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Lock and Key	By : Wildfaerie Category: +S to Z > Tokyo Mew Mew Views: 706 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Tokyo Mew Mew or anything associated with it. Nor do I make any money off this story.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
Disclaimer: I do not own Tokyo Mew Mew or anything associated with it. This story is, however, mine.
AN: Absolutely for mature audiences only. Kish gets a little out of hand at some point here. But Eh… It’s Kish. He’s gonna be sexy. He’s gonna get possessive. It’s just gonna happen. So, deal with it.
AN 2: This chapter ended up exceptionally long. It wasn't initially on purpose, but it worked out because it may be a few weeks before I can post another chapter. So, hopefully this wild tide you over until then. Enjoy!
Please Read & Review! Thank you!!

“text” – Talking ‘text’ – Thinking “text” – Talking Telepathically.

Lock and Key
Chapter 10: Date Night

“Since when can you cook?” Ichigo teased Tart as she leaned her elbows on the counter in the mess hall. She and Kish had returned from the café nearly twenty minutes ago. Finding herself starving, she had made her way to the mess hall to find food while Kish muttered something about laundry. She had not expected to find Tart puttering around the kitchen making something that smelled highly reminiscent of spaghetti.

“Who do you think does most of the cooking back home? Kish?” he snarked. “Only if you don’t mind eating the same five simple dishes all the time,” Tart chuckled. “Well, I hate to admit it, but it smells wonderful. What is it? Cause it smells like spaghetti but not quite.” “Pudding said the same thing when I made it for her and her family back when I was still visiting. And from what I understand, it is spaghetti, just with ingredients from my planet. We call it lycopadip. Roughly translated, it means tomato pasta. Though our tomatoes are a bit different than yours. They are a touch sweeter and are a dark pink. It will be ready soon and there’s plenty for you and Kish.”

“Thanks a bunch, Brat. I’m hungry and I can’t wait to try food from your planet. Where’s Pudding by the way?” Ichigo asked as she watched Tart move about the kitchen. Tart turned a dial and the sauce settled down to a simmer. Ichigo couldn’t figure out the stove at all. It didn’t have burners. It didn’t seem to have dials. But Tart moved the pots and pans around as though it did. “She’s taking a shower, was a long day at the dojo,” Tart answered. Noticing the lost look on Ichigo as she stared at the stove in bewilderment, he decided to toss her a bone. “We don’t have individual burners like your stoves. The cook top is divided into quadrants. It’s more efficient than just a circle.”

Ichigo groaned, “I hope you and Kish have learned patience because I’m going to be so confused with all your different technology.” Tart smirked, “Not much fun not understanding even simple things, is it?” “How did you three manage to not get overwhelmed when you first came here?” she asked honestly. She really wanted to know how they had managed to stay so focused when everything must have seemed so new and strange to them. ‘Who said we were always focused?’ Kish interrupted. ‘You don’t count. You were never focused on anything but bothering me,’ she teased him. ‘Only because you were, and still are, so damn adorable.’ Ichigo internally rolled her eyes at Kish before switching her focus back to Tart. Almost missing what he had to say.

“It wasn’t easy, especially for me and Kish. But, thankfully, a lot of your technology is very similar to ours, just much more basic. Our power sources are also very different. We don’t cause pollution. Your cars were really the only thing that truly baffled us. We never created anything like them. Closest thing are small hover carts that we use to transport goods. And your food stores amazed us. So much food in one place. We’d never seen anything like that before. Even Pai was shocked.”

“But things are better now, right?” Ichigo asked. A part of her wanted to change the subject because of the sad look that had crossed Tart’s face and because her own heart broke as she remembered the way Kish had described things so long ago. But part of her also wanted to know more. To be able to see how bad things had truly been for her alien friends.

Suddenly, she found herself bombarded with images of Kish’s home. Or what she suspected was his home. She saw what looked like Pai and Tart, but much much younger. They were huddled in a corner under a ratty blanket. Tart was crying and someone handed him what looked like a cracker. “Sorry Brat, that’s all I’ve got. I know you’re hungry. I’ll try and sneak out of the tunnels tonight and find some more food.” Ichigo then realized it was Kish’s voice, but he sounded very young. She figured she was seeing one of his memories. Pai then scolded the young Kish, “You really need to stop sneaking out. You’re going to get us all in trouble.”

Another memory flashed before her eyes. This time her vision was distorted as she looked through what appeared to be a blizzard. Everywhere was nothing but gray and white. “I know it’s around here somewhere,” she heard Kish mutter before she felt him fall to his knees. His hand clenched over his stomach and intense hunger pains wracked through his body.

Again, the scene shifted. She stood behind Tart in a long line of other aliens in a large dimly lit room. It looked like food rations were being handed out. Little Tart got his bowl filled with a measly half a ladle full and huddled in the corner to eat. She watched through Kish’s eyes as he received the same ration. He took two small sips of the odd soup and walked over to Tart. Little Tart’s bowl was already empty, and she watched Kish pour the rest of his rations into the child’s bowl.

Ichigo reeled. She couldn’t fathom how Kish had survived on almost nothing. Selflessly giving almost all of his food to the tiny Tart.

Another image swam into focus. Looking through a very young Kish’s eyes, she watched as he knelt at the bedside of a very frail looking alien girl. The girl couldn’t have been much older than eight. And by Kish’s height, he could only have been around four or five. Kish clasped the girl’s hand tightly, tears streaming down his face and vision blurry from them. “Don’t go, Sisa!” the young Kish pleaded. “I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have given me your food. Please! You can have all of mine for the rest of the week. Just don’t leave me.”

Her heart was breaking for her younger mate. He seemed so lost and scared. Suddenly, it was like a door had been slammed in her face. Everything became black and Ichigo trembled in fear. She could feel Kish’s extreme anger and it was directed at her. That coupled with the heavy weight of her sadness caused Ichigo to retreat into herself. Shutting everything out. Her mind had basically shut down to block out all her overwhelming emotions as well as Kish’s that were seeping into her. It was too much. She couldn’t handle it and she didn’t want to.

Tart had been watching Ichigo while he finished dinner. He recognized the unfocused and glazed over look in her eyes. She and Kish were communicating or sharing something, he figured. But then suddenly, her eyes rolled back, and she had fallen off her stool. Tart immediately teleported to her side just as Kish appeared next to them. “I don’t know what happened, I swear!” Tart hurriedly said as he felt the intense anger and concern radiating off his cousin.

“She’s a God’s damn curious cat! That’s what happened!” Kish cursed. “I told you, she’s terrible at shielding. She lost herself in my memories. They started to consume her mind. Then she just had to go poking somewhere she wasn’t welcome just yet. I forcibly shoved her out of my mind, and she felt my anger at her. So, now she’s run with her tail between her legs into her subconsciousness. Her mind couldn’t handle the overload of memories and emotions. She’s trying to shut me and everything else out!” Kish’s volume was all over the place and several times Tart winced at Kish’s loud words.

Kish kept swinging from being livid to scared and worried. Ichigo had accessed a memory he wasn’t ready to share, let alone even think about. He clenched his fists, “Gods damn her! Out of all my memories, she just had to stumble into that one.” Tart looked back and forth between the two, worry clear on his face. “Kish, you need to calm down. Ichigo’s basically put herself in a coma and you’re the only one who can reach her. I don’t know what she found to piss you off so badly, but your mate needs you.”

Tart’s words struck right to Kish’s heart. Sinking to his knees beside Ichigo’s head, he took several deep calming breaths. His nose filling with the soft scent of rain washed strawberries. Filling with the scent of his mate. Gently, he reached out and brushed her bangs from her face, his other hand curling tight around hers. “I wish Pai was here, he’s better at this than me,” Kish muttered.

“Well, he’s not,” growled Tart angrily. “It was your memories, your anger, which did this. Ichigo needs you, not Pai. She needs her mate. Now help her already!” Tart was losing his patience. He understood the risks of what Kish had to do, but he was also the only one that could possibly bring Ichigo out of her self-induced coma. Kish could end up lost in Ichigo’s mind. Or he could further damage Ichigo’s brain and psyche with the fragile state they’re in. Pai may have been better versed at dealing with the mind, but Tart knew that Ichigo needed to see and feel her mate.

Guilt flooded Kish. He had done this to his mate. His anger drained out of him. Leaving only his guilt, worry, and fear. In his anger, he had forcibly severed part of their mental connection. That was what had ultimately caused Ichigo to shut down. The open connection with his mind had been offering her some stability to cope with the bombardment of his memories. But Kish had literally pulled the rug out from under her when he had slammed the link shut. And what’s worse, he hadn’t even meant to. He’d only wanted to push her out of that memory. But his pain and anger had caused him to lash out harder than he meant. Now, his mate was once again paying the price for his temper.

Taking another deep calming breath, Kish turned his watery eyes to Tart. “You’re right. I need you to watch over us. Make sure we keep breathing. I don’t know how deeply she’s retreated or how long it will take me to find her. If it takes more than a few hours or we stop breathing, you’re going to have to move us both to the infirmary and keep us monitored. But make sure we continue to touch. I don’t know what could happen if we lose contact while I’m so deep.” Tart could only nod as he watched Kish get more comfortable and pulled Ichigo’s head into his lap.

Placing both hands firmly on Ichigo’s temples, Kish closed his eyes and opened wide both their mental and emotional link. He could feel the turmoil she was in. Feel her fear and pain. His painful memories had affected her deeply. Kish had had years to come to terms with that pain, but it had been a shock to Ichigo’s system. The pain fresh and new for her. But it was an ultimately good sign. She was still there, somewhere. However, her mind was unnaturally quiet. The silence like a knife to Kish’s heart. Guilt started to gnaw at him again, but he pushed it aside. Concentrating solely on his mate, Kish delved into her subconsciousness.

Panic struck Tart for a moment when Kish’s body slumped forwards over Ichigo, but he quickly realized Kish had fully entered Ichigo’s mind. At that moment, Pudding came through the door. She took one look at the three of them on the floor and raced to their side, sliding the last several feet on her knees until she reached them. “What happened?! What’s going on?” she nearly yelled, tears starting to gather in her eyes. Tart quickly wrapped his arms around the distraught girl.

“Shh… It’s alright. Ichigo mentally shut down after accessing too many of Kish’s painful memories. It became too much for her brain to handle. Then, to top it off, that idiot got pissed at her which scared her. Kish has gone into her mind to ‘find’ her. But if anyone can find the Old Hag, it’s him.” Tart tried to lighten the seriousness for Pudding’s sake, but he couldn’t fool her. He could still feel the deep fear and worry radiating off her.

Pulling back, he looked Pudding in the eyes, “I promise they’re going to be alright. Kish is too stubborn to let anything happen to Ichigo. And the Old Hag’s too stubborn to ever give up. I have to take them to the infirmary so I can keep them monitored, but I need you to finish dinner. They’re both going to be starving when they wake up. Think you can handle that?” Pudding could only nod for she didn’t trust her voice. Tears were beginning to trickle down her cheeks. “Good,” Tart said softly. “It’s your ‘pink spaghetti.’ You remember it right? And how to make it?” She only nodded again. But a tiny, almost imperceptible, smile made its way to the corners of her lips as she remembered when Taru-Taru had taught her how to make the ‘pink spaghetti’ as she had called it.

“It’s almost done,” he smiled at her. “Just need to chop up the final herbs and add them to the sauce. When you’re done, place it in the oven and press the last button on the front. Can you do that for me?” Pudding nodded and hurried into the kitchen. “Thanks, Pudding. Come to the infirmary when you’re finished,” he called out to her. Tart placed his hands on Kish and Ichigo and teleported them to the infirmary.

Kish and Ichigo appeared on one of the beds, Ichigo’s head still tucked protectively in Kish’s lap and Tart appeared standing beside them. Quickly and carefully, he hooked them both up to several computers to keep their vitals monitored. Dragging a stool over, Tart settled in beside the bed. He really hoped Kish found Ichigo soon. He didn’t know how much longer he could keep being strong for Pudding. As it was, he wanted to break down in tears with his worry. But he didn’t want to scare his Pudding more than she already was.

Kish found himself in the café like waiting room and raced through the big red doors. He needed to find some clue as to where Ichigo was hiding. He came up to the pedestal where her current memory would be recorded. The quill seemed frozen at first glance, but Kish noticed that it was moving. Just incredibly slowly. Like it was having a hard time processing what to write. Placing his hand on the book, Kish understood why.

Instantly, he was transported to his memory that was now becoming one of hers. He saw himself when he was four standing at the side of a pale girl who was seven. She had soft lilac hair and, though her eyes were dulled by her imminent death, they glittered a bright gold. A perfect match to his own. His heart was engulfed in pain at seeing the girl again, but what really pierced his heart, was Ichigo.

She was huddled on the floor against the wall. She appeared to be around four years old, the same age as Kish in this memory. Tears were streaming down her face as she watched the frozen scene in front of her. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled repeatedly. Kish started to move to her, but as soon as her eyes saw him, she scrambled away. Pressing herself into a corner and curling up even tighter. Kish’s heart broke. It was like she was rejecting him all over again.

“Kitten,” he whispered softly, tears welling in his eyes. She didn’t even respond. Walking over slowly, Kish knelt before her. “Kitten, please look at me,” he pleaded gently. She only shook her head and cried harder. Her muffled, “I’m sorry,” growing louder over her hiccupping. Having enough of being ignored, Kish carefully picked up the trembling girl and tucked her protectively in his lap, his arms gently cradling her.

“Shh… I’m the one that’s sorry. I shouldn’t have gotten so angry or shut you out. I scared and hurt you. Something I never wanted to do ever again,” he whispered as he stroked the small girl’s hair. “Please, mate. Talk to me.” A tiny spark of recognition began to glow at the end of his mental connection with her. He was starting to get through to his mate.

Gently, he placed his fingers under her jaw and drew her face up. His liquid golden eyes caught and held her tear filled chocolate orbs. “Come back to me, mate. I promise I’ll never shut you out again. I’ll even tell you about this… About her…,” he trailed off. Ichigo’s tears began to slow as she lost herself in Kish’s eyes. Something about those golden eyes were familiar. They made her chest warm and her heart beat faster. She felt safe in this man’s arms, even though his presence had initially scared her. His warm honeyed voice called to her through the thick fog shrouding her mind. But the worry in his eyes and the tears seeping from them shot straight to her heart. This man was special to her, she could feel it. Suddenly, her mind zeroed in on one word.

“M…mate?” she stuttered through her sobs. A soft smile appeared on Kish’s face. “Yes. I’m here, Kitten,” he whispered. A name drifted through her thoughts, “K…Kish?” Kish’s arms tightened around Ichigo’s small body. “Yes, it’s me, Kitten. It’s alright. I’m right here.” Suddenly it was like the fog had lifted and Ichigo could remember everything. Pain and fear were still prevalent, but they were being chased away by the comfort of her mate’s arms. All of a sudden, Kish had his older mate tucked in his arms as she buried her face against his chest.

“I’m so sorry, Kish. I never meant to. I didn’t mean to make you mad. You told me not to go looking at things you didn’t want me to. I swear I didn’t try to.” Her words ran together between her sobs as she tried to apologize. She could remember his intense anger and how it had scared her. It still scared her. “Kitten… Kitten. It’s alright. I may be upset, but I’m not mad anymore. I’m just glad to have you back. I’m sorry I scared you. This memory is incredibly painful for me and the shock of it suddenly surfacing made me snap in anger at you. Please forgive me, mate,” he pleaded into her hair as he clasped her tighter. “Only if you can forgive me,” she whispered into his chest.

A soft chuckle flowed over her ears. “This sounds familiar,” he said. Ichigo couldn’t stop her own smile, though tears still fell from her eyes. “The last time our conversation went like this we ended up mates.” Kish’s chuckle grew louder, “That it did, honey. And of course, I forgive you. I love you Ichigo.” Wiping her eyes, Ichigo pulled back to look up at him. “Promise you’re not still mad?” Kish rested his forehead against hers, “Maybe a little. You and your damn curiosity. I swear.” Though his words were a bit harsh, he said them with a smile. Ichigo grinned, “Then I forgive you too. Gotta keep things interesting, somehow.” “And being mated to an alien isn’t interesting enough?” he smirked.

She lightly punched him in the arm, “We started this relationship by trying to kill each other, can’t let things get too boring now.” Kish laughed and cupped her cheek. “Life with my fiery Kitten is never boring. And admitting we had a relationship back then, now are we?” She hmphed, “As if.” Kish rolled his eyes and caught her lips in a passionate kiss, his love and relief flooding their bond. Ichigo’s arms circled his neck and pulled him closer. Parting her lips, she traced her tongue over his. Hungrily, he complied, opening to her and tasting her deeply.

Ichigo gasped for breath as she pulled away. Then her eyes caught the frozen memory over Kish’s shoulder. Dropping her eyes to their laps, she tried to figure out how to broach the subject. But Kish could once again read her like a book. Standing up, he brought Ichigo to her feet. With a sigh, he turned them both to face the frozen scene before them. A teary smile slid over Kish’s face, “Her name was Semolina.”

“But I had a hard time pronouncing it when I was little, so I called her Sisa.” “Short for sister,” Ichigo interrupted softly. Kish nodded. “Even though father had a good job and brought home more food than most families, it still wasn’t much. She was an incredibly gifted healer, even with how young she was. She would push herself to heal everyone she could. It was hard on her and left her drained. She needed more food to sustain her abilities. I had gotten sick, and she had given all her rations to me to help. But she never stopped healing. The toll became too much for her body. By the time my father realized what she had done, her heart was already failing. She died when I was four and she was only seven. I don’t like to think about it because it was my fault she died.”

Ichigo’s hand found his and she intertwined her fingers with his. Her eyes never strayed from the heartbreaking scene in front of her. “It wasn’t your fault. She did what she did because she loved you. It was her choice. Just like I’m sure if the roles were reversed, you would have done the same thing.” Kish turned his tear stricken face to his mate. He could feel her warm compassion flowing through him. His heart softened. “Thank you, mate. I… I never thought about it that way. Was always too consumed by my guilt and hatred of myself.” A deep rooted weight lifted from his heart. He could finally let go of the pain.

Kish wrapped an arm around Ichigo’s waist and drew her to the side of the bed. He placed his free hand on Semolina’s shoulder. “I miss you, Sisa,” he quietly whispered. “Tell me about her,” Ichigo asked softly, her eyes resting on the beautiful young girl. Kish gave her a sad smile. “She was one of those people that instantly brightened a room. You couldn’t help but smile when she was around. She used to scold me all the time for my tendency to break rules, but she always encouraged my playfulness. Said I always made her laugh with my antics.”

“She sounds like she was an amazing big sister. I’m sorry you had to lose her and while you were both so young,” Ichigo said, leaning her head on his shoulder. “She was. Father was working most of the time, so she took care of me mostly.” “Is she why you gave Tart almost all your food?” Kish looked down at his mate, “You saw that too, huh?” Ichigo nodded. “That wasn’t long after my father had been executed and before I went into the military. That year was exceptionally bad. The storms had been terrible and food reserves had hit an all time low. No one was getting enough to eat. Though he was very young, he was the only one who never looked at me with pity. He was too young to remember my sister and didn’t really understand what had happened to my father. Not to mention he was and still is a brat. And Pai, well he’s Pai. Always silent and rule abiding. So, Tart attached himself to me and me to him. Tart liked to pull pranks and pout until he got his way. I didn’t exactly follow the rules and was a bit too arrogant for my own good. We caused a lot of havoc, much to the annoyance of his parents and the other adults.” A slow grin was making it’s way across Kish’s face as better memories swam behind his eyes.

Ichigo smiled up at him. “I’m sure you were both hellions.” Kish chuckled softly, “That’s putting it mildly. I’m sure we caused more than a few gray hairs on my aunt and uncle.” Kish placed a soft peck to Ichigo’s forehead. “Come on, mate. We need to wake up. I’m sure Tart’s beside himself with worry.” “Why?” she asked in concern. “You managed to put yourself in a coma. Everything was too much for your mind to handle so you retreated deep into your subconsciousness. I’m using up a lot of energy to stay focused, so I don’t become lost in your mind. This isn’t exactly my area of expertise. And it can become dangerous for both of us if we stay too long.” “Then how do we leave?”

“Just relax and focus on your mental library.” The world around them slowly faded and dissolved until it was replaced with her magnificent library. Kish smiled when he saw the quill once again flowing quickly over the blank pages of the open book. Carefully, he pulled most of his consciousness back into his own mind. “Now you simply wake up like usual, Kitten. And I promise I won’t keep anything else from you or get mad if you stumble across anything. I know you couldn’t control it this time. You weren’t focused when you started looking at my memories, so they rushed into you. Just what were you thinking about anyways?”

“Tart had brought up how surprised he was at our grocery stores. Said he’d never seen so much food in one place. It got me thinking of that day at Tokyo Tower when you spoke about how bad things were on your planet. I wanted to see, to learn more. Then your memories started to bombard me. But your anger scared me when I found the one of your sister. Then the loss of our mental connection scared me even more. There was just emptiness where I usually felt you. It hurt. The fear and pain was the last thing I remember before seeing your eyes.”

Kish slipped his finger under her chin, “I really am sorry I lost my temper. And even more sorry for shutting you out. I promise I’ll never do that again. I was scared too. Scared of losing you. You remind me of my sister in a way. Everything is much brighter when you’re around.”

Ichigo flashed him a warm smile before tugging her face out of his grasp. She tucked her head under his chin and wrapped her arms around his waist. “That might be the best compliment you’ve ever given me. Can we talk more about what you went through growing up and about your sister later? I’d really like to know more about her and about you.” Kish smiled as his arms slithered around his mate’s body. “Of course, Kitten. It’d actually be nice to talk about her again. And maybe I can even tell Tart about her. He doesn’t know about her at all. Everyone knew how I felt, and my sister became a taboo subject. But speaking of Tart, time to wake up, Kitten.” He placed a kiss atop her head and vanished.

Pudding had joined Tart not too long ago and sat on the next bed behind him. She had her arms around his shoulders and her chin resting atop his head. He, in turn, was leaning back against her, his hands clasped in worry as he watched over his family. He drew comfort from the girl wrapped around him, even though he could feel every bit of her worry and despair. Some color had returned to Ichigo, but neither had moved an inch since Kish had entered her mind.

Without warning, Kish suddenly sat up. His bright eyes blinking in the harsh lighting of the infirmary. He turned towards Tart and shot him a triumphant grin. Looking back down at the girl in his lap, he lightly tapped her cheek. “Come on you scaredy cat, no more hiding.” Ichigo growled and opened her eyes to small slits. “I’m not a scaredy cat,” she grumbled. Kish grinned down at her, “So you weren’t just hiding in your subconscious because you were scared of me?” Ichigo sat up and punched him in the arm, “Shut it, you!”

Ichigo suddenly felt two pairs of arms around her. Blinking, she looked at a very relieved Pudding and Tart. “You’re ok!” Pudding squealed as tears fell down her cheeks. “Don’t scare me like that again, big sis,” Tart said blushing darkly. Ichigo hugged them both. Before she could say anything, Kish opened his mouth. “Don’t I get a hug too?” Kish pouted. Tart glared at him, “This was your fault, so no.” “Don’t be so hard on him, Brat. It was my fault just as much as his, but we worked it out,” she shot Kish a wink.

“Now, I seem to recall you were making dinner. There better be some left because I’m famished.” Ichigo’s stomach chose that moment to let out a growl. She blushed and covered her belly. Kish laughed, “Seems you are, Kitten. I am too.” “We’ve been waiting for you two to wake up. Come on, it’s in the warmer.” After unhooking the monitors from the pair, Tart led the way out of the infirmary and to the mess hall.

“This is absolutely delicious!” Ichigo exclaimed. “It tastes so bright and full of flavor. And you’re right. It is a lot like our spaghetti only pink and so much better.” Tart beamed at Ichigo across the table from him. They had shoved two tables together so the four of them could eat comfortably together. “That’s because the ingredients are pure. No chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, or whatever else you humans subject your food to,” Tart explained. “It tastes even better than the last time you made it for me,” Pudding added happily.

