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Lock and Key	By : Wildfaerie Category: +S to Z > Tokyo Mew Mew Views: 709 -:- 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
- 4
- 5
- 6
Disclaimer: I do not own Tokyo Mew Mew or anything associated with it. This lil story is, however, mine.
AN: Still swimming in the wonder world of M rating. So please if you can’t deal, don’t read.
Please Read & Review! Thank you!!
“text” – Talking   ‘text’ – Thinking   “text” – Talking Telepathically.

Lock and Key
Chapter 5: Making Plans

Keeping his word, Kish had quickly teleported to her home and implanted the false memory in her parents. He also gathered her cell phone from her room as well as the still sleeping Masha. Just as quickly as he left, Kish reappeared beside the bed containing his sleeping mate. She looked so peaceful. Snapping his fingers, he created a small nightstand beside the bed. He placed her phone and Masha atop and gathered their strewn clothes and shoved them in the drawer. He’d only taken the time to replace his pants before he left. But now he stripped out of those as well, stuffing them with the rest of their clothes.

Carefully, he slid into the bed next to his mate taking care not to wake her. He gently wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. Curling his body around her sleeping form protectively, he closed his eyes. The soft sweet scent of rain washed strawberries filled his nose and he inhaled deeply. Just barely noticeable, he caught his scent mixed with hers. He sighed in contentment. There was no mistaking that she was truly his. From the mark near her throat, to their bond, the lingering traces of their love making, to his scent being forever twined with hers, just as strawberries would forever be mixed under his own scent. They were bound as mates for the rest of their lives. With a soft sigh and a happy smile, Kish joined his mate in slumber.

They slept well past morning. The bright warm sun finally roused Ichigo from her sleep as the heat became unbearable under the blankets. Blinking her eyes, it took a moment for her to get her bearings. An arm tightened around her waist as she shifted. Last night’s events rolled through her mind as she glanced lovingly over her shoulder at the sleeping alien. He looked so peaceful and content curled protectively behind her. He had kept his promise. He was still here when she woke up. A smile graced her lips. Something caught her eye behind him. Her phone and Masha sat on a small nightstand next to his side of the bed. He’d returned it just like he said he would. Which probably explained their new positions because she was sure she had fallen asleep on his chest.

Worming her way out of his arms slowly so as not to disturb him, she finally slipped out of the bed. Tiptoeing to his side, she glanced at her phone. She had to slap her hand over her mouth to stifle her shriek. It was almost eleven and she was supposed to be at work by nine. Unlocking the screen, she saw several missed calls from Ryou and a text from him that simply read, “Call Me.” Ichigo groaned. Ryou was going to be pissed and she had had such a fantastic night too. Pouting, she opened the nightstand drawer, hoping her missing clothes were inside.

She was in luck. Quickly she pulled on her underwear and shirt. Walking several yards down the beach, she finally hit Ryou’s name on her phone. It only took two rings before he answered, “Where the hell have you been? You were supposed to be here almost two hours ago.” He paused. “I take it things went well with Kish?” Ichigo was stunned. How did he know?

Ryou may be an ass at times, but even he had noticed a shift in Ichigo over the last few months. After a lot of prying, he had finally gotten Lettuce to confess. She had told Ryou about Ichigo’s recurring nightmares and how she had been desperately missing Kish. While he couldn’t say he was thrilled at her new found feelings for the alien, even he had to admit that he’d noticed their connection. Especially, in the fights leading up to that final battle.

“Tart came by earlier with Pudding. He explained a little bit but said it would be better to wait and hear from you and Kish.” Finally finding her voice, Ichigo stuttered a reply, “Yes, I’m with Kish. And yeah… Um… Things went well. Um. Is it okay if I have the rest of today off?” “That’s fine Ichigo, but I want to see both you and Kish here after closing, you got that?” His voice held no room for an argument. “Yeah. I got it. And thank you.” “Oh, and Ichigo?” “Yeah?” “Next time you need an alibi for staying out all night with Kish, don’t use me.” Ichigo heard a click as he hung up.

She was mortified. Ryou knew she had been out all night with Kish. Her parents had probably called to make sure she was alright and knowing Ryou he had covered for her. It wasn’t the first time, but that usually had to do with Mew Mew business. And once Tart had shown up she was sure the pieces had clicked into place for him. Sighing, she plopped down in the sand, her phone clenched in one hand. She stretched her feet out, letting the cool ocean water ebb over her toes. She screamed and jabbed her elbow back when two arms wrapped around her from behind.

A groan came from behind her and when she looked over her shoulder she saw Kish laying back on the sand, a hand on his stomach. “I’m so sorry, Kish. Old habits,” she apologized quickly. Sitting up, Kish rubbed his bruised side. “Damn, Kitten. Haven’t lost your touch I see. And still as quick as ever,” he muttered. “I said I was sorry,” she pouted, crossing her arms. “It’s fine. Not like I haven’t felt that before from you. Or worse for that matter, got the scars to prove it,” he joked. Scooting forwards, he stretched his legs out on either side of her before slowly wrapping his arms around her middle and pulling her back against him. She relaxed in his embrace. “Everything alright? That blonde bastard didn’t sound too happy.” “How did you know it was Ryou?” she asked. He only pointed to his ears in response. “Right. Yeah he wasn’t thrilled that I didn’t show up for work, and wants us to stop by after closing. And he, uh.. He knows I was with you all night.” Her cheeks flushed just thinking about it. “Oh? I guess Tart clued him in that we were here?” “Yeah. Said he dropped by with Pudding. Said he explained a little, but that it would be better to hear everything from us. What’s he mean by that?”

Kish rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, it’s because of the reason we’re here. It’s not exactly his story to tell and I’m sure he wanted to wait until he heard from me before saying anything.” “So other than seeing me why did you come back?” she asked as she gazed out over the water. His grip on her tightened. “You are the reason we came back.” “What?” She was confused. Sighing, “Remember when I told you that the ones who initiate mate bonds can feel strong emotions from their chosen?” “Yeah. You said it could drive them insane if they were stuck in a frozen bond,” she answered.

“Exactly! Well, for the past few weeks I’ve felt you Ichigo. Every time you woke up from a nightmare my heart would clench in excruciating pain. I could feel your fear, pain, and anguish. And the first time I could even hear you call out my name. It was so strong, in fact, that Pai had heard you through me. I got Pai to finish repairing our ship so I could return to you immediately. I had to make sure you were alright. If you were able to reach so far I knew something had to be terribly wrong. And I couldn’t understand why you were calling out to me of all people. Tart came with me because he wanted to see Pudding and because he was worried about me. If you rejected me again, he didn’t know how I would react.” He turned away from her towards the sea before he finished. “He and Pai would have been the ones to help me cross to the Abyss if the bond remained frozen and I started to lose myself.”

Ichigo spun around and threw herself against him, knocking them both back to the sand. “You mean to help you commit suicide if you started to go insane because I would have rejected you!? Kish! I still can’t believe what you could have lost. And because of me. Never again. Do you hear me? I’m yours so you’ll never go through that pain again. I won’t lose you again. In any way. My heart couldn’t bear it. I already watched you die in my arms once, then you left without saying a word. Twice. Twice, I lost you. So never again!” Tears were glittering in her eyes, threatening to fall, as she clung to him.

His arms wrapped her tightly in his embrace and held her close. His heart ached for the pain and fear he felt rolling off his mate. A pain he had caused. “Shh. It’s alright, Kitten. Even if we parted, with the mating completed, I won’t lose my mind. But I’m still never going to leave you again. I told you last night. Now that I have you, I’m never letting you go. I love you, and you mean everything to me. So, no more tears, mate. They’re breaking my heart,” Kish whispered the final words in her furry cat ears. The sudden fear and anxiety having caused them and her tail to appear. Ichigo curled even tighter into his lap. “You promise?” she whimpered through her sniffles. “I promise, Kitten. I’ll never leave you. But that does bring up some other things that we need to discuss.” Wiping her eyes, Ichigo looked up at him. His eyes were serious and lacked their usual spark of mischief. She sucked in a breath, “I swear to God Kish, if you say I’m pregnant or something, I will kick your ass. And you’ll get to feel your precious kitty-cat’s claws.”

Kish blinked. Then fell back onto the sand as a howl of laughter erupted from his mouth. He laughed so hard his sides hurt and tears gathered in the corners of his eyes. “I’m guessing that’s a no then,” she squeaked in embarrassment. That only made him laugh harder. “I’m so glad my concerns amuse you so much,” she growled as she stood and stomped away. Finally catching his breath, Kish wiped his eyes and floated quickly after her. “Wait… Wait! I’m sorry. That just caught me off guard. It was one of the last things I thought you’d bring up. Especially out of the blue like that. But now that you have brought it up. I can put your mind at ease. The males of my race can control our fertility.”

Ichigo slowed her pace so she could listen more intently. Dropping to his feet, Kish walked along beside her as he continued. “It lets us choose when it’s best to try and reproduce. Though I found my release last night, it wasn’t fertile. I figured the shock of being basically married would be enough without the weight of a possible pregnancy on top of that. I’ve told you how bad the conditions used to be on my planet. Well, we developed a way to control our fertility because of that. Unplanned children could at the best of times suffer from malnutrition and at the worst be fatal to both mother and child.” Ichigo stopped and turned to him. His cheeks were lightly tinged pink. ‘Good to know even he can get embarrassed sometimes,’ she thought. “So you’re saying we can …uh… have sex whenever we want without the risk of getting pregnant until we decide?” “Yup,” he popped the ‘p’ as his smirk slid across his face. “Pervert. Get your mind out of the gutter. That doesn’t mean we’ll be in bed nonstop. I just wanted to make sure I understood correctly.” He pouted, “Aww. But Kitten. We are technically married. Humph… You’re no fun.” “That wasn’t a complete no, either,” she smirked. “But I have a feeling there’s a lot more we need to discuss before we get distracted.” “Yeah, you’re right. But first, let’s go for a quick swim. I’m hot and covered in sand. Plus I’d like you to enjoy your paradise a bit more before we get back to the serious stuff. I promise I’ll even behave.” “Mostly,” he quickly added.

