YAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY! FINALLY! THE EDITED SEQUAL to OUR SIX DAY DEAL – The Love Debt! (And yeah, I know it's probably a bit weird to have edited this before editing Our Six Day Deal but...I REALLY wanted to do it! Haha! It's a good story, ya know. I enjoy it.)

Anyways, HERE YA GO, everybody! Thank-you ALL for being so patient! AND THANK YOU ALL FOR READING! ENJOY! Oh, and a little reminder: The story doesn't technically get kicking until chapter 4 or so. (So PLEASE be patient with me!)

Chapter 1: The Debt I Owe

Nearly a year had passed since the illustrious Six Day Deal. The Obsidian Knight had been defeated and the angelic Masaya along permanently with him.

He was dead – and there was nothing else to be said about it. Regardless, Ichigo refused to leave him at his wilderness grave to rot. Entirely on her own, Ichigo forced herself to carry Masaya's lifeless body back to his loved ones. In silence, she ominously left him, knowing that his parents would find him. They did.

Just days after, the funeral was held. Frankly, Ichigo was relieved when it was all over. Despite the troublesome times, she learned to gradually move on. It wasn't her fault – she had to let it go - and she did. In fact, she was happier than she'd ever been in all her life. Due to everything that had occurred, she had managed to find her soul mate and lifetime lover – Kisshu.

…...

After today, Ichigo would finally get her REAL vacation.

Recently, Ryou's pesky behavior had been worse than ever. He was furious with Ichigo's so called " distraction" - Kish. Almost everyday, the alien Prince came waltzing into the cafe with attempts to woo the redhead. Ryou was enraged. He knew he had to put a stop to it. From thence fourth, Kish was forbidden to even enter the café while Ichigo was at work. Despite her own annoyance, Ichigo agreed it was logical decision.

After all, however little it was, she was getting paid for her work. Thus, Kish would simply have to wait.

It was precisely 7:15 in the morning. Ichigo was dressed in her High School's official uniform. Besides the new, navy coloring and the more mature appearance, it generally resembled that of her old one. Nevertheless, she was beautiful sight to behold...other than her appalled face, that is.

Ichigo was utterly overwhelmed from shock. "What!" She screeched, aloud. They were in her room. "But that's stupid! Just because you saved me from Deep Blue doesn't mean I'm indebted to you! Why would your randomly bring that up now? That was forever ago – during the final battle!" Kish smirked at her dramatic flair. Pouting, Ichigo grumbled. "I thought you saved me because you cared!"

Kish grinned at her, compassionately. Leaning forward, he shifted his hands on her small shoulders. In a sincere tone, he replied. "I do love you, my silly little kitty. But I just recently started thinking about the whole thing. In my culture, we takes debts pretty seriously, ya know. It's a way of honoring the person – by showing your appreciation."

Vexed, Ichigo shoved Kish's hands off of her. She crossed her arms, angrily and replied with a glare. "I bet you made that all up! You're always doing things like that!"

Kish smirked. "It's called being tricky, Ichigo. But no – I swear I didn't, okay? Honest! Have I ever lied to you?"

Ichigo groaned. Unfortunately, she couldn't think of time.

Kish was satisfied. "See? No. I've never lied to you before and I'm not gonna start now. This all works out perfectly!" Energetically, he grinned. "During Our Six Day Deal, you got to show me your world. Now I can show you mine. If you come to my planet you can repay me by seeing it! I'll bring you along and say you're a new housemaid or something made-up like that. That will be your cover. Of course, you won't really be doing any work because I'll be showing you EVERYTHING on my planet! Pleeeeaaaasssseee?" Ichigo hesitated. Kish's childish begging was difficult to ignore.

"Come on, I really want to show you! I'm dying to show you where I grew up, what I do, how I live and…and…everything! PPLLEEEAASSSEEE?"

Frankly, Ichigo knew she couldn't do it. She had her school – a job – a life that she was falling behind in.