“So… You gonna tell us what the Old Hag found that pissed you off so bad?” Tart asked, breaking the silence. Kish was about to growl at Tart for calling his mate that name yet again, but instead he dropped his fork, and his eyes became glassy and distant for a moment. “Tart! That’s none of your business. And I don’t think Kish wants to talk about it,” Ichigo scolded the boy. “It’s fine, Kitten. He has a right to ask. I did put his sister in danger. And I promise I will tell you Tart. I just don’t feel up to talking about it right now.” Kish sighed and poked at his food, his appetite having diminished.

Tart looked long and hard at Kish, “It was about Semolina, wasn’t it?” Kish’s head snapped up at Tart, “How? You were too young to remember her. And how did you guess that was what Ichigo had found?” “Who’s Semolina?” Pudding asked curiously. Ichigo looked from Pudding to Kish, “You don’t have to explain if you don’t want to.” Her voice was full of concern and understanding and it was a balm to Kish’s wounded soul.

“Pai told me about her when we were here the first time. It was after the girls had broken in to steal back that fluffball. I was messing around with the transfer sphere to make sure they hadn’t damaged anything. I accidentally came across some of your personal files. I got nosey and snooped. Saw a picture of you as a kid with a girl I’d never seen before. So, I asked Pai. He explained about her and made me swear to never mention her in your presence. As for Ichigo. Not hard to guess since I had mentioned how bad things had been which probably got her wondering about your past. Then with your reaction… Not hard to make the leap.”

Sighing, Kish pushed his plate away and glanced up at Pudding. “Semolina, Sisa as I called her, was my big sister. She died when she was seven and I was four. Up until today, I had convinced myself that her death was my fault. If it wasn’t for Ichigo, I still would. If not for her, I would probably have kept all memories of my sister buried and locked away.” Though his voice trembled slightly, and his pain was still clearly evident, Kish’s words were strong and profound. And Ichigo couldn’t have been prouder of her mate or more humbled by him. It made her warm inside as she realized just how impactful she’d been on Kish’s life. ‘Kitten, since the moment I laid eyes on you, you’ve impacted my life. And always for the better.’

Ichigo blushed and reached under the table to squeeze his knee gently. ‘Thanks for saying that, love. But I find it unfair that while I’ve been a good influence on you, you’ve been a terrible one on me,’ she teased, trying to lighten the heavy mood. Before Kish could retort, Pudding spoke up. “I’m so sorry I asked. I shouldn’t have pried. I couldn’t even imagine losing one of my siblings. I’m so, so sorry, Kish.” “Thanks Pudding. It still hurts to think of her, but with Ichigo’s help, it’s not so bad anymore. I still miss her and always will, but now I can finally look past my guilt and remember all the happy times with my sister.” Kish turned to Ichigo and caught her chocolate eyes with his, “Thank you, too, Kitten. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you for everything.” Ichigo could only smile and nod as she scooted closer and wrapped him in a tight bear hug.

The rest of dinner was a fairly quiet affair. Then Tart announced he’d take care of the dishes since everyone else had worked in some form or fashion today. As Tart cleared away the dishes, Ichigo thanked him, “Thanks for dinner, Brat! It was amazing. And thanks for doing the dishes.” “I’d say don’t get used to it, but as I said earlier, I’m usually the one that does the cooking back home,” he replied, shaking his head.

When Tart headed into the kitchen, Kish got the girls’ attention. “Pudding, don’t squeal with what I’m about to tell you.” She looked at him funny for a moment but nodded her head. “Tomorrow is Tart’s seventeenth birthday. I almost forgot and it seems he has. We have reservations tomorrow at six-thirty, so if you need to get him something, you have until then.” Pudding clamped a hand over her mouth to keep from shouting. She had completely forgotten Taru-Taru’s birthday was coming up and she had to work at the café tomorrow. She wouldn’t have a lot of time to find him a gift. Ichigo was thinking along the same lines, but she at least had an idea of what she wanted to get him. She just wasn’t sure when she’d be able to get it. Then she glanced at Kish. ‘Maybe my teleporting fiancé could help me out tomorrow after work before I have to get ready,’ she thought.

‘Of course, I’ll help, Kitten. And I just know Tart’s going to love that idea,’ Kish offered. ‘You’re the best! Can your computers access our internet? And, if so, is there a way to print out information?’ Ichigo asked. ‘Yes, but we don’t print, but I can save it to a memory disc that Tart can access.’ ‘Perfect! Thanks so much, love. Can you show me how to do that now? That way all I have to do tomorrow is go to the store after work,’ she pleaded. ‘Sure thing, Kitten,’ he said, shooting her a toothy grin.

“Thanks for taking care of dinner, Twerp. Remember, you and Pudding need to be ready by six-thirty tomorrow night. Ichigo and I have some things to take care of in the lab. So, old rules apply. Stay out,” Kish hollered to Tart. “What?! But I’m not a kid anymore!” Tart pouted, crossing his arms. “Could have fooled me,” Kish chuckled at the pouting boy. “Just stay out. I’m not giving you the entry passcode and your genetic marker hasn’t been entered yet. So, you can’t teleport in. Besides, you might see something you really wouldn’t want to,” Kish smirked mischievously.

Tart grimaced, “In the lab, really? Gods you two are terrible.” Ichigo blushed crimson and punched Kish in the arm. “Pervert,” she muttered under her breath. Kish laughed as he stood and drew Ichigo to her feet. “Night you two, see ya in the morning,” Kish said, pulling Ichigo to the door. “Night Pudding! Night Brat!” Ichigo hollered over her shoulder.

As soon as Kish had entered his passcode into the lab’s lock, he scooped Ichigo up into his arms. The lights flicked on just as Ichigo began to struggle. “Kish! You can’t be serious about what you said to Tart!” Kish grinned down at the struggling girl in his arms, “Absolutely, though not tonight. However, that just so happens to be another of my fantasies.” His grin turned wicked as he shot her an image of her naked and sitting on the edge of his desk.

Ichigo’s blush returned in full force. She huffed and crossed her arms, giving up her futile struggling. “I think you’re becoming a sex addict.” Kish laughed out loud. “Nah, I’m just addicted to you. But I do have over four years of lost time to make up for.” His voice, though still bright with laughter, softened as he whispered in her ear and nuzzled against her cheek. Ichigo found she had no response to that and only blushed deeper.

Sitting down in his chair, Kish nestled Ichigo into his lap, so she was facing his desk. With a flick of his hand, the computer screen lit up and came closer. Reaching around Ichigo, Kish tapped in several commands. The language shifted from his to Japanese and he brought up her internet. “Just tap on the search bar and a keyboard will pop up. To bring up another window, tap the blue square in the top right corner. Once you’ve found everything you’re looking for, just call me and I’ll copy the information to a memory disc. I have something to finish in our room. And don’t let your curiosity get the better of you. Don’t touch anything other than the screen. Especially on Pai’s side of the lab,” he said, flicking his thumb to the other side of the room. “And don’t try to access anything else on the computer.”

Ichigo shot him a glare as he stood and placed her back into his chair. “I’m not a child,” she pouted. He chuckled down at her, “No, but you are my curious little Kitten.” He leaned down and gave her a quick peck to her cheek. “Call me when you’re done. Love you.” And with that, he vanished.

It didn’t take long for the red head to find everything she was looking for. She had about a dozen windows open with all the information she wished to include in Tart’s birthday present. Now all she needed was to save it all. ‘Kish, I’m done,’ she called out to him. A second later, he appeared at her side. “Find everything you needed?” he asked, floating around behind her. “Yup,” she said, popping the ‘p’. Kish leaned over her, his arm sliding over her shoulders to access the computer. Quickly, he saved each window she had open. A small mechanical box popped open to Ichigo’s left. Inside was a tiny two-inch golden disc. Kish floated over to a nearby cabinet and rummaged through its contents. He returned with a small clear case. Placing the small disc into the case, he handed it to Ichigo.
“Thanks again, love,” she said, taking the case. He smiled warmly at her, “Anything for my Kitten.” “So, what did you have to do anyways?” His smile shifted to a grin as he picked her up, “You’ll see. Now, close your eyes and keep them closed until I say.” She smiled up at him before nuzzling her cheek against his chest. “Okay,” she said as she closed her eyes. Kish quickly shut down the computer and teleported to their room.

The first thing she noticed when they arrived was the soft delicate smell of honey and vanilla. Setting her gently on her feet, Kish stood behind her with his hands resting lightly on her hips. “Open your eyes,” he whispered softly in her ear. Slowly, she lifted her eyelids and gasped. The room had been cleaned and there were at least a dozen small, flickering, ivory candles placed around the room. The lights had been dimmed low, so the candles filled the room with a soft glow. “Oh, Kish. It’s beautiful,” she whispered in awe. His smile lit up his face and he gave her waist a gentle squeeze, “ You haven’t even noticed everything yet.” Gently, he nudged her to her left. Then her eyes caught what he meant.

To the right of his wardrobe, angled in the corner, was a large cream colored dresser with two pink knobs on each of the five drawers. Along with a few candles, three photo frames, a small vase of pink roses, and a tiny black box sat on top. Slipping from Kish’s arms, Ichigo hurried over to investigate. The first photo was held in a large heart shaped frame. It showed them from four years ago. Kish was hovering above Ichigo with his famous fanged smirk as he gazed down at her. She wasn’t in her Mew Mew costume, but her ears and tail were out, and her cheeks were stained pink as she glared up at Kish. It could have been taken at any of the dozens of times Kish had surprised her back then.

The next photo was held in a rose gold frame that looked like twining vines threaded with blooming roses. The photo was of Kish as he was now, and he had that soft genuine smile that was usually only reserved for her. It was his rare smile, and it caused her eyes to shimmer with tears. But the final photo caused those held back tears to slip down her cheeks.

It was a simple gold frame, and it held a very young looking Kish. His hand was clasp tightly by a young lilac haired girl with bright amber eyes. They were both smiling wide for the photo. Kish came up behind her and replaced his hands on her waist. His words were soft and full of love when he finally spoke, “This is my engagement gift to you. And my way of saying thank you. For accepting me and making me the happiest man between two universes.”

Ichigo wiped away her tears and leaned back against her strong and amazing mate. “Kish… It’s beyond beautiful. Thank you. And the photos… They’re perfect. But how did you get the first one?” “From Pai’s old battle footage again. That was just before a fight and before you transformed. I told you, you tended to blush when our eyes met back then,” he answered. She could almost hear the smirk in his voice. “It wasn’t that I didn’t believe you, it was just hard to admit you were right. There was just something about you back then that drew me to you. You confused me and threw my world off tilt. Even when I tried to ignore you or reject you. I was in love and repeatedly convinced myself that he was the one. But you managed to make that conviction waver occasionally. It was part of why I was always so mad at you. But now I guess we know why I was confused. Because you were really the one. I was just too young and blind to see it back then. But I do now.”

Kish’s arms tightened around her. “I’m beyond happy that you finally see what I always did. That you belong to me, and I belong to you. And there’s still a few more surprises.” He reached around her and picked up the small black box that was nestled on a bed of pink rose petals. Turning her around, he held the box between them. Capturing her eyes, he dropped to a knee before her. “I know I’ve already asked, and you said yes, but… Ichigo Momimya, will you do me the honor of being my wife?” Carefully, he flicked open the box.

Ichigo’s tears of happiness were back in full force. She dropped to the ground and flung her arms around Kish’s neck. “Oh, you silly wonderful alien. Yes!” she blubbered against his throat. Gently, Kish pulled the teary eyed girl away from him and plucked the ring from the box. Taking her hand in his, he slipped it onto her ring finger. Ichigo fought back tears and gazed lovingly down at her ring. “That’s what I was working on last night,” he said quietly. “I had promised to have the perfect ring for you yesterday and I always keep my word.” “You… You m…made this?” she stuttered, her eyes growing wide as she examined the ring. He nodded, “Yeah. A beautiful and one-of-a-kind ring for my beautiful and one-of-a-kind mate.” Ichigo blushed once again as she wiped her eyes then brought her hand closer to inspect her new ring.

It shimmered and sparkled in the flickering candle light. As she turned her hand, she smiled wide. The gems took on the appearance of a cat paw. She laughed, “It’s purr-fect and beyond beautiful. Thank you so much, Kish. I love it!” “There’s also a secret inside,” he whispered. Instantly, she slipped it off her finger and stood up to hold it near a candle. Words appeared inside. ‘My Kitten,’ and something else in strange markings. Using her link with him, she searched his knowledge, and the weird symbols became readable as ‘My Mate.’ She was in awe as she returned the ring to her finger. Standing near the candles and the photos atop her dresser, she noticed something else. The rose gold frame was a match in style to her ring. Again, she was in shock. Her mate was incredibly amazing. That he had made something this beautiful and special just for her rendered her speechless. Unimaginably, her love for the alien grew once again.

Rising to his feet behind her, “And though you didn’t bring much, your dirty clothes have been cleaned and all you clothes have been put away in the dresser. And, depending on how things go Sunday with your family, I was hoping you could pack the rest of your things and put them away here. What I’m trying to say, is that I’d like you to stay with me until we leave.” His voice was slightly unsure as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

Spinning around, Ichigo threw her arms around his shoulders again. Looking up into his glittering golden eyes, “You mean it, Kish? I can stay here with you?” He grinned, “Of course, Kitten. We are mates and soon to be married. Besides, I meant it when I said I want you next to me always. I want you here. Though it’s only been three nights, I’ve gotten used to sharing a bed with you. It would be too empty and lonely without you in it.”

“Then yes! A thousand times, yes. I don’t think I could sleep without you now anyway. And, though I hope my parents approve, even if they don’t, I’m staying here. My life is wherever you are.” Kish gave her that secret smile that was only for her, “I love you, Kitten.” “And I love you, mate.” Kish’s smile became mischievous as he took her hand. “One last surprise then I’m going to fully enjoy my night,” he said, his voice turning seductive as he tugged her into the bathroom.

Again, the scent of honey and vanilla filled her nose., but the scent was much stronger here for there were glowing candles placed everywhere. But what really took her breath away was the tub. Steam rose from the hot bath water and rose petals littered the surface. The light had also been dimmed here to allow the flames to glow warmly. But it also allowed the bright lights of Tokyo to be easily seen through the large window behind the tub. Ichigo made her way to the tub and trailed her fingertips through the water. It was hot, but not scalding. Just the way she liked it. She glanced over her shoulder at Kish, “You’ve really outdone yourself tonight.”

He stood just inside the doorway with his arms crossed as he watched her with warm honeyed eyes that had desire dancing in their golden depths. “You like it then?” She nodded enthusiastically, “I love it.” He grinned wickedly, “Then strip.” Her smile turned a tad seductive as she obeyed his command. Tentative hands came up and slowly began to unbutton her blouse. Hunger flashed in his amber eyes as he continued to stand perfectly still and watch her. His eyes following every inch of skin she exposed. Placing her blouse on the counter, she began to slowly unzip her skirt, letting it fall down her long legs to pool around her feet. Stepping free, she picked it up and put it with her shirt. Sitting down on the edge of the tub, she slipped out of her shoes and socks and nudged them to the side with a foot. Her eyes locked with his as she slowly stood up in nothing but her pink cotton bra and panties.

When she reached around to undo her bra, she suddenly found Kish standing right in front of her. He tugged her hands away and reached behind her, “Allow me.” His voice was like warm silk, and it was heavy with desire. Ichigo dropped her arms and let him take over. He skillfully unclasped it and, using just his fingertips, pushed her straps slowly down her arms. Just before it fell, he caught it and placed it with the rest of her clothes. Eyes moving up and down, Kish drank in the sight of his mate.

Her body glowed with a soft warmth in the flickering candlelight. Glittering soft chocolate eyes filled with love and passion, watched on as his fingers hooked the band of her underwear at her sides. They followed his body down as he pulled the pink cotton down her toned legs. He lifted one foot then the other, finally freeing her from the last piece of her clothing. Tossing her panties onto the counter, Kish remained kneeling in worship before his fiery red headed goddess. He wrapped a hand around both of her ankles and drew his palms up her warm flesh. His hands continued to glide over her smooth skin until they reached her thighs. Slipping to their backs, he gently coaxed her legs further apart. Raising fully up on one knee, Kish placed a soft kiss to the inside of each thigh and one just above her womanhood. He then nuzzled his cheek against the sensitive skin of her inner right thigh.

‘Gods, you’re beautiful,’ he murmured. Reverence and love were heavy in his tone of voice. Ichigo could only blush as she gazed down lovingly at the alien knelt before her. He truly loved her with every ounce of his being. And Ichigo’s heart fluttered at the sheer weight of that love. He was hopelessly devoted to her. She trembled under the force of that devotion.

Tilting his head up, he slowly dragged his tongue up her damp seam, savoring her rich flavor as his hands gripped her legs to keep her steady. But it was just a quick taste that left her wanting. He had other plans, other ways to worship her tonight. Other ways to deliciously enjoy both his night and her body.

Smoothly, Kish rose to his feet. His eyes taking their time as they traveled up his mate’s body until he stood tall and captured her eyes. Picking her up, he carefully placed her on this side’s inner step within the tub. As she sank down into the steamy water, he stepped back. “My turn,” he uttered thickly. Going just as slowly and taking just as much care as she had, Kish stripped for his mate. His eyes never leaving hers as he removed each article of clothing.

Heat danced in her eyes. He was truly breathtaking. So handsome with his pale skin and chiseled features. The way he moved was all fluid grace and his devilish eyes caused her breath to hitch. Not only was he handsome, but that knowing glint in his eyes and the growing smirk made him incredibly sexy. Ichigo drank him in. For a moment she was appalled at herself. That she could have ever rejected a being such as him. Someone who seemed to only live for her. But then her smile grew as he became fully revealed to her hungry eyes. Everything that they had been through had led them here. Had bound them closer than anyone else could ever imagine. What they each had endured had only caused each of their loves to grow for the other until it had consumed them both.

She watched as he slipped into the water next to her and drew her into his lap. His arms circled her body and held her close possessively. “Regretting your choices all those years ago?” he asked, tone smooth and a small trace of a chuckle. Ichigo tucked her head under his chin, her ear over the strong thumping of his heart. “For a moment, maybe,” she sighed. He shifted her so she sat straddling his lap and hooked a knuckle under her chin. Once their eyes locked, he spoke. “You’re right, you know. If you had agreed to be mine back then you would have been filled with regret and pain at hurting who you thought your heart belonged to. And I was too immature to love you the way you truly deserved. I wouldn’t have known how to offer you a life like I can now.” His hand slipped up to cup her cheek, “We had to grow up. For me to understand that I’m yours just as much as you’re mine. For your heart to truly open to me. It may have been a long hard road for both of us, but what we have now is better for it.”

Before she could even think to form a response, he had swooped down and captured her lips. The kiss started off slow and sweet but grew in force as Kish’s hunger intensified. His hand moved to bury in her hair as he tilted her head for deeper access. Her lips parted at his coaxing and his tongue swept in to plunder the depths of her mouth. She couldn’t help the soft moan that came when he delicately nibbled her bottom lip with his fangs. Taking a quick breath, Ichigo slid her hands up his smooth chest and buried them deep in his hair just before crashing her lips back to his. His hunger and need coursing through her and driving her own desires higher.

One of Kish’s hands slid down to cup her rear while his other wrapped around her back. With both their need flooding through him, he hastily rose from the water and sat her on the back edge of the tub. The lights of Tokyo twinkled behind her as he knelt on the high seat within the tub. This put him at almost perfect eye level with her. His hands traveled hungrily over every inch of flesh he could reach. Memorizing every curve he felt under his seeking hands. He felt one of her hands wrap around his already throbbing member and gently begin to pump him. But when he felt her ankles hook behind him and she used her legs to pull his hips closer to her scorching heat, he growled into their kiss and pulled away.

Wrapping his long fingers around her wrist, he tugged her hand away. Rising up on his knees, he loomed over her and captured her other hand. Bringing them both up, he pressed her wrists to the cool glass window behind her. She hissed when her warm skin made contact with the cold glass. “Such an impatient kitten,” he growled. “Tonight is about my desires and fantasies. But don’t worry, Kitten. I’ll make sure you’re more than satisfied,” he said huskily just before he ducked down and wrapped his lips around a pert nipple.

Ichigo moaned and arched into him. His tongue and lips were like magic as they worshiped her sensitive peak. The flames of desire were licking hungrily within her core and Kish was fanning them into an inferno. His possessiveness and dominance was back in full force, and she shuddered in their presence. Her breaths became pants and gasps as his mouth worked across her body, occasionally leaving small red love bites in his fang’s wake. When he was satisfied that both her breasts had been thoroughly lavished by his tongue and teeth, he pulled back to admire his handiwork.

Her skin was flush from both the warm bath and his ministrations. Her breathing was shallow, breaths escaping her softly swollen lips. Eyes were heavily lidded and glassy with desire. In short, she was breathtaking. Releasing her left hand, he used his now free one to push her legs further apart. Spreading her wide for his hungry gaze. Slowly, he drew her right hand down her body and gently slid her fingers between her damp folds. She gasped when she felt him brush her fingertips over her swollen nub. He guided her hand back and forth a few times until she understood his want and took over. “Good girl,” he purred as he pulled his hand away. He then pushed her back until she was leaning against the cool glass. The lights of Tokyo framing her.

Leaning back, he coaxed both her legs out of the water until her heels were firmly planted on the edge of the tub. She was now completely spread before him. Giving him the perfect view of her hidden flower as she stroked herself. “That’s it, mate. I want to watch as you pleasure yourself. To know it’s me you’re looking at and thinking about as you push yourself to that peak of release.”

Embarrassment took hold of Ichigo, but only for a split second. The way Kish gazed at her with both love and desire chased that feeling away quickly. He made her feel so incredibly beautiful and completely wanted. Not just wanted but needed. Like she was the very oxygen that sustained him. That without her, he would cease to live or even exist. It was an incredibly powerful feeling. Her fingers fluttered faster in response. Simply looking at him while he watched her do something so intimate made her heart race and her insides quiver. It was almost ridiculous how much his simple act of watching her could turn her on so thoroughly.

Kish settled onto the low underwater bench. The warm water coming high on his chest as he draped both arms leisurely along the rim of the tub behind him. His glowing eyes never leaving Ichigo’s fluttering fingers except to flick up to her face occasionally. Gorgeous, beautiful, amazing, and sexy. These words floated through his mind, but none of those could do his mate justice. Not now, not ever. She was beyond words and just watching her pleasure herself solely for him made his heart pound. A burning fire raged within him, but he stayed patient. Closely staying attuned to her both physically and mentally. He was waiting for just the right moment. But he was a male. Even he couldn’t resist some temptation from the scene before him.

Absentmindedly, his right hand drifted below the water. He stroked himself leisurely as he watched his mate with rapt attention. It was all he could do to hold out. A deep blush bloomed on Ichigo’s cheeks when she saw the ripples in the water caused by his shifting hand. She knew exactly what he was doing, and it wound that coiled spring tighter. Heat surged through her body. She was turning him on so completely that he couldn’t resist touching himself. The pace of her fingers intensified. She was so close to that peak of desire. Her abdominals were starting to clench as that coil wound impossibly tight.

A mere moment before she crashed over the edge, Kish surged forwards. He placed his hands flat on the smooth marble just behind her heels. His sudden movement caused Ichigo to falter for a second, but his intense eyes locked with hers. “Don’t stop,” he commanded roughly, his voice low and gravely in tone. Her fingers picked up speed once again. She was so very close now. Just another second or two and that coil would snap.

A split second before Ichigo found her release, she started to moan Kish’s name. But before she could finish it, Kish aligned with her entrance and slammed his hips forward. “Kish!” she screamed as the damn broke and a white hot ecstasy flooded her system as soon as Kish had entered her. Her inner muscles clamped down tight around his throbbing member. Normally, he’d slow and let her regain her breath after she shattered. But this time, he didn’t relent. In fact, his hips moved faster. Almost instantly, her body raced back up to that heart stopping peak.

Kish’s body trembled in pleasure as his mate clamped down around him. He drew out and pushed her current orgasm higher. Wrapping his hands around her hips, he pulled her ass to the very edge of the tub. Her feet, having lost purchase, slipped around his hips until her heels dug into his lower back, pulling him harder to her. He replaced his hands on the marble to either side of her hips, not once slowing down or pausing his movements.

