Ichigo gazed longingly up at the distant starry sky. It was brief moments like this she loved, where everything inside her felt at peace. A gently breeze brushed her cheeks, cool and refreshing after another blistering day.

As usual she had been busy on her toes, waiting tables and mopping several hundred spills it seemed. Even now her feet throbbed. Ichigo closed her eyes, embracing the silence, wishing that this moment would continue longer. Yet, the high shrill of her phone brought her abruptly, unwillingly, back to reality.

'Nah, not tonight Lettuce. I've had a busy an exhausting day. I'm just looking forward to a hot bath and cosy bed before it all starts again tomorrow. But you guys have fun anyway, ok?'

She sighed. Deep down she had wanted to go out with them, and it was rare for her to turn down an invite to the cinema. Since Masaya's absence a few months back, she had steadily become gloomy and sullen. She missed him immensely. Not a day passed where a familiar thud reminded her of the growing heartache within her. Again, she sighed, before beginning her short walk home.

It was not long after the Mew Mew's had defeated the aliens, that Masaya announced his move to England. Even now Ichigo recalled that all too painful moment.

**********

'England! But that's so far away! I'd…never see you.' Tears welled up within her eyes, threatening to spill.

She starred into his eyes, searching for answers, but only a solemn gaze met hers.

'Ichigo.'

'It's ok. I mean one of the top I bet. It's a great opportunity.' She was trying so hard. Trying to be brave for him. Or was she just simply trying to convince herself.

With that Masaya swiftly embraced her, his arms wrapped tight around her slim body. She curled into the embrace, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart beat parallel to her own.

'I love you Ichigo.'

Shock stunned her. Love was such a strong bond. Even now she could feel their embrace entwine their souls together, for just a single moment. How long would they have to endure separation? Was their bond that strong at least to endure that time? Tears trickled down her burning cheeks with frustrated uncertainty.

He pulled away from her a littler, 'Don't cry please, my sweet kitty. Everything will be ok. I promise.' He smiled at her so confidently, so warmingly; she melted further into his arms. And with his tender kiss, all uncertainty's vanished.

**********

Since then, Ichigo's heart had hardened; an icy claw had encaged it. The once joyful, free girl was now a solemn character. Slowly her friends had become distant as their lives returned to normal. After all, that is what they all wanted; to be normal girls again. For the third time, Ichigo sighed heavily, still remembering the good old days, battling aliens and chasing after Masaya.

Suddenly, a sharp pain exploded in her head. Darkness covered her, but she felt like she was falling. She tried to scream, but found it muffled. A heavy heat grasped her face, whilst another tumbled over her shaking body. She tried to think, to act on her instincts. Yet she was still confused, still dizzy from the hit. Frustrated tears escaped her as she desperately tried to break free.

'Get off!'

Then the hands were gone, and she hit the floor, hard. Beside her the other figure also crashed to the floor. She heard an involuntary yelp escape. Ichigo willed her eyes to open only to she a dark figure dash across the empty street. Her head felt heavy. A piercing pain continuously squeezed inside.

'Ichigo? Is that you?'

Ichigo blinked. How long was it since she heard that voice? It was so familiar; instantly her heart began to feel comfort. Once more she managed to will her eyes open, gritting her teeth through the headache. The second figure, who she presumed threw the other from her, knelt beside her. A gently hand brushed her head causing her to nearly purr. It was so long since she acted on her cat instincts.

'Ichigo, stay with me.'

The last thing she remembered before falling further into the darkness was Masaya's smile.