Chapter 159: Portrait of Brothers

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, we'd see what Tina has been up to all these years.

Guilt washed over him as he stood rooted to the floor staring ahead, unblinking. How could he have missed that he was in the giant black and white picture that stood behind her? His priority during his search was to put a face to a name that he lacked the mental capacity to see anything else.

Somewhere in his hazy mind, he felt Flynn close in on him and speak to someone else.

Please, no autographs right now. Mr. Bennett is here to enjoy the wonderful…um...artwork just like everyone else.

"Hey? Are you okay?" Flynn asked in a worried voice, waving a hand in front of Cedric's face.

Cedric stirred out of his stupor, blinking his eyes to focus on his companion. He shook his head. He was not okay; however, this was not the time nor the place to admit that to anyone. He needed to pull himself together before he made a spectacle of himself and ruined Tina's big night. There were too many people here that recognized his face. They stared at him rather than the art hanging on the wall.

Flynn swiped a flute of champagne off the tray from a passing waiter and pushed it into Cedric's hand.

"Start with this," Flynn ordered. "I'll find you something stiffer once I know you aren't going to faint on me."

Cedric took the glass gratefully with a shaky hand and drank. His gaze wandered back to the jumbo portrait in front of him that portrayed a side of Kuon he had never seen.

I've known him for a long time and not once have I ever seen him with such a carefree expression. And the guy with him...

Cedric spent several moments studying Rick's face. The longer he stared, the worse he felt.

"Ugh, what's wrong with you? You're turning green now. I bet you're hungry. We should have just gone to dinner as you promised me. This isn't even a club," Flynn grumbled.

Flynn pulled Cedric passed some of the other attendees, zigzagging towards the back in search of the bar. The gallery was large and reminded Cedric of a maze since partial walls were erected, maximizing pace to hang more pictures. From what Cedric could see, she had quite a collection. Each wall had about two or three photographs hanging with several of them labeled with a SOLD sign right next to the name. He wondered if his grandfather had purchased anything recently. Eltra told him that he never stepped foot into the physical location and made all his purchases strictly on her website.

"There it is," Flynn exclaimed with relief. "Excuse me." He flagged down the first waiter he found carrying something edible. The waiter stopped in front of them holding out the tray and offering napkins.

"Ooh, caviar tartlets." Flynn took two and offered one to Cedric. He tried to decline but Flynn scowled at him. He took the bite-size snack and popped it in his mouth to satisfy the annoying model. Cedric laughed as Flynn savored the morsel in his mouth. Sometimes he forgot that he was still a "struggling" model, but Flynn had a lot of friends so he was never lacking.

"You're already feeling better," Flynn smiled. "Come on let's get a drink and find more food."

"Seriously, all you care about is food. How are you not fat?"

"Spin class, buddy. You should join me sometime."

"I'll pass," Cedric replied. The idea of riding a bike indoors did not appeal to him. It was nice that somehow Flynn had managed to distract him from his earlier despair. Judging by that photograph's size and location, one thing was for sure to Cedric, it had to be one of her photographs. She was trying to preserve that precious memory.

Once they had their drinks and Flynn had a few more hors d'oeuvres floating around, Cedric decided to look at the prints in earnest. So far, he had not seen Tina anywhere. Then again, he couldn't see much in his impaired state. There was a good chance he missed her in the throng of people at the entrance.

Cedric found himself drawn to a particular image that had the usual flare of a California sunset. What caught his attention was the dark silhouettes of a mother holding a young boy's hand. The image suddenly reminded him of some of the simpler times with his mother.

"It's heartwarming isn't it," a soft female voice said from beside him startling him out of his thoughts. He thought all this time Flynn was with him but the guy was nowhere to be found.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you."

The friendly smile she gave him made his heart hammer. It was her. He came here to see her, her work, and selfishly ease his guilty conscience by witnessing her success. Looking at all the people gathering here, he would say that her business was thriving by this exhibit.

"We met last night. I'm Tina Flores." She continued when he stood there stupefied by her presence and held out her hand for him to shake. "Ric, right?"

This time Cedric winced. He wished he had introduced himself properly and not given her his superficial nickname. I'm a complete moron!

"Oh...kay," she said awkwardly, pulling back her hand. "Again, sorry to disturb you. Please enjoy the evening and let me know if there is anything I can help you with." She began to walk away.

"Ugh, wait, sorry. Tina, yes. Ms. Kyoko's friend." He tripped over his words trying to apologize and coax her back. "My brain seems to have left me tonight. Do you work here?"

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Why are you acting dumb? This is going to bite you in the ass later!

