Chapter 161: Shirley Temples

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kyoko would make new memories with Kuon.

The consensus was to walk the block to the diner down the street after placing the album Tina gave him in his dad's car. Kuon was grateful that his girlfriend was so adept at reading the mood. She kept Tina distracted by asking her questions about the area leaving him to his thoughts.

He had been stunned to find that the gallery's intruder turned out to be Damian. He had spent most of his nights that last couple of years in Damian's bar where Rick performed regularly. Kuon could understand Tina's hesitation about going back in there. Heck, he didn't want to go back in there. It was a place that held many memories of Rick, but others he wanted to forget as well. How many women did I meet in that bar? One? Two? More? It was highly likely that he had been high or drunk during a couple of those encounters that he went along with the relationship the next morning and tried to do right by them. If I could only take it all back.

Kuon rubbed at his chest as he watched the love of his life sweetly converse with his old friend clueless to the piece of garbage she was dating. He was unworthy of her love. If she knew the extent of his promiscuous past, would she still want him? He didn't want to hurt her, but he also didn't want to lie. He'll have to figure out a way to tell her without breaking her heart. For now, they needed to get through this new job. No matter how professional Kyoko was at her work, he couldn't let her go into it upset with him.

He pushed those thoughts out of his mind and focused on a safer subject: Damian and Tina. The way Damian had held Tina told him that something was going on between them and all Kuon could feel in the moment was sad. Overhearing their conversation made him feel guilty for it. Rick had been gone for so long that it was only right for Tina to move on. Their late-night chat in Tokyo focused on her recovery and career. She never once mentioned relationships be it friends or lovers nor did he think to ask. From what he could recall, Damian was a good guy except there was just one problem that didn't sit well with Kuon.

"This is it," Tina announced. He wasn't so lost in his thoughts that he managed to move quickly to hold the door open for them.

"Hey, Tina," the waitress called out. "Twice in one day?"

"Hush, Meg," Tina shushed the waitress. "I knew you were pulling a double tonight besides, I've brought you, new customers."

"I'm not complaining," Meg cackled.

"You came here already?" Kyoko questioned. "We can go somewhere else."

"No, worries. I wanted to bring you guys here before you left. Give me your jackets." Tina said, hanging them on the rack.

"Oh, honey. This dive is no place for a gorgeous outfit like that," Meg complimented Kyoko when she removed her coat. His blushing girlfriend bowed politely to the older lady.

"Aren't you sweet? Sit anywhere...three coffees, okay?" Meg asked.

"Yes, please," Tina answered for them without objection. They took a seat in the back corner where there was more privacy due to the lack of patrons and to get away from the draft that would blow on them whenever the door opened.

"Thanks, Meg," Tina said after the waitress placed their mugs of coffee on the table. "Can we have one order of the deluxe special? I'm going to introduce my friends here to Gary's potato hash."

"Oh boy, to be young again. I remember the days I used to be able to pack away those calories. Now, if I just so much as inhale the smell of bread, I gain weight," Meg joked as she walked away to fill their order.

"That sounds like an occupational hazard," Tina said in a friendly tease. Kyoko giggled beside him at Meg's exaggeration.

They sat sipping their coffee quietly with Kyoko fidgeting beside him. Tina was the first to put down her mug, breaking the silence. "Just so you know, nothing is going on between me and Damian. We're just…friends."

Kuon nearly choked on the steaming black coffee at Tina's sudden confession. I didn't ask!

"May I ask who he is? You can refuse to answer. I don't know why I'm being so nosy," Kyoko brimmed with curiosity. The whole situation with Damian must have appeared confusing to her with the way they were acting.

"He's the owner of the bar we used to hang out at. Rick would often perform there with his band. We reconnected, but I don't know…" Tina's explanation trailed off. "Kissing him was a mistake."

Kyoko and Kuon gaped at her. Just friends did not kiss each other nor did they hold each other the way Damian held her when he discovered them in the gallery.

"Oh my God! Did I say that out loud?" Tina moaned covering her face. "I'm sorry, Kuon. That's all it was!"

"No, I'm sorry," Kuon lamented and bowed his head in shame.

"For what?" Tina asked from behind her fingers.

"For taking away your happily ever after and shoving mine in your face."

"That again? Didn't we establish that it was an accident," Tina scowled.

"Then...then why are you still punishing yourself."

"What do you mean?"

"I think Rick would want you to be happy in love again. I want you to be happy...but having an affair with a married man will only hurt you in the end."

Kyoko gasped. She was so startled by the unexpected accusation that her hot coffee sloshed out of her mug and splashed on to her hand.

The tense conversation was put on hold as Tina and Kuon both fussed over Kyoko's hand. Tina got up to request ice from Meg while Kuon gently dabbed at her hand with a napkin.

"I'm sorry," he whispered sheepishly. "Ren would have worded that better. Does it hurt?" He was so intent on inspecting her hand that he missed the frown that flashed on her face.

She didn't answer; instead, she squeezed his hand with her injured one to assure him that she was fine. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the reddened area on her skin. He raised his head expecting to see disappointment but was met with Kyoko's loving and patient smile.

"Are you okay?" She brushed the locks draping over his eyes out of the way with her free hand. Kuon chuckled at the irony. He wished she would worry about herself a little more for once. She was the one injured here.

