Chapter 153: Crush Me

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Reino would do some time for being a creeper.

"Good evening, sir," the butler greeted as soon as he yanked open the door, startling Cedric.

"Jeez, Mason!" Cedric exclaimed. He had been in the middle of using his key to unlock the front door of his parents' house hoping not to disturb the staff. He had no clue why he was so on edge. Maybe it was because his father had called him demanding his presence or maybe it was the fact that he couldn't shake the doom and gloom feeling he had toward that creepy Japanese man he bumped into backstage.

He acted like I had the plague. What did he say again? He said you were tainted, dumbass! That's pretty fucking weird to say to someone you don't know. And on top of that, Ren and Kyoko seemed to have a bad history with him.

Mason cleared his throat pulling him out of his thoughts. Cedric took a few calming breaths before addressing the family butler. "Shouldn't you be asleep?" Cedric asked, retrieving his keys from the lock.

The butler chuckled and shook his head. "Mr. Cal told me you were coming so I was awaiting your arrival. Is there anything I can get for you, sir"

"No, thank you. I'm fine. Now that I'm here you can retire for the night, Mason."

"Very good. He's waiting for you in his study, sir."

Cedric raised a curious brow at him and looked around the foyer to see if his father was nearby listening in. It felt weird having this man that he's known since he was a toddler act so formal with him. "Stop with all the sirs. It makes me feel old," Cedric said, lightheartedly.

Mason chuckled. "You don't know the meaning of old...Good night then, Ceddy."

"Good night," Cedric replied. He watched the butler disappear down the hall in the direction of his room for a few moments before turning toward his father's study.

"Come in," his father called out after he rapped on the door. Cedric took a deep breath and turned the knob.

He had a vague idea why his father wanted him at this hour, but he hoped it would be quick since Honoka was waiting for his call. He had used her text as an excuse to leave the Hizuris and his Japanese friends amidst something so serious. He could sense Ren holding back from explaining the situation to the others because of his presence. He was the outsider there no matter how much he wanted to be helpful. Her message allowed him to save face and leave. He was sure Kuu would be able to sort everything out.

On his way to see Honoka, his father called "asking" for him to drop by the house tonight. Cedric almost wished he had ignored the call and carried on with his plans. His father's serious tone left him no room to refuse the invitation. After redirecting the driver, he texted Honoka that he would be delayed because of a family issue and would call her when he was done. Her response was swift and sweet.

It's okay if you can't make it. Family is important. Hopefully, we can get together before I leave for Japan.

Cedric knew the right thing to do was to agree and let her recover from her injury, but he found himself responding with a last-ditch effort. Can I call you when I'm finished?

Sure, I'd like that.

He pushed open the door and halted at the sight of his father wearing pajamas with a robe over it while sitting on the brown leather sofa reading some documents. What surprised him was that his father's free hand was petting his mother's hair as she laid in her nightgown and robe softly snoring on his lap. It had been so long since he witnessed something so intimate between his parents that it caught him off guard. To be fair, there wasn't much opportunity for him to observe such a setting with his parents since he started moving independently as a young teen. For all he knew, this was a common nightly occurrence. He couldn't help feeling just a little bit envious of them right now.

Callister tossed the document on the tufted coffee table and pulled off his reading glasses, motioning for Cedric to take the seat before him. He moved to the seat quietly, careful not to disturb his mother. She looked at peace compared to the way she was earlier.

"Your mother told me what happened at the fashion show. I didn't think you were stupid enough to go back there so soon," Callister sighed, continuing to thread his fingers through his wife's hair.

"Dad, it's not what you think." Cedric began, his voice rising in his need to explain. Callister put his index finger over his lips when Karina stirred beside him, signaling Cedric to keep his voice down.

Cedric clamped his mouth shut, chagrined. "Sorry," he whispered.

"You were saying?" Callister prodded for him to continue.

"I wasn't there to pick up a date or anything." That was the truth. What he had with Honoka didn't count. Their relationship was purely friendship; he wasn't trying to hook up with her. Cedric licked his lips as his throat became parched.

"Do you mind if I get a drink?" He asked, suddenly changing the subject.

Callister waved his hand. Cedric stood and walked past the bar of liquor, opening the minifridge hidden behind the oak wood paneling. "Do you want anything?"

"I'm fine."