"Yes," she smiled walking back to him. "This is my business and most of the prints are mine. I have a section in the middle where I help local up and coming artists showcase their work. I'm embarrassed to say that I get a commission if they sell."

"Ah, that sounds like smart business. It makes sense since you're giving up a spot where your work would normally go." Cedric replayed his answer in his head. He didn't think he said anything more that would dig his hole deeper.

"That makes what I do to them sound so much better," Tina laughed. Cedric felt another stab of guilt for having to deceive her. She was treating him kindly too. If she only knew. She'd probably hate me.

"Is everything here for purchase or…"

"Yes, of course, but no one can take anything home tonight. It would ruin the aesthetics of the exhibit if there were suddenly blank walls. They'll go out for delivery next week."

"Could I get this one?" he asked pointing to the print he was admiring earlier. "It's a gift for my mo-."

"Hello, there," Flynn greeted, interrupting them. Now that his friend was here the focus could finally be off of him.

"Oh, hello," Tina answered.

"Tina Flores this is Flynn Mateo. This is Tina's gallery and her work."

"Great place! It's good to meet you," Flynn said and shook her hand.

"Thank you."

"I'm getting this one," Cedric told him.

"For your grandfather?" Flynn asked since that was the initial excuse Cedric gave him for coming here.

"No, for my mother."

"Oh," was all Flynn could say in response. Cedric knew the model wasn't a fan of his mother. Flynn told him that it wasn't personal, socialites just stressed him out.

"I hope she likes it. I enjoyed capturing the sweet moments of this mother and son."

"Tina, there you are. Sorry to interrupt, but Mrs. Deberry is waiting for you at the two cliffs."

"Oh, great timing. Cam, please mark this photo for Mr. Bennett."

"I can do that," Cam said as he stepped over the rope barrier to place the SOLD label near the plaque.

"Cam here will get all your necessary information for a successful handoff. If you two will excuse me, I must see to Mrs. Deberry. Please enjoy the rest of your evening. I have a few other assistants on the floor should anything else catch your eye."

"Thank you for your help. I appreciate it," Cedric replied.

"You're very welcome! Take Care." She gave them a small wave and walked away.

Cam remained with them and jotted down Cedric's information including his billing information. He was told that he would only be charged once it was out for delivery and receive a tracking email.

"Now, can we eat?" Flynn whined when he was done buying the picture.

He hoped the spontaneous gift would lift his mother's spirit.

"Didn't you have enough already?"

"The food is too small to fill me up."

"Where do you put it all?"

Flynn grinned at him.

"Wait, don't answer that. I don't want to know."

On their way out, they bumped into Tina again. "Are you guys leaving?"

"Yes, we have another engagement," Cedric answered quickly, wanting very much to leave. Why did they have to stop right here? He could feel the weight of the frozen happy faces bearing down on him again.

"Thank you for supporting my work."

"It was my pleasure," Cedric said, forcing a smile.

"Tina, who are these guys? Do they model for you?" Flynn asked, staring up at the portrait that Cedric had been trying to avoid.

Flynn you dumbass!

"Oh, um. They uh don't...I mean they used to be," Tina answered dejectedly. The happy young lady was only gone for a few seconds before she returned. Cedric watched her blink back her tears and put on a smile that reached her eyes in a matter of seconds like a pro. She's good.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to pry," Flynn told her.

"It's fine. It helps to talk about them. The one on the right was my fiancé. He died in a car accident. The kid on the left was like a younger brother to him...to me. He...um took Rick's death hard. Wherever he is, I hope he's happy." Tina dashed away at the single tear that dropped down her cheek.

"Wow, I feel like garbage now for asking," Flynn told her, holding out the pocket square he removed from his jacket.

Tina laughed and declined the cloth. "I'm fine. It might be unhealthy to keep up, but it brings me comfort knowing that these brothers are watching over me everyday….ah, I'm getting emotional again."

"Anyone would in your situation," Flynn confessed.

Cedric felt his world spiraling. Kuon was like a brother to her and his whereabouts were still unknown. Was it the same for the Hizuris? Has their son been missing all this time? He tried to think about his conversation with Kuu but his head was spinning. The meager contents in his stomach churned making him queasy. He needed to get out of here before he threw up all over her floor. Without a word, he rushed out the door and turned in the direction of his parked car.

"Sorry," he said quickly after bumping into someone.

"Watch where you're going, asshole. Your pops won't always be around to save your sorry ass," a guy sneered at him.

"What the?" Cedric whirled around to locate the source of the voice but the man had already blended in with the crowd. The quick action made him dizzy. He tried gulping air in hopes that it would clear his head but it only made him feel sicker. In the end, he stuck his head in the nearest planter and hurled.

