Date Day

I do not own Skip Beat. Or any song I use here after.

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When Kyoko woke up the next morning and looked out of the window, nothing could have prepared her for the torrential rain which poured down around the estate. No helicopter would be able to fly in this weather, it wouldn't be able to land for a start. Kyoko's heart fell as she watched the rain through the window. Maybe it just wasn't meant to be and this was the universe's way of telling her this. The hot, sunny days had disappeared into dreary dismal rain and Kyoko's heart in that moment felt just as grey.

Kuon too had been looking out of his window at the rain. Why did it have to be today! The last two days he had planned indoor activities with no issue, it just had to be today! Kuon sighed.

"Really is the world just against me? Is this the gods way of telling me I should never be happy?"

Flopping back down onto his bed Kuon sighed again, but as his head hit the pillows he heard something hitting the floor. Sitting up slowly he looked down and lunged for the item of his attention. Quickly opening the long box he checked that the fragile item had not broken and sighed happily when he saw it was still safely wrapped in the tissue paper. Looking at the object he stroked it with a gentle finger and suddenly the dark, wet day didn't seem so gloomy. In fact it was perfect! Kuon thought as he jumped up and almost ran to get dressed. Placing the box lovingly on his bed, he grabbed his phone as an afterthought, sending a text to Kyoko he smiled to himself. He would surely make this a date to remember.

Chiori awoke to the beeping of Kyoko's phone. Yawning widely and looking around the room for her friend she saw she wasn't present. Thinking she must have gone to the bathroom or something Chiori slipped out of bed and to Kyoko's bedside table, switching off the alarm. It wasn't until then that Chiori looked out of the window at the torrential rain and sighed. This wasn't the perfect day she had been hoping for. Kyoko entered a few moments later, washbag in hand and smiled sadly at Chiori's face as she looked out of the window.

"Bit dismal isn't it?" she asked as Chiori turned to her with the same sad smile. "It makes me think maybe someone is trying to tell me that this isn't meant to be." Chiori was shocked by Kyoko's words.

"Don't say that! Just because of a little rain doesn't mean you can't go on your date." Chiori said.

Not knowing what Kuon had planned, Kyoko sighed sadly. "We were supposed to be getting a helicopter to Tokyo Disneyland. Makoto-san has just confirmed the helicopter will not be flying in this weather so she is awaiting Kuon's decision on what we will be doing today instead."

Chiori's face fell. That was one of the most perfect dates Kuon could have picked for Kyoko! Hell stupid weather and stupid weather reporters who said the weather was going to be nice for at least a few weeks! Chiori looked back out of the window again. It really was just stupid! Why should Kyoko the girl that truly loves Kuon and who Kuon truly loves be the one that gets the rotten weather. Then it hit Chiori!

"Swap with me!" she said spinning around to face Kyoko.

"WHAT?" Kyoko cried staring at her friend.

"I said swap with me. Look I do not love Kuon. I like him as a friend and think he is an amazing actor but I do not love him." Grabbing Kyoko's arm Chiori dragged Kyoko into the changing room away from the cameras and shut the door. "You love him Kyoko. I know you do, and anyone with eyes in their head can see that. I want your day to be perfect. So swap with me and we can pray that Thursday is a better day?" Kyoko looked at Chiori's determined face and smiled a warm, heartfelt smile.

"Thanks Chiori, you're a real friend." Chiori smiled but it soon fell as Kyoko continued "But no. This is my day Chiori and I will take it. Bad weather and all, I know Kuon will have something really amazing planned out for your date and I will not ruin your day just so mine can be happier." Chiori was about to protest when Kyoko's phone which was still in her hand started ringing. Looking down at the device she handed it to Kyoko.

"The alarm woke me up." she offered as an explanation to why she was holding it as Kyoko took her phone, nodded and read the email that had just been delivered.

'Meet me in the lobby at 8am. I have a plan...Kuon x'

Kyoko smiled a true smile as she read the email again before handing the phone back to Chiori who read the message then checked the time.

"See that's great! And we still have 45 minutes to get you ready!" Chiori cried as she ran to Kyoko's wardrobe looking through the clothes laid out there.

