The fourth installment of 19 Strawberries. This has to be the longest chapter I've ever written. Feel special. Very special.
Disclaimer: M.A. is not the proud owner of Tokyo Mew Mew.
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Momomiya Ichigo considers herself to be a normal girl. (After all, when your DNA is infused with the Iriomote Wildcat, and you constantly transform into a Mew Mew to save the world from evil aliens, you just have to be normal.) Many a times, Ichigo would stay up at night and try to categorize herself. Was she a weird, abnormal girl or an innocent young woman whose life was twisted horribly by fate? After hours of pondering day after day, Ichigo had come to this conclusion: She was normal. Because everyone's definition of the word "normal" was different. And to Ichigo, kicking alien butt was normal- for her.
Of course, like every growing human, Ichigo had some pretty freaky times in her life. Like the time she jumped off the school roof to save a picture of her and Masaya- and landed on her feet. Part cat or not, that was really weird...Okay, more scary than weird, but still. And the time that alien Kish kissed her! He just came out of nowhere and lunged for poor Ichigo's face! If that isn't freaky, than what is?
But today, Ichigo decided, was the most freakiest day of her life. After skipping merrily into her house after her date with Masaya, she never, not even once in her whole entire life, expected to see her boss sitting in her living room. So today was officially "Ichigo's Most Freakiest Day of Her Life" day.
Unless, this was some really sick joke her mind made up, and she was dreaming.
...Yeah, that's it!
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ChapterFour
.:If I'm Dreaming, Can Someone Please Wake Me Up?:.
"Shirogane, I am going to kill you. Slowly."
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What a sight to behold...
If someone walked into the Momomiya household right this moment, they would fall anime style at the doorway. On a dark green sofa sat one very angry girl-her arms crossed and her lips set to a pout-, a serious father who stared at his daughter with a scolding look, and an optimistic mother who gave a weak smile to her daughter. On the opposite couch sat a blonde haired man, his expression amused as he stared at the scene.
Scowling, the girl glared at the man, her arms still crossed. The father noticed this, and whacked his daughter lightly on the head with his hand. "Don't glare at your boss like that!" He roared, as the mother gave an apologetic look towards the man. The man merely smiled in return.
"Demo," The girl whined, rubbing her bruised head, "You won't even tell me why he's here!"
"Ichigo, Shintaro," the mother spoke tersely, "Behave. We have a guest."
"Demo, Sakura-"
"No buts."
The father, Shintaro, frowned slightly before composing himself. If only he were as young as his daughter, he would go into a pouting mood as well. However, being the father, that would look ridiculous- especially with a guest in front of him. Shintaro merely sighed lightly as Sakura smiled, pleased that her scolding had worked.
"Ahem," the threesome looked up, "I'm sure Ichigo wants to know why I'm here," the blonde haired man spoke, glancing at the red-haired girl quickly. Ichigo nodded her head rapidly, and looked at her boss with sudden intensity. "If you don't mind, may we get some privacy?"
"ABSOLUTELY NOT-!" The father roared, veins throbbing in his head. He stood up and pointed an accusing finger at the man, who looked unfazed. Thankfully, the mother clasped her hand over her husband's mouth before he could go on.
Overprotective fathers...sigh.
"Of course you may," Sakura chirped, ignoring Shintaro's protests. Dragging him into the kitchen, Ichigo sweatdropped at her parents. Why must they embarrass her so?
Crossing her arms, she stared suspiciously at her boss before speaking coolly. "So, Shirogane, why are you in my house?"
"Ichigo," the blonde drawled, "I really should fire you right about now."
The red head simply stared in confusion, her head tilted to the side. What the heck was her boss talking about?
"Do you even realize we had work today?"
Who the heck works on a Saturday? Saturday was the day of rest, the day of no school, the day of dates! Why in the world would Ichigo even want to go to work on Saturday? Shirogane was a slave driver and all, but he wasn't cruel enough to make them work on a Saturday! Because, seriously, who goes to work on a Saturday?
"-You do."
Ichigo blinked. Did Shirogane read thoughts?
"No, I don't."
Then how in the world does he know what-
"Because you're saying your thoughts out loud, baka."
"...I did?"
