Patience Is Its Own Reward

Disclaimer: I do not own SkipBeat or any of its characters.

Kyoko is still attending school and is trying to make the most of it before it graduation, with Ren and Sho chasing her every step of the way.

Chapter 44 – Graduation

It had taken a lot of complaints, cajoling, and even pouting on Kuu's part, but he had gotten his manager to clear his schedule so that he could make the trip to Japan with Julie. That was good, because he would have hijacked a jet if that was what was necessary in order to attend his precious daughter's graduation. Julie watched tolerantly as he consumed his fifth airplane meal in the last half hour, only stopping occasionally to beam with delight. He was going to see his son and his future daughter in-law! This would be the first time that they would see the young couple together since Kyoko had accepted Ren's proposal

And better still, after six long years of waiting, there was a finish line in sight. Ren was going to the U.S. to complete a film that would mark the fulfillment of his self-imposed separation from the Hizuri name. When he finished this movie, regardless of how it rated, Ren would finally acknowledge his true identity, and they could have their son back

Julie was just as pleased, of course, but she still felt horrible for Kyoko. Such a long separation for such an insecure young lady would be very difficult. She planned on making sure that Kuon would keep in near-constant contact with the girl, lest Kyoko ever begin to doubt herself again. She was almost tempted to move her entire operation to Tokyo just so that she could be there for her adopted daughter. For now, she just wished that the flight would go faster.

Kyoko woke to feel the warmth of Ren's arms around her. She must have been so tired that she fell asleep on the couch before even making it to the guest bedroom. Now she was awake, and laying in Ren's lap like a little child. Oh, poor man! He'll have such a neck-ache after sleeping in a sitting position!

She got up, sighing at the loss of such a comfortable position. She was going to head for the shower, but she looked back and was captivated by Ren's handsome features, and the way that his hair had fallen over his face. She couldn't resist. She crawled back up into his lap, facing him now, and used one delicate hand to brush Ren's hair out of his handsome face. Then, with her face only inches from his, she studied him. Without a doubt, you are the most beautiful man I have ever seen. But you are so much more than that, aren't you, Sempai?

Her hand was still brushing his hair away when a larger hand seized it, and the Emperor of the Night opened his eyes to meet hers. "R-R-Ren… ummm…?"

He spoke in a sultry, hungry voice that sent thrills through Kyoko's body, "Do you have any idea how hard it is to behave when you put yourself in a position like this, young lady? I'm only a man, Kyoko…" he ran his free hand over her soft cheek as he looked into her bewildered eyes, "So run along and take a shower, before I lose my last vestige of control."

He released her hand and Kyoko quickly jumped off of his lap. Once she thought she was safely out of his reach, she relaxed somewhat, "H-how's your neck? You couldn't have been comfortable sleeping like that. It was kind of you to take care of me, but you should have just put me in bed."

Ren grunted something inaudible. Kyoko shrugged and headed off to take her shower. As Ren watched her go, he thought about the way she had suddenly just collapsed from exhaustion after they arrived at the apartment. She had obviously pushed herself so that she could go on a date with him, even though she should have been resting. That girl! He would never tell her about how long he had stood at the threshold of his own bedroom, holding her and wishing desperately that he could just take her in with him. Finally, he had carried her to the guest bedroom. But she had clung to him in her sleep, and he just couldn't make himself set her down. The couch was his compromise between his desire and his promise to himself. He would not push. He would be patient and wait until the time was right… when she wore his ring, and his name.

He stood and stretched, made coffee, and walked to his room to grab a change of clothes. On the way there he heard Kyoko singing in the shower. He stopped, allowing her beautiful voice to minister to his frayed nerves while trying to keep his imagination from picturing her at that moment. When he failed in that, he promptly shook his head, went to the phone, and called Yumi. "Have you heard from them?"

"They're thirty minutes out, my dear boy. Relax. Julie talked to Kyoko two days ago and gave her the impression that she and Kuu were both tied up. Kyoko doesn't suspect a thing."

"Good. Thank you, Aunt Yumi. I'll deflect her on breakfast for as long as I can." Ren hung up and went to stare out of his huge windows onto the Tokyo dawn. He knew that Kyoko loved this view, so he would think of her standing there at that very spot, whenever he missed her.

He must have been standing there longer than he thought, because he was suddenly hugged from behind. Rather than turning, he placed his arms on hers. "Your turn; you take your shower, and I'll make breakfast."

"Not this time. I'm taking you out this morning. Today's your graduation and I don't want you to have to do anything this morning. Got it?"

Kyoko nodded into Ren's back and pouted, "Okay, if that is what you prefer. I was going to make a really nice breakfast too."

Ren turned around and placed a hand on her head as if she were a young child, "Just trust me this time. I guarantee that you will love this breakfast. Now, go get into something other than a bathrobe or I might start getting evil ideas." Yeah right, I can't stop having evil ideas!