…

Tina was glad for the few seconds of reprieve she gained while waiting for Meg to return with a cold compress from the freezer. Kuon wasn't wrong. Damian was technically still married. They bumped into each other a couple of months ago and easily resumed the friendship they established before Rick's death. He explained his relationship with his estranged wife. A quick search on her very public social media page corroborating his story satisfied her curiosity. Knowing that he too went through some heartache probably made it easier for her to befriend him again.

She didn't notice when the casual meetups for lunch or coffee began to worm their way into the tiny cracks of her hardened heart. He didn't make her heart flutter the same way Rick used to, but she recognized the new sensation. It terrified her. One night after she closed up the gallery, he surprised her with a dinner invitation feigning that his bar was closed due to plumbing repair. She had no other plans so she happily accepted thinking they would go to one of the usual places.

That night, he had wined (minus the wine) and dined her at a five-star restaurant. It was a good thing Tina always dressed well when she was at the gallery; otherwise, she would have looked ridiculous in the blue jeans and t-shirt she often wore when they hung out. Damian, on the other hand, waltzed right into the restaurant wearing his easy smile, leather jacket, and black jeans. The Maitre d' didn't even question his lack of a tie and showed them to a reserved table.

The night didn't end with dinner. Damian had convinced her with little effort that she needed dancing in her life. The gentleman that had always been so patient and kind with her threw all his cards on the table while they were on the dance floor. He had held her aloft in his arms for two upbeat songs before the third one turned slow. Damian made a move to pull her in closer, slowly, waiting for her to object. Tina felt her heart rate increase, faster than when they were dancing a moment ago. She had dated in the past, but no one had moved her like Rick so she always moved on but spending time with Damian was different- different from the others, but most of all different from Rick. We're just friends! She pathetically tried to convince herself as his arms wrapped around her waist pulling her body closer against his solid form. It felt good to be held again. Tina slid her hands up his muscular arms over his shoulders and secured them around his neck. Her fingertips absentmindedly strummed the back of his neck like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Tina was entranced by those baby blue eyes and that boyish smile. Her breathing stopped and her eyes fluttered closed when his lips brushed against hers. Everyone around them faded into the background giving them the illusion that they were the only two people on the dance floor. As the song played on and she didn't push him away, he tilted his head deepening the kiss. She parted her mouth without hesitation when his tongue gently prodded against her lips. His kisses were sweet yet demanding at the same time with a hint of longing. It had been so long since she had experienced kissing in this capacity, leaving her wanting. When the song ended, he cupped her face and kissed her one last time, pulling her out of the dreamlike trance.

"I love you," he might have whispered. She couldn't be sure because the next song had drowned out his words. For all her lip-reading skills, he could have very well said, "olive juice." Regardless, all the alarms in Tina's head and heart blared in a warning. Luckily, he didn't pressure her for a reply.

"Come on," Damian said, tugging her through the crowd and out onto the street. He released her hand for the few seconds it took for him to get from the passenger door and into the driver seat. They didn't speak at all on the drive to her condo which she was grateful for since her mind was reeling from the night. Now and again he would gently squeeze her hand to remind her of his presence. He walked her to her door and kissed her on the forehead, wishing her sweet dreams before leaving. Tina didn't know whether to be upset or grateful that he ended the night that way. Her mind and emotions were in turmoil to think straight. This was uncharted territory for her, and it was frightening. Unfortunately, before she could sort out her feelings for Damian, detectives showed up at the gallery the following day with new information about Rick's case, overshadowing her budding feelings for Damian.

"Here you go, hun." Meg handed her the ice pack along with bandages and a tube of ointment.

"Thank you." Tina smiled gratefully, rushing back to her seat. As she headed back to their table, she tried to think of ways to explain herself so she wouldn't look like a desperate homewrecking whore.

"How is your hand," Tina inquired, sliding back into her side of the booth. "Put this on it."

"Thank you," Kyoko responded, taking the medical-grade cold compress and setting it on her hand.

"Tina, please forgive me. It was not my place to criticize your relationship with others." Kuon apologized sounding more like his polite Japanese counterpart than the relaxed guy of late.

"No, you're right. Even if his wife left him for another man, they're still married. Damian and I...we could never be anyway."

"His wife left him?" Kyoko gasped incredulously.

"Over a year ago. She cheated on him with a drummer from another band and now she's touring like a groupie with him."

"Wow," Kuon exhaled with a shocked expression. "That sucks...they used to be so…"

"I know," Tina agreed. Damian and his wife had married right after high school. They seemed so in love back then. She didn't know all the details about their breakup, but Tina could tell that he was hurt by it.

"So if his wife left him doesn't that mean it's okay for you to like him?" Kyoko asked for clarification.

"The still married part was never the problem…" Tina nibbled on her bottom lip debating if she should tell them her reason for pushing Damian away. Kyoko was a purveyor of all things fantasy so maybe she would understand her choice without sounding crazy.

Tina got low and quiet, leaning over the table. She didn't want Meg overhearing since the waitress hounded her to find a man, lest she became a cat lady. Tina didn't even own a single cat, but to her, there was nothing wrong with having them as lifelong companions should she choose to live that way.

"You said Rick would want me to be happy, but I doubt that," Tina replied solemnly.