“Oh, alright. I guess this is kind of like our honeymoon,” she giggled. She still couldn’t quite wrap her head around that she was basically Kish’s wife or mate as he called it. “But I don’t have a bathing suit.” He laughed as he slid off his pants and headed for the crystal blue water. “We’re completely alone. You don’t need one,” he said snapping his fingers. Ichigo suddenly found herself naked and her clothes folded on the sand next to her. “Why you! You damn perverted alien!” she screeched as she ran into the water after him.

They swam, splashed, and teased one another until they grew tired, and their muscles burned. It felt nice to just cut loose and enjoy herself for a while. It had been a long time since she had laughed so hard. They were lazily treading water above a coral reef when Kish beckoned her closer. She gave him a quizzical look. “I want to show you something.” “What?” she asked. “Do you trust me?” “Always,” she responded quickly. Beyond pleased with her answer, he smiled wide. “Then dive deep and stay there. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.” She nodded her head and sucked in a deep breath before diving below the surface. Keeping her eyes closed, she kept her hands outstretched so she wouldn’t hit anything. She jumped in her skin when she felt Kish’s hand take hers and draw her further down. After a moment, he released her and she started to get a bit nervous without his touch. Suddenly, she felt the water recede and she could breathe. Opening her eyes, she gasped. She was surrounded by a large bubble and Kish was hovering next to her, grinning. Thanks to his powers he could breathe underwater, but now so could she.

“This is amazing!” she said in awe. “I thought you’d enjoy it,” he said back telepathically. Kish pushed her bubble deeper until they were amongst the coral reef. Fish of every color and size darted among the various corals and plants like shimmering jewels. The bright rays of the sun glittering down from the surface casting everything in a sparkling glow. A huge moray eel slithered from a crevice inches from her bubble and Ichigo gasped in fear. Kish gave it a look and it quickly slithered away, well aware of who the greater predator was. “I told you I wouldn’t let anything happen to you,” he smiled reassuringly. A tiny seahorse drifted near the bubble and she tentatively reached a hand towards it. “Can I?” she asked. “Go ahead,” he affirmed. Nervously, she pressed her hand through the thin wall of the bubble and felt the cool ocean water around her hand. Reaching towards the seahorse, she giggled when it wrapped it’s tiny tail around her finger.

Smiling, Kish relaxed back in the water while his mate enjoyed herself. Her calm giggles and bright eyes full of wonder warmed his heart. This was what he’d been looking for before he even found her. He always knew he’d recognize the one he was meant to be with the moment he saw her. And that person was Ichigo. His Kitten. Who knew it would take coming to another planet to find the woman of his dreams. He thanked the All Bright for putting him on his path to finding her. He’d never felt happiness like this before. He watched as a myriad of rainbow fish danced around her bubble, drawn to her gentle and pure soul. His sharp eyes caught movement out in the deeper water as a large shape began to take form. Subtly shifting so he blocked her view of the stalking creature, he turned eyes slightly threaded with red towards its direction. Sensing the presence of a greater threat, the large shark swam back into the dark depths. ‘Nothing threatens my mate,’ he thought to himself. ‘Nor her happiness.’ Blinking, he calmed himself down and turned back to his mate who was none the wiser of the passing threat.

The sight before him made him laugh. Her cat genes had kicked in and she was swatting at the passing fish with a curled paw-like hand. Her eyes darting all around, not sure where to focus, and she was licking her tiny cat fangs. Her tail and ears constantly flicking back and forth. He shook his head. She could be just too adorable for words at times. “Hey Kitten, you ready to head back up? We still have a lot to discuss before we head to the café.” “Nya…. Ugh. Yeah, but think we could catch some fish? I’m starving.” Kish grinned, “Only if I get a kiss.” “Make something tasty and you might get more than just a kiss.” Kish’s eyes widened. “Yes Ma’am.” Ichigo giggled as he quickly pushed the bubble up towards the shore. When they reached the shallow water, the bubble popped just as her head broke the surface.

Walking onto the shore, Ichigo hollered over her shoulder, “Hey Kish?” Already guessing what she wanted, Kish snapped his fingers. A large towel spread out over the sand, and another sat folded atop. “Thanks, love. You’re the best,” she said wrapping herself in the fluffy towel. “Anything for my Kitten. Now, I’ll be right back with lunch,” he grinned as he dove beneath the waves. Scanning the beach, she saw her clothes and cell phone only a few feet away. Hurrying over, she snatched them up before returning to the sun warmed towel. Sprawling out to let the sun dry her damp skin, Ichigo tapped the screen. She saw it was already a little past one. She gasped. They’d been swimming for almost 2 hours. No wonder she was tired and hungry.

By the time Kish returned with several large gutted and cleaned fish and a crab, Ichigo had set up a small fire pit and a bundle of dry twigs she’d found in the brush. With a snap of his fingers, a small fire burst to life and he carefully staked the fish out to cook. Another snap and a small pot appeared in his hands. Filling it with water, he sat it over the flames to boil. “Never knew you could cook or be the outdoorsy type,” she teased. “You learn to adapt when you’re not sure where your next meal may come from. Plus, I was a bit of a loner and troublemaker as a kid. Spent a lot of time exploring the wilds on my own.” “Will you tell me more about your planet? Both before and after the Mew Aqua?” she asked softly. Moving the fish a little further from the flames so they wouldn’t cook too quickly and burn, he glanced over at her, “Sure.”

Seeing her blushing and averting her eyes, he shook his head and snapped his fingers. His pants reappeared and he made himself comfortable by the fire. Sitting so the fish were within easy reach, he called her over, “Come here Kitten.” Seeing that he was covered again, she made her way to him. Tugging her down, he settled her between his legs as he leaned against a large piece of driftwood he had dragged over earlier. “Still so skittish,” he teased. “Sorry. I went to bed last night in my home a virgin and woke up on a deserted island, married to an alien who used to try to kill me on a regular basis. Forgive me for feeling a tad skittish.”

Kish gave her a sideways look over her shoulder. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. I get grouchy when I’m hungry. Thank you for earlier, by the way. That was truly incredible. I don’t think I’ve had that much fun in months.” Bringing a knee up, he coaxed her to turn and lean back against his leg so he could better see her face while they spoke. This way she was also still circled in the protection of his body. “It’s alright. And like I said, anything for my Kitten. Besides, seeing you happy makes me happy, so win win. And I get it. A lot has happened in a very short amount of time. It was never my intention to rush or push you into anything. In fact, when I went to your home, it was my original intention not to even touch you. Which is why I had asked you to stay away when you tried to get to me after realizing I was there. I didn’t know what was going on yet and I didn’t think I could handle it well if I felt you and then you rejected me again.” “And I practically threw myself at you…,” she giggled awkwardly.

“Hey, I’m not complaining because it led to the best night of my life. I only meant that I never intended for things to move so fast. I just wanted to make sure you were okay and to talk. So, I’m sorry.” He shifted his gaze to the fire, hiding his eyes behind his bangs. Ichigo leaned over and tugged on a forelock. “Hey, we’re both to blame. You didn’t do anything I didn’t want or agree to. And looking back, I don’t think I would change a damn thing. Not even being married or mated to you.” He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, “You really mean that?” “Yes. I really do. Though maybe I would of liked to have actually been proposed to, but you’ve never been one to go the normal route. Especially when it comes to us.” Cocking his head, he caught her eye, “What is ‘proposed to’?”

She giggled, “Of course you don’t know what it means. Asking for permission isn’t exactly your strong suit. It’s when someone asks for someone to marry them. Usually, a man gets down on one knee and presents the girl with an engagement ring. The ring is to symbolize that she’s promised to someone if she says yes. It’s usually done in some kind of romantic or special setting. If the girl does say yes, then they become engaged and start planning their wedding. Sometimes they can be engaged for weeks or years. Depends on the couple and the circumstances. A wedding is the ceremony that binds the couple in front of family and friends. But I think I remember you saying something about marriage before, so I’m guessing you know what it is?” He nodded as he reached for the fish. They were cooked perfectly, and he handed one to Ichigo. Before biting into his, he tossed the crab into the boiling pot.

Her mouth watered as she tore into the hot fish. “Ow! Hot!” she squeaked, fanning her mouth. “But so good!” He chuckled at her antics as he carefully bit into his own. He had to give himself credit, they turned out pretty damn good. “So a proposal is like the promise to get married?” he asked. She nodded, “Yeah. Something like that.” “Guess I missed a few steps. Sorry Ichigo.” His voice was distant like he was lost in thought. Finishing off her fish, she reached for another one. “Kish…” she trailed off trying to think of the right thing to say. But this was Kish, so she just stayed true to herself and said what was on her mind, “While it’s true most girls dream of the day they get proposed to, me included. I wouldn’t change what we have for anything. You waited over four years for even a chance with me. And I may have only realized my true feelings barely a year ago. But that doesn’t change the fact that we both waited for a chance with the other, a chance that may never have come. Besides, you did technically propose all those years ago. You did ask me to be your bride, remember? So, we skipped a few steps. Big deal. Another reason for an engagement is for the couple to be sure that they want to spend their lives together before getting married. I think we’ve spent more than enough time thinking about that. We both have gold chains, so obviously this is what we both want.” She tossed him a warm smile before tucking into her second fish.