Ichigo could have sworn Shirogane just rolled his eyes. "Stop getting off track," he snapped, "Why weren't you here for work today?"
...Oh crap.
There was work today.
"I-I forgot..." Ichigo mumbled, looking down at her hands. "I had a date with Masaya today and I completely blanked out. Gomen, Shirogane." Nervously, Ichigo looked up to take a glimpse of her boss' face. Not good.
"Ichigo, you realize I should fire you now, right?"
"Y-yeah..."
Sighing, Ryou ran a hand through his blonde locks before relaxing into the couch. "I had to work today, you know that?"
Scowling, Ichigo glared fiercely into Shirogane's face. "I guess you know how I feel everyday then!"
Narrowing his eyes, Ryou stared back at the red head with equal intensity. "We've talked about this before Ichigo. You are not getting a raise."
"I know that!" Ichigo hissed, "But I still think I deserve it!"
"Well, keep thinking then." Sighing, he stood up as Ichigo's parents walked into the living room. Ichigo shot an accusing glance at her parents, who looked away whistling. How dare they listen into her conversation! Haven't they ever heard of privacy?
"Leaving so soon?" Sakura asked, smiling warmly, "Why don't you stay for dinner?"
"Okaa-san-!" Ichigo cried in protest.
Shirogane cut her off. "No, I'm fine. Thank you for the offer, Momomiya-san." He stood up and walked to the doorway, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Good night." Turning his head, he smirked at Ichigo. "Come to work on Monday, got that?"
Oh, that little, good for nothing, son of a-
The jacket.
She completely forgot about his jacket!
It was tucked away safely in her tote bag, folded neatly with the help of Mint. ("There is no way your wearing Shirogane's jacket with that on," she had said in a matter-of-fact tone.) Not to mention, she wouldn't be caught dead with another guy's jacket in front of her boyfriend.
Ichigo bit her lip, her eyes averting from the tote bag to the door. Should she bring it now, or wait until Monday? She would have to bring it to school then, right? In front of Miwa and Moe and...Masaya...Hell no.
"Okaa-san, Otou-san," Ichigo cried, grabbing the jacket from her tote bag, "I need to give Shirogane something! I'll be right back!" Before her parents could protest, she ran out the door. "Shirogane!" He wasn't far off, only a few meters away. If she ran faster, she could make it..."Shirogane! Chotto matte!" Stopping, Ryou looked back at Ichigo with a puzzled expression on his face. It wasn't everyday the girl that despised you ran after you. She stopped right in front of him, panting, and cheeks red. "I-I forgot t-to give you your jacket," Ichigo said between pants. Grinning, she handed the jacket to him, as he took it reluctantly.
"Thanks," He muttered, "But you could have waited 'til Monday, you know."
"I would have to bring your jacket to school then."
"Ah."
"Yeah...Well, good night Shirogane!" Ichigo chirped, waving. She turned around, as she readied herself to sprint back home...
"Ichigo, wait!"
Ichigo turned her head, brows furrowed. "Nani?"
"In the morning, you said that it was my fault that you were wearing your pajamas in public. How so?"
"...I hate it when you make me remember things I want to forget." Sighing, the red-head looked away, her face matching her hair. "The point is, it's entirely your fault."
"Are you going to tell me why it's all my fault?"
"No."
"What did I do? How is it my fault?"
"It just is!"
"Do you blame me for the stupid things you do?"
"No! Just- Shirogane, how long is this going to go on?"
"Until you tell me."
"You know, I can always go back home," Ichigo retorted hotly.
"And I'll make sure to stop you." Ryou said, taking a step towards her. She staggered back, giving the blonde a glare. "How is it my fault?"
"If I tell you, will you leave me alone?"
"Yes."
Ichigo let out a huge sigh. Looking away from him, she spoke as a blush crept up her face. "The morning I bumped into you, Miwa and Moe were in my room. Apparently, I...I...um..." Her face resembled a tomato at this point, "Isaidyournamewhilesleeping."
"Pardon?"
"Isaidyournamewhilesleeping."
"You were eating a seahorse?"
"I. SAID. YOUR. NAME. WHILE. SLEEPING." Ichigo said, stamping each word out with exaggerated slowness. "Okay?"
