If I Could Redo Everything
Episode Three
Ichigo and Kisshu kept kissing until Sakura called them for dinner. "You're good at this," Kisshu commented.
"You think so?" Ichigo asked. "This morning was my first kiss. You're good too."
Kisshu smirked as they walked into the dining room. Sakura and Shintaro looked up, and Shintaro asked, "What were you doing up there?"
"Kissing," Ichigo said. "Kisshu's good."
"Ichigo's good too," Kisshu said. "Especially considering she's never kissed anyone before today."
"Nothing beyond kissing," Shintaro said.
"You're insane if you think I'd go any further at thirteen," Ichigo said dryly. "Kisshu won't go too far either, right Kisshu?"
"Right," Kisshu said. "I'm not irresponsible."
"Good," Shintaro said. "Come eat. And there's no salad, Ichigo."
"Good, it's about time," Ichigo said as she and Kisshu sat down. "I despise salad."
Kisshu looked at his plate and asked, "What is this, exactly?"
"Breaded chicken, which is meat, and mashed potatoes, which are a type of vegetable," Sakura said. "Would you like something to drink?"
"What is there?" Kisshu asked.
"We have milk, cranberry juice, and orange juice," Sakura said. "And water."
"Can I try orange juice?" Kisshu asked.
"Sure, I'll go get some," Sakura said. She got up and went to the kitchen, returning a few minutes later with a glass of orange juice. She handed it to Kisshu, who said, "Thanks." He took a sip, and said, "This is good."
"Good," Sakura said. "Let's eat."
Kisshu tried some of the chicken, and said, "I think I like human food."
"Good, since you'll be living here for the rest of your life," Ichigo said. "It's good you like our food."
"I made apple crisp for dessert," Sakura said. "And there's vanilla ice cream to go with it."
"Yay!" Ichigo said. "Kisshu, do you like sweets?"
"Yeah, but I can't have too much, or I get really hyper, really quickly," Kisshu said. "All Cyniclons are sensitive to sugar."
"Well, you can just have a little, then," Sakura said.
"Okay," Kisshu said. "I can usually tell when I've had enough."
"Good," Shintaro said. "Ichigo, do you have homework tonight?"
"Um…. about that…." Ichigo said uncomfortably. "Due to today's events, I kind of missed school…."
"We'll give you a note with an apology for not calling you in sick," Sakura said. "I have a feeling today's events were more important than school."
"They were," Kisshu said. "Am I going to school tomorrow?"
"No, it's going to take a while for them to get you into the system, so you'll probably be going in on Wednesday or Thursday," Sakura replied. "Tomorrow I'm going to take you clothes shopping while Ichigo's at school."
"Thanks," Kisshu said. "I appreciate you doing all this."
Sakura smiled. "Mom, can I invite Moe and Miwa over tomorrow to meet Kisshu?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes, it's better that way," Sakura said. "They won't interrogate Kisshu in the middle of the hallway."
"Your friends are going to interrogate me?" Kisshu asked Ichigo.
"They like to make sure new people in my life are safe," Ichigo said. "Don't worry about it. They're just overprotective."
"Okay," Kisshu said, smiling at her.
They finished dinner, and Sakura said, "Shintaro and I will do the dishes; you two can go have fun."
"Not too much fun," Shintaro said.
"We KNOW, Dad," Ichigo sighed wearily. She took her dishes to the sink, followed by Kisshu. Then they went upstairs to Ichigo's room.
As they settled down on the bed, Kisshu asked, "Why is your dad worried?"
"He's very overprotective," Ichigo said. "I think he doesn't realize that I've grown up- either that or he's refusing to believe that I've grown up. He wants me to stay his little girl, and I guess that view doesn't include me being more independent. I love him, but it would be nice if he could be a little more understanding, like my mom."
"You're lucky," Kisshu said softly. "At least your dad is still alive to be overprotective."