"What in the hell, Cedric? This is why I told you to eat," Flynn scolded.

Flynn patted his back as he threw up one lousy caviar tart and two drinks. It was his guilt that made him sick to his stomach, but he couldn't tell Flynn.

"We need to get you out of here," Flynn whispered. Cedric straightened his posture and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He kept his head turned away from the growing on-lookers. There would probably be a nice little article in the gossip rags about him tomorrow. As they walked back to the car, Cedric's head began to clear. Thanks to Flynn's cluelessness, Cedric knew what he had to do next.

Kyoko's face ached from smiling giddily all night as she walked the floor of the final after-party for fashion week. She didn't think she could stop as the skirt of her teal and lavender gown brushed against the floor while she walked arm in arm with the R'Mandy designer. The sleeveless dress had been a surprise when Jay opened the garment bag and pulled it out for her to try on. It was a princess level dress in her eyes. Kyoko adored the way the lining of the lavender peeked through the teal overlay giving it an ombré appearance and despite the corset underneath it was very comfortable. She was told that this particular dress was to appeal to a young starlet for an awards night or a rich American teenage girl in her last year of high school, looking for that perfect prom dress. Any girl that had the opportunity to wear such a dress to a dance was indeed lucky in Kyoko's eyes.

Kyoko glanced over her shoulder at her boyfriend while Noah chattered beside him. His eyes were quick to meet hers and his lips were ready to offer her a warm smile despite the model talking his ear off. He knew how happy she felt in the beautiful ballgown and let Fuji do the honor of showing her off.

Although Fuji informed them that more festivities extended into the weekend and the following week, this was their last night. He assured her that she and Ren were under no obligation to attend any of those after tonight. This party was different from the rest because Kyoko found herself receiving cards from other designers interested in having her model for them. It was crazy. Rather than have her decline, Fuji encouraged her to think about the new opportunities coming her way then decide after consulting with her manager.

"Kyoko-chan, you look beautiful," the dazzling and talented Ten complimented when they ran into each other. "Like a princess," she commented, admiring the pretty dress.

"Thank you, Muse-sama!" Kyoko revered the magical witch with a slight curtsy.

"What have I told you about calling me sama?" Ten scowled.

"I….I'm so sorry, Muse-san!"

"That's better," Ten praised, patting her cheek.

"The styling you put on the models was superb tonight, Ten-chan. How about the next fashion show we partner up?"

"Hmmm...I'll think about it," Ten teased.

"Muse-san, will you be going back to Japan soon?" Kyoko asked curiously.

"I do have a few more jobs here so I won't be going back for another week," Ten answered with a wink.

Kyoko's eyes turned into hearts admiring Ten. "Muse-san is truly incredible."

"Kyoko, it's time we get changed. Yashiro is on his way. We don't want to miss our next appointment," Ren announced, pulling her attention from Ten and Fuji. Their manager had been hard at work trying to rush the paperwork for their MV job. He had been pulled away so many times that Ren thought it best they took separate cars so the manager had more flexibility. He didn't accompany them to the fashion show, but he was now meeting them to support Tina.

"Right!" she replied.

"Oh goody, I can't wait for you to try on my next surprise. Would you like to tag along Ten-chan?" Fuji offered, guiding Kyoko backstage. The designer had worked it out with the stage manager to use a small area as her changing room.

…

Of all the outfits Fuji had put Kyoko in over the past week, this was by far his least favorite. The skimpy yellow bikini was a close second. It wasn't that he didn't like it because the outfit looked terrible on her; it was quite the opposite. She was sexy beyond words and all he could think about was ravishing her. If he thought that way about the short silky black sleeveless romper, how many other men would too?

He side-eyed Noah beside him to gauge his reaction. The Scottish model had tagged alongside him most of the night asking him exhausting questions about his training regiment and eating habits. At first, Ren made stuff up on the fly to tease him, but as the night wore on he could tell that Noah was serious. It made him feel bad, so he started sharing what he did daily in earnest. It wasn't much, but at least he was being honest. Noah was too busy eating to care about Kyoko.

Her outfit was so plain from the front that the only adornment was a chunky belt made of black leather with a gold lion lead at the center that clasped from behind. The back of the outfit exposed her ivory-toned skin with strands of pearls and chains connecting from one shoulder to the other in an upside-down arch. The back was so open that he swore he could see the side of her boob if one looked hard enough. And naturally, she isn't wearing a bra.