Tina twirled the tube of ointment in her hands avoiding Kuon's sad brown eyes.

"Why do you think that?" Kyoko asked softly. Tina sighed and met the eyes of the young Japanese girl. She supposed she could think of talking to her friends as a form of therapy since she had to cancel this week's appointment because of a schedule conflict.

"The day after we kissed, detectives showed up to the gallery with a new lead on Rick's case because of the incident in Japan. What do you think? What would you do?" Tina implored the couple.

Kuon and Kyoko exchanged uneasy glances with one another making her lose hope. It was as she thought. These two were believers in fate given how they met as kids and again ten years later.

Meg came around with their order and three separate plates for them to share the meal since the serving size was massive here. Tina normally took leftovers and shared them with a couple of homeless people she ran into on her way home. Between the three of them, there wouldn't be any left tonight if Kyoko had a say on Kuon's eating habits.

"So now that I've eaten, I'm thinking more clearly," Kyoko began. Kuon and Tina put down their forks and gave her their undivided attention. "I do think it was a sign." Tina didn't think her heart could sink any lower but hearing someone else agree with her made it happen. "But a good one," Kyoko added quickly. "I don't know Damian like you guys. From what I saw he seemed sincere in his feelings for you. Then there are the stories you told me about Rick. He spoiled and cared for you both which leads me to believe that Rick may have wanted you to have this closure, Tina. So you can move on and be truly happy."

Tina sat up straighter in her seat. The little sprout of hope she thought had withered away for good bloomed in her heart as she mulled over Kyoko's words. If she looked at it from that perspective then maybe. Kuon's warm smile convinced her that it was possible to view it in that regard. It would certainly line up with the kindhearted personality of her first love.

Tina didn't know when the tears began to fall, but she watched Kyoko fumble with her little purse through blurry eyes. She pulled out a frilly handkerchief and held it out for Tina.

"Thank you," Tina replied. She could have just used a paper napkin but didn't want to shun her friend's thoughtfulness. When Tina opened the cloth, a card floated down and landed on Tina's plate.

"Oh," Kyoko exclaimed. "I'm so sorry. It must have got caught in there when I put it in my bag."

Tina held her breath as she gazed at Damain's card sitting atop the remainder of her potato hash. She flicked her eyes heavenward, fingering the hidden engagement ring that she now wore around her neck. Is this another sign, Rick? He didn't answer her. He never did.

"Would you guys come with me?" Tina asked, turning pleading watery eyes to her friends.

"Of course," Kuon replied, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. Kyoko beamed and nodded vigorously, resting her hand on Kuon's.

They didn't finish their food. Tina wrapped up what they didn't touch and on their walk back she gave the leftovers and a to-go cup of coffee to a homeless man she knew camped out down a side street.

...

Kyoko tried to make small talk in the car but her companions made it difficult to carry on a conversation. They had a lot on their minds, so she resigned to sit quietly in the backseat and gaze out the window. She wanted to suggest to Tina that she didn't have to do this tonight or go to the place that seemed to hold too many memories for them. If they didn't go now, it would mean leaving Tina to face him alone.

"Hmmm, looks like it's going to be difficult to find a close parking space," Kuon commented as they drove down the busy street.

"Wow!" Kyoko exclaimed, shocked by the long line forming outside the entrance of the Bird D. It was nothing like the live performance they happened upon in Tokyo.

"Let's try Damian's parking lot at the end of the alley. I don't think he changed the code for the gate, besides we can't leave your dad's car out on the street. We can't risk some jerk vandalizing it."

"Good thinking!" He took a right down a dim-lit street and stopped in front of a chain-link fence.

"Do you remember the code?" Tina asked when Kuon pulled up to the keypad.

"One zero one six, right?"

"Yup, his birthday. I'm almost afraid to know what other passwords he uses it for."

Kuon punched in the code, making the light on the pad blink green. The automatic gate shuddered in response as it crept open just wide enough for a normal size vehicle to pull in. Kuon found an open space in the back.

"Will it be okay to park here?" Kyoko asked, glancing around the dark area. She counted six cars and three motorcycles in the tiny lot.

"It's fine. Everyone that's working tonight should already be here," Tina explained.

They filed out of the car with Tina lending Kyoko a hand so she could get out from the low back seat. The Porsche was a newer model to her boyfriend's. It was still a four-seater with two doors, but it had significant upgrades in design. Kyoko had insisted on sitting in the back because Tina was much taller compared to her. It was only right that Kyoko's petite frame sat in the back. She was only struggling because her heel got caught on the mat.

"The pedestrian gate is over here," Kuon said, guiding her through the graveled terrain. "Before we go any further, please don't forget that I'm Ren. The diner was okay since no one was around, but some people might remember here."

"You got it, Ren," Tina assured him.

They walked to the front entrance of the bar where the line appeared to be longer since they drove by it. Kyoko became bewildered when Tina bypassed the line and went straight up to the doorman. The people waiting in line hollered at them, annoyed that they were cutting.

"Hey, Tina," the large muscular man guarding the door engulfed her in a bear hug. "It's good to see you here again."

"It's good to see you too, Rocky," Tina replied warmly once he released her.

"Damian told us to expect you one of these nights. I wasn't sure you were going to make it."

"He told you I would be coming?"

"He told us last month to be on the lookout."

"What? Why?"

