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

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Disclaimer: I do not own Tokyo Mew Mew or anything associated with it. This lil story is, however, mine.
AN: Once again in the M world. This is your warning.
I know these two talk a lot, but I feel like they would after so long. And most their interactions were just fighting when they were younger. So, these early days are a lot about them really getting to know each other. But what they went through together in the past is how their strong love and devotion to each other bloomed.
Please Read & Review! Thank you!!
“text” – Talking   ‘text’ – Thinking   “text” – Talking Telepathically.

Lock and Key
Chapter 6: Same Coin

Ryou pinched the bridge of his nose. “Actually, it’s not. She could always turn into a cat, but she can’t control it. It happens when she gets too overwhelmed and doesn’t know how to handle it all.”

Ichigo released a frustrated mew and purred at Kish’s boot. Looking down, Kish gently picked up Ichigo and tucked her into his arms. He softly trailed his hand over her ears, and she involuntarily purred at the sensation. Kish snickered, “Looks like you really are my kitten, Kitten.” Looking back to Ryou, “So if she can’t control it, how does she change back?” “I kissed her,” Ryou stated flatly. “Well that’s not happening,” glared Kish. “Wasn’t planning on it. She’s your problem now. A kiss should undo the transformation.”

Carefully, Kish brought Ichigo up to his face and placed a light peck to her furry lips. A soft ‘poof’ and Ichigo once again stood before him, blushing with her head lowered. “Sorry,” she quietly mumbled. Kish gently drew Ichigo into his arms and tucked her head under his chin. “It’s alright, Kitten. I should have realized how overwhelmed you were. You really haven’t had much time to process everything.” He stroked a hand down her back.

Ryou cleared his throat, “Back for not even a day and you’re already engaged. Moving a little fast, don’t ya think, alien boy?” Before Kish could respond, Ichigo spun around and glared at Ryou. “Don’t you dare start on him. It was my choice as well. So, if you want to be mad, start with me. Kish has been nothing but a gentleman,” she snapped. Kish couldn’t help but smirk as Ichigo defended him. She was just full of surprises today. Ryou cocked an eyebrow, “Is that so? Then I must have misheard when you said you two had mated.”

Ichigo blushed scarlet. “Dammit, Ryou,” but Kish cut her off. “Listen here you bastard. What we do is really none of your business. Ichigo’s old enough to make her own choices, and that just happens to be me. So get over it,” he said wrapping an arm around Ichigo’s waist protectively. Sighing, “You’re right. I accept it, though I don’t have to like it. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully accept you aliens. But I can acknowledge the help you three provided against Deep Blue. Just keep the lovey shit to a minimum around me.” Ryou wasn’t happy, but he did care about Ichigo, and her happiness meant a lot to him.

Kish couldn’t help the cocky remark, “Why? Jealous?” Kish had seen multiple times in the past the way he looked at Ichigo. Like he wanted her. And he should know, he had looked at Ichigo the same way more times than he could count. Ryou glared at him, “Of you? Never, but…” Ichigo cut him off. “Knock it off you two. You both better learn to play nice. Kish isn’t going anywhere, so deal. And I love him, and yes we’re getting married. And I was really hoping to have the wedding here because this place means a lot to me and it would be easier because, of well, how Kish looks. But if you’re going to be a complete ass, we can always figure something else out and not invite you.”

Ichigo was hurt. Even if Ryou was a complete jerk at times, she was really hoping that this would go well. Ryou was someone she considered close. He’d been like an older brother to her when she was confused and lost. Helping her figure out things, always being straight forward with his answers and advice. Even if he could be a snarky jack ass.

“Sorry, Kitten,” Kish whispered. “Fine. I’ll try to be nice, but I wouldn’t expect much. And of course, you can have the wedding here. You may not believe it, but I do care about you. I’m sure Keiichiro would be thrilled to make the cake as well.” Ryou finally gave in. “Cares a little too much,” Kish muttered under his breath. Ichigo elbowed him in the side, “Can it.”

“Let’s go inside. Apparently we have a lot to discuss and I’d still like to know why you aliens are back after so long. Didn’t think we’d ever see you again. Or rather hoped we wouldn’t.” Ichigo rolled her eyes and sighed, “I give up. Just don’t kill each other.” She stomped through the doors and headed down the stairs then down to the basement.

Ryou and Kish looked at one another. “For her, I’ll try. Truce?” Kish asked. Ryou raised an eyebrow. “Fine. But I still don’t like you.” Ryou said offering his hand. Taking it, Kish replied, “Feeling’s mutual.” They shook hands and headed after Ichigo. “Thanks, love,” Ichigo said to Kish. She had been eavesdropping through her presence in Kish’s mind. “Only for you, Kitten,” he replied.

Ryou hated to admit it, but Kish was actually impressing him. He never would have taken him to be an intellectual, but he had completely surprised him. They had joined Ichigo in their hidden lab and immediately Kish had become interested in both their technology and the research. Once the two had relaxed and started sharing ideas and information, they had fallen into an easy conversation.

Keiichiro had joined them shortly after and seeing how bored Ichigo was with all the science talk had brought her a slice of strawberry cheesecake. They spoke about Ichigo and Kish’s upcoming wedding while the other two geeked out. “Of course, I would be honored to make your cake as well as the hors d’oeuvres. How big and what kind did you have in mind?” he asked. “Nothing too extravagant. It will just be the Mews, you two, my parents, Tart, and Kish and me. I kinda want to invite Masaya, but I don’t know how well Kish will take that. As for what kind, I don’t know. I’ll have to talk to Kish, but I have a feeling we’ll both want strawberries in it somehow,” she giggled. Keiichiro smiled, “That doesn’t surprise me. And congratulations by the way. Though I must admit. I never would have seen this coming. Even without the whole trying to take over the planet, you two always fought like cats and dogs.”

Ichigo smiled, “Believe me, if you had told me back then that we’d end up getting married, I would of checked you into a mental hospital. After probably using you as a scratching post. But over the years, I thought a lot about everything he used to say and do. There were a lot of hidden emotions there that I was too young to see. And once I did see, things just fell into place. I guess a part of me always cared for him somewhat ‘cause when I saw him die, a piece of me broke. This last year without him hurt. But now, I couldn’t imagine my life without him.”

“I can’t imagine another moment without you either, Kitten,” Kish whispered softly in her mind. “Stop eavesdropping and pay attention. Ryou’s asking you something,” she scolded. He laughed and withdrew to focus on Ryou.

“I get it. You two went through a lot together. Strong bonds and feelings couldn’t be helped. And you have my support. I care about all you girls, and if he makes you happy, then I can care about him as well. I don’t have the blind hatred for the aliens like Ryou does, and Pai did sacrifice himself for me and the others. Just as Tart and Kish sacrificed theirs for you. But I think even Ryou’s coming around, but stubbornly.   Look,” Keiichiro pointed to Kish and Ryou. Ichigo giggled.

The two were standing shoulder to shoulder in front of the large computer discussing and arguing back and forth over some data. They were both smiling and teasing one another. “You’re an idiot. This theorem is completely wrong. Here, let me show you,” Kish said as he entered some new information into the computer. “Well, I’ll be damned. You’re not as dumb as you look, you pointy eared freak,” Ryou shot back. “I’m smarter than you, you blonde bastard.” And so, it continued.

“I think Ryou just made a friend,” Ichigo laughed out loud. Both Kish and Ryou glanced at her with eyebrows raised. That only made her laugh harder. Ryou glanced at Kish out the corner of his eye and crossed his arms, “Anyways, why did you come back after so long?” he asked Kish. Ichigo blushed.

“Ichigo?” Kish asked. “Tell him whatever you want. It’s alright.” Nodding, “Because of Ichigo. I felt her pain when she was having nightmares. I had chosen her to be my mate so we had a mental connection. At least on my side. So, Tart and I came to make sure she was alright. Pai stayed behind to pick up our slack. See, we’re all on the ruling council of our planet, and he’s handling our share of the work for the time being,” Kish finished as he slid to Ichigo’s side and took her hand, his thumb running over her knuckles in comfort.

“Fascinating. I’d love to hear more about this bonding and mating custom. Learn more about your biology as well. Your customs and your planet life.” Ryou stated curious. “Hey, I’m not a guinea pig for your research,” Kish bit out. “I didn’t mean it like that. But now that you say that…” “Ryou!” Ichigo shouted. Ryou held his hands up, “Sorry. But honestly. Kish, I promise not to treat you like a lab rat, but I really would like to learn and study you. But only with what you’re comfortable with.”

Kish folded his arms behind his head and floated a few feet off the floor. “Fine. But only with what I feel comfortable with. And any and all findings stay with you. I don’t want our technology getting out. Your planet isn’t ready to handle half the knowledge I have. And anything relating to Ichigo and I needs her approval as well since it’s a private matter between us. If I say no to something, no pushing or forcing the matter.” “Deal. How long are you staying?” Ryou asked. “Just over a month. And the wedding is in one month, so nothing can interfere with that,” Kish answered.

“As much as I may want to, you have my word that I won’t do anything to interfere.” “Then I’ll agree to your tests and answer what I can. Oh and Ichigo, if you want, you can invite the tree hugger. Just don’t expect me to be friendly. I’ve still got a few nasty scars from that bastard when he tried to kill me and I don’t mean just when he was Deep Blue.” “I fought you too, you know,” she reminded. “Yes, but I love you,” he winked.

Keiichiro spoke up, “How did you know she mentioned that?” Kish tapped his temple, “She’s in here, just like I’m in hers. A part of our connection.” He had a smug, cocky grin as he revealed that information. “Kish! What happened to asking me first before revealing anything about us?” Ichigo snapped. “Ah, sorry, Kitten. Just kind of slipped out,” he said sheepishly. “So, wait, you can read reach other’s thoughts?” Ryou asked.

Kish looked at Ichigo. She threw up her hands. “Oh, go ahead. You’ve already let the cat out of the bag anyway. No reason to hold back now,” she pouted.

Taking Ichigo’s hand, Kish drew her over to a desk, and floated down to sit on the edge. He tugged her to stand between his knees, her back to him. He loosely circled her middle with his arms and spoke over her shoulder. “Yes and no,” he stated. “We can keep some thoughts private, but surface thoughts, yes, we generally share. Her because she’s terrible at shielding her mind, but at this point I don’t even think she’s trying or cares to hide her thoughts from me.”

