Alright - here's the next Chapter, you guys! I'll try and get the next few up pretty frequently. Oh, and PLEASE read and review to tell me what you all think! Enjoy! : )

Recap

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 going to be swimming in homework!"

Chapter 2: Busy, busy, busy

With a gentle hand, Ichigo wiped the white counter of the cafe. Unfortunately, today it was her job to man the kitchen, and all on her own, too. The other Mews were stuck with the easier task of taking customer's orders and needs. Ichigo despised being the chef, and Ryou knew it. She guessed he did out of mere torturous fun.

Interrupting her thoughts, Mint called out, harshly. "Ichigo, I need a blueberry hot fudge Sunday and two coffees!" Mint's brother was leaving for France tonight, thus, she was extra grouchy.

Ichigo shouted back to her. "Oh. Coming!" Ichigo whirled around to retrieve a plate. However, a certain someone was ready and waiting to catch her off guard. Surprised, she screeched and pulled back.

Kish grinned and waved a hand. "Hey, Kitten."

With a reddened face, Ichigo stammered a reply. "K-Kish!" Her voice grew quieter. "You scared me..."

Instantly, Kish's face filled with concern. As he shifted his hands onto his hips, he leaned forward in her face while speaking softly. "I did, did I?" He moved back out, putting on curious expression. "Is all this commotion at school and work making my kitty-cat jumpy and worn out?" Ichigo's blush deepened as his smirk set off his flashy eyes. "Need a break from life?" He asked.

Although it wasn't too harshly, Ichigo scolded him with disappointment. "Kish, I'll get a break from work tomorrow. I'm not that exhausted."

Kish mumbled an annoyed reply. "Fine." Nevertheless, he naturally didn't give up. Kish hoped the overwhelming drama in her life would still permit him to reason with her. "In that case, then, your official and very own personal de-stress-afier is here for you…"

Kish moved back in to keenly kiss her. Stylishly, he tilted her backwards in the midst of it.

Unfortunately, Pudding's high-pitched voice startled the pair. "Quick, Ichigo!" She called, aloud. "I need a slice of the Cranberry Chocolate Cake, two teas, some napkins, a straw and the Vanilla Special! Oh! And a piece of apple pie with cookie crumbles on the side! Hold the whip cream, okay?"

Startled by the massive order, Ichigo jerked back while squealing. Unfortunately, this caused Kish to accidentally drop her. With force, the redhead fell back and collided with the floor.

Ichigo moaned from the pian. "…Ouch…" That really hurt. Quickly stumbling to her feet, Ichigo looked up at Kish. "I have to make those orders! I'm already behind!" She said in a panic. "And you're not even supposed to be here!" In a hurry, she shoved his body away from her own. "Get outta here!"

Playfully, Kish snatched her wrist and detained her. As a smile drew up his face, he replied. "Silly, koneko-chan. Don't you know today is Kishigo Day?" He chuckled, amused by her reaction. "It's a new holiday."

Glaring in an annoyed manor, she replied grumpily. "Kishigo? Kish-igo?" Ichigo rolled her eyes. "That is NOT gonna be our new nickname! And what kind of dumb holiday is that, anyway? Besides, Kish - I'm on duty right now. I told you this morning I had work, remember?"

Kish laughed at her. "I'm kidding, kitten. I know. But while you were at school this morning I started thinking. Ryou and your teachers are NOT gonna give you that long of a break. So it only seems logical for you and I to just go to my planet after your work, right?" Again, they were interrupted by a meek voice - it was Lettuce this time. Immediately, the pair ducked for cover and backed against the counter. At least no one could see them anymore.

Lettuce's shy voice spoke up. "S-sorry to be a bother, Ichigo, but Mint says she really needs those orders." She was about to leave when she remembered her reason for coming. "Oh, right, there I go being a ditz again..." "U- uh… I will need an apple parfait, one tiramisu and two strawberry short cakes… if you don't mind." There was a pause. "Ichigo?" Lettuce asked, sweetly.

Ichigo called back in a panic. "It's coming right up! I promise!"

Turning to look at the grinning Kish, she started to scold him again. "You BETTER get out of here, and you better do it fast."

Kish shrugged. "Nah, I'm cool. I wanna stay with you, Ichigo!" His lit up with energy. "Besides, I'm having fun watching you!"