Ichigo’s body felt like it was on fire. Like it was burning from the inside out. Kish had set a new orgasm aflame within her before her first had finished cresting. And with the intensity of the first wave, this new orgasm was building quickly. “Kish! Kish, please!” she begged. Small tears started to gather at the corners of her eyes. It was too much. Too much for her body to handle. That burning pleasure was starting to consume her.

Kish’s right hand came up and buried deep in her hair, fisting within her fiery locks. Harshly, he yanked her head to the side, exposing the line of her throat. Fangs gently clamped around her pulsing artery before dragging down her slick skin to her mark. With one final hard thrust, Kish buried himself and his fangs deep into her body. Instantly, they both shattered, finding their release.

Trembling hands wrapped around his upper arms as Ichigo held on tightly. Her body shaking and vibrating. The sheer intensity of her orgasm pushing her beyond pleasure that it bordered on painful. Kish’s own body trembled as he fought to stay upright. His muscles were weak from his release and wanted to give out on him. But he locked his knees and elbows, keeping him supported. Gently, he removed both his fangs and his hand from his mate and lapped at his bite.

‘You alright, mate?’ Kish whispered within her mind, still too weak to even find his voice. ‘Yeah. That… That was intense. You’ve never done that before. Forced my release to keep going and to build on top of itself. Everything feels extra sensitive. Like there’s so much pleasure it almost hurts.’ Kish chuckled weakly, ‘Told you I’d make sure you were well sated.’ ‘So, I’m guessing you enjoyed the show?’ she teased. ‘Absolutely. You, my mate, are exquisite,’ he praised happily. ‘And did I meet your fantasy’s expectations?’ ‘Nope,’ he stated flatly. ‘What!? Really? Even after that!?’ she exclaimed. A bit of hurt could be heard in her voice. A slow smirk etched its way across Kish’s features and his eyes caught hers. ‘You, Kitten, greatly surpassed it.’ Her eyes blinked sheepishly. ‘Oh.’

Giving her another soft chuckle, Kish finally found he had regained enough energy to move. Gently, he gathered Ichigo into his arms and pulled her into the water with him. She hissed slightly when the hot water made contact with her throbbing womanhood. “You sure you’re alright, honey?” Kish asked looking down at her. Both his eyes and his voice were full of concern. She nodded, “I’m fine. Things are still just very sensitive.” Kish eyed her carefully before relenting. He drifted them back to the lower bench and cuddled Ichigo into his lap. “I’m sorry if I hurt you or pushed you too far,” he whispered after a long silent pause.

She could tell he was deeply worried about her, so she raced to assure him. “Kish, you really didn’t hurt me, I promise. I’m just a bit sore and overly sensitive. I’ve never experience such a drawn out pleasure high. It was both amazing and terrifying. And though it probably shouldn’t be too regular of an occurrence, I’d love to experience it again. As I said, it was intense. But I also trust you with my body and soul. Even my life. I know you would never hurt me. I can feel the warmth of your presence in both my heart and my mind. You’re always watching over me.” She gave him a warm dazzling smile and pecked him on the cheek. “Gods, I love you, Kitten.” Her arms circled his neck, and she flashed him a bright smile, “I love you, too.”

“Kish?” “Hmm?” he sleepily responded, his hand lazily stroking up and down her spine. They had shifted to the far end of the tub where there was a built in incline. Kish was currently laid back on it, the water coming up just under his shoulder blades. One arm was folded under his head and the other was taking turns running through Ichigo’s damp locks, tracing random patterns across her back, or moving up and down her spine as he currently was. Ichigo was contentedly sprawled over and along his body, enjoying his touch and the soothing warmth of the water. But it was getting late, and she was growing sleepier by the moment. And they had yet to actually bathe.

“Come on love. We still need to wash up. And you sound like you’re already half asleep. Where’s your soaps?” Ichigo looked around the tub, but all she saw were candles. Kish grumbled, making Ichigo giggle. Stretching an arm out, he ran his fingers over a small silver indention to his right. A small shelf rose out of the black marble that held several bottles of what Ichigo figured were body soaps and shampoo, along with a soft scrub brush. Kish lazily stretched both his arms over his head and released a jaw cracking yawn, both his fangs glistening in the candle’s waning glow. Again, Ichigo couldn’t stifle her giggle. His arms came back around his mate. “Something amusing you, Kitten?” he drawled.

“Just that you’re adorable when you’re sleepy,” she teased. Kish shot her a mischievous look through the slits of his eyelids. “Is that so, Kitten? Well, I must admit,” he paused and in the blink of an eye, Kish had switched their positions. His eyes caught her full of surprise ones, “that I find you very adorable when you look all startled and flustered. Just. Like. Now.” He finished by tapping the tip of her nose as he said those last three words. She batted his hand away, “Let me up so we can get clean. I’m tired and you most definitely seem to be as well.”

As she struggled to get out from beneath him, a sudden unbidden moan crossed her lips. Her womanhood had brushed against his member, and though it was currently soft, her womanly parts were still slightly swollen and overly sensitive. Plus, just feeling that there, made her body react almost uncontrollably.

Kish’s eyes darkened almost the instant her moan reached his ears. He trailed his hand down her side and cupped the back of her thigh, drawing her leg over his hip. Gazing down at her, he smirked. “I suddenly don’t feel so tired.” “K…Kish,” she stuttered when he rolled his hips against hers. Her legs involuntarily spread to accommodate him. He growled languidly, “Doesn’t seem like you are either. Hm, Kitten?” He caused her to gasp when he pressed his now hardening member against her sensitive bud. Shifting his hand from her leg, he slipped it between them and skillfully stroked her tingling clit. She moaned again and moved her hips against his hand, seeking more friction. Kish chuckled and withdrew his hand, “I’ll take that as a no, then.” With that, he slid his fully erect shaft deep inside with a single slow rock of his hips.

“You’re insatiable,” she gasped. He smirked and pushed deeper, causing her to hiss in both pleasure and a slight bit of pain. “I could say the same thing about you.” ‘But she is right,’ he thought. He really couldn’t get enough of her. How many times had he fantasized about making love to his Kitten? Abyss, how many were specifically about taking her in this tub? Too many to count. On both counts. No, he was hopelessly addicted and devoted to Ichigo Momomiya, or as she would soon be called, Ichigo Ikisatashi.

Kish had to work to hold back an extremely satisfied grin at that thought. Instead, he focused on the feeling of her heat wrapped around him. She was still deliciously tight. It thrilled him to the core that he was the only one to have touched her so intimately. That he would forever be the only one to know what she felt like both outside and within. Kish shuddered at her warmth. It felt a thousand times hotter than the still warm water around them. Igniting his burning desire to a level that was impossible to ignore. Impossible to resist.

Collapsing onto his elbow beside her shoulders, Kish used his other hand to lovingly cup Ichigo’s cheek. Leaning down, he captured his second greatest addiction, her lips. The kiss was soft, sweet, and passionate, just like his current lovemaking. He knew she was still overly sensitive and beyond stimulated. Her body writhed and twitched below him. So, he took his time pushing her slowly to that peak. Giving her body plenty of time to build naturally towards her release. Kish nibbled tenderly at her bottom lip before slipping his tongue in for a swift taste. Breaking away from her lips, he gazed down at her through hooded eyes. The gentle movements of his hips caused shallow ripples to glide across the water’s surface. He watched as tiny waves lapped at Ichigo’s breasts as they rose and fell with each labored breath. The ends of her hair swayed in the water just below its surface. He memorized everything. The vision before him better than any fantasy he could ever conjure up.

Ichigo’s hands found purchase at the back of his neck, her fingers toying with his damp emerald strands. Her body was trembling. Her sensitive nerve endings reacting to every movement from Kish, no matter how small or subtle. When her eyes locked with his, she lost herself in their warm shimmering depths. His soul was laid bare before her as he gave her everything. Again, it was as though they melded perfectly into one mind and body.

Each of his concerns and worries were revealed to her. In turn, all of her fears and doubts were made known to him. A soft knowing smile was shared between the pair. The rapid beating of their hearts fell in sync as a calmness settled in their souls. Everything would turn out fine as long as they were together. For he had seen her doubts at being able to fit in and be accepted on his home. To be accepted by his people as not only herself, but as his mate as well. He’d also seen her fear that he would come to resent her if they chose to live on her planet. Fear that he’d never be able to truly give up all he had for her again. While she saw his worry at not being able to provide the life he wanted to give her if they chose her home. Along with his concerns over her safety and well-being on his planet. That she would feel alone without her family and friends and would end up suffering because of him.

They didn’t have to even say it this time. They could see it in each other’s thoughts plain as day. Two sides of the same coin. Their worries and fears almost mirror images of each other. Neither could help it as their smiles grew. They both felt relieved and yet foolish. Of course, they’d both have concerns over their futures. But they knew no matter what, they’d make things work. For neither could live without the other. A glowing warmth spread through them both at this realization. Faith in each other was all they needed. Everything else would fall into place in due time.

Kish’s movements suddenly became stronger. His thrusts deeper. And his hand more desperate as it roamed her body. A sharp gasp left Ichigo’s lips at his sudden change of pace. He sought that sweet release and pushed hers higher in his search. Hearts and minds connected, they finally crashed over that cliff together. Both bodies shivering with the intensity. Nuzzling his nose into the curve of her neck, Kish collapsed atop his mate. Ichigo kept one hand buried in his hair while her other arm encircled his back, holding him close.

After a moment or two, Ichigo giggled, “I suppose it shouldn’t be a shock our thoughts have been echoing each other’s. I told you, you were a bad influence on me.” Kish’s bright laughter filled the room as he drew up to look at her with eyes dancing with mirth, “And I’m sure I’m to blame for how easy it is to tempt that body of yours?” “I’m glad we understand one another,” she grinned playfully. Both their hearts felt lighter, and they couldn’t help but revert back to their old ways. Kish’s deep chuckle reverberated through her body, “Admit it, Kitten. You were just playing a long game of hard to get. You wanted me from the start. No one can resist my devilish charms.”

Ichigo snorted and pushed him off, though Kish noticed the distinct lack of force behind her hands. “You wish. And I have no idea what these so called charms you speak of are.” She flicked her hair over her shoulder and turned her face from him. Kish caught on to her game immediately. Reaching under the water, he wrapped his hand around her ankle and yanked her into the deeper water with him. Quickly, he curled his fingers around her jaw, “Kitten, Kitten.” He shook his head, tsking with his tongue. “Lying doesn’t suit you. I told you long ago that I wouldn’t lose. I just had the wrong goal in mind. But I did win, Kitten. I won that golden heart of yours. You became mine in every possible way.” That notorious fang flashing smirk crossed his lips.

She tried to glare at him like old times, she really did, but she just couldn’t. That sexy smirk of his had endeared him to her. Even if she enjoyed wiping it off his smug face occasionally. Instead, she shot him her own smirk, “Just like you’re completely mine.” His cockiness grew for a moment before his features shifted to his secret smile full of tenderness, “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

In the blink of an eye, he had stolen a kiss and dunked her underwater. She came up spluttering, “God damned cocky alien.” “Mmm… Always so feisty,” he purred. “But be careful, Kitten. You know what your feistiness does to me. And we both know how easily I can entice that delicious body of yours beneath me,” he warned playfully. The tip of his tongue slipped between his lips and slowly traced a fang.

Face and chest flushed as brightly as her hair, “Correction. God dammed cocky, teasing, perverted alien!” He grinned, “You know it. And you love it.” He tossed her a wink and drifted over to his soaps. “You going to play around in the tub all night or are you going to come get cleaned up? I’m tired and have work to do at the café tomorrow,” he mocked teasingly. This time, Ichigo couldn’t keep from glaring at him.

Snapping his fingers, Kish removed the last of the candles as he slid into bed beside his mate. She had fallen asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. However, he could feel her waiting for him, Kit’s tail twitching impatiently within his mind. Snuggling in behind her, he wrapped an arm over the curve of her waist and gently pulled her closer until she was tucked against him. Kish nuzzled his nose into her hair and breathed deep. Past the scent of his shampoo, he found her strawberry scent mixed with his woodsy one. Their combined scents soothed him, and he finally closed his eyes and joined her within her mind.

“You were waiting for me, Kitten?” he cooed once he found himself in the café like area and took a seat beside her on the small couch. Ichigo huffed and slid into his lap, straddling him. She was in her pink pajama shorts and a white tank top, and, quickly, she snapped her fingers so that Kish was back in the green pajama pants. “Yes,” she grumbled, crossing her arms. “I wanted to talk to you about earlier.” Kish smirked lazily. “Hmn? About which part? The sexy and mouthwatering show you put on for me? Or maybe when I took you against the window? Or when I made love…,” “Kish!” she interrupted him. His eyes twinkled, “Yes, Kitten? I was merely trying to figure out which part you wanted to discuss.” Ichigo’s eye twitched. He was clearly still in a playful mood. “I meant what happened when we made love in the water.” “Oh. I’d be happy to explain. First, I oh so easily pinned your beautiful body beneath me. Then I masterfully stroked your hidden pearl until your body craved more.” “Kiiiish!” she interrupted again drawing out his name and smacking him on the shoulder.

He knew he was pushing her buttons and he also knew exactly what she wanted to talk about. But it was just so easy to mess with her. And so much fun. Besides, she looked damned adorable pouting in his lap with that little scrunch between her brows. But if he kept teasing, he’d rile her up. And though he loved it when she got feisty, he was in too good a mood to calm a hissing cat. “Alright, alright,” he placated her. “What do you want to know?”

Ichigo hesitated. She was unsure of how to bring it all up. She wanted to discuss the deep connection they had made earlier and about each other’s fears, but she didn’t know where to start. And she suddenly didn’t want to spoil his good mood or the lightness to the air between them with a heavy discussion.

Kish, sensing her apprehension, beat her to it. “Everything is fine, Kitten. I told you our bond is just growing stronger and faster. Soon, we’ll be able to read each other without even trying. But don’t worry. You’re still you and I’m still me. I’ll never be able to see everything unless you want me to. Your thoughts and feelings are still your own.” He caressed her cheek tenderly, his thumb brushing her bottom lip. Warm golden eyes pierced her own as he filled her with a reassuring warmth. “As for our futures, of course we’re both going to have concerns. It’s a big change for both of us, no matter where we choose to live. And we will have to eventually decide, because there’s no way we could live without the other. At least I know I couldn’t. But we don’t have to decide now. Come back with me. See my home and what things could be like there. Then we can discuss it further. Until then, don’t let it worry you too much. Everything will be just fine, I promise.”

His arms wrapped tightly around the worried girl in his lap and held her close for a few moments. Her soft voice broke the silence. “I really, really hate it when you’re right and being so reasonable. Sometimes I miss the crazy hot headed youth from before. It was easier for me to ignore you and get my way.” A bark of laughter left Kish’s lips. “I thought I’d never see the day when you actually missed how I was back then. And I seem to recall it was me forcing what I wanted on you.” She giggled, “Sometimes. When you’d steal kisses and get a bit too handsy, but it usually ended with me kicking your butt until you finally left.”

Kish’s eyes twinkled as old memories surfaced. “You only thought I left with my tail between my legs,” he teased. “Most of the time I doubled back and followed you. Partly to make sure you were alright after our battles, but mostly just to watch you. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t stay away from you.” He nuzzled his cheek against her crown. “Remind me to be mad at you for that later. For some reason, right now I’m finding it kinda cute,” she grumbled. Kish chuckled, “Seriously, never thought I’d see the day.” “Oh, shut it,” she grumbled again. His chuckle only grew, “I always knew I’d win you over eventually.”

Ichigo tilted her head and nipped at his throat. “Always with the cockiness. And I may thank your persistence now, but back then you were damn annoying.” His hand slipped under the back of her shirt and his fingers lazily traced up and down her lower spine. “Maybe, but we both know you wouldn’t have me any other way. I believe you even began to count on my persistence back then. I’d even go so far as to say you began to rely on me.” She leaned back and cocked a brow at him. “You began to realize my weakness for you and used that to your advantage. Any time there was a battle, you made sure you were the one I was facing off against, effectively removing me from the fight. I wouldn’t actually harm you, but I didn’t have the same reservations about the other girls.”

Cocking her head to the side, Ichigo thought about that. “To a certain extent, you may be right, but that wasn’t the whole reason. As their leader, you were the biggest threat. And since I was our leader, you were my responsibility. Besides, you usually wouldn’t even join the fight unless it was against me. Always floating up high in arrogance as you watched the others and your chimeras do all the fighting, until either I got hurt or separated myself from the others. Then you’d finally come down just to toy with me.” Once, there may have been hatred or animosity in her words, but now there were none. She finally understood how her mate had felt back then, so she could easily tease him about it now.

“Hey! I spent months dealing with you annoying Mews before my cousins showed up. I deserved a little reprieve. And as the leader, it was my duty to assess the battlefield to better direct things for the next fight if we lost. But I couldn’t help it if the beautiful leader of the Mews had captured my heart and kept me distracted. I was an adolescent male after all,” he argued. But he gave her a sly grin in the end.

“I wonder what things would have been like if I had said yes to you back then,” she mused idly. He shook his head, “Probably not as wonderful as they are now. I meant what I said about taking you and running away. I didn’t care about your people at the time. Humans were nothing but a nuisance to me back then, besides you of course. Deep Blue would probably have destroyed everything, and my people would have either ruled your planet or been destroyed as well. If we had stayed and tried to make it work, well, I don’t know. But Deep Blue would probably have manifested earlier because of his, the Blue Knight’s, and the tree hugger’s possessiveness over you would have pushed him. And without you, that damn ex of yours would probably have fully given in. So, as much as I wanted you back then, things played out as they should have.”

Ichigo leaned back and caught his eye. “It still surprises me when you talk like that. To see that hidden intelligence at work. Even how we talk to each other. Sometimes I find it so weird compared to how we used to be.” Kish yawned and cuddled her close. “We grew up, Kitten. Nothing weird about that. And you’ve finally accepted me. Letting me sit and talk without you trying to fight me every step of the way.” “Well, if you would have stopped trying to kiss or kill me every time you saw me,” she started to argue. “Hush, Kitten. See, we’re still the same as we’ve always been. Me trying to keep you in my arms and you still trying to pick a fight with me.”

Ichigo snapped her mouth shut. He was right. Damn him, but he was right. She didn’t even try to hide her smile. Yeah, they were the same old Kish and Ichigo, and it made her feel so incredibly happy as that realization sunk in. “I love you, Kish,” she whispered as she snuggled back against his chest. Kish’s cocky smirk returned, but his eyes glowed in happiness, “I love you, Kitten.”

The next day, work at the café flew by for Ichigo. She was on cloud nine. Her and Kish’s conversation from last night had put a lot of her worries out of her mind for the time being. And she couldn’t wait for their date tonight. She practically skipped to each of her tables. Both Lettuce and Pudding couldn’t help but notice Ichigo’s happy mood.

“What’s gotten into her?” Lettuce whispered to Pudding. Pudding smiled wide, “That ring on her finger probably has something to do with it. Plus, she’s probably excited because Kish and Taru-Taru are taking us on a fancy date tonight.” “How romantic,” Lettuce gushed. “Where are they taking you?” “No idea, but it’s also Taru-Taru’s birthday today and I still have no idea what to get him,” Pudding sighed. She’d spent half the night trying to think of something, but she just couldn’t come up with something good enough.

Lettuce studied Pudding for a moment. She was obviously concerned. “I don’t know Tart as well as you do, but I’m sure he’ll love anything you give him because it came from you,” Lettuce said softly. Pudding looked up at the older green haired girl, “But I want it to be special. He’s my boyfriend now and we haven’t seen each other in almost three years.” He had visited her off and on the year after the battle but had then suddenly stopped coming. He had told her it was because they forced him to become a council member and couldn’t sneak away from the planet easily anymore. Not to mention, he had damaged the ship on his last return when he had hit a stray asteroid. Which was why Pai and Kish had been repairing it.

“Then it should be something that means a lot to both of you. Something that will also make him happy. Just make sure it comes from the heart and I know he’ll love whatever you decide on,” Lettuce advised with a warm smile. Pudding had quickly become like everyone’s little sister since almost day one. Each of the Mews never hesitated to help the young girl whenever they could.

Pudding’s eyes lit up as an idea began to take form and a light blush dusted her cheeks. “Thanks Lettuce! I think I have the perfect idea,” she beamed. “Glad I could help,” Lettuce said blushing a bit as well.

Kish had watched and listened in on the two girls from Mint’s old table without them noticing. When he saw Pudding’s blush, he had a sneaking suspicion what Pudding’s idea had been. He grinned mischievously as he took another bite of his vegetable soup. He had just finished up in the basement with Ryou and was enjoying a late lunch. Of course, he had pulled on his glamour while he had spoken to Keiichiro for a moment in the kitchen and gotten his lunch before heading into the dining area. As he sat at Mint’s table, he smirked to himself. He just knew the stuck up, bratty, Birdie would throw a hissy fit if she saw him sitting at her table.

His eyes shifted back to his Kitten. He watched her basically float from table to table. Gushing every time someone noticed or mentioned her ring. She couldn’t seem to help moving her hand subtly so the lights would catch it, causing it to sparkle. Her heart was light, and she seemed incredibly happy. In fact, both their hearts were lighter today. Last night’s revelations had temporarily freed them from their worries. Sure, they both still had a multitude of concerns, but right now, they were both simply enjoying life together.

Kish paused for a moment as the surreal reality struck him again. They were together. He and his Kitten. They were mates. Sometimes he still found it hard to believe. He had tried to gain her affection for over a year. Had clung to his memories of her for four. Almost giving up hope a few times. Had even tried to forget about her more times than he cared to admit. But he had loved her too much to ever truly move on. She had never left his mind for more than a moment. And he was damn glad he hadn’t succeeded in forgetting about her because she was now his. His lover, his mate, his fiancé. The woman he had thought was beyond his grasp was now truly and completely his.

And on top of that, he had seemed to fit into her world with ease. He had a growing friendship with both Ryou and Keiichiro. He would also call Pudding a friend now. Even the Fishy had spoken to him as a friend and not an enemy. Though he had teased her, she had smiled at him and fully accepted him and Ichigo. Even young Tart had found his place amongst the Mews. He’d help at the dojo with Pudding, but today, since Pudding was working at the café, he had discovered his place here.

Tart had taken to the kitchen like a fish to water. Had seamlessly slid in beside Keiichiro and had helped in the kitchen. Quickly picking up on recipes and how things worked. It turned out Tart had a knack for baking and Keiichiro gladly accepted the help once Tart had learned the ins and outs. Things seemed to just fall into place for both aliens.

At least Kish knew that if they did choose to stay here, he at least had a jumping off point to try and build something for he and Ichigo. He now had friends here he could rely on to help him provide for his mate. To help him achieve whatever he wanted. It was a greatly comforting thought. But just as he had told Ichigo, he pushed those thoughts aside for now. They still had plenty of time to make a decision and she had yet to see his home. The pros and cons list was incomplete until she did.

A soft giggle escaped Ichigo as she snuck a glance at Kish. He had a goofy smile on his face and appeared completely lost in thought. She snuck a peek at what he was thinking about. Her heart melted as he thought first about her then the possibility of starting a life here with her. He was just so sweet and unpredictable. It was that unpredictableness and his quick changing moods that had originally piqued her interest in him. And though he had certain traits or habits that she could predict easily, he himself always kept her guessing. It certainly kept things from ever getting boring.

Kish smirked to himself as he caught her listening in to his thoughts. ‘I am certainly never boring,’ he teased. She giggled again, ‘That’s an understatement.’ Kish chuckled at her and swept his eyes across the room until they caught hers. ‘Just one of the many things you love about me,’ he winked at her. ‘Yup!’ she answered cheerfully before focusing back on work. Kish grinned. He loved the easy and playful banter between them. It reminded him a bit of their past selves but without the fighting.

Ichigo’s feet pounded up the steps from the basement. A huge smile graced her lips. She didn’t know how she’d managed it, but somehow she had convinced Ryou to let her off two hours early. She couldn’t believe he had agreed. She saw Kish leaning against the wall as she crested the steps. “You seem awfully pleased,” he commented. “He said yes! I’m gonna go change and we can head out.” As she walked by him, Kish slipped behind her and snaked an arm around her waist. He halted her and tugged her back to his chest. Leaning over her shoulder, he placed a quick kiss to her cheek. “I’ll be waiting,” he whispered in her ear before releasing her abruptly and slipping out the back door.