He stared at her in awe. Again, she amazed and surprised him. He knew she spoke true and from the heart. He could scent most lies. And come to think of it, that was one thing she’d never done to him. She’d never downright lied to him. Even when she claimed to hate him in the past, it may not have been the full truth but it hadn’t been a lie either. Something said in the moment, how she felt just then. Which was why it had always hurt so badly. He could smell the truth. She never truly hated him, just how he was acting or what he was trying to do. It was that bit of hope he had always clung to. And here she was, putting his fears that he had really messed up to rest. She had given up one dream when an even bigger dream had come true. And he was that dream. A possibility even she had been unsure about, but had clung to hope just as he had. They really were two sides of the same coin. So different and yet the same in many ways.

“Marry me, Kitten,” he suddenly blurted out. She snapped her face to his, “What?” “Marry me. Let’s have a traditional human wedding. You can even invite the Mew Mews and your parents if you want.” “But we’re already married in your eyes.” “Please? You’ve already given me my dream and become my mate. Let me give you yours by giving you a wedding and becoming your husband in your eyes.” She was stunned. She nearly dropped the rest of her precious fish, she was so stunned. “Are… Are you sure about this? I’m perfectly happy with the way things are. You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.” “I want to do this for you. Please let me do this. Besides, didn’t you say that proposals usually happen somewhere romantic or special? Well, I can’t think of anywhere more romantic or special than this beach. It’s where we became mates. Where I made you mine and you made me yours. So, please say you’ll marry me?”

She didn’t even have to think twice when she looked into those glittering golden eyes full of love and hope. Besides, they were married in the eyes of his people, why not marry in the eyes of hers? “Yes. I’d be honored to marry you Kish.” He tossed the skewer and last of his fish into the fire and threw his arms around the cat-girl. Peppering her face with a kiss between each word as he spoke, “Thank you, Kitten. And you’ll see. It will be perfect. And I promise by tomorrow, I’ll have the most perfect ring for you.”

Ichigo couldn’t help but giggle as she finally managed to push him away. “Okay. Okay. Enough. There’s going to be a lot of things we need to get done. And I have no idea what I’m going to tell my parents. When did you want to have the wedding?” “In one month,” he answered. “Gah, so fast!” “Well, that actually moves us into one of the things we need to discuss.” “Which is?” she asked, cocking an eyebrow. “Well, Tart and I have to return in about a month and a half. We swore we’d be back in two months and it’s about a seven to eight day trip each way so that leaves us with just over a month to spend here. If things were going well with us, I was going to ask,” “I’m coming,” she cut him off abruptly.

“Wait, are you sure? It could be several months before I might be able to bring you back,” he said worried. “I don’t care. I’m coming with you. Besides, you promised you’d never leave me.” She was resolute in her decision. She wasn’t going to be left behind again. “And I meant it. I will never leave you willingly, but I understand that you have a life here.” She cut him off again, “My life is with you. Wherever that may be or however we make it work. But I am going with you. So, we’ll just have to get this wedding figured out in a month. Because then I’m leaving with you.”

It was Kish’s turn to be stunned. “I don’t think you’ll ever stop amazing me, Kitten. You’re beyond too good for me.” “I know,” she teased. “But I don’t care because I love you, Kish.” “I love you too, Ichigo.” Once he had carefully moved the boiling pot out of the fire and sat the last fish on top, Kish pulled Ichigo to the center of the sun warmed towel beneath them. He pressed his lips to hers and slowly pushed her back until she found herself on her back beneath him. “So was lunch tasty enough for more than just a kiss?” he smirked. “Depends. What do you have in mind?” she teased, wrapping her arms around his neck. Kish slid a hand under her shirt and softly palmed her breast. “Let me show you,” he purred. Kish made love to his mate and now fiancé. Their moans and soft whispers the only sounds on the tiny island.

A little while later, Kish had removed everything that he had brought to the island. He and Ichigo sat by the dwindling fire. Both redressed and continuing their conversations from earlier. Ichigo was finishing off the last of the fish and Kish was nibbling at the slightly over cooked crab, trying to stock his energy reserves for the long two person teleport back to her home.

“So if your planet was as cold and barren as you say, where did you live and what did you eat?” she asked. “My people built cities underground and in the cliff faces. They were the best places to survive the unpredictable and harsh weather of the surface. It was mostly blizzards that swept through, but there could also be severe thunderstorms, intense heat and drought, or, on very rare occasions, there could be a beautiful sunny day. Because of the uncertain and extreme weather, living underground was the best solution. Food was a challenge. It was nearly impossible to grow crops. They were regularly destroyed above ground. And only a few types could survive in the caverns without sunlight. Thankfully, with our technology we were able to cultivate several crops, however these were sorely lacking in true nutrition. This is where some of our military branches came into play. While most were used to keep the peace and to help during natural disasters, others had more specific missions. Our small air force was used to scout the land or nearby planets for food or habitable lands. While the science and development branch worked to better update our crop problems as well as the use of chimeras. The predacites were originally designed as biological weapons. However, over time, we were able to breed and domesticate some species for pack animals and farming. The meat wasn’t the tastiest, but it at least had nutritional value. But the problem still remained, too much demand and not enough supply. Predacites are incredibly difficult to breed. Hardy and long lived, but slow to reproduce. And infusers only work on an already existing creature.

He paused to take another bite, “I suppose that’s how I became noticed, at least for my skills with predacites. I started gene splicing on an infuser and used it on a predacite. Which had never been done before. So, now that predacite had even more desirable traits. They would now breed faster, but it still only scratched the surface of our food issues. So a smaller corps of the armed forces branch of the military would go foraging and hunting when there was a lull in the weather. And that brings me around to how I ended up in the military at such a young age. Most children don’t join until age ten at the youngest. I was eight and it hadn’t even been a year since my father had been executed. I used to run off on my own a lot. I had developed a bit of a temper after losing my father. So, I used to escape the tunnels every chance I got. I learned several places to hide if I got caught in storms, and even a few places where wild food grew that I only shared with Pai and Tart. I was more comfortable in the Wilds then around people. On one of my excursions, a hunting party came across me. They were apparently hunting the same thing that had been stalking me. It was an Ursigrit. Imagine something slightly larger than one of your grizzly bears with its hulking strength and body, but with the head and legs of a tiger, giving it agility as well as brute strength. Well, the hunting party kind of saw me take it down by myself with just a small hunting dagger. Needless to say, they were impressed. It usually took a group of trained fighters to take down one of those creatures and I did it alone at eight.”

“Damn, a bear-like creature at only eight? You really did hold back a lot when we fought, didn’t you?” Walking to the water, Kish dumped the crab shells into the ocean and snapped his fingers, making the pot disappear. Returning to the campfire, he stretched out, folding his arms behind his head. “In the beginning I did to test how strong you were without giving too much away about myself. Then I became infatuated with you. And it became a bit of a game to me. How fast could I rile you up, how long it took for you to land a hit on me, or if I could steal another kiss. Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of times you legit handed me my ass fair and square. I couldn’t hide or hold back as much as I wanted when Pai and Tart showed up because they’d notice. And being severely loyal to Deep Blue, I couldn’t risk it. But at the end, I definitely was because I didn’t care anymore about Deep Blue or the war. I only cared about you and trying to find a way to ‘have my cake and eat it too’ as the human saying goes. Or, save my people and protect you. But like I said, absolutely don’t sell yourself short. I guarantee you could at the very least still hold your own against me. You’re that good. And that’s with my years of training.”

Ichigo blushed. She lay on her side facing him, propped up on an elbow. “You know, I’d love to spar with you some time. I kinda miss our fights. The predacites I’ve fought since you left don’t hold the same challenge. And to see just how I measure up to you now since I know you’ve continued your training.” “That actually sounds like fun. Been a while since I’ve had a real challenge. Could probably learn a lot from each other as well. Like how the hell you got so good at predicting where and when I would teleport,” he cocked his head towards her. “That, my dear, is a trade secret. Only hint I’ll give is that I could narrow down the area because you’d always appear near me,” she winked. “Clever Kitten,” he smirked, eyeing her from the corner of his eye.

Rolling a hand over in the air above him, “So anyways, I got drafted into the military at eight. Which in and of itself wasn’t a huge shock. See, my father was next in line to be Commander General, which is the highest rank one can achieve. They are above everyone and control every branch of the military. Nothing is done without their input. And he had been training me in secret pretty much since I could walk to follow in his shoes. Only ones that knew were my family.”

“Sounds like an incredibly important position but also tiring. Having to be in charge of so much. To be responsible for so many decisions. Sounds like it would be a lot to handle, especially for one person,” she mused. “Oh, it is. And then there’s the balls, banquets, listening to aristocrats kiss your ass because they want some kind of preferential treatment. It can be a political nightmare. More headaches than it’s worth half the time.” He stopped when he felt her eyes staring into him. Glancing over at her, “What?” “You speak as though you know. Wait, don’t tell me…,” her eyes grew round. “Guess I forgot to mention that. Yup. You just so happen to be marrying the Commander General of an entire planet,” he grinned. “You’ve got to be kidding me! Who in their right mind would give a lose canon like you that sort of power? No offense.” Ichigo was shocked. Who ever thought that the arrogant, egotistical, perverted kid she fought so long ago would have control over an entire planet’s military? “None taken, sugar. Besides, Pai said pretty much the same thing. But I had too many things going for me. My dad had been in line for the position, I was at the top if not the best melee fighter on the planet, my uncanny abilities with infusers and predacites, my tactical knowledge and mental acuity, being hand chosen by Deep Blue, and then coming back a literal hero that saved the entire planet. Way too much stacked against me to not be handed the title and responsibility.”