"No you're not! You're having fun distracting me!" Rolling her eyes, she snapped. "Now please go already! You can't stay! If Ryou finds you here, he'll-"

Ryou's voice seem to come up out of nowhere. "Ichigo? You in here?" Immediately, concealed in her hiding place, Ichigo clenched her fists from fear. Ryou spoke up again. "The girls are wondering what's keeping you. Ichigo?" He said her name again after still not hearing a response.

As swiftly as she possibly could, Ichigo signaled Kish to shut up and then popped up to a stand. From behind the counter, she put on a nervous smile and giggled. "I'm here!"

Raising an eyebrow, curiously, Ryou asked in a bewildered tone. "What on earth were you doing?"

As her eyes locked on Ryou's figure, she stuttered, dramatically. "I –uh -well –uh!" Finally, she came up with an excuse. "My shoelace! It was untied! But I'm fine now!"

Ryou smirked. "Well get back to work then, slow poke. I'm not paying you to model those shoes OR your big, sweaty feet." Turning and walking out, he said. "Now get a move on, klutz - the customers are getting impatient."

Once he had gone, Ichigo sighed from relief. Then, out of instinct, she hissed. "...What a jerk. What does he mean by big and sweaty?" Again, she hissed. "I DON'T HAVE BIG FEET! Hmph!"

Laughing, Kish stood up. "Oh, just ignore him - he didn't say anything that was capital offense. Besides, if he had I would had to beat him up." As he jumped to sit on the expensive counter, Kish smiled. "But I suppose he's right. Maybe you should get a move on." Ichigo rolled her eyes and then began to frantically rush around the room to prepare the orders. Shaking his head, Kish sighed. Honestly, he didn't understand why work was so important to humans.

In a cute, little voice, Pudding shouted. "Hey, Ichigo! Don't forget the napkins!" Rapidly, Ichigo snatched a hand full of them. She called again."And where are those two coffees?"

Surprised, Ichigo gasped. She had totally forgot about them. "Th-they're coming right up, Pudding!"

Mint's harsh scream sounded like she was ready to murder. "Ichigo- WHERE are those orders I told you?"

With a cry equal to Mint's furious one, Ichigo roared back. "They're COMING!"

Mint's snap was cold and bitter. "And so is Christmas! Now get me a refill of water, a side of the strawberry cream and a banana smoothie- NO straw!"

Groaning, Ichigo shouted. "Okay! It's coming already!"

Playfully, Kish smiled an amused expression. "Don't forget the straw Pudding asked for."

Instantly, Ichigo halted in her tracks. Her eyes were utterly puzzled. "Wait- I thought they didn't want as straw!" Kish could tell Ichigo was on the verge of murder.

Smugly, Kish flaunted his excellent memory and mocked her own. "For the smoothie, the customer doesn't want a straw. But for the other order, the Vanilla Special…NO straw" When he saw her vexed expression, Kish chuckled. He wanted to rub it in some more. "So have you got all that...or do I need to repeat it?" Dipping his finger into a bowl of gooey cake batter, Kish licked it clean.

Glaring, Ichigo snapped. "How is it YOU'RE able to keep of all this! And stop acting like a jerk, Kish!"

Pudding's voice called out to them. "Ichigo – I have the next order - it's-"

In a frantic stammer, Ichigo screeched a loud interruption. "Wait, wait, wait!" She rubbed her aching head. Then, tossing Kish a notepad and a pen, she whispered to him. "Write down what Pudding says, okay?" He nodded, and then she shouted. "Alright - fire away, Pudding!"

Pudding announced customer's orders as Ichigo hurriedly finished the late desserts needed most. After handing them out, she prepared herself for what was to come. Darting over to Kish, the panting Ichigo asked. "A-alright…w-what's… th-the order… fro-from Pudding…?" With a peculiar grin on his face, Kish handed the pad to her. Quickly, she read it over.

Order

One wonderful time on Kish's planet

A side dish of romantic surprises

The special- Unlimited Time TOGETHER

And all of this is To-Go (meaning we leave today)

Total $: Priceless

Slowly, Ichigo looked up at him and glared. "Priceless?" She repeated. "What are you, some sort of 'MasterCard' spokesman?" Kish laughed, and leaned closely in her face.

Softly, he laid a short, sweet kiss on the cheek. Blushing, Ichigo looked into his golden, glistening eyes as he asked. "Please come with me after work today?"