Normally, Kish would have found a tree to hide in while he waited for his Kitten to come out of the café, but, with his glamor on, now he could wait sitting on the back steps. His ear twitched as it caught the sound of footsteps and two giggling girls. Not coming from behind him where the café sat but coming up the path to the café. “Look! It’s that really hot guy from yesterday. I was hoping I’d get to see him again. He’s the one with those gorgeous golden eyes I told you about,” one of the girls giggled to the other. “I wonder if he works there now?” the other, taller girl asked. The short blonde giddily replied, “I hope so! I saw him come out of the back kitchen area, so I think so.” “But didn’t you say he was with that red waitress?” “No idea. He looked upset that some guys were bullying her and went to help. My friends and I had to leave before he got to her table. If they are together, then that is one lucky girl. He’s gotta be the hottest guy I’ve ever seen.” The other girl giggled harder. “Well, if he does work there, maybe you can ask him if he’s single. Besides, I want to see these golden eyes you’ve been gushing about.”

Kish waited until they were just about to pass him as they followed the path to the front of the café. He stood to his full height and casually leaned against the railing at his side. Looking up, he acted like he had just noticed the girls and shot them a bright smile, letting the sun catch his shimmering eyes. He tossed them a slight wave before relaxing against the railing. He heard them squeal and giggle before racing past him. “Oh my gosh! Did you see that?! He waved at us!” the short blonde shouted in a raised whisper. “Those eyes! You were right. They’ve got to be the most gorgeous eyes ever,” the tall one almost stuttered. Kish grinned to himself, ‘Yup, still got it.’

“Still got what?” Ichigo asked coming out of the café. “Oh, nothing to worry about. Just that your mate can still make girls swoon with just a look,” he boasted. His sly grin slipping over his lips. Ichigo rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. “You better not be flirting with other girls while my back is turned,” she scolded. “Aw, Kitten. It was just a smile and a wave. I heard them talking about me as they headed to the café. Said you were one lucky girl to have me,” he defended. Her look softened. “Damn right, you’re mine.”

Golden eyes darkened and he quickly wrapped Ichigo in his arms. His voice became coated in huskiness, “Mm… Kitten. You know I love when you get possessive of me.” Ichigo shoved him off shaking her head. “Down boy. We still have to get the rest of Tart’s present then I have to get ready for this evening.” “Fine,” he pouted. But when he pulled her back into his arms, he stole a quick kiss. “So where to, Kitten?” Ichigo blushed and couldn’t resist snuggling into his arms. She envisioned the store she wanted to go to, including a safe place to teleport to. He nodded, “Got it.” With a quick glance around to make sure no one was watching, the pair disappeared.

Ichigo slipped her hand into his and tugged him to the front of the store as soon as they reappeared. Stepping through the door, Ichigo grabbed a basket and quickly made her way down the aisles, dragging Kish along behind her. Kish’s eyes grew large as he looked over all the goods. “Tart would love this place,” he muttered in awe. Everywhere he looked there were different kinds of plants, gardening tools, seed packets, and anything else that had to do with plants. “Maybe I’ll bring him here one day, but for now I need to get his gift,” Ichigo answered, half paying attention.

She gathered up about thirty or forty different seed packets. Ranging from a myriad of flowers to all kinds of vegetables. She even threw in a few fruit tree seeds and, of course, some strawberry seeds. Walking further down the aisle, she nearly jumped for joy. They had the two things she specifically wanted. Grabbing two packets each of those, she made her way to the register. Kish chuckled when he saw why those two particular seeds had been her focus. “You get to deal with him when those plants grow and he figures out how to refine them,” he snickered. “I’ll make sure he knows moderation. If he’s half as bad as Pudding, this may be a bad idea,” she muttered. Kish placed his hand on her shoulder. “Mate, it’s a wonderful idea that I know Tart will love without a doubt.” She gave him a soft smile. “Thanks.”

Kish slipped into the shower behind his mate. They had returned a few minutes ago and Ichigo had arranged her gift in a bright red bag. The seeds and disc carefully wrapped in yellow tissue paper. As soon as she was done, they had both headed to the shower. It was already four, but they still had roughly over two hours to be ready. Kish rested his hands at the curve of Ichigo’s waist and drew her back against him. She relaxed into his arms, her head resting on his collar bone as the warm water cascaded down around them. “Excited about tonight, Kitten?” he whispered into her damp hair.

Ichigo nodded enthusiastically, “I’ve been dreaming about it all day. Wondering where we’re going, what you’re going to look like, and seeing your reaction to what I’m gonna wear.” Kish chuckled and tugged her closer, so her body was flush to his. His right hand slid up the smooth curve of her ribcage and gently cupped a breast, his thumb caressing her peaking nipple. He drummed the fingers of his other hand across her hip bone. “No matter what you wear, you’ll always look beautiful to me. Or even when you don’t wear anything at all.” That cocky look was back on his face and there was an impish glint in his eye. His voice had also become low and sultry.

A shiver ran up Ichigo’s body. ‘How does he do that?!’ she thought. ‘How can he turn me on so thoroughly without even trying?’ Kish snickered and licked the rim of her ear, ‘Because we’re mates, Kitten. You crave my touch just as much as I crave yours. I can feel what your body wants, what you need. Besides, who said I wasn’t trying?’ His fangs found that sensitive spot just behind her ear at the same time the hand at her hip slid down and slipped between her trembling legs. A deep moan escaped her lips followed by a loud gasp as his talented fingers found her hidden pearl. Her eyelids fluttered closed, and she fully surrendered to her mate’s capable hands.

Kish was once again reveling in the power he had over her. That she allowed him to take control so easily. Her trust and blind faith in him astounded him. His hand slid lower until his searching fingers found her entrance. Tenderly, he pushed two inside and pumped them leisurely. Setting her build to a very slow burn. He grinned against her neck in satisfaction when her legs parted ever so slightly to give him better access. Soft moans and whimpers started to cross her lips, but Kish continued to take his time. He wasn’t in the mood to rush things and wanted his mate to savor what he was doing to her.

Ichigo’s head fell back further atop his shoulder as she arched sharply. Seeking more friction and further contact wherever they touched. His talented hands were fanning the coals of her desire. That coil in her abdomen burning as it wound incredibly slowly. She rocked her hips against his hand needing more. Needing to feel that pressure build faster. In turn, Kish’s fangs found the junction of her neck and shoulder and softly bit down. ‘Always such an impatient kitty,’ he growled low. Another shiver wracked Ichigo’s body. The way his low timbre thrummed through her sent tingles coursing through her system. Just the sound of that low cocky tone was enough to push her higher.

Letting his fangs prick harder against her delicate flesh, Kish sealed his lips over her skin and sucked hard. At the same time, he pushed a third finger inside her. Her hips bucked wildly at the intrusion and a loud moan in the form of his name fell from her lips. ‘Mm. So tight and so wet. You like that, Kitten?’ he purred huskily. Ichigo nodded then a sudden gasp broke from her throat. The heel of Kish’s hand was now rubbing across her sensitive bud with every push and pull of his fingers. Her hands came up, each gripping his forearms and held on tight. Her chest rose and fell quickly with her labored breaths. Kish’s other hand began to sharply knead her breast, a thumb and forefinger tweaking her now sensitive nipple.

“Kish, please,” she moaned, her eyes still clenched shut. “Please, what?” he breathed against her neck when his lips finally released her bruised flesh. “Harder, mate. More… Please, Kish… Nya!” she panted. Kish smirked but complied to his begging mate. “As you wish, Kitten.” Immediately, his fingers doubled their pace. Filling her deeply on every push. When a loud, “Yes!” broke from her mouth, Kish grinned wickedly. Pushing as deep as he could, he stroked that hidden button within her. Her reaction was instantaneous.

Her knees started to buckle, and she held on tighter to Kish’s arms. He quickly wrapped his right arm around her waist, securely locking her in place. His name tumbled from her lips in a breathless moan. A quiver ran through her tense muscles, and they all simultaneously relaxed as the warm wave of her orgasm crashed through her system. “God, Kish. That was…,” she trailed off, unable to come up with the correct words. Kish slowly pulled his hand from her depths, and trailed it up the side of her body, letting the water rinse off her release. Continuing up, he delicately brushed his fingertips along the sharp line of her throat. “Hm? Enjoy that did you?” he husked, satisfaction and smugness coating each word.

Humming her happy response, Ichigo nuzzled her nose into the side of his neck, “Mmhmm.” Kish smiled proudly and kissed her temple. “Always a pleasure to please my mate.” Keeping his arm locked around her waist, Kish reached for his shampoo. Stepping back, he squirted some into her hair and began to massage it into her scalp. “God, that feels wonderful,” Ichigo sighed. Then a thought struck her, “Wait. What about you?”

A knowing smirk flitted across his lips, “Hmm? Don’t worry, Kitten. I’ll get mine tonight,” he promised. A small shudder traveled through her. “Once again, I can’t tell if that’s a threat or a promise,” she teased. He snickered, “Maybe a bit of both.” Ichigo giggled softly, “With you, most likely.”

After they finished bathing, Ichigo quickly gathered her dress and other things from their room, making sure Kish kept his back turned, and returned to the bathroom. “I’ll meet you in the mess hall in about an hour,” she called through the door. “And no trying to sneak a peek,” she quickly added. Kish rolled his eyes from the other side of the door, “You know. For someone who says they trust me completely, you sure don’t seem to trust me.” Ichigo laughed, “Not when it concerns my body, I don’t.” Okay. So, he had to give her that one. Kish huffed in defeat and started to get dressed. Doing his best not to think about his naked mate on the other side of the door. ‘Ichigo’s right,’ he thought. He really was becoming a sex addict. At least only for Ichigo. ‘Told ya so,’ she sing-songed.

‘Oh, hush. It’s your fault. You’re just too damn sexy,’ he snarked back as he pulled on his new pants. ‘I bet you say that to all the girls,’ she teased. Kish growled, ‘Dammit, Kitten. You know that’s not true. Since I first saw you, you’ve been my one and only.’ ‘Calm down, mate. I was only teasing,’ she quickly apologized. Kish sighed, ‘No. I’m sorry, mate. I didn’t mean to snap. Just the thought of being with another woman turns my stomach and raises my hackles. You’re mine. Only mine and my one and only.’

Ichigo’s brush paused and she placed her hand against the bathroom door. ‘I’m sorry, Kish. I didn’t mean to upset you. I know your mine and mine alone.’ Unbeknownst to either of them, Kish had placed his hand on his side of the bathroom door, directly in front of hers. ‘It’s alright, Kitten. I know you were only kidding. Just maybe don’t use that to tease me with in the future. For both our sanities.’ ‘I promise,’ she answered, pulling away from the door and getting back to fixing her hair. ‘Thanks, love,’ he whispered, tugging on his dark green mesh undershirt. ‘Anything for you, mate,’ she replied, copying what he usually told her. Kish chuckled, ‘No stealing my lines. Or I just may have to punish you in the name of Cynicla.’

Laughter erupted from inside the bathroom. ‘Cheeky alien. But that’s completely the wrong catch phrase. After hearing it so many times I would have thought you’d remember it. It’s: For the Earth, I’ll be of service. Nya!’ A bark of laughter left Kish’s lips, ‘You just posed didn’t you?’ Ichigo blushed. ‘Shut it,’ she squeaked. Kish laughed even harder, ‘Gods, you’re adorable.’ When nothing but silence followed, Kish shook his head. ‘Just because I can’t see you doesn’t mean I don’t know you just stuck your tongue out at me.’ Ichigo stared at the back of the door, ‘Damn. You really do know me well.’ ‘Probably better than you know yourself,’ he added. ‘Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me. You were my personal alien stalker for over a year.’ ‘Admirer. I prefer admirer. And again, your fault. You stole my heart and my sanity,’ he shot back.

Ichigo applied the finishing touches on her makeup, ‘Oh no you don’t. I may have stolen your heart, but you were crazy from the second I met you.’ Kish chuckled as he buttoned up his shirt, ‘Yeah. Crazy for you.’ Ichigo rolled her eyes, ‘Oh great. You’ve discovered cheesy one liners.’ Kish quickly scanned her memories for what she meant. Finding the answer, he laughed, ‘Maybe, but at least I never used them to try and pick you up back then. And I don’t have to now since you’re already mine.’ Carefully, Ichigo shimmied into her dress, taking care not to mess up her hair or smudge her makeup. ‘And it’s a good thing you didn’t. You were creepy enough back then.’

Kish huffed in indignation as he pulled his boots on. ‘Creepy? I was cute, romantic, and maybe a bit cocky, arrogant, and a tad crazy. But I was certainly NOT creepy.’ Ichigo snorted, ‘Says the one that stalked me and tried to get me to run away with him. Not to mention the whole “I’ll kill you if I can’t have you,” thing as well as asking a thirteen year old to be your bride. So… Creepy.’ Kish shot the bathroom door a glare, ‘We’ve been over this. A) I was desperately in love with you. B) I was trying to save you. C) I’ve admitted I was a tad insane. And D) We were both old enough in my culture to marry. So again. Not. Creepy.’ Ichigo sighed, ‘Fine. But you were weird at the very least.’ He bit his lip. He couldn’t really argue with that. He is an alien after all.

Running a comb through his hair, he tied it back behind his neck. Kish took a look at himself in his wardrobe mirror. ‘Not too bad,’ he thought to himself. His mesh undershirt was just low enough that it only peeked out from where he’d left the top three buttons of his shirt undone. He then remembered something he’d seen in the back of one of his drawers. After a minute search, he finally found it. It was a bottle of cologne, and it was a gift from his aunt on his last birthday when he turned twenty. It had been her way of subtly hinting that he should get out and date and hopefully find a wife or mate. Other than his cousins, no one knew about his love for Ichigo. Oh, he had talked about her constantly with his family, but had kept his true feelings hidden. He hadn’t even remembered packing the small glass bottle, but, he figured, if there were ever a time to use it, it would be tonight.

Uncorking the bottle, Kish took a sniff. He had to admit, his aunt had excellent tastes and knew his well. It had a deep woodsy scent with a hint of spice. It smelled clean and fresh and would only enhance his natural scent. That pleased him because Ichigo had mentioned that she loved his scent and found it calming. Though he knew that part of the reason she found it calming was because they were mates. Each other’s scents had a soothing effect on the other. It was part of why he liked to tuck his nose into her hair or against her neck. He couldn’t get enough of her scent, especially with his tied just under it. Carefully, he dabbed a drop or two on each side of his neck and on the pulse points of each wrist. Stoppering the bottle, he replaced it within his wardrobe. “Ready, Kitten? It’s about time to go,” he hollered through the door.

Ichigo was just slipping into a pair of golden strappy heels. They were identical to the ones Pudding had picked out, but she had swapped the silver for gold at the checkout counter. She thought they would match better with the gold in Kish’s jacket. “You’re still here? I thought I told you to wait in the mess hall?” she yelled back. “And miss being the first one to see you all dressed up? I don’t think so.” She snapped a gold bangle around her thin wrist and slipped a pair of gold hoops into her ears. She gave herself a once over in the mirror. ‘Perfect,’ she thought. She spritzed on a bit of perfume and reached for the door.

Kish had been sitting on the bed looking at the floor when he heard the bathroom door click. His eyes caught her golden shoed feet and slowly traveled up her body. Following the curve of her body line before hungrily traveling the smooth expanses of her revealed flesh. Particularly, the long line that plunged between her breasts. Continuing up, Kish finally reached her face and was dumbstruck. She was an absolute vision. A beauty beyond compare. His throat worked to form words, but he found he was unable to. The second their eyes locked, Kish moved to her faster than lightning. He pinned her roughly to the bathroom door, his body molding against hers.

“K..Kish?” she stuttered. She was lost in his intensely glittering gold eyes full of lust and passion. Suddenly, his lips found the bruise he’d left earlier on her neck and licked at it. ‘Gods and Goddesses, Kitten. You’re stunning. I don’t know how I’m going to contain myself around you all night. Let alone be able to stand to see any male so much as glance in your direction with you looking like that.’ His fangs slid over her heated skin. His mouth desperately looking to claim, to mark, her. ‘Fuck, Ichigo. If we weren’t on a time table, I’d take you right now against this door.’

A small moan slid from her lips, ‘Kish… We need to get going. And why should I care how many guys look at me when my eyes will be glued to my mate. Who looks sexy enough to eat, I might add.’ She flashed him a wicked smile. The jacket she was holding fluttered to the floor as he pinned her wrists next to her head. A low growl rumbled deep in his chest, ‘I’m not the only one, Kitten. As fucking gorgeous as you are in that dress, all I want to do right now is rip it off you and lick every inch of your body before having my way with you.’

A heated shudder zipped through Ichigo and pink dusted her cheeks. His possessiveness and obvious need and want of her were fanning those flames of desire deep within her abdomen. But she shook her head to clear the haze. They didn’t have time for this. As badly as they both wanted each other, it would have to wait. When his lips trailed up her neck and to her lips, she set them in a hard line. Not giving in to him. She knew how much he hated it when he didn’t get any kind of reaction. And it worked. He pulled back with a slight scowl and a look of desperation in his eyes. “Ichigo….,” he growled. She shook her head, “No. We don’t have time. As much as I want to continue, we have people waiting on us and a reservation to keep.” She put her foot down.

He glared at her for a split second then relented. “Fine, I’ll behave but only if you kiss me.” She cocked an eyebrow at him. “I promise. Just a kiss and I’ll let you go.” Slowly, she parted her lips. He wasted no time. His lips slammed down upon hers. The kiss forceful and so full of passion it made her knees weak and her toes curl. Once he had kissed her breathless, he pulled away and freed her arms. Reaching down, he scooped up his jacket and practically threw it at her. “Put that on while I try to calm down.” He started pacing the room while he tried to calm his racing heart, boiling blood, and burning desire.

Ichigo slid into his jacket then slipped behind him. She snaked her arms around his waist and pressed her cheek against his back. ‘Calm down, mate. I promise as soon as we get back you can make love to me all night. I’m off tomorrow, remember.’ Kish took a deep breath and closed his eyes, letting her scent envelop him. Slowly, he relaxed. ‘Gods, you have no idea what you do to me, woman. You’re the only one that can literally drive me insane one moment then turn around and reduce me to an obedient puppy in the next.’ Ichigo giggled and gave him a light squeeze, “Like I said, never boring. Now come on, mate, or we’re going to be late.” Taking one last deep breath of her scent, Kish turned around and waited for her to gather her purse and Tart’s present before he wrapped his arms around Ichigo and teleported them to the mess hall.

Tart noticed right away that Kish had barely taken his eyes off Ichigo since the pair had appeared. The three sat at a table while they waited for Pudding to finish getting ready. Tart shot Ichigo a knowing grin and nodded his head towards Kish. Catching on, Ichigo giggled. “You were right. He couldn’t keep his hands off me. I barely got him to let me leave the bedroom.” Tart snorted, “Told ya. Though I don’t blame him. For an Old Hag, you look beautiful tonight.” Ichigo blushed, but before she could thank him, Kish shot a growl at Tart. “Oh, for heaven’s sake. It’s our thing. He calls me Old Hag and I call him Brat. It’s become a term of endearment so let it go.” Kish only shot her an odd look before turning away, but she felt his eyes return to her a moment later.

Glancing between the two, Tart giggled. “That’s not why he was growling at me.” Ichigo cocked a brow. “It’s because I complimented you and that I agreed that if I were in his position I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off you. If you were my mate and looking like that, I’d be growling at any male near you too.” A soft blush dusted Tart’s cheeks, but he rolled his eyes when he heard Kish growl again. “Urgh! I get it, but enough already. I’m not interested in the Old Hag. Not only do I think of her as my big sister, but Pudding is my chosen!” Tart shouted crossing his arms. Ichigo smiled brightly but Kish looked shocked. Tart glanced at Ichigo, “You didn’t tell him?” His voice had fallen to just above a whisper.

Ichigo shook her head, “I told you I’d keep what we discussed a secret. Even from him.” Kish finally found his voice and managed to tear his eyes away from Ichigo to look at Tart. “No, she never said a thing. Though I had already suspected. I’m just shocked that you’d come right out and say it. Maybe I have been rubbing off on you.” “Gods I hope not. I don’t wanna turn out to be a cocky pervert,” Tart snickered. “Why you!” Kish growled. Ichigo giggled but sobered up when Kish shot her a halfhearted glare.

“Be nice, Brat. Kish has plenty of amazing qualities too,” she defended. “Oh yeah? Name one,” Tart retorted. Ichigo started ticking them off on her fingers, “He’s strong, brave, loyal, dependable, honest, intelligent, cunning, funny, loving, and many more.” In her mind she continued just for her mate. ‘Not to mention handsome, incredibly sexy, amazing in bed, and has an extremely talented tongue.’ Kish couldn’t help but sit up a little taller in pride and boast a smirk full of smugness to what Ichigo had said only to him. “Thanks, Kitten,” he beamed at her. “Pfft. Whatever,” Tart grumbled.

Just then, Pudding slipped into the room blushing. Tart’s blush was ten times as red as he stared at Pudding, and he swallowed. Hard. His mouth fell open as he looked her up and down. She was not only gorgeous, but she looked downright hot. He’d never seen her like this before. And he had to admit, she looked damned good. The short dress showed off her athletic legs and the dress hugged her small curves in just the right way. She had pulled her hair up into an intricate Chinese bun and had two red hair sticks stuck in it. They had little silver bells dangling from the ends that tinkled when she walked. A few loose strands fell around her face, framing her soft round cheeks. A light dusting of makeup completed the look.

Ichigo reached over and closed Tart’s jaw. “This is where you compliment her,” she teased him. Tart swallowed thickly, “Oh umm… Erm…” Ichigo smacked him upside the head. “Ow!” he groaned, jumping up. But it thankfully worked because it had seemed to shake something loose. Tart grabbed Pudding’s hand with one of his and scratched the back of his neck with the other, “You uh… You look beautiful. Even better than beautiful. You… You look amazing, Pudding.” Both of the young couple blushed crimson. “Thank you, Taru-Taru. And you look very very handsome.” Kish and Ichigo’s hands sought each other’s, and they couldn’t help but smile at the budding romance before them.

“You look incredible, Pudding. I can’t believe how quickly you’re growing up,” Ichigo said softly. Kish nodded, “She’s right. Tart’s a lucky brat because you look fantastic. I’d even say hot.” Kish shot her a playful wink. Tart caught that and growled at Kish. Kish chuckled loudly, “Welcome to the club, Brat.” Ichigo rolled her eyes at the two posturing males, “Come on, we’ve got three minutes until our reservation. Thank God you two can teleport or we’d never make it.” Kish slung his arm around Ichigo’s shoulders, “That’s because you girls have superior taste in men, or rather I should say, aliens.” He tossed her a wink and glanced at Tart, “Follow me.” The four promptly vanished.

To say the girls were impressed would have been a huge understatement. In fact, they were downright awe-struck. And Ichigo was not only impressed with the restaurant, but with Kish as well. As soon as they had appeared, he had smoothly taken charge of their little group and led them confidently through the deep mahogany doors. She watched as he walked over to the podium and told the hostess that he had a reservation for four under Ikisatashi. She furrowed her brow. She’d never heard that name before. She quickly skimmed his memories and gasped. Spinning on Tart, “You never told me you guys had a last name.” Tart shrugged, “You never asked.” Ichigo spluttered. He was right. She hadn’t. The thought hadn’t even occurred to her.

As soon as the hostess had heard the name on the reservation, she immediately became flustered. She had no idea who these people were, but they had to be important because the head chef himself had arranged the short notice reservation. And judging by their looks, they could have been young up and coming movie stars. Especially, the young man that she had spoken to. He had the most unique eyes she’d ever seen. ‘If not an actor, then surely a model,’ she thought. “Oh! Right this way, please,” she offered, gathering four menus and the alcohol list. They were shown to a semi-private corner booth near the back of the restaurant. The girls slid in with the boys protectively taking the end seats on either side of the rounded booth. The hostess passed out the menus, “Your waiter, Kenji, will be with you in just a moment. I hope you have a wonderful evening.”