In addition, another issue had occurred of late. Kish was an energetic character. Even so, it was only recently that his feelings for her had matured. During these few months, he had visited her everyday. This wasn't the problem. Ichigo enjoyed spending time with him. Each day held something new and exciting. Regardless, Kish's feeling were quickly advancing. He wanted to know her more - to know her deeper.

This was the issue. Ichigo didn't understand how to properly express herself. Never in life had she manged to successfully explain herself to anyone – not her family, not her friends and especially not Masaya.After all, he dumped her for that reason. Even if Kish was vastly different from Masaya, she was certain he wanted her to be more open. In relationships - REAL, honest, positive relationships – people were expected to communicate. That openness meant trust and security. Even so, Ichigo didn't understand how to do it. What if she messed up? It made her terrified - she wanted to ignore it.

Ichigo started again. "Kish...I…I have a lot of stuff going on, okay? I…I can't go off and tour outer space right now." Kish sneered at her poisoned, shallow look on aliens. "Besides," Ichigo said. "I have school."

Determined, Kish narrowed his eyes somewhat. Grabbing her backpack that was hanging on the back of her door, he replied. "...You're hiding something. I wanna know what it is and I'm gonna find out." Kish tossed the backpack to her and stubbornly demanded. "Just pack whatever you need, already. I'll find out soon enough what's going on with you..."

Surprised, Ichigo scoffed and glared at him.

Kish looked back at her with an unwavering glitter in his eyes."You owe me and I'm not taking no for an answer."

"Kish!" Ichigo shouted, "This isn't fair!"

Smiling slightly, he replied. "But you'll love it! I KNOW you will! Thanks to you and the Mews giving us that Mew Aqua, you'll see a major difference! The air is so clean and clear. I can't wait to see your eyes widen at the billions of acres of forests. But I want you to see my home in the palace – where I grew up." As Kish went on, Ichigo realized his eagerness. "Come on! You're the one not being fair!"

Kish's manipulative, golden eyes begged. Sighing, she glanced down at the backpack in her hand. "Kish…if agree to go…you'll have to promise me I can keep up my studies. I don't want to fall any more behind than I already am." Fidgeting with her backpack, Ichigo hesitated. "...I just don't know if it's a good idea, Kish."

Within Kish's narrowed eyes, a touch of selfishness glistened. "But…what about me?" He asked.

Honestly, Ichigo didn't know how to respond. "Kish…" she replied, quietly. "It's nothing against you but I...need to set some boundaries. I need sometime to myself..." A sharp feeling punctured her gut. This was wrong - she was using her job and school as a wall to hide behind. How could she not? She was scared of herself.

Kish focused a somewhat disappointed gaze on Ichigo. It was as if he literally didn't understand what she had just said. "Boundaries?" He repeated, obstinately. "Why?" He almost snapped that time. "You never did before. Why now?"

Turning slightly away, Ichigo drifted off into her thoughts. Her inability to express herself only worsened matters. Kish was more impatient than ever - all he'd ever say now was 'what about me?' Turning back, Ichigo replied, softly. "Kish…you can't be so selfish all the time."

Immediately, Kish was reminded of the day Pai escorted Ichigo to London. Pai had said the same exact thing, as well – boundaries were necessary, especially in relationships.

Frankly, Kish didn't fully understand it. Even if boundaries were necessary...he hated how secretive Ichigo acted. He wanted to be there for her- to help her – to make sure she NEVER slipped away from him...

Irritably, Kish asked again."But why? Why, Kit-Kat?"

Ichigo closed her bag and looked him in the eye. "I told you, Kisshu...a lot's going on, okay..."

Clenching his fists, Kish abruptly roared at her. "Why won't you tell me?" He screamed. "Why can't you just TELL me, Ichigo?" When Ichigo stepped back, he realized he had shouted at her. Kish sighed. "Sorry..." He muttered.

In a whisper, Ichigo replied. "Kish…it's complicated. I can't explain it. I love you - I really LOVE you - and I really want to go with you… but please...take these terms and go with it? I need you to understand..."