Rolling towards him, Ichigo threw a leg over his waist and climbed atop him. He cocked a brow. “Don’t get any ideas. You’re more comfortable than the ground and my arm was starting to fall asleep. This way I’m warmer, comfy, and can see you easily while we talk.” She tapped his leg behind her. Getting the hint, Kish brought his knees up, planting his feet flat behind her to give her something to lean back on. “Thanks, and besides, how many can say they get to use the Great Commander General as a comfy seat?” Kish rolled his eyes and flopped his head back on his arms, “Glad I could be of service, My Lady.” His tone was snarky and Ichigo was having none of it as she pouted, “Oh, just let me have my moment. Besides, maybe I just like being able to touch you.” She watched his features closely and saw a small smile slide across his lips. “That’s better,” she teased. “Manipulative Kitten,” he mumbled. “I heard that,” she sing-songed. He stuck his tongue out at her. ‘Mmm… The things that tongue can do,’ she thought as memories of last night drifted through her mind. Kish’s fangs glinted in the sunlight as he smiled wide. “And I heard that,” he purred, sitting up on his elbows. “I’ll be more than happy to pleasure you with my tongue whenever you wish, Kitten. You taste divine. Bitter, yet oh so sweet.”

Blushing scarlet, Ichigo pushed him back onto the ground. “Down boy. We only have…,” she trailed off as she reached for her phone. “Like thirty minutes before we need to head back.” “Plenty of time to have you moaning my name,” he smirked as he licked his lips. “Shut it, pervert. Besides, there’s something I really should show you before we leave. Something I think you need to see.” He cocked a brow, “What’s that?” She tapped her forehead. Understanding, Kish slipped into her mind.

Finding himself in the café like area, “What is it Kitten?” Ichigo walked to the large red and golden door. “There’s a memory I think you should see. A nightmare actually,” she said as she opened the door. Kish was shocked. She was going to allow him access to her innermost mind. ‘She really does trust me completely,’ he thought. Stepping through the door, he was in awe. It looked as though he had stepped into the grandest and most beautiful library he had ever seen. Walls arching high with shelves upon shelves of beautifully crafted books. And each of those books contained one of her memories. ‘So this is how she imagines her mind,’ he thought in wonder. Looking towards her, “Your mind is stunningly beautiful, Kitten. But why would I need to see a nightmare?” “Because of something you said earlier. You said you came here because you suddenly felt me in pain. I told you I was having nightmares, but I think I know which one actually triggered your reaction. They were always of your death, but a couple of weeks ago, they changed. When you said you heard me call out to you, I remembered after that first different nightmare, I could of sworn I heard you asking, “Kitten?””

“You mean you actually heard me?” Surprise swept through him. He hadn’t really believed he’d gotten through to her. The distance was so great, and their bonding was incomplete. But she had. Even incomplete, their bond had been exceptionally strong. “I’m positive I did. At first, I thought it was just my imagination. But when you said that you heard me calling for you, I began to wonder.” Looking around, “I’ve never done this before, how do I find the memory I want?” Kish glanced around and saw an elegant pedestal with an open book and a large, feathered quill that was filling its blank pages. It was her mind recording the here and now as a new memory. He walked over to it. “Place your hand on the pedestal, but don’t touch the open book or quill. I’m assuming I’m at the center of this memory, so think of me.”

She did as she was told and as she thought of him, the library began to rearrange. Books sliding through one another like water until a large alcove filled with hundreds of books stood before her, slightly separated from the rest of the shelves. “Wow, Kitten. So many memories of just me?” Awe once again filled his voice. “We did spend an entire year fighting each other constantly. And even when we weren’t fighting, you still managed to occupy a lot of my time with that whole stalking thing. And I’m sure some of these are repeats over the last few years of me going back over the original memories when I was trying to sort through things.” She noticed most of the books held a color scheme, either being shades of green, black, or white, with a few being red. “Do the colors mean anything?” she asked curiously.

“Actually, yeah. It’s kind of a universal instinctual thing. Don’t ask me how or why, but almost everyone’s memories follow the same color pattern. Black usually denotes a terrible memory while white is a deeply treasured one. The rest are hued by the color you most associate with the object of the memory. The lighter in color, the less significant the subject is in a memory. The darker the hue, the more prominent the subject was in the memory. And seeing as how these are all about me, I’m guessing green is what you associate with me.” He tugged his hair, “Not a big leap to guess why.” She giggled, “I suppose not. But what about the red ones?” His eyes grew wide as they darted over the shelves. He spotted at least several dozen scattered thought the last shelves. He grinned wickedly, “Those are usually filled with passionate or erotic memories. Guess I’m not the only pervert seeing as how there are many more than just the two for when we made love. Just what have you been thinking about me?” Ichigo’s chest and cheeks flamed scarlet. “A girl’s allowed to have her fantasies,” she stammered. Kish eyed her up and down. “Anyways, how do I find the one I’m looking for?” she quickly asked.

Sliding his eyes from her and back to the books, “They’re in chronological order. See that large one near the end that looks like it’s made of ivory and rubies?” Following along his line of sight, she nodded when she found it. “Gonna take a guess here, but judging by the colors and how important it looks, I’m going to say that’s when we became mates. So if you travel back from there you should be able to find it.” Ichigo’s eyes lingered over the book. It was stunning. The cover and spine looked to be made of glistening white ivory with a myriad of shimmering red rubies of all sizes embedded all over the cover. It was also much larger than most of the other books. Walking over to the shelves, she traced her way back in time. Finally, she found one that was almost solid black with just a few whisps of dark green threaded through it. She was certain it was the correct one. “Ok, now what?” she asked over her shoulder. Kish came up beside her and took her hand. “Touch it. I’ll live through the memory just as you had.” “Okay. But just a warning, it’s intense,” she warned him. Her voice was a bit shaky. She wanted him to see so maybe he would understand, but she wasn’t looking forwards to reliving that night again. “I’ll be alright. If you want to come out before the end of the memory, just take your hand off the book.” ‘Here goes nothing,’ she thought and placed her hand on the cover.

Kish was instantly transported to one of, if not the, worst days of his life. The day he died. But now he was watching through Ichigo’s eyes. Seeing everything from her perspective, feeling all she felt, and hearing what she had heard. He cringed when he saw Deep Blue’s sword run him through, the scar on his abdomen twinging. But what really grabbed his attention was the pain that Ichigo felt. He felt her heart shatter. But this time, things played out differently. He felt hope bloom in her chest when he teleported to her and took her hand. Hope that he would survive. Desperation laced her voice and heart as she begged him why. Then a warmth spread through her as he told her that he loved her. But all that hope and warmth quickly disappeared in a wash of heartbreaking pain and anguish when he thanked her for letting him hear her say she was his at least once and the realization that this was the end hit her. His vision blurry with her tears as she watched his body fall to the floor. Her heart, body, and soul crying out to him. A soul shattering scream in the form of his name tore from her lips as she awoke. The last thing he heard as the memory faded away was his own voice reaching out across to her through space.

Ichigo stumbled back as she released the book. Tears were streaming down her face. That nightmare felt so real. It had shattered her heart all over again. Strong arms encircled her, pulling her against a firm chest. She sobbed within his embrace, her legs giving out. They both collapsed to the floor and he tucked her into the comfort of his lap, holding her close. Her body shook with the force of her sobs. His chest and heart were heavy with the weight of what he had just witnessed. Her longing for him had twisted the memory. Making it sweeter, more romantic, but so, so much more painful. He never realized just how much his death had affected her, especially since he had been resurrected. But he saw it now, felt the pain as surely as if it had been his own. A hand buried in her hair, “I’m sorry. So sorry.” He repeated the words like a mantra. His own tears falling down his face to land atop her crimson crown.

“That was the first time that memory, that nightmare, changed. I had watched that nightmare of a memory of your death play out for years. But when it changed, something inside me broke. It showed me what I wanted. What I had given up. Had lost. I had given you up, so I lost you. In death, then when you left. There were more nightmares that followed, all similar, but none that hurt like that one.” Her muffled words reached his ears, interrupted by her quaking sobs. He could only bury his face deeper into her hair. A steady stream of ‘sorrys’ whispered through her soft tresses. This was his fault. The pain he had caused her was unimaginable. He held her closer, tighter, and rocked her gently. His precious Kitten had been in absolute agony and he had been the root of it.

Small fists pounded weakly against his chest. “Understand now? I won’t go through that again. I lost you twice and countless more times in my nightmares. I don’t care what it takes, but I’m not losing you again. I can’t Kish. Don’t ever leave me like that again.” Her sobs had become hiccups as she curled up impossibly small within the protection of his body. His pure hearted Kitten looked so weak and fragile. Something he’d never thought to associate with her. She was fire, defiance, strength, and confidence personified to him.

Wrapping a hand around her fist, he held it to his heart. “Never again. Whatever it takes. I promise I won’t leave you again. Even if I have to give up everything, I’ll do it. My life means nothing without you in it, Kitten. I left my heart here when I left before because it’s always been in your hands. I had tried to move on, to forget. But I couldn’t. Everywhere I looked, I saw you. The deep red of your hair at sunset, the pink of your lips in the fresh flowers, those strawberry chocolate eyes every time I closed mine, the sound of your laughter mixed with children playing, and your scent every time it rained. I promise, I’ll do whatever it takes to make this work. I will never put you through that again. You’re my mate, soon to be wife, and at my side is where you will always be.” He placed a soft kiss to her temple.

Wiping away her tears with the back of her hand, she looked up at him, “I love you, Kish. I think I have for far longer than even I knew.” “And I love you Ichigo. Always have and always will.” Their lips met in a short chaste kiss, but the strength of their love behind that kiss could have moved mountains.

“Come on, Kitten. It’s probably time to head back but promise me something?” he asked as he tugged her to her feet. “What?” “That you’ll allow me to come back.   To share more of your memories.” She smiled, “Of course, but on one condition.” “And that would be?” he asked curiously. “That you’ll allow me in your mind and share your memories with me.” He smiled and kissed her forehead, “I promise.”

