A/N: Let me start off by saying thank you to all who read the story so far. Thanks for sticking with me. This chapter is really long, please tell me if that is bad. Long chapters might be boring for you. I wanted to know how it would affect their personalities or their point of view if both the main characters had strong family bonds with more or less complications. Especially Kyoko; as I always wonder what if she met the kind people in her life before coming to Tokyo and had a somewhat normal childhood.

I love both of the characters and it's an amazing experience to read Skip Beat!

However... I do not own Skip Beat! or any of its characters. :)

Chapter 8

As the morning sun decided to strike Kanae right in her face and wake her up from her much desired sleep, she mentally cursed. Kyoko usually gets up early and closes the curtains. She looked to her side only to find the bed empty. 'Where is she?', she thought while dragging her body out of the futon. She was completely awake after hitting something on the floor on her way to the washroom.

"KYAAA!", Kanae screamed with the top of her lungs.

"WHAT! WHAT! WHAT HAPPENED?! NEE-chan….. a burglar? Nani ga?", Kyoko jumped up from sleep apparently after being mistaken as the reason for terror by her sister.

"MO! KYOKO! Don't sleep in weird places….. it's been so long since you last did this…." Kanae trailed off and suddenly remembered something. She sat down beside her sister who was in her way of doing a full dogeza, with worried eyes.

"SOOOOORRRRYYYYYYYY", Kyoko wailed.

"Mo! Get up Kyoko! I'm your sister… not going to eat you if you don't do that! A simple sorry is enough", Kanae said in a soft voice helping Kyoko get up.

"Sorry! I overdo it every time… hehehe….", Kyoko said sheepishly.

"Kyoko….. Did you have a nightmare again? You stopped having those a long time ago. Are you scared?", Kanae said, remembering the last time she was out of her bed and laid on the floor instead. After she allowed her to sleep closely with her which resulted in a full blown cuddle session in the end, Kyoko stopped having these dreams. It had side effects for Kanae though. She couldn't stop the habit of cuddling Kyoko after that and still sometimes has a hard time sleeping alone.

"No… I didn't but…. I was sad and cried and got tired and forgot to go to bed…" Kyoko said in a sad voice.

Kanae patted her head after debating whether she would hug her or not. Hugging could result in a daydreaming Kyoko for the whole day, which was bad for her and her parents. She smiled remembering how she would latch onto her for every single thing and refused to let go. She was bullied a lot which was a mystery to her since she was a very sweet child. Well she refused to say who bullied her after Kanae said that she would go and beat the crap out of the kids. It didn't stop even in High School and sometimes she would come back and be angry with her for not sharing information. But Kyoko never bulged.

"I just thought of all the things that have been happening. Men… I don't want to associate with men anymore, even Shotaro turned out to be like…."

"Don't talk about the prick….! I swear when I see him I'll kick him where it hurts and then will see who cries!", Kanae said furiously.

Kyoko smiled, somewhat shocked but otherwise relieved that she chose to talk to her sister.

"I think my life changed a lot and isn't what it was supposed to be"

"Why are you saying that?"

"Because I found you.", She whispered.

Kanae was dumbstruck. What is she talking about? Kyoko held her sister's hand.

"I never thought that I would have a real family when my mother left and never came back. I grieved mostly because she would scold me for my poor marks and couldn't stand the sight of me. I was a disappointment for her. She never looked back twice when I wailed each time she left for work. If anything, she was visibly angry each time she looked at me. Like there was something in my face that gave her pain. But after Dad found me and brought me home I was so happy. It felt like I was a captive princess and my father the gallant knight found me"

Kanae smiled at her sister's antics.

Kyoko continued, "I think, after when Kamisama gave you to me and after some time you allowed me to be your sister and learned to love me in your own way, my sad memories got replaced with yours, Oka-chan's and Otou-san's loving memories. I couldn't remember that time until after I got hurt so bad", she choked the last part out.

"Don't cry anymore Kyo-chan, I will protect you no matter what"

Kyoko nodded silently, wiping off her tears. Kanae smiled and got up. Kyoko went to fold up the futons as her sister went to the washroom.

"Breakfast is ready!", their mother called from downstairs. They both freshened up and went downstairs. Their parents were already waiting for them at the table.

"Otou-san, you aren't going to the restaurant today?", Kyoko asked, surprised to see him in his casual clothing.

"No Kyoko. The bank is going to seize the property today for the new land owners until they decide to do anything about it. They will be coming over tomorrow to the house to decide what we can keep and what we can't.", Tatsuya said in a sad tone.

Umeko reached out and held her husband close while nudging Kyoko close towards her. Kanae smiled sadly. Tetsuya opened up his arms and indicated her to come to him. She wrapped her hands around her father while Kyoko hugged her mother close. They all smiled at each other.

"I know it's not going to be easy, but at least we are together and we can start fresh in Tokyo." Umeko told her daughters.