Cedric returned to his seat and twisted open a bottle of water. It could be his imagination, but he thought his father had an expression that crossed between surprise and respect. Why is he looking at me like that? He took a few swigs of the cool drink, buying time to prepare himself for the lecture to come. Honoka would probably be sleeping by the time this was over. Surprisingly, his father waited patiently for him. It was unnerving.

"I was there looking for Viola," Cedric blurted, then covered his mouth. Thankfully, his mother remained asleep. The alcohol in her system probably helped dull her senses. His declaration, however, didn't seem to surprise Callister.

"Were you satisfied that I didn't have her whacked?" Callister asked with a bitter laugh. Cedric's eyes widened. The thought did cross his mind a time or two when he couldn't get in touch with her. He wondered how far his father would go to protect the family's reputation. He already knew where his grandfather and mother stood on that matter. His father, on the other hand, baffled him.

"Contrary to your belief, I'm not that awful. Viola and I came to an agreement we could both live with while you were abroad. I give her a lump sum of money, a new face, and a new identity, and in return, she signs an affidavit absolving you of the accusations she brought against you and stay away. However, it seems she just violated that agreement tonight," Callister finished icily.

"She didn't!" Cedric panicked. "I sought her out. I recognized her through sheer dumb luck. It's over now... I won't have anything to do with her anymore."

His father became thoughtful considering Cedric's response.

"Fine!" He finally said. "I'll let this one go."

Cedric knew he should be relieved, but he could never relax where his father was concerned. He never knew what to expect.

"About tonight with your mother," Callister began. "She told me her version of what happened with Julie Hizuri. Judging by the slurring of her words, I should take it with a grain of salt. It's a good thing you were there for her."

What?! Cedric gulped. Were his ears playing tricks on him? This was an unexpected development from his father.

"As much as it irritated me to see your mother and grandfather spoil you rotten. I mean, they practically let you get away with murder. It's finally good to see you taking responsibility for your life."

"Y- you know?" Cedric stammered. His body broke out in a cold sweat and his heart threatened to beat out of his chest. Cedric thought he was on the verge of having a panic attack or a heart attack. He never experienced either one but assumed it would feel just like this moment.

"Your actions were never a secret from me and neither was your mother's. There's a point in every young man's life where they need to sow their wild oats. Thankfully, your stint didn't have you blacklisted or do any lasting damage to the family. You're still a highly sought after actor and your skills have been rapidly improving."

Cedric didn't know what to say as his mouth hung agape. His father just admitted he's known about all the crap he pulled in his youth including what happened that night and now he was being praised for his work. At least he took it as praise. It was the most positive thing his father had ever said to him in his adult life. His heart now had a different reason for beating erratically.

"Your mother, on the other hand, is suffering. She's struggling to find her place in life again now that you no longer need her. I think this might help," he leaned forward, picked up the packet he threw on the table earlier and handed it to Cedric. "She's been getting on my case a lot about helping you with work."

So it was his mother's doing. Cedric refused to be defeated and glanced down at the document in his hand. It was a script for a lead role.

"There will be auditions in two weeks for the male lead. I'll send all the details to Jacob. I think with your current skill level, you can pull this off. This doesn't mean I'm endorsing you. It's entirely up to you to prove to the directors and sponsors that you deserve this part. This is probably not what your mother had in mind, but I can't change how I operate. You either have it or you don't, regardless of your name. "

Cedric nodded. This was more than enough for him. His father would never have given him this script if he didn't think he could do it.

"Thanks. I understand," Cedric replied. I won't let you down. He was too cowardly to say it aloud in fear that he would fail. Cedric rose from his seat since their conversation seemed to be over.

"And another thing before you go, make more time for your mother. You're her pride and joy."

Just hers? He was unable to keep the slight bitterness in his heart out of his thoughts. He said good night and headed for the door taking the script with him. He peered once more at his parents before closing the door behind him.

"Honey, let's get you to bed," Callister whispered to his wife trying to wake her. Cedric sighed and closed the door.

Once he was out of the house, he pulled out his phone. The conversation with his father didn't take too long so he dialed Honoka's number as he walked toward the waiting car. He told the driver to start heading for the hotel again.

"Hi," he greeted when she picked up on the third ring. "Were you sleeping?"

"Hi," she greeted him back in her soft accented voice. "I'm surprisingly wide awake."

It was great that she could speak English fairly well. He may have had to stop often to explain what he meant sometimes but they could hold a decent conversation. Plus, he was still practicing his Japanese.

"Is everything okay with your family?"

"Yeah," he laughed giddily, looking down at the script in his hand.

