yashiro was by his side holding a towel and a water bottle he procured from the staff. Before she reached them, she stopped startling Cedric and bowed formally.

"I'm sorry for hitting you, Mr. Bennett! You were a gentleman out there, you should have won. I need to find the props person to borrow a sword. You need to hit me as many times as I hit you."

"Ms. Kyoko, please stop that! There's no way I'm going to hit you back now," he said glancing nervously at Ren. "It was my fault. I'm sorry for not taking our match seriously until you literally knocked some sense into me. I think Mr. Kuresaki would be pleased with this broadcast, don't you think?"

Kyoko agreed enthusiastically and bowed again. "I hope it made many people here anticipate the drama's release." They resumed walking but were stopped by producers, the director, and other crew members to exchange pleasantries along the way. Several people even asked for Kyoko's autograph which she happily signed in Japanese. Those are going to be worth a fortune soon.

Ren took the items from Yashiro and moved to intercept Kyoko before she was stopped again once they got through the initial throng. Thankfully, the area was clearing out. Those that remained were busy working to secure the set to bother them.

"Thank you, Ren," she smiled warmly at him as she took the water. Jacob and Yashiro soon joined them.

"Well done, Ms. Kyoko, I haven't seen anyone give Cedric a thorough beating in years," Jacob joked, handing Cedric a towel and water.

"If you had accompanied me to Japan, you would have seen it daily," Cedric quipped, making everyone laugh including Ren. He enjoyed watching his little girlfriend whoop Cedric's butt out there.

Jacob's phone buzzed while Cedric was in the middle of recalling a moment during The Sacred Lotus filming. Kyoko had kicked him in the gut and nearly made him heave up his lunch. His stories of abuse didn't stop there as he recalled many other similar moments. The manager stepped away to take the call.

Ren didn't miss the smirk playing on Kyoko's lips with every apologetic bob of her head. He exchanged knowing glances with Yashiro. It sounded very much to Ren like his sweet Kyoko had been dishing out some justice on his behalf. He should scold her for it later, but he couldn't stop himself from thinking she was cute.

"That was security," Jacob announced, rejoining the group. "We're going to have to go out the back way. There's a mob of fans at the entrance. Mr. Yashiro, would you like to follow me to retrieve your vehicle. I can help guide you to the back gate."

"Ah yes, thank you," Yashiro said with a small bow. "Try not to get into trouble while I'm away," he addressed his charges. Ren and Kyoko looked at him with wide-eyed innocence.

"You too, huh," Jacob replied sympathetically to Yashiro. "Cedric, I'll message you when we're at the gate so you can lead them out."

"Roger!" He said with a two-finger salute.

Kenny came by on his way out and said one last goodbye. Cedric took the opportunity to introduce Ren to the host. "Kenny, this is Tsuruga Ren. He is the top actor in Japan. If you don't know who he is, you need to watch Tragic Marker."

"Nice to meet you, Ren," he said, shaking his hand. "I've heard amazing things about the film, but I have yet to watch it."

"I understand, sir, life can get hectic. I'm pleased that the international reviews are favorable among those that have watched it," Ren replied cordially.

"I'll have to move it to the top of my queue. Anyway, I have to get home. You all have a goodnight."

Ren and Kyoko bowed to the host and watched him walk away. They followed Cedric back to the green room where they sat awkwardly making small talk while Ren kept his professional smile plastered on his face.

…

"Is this your first time in Los Angeles?" Cedric asked the couple, ignoring the controlled animosity rolling off the Japanese actor. Cedric could only deduce that he was tolerating his presence for the sake of Kyoko. If he only knew the extent of half of what I did in the past, we wouldn't be sitting here right now. I'm no better than Kimi and her cousin. Ugh...my name must be on a lot of hit lists.

Both nodded yes but Kyoko elaborated on their visit so far. She listed some of the tourist attractions they visited and gushed about her first trip to Disneyland. Finally, she mentioned the Hizuris. He was hoping the conversation would somehow lead to the couple without him prying.