Finding herself back on the beach and above Kish, she unlocked her phone. It was just after four. They had to meet Ryou at seven at the cafe, but she still needed to shower, change, and pack. She clicked on her mom’s name and held a finger to her lips, indicating to Kish to keep quiet. “Hey, honey,” her mom answered. “Hey mom. I’m just letting you know we got a new employee at the café so we’re having some late night team building exercises to welcome and train him. So I’ll be staying at the cafe for the next few nights so I don’t have to walk home so late. I was gonna stop by in a few to pack a bag and grab a quick shower.” “Oh, that’s fine dear. Your father is still at work and I’m out shopping for dinner. Probably won’t be home for at least another hour or so. So if I miss you, just be safe and keep me up to date.” “Will do mom. Love you.” “Love you too honey. Bye.” “Bye Mom.” Ichigo hung up and smiled down at Kish.

“Looks like we’re in the free and clear to head home. And since my parents are both out, maybe I could entice a certain perverted alien to join me in the shower. We could play out one of those red books,” she winked coyly. Kish shot up, eyes wide. “You don’t even have to ask.” “Always so eager,” she teased as she got up. Kish stood up as well and wrapped his arms around her from behind. Placing his lips near her ear, he whispered, “Only for you, Kitten.” They stood for a few moments longer gazing out over the ocean. The sun starting its descent on the horizon. “Promise me we’ll come back here someday. It’s beautiful and I’ll always treasure the memories we made here.” Her voice was soft in reverence. This tiny island would forever hold a special place in her heart. “Anything for you, Kitten. It’s special to me as well. So, I promise.” With a snap of his fingers, Kish removed the fire. Clearing the last traces of them from the island before teleporting to her bedroom. The only sign that the couple had ever been there were their footprints in the sand.

As soon as Ichigo felt her toes touch carpet, she opened her eyes. But she forgot about the merry-go-round after affects of teleporting and stumbled as her vision swam. Kish quickly caught her and swept her off her feet, “Easy, Kitten.” “Urgh, will I ever get used to this feeling?” she groaned. “You’re already doing better. You managed to keep your eyes open this time,” he praised. “How do you do that anyways?” “What, teleport?” he asked setting her on the edge of her bed. “Yeah, I mean is it science or magic?” Kish folded his arms behind his head as he stood there and thought about it. “I suppose a bit of both really. It’s an ability we’re born with, though it doesn’t manifest until between the ages of five and seven. Same with flying. But the easiest way to explain it is subspace. My race can access and manipulate alternate dimensions that exist in subspace. Think of it like another plane of existence just slightly out of sync with this one. I can step into that plane then picture where I want the door to appear in this reality and step out there.”

He summoned his dragon sais and saw a flash of fear cross Ichigo’s eyes. “You know I’ll never hurt you right?” “Sorry. Just been a while since I’ve seen those in person. The last time was when, well you know. And no, I’m not afraid of you, and I know you won’t hurt me. Just bad memories is all.” “Ah, yeah. Sorry didn’t think of that. Here,” he twisted a sai nimbly through his fingers and held the hilt out to Ichigo. “Time to make new memories.”

Tentatively, she took the weapon. It was much heavier than she expected, despite its delicate appearance. “I was going to use them as an example. There are several types of subspaces that my race can use. First, are the small personal pocket spaces that are only accessible to an individual. It’s where I keep my sais and a few other personal items. You can actually use that ability too.” She looked up from the sai in confusion, “Huh?” “When you’re in your Mew Mew form. It’s where you keep your bell and wand. Not to mention your uniform before you call upon it.” His eyes shown with cockiness at knowing something about her powers that even she didn’t know. “I never made that connection. Guess we’ve got more in common then I thought.” Kish chuckled, “That’s a given, considering it was my race’s abilities and technology that sparked the Mew Mew project in the first place. At least that’s what Pai and I believe. Something I’m rather looking forwards to discussing with that blonde bastard of yours.” “He has a name you know,” she pointed out. “Does he? Don’t care. Never could stand him. He never seemed to take his eyes off you and it used to piss me off.”

He watched Ichigo twirl his sai in a similar way to him. “Careful. That’s sharper than it looks.” She glared at the reprimand, “I’m well aware. Had these at my neck more then once.” “Yeah… I suppose you would know better than most.” She could hear the sadness and apology in his voice. Waving her hand, “It’s fine, Kish. It’s in the past. We’ve said our apologies. Time to move past it. I already have.” He looked down at his other sai and rotated it several times through his fingers in thought. “You’re right.”

“Anyways, that’s a personal subspace. Then there’s the general subspace which is what we move through when we teleport. Though that’s not really a realm, more just unphasing with this reality for a few moments. The other is a sustained realm. Like the rooms on board my ship. Either by people or machine, those subspaces are permanently or semi permanently maintained and anyone can access. Even if you don’t have the ability to use subspaces. And finally, there are common realms. These are sustained subspaces that can be entered only by those with our abilities and must be granted access to. Making them semiprivate. Pai, Tart, and I used one while we were here for our meetings and to communicate with Deep Blue. I was so pissed when they showed up there. Meant Deep Blue was losing faith in me as well as a loss to our one-on-one time.” He trailed off as he watched his spinning sai.

“Believe me, I wasn’t thrilled when they showed up either. You were hard enough to handle. And now there were two more! And quite frankly, Pai gave me the creeps. He always looked so cold and calculating. You two couldn’t of been more opposite. Anyways, some of what you said went over my head, but I think I actually understood most of it. In a very simplified way anyways,” she smiled. Kish chuckled, “That’s just how Pai is. More brains than feelings, but he’s not bad when you get to know him. Fact, I’ll let you in on a little secret that may change your view about him.” “Oh? What’s that?” she asked, genuinely curious. “Just mention that fish girl to him. Guarantee you he’ll blush,” he winked. “What!? Are you telling me he likes Lettuce?”

“She’s the main reason he saved the rest of the Mews at the end. Her actions with him in previous fights had made him begin to question everything. She melted that icy heart of his. He’ll never admit any of this. I’m the only one who knows, though Tart probably suspects. He broke down one night and straight asked me how I could so easily turn on Deep Blue for you. Said it was simple, I loved you. He wanted to know how I knew. Told him that when seeing you hurt began to hurt me, I knew I couldn’t let it happen anymore. He said that was how he felt about the fish girl. Said seeing her suffering was hurting him. Granted, he only told me this cause I got him drunk one night when we had skipped out of a banquet back home,” he smirked.

“Wow. You know, as surprising as it is, it doesn’t actually surprise me. I saw the way he looked at her occasionally. Like he was in awe, and she was a mystery he just couldn’t figure out.” Ichigo handed back his sai, twirling just like he had done, so she held out the hilt. Taking it, “You’re pretty deft at handling this. If you’re serious about sparring, maybe I can teach you how to use them.” Pride in her filled his voice. “That sounds awesome. I’ve never really handled weapons besides my bell and wand. I look forwards to it,” she said excitedly. “Now come on. I need a shower and still have to pack. Then we have to go see Ryou. You still sure it’s alright I crash on your ship with you for a while?” “Absolutely, Kitten,” he grinned wide as he dismissed his sais.

While Ichigo waited for the water to get warm, Kish stripped out of his clothes behind her. She was already naked, and he couldn’t help but think how surreal it all was. He had no idea how many times he had sat outside in her tree and fantasized about joining her while she bathed. Then he remembered her mentioning something about fulfilling her own fantasy. ‘Two sides, same coin,’ he thought again, shaking his head. Ichigo’s voice broke through his thoughts, “You coming?” She was holding the shower curtain aside and looking at him expectantly. “Sorry, got lost in thought for a moment,” he said stepping in to join her. She slid under the water and turned to face him. “Must have been pretty deep to keep you distracted from me naked in the shower,” she teased. He rolled his eyes and rested his hands on her hips. “Technically it was about you naked in the shower.”

Slowly, she slid her hands up his chest and rested her arms atop his shoulders, her hands hanging behind him. “Oh really? Do tell.” Her voice was playful as she caught his eyes. A hand traveled up her side before cupping her breast, her nipple stiffening under his touch. “Was just thinking how many times I fantasized about this. Getting to join you as you bathed. And wondering how our fantasies might line up.” He drew closer, slipping the hand at her waist to her lower back. Bowing his head, he nipped at the sensitive skin just below her ear. Warm water cascaded down their bodies, wetting down their hair and slickening their skin. A soft gasp left her lips when he rolled her pebbled nipple between his rough fingers. One hand gripped the back of his neck for support while her right hand danced down his side. “And what did you envision once you joined me?” she whispered. He shook his head, fangs scraping over her delicate flesh, “Uh-uh, Ichigo. Show me yours first and I’ll tell you if they match. If not, well then this won’t be the last shower we share,” he whispered into her ear making her breath hitch.

“I can’t tell if that sounded more like a threat or a promise, either way I like. You’ll let me do whatever I want to fulfill my fantasy?” she asked hesitantly. Her hand slipped lower and slid between them, her delicate fingers wrapping around his rapidly hardening member. “Anything,” he moaned softly in her ear. She grew bold as heat pooled low in her belly at his answer. Her hand slid to his base before dragging his entire length and letting him slip from her grasp, “Then switch me places.” Nimbly, he slid around her as she moved to the other side of the shower. He felt the warm water pound against his back. Waiting with bated breath, he watched her. Wanting to see what she would do.

Stepping towards him, Ichigo replaced her hand around his length, her grip firm. She worked him from base to tip. Drawing him to his full size. Once he was fully hard, Ichigo began placing soft kisses across his chest. Never stopping her hand, she pumped him firmly back and forth. Her thumb occasionally rubbing just under his crown. Slowly, she began to kiss her way down his body.