Ichigo looked at Kisshu as a tear slipped down his face. She hugged him, and he buried his face in her shoulder as she said, "I know I can't understand what you're going through, but I'll always be here for you, Kisshu."
"Thanks…." Kisshu said.
Ichigo held him until he calmed down, stroking his hair. When he calmed down, she let go, asking, "Feeling better?"
"Yeah… sorry," Kisshu said.
"What for?" Ichigo asked.
"Crying," Kisshu said.
"There's nothing wrong with crying," Ichigo said gently. "Being able to show your emotions is a sign of strength, not weakness."
"You think so?" Kisshu asked.
"I know so," Ichigo said.
Kisshu smiled slightly, then yawned. "Tired?" Ichigo asked.
"Yeah…." Kisshu said sleepily. He snapped his fingers, and a set of pajamas appeared. Before he could go change, though, there was a knock on the door. "Come in," Ichigo called.
Sakura came in and said, "I think you two should go to bed, it's getting late."
"Okay," Ichigo said. "Is Kisshu's room ready?"
"Yes, I just finished setting it up," Sakura said.
"Thanks," Kisshu said. "I'm tired."
"Head to bed, then," Sakura said.
"I will," Kisshu said. He kissed Ichigo, and then headed off. Ichigo sighed happily and got out her pajamas.
The next morning: Kisshu woke up to a beeping sound from Ichigo's room, and went to see what it was. It turned out to be her alarm clock, but she was ignoring it. Kisshu went over and yanked the blankets off, saying happily, "Morning Koneko-chan!"
Ichigo glared at him as she sat up. "Did you have to?" she asked.
"Don't you want to get to school on time?" Kisshu asked.
"Oh…." Ichigo said. "I guess you're right. Why'd you call me Koneko-chan?"
"You're my kitten," Kisshu said. "And you're half-cat."
"I like it," Ichigo said. She remembered always wondering why exactly Kisshu called her that, but it was true; she did like that nickname. She got up and gathered up some clothes, then went to change, kissing Kisshu's cheek on the way. Kisshu smirked and started making the bed as she left.
Sakura came in as he finished, and said, "You didn't have to make Ichigo's bed."
"I yanked the blankets off to wake her up; I thought it was only fair," Kisshu replied.
"You're sweet," Sakura said. "I hope you don't mind wearing some of Shintaro's clothes for shopping; you're going to attract a lot of attention dressed like you were yesterday."
"I don't mind," Kisshu said.
Ichigo came back a few minutes later- and the room changed to Deep Blue's dimension. Kisshu and Ichigo both went down on one knee, noticing Sakura wasn't with them. "How did it go yesterday?" Deep Blue's voice asked.
"Ryou tried to kill us, but Keiichiro got him arrested, and Keiichiro is willing to go with our idea," Ichigo replied. "And Ryou will be in jail."
"Very good," Deep Blue. "Kisshu, how is it living with Ichigo?"
"I like it," Kisshu said. "Apparently her mom is taking me shopping today; both her parents are really nice- though she claims her father is insane."
"Insane?" Deep Blue asked warily.
"Not evil insane," Ichigo said. "He's paranoid about me having a boyfriend, that's all. He's not at all evil- except when someone hurts me. Then he turns into a sword-wielding madman, and my mom has to tie him to his recliner. So since I know Kisshu would never hurt me, he's safe."
"Good to know," Deep Blue said. "I was thinking of sending Pai to help with the Mew Aqua search, considering he's a genius scientist."
"That sounds like a good idea," Kisshu said. "When do you think he'll get here?"
"Sometime tonight Earth time," Deep Blue said. "I'll let him know to teleport to your location."
"Thank you," Kisshu said. "Was that all? Ichigo needs to get to school."
"Yes, that was it, I just wanted you to know Pai would be coming and ask about the truce," Deep Blue said. The blue mist faded, and Ichigo's bedroom reappeared, with Sakura standing there looking worried.
"What happened?" Ichigo asked.