"Are you good friends with the Hizuris?" Cedric asked curiously. They seemed intimate at the diner when he spied on them. Anyone could have mistaken them for a family.

"They're family," Kyoko simply replied with a soft smile on her lips and a warm sparkle in her golden eyes.

"Oh!" Cedric squeaked in surprise. He observed Kyoko closely for any physical similarities between her and the couple. "I shouldn't be surprised. The talent runs in your blood."

"Oh no, no, no," she giggled trying to correct him. "We aren't related by blood. You see, I worked with Kuu during his last visit to Tokyo and he sort of unofficially adopted me. They're so kind, they treat me like their daughter."

"Oh," he replied sheepishly.

He could understand why the Hizuris were so taken with her. She had a rare quality that just drew people in once you got to know her. He wondered if it was wise to ask her about Kuon. If she was as close to the older couple as she claimed maybe she would know the whereabouts of their son; unfortunately, his phone chirped making him miss the opportunity.

"Our rides would be here soon," he resigned and stood. The couple quietly followed him out the door and down several halls until they reached a door where a security officer stood guard. Cedric and the couple thanked and bid the man a good night as he held the door open for them.

Once outside he inhaled deeply of the cool refreshing air. Kyoko might not have noticed but it was stifling in that small space with her boyfriend. If the guy did make the move to Hollywood, Cedric would have to extend an olive branch since he was a talented actor. Of course, this was dependent upon him still working in the industry. Everything could easily come crashing down tomorrow. That's just how influential the Hizuris were here.

As they waited for the cars to arrive he received another text. Sorry for the late response. I was on location internationally...can't afford those roaming fees. Anyway, I heard she's in LA.

Cedric perked up and replied. Fashion week?

Yeah, but I don't know which designer she's working for, yet

"Damn," he muttered.

"Bad news?" Ren asked.

Cedric looked up to find the actor staring at him with worry.

"Uh, um, yes, and no. I'm trying to get in touch with an old friend. I have a lead but nothing concrete," he responded, surprised by his expression. He excused himself to type out another text. His best bet was to show up tomorrow evening and try to track her down that way since none of her friends were helpful.

Thankfully, they didn't have to wait long for the cars to arrive. Cedric said good night to the couple and got in the car. There was a high probability that he would see them tomorrow. As Jacob drove out the back gate, his attention shifted to the fans and reporters that had relocated to the back. Cedric suddenly twisted in his seat when he glimpsed a familiar face in the crowd.

"See a ghost," Jacob jested. Cedric chuckled nervously. Pretty much! He righted himself in the passenger seat when the face was lost among the sea of people. I swear that was Chuck!

"Honey, are you in here?" Julie called out sticking her head into the media room. Kuu was on his laptop while the interview between Kyoko and Cedric replayed on the jumbo screen. "There you are! I've been looking all over the house for you!"

"Hi, honey," Kuu greeted with a warm smile. He put his laptop on the coffee table and stood to embrace his beautiful wife. "You looked gorgeous in that dress tonight."

"You saw?" she asked as he led her back to the couch.

"Our little girl sent me a video. I'm sorry I couldn't make it tonight." They sat down and he automatically lifted her feet on his lap so he could rub the weariness out of them. It was something he had always done as her husband whenever they had time to just sit and talk at the end of the night.

"You know that doesn't bother me. You have your career too. By the way, thank you for the flowers. They were lovely."

"You're welcome."

"Are you still good for tomorrow night?"

"Yup! Mac said we're still on track."

Julie pulled her feet away and sat up to lean against his chest. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "I'm so happy, Kuu. We get to see him," she choked out. He squeezed her tighter and stroked her hair until she got her emotions under control. They stared at the screen while Cedric was interviewed. He wondered if he should tell her about the meeting he had scheduled with the actor tomorrow among other things. Whatever the actor wanted it probably wasn't good.

"Were you able to watch Kyoko's interview?"