"It sounds like good news, care to share."

"Is it okay to come over? We can sit in the hotel café."

"Sure, let me know when you arrive."

"Okay, I should be there in about…."

"Thirty minutes, sir," the driver called back to him after overhearing his conversation.

Honoka laughed softly hearing the man. "I'll see you in a half-hour then," she said, before hanging up.

Cedric smiled and used the illumination from his phone screen to peruse the script to past the time. He had two weeks to develop a strong character.

Reino had concluded that this was the worst night of his life. He decided that once he was free from his confines, he would initiate a cleansing ritual to rid himself of the bad luck surrounding him. Three premonitions, no make that four, counting the police officer that cuffed him, in one night was a curse in his honest opinion. Someone was out there cursing him.

All he wanted to do was open her eyes to the violent men currently in her life. Ren and that other American fellow were mere puppies compared to the man she called father. What had he done wrong to deserve such harsh treatment from that man? He tried explaining the situation to the officers but they refused to listen. They had some blind faith in that man named Kuu Hizuri.

"You keep mentioning Kuu Hizuri, who is he?" Reino asked politely, hoping they could understand his English with his strong accent.

"Only one of the greatest action stars to walk the Earth," the officer in the passenger seat responded.

"So he's a famous actor?"

"That's right!"

Reino sat back, churning this new information in his head. That would explain the stage name and appearance change of his son. Ren wanted to distance himself from his parents. He was aware of the pain Ren endured as a child from touching Kyoko's stone. Their recent family reunion was rather touching. His gift wasn't exact but he managed to see Kyoko's near-death experience twice by the hands of that girl and her manager. She was so vile, Reino almost found her attractive if it wasn't for the madness that plagued her mind. He was interested in following up on that girl's story. It would probably give him insight on what to expect in retaliation should those men come after him. He had no intention of getting on their bad side any further.

Reino's normally pale face turned a deep shade of red now as he recalled the memory that stunned and knocked him on his ass. Gods, he hoped the cleansing ritual would suppress those visions. He didn't need to remember her expression when in the throes of passion. It was pure torture now that he had time to replay it in his mind. He didn't have a chance to think about it back at the venue, which probably saved his ass. Any indication about what he saw would have probably signed his death warrant.

He meditated for a few moments as the police car continued to zoom down the streets of LA. Once calm, he focused on compartmentalizing that memory in his brain and sending it to the far reaches of his mind. It was a temporary solution for now, but at least he could function normally without embarrassing himself further.

"Am I under arrest?" Reino asked the officer at the precinct.

"No. No charges were pressed against you. Kuu Hizuri asked us to hold you until you sobered up."

There was that name again. He wasn't even a police officer, and these men took his advice. Reino bit his tongue to keep from retorting. Was this even legal? He didn't know. He wasn't familiar with the laws of this land.

"I need identification. Since you're a foreigner, we would need a passport or visa to release you," a processing officer asked.

Reino cursed. He didn't have either on him. Miroku carried that stuff for him. All he had was his wallet.

"I don't have either, just my wallet and driver's license of my home country."

The officer nodded to the one behind him. "Where is your wallet?"

"In my coat pocket."

The officer patted down the leather, then reached inside to remove the wallet and handing it to the desk officer. He proceeded to pat Reino down some more and removed his cell phone.

"Is there someone you can call to bring those documents? We can't let you leave without presenting those." Reino sighed and jiggled the cuffs behind his back.

"He's going to remove your cuffs, so don't try any funny business."

Reino braced himself for the officer's touch. He wasn't about to subject himself to another wave of visions from this man. He was surprised that this man could still serve and protect the community with a kind heart after the darkness he'd witnessed from some of the citizens. The worst image to date had to be the murder scene of a slain mother and child by an abusive husband. Eventually, he would need to pack that one away too.

There was a technique he could use to keep from seeing other's visions. The incidences today caught him off guard that he wasn't able to apply it before he was touched. It didn't help that during those times, he was physically assaulted in some capacity. He wasn't lying when he said he was weak to pain.

Reino made his call to Miroku. He was annoyed that his friend didn't answer the phone and had to leave a voicemail. Afterward, he was brought to the communal holding cell. The last of his freedoms were stripped away by the sound of the cell door grating on its hinges and locking in place. His nose wrinkled at the awful smell and fought the bile threatening to rise from his throat. He glanced at the soiled single toilet sitting in the corner. He refused to throw up in there.