Kyoko watched him walk away and thought: maybe I might have a few evil ideas myself. Did you ever consider that? And then she blushed furiously at her unexpected thought and ran to go change.

Washed, combed, and dressed, the young couple left the apartment, got into Ren's car, and headed down the road. "So, where are we going?"

"It's a secret."

"That's not fair! Don't I have a say in this?"

"Not this time."

"Fine! I'll just sit here and be quiet, Sempai."

"That's a fine idea, Kohai," having failed at her attempt at manipulation, Kyoko decided to just sit back and enjoy the scenery. It was still early so she was able to enjoy watching the sunrise, until an airplane few in front of it. "We're headed toward the airport?"

Ren answered casually, "In that direction, at least."

"Oh, I forgot! Scott should be coming today, shouldn't he?"

"You're fishing, Kyoko, and it won't work. Anyway, Scott flew in yesterday. He met Nikino's parents last night… Even I didn't realize that he was that serious."

"Isn't that great, though? I wish Otou-san and Okaa-san could have been here," her voice was a little sad. It took every ounce of Ren's acting skill to school his face as he turned to her, "They really wanted to be here. They really love you, you know?"

Kyoko smiled brightly, "I know. I didn't believe it at first, but they're not the type to lie."

"That's not fair!" Ren grumbled, "If I would have told you that I loved you even one year ago, you would have run off like a scared rabbit, and you wouldn't have believed me. But you believed them almost right away. Why is that?"

Kyoko studied Ren's profile, "You were just too perfect. I could never have imagined someone like you loving someone like me."

"I'm hardly perfect, Kyoko."

"Oh, I know that now. In fact, I find a few new flaws in you every day."

"Watch it, dear. Or you'll be walking to your graduation from here. Maybe we should talk about your flaws."

"Nope," Kyoko stretched, "How did my line in Dangerous Academics go? Oh yes! I'm practically perfect in every way." Kyoko had been enjoying their banter back-and-forth, so she was disappointed when Ren didn't have a ready rejoinder. "What? Nothing to say?"

Ren glanced over at her before returning his focus to the road, "What is there to say? You've finally realized the truth, so who am I to argue?"

"Otou-san! Okaa-san!" Kyoko ran forward to embrace the couple. Ren had led her into a fancy hotel restaurant near the airport. Kyoko had felt confused as the maitre d' led them past all of the tables and down a dark hallway to a private dining room. Kyoko had started screaming and running as soon as she saw the Hizuri couple.

Yumi smiled at Ren, both of them pleased that their deception had worked. Kuu picked Kyoko up in his arms, "You didn't really think that we would miss your graduation, did you?"

Kyoko returned her Otou-san's hug and saw the remnants of a meal on the table, "You already ate?"

Kuu put her down, "No, no; that was just an appetizer!" he rubbed his hands together, "Now we can order our meals!"

Kyoko, Julie, and Yumi shook their heads. Julie said, "Don't you just hate him? I have to watch every ounce of food I eat, and he never stops eating! But which one of us is skinny?"

Ren walked up behind his mother and wrapped her in his arms, "You don't have an ounce of excess fat, Mom, and you know it."

Julie preened, "Well, of course I know it! But we women have to work hard to get you men to say the right things. You pay attention, Kyoko, so that you know how to get compliments out of this big galoop."

Kyoko blushed slightly. She was still very aware of the last compliment he had paid her in the car. Kyoko noticed that Yumi looked a little sad at that moment. Just then Kuu did what he had wanted to do since he had first seen his tiny sister-in-law at the airport. He picked her up by the armpits and spun her in the air, saying, "Fly, Tinkerbelle! Fly!!"

"Put me down, you big dumb jerk!" Kyoko watched in alarm at first. And then alarm changed to amusement. Yumi could easily mop the floor with this tall man, but she allowed him to spin her like a child. Then Kyoko noticed that Yumi wasn't frowning anymore. Otou-san, you did that on purpose, didn't you. You didn't want her to feel sad about her husband. It was then that she realized why Ren was so special; he was just like his parents.

Michiko and Nanami were watching for Kyoko at the entrance to the school. They squealed in amazement when Kuu and Julie stepped out of Yumi's car and joined Kyoko on the sidewalk. Both girls ran to greet Kyoko, and then bowed politely to the Hizuri's. They had not forgotten their short stay at the Hizuri mansion, and the friendly way that they had been received. They had also not forgotten how fun and personable Kuu had been as they travelled across America, singing and shooting their film.

"If you'll pardon us? We have to steal Kyoko and get ready," they bowed again and led Kyoko away. "Nikino is inside. Can you believe it? Scott came all of the way here! He even went to dinner with Niki's parents!!"

Kyoko smiled, "I heard about it. Isn't that great?"

Nanami sighed, "When am I finally going to meet somebody special?"

"Oh, don't worry, you're only eighteen," Kyoko answered, suddenly the fount of wisdom.