Heart racing and mind in shambles, Kish watched the red head work her way down. His hips began to move against her hand. She felt unbelievable. “Harder,” he groaned. He couldn’t help the shudder that coursed through him when she complied. Her grip tightened, squeezing him almost roughly and tugging harder at him. Clenching his eyes shut, he let his wonderous mate please him. But when she kissed just below his navel, his eyes shot open. ‘She wouldn’t…’ he thought. Looking down his body, his eyes caught hers as she glanced up. The tip of her tongue flicked over his sensitive head. Keeping her gaze locked on his, she slid her perfect lips and hot mouth over his tip and down his throbbing shaft. One hand still wrapped tightly around his base and the other gripping his hip for support. Kish couldn’t help but stare transfixed at the woman knelt before him. Just the fact that his precious, naive, little kitten was pleasing him this way was a shock to his system. But that this was her fantasy, straight up left him dumbfounded. “When in the Abyss did she get so fucking sexy?’ he thought in awe. Her hand and mouth were like magic. But when her eyes flicked up to his again as she pushed her mouth as far as she could and he felt himself brush against the back of her throat, his heart nearly stopped.

Slapping his left hand against the cool tile of the shower wall to brace himself, he moaned deeply. “Fuck, Ichigo,” he panted. Her grip tightened as her hand matched her mouth’s movements. Keeping a steady pace, she bobbed up and down his length. Her tongue swirling around his head on the upstrokes and undulating along the bottom of his length on the downstrokes. Taking him as deep as she could, she hummed her pleasure at him moaning her name. She sealed her lips tightly and swallowed, increasing the pressure within her mouth. Breathing through her nose, Ichigo kept herself calm and forced her gag reflex down. This was something she had always wanted to try. And she was enjoying herself immensely. Kish’s moans and pants above her drove her on. His pleasure furthering her own arousal.

Dragging her hand down from his hip, Ichigo slid her fingers around his sac, cupping it experimentally. His hips jerked, and a heavy moan fell from his lips. Seeing that he seemed to enjoy that, she gently squeezed, rolling the soft tissue in her hand. Kish bit his lip, hard. ‘This woman!’ he growled to himself. His chest was heaving as he fought to breathe. He worked to hold back his encroaching orgasm. He wanted to savor this for as long as possible and to give her plenty of warning before he found his release. But what she did next about had that idea shattering into the Abyss.

Based on his personality, she figured he might like a little pain and it a bit rough. So, on the next downstroke, she squeezed her hand harder and closed her jaw slightly. Being very careful, for though her fangs were small, they were sharp, she let just the very tip of her fangs drag down his sensitive flesh. Feeling his hips buck, she quickly widened her jaw so he wouldn’t catch himself on a fang. She felt his hand bury in her hair, “Kitten!” The tone of his voice was high with surprise. Carefully timing her movements with his bucking hips, she let her fangs scrape along him again, this time giving his sac a firm squeeze as well.

‘No wonder she likes my fangs so much! Holy fuck,’ his mind ranted. Burying his right hand deep in her damp locks, his hips bucked involuntarily against her mouth’s assault. If he wasn’t experiencing such intense pleasure, he may have been slightly mortified how high pitched her name had sounded coming from his lips. He wasn’t going to last much longer if she kept that up. When she did it again, he tried to tug her away. “Ichigo! Stop. I’m gonna,” but she cut him off with a slight shake of her head.

Speaking around him, “Anything remember.” Her voice reverberated through his swollen shaft, pushing him that much closer. Sealing her lips again, she lowered her mouth, taking him deep. Lips, tongue, fangs, throat, and hands all worked in perfect tandem as she drove him over the edge. “Ichi… Ichigo! Gods!” he panted hard and heavy above her. Feeling his member swell and twitch, she relaxed her throat. He tried to pull away, but she held firm and he found his release as an overwhelming orgasm crashed through him. Colors danced behind his eyelids and a white hot heat pulsed in his abdomen. Ichigo swallowed what she could before pulling her mouth away and letting the rest coat her chest. His seed didn’t hold the extreme saltiness that she had heard about, but rather a more acrid taste like over steeped tea with a slightly salty aftertaste. It wasn’t the most pleasant, but it wasn’t awful. And she certainly wouldn’t say no to pleasuring him this way again. She loved what she had done to him. The sounds she brought out of him. And that it was her and only her that caused those reactions from him gave her great satisfaction. Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, Ichigo got to her feet.

Kish let his hand slide from her hair when he felt her start to stand. He was currently trying to relearn how to breathe as he came down from the overly intense orgasm. Calming his racing heart, he finally cracked his eyes open. Ichigo had her arms crossed and sporting a lazy yet cocky smile as she watched him. “Rather pleased with yourself, hmm?” he said once he’d finally been able to form a coherent thought. “Didn’t know your voice could get so high,” she teased. Kish closed his eyes and tilted his head back under the streaming water, letting it wash over his flushed face and down his front. “Fuck that was amazing. And I never want to know how you got so damn good at that.” He ran his hand over his face and through his hair. Ichigo bit her lip as she watched him. He looked like he could have been a model posing for some seductive ad. He looked so damn sexy. Head back, eyes closed, water flowing over his body and through his long hair. “That was my first time,” she stated off handedly.

Kish’s eyes snapped to hers, “You’re fucking kidding me?” She shook her head, “Nope. Always wanted to try though, hence the fantasy.” “Well, you’ve got a serious talent, that’s for sure. And I think I get the fang obsession now. Fucking Abyss...” he said with a satisfied smirk. Noticing his eyes scanning the bottles she handed him her shampoo. “That one’s for your hair, sorry it’s got a floral scent. The red bottle is soap to wash with. And I kinda figured you’d be the type to like things more rough.” Taking the bottle, he squeezed a bit into his hand and took a sniff. “Eh, it’s not bad. Reminds me of you. Surprised it’s not strawberry scented. Sorry, Kitten. I’m sure you’re getting cold, I’ll hurry.” She waved her hand at him while he lathered his hair. “That would be the soap that’s strawberry scented. And no rush. I’m enjoying the show.” She leaned her shoulder against the shower wall. “I know I’m gonna regret saying this, but you’ve gotten freakin hot and sexy.” He laughed as he rinsed his hair. “I’ve always been hot and sexy. You were just too busy making googly eyes at that tree hugger to notice.”

“You’re probably right,” she agreed as she soaped up a wash cloth and handed it to him. “Here, now turn around.” Taking the cloth, he did as she asked as he scrubbed himself clean. He started when he felt her hands in his hair. “Whatch’a doing?” “Conditioning your hair. And indulging another desire of mine. To run my hands through this long hair of yours. Oh, you never said, did my fantasy match yours?” He shuddered as her nails scratched over his scalp, working in the conditioner and he had to bite back a moan as she rubbed around the base of his ears. “Not even close, but I think this is quickly becoming one. To be able to bathe with you all the time. Even without any fun. This is incredibly nice.” “I absolutely agree. Hope you got a bathroom with a shower on that ship of yours,” she teased. Snatching the cloth from him, she began to scrub his back. “Sure do,” he said smiling. “So, what was your fantasy?” she asked. “You’ll just have to wait til next time and I’ll happily show you.” “Tease,” she pouted. “Only if I don’t follow through, which I most certainly will,” he winked.

As much as Kish whined about wanting to return the favor for both the wash and the pleasure, Ichigo kept batting his hands away. She knew they were pressing their luck on when her parents would be home. Finally getting him to keep his hands mostly to himself, Ichigo washed and rinsed quickly. As she was toweling off, she noticed Kish and broke out into a giggle fit. He kept shaking his head and flicking his ear. “Water stuck in your ear?” she asked when her fit finally subsided. “Yeah, dammit,” he bemoaned. “One sec.” Bending down she looked under the sink and found the bottle of rubbing alcohol. Pouring some on the end of a cotton swab, “Crouch down so I can see in your ear.” Folding his legs, he sat midair and drifted low. “Cheater,” she teased. “Tilt your ear to me.” Doing as she asked, he felt the cool tip of the swap rub just inside his ear canal. “Now tilt your ear down.” When he did, the water finally slid out. “Hey! That worked. Thanks, Kitten. What is that anyways?” he pointed to the bottle.

“It’s rubbing alcohol, a disinfectant,” she answered putting the bottle away and tossing out the swab. “And you’re welcome. If your ears are even half as sensitive as my cat ones, I know just how painful it is when water gets in them.” “You’ve got that right,” he agreed. “Random question, and don’t laugh.” “I’m all ears,” he chuckled. She shook her head smiling, “Actually it’s about your ears. How do you sleep on your side or rollover, doesn’t it hurt?” She had been seriously wondering. He chuckled and reached up to his ear, bending it inwards, almost curling it. “Not much different than your cat or human ears, though closer to your human ears. They’re stiff but bendable cartilage.” “Makes sense, but for some reason I thought they’d be stiffer, more rigid,” she said as she reached out to touch his ear. Kish’s hand shot out and wrapped around hers quickly. “Nope, but still very sensitive, especially to my mate’s touch.” “Sorry, completely forgot.” He kissed her knuckles and released her hand. “No harm done. Just leave the ears alone unless you want to be totally ravished.”

Ichigo caught her reflection in the mirror. Bringing her hand up, she traced her fingers over the chain and lock that graced her shoulder. “It really is beautiful,” she whispered. “A beautiful mark for a beautiful mate.” He smiled as he came to stand behind her and slid his arms loosely around her waist. With him behind her she could easily compare the two marks. Her bite was slightly smaller, making his chain just the tiniest bit shorter, but other than that, the chains were identical. The tokens being the only difference. “Same coin,” she muttered as she gathered her dirty pajamas and headed out the door to her room.

