Disclaimer: I do not own Skip Beat, and its characters, All Rights Reserved to Yoshiki Nakamura-Published 2002;
Warning: This is purely fiction, driven out from my favorite fandom/s. I do not own nor profit from its characters; the places familiar to the fandom and the ones from the 'real world.' If there are places unfamiliar; Therefore, I take credit together with the characters I personally made which would be addressed by the end notes.
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Part 11
California Cowboy
With the plan to travel in Japan for a business trip, it was the first for the youngest Hizuri to ask his brother to join him. Of course Kuon was thrilled and was free to accompany his brother since he was due for a week for his scheduled interviews and photoshoot with R'Mandy in Japan.
This pleased Julianne as well knowing Kyoko would be coming along for the same reason as her husband-to-be. And currently they have boarded one of Julianne's luxurious private jets that provides them so much comfort and service.
Their long flight was a delight and didn't cause them so much stress after the best service and comfort, sleeping throughout the travel. Finally landing, "Los Vaqueros are on standby, Jefe." Lugh informed.
Julianne nodded and stood from his seat buttoning his suit coat. Kuon watched his brother put on a his business look and iconic hat in place. He urged his brother and future-sister-in-law to exit first and assisted by some of his security and assistants.
Kyoko appreciated the extra care and respect Julianne's subordinates provides them couple.
Being shielded from any media, to their surprise some of Julianne's armed security were already by the runway with a limousine, they didn't need to pass through the airport personnel for any inspection and luggage. Rather they were informed that their belongings will be taken to where they will be staying.
Kyoko confused turned to her husband-to-be, Kuon only chuckled, "Jules insisted that we stay with him for safety reasons, plus it'll put him at ease." Kyoko had a soft spot for her future-brother-in-law, and his insecurities, fears and current tender situation.
Kyoko had been with the family's healing process, helping Kuon from his fears, Julianne's insecurities, depression, and self loathing, to Kuu's regrets and self-blame. Julie wasn't any better with her fragile heart remembering how her boys shattered, especially the youngest who almost ended his life without her knowing.
Turning to Julianne who finally came down with his trusty working pup, they stepped in his armored vehicle. Their ride was as usual silent since Julianne was tired from working the entire flight, but glad it was a short drive.
Kyoko awed at the giant Tokyo urban mansion from a fancy neighborhood, "When did you get a property here?" She was aware that the area as well the house costed a heafty furtune even with hers and Kuon's combined. And it'll take years for them to at least have a contract to acquire the real estate property in such prestigious neighborhood.
With a shrug, "A week ago." Kyoko gasped and told him about the grind process when Kuon tried to get one of at least smaller and decent house for them when they decided to get married.
Kyoko sighed knowinf Julianne. "I guess, you're in a different level."
He smiled, "I also want to take you here since..." Lugh then handed him a brown envelope, "This is my present for you." Kuu was shocked, but took the item to see, "Don't worry, I had it transferred to your names, and equipped the place with all your necessity. I do also understand how much you cherish your first and favorite Porche, so I bought it back and had it maintained in the garage. For sister-in-law, I know how much you fancied the mini-cooper back in LA so I got you exactly the same." By then the couple knew Julianne was just spoiling them.
"This is too much!" Kyoko felt guilty for receiving expensive things.
But Julianne shook his head, "All of this did not even make dent to my fortune." And he wasn't even gloating, "From all the things you have done for me, this is not even enough." Julianne was an emotional and mentally wrecked man, he often had nightmares, seizures and sudden anxiety attacks and the couple would always be present to assure and keep him sane. "Don't worry, I just live next door..." he sheepishy chuckled which baffled the couple.
Not only did he acquire the biggest mansion from all the properties, he also bought another same exact estate for himself, well including all his security that needs to be around him twenty-four-seven. There the couple begged him to stay with them instead moving to his own mansion, thus they compromised that the other property will be used as his 'home office and security quarters.' Finally settled, Kyoko cheerfully toured and inspected the house with Kuon.
The actor felt nostalgic seeing his sports car again, it was his favorite since it took him and Kyoko on many adventures, dates and their road to engagement. It was sad he had to sell it after deciding to move back with Kyoko to LA for their more permanent stage of career.
But thanks to Yashiro who told Julianne about it, he gets to reunite and keep his precious four-wheels, now it even has a permanent home with Kyoko's own vehicle.