"Yeah, yeah. You've already snagged the most eligible man in Japan," Michiko groused, "So what's left for us?"

"You're about to go on Fuwa Sho's world tour, aren't you? By the time you get back you'll have a whole string of men chasing after you."

Nanami sighed, "That sounds heavenly. Let's get you fixed up."

Only twenty-six students were graduating out-of-schedule, but the turnout to watch them was tremendous. At the regular graduation each student was only given four tickets, due to occupancy considerations. But with such a small group, tickets weren't even issued. That meant that many people came to see their graduate. But nobody had as many well-wishers as Mogami Kyoko. The Hizuri's, Yumi, Kanae, Yashiro, Amamiya, the Takarada's, Sawara, and many others were there to congratulate her. A few enterprising reporters had tried to sneak onto school grounds, but security had been redoubled, and they had been rebuffed.

Once again, Ren was the guest speaker. This time Kyoko allowed herself to admire him openly. His speech was wonderful, and the principal kept him up on stage to help pass out the diplomas. He had met each of the graduating students either in his classroom or during the drama filming; so he had a kind word for each student as he handed out the diplomas. When Nikino stepped up, he leaned over to say, "Scott's a very lucky man, Nikino-san." She blushed and pranced off of the stage. Kyoko was second to last, and when Ren leaned over to speak to her, he kissed her instead. The assembled guests applauded wildly, and a very red-faced girl walked off of the stage muttering, "I'll get you for that, Ren!!"

Fuwa Sho, watching from near the back of the auditorium, flinched despite himself as he remembered that it could have been him kissing Kyoko. Why do I keep torturing myself like this? His harried thoughts inspired a song that would eventually stay at the top of the charts for five entire weeks. But at the moment, those thoughts just hurt.

Shouko Aki had come along as well, but she was sitting near the front so that she could watch Kyoko walk across the stage. The memory of the broken, angry girl who had thrown food across the room two years before sprang to mind. Shouko looked around at all of the people who had gathered to watch Kyoko on her special moment. You did it, Kyoko. You picked yourself up, brushed yourself off, and made yourself a better life. Gambatte, Kyoko-chan! Somebody like you deserves the best.

Takarada Lory watched as his granddaughter rushed forward to greet Kyoko, and remembered how the older girl had finally broken through his granddaughter's wall of misery and guilt.

He saw the Hizuris embrace Kyoko joyously. They hadn't lost a son after all… they had gained an exceptional daughter.

He saw tiny Yumi, who had only recently suffered the loss of her husband, beaming at the girl who was beginning to mean so much to her.

He saw the beautiful, yet once cold and heartless Kotonami Kanae pretend disdain even as she allowed Kyoko to hug her. And he watched the raven-haired girl tear-up as she returned that hug.

He saw the shy, non-demonstrative, childless Taisho and Okami-san approach Kyoko with love in their hearts and parental pride in their eyes.

He saw Chiori Amamiya, who had been wrapped up in bitterness and hate. She had seen something so special in Kyoko that she had begged to be allowed to join LoveMe, the very group that everyone else ridiculed. She now watched Kyoko with a hidden expression that was something akin to hero worship.

And he saw Hizuri Kuon, a.k.a. Tsuruga Ren, who had been the true first member of the LoveMe Section. How many times had Lory despaired that the tall, handsome boy would never truly understand love? And yet here he was, acting like a love-struck, foolish boy in front of the entire world, and not caring. Three times that young man had rushed into danger to save that young waif of a girl. And many more times he had allowed himself to appear foolish just to stay close to her.

Only two and a half years ago this odd young lady had emerged from nowhere and captured Takarada Lory's attention. He had thought that she lacked a true understanding of love… but he had recently realized that he had been wrong. Mogami Kyoko was an expert at loving. Just witness all of the people who had blossomed by coming into contact with her. What Kyoko had truly lacked was somebody worthy who would love her back in the way that she deserved.

Now that she had found that person, Lory wondered how far this wonderful girl would rise. And how many more lives she would touch along the way.

Notes: This concludes the school portion of Patience is Its Own Reward. This story will be followed by The Shadow's Heart, a cross-over story wherein Kyoko will learn to love the stage as much, if not more than film. To read it, please click on SkipBeat! Crossovers at the top of the SkipBeat! page, or click on my pen name and select the story from my list.

I have not decided if Ren's return will appear in that story, or as the final chapter to this story. Rest assured, what this writer has brought together will not be torn asunder… though Ren and Kyoko may have some interesting moments in the near future. Will there be a wedding chapter? Will there be children? These questions must wait for the future.

Chiori Amamiya will have a major part to play in the next story, so please don't think that I have neglected her. Her time is coming soon.

I want to thank everyone for your overwhelming support of this story, and my other stories. I never imagined, when this story began, that it would become as long or involved as it has become; nor that so many people would read it and review.

So thank you, and please read my other stories… but only after you review this last chapter.