Ichigo lightly elbowed him in the side. He snickered, “Guess I’m right?” “Shut it, mister know it all,” she huffed as she crossed her arms. Laughing, he kissed her cheek. “Still so feisty. Anyways,” he continued when Ryou cleared his throat. “She can read most of mine because she’s managed to place a piece of her consciousness into my mind. I’ve allowed her to stay for the time being. So yes, we can read each other’s thoughts, but we do respect each other’s privacy.” “Usually,” he added just for Ichigo. “I said I was sorry about that,” she grumbled. “I know. I’m only teasing,” he said as he nipped her ear.

“And because of that, we can usually hear what’s being said to each other even when we aren’t around. But don’t worry. Like I said, if we need to, we can keep things private. So don’t always assume if you say something to one of us, the other will automatically know. That being said, we also don’t keep secrets. So if she ever straight asks me something, I will tell her.” Kish rested his chin on Ichigo’s shoulder.

“Wait, what do you mean she’s put a piece of herself in your mind?” Ryou asked. His scientific mind was racing with all this latest information, and he had so many questions. “Don’t ask me, she did it. Just because she’s too damn curious for her own good,” he teased. “Pai would be better equipped to explain. Telepathy and most anything to do with the mind is his area of expertise. Though, my friend Skilek would give him a run for his money in telepathic strength. I’ll admit, they are both way more knowledgeable when it comes to this than me. I’m good with technology, combat, and the biology of infusers and predacites. Tart’s empathic and the top of his field in plant manipulation and research. It’s part of the reason we’re a team. Our abilities compliment each other, besides the fact that we’re family.” Kish explained.

“Absolutely fascinating,” Ryou exhaled. “I really can’t wait to pick your brain over the next few weeks. But it’s getting late. And if Ichigo yawns one more time I’m gonna snap. Ichigo, you can have tomorrow off. But I expect you here bright and early for work on Friday. And while she’s working, you and I can discuss things further and I can begin my tests, Kish.” Kish sighed but nodded. “Thanks Ryou. And uh… I know you told me not to, but uh… My mom thinks I’m staying here for the next few nights. But I’m going to be staying with Kish on his ship. So, if she calls, will you um… please cover for me?” Ichigo stuttered shyly.

“I swear, Ichigo. You are a pain in the ass. But because Kish is letting me sate my curiosity, I suppose I can continue to cover for you,” Ryou said, glaring at her. “Thanks,” she squeaked. “Just remember, I’m not a lab rat. I’ll let you ask your questions and run your tests, but you better treat me like a person. If I say no to something, you better respect it. We may not be enemies anymore, but I’m not a tamed animal.” Kish’s piercing amber eyes flicked to and held Ryou’s. His pupils narrowed to slits. “I will defend myself if need be. And this time I won’t be holding back.”

Ryou shifted uncomfortably under Kish’s sharp stare. The threat was clear. And Ryou would be a fool to not heed it. Kish was clearly no longer the hot-headed youth from years ago. Crossing his arms defensively, “Understood. And I won’t cross any lines you’re not comfortable with. I may be a scientist and be curious. But I’m not some monster.” Kish simply nodded and slid his eyes back to Ichigo, all traces of darkness in his eyes replaced with his normal shimmer of mischief.

“Come on, Kitten. Get your bag and let’s go. The blonde bastard’s right, I can feel how tired you are.” Ichigo yawned and gathered her bag. “Thanks again Ryou, Keiichiro. I’ll see you both Friday.” “Night Ichigo, Kish,” Keiichiro said. Ryou nodded to them both, arms still crossed. “Night Blondie, and you too,” Kish said wrapping his arms around Ichigo and teleporting them both to his room aboard his ship.

Ichigo stumbled a little when they appeared in what must have been Kish’s room, but otherwise seemed alright after the teleportation. “I think I’m finally starting to get used to that,” she said proudly. Kish smiled, “And faster than most. Took Tart nearly three days of regularly teleporting before he could even stand after.” He beamed in pride at his mate. She was so strong and had a knack for overcoming just about anything. “Uh… Ignore the mess. Wasn’t exactly expecting company anytime soon,” he said blushing. Ichigo just shook her head, “Typical boy.” “Man, thank you very much,” he corrected. “Whatever,” she teased.

“Anyways, welcome to my room. Wow… That feels weird saying that to you. I always wanted to bring you here back then. Feels odd saying it now and actually seeing you here,” he said rubbing the back of his neck. “Surprised you never tried to kidnap me and bring me here,” she said. “Won’t say the thought never crossed my mind,” he admitted. “But by the time it did, I loved you too much to do that to you. Plus, it would have put you in danger from Pai and Tart. They may have tried to hurt or kill you. So, I couldn’t risk it.”

“See, I told you you have a heart and were never a monster. You could have easily kidnapped me whenever you wanted and forced me to be yours. But you never did. Because you cared about me. Such a dumb alien.” She kissed his cheek. Kish rolled his eyes and folded his arms behind his head. “Only around you,” he winked.

“So, do I get the grand tour?” she asked with her hands on her hips after she had dropped her bag on the floor. “Tomorrow. I’ll gladly show off my ship tomorrow,” he said looking her up and down. His eyes grew darker, the bright gold becoming warm honey. Reaching out, he began to slowly unzip her hoodie. “Right now, I want to fulfill my fantasy. I finally have you in my room.” Pushing her hoodie off her shoulders, he let it fall to the floor. He trailed a finger up her bare arm and toyed with the strap of her tank top. “And soon, in my bed. This room just so happens to be completely soundproof. I want to see how loud I can get you to scream my name. To hear you moan and scream it so much that your throat’s sore and my ears ache.”

Ichigo’s heart raced and goosebumps broke out along her skin from his touch. He looked at her like a predator sizing up their prey. His words made her stomach flip flop and her womanhood throb. He had barely touched her and she was already getting wet. She swallowed thickly. All traces of her earlier tiredness vanishing with his dark promises.

“Kish?” she squeaked when he stalked forwards a step. His hands shifted to the bottom of her shirt, “Cute shirt by the way. Someone in mind when you bought it? Hmm?” His voice was low and teasing as he began to push her shirt up slowly. “Maybe,” she blushed. “I love that you’ve kept yourself wrapped in my color. Showing just who you belong to,” his tone was smooth and deep. When he pushed her shirt over her breasts cupped in black lace, he grinned.

“So that’s what you were hiding behind that towel. Delicious,” he purred. Lifting her arms, she let Kish pull her shirt the rest of the way off and he dropped it to the floor. Lowering his head, he placed his mouth atop the swell of her right breast. “Always so full of surprises, Ich-i-go,” he said, placing a kiss after each syllable of her name.

She shivered at both his kisses and the sudden feel of his cool hands sliding around to cup her back. This felt different from their previous two encounters. The first time was full of gentle caresses as they learned each other’s bodies. Slow and passionate, gentle and loving. The second time had been soft yet quick. A need to satisfy their growing hunger for each other. But this. This was full of heat. His confidence made her knees weak. She felt like prey that he was toying with before he claimed her. He looked at her like he owned her. And in that moment, he did. She was completely at his mercy. When her eyes met his deep honey gaze, she knew she’d do anything he asked. She swallowed around her rapidly beating heart.

While his cool hands held her still and his mouth lavished kisses atop her still covered breasts, she suddenly remembered that she had hands as well. Bringing them up, she slid them under his vest, enjoying the feel of his cool, hard chest against her warm palms. Kish nipped the top of her breast and snapped his fingers behind her back. His vest and undershirt disappeared from his body and fell to the floor behind him.

Ichigo’s hands flattened over his smooth skin. Slowly, she trailed a hand towards a nipple and gently tweaked it between her thumb and forefinger. Kish bit down in reaction. When she twisted it, he dragged his fang roughly over the sensitive flesh, drawing two beads of blood along the shallow scratch. Quickly, he lapped at her blood, letting the coppery flavor tingle on his tongue while sealing the small wound at the same time.

She hissed at the slight pain but was quickly soothed by his warm tongue. She loved pulling new reactions from him. It almost made her giddy as her own confidence soared. Heat licked along her skin as Kish slid his hands around her waist, following the top of her jeans. Finding the fastening at the front, he deftly unbuttoned her jeans before slowly sliding her zipper down. Hooking his thumbs into the belt loops at her sides, he tugged them down past the swell of her hips and let them fall to pool around her feet.

Toeing off her sneakers and socks, Ichigo pushed it all out of her way with her foot. As soon as she stepped free, Kish brought his right hand up and took her left. He raised their joined hands above her head, took a step back, and spun her around like an erotic dance partner until her back was to him. Aggressively, he yanked her back to him, her body pressed firmly along the long line of his. Releasing her hand, he wrapped his left arm around her chest, his hand palming her breast. His thumb brushed over her sensitive nipple through the rough lace, rubbing it to a stiff peak. Snapping the fingers of his right hand, his boots, leg wraps, and pants fell to a heap behind him. Pressing his palm to her abdomen, he pulled her harder against him, his thick erection pressed against the top curve of her round rear and into her lower back.

A warm tongue slid along the edge of Ichigo’s right ear. “Can you feel what you do to me? Seeing you like this in my room. Gods Ichigo. It’s my oldest fantasy. I’m going to fuck you against my bed til you beg me to stop. Then I’m going to make love to you in my bed until we’re both too exhausted to continue. I want your scent so drenched in my sheets that there will never be a doubt as to who my mate is.” His voice was soft, thick, and husky and coated in something dark. Something that made Ichigo tremble.

She arched against his body, craving his touch. His possessiveness caused something deep inside her to clench in need. When his right hand slid down and cupped her scorching heat through her panties, she couldn’t stop the deep moan that left her lips. She tilted her head to the side, exposing the line of her throat to his hungry lips.

“Mmm… Already so wet for me,” he growled against her neck as he pressed his fingers into her damp folds through her underwear. She bit her lip. He’d always been possessive of her, but this was on a whole other level. And it was making her legs weak and her vision hazy. He was turning her on so completely and thoroughly that she felt as though she could catch fire at any moment. She reached her left arm up to bury in his hair and rested her other along his right arm, both gripping tightly to keep herself standing. His hand between her legs brought his name in the form of a soft moan from her lips. “Kish…” When the hand in his hair slid up further and cupped the back of his long ear, her thumb brushing along the bottom edge, Kish growled low and bit down over her mark. His fangs pressing deep into her flesh, just shy of breaking skin. “Kish!” she yelled, her arousal permeating the air around them.