She nodded against his chest. "I watched it on the ride home. I'm glad you both found her."

"Me too, honey." Kuu kissed the crown of her head. "Want to see something good?" He asked, reaching for his laptop. Julie sat up and swiped away the tears with the back of her hand.

"Is this the video from Kyoko?" Julie asked. With a few clicks, Kuu had it displayed on the big screen. Julie glanced at Kuu skeptically. Kyoko did a terrible job at filming her. It was clear she was overly excited and very distracted while Julie came down the runway.

"Trust me it gets better," Kuu assured her.

After a moment, Kuu smiled when he heard Julie's gasp beside him, and tried not to grimace when she dug her fingers into his forearm. He paused it at that moment so she could gaze upon her son's loving face to her heart's content. Kyoko had either purposefully or accidentally turned her camera to capture their son's expression as he watched his mother. The awe and pride beaming on his face would make any mother's heart flutter. Kyoko probably noticed the significance of it which was why she didn't edit this rough portion out before sending it to him.

"Oh, honey, you're crying again." He pulled his wife in closer and rubbed her back soothingly while she sobbed into his shirt.

"I can't help it. I'm too happy and the thought of them leaving us again, it's...it's...unbearable," she wailed.

"Shhhh," he cooed, "Everything is different now. Didn't we get the save the date card in the mail? Time will fly so fast that we'll get to see them in no time. You can easily pass the time trying to figure out how to spoil them."

Julie chortled through her cries. This time Kuu wiped the tears glistening at the corner of her eyes.

"Jules," Kuu hesitated after several quiet moments. His wife hummed from her comfortable position on his shoulder as she stared at her son. He should have saved Kyoko's video to put her back in a good mood. "There's something I need to tell you," he confessed seriously and removed his arms from around her.

Julie scrunched up her brows, confused but braced herself for his news.

"I received a call from Timothy Moore earlier today," he began. When she didn't immediately recognize the name he clarified, "our lawyer."

"Oh, Tim. What did he want?"

"He told me that the young men that attacked Kuon have both been released. They've been out since last week."

Julie bristled in her seat and her sea-green eyes flashed with anger. "What? Why are we only hearing about this now? Why are we paying that lawyer if he can't even do his job properly!"

"There was a delay in communication. You know how bogged down those government offices are. He notified me as soon as he found out."

"Ugh, seriously! Where are all our tax dollars going?" She ranted. She froze and stared at Kuu. "Do you think these boys are dangerous? Will they retaliate?"

"I honestly don't know, honey. Tim said they served their time. Hopefully, they don't waste this second chance by starting trouble. But just in case, I don't want you going off alone if you can help it. I notified the guards outside to take extra precautions."

"Kuon!" She wailed. "What if th-,"

"He's safe now. He's Ren," Kuu told her. His son had no idea he had pushed to send those boys that attacked him to jail. With Lory's connections, they managed to keep Kuon out of the loop completely since he was a minor and in no position mentally to react. His assailants' confessions were enough for the judge to approve the plea deals without his son's testimony. If Kuon knew, he would most likely have beat himself up with guilt.

Kuu was still wrestling with the decision to tell him or not. His son was no longer a fragile teenager. Kuu had no doubt his son could handle the truth, and hopefully he could find it in his heart to forgive him for not telling him.

"There's more. Tomorrow morning I have a meeting with Cedric Bennett." He shook his head to keep her from speaking. "I don't know what he wants, but I'm going to find out... and no you are not coming with me. I promise I will call you as soon as it's over to tell you all about it."

Julie pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes at him. She said nothing and crossed her arms. His heart plummeted as she assumed her stubborn stance. Kuu knew that if he didn't follow through with his promise tomorrow, he would most likely end up sleeping in the doghouse. For how long, he couldn't say. Julie was an expert at giving him the cold shoulder when it was justified.

"Do you want to watch our daughter own that boy on the big screen until the kids get home?" He asked as a peace offering. He saw the small glimmer of a smile play on her lips. It wasn't much, but it was enough to assure him that she wouldn't go to bed upset with him.