As soon as the hostess left, Ichigo spun on Kish, “Ok, spill. How?” Kish’s eyes twinkled, “How what, Kitten?” “Oh, don’t play innocent with me mister. How did you manage all this,” she gestured wide to the restaurant around them. “First you get us a reservation at a place that’s virtually impossible to get into except for months in advance. Then you seem to know exactly what you’re doing. And since when have you had a last name and why is this the first I’m hearing about it?”

Kish chuckled, a sly grin slipping over his features. “Let’s just say I have my ways. And no peeking. Let me enjoy tonight for a little while before you spoil my fun. And since I was born, and you never asked.” Pudding looked at Ichigo confused, “Wait. You didn’t know Kish’s last name? Even I knew it years ago. Taru-Taru told me one of the first times he visited. Granted, at the time I didn’t know it was Kish’s as well. He only told me they were cousins when they came back.”

Ichigo shot Kish a glare, “See! Tart told Pudding. She didn’t need to ask. You’d think you’d have at least told me when you asked me to marry you.” She crossed her arms and pouted. Kish reached under the table and gave her knee a soft squeeze, “Come on, Kitten. It’s not like I was trying to hide it from you. Our name carries a lot of weight and strings back home, so I don’t mention it very often, even if the point is mute now with our fame.” Her demeanor softened at his explanation. “Ichigo Ikisatashi… Hmm… Actually, has a pretty nice ring to it.” Kish instantly perked up, “Like music to my ears.”

The waiter came up to their table at that moment, “Good evening. I’m Kenji and I’ll be taking care of you tonight. Can I get your drink orders and any interest in something from the bar? Or any questions regarding the menu?” Kish gestured for Ichigo to go first. “Iced tea, please.” Pudding followed with her order, “Hot green tea for me, please.” “I’ll just have water, thank you,” said Tart. Kish looked up at the waiter, “I’ll take a bottle of your house sake, warmed and an ice water please.” “May I see your ID please?” Kish nodded and reached into his pocket, from his personal subspace, he summoned the ID Keiichiro had helped him create. It was basically a copy of Keiichiro’s, just with the name, dates, and photo changed. Kish handed it to the waiter. Taking a quick glance at the card, he handed it back to Kish, “Very good sir. I’ll get those drink orders taken care of.”

Ichigo reached over to Kish, her hands opening and closing, “Gimmie, gimmie. I wanna see.” He chuckled at her childish antics but handed her the card. “This looks seriously real. And really? February fourteenth? Of course, you were born on Valentine’s Day.” She had muttered that last part, but of course Kish had heard her. “After doing some calculations on the ship’s computer to convert our calendar into yours, yeah, that’s the day of the year I was born, but what’s Valentine’s Day?” Pudding giggled and answered, “It’s only the most romantic day of the year. It’s all about love and getting gifts for your significant other and spending time with them.” “So of course, the most perverted guy I know would be even technically born on a day meant to celebrate love,” Ichigo added. A smirk lit up Kish’s face, “You don’t say? No wonder romance comes so naturally to me.” “Oh, shut it. And sake? Really?”

Kish gave her a sly look, “Shut it or talk? I can’t do both, Kitten.” Ichigo groaned in exasperation and kicked him under the table. “Cripes, Kitten. Those heels are pointy, and your kicks are nothing to scoff at,” he winced. “Then stop being so difficult,” she argued. Kish shrugged his shoulders, “I’ve been wanting to try some alcohol from Earth but hadn’t had the chance til now. I enjoy a drink now and then back home and wanted to see how your stuff measured up.”

“Now and then, my ears,” Tart put in. “There was almost a year where all you did was drink, so you’d forget…” Tart was cut off by a sharp kick from Kish under the table. “Not another word, Brat,” Kish growled, danger glinting in his sharp golden eyes. Tart gulped. He knew that look well. Kish meant business. “Uh… Yeah, and what about you and Tek? You two love to live it up,” Tart said, quickly covering up what he was originally going to say.

“Eh, that’s only every couple of weeks or so to let off some steam. Though we have had a few wild nights,” Kish admitted. “I’d say so. The last one I remember you two had every girl in the place hanging off not only you, but your every word.” Again, Kish shot Tart a cold glare before quickly turning to Ichigo, his eyes instantly shifting to apologetic. “It’s not what you think, Kitten,” he defended quickly. She raised a brow, “Oh really? Mister I wouldn’t even dream of looking at another girl that wasn’t my kitten.”

Kish was saved from any further ire from Ichigo for the moment as the waiter returned with their drinks. “Have you decided what you’d like to order or have any questions?” Pudding spoke up, seeing as how Kish and Ichigo were currently distracted, “I’m terribly sorry, but we need some more time. We’ve been a bit busy talking and haven’t even looked at the menus.” “No problem, Miss. Take your time. Just give me a wave when you’re ready.” “Thank you, Sir,” Pudding said. The waiter bowed and left.

As soon as the waiter was gone, Ichigo glared at Kish, “Well?” “It was nothing. I swear. Tek and I have this thing. I told you I’m popular with the girls, but I’ve never really been interested in them. So, when they come on to me, I’d subtly shift their focus from me to Tek. People always assume I’m the player, but it’s actually him. He’s the one who gets around. Not me.” “Promise?” Ichigo asked softly. Kish nodded quickly, “I promise. You’re the only girl I truly see, Kitten.” Ichigo melted at his tender words and scooted closer to him. Kish draped his arm over her shoulder, “I love you, Ichigo. You and only you. Always have and always will.”

Ichigo looked up into his warm golden eyes, “I love you, Kish. Now, let’s figure out what to order cause I’m starving. And Brat, you try getting Kish in trouble again and he won’t be the only one you have to worry about. Things are still fresh, too new. And there’s still a lot of concerns and unknowns, especially on my side. Having access to his thoughts and memories helps, but after last night, I’m hesitant to look too deep without him holding my proverbial hand.”

Kish’s cold eyes caught Tarts once again and the young boy gulped. “And if she didn’t get through to you then maybe I can. If you ever intentionally hurt Ichigo or what we have then you’ll get to experience first hand just why I’m the head of disciplinary. Why I’m the last stop when all other actions have failed to iron out insubordination.” Kish’s voice held a mix of arrogance and cold indifference. It was the tone he commonly used when commanding and Tart knew to take him seriously and to immediately fall in line. No one challenged the Commander General’s authority. Not even family.

Seeing the tension between the three, Pudding cleared her throat. “So, Ichigo, any idea what’s good here? I’ve never been someplace so fancy.” Ichigo smiled warmly at the young girl, glad for a reprieve from the intensity. She hadn’t really meant to call Tart out. She had meant it to be more teasing, but Kish had run away with it. But then again, when it came to protecting her, he always went overboard. “No idea, Pudding,” she said, glancing at the menu. “But everything looks amazing.”

Thankfully, with full access to Ichigo’s memories, Kish was able to understand each of the things listed on the menu. Tart, on the other hand, was having a much harder time. Pudding had scooted closer to him and was walking him through the items. Explaining each as best as she could so he could liken it to something he was familiar with. By the time the waiter came back to check on them, they had each made a decision.

“What can I get you, Miss?” he addressed Ichigo. “I’m going to start with a sunomono salad and then I’ll have the red salmon, please.” “I’ll have the sashimi plate with white asparagus,” Pudding added next. Tart stuttered a bit, “I’ll… I’ll have the oyster risotto.” Kish looked up at the waiter, “I’m going to start with a cup of miso soup and then I’ll have the eggplant tarte.” “Very good. I’ll get your order in right away.” He gave another soft bow and swiftly left. Tart glanced at Kish, “A tarte, really?” Kish grinned at him. Pouring a glass of sake for himself, he lifted his cup. “A tradition that both our cultures know. Here’s to new beginnings and new relationships. And,” he glanced at Ichigo, “here’s to my beautiful mate and fiancé. The woman who was not only what brought about this reunion, but who also made me the happiest man across two universes.” Ichigo blushed deeply and joined her glass with the others with a soft ‘clink’. “I second that!” Pudding cheered.

Ichigo raised her glass again, “And one more thing. Here’s to Tart. Happy seventeenth birthday, Brat!” Everyone clinked their glasses again happily as Tart looked on stunned. “I completely forgot,” he mumbled. “I figured you did with everything going on. But that’s what family’s for,” Kish winked. “You’ll receive my present when we get back home. And no, I won’t tell you. It’s a surprise,” he smirked at the pouting Tart. “However, Kitten has something for you.” Reaching under the table, Kish summoned the red bag from his pocket subspace. Keeping his hand under the table, he handed the gift off to Ichigo. She smiled wide at Tart and pulled out the red bag with bright yellow tissue paper.

Tart greedily snatched up the gift and carefully moved the tissue paper aside. His eyes lit up when he read what the little packages were. Ichigo began to explain, “There are all kinds of flower seeds, vegetable and fruit seeds. I figured you might be able to bring a little bit of Earth back with you. And, I may regret this, but I also included sugarcane and cacao seeds. On the memory disc are instructions on how to refine the sugarcane into sugar and the cocoa into chocolate. Along with a few candy recipes. There’s even a recipe for dark chocolate because I don’t know if you have access to milk. With your sweet tooth, this way you’ll have access to sugar. Just don’t go overboard.”

The smile on Tart’s face grew larger and larger as Ichigo explained. “This is incredible, Ichigo. It’s perfect! I can’t wait to start experimenting with the plants as soon as we get home. And to try making chocolate. You’re the best, Ichigo.” Ichigo giggled, “Wow! Not a single Old Hag. You must really like it. And you’re very welcome, Tart.” He blushed deeply but his large smile never faded.

Pudding waited for Tart to repack his gift and subtly dismiss it to his pocket subspace for safe keeping. Leaning close to his ear, she whispered, “Your present from me is in your room. I’ll give it to you tonight when it’s just the two of us.” Tart’s imagination flew in all directions. But one thing was for sure, he blushed even harder. ‘Gods, I have been around Kish too much if I’m thinking of Pudding that way,’ he thought to himself.

Kish smirked at the young couple. ‘Damn lucky brat,’ he thought grumpily. ‘And why’s that?’ Ichigo asked, cutting into his thoughts. ‘Because of what Pudding’s going to give Tart tonight,’ he answered. ‘Huh? How do you know what it is?’ ‘From what she just told him, her conversation with you at the mall, and what she said to the Fishy earlier today. Not hard to figure out.’ ‘I still don’t know what you’re talking about and why do you think he’s lucky?’ she continued. Still very confused. Kish just stared at Ichigo for a moment before cocking a brow. ‘Really?... Sex, Kitten. Sex. At his age, my love wouldn’t give me the time of day let alone that. I had to wait years for that experience. That’s why he’s lucky.’

Ichigo’s lips formed an ‘oh’ shape as it all finally clicked into place. ‘I just hope they talk to each other like I told the both of them to do. Especially with Tart wanting to bond with Pudding,’ she finally answered as she eyed the couple. ‘Don’t worry. Tart’s been in love with her almost as long as I’ve been in love with you. He’ll take care of her, and I know he’ll explain everything.’ Ichigo hmphed, ‘Yeah, like you explained everything to me?’ ‘Hey! I explained everything about bonding. I just may have skipped a bit ahead when you accepted the bond. But you did accept it. And I sure as Abyss wasn’t going to let you slip through my fingers again. And I don’t remember a single no or you trying to stop me that night, Kitten. Besides, the Brat’s too shy and compassionate. He won’t be able to do anything until he’s talked to Pudding about literally everything.’

Ichigo giggled, ‘Yeah, you’re right. He’s way more mature than you ever were at that age.’ Kish smirked slyly, ‘How would you know? I left Earth when I was still sixteen.’ A snicker entered Kish’s mind, ‘Because, he’s still more mature than you.’ ‘Oh really?’ he snarked. ‘Yup. And I can prove it.’ ‘Then be my guest,’ he shot right back. Ichigo’s eyes locked with Kish’s as she slowly let his jacket slip off her shoulders and pool around her waist as she pulled her bare arms out of the sleeves.

Kish swallowed thickly and his eyes glowed with barely contained heat. ‘Gods dammit, Kitten! That’s not fair,’ he growled. She grinned wickedly, ‘Let’s see just how long you can keep up the maturity act, shall we?’ Kish shot her a glare but couldn’t keep his eyes from drifting down her chest, particularly the center between the exposed inner curves of her breasts. Ichigo teasingly leaned forwards and toyed with the straw in her tea. ‘My eyes are up here, love.’ Kish tore his eyes from her chest and caught her warm chocolate ones that were swimming with mirth. ‘Conniving cat. And damn teasing kitten,’ he grumbled. ‘Mm… You love it,’ she winked. ‘I’d love it even more if I had that scrumptious body of yours pinned beneath me as you shuddered in pleasure,’ he shot back. ‘Already giving up on trying to stay mature?’ she teased. ‘Oh, I’ll show you just how mature I can be later tonight. You can count on it,’ he promised darkly.

A shiver traveled up Ichigo’s spine and Tart started sneezing. He shot Kish a glare, “I told you, I’d end up in a sneezing fit.” A wicked laugh escaped Kish, “And I told you to get used to it. And it’s her fault this time.” “Oh really?” Ichigo asked sweetly. She scooted closer to Kish and ghosted her hand up his thigh. “What’s my fault, love?” she asked with feigning innocence as she batted her eyes up at him. Kish bit his lip and closed his eyes. Counting to ten, he then poured a full cup of sake and downed it in one gulp. Swallowing hard, he looked down at Ichigo and wrapped his fingers around her jaw, “You’re playing with fire, Kitty-cat. Keep it up and you’re going to be burning all night.” ‘As in burning with need for my touch, because two can play this game. And I have much, much more experience my naive little kitten,’ he added just for her. Suddenly, his left hand fell from her jaw and settled onto her thigh.

A heavy crimson blush settled over Ichigo’s chest and cheeks. She was already burning for him with just those words. That dark seductive promise causing something behind her navel to clench in need. The darker side of Kish was apparently coming out to play tonight. It both terrified and thrilled her. She’d only caught glimpses of this side of him. But tonight, she had apparently pushed him to the edge, and he was now pushing back.

Tart sneezed several more times and Ichigo pulled her eyes away from her seductive mate and looked at Tart apologetically. “I know it’s your birthday, but it’s also our night too. But still. I’m sorry, though it’s probably not going to get any better. Not with how I’m dressed and how he’s currently acting.” Tart waved his hand towards Ichigo, “It’s fine. I had already suspected this would happen as soon as I saw you in that dress.”

While Ichigo spoke, Kish’s hand on her thigh had been stealthily working her dress up her leg. His fingers were moving so skillfully, so masterfully, that Ichigo hadn’t noticed a thing. At least not until she felt his cool hand on the warm bare flesh of her inner thigh. And his hand was still smoothly moving up. ‘You wouldn’t dare,’ she hissed. ‘You sure about that?’ he challenged.

Suddenly, she felt his fingertips ghost closer to her apex. Teasingly, Kish brushed just the tips of his fingers up her seam through her panties. He groaned internally. ‘Lace?’ he said licking his lips. ‘A seductive little minx tonight, aren’t we?’ he purred as he drummed his fingers against her dampening underwear. ‘Kish!’ she hissed. A white hot burning need was starting to grow low in her abdomen. And he’d barely even touched her, was merely teasing her. It was like his hands held the switch to her libido. Like he could flip it on with a mere flick of his talented fingers.

‘It’s not fair!’ she thought desperately. That he could cause her body to so thoroughly need him that it nearly ached and with hardly any effort on his part. He just kept up that infuriating soft drumming against where she wanted to feel him most of all. And all the while, to her horror, she realized he was steadily holding a conversation with both Tart and Pudding. As if there wasn’t a damn thing going on under the table. As if he wasn’t currently turning her into a quivering mess of want and need. She didn’t know how it was possible, but she had clearly underestimated his wicked and sly nature.

‘Yes, Kitten?’ he drawled out, sounding almost bored with just a slight hint of teasing to his words. He knew exactly what he was doing to her. Could feel her heat through both his fingers and burning on her end of the bond. Knew her body was craving more of his touch. He stoked those flames a little higher, both preverbally and physically, his hand becoming just a fraction firmer. Pressing against her dampening panties just a touch harder. When he felt a throb of pleasure course through her system and her legs shift slightly further apart, he grinned wickedly to himself. Withdrawing his hand from her apex, he wrapped it around her leg, just above her knee. Deftly, he maneuvered her leg over his knee and tucked her foot behind his calf, pinning her leg in place. The movement had caused her dress to hitch even higher. Idly, he stroked along the smooth bare flesh of her inner thigh where it was partially draped over his lap. Thankfully, the long white table cloth kept everything hidden from view.

Ichigo gripped the table to hold back a whimper at the loss of his hand against where she needed it. ‘How? How can you do that? Act like you’re not currently driving me insane.’ He chuckled low, just for her ears, and glanced at her from the corner of his eye. Her body was tense, and a light dusting of pink bloomed on her cheeks. Her chest rose and fell a touch quicker than normal. But these were all subtle changes that only he would pick up because he was so perfectly attuned to her. ‘Practice, my love. Practice.’ ‘You mean you’ve done something like this with another girl?’ she spilled before she could stop herself.

Something dark flashed in his eyes. ‘I thought you didn’t want details?’ Ichigo bit her lip as a twinge of jealousy shot through her. A part of her masochistically wanted to know exactly what he’d done with those girls in the past, but the saner part wanted nothing of the sort. Knew that, even if it was long before he met her, it would still undoubtedly hurt to think of him with someone else intimately. She took a deep breath. ‘Best to leave that alone, at least for now,’ she thought to herself. She wasn’t sure if she could handle those details with their relationship still so new. And she didn’t want to tarnish tonight with those kinds of thoughts either. Taking a long swallow of her iced tea, she worked to cool her racing blood. The gentle movement of his hand over her skin actually helped to calm her down, even if it kept that deep seated burning need for him in her abdomen alive.

As always, Kish was reading her like an open book, even with his focus split between her and the others. He had spent years training his mind precisely for this type of thing. That even while his mind wandered with thoughts of his precious Kitten, he could still stay focused on whatever task was at hand. A skill he had ultimately perfected, for his thoughts of her were never far from his mind, not even during those four excruciatingly long years without her. Secretly, he was relieved she wasn’t going to ask for details. For he too didn’t want to spoil tonight, but, more importantly, he didn’t want to hurt her. He knew it would. She may be a strong and resilient woman, but that information would cause harm to her heart. He knew because he’d already been through it. He had had to watch as his chosen had run repeatedly into the arms of another man. See her kiss him and be held by him. And though it was nothing overly intimate, it had still ripped his insides to pieces. So, how could he do that to her?

He wouldn’t. If she honestly asked, he would, of course, tell her, but until then he wouldn’t spill a thing. He was committed to his promise of never hiding things from her, so even this he’d tell if she asked. But hopefully that was a long time off if ever.

His demeanor softened just a touch as he glanced down at his mate again. He knew he’d been borderline cruel to her. But damn. She was just too damn tempting in that delicious dress. And though he’d had his hand on every inch of her body since they’d mated, he hadn’t realized just how perfectly her curves had filled out over the years he was gone. But that seductive thing she called a dress made it agonizingly apparent as it hugged every soft curve of her body and accentuated her full breasts. It was only fair that she felt even a taste of the delicious torture he was currently suffering. Right?

Ichigo was about to attempt rejoining the conversation at the table, when the waiter appeared with her salad and Kish’s soup. She eagerly tucked in to the delicate cold crab, shrimp, and cucumber salad. “Mm… So good,” she praised around her fork. Kish chuckled at her while he sipped his soup. “Pudding! You’ve got to try this. This crab is divine,” Ichigo said, nudging her plate towards Pudding. Pudding giggled and swiped a small bite. “You’re right, that’s amazing,” she beamed at Ichigo. Nonchalantly, Kish picked up his fork and quickly snatched one of her shrimps. “Definitely better than your store food. Tastes much more fresh, more natural.” “That’s because it is fresh. Nothing here is frozen. It’s all fresh and completely organic. Meaning no preservatives or chemicals. It’s natural,” she explained. “All food should be natural,” he added sharply. “While I agree to an extent, it’s just not plausible with Earth’s huge population. Some foods need to be preserved to make it to the masses.”

Kish cocked his head in thought as he slid through her mind, garnering as much information as she had on the subject. “I can see your point. I never realized just how many humans there really were. No wonder Earth has so many problems.” Ichigo looked at him incredulously, “You only just now realized how large Earth’s population is? And you were planning to wipe us out with only three of you?” She’d lowered her voice so only those at the table could hear the conversation. He rolled his eyes, “It wasn’t like we were planning to hunt you each down. We were simply going to wipe the surface with massive decimation then basically terraform it with Tart’s abilities.” Ichigo stared at him hard for a moment before looking over at Tart.

“But I thought using your abilities for too long or too much was incredibly draining? How were you, a kid, going to change the whole planet?” Tart grinned, “I may have been a kid, but my plant abilities were and still are second to none. It would have taken at least a couple of months for our people to arrive. And I only needed to stimulate the plant growth, not fully control it. I would have let the plants run wild, growing as they saw fit.” “You had that kind of power back then?” Pudding asked in shock.

Tart’s grin grew larger, “Yup. Technically, if you compared the three of our abilities, I’m actually the strongest. However, mine’s much harder to control, it’s wild. It’s raw power. Because of that, those two never let me really cut loose. Kish because I wasn’t allowed to hurt his precious cat. And Pai because he didn’t want me sapping all my strength if I lost control or giving you Mews more ground cover from us in the air. You saw a small taste of my true power when I grew those trees around that building to save you, Pudding. Though that did take a lot out of me because I was controlling all of them to grow where I wanted.”

“That was one of the best days of Pudding’s life!” she said happily. “But you almost died!” Tart snapped. “But if I had, it would have been with you. But then you saved me, and you finally showed that you cared. That you weren’t evil like you pretended. Just like I always knew you were. And though you had always been my friend, I finally became your friend.” Pudding smiled wide and leaned over to peck his cheek. “Thanks for saving my life.”

Ichigo giggled, “I’m noticing a pattern here. You boys were sent here to kill us and yet you both saved our lives numerous times.” Kish smirked down at her, “That’s because there was no way we could resist those adorable and short costumes you girls used to wear. Not to mention you five weren’t what we expected of humans at all. You were unselfish, caring, and always seemed so happy. And even while fighting, there were times you girls even showed us your compassion. Though we were enemies trying to kill you. Pudding with her friendship towards Tart. Fishy by trying to reason with us and find a peaceful solution. And you… You stood in front of the Blue Knight and protected me. Even when I told you to let me die because it would have been easier for me. But you didn’t budge. You saved my life that night. Even after I had been selfishly cruel to you. So, no. You girls were nothing like what we had expected.”

Both Pudding and Ichigo blushed deeply at Kish’s high praises. “He’s right. You girls were a shock to us. Even Pai couldn’t figure you out. You should have hated us. But Pudding wouldn’t stop trying to hug me every chance she got and then this idiot fell hopelessly in love with one of you. Nope, nothing went as it should have, but it all went perfectly,” Tart added, glancing between the girls and flicking his thumb at Kish. “Again, not my fault. I even tried to kill her. But I just couldn’t bring myself to go through with it, even after convincing myself that I had to for both the mission and my sanity. Then, when I recognized her as my mate, well, it was truly over for me. I belonged to her,” Kish defended causing Ichigo to smile warmly at him.

‘You can be so sweet when you want to be,’ she whispered. ‘It was just the truth, Kitten. And don’t think I’ve forgotten our little game,’ he warned. His hand shifted an inch higher up her thigh, but his fingers just continued to trace random patterns along her warm skin. In fact, he hadn’t stopped since his hand had settled on her leg. Ichigo took a gulp of tea to hide that little bolt of electricity that had suddenly shot through her at both his reminder and the shift of his hand. Gods he could play her like a fiddle.