Enraged, Mint cried. "Ichigo! THE ORDERS!" She was ready to kill her.

Underneath the endless pressure and drama, Ichigo stomped her foot and pulled out. At last, she surrendered. "For goodness sake, Kish!" She snapped. "Fine – we'll go today! But just get of here, okay! I'll see you after work!"

Happily, Kish smiled at her. "Alright, fine…" He mumbled. Before disappearing, he winked, cheerfully. "See ya!" Then he was gone.

Running down the paved side walk, Ichigo heaved a sigh from exhaustion. Although she was thrilled to see this entirely new world of Kish's, she was also super nervous. What would it be like? Would it be dangerous for a human like her to go to it? Ichigo rolled her eyes. That last question had an obvious answer. But as long as she stuck with Kish, she'd be safe, right?

Finally reaching her house, Ichigo broke her jog and again sighed. This time, however, she was sighing from relief. How wonderful it was to be freed from work!

As Ichigo made her way up the paved drive way, she was surprised at what she saw to her right. It was her dad's car – that meant he must have come home early from work.

With difficulty, Ichigo swallowed a big 'gulp' as her apprehensive nerves grew. How ironic. She had wanted to talk to her mom first about spending a few days with an unnamed friend. However, now she would have to face her dad, too...and that meant serious trouble...

Ichigo looked up to see her father clumsily stumble out of his car. He had been trying to look stealthy, as if he were a professional spy, but ended up looking rather silly, instead. After suspiciously spinning his head in different directions, he realized the coast was clear. It was time to make his move.

Ichigo giggled at his funny his behavior looked from a distance. "Hi, dad!" She called. Taking in a deep breath, he immediately broke into into a hyper run, charging toward her as if she were a fellow football-player. "Dad?" she asked with confusion and uneasiness. He kept charging. "D-dad!" He was about to reach her. "DAD, STOP!" She shouted in panic.

Forcefully, he collided into her and then pulled his daughter into a tight, protective embrace before she could fall backwards. Ichigo struggled to get free, but he didn't let go. "Oh, Ichigo!" He cried, dramatically. "You can't just stand in the drive way like that! It's dangerous! You never know when someone might drive by and see you! What if a boy saw you? And if they tried the worst of all things – THEY COULD TALK TO YOU!"

Ichigo blushed at the thought of her dad not knowing much about Kish. They saw each other quite regularly. Pulling free of him, Ichigo brushed herself off and sighed.

"Dad, all boys aren't dangerous, ya know. There are SOME who are nice." Her father's face coloring instantly, altered into a crimson shade as an inner wrath began building up inside him. He opened his mouth to scream something but was interrupted. Suddenly, the hand of Ichigo's mother flew over his mouth. Happily, she smiled at her husband.

"Now, now, darling. Don't say something we don't want our Ichigo to be repeating, okay? We both know you're blood-thirsty when it comes to boys, but you need to calm down. Let's just all go inside and I'll make some tea. Besides, Ichigo needs to go and get some rest. She's got a big week of work coming up."

Ichigo realized she'd forgotten to tell them this morning. "Oh. Actually, mom, Ryou is giving the girls and myself the next two weeks off. I'll be losing some serious cash, but I have some other plans that I'd like to see through." Ichigo blushed and tried to get closer to her mother so that her dad wouldn't hear what she had to say. Unfortunately, his hearing was sharp and precise. "…I…uh…wanted to talk to you, mom. Ya know, ask you something…alone..."

Startling them all, the group of three heard a hot voice greet Ichigo. "Hey, Ichigo. All set?"

Ichigo marveled at the timing of his entrance. She knew that voice anywhere – it was Kish.

Although Kish had temporarily subtracted his alien ears by magic, he nonetheless caused her dad to completely flip out. Of all outfits and styles, Kish had to pick the cool, punk one. He was dressed in black jeans, equip with a shimmering, silver belt, and unintentionally exhibited his agile body through his thin, forest-green T-shirt. In addition, he had on a light-weight, black, hooded jacket and a pair of fingerless gloves. His hair was down and loose. Ichigo's cheeks blazed scarlet when she saw his glittery golden eyes stain through his green bangs.

While practically pulling out his hair out and jumping up and down, her father screamed to the top of his lungs. "WHO THE HECK IS THAT!"

Ichigo was speechless. All she could do was stare in surprise at his Gothic, punk Kisshu. Darn it. Was he trying to look hotter to make her dad kill her? Immediately, she snapped out of it.

