CHAPTER 26
I do not own skip beat! Yoshiki Nakamura does.
PS( sorry this one is long): So first I would like to thank Kaname671 for her sweet review, ktoll9, Nara, oral1168 and Anonymo. Now, lot of you have been wondering about the driver and it made me laugh so much…It will come guys…
WARNING( the intro speak about sexual assaults in some way and Japan laws on those matters. If you don't want to read this or are uncomfortable with it, skip to the beginning of the chapters. It does explain why i kind of decided to pursue this road though.)
I would like to address some point: Someone was concerned about something that could be in most countries really unrealistic. The way the hospital acted, no reports, no police, no complaint or no investigation. And I agree, it's what we know about how it's conducted usually.
Now, unfortunately, it's not like that in Japan. In Japan, people are all about not creating troubles, waves, not having scandals. The mere existence of a special department for rapes and abused people in hospitals are very very recent in Japan. Less than ten years ago, there was none. And having subscribed to some Japanese news, i know in most cases, police dismiss the rapes from the very beginning even if a person come in this sort of state.
Really, I've saw and read some crazy things and just recently some outcast articles had made the buzz because finally some women are protesting against the abuses they are facing(because most of the time they just don't tell anyone, it's one of the country where abuses on people are reported the less) and demanding more severe laws, because there are lot of breaches in Japanese laws that permit most of the time to abuser to stay clean, to be released or to not even go the trial. Patriarchy is still very rooted in Japanese society.
There is one law dating from 1907 still going on that state that unless a woman fight enough or that there is a crushing force, threats or that there is an inability total to resist from her then, it's not a rape. It's a law created to prevent cheating from spouses, to protect the husband. Today, it's still available. In other words, if you are tetanized by fear, if the man just punched you once, if he drugged you even…Yeah, because it's only applied to disabled people, not to forced inability, of course. Then, all of that go to the trash, none of that is proof that you were abused.
The only way a trial and investigation is done on rape matters is if there are solid proofs already. Which the hospital don't have to report most of the time unless the victim decided to officially initiate pursuits with already the proofs in hand. Now, the hospitals have to do the minimal tests, that's obligatory, but they don't have to give it to anyone or investigate unless the victim required them to and even then, most of the time, it's hell to go through it.
Japan is one of the less advanced country in laws matter...
Now, concerning the drug, the police might investigate if it's in a drug trafficking context but if it's not...the hospital might just report that one person came after an aggression under the influence of the drug...but that's about all. And if abuses or rapes are suggested, there are an implicit back out from the police most of the time. They discredit and dismiss it...Or they don't believe it. Period. I know there are cases like that around the world too but it's a general act in Japan...
Most of the times, if the victim didn't fight enough, the assaulter is seen as innocent, it's the first question asked to the victims: did you fight enough?
It's because it's like that in Japan that I wrote it that way. Of course, in most other countries, the police is contacted or there is a report done and then an interview and all that...
Here, in this sort of situation, in this sort of culture...Let's say there is 90% of the cases where the women don't report it in other countries and it's more than 99% in Japan. Because they are too ashamed, don't want people to know even if it was to help them and because they know it won't result in anything...
In this situation, Kyoko wouldn't go...Honestly, with this context, the only reason she went to the hospital in my point of view and in her state of shock, was because her arms needed treatments and stitches...
Would she not have been hurt, she wouldn't even have gone to the hospital...
Quite frankly, it's not for nothing if Japan has one of the best implanted traffic prostitution. In most cases, the assaulter won't ever be punished, it's as high as the lack of report, so in more than 99% of the cases they have to nothing to worry about, they practically rule the ways.
Now, that's cleared. You can imagine how it complicates things to punish the bad guys directly in my story. Now, don't get me wrong, I want it too. But to stay coherent, it would have to be subtle and not necessarily like you would have liked. Some people being quite scary in their hopes to retaliation, though I understand.
End of warning
I'm really sorry for the very long intro but I felt like it needed to be addressed so there would have no confusion. And because it could help you understand my choices into taking this road. Of course I did my homework before taking this path.
Now I'm sure some of you already knew about all this …well like that It's clear.
New beginnings first need balm on fresh wounds –part 2
Kyoko woke up feeling fuzzy. And a bit too much comfy. If she didn't think twice she would never want to get ever again.