"...You said my name while sleeping?"
"Well-...It's not what you think-...I- You-," Ichigo blushed as Ryou smirked at her, an amused expression on his face. "It wasn't even a good dream, okay!" She snapped, crossing her arms. Her eyes narrowed as his smirk turned into a large grin. "You promised you wouldn't laugh!"
"Who says I'm laughing?" He snickered, as Ichigo stomped her foot angrily.
"It's all your fault! If you hadn't snuck into my dream, then all of that wouldn't have happened!" Ichigo cried, as Ryou took a step forward. They were only a foot apart by now.
"Oh?" He asked, closing the distance between them.
"Yes! I was having a perfectly good dream about Masaya and then out of nowhere, you show up! And- and-!"
"Shut up, why don't you?" Ryou muttered, tilting Ichigo's chin upwards with his hand as he swooped down to kiss her.
Click!
Shirogane turned around abruptly, staring suspiciously at the bushes. "Who's there?" A rustle of noise was heard and a squirrel jumped out of the bushes, staring curiously at him before running off. He stared skeptically at the shrubbery before turning his attention to the cat who was clawing at his pants. "Meowr!" It hissed, glaring at Ryou with intensity. Grinning, he picked up the black cat, holding it in level with his head. "You know," he said, "I like you better this way." "Meowr!" The cat whined in protest, as it kicked its arms towards Shirogane's face. "Hm...so you want me to kiss you?" He asked teasingly. The cat shook its head as it struggled to get free. "Meowr!" it cried, giving him a pleading look. Smirking, he leaned to peck the cat quickly. Within seconds, a very angry Ichigo was sprawled across his feet.
"I hate you," She snarled, dusting herself off. Shirogane grinned cheekily in response.
"Messing with you is so much fun, you know that?"
"I am not talking to you." She hissed, and stomped all the way to her house. Shirogane shook his head, chuckling quietly. With one hand in his jacket pocket, the other hand holding the one he gave to Ichigo, he walked to the cafe, the moon lighting his way in the darkness.
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Dirty Little Secrets.
Brought to you by: The Gossip Girls
Written by: The Gossip Girls
Snapshot!: A red-haired girl, whose hair is in a ponytail, is wearing a pink and red plaid baby doll and a denim miniskirt. Her face holds a shocked expression as a tall, blonde haired man, his face partially covered by a...smudge of some sort, leans down to kiss her. The night sky shines behind them, and a soft wind blows, swaying the branches of the trees.
Midnight Kiss
Photographer: Little Devious of The Gossip Girls. ;)
Oh. My. God.
Those were the first words out of my mouth when Little Devious showed me the picture. Oh My Freaking God. The next thing I did was write this newsletter because, come on, if this isn't hot gossip, what is?
Okay, first things first. Just to clarify, doesn't Red already have a boyfriend? One that waits for her every single day after school, gives her incredibly romantic dates, and does what a perfect boyfriend should do? While more than half of the female population of the school stares at Red with envy, she goes off smacking lips with Enigma over here! Can you say dirty, little slut? I can.
I have no problem with Red shoving her tongue down Enigma's throat, (seeing how it causes a lot of chaos. And you know that I love chaos. ;) ) but get a goddamn room. If you want a dirty little affair, do it where the whole world won't see you. Talk about P.D.A.
And, just to stir things up some more, The Gossip Girls has put newsletters in the boy's bathroom. Yes, Ouji will definitely see this newsletter. Wait for the waterworks, people. I know they're coming.
Love ya,
The Gossip Girls
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POLL: Hottie or Nottie?
Did Red make a good choice on smacking lips with Enigma, or is he a no-go? Let's ask YOU, the reader! From a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest, rate Enigma's hotness. (Or, in some cases, notness.) After filling out the two sheets given, The Gossip Girls will tally the votes and tell you the results in our next exclusive newsletter! See you then!
Ciao,
The Gossip Girls
1) 10! HOT!
2) 10! OMG, yeah!
3) 9. I would give him a 10, but his face doesn't show. :(
4) 10. Face or not, he's still hot!
5) 1
6) Number Five, you have serious problems. 10!! XD
7) Totally. 10!!!