In a sweet note, Ichigo's mother spoke to her husband. "Honey, calm down, okay. We don't want to frighten the poor boy." She called out and waved to Kish as if to guide him over. "Please, don't be shy - come over here. My husband won't kill you, you know? He just hasn't had his tea yet."

Without even glancing at Ichigo, Kish casually strolled over. The closer he got to her, the more tension she began to feel. In a surprisingly well-mannered, polite tone, Kish spoke up. "My name is Kisshu, Mr. And Mrs. Momomiya. It's a pleasure to meet you." He smiled at Ichigo's mother. "I guess I can see where kit- I mean, Ichigo gets her gorgeous looks from. No wonder you're husband fell for you so easily."

Approvingly, she smiled back at him. "Aww...why thank you! Now tell me, are you in Ichigo's class, young man?"

Shaking his head, Kish moved a hand onto his tight hips. "No, mam. Ichigo and I just came across each other one day and now she's my girlfriend."

In the background, Ichigo's father began tearing up the lawn bushes, crying, and kicking the car, aggressively. Having no other choice, Ichigo stepped in after Kish's comment.

"Okkkkaaaayyyy!" She smiled, as she took Kish's arm, and tried to pull him away. "That's what I wanted to tell you mom. I'm going away for the week to visit his family. Okay? We'd better go? Come on, Kish!"

Her mother made Kish hesitate in his tracks. "Not until you eat something, Ichigo. Oh. And why doesn't Kish stay for our late lunch?"

Before Ichigo could protest, Kish smirked. "Really? For real? Thanks."

"NNNNOOOO!"

The three of them turned to find Ichigo's father in a deadly state. "Listen up!" He roared, in an Incredible Hulk like manner. "I'm the head of the household! You Mr. Kish will stay for lunch and so will I! During that time I want to know EVERYTHING about you! So I'm going to sit down and question you until my face is blue, UNDERSTAND, MR.?"

Kish smirked. "Well, that shouldn't take too long then. You're already as red as you can be, so I'm guessing blue isn't to far over the horizon." Casting a glance at Ichigo, he said. "I guess I know why Ichigo colors so much, now – she gets it from you."

Again, before Ichigo's dad could explode, her mother stopped him. "Come on, dear. Let's go inside. I bet the tea is ready." As she cast both Kish and Ichigo a smile, she said. "Come on you, two."

Kish watched them go in. Then he turned to Ichigo. Enraged, the redhead clenched her fists and turned to face him. She murderess. Nevertheless, before she could scold him, Kish grinned and approached her. "Don't say anything you'll regret, kitty-cat."

Ichigo took a deep breath and deepened her glare. She tried to speak calmly. "Why are you here?" She snapped. "You never said ANYTHING about meeting my family!"

Kish shrugged. "Well, I wanted to meet them properly," he replied, coolly. "Family is important - you've said it yourself, remember?" He laughed. "Man, I didn't know they were so funny, though."

Ichigo's cheeks reddened.

Again, Kish laughed. "Now come on," he said, casually. "Your parents are waiting for us. Let's not keep them waiting, shall we...?" Chuckling, he started to walk toward the door.

Pouting, she followed after him. "And of all things, Kish! You had to wear something like that!"

Ichigo heaved a great sigh and, in a distracted manner, stirred her tea with a finger. Though it wasn't entirely clear, Ichigo could hear the voice of her dad as well as Kish. They were in the other room chatting. Annoyed, she groaned. Why did she have to wait out here? It wasn't fair.

Ichigo's mother giggled at her daughter's uneasiness. "Oh honey, you can calm down, okay?" Her voice was assuring. "Your father is merely curious about this boy. He wants some general information – that's all."

Before Ichigo could reply, the ring of her cell phone filled the room. As she cast her mother an apologetic mile, she excused herself from the room to answer it. Quietly, Ichigo ascended the stairs and answered it. "Moshi-moshi?"

As she entered her room, she heard Ryou's voice on the other end. "I just got Masha's latest footage. I saw you talking to that alien guy, Kish, in the kitchen." Ichigo gasped. Masha had been spying on them? Ryou snapped at her, bitterly. "So you're going to his planet, huh?"

Lowly, Ichigo growled. "What right do you have to spy on us? What's your problem, Ryou? I thought you said you didn't have any problem with Kish now!"