Roughly, he shoved her forwards and she stumbled to his bed. Hands falling atop to brace herself as she leaned over it. He stalked his way to her, “Such an impatient kitten. I warned you about my ears. And, fuck, seeing you bent over my bed… Gods, you’re sexy.” His hands found the band of her panties and he quickly pulled them down her long legs. Kneeing her legs apart, he swiftly found her entrance and buried himself to the hilt in one hard thrust. Bracing himself with one hand on the bed and sliding the other under her bra to roughly knead her breast, he began to thrust fast and deep within her tight sheath.

Ichigo screamed his name when he entered her forcefully. But her screams quickly became moans as he ravished her. His hips were relentless as they pounded into her body. Fisting her hands in the covers, it was all she could do to brace herself, to keep herself upright, as he took her mercilessly. It was bordering on painful with how hard he took her, but Ichigo was in heaven. Her moans and cries of pleasure were the only sounds within his room besides the harsh connecting of their bodies.

Her legs were already beginning to tremble as he pushed her towards that cliff. The wound coil in her abdomen was burning, tightening, with every push and pull of his hips. His tongue caught a small bead of sweat that trickled down between her shoulder blades. “You’re mine, Ichigo. Always been mine,” he growled against her skin. His breaths were becoming pants as he slammed into her. His thick length bumping against her cervix. She screamed his name again, that coil so close to snapping. Her arms and legs were shaking, working to keep her from collapsing. She wasn’t going to last much longer. But then again, neither was he.

Kish’s rough fingers plucked and twisted her overly stimulated nipple, bringing forth another round of deep moans. Her breathing fast and labored. Gods he loved the sounds she was making. And her body. It was beyond beautiful pressed against his bed as he claimed her. His muscles were starting to contract as he felt the rapid approach of his orgasm. Removing his hand from her aching and bruised breast, he gripped her hip hard, fingers digging into the flesh above her hip bone. He knew he was probably going to bruise her, but at the moment he didn’t care. It would just be one more mark proclaiming that she was his.

His need to own her completely pushed him onwards. He felt her body shudder and quake and knew she was almost there. His abdomen burned and clenched. With a hard thrust, he hit that sweet spot deep within her and she screamed his name and begged, “Kish, please!” He could feel her release trickle down her legs as she came around his swollen member. One final deep thrust and he found his own release, coating her womb with his seed. Her name fell from his lips in a deep throaty whisper.

Ichigo collapsed to her elbows, her head falling down to rest on her folded arms. “Fuck,” she managed to breathe out. He stayed, braced above her, and buried deep. His hips and member still shuddering. “You can say that again,” he panted above her. “Fucking Abysses, Ichigo. Sorry if I hurt you, but damn. That felt amazing. You felt amazing. So sexy and so hot and tight… Just fuck,” he groaned. Slowly, he slid from her dripping sheath and their combined essences slid down her leg.

She gasped as she turned her face and rested her cheek atop his bed. Bringing her hands behind her back, she undid her bra, letting the straps fall down her arms before sliding it off and dropping it to the floor. “It hurt a bit, but also felt incredible. I think I just might love this possessive side of you. You’ve always been possessive, but that was just damn… I’m afraid to move. My legs feel like jelly,” she said as she tried to calm her breathing and her pounding heart.

Kish slid an arm under her middle and swept her into his arms, “That’s a dangerous thing to admit, Kitten. Because it would be my pleasure to constantly remind you that you belong to me. You’re mine Ichigo, forever,” he promised as he kissed her cheek. Ichigo giggled, “No, what’s dangerous are those ears of yours.” He chuckled, “I did warn you.” A smile slid across his lips. Carefully, he laid her on his bed and crawled in next to her, slipping under the covers. She melted into the pillows, “This looks familiar.”

The bed was identical to the one they shared on the island. “Of course, it does. I based the other on this one. Told you I had always fantasized about having you in my bed. That was as close as I could come at the time,” he winked. He sprawled out on his side beside her, propped on his elbow. A long pale finger drew lazy circles along the side of her ribcage. “But you look even more beautiful here than I ever imagined,” he whispered.

“Kish!” she pouted. “You’re going to give me an ego if you keep up with those compliments.” “It’s the truth, Kitten. You really are more beautiful than my dreams,” he smiled. Golden eyes flashed in the dimly lit room as they flicked up and down her body. She twisted her fingers in a forelock and drew his lips to hers. Their kiss was short but heated. His circling fingertips trailed down her side to trace random patterns over her thigh.

“Gods and Goddesses, I love you Ichigo,” he murmured when he finally pulled his lips away. He moved his hand up and over her thigh, his fingers brushing over her damp folds. He slid his finger easily into her slickened entrance. Their essences coating his hand. His thumb slipped back and forth over her glistening pearl. “Kish,” she moaned softly.

He leaned up and ran the tip of his tongue along the shell of her ear, “I’m far from done with you, Kitten. I still plan on making love to you until we’re both exhausted. And I’m not even close to being tired.” “Kish! You can’t be ready for another round already,” she whimpered. “Alien, remember. My stamina greatly surpasses that of your weak human males,” he said with a cocky smirk. She shuddered.

Sitting up beside her, he withdrew his hand and began to slowly unwind the wraps around his arms. “Close your eyes, Kitten,” he commanded. She looked at him skeptically but did as she was told. Swiftly, he brought her hands up above her head and using one of his arm wraps, bound her wrists together and tied them to the base of his headboard. Using the other wrap, he wound it over her eyes like a blindfold. “Kish?” she questioned as she tugged at the bonds. They were tight enough that she couldn’t get free, but not painful. “Shh, Kitten. Just enjoy as I pleasure what’s mine,” he purred, his voice dropping low seductively.

Crawling over her, he knelt between her knees and gently spread her legs. He brought his mouth down to her inner left thigh. Teasingly, he lapped at the glistening traces of their earlier orgasm. His own flavor mixed with hers and it made him grin darkly and his golden eyes flash with hunger. The taste of himself mixed with her only made her taste that much richer. Made his possessiveness grow, as it was just more proof that she was his. Following the slick trail up her thigh, he reached the source. Spreading her thighs wider, he rested his arms over her thighs as he lazily dragged his tongue between her dripping folds.

He moaned as their combined flavor coated his tongue. Dipping down, he lapped at her entrance, cleaning her, and savoring the taste. Her legs trembled and a breathless moan flew from her lips. When she was clean, he pushed his tongue as deeply as he could into her warm entrance. Her inner walls contracted around his tongue and he swirled and licked within her until he heard her panting above. He licked hard at the roof of her entrance then began rapidly darting his tongue in and out. “Kish!” she cried, bucking her hips, and pulling at her bound wrists.

His tongue was driving her insane. And being bound and blindfolded was frustrating her to no end. When he swirled his tongue deep within, her head fell back to the pillows and her abdominals contracted. But when he brought his thumb up to flick and rub over her swollen nub, she about lost her mind. He seemed to know exactly how to please her, to push her to that precipice.

“God, that tongue,” she panted. Her inner walls were clenching around his talented muscle. He grinned against her as his mouth switched places with his hand. “I could say the same thing about how you taste, Kitten,” his voice was silky in her mind. Sealing his lips around her throbbing bud, he held it between his teeth as he flicked his warm tongue across it rapidly. At the same time, he pushed two fingers into her tight passage.

Her hips bucked against him involuntarily at the stimulation. “Like that?” he asked cockily. “Mm-hmm,” was all she could manage in response. Pleased with her answer, he nipped at her clit. She hissed and sucked in a breath. He set a quick, but steady pace with his fingers, sliding them in and out. Her inner walls were starting to flutter as he drew her closer to that peak. Sealing his lips around her clit once again, he sucked hard at the same time he curled his fingers against that hidden button. Her reaction was instantaneous as her body clamped down around his fingers and she screamed his name, crashing over that cliff. He slowed his hand to let her ride out the aftershocks of her orgasm, his tongue teasingly circling her throbbing bud.

Ichigo panted as she fell from another heart racing orgasm. Her body shook and shuddered as he brought her back down to reality. She tugged harder at her bonds. She wanted to touch him, to pull him up to her. She felt him withdraw his hand and she whimpered at the loss of contact. Dragging his mouth away from her reluctantly, he chuckled. “Don’t worry, Kitten. I’m far from finished. And I’ll never tire of hearing my name cross those beautiful lips when you cum for me.” Unknowingly, Ichigo darted the tip of her tongue out to moisten her dry lips in response.

Licking his fingers clean, Kish moved above her. He let the tip of his swollen member brush over her sensitive clit. She bit her lip. “Tell me what you want, Kitten,” his voice was soft and seductive once again. She struggled again before relenting. “You, Kish. Please. I want to feel you inside me.” She begged shamelessly. Kish smirked and pressed his tip to her entrance. “And who do you belong to?” he demanded. “You. Only you…,” she whimpered. “That’s right, Kitten. Me,” as the words left his lips, he slid himself deeply inside her, his hands pressed into the bed on either side of her body. Rocking his hips gently, he moved in and out slowly. Savoring the feel of her tight body wrapped around him.

Gradually, her hips moved with his, matching his movements as their bodies danced together. “Untie me, Kish. I want to touch you,” she begged. “Not just yet, Kitten. I’m enjoying you being completely submissive for once,” he teased. “Dammit, Kish!” she pouted, drawing out his name, but she relented and relaxed back. “That’s it, mate,” he cooed. Reaching down, he hooked her left leg over his hip and quickened his pace slightly, pushing deeper.

Ichigo writhed against him, her lack of vision and touch enhancing all the sensations. He traced his fingertips up over her ribcage before gently cupping her breast. His mere touch igniting the inferno within her almost as strongly as where he pushed between her thighs. Gently, he ghosted his fingertips up and danced over her collarbone, coming up to brush along the smooth line of her bared throat.

Ichigo shuddered at his soft caress. There was something so intimate yet powerful in how his fingers wrapped delicately around her throat. She arched both her neck and body, pressing herself harder to him and giving him more access. A soft growl of appreciation left his lips.

Here again, she was showing how deeply she trusted him, and Kish reveled in the power he had over her and how she enthralled him. They had been enemies. Had tried to kill each other, and yet, he had his hand wrapped around her throat as he made love to her. His grip tightened just a fraction, his feather light touch becoming firm. She moaned in response. He could snap her neck if he so choose, she was that vulnerable beneath his touch. And yet, she was enjoying the control he had over her.