The next morning, Kuu shocked Kuon and Kyoko when he told them not to cook so much food since he wouldn't be joining them for breakfast. It was adorable how they expertly maneuvered around one another preparing the meal.

"Why didn't you tell me you had an early call? We could have skipped surfing so you could eat properly," Kuon complained. Kuu wanted to laugh. Kyoko had rubbed off of him if he was worried about food. His pouting son was so cute.

"Why? I like surfing with you. There will be food on the set," Kuu said while taking a chunk out of an apple. "It's a must in all my contracts," Kuu informed him between crunching on the red fruit. He went into the pantry and stuffed his jacket pockets with snacks for the road.

Kuon chuckled after him as he left the kitchen. Everyone but Julie would have an early morning today. She told him she would use the time to finalize some of the logistics for the upcoming gala. Even though they had an event coordinator for that, she wanted to make sure everything would be perfect.

...

Kuu browsed the local police blotter for any recent news on Kuon's attackers while he waited for Cedric to show up. So far, he had not seen their name but there was still a long list of criminals to go through spanning over several days. The descriptions of some of the crimes made him sick to his stomach. It was a good thing it was emptier than usual. Glancing at the clock on his phone told him that he had about five minutes left before Cedric showed up. He notified security that he was expecting the young actor this morning and to please guide him to his dressing room.

He wasn't sure if it was wise to be alone with one of Kuon's alleged bullies. It was implied but Kuon never provided any details regarding the guy. Kuu wasn't sure how he would react to the guy, but Cedric would learn fast that he had a temper when it came to the safety of his family. He never wanted to feel as helpless as he did during that Morizumi incident. It was hard staying put in California when his kids' lives were endangered.

Kuu put his phone down and closed his eyes in meditation. It wouldn't help anyone if he got too emotional and did something regretful. A strong rap on his dressing room door pulled him out of his zen state. He stood to answer the door.

A red-eyed, pale-faced, Cedric along with one of the security guards stood outside. Kuu invited Cedric inside but spent a few moments talking with the chatty guard. He was finally able to shut the door without being rude. His demeanor turned serious once the door was closed. He turned around to face Cedric and was shocked to find him kneeling on the hard floor with his forehead pressed to the ground prostrating in a perfect dogeza.

Of all the scenarios that ran through Kuu's mind this morning, he never imagined this one.

"What is this? What's going on Cedric?" He asked sternly. Cedric replied with his head still bowed but his words were muffled so Kuu didn't catch anything he said.

Cedric repeated himself, still talking to the floor. Kuu sighed exasperatedly. The guy was shaking like a leaf. He squatted on his haunches beside Cedric and began patting him down at his waist. He played a cop enough times in his career to recognize the unstable behavior of someone that was nearing the end of his rope.

"What are you doing!" Cedric shrieked and scurried away from Kuu's roaming hands. Kuu sighed heavily again and stood up staring down at the guy. Cedric was still sweating profusely but at least some of the blood returned to his face.

"Are you carrying a weapon?" Kuu asked bluntly. Cedric stared at him blankly so he continued. "A gun, knife, mace, taser?" He was stunned by Kuu's questions.

"Are you on any drugs, kid? Quaaludes? Ecstasy? Pot? What do kids use these days? Ice? Coke?"

Cedric shook his head. "I'm not on any drugs...well I did have some shots of whiskey for breakfast this morning but I feel fine."

"So you're not here to kill me?"

"What? No! God, no! Why would you think that? I'm here to apologize. Did I do the dogeza wrong? I researched and watched a few videos to get it right?"

"You researched a dogeza?" Kuu asked sarcastically.

"W- well...as a Japanese American I thought it would have a deeper meaning to you if I apologized that way."

"And what do you have to apologize for that you would prostrate yourself so early in the morning to a man that is practically a stranger to you."

Cedric turned away with a troubled face. Kuu watched him close his eyes and quietly count to ten. When he focused back on him, Cedric was calm again.