After changing out of his suit and into a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and a leather jacket. Ren watched as Ten and Fuji excitedly played dress-up with his girlfriend. His lips tightened as she pulled on a pair of what the designer called lace thigh-high boots. To him, it looked like she was wearing lace hosiery over her heels. He had never seen anything like it and wanted nothing more than to brush his fingers over the material.

"This outfit isn't Spring-y so I couldn't use it in the collection, but it's perfect for a night out on the town. Don't you agree lover boy?" Fuji asked, making those present laugh.

Ren nodded and let his eyes roam from the toes of her heels and up her legs until they reached her eyes. Naughty visions of her in nothing but those heels danced before his eyes.

"He's speechless," Fuji teased, earning him another round of laughter.

Ren shook himself out of his fantasy and smiled. "You're breathtaking," he confessed, stepping toward her and kissing her on the cheek. Kyoko turned beet red from his compliment in front of an audience.

"Thank you!" Kyoko stammered.

"Does she have a coat? It might be chilly out," he asked, concerned by the lack of material in her outfit.

"I have just the thing," Fuji offered and pulled out a navy cape-like peacoat with shiny gold buttons.

Ren wanted to cry when she put on the coat. It covered her up alright, but her sex appeal intensified 100 fold in his eyes. No one else seemed to notice.

It's settled. I'm a dirty pervert."

…

"Yay, you guys made it," Tina exclaimed, rushing toward Kyoko and hugging her.

"Sorry we're so late," Kyoko said, returning the hug.

"You're not late," Tina responded excitedly after glancing at her watch. "There's still a whole hour before things start winding down. Plenty of time." Tina whistled as she twirled Kyoko around to get the full view of her outfit. She had removed her coat and checked it in at the door so she was in full display for all to see.

He had seen the giant photograph several times on the website and yet it still had a significant impact on him. He looked to his right as Yashiro placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. Behind the manager's glasses, he could see the tears brimming in his eyes. Ren gave him a lopsided but sad smile as he gripped the watch on his left hand.

"I know how close you were to him and how much you're hurting right now," Yashiro whispered hoarsely with another gentle squeeze to his shoulder. "I'm sorry to have to remind you that you're Tsuruga Ren right now. You have zero connection to the men in that photograph."

Ren swallowed the lump in his throat and closed his eyes. He counted to ten and pushed Kuon's emotions to the back of his mind. Yashiro was right, unless he was ready to give himself away tonight, he needed to focus on being Ren.

"Good evening Ren, Mr. Yashiro. Thank you both for coming."

While the men greeted Tina, Ren saw Kyoko staring at the photograph. He wanted to hug her as she turned those golden watery eyes on Tina. He was lucky to have her as a girlfriend and Yashiro as a best friend. They both understood the pain he and Tina had been carrying.

"Don't cry, you'll ruin your face," Tina scolded Kyoko. His girlfriend sniffled but she got her tears under control. "By the way, I was meaning to ask you, do you have Cedric Bennett's phone number?"

"Mr. Bennett? Why?" Kyoko curiously asked, meeting Ren's eyes. He could not be startled by this information. To Ren, it was great that a popular celebrity like Cedric supported her work; however, in Kuon's eyes, his presence here had to have an ulterior motive.

"He was with a friend earlier, but he left so abruptly I wanted to know if he was okay. I was in the middle of explaining this photo to them when he suddenly rushed out. I thought it was rude, but his friend said he had been feeling sick all evening before running after him. Do you think you can check up on him? I hope the food served here didn't make him sick. That would dampen the success of this exhibit if all the guests got sick."

"Yukihito?" Ren didn't even have to finish his question. The manager had already donned a latex glove and was typing out a message on his phone.

The response from Cedric's manager was quick but uninformative. Jacob wasn't the "friend" with Cedric tonight. He promised to update Yashiro once he got a status on his client.

Ren wanted to ask Tina more questions, but to do so would be for him to admit Cedric's identity. What is Cedric up to?

The subject was quickly changed from the American actor when a reporter from an art magazine asked to take their photograph. He pulled himself together and posed hoping no one would put two and two together.

Tina was eventually pulled away to attend to other guests so the trio was left to look at the photographs on their own. Kyoko found a landscape view of the sun setting over the ocean and immediately wanted to add it to their collection in the foyer of their apartment. Yashiro even found a piece he wanted to gift to his in-laws (Kanae's parents). The assistant made it easy for them to arrange the purchase and delivery to Japan. By the time their transactions were complete, the place had cleared significantly without them noticing.

Yashiro had eventually left the couple in favor of work again after receiving a call from the producer of the MV. He promised to meet them on the set. Him leaving wasn't a big deal since they came in separate cars to make commuting easier on Yashiro tonight. Before he left, he reported what Jacob had sent him regarding Cedric. The actor was feeling unwell before he arrived.