"Yeah but I wonder what I should wear? I'm not sure where we are going?" Kuon answered that question not a moment after it left her lips, when her phone rang again.

'Dress dry and warm, we may get a little wet!'

Chiori who had read the message over Kyoko's shoulder laughed.

"Well you heard the man. But I think we will need divine intervention for this venture... or at least a fairy godmother." Chiori grabbed Kyoko's phone from her hand and deftly flipped through the contents. Raising it to her ear, she smiled slyly at Kyoko before smiling broadly as Kyoko heard the phone pick up the other side.

"Goddess, we need a miracle."

Kuon was nervous, would she come still even though she couldn't go on the date he had planned for her? She had been so happy when he had told her about what he had planned, but the weather had changed the plans for him. He was determined to make this day special for her.

Kuon couldn't help but smile as Kyoko appeared at the top of the stairs. She was dressed in jeans and from what he could see a red thick jumper and raincoat. Then to top it off a pair of what looked like walking boots and a red knitted hat and gloves with matching scarf finished off the simple outfit. Kuon wondered how Jelly who stood at the top of the stairs beside Chiori had managed to get such a perfect outfit on such short notice? The two women smiled as Kyoko descended the stairs towards him.

"You better look after her today Kuon! Or you will have me to deal with!" Chiori shouted down to him with a large smile on her face taking the hurt out of her words as Kuon smiled.

"And she better not get ill because of your choices!" Jelly added as Kyoko turned to them laughing.

"I'll be fine, stop worrying!" her smile was beautiful. Her eyes simply from seeing Kuon were already dancing, making both women understand that as long as she was with Kuon they could sit in a small room for hours and still she would be perfectly content. As Kuon offered Kyoko his arm, she took it smiling at the man who too was dressed in a jumper, raincoat and walking boots. They left together smiling serenely.

"Ahhh that's how true love should always be." Jelly sighed as she turned and scooped Tama from Chiori's arms for a cuddle "Just being together is richer than any food or wine you could ever buy." Chiori nodded as she looked back towards the windows showing the rain outside as she nodded.

"And I don't mean to jump the gun, but doesn't the rain seem a little lighter to you?" she asked. Jelly followed her line of sight as she watched the rain tumbling down.

"You know what, I believe it does!" she said with a smile as she turned back to the younger woman. Maybe instead of seeing this as a bad thing maybe the gods were telling us that they already had the perfect date planned out after all? Now I don't know about you but I'm hungry and its breakfast time!" Chiori giggled as she smiled.

"How about you join me at the main table today? It's not like we need 26 seats for 5 people." Jelly thought about it for a moment and then nodded.

"You know what, I would like that. Hell why not make a party of it?" and with that Chiori and Jelly went around inviting all the other women plus their managers, staff and whoever else they may have brought along with them. Informing the kitchen staff they would all be eating together today, which seemed to make the staff happy as it meant less of a journey for them to deliver Kuu's army sized portions to him. That morning the dining room was filled with talk and laughter as Chiori watched. The day looked better each second as she wished Kuon and Kyoko the best.

Cameras had been fitted in the car and audio devices. Kyoko could tell by the unusual antenna that had been added, but she didn't mind. As Kuon opened the door for her, she smiled at him as she took the passenger seat. The van carrying the camera crews were already packed up and ready to follow them to the ends of the earth and back Kyoko thought as she smiled at the rain covered cameraman with his camera in its special waterproof protective layer.

"So where are we going?" Kyoko asked as Kuon took his seat in the driver's seat.

"You'll have to wait and see." Kuon said with a knowing smile. He knew Kyoko hated surprises, but it was too much fun to watch the cute face she made that he just couldn't help teasing her a little. He started up the engine and was driving off down the road before it became too much for Kyoko.

"Come on Kuon where are we going?" she asked again as Kuon just smiled. Kyoko knew he was really enjoying torturing her as they drove along. So she decided to take her mind off it by asking Kuon about his current projects. It was just over an hour later when the subject yet again turned to the destination.

"Kyoko tell me, what do you know about the Ainu?" Kyoko looked across at Kuon confused by his question but happy to answer it nonetheless as she gave him an almost textbook like response.