Rocky shrugged his shoulders. "You'll have to take that up with him. Maybe seeing an old friend would change his mood. He's been an ass since he arrived." Rocky unhooked the rope blocking the door and let them in.

"I'm so sorry," Kyoko apologized to the crowd when they groaned in disappointment at having to wait longer for their turn.

Wait, why does she look familiar? She heard someone in the crowd exclaim before Ren pulled her inside.

The inside of the place grabbed her attention. The space wasn't large, explaining the growing line outside On one side, was a wall to wall bar with mirrored and lit up shelves from floor to ceiling full of colorful liquor bottles. Three people were tending the crowded countertop, one of them being Damian. With Ren's arm gripping tightly around her waist, they followed Tina toward the lit stage where the rock band was in full swing and the crowd was completely immersed in the song they were playing.

Tina led them to a high-top table where a group of people appeared to be vacating. Kyoko noticed the way a couple of the women in the bunch ogled her man. He already had her glued to his side, but she snuggled into him possessively to show them he belonged to her. She wondered just how much time Kuon had spent in this place. Did he bring his ex-girlfriends here? Did they make out in some dark corner? or a closet backstage? She surveyed the area and caught a couple kissing right out in the open. That was an option here too. She wasn't holding his past against him, she was just...curious?

Just admit it, Kyoko, you're jealous!

"Hi, are you guys done here?" Tina shouted over the music.

"Yes, it's all yours," one of the women eyeing her boyfriend shouted back to Tina.

"Thanks," Tina smiled and plopped down on an available stool at the table.

Ren gestured for Kyoko to sit on the one other open seat. She shook her head and tugged him down so she could whisper in his ear. "We can share it." She purposely let her lips brush against his skin as she spoke, relishing in the small shudder that coursed through his body from such a simple gesture.

He smirked and sat first then patted his leg invitingly. Kyoko happily claimed her perch on his lap. This was the only way she could think of to offer him support while they were here. He could cling to her to his heart's content and she would fill his mind with nothing but her in this place. She shifted innocently in his lap making him groan.

A waitress came by their table and placed two tall glasses filled with a pink liquid and maraschino cherries for garnish.

"We didn't order this," Tina informed the waitress as the woman cleared the used glasses and bottles of the previous party from the table.

"It's on the house," the waitress smiled nodding to the bar. They all turned to look across at the bar and found Damian occupied with serving a patron.

"Would you prefer something else?" The waitress asked politely.

"I'm fine," Kyoko replied. It was followed by Tina's, "I'm fine, too."

"Great, what can I get for you handsome?" Her question was directed at Ren.

"I'm the DD tonight so I'll just take a club soda."

"You got it," she winked and left to complete his order.

Kyoko ignored the waitress' behavior and took a sip from the straw of her bubbly sweet drink. "So this is a Shirley Temple," Kyoko assumed, recalling the drink Damian had mentioned in the gallery since there was no trace of alcohol. "It's good." She picked up the toothpick stabbing the cherry and held it up to Ren's lips. "Want my cherry?" He surprised her by wrapping his hand around hers and guiding it to his mouth. Kyoko held her breath as his moist lips closed over the succulent fruit and sucked it off the pick. Ren grinned triumphantly as he chewed, making her face heat up.

Kyoko may have heard Tina groan loudly, but she couldn't be sure.

"I'm glad you guys could make it," a male voice interrupted their flirting. Damian placed a tumbler of club soda on the table. "Your drink, Ren." He smiled briefly at Tina and turned back to Kyoko and Ren.

"Thank you for inviting us. I've never been to a live show in America." Kyoko answered, glancing nervously at Tina, worried since her friend wasn't saying anything. Weren't they here for her to talk to him.

"If you guys need anything at all, just let me know." Damian lingered another second, probably hoping for Tina to speak to him. When she didn't, he excused himself and headed back to the bar.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Kyoko shouted over the music as soon as Damian was out of earshot.

"I got nervous," Tina replied meekly. "This place it's…"

"I know…" Ren agreed. "You should have at least greeted him. The man probably feels horrible since you're rejecting him."

Kyoko felt bad. They were both enduring the place yet she couldn't imagine the extent of their suffering. A deeper conversation could not be had in such a loud space and the lighting made it difficult to gauge their expressions. She laced her fingers through the hand he had sitting on her lap and squeezed.

"I do, my heart is weeping from the harshness in which she ignores me," Damian teased, winking at the couple and pulling up another stool to their table. "You guys don't mind if I join you, do you?"

The trio startled at Damian's presence embarrassed that he had overheard them talking about him.

"Tina, are you cool?" Ren asked as Damian pulled his chair up close to her.

"It's fine," Tina nodded, stiffly in her seat.

…

He didn't know what had come over Kyoko. It was like as soon as they walked through the door she became flirty and possessive. He didn't have time to dwell on old memories because the sexy little vixen squirming in his lap made it hard for him to think straight.

Ren was glad for Damian's company so Tina wouldn't feel left out. Kyoko also took advantage of the man's presence because she kept capturing his lips by surprise. He didn't mind her display of affection, but if she kept nibbling on his neck like that he would have to haul her off to relieve the strain she was putting on him.