"Because it's all my fault. That night. What happened to Kuon and his friend. It was all my fault."

Kuu felt the air rush from his lungs. His vision turned red as rage coursed through his veins. His body trembled with anger as he grabbed Cedric's collar. Not once during the investigation, did this young man's name come up. He had been a sleaze as a teen and by the reports of his last scandal, he was still a sleaze.

"I won't hold it against you. If you want to beat me, kill me, blacklist me...or hell, throw me in prison...just please end my misery because I'm too much of a coward to do it myself," Cedric said in a hollow voice.

Kuu gasped and released him, letting him crumple to the ground. He stared at the vulnerable young man that just confessed he was tired of living. Less than ten hours ago this man had confidently wielded a sword in a mock battle with Kyoko and had his fans drooling over him. It was crazy to think that this was the same man, no, kid. He was only a couple years older than Kuon which made him a kid in Kuu's book. His anger dissipated as he observed the broken human being in front of him. Kuon admitting, last night, that he thought he had changed floated through his mind.

"Why did you target my son?"

Cedric snorted and stared back at Kuu. "I can give you a hundred reasons...my dad didn't love me, my mother was overbearing but it all boils down to good old jealousy."

This kid can't be serious! He was as evasive as Kuon. He thought about the conversations he had with Cedric's parents and could understand a little of where he was coming from. But Eltra wasn't like that so what was the real reason.

"Weak sauce, right? Teachers, directors, producers, my father, girls...no matter what I did or how hard I worked didn't matter. I'm a Duris first and a Bennett second. I couldn't compete with him if it wasn't for my family name. God, it used to piss me off! And no matter how much my friends and I bullied him, he never once defended himself. Then I heard he finally snapped and started fighting back. I stupidly thought I could be the one to put him back in his place. He was outnumbered that night but his strength," Cedric gulped and shuddered at the memory. "It...it was monstrous. I feared for my life so I ran. I ran and I didn't look back and somebody died and kids went to jail because of me."

Kuu was silent and contemplative. He couldn't put the full blame on this kid for what happened to Kuon. He should have known what was happening to his son. Kuu should never have put his career first and his family second. During that time he didn't think of it that way. He loved his family dearly above all, but it didn't mean anything if he was always working. He thought improving his skills and repertoire would guarantee them a lifetime of happiness through gainful employment. He couldn't have been so wrong.

"It's been over six years, why the sudden change of heart?" Kuu asked suspiciously.

"Somehow without him around my envy just disappeared. I felt like I could breathe again. I've been thinking about this for years. I've rehearsed what I would say to him if I ever got the chance. I've tried to clean up my act but karma's still a bitch. My recent work and the incident in Japan finally compelled me to take responsibility. I hesitated, fearing what it would do to my family, but in the end, I need to do this for myself. I'm in no position to make demands, but I implore you, Mr. Hizuri. Whatever you decide to do, make it all fall on me. I don't want my family to get dragged into my problems."

Kuu slumped on the couch and ran his hands over his face. He honestly had no idea what to do at this point but he was saved by a knock on his door.

"Kuu are you in there? The caterers are here if you're hungry."

Dammit! He wasn't lying when he told the kids it was built into his contract. He motioned for Cedric to get off the floor. It would look bad if people saw a young man like that in his dressing room before hours. They would get the wrong idea. Kuu was about to point Cedric to the bathroom where he could clean up but suddenly thought that would be a bad idea too. Cedric moved quickly to straighten his rumpled suit then took a seat.

Kuu went to the door and opened it. The caterer rolled in the large breakfast cart laden with baked goods, fruit, pastries, eggs, and various meats.

"Eh, I didn't know you had a visitor," Mac said, stepping in after the caterer left. Kuu automatically began piling food onto a plate.

"Cedric Bennett, Mac. Mac, Cedric Bennett." Kuu walked to Cedric and handed him the plate and returned for another one for himself. Cedric greeted the director then went back to picking at his food.