Walking over, Kish growled lowly and looked her in the eye. He moved closely in her face and quietly replied. "How can I? How can I understand when you won't explain..." When her lips didn't part, Kish knew she hadn't any intention of giving him an explanation. Sighing, he gave in to her stubbornness." …Fine. Fine, Ichigo."

Biting her lip, she tried to brighten up. "Thanks, Kisshu! Thank-you so much!" Leaning in, she lightly kissed his cheek with a red, smiling face. Immediately, Kish's eyes lit up and he grinned. This only made Ichigo's cheeks redden further.

Smiling, Kish replied. "Come on - why don't you go ahead and pack, alright? I should call Pai and tell him I'm gonna be busy for the next few days." Pulling out his phone, he said. "I'll just be one secon-"

Making him lower his phone, Ichigo interrupted. "Hey, what's the hurry? I was thinking we'd leave this weekend."

At first glance, Kish's face looked like the world had come to an end. Then, after gathering himself, he pouted and replied. "But that's like...THREE days from now! I can't wait that long!"

Shaking her finger at him, Ichigo replied, sternly. "Oh, yes you can, Kish! I'm not leaving today! I have school and then along day of work! I'll be exhausted the time I'm done!" Kish's elf-ears drooped somewhat in a saddened manor. Ignoring it, Ichigo went on. "Enough with the pity-party, Kish!" Instantly, he grinned at her. "Now come on. Let's do something else together."

Kish was pleased. Smirking, he reasoned with her. "Okay then…how about tag!" Ichigo's eyes widened but before she could run, Kish vortexed behind her and pulled her into a hug. While laughing, Ichigo squirmed and laughed. "Cheater! No vortexing!" Roughly, she elbowed him in the gut and jumped free. "Hah! Now try and get me!"

Just as Kish was about to run after her, Ichigo's cell phone rang. In a hurry, Kish swept it from off her dresser and tossed it to her. Giggling while brushing strands of hair from her face, Ichigo quickly answered it.

Breathlessly, her shaky voice asked. "Moshi-moshi?" Ichigo was surprised to hear who it was. It was the same crabby neighbor that had lived beside her family for as long a she could remember - Mrs. Toya.

"Ichigo, is that you? Are you alright? I heard you screaming! I'm calling 9/11 on my cell now as we speak! Are you being attacked?"

Ichigo's eyes widened at the randomness of the call. Why was this woman always so outrageously panicked? She had a phobia of EVERYTHING! "N-no! Its okay, Mrs. Toya," Ichigo replied at last. " Don't call 9/11 – I'm okay!" She tried to sound assuring.

"Don't lie to me, Ichigo! I heard you screaming just now! It was as clear as a bell. Why were you crying out like that?" She shouted in a panic.

Ichigo looked at Kish who hadn't really idea what they were talking about. Stammering, she answered. "I- uh… uh… burnt something on the stove and...it caught fire!"

Kish smirked and whispered quietly. "What on earth are you talking about?" Motioning her finger over her lips, Ichigo fiercely silenced him.

"That can't be true, Ichigo! I can see your shadow now in your room. You aren't downstairs! What's going on over there?"

Spinning around to face her window, Ichigo's eyes widened. In the house beside her own, she saw Mrs. Toya herself looking through her own window to hers. Directly, and out of embarrassment, Ichigo ducked down.

Mrs. Toya's voice filled with impatient anger. "What's the matter? Your shadow fell! Have you fainted! Are you still there?" Kish grinned, watching Ichigo with amusement.

Rubbing her forehead, Ichigo's heart began to pick up its speed. "I… I… I'm here! I just- what I meant to say was… did I say anything about a fire? Whoops! Didn't mean to! Don't know where that came from!" Kish rolled his eyes at her. "What I meant was- was- OH! Uh… it's really hot because I left the heat on last night! It's like the room is on fire! I was screaming because… because… I stubbed my toe REALLY hard on my bed! Man, it really hurts, ya know! But I'm fine now! It's just always good to let out your anger out on something rather then someone! So I was simply letting it out!"