I feel like I'm engulfed in marshmallows…
It didn't smell like her bed. It' didn't feel like her futon. The sheets were far too soft and silky and the mattress far too comfortable. The weirdest thing was she couldn't move. She felt like she was encased in strong warmness. Her legs were pinned heavily as long as her right arm.
A rumble rebound on her chest steadily and she listened to it for a while. She could move her left arm but it wasn't of any help as its global mobility and strength were still very low.
Still slightly asleep, she attempted to move and shifted her head a bit but stopped abruptly, tickled by something smooth under her chin.
She shifted again and her nose brushed into it making her want to sneeze and giggle at the same time which made her opened her eyes a crack and noticed her hand was touching it too. She ruffled it puzzled.
It looks familiar…and it's so soft.
Like Ren's hair…
Ren.
The memories came rushing back into, some really bitter and dreadful and others. I went to hospital, took a taxi, came here, bathed, cried and-…fell asleep.
That's right I'm at Ren's…Kyoko thought while blinking to rub out the last remains of drowsiness.
Then she froze on the spot. Remembered the peculiar sheets, bed and the…
Hair…
If I'm at Ren's, then She thought dreadfully while looking down to see the tuff of hair pressed just below her chin tickling her collarbones and a very peaceful content face soundly asleep resting against her chest while his arms hold her tightly pressed on his upper body and his legs intertwined with her owns weighted on her.
Kyyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa….
She blushed to the roots. To see him nesting and clinging to her with such nonchalance. Her shock splited between property again and how it made her feel. How much she loved the idea of him feeling at ease against her, near her. Still…
What are you doing here?! It's no place to sleep…she freaked out with another bout of embarrassment.
After a few minutes, her heart finally calmed and she stared at him baffled.
What is this man always taking me for a pillow …? Kyoko wondered while imagining if her figure could look a bit like a cushion.
It can't be comfortable…I have not much in this area…
She kept watching him and couldn't help running her hand through his smooth strands. She was afraid she would wake him but after staring at him some more, she realized he was really in a deep slumber and Kyoko let loose on some her hidden feelings.
He seems so innocent like that…like it's the best sleep of his life She thought with a quiet giggle.
Maybe I'm making a greater pillow that I imagine…
Can a pillow try itself if he's comfy…
Kyoko reflected on self pillows for a while, measuring the effects, the possibilities and the limits.
I can't even verify if it applies to everyone or if this guy just weird…
Not fair…Time to switch, I want to try my theory and see if every human being can be an efficient acceptable pillow…
Kyoko stared at him frustrated and feeling like an insect stuck in a spider's web again but her eyes soon softened.
She was glad to be here. Even if it was artificial. Even if she didn't let him much of a choice, bursting here in her state late at night. She didn't thought she could sleep but had finally had a sound slumber. Thanks to him.
Thank you for your kindness…Thank you for being you, .
-Even if you have weird tastes in pillows matter…
He looks still tired though…
Which she imagined was pretty normal after being awoke at three in the morning when your Kohai just took a taxi and came drenched at your door asking to stay and-
-wait.
The taxi.
The driver!
The money!
She had forgot to asked Ren…
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo…!.She shrieked in her head, holding her face in her hands.
Or so she thought.
Because next instant, the body glued to her jumped in the air partially lifting her from the mattress and hitting her chin on the way.
-Ouch.
-What happened? What's the matter? Are you okay? Asked Ren panicked before noticing Kyoko rubbing her chin.
-Sorry he quickly said and inspected her face, ignoring her protests.
-I'm fine she said again.
-Then why did you scream? Ren asked.
-Ah. Sorry. I'm-…Hum…She hesitated a bit but it was far too late for that and she knew it. I forgot to pay the taxi last night. I was going to ask you if you could advance the money so I could pay you back as I didn't have any on me but I completely forgot Kyoko explained ashamed.
-Oh. That's it? Asked Ren already more relaxed.
-That's it?! What if he waited hours outside? Kyoko growled.
-I'm sure he didn't Ren said with a chuckle.
-It's even worse! It's not right. I'm just going to just-
-Oh no, you are not Ren pushed her to sit back on the bed. I'm going to check. Wait here.
He returned a few minutes later with a reassuring smile.
-The guardian had paid for it Ren said. He even added it was not so rare of an occurrence. I paid him back.