"You disappeared!" Sakura said. "What was that about?"
"Sorry, my leader wanted to tell us that he's sending my cousin Pai to help with the search for Mew Aqua to save my planet," Kisshu said. "Can I explain more after I teleport Ichigo to school? She's going to be late."
"Yes," Sakura said. "Come back when you're done."
"I will," Kisshu said. "Koneko-chan, you should get shoes on."
Ichigo ran out, grabbing her school bag on the way, and Sakura said to Kisshu, "Will you give Ichigo this note for her teachers?"
"Sure," Kisshu said, taking the envelope. "I'll be back soon."
"Okay," Sakura said, as Kisshu left.
Kisshu teleported Ichigo to school, and then teleported back to his room. He took one of the pills to change his ears as Sakura came in carrying some clothes. "I found some clothes for you," she said. "Why don't you go take a shower and put them on?"
"Alright, thanks," Kisshu said, taking the clothes. He went and took his shower, then put the clothes on. They were kind of loose on him, but they weren't a bad fit otherwise. He went downstairs, and found Sakura in the kitchen, drinking tea. "Hi, did you have a nice shower?" she asked him.
"I don't think I've ever seen that many shampoo bottles in one place before…." Kisshu said. "Humans have it nice."
"Not all of us do, but Shintaro has a good job, so we're able to afford more than some people," Sakura said. "Would you like breakfast?"
"Do you have toast?" Kisshu asked. "I like toast."
"Sure, what do you want on it?" Sakura asked. "We have butter, and a few types of jam."
"I know what butter is, but what's jam?" Kisshu asked.
"Cooked fruit with sugar," Sakura said. "We have strawberry, apricot, and raspberry."
"Can I try strawberry?" Kisshu asked.
"Sure," Sakura said with a smile. "Go sit down, I'll get that for you."
Kisshu sat down at the table, and watched Sakura put bread in the toaster. As she waited for it to be done, she said, "We have to go grocery shopping today as well as getting clothes. I think you'll find that interesting."
"What is it?" Kisshu asked.
"Food shopping," Sakura explained. "On Earth, food costs money."
"Does everything cost money here?" Kisshu asked.
"Pretty much," Sakura said. "I'm glad we adopted you by just taking you in; usually adoptions cost lots of money."
"Why?" Kisshu asked.
"The money is to support the orphanages; they ask for money to feed and clothe the children who live there, and pay for things like heating the buildings, and other needs," Sakura explained. "What's adoption like on your planet?"
"There are so many orphans that people just take in however many children they're able to feed," Kisshu replied. "There's no real process for adoption; if a kid is orphaned, they just have to find another family to take them in. Cyniclon women can't usually have more than one or two children; three is rare. Our race doesn't reproduce as often as humans, and it's possible we'll die out altogether one day."
"That's too bad," Sakura said. "When you and Ichigo get married, do you want kids?"
"Yeah…. I think having kids would be nice, and Ichigo would make a great mother," Kisshu said.
"I agree," Sakura said. "Should we get going?"
"Sure," Kisshu replied. "How are we getting there?"
"We'll go in my car," Sakura said. "There are too many people there for you to teleport."
"Okay," Kisshu said. "I've never been in a car."
"You don't have them on your planet, right?" Sakura asked.
"I didn't even know what they were before; we don't really need them, since we can all teleport," Kisshu said.
"Sounds nice….." Sakura said. "Go get your boots on, and I'll get my purse."
Kisshu obeyed, and Sakura met him at the front door. "The car is in the garage," Sakura said. She led the way, and got into the driver's seat. "Kisshu, you get the passenger seat, on the other side," she said.
Kisshu got in, and said, "This is kind of small…."
"Are you claustrophobic?" Sakura asked.
"Kind of," Kisshu replied.
"You'll be fine as long as you click in," Sakura said. "It's safe."
"Click in?" Kisshu asked.
"Can you put your seat belt on?" Sakura asked. "That's what I meant."