"The Ainu, also called Aynu, Aino, and in historical texts Ezo, are an indigenous people in Japan (Hokkaidō) and Russia from the Sakhalin and Kuril Islands.

Historically, they spoke Ainu and related varieties of language. Most of those who identify themselves as Ainu still live in this same region, though the exact number of living Ainu is unknown. This is due to confusion over mixed heritages and also to ethnic issues in Japan resulting in those with Ainu backgrounds hiding their identities. Intermarriage with Japanese has blurred the concept of a pure Ainu ethnic group. Official estimates of the population are around 25,000, while the unofficial number is upward of 200,000 people. Why do you ask Kuon?" the simple way in which she had remembered the information astounded him but he guessed that this type of memory was a thing brought on by her mother. No wonder she got 100% on her school entrance exam Kuon thought as he chose his next words carefully.

"So what do you know about Ainu religion?" Kyoko wondered whether this was some type of test but decided to answer anyway.

"The Ainu are traditionally animists, believing that everything in nature has a kamuy which is a spirit or god on the inside. The most important include Kamuy Fuchi, the goddess of the hearth, Kim-un Kamuy, the god of bears and mountains, and Repun Kamuy, the god of the sea, fishing, and marine animals.

The Ainu have no priests by profession. Instead the village chief performs whatever religious ceremonies are necessary. Ceremonies are confined to making libations of sake, uttering prayers, and offering willow sticks with wooden shavings attached to them. These sticks are called inaw when there's one and nusa when there's more than one.

They are placed on an altar used to "send back" the spirits of killed animals. Ainu ceremonies for sending back bears are called Iomante. The Ainu people give thanks to the gods before eating and pray to the deity of fire in time of sickness. They believe their spirits are immortal, and that their spirits will be rewarded hereafter by ascending to kamui mosir which is the Land of the Gods.

The Ainu believe the bear is very special because they think the bear is Kim-un Kamuy's way of delivering the gift of bearhide and meat to the assimilated into mainstream Japanese society have adopted Buddhism with Shinto influences, while some northern Ainu are members of the Russian Orthodox Church." Kuon again was amazed by Kyoko's knowledge as he laughed out loud.

"God you really are a genius." he said with a hearty smile as Kyoko blushed prettily.

"No not really its just an important part of Japanese history and I always liked history." she added as she looked down and away from Kuon to hide her embarrassment. She wasn't sure if he was teasing her or not and she didn't really like the thought of either option.

"Don't think wrongly of me Kyoko I think being clever is a thing to be proud of. I'm just amazed by how much you knew and here I was thinking I was going to be able to tell you the story about some of their beliefs. With the spirits of the forest and the fairies and so forth." that was all he needed and he knew it. Kyoko's eyes were instantly sparkling as her head snapped around to him as if on a piece of stretched elastic that was suddenly released.

"They never went into the finer details of the religion. Did they really believe in fairies and spirits?" Kyoko asked quickly and Kuon inwardly smiled. God he loved this girl.

"Well see when dad bought the mansion, he made friends with one of the local villages of Ainu people and one in particular, the Shaman..." Kyoko listened amazed as Kuon told her all about the spirits of the forest and how the Ainu people would pray, believing the gods' children walked amoung them to watch over them. He told her about the fairies charged with looking after the world for the gods, who helped the seasons change and the flowers grow. Kyoko loved every second and she asked lots of questions enjoying the story which from his reactions Kuon enjoyed telling her. They had already forgotten that they were being filmed and broadcasting on a live feed via the internet. They were too wrapped up in their own little world where fairies and forest spirits roamed the earth; A world where only they existed.

"So here we are!" Kuon said at last breaking Kyoko's trance as they pulled up in a parking space. Kyoko looked around.

"Where are we?" Kyoko asked gasping at the view before her.

"This is Shiretoko National Park. It covers most of the Shiretoko Peninsula at the northeastern tip of Hokkaido. The word 'Shiretoko' is derived form an Ainu word 'Sir Etok', meaning 'End of the Earth'. It's one of the most remote regions in all of Japan that's basically untouched. Much of the peninsula is only accessible on foot or by boat. It is best known as the home of Japan's largest brown bear population. The park even has a hot springs waterfall, Kamuiwakka Falls. Kamui wakka means 'Water of the Gods' in Ainu. I thought if we were going to go fairy hunting there was no better place to start!" Kyoko looked at him amazed at what Kuon had just told her.