There was a long silence and Ichigo swallowed hardly. "Mrs. Toya…?" she dared to ask.

The woman spoke up. "…Alright then. If… if you're sure you're alright." Ichigo assured her. "Okay. I'll… talk to you soon. … Good bye…"

Ichigo hung up and, exhausted, began to fall backwards. Swiftly, Kish quickly advanced to catch her in his arms. Smirking, he asked. "What the HECK was all that about?"

Ichigo heaved a great sigh when he sat her down on her bed. "You remember that neighbor who saw you sweeping the backside walk during Our Six Day Deal? Her name is Mrs. Toya and..." Kish grinned, guessing what all that was about. "...She heard me screaming and got freaked out."

Before, Kish could say anything else, Ichigo gasped. "Oh my gosh! School! If I don't hurry I'm going to be late!" Scrambling to her feet, Ichigo rushed into the half-bath attached to her room. Snatching her electric tooth brush and squirting it with toothpaste, Ichigo shoved it in her mouth and turned it on.

Through the running noise of her toothbrush and her mouth, overflowing with toothpaste, Ichigo said something Kish he couldn't make out.

Grinning, he strolled over to the half-bath and leaned against the door frame. "Sorry, kitten, I don't speak toothbrush. In fact, I think there are few who can." Grinning wider, Kish teased. "You know what? Take that back - Pai could probably translate it." Kish chuckled at his joke. "Man, he does research on the stupidest things!"

Rinsing with water and spitting, Ichigo answered. "What I was trying to say was that my teacher called last night and said she can send the test to me through e-mail. So that means after today I can get a break from school. OH! One sec!" Ichigo rushed into her closet.

After coming out, Ichigo grabbed her backpack and, slinging it over her shoulder, approached Kish. She'd already showered this morning. Smiling brightly at him, she announced. "Alright, Kish, I've got to go to school. See ya!"

Snatching her wrist, Kish chuckled. Slowly, he pulled her back, shaking his head at her stupidity. "Ichigo, darling." His voice was full of a mockery. "You might wanna look in the mirror. Didn't you notice something?"

Confused, Ichigo blinked a few times. "What?" She asked. With a smug grin, Kish pointed to her cat ears. Ichigo's cheeks flamed. "What? Why are my cat ears out?" She screamed. "They shouldn't be out!"

"Oh relax" he said. "Just wait it out."

Snapping, she growled. "I can't wait it out! I have to leave for school in FIVE minutes!"

Stretching, Kish replied. "Where a hat, that's all."

"Hats are against the dress code!" She hissed, beginning to freak out. "What am I supposed to do! It's all because you got me overexcited! Stupid! Why do you always make me so darn happy?"

Kish raised an eyebrow with amusement. "Oh, I'm sorry. You wanna be a miserable old grouch?"

She snapped at him. "Oh, be quiet! Well what am I going to do? THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!"

Kish rolled his eyes.

Seizing two of her black hair ribbons, Ichigo tied them around her cat ears into two big, bouncy bows. Looking in the mirror, she saw her cat ears were no longer visible. On the other hand, she looked a little conspicuous.

Kish smiled at her from the window. "Well, isn't that attractive," he said in a tone drenched in sarcasm.

Blushing angrily, she growled. "Shut up!"

Shaking his head, Kish smirked. "Oh whatever, I've gotta go. I'll pick you up after school. "You are taking a break from your café job after today, right?" Ichigo nodded while still looking in the mirror and sulking about her cat ears. He grinned. "Then I'll see ya after school." Waving, he then disappeared.

Walking out of the room, she mumbled, irritably. "Man, this is going to be a LONG day! And just think - I'm gonna be swimming in homework!"

OKAY THEN - the first CHAPTER! R&R! I'll update soon. THANK YOU ALL FOR READING!

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BYE!