"I do apologize if I had your car modefied into a reinforced bullet-proof..." Julianne felt remorseful, "It's unfortunate because I'm you brother..." Kuon was not pleased he was kicking himself again.
Grabbing him by the nape and into a tight hug, "Never say that again." Kuon tightly embraced him which the other returned. Kuon can understand since his brother receives loads of death-threats and this puts the whole family into a tight spot.
Julianne may be filthy wealthy, but his head as well knowledge is sought-after by men with ill intentions. Plus his type of business is not for the weak, especially he is in a constant danger.
Kyoko and Kuon a week ago was worried sick when Julianne and his comrades came home in a bloodied state with a gunshot wound over his leg and a bruise on the head after his vehicle was ambushed, with the intention to abduct. He was able to live with only minimal injury because of his highly skilled contractors as well his own witt by firing back and defending himself.
Presently, Julianne despite wearing a suit, he had a leg brace to keep things stable, Kyoko and Kuon checked on him and approved that he is now changed into a comfy cotton shorts and sleeping after giving him his medications. Kuon complimented Diesel for such being a good boy keeping his human safe and comfortable.
Continuing their tour, Kuon wasn't surprised to see an existing helipad and a smaller helicopter for his brother's disposal, the ground troops are now equipped with high grade firearms as well load-out gears despite the strict law of Japan agains all sorts of weaponry. But since Julianne is a high profile and partnered with the Japanese government who is always in eminent danger, the governement can make exemptions.
Meanwhile, a certain eccentric president got a news that his favorite couple is finally back in Japan for a limited schedule after their manager reported, he went ahead and zoomed to make a surprise visit.
To his shock, his vehicle was strictly inspected and worse, he was physically frisked for any suspicious items on hand, especially him wearing his favorite middle eastern costume.
"Sir, it seems your outfit of choice for the day got Hizuri-sama's securities weary of you." Came Ruto's comment.
The president had to agree, but when Yashiro rushed to come out and assure the guards that it was Kuon and Kyoko's former boss and he was just an avid cosplayer, they trusted the manager but still kept a close eye to the man, especially his aide who seems to have a silent conversation with Julianne's head chamberlain and aide-de-camp, Lugh.
Once Lory was in the safety of the couple's mansion and comfortably hanging-out with them by the living room, he complained about the overly strict and tight security, "I'm sorry boss, but the cowboys are quite attached and worried about their chief, I don't know if you heard the news of his attempted abduction last week, but that got everyone on high alert. He wasn't supposed to travel, but he had commitments and needs to see through his new launching by this week." Kuon reasoned out.
Of course Lory heard what had happened, but never realized that the situation was quite grave, "And us his family is now in danger too." Kuon added. Lory sighed and warned the couple to be extra careful and cautious.
After talking about their plans for work, they invited him for dinner which he happily agreed. He finally met his second godson who went through hell plenty of times, and with thigh brace after getting shot.
The next day, the couple was still given a rest day since they just arrived, and just like Lory, their close friends planned and called in to rush and spend the day with them. Kuon and Kyoko happily gave their new address, but with a side note about their tight and strict security protocol.
They failed to realize it was so much tighter to the point of frisking, asking for any sharp objects and even having their pens surrendered. Kijima wailed and complained to his best buddy about the pen confiscation as well as the frisking, asking to take off his coat and shirt for a thorough inspection after his joke.
Kuon sighed but did not apologize, "I can't blame Tenjou-san's team. Jules was almost taken or worse, killed a week ago. Your 'friendly' joke wasn't pleasant for them. They adore my brother and if shit happens, I got no control over their right course of action." Kuon clarified, his male friends paled after Kyoko showed the wreckage that had happened and how Julianne looked after the attack.
Kyoko took her turn scolding Kuon's friend, "Hidehito-san, I suggest you choose the correct place and people you pull that kind of bad joke. Those men are armed." she sighed, "And every single day, Jules-kun receives a death-threats, now you ask why those men were ready to empty their firearms magazines on you?" he grew whiter than the walls of the mansion.
Speaking of the one being threatened, "I think, the poor soul had enough." Julianne finally came down after his long nap. All dressed with his tailored suit ready to leave with his cane and emotional support dog on his side. "I think the dumb man, learned his lesson to pick places where he can do stupidity." This made Chiori and Kanae snort from his sarcasm.