"We're going fairy hunting?" she asked half laughing, as she looked out across the beautiful landscape.

"Yes why not?" Kuon asked smiling at her as he reached for his door handle. Kyoko was already up and out of the car before he could even blink, as he smiled at her simple excitement. Kyoko stood at the wall looking out across the river below.

"Isn't it beautiful Kuon?" Kyoko asked looking out at Mount Rausu. Kuon had no eyes for the view, but he had to admit it really was beautiful. The rain which had turned into a light drizzle suddenly stopped and Kyoko turned and smiled even more widely as the sun broke through the small bits of lingering clouds to shine down upon them both as they laughed.

"Well it seems the weather is finally with us so let's go find those fairies!" Kuon stated as he grabbed Kyoko's hand.

The camera crew chuckled to themselves as Kyoko visibly stiffened before relaxing and smiling at Kuon. This was turning out to be an amazing day she thought as they raced off together down the track. The camera crew could hardly keep up with the laughing and joking pair as they walked, ran and raced through the forest paths. They saw lots of different wildlife and even got some good pictures of a fox with her cubs. When they came upon the stream which fed the river Kyoko had seen earlier Kuon stopped and invited Kyoko to sit down on a blanket he had got out of the backpack he had been carrying. Kyoko had to admit she was impressed when Kuon started pulling out food. She hadn't realised how hungry she was. They had pulled over on the drive and purchased some pastries for breakfast to Kyoko's chagrin but this food looked homemade.

"So who did you talk into packing this for you? Don't tell me you did this yourself." Kyoko was amazed as Kuon glowed red a little on his cheeks, "You did, didn't you?" Kyoko asked amazed as Kuon placed down the 2 bento boxes and a few tupperware tubs of side dishes.

"Well you see...I'vebeenhavinglessons." Kuon spoke so fast Kyoko wasn't sure she had heard what Kuon said.

"You've what?" Kyoko asked watching a cameraman setting up a few standing cameras so they too could eat and rest.

"I've been having lessons." Kuon answered again looking away as he sat down and opened one of the bento lids to show her. Kyoko was amazed the food inside looked well, how could she put it? It looked edible. Picking up one of the sets of chopsticks Kuon had unpacked. Kuon watched her as she picked up one of the deep fried shrimp and popped it into her mouth. It was the moment of truth for Kuon of course as he watched Kyoko eating his cooking. She savoured it before swallowing. The look on her face didn't encourage Kuon as he placed the bento box on the blanket before him.

"I know, you don't have to tell me. It's terrible right?" Kuon looked away completely embarrassed now. He had spent all morning cooking this and still he was no better than his mother in the kitchen. The feeling of a small hand on his shoulder startled him as he turned back to see Kyoko. The look on her face this time was completely different.

"Kuon I was joking, it's wonderful." she said with a smile that made half the camera crew weak at the knees. Kuon looked as if he didn't believe her, so picking up the chopsticks again she grabbed another shrimp and held it out to him. "See you try it." The look in Kuon's eyes as he took the shrimp from her chopsticks made her shiver, but that moment had calmed Kyoko considerably as she ate in silence from that moment on. Her heart was pounding, her nerves and senses on full alert knowing Kuon was right next to her the whole time. She almost felt like she wanted to... no she couldn't think like that! ...Could she?

After they had eaten Kyoko looked around at the clearing they were sitting in. It really was beautiful. Looking at the camera crew she made up her mind.

"I think we should stay here for a bit this afternoon before heading back, let the crew rest and we can hunt some water faries." Kyoko said with her usual excitement when the small winged creatures were involved. Kuon agreed and the camera crew looked relieved. Operating a camera was much easier when you weren't carrying it around on your shoulder for hours. The next few hours were spent in and around the stream. The stream bed and surrounding area was so slippery with the rain and mud that eventually Kyoko found herself reaching for Kuon's hand. Holding each other up they hunted for the elusive fairies. It wasn't until one of the crew got the phone call that they were brought back to reality. For the last few hours they had been off the radar, the streaming not working due to the mountains and trees. So the cameras were packed away for the time being. They had enough film for the show anyway. They could just cut to the best bits. So Kuon and Kyoko strayed further from the crew who sat and rested leaving the couple to their own devices as they slipped and slid around in the mud laughing and jesting like children. They found another clearing upstream. This one had another small amount of grass.