His hips had never stilled, and now he pressed deep, her body molding perfectly to his. They fit as though they were made for one another. Brushing his thumb over the hollow of her throat, he leaned down and drew his tongue across her mark. A gasp left her lips, and she circled her legs tightly around his waist. Her lush hips tilted to accommodate him even more as her movements matched his rhythm. Her hips meeting his in perfect unison.

Breaths became shallower as Ichigo fought to supply oxygen to her overly stimulated body. Kish’s touch not only ignited her skin, but also made her feel alive. Like heated electricity was coursing through her wherever they connected. Her body thrummed with the sensation. Squeezing her legs around him, she sought to increase their contact, intensifying that feeling.

Her hands struggled against her bonds, aching to touch him. But she was at his mercy. His hand at her throat caressed her so lovingly that it made her heart flutter, even as that deep seated pressure built higher within her core. It was both erotic and slightly frightening. She knew he would never harm her, but their history left that slight edge of danger. He was strong, fierce, intelligent, and dangerous. She’d experienced all sides of him, but that flash of danger thrilled and excited her. He could easily kill her, but instead, he licked at her mark. Bringing attention to the symbol of both his love and his ownership over her. She was his just as much as he was hers. The way he worshipped and caressed her body showed just how precious she was to him.

When she felt his fangs glide over her mark, that coil came close to its breaking point. Her body was shuddering, and her inner walls were starting to clench. Her body’s reactions were pushing him closer to that peak, and he knew he wouldn’t hold out much longer. Kish moved his hand from her throat to bury deep in her hair, his fingers twisting in the silken strands. Scraping his fangs over her skin, he aligned them carefully with his previous indents in her mate mark.

He pressed his body fully against hers, his larger frame pushing her down into the bed. He thrusted hard once, twice, then snapped his fangs into her flesh at the same time he thrusted as deep as he could. The head of his throbbing member slammed into her sweet spot and he held himself there, holding her body close. She shouted his name, shattering around him. Her walls clenching tight as she milked him for all he was worth. His warm release filling her deeply.

Her words were incoherent as she came down off that peak, pleasure and heat coursing through her system. The intensity of the orgasm shook her to the core. He made her feel indescribable and unbelievably satisfied. Licking at his bite, he sealed it once again. Taking pride in the evidence of their bond. He nuzzled against her neck, “I love you, Ichigo.” His breath was warm against her skin and it made her pounding heart skip a beat.

“I love you too, but please, Kish. Untie me. I want to touch you,” she whimpered. He licked along the shell of her ear, “But Kitten, you look incredibly sexy all tied up in my bed. Let’s just say that another of my red books has come true.” Ichigo rolled her eyes behind her blindfold, “I’m almost scared to see just how many red memories you have locked away within that perverted mind of yours.” Kish snickered, “Would you like to see?”

Ichigo froze. “Are… Are you serious?” She barely managed to get the quiet words out. She had had to fight for even a glimpse behind his shields. And now he was offering to show her what lay at the deepest part of his mind. He smirked as he undid her blindfold, “You’ve been a good Kitten tonight and deserve a reward. Besides, it’s only fair. You’ve shared yours and trusted me, it’s my turn to do the same. And I did promise. But just a glimpse. I aim to honor what I said earlier. I’m not done pleasuring you or sating my thirst for you just yet.” His lips captured hers as he undid her bonds, releasing her wrists.

To say Kish was impressed would be an understatement. The second he had released her, she had managed to effortlessly flip their positions so she now sat above him straddling his waist. And she had done it without losing their connection. He still remained buried within her.

He looked up at her in awe as she twined both her hands in his and held them pinned to either side of his head. Her aggressiveness was starting to reharden his soft member as she piqued his arousal. “Still so feisty, Kitten. And I know you can feel what that does to me,” he teased, shifting his hips up. Ichigo squeaked and pressed her hips down hard, holding him still. “Later. I’m more interested in that mind of yours than your body right now,” she smirked. “I don’t know whether to be flattered or hurt by that,” he pouted. “Oh hush. Let me behind that locked door and I promise to make it worth the wait.” She slowly rolled her hips, drawing him out then in before stilling once more. “Tease,” he growled.

“Only if I don’t follow through. Which I most definitely will,” she quoted him from earlier. “Clever, Kitten. Very clever.” His pupils narrowed slightly at the determination set on her face. “Fine. Normally you’d need to make a connection with my mind first like I did with you. But since you’ve already got Kit up here, just close your eyes and follow the bridge she’s already made.” “Kit?” she asked looking confused. He grinned, “It’s what I call your little kitten inside my mind. She’s a little piece of my Kitten, so… Kit.” His grin widened as a smile slid across Ichigo’s face. “Cute,” she teased. “Anyways, close your eyes and follower her into my mind.”

Doing as he instructed, she closed her eyes and focused on his mind and the piece of herself that resided there. When she opened her eyes, she would have fallen if not for Kish’s strong arms around her middle. They were perched atop a narrow column that barely had enough space for the two of them. Looking around, she saw a couple other columns of varying heights some distance away. When she glanced down, she gripped onto Kish’s arm. They were incredibly high up and it momentarily made her vision swim.

“Careful, Kitten,” he whispered. “What’s with the height? And is… Is that me?” she asked pointing to another column near them. There was a tiny pink kitten curled up on the pillar that had an ethereal look to it, like she could almost see through it. “Yup. That’s Kit. She’s here because she’s your link to my mind. But now that the connection is established, you’ll be able to enter when you want, just like I can with you. As for the height… Sorry. You’re in my mind. And I can fly. This is where I retreat to when I’m thinking through things. I find it calming.” He held onto her hand as he stepped off the pillar and floated next to her. “But don’t worry, you won’t fall. It’s my mind so you can fly as well,” he winked.

“What?!” she asked with wide eyes. He chuckled, “Just imagine the air is solid beneath your feet and step off. Watch. Kit!” He called to the pink kitten. It raised its head and leapt from the column. Running through the air, it came to Kish and nuzzled under his hand, floating in mid air next to him. Turning back to Ichigo, “See. She’s a part of you, and if she can do it, so can you.”

She looked at him skeptically. “You’ll catch me if I fall?” she asked hesitantly. “Always,” Kish replied quickly. Nervously, Ichigo stepped from the column, but kept a death grip on Kish’s hand. It felt like she was walking on pillows. There was a slight give, but she didn’t fall. Slowly she released his hand. With a huge grin, Kish folded his legs and applauded her. “Having you here and being able to join me in flight is almost better than being able to share my thoughts and memories with you. Well done, Kitten.”

She blushed at his praise. “You make it look easy. And knowing you’re there for me kept me from being too scared to try. And I have technically flown before, but only with my powers and only for a short time. But this is amazing. I’ve always been a tad envious of your abilities. How do I… Well, be like you? Like be able to sit or move without stepping?”

He tapped his long finger to his chin in thought. “Here. This may help.” He snapped his fingers and she was suddenly in her Mew Mew costume. “You’ve flown before when you were a Mew so just relax and do it. Don’t think too hard.” She forced herself to relax and willed herself to float up next to him. She giggled, “I did it!” “Such a quick and clever kitten,” he praised. “Only ‘cause of your help.” Kish caught her eye and gave her a serious look. “As for being envious, well… Soon you may not have to be.” “What do you mean by that?” Her face was full of confusion and a bit of worry.

“Well, now that we’re mated, you could possibly gain some of my abilities. See, another part of being fully mated is that the weaker of the pair grows in strength to better match their partner. Within my race, that usually means stamina or magical aptitude. It takes a lot of energy to maintain flight, teleport regularly, or manifest things. Not even counting our magical affinities. So when a pair mates, the weaker gains more stamina or stronger abilities so they can keep up with their mate. I’m not entirely sure what that means for us, which is why I haven’t said anything yet. And it was one more thing to add on top of everything else. I didn’t want to keep overwhelming you. But seeing how happy you are to fly, I couldn’t help but let you know that it may be a possibility. You’re already incredibly strong and can probably match my stamina. And I know you can match my magical stamina. I’ve seen that firsthand. But you lack my abilities. So it’s possible the mating will compensate and give you access to them. But don’t get your hopes up too high. As I said, I’m not entirely sure what will happen since you’re human. But the fact that you were able to place a mate mark on me as well is a good sign.” He drifted slightly away. He wasn’t sure how she would take this new information. It was more to pile on her.

Quickly, Ichigo shot to his side and wrapped her hand around his. She looked straight into his eyes, “Listen. I won’t say I’m still not a bit overwhelmed with everything and that this new possible change in me doesn’t make me a tad nervous. But it’s a good nervous. I’m kind of excited. I’ve already flown as a Mew Mew, so being able to fly when I want isn’t that big of a change. It’s just an upgrade. Plus being able to fly with you will be amazing if it happens. As for the rest, if that happens as well, then I know you’ll be by my side to help me. So, I’m not really worried. Maybe about making a fool of myself if I mess up, but not about the actual powers. It will be just another thing that connects us. Besides, I already have supernatural powers and am a freak by human standards, what’s a few more?” She winked.

“I swear, Kitten. Is there anything you can’t handle?” he said in awe of her once again. “Being away from you,” she whispered. He wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her temple. “Well, that’s never happening again, so nothing to worry about. Now come on, I do believe I promised to show my curious Kitten my locked inner mind.” “Where is your door anyways?” she asked, looking around. He pointed up over her shoulder, “Up there.”

Floating in mid air was a large metal electronic door that she could only liken to what she’d seen in sci-fi movies. It even had a hand scanner next to it. She then remembered how technologically advanced Kish’s race really was. She was on his spaceship after all. They both floated up and she waited for Kish to press the hand scanner. When he did, the door slid open with a hiss, and they floated through. Landing on their feet, Kish stood back and watched Ichigo’s reaction, for his inner mind worked slightly differently than hers.

Ichigo blinked. She had expected a library like hers, but that wasn’t even close to how Kish’s mind displayed his memories. There was a large machine like table before her that had a hologram of them flying displayed above it. Behind that was a monstrosity of a computer that would make Ryou drool with jealousy. The screen was large and flat. And below that was a control desk with more buttons, keys, and switches than she could count. To the left of the screen were various weapons that looked as though they had been dipped in black ink. To the right of the computer hung a collection of pearly white weapons, some with parts made of red gemstones.