"I don't other than him breaking the ONE rule I set!" She heard the harsh blond's growl. "And you let him break it, Ichigo! I thought you knew better!" He snapped.

Ichigo was about to bite back, but then hesitated. He was right - she did let Kish manipulate both of them. Sighing, she felt the uncomfortable guilt rising inside her. Maybe this was getting out of hand - maybe Kish was getting too pushy.

After not hearing her reply, Ryou heaved a rough sighed, too. "Alright...never mind it, okay? Just shut up and listen. I need something from you."

In a softened, distressed tone, Ichigo replied. "Yeah? What?"

The young man tried to explain it. "Look, I've recently picked up alien radiation on my radar...and it's NOT Kish. It's something that seems to fluctuate between strong and frail, and that moves impeccably fast. It might even be two aliens, according to the diverse energies. But I'm not sure yet."

Ichigo's tone was curious. "So, how does that concern me?"

Ryou hesitated just briefly. "Ichigo...I need you to be my eyes..." The redhead recoiled. "Not just for me but for the team," he said, continuing. "The alien's world is vast but I need you to pick up on some info – reports, news or anything of value...and secretly, too." Yet again, he paused. He had to choose his words carefully. "...I know Kisshu probably isn't intimately connected with this issue but...we can't afford to trust anyone, okay? Don't tell him..."

The young man continued. "Your instructions are as follows: Find The Data Processor and hack into the system. I know the electronic body mechanics are fairly diverse from that of our own systems but I believe Pai, the chief programer, is in the process of rebuilding the authorities software. After the fall of Deep Blue, their clan wanted to entirely rework and redistribute their programs. But this is a good thing. With the the software on the mend, the system is more vulnerable. The security is weaker. Regardless, even with that advantage, you'll need a strong entry key or code. My guess is all the systems are cyberlinked to one master organization. If you break into the original, chief application, you can intercept searches or suppressed documents kept undercover by the aliens." He spoke swiftly and coolly. "Kisshu is your way in. He's top dog. Through him, you might be able to get your hands on a key password. We need to know what the heck is going on up there."

Ichigo opened her mouth to ask a question, but he interrupted. "Oh yeah, while you were working today, I programmed your Mew cell to have unbeatable, untouched reception with a sealed caller ID lock. That way, if we need to talk, no one can intercept our calls."

Ichigo was utterly overwhelmed. "I haven't even said 'yes,' yet," she snapped. "What if I don't want to do this? What am I even looking for, Ryou?"

There was a short silence. After a moment, Ryou responded. "Ichigo, Lettuce and Pudding are missing... The Police can't find them anywhere...and I found alien radiation in their homes. I think...this is important…"

Ichigo's eyes widened from fear. They were gone? How? Why? Were they alright? "I'll do my best," she replied. "And I'll call you soon." Hanging up, Ichigo slung her bag over her shoulder, exited her room and hurried back downstairs.

In a rude manner,Ichigo barged into the family room, interrupting Kish and her father in the process. "Come on, Kish. I'm ready – let's go!" She did her best to act cute and inconspicuous. Kish stood up.

Surprised and annoyed, her dad stammered. "H- hey! I'm not done with him yet!"

Ichigo answered directly. "Well, we're going to be late. See ya soon. Bye mom!"

Awkwardly, Kish bowed respectfully to her parents. What was up with Ichigo? "Uh...thanks for everything. I'll make sure she's kept safe!"

Grabbing his hand, Ichigo pulled him out of the room and out the front door in a heartbeat.

Once outside, Kish smirked. "You're certainly in a hurry, kitten. I thought you were nervous."

Ichigo blushed. "I- I never said I was nervous! Where did you get that idea?" Hurriedly, she lead him out of sight so that he could teleport them.

Kish eyed her, curiously. "Uh, hello, silly! You've been blushing insanely recently."

Irritably, Ichigo snapped back. "That's not MY fault, okay! It's because of you-! I-" Ichigo stopped mid-sentence and sighed. "Never mind it." Ichigo reached out her hand so that he could take it and teleport her. "Now are we going or not?"

Kish grinned and took her hand. As he pulled her close, he leaned in her blushing face. "I guess we're ready." This was all so exciting…and scary. "Oh, you may feel a little dizzy after I vortex." She had expected this…but not what she would find in his world.

THANK YOU ALL FOR READING!