The gallery was on the brink of closing while the wait staff cleaned up any loose items. The caterer was so efficient throughout the night that there wasn't much for them to do but pack up. They were out of the place in under a half-hour.

Ren managed to take a video of Kyoko attempting to help clean the showroom floor in her designer outfit until Tina destroyed her plan.

"I have a cleaning crew coming in the morning, so put down that broom right now, young lady!"

"But!" Kyoko protested when Tina ripped the broom out of her hands.

"Only you would have the audacity to wield a broom wearing R'Mandy! If you're that bored follow me. There's something I want to show you guys."

They followed Tina into an equally large backroom. There was an area for frames, art storage, a door on the other end had a big sign that read DARKROOM. In another corner, stood an easel and various painting supplies.

"Tina, do you paint too?" Kyoko asked awestruck.

"Oh, no! I can barely draw stick figures. That area belongs to my assistant. He dabbles with watercolor."

She opened the office door and revealed a man sitting at a large desk attempting to organize paperwork.

"Cam, you're still here? Leave that. We'll go through it on Monday. You can head home now."

"Are you sure?" He asked staring at Ren and Kyoko, curiously. He had seen this man mingling on the floor earlier. This wasn't the guy that helped them place their order. It was good to see that Tina wasn't doing everything alone.

"Oh, Cam, these are my friends from Tokyo, the models, Kyoko, and Ren."

"I recognize you from the pictures Tina is working on."

"Guys, this is Cam. He's my assistant. We joke that I'm the beauty and he's the brains of this whole operation. I'd be a mess without him."

"You'll be fine! Are you sure you don't need me to stay?"

"No, we won't be too far behind you."

"Okay, goodnight. It was nice meeting you both. Don't forget to lock up," Cam said with a wave and went out the back door, clicking the lock in place.

"Pictures?" Kuon asked now that they were alone in the building.

"Yup, I'm organizing it into an album for you and the parentals."

"Thank you, Tina," Kyoko squealed, hugging her friend.

"I wanted to give you this," she said, pulling out an album from a locked drawer of the desk. "It's not much, but I managed to collect all the pictures I had of you and Rick and sometimes me."

Kuon took the book from her and flipped through the pages. There were so many fond memories filled in this book.

"What happened there?" Kyoko asked from over his shoulder. Kuon chuckled at the picture.

"Rick thought it would be funny to smash my face into a cake."

"He wasted cake?" Kyoko gasped which made Tina join in the laughter. Kuon flipped to the next page. The next picture reminded Kuon of the watch he was wearing and the decision he made regarding it.

"I have to give this back," Kuon told Tina. He pulled up the sleeve of his left hand and unclasped the watch. "This rightfully belongs to you." He held out the watch for her to take. "I should never have taken it in the first place."

Tina took a moment to admire the watch, then handed it back to Kuon. "I'm sure Rick would have wanted you to have it. Besides, he already gave me one." She smiled, holding up her arm to show the watch on her wrist.

"Let me know if you ever want it back," Kuon replied, putting the watch back on, glad that he could continue having his friend's support.

"Hello!" A voice bellowed from the front room.

"Tina? Are you still here? The front door was unlocked!"

Tina jumped to her feet alarmed by the intruder. She jumped to her feet

"Wait, Tina. It's not safe," Kuon shouted, running after her. The clicking of Kyoko's heels told him that she was trying to keep up.

…

Tina rushed out of the office. Unfortunately, she forgot to secure the front door after the wait staff left. She had planned to do so but got side-tracked along the way. Cam would be disappointed if he knew that she forgot to do it after his reminder. She cut right turning down the next wall and ran smack into her visitor. She screamed and would have fallen if strong arms had not caught her.

"Whoa! I got you," the familiar seductive voice assured her. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"Tina, are you okay?" Kuon shouted, coming around the bend. Tina pushed at the arms encircling her waist but they only tightened at the sound of Kuon's voice.

"I'm fine, Ren," Tina yelled, hoping that would be enough of a warning for him to don his Japanese persona. At least the sound of his footsteps slowed.

"Who the hell are you?" The man holding her demanded when Ren finally came in sight. She expected shock, but the flicker of sadness she spotted in his eyes made her feel ashamed.

AN: I apologize for the delay. It took me a while to find time to sit down and read the mess I wrote. Hopefully, it reads better. Who the heck is this random guy I just left you hanging with?...LOL. Blame sensei! She inspires me with her awesomeness!

Thanks for always reading and I appreciate all your reviews of the last chapter.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^