But, then again, so could she. She had started this little game after all. With her teasing and flirting. Had had him so thoroughly distracted that he couldn’t keep his hands and eyes off her. Until she’d pushed him too far and his mood had snapped. Now he was calm, cool, and in control. She thought maybe she was getting another glimpse at his Commander’s persona, but a snicker from him said she was probably wrong about that. ‘Close, mate. But I tend to be much colder when I don that mantle. And what I feel right now is anything but cold. It’s down right scorching. Oh, no, mate. This is just a taste of how I used to be. I told you I was distant and cruel. That I took what I wanted. Only difference is, is that I actually care about you. And what I feel from you is what drives me. Before, I wouldn’t have cared what they felt. Only what I was getting. Oh, I never failed to satisfy, but I simply didn’t care. And definitely not like I do about you.’ Though his words were calm and collected, Ichigo still had to bite her lip at the husky seductive tone they carried.

As she took another sip of tea to try and temper that soft burn low in her belly, the waiter arrived with their dinner. He carefully placed each of their plates before them as well as quickly refilling their water glasses and her tea. Before he left, he gathered her and Kish’s empty dishes. “Oh wow. This almost looks too beautiful to eat,” Pudding whispered in awe. Even Tart had to agree. Each of their plates were masterfully arranged to enhance the simple beauty of the fresh food. Without another word, the four dug in. And though it slowed a bit while he ate, Kish’s hand still didn’t quit stroking Ichigo’s thigh.

“This has to be the best fish I’ve ever tasted,” Ichigo praised suddenly. “Aww. Even better than mine, Kitten?” Kish teased her. “Yours was good, but we didn’t exactly have seasoning on the island. Sorry love, but yes. This one’s much better.” Kish shrugged, “Got me more than a kiss, anyways,” he gave her a sly wink before tucking back into his meal.

Pudding glanced up at Ichigo, “Island?” At the same time Tart looked at Kish, “Wait, you cooked for her?” The older couple looked at each other and shared a secret smile. “It’s a special secret spot just between us,” Ichigo answered before finally looking from Kish’s molten eyes to Pudding. “Aww! How romantic,” Pudding swooned. Kish looked over at Tart, “And yes, I cooked for her, not like I don’t know how.” “Since when?” snapped Tart. “You can only make five things and fish isn’t one of them.” Kish only grinned slyly. His golden eyes twinkling in the dim lighting. Tart narrowed his eyes, “You bastard! You only made me think you couldn’t cook so I’d take care of it.” Kish chuckled, “Ding, ding. Though you are a better cook then I.” Tart grumbled, “Well, you better pitch in at least sometimes when we go home. There will be four of us now at least for a while.” Pudding bounced in her seat, “Oh! I can help. I’m a really good cook.”

“Pudding, you’ll be our guest, you shouldn’t have to cook,” Tart said softly to Pudding. “But I want to. It will be like we’re actually a couple living together.” Tart rolled his eyes, “Pudding. We are a couple and will be living together. We told you, it will be at least a couple of months before we can bring you back.”

“That actually reminds me of something. A few things, actually,” Ichigo said, speaking up. “First, if you need to have seen a place to teleport to it, how did Tart follow you here and at the mall? And how come, if he was following you, he didn’t arrive in the exact same spot as you?” she asked looking at Kish.

Tart actually answered, “Because if you follow someone quick enough into a portal you can trace their path. Though it’s easier with people you know well because you can recognize their unique signatures. As for appearing near where he did, that’s a little harder to explain.” Kish took over the explanation, “Just before we exit a portal, we get a split second glimpse of a small radius of where we’ll appear. It keeps us from teleporting into something. Like, I’ll use your room for example. I’ve been there many times and can easily teleport to it. But, let’s say, you decide to move your furniture around. Where I would usually appear at now has your desk. But that flash of the area would allow me to adjust my portal so I wouldn’t appear in your desk. Tart did the same thing so he wouldn’t appear on top of us.”

“Oh! I didn’t know you could change your path while in the middle of a teleport,” Ichigo said in surprise. Kish chuckled, “You should have, because you’ve made me do it before.” She looked at him in confusion. His chuckle only intensified, “When I was trying to get to the wolf before you. I was slipping into a portal when you grabbed me. We slid through but didn’t make it to my original destination because you broke my focus. Although, how we ended up will always be a favorite memory of mine.” She blushed as the memory surfaced. Of how she had ended up straddling him with his arms pinned beside his head. He had looked so shocked at first then that infuriating smirk had appeared when he asked her if she wanted another kiss.

Kish watched on through Ichigo as she replayed that scene. ‘Yup. Will always be one of my favorite memories. Even if I do prefer you beneath me. Pretty sure I had to take a cold shower that night. Couldn’t stop thinking about those soft hips pressed to mine,’ he teased seductively. Ichigo shook her head, ‘You haven’t changed at all.’ ‘And yet you love that. That I’m still who I always was. Perverseness and all,’ he pointed out. ‘Possibly,’ she grinned. ‘You can’t deny it, Kitten. I see your heart and your mind. I know just how much you love me. And I love you just as much. More even.’ She couldn’t stop the smile that tilted the corners of her mouth.

“What were the other things, Old Hag?” Tart asked, interrupting the lovers. “Oh. Umm… I was wondering how Pudding and I were going to fit in. I mean like, do you all fly everywhere? And are Pudding and I going to have to rely on you boys for everything, even traveling? I’ve got this mental image of buildings with no stairs or elevators. Just entrances on each floor because you can fly.” Tart busted out in laughter and seeing this, Kish tried to explain over his own amused chuckle. “No, Kitten. We don’t have any buildings as tall as yours. Our tallest is only four stories. And we may not have elevators, but we do have stairs. Not all of our kind can fly. And most not well or for long.” “But you three do it all the time,” she quickly added.

Kish shared a look with Tart, “Well, we were three of the best warriors and best ability users our planet had to offer. So, of course, our powers are much stronger than our average citizen. But this also ties into what I said earlier about our family name.” “How so?” Pudding interjected. “The Ikisatashi bloodline has always produced exceptionally strong individuals. Whether fighting prowess, powerful abilities, or exceptional minds. It’s why our name carries weight. The Ikisatashi name is well known across all the clans. Most of our family hold positions of power. And though I’m their cousin, you’ll hear most refer to us as the Ikisatashi Brothers because we grew up together. And because even before we became heroes, we were a touch notorious in our own ways.”

“I can easily see you and Tart being handfuls, but I can’t imagine Pai being anything less than a perfect child and student,” Ichigo said around a mouthful of fish. Tart snickered loudly, “He was the worst one out of the three of us!” “Pai!? There’s just no way,” Ichigo exclaimed. An undignified snort came from Tart, “Kish and I may have driven our instructors and elders nuts with our antics, but Pai made them question their jobs and their sanity. Teachers didn’t know what to do with him. He could flawlessly recreate any move, technique, or piece of information our instructors showed him. Usually before they even explained it to him. He would grow angry and impatient because he excelled so quickly they didn’t have new things to continue to teach him.”

“Yeah, it was Abyss following after him at the Academy, even though I was a prodigy. When they realized I wasn’t like Pai, they acted like I was some kind of disappointment. I was better at him in both Chimera creation and manipulation. And he may have more technique when it comes to fighting but I can easily beat him every time. And everyone knows that. He has no creativity or improvisational skills which are essential in battle. Plus, he only joined six months before I did when he turned ten. I was two and a half years younger, better then him in so many areas, and yet I was still treated with disappointment because of him.”

“Wow… Touchy subject, hmm, love?” Ichigo teased. Kish looked up sheepishly, “Maybe. It just got frustrating being compared to him all the time.” He grumbled as he shoved a bite of his dinner in his mouth. “Well, you didn’t have to follow the two of you. Both prodigies in multiple things while I only had my raw power over plants and was empathic. The Academy wasn’t a walk in the park following you two,” Tart added with annoyance.

“I bet the instructors had no idea what to do with you after me and Pai. Pai with his cold stoic logic that followed every rule to the letter. Then me, who broke and rewrote half the rules,” Kish smirked. Tart grinned wide, “Not a clue.” He laughed, “But we sure gave them Abyss, though didn’t we?” Tart said holding his hand out flat towards Kish. “We sure did,” Kish laughed as well, slapping his hand down on Tart’s before they drew back and fist bumped. Both Pudding and Ichigo smiled warmly at the display of affection between the two brothers.

Dinner continued on with small random conversations ranging from some crazy stories of the cousins in the Academy, to what some of their duties now entailed. Tart discovered he was not a fan of raw fish when he stole a piece of Pudding’s sashimi. And Ichigo had found it odd that Kish had once again gone vegetarian. ‘Not odd at all, Kitten. I just prefer to only eat meat if I’ve caught it. Meat was scarce back home and a privilege. I got used to hunting for it on my own, illegally I might add. My aunt and uncle highly disapproved, but they stayed quiet. I’d kept Tart and I from starving several times.’

‘I still can’t believe how hard things were for you all back then,’ Ichigo responded sadly. He gave her thigh a squeeze, ‘Things are much better now. And you heard Tart and I, we have plenty of good memories too.’ ‘Well, I can’t wait to make new memories on your planet with you and your cousins,’ she sighed dreamily. ‘Neither can I, Kitten. Neither can I.’

The waiter stopped by soon after to check on them and clear away any empty plates. “Here’s a dessert menu if you’re interested. I’ll return shortly to see if you’ve made a decision.” Pudding squealed in glee and snatched up the menu. “Let’s split something Taru-Taru!” “Sure thing, Pudding.” “Ooh! The chocolate raspberry torte sounds amazing. Can we get that?” Tart smiled at her and waved his hand, “Of course, Pudding. That sounds great.” Having made their choice, Pudding handed the menu to Ichigo. Taking it, she cuddled against Kish’s side and held the menu between them on the table.

Kish snickered as he read the menu, “I bet I already know which one you want.” Ichigo lowered her eyes behind her bangs, “I’m not that predictable.” ‘Gods, she’s adorable when she pouts,’ Kish thought. “Tell me you don’t want the white chocolate strawberry crème brulee and I might believe you.” Ichigo huffed and sheepishly pushed the menu away. “I knew it,” Kish chuckled. She went to kick him, but momentarily forgot her leg was wrapped around his. So, instead, she only managed to jostle her leg, which caused his hand to slip an inch or two higher, putting his fingers dangerously close to her most intimate place.

‘Hmn… Getting impatient for my touch, Kitten?’ he said in a smooth, warm tone. ‘N…No,’ she squeaked, not sounding at all sure of herself. He let a single digit brush against the edge of her panties, ‘One dessert at a time. Hmn?’ Ichigo shivered, that slow burning knot in her belly growing.

Any more movement from Kish’s hand was halted by the return of the waiter. “Any questions? Or have you made your decision?” Kish glanced at Ichigo knowingly, “We’re going to have the white chocolate strawberry crème brulee. I’ll also take another half bottle of sake and she’ll have a vanilla cappuccino.” Pudding ordered for her and Tart and got a mocha latte for the two of them to split as well. When the waiter left, Ichigo looked at Kish, “How in the hell did you know I wanted a cappuccino?”

Kish’s eyes sparked slyly, and he tapped the corner of his eye, “I saw your eyes light up when you saw the coffees listed on the side of the menu. And that was your favorite drink back then.” “You know, it’s sometimes scary just how well you know me.” He laughed, “I better. Not only have I spent almost five years hopelessly devoted to you, but I basically live in that intriguing mind of yours.” ‘Now, where was I? Ah, yes…,’ he trailed off as he slipped the tip of his finger just under her panty’s edge. She sucked in a breath.

‘I thought you said one dessert at a time?’ she groaned. ‘I never said what order,’ he quipped back. Suddenly, his fingers gripped the thin strip of lace and pulled up. The sudden friction of the rough lace against her throbbing bud caused Ichigo to gasp. She quickly covered it up with a fake cough. “You alright?” Pudding asked. Ichigo blushed and waved her hand, “F…Fine. Just swallowed wrong.” Her hand fastened around the bicep of the hand that was currently between her legs and dug her nails in. ‘Kish!’ Golden eyes blazed with heat as he looked down at his flustered mate, ‘Hmn? You need something, Kitten?’ He drawled in a smooth sultry voice.

Before she could respond, Kish gave her underwear another harsh tug. She squeezed his arm tighter when another electric jolt shot straight to her core. ‘S…Stop,’ she pleaded. He let his fingers brush down the front of the taut lace before settling his hand back along her thigh. ‘As you wish, I-chi-go.’ ‘God, you make my head spin with your quick change moods,’ she grumbled. He smirked at her internally, ‘That’s kind of the point, love. Keeps everyone guessing. Even you, who’s constantly in my head. Gotta keep you on your toes.’

“Finally,” Pudding sighed happily as the waiter appeared with their desserts and after dinner drinks. Ichigo took a long sip of her cappuccino, letting the warm liquid soothe her frazzled nerves. Kish’s eyes gleamed wicked when he spotted the two dollops of whipped cream on either side of their plate. And an even more wicked idea crossed his mind. Without warning, Kish’s hand shot up her thigh and he slipped a finger inside her panties and into her damp folds. He swiftly ran it up from her entrance and circled her pulsing bud once before flicking across it. Then, just as suddenly, he pulled his hand completely away. Slowly, he trailed his finger through a dollop of whipped cream and slid it into his mouth.

Ichigo nearly spit out her coffee when she felt his finger. But she did blush darker than her hair when she realized the finger he was currently licking cream off of was the one he had just had between her legs. ‘Absolutely divine. Just a quick taste for what’s to come for both of us,’ he moaned in bliss. Ichigo’s core was ignited to a raging inferno at his teasing action. She couldn’t understand how that one simple act of his could cause her body to clench desperately in need or to quicken her pulse like she had just run a marathon. Ichigo squirmed in her seat. The heat in her abdomen almost unbearable. ‘Damn him,’ she thought. She needed his touch more than ever and he chose now to completely remove his hand.

Kish kept a simple smile on his face while he enjoyed the cool custard. But, inside, he was smirking like the cat that ate the canary. He was highly enjoying driving his mate insane. She was so close to begging him for his touch. For him to soothe that burning ache between her legs. But he didn’t come to her aid. At least not yet. He simply watched her squirm out the corner of his eye as she tried to cause some friction against her tender bud.

Ichigo huffed and finally gave up. Choosing to live with the burning ache while she tried to focus on her dessert. He certainly didn’t seem to be offering any help.

Finishing her half of the custard, Ichigo eyed the plump fresh strawberry garnish. She snatched it up and took a bite. Shifting it to the side of her mouth, she tugged on Kish’s arm to get his attention. He glanced at her. Of course, he’d seen her swipe the strawberry. And with the way she was looking at him with those big doe eyes, he figured she wanted to give him a kiss as an apology. Who was he to deny her? Eh, who was he kidding, he could never say no when she looked at him like that. He leaned down slowly, and she wrapped an arm around the back of his neck. He was certainly surprised when his lips met hers.

She waited for him to seek entrance between her lips. When he did, she shifted the bite of strawberry until she held it between her teeth. He quickly understood and bit his half off. Their kiss not breaking once. As soon as his tongue had pulled his bite into his mouth, he nipped her bottom lip before slowly drawing away. His eyes slowly slid open, and they locked with hers. They both slowly chewed their bite and swallowed. He noticed a small trickle of strawberry juice at the corner of her mouth. He leaned down and quickly swiped his tongue over it. “Delicious,” he murmured, his glowing eyes still locked with hers.

“Wow!” Pudding exclaimed in a hushed whisper. Kish and Ichigo came back from their little world and looked over at Pudding and Tart, who were both staring at them. They both felt the rise of heat on their cheeks as they realized they had had an audience. “You guys… That was just wow!” Pudding sighed again. “So hot and steamy.” Tart whistled, “Damn cousin. There are going to be a lot of jealous females when we get home if they ever see you kiss her like that.” Kish snaked his arm around Ichigo’s shoulders and drew her closer to his side. His finger drawing lazy patterns on her bare shoulder while he spoke.

“They’ll just have to get over me. Because they’re bound to see me kiss her many times if I have my way. Besides, she’s the only girl for me. Always has been.” “I’m sure Raika will have something to say about that,” Tart pointed out, grinning. Kish groaned and ran a hand over his face, “You just had to mention her of all people. Didn’t you, Brat?” “And who’s Raika?” Ichigo asked flatly. Kish shot tart a cold stare. “See!” Tart snickered but decided to cut his cousin some slack.

“Raika is a girl Kish dated before he met you. I’ll let him explain the sordid details, but she basically acts like she owns Kish.” “Even though I ended things with her months before I left for Earth,” Kish cut in. “Yeah, but she was convinced you’d make her your mate when you returned. Said you only called it off because you didn’t know how long you would be gone and didn’t want her to suffer alone.” Kish ran his hand over his hair in frustration, “I know. I’ve heard. I’ve tried setting her straight, but she just won’t listen. She keeps telling everyone, especially any girls I work with, that I’m just so busy with work, the council, and rebuilding our way of life that I’ve put relationships on hold. That when I’m free, she’ll be ready to be my mate. Bleh, as if. Even if I wasn’t mated to Ichigo. I’d have nothing to do with that crazy bitch.”

At first, Ichigo had felt the sting of jealousy. But it had quickly morphed into anger. Kish was her mate. How dare another female try to lay claim to what was hers. But she was suddenly taken aback by Kish’s harsh words. She’d never heard him speak so derogatorily about someone before, except maybe Masaya, but certainly not a female. “Wow! What did she do to make you dislike her so much?” Ichigo asked. Kish sighed, “Dammit Tart. Remind me to kick your ass later for bringing that bitch up in front of Ichigo.” “We don’t have to talk about it now,” Ichigo offered. Kish shook his head, “Yes. We do. I know you, Kitten. If we put it off you’ll be thinking about her nonstop. Coming up with ridiculous conclusions about she and I. You’ll drive yourself sick with worry when it’s nothing. But it is a long and frustrating story.”

Ichigo blinked. He was right. In fact, her mind was already conjuring up images of Kish and some exotic alien beauty that was making her stomach turn sour. Kish’s eyes filled with concern as he looked at his mate, but there were flecks of anger sparking in them as well. “Stop it, mate. Stop that right now,” he commanded. “Then tell me everything already,” she pleaded. Tears were starting to gather in the corners of her eyes. She really was making herself sick from the images her mind was manifesting.

Kish’s arm tightened around Ichigo’s shoulders, and she buried her face against his side. With his free hand, he downed the rest of his sake. Turning cold angry eyes to Tart, he glared at his cousin. Tart quickly defended himself, “I’m sorry I brought her up, but she does need to know about her before we go home.” “But you didn’t have to bring her up tonight!” Kish snapped. “I didn’t think, okay?! And I especially didn’t think she’d get this upset over something that happened before you two even met!”

“That’s the problem, Tart, you never think! She may have been before I met Ichigo, but she’s also been in my life since I returned. While Ichigo wasn’t. Get it? And while I knew I was bonded to Ichigo, I couldn’t tell anyone else that. Now my mate is making herself sick with worry over images that are further from the truth. Not to mention, with what was said, she’s freaking out that Raika may have tried to bond with me, leaving it frozen. But if that’s the case, mate,” he said looking down at Ichigo, “then as soon as we became mates, Raika’s bond would have broken. She’s also worked herself up into a tangle of jealousy and rage. Ichigo is my mate. The mate bond is driving her to protect me just like it drives me to protect her. And now she sees Raika as a threat thanks to us.”

Quickly, Kish picked up his jacket and draped it over Ichigo’s shoulders. “We’ll be right back. I need to calm her down and explain things in private.” Gently he unhooked her leg from his and reached under the table to smooth her dress down. Taking her arm, he coaxed her out of the booth. “Shh. Come on, mate. Let’s get some fresh air and I’ll tell you everything.” Kish wrapped his arm securely around her waist and quickly led her out of the restaurant. As soon as they reached the deserted alley, Kish teleported them to the roof.

They appeared hidden between a large metal housing of some sort and the back wall of the rooftop access door. Kish pulled Ichigo’s dress up to the tops of her thighs. Quickly he picked her up and pressed her back against the cool brick wall. He smiled when her legs automatically circled his waist. “You know, I had originally planned on sneaking you up here to satisfy your hunger for my touch,” he offered seductively. His smile grew when he saw the slight upturn at the corners of her lips and heard the softly muttered, “Pervert,” against his shoulder.

Keeping one hand under her for support, he used his other to tuck a knuckle under her chin, tilting her eyes up to his. His heart lurched when he saw they were still full of tears. “Enough, mate. That’s enough of this. Raika never meant anything to me then and she sure as Abyss doesn’t now. I wouldn’t even call what she and I had a relationship. We made out a handful of times. Every time I tried to do anymore, she’d stop me. She knew my reputation and knew if we did anything, I’d drop her like a rock. I never even liked her. She was hot. That’s it. I stupidly agreed to be her boyfriend because I thought I could get her to do more than just kiss me. I told you, before you, I didn’t care about any girl or how they felt. I only cared about what I wanted. And when she denied my advances again, saying she only would if we bonded, I dropped her. But because of my own rules, she was allowed to stick around. We never did anything below the waist. So, because of that, I still stupidly flirted with her and even kissed her now and then.”

“She manipulated me from the start. Though I’m loathed to admit that. It’s usually me that does the manipulating. She knew my reputation from the beginning and used that to her advantage, so I’d become her boyfriend, expecting to get more. She managed to tell just about everyone that we were together. Even got my aunt all worked up and excited. I had just turned fourteen so, by my culture, I was old enough to take a mate or marry. With Pai being so cold, Aunt Lylah had hinged her hopes of grandchildren on me as basically being the next in line. Especially with as sought after as I was. When Raika told my aunt about us, she made it sound like I wanted to bond with her. But I swear, Kitten, that was further from the truth. Raika caused a huge rift between me and my aunt almost up until I left. It took Tart and Pai to convince her that Raika was a delusional twit.”

Pausing, Kish nuzzled his nose into the curve of Ichigo’s neck. Seeking the comforting scent of his mate. What he had to say next, he really didn’t want to talk about, but his mate deserved to know everything. Taking another deep breath of her scent, he continued.

“The year I left Earth, I was a wreck. I was heartbroken from having to leave you and the thought of never seeing you again devastated me. I cut everyone out of my life, only tolerating Tart and Tek. Tart because he knew about my love for you and Tek because he helped get my mind off you. I threw myself into my work and with the council. I trained until I bled and broke bones. And, Tart started to mention this earlier, but I drank myself to sleep almost every night. It was the only way I could get any rest and a moment’s peace from thoughts of you. I didn’t care about anyone or anything outside the tiny world I kept myself locked in. That would bite me in the ass later.”

Ichigo’s heart was breaking for her mate. She knew he’d suffered when he went home without her, but not this bad. Fresh tears started to track down her cheeks as she twisted her hands in his shirt. “I’m sorry, Kish. So sorry. You don’t have to keep explaining.” “Shh. Mate. It’s fine,” he interrupted her. “I was planning on telling you all this soon anyways. Just wasn’t supposed to be tonight. I wanted tonight to be special and fun. Maybe a little dirty here and there. But over all I just wanted us to enjoy ourselves. Your world has been rocked enough lately. I wanted to forget about everything for a while. I wanted this to be the first of many dates we’ll share.”

Holding her tightly, Kish floated up and turned them around. He sat on the edge of the wall they had been standing against. His legs dangled freely, and he nestled Ichigo securely in his lap. “If it hadn’t of been for Tart that first year, I would probably have ended up dead. Between pushing myself too hard in training, the drunken stupors, barely eating, and working myself to death. Tart kept an eye on me through it all. And finally convinced me to stop drinking. At least not so heavily or often. And he did it by using you. Told me drinking away your memories was an insult to who you were. Also said it was no way to heal and try to move on. Granted, he didn’t know I’d bonded with you so I couldn’t really move on. But when he said I was insulting your memory, that hit me hard. The last thing I wanted was to insult the woman I was in love with. My mate. And the other way was… Well, it was Raika.”

“I had come home absolutely wasted and Raika had followed me from the tavern. She was scantily dressed and overly flirtatious. She’d cornered me at my door and threw herself against me. And yes, I’ll admit, I kissed her. I was nearly pass out drunk and I desperately wanted a distraction from you. If Tart hadn’t of been home, I don’t even want to think about it. But I probably would have taken her upstairs and fucked her. But, thank the All Bright, Tart was home. He swung the door open and yanked me inside. Told Raika to get her skanky ass home and to leave me alone. When he shut the door he yelled at me. Me! Said he was glad I was trying to move on from you but that she was the absolute wrong one to do that with. Hearing your name, I sobered up really fucking fast. Especially as the realization hit of what I’d almost done sank in. Even if you weren’t mine. Even if you’d have never been mine, the thought of almost being unfaithful ripped my heart to pieces. It was a year before I touched another drop of alcohol after that.”