There was little room for conversation while the band played. When Kyoko wasn't seducing him, he took to drawing little swirls with his finger over her exposed thigh just to spin her up. They had a little over an hour before it was time to leave and make their way to the set of the MV. He could think of more pleasant ways to be spending the time with all her teasing now that Tina was with Damian.

He glanced at the other couple across the table catching her laughter at something the man whispered in her ear. They had been in deep conversation for the last fifteen minutes oblivious to his and Kyoko's antics. Their body language alone screamed that they were together, and their hands below the table convinced him that they were connected. He smiled at how happy she seemed now that she wasn't fighting her feelings. Tina caught him staring and abruptly stopped laughing. She even adjusted her posture to put space between them. Her hand below also shot out from under the table.

Why? Didn't I make it clear to her that I supported her relationship? Damian frowned at him. Great, he probably thinks I have romantic feelings for her or something. He flashed Ren's professional smile to placate the man and kissed his girlfriend on the cheek.

"So how long are you guys in town for?" Damian shouted, attempting to make friendly conversation over the music. Ren heard, when are you leaving?"

He chuckled to himself thinking Tina was going to be okay after they left.

"They're only in town for a few more days then it's back to Tokyo," Tina answered for them.

"So having Kyoko perform here is out of the question unless it's tonight?"

"What?" Kyoko gasped. She had been following along with the band that Damian's request took her completely by surprise. If Ren had not held her securely on his lap she would have fallen.

"That would be wonderful, Kyoko. I would love to hear you perform live," Tina exclaimed.

Ren swallowed his groan as his girlfriend's nervous little tush ground against his already highly sensitive part.

"I- I'm not very good without the band," Kyoko explained, continuing to squirm on top of him.

"You don't have to do it," he rasped into her ear while trying to settle her hips down. He didn't want her to be pushed into anything she wasn't comfortable with doing.

"In that case," Damian began rising from his seat. He plopped back down into the chair when the band began playing the very song he wanted her to perform.

"Well shit, there goes my brilliant plan," Damian pouted in his seat.

It was strange hearing another man singing her song. Ren didn't like it. He could tell by his girlfriend's flushed and delighted face that she did. She held her phone, recording the performance, and singing along like she was just an ordinary member of the audience. He nuzzled his face into the side of her neck and laid his chin on her shoulder as the band played her song. Kyoko switched the camera to face them and recorded herself singing to him for a few seconds before changing it back.

When the song ended, the fanfare was extreme as they screamed for an encore.

"I wish you all were this enthusiastic about one of our original songs," the lead singer joked. The crowd laughed and continued to cheer. "We're going to take ten and be right back."

"Now that we established the band can play the song, would you want to perform it with them? I guarantee this crowd would not mind hearing from the original."

"She doesn't want to," Ren growled. "She's too sweet to tell you no so stop pressuring her."

Damian was taken aback by the abrupt hostility. "Sorry, I didn't mean to."

"Hey," Tina began coming to his defense.

"No, he's right," Damian interrupted her. "Sorry, Kyoko. I tend to be pushy when I get excited."

"It's okay," Kyoko assured Damian. "But I'm not comfortable singing it without Bridge Rock. It wouldn't have been so successful without them."

The tension left him as she rubbed his forearm, but Ren tightened his hold on her anyway. She was too kindhearted to tell them no. He didn't mind being the heavy for her in place of Yashiro.

"I see," Damian nodded in understanding. "I can understand the loyalty."

"If you don't mind another song," Kyoko offered. "It's short and not very complicated. I think I can do it by myself."

Ren perked up with Damian at the mention of another song.

"Are you sure?" Ren questioned, shifting her in his lap to face him. He searched her golden eyes for any hesitation.

"I want to sing it for you," Kyoko told him shyly.

"For me?" He replied dumbly, too awestruck to say more. Suddenly, he wanted to hear her song.

"You want to perform a new song, on my stage?" Damian clarified.

"Yes," Kyoko nodded confidently.

Damian wasted no time and took to the stage commandeering the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight is your lucky night, but first I have an important announcement to make!" When he got the attention of the audience he continued, "It's official, I am now divorced. She finally signed the papers. I may have had to buy her out of her half of the bar, but you're all worth it."

Tina gasped while the crowd erupted in applause, whistles, and cheers.

"In celebration, the drinks for the remainder of the night are on the house." The cheers grew louder at the promise of free booze. "You still need to close out your tabs. I can't afford to support your bad habits all night. Alimony in LA is a bitch, but so worth it." The place erupted with laughter at his jest.

"I did say it was your lucky night because tonight, right now in this joint, I give you none other than the Queen of Dreams herself, Miss Kyoko."

The noisy crowd grew quiet, confused by the introduction.

Kyoko hopped off Ren's lap and kissed him passionately. He felt the tremble in her body as she sought to draw power from his very soul through his lips. "Wish me luck, baby," she whispered and pecked him once more before heading to the stage. She had left him breathless that he couldn't even reply with a lame, "break a leg."

The crowd was so quiet that Ren heard Kyoko's boots click as she joined Damian on the stage.

"They're all yours," Damian said, handing her the microphone and moving off stage.

"Thank you for the opportunity, Damian...and congratulations I think is the proper term to use for your divorce," she said unsure. Damian laughed and gave her a thumbs up. Ren could understand her confusion given her traditional upbringing with the Fuwas. Divorce was the result of a failed marriage and was frowned upon. It wasn't something to celebrate, but many, like Damian, were happier for it once the process was over.

