Disclaimer: I don't own Tokyo Mew Mew. Sadly...
AN: I've seen ficlet/one-shot collections for other fandoms, but didn't come across any for TMM. Maybe, I was just not looking... Anyways, I'm not sure how many ficlets there will be, but there are several written out already (just need editing). As soon as I have an interesting idea, I'll write. And yes, this will be an Aoyama and Ichigo centered collection (because I'm a little tired of KxI), so if you are uncomfortable...you probably wouldn't have clicked on it anyway XD. Enjoy.
Chapter note: This one was actually the 3rd written. Because the story needed a name. So I based it on a myth.
XxXxXx
It was, indeed, amusing. The way they had known each other for so long, without having talked even once, that is. But it never occurred to them that world could provide a way to acquaintance. Words were just a bother. With words there was always the possibility of embarrassing silence, or fatal mistakes.
And so, they acted.
XxXxXx
He began watching her from an appropriate distance with intensity that was frowned upon. Even his friends, the more perceptive of them, were immensely surprised by his frighteningly fierce desire to see her (glimpse a day was all he needed). Eye contact was not essential, but highly anticipated.
But when his own lurking in the shadows started disturbing him, the boy decided to change tactics. Becoming the star of the kendo team was hard work, but it turned out to be as easy as everything else that he had accomplished. And the fact that he now had an actual goal, besides keeping his good hardworking student image, just sported him on. Soon, he found himself surrounded by dozens of female fans. He would longingly scan the crowds of cheering girls, hoping to get a glimpse at the red-haired inspiration.
XxXxXxX
It was her turn to watch.
And watch she did, albeit from the furthest corner of the gym. Unlike her schoolmates, she didn't scream, cheer or vocalize the swordsman's every move (how stupid was that?). She didn't strive for attention.
Silently, anxiously watching the fights; heart skipping when he looked worn out or injured; sighing, relieved, when the 'game' was over. Later, she would hum to herself, after a successful match, or lay awake half the night, worried for his well-being.
Ichigo Momomiya was an ordinary girl, but having a crush for the sake of having a crush wasn't enough for her. Rather, she saw no point in obsessing over a talented student. She liked him as a person, but it was time to get to know the human him. So she asked him on a date.
And he accepted, smiling the way he always did, but maybe a little brighter, betraying his own happiness. Ichigo was too excited to notice. No harm done.
XxXxXxX
And so the acting stopped. It was time to talk. Awkwardly first, with long pauses, smiling nervously, but immensely enjoying each other's company. It was surreal and yet, wonderful.
As their dates became frequent, their talks longer and their smiles warmer, it became clear they had found something. Glances, touches, shy and hesitant and innocent as they were, became enchanting and exiting events and were treasured all the same. This something began expanding, conquering new territories, before it completely filled their hearts and minds.
He felt it first. The intense need to keep her. This selfishness scared him, but the almost unstoppable desire to tell her - tell her everything, everything that bothered his young heart-
No, he couldn't. He couldn't taint her with his hatred for humanity. She was not at fault, after all. (Somewhere inside his a voice laughed, proclaiming that each and every human was guilty. He started questioning his sanity).
Yet, somehow she soothed him with her sincerity, her warm sunny smiles and the way she talked about taking care of plants and animals. That ceased his worries completely.
The overpowering feeling blossomed. He found himself wanting to protect her, and couldn't hide his surprise when he learned about her...identity. But revealing that knowledge meant destroying everything they had built up until now. So he kept everything to himself, silently watching her, hoping that harm would be kept out of her way; believing that she was strong enough to shoulder everything life threw at her; last but not least, there were still her friends.
But he had overestimated her. She was strong, yes, but still oh so fragile. Small and breakable.
XxXxXxXx
He didn't know what force had driven him, nor did he imagine on who's (or what's) authority he had gained power, but he had. Using it to protect her- his only light- and later her dear friends and other humans, he never expected for this gift to become a curse. A horrendous power, that (oh the irony!) could help him get rid of the danger that humanity presented.
Before...before he would have ended their being on this beautiful beautiful planet without a second thought. But now, having found the one person that made the suffering bearable and filled the empty void within him with hope...
Now he started wondering.
XxXxXxXx
She had been the happiest person on Earth, only to become the victim of wheel of Fortune.
It was, indeed, ironic.
To bring them together and let them feel blissfully lucky. And then turn her beloved into a monster, an enemy. Her enemy. Naturally, she immediately rejected the harsh reality and buried herself in sweet oblivion. At the edge of her consciousness a persistent thought nagged itself into her brain. She tried to ignore it as much as it was possible.
'Closing off would provide peace, but no happiness'.
Yes, Ichigo Momomiya was a simple girl, but she loved Masaya Aoyama deeply and like most ordinary girls she wanted to be happy.
Turns out happiness meant the same for them - for the other to be alive. Using earth's gift they saved each other's lives.
Oh, and how amusing. By using up this magic that harbored the power to destroy and create, they prevented future manipulations with the mysterious crystal.
XxXxXxXx
It was indeed ironic. The heartache, sadness and despair. All for the sake of their home. Their beautiful green home that had sealed their fates and tied them together. But whether it had been Earth's plan of self-rescue, or simply their unlucky fate; it didn't matter. They had found each other and would do anything to never lose this precious feeling.