She wanted to be mad at him, she really did. But she found she just couldn’t. He’d been drunk and in so much pain he hadn’t really realized what he was doing. Not to mention, he was convinced he’d never see her again. And she had been with someone else at that time. She had no right to be angry or upset with him. And the thought of her was what had driven him to sobriety. So, he wouldn’t tarnish her memory or risk being unfaithful to her. Even if she hadn’t been faithful to him. That thought made her pause. He’d sworn off women because of his love for her even though she had been in the arms of another man. And though she and Kish hadn’t been a couple, hadn’t been anything but enemies and then allies really, she felt disappointed in herself. Almost disgusted.

Kish cupped her cheek, “Don’t, mate. I see you. You have no reason to feel that way. You were in love. And I made my own choices. You didn’t know about being my chosen. Abyss, you didn’t even know the full extent of my feelings. So, don’t. I don’t hold any ill feelings to you for anything. I know better than most that you can’t help who you love. And even if I had never seen you again, I never would have replaced or forgotten you. As I’ve said before, you were and are it for me. I could never love another. Now, last part of this story and we can get back to the others and enjoy our date because I still have another trick up my sleeve.” He gave her a wink and she gave him a watery smile in return.

“The final straw with Raika happened halfway through my second year home. Tart had finally dragged me out of my shell. I was starting to finally get back to my old self. I was letting people back into my life and starting to care again. I was spending more time with my friend Tek like I did before I left. Well, Tek has a little sister a couple of years younger than me. She’s a cutie and an absolute sweetheart. She has long black hair that she always kept in pigtails and tied in two bright red ribbons. That alone was enough to remind me of you. But she has a fiery temper as well. I loved it when she’d tag along with Tek and I because, for a moment, it felt like you were around. She reminded me so much of you. She and I became close enough that she admitted to having a crush on me. But because we were close, I trusted her with my secret. Told her all about you and how I was completely in love with you so there wasn’t anymore room in my heart for another girl. And what did she do? She smiled and hugged me. Told me I’d find my way back to you again. Told me not to give up hope because my silly cat would realize her mistake and come looking for me. I never thought her words would come true.” He gave Ichigo a large smile.

“During all this, Raika was unfortunately still around. The girl had a knack for showing up everywhere she wasn’t wanted. At balls and banquets she’d slip her arm through mine just as pictures were being taken. She’d stand on the visitor’s balcony at the Military Compound to cheer me on when I’d spar with up and comers looking to beat me. And of course, being a revered hero, stories about us were published everywhere, so her damn picture made it in all the time. Titles like ‘Has the Hero Kish Finally Found a Mate’ or ‘Is One of the Ikisatashi Brothers Really Going to Settle Down,’ etc. It was sickening to me. Especially since it seemed to give credence to some of her lies that we were just waiting until I wasn’t so busy. Most of the time I just ignored her and the gossip. My friends and family knew the truth and I had no interest in any female she scared off anyways. But when her jealousy came into play, I had had enough.”

“Females were only just starting to join the military. Before, they had been pressured to keep the race alive by reproducing or being healers. But with our planet thriving, women and girls were free to branch out. I’d been spending time training and encouraging a group of young girls. Telling them stories of you Mews to boost their confidence at being a female warrior. But Raika got jealous of them. After class, she approached them, telling them it was dumb for girls to train or fight. That they were pathetic examples of being female. Not worth being trained by someone as great as me and that they’d never measure up. She’d shattered all my hard work and destroyed those girls dreams in the blink of an eye. I was livid. I struck her in a rage and banned her from being able to come anywhere near the Academy or Military Compound. And as the Commander General, my word was as good as law on those grounds. Unfortunately, she turned her jealousy on a new target.”

He sighed, “She’d seen my closeness with Tikka, Tek’s sister. Even heard me compliment her pigtails. She started to harass Tikka whenever she got the chance. Now I told you, Tikka has a temper and knew about my love for you. So, she didn’t back down or believe any of the lies Raika said about me and her. Tikka had my back one hundred percent, just like her brother. Raika cornered her one day and goaded her. Raika timed it perfectly so that just as the Academy let out, it looked as though Tikka had attacked poor Raika unprovoked. She spun the story that Tikka was in love with me and lashed out in jealousy at the girl I cared for. Tikka barely spoke to me for a month after. Even though no one had technically found out about her actual crush on me. She felt like the world had found out and were mocking her for it. I threatened Raika with imprisonment on the grounds of harassment of a military official’s family. Tek was my second in command, so the grounds rang true. Raika backed off, or so I thought.”

Kish rested his forehead on Ichigo’s shoulder, “At the next ball, which happened to be mostly for high ranking military officials, I set a trap for Raika. When I knew she was nearby, I started to bad mouth her. Called her a slut, a liar, and a disgrace. Revealed that she’d been the one harassing Tikka. Since it was a military affair, everyone knew Tek and his little sister. The officials of course took mine and Tikka’s side. How dumb people could be for mistaking Tikka’s sisterly love for me for a crush or how a jealous wench could harm such a vibrant young girl. Etc. All the while, Raika listened in. I hoped by publicly humiliating her she’d get the hint. But Raika’s bullying of Tikka only intensified. And though Tikka is still a friend, she barely speaks to me anymore. Preferring to keep her distance so that Raika will leave her alone. And after I humiliated her, Raika keeps her distance from me, but still harasses any girl that gets close to me. Has made training new girls and women Abyss. But I swear, Kitten. If she ever harms you in anyway, I won’t hesitate to kill her. You’re my mate. The mate of the Commander General. If she were to harm you, it can be classified as treason. No one would even question my choice to execute her.”

A low growl slipped from Ichigo’s lips as her tail and ears popped out. The tears in her eyes had evaporated from the dancing flames of her anger. She was livid. That someone could be so cruel to harm an innocent young girl just because they were jealous. Sure, Kish had attacked the Blue Knight in jealousy, but Masaya could fight back. And it had been a fair fight. And this woman had the gall to mess with her mate’s life. Absolutely not! “She comes anywhere near me or my mate, you won’t have to kill her, I will. Hell, if she comes near me or my mate’s family, I’ll kill her. What she’s done is unforgiveable.”

Kish blinked. In the next second he had Ichigo pinned to the brick wall, her legs back around his waist, one hand supporting her, the other buried in her hair tilting her head to the side so her neck was exposed, and his fangs scraping down the sensitive skin of her neck. “Fuck, Ichigo. First you look like that, and now you’re getting protective and possessive over me? Are you trying to drive me insane?” he growled low against her throat.

Ichigo’s burning rage started to quickly shift to another burn as her mate clung to her desperately. His fangs sent shivers through her body. All the pent up sexual frustration from earlier came crashing down around her. She also desperately needed a release from the emotional overload from Kish’s story. And her own possessiveness wasn’t helping. Her legs trembled as that burning coil in her abdomen begged for attention. “Kish…,” she moaned. “Please… I..I need you,” she whimpered. There was no way Kish could even attempt to deny his mate. Not right now. And sure as Abyss not with what she was begging for.

With a snap of his fingers, Kish’s pants fell to his ankles. Freeing his hand from her hair, he slipped it between them and expertly moved her panties to the side. Without hesitation, Kish slammed himself into her fully. Ichigo arched her back sharply at his sudden intrusion. A deep moan fell from her lips. One hand came up to tangle in his hair and the other held tightly to his shoulder. A gasp left her throat when he pulled nearly all the way out then slammed back in. “Oh God!” When he did it again, her tail curled around his thigh. “Don’t stop. Gods don’t stop. That feels so fucking good,” she panted, her breaths becoming ragged.

“Fuck, Ichigo. You feel fucking amazing. And that tail of yours… Fucking Abyss.” As high up on his thigh as her tail was wrapped, he could feel just the tip flick across the underside of his balls every time he pulled his hips back. It was maddening and felt absolutely incredible. It was pushing him even faster to his release. “Harder, Mate. Fuck me harder,” Ichigo begged. Her own release growing closer. Kish relaxed his hold and let gravity drag her even further down onto him, so he was now buried to the hilt whenever he plunged into her. His pace doubled and she had to clamp her teeth around her lip to keep from screaming out.

‘Right there, mate. So close,’ she panted harder. Kish licked up her neck. ‘Let me feel your tongue, mate,’ he groaned. He too was right there on that razor’s edge. He just needed that last push. Understanding his need, Ichigo tilted her head and slipped her tongue over his bottom ear lobe and into the hollow just before his canal. “Oh fuck! Ichigo!” he shouted against her neck as that white hot heat scorched through his body. His muscles tightened and with one last hard deep thrust, he emptied his release deep within her womb. With a sharp cry and an intense shudder, Ichigo came right after him. Her inner walls clenching down tight around him.

Kish’s forehead fell to her shoulder just as her head fell back against the wall. They both panted hard as they struggled to ease their burning lungs and calm their racing hearts. Kish licked his dry lips, “Fucking Abysses, Kitten. You’re going to be the death of me one of these times.” Ichigo leaned her head atop his, “Don’t you dare,” she growled halfheartedly. “You’re not allowed to leave, especially like that, ever again.” Kish picked his head up and playfully licked her cheek, “Never. I’ll never leave your side. Especially now that I know you have no reservations with me claiming you in public.”

Her eyes grew huge and round when it dawned on her what he meant. She looked around. She really had just let Kish fuck her in public, against a wall no less. “Damn sneaky, perverted alien,” she growled and weakly smacked his shoulder. “You’re turning me into an addict too,” she pouted. He brushed his lips over hers, “And you’ll never hear me complain about it once.” Before she could protest or start a fight, Kish’s lips had covered her own in a searing kiss. Her breath caught and she melted against him. All ideas of an argument vanishing from her mind.

Leaning back, Kish pulled his lips away and placed a light butterfly kiss to the tip of her nose. A smaller shudder coursed through them both when Kish allowed himself to slip from her depths. Finally calm, Ichigo’s tail and ears disappeared again. A quick snap of his fingers and Kish was holding a small damp cloth. Skillfully he slipped his hand between them and tenderly cleaned her up. She hissed when the cool cloth touched her heated skin. “Sorry, Kitten. I’d much rather clean you with my tongue, but this will have to do. We’ve been gone longer than I meant already.” Ichigo blushed as he ran the cloth over her dripping slit. Then he gently maneuvered her underwear back into place. With another snap, the cloth disappeared, and he was once again fully clothed.

Carefully, he let her legs slide down and he set her on her feet. He smoothed her dress down and gently tucked a few loose strands of her hair back into place. “There, now no one will have a clue to our recent activities. And back to your beautiful perfection. Though I find you just as beautiful with your hair tousled, your clothes wrinkled, and that flush upon your cheeks right after I’ve taken you,” he winked. “And you started so sweet there,” she teased. He laughed aloud, “It’s who I am, and you love it.” “Maybe a little,” she giggled.

Her heart warmed. That he’d taken the time to clean her up and make sure her dignity was in tact was incredible. That he cared that much to do those things. That he took the time to be sure her dress was straightened and that her hair was mostly in place. He just continued to shock her with the depth of his love for her.

With a sweeping gesture, Kish took her hand, the one conspicuously wearing her ring, and bowed, kissing her knuckles. “Now that my lady as been sated and brought up to date on those unsavory details, will she permit me the honor of accompanying her to our companions to finish our evening?” Ichigo’s giggle was like tinkling bells as she straightened up and squared her shoulders. “I would very much appreciate that, my Lord.” Kish beamed at her as he wrapped an arm around her waist. “Hm. I like the sound of that.” She only managed to shake her head before they disappeared.

As soon as they returned to their table, Tart had at once begun to apologize. “I’m sorry Ichigo. I never meant to hurt or upset you. I didn’t think.” “It’s okay, Tart. I know you didn’t do it on purpose. Just maybe leave any possible touchy subjects for the ship or at least private. Kish and I haven’t even been mated a week yet, so things are still very new. But at least he knows and understands what’s going on. I don’t. I’m still learning what it is to be mates. All of this is completely new to me, and my emotions and reactions are all over the place.” Kish draped an arm around Ichigo’s shoulders, “It’s only temporary, mate. The mood swings will even out as the bond grows and becomes more stable. And you’ll grow more accustomed to the rise of your instincts. It’s the same for me.”

He shifted his focus to Tart and narrowed his eyes, “And you listen here, Brat. You bring up another part of my past that you know I wouldn’t want to talk about, I will kick your ass. I’m still not entirely pleased with you for upsetting my mate. But she’s forgiven you, so I’ll drop it for now. But I mean it, Brat. Leave my past in the past.” He shot him a cold glare, but Tart couldn’t seem to help himself, “So can I place a bet on which of you two kills Raika first?”

Ichigo gave Tart a narrowed look, “What did he just say?! Leave it alone, Tart. Though, I’d like to claw her eyes out if I ever get my hands on that filthy bitch.” Kish gave Tart a dirty look before tending to his mate. He nuzzled against her cheek and placed a soft kiss to her temple. “Calm down, mate. When we get back to the ship, I’ll let you kick the crap out of Tart so you can burn off some of that anger. How does that sound? Hmn?” “That sounds perfect,” she sighed. “Hey!” Tart huffed. Everyone else at the table laughed.

Kish slipped away from the table to speak with the waiter while Ichigo finished sipping her now cool cappuccino. When he returned, he continued to stand and offered Ichigo his hand, “The bill’s been taken care of. You ready to go? I still have that other trick up my sleeve that I want to show both you girls before it gets too late.” Gathering her purse, Ichigo slipped her hand into Kish’s. “I can’t wait to see what else you have planned.” He flashed her a toothy smile, “Patience, my dear Kitten.”

As Kish led them down a sidewalk, Ichigo gave Kish a knowing look, “Remind me to thank Keiichiro next time I see him.” “Aww! You peeked!” Kish pouted, causing Ichigo to giggle. “Just a bit. My curiosity was starting to get the better of me.” “You and your damn curiosity. Hopefully you didn’t ruin my next surprise,” Kish huffed, tugging her closer with an arm over her shoulders. “Wouldn’t dream of it. Your surprises are always amazing.” He grinned wide and stole a kiss to her cheek.

They came across a long line of people tucked behind a velvet rope. But Kish continued to confidently lead them past all the people to the doors at the front of the line. A huge man with thick muscles eyed Kish, “The line’s back there.” That confident smirk on Kish’s face never faltered. “Kish Ikisatashi, plus three. We should be on the list.” The bouncer flicked through a tablet he had in his hand and his eyes lit up in surprise. “Right this way. Sirs. Ladies,” he bowed as he unhooked the velvet rope and ushered them through the doors.

The loud music and flashing lights were an assault on all their senses, but Ichigo’s smile out did it all. “A club! You’re taking us out dancing!?!” she yelled to be heard over the music. Kish chuckled, “Yup. And you don’t have to shout. Overly sensitive ears, remember?” She blushed, “Are you alright with his loud music?” “Perfectly fine. Just took a second to tune it out a bit,” he winked. Another bouncer approached them and led them to a raised platform near the dance floor. It was partially secluded behind glass walls, and though the music was still loud and thumping, it was partially muffled by the thick glass. There was an assortment of plush couches and chairs scattered across the platform with a couple of low glass tables. “This is the VIP area. One of our glass girls will be along shortly if you wish to have a drink,” the bouncer said before disappearing back into the sea of bodies.

Kish wasted no time in making himself comfortable on one of the low couches, and pulled Ichigo down into his lap, ignoring her protests. “Relax, honey. This may be your world, but this is my scene. Not much different than some of the establishments back home, just louder.” “Before or after you returned?” Ichigo asked curiously. “After. Tek and I became regulars at several places over the last couple of years,” Kish answered, propping his feet up on the table. Tart and Pudding had snuggled into a nearby loveseat. Tart, though not quite as comfortable at these kinds of places as Kish, settled in easily. He kept his arm securely wrapped around Pudding’s waist as he held her close.

“Oh really? Taken many girls out dancing at these establishments?” she asked. Her voice was dropping dangerously low, and Kish noticed right away. “Cripes, Kitten. Don’t start. Yes, I danced with girls occasionally, but that’s it. I never brought one or left with one. Most of the time I just relaxed and drank. Any girl that got too friendly, I passed off to Tek. How many times do I have to tell you? You’re the only girl for me. The only girl I see.”

Noticing the sly twinkle in her eyes, Kish drummed his long fingers at her hip. “Cheeky, mate. You’re messing with me.” Ichigo grinned wide, “Not so much fun being the one baited. Is it? Seems you’re not the only one who enjoys getting a rise out of their mate.” Though the thought still made her insanely jealous, she had to admit, watching him squirm for once was rather fun. Kish moved one hand around to support her back while he used the one at her hip to pull her ass further into his lap. She was sitting side saddle across his legs and had her legs tucked over his knee. He grinned as he realized the shorter side of her dress was facing him. Deftly, he maneuvered her dress just slightly, so he had access to the smooth skin just above her knee. Though he made sure not to reveal too much, they had no tablecloth to keep his antics hidden this time.

“You and those hands,” she murmured, forcing herself to relax in his hold. He knew this kind of scene better than she did, so, for now, she let him stay in control. A very scantily clad girl in a shiny foil sports bra and tight short black briefs came up to their table. She had a small tray and a tablet in her hands. Setting the tray down, she moved a bucket with an iced bottle of champagne onto their table along with four fluted crystal glasses. She flipped her glossy black hair over her shoulder, “I’m Mimi. There’s your complimentary champagne. If there’s anything else you’d like to order, I’d be happy to get that now or you can flag me down at your leisure.”

Kish glanced up at the girl and flashed his signature grin, “I’ll take a double bourbon on the rocks. Top shelf. And a water for each of the ladies. For now.” Tart sighed. It was going to be one of those nights. ‘Might as well enjoy it,’ he thought. But before he could answer, Kish ordered for him. “Oh, and he’ll have a vodka seven.” The girl tapped it into her tablet and, picking up her tray, left. “That better be the same thing as a vodka syrup back home.” Tart shot. “It’s basically the same thing, but better. Just relax. I know what you like. Enjoy the vacation. Give your girl some attention. Been a while since we’ve really cut loose together. I for one, am going to enjoy the rest of tonight. Decent music, good drinks, great company, and the most gorgeous girl in the universes sitting in my lap. Things couldn’t get much better.” “Just don’t go overboard will ya? We aren’t back home,” Tart sighed. Kish merely waved him off.

Ichigo eyed the bottle and four glasses. Kish saw her and smirked. “Go ahead, Kitten. No one will know. Besides this is to also celebrate our engagement.” She bit her lip, “But I’ve never…” “Don’t worry. I’m right here. Just take it slow. I’ll keep an eye on you, I promise,” he said giving her a reassuring smile. Ichigo squared her shoulders and grabbed the bottle.

Kish easily popped the cork for her. She carefully poured all four glasses. Pudding stared at her, “Ichigo… I’m too young.” She said quietly. “Technically, all three of us are. But Kish is right. This is a celebration. And I haven’t had fun like this in so long. Just one glass with me? If you don’t like it or it makes you uncomfortable, I won’t ask again.” Pudding thought about it, then she caught Tart looking at her. She wanted to relax and enjoy her time with her boyfriend. And this just might help with some of her nerves for what she had planned later tonight. She smiled wide and accepted the glass from Ichigo, “Let’s do this!” Kish grinned and raised his glass, “To our future and many more nights like this to come!”

Tart and Kish all but downed their glasses in one gulp. Pudding and Ichigo took their time and sipped the bubbly liquid. “This is actually really good,” Ichigo cheered. “Knew you’d like it. Just remember to take it slow. It can hit when you least expect it,” Kish warned softly. She winked at him, “My strong capable mate is here keeping an eye on me. I’ll be careful, but I’ll be fine.” His arm slid up her back and cupped the back of her neck, “By the end of the night, you’ll be better then fine, you’ll be fantastic.” He pulled her down just a smidge, his molten eyes capturing hers in their depths. “Kiss me,” he breathed, the demand clear in his voice.

Ichigo slung her arms around his neck, crossing her wrists over the back of the couch. She still held her drink so was careful not to spill. She brought her lips closer, and he quickly closed the distance. Gods, he was a master at kissing. Knew just the right amount of pressure to apply. His lips hungry yet soft and gentle. Knew just when to slip his tongue out to coax her mouth open. His hand slid up and fisted in her hair. He gently tilted her head to deepen the kiss. His tongue, slipping and dancing with hers until she submitted to him. With a last sweep of his tongue, he pulled back slightly and sucked on her bottom lip. Thank God she was sitting, or her knees would have buckled.

Pudding blushed as she watched the incredible kiss between Kish and Ichigo. They were so perfectly in tune to one another and completely lost in their own little world. She snuck a glance at Tart. She wanted him to kiss her like that. To fully let go and show how he felt. Taking a deep gulp of her liquid courage, Pudding decided to use Kish’s direct approach. She turned her soft eyes to Tart and captured his caramel brown eyes. She missed his dark honey coloring. Nimbly, she raised up on one knee and slipped her other between his legs. Carefully, she straddled his right thigh. Pudding placed her hands softly on his chest, “Kiss me.” When the words left her, she licked her lips.

Tart’s heart had started to race the second Pudding’s eyes had locked with his. He’d seen her watching his cousin and Ichigo. Those two seemed to have no shame with as tightly wrapped around one another as they were. But, he had to admit, he’d love to kiss Pudding like that. So free and full of love for one another. Then she’d crawled in his lap and his breath caught. But when she’d uttered those two tiny words, his world froze, tilted, and caught fire all at once.

Hesitantly, Tart’s hands settled at Pudding’s tiny waist. “Wh… What?” he asked, blushing. He wanted to be sure his ears had heard her correctly. Her hands slid up further until they rested on his shoulders, “I said… Kiss me. But like that.” She nodded her head in Kish’s direction over her shoulder. Tart’s heart raced harder. ‘Like that?’ he thought to himself. He’d kissed Pudding before, even a few random girls back home. But never a kiss like that. He stole another glance at his cousin. “He does know she has to breathe, right?” He didn’t realize he’d said his thoughts out loud until Pudding suddenly broke into laughter.

He flushed bright red. “Oh Taru-Taru. You’re so funny! But she’s fine. I’m sure she’s more than fine. Please, Taru-Taru. I want to know what it’s like to be kissed like that. But only from you.” Tart looked into those deep round eyes of his Monkey-girl, and found he couldn’t say no. Gulping, Tart slowly drew Pudding towards him. But she couldn’t wait. Her lips quickly sealed over his. She gasped when his hand came up to cradle her head. But when she felt him shyly slip his tongue between her parted lips, Pudding’s toes curled.

Kish chuckled against Ichigo’s lips, ‘About damn time.’ ‘Hmn?’ she moaned quietly. He pulled back just a bit and nodded in Tart and Pudding’s direction. ‘Looks like we have some competition,’ he smirked evilly. Ichigo’s eyes flicked over to the younger couple and grew wide. ‘Go Pudding!’ she thought, making Kish laugh. ‘How bout you finish that drink, and we show them how it’s really done?’ He waggled his eyebrows at her. She giggled and thumped his chest. ‘This competition is rigged from the start.’ ‘How so?’ She grinned and downed the rest of her glass, setting it on the table. ‘Because, nobody in the known universes can kiss as well as you.’ As she spoke, she had inched her lips closer, and her hands had slid up his chest and found their way into his hair. After her last word, her lips had melded perfectly to his.

His hand inched a bit higher under her dress and wrapped around her inner thigh, thumb rubbing gentle circles over her sensitive flesh. ‘Just full of surprises tonight. Aren’t you, Kitten?’ ‘Mm… I could say the same about you. If this is just a taste of who you are, then I can’t wait to experience more.’ Kish nearly growled into the kiss and nipped his fangs into her bottom lip. ‘You just wait, Kitten. I’m gonna rock your world. And I can’t wait to show you everything and share everything with you.’ His lips trailed down her neck, ‘Gods, I love this dress. Not only do you look stunning in it, but you’re in my color again. So much skin exposed for my eyes and lips. And my mark is on full display. Leaving no doubt that you belong to me. From the mark, to your ring, to the love bites along your neck. Even a foolish human can’t miss that you belong to someone.’ He did growl this time when she gasped. He dragged his tongue over her mark, sending a sharp shiver through her.