"Good evening, everyone. It's a pleasure to be here with you all," she smiled nervously as she addressed the crowd.

Oh my god, it's really her!

Is she going to sing for us?

She's so beautiful!

I want her boots!

He got off his stool, remembering to grab her coat and purse, then pushed his way toward the front of the stage for a better view. Phones that were trained on her were redirected to him for a short time as he stood below her.

Oh my god, it's him!

He's that model!

He's even hotter in person.

Kyoko smiled down at him then gazed back at the crowd. "I'd like to thank the band for that beautiful rendition of Dreams. I enjoyed your performance immensely." The crowd clapped and cheered offering kudos to the band.

"I'm going to perform a short song that I wrote with the help of my guitar sensei. I'm still learning every day so please bear with me." She bowed to the audience and placed the microphone back on the stand lowering it to its lowest setting and tilting it even lower. The band had returned to the side of the stage engaging with Damian to try to help.

He could hear them discussing instruments and if she wanted them to back her up once they caught the melody. The guitarist offered his acoustic guitar for her use, removing it from the case and adjusting the strap to fit her small frame comfortably.

Ren swallowed his jealousy as she smiled at the man graciously. He's just trying to help.

Kyoko took several practice strums before sitting down on the edge of the stage putting her at eye level right in front of him. He watched her cross those long sexy legs over the other and place the guitar on her lap. The crowd could barely see her, but no one complained about her set up.

"I dedicate this song to you, my love," she announced, gazing directly at him.

Her playing started shakily as she tried to reacquaint herself with the song. She had not been able to touch a guitar since she got here and the lessons she took at the training center were reduced to once a week. After a minute, he heard the change when she strummed and tapped the instrument with more confidence. She pushed closer to the mic poised to begin singing.

"If you were falling, then I would catch you. You need a light, I'd find a match…'Cause I love the way you say 'good morning'. And you take me the way I am."

His heart stopped beating. This was her song for him. He felt an arm wrap around his waist. Without looking, he knew that it was Tina. Is this how she felt every time Rick dedicated a love song to her on this stage?

"If you are chilly, here take my sweater."

Ren snorted watching her eyes dance with delight and a smirk that play on her lips. None of her tiny sweaters would ever fit him, but she would offer it up anyway. She was just that kind of person.

"If your head is aching, I'll make it better. 'Cause I love the way you call me 'baby.' And you take me the way I am."

Memories of her selflessly nursing him from that cold he caught flashed through his mind. They weren't even dating and she spent the night helping him recover.

At this point in the song, the drummer of the band had joined her and another shook a set of maracas in perfect harmony with the melody. She smiled gratefully at them.

"I'd buy you Rogaine when you start losing all your hair."

This time he laughed along with most of the crowd. How did she know about Rogaine? Ten did threaten that he would go bald if he kept dying his hair.

"Sew on patches to all you tear. 'Cause I love you more than I could ever promise. And you take me the way I am. You take me the way I am."

His eyes grew moist as the love held for her threatened to spill over. She was all he could ask for and more. As she said, he would take her in any way she was willing.

She sang the last line a couple of more times and ended the song. A pin drop would have been heard in the bar with how quiet the place became. No one wanted to break the spell she had cast over them. Beside him, Tina sniffled.

"Was it that bad?" Kyoko asked, cutely into the microphone, breaking the silence. The crowd's reaction was thunderous that security had to hold them at bay from rushing the stage. It was obvious how much they loved the song. Callister was right, she could make it big internationally if she pursued singing on a serious level. If that's what she wanted to do, he would be right there to support her.

He wanted to rush to her but the singer of the band was already helping her to her feet. "Are you going to be okay?" he asked Tina impatiently.

"She'll be fine, " Damian answered, putting his arm around Tina's shoulders. "I'll make sure she gets home safely."

Ren nodded and focused on Tina. "I'll be fine," she assured him. "Go get your girl."

He kissed Tina on the cheek, "we'll see you tomorrow."

"Kyoko!" he shouted, taking the stage steps two at a time to get to her. She threw herself on him, those long legs wrapping sweetly around his waist.

"You were incredible, baby," he purred, smothering her with kisses. "Let's get out of here," he suggested aware of the audience and their phones pointed at them. He placed her back down and led her backstage. They stopped long enough to put on her coat and relocate her purse from his shoulder to hers.

"What about Tina?" She protested when he started walking again with confidence as the memory of the place came back to him.

"She's with Damian."

"Wait, the bathroom!"

"Bathroom?" He stopped short. How many Shirley Temples did she drink? They were refilled several times so it was only natural that she needed to go. He led her around the corner where the restrooms were located and found both lines to be about twenty deep.

"Damn," she cursed.

"Do you think you can hold it?"

"Is there a broom closet in the back?" Kyoko asked biting her bottom lip.

"A broom closet?"

"Or a storage room?" She tugged on his arm, pulling him back the way they came.

"You need to go that bad?" He asked her trailing behind. "I'm sure we can find a place more suitable for you to use." What kind of boyfriend would he be if he let her squat in a janitorial closet? His mother would kill him if she found out.

Kyoko ignored his protests and began opening and closing every door as they walked down the hall.