8) Why not 11:( 10
9) LOL, yeah. I would give him a 100, but 10 is the limit. 10.
10) 1. He's UGLY!! I have no idea what you guys are talking about!
11) Isn't that ironic? Number 10 giving a 1. LOLZ. 10!!
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The Gossip Girls:
Name(s): N/A
Grade: N/A
Age: N/A
Member(s): Little Devious (photographer), ...?
Gender: ...Female? Possibly male due to newsletters in boys bathrooms.
Overall: Not much information is known about them.
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The Gossip Girls are an anonymous number of people who spread scandalous gossip all over the school with their infamous newsletters. Despite the rumors and chaos they cause, The Gossip Girls are well-liked, respected, and feared by the population- faculty members including. Students, both male and female, don't dare to tear down their newsletters or anything of the such- no matter how horrendous the matter. (Teachers, however, tear them down when the newsletters find ways into the classrooms and such.)
Ichigo begged to differ.
The morning had started like a normal one- her alram clock ringing madly, her mother throwing the covers off of her, and Ichigo panicking, screaming that she's going to be late for school. She had ran all the way there, panting heavily as she entered the classroom, triumphally announcing that she's here. However, unlike the other mornings, -in which her classmates cheered and grinned- Ichigo was greeted with an unusual silence.
The female population of her class gave Ichigo looks of pity, shock, and slight anger, as they turned to whisper to each other. The male students grinned at one another, elbowing each other and laughing. The teacher, an attractive brunette, (nicknamed Sexy-sensei by her male students) raised a calculating brow at Ichigo before speaking. "Surprisingly, you're a few minutes early today," the teacher said, shifting her green eyes from her red-haired student to the attendance sheet. "Have a seat, Momomiya."
"Hai, Tsuki-sensei." Ichigo chirped, skipping through the rows before plopping in a seat next to Moe. "Ne, ne! Why is everyone so quiet today?"
"You mean you don't know?" The blonde asked in a hushed whisper. Ichigo tilted her head to the side, giving Moe a puzzled look.
"Should I?"
"You seriously have no idea whatsoever of what I'm talking about?"
"No...not really..."
"Oh. My. God."
"What? Stop looking at me like that!"
"Omigod. Omigod. Omigod."
"What is it?!"
Ichigo stared, dumbfound, as Moe gave her a pitiful look before reaching into her bag. "I grabbed two just in case. You know how I like to collect them." Moe said, placing the newsletter nervously onto her desk.
"Why two?"
The blonde cringed. "So I have a copy in case you rip it up."
"What do you mean?" Moe sighed as Ichigo gave her a worried look.
"Here. Find out for yourself." Ichigo accepted the newsletter wordlessly, as her eyes scanned over it quickly. The whole class was silent, staring at Ichigo with intense looks. Would she scream? Run out of the classroom? Or, perhaps, cry her eyes out, right here, right now?
Ichigo wanted to cry. She wanted to bawl her eyes out, right here in the classroom, while ripping the newsletter to shreds. She wanted to run over to Masaya's classroom and explain the situation. But Ichigo knew that in cases like these, the bigger the reaction, the bigger the chaos. With hard eyes, she tucked the newsletter into her bag, and turned to Moe with a serious expression on her face.
"Do you know if Aoyama-kun saw?" Ichigo asked hopefully. Moe shook her head, her face crumbled into despair.
"I'm sorry Ichigo."
"It's not your fault, Moe," Ichigo replied, grinning lightly. The blonde nodded weakly, mouthing "I know," before smiling. Tsuki-sensei rapped her ruler onto the desk, turning all heads towards the front of the room.
"Okay, everyone! Ohayo! Take out your textbook and turn to page 213."
Ichigo sighed, flipping the pages absentmindedly as she stared wistfully at the clock.
Masaya...if I told you the truth...
Would you believe me?
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"Aoyama-kun!"
Whoosh!
"Go Aoyama-kun!"
Whack!
"I LOVE YOU!"
Bam!
Silence.
Whispers.
Screams.
"Get him to the nurse!"
Scared.
Shocked.
"I-I-I didn't know-! I thought-! Why- He could've-...Why didn't he block it?"
Fear.
"I don't know."
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Hot of the Press! ASAP Gossip!