Just as Kish snapped his fingers to dress in a fresh pair of clothes, his ears twitched at her words. Even keeping his shields up, she was echoing his thoughts. He shook his head. ‘Soon,’ he thought. Soon, he’d allow her to see the dark twisting paths of his mind. To glimpse the monster that lurked in the darkest corners. The calculating creature that stalked the shadows that allowed him to outthink, out maneuver, and completely destroy whatever stood in his way. The ruthlessness that let him do what needed to be done. A coldness creeped at the edges of his mind. A coldness that was being beaten back more and more each moment by the bright warmth of his mate. A gentle voice breezed through his thoughts, “Kish?” She was looking for him. ‘Cold, calculating, and ruthless. Fiery, passionate, and loving. Two sides one coin,’ he thought as he flipped off the bathroom light and teleported to her side.

“What took you?” she asked turning to look right where he appeared. “Just getting dressed. And one of these days you are going to tell me how you know where I’m going to appear,” he pouted crossing his arms. She giggled and patted the bed in front of her. “Maybe one day, but for now, I’ll keep that advantage to myself. Plus added bonus of getting to outwit you for once.” Sighing, he sat in front of her, when she twirled her fingers, he spun around. Picking up the brush she had hidden in her lap, she gathered his inky green hair and began working the soft bristles through the silky mass. “Indulging yourself again, Kitten?” he teased. Though he had to admit it was soothing. “That and wanted to keep my hands on you so you don’t disappear on me,” she said. “I would never, not anymore.” She wrapped a handful of hair around her fist, and sucked in a breath, “Kish. I don’t now, nor have I ever thought you were a monster.” She was right, if she didn’t have a hold of him he just may have bolted. He wasn’t ready to let her see that side of him yet. “But how? And how long have you been listening in on my thoughts?” He sat frozen, barely able to breathe. He prayed it hadn’t been long. Just a glimpse.

“Since you came in the shower.” This time, he really did try to bolt, but her hand wrapped around his hair kept him put. “Let me go, Ichigo.” His tone was flat as he worked to hide his fear and anger. Anger at her for getting past his defenses and not saying anything, but mostly anger at himself for letting her. “No,” she stated flatly. His nostrils flared, “Don’t make me make you.” “You won’t risk hurting me. So, again, no. You will listen to what I have to say and you will drop your shields again so I know my words sink into that thick skull of yours.” His eyes widened and he clenched his hands into fists. “Absolutely not. Now release my hair, Ichigo. You’ve been in my mind. You know I’m more than capable of making you or hurting you.” Words were bordering on cold as anger started to cloud his thoughts. “I didn’t have to see your mind to know how capable you are of hurting me. Like you, I’ve got the scars to prove it. But I also know you won’t hurt me. Now will you calm down and listen to me? If you want to get pissed at me afterwards, then fine. I know I overstepped, but in my defense, you dropped your shields and let me in. No different than you reading me. You’ve asked me to trust you, and I have. Can you not trust me?”

Her soft words and calm voice cut through his fear and anger like a knife. She was right. She had trusted him. Put not only her trust, but her faith in him. Was he really not willing to do the same for her? Taking a shaky breath, he unclenched his fists and lowered his shields. Ichigo’s grip disappeared immediately. Again, showing her trust in him. He felt ashamed. He had been her enemy and she never wavered in her trust in him. And yet he had. He felt the gentle stroke of the brush through his hair as she resumed her task.

“Listen, I’m not going to lie, there’s a lot to unpack here, but I’m going to try. First, yes, I’ve been in your head since you released. It was while watching you after that I realized you weren’t aware of it. Traveling through your mind is what kept me calmer and more relaxed. My mind was occupied. But don’t get me wrong. I really did enjoy it and I don’t just mean the fun. You really do put me at ease. Like we’ve been lovers for years. Though you can rile me up faster than anyone I know. What I’m trying to say is, I was enjoying myself in the here and now and shifting through your mind. And I have to say, your mind is fascinating. I don’t think I’ll ever fully comprehend how it works, but I look forwards to spending the rest of my life trying.” Getting up on her knees, she slid the brush over his scalp, being very careful around his ears.

Kish sat in silence as he listened carefully. He picked apart her words, dissected their meanings.   It was how his mind worked. Analyzing every minute piece of information and filing it away for potential future use. He could feel her watching and reading. Aware of her warm presence just on the edge of his mind now that he was alert and aware once again. But he ignored her presence for the moment. There was no way she had seen as deep as she claimed. No way she would be complimenting his mind if she had seen the darkness that lurked in its depths. He felt Ichigo get up and step away from the bed. He wondered what she was doing as he watched her out the corner of his eye. When she turned towards him, he could see his red hair band clasped in her fingers. He wondered where that had gotten to.

“I forgot I had put it in my pajama short’s pocket,” she said as she climbed back behind him. Ichigo gathered his damp yet silky soft hair and wrapped his tie around the thick mass just behind his shoulders as he had previously worn it. Settling back down, she continued, choosing her words carefully, but staying true to herself. “You forget, love, I’ve seen first hand your eyes filled with the red haze of anger and blood lust. Had them aimed right at me as I stared down the points of your sais. And though you had me dead to rights, you didn’t follow through. You claimed you wanted me dead. That if you couldn’t have me, you’d kill me. And yet, I’m still here. Because you aren’t a monster. You couldn’t bring yourself to truly hurt me. And though I was scared out of my mind, even then, I never saw a monster. Crazy? Sure. Strange? Definitely. Terrifying? Absolutely. But I never thought monster. It wasn’t until years later that I realized you were hurting then too. Masking it with anger and maybe a bit of insanity. And now, after learning more of what you went through before you even came to Earth, I can understand your actions a little bit more. So what if you can be cold and calculating, you’re a leader, it’s what needs to be done sometimes. I’ve done it myself. Had to make hard choices. I don’t hold it against you.”

She slid her legs to either side of him, wrapped her arms around his waist, and rested her cheek against his broad back. “If you were really the monster you claimed, you would have slit my throat first chance you had. But you didn’t. Because you have a heart. A heart that loves, cares, shows compassion, and trusts. And not just for me. Pai and Tart, your planet and people, and even the other Mew Mews to an extent. You’re a brilliant military tactician, going cold and thinking of things no one else would dare is how you’ve survived. How you’ve risen to the top. And to a lesser extent how you got me. For without all that, you would never have been chosen and we wouldn’t have met. And so what if you have a bit of a temper? Have you met me? The hissing, spitting cat who loves to sink her claws into things. Something we can both work on together. Hell, if our tempers get too riled, we can just spar it out of each other. On that note, I’m sorry I pried so deep. But I couldn’t pass up the chance. You keep yourself so guarded, I was beyond curious. And I am part cat. If you’re still angry, I understand. But thank you for listening and for dropping your shields again. It means the world to me. I still love you and am still more than happy to be your mate. And I may even admire you a bit more now. You’re way more intelligent than I ever gave you credit for back when we were younger,” she ended teasingly. Placing a kiss between his shoulder blades, Ichigo pulled herself away from him and stepped from the bed.

Before she could make it very far, a pale hand shot out and wrapped around her wrist. Yanking her back into his arms. Twisting, he pinned her against the bed, and straddled her waist. Deep glowing gold caught and held surprised filled strawberry chocolate. “I really, really don’t deserve you. Such a kind and caring heart. So pure, you could look past even my flaws. And even I can admit when I’ve been bested. There’s no denying your logic and truths,” he nipped and kissed along her jaw. “And I know you see I really am letting it all go. You haven’t left here,” he tapped his temple, “since I let down my shields again. A part of me wants to kick you out. But another part is enjoying the warmth of your presence. And though I won’t keep secrets from you, I do still enjoy surprising you now and then.” He plucked at her towel until it fell open at her sides. “But if my Kitten can keep her claws from digging past my surface thoughts, I’ll let you stay curled within my mind. You seem to enjoy being up there anyways. And seem to have made yourself at home.” He slid a hand up her ribcage and cupped a breast, his thumb brushing softly across her nipple.

Arching into his touch, Ichigo’s heart fluttered. He was going to let her stay! That little piece of her consciousness that now resided in his mind took the form of a kitten and curled up in the corner of his mind she had claimed as hers. Kish kissed his way down to her unoccupied breast. “Great. As if I didn’t have one Kitten constantly on my mind, now I have another actually running around in my mind. Remember, she sets her claws into anything without permission, you’re taking her back.” He bit down around her pebbled peak, punctuating his warning. Ichigo ‘eeped’ then moaned as his warm tongue soothed the bite. “This conversation is so weird.” His chuckle reverberated within her mind and against her skin. “No weirder than a girl who knew literally nothing about telepathy as of yesterday and how now figured out how to splinter a piece of her consciousness to implant in her mate’s mind just because she’s an overly curious cat,” he teased. She moaned when he sucked her nipple between his teeth and licked it with the tip of his tongue. A bolt of ecstasy shot through her whenever his tongue made contact. “Fuck! That talented tongue of yours, I swear,” she hissed in his mind. He drummed his long fingers along the side of her ribcage, “Oh, that’s right. I still owe you one,” he smirked.

Quickly, he crawled down her body, stopping only to place a soft kiss just below her belly button. Knowing his intention, “Kish! We don’t have time for this.” Though she didn’t really want him to stop. “Don’t care. I want to taste my Kitten,” he said defiantly and with finality. Ichigo shuddered as she felt him gently spread her legs. Just as Kish lowered his mouth to her damp core, they both heard the front door open. “Ichigo. Are you home?” her mom called out. “Dammit!” They both said in unison. Ichigo had to stifle a giggle as she looked down at Kish pouting between her legs. He looked like a kid on Christmas morning that had just been told there were no presents.