His gaze landed on the biggest of his companions. When the man smiled, Reino could see he was missing teeth.

"Well aren't you just a pretty boy."

Reino gulped down the little bit of acid that rose into his mouth and prayed to all the deities that Miroku would come for him soon.

Kyoko was suffering from a bad case of déjà vu. She recalled sitting like this in the Darumaya with her father wearing a similar expression when he demanded to know about Shotaro. It was easy to brush it off then since their relationship was so new. Eventually, he found out the truth and Shotaro got to live. If her father knew the extent to which Reino had harassed her she doubted the singer would remain alive.

"I can see the gears in your brain turning, young lady," Julie accused, narrowing her sharp green eyes at Kyoko. "Don't think about lying to us."

Nooooo! Now, mom is upset with me! Stupid Beagle! I hope he rots in jail for eternity. It's for their protection that I don't tell them. "I don't want any of my loved ones to go to jail for murder."

"It's only murder, if they find a body," all three parents responded in unison.

Kyoko blinked in surprise, speechless by their response. There wasn't a hint of laughter in their expressions. What she found baffling was the fact that they could read her mind. Did everyone have that power but her?

"No, baby. You said that part out loud," Kuon assured her, grinning from ear to ear. Why was he smiling? Didn't he know she was in trouble?

"Oh," Kyoko grumbled. Obviously, he's a mind reader since I didn't even say anything at that time.

Tadashi reached across the table and covered her hand giving it an encouraging squeeze.

"I saw real fear on your face when you noticed him. My imagination is running away with me and I can't help but imagine every horrible scenario that a man like that could inflict on a beautiful young woman like yourself. The fact that he's still breathing gives me hope that I'm overreacting."

Kuon squirmed in his seat when Tadashi glanced at him. Kyoko leaned into him to offer comfort. It wasn't his fault Reino got away unscathed. To their surprise, he had retreated so easily with a small threat from Ren. She would normally think of him as nothing more than a nuisance, but now that she knew so much about Kuon she feared what Reino would do for revenge.

"It's not like that. At least it didn't reach that point." She began biting her bottom lip.

"Maybe you can start at the beginning," Julie suggested. "How did you meet him?"

"Is it okay if I speak Japanese?" It would be an added precaution in case someone overheard their conversation. She wasn't important here but she didn't want the Hizuris to be targeted with bad press because of her.

"Of course, honey," Julie assured her. "Whatever makes you comfortable."

Kyoko did as Julie suggested while Kuu whispered in her ear to translate once in a while. She started by telling them about how Reino targeted her because of a rivalry he had with Shotaro and her involvement in the Prisoner PV. Once she started she couldn't stop, but she kept her voice low to make sure no one was listening even if she was speaking in her native tongue. When she was through laying the foundation for Reino's motives, she hesitantly told them about Karuizawa. Kyoko's grudges were in heaven, swirling around, feeding off the dark aura, of four very pissed-off people. The negative waves emanating from their little shelter in the back were so strong that the waiter was too terrified to check on them. She thought it would be best to leave out the fact that Reino had got as far as unzipping her costume that day.

"Did he hurt you?" Tadashi seethed, barely containing his anger.

Kyoko shook her head vigorously. "Only my pride."

"Why didn't the kidnapper tell us about this?" Julie accused Kuu.

"Lory never said a thing to me," Kuu defended himself.

"I decided to keep things quiet. Only those at the scene and a select few know the truth. I didn't want Dark Moon to suffer because of me. I'm sorry."

Julie sighed, exasperatedly. "No, honey, you're not to blame. These types of things happen all the time in this industry, its disgusting. In the future, please come forward at once. I can't keep letting this happen to my kids. We're your family, now. We'll always be there to protect you."

Kyoko looked up and nodded at each parent. It was nice having their support on top of Kuon's and her friends.

"Is there anything else? You both mentioned psychic powers," Tadashi prodded some more.

She hated that Reino had a strange power that had rendered her helpless. It wasn't until after Kuon arrived on site that she felt brave enough to face him. That also ended up backfiring on her when Reino nullified her corn stone's fairy magic.

Kuon took over telling that part of the story from when he found her alone with Reino wrestling on the floor. Their anger spiked once again after hearing that part. Kuon moved quickly past it to explain Reino's "sixth sense" as he pieced together both his and Kyoko's experience with the man.

"So we aren't entirely sure what this man knows, but he's convincing enough that you both are worried?" Kuu clarified.

