Love Can Grow Again
Disclaimer: I do not own Tokyo Mew Mew.
-FLASHBACK-
Ichigo leaned against the wall of the palace ballroom, completely exhausted and out of breath. For the past hour, she had been swirling with countless young men, not one taking a chance to stop. Where is he? Her brown eyes scanned the dancers swirling around (waltzing style) to the chiming music of the King's orchestra. Her eyes searched each face. Ichigo's head drooped, disappointed in Masaya's no show. He's not here yet.. Where are you, Masaya?
"Aw, Ichigo. Why the sad face? You should be out there with all the others! See! Look how much fun they're having!" A deep, rusty voice exclaimed.
Ichigo looked up at the jolly king, a mocking smirk playing about her lips. "Father, if you haven't noticed, my fiancé hasn't shown up yet...and this is OUR ENGAGEMENT PARTY!"
The King chuckled quietly at his beloved daughter's fiery temper. "Don't worry, Ichigo. Lord Masaya will not likely forget his own engagement party!" The King briefly sipped loudly from a golden cup filled with wine. "He did inform me that he was going to be slightly late... Something about his best cloak needing washing–." The King mumbled from his growing drunkenness as he slowly staggered to sit upon the throne.
Ichigo smiled at her father's condition, knowing the next morning will be a headache for him.
Her thoughts wandered back to Masaya, disappointment all over the Princess's face..
"Where are you, Masaya?" Ichigo whispered.
People passing by frowned in the Princess's direction in pity, whispering their theories of the whereabouts of the young lord.
Tears started to form in Ichigo's eyes. I can't take this anymore. I have to get out of here...
"Lady Ichigo... Ichigo, are you alright?" He's here, finally. Ichigo glanced up with a smile, expecting to meet breathtaking brown eyes, but met icy blues instead. Her head drooped to rest against her chest in an attempt to hide the tears of disappointment from the King's advisor.
Ryou's lips formed into a small smile. "I do agree, my Lady. I look dreadful in purple.."
Ichigo couldn't help but chuckle. The Advisor stood with a slight slumped posture, due to the fact that Ichigo was much shorter then he. A deep purple tunic was cinched by a large leather belt around his waist, while a black cape hugged Ryou's shoulders. An ornate clasp held the black cape in place, securing the material safely across his collarbone. He tilted his head to one side, releasing golden hair to fall over his eyes.
"Oh, no Ryou, it's not you. You look absolutely wonderful!"
The princess discreetly smoothed a wrinkled fold in the Advisor's tunic. "No wonder you're the favorite of the ladies, tonight." Ichigo motioned with her eyes to a group of fidgeting young women.
Ryou smirked at Ichigo's praise."But, you my lady... Do you hold a fancy for me as well?" His piercing eyes flickered in disguised hope.
Ichigo's eyes narrowed in play as she let her hands drop from Ryou's chest.. "I'm your sister, silly, not your sweetheart. Please, don't call me that."
The Princess took a few steps back to rest against the marble wall again. Her eyes bypassed Ryou and soared through the crowd. They beheld each face, but none were her beloved.
"Step-sister, to be exact, my Lady. We were born by different mothers and fathers." Ryou leaned against the wall next to her, looking straight up at the gorgeous ceiling. "So, everything would be alright..." Ichigo. Will you ever acknowledge the love I have for you?.
Ryou solemnly glanced at Ichigo. "Ichigo. What's the matter? Did I say something—."
Ichigo discreetly wiped flowing tears from her cheeks, sobbing slightly."No, Ryou. I-I..where can Masaya be? He was supposed to be here.." Ichigo whispered sadly, wanting no more attention then the few people that had stopped to witness the Princess's tears.
Ryou glanced, blank faced, toward the dancers and than at Ichigo. "Come. With others viewing your tears, your sadness will become an easy subject of their gossip." Ryou whispered softly.
He suddenly turned and started walking through the crowd. Ichigo had to almost jog to keep up with him. Her sore feet ached from the pervious dancing and her heavy, rosy gown did not help at all.
Author's Note: Some Ryou and Ichigo action! -fans go wild- Anyway, I don't know if it's enough to suite those RXI fans out there. Sorry, guys if it's not enough! And about Ryou and Ichigo being siblings...ummm, yeah. They're NOT related at all. So, don't get any funky ideas. Okies? REVIEW.