"Mom, dad… we are going to meet some of our friends today if it's okay with you?", Kanae said in an even tone.

"Sure honey. Have fun" Umeko said and got up.

After breakfast they took the car and went to the hotel. Kyoko was praying not to see that man again. Hizuri Kuon! She suddenly remembered his name. The crazy woman was chanting his name like a prayer yesterday. How did it slip her mind! He was the man who bought their land right? As she walked through the lobby her heart began to pound mercilessly. Should she tell her sister?

"Ne Nee-chan..", Kyoko said when they went into the lift.

"Nani?"

"Who are we meeting?"

"Yashiro Yukihito, he called yesterday. Though I'm not sure what kind of conversations you both had but he seems eager to help and we shouldn't let this opportunity go"

Kyoko let out a breath she didn't remember holding. Suddenly she didn't feel uneasy at all. She liked the man. He was like a true honest prince who got his kingdom back. She smiled at the thought.

She decided to go to the shrine later to pray for her family's safety and happiness.

The elevator door opened and they entered a restaurant. Yashiro Yukihito was sitting in a rather secluded part of the restaurant. Kanae strode over there with Kyoko in tow. Yashiro, who was intently talking on the phone looked up and immediately shut his phone. He stood up abruptly and bowed.

"GOOD MORNING!", he said in English and very loudly.

"Good morning to you too Yashiro-san", a very shocked Kanae replied in English as well.

Yashiro became flabbergasted. He was so lost in his imagination of Kanae and she suddenly appeared in front of him! Is this fate?! It has to be fate! Right?

"How are you this morning?" Kyoko said to the man who was as red as a tomato, wondering if they were going to talk in English. It really wasn't a big deal though. She was good at it and so was her sister. Foreigners visited Kyoto very frequently. It is a convenient skill to have and it helped a lot in the restaurant.

"I'm fine. How are you Tsubasa-san?", Yukihito said, trying to get into a normal state. Kanae looked so pretty! He couldn't move his eye's from her. Why was his heart on fire?

"Please sit down!" he said hurriedly.

"Thank you", both sisters said in unison.

"I was just talking to my brother, Kuon. He is the owner of the land now so anything we want to do with it is solely up to him. However he did trust me with this job and I would like to help you. I myself know how hard it can be to lose your house, so please tell me if you have any requests."

Kyoko thanked the gods in heaven that that rich obnoxious arrogant idiot was not here. She looked at her sister who was intently explaining to Yashiro what happened and that they would like a chance to retrieve the home at least, if not the restaurant. She saw Yashiro looking at Kanae like she was the only thing there. She didn't feel any bad aura from him at all. His heart was pure and honest, she was sure of it.

What she didn't know was Yukihito already lost his heart to Kanae, without even realizing it.

Suddenly her grudges went on alert as they sensed something very angry coming towards them. Her back was towards it so she couldn't see it.

Kuon was angry because he couldn't close his eyes for even one minute last night. The girl was in his every thought and sometimes these thoughts would turn in inappropriate thoughts which he had to stop no matter what. He swore vengeance towards this girl. He would do anything to forget about last night and possibly never see her again. Kyoto is a big place; he hoped the girl would never show up.

So a sleep deprived, agitated, tired Kuon went to call his brother about their leaving details. Yukihito was in the hotel's restaurant and was waiting for the people he was about to meet for the land he bought. Honestly he just bought it to teach that jerk never to mess with him or his brother. Now he doesn't have anything to do with it. Well he needed to lift up his mood and curiosity was obvious. His brother seemed too eager for this meeting of his. Dancing around like a teenage girl. Who would think that he was a full grown man? He rarely dated and didn't have that much of a social life either. Kuon handled that part; he was good at it too. Popularity was something he inherited.

The weird part was he always teased Kuon when he went on dates or girls were all over him. If what he was sensing in his brother is anywhere near about a girl, this was some serious payback time. He thought while entering the restaurant. Well there were two girls in front of his brother from where he could see.

It was obvious he had a crush on one, Kuon could tell by looking at his stupid grin. He walked over there.

Yukihito noticed Kuon and got up, "Speak of the devil…. Tsubasa san… meet my brother Kuon. Hizuri Kuon.

Kuon came into view and gaped. In front of him was that girl from yesterday… and she looked even more beautiful today… was that even possible?!

"YOU!", they both said in unison.

"Huh?! Do you two know each other?, Yukihito asked while signaling Kuon to sit, which he did.

He smiled evilly. "We were acquainted last night, if I remember correctly"

Kyoko shivered at the memory and Yukihito wondered why Kuon was so angry today morning.

"Is it so?", Kanae smiled politely while eyeing her sister who looked troubled.

"Yes, she was quite amusing. Nice to meet you, miss….?"

"Tsubasa Kanae. This is my sister, Kyoko. Yesterday you bought our land in the auction."

Kuon was surprised. So this girl did have a sister. It was apparent that Kanae was beautiful as well and his brother was interested in her.