The young couple both nodded. Kyoko was kicking herself for her impatience. She could have found out what he knew if she hadn't been so cocky. At the time, she didn't want to hear what he had to say in case she gave away too much that would jeopardize Kuon's career.

"I'm afraid he knows Kuon's true identity. I don't know what he's going to do with that information."

"Kuu-san and I had a nice little chat with him. He won't do anything reckless," Tadashi promised. There was a hint in his voice that suggested things wouldn't end there for Reino. She knew nothing she could say would stop her father from seeking justice, case, and point, the incident with Morizumi Kimiko. She appreciated his devotion to her safety and thought that this was for the best. If Reino enjoyed tormenting her, who's to say there weren't other victims out there lucky enough to have fathers like her.

"Thank you, father." She thanked Kuu and Julie too.

"There's no need to thank us. That's what parents do for their kids."

Kuon and Kyoko both nodded as their cheeks grew hot. It was still a bit difficult for them to accept such selflessness from their parents after being without for so long.

"So who's ready for seconds," Kuu asked enthusiastically reverting to English now that the serious conversation was over. "All this talking made me hungry again."

Everyone groaned except her father. He laughed and second the idea of ordering more food. Kyoko was glad her father was getting along with the Hizuris. She leaned over and kissed Kuon on the cheek. She shook her head shyly when he raised his brows, silently asking, what was that for? She was grateful to him for trusting her father with his secret. It had been difficult to keep that a secret during her conversations and video chats with him.

"Princess, I owe you another apology," Tadashi fretted.

"For what?" she prodded, taking a sip from her virgin cocktail. Her father once again had everyone's attention at the table. She couldn't think of anything that would require an apology unless… Kyoko didn't want to entertain the idea that he wouldn't be returning to Japan as promised.

"You see...the thing is…" Tadashi rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I don't know if you're aware of this, but I sort of asked Sota to monitor your fan sites and remove all derogatory posts."

"Oh, that's it?" Kyoko felt the tension leave her body as relief washed over her. "So that article was true. I should be thanking you instead for taking the initiative. Though I love you for it, you can't protect me from every little thing. Actors face criticism from 'fans' all the time. I should face that reality sooner rather than later. Can you please ask him to stop so I can see what the non-fans are saying about me...about us?"

"Are you sure that's what you want?"

"Yes, and if I don't like them I can delete them myself," she offered.

"I'll let Sota know."

...

The remainder of the time Tadashi had with them flew by as they ate and chatted about the fashion shows and the new offer the kids had in LA. Tadashi wished he could stay another day, but it would be unfair to Mya if he left her to deal with tomorrow's board meeting alone. Kuon and Kyoko kindly gave him a ride to the airport where his private plane awaited. He gave them one final assurance that everything will be fine before boarding the aircraft. Once in the air, he called Sota using the phone on board.

"So how's the princess doing?"

"She's doing fine. You'll see it on the news soon if the Japanese reporters are smart enough to cover it."

"What's the new tasking?"

Tadashi smiled. Leave it to Sota to always know. "The princess wants us to cease deleting the posts from the sites."

"I figured as much. That little lady is one tough cookie." Sota chortled. "And…"

"And I need you to get me everything you can on the lead vocalist of the band, Vie Ghoul," Tadashi specified, his voice devoid of all humor.

"The princess?"

"Yes."

"I almost feel sorry for the guy."

"Thanks, Sota."

"I'll be in touch."

Tadashi ended the call and booted up his laptop. He would pass the time getting some much-needed work done before the episode of Ryu aired. December was fast approaching and he still had a lot to do to make the transition smoothly.

"Do you want to wash your hair," Kuon asked over the sound of the water spilling from the built-in waterfall and into the spring-like tub. He shook the excess water off the hand that he used to check the temperature. Kyoko shook her head and lifted her hands to gather her hair. In the reflection of the mirror, she watched him step close behind her, his presence so distracting that she lost hold of her hair.

"Let me," his rich velvety voice murmured into her ear while his hands settled firmly on her hips. His hot breath on her ear, shot a jolt through her body, shocking her core. She squeezed her thighs together as a dull throbbing started in her nether region. Unable to concentrate with him so near, Kyoko took him up on his offer and dropped her hands. His fingers slid up the side of her body grazing the sides of her breasts then up her back. Her rosy tips puckered at the brief caress and strained against the pasties still attached to her skin. A contented sigh escaped her lips as his dexterous fingers stroked her scalp, gathering her hair and twisting it into a small bun at the top of her head.