Brought to you by: The Gossip Girls
Written by: The Gossip Girls
Wednesday, May 15. 8:05 A.M.
Nobody saw it coming. Nobody knew that he of all people would be the one to fall.
Masaya Aoyama is a perfect example of what every human being should be- smart, kind, caring, athletic, generous, thoughtful...He is known widely and liked throughout the school- by both teachers and students. The female population adore his personality and looks; the male look up to him as a role model for all. He was perfect; a god, indestructable. It was today morning that shattered his image.
Masaya Aoyama is known for being part of many clubs and activities. However, he is most known for being the kendo champion of our beloved school. Hardworking, dedicated, and loyal, he was perfect for the team and sport.
Today morning, Masaya Aoyama went into the gymnasium for practice. It started out like every morning; It ended as a catastrophe. Takahashi Seichiro was his opponent for today. Like Masaya, Takahashi was a great kendo champion as well. The fangirls cheered for both, rooting them on. No one had noticed that today, Masaya's walk was a little slower, his eyes holding the smallest twinge of sadness. His movements were a little slower; the coach noticed. He thought it was nothing, just a bit tired from lack of sleep is all. The coach didn't say anything, but merely frowned slightly, stroking his chin. As Takahashi went to make his final move- the one that would declare him victor- he knew that Masaya would block it. He knew. Because this was Champion Masaya we're talking about. Winner of almost every game and humble loser. But Takahashi forgot that he is not Masaya. He forgot the fact that they are two different people living two entirely different lives.
Masaya Aoyama did not block the hit.
The Ugly Result?: Mix one bruised shoulder, a cup of blod, a few spoonfuls of broken teeth, and pinches of minor injuries. Voila! You now have Masaya in the nurse's office.
We apologize for not taking a picture, but Little Devious would have been caught red-handed by you people. Yes, we were watching. See you next time.
-The Gossip Girls
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Although Ichigo wasn't the first to run into the nurse's office, she surely was the most persistent one. Due to the ridiculous number of fan girls Masaya possessed, he requested for a private room- though that didn't help much. Fan girls begged the nurse to let them in, that they had to see their precious Aoyama-kun. The nurse merely shooed them away, threatening that she'll call the principal to have a word with them. Though this was merely an empty threat, the effect had worked. The hallway which contained Masaya's room was completley empty- except for one girl.
"LET ME IN!" Ichigo hissed, banging on the door. "I HAVE TO SEE HIM!"
The nurse, a petite blonde going on fourty, stuck her head out the door and glared at the red-head. "Why are you so persistent? All the other girls went away! I really am going to call the principal! You're bothering the paitent!"
"THAT PATIENT IS MY BOYFRIEND!" Ichigo snarled, grabbing the doorknob tightly with both hands, "AND. I. NEED. TO. SEE. HIM. DAMMIT." Yanking the door open, Ichigo stumbled backwards as the nurse came tumbling out. Scowling at Ichigo with deep hatred, the nurse grumbled some incoherent words- most likely curses towards Ichigo.
"Well," the nurse sighed, "Come in. I suppose I would have had to let you in eventually. Being so determined and all."
Beaming, Ichigo jumped up from the floor and raced into the nurse's office. "Aoyama-kun! Aoyama-kun!" She ran faster, pushing back all the curtains that were hiding the cots to see which secret door held Masaya. "Aoyama-kun, are you-" She skidded to a stop in front of him. "-...all right?"
He wasn't smiling.
His lips, which usually held his beautiful smile, was turned to a slight frown. Chocolate brown eyes that held warmth and compassion seemed empty, as if they held no emotion. He was staring at his hands, wringing them every once in a while as he laid in a cot, a blue blanket thrown over him.
"Ichigo..."
He clasped his hands tightly, eyes focusing intently on them. What power his words held...what if he were to make the wrong choice? Would he be able to take them back in the future?
"I-"
Could he really do it? Is his heart strong enough to hold all the pain?
"Yes, Aoyama-kun?"
He looked up abruptly, staring intently into Ichigo's curious eyes.
It was now...
...or never.
The choice was his.
"-I want to break up."
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I made my deadline! Right?
Anyways, stay tuned for Chapter Five!
Review!