"It's the second one on the left," he informed her. Kyoko walked to the door and jiggled the handle. It didn't budge.

"It's locked," she pouted. "It's just as well. I don't know what I was thinking."

"We could get the car and stop on the way," he offered.

"I don't need the bathroom."

"You don't? Then what was this about?"

"I don't want to tell you. It's embarrassing."

"It's just me here," he whispered pulling her in his arms.

"I selfishly wanted to replace your memories of this place with me." Kyoko admitted against his chest.

"What?" He asked still confused by her motive.

"Your ex-girlfriends. You probably brought them here?" She explained. "Maybe you even, you know…here?"

"Here?"

"Well not here, here. Like the bathroom or maybe a supply closet. Isn't that where stuff happens, like in the movies."

"Is this why you've been seducing me all night?" Ren was stunned. Did she think he was some sort of lecherous teenager? He may have been young and horny, but he never did anything more than kiss here.

"I may not have liked the way the waitress flirted with you," she huffed. "How many drinks did we really need in such a short period?"

"She wasn't flirting!"

"She winked at you every time you thanked her."

"I didn't notice," he teased. "Were you jealous?" He asked pinning her against the wall.

"Yes!" she replied angrily.

"What if I told you I never did anything like that in those places? Would it please you?" He brought his lips closer to hers.

"Yes," she whispered breathlessly. He could smell the maraschino cherries on her breath.

He inhaled and exhaled slowly deciding to take the risk. "But here in this hallway…"

She didn't let him finish. He was pulled off balance as she tugged him by the jacket, and crushed her lips to his. The taste of her was still so sweet even without those Shirley Temples. He slid his hand under her coat and up her bare back. The tiny grind of her hips against his groin set him aflame, but she pulled away. The kiss was over way too quick for his taste.

"Where else?" She urged against his lips.

"Huh?" It took him a few moments to register what she was asking.

"Where else with your girlfriends?" She probed curiously.

He couldn't tell her it usually happened in some dim corner of the bar. With her determination, she might want to go back out there. He couldn't let her do that now that everyone knew her face. He would count the kisses she gave him earlier as taking care of that spot.

She stared at him expectantly, those golden eyes dark with desire. "The back alley," he croaked out. Kyoko glanced around and spotted the exit sign pointing down another hall that would lead them out the back door. He never took any of his exes out there but thought it was time he created a new memory.

"This way." He took her hand and led her outside. He stuck his head out the door, double-checking the area before letting it slam shut, locking them out for good. People used to have smoke breaks out here from what he could remember, so he had to be sure before bringing her out. Fortune was shining upon him because the place was deserted. He walked her down the narrow street, searching for a spot that was a little less dingy and away from the light illuminating the door.

"Kiss me, Kuon," Kyoko demanded impatiently. He chuckled and let her push him against the wall. When his back hit the brick, his hands instinctively squeezed her ass lifting her the last few inches the heels did not cover for him to kiss her comfortably. She gasped making it easy for him to sweep his tongue in and claim hers. He loved the way she willingly opened her mouth for him. Their hot wet tongues melded together, twisting and sucking for what seemed like hours, but only mere minutes had passed. He ground his throbbing erection against her heat wishing they didn't have clothes between them. Kyoko took the initiative to reach between them and run her hand over his bulge, making Kuon groan into her mouth. They were suddenly interrupted by a couple of employees filing out of the bar for a break.

"Let's go to the car." Kuon set her down on her feet for the second time tonight. He would be a lost cause if he couldn't have her after the heat she wrought on him. His body was burning for her and the cool air did nothing to placate him. It was a five-minute walk back to the car at the brisk pace he set; hardly long enough to temper his desire for her. The parking lot was still dark and empty making it the perfect place for some much-needed privacy.

Instead of unlocking the door, he pushed her up against the car resuming where they left off in the alley. Kuon felt her leg sliding up his and gripped the back of her thigh to hook it over his hip. He spent several moments caressing her legs clad in the lace boots. They felt as sexy as they looked on her. Her breathy sigh of pleasure made him yearn to be inside her that he bucked her against the car, rubbing his length against her hot center.

"Kuon, touch me," she mewled against his lips. He wanted to touch every inch of her delicious body. He slid a hand under her coat and into the side of her top where he had easy access to caress her breast rolling her nipple between his fingers until it hardened.

"Yes," she moaned hungrily, arching her back. "More." He thrust his hips again making her shudder with pleasure. His other hand sought to cup the swollen mound between her thighs and stroke. He could feel her arousal drenching her shorts and pushed at the fabric so he could touch the softness of her flesh. The material barely budged, barring him from touching the sweet spot he desperately craved. Kuon could only breach her entrance with a single finger with her clothes on. He cursed Fuji for putting her in something so revealing yet so confining.

"More," she begged, bucking her hips against his hand.

"We have to get in the car," Kuon said abruptly, reluctantly removing his hands from her.

"What? Why? We can't do it in your Dad's car," she cried blushing. "What if we ruin it?"

"I want you so bad it hurts," he told her, placing her hand on his solid erection. Kuon racked his mind for a solution to their dilemma. She was wearing a one-piece romper that fit her like a glove. Unless she was willing to strip completely out in the open (which he was against) there was no way they were having sex out here no matter how dark it was.