Kyoko blinked her eyes open as he leaned over for the clip resting on the countertop. She watched him frown after he clamped the hair. His eyes moved back to the countertop searching for something. She saw the shift in his gaze as he seemed to figure it out. He reached for the loose pins she had sitting on the counter. He had come across the issue she had with pulling her hair up. It was getting longer but it was still too short that a good amount of hair fell out of the bun.

Kyoko bit her lip to keep from laughing as her very manly boyfriend struggled to figure out how to keep the pin in place. His brow furrowed and the tip of his tongue tucked between his lips in concentration. When he thought he had it, he let go, but the hair fell back down.

"May I?" Kyoko asked, taking the pin. His gemstone eyes never blinked as he watched her use her mouth to open the pin then sweep up some strands and secure her hair. "The trick is to attach it to the hair already up."

"Your turn." She held up another pin for him when she was done. He followed her example and managed to pin the remaining wispy strands successfully.

"Thank you." Kyoko stood on tiptoe and gave him a small peck on the lips. He pulled her to him kissing her back then pulled away and turned her around to unzip her dress.

Kyoko shrugged out of the long sleeves and draped the dress on the counter. Kuon wore the funniest expression when she turned back to him. He stared at her with a mixture of awe and confusion.

"What's wrong?" She asked following his gaze down toward her chest. What had him fascinated were the nude silicone flower petals covering her breasts.

"Oh, I forgot I had those on." Before she could even think to remove them, Kuon's hands were cupping her breasts, his thumbs gliding over the spots covering her nipples. Her loud erotic moan echoed throughout the cavernous bathroom as his hands kneaded her breasts.

He chuckled and stopped his caress and asked, "I guess you could still feel through them. Does it just come off like this?" He began picking at the tip of a petal with his nail. Kyoko flinched when he pulled a small section off her skin.

"Sorry," he said, moving slower as he peeled the rest from her skin. "Is it weird that I found that so satisfying?"

"Very weird," she laughed. Her mirth was cut short when his hot wet tongue dragged across her newly exposed nipple. It was so unexpected that she had to grasp his arms to steady herself. He gave her rosy tip one last peck then stood up to examine her breast.

"The skin is a little red. Does it hurt?"

Kyoko shook her head. There was a little tingly sensation on her skin but she didn't know if it was from the pasty or his tongue.

"I'll be more careful with this one."

Kyoko pressed her lips together to keep from laughing as he meticulously tugged on the other pasty. His green eyes were focused again with that talented little tongue of his poking out.

"Hold still. I don't want to hurt you."

It was only when he spoke that she realized her body was trembling with suppressed laughter. "Sorry," she chortled, unable to contain it any longer. "It tickles." It didn't and yet it did. Her breasts were highly sensitive, to begin with, and the adhesive had made it more so.

She gasped when his mouth clamped down and sucked on this one. The dull throbbing between her thighs intensified that this time when her knees did give out Kuon was there lifting her. He straightened up, gripping her by the ass still latched onto her chest. She was a whole head taller than him now as her arms encircled his neck. The nips from his teeth and tongue scraping against her skin were so distracting that she didn't notice him remove her thong when he placed her into the tub. Did he have an extra set of hands hidden that she didn't know about?

He tugged her down to sit in the water while he knelt outside beyond the faux boulders surrounding the bath. She watched him retrieve her body wash and pump his hands with soap. He rubbed them together until they were covered in a thick foamy lather. The delicious smell of the creme brulee soap Julie had stocked in her bathroom filled the air and made it smell like a bakery.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm washing you," he replied, reaching to start at her neck. His large hand rubbed over the narrow column of her neck and down her shoulders.

"I can see that. But why aren't you in the tub with me?"

"Because if I get in, I'm going to want to make love to you," he admitted in a strained voice. The dark stormy sea brewing in his eyes gave away his internal struggle. He resumed soaping her body quickly as a parent would their child until a new wave of heat flooded her core when his soapy hand finally sunk lower and grazed her clit.

"Is that so bad," she panted as his fingers slipped between her folds stroking and teasing her entrance under the guise of washing her. Kyoko trapped his hand between her thighs when he tried to pull it away. She could tell by the way he clenched his jaw that he was fighting his desire.

"Your body needs the rest," he rasped.

He was probably remembering the lack of sleep they had last night or was it early this morning. Kyoko couldn't recall. She had lost track of time as they made love into the wee hours.