One set in particular caught her eye. It was her bell and one of his sais. Her strawberry bell was hung with his sai going through the handle, blade down and behind the inner bell. The hilt of his sai overlapped the handle of her bell. They were both pearly white, but the inner bell looked to be made of rubies and the gem of his sai that was usually aquamarine, was now a ruby along with the black highlights that ran along the two outer prongs. Both weapons were also much bigger than their real counterparts. The weapons were beautiful and she couldn’t take her eyes off them.

Kish came up behind Ichigo and locked his hands behind his head. “That’s when we became mates,” he said softly. “You mean since these weapons are all white, they represent your most treasured memories?” “Yeah. Everyone’s mind creates its own unique way to display memories. Because I’m technologically adept and a born and bred fighter, my memories are displayed as files on that computer. But my darkest and most treasured memories are weapons. And most people naturally have their memories arranged chronologically, mine are set up kind of the same. The weapons closest to the computer are the oldest, moving to the most recent the further out you move.”

Glancing towards her right, she saw his sai mounted blades up with her bell hanging around the center prong like a charm. They were both completely made of ruby, but her tiny center bell and the gem of his sai looked to be made of pearl. Next, was just her bell completely made of pearl and looked to be truer in size. After that, was an almost identical set to the ruby one but with her bell being much larger than his sai. Moving further to her right were both his sais mounted at an angle, the tips of the center prongs crossed and draped over the tips was her bell again. And again, they looked to be completely made of rubies with pearl accents.

Kish followed her eyes and pointed at each in turn. “When we made love on the beach, when you said yes to marrying me, that’s when you fulfilled your fantasy in the shower, and the last one is of me fulfilling my fantasies with you in my bed.” He grinned after explaining the last weapon. Ichigo rolled her eyes, “Why does it not surprise me that your most treasured memories are us having sex? Always a perverted alien right down to your core.”

Kish looked hurt. “They also happen to be memories of you. Of us sharing something special, but mostly because they are about you. You are the most precious thing in my life. I can’t help it if our most recent memories together also happen to be us making love.”

Shame raced through Ichigo and she placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry Kish. I shouldn’t have criticized. And I’m beyond happy that I’m at the center of those memories that you so cherish.” Kish glanced down at her, his lip twitching up into his smirk. Ichigo caught it and smacked his chest. “You damn alien. You actually had me feeling bad. You do cherish them because we’re having sex,” she hissed.

Kish rubbed his chest. “What I said is true, but yes, the fact that we’re having sex in them makes them that much more special to me.” Ichigo just shook her head. “Pervert,” she muttered. “And yet you love me anyways,” he teased. She sighed and walked back to the computer glancing at the other weapons along the way.

She saw her bell again, but this time it was only about the size of her fist and completely white. She glanced back at Kish. “That’s the day we met,” he supplied. She was shocked. She didn’t think that would be a treasured memory because there weren’t any real feelings tied between them at that point. Seeing her confusion, Kish came to her side. “I told you; I liked you from the moment we met. I don’t just go around kissing anyone ya know,” he smirked. “Part of me wants to seriously doubt that.” She gave him a grin of her own. “You wound me, Kitten,” he said, clutching his chest dramatically.

A pair of large pearly curved daggers caught her eye near the computer. Seeing what she was looking at, Kish sighed. “Those are my father’s spirit weapons. That was the first time I managed to land a hit on him in one of our sparring matches. He was so proud of me. One of the first times I heard him laugh.” “I’m sorry, Kish.” Her voice was soft. She knew that while it was cherished, the memory also had to be incredibly painful.

Sighing, “Don’t be Kitten. I want to share these with you. Share my life with you. And when I left Earth, I carried a new respect for my father. He was no longer a traitor in my eyes. I could finally see and understand his point of view. Seeing how caring and how willing you Mew Mews were to sacrifice yourselves for others, showed me just how wrong we were to ever try to destroy you all. We were the selfish ones, not you humans.”

Ichigo wore a sad smile, “You really did grow up those four years. And really have changed. But you’re also still my Kish. Hot headed, cocky, perverted, and arrogant. And yet now more understanding, caring, gentle, wiser, and more willing to use his brains instead of letting your emotions rule you.” She was serious but also lightly teasing.

“Gee, thanks, Kitten,” he said folding his legs in mid air and leaning back, his arms back behind his head. “That was a compliment actually,” she pouted. “I’m glad you haven’t changed too much, because the emotional, possessive Kish is who I originally fell in love with. But I’m also deeply in love with who you are now.” Kish blushed, “I love you too.”

Moving past the large computer, Ichigo looked over the inky black weapons. A large sword caught her eye. She recognized the blade almost immediately, even though it looked like it had been dipped in dull black paint. Kish had floated along beside her, and the scar on his abdomen twinged when he realized what held her attention. Absentmindedly, he rubbed at the scar. “I’m sure you’ve already guessed, but yeah, that’s when Deep Blue killed me. Not exactly a fond memory.”

“I’m sorry Kish. That was all my fault. You died trying to protect me and I just sat there unable to do anything. If I had been stronger, I may have been able to help so you never would have had to suffer through that,” she sniffed. Tears were glistening in her eyes. Kish immediately stood and wrapped his arms around her.

“It’s alright, Kitten. You aren’t to blame at all. I made my own choice and knew the risks. Besides, if I had managed to kill Deep Blue, I don’t think we’d be here together now.” She looked up at him, confusion clear in her watery eyes. He swallowed thickly and elaborated. “He was still technically Masaya, who you still deeply loved. I don’t think you would have ever been able to forgive me.”

Ichigo blinked. For him to say something like that must have been incredibly difficult. And not only that, but he had actually used Masaya’s name. The very first that she could recount him every doing. “Oh, Kish. I’m so sorry for all I put you through. And even more sorry because you’re probably right. And that kills me, because I don’t even want to think of a life without you. I’ve been happier these last twenty-four hours than I have in years, and that includes a lot of the time I was with Masaya. While I did love him, you complete me in a way he never did. The other half to my coin.”

“You don’t ever have to think of a life without me because I’m not going anywhere. You’ve made me happier than I’ve ever been in my entire life.” His eyes were soft as he stared at her.

Ichigo glanced back at the wall of black weapons. There had been something else that she had noticed. It was her Mew Aqua Rod, small and completely black. It confused her. She glanced back at Kish.

He shook his head. “Leave that one alone, Kitten.” His eyes held something strange, something dark. Something she didn’t recognize. Then it dawned on her. It was despair. “Kish?” “I said leave it. All I’ll say is that that’s right after I was resurrected, and we left.” Her curiosity was getting the better of her. Before he could stop her, she had reached out and touched the weapon.

Instantly she was transported to after the final fight with Deep Blue. She was looking through Kish’s eyes. He was staring at her limp body held tightly in Masaya’s arms. The three stood to the side, away from the others. Heartbreak and despair rolled through Kish as he realized that even though he had given up his life for her, she would never choose him. Slowly. Carefully. Kish reached out to Ichigo.

Masaya took a step back. “Don’t you touch her. You’ve done enough. Keep your filthy hands off her.” “I just want to hold her one last time. Have a moment to say goodbye.” She heard Kish say. “Absolutely not. I don’t trust you with her,” Masaya shouted. Kish recoiled and Ichigo could feel a tear slide down his face. Kish’s hand fell to his side. ‘I love you,’ he had thought before stepping away. ‘Goodbye mate.’ Ichigo felt tears welling in his eyes as his heart shattered. He would probably never see her again and he couldn’t even touch her one last time. Couldn’t even tell her goodbye.

Kish had then raised eyes full of hate and jealousy and locked them with Masaya. “You don’t deserve her.” His voice was low. Flat. “And you do?” Masaya accused. “Probably not. But I never lied to her about who I was. I never lied to her period.” Masaya glared at Kish. “It was for her own protection. She should never have learned that I was the Blue Knight. But you couldn’t stop pushing. Couldn’t stop trying to take what was mine. I had to step in. And you say you didn’t lie. When I know. I was Deep Blue. I was in your mind. She was never your toy.” Shock raced through Kish. “Bastard. I wish I’d killed you. But it would have hurt her too much. You only love her because it was what Deep Blue wanted.”

Masaya’s eyes narrowed. “Leave, Kish. Take the Mew Aqua and leave. Go restore your planet. Forget about her and your people will never have to know that you betrayed them for a love that could never be.” Masaya’s voice was cold. Colder than Ichigo had ever heard it. Anger flared within Kish. A sharp pain pricked her palms. She realized Kish had clenched his fists so tightly he’d dug his nails into his hands. “You think I care about that? For her, I’d step away from my people and never look back. And you know I’ll never forget about her. You know what she is to me. But I will leave. But not for you. Never anything for you. Only for her. She made her choice, so I’ll leave so she can be happy.”

The memory was ripped away as Kish yanked Ichigo away from the wall of weapons. “Dammit, Ichigo! You and your blasted curiosity. It would have been better if you’d never have seen that.” Kish’s eyes were glittering intensely. A swirl of anger and sadness warred within them.

Anger blazed in Ichigo’s own eyes. She was livid. “I can’t believe him! You had just given your life for me and he couldn’t even let you say goodbye. And what the hell did you mean he only loved me because it was what Deep Blue wanted?” Her emotions were all over the place, but anger burned the brightest. Her tail twitched in agitation behind her as she paced in front of Kish. He reached out to put a hand on her shoulder, but she shrugged it off. “Don’t you dare try to calm me down. Not until after you’ve explained.”

Kish crossed his legs as he floated near Ichigo. Frustration was clear on his face, masking the anger and sadness at that moment. A hand ran through his hair in exasperation. His eyes flicked back and forth as he tried to piece together the best way to explain. His voice was sharp when he spoke. “Did you never wonder why Deep Blue’s host just so happened to be the leader of the Mew Mew’s boyfriend?”

Ichigo narrowed her eyes. “The thought crossed my mind a few times.” Her eyes widened. “Are you saying he was chosen because he was my boyfriend?” Kish sighed. “Yes and no. Masaya fell in love with you because it was what Deep Blue wanted. Deep Blue was counting on you not being able to raise a hand to your lover. But what Deep Blue didn’t count on was Masaya actually falling for you himself. Whether it was real or just the remnants of Deep Blue’s mind control, I don’t know. But the fact was that you both loved each other so much that you were willing to sacrifice everything to save each other. It was Deep Blue’s downfall.”

His mouth was set in a hard line. He wasn’t exactly thrilled to be talking about his mate’s past love. Even if he had been around to witness most of it. It still hurt. And it hurt knowing how much pain she had to be in as she questioned whether Masaya’s love had ever been real in the first place.