Kijima kept on pouting, "Nice to meet you all, I'm Julianne Alexandrovich D. Hizuri." Offering his hand for a polite shake. Chiori was quick to take it and Kanae elegantly followed by Koga and lastly Kijima. Chiori was really happy hearing the 'California Candyman' from the fashion magazine published by Juliena Hizuri's fashion company months ago, plus the business and other tabloids released with the young tycoon's name being featured.
Julianne didn't stay for long, "Vaqueros..." his deep baritone voice called.
Lugh suddenly appeared with Nagumo and Tenjou who were equally dressed-to-a-nine in their all black three piece suits designed by Julie with their own black cowboy hats; they glared at Kijima, "Todos los preparativos están hechos, Jefe." Lugh reported.
Julianne nodded and took his iconic white Stetson hat and wore it, "Bueno, vamonos." his Spanish was so smooth topped with his deep voice. Kuon and Kyoko excused themselves in a bit to see him off, but Chiori pulling Kanae joined and watched Julianne stepped in the helicopter and take-off somewhere.
Kijima and Koga stared at the scene as it was straight-out-of-from-a-movie, especially where all the contractors with real and heavy looking firearms are formally dressed in suits, sunglasses and earpiece. Kuon knew what they were thinking and went to clarify, "Julianne was raised in our household by Latinos and a Filipina nanny, it's normal for him to slide into another language, and he prefers Spanish." He chuckled.
For the whole morning, Kyoko spent it with her two best friends over some tea and pastries, giving her souvenirs as well as presents from Julie. Chiori was really happy and Kanae feeling relieved and Kyoko never forgot about them, Kyoko even offered for them to visit LA and Hollywood if they find the time, Julianne would be happy to lend a private jet to fetch and take them back.
Meanwhile, the men was in the 'bar' set up by Julianne, it was identical to Kuu's; full of expensive, rare liquors, wines and even a pool table, the walls were aesthetically very American. Kuon even took them to his brother's office, where it had more of those classic types of wenchester firearms displayed in the wall, hunting rifles kept in a glass and mahogany case rack, antlers on the wall, a small bar counter with hard liquors in the corner and a glass shelf full of prized and expensive cowboy hats and cigars, his grand mahogany stained office desk matched the bookshelves full of jurisprudence and business books, and the lounge set was black leather plush that paired the comfortable recliner and swivel chair.
The two actors were baffled to see that Julianne was friends with Japan's second prince and that they were flatmates during their University in Europe- after finding a picture displayed on the shelf, with the whole Hizuri and Kyoko family portrait beside it.
During their little tour and talk, Koga and Kijima wanted to invite Kuon for podcast. Kuon being free for the afternoon agreed and set-up in his 'man-cave' which was a very perfect place.
Kyoko was very supportive and even helped in the background with the camera and recording work. Once Julianne came back, Koga shamelessly asked if he can join and Julianne being persuaded by his brother sat down and joined them.
Their man talk turned into a crash-course in business after one of Kuon's fans asked to be helped out for her feasible study, she was a business student with double major in finance and marketing, and Julianne was more than happy to help.
Koga, Kijima and Yashiro who were intently listening was impressed at how clear, concise and simple his discussion was, "Well, what do we expect from one of the hell storms of wall street?" Kuon smugly gloated making his brother flustered being praised.
Seeing a very adorable and raw reaction had Kuon and Kyoko compliment him more.
With thier impromptu podcast, as Kuon being the third man, but after having Julianne as the surprise and unexpected guest, the other Japanese ladies who have not heard about Kuon's brother is now a fan and started to follow the businessman on social media. Sadly, he rarely makes his presence in his official account.
Thankfully, Kuon, Kyoko and their parents does it for him and regularly involves him to their daily uploads. With Kuon being named in the past as the co-star killer, his brother now earned himself a monicker from Kuon's die-hard fans as 'The California Cowboy' because of his iconic hat and deep 'sexy' voice as they expressed.
Hilarious when Koga explained how crazy tall he was too, much taller than Japan's favorite actor his older brother and quite the muscular type.
After their week schedule, the three were able to fly back to California safely, while their Japanese property was secured by hired contractors from the same company where Julianne's people are hired. With the successful launching of his new system named 'Project D.A.V.I.D' he made the headlines yet again, but this time, he was out to get back to those after his life.
To be continued