Kyoko pouted and unclenched her thighs releasing his hand. Kuon took hold of her chin, turned her face up, and crushed his mouth against her pouty lips. His tongue penetrated her lips just as his fingers thrust into her slick wet heat. She instinctively clenched her core, sucking his fingers in while jerking her hips in time with his strokes. Her fingers curled around his R'Mandy shirt, pulling him closer to suck on his tongue. For a fleeting moment, she had the wicked idea to pull him into the tub with her, but then he curled his fingers just right and hit her g-spot, devoiding her of all devious plotting. Kyoko cried out against his mouth as she climaxed from his fingers. He continued to kiss and stroke her until her spasms stopped then resumed the methodical process of washing her until he was satisfied she was clean.

"Do you want to soak a little more?" He asked, kissing her on the temple. She shook her head and stood. She wanted out. She wanted him...inside her. Kuon grabbed the towel from the warming rack and dried her off. Before the bath, she had already cleaned her face and brushed her teeth so there was nothing more for her to do in the bathroom. He carried her to the bed and laid her down in her naked state.

"Where are you going?"

"Get some sleep, baby. I'm going to take a quick shower." He kissed her on the forehead and disappeared into the bathroom, but not before she noticed the bulge in his pants. Silly man. The sound of the water running made her sit up in bed giving her the genius idea to commandeer his shower. She swung her legs off the side of the bed to do just that when a pair of paper cranes perched on the large green floor pillow that mimicked a fairy mound caught her eye.

She pulled on the light blue silk robe draped on the bed to cover her nakedness then snatched up the cranes.

I know I've said this before, and I hope you won't ever get tired of hearing it. I love you, Kyoko.

She highly doubted she would ever get tired of him saying those words to her. She opened the next one that simply read, Thank you for letting me experience true love with you.

He was such an adorable tease, sweet, but a tease nonetheless. She laid back on the pillow mound holding the love notes to her chest.

While Kuon was still in the bathroom, the full moon's illumination shined through the glass wall beckoning to her. She never had the chance to venture out there once, since their arrival. She undid the latch and slid the door wide open.

Her robe billowed in the cool breeze and her slippers crunched on the dried leaves collecting on the deck. The sound of an owl hooting in the distance reminded her of the woods back in Kyoto. This place was just as magical. She stepped toward the right side of the balcony to gaze upon the view of the ocean. Never in her life had she thought she would see something so enchanting. She closed her eyes, counted to ten, and opened them slowly. It wasn't a dream. This was real life and she was a part of it.

She didn't know how long she stood out there searching the moonlit ocean for that magical tail flipping in the water or the dark sky for a falling star to wish upon. The sound of a guitar, then drums, a saxophone, and violin joining filled the quiet night as it wafted out from the open door made her smile. Kuon had turned on the song for their recent offer. She knew he would join her so she stayed where she was enjoying the cool night after such a heated bath.

A pair of muscular arms encircled her from behind making her shrill with nervous laughter. She still couldn't understand how a man of his stature could be so quiet. His wet hair tickled her skin as he nuzzled her neck sending a cold shiver down her spine.

"You're supposed to be sleeping," he growled into her neck.

"I wasn't tired," she countered defiantly. "You're going to catch a cold if you don't dry your hair properly," she reprimanded while he swayed them to the music. He didn't answer; instead, he began to sing.

"Crazy, how it feels tonight, Crazy, how you, make it all alright love, You crush me with the things you do…." The sound of his voice whispering the lyrics sent another shiver down her spine only this time it wasn't from the cold.

"Kuon," she moaned, twisting her head up, and burying her hand in the damp locks to pull him in for a heart-melting kiss. They were going to finish what he started in the bathroom.

Kyoko gasped when he turned her around and lifted her so they were eye level. The crazy delicious man only had a towel wrapped around his waist. Before she had time to scold him, Kuon delved his tongue into her mouth, sweeping and tasting every corner of it. The toe-curling kiss left her breathless and dizzy and wanting more. All she could think about was running her hands over his muscular arms and tasting him in return.

...

Without breaking the kiss, he took a few steps forward and set her on the railing. Kuon kissed her with all the pent up desire he felt tonight. He had every intention of letting her sleep like every other night until his lust for her overtook him. It was surprising to find her outside, standing there like a goddess under the pale moonlight. He watched her like a pervert for several moments as the effects of his cold shower wore off and his body turned warm as the wind pulled her robe taught against her skin leaving nothing to the imagination. The ping of his phone was a welcome distraction, but the message containing the full song only amplified his yearning.