‘Maybe that was why it was so easy for us to drift apart. He had never genuinely loved me in the first place,’ she thought. It had just been Deep Blue’s mind control. “Did you know? That Masaya was Deep Blue all along?” Kish cringed. “Not in the beginning, but later on yes.” “Why didn’t you tell us?” “I couldn’t. I was being watched closely at that point. It was hard enough trying not to hurt you. I couldn’t give away secrets that weren’t mine to give. I tried to warn you though. So many times, I tried to warn you about Deep Blue and the pain he would cause.”

Ichigo spun on Kish. “That actually reminds me of something I wondered a while ago. If you were in love with me, why didn’t you just deflect to our side?” Kish bit his lip. His eyes lowered to the ground. “I’ve told you why. I couldn’t just abandon my people. I had to do something. Not to mention Pai and Tart were, are, my family. I couldn’t just turn my back on them. I didn’t want to hurt them. And you’d made it pretty clear that I wasn’t wanted. I wasn’t a complete fool back then. I may have been desperately in love with you, but to put my life in your hands and the lives of my people and family. That’s asking a lot. But even saying that, if you had asked, I would have. But again, you made it clear I wasn’t wanted. But as Deep Blue became more powerful, the choice was removed. You heard Masaya, he was in my head. It took everything I had to try and keep my feelings buried. Both my love and my traitorous thoughts. Deep Blue could have killed me easily enough if the lies or deceptions had been too great. As it was, I was skating on thin ice in the end. He began to suspect everything. It was why I asked you so many times to run away with me. I was scared I wouldn’t be able to protect you or myself anymore.”

Stepping closer to him, Ichigo reached out and brushed Kish’s bangs aside, letting her eyes search his. She could still see anger, frustration, and sadness clearly. But under all that was fear. A deep-seated fear that she would hate him for this. That she would blame him for not joining her side in the first place. For not putting his trust in her back then. Or even for Masaya’s part in everything. Ichigo released a breath she hadn’t even realized she’d been holding.

“I’m not mad at you. Not in the least. I’m mad at Deep Blue and at Masaya. But not you. It was just something I had wondered about. But you’re right. And I couldn’t possibly imagine how hard it must have been to skirt that line. To hide right under the nose of your own God. The amount of fear and pressure you must have dealt with every day. And from both sides. Then to throw love into the mix. No wonder you were a bit insane.” The soft smile that appeared on her lips drew Kish’s attention.

Reaching out, Kish threaded his fingers through hers. “You’re really not upset with me?” “Nope. I’m mad for you. What Masaya did is unforgiveable. Even if we had been enemies. What you had just gone through and for me, and for him to treat you like that. I’m beyond pissed at him. And the next time I talk to that ex of mine I’m going to rip him a new one. Because whether you believe this or not, if I had been awake and you had asked for a moment alone, I would have granted it to you. Even at the time it had hurt seeing the light fading from your eyes. I would have gladly given you a goodbye hug at the very least. Though I know you, you would have tried to steal a kiss.” She stuck her tongue out at him.

Finally, his smirk started to slip over his lips. “You’re probably not wrong.” He winked. “I don’t think you’ll ever stop amazing me. Each time you do or say something, I think ‘That’s it. I’ve seen all she is, and I can’t possibly love her anymore.’ Then you prove me wrong over and over. My love for you just keeps growing and you surpass my expectations each and every time. I’ve said it before, but I really don’t deserve you, Ichigo.” He slipped a knuckle under her chin and tilted her face up. Glittering gold met shimmering chocolate for a split second before he captured her lips. He poured his love for her into the kiss while he slid the hand under her chin deep into her hair. His other hand was splayed wide against her lower back, pushing her flush along his body.

After a moment or two, he finally pulled away, and placed another quick peck to her lips, “Come on, I still haven’t shown you what originally piqued your interest.” He took her hand and tugged her in front of the large computer. “Huh?” She was confused. “Already forgotten, my curious kitten? I do believe I offered to show you just how many red memories I hold about you,” he grinned smugly. She blushed, “Oh yeah.”

He chuckled at her pink cheeks as he clicked away at the large keyboard. “Considering you’re about to see just how often I fantasized about you, pretty sure I should be the one blushing.” “Maybe, but I can’t help it when I know they’re about me. Besides, you have no shame,” she smirked. “You might be mostly right, but only when it comes to you because I love you so much.”

A large pink file appeared on the computer screen. Before he clicked it, “No judging. I was alone for four years with only my thoughts of you to get me through some nights. And deeply in love with you for even longer. And as you so enjoy pointing out, I may be a bit perverted.” “A bit?” she teased, crossing her arms. “Okay, maybe more than a bit. You were warned,” he smirked as he clicked on her file. As the large screen displayed the hundreds of memories revolving around her, he couldn’t stop the slight blush that dusted his cheeks. Maybe he did have some shame after all.

A gasp escaped her lips as her arms fell to her sides. The majority of the icons were hued pink. Some had whisps of black or white threaded through them, but mostly they were a solid shade of pink. But what made her gasp and her jaw drop, was that at least a third, possibly more, were tinted a very deep red. Many were scattered through what she figured was the year they spent fighting, but the last four years contained almost all solid red files. He hadn’t been kidding when he said he’d thought about her a lot.

Reaching over, he tapped under her chin, closing her mouth with a click. “Well?...” he trailed off. Her blush deepened ten-fold as she snapped back to reality. “I’m currently damning my curiosity because part of me is dying to know just what the hell you’ve been imagining about us, but I’m also scared to death of the answers especially with how many there are.”

He laughed, “I did warn you. And we have plenty of time to explore those files together. And I hope to see each and everyone come true.” He laughed harder when he saw her wide-eyed face. “Don’t be so scared, Kitten. A lot of them are repeats. They aren’t all a different fantasy. But it is almost five years’ worth of dreams. We’ve already begun checking them off,” he winked.

Ichigo gulped. “There’s just so many. You really are my perverted alien, aren’t you?” She finally smiled. “Yup. And we’ve already established you enjoy my pervertedness and flirtatious nature. Besides, I can already see the wheels turning in that pretty little head of yours. Like I said, we have lots of time to make up those years of separation. And you can try to deny it all you want, but I know you’re looking forwards to fulfilling both our fantasies probably just as much as me.”

She licked her lips as her eyes trailed back over the files on screen, “Maybe…”   “Uh-huh,” he chuckled, clicking a button that closed out the file.

Taking her hand, he pulled her towards the doorway, “Now there’s one more promise I aim to keep before I let you rest. I still haven’t exhausted that delicious body of yours to the point of collapse. Nor are my ears hurting from your repeated screams. It’s time to fix that.” His smirk shifted to something darker, a touch more seductive and his golden eyes shimmered. With a firm shove, he pushed her out the door and gently nudged her out of his mind.

A squeak left Ichigo’s mouth as she found herself in a free fall for a split second before returning to her own mind. Blinking her eyes, she refocused on her incredibly sexy mate beneath her. He was gazing up at her with those molten honey eyes that made her weak in the knees. But she wasn’t backing down. She held him down firmly and rotated her hips teasingly, for he was still seated within her.

“Kitten,” he growled and tried to free his hands. She pushed down harder, her nails biting slightly into the backs of his hands. Leaning close to the inner curve of his ear, she placed her lips a mere hair’s breadth from his sensitive skin. She whispered, “My turn.” Arousal shot through his system. His member quickly swelled to his full size.

Keeping him trapped against the bed, Ichigo set a slow smooth pace with her hips. When his hips matched hers then tried to lead her and set the pace he wanted, she stilled. Shaking her head, “Uh-uh.   I told you, it’s my turn.” “Dammit, Kitten,” he hissed. She rocked her hips hard, grinding them down. “Show me just how good your control has gotten. If you can manage to let me stay in control and can keep your hands to yourself until I say, then I’ll let you do whatever you want to me next time. Within reason of course. However, if you can’t, then I get to be completely in control. Meaning, you’ll be the one tied up and at my mercy.” She licked her lips, “A win-win really.”

Biting his lip, his eye lids partially lowered as he gazed up at her. “You’re playing with fire, Kitten.” His voice was gravely and thick with need. “Scared to accept the challenge?” she snipped, rolling her hips back until he nearly slipped from her then slamming back down.

He hissed and squeezed her hands tightly. “You should know better than that, Ich-i-go. Challenge accepted,” he said, drawing her name out. “But I promise I’ll win, and remember, almost five years’ worth of fantasies to choose from. And I can be very creative,” his voice lowered, sounding almost threatening. Ichigo shuddered. Hesitantly, she released his hands and placed hers on his chest for support.

Blood running hot, Kish grinned wickedly and folded his arms behind his head. The tip of his tongue snaked out and slid over a glistening fang. “Your move, Kitten.” ‘God he has a knack for making my blood boil,’ she thought. She couldn’t tell if she was more pissed off at his easy arrogance or turned on by his challenge. Either way, she was going to enjoy this.

She had an ace up her sleeve that would ensure her victory, however, she was almost interested enough to let him win just to see what he may have in store for her. Licking her lips, Ichigo put her first plan in motion, because let’s face it, she’d never allowed him to win before, so why start now? At the very least, she was going to make him work for the win.

Grinding her hips hard but slowly, she set a steady rhythm. She flexed her hands on his chest, letting her sharp nails dig slightly into his cool flesh. Slowly, she began to drag them down his pale skin in random patterns, pressing hard enough to leave faint red trails in their wake. When she crossed over his stomach, she saw his abdominals clench. But that infuriating cocky grin hadn’t cracked even a millimeter. He just continued to watch her through hooded eyes. It was time to up her game.

Dragging her nails along his sides, she scraped over his hip bones and arched her back, giving him a wonderful view of her heaving breasts. Arching further, she placed her left hand on his thigh behind her, her nails prickling over his skin. Her other hand dragged up her thigh and continued over her body until she cupped her breast.

Gently, she squeezed and kneaded the soft globe. Her thumb and forefinger tweaking and tugging her nipple. A deep moan reverberated from the back of her throat. Her hips hadn’t stopped for a moment, continuing the slow sensual undulations of push and pull. When she slid her hand down from her breast and over her belly button, she watched him through the slits of her eyes. Finally, a reaction.