"You know in all these fairy stories and pictures you always see the fairies dancing! Maybe that's what we should do?" Kuon commented looking at Kyoko who just looked at him and laughed.

"There is no music Kuon?" she said laughing as she slipped slightly on the grass. Kuon grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him.

"Well that's easily fixable." Kuon said as he stood there holding Kyoko lightly by her waist as he racked his brain for a song. Kyoko was completely calm not even really thinking about where Kuon was holding her. She looked at Kuon covered in mud and god knows what and couldn't help smiling. Kuon's eyes were dancing as he thought and Kyoko loved watching it as suddenly they lit up with a sudden idea. The smile he gave Kyoko took her breath away as he pulled her a little closer and whispered into her ear.

Let me be your hero.

Kyoko's heart nearly burst from her chest as his deep, melodical voice whispered in her ear. The feeling of his breath brushing over her skin made her tingle with anticipation. The moment, the setting it all built up to one undeniable moment as Kuon began singing.

Would you dance

If I asked you to dance?

Would you run

And never look back?

Would you cry

If you saw me crying?

And would you save my soul, tonight?

Kuon gently swayed Kyoko to the song as she instinctively stepped forwards closer into his arms and placed her arms around his neck as Kuon smiling sang to the girl he loved.

Would you tremble

If I touched your lips?

Would you laugh?

Oh please tell me this.

Now would you die

For the one you loved?

Hold me in your arms, tonight.

I can be your hero, baby.

I can kiss away the pain.

I will stand by you forever.

You can take my breath away.

Kyoko couldn't stand looking into his eyes any longer as she laid her head gently against Kuon's chest. She could hear how fast his heart was beating as they swayed and danced in the clearing together. Kuon couldn't help but want her closer and the fact she was so happy to be here in his arms made his heart race. This song was all his feelings put into words. He wanted to be the hero she was looking for. The one she had sung about only last week. He wanted to save her from any hurt, pain or suffering and he put all the emotion he could gather into his words as dusk started to fall around them.

Would you swear

That you'll always be mine?

Or would you lie?

Would you run and hide?

Am I in too deep?

Have I lost my mind?

I don't care...

You're here tonight.

I can be your hero, baby.

I can kiss away the pain.

I will stand by you forever.

You can take my breath away.

They swayed together as Kuon tried to push all the feelings he felt though his arms into Kyoko as she tried to tell herself that this was just part of the show so it meant nothing. But her heart was screaming out begging her to try. To try and win the man she so desperately loved as they danced in that clearing by the stream. Kuon almost felt like his heart was trying to physically reach out to Kyoko as he continued.

Oh, I just want to hold you.

I just want to hold you, oh, yeah.

Am I in too deep?

Have I lost my mind?

Well, I don't care...

You're here tonight.

I can be your hero, baby.

I can kiss away the pain, oh, yeah.

I will stand by you forever.

You can take my breath away.

As Kuon started to shake with pure emoution Kyoko had to look up into those green eyes. She had to look and physically feel just how much she loved the man before her. In that moment she wanted to confess all, to tell him just how much she loved him. She couldn't though. This was a game show after all. She couldn't try and sway his emotions with her feelings, but as she looked into his eyes and he looked into hers and sang she hoped he would be able to see the truth that lay there.

I can be your hero.

I can kiss away the pain.

And I will stand by you forever.

You can take my breath away.

You can take my breath away.

I can be your hero.

At the last whispered words Kuon couldn't help it any longer. Leaning forwards he captured Kyoko's lips and to his great amazement and complete pleasure Kyoko did not pull away. She kissed him back and as they pulled away it was that moment when Kyoko's mind came back to herself. Half trying to run away and half slipping she fell hard onto Kuon's chest. Her slight weight was enough to throw Kuon completely off balance. Kuon landed hard on his back with Kyoko above him. In that moment as their eyes met again it was inevitable. They both burst out laughing, completely filthy and now sopping wet, it was too much for both of there over active emoutions. Helping each other stand and still laughing they made there way back to the film crew who could only gape at the completely filthy stars.