Kisshu put his seatbelt on, and Sakura started up the car, then drove off. They reached the mall parking lot fifteen minutes later, and got out. "I don't really like cars," Kisshu said.
"Sorry," Sakura said. "I guess it'll take a while before you're used to them."
"Yeah… where are we going first?" Kisshu asked.
"We're going to the big department store, since they have lots of clothes," Sakura said. "Follow me."
Kisshu followed her to a large building, and went in, looking around. "This is HUGE," he said.
"Yep," Sakura said. "The clothes are over here." She led the way to the men's section, and said, "Start looking around, and let me know if you see anything you like. I'd say you need size small shirts, and size 8 pants and shorts. We should probably get you a winter jacket and school shoes too."
"I need new shoes?" Kisshu asked, puzzled.
"Just for school," Sakura explained.
"Oh…. what does this say?" Kisshu asked, pointing to a shirt with English writing on it.
"It says 'I'm sexy' in English, and you are not getting that," Sakura said. Kisshu drooped and started looking at plain shirts.
A while later he had a bunch of black and green shirts, and took them to Sakura, who had found a cart, and put some pants and shorts in it. She had also found a dark green winter jacket, and a bunch of socks. "Do you need underwear?" she asked Kisshu.
"No, I brought some with me," Kisshu said. "I just need to go get it."
"Alright, let's go find shoes, and then we can pay and go get your uniform," Sakura said. Kisshu nodded and followed her to the shoes section.
They got shoes, which Kisshu wasn't thrilled about, then paid and went to get a school uniform. This didn't take long, so they got back in the car and went to the grocery store.
Kisshu's jaw nearly dropped when they went into the store. Sakura giggled and said, "You look shocked."
"I've never seen this much food in one place," Kisshu said. "That's a LOT of food."
"Well, there are lots of people who need food, so there has to be a lot of food," Sakura explained. "We only need a few things."
"Okay," Kisshu said. "Can we get more apples?"
"You really like them, don't you?" Sakura asked. "Apples are sold year-round, so that's not a problem. Let's go get some."
Kisshu happily followed her to the produce section, and watched as she picked out a large bag of apples. "Can I have one?" Kisshu asked hopefully.
"After I've paid for them, yes," Sakura said.
Kisshu drooped and asked, "What else do we need?"
"We need some fish, more potatoes, bread, and sliced turkey and cheese," Sakura said.
"What's turkey?" Kisshu asked.
"Meat," Sakura explained. "We need to go to the deli; they slice it for you there."
"Don't you need to cook it?" Kisshu asked.
"This turkey is already cooked," Sakura said. "Come on."
They went to the deli, and got turkey and sliced Muenster cheese, and then went to get the rest of the groceries. They paid, and on the way out, Sakura handed Kisshu an apple. He perked up and started eating it as Sakura drove home.
With Ichigo: Ichigo was walking home with Moe and Miwa, who were pestering her with questions. Ever since she told them she had given up on Aoyama, they had been nagging her. She noticed that like everyone else, they seemed to think the alien attacks had never happened. "Guys, you can ask me more questions when we get to my place," she said.
"Oh, fine," Moe said sulkily. Then she perked up and said, "Look, we're here!"
Ichigo led the way into her house, and called, "I'm home, and I brought Moe and Miwa!"
"We're in the kitchen," Sakura called back.
Ichigo and her friends went in, and found Kisshu and Sakura in the kitchen. "Hi girls," Sakura said. "Are you going to Ichigo's room?"
"Yep," Ichigo said. "Kisshu, are you coming?"
"Sure," Kisshu said. "Are these your friends?"
"Yep, this is Moe, and Miwa," Ichigo said. "Let's go upstairs."
Moe, Miwa, and Kisshu went upstairs with her, and they settled down.
I think I'll put the interrogation and maybe school in the next chapter. I know this was probably disappointing, since it's pretty boring, but I'm hoping you'll still read it and the next chapter. Review?