She saw his eyes widen just barely as her fingertips brushed over her swollen bud. As sharply arched as she was, he had the perfect view as she stroked herself. Watching him intently, she saw the barely perceptible flex in his shoulders and arm muscles. Small, but the cracks in his defenses were beginning to show. But when she shifted her hand so as she touched herself, her nails would brush along his delicate skin where he disappeared within her, she heard him gasp and close his eyes. She could almost hear his heart pounding over her own thundering in her ears.

Kish sucked in a breath and bit his lip. ‘The All Bright, help me,’ he thought. His Kitten was pushing every single one of his buttons. Hands clenched tightly behind his head, he desperately ached to touch her. Watching as she pleasured herself while riding him was taking every ounce of control he had not to pin her down and push her screaming over that cliff. But when he felt her ghost her nails over his swollen member, his control almost snapped.

“Fucking Abyss, Ichigo. Not gonna go easy on me are ya?” he groaned as he began to pant. The strain from trying to stay in control along with his intense arousal at his beyond sexy kitten was starting to take its toll. Her hips ground down harder in satisfaction and her nails pressed slightly rougher. “Going easy was your thing, remember. I always gave it my all and never backed down to you,” her voice was sharp but coated in breathless pants. She was fast approaching that peak, but her fingers or hips never slowed.

His arms were tensely locked as he fought to restrain himself. Her little show was pushing him to that edge rapidly and he wasn’t sure what would snap first. His control or that coil deep in his abdomen. Moments before her peak, she fell atop his chest, a hand flat on his sternum to brace herself. She craned her neck to bring her lips to his ear. “Let go,” she moaned, then licked along his ear’s hollow.

Almost instantly, he flipped her to her back and pinning her down, pounded into her. Sweat beaded on his brow and trickled down his spine. Both their bodies glistening in the dim lighting of his room. Both hearts thundering in their chests. It only took a few powerful thrusts to have them both moaning their release.

Collapsing atop her, Kish was loathe to move. His entire body was exhausted and his arms ached from being tense for so long. Ichigo carefully gathered his hair, freeing it from where it stuck to his sweat dampened neck and shoulders. Sliding off his hair tie, she gently rebound his hair, collecting all the loose strands that had come free. She had to focus on something as she fought to steady her breathing and calm her racing heart. Kish groaned as he pushed himself up, finally finding a tiny bit of strength and energy.

Sliding out of her, he flopped to his back beside her. Flinging his arm over his eyes, he groaned softly. “I concede. You won that round, Kitten.” His heart was still pounding in his ears as he came down from his intense pleasure high. Ichigo pressed along his side and nipped his shoulder. Getting the hint, he lifted his arm so she could slip under it and nestle her head in the crook of his shoulder. As he wrapped his arm along her back and rested his hand in the curve of her hip, she spoke.

“You held out until I said, so that means you’re the winner, love.” He eyed her from the corner of his eye. “We both know if you had licked my ear before you said anything, I never would have held out.” She traced idle patterns across his chest. “A draw then?” He smiled and captured her hand. Bringing it to his lips, he placed a kiss to her palm. “I can live with that, even if you said you’d never let me win.”

She nipped the side of his chest then smoothed the bite with her tongue. “A draw doesn’t mean I let you win.” She winked. “And I can’t let you have all the fun. I think we both won, anyways. And you kept your word, not sure about you, but I’m exhausted.”

He chuckled and rested her hand over his heart, his still clasped atop. “If we both win, who’s fantasy do we get to fulfill next time? And you’re right. I hate to admit it, but I’m spent. You managed to wear me out, Kitten. Though my ears aren’t aching from your screams. But one is still twitching from that tongue of yours.” Giggling, “Guess we’ll just have to flip a coin. After all, two sides…” “Same coin,” he finished for her.

He grinned, “You really are my soul mate, Kitten.” She nuzzled closer. “And I’m starting to believe you’re mine. I love you, Kish.” “I love you too, Kitten.” Keeping her tucked against his side, he used his foot to kick up the covers and pulled them over their bodies. Releasing her hand for a moment, he snapped his fingers, turning out the lights. Bathed in darkness, his hand clasped hers once again. Breathing deep, he smiled. His sheets smelled deeply of both their scents and their love making.

Closing his eyes, Kish jumped in his own skin. He was in his mind and Ichigo was sitting atop one of the columns, her legs swinging freely. “Dammit, Ichigo. This is starting to become a thing. You slipping into my mind without me noticing.” She blushed, “Sorry, love. It just sort of happened. I closed my eyes while thinking of you and found myself here. Figured I’d just wait til you showed up. And though I know I’m technically asleep, it’s kind of amazing that I can spend a little bit longer with you in our minds. So, I definitely think I want this to become a thing.” He shook his head, but couldn’t help but smile. Floating over, he settled down next to her. “Well, I can’t argue with that. So did you actually want to talk about something, or could you just not resist me?”

She smacked his arm, “Like I said, it just happened. But now that you mention it, yeah, there is. But uh… First can you fix this…” she trailed off as she motioned between them blushing. He rolled his eyes, “Really, Kitten? After all that, being naked like this still makes you blush?” “Virgin less than twenty-four hours ago, remember. You may be experienced with all this, but I’m still getting used to it,” she huffed.

He stared at her for a moment and cocked his head. He snapped his fingers and she was back in her black lace underwear and he in the deep green sweat pants. She cocked an eyebrow. “What? You find me sexy in these and I think you look incredibly sexy in that, fair is fair. And listen, Ichigo. I think there’s something I never made clear. I was a virgin as well.”

Ichigo’s jaw dropped. “But… But you’re so confident, and seem to know exactly what you’re doing. Not to mention all that talk back then about how popular you were with the ladies. I just assumed you had experience.” Kish grinned and shook his head, “Thanks for the compliment. And yes I was, still am actually. None of those girls were ever worth my time though. And after I met you, I only wanted you.”

“I’m afraid to ask, but what all did you do before me?” she asked nervously. Sighing, “I’ll tell you, but only if you really want to know.” She thought about it. “Yes. I want to know, but I don’t need details. And umm… with how many?”

Kish leaned back on his hands, his amber eyes flicking back and forth as though looking through the pages of a book. “Everything except for sex and somewhere around twenty girls. But I was a bit cold and cruel.” “How so?” she asked glancing over at him.

His eyes flicked to hers. “Like I said, those girls were never worth my time, but they were always throwing themselves at me. And you know how twisted, perverted, and aggressive I can be. So… I used them for my own satisfaction. However, it quickly got out that if we did anything below the waist, I’d never touch that girl again. I didn’t want them getting attached because I really wasn’t interested. But I was extremely attractive and a highly sought-after catch, so many were still willing to take the chance and hope I’d choose them. So, I’d let them pleasure me or I’d pleasure them if the mood struck me. And I’ll admit, I’m a horrible flirt, but I always made it clear that if we did anything, there wouldn’t be another time. I wouldn’t even flirt with those girls again. But they kept trying for their chance to possibly catch my interest. Obviously, that never happened.”

He took a deep breath. His sexual past wasn’t something he was particularly proud of, but he didn’t regret it either. He may act all cool and confident, but revealing those secrets to Ichigo did feel a bit awkward and shameful. But, once again, she surprised him. “I think I kinda understand and I don’t think you were being cruel. You were clear with your intentions up front. If they chose to ignore them in hopes of winning you over, that’s on them. Though I admit, I am a tad jealous I wasn’t your first at everything, even if I did have some experience. Not much mind you, but some. And I was your first, which makes me feel incredibly special and happy, even if it does shock me.” She was being completely truthful. It did shock her that he had been a virgin, but she was happy.

Staring at her incredulously, he finally spoke. “I have no idea what I did to deserve you, but I’ll thank the All Bright for the rest of my life for whatever it was. I’ll never be able to tell you enough how much I love you.” A full genuine smile lit up her face, “I love you too. And I guess that explains some of your confidence, but I still don’t know how you’re so damn amazing at sex if I’m your first.”

“Says the girl who just took control and thoroughly tortured me with that body of yours while riding me,” he smirked. “That’s because of you. You’ve always made me feel more confident, more sure about myself. Even when we were younger. I always felt I could be myself around you without fear of being judged or looked down on. In a way, you always made me feel special, even when you were annoying the living hell out of me.” Her cheeks were warm with the return of her blush.

“And there’s your answer,” he said. “I’ve always been cocky and arrogant, but it’s worse around you because I constantly want to impress you. I also want to make you happy. So, I’m always thinking of how to do that. It doesn’t hurt that I get glimpses into your mind so at times I know exactly what you want or need which can make pleasuring you easier. But I also enjoy pleasuring you. So, I aim to do a good job.” He flashed his fangs as he smiled wide.

“Well, I can certainly say without a doubt, you do an amazing job,” she winked. He laughed, “Thanks, Kitten. And for someone without any real experience, I assure you, you’re incredible.” She grinned as she crawled into his lap, straddling his waist, “Since you’re in a sharing mood, there’s something else I’ve been wondering.”

“Ever the curious kitten. Ask and if I can, I’ll answer,” he smiled up at her as he laid back on his folded arms. “You’ve brought it up a couple of times, and I’ve noticed a few, but only one I’m sure of how you got. But, well, which of your scars are from me?” She looked down as she fidgeted with her hands in her lap.

He gazed at her through the slits of his eyelids. He could tell she was nervous about asking as she hid behind her bangs. Other than the one she mentioned, his scars didn’t really bother him. But he could understand her awkwardness. She had personally inflicted some of them.

Raising back up on his left hand, he took one of hers in his right. Bringing their hands to his abdomen, he trailed their fingers along the long pinkish scar that bisected his abdominals. Her eyes followed their hands as he spoke, “As I know you’re well aware, this one is from Deep Blue from that night, and probably the only scar I have that I wish I didn’t. Its partner runs along my spine. Probably the most painful as well. That hurt like a son of a bitch.”

He slid her hand down to the bottom right side of his ribcage. “Not a scar you can see, but you broke at least two ribs when I didn’t dodge fast enough after trying to grab you. Took the heel of your boot to the side, cracking them. Got a heck of a kick, Kitten.”

He brought her hand up over his left shoulder and pressed her fingers into the jagged scar next to his shoulder blade. “That’s courtesy of the Birdie. One of her arrows hit my shoulder. Little brat shot me in the back when I was trying to play with you,” he smirked. Shifting her hand to his left cheek, “They’re faint, but they’re the first scars you ever gave me. The second time we met, you scratched my cheek when I asked for another kiss. Also, the first time I ever felt those claws of yours.”