“I’m here Mom. Just got out of the shower. Still gotta pack my bag then I’m heading out,” she yelled out, much to the annoyance of Kish’s sensitive ears. “Go before she comes in here. I’ll meet you outside in a few minutes.” Before she could react, Kish dipped his head between her thighs and slid his tongue between her folds. Finding that swollen bud quickly, Kish sucked it between his lips and gave it a hard flick with his tongue. Then, he disappeared. “Tease!” she pouted as she pulled her towel around her and sat up. “Sorry, Kitten. I’ll make it up to you later. I just couldn’t resist another taste of that exquisite flavor.” She blushed and felt his eyes on her. She looked out her balcony door, and sure enough, she could just catch the glint of two golden yellow orbs in the tree just past her balcony. Ichigo clenched her towel when her bedroom door opened. “Mom!” she shouted.

“Sorry honey, I knocked, but didn’t hear an answer. I was just wondering, is this late night stuff at the café, is it Mew Mew related?” Ichigo sighed as she dug out her small pink duffle bag. She talked while she packed. “Yes and no. Do you remember when I told you about Kish?” Ichigo’s mom sat on her bed. “Yes, he’s the alien that was your enemy but that died for you right? The one you usually dream about?” “Yeah, that’s right. Well he and one of the others came back last night. But don’t worry. They are completely on our side now. And Mom… I… I love him.” She finally managed to blurt out. Ever since she had come clean about being a Mew Mew, she and her mother had become much closer. Ichigo had confided in her on her shifting and confusing feelings concerning the green haired alien almost a year ago. Her mother had taken her hand and told her to see with more than just her eyes. That things aren’t always as black and white as it may seem or how people want them to appear. Ichigo had used that advice to go over many of Kish’s past actions and her findings had astonished her.

“And are you staying at the café to be close to him?” her mother asked without revealing how she felt about it. Ichigo sighed. She wanted to tell the truth about staying on the ship, but she was afraid that would be pushing it. So, she just nodded her head, “Yeah.” Ichigo’s mother took a moment to stare at her daughter. She was the leader of the Tokyo Mew Mews, but she was also her little girl. But that little girl was growing up. Their talks had become deeper. No longer about clothes and cute boys, but about life questions. What she should be doing. Or trying to find deeper meanings and understanding herself better. “I’ve had my suspicions for a while now. About how you may truly feel about him. After all, it is your father and I that have been comforting you when you wake up calling out his name. I suspected that if he ever came back, I may lose you to him. Just be safe Ichigo. Only do what you want. No one else. Do what makes you happy and is best for you. No matter what he or anyone else says. You choose your own path. Keep me informed as always. I love you.” She pulled her daughter into a tight hug, then quickly left the room.

Ichigo was starting to think being in a state of shock was just going to be the way of life for her from now on. She was pretty sure her mother had just given her and Kish her blessings. Kish, who had apparently been eavesdropping, chimed in. “Did you just tell your mother about us? And she’s fine with it?” ‘Looks like he thought the same thing,’ she thought. “Um… Yes. And I think… I think so,” she answered back unsure and slightly confused. “Hate to rain on this parade, but we need to be at the café in about twenty minutes,” Kish reminded her. With a squeak, Ichigo threw the last few things into her duffle. Rifling through her underwear drawer, Ichigo selected a few of her more sexy sets and slipped them into her bag.

Keeping her back to where she knew Kish was hiding, Ichigo shimmied into a pair of black lace panties and matching bra. She made sure to keep the towel tight around her to block his view. At her closet, she found a pair of faded low rise skinny jeans and a deep green tank with a silver foil cartoon U.F.O. on the front. She’d bought it on a whim a few months back. Green with a spaceship, it wasn’t hard to figure her out sometimes. Slipping into the jeans and tank, she finally threw the towel over the back of her desk chair. “You’re no fun, Kitten,” Kish pouted. She could almost see the pout in his words. Throwing on her socks and shoes, and tucking her cell with Masha as the charm and her pendant in her back pocket, Ichigo grabbed her duffel and ran down the stairs. “I’m headed out. And thank you Mom. Promise I’ll be safe and keep you up to date. See you in a few days. Love you.” Not waiting for a response, Ichigo was out the door.

She had barely made it five feet past her gate when a pair of pale arms wrapped around her. This time, Kish caught her elbow. “You really need to calm down on the reflex there, Kitten.” “It’s your fault! A year of being snuck up on and grabbed keeps me a bit jumpy. Even Masaya learned not to hug me from behind unless he gave me fair warning. Pretty sure I broke a rib once, but he never admitted it.” “Good thing my reflexes are quicker,” the cockiness back in his voice. “Oh yeah? Then what happened back on the beach?” she shot back. “That was me not thinking my mate would attack me after we had made love. Now I know she most definitely might, I won’t be so easily surprised again,” he said matter of factly as he folded his arms behind his head.

Ichigo shivered as a light evening breeze kicked up. “Dammit. I knew I forgot something,” she pouted. “What’s that? I can go grab it,” he offered. “My jacket. It’s the hoodie on the back of my door.” “Be right back Kitten.”

Kish teleported into Ichigo’s room and froze. Her mother was sitting on Ichigo’s bed and staring right at him. “So you can teleport! Ichigo said you could, but it was so hard to imagine.” Sakura saw the wide-eyed look in the young man’s face. “It’s alright. I’m not upset. I’m guessing you’re Kish?” Finally finding his voice and manners, Kish bowed, “Yes. I’m Kish. A pleasure to meet you. Apologies if I startled you.” Sakura giggled. “I believe I startled you more. If you’re looking for Ichigo, she already left.” He shook his head, “I know. She forgot her jacket and I offered to get it. Didn’t expect anyone to be in here, sorry.” Kish scratched the back of his neck. “Yeah, I saw she wasn’t wearing it. That’s how I ended up in here. Was going to get it for her, but she was already long gone.” She handed him the hoodie from her lap. “I can see now why she’s taken to wearing green so much this last year.” Kish took the deep green hoodie and couldn’t help the happy grin that slid across his features. Sakura didn’t miss the smile.

“Tell me the truth, do you love my daughter?” Sakura asked in complete seriousness. Kish didn’t even hesitate, “With all my heart.” “Then just promise to keep her safe. She’s been through more than any girl her age should ever have had to go through. And I know you’re to blame for a lot of it. But I also know she forgave you a long time ago. And I see how much she loves you. Keep her safe and happy and you will always have my support. Now hurry off, I’m sure she’s waiting impatiently for you. But tell my daughter I expect her to bring you by for a proper introduction to me and her father.” Sakura rose to leave. “I will always do everything I can to keep Ichigo safe and happy. And thank you Mrs. Momomiya,” Kish bowed to the woman once more. “Have a wonderful night,” he said before disappearing. Sakura stared at where he had just been. “Amazing. Polite and very handsome. Yes, a fine young man,” she muttered to herself as she closed the door to her daughter’s room. Visions of golden eyed, pointy eared grandchildren danced behind her eyes.

An impatient foot tapped the sidewalk as Ichigo rubbed her arms and waited. It had gotten much colder since Kish had left. She hadn’t realized how much his presence warmed her. She was about to call to him when the air beside her began to ripple. “It’s about time! I’m freezing! What took you so long anyway?” she snapped as she held out her bag and held her other hand out waiting for her jacket before he had even fully materialized.

“I swear you’re going to tell me how you do that one of these days,” he said handing her her hoodie and slinging her bag over his shoulder. It drove him nuts. It was like she had a sixth sense on when and where he’d teleport. “Besides, I figured you would of known what kept me thanks to your little spy up here,” he said tapping his temple. He saw her blanche and he chuckled. “Already forgot about Kit didn’t you? And by the look on your face, she just updated you. We’ll have to talk about it later sugar. We’re going to be late.” He swung his arm under her knees and scooped her up bridal style. With a quick glance around, he kicked off the ground and took to the air. The last thing she thought before they disappeared was, ‘Who’s Kit?’

They reappeared in an alcove on the balcony of the Mew Mew Café and Kish gently set Ichigo on her feet. Ichigo put her hand to her head. “Urgh. My head’s spinning. And I don’t know if it’s from teleporting or because you just met my mother and she seemed to actually like you.” “I feel like I should take offense to that,” Kish said placing a hand to Ichigo’s hip to keep her steady.

“I’m sorry. That’s not what I meant. I meant… Oh I don’t know what I mean. I’m just so overwhelmed,” she started to rant as she started to pace. “It’s just sooo much! I mean I’m happy she’s given us our blessing. But it just kind of came out of left field and now I feel bad that I didn’t tell her the truth about staying with you instead of at the café. And I’m just hoping she and dad are going to be as understanding about me being suddenly engaged and getting married in a month. Get Ryou and Keiichiro to hopefully let us have the wedding here, which, again, is only in a month. Which I just know is gonna cause Ryou to flip his lid cause he’s not exactly you aliens’ biggest fan. Then tell the girls about us. And get their help with planning the wedding as well. Then to top all that off, figure out what to tell my parents about me leaving with you to go to a different planet. For who knows how long. And now I have to go face Ryou who’s probably still ticked at me for not coming into work. Figure out a way to tell him we’re mated and engaged and without it getting too awkward. Especially when the second I say we’re mated he’s going to know exactly what I mean since he knows I was out with you all night.”

“Uh, Ichigo?” Kish interrupted hesitantly. Ichigo spun to face him, “What!?” “I think you just told him,” Kish said pointing over at Ryou who stood in the balcony doorway with his arms crossed and looking not too pleased.

Ichigo shrieked and there was a soft ‘poof.’ Where Ichigo had been standing, now stood a tiny black kitten. “Well that’s new,” Kish commented.
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