"Ehhhhhh?" Mac exclaimed.

"Can you believe this kid? He was pitching me for a role to be his father in a movie. Do I look that old to you Mac?" Kuu sulked, taking a seat at the couch. His plate had twice the amount of food as Cedric's.

Mac roared with laughter. "I hate to break it to you, but yes, you are that old!"

Kuu was grateful the director phrased it delicately. He would still have to keep up pretenses in front of others and act like Kuon was lost to him. Mac knew how sensitive he was to any references to his son.

"Anyway, I'll leave you to your breakfast," Mac said with a wave. "Good meeting you, Cedric. Good luck with this guy."

"Yeah, thanks. I'll need it," Cedric replied as he left.

Kuu focused on shoveling food into his mouth. Cedric sat there with his mouth agape watching him eat. Kuu paused to swallow what was already in his mouth.

"Eat!" He demanded pointing at Cedric's plate with his fork. Cedric jolted and ate a few more bites before stopping again.

Kuu inhaled the rest of his food and set his plate down making Cedric follow suit. He had barely touched his plate.

"I've never seen anyone eat like that before," Cedric said, awed by the cleanliness of Kuu's plate.

"I'm a stress eater," Kuu defended himself. It was partly true. He usually ate with more etiquette most of the time, but this morning he welcomed the distraction.

"I'm sorry to disrupt your work."

"I still have some time. What about you?"

"Huh?" Cedric replied confused by the question

"Don't you have work obligations of your own? You can't stay here all day."

"But what I just told you. Aren't you angry?"

Kuu stood and poured himself some orange juice. "Want some?" He offered. "There's water too. You should drink something else besides whiskey." Kuu wondered about his question. He was angry alright but where would that get him.

"Are you serious, right now?" Cedric asked incredulously. "Shouldn't you call the police? Have me arrested? Alert the media! Demand justice...something...anything?"

"What good would any of that do? Would it bring Rick back? Would my son come back home?" Kuu shouted angrily, stepping toward Cedric.

Cedric stepped back in fear and dropped his gaze to the floor.

"If you're truly remorseful," Kuu sighed, releasing his anger. He walked to his bag and pulled out a five by seven-inch orange envelope with fancy black script and handed it to Cedric. He would have to let Julie know about the addition.

Cedric's hand shook as he opened it up. "You want me to attend this charity ball?"

"Yes, if your apology was heartfelt. I think this would be good for you. Attend and support the cause. Your grandfather always made a big donation and now I know why."

"He was only trying to protect me. Please don't think poorly of him," Cedric pleaded.

Kuu waved his hand, "It's fine. I have hair and makeup arriving soon so I think you should go."

"Okay," Cedric complied. "I'm leaving my card here in case you wanted to talk more. If you change your mind, can you give me the courtesy to turn myself in."

Kuu chuckled, "You got it, kid. I know it's going to be hard to go on from here but do your best."

"Thanks, Mr. Hizuri," Cedric smiled warmly and left the room.

"Holy hell!" Kuu said in exasperation and locked the door behind him. He ran his hands roughly through his golden hair and yanked in frustration. He needed to call Julie before the stylists arrived. Hopefully, he made the right decision in letting him go.

AN: Ahhhh! I don't know what I did here. It was heavy and then Kuu happened..LOL. I took a lot of inspiration from the manga on his visit when he reunited with Kuon. Sensei is amazing! Thank you for sticking with me, dear readers. Someday, I will get back on track, but for now, I seem to be stuck on Thursday nights, EST. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it.

OMG spoilers, Yuki is every bit the Super Manager I knew he could be, cue his fangirling in secret next chap. I'm bummed on Rick's real name...it's not even shorter...LOL. But I'm so excited to see Tina moving on and she doesn't seem batshit crazy so far. Sensei always dishes out the good stuff.

Thank you for always reading and I appreciated all the reviews of the last chapter. Kyaaaaa! All your love made me so happy!

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^