Ichigo smiled, “I remember that day. You cornered me against a tree when I was on my first date with Masaya and threatened to tell him about us. Even though there was no us. Then you had the nerve to ask for another kiss after you had stolen the first. Which just so happened to be my very first.” “Guess we made an impression on each other since you remember that so clearly. Hmm? And what can I say? I already knew I wanted you. And you were and still are so cute when riled up.” Golden eyes flicked her up and down and his fang slid over his lip.

She rolled her eyes. Moving her hand down to his left hip, he traced a long thin scar that curved around his waist. “That one was a gift from that damn tree hugger boyfriend of yours when he was the Blue Knight. Slid his sword clean through my side. Took me a while to heal from that one. Spent most that time cursing your name too. Was about then that I realized I was falling in love and that was a pretty big blow to my ego. I was hurt badly and yet you ran to that bastard’s side. Hate to admit it, but ended up on some random rooftop basically screaming your name in a fit while I patched myself up. Couldn’t understand why you kept denying me when I was only trying to help. I had tried to convince you to leave with me so you wouldn’t get hurt. I get it now, but back then it hurt and pissed me off.”

“I know I’ve said it before, but I’m sorry Kish. I was young and stupid and didn’t really understand what you were trying to do or how badly I kept hurting you. I had a one track mind, saving the planet and Masaya was all I was focused on.” He shook his head, “I forgave you a long time ago, Ichigo. Like I said, eventually I understood. Once I was able to look past my twisted obsession and see the love that was starting to grow, I could understand your point of view. It was why I left. I could finally put your happiness over my own. Anyways,” he slid their hands up to his right shoulder.

“Again, one you can’t see, but still bothers me from time to time. When we fought at Tokyo Tower, I was attacking you with my sais. You managed to deflect my attack and threw me into one of the iron struts. Managed to dislocate my shoulder in the process. As I’ve said, you could kick my ass fair and square because that time I didn’t hold back. Not only were Pai and Tart there, but I was still reeling from our last fight. And in my twisted way, for a moment I thought killing you would stop the pain in my heart. Just ended up in more pain,” he chuckled dryly.

“Jeeze, Kish. You really were a bit crazy then weren’t you?” she asked humorlessly. “Yeah, you could say that. Though most of it was your fault. I was falling in love with you, but at the same time I hated you for standing in the way of helping my people. I felt like a traitor because I didn’t want to see you hurt. But mad at you because of your constant rejections, and because you couldn’t see I was trying to help. Took me a while to finally get it all sorted. And when I did, Deep Blue started to suspect my lack of loyalty. He threw me into confinement. It was why I was so late to that final fight against him. Had to break my way out. My heart almost stopped when I saw you facing off against him. Was why it was so easy to initially trick him into believing I would kill you. Gods, I could barely look at you. The fear, hurt, betrayal, and confusion on your face when I was walking to you after declaring that I would kill you. I almost couldn’t keep up the act, it hurt so bad. But it was all I could think of to get him to drop his guard and to stop hurting you.”

“You really did scare me, ya know. I was so confused. You had already convinced me that you really did care about me. But then you offered to kill me. For a moment I really thought I was going to die by your hand. And because you wouldn’t look at me, I thought you honestly had resigned yourself to killing me. I can admit now that my heart broke a little. I could honestly say by then that I’d come to care for you at least somewhat. You had stood between me and the others and taken a hit meant for me, passing out in my arms. And now you were saying you were going to kill me. So yeah, I was hurt and scared. But nothing could compare to how badly it hurt when you died in my arms.”

Kish cupped her cheek and wiped a lone tear away with his thumb. “No more tears over that. It really is time to let it go. I have, and I was the one that died. I’m sorry I put you through that, but let it go, mate.” She wiped her eyes and smiled. “You’re right.” “That’s my girl. Which brings us to this.”

Taking her hand again, he twisted and pressed her palm against the jagged scar on his lower left back. “From my own cousin. When I stood between you and Pai. By then I just wanted the fighting to stop and Pai wouldn’t listen. Hoped he’d see some reason if he saw the lengths even I was willing to go to. He usually respected my opinions. But Deep Blue had him so brainwashed that he was willing to kill me. Abyss, he killed his own brother.”

Releasing her hand, he brought his right leg up and pulled up his pant leg. Twisting to look, Ichigo saw a shiny scar that wrapped his ankle. “Let me guess, Zakuro’s ribbon spear?” “You got it. She managed to catch my ankle as I was trying to teleport away. I swear that thing is made of acid. Burned like crazy. Then to top it off, she dragged me to her and clocked me a good one. Nearly broke my jaw. You girls were hell I tell ya. But worth it all because I met and eventually got you.” “Guess we were stronger than we realized. Never knew just how much damage we actually inflicted.” “Should have felt it from my side,” he grinned. “I did.”

She took his hand and brought it to the base of her throat. “Like my scratches, it’s faint, but never doubt me when I say I know just how sharp your sais are. When you had them crossed over my neck, I don’t think even you realized but you actually cut me. It’s small, but the scar’s there.” She slid his hand to her right shoulder, “That mess of scars is thanks to Pai, when I saved your ass. He managed to clip me. I swear I can still feel the heat of his fan’s fire.”

Holding her wrist between them, she indicated a thin pale line along the back of her wrist. “From when I dislocated your shoulder at the tower. When I deflected your sais, I caught one across my wrist. Took me a couple of days to figure out how I got cut. My gloves hid the slice and the blood during the fight.”

Pulling his hand down to her right knee, she cupped it over a dark pink splotchy scar. “You again. You landed in front of me and kicked my legs out from under me. Landed hard on my knees and a rock embedded itself deep. A damn rock scarred one of the Mew Mews. Not one of my finest moments.”

He chuckled, “I remember that. I came to play with you, but you were just standing there, not fighting back. Decided to kick you into action so to speak.” “Thank you so much for that by the way. I was still new to the Mew Mew thing and was a bit like a deer caught in the headlights. But as usual, you pissed me off enough to push me into action.” She pulled his hand up her inner thigh, where a small pink oblong scar ran an inch or two up her leg. “Once again, you. And again, you kicked me. Your boot ripped a gash in my leg when I tried to block.”

Pulling him forwards, she took both his hands and placed them on her upper arms covering three small crescent shaped scars on each, “Again courtesy of you. One of the times you grabbed me. You held me so tight that your nails dug into my arms.” Kish looked away ashamed. “I’ve actually got a matching set.” He rotated his body to show first his left then his right arm. “I just forgot because they weren’t from any of you, but myself.” “Huh?” Ichigo asked confused.

“Do you remember when you saw me by myself hovering over the pond by the café?” he asked. “You knew I was there?” She was surprised. He hadn’t made any indication that he knew she was watching him. Which would have been highly out of character. He normally couldn’t keep his hands off her or at the very least pestering her.

“Yeah. I had already started the mate bonding process by then and could feel your stronger emotions when you were close. I was there because we had fought earlier, and, well, you said some things that hurt me badly. So, I wanted to be alone and lick my hurting heart. But then I felt you. And you hurt me even more. I could feel your pity for me, which also pissed me off. And yes, I heard you call out to me. But I was so mad and hurt that I didn’t want to be around you. As hard as that may be to believe. Yes, I Kish, actually avoided my Kitten. I teleported back to my room and only got madder. This time at myself for running away from you when it was the first time you seemed to actually want me to stay. So mad, that I dug my nails into my arms to distract myself from everything.”

“Tart was the one that eventually calmed me down. He could feel my pain and came to check on me. And though I tried to hide it, I knew he had seen what I had done. He tried to cheer me up by explaining that you had been so mean and mad at me earlier because I had disrupted your only day off. I managed to convince myself that that was the only reason you had called me so many names and said you hated me.”

Wrapping her arms around his neck, “I really wish you hadn’t run that night. It wasn’t all pity I felt. I was honestly worried about you. It was the first time I got a real glimpse of the you behind that arrogant smirk. That there was so much more to you. And I was beginning to care. It was also the first time I began to wonder the point of all the fighting. At that time, I didn’t know the full story of why you wanted to invade. I spent many nights this last year going over that very memory, wondering if you had stayed to talk, if maybe we could have avoided so much fighting. Especially that final battle. If maybe we could have found a better way.”

Leaning forwards, Kish rested his forehead against Ichigo’s and wrapped his arms around her waist. Sighing, he closed his eyes. “We really were both fools back then. You were so wrapped up in Masaya, me in my obsession and anger, and both of us with fighting, that neither of us could see what was right in front of us. Then both of us suffered for so long with regrets of how we treated each other. It’s almost no wonder we ended up here together. Seems like we’ve been twined with each other since the very start. Two sides...” “Same coin,” she finished for him this time.

Ichigo brushed her lips over his, “I love you Kish. Now no more regrets.   Time we start living in the here and now. We’ve both said our apologies and we’ve both forgiven each other. I’m not gonna let the past hurt me anymore. Fact, I thank it. For without it, we wouldn’t be here together like this.”

“I couldn’t have said it better myself, Kitten. I love you too. Time to rest, mate. Our bodies are fast asleep, and both our minds are barely holding on. Sleep well, Kitten.” “Good night, Kish.” Kish tugged her down to lay atop his chest as he laid back. Together they slept in both body and mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AN: Thank you so much to everyone who’s been reading. It really warms my heart to see the activity on this story. I know Kish was a bit insane during the series, but my heart really felt for him. He was in such an awkward position. And I honestly think that near the end he really did love her. And I felt so bad. He gave his life for someone he loved, even if it was a bit twisted and closer to obsession. And didn’t get the girl or even any real affections from her. Though I do believe she cared in the end. She did scream his name after all.

I also wanted to explain a few things. I use ‘Abyss’ as a replacement for hell because I think the alien’s religion would be vastly different to ours. Especially when you take into account their superior knowledge and technology.
Here’s what I believe their religion would be like: Instead of a hell, they believe in the Abyss. It is where all matter both living and inanimate return to when it’s destroyed. Where the atoms are separated and spread throughout the vastness of nothingness. Eventually working their way back around to the All Bright. Or heaven in a way. It’s what exists before actually existing in how we think. There the atoms are carefully brought together to form whatever shape they will take in our reality. Be it a person or an object. The All Bright is kind of like both their heaven and another of their deities. It’s where things are made before coming into existence and where some power decides how those atoms are going to combine.
Hope I didn’t get too in depth there or too deep. Just wanted to explain my usage of ‘The Abyss’ and ‘The All Bright.’
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