What was confusing was that, if this girl wasn't sent to sabotage the fashion show… and did get involved mistakenly, then he behaved very very unreasonable last night.

Kyoko sensed the anger was gone from the man in front of her. He was undoubtedly handsome. But his personality and hot headedness was not something anyone could easily deal with. At least she couldn't.

"So you want the land back?"

"We know that is not going to be in your best interest and as a businessman it would be unprofessional to let sentiment get in your way. However we won't lie, that is our home and we would like to have the chance to have it back.", Kanae said in an even tone.

Kuon was indeed impressed somewhat. This girl had insight and professionalism. But then another thought came into his head.

Kyoko cringed as she saw Kuon smile. 'This is bad', she thought and backed up.

"So yesterday, why did Kyoko-san sabotage my show? Because I bought your land? Was it because of revenge? So what is the meaning of this meeting? Are you here thinking you would tell me a sad story about how you lost your land and I would be kind and give that back to you?"

"What are you talking about?", Yashiro asked surprised.

"I really don't understand what you are saying Hizuri-san. Kyoko is a very well behaved person and wouldn't do anything like that on purpose.", Kanae said while gaping at him.

"So is it a lie when I'm saying that your sister disguised herself as principal model in last night's fashion show and ruined my million dollar project? The PR is a nightmare right now. Or when I'm saying that you came here to persuade me to return your land, which I, remind you, bought legally.", Kuon said with the smile of his.

Kanae looked at her sister, "Kyoko, is what he is saying true?"

"Y-yes…. But…", she said looking at the ground, trying to figure out a way to control this situation.

Kuon snickered, "So I do believe that there will be no deal made between us about this land."

"Wait! Let me explain… you do not need to take this decision so quickly!", Kyoko said with desperation in her voice, which irritated Kuon and he became visibly angry. What did this girl take him for? An idiot? She has been lying since yesterday and still isn't giving up. Even if he assumes that she was not at fault, her actions say that she is irresponsible and doesn't even care how her actions affected others.

'She is the worst!', his judgment was made.

"I'm sorry Tsubasa-san, but there will not be any deal made between us, as I do not make deals with people who try to deceive others for money.", he said to Kanae and got up.

Kanae gaped at him, even Yashiro. They couldn't comprehend what was going on.

"What do you think you are saying you rich obnoxious IDIOT!". Kyoko shouted while getting up, seeing Kuon leave.

Kuon stopped and looked at her with eyes that could freeze someone's heart. He didn't even feel this girl was worthy of his time anymore. He looked disinterested.

"Life is not all about money! Just because you have it and we don't doesn't mean that we want yours! I went there by mistake, don't tell me you never made any mistakes in your life? Who do you think you are, saying things like that? That is our home you are talking about! Not just any piece of land! You are not so high and mighty yourself! You sexual harassment jerk!", Kyoko said in a loud voice.

Kuon was shocked and frozen in his place. Yukihito and Kanae both got up from their seats!

"Kuon what is she talking about?!", Yukihito said in a shocked tone and Kanae finally realized who the man her sister was talking about! Hizuri Kuon had some explaining to do!

"Tell me if it is a lie when I say you cornered me last night in a room against a wall and held me there against my will! Or that you ripped up my dress last night while I was trying to get away from you", Kyoko had a sinister smile on her face. Mimicking Kuon and pissing him off.

"KUON! What is she talking about! Is this true?!", Yashiro asked, shocked.

Kuon was at a loss! He never even imagined this would happen. He looked at the ground… trying to find words!

"KUON!", Yukihito nearly shouted!

"Y-yes… yes Yuki-nii. It's true. But it was an accident!", Kuon said looking at Kyoko with murderous eyes!

"You! You made my sister cry!", Kanae was more than angry! How dare this man!

Yashiro sighed and slid his glasses up. He looked at Kanae and said, "He said it was an accident. I'm sure he is not lying. Kuon is nothing but a gentleman with ladies."

"So you are implying that my sister is lying? I saw the dress myself and my Kyo-chan never lies to me! How is it that you believed him when he said what he did was an accident and when my sister said that she went there by accident, you didn't believe?!"

"My brother never lies Tsubasa-san!"

"Are you implying that my sister lied, Yashiro-san?

"This is going nowhere!", Yashiro sighed frustrated.

"I'm not going to ask someone like him to consider anything with our home!", Kanae said.

"Then there will be no consideration!", Kuon said to Kyoko!

"We don't need your "consideration!", Rich Idiot!", Kyoko said annoyed!

"Fine!", Kuon replied!

"Fine!", Kyoko said!

"Lets go Kyoko!", Kanae said holding her hand and shooting daggers with eyes towards the brothers!

"We are leaving Kuon!", Yashiro grabbed his brother and went for the lift.

Kanae took Kyoko and went towards the other exit.

The employees and other guests, who were ignored this whole time just gaped at them! What a weird bunch! They all thought!