The song fit his mood and resonated with his feelings for her. He was whipped and wasn't ashamed to admit it. He trailed hot open kisses down her neck. Relishing in the taste of her delicate skin on his tongue.

"Kuon," she moaned.

The name he despised not so long ago sounded perfect coming from her lips, swollen from his kisses. His hands slid inside her robe caressing her bare hips, gliding up her ribs, and cupping her breasts. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist. The movement unraveled his towel, dropping it in a wet heap to the ground. The railing was at the right height for him to slip easily into her, but he didn't want to finish before the song.

His mouth joined his hands, sucking and teasing her breasts until he could feel her arousal coating his abs. Suddenly he pulled back, unwrapping her legs from his waist and dropping to his knees. Kyoko yelped with surprise and gripped the railing at the change of position while he relocated her legs to his shoulders.

"Hold on to me, baby," Kuon instructed. She hesitated unsure where to hold. He gripped her thighs and thrust his tongue past her hairless folds and inside her. The cry of ecstasy that rang out into the night sky was music to his ears. Her ankles locked behind his head and her fingers found purchase as they clawed into his hair.

"Oh, God! Kuon! I'm so close." She gasped, bucking her hips against his face simultaneously with his thrusts.

Kuon pulled her closer trying to get his tongue deeper to give her the utmost pleasure she deserved. Her moans intensified as he continued to tongue her entrance. Soon he felt the gush against his tongue as the flood of her delicious heat filled his mouth.

It was wrong of him but he had to have her. He couldn't hold on any longer. He stood, draping her legs over his forearms, and drove himself inside her amidst her climax. She gasped with pleasure at his sudden invasion. Her juices made it easy for him to slip inside without any added preparation. Kuon leaned over her, jerking his hips powerfully. "Oh!" She exclaimed as he settled himself deep inside her to the point that his balls pressed against her ass. The contractions from her orgasm made him groan with delight. He loved the way her inner walls gripped his cock, pushing and pulling him to the brink of insanity. He opened his eyes to gaze at the vision in front of him and noticed their precarious position over the railing. Falling three feet to the rough terrain would kill the mood.

Remaining inside her, he lifted her and shuffled over to a deck chair to sit. He ignored the crunching sensation of dead leaves being crushed under his bare ass and relaxed into the cushion. Much better. They moaned together as her thighs spread wide over his hips. Somehow, she always took him deeper when she was on top making it his favorite position. He could see and touch all of her this way. His hands slid from her waist and palmed her breasts, kneading, and rolling the peaks. He loved that her breasts were like "on" switches for her. Pinching her nipples, made her go buck wild above him, jerking her hips a little faster every time. She leaned forward, shoving her breast toward his mouth as she gripped the chair behind him.

Kuon chuckled and licked each tip. He moaned as he was rewarded with her arching her back and taking him even deeper. The faster he flicked his tongue over her crest, the tighter she clenched as she rose and fell above him.

Kuon groaned thrusting his hips up to meet hers. She opened her eyes and smirked, catching him in the act of watching her. Those dark golden eyes captivated him as she rode him sensually in time with the instrumental section of the song. The demo they heard earlier had stopped short of this section. He knew this song would be a memorable one for him as the singer's passionate voice picked up.

"Lovely lady I will treat you sweetly, Adore you, I mean, You crush me; It's times like these, When my faith I feel, And I know, How I love you…"

Kyoko pulled her body from his mouth and cupped his face, guiding his lips back to hers. His arms encircled her, caressing the smooth skin of her back inside the silky robe. The fall air should have been chilly on his naked skin but all he felt was the loving warmth emanating from her, heating him from the inside out. Unfortunately, he couldn't hold out any longer. The pressure was too much for him to bear as she flexed her vaginal muscles, pushing him over the edge. Kuon groaned against her lips as his orgasm hit him at the same time as hers. He felt her hot rush surround him, mixed with his as he continued to pump into her. Kyoko's body crumpled on top of him, exhausted. He continued to embrace her, peppering her hair with soft kisses until he grew soft inside her.

The song continued to play as he carried her to bed. It had won and he was okay with that.

AN: Oh boy...It had been so long since I perv'd that I think I went overboard. I was adamant about finishing out this day which escalated into a long chapter. I hope you guys enjoyed it!

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

The song playing and for their MV was "Crush" by Dave Mathews Band.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^