-Thank you Kyoko timidly said relieved. I will pay you back.
-It's out of question.
-But-
-No but. Now, why don't you come have breakfast with me after this trembling awaken.
Kyoko coloured, embarrassed but also preoccupied to have woke him up when he was sleeping with such an enjoyment and she knew he had rarely the occasion to sleep in with his work to-
She gasped loudly and Ren watched her with a certain amusement this time and an inquired eyebrow.
-What time is it? Kyoko asked frantic.
-Hum…half past nine I think Ren replied.
Kyoko chocked.
-Your work! You are going to be late. Noooo…I'm so sorry…Quickly, grab your keys and drive. Don't bother with me. Just go! Kyoko exclaimed pushing to the front door a trembling and so terribly slow Ren.
-Ren! Come on. You can't be late! Kyoko stated and threw his keys into his hand.
Ren took a breath.
-Kyoko-… he started.
-Not now, you will lecture me later. Go!
He coughed.
-In pyjamas? He finally managed.
Kyoko stared at him like he was crazy. Then it hit.
-Argghhhh…!Why are you in your pyjamas?!
-Well I just woke as you personally know and as I was trying to expl-
-Whatever…Kyoko interrupted. Yeah in Pyjamas and all concluded Kyoko quickly. They will find you clothes, they always have clothes for you. They would always find something if it's for the Tsuruga Ren. I don't know your planning but if it's a shoot, well you are not wearing you own clothes anyways and same goes for a role. You have to undress and you'll be fine. An interview might be problematic but you managed to make swallow my ridiculous gift from last time to everyone so coming in Pyjamas might just work like you being a normal person having hard time getting out of bed sometimes Kyoko thought hardly.
This might just work…All his pyjamas are high-classes and he looks just enough dishevelled to seem even more sexy She thought with a blush forming.
Ren bent over. Shaking violently, he couldn't stand it any seconds more and tears prickled at the corner of his eyes while he imagined himself coming on stage in his pyjamas pretending to have overslept.
-Yo-you…don't have…to torture…haha…yourself…harf…so much He got out trying desperately to breath under her severe glare.
He tried again.
-I moved around my morning sche-dule… already. I sent a message to Yashiro last night Ren explained.
She frowned still. She looked absolutely adorable, biting her lips and ruffling her hair in concern while she stared at him from the side wanting to be sure he was telling the truth.
-Really? You are not late?
-I promise Ren assured with a smile.
-Okay she mumbled with a sigh and Ren lost it.
Too cute…
He took a step near her looking closely in her eyes he smiled and very delicately pecked her right cheek. Then he stepped back.
Kyoko instantly turned crimson and looked at him in a conflict of horror, embarrassment and something odd that he couldn't really identify but look like sweet defeat.
Now what does that mean…He thought.
-For worrying about my work and me so much Ren cut her seeing she was about to make him go through the question to get answers of his reasons.
Kyoko stared at him without a word, not even knowing where to start.
-You! Youuu!
Ren, feeling his mischievous side coming out just grinned innocently.
Can't help it…
You made me see my past under another light…Now I don't have any reason to not be myself around you…You don't know what you're up for…
My less policed side is now-… on the loose around you…
-Come on. I ordered food for breakfast. Let's settle the table.
She nodded grumpily and soon they were sitting on the floor near his low living room table and eating. She saw Ren studying her from time to time while they ate, observing if she was okay, she was sure. He even interrogated her several times and asked how she felt this morning, if her legs were fine and if he could help in any matter but he never prodded again on the reasons behind her condition of last night.
The morning was nearing its ends both would need to active quickly.
For work of course but Kyoko also couldn't stand to stay one second more near him. The events of yesterday were just behind the corner of her mind ready to jump at her like some kid monster while at the front jingled the comfort Ren gave her, his kindness, the way her body clang to him last night and his way to answer, his closeness the sweetest melody to the soul but also a tempting torture without end.
I'm turning into a masochist…
So when the time came Kyoko nearly bolt outside but not before Ren promising to regularly checks on her state and her swearing to take it easy.
She agreed to anything and he dropped her off at Daruyama.
PS: Yeah, I changed my mind. I again cut it in two, too much different scenes to put it in this one. The result making this one really short.
I hope you will like it and that my long intro didn't bother you too much and help understand things.
Kisses,
Mimagfan.