"What happened?" asked one of the cameramen, who looked as if he wanted to laugh but was worried the stars would be annoyed at him. But Kuon's own words started off the ripple of laughter.

"What happened? You just missed the shoot of the week with your wonderful bachelour backsliding on his ass in mud, that's what."

It was enough. All tension between stars and crew was gone as they teased Kuon. Everyone helped carry the equipment back to the cars. Even Kyoko who carried the backpack Kuon had along with and a few cables chatted with the people that had been following them around for the last few weeks. They were all nice people and the trip back seemed to go faster than the journey there.

Kuon smiled across at the now sleeping Kyoko. They were almost back at the house, but Kuon wondered if perhaps he could just carry on driving and see where they ended up. He didn't want to be playing this game anymore. He wanted Kyoko and only Kyoko. He had known this all along. Hell Lory had known it all along, but now Kuon almost certainly knew that Kyoko wanted him too.

"Kyoko...Kyoko we're back" Kuon had brought her back, but only because Kyoko would have hated him if he acted unprofessionally. He had to finish this silly game, if only for her.

"Kuon?"

God she was so cute waking up. "Hey Kyoko, we're back." he said again as he watched her rub her eyes, before looking at him again. The look of confusion and amusement in her eyes made him want to kiss her again, but he resisted. He needed to hold back a little. She had accepted his kiss but she had panicked after so he would not push her. But hell he was going to make sure she knew he loved her. Kyoko started to giggle then laugh as she wiped mud from Kuon's cheek.

"So is this how the top actor keeps his silky smooth skin?" Kyoko asked showing him the mud on her fingers.

Kuon chuckled as he helped her out of the car. The camera crew had gone to cut and finish editing the footage that would be shown on TV in less than an hour. The footage would have already been sent ahead but it was a very fast cut and stick procedure. Walking up the front steps the pair were still giggling and laughing. As they pushed open the door the sight that met them stopped them in their tracks.

"MOM!" Kuon exclaimed as Julie stood there looking them both up and down.

"Hello Kuon. Kyoko. And what may I ask have you two been doing? Chasing mud hoppers!" Julie's foot was tapping, her aura was dark as Kyoko and Kuon looked at each other. Their clothes were filthy, their faces splashed with mud, but as their eyes met they couldn't help the laughter that bubbled out. They looked a right state and they both knew it. But the day and the date in their eyes had been wonderful. They got an afternoon without cameras. And though neither would talk about it they had shared their first kiss and neither of them could be happier. Julie sighed as she watched her laughing children.

"You two upstairs now! Get washed and dressed and be back down here in 1 hour or mark my words I will come and drag you down no matter what state of dress you are in!" Kyoko and Kuon both nodded as they both tramped off upstairs. Julie waited until they were out of sight before she too started to laugh at their antics. Kuu and Lory who had watched the whole interaction on the camera raced down to meet Julie.

"Sweetheart!" Kuu cried wrapping his arms around the love of his life, "I thought you weren't back until Thursday?" Julie smiled at her husband.

"And let you have all the fun with our children? I don't think so." Lory smiled at his favourite and closest friends as they reaffirmed their love for one another. In moments like this he missed his own Jun, but his friends knew this. They always knew as Julie turned to Lory arms open wide.

"Kidnapper-kun! Come give me a cuddle." Lory smiled at the use of the name she had given him after Kuon came to Japan.

"Hello Jules. So are you going to tell us what that was all about with the kids?" Julie just smiled.

"They grew up so fast and in an adult world. I think that was what you would call reliving the childhood neither of them really had. You know I haven't seen Kuon that happy in such a long time and he was completely filthy." Julie chuckled again "And she really does love him." The happiness in her eyes was complete as both men nodded.

"Well me buckos we just need to make sure it all ends up ok in the end. And Lory?" Lory turned to Julie and almost blanched at the look of death in her eyes.

"If your plan ruins their relationship I will personally cut you, chop you and grill you." Lory nodded fear burning in his chest. God women were scary.