The glass girl returned and set their drinks on the coffee table, “I’ll come check on you all later. Let me know if I can get you anything else.” Her eyes lingered on Kish for longer than was appropriate, then gave Ichigo a dark look before turning on her heel. Ichigo had noticed both the girl’s looks. She swiveled her head back to Kish, “Why do I just know that that’s going to be a common occurrence on your planet?” Kish chuckled and stole a peck to her lips, “Easy, Kitten. You get used to it. But once I announce we’re mates, it won’t be so bad. Mates are revered and respected back home. So, most of the flirting will die down. But you already know mate. No matter what pretty girl looks at me, she will pale in comparison to you. You set my world ablaze with color.”

His words once again melted her heart and filled her chest with warmth. “I will never understand how you can be such an arrogant, cocky, pervert one second then be the sweetest, most romantic guy ever in the next.” He flashed her his signature smirk, the one that made her knees weak. “Only for you, Kitten. Only for you.”

Reaching around Ichigo, Kish picked up his bourbon and took a slow swig. “I gotta say, our alcohol might be stronger, but Earth’s tastes much better.” “Wouldn’t you say, Tart?” Kish called over to the still entangled Tart with an evil glint in his eye. Tart pulled away from Pudding’s lips blushing brighter than a tomato and spluttering. “Huh… Uh.. What?” Pudding, though blushing as well, giggled and nuzzled against his chest. Kish and Ichigo were both snickering. “I asked what do you think of your drink?” “Huh? Oh!” he said seeing his drink on the table. He took a quick sip, “Not as strong as at home, but tastes much better.” He cocked his head when both Kish and Ichigo busted out laughing. “What?” That only made them laugh harder.

A song Ichigo liked kicked on and the bass dropped low. “I love this song. Come on, mate. Weren’t you supposed to take me dancing?” Kish groaned but let Ichigo tug him to his feet. “But I was enjoying you in my lap,” he pouted. “I’m in your lap all the time. Now I wanna dance!” She hollered tugging him to the edge of the platform. He had to grin at that. She was in his lap a lot. “Hey Pudding, we’re gonna go dance.” Pudding waved at her friend, “We’ll join you in a minute.”

Ichigo dragged Kish through the sea of grinding bodies to the center of the dance floor. She spun around and pressed her back and hips into his front, moving to the beat of the music. “Let’s see what kind of moves you’ve got, alien boy,” she teased as she ground against him. Kish quickly glanced around him, taking note on how other couples were dancing. It was a little more active and risqué than what he was used to at home, but it was similar enough. His arm circled her waist, and he took her hand in his right. His body moved fluidly against hers. All his lithe grace and light footed movements coming in very handy.

He pulled her arm over his head, so it was slung around his neck. He then trailed his hand slowly down the back of her arm and down the side of her ribcage. Her head fell back on his shoulder as she arched sharply. As their hips continued to sway and roll to the music, Kish slipped his fingertips under the side of her dress just below the curve of her breast. When she felt his thumb ghost against the underside of her breast, she gasped and shivered.

Rolling her hips harder against him, she growled low in her throat, “You and those wandering hands.” He grinned toothily and bent his head to nip just behind her ear, “You know you love it.” His right hand closed around her left and pulled. She was spun out then back in, his left arm slipping perfectly around her waist. She couldn’t hold back her laughter. ‘Not bad, lover boy. You’ve got some moves, I’ll give you that.’ Kish chuckled darkly, ‘Just wait until I get you home and take you out there. Then you’ll really see what I can do.’ His lips found her neck again as he spoke.

They danced for a few more songs before Ichigo’s heels started to hurt her feet. Plus, she was hot and sweaty and desperately wanted a drink. As they made their way from the dance floor, she caught a glimpse of Pudding trying to show an awkward Tart how to dance. The scene warmed her heart. Kish plopped down on the sofa and a huge cocky grin plastered his face when Ichigo settled into his lap without any coaxing from him or a single protest from her.

Ichigo was about to reach for her water when Kish’s hand suddenly shot out and snatched her wrist. A strange scent had pricked his nose and it was coming from both the girls’ waters. A scent that hadn’t been there when they’d left to dance. “Drink the champagne for now. We’ll get you and Pudding new waters.” Anger and concern coated his voice. Glancing around, Kish subtly snapped his fingers and the water glasses disappeared. “What’s going on?” Ichigo asked worriedly. ‘Someone put something in your and Pudding’s drinks. Thankfully, I caught the odd new scent as we sat down. Didn’t realize it was in the waters until you reached for it.’

Ichigo looked horrified. ‘It’s okay, mate. I’ve got you. I told you, I would never let anything happen to you.’ Ichigo leaned against him and took a deep breath of his woodsy scent. But this time she noticed a new spice to it. She looked at him in shock, “Are… Are you wearing cologne?” “Only took you all night to notice,” he chuckled teasingly. “I’m sorry, you’ve kept me a bit distracted all night,” she shot back. ‘And thinking about scents, how did you manage to pick up such a subtle scent in such a crowded place?’ she asked in curiosity.

His arm coiled around her waist, ‘When it comes to your safety, I notice everything. But it comes from my training. To notice anything new or out of place. The scent wasn’t there when we left so it caught my attention. If it hadn’t come from your waters, I would have dismissed it as someone passing by while we were gone. I may look relaxed, but my guard is never truly down. I told you, the three of us have been targeted before. Poison is a simple method.’

Ichigo shoved those thoughts aside for now. That was definitely a discussion for another time. Enough had been spoiled this evening and she wanted to continue living it up with her sexy mate. ‘And you’re sure the champagne’s safe?’ He nodded his head, ‘Perfectly.’ She poured a glass and took a long drink, letting the cold liquid cool her over heated body and the tingling warmth soothe away her anxieties.

The glass girl appeared with two fresh glasses of water. Kish noticed her eyes scanning for the missing water glasses. “Perfect timing, someone else took the empty glasses, but, after dancing, my girl was just wanting another drink.” The girl may have smiled, but Ichigo caught the jealousy in her eyes when Kish had called her ‘my girl.’ Ichigo smiled overly sweetly, “Yes. Thank you.” “Very good, anything else I can get you?” she asked way too sweetly just to Kish for Ichigo’s liking. Kish glanced at his then at Tart’s glass. “Yeah, another round for my friend and I.” The girl nodded and left.

Feeling how hot Ichigo still was, Kish tugged his jacket off her shoulders and draped it over the back of the couch. “Better, love?” She nodded, “Much. Thanks.” Kish picked up his drink and downed the last swallow. Sucking up an ice cube, he held it between his teeth. Shifting Ichigo slightly, so more of her bare back faced him, Kish placed his lips against her shoulder blade. Using his tongue and lips, he maneuvered the ice cube across her upper back, letting cool drips of water slide down her flushed skin. “God that feels wonderful. And only you could turn something simple, like cooling me down, into something incredibly hot and sexy.”

Kish playfully licked at her neck, “It’s a gift.” He chewed a couple of pieces of ice, so his lips and tongue were cold. Pulling her hair over her shoulder, he licked and kissed at the nape of her neck. Ichigo sighed, “You’re amazing and I love you, Kish.” Gently, he slid his chin over her shoulder and nuzzled against her ear, “Not as much as I love you, Ichigo. But you’re getting there.” Though his voice was seductive, it held a teasing note. She playfully shoved his lips from her ear, “You just got a head start, that’s all.” Kish fell back against the couch in laughter, “You just might be right.”

A soft clink behind Ichigo pulled their focus. The girl was back, and she’d brought the boy’s drinks. As she stood, he noticed her give Ichigo a not quite dirty enough look to be called rude, but it was close enough to raise Kish’s hackles. His hand slid up Ichigo’s bare back, caressing her skin. He shot the girl a pointed look, “Thanks. My wife and I are good for a bit.” Kish purposely grasped Ichigo’s left hand and placed a kiss to her knuckles, subtly shifting her hand so the light caught and refracted off her diamond ring. A satisfied smirk slithered through Kish as he saw the flash of disappointment in the girl’s eyes as she turned to leave.

“And what was that all about?” Ichigo asked. She’d immediately caught on to his little show. Inside she was quivering in glee. ‘Wife… He called me his wife,’ she internally squealed. “Eh, was getting tired of her not so subtle jealousy over you and looking at me like I was something to eat. I only like it when my wife looks at me like that. We may not be married here yet, but at home we are. You’re my mate, which supersedes marriage. Meaning you are my wife.”

Ichigo fell back into his arms, surprising Kish who made a soft ‘oof.’ She downed another glass of champagne and nuzzled her cheek against Kish’s chest. Bringing her hands up, she undid two more buttons on his shirt. Sitting back, she gently tugged his collar away from his neck, exposing his collar bones, a peek of his mark, and more of his mesh undershirt. She leaned close and tucked her nose into the crook of his neck. As she inhaled his scent, her right hand slipped into the gap in his shirt to feel his cool flesh under her fingers.

Kish had leaned back and watched his mate through hooded eyes. Watched as she sought the feel of him. Sought his scent. It both thrilled and amazed him. That his shy yet fiery kitten was so brazenly touching him like this in public. “That cologne smells nice, by the way. I still prefer your natural scent, but this smells damn good too. It suits you,” she mumbled against his neck. Kish’s right hand drew lazy circles with just his fingertips over her bare lower back. He chuckled softly, “Starting to feel the buzz, Kitten?” She nodded, her nose brushing against his neck, “Yup. Pretty sure I am.” He himself was starting to feel that warm buzz throughout his limbs.

Tenderly, Kish hooked his left knuckle under her chin and drew her face up. He placed a sweet loving kiss to her lips. “Mm. Strawberries and champagne. One of my new favorite pairings,” he whispered. A slower song started thumping behind them. “Sounds like they’re playing our song. One last dance or two then I’ll take you to bed.” Kish delicately slipped her heels off and set them to the side of the table. As he stood, he helped Ichigo to her feet. He led her to the dance floor and circled his arms around her. The music may have been slower, but it still had a good beat to it. Their bodies swayed and moved in perfect rhythm.

Keeping his hands lightly at her hips, Kish stepped back to watch Ichigo lose herself in the music. Her hands moved into the air and her hips swung and rocked. Her bare feet shuffled and bounced on her toes. Everything around him faded away as he watched her. Everything but her. Her eyes had closed, cheeks flushed pink, hair shining in the club’s flashing lights, all while she bobbed and swayed her head to the music. Again, she was like a vision before him.

Suddenly, she stumbled forwards into his arms. A man a bit shorter than Kish, but with thicker arms, turned to apologize to Ichigo for bumping into her. Then the man saw her, and his eyes lit up. “Sorry, honey. How about you ditch him and come dance with me?” the man said in a low voice. Ichigo’s stomach twisted at hearing one of Kish’s favorite nicknames for her come from another man. She snuggled into Kish’s side. “No thanks. He’s all I need. And I’m not your honey. I’m his.” The man grinned, “Never said you were my honey, but I could make you mine if you want.”

Kish growled low and his arm at Ichigo’s waist tightened. “She’s mine and she said no. Now leave us.” Ichigo trembled at the dangerous tone of Kish’s voice. She knew that tone. He was precariously close to snapping. She placed a hand on the arm around her. “He’s not worth it, love. Let’s just go.” The man scoffed, “As if he could take me, honey.” Kish stood to his full height, but that didn’t intimidate the man. No, what made the man nod and back away was the cold darkness that glittered dangerously in Kish’s eyes. A look that told the man Kish knew he would not only destroy him, but he’d have to try not to kill him.

The next thing Ichigo knew, she was being spun around and pulled against Kish’s firm body. He tucked his nose into her hair at her temple. “Trouble magnet, I swear,” he muttered. She lightly punched his shoulder, “Hey! You could be to blame too! You’re always around when trouble finds me.” “Only because I’m the one trying to save that cute fuzzy tail of yours,” he snarked. “Yeah, on the rare times it wasn’t you putting it in danger,” she huffed right back. He growled. She was right. Dammit.

Instead of admitting defeat or continuing to argue, Kish pressed his lips to hers. Dragging her fully against him, he cupped her lower back. He moved them to the beat of the music. She broke the kiss but kept her lips a hair’s breadth from his. “Cheater,” she mumbled. He merely grinned and stole another quick kiss.

“I think you just might be drunk,” Kish teased as they continued to move and sway on the dance floor. “And why’s that?” Ichigo asked absentmindedly. “Because, you haven’t protested once about where my hand is.” “Hmm?” Then she thought about what he’d just said. And she realized just exactly where his hand was. He’d somehow managed to slip it down the back of her dress and was currently cupping her rear, all without her noticing. “Pervert,” she hissed. “If you want to keep that hand, I suggest removing it now.” He grinned but did as she said. However, his hand soon returned to her rear, just over her dress. Ichigo sighed and rolled her eyes, “You’re terrible.”

By the time they returned to their seats, Ichigo was definitely starting to feel the buzz. She’d almost tripped stepping onto the platform, but Kish’s strong guidance kept her on her feet. Though, a second later, he swept her up bridal style before taking his seat with her sprawled in his lap. Tart and Pudding had beaten them back. A grin slid over Kish’s features as he eyed his cousin.

Both Tart and Pudding’s hair was slightly messy and tousled. They were both flushed and a bit sweaty. Pudding was currently curled in his lap, while he sipped his drink. She looked half asleep, and Tart was wearing a goofy grin.

“Enjoying the night?” Kish drawled as he too sipped his drink. Tart blushed and held Pudding closer. Glancing from Kish down to Pudding, “Yeah… I’ll admit, this was a great idea. And you were right. It has been a while since we really relaxed and had fun.” Kish smiled and glanced down at his own girl snuggled in his lap. “But so much better with our girls with us.” Tart couldn’t agree more.

Soft hands twisted in the bottom of Kish’s shirt. Sneakily, she untucked it from his pants and slowly undid the rest of his buttons. “Can I help you with something?” Kish teased her with a raised eyebrow. She nodded lazily as her hands found the cool skin of his bare midriff. “Missing the feel of your skin is all,” she slurred slightly. Kish chuckled and drummed his fingers at her hip, “And you’re cut off. You’re drunk, my little kitty-cat.” “I feel fine,” she mumbled. “Mhm. I’m sure you feel great,” he purred smoothly. Tugging her hip, he pulled her further into his lap. The movement shifted her balance and she fell against his chest. She nuzzled her nose against the base of his throat as her arms slid under his shirt and around his waist. Her warm hands tucked under the bottom of his mesh shirt at his back, and he shivered.

“Now who’s getting handsy?” Her response was to lick at the hollow of his throat. ‘Apparently, alcohol made his kitten frisky,’ he thought with a wicked grin. The hand at her hip slid up her side and slipped casually under the side of her dress. His thumb found the soft curve of her breast and stroked it softly. A purr rumbled in her chest. She nipped at his throat playfully. Kish took a long slow sip of his drink. He needed to slow his quickly heating blood. His kitten was starting to tease his senses.

Setting his glass down, he reached over Ichigo’s head and grabbed his jacket. Carefully, he draped it over her shoulders. With her upper body mostly covered, his hand was free to slip deeper into her dress. He was pleasantly surprised when his hand fully cupped her breast. She wasn’t wearing a bra. A soft moan escaped Ichigo’s lips, ‘K..Kish. We’re in public.’ His thumb flicked over her nipple, ‘Didn’t seem to bother you earlier. Just relax, no one can see anything. Besides, you were the one who was just undressing me.’ ‘I’m apparently drunk,’ she giggled. ‘What’s you’re excuse?’ A sly smirk took over his expression, ‘My beyond sexy mate is currently getting frisky in my lap and said she missed the feel of my skin against hers. That, my love, is my excuse.’ ‘Oh,’ she couldn’t argue with that. Even if she wasn’t drunk. ‘Plus,’ he thought, ‘I may be getting a touch drunk as well.’ She bit his collar bone, ‘I heard that.’

He chuckled and swirled the deep amber liquid in his glass. It was probably time to get his tipsy mate home. Flicking his eyes around, he caught sight of the glass girl. Raising his glass, he got her attention, and she made her way to them. “Can I get you another one, sir?” she asked. Kish shook his head, “No thanks, just the tab please.” She gave a quick nod and left. For once, without a dirty look towards Ichigo. Kish downed the last of his drink and looked over at Tart. “Yo, Brat! It’s getting late and my kitten wants some attention. As soon as I pay, we’re gonna head back to the ship. You’re welcome to stay if you want.”

Tart shook his head, “Nah. We’re gonna leave too. Much longer and Pudding’s liable to fall asleep.” Pudding stirred in Tart’s lap, “Aww. Just one more dance?” “It’s late Pudding and you have work at the café tomorrow.” Pudding crossed her arms and pouted. “Tell ya what Pudding. You and Ichigo had such a great time, how about if Tart and I bring you girls back here next weekend?” Kish offered. Both Pudding and Ichigo squealed. “Really? You will?” Pudding asked. Ichigo did a lil shimmy in Kish’s lap, “You mean it?” Kish grabbed her hips, stilling the distractingly tempting movement. “Of course. You two weren’t the only ones enjoying yourselves. Right, Brat?” Tart nodded, “Yeah I had fun too.” Ichigo gave an enthusiastic kiss to Kish’s cheek. “Then it’s settled. We’ll bring you back next Saturday night. And when we get back home, I promise to take you girls out with Tek and I to our usual haunts. Let you see how we live it up. Plus, I’ve literally dreamed of taking Ichigo out to those places.” “I bet you have,” Ichigo quipped.

Kish’s hand gave Ichigo’s breast a firm squeeze. It caused a sharp gasp to come from the girl for she had completely forgotten his hand was there. “And what’s that supposed to mean?” Kish asked sharply. “I’ve seen that memory file you have on me remember? All that red. I’m sure one of them took place in your so called clubs.” A low, seductive growl rumbled in his chest. “And I can’t wait to turn it into a reality.” “Kish!” she scolded. ‘My VIP room is private and Tek knows how to make himself scarce,’ he explained in a low teasing voice.

“Here’s your tab,” the glass girl said, drawing Kish’s attention. He reached around Ichigo and took the small black book. Taking a quick glance at the large number, Kish slid his hand into his pocket. With a snap of his fingers, he created a handful of large bills. Counting out a few, he slipped them into the book. It covered not only their tab, but a decent tip as well. “And where did you get that kind of money?” Ichigo asked with narrowed eyes. “Don’t you worry about it, Kitten,” he murmured. She eyed him knowingly, “A snap of your fingers, hmm?” “You really wanna know?” he grinned mischievously. “That’s a yes then. I suppose I can let it slide as long as it's not all the time.” He laughed, “And Tart said you’d get mad at me.” “It’s technically real so no harm done. People got paid and we got to enjoy ourselves. Win win. Just don’t turn it into a habit. But, what’s the point of having an alien mate with super powers if I can’t enjoy them occasionally?” Kish’s laughter grew a touch evil, “Better believe it, Kitten. Though, now I know you’re drunk. You’re letting me get away with too much tonight.” “Maybe,” she admitted with a grin.

Reluctantly, Kish pulled his hand from Ichigo’s breast and helped her slip into his jacket. Once he’d given her a hand getting her shoes on, he stood up and placed her on her feet. “You two ready?” he asked Tart and Pudding. Tart nudged Pudding and helped the sleepy girl to her feet. “Yup,” Tart replied. Once the four were outside, Kish wrapped his arm around Ichigo’s waist, “We’ll see you two sometime tomorrow.” With that, Kish tugged Ichigo into an alley, and they disappeared.

When Ichigo opened her eyes, she found herself pinned to an iron beam on a small platform dozens of stories in the air. Eyes now wide, she gripped tightly to Kish’s arms. “W..Where are we?” she stuttered. Kish chuckled softly, “Someplace that holds a lot of memories for the both of us. In fact, you dislocated my shoulder just a few yards below us.” She gasped. “We’re on top of Tokyo Tower?” “Yup. Figured you could use a little fresh air to help sober up. Always helps me. And I remembered how much I enjoyed the view up here. Although, my current view is much better.” His voice turned husky as his eyes trailed down to her chest. “I always wanted to kiss you up here.” Liquid gold eyes slid back up to hers and Ichigo sucked in a breath.

He'd dropped his glamor and she was staring into his moonlit glittering cat eyes. Eyes that were full of love and lust. His fang slid over his lip as his trademark smirk appeared. “And this time. I don’t have to worry about you attacking me or that damned Blue Knight showing up to spoil my fun.” As he spoke, his lips began inching closer to hers. “Those lips, that body, and your heart are all finally mine.” His voice became barely a whisper as his final words were spoken a hair’s breadth from her lips. But when ‘mine’ crossed his lips, he captured hers. One arm locked around her waist and the other hand quickly buried in her hair.

A moan caught in Ichigo’s throat as she tangled her arms around his neck. The kiss was absolute bliss. It started slow for only a matter of seconds before it turned hungry. Desperate. He pulled her tighter to him at the same time he pressed her body harder into the iron at her back. He dominated her. Nearly crushed her with the weight of his love and desperation that he poured into the kiss. Being here, back on this tower where she had rejected him so many times… It pushed him. Pushed him to prove she was his. That she’d forever be his. He wanted to wipe away all the hurt he had felt here and replace it with the way her soft skin felt under his hands. How her body submitted to his every touch.

Gods how he wanted this woman. How he needed her. She was his goddess. His very life force. He had no idea how he had ever managed to leave her all those years ago. She literally drove him insane with how badly he craved her. Even her simple touch. A single smile. Anything. As long as it came from her, it was like a balm to his soul. Like a fix. But those soft sweet moans and gasps she was making as he kissed her senseless were music to his ears. When she pulled away gasping for breath, he gave her a quick moment before his lips sealed over hers again. He was far from done kissing her.

Ichigo’s head was spinning. Heart racing. Blood pumping, no boiling within her. Those flames of desire were licking through her veins. Kish was kissing her with such unbridled need and passion, she felt like her body would shut down from sensory overload at any moment. Kiss swollen lips tingled when she felt the tip of his fangs press into her lower lip. Her knees wanted to buckle, but he kept a firm grip. Keeping her steady as he stole not only her breath, but her sanity.

Finally, she managed to free her lips and sucked in a deep breath of cool crisp night air. His eyes shimmered and glowed in the moonlight. A pearly fang glinting as it peeked between his parted lips. Releasing her, he drifted back, floating a foot or so above the platform she stood on. The moon framed his silhouette. She was reminded of so many nights when she’d spot him hovering in the sky watching her. Kish saw the old memories flash behind her eyes. A clever grin curved his lips.

Floating further up, Kish snapped his fingers. He’d seen her desires and was all too happy to comply. Ichigo stared at him in shock. “Just like old times, eh Kitten?” His appearance had changed with the snap of his fingers. He was back in the clothes he used to wear four years ago. The same old short crop top and tunic covered shorts. Long tails drifting behind in the light breeze. Brown boots with red legs and wrist wraps. Even his hair, though still long behind his shoulders, sported the two bright red bands in the tails to either side of his face. He looked nearly exactly as he did four years ago. Cocky smirk and all. The only difference was his now more mature body.

A hand covered Ichigo’s mouth as she continued to stare at him in shock. It was almost like he had plucked one of the memories she had just thought about from her mind and made it real. Between the cool night air and the shock of seeing him as he used to be, what little buzz she was feeling had vanished.

And with the clarity an idea quickly began to take root. Looking up at him, she called out, “Not quite. But maybe…” She trailed off as she slipped her hand into her purse and withdrew something. Kish’s eyes lit up when they saw what was in her hand.

Bringing her hand to her lips, she kissed her pendant. “Mew Mew Strawberry Metamorphosis!” She shouted and within seconds she stood before Kish as a Mew. Tossing a quick glance at the iron scaffolding behind her, she called out to Kish again. “Only thing left is for you to try and catch me to steal a kiss!” And with that she bolted into the crisscrossing iron bars. Leaping and climbing her way down through the iron maze. “Oh! Game on, Kitten!” Kish shouted as he shot after her like a rocket. The chase was on.
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Lock and Key