"What if I place my jacket underneath us. Would that be okay?" If he wasn't so horny right now he would never consider having sex in his Dad's car.

"But it's R'Mandy," Kyoko replied, aghast by his suggestion.

"That's not important right now." He kissed her passionately and ripped off his jacket in a dramatic fashion. "This is a life or death situation."

Kyoko laughed and began removing her coat too. Kuon opened the passenger door and laid the jacket on the leather seat as promised then sat down. He played with the controls adjusting the seat to give them more room then motioned for her to get in. Kyoko drew up her knees on either side of his thighs and slowly lowered herself onto his crotch making them both moan hungrily. Kuon yanked the door closed engulfing them in further darkness as the tint of the car added another layer of privacy.

He reached for Kyoko to help get her clothes off. While she went high, he went low, trying to unclasp the gold lion belt hanging on her waist. No matter how many times he ran his fingers over the edges he couldn't find the buckle.

"Did Fuji put you in a damn chastity belt," Kuon grumbled just as her top fell forward exposing those perfect succulent mounds to him.

"Let me try," she said as she ground herself against his hardness once more. Kuon moaned and slid his hands from her waist until he reached her breasts. He squeezed lightly swirling his thumbs over her already puckered nipples. Kyoko undid the belt easily and unzipped the back of her shorts.

"Can you help me?" She leaned forward, pressing her breasts against his chest and stretching her legs out. His hands slid down her torso and tugged at the material. It was awkward trying to undress her in tight quarters. There may have been a few knocks to the chin or misplaced knees, but they persevered until Kyoko laid naked on top of him. Kuon couldn't resist running his hands over every inch of her body that he could reach.

"Your turn," she smiled wickedly, undoing his belt and fly. Kuon lifted his hips and helped her push his pants and boxers down to his knees. His cock dripped with precum in anticipation of the moment he could finally bury himself inside her. He helped her remove his shirt and toss it in the back seat. She wasted no time running her fingers over the muscles of his broad chest.

He held his breath as she once again moved to straddle his hips. She gripped his erection and pumped making him grow further in her hand.

"Baby, I need you," he moaned, thrusting his hips up. Answering his need, she positioned the tip of his cock at the entrance of her core. She was dripping wet ready for him. Kyoko lowered herself slowly, sliding him inside her until he was fully sheathed in her heat. They moaned in unison filling the car with the sound of their euphoria and the hotness of their breath.

"You're so beautiful, baby," Kuon murmured as she began rising and falling over his dick in a smooth rhythm. His hands resumed caressing her breasts as she rode him slowly and deliberately. The core of her heat surrounded him possessively, coercing him to the brink of orgasm. He fought the urge to give in to pure desire and focused on fulfilling her with utmost pleasure. His hand dipped down finding the swollen bundle of nerves that was guaranteed to bring her satisfaction. Kyoko screamed above him as her walls contracted around his cock. She whimpered when he released her clit, but he had her moaning in ecstasy in no time as he rose from his reclined position and suckled on her breast. His tongue flicked and nibbled on the hard pink bud for several seconds then tortured the next one.

Kyoko's pace had increased signifying that she was close to coming. He gripped her shoulders and met each of her thrusts with a pounding of his own.

"Kuon," she gasped, throwing her head back. Her skin had grown slick and damp with sweat at her impending climax.

"Come for me, baby," he purred around a mouth full of supple flesh.

Her erotic moans filled the tiny space and the smell of their sex surrounded them. Kuon was at the edge ready to jump when she did. When she screamed his name and shuddered above him he was right there falling with her wrapped in his arms. They continued to thrust into each other until the waves of their orgasm subsided. Kuon could feel the combination of their juices slide down his cock and over his sack. It was a good thing the jacket was there to catch the bulk of it.

He leaned back against the chair bringing her down with him. He continued to caress her back until they caught their breath and their hearts slowed.

"I love you," he rasped.

"I love you, too," came her swift reply. "How much time do we have left?" She asked after several quiet moments.

Kuon glanced at the glowing analog clock in the car dash and answered, "about fifteen minutes."

"Plenty of time for round two," she teased, kissing him passionately.

Kuon's erection grew while still inside her. This go around, they stayed in that reclined position, kissing languidly with long slow thrusts. Their climax was an uphill battle, but it left them both satiated. They had gone over the allotted fifteen minutes by five. Kuon would have to make that time up during the drive along with the amount it took for them to dress.

"Remind me to stop at a seven-eleven mart on the way home to pick up one of those minty trees," he told her backing the car out of the space. They'll need it to get the smell of their lovemaking out of the car.

AN: Happy New Year, dear readers! Thank you for your patience and I apologize for the delay. I underestimated the time it would take for me to clean up this beast of a chapter given all the festivities. Also, I binged the new season of Cobra Kai last night. Johnny and Daniel-san are a train wreck yet I can't stop watching...LOL. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this little gift. I hope to try to get back on track next week.

Thank you for all the reviews of the last chapter. I HEART you all!

The song Kyoko sang was "The Way I Am," by Ingrid Michaelson. I've been waiting for over a year to use it here.

BTW there's a small part of me that still believes Kuon is a virgin in canon! bwahahaha... I would die if Sensei gives us that twist.

On another note, I have updated my deviantart account with my latest fanart. I'm always trying to improve, but mostly I'm lazy. ;)

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^