Disclaimer: I do NOT own Tokyo Mew Mew---though any new characters that may appear are my own original thoughts, as well as the ideas for this fanfiction. :)
A/N: Okay lovely people; here is Chapter Four! I am honestly not sure how many chapters this story will be; surly it won't be more than 25, but you never know with me 3=)
I DO know however if you want faster updates, I recommend you send reviews in. I don't mind criticism, in fact I LOVE it, so by all means, send it my way!! If the audience isn't reviewing I won't update it as much. I see a number of you have added this story to your alert list, and I thank you greatly for that as well. ^_^
~Enjoy
Chapter Four: Left Behind
I ring the doorbell, tapping my heel rhythmically to fill the empty noise around me. If I had been smart, I would have brought my key with me, but I guess I forgot it back in the hotel room seeing as I can't find it anywhere in my bag.
Jonathan opens the door, a frown on his face. I stop tapping. He's disappointed.
"Jonathan I-" He cuts me off mid-sentence, wrapping his arms around me; his lips meeting mine.
He pulls away from me slowly. "I'm sorry." I apologize "Something came up..."
"Its okay," He assures "I was just worried."
This isn't going to be easy. In fact, I think I might die from doing this...but I have to. I can't just leave without saying something to him. It would kill him...and me.
I take a deep breath. "Jonathan there's something I--"
"Wait," He interrupts. "I have something for you." He smiles brightly "Something special."
My stomach flutters slightly. That's right...
He pulls me into the house, leading me by my wrist into the sitting room. The fireplace is lit, the aroma of wood filling the air. A leather couch sits in front of the fireplace and a small dining table in the back of the room; Jonathan and I usually have our dinners in this room. The giant arch windows are lovely to look out during a clear starry night; the perfect addition to a romantic evening. Candles are lit all around the room; the flames flicker playfully as we enter the room.
He walks me to the center of the room. Taking hold of my hand, he descends to the floor on one knee. He pulls a tiny box out of the pocket of his coat. My heart races as he reveals a shining, delicate white diamond.
"Will you marry me?" His words are like honey; his eyes are shining.
Yes...I want more than anything to say yes...But I don't think I can...What if I die while I'm in Tokyo? What if I leave, then come back and he's found another woman? What if I don't love him as much as he loves me? I mean, I love him...but I-I...I don't know.
My eyes tear up. I both shake and nod my head at the same time. What do I tell him? That I want to marry you, but I'm leaving and I'm not entirely sure I'll ever be back? Yeah, that doesn't sound suspicious at all...
His face fills with concern. "Ichigo?" He rises from the floor, embracing me tightly. "I didn't mean to upset you sweet heart. If this is all too overwhelming you can have time to think it over..." He kisses the top of my head.
"N-no." I protest, looking into his eyes. "That isn't it...I want to marry you, at least I think I do. But...I-I need to tell you something." I wish my voice would stop shaking. My emotions are stirring; my entire body trembling. "I-It's complicated..."
He helps me over to the couch, holding me in his arms. "Talk to me baby."
I wipe the tears away from my eyes, diverting my gaze into his. "Jonathan...I have to leave for awhile."
His face twists slightly in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Something is going on back at...home." I say
"What's going on Ichigo?" He looks concerned, yet slightly frustrated at the same time.
I sigh heavily. I can't tell him I'm a Mew. No matter how much I want to tell him; I just can't. It could put him in danger as well... "Jonathan, I'm not going to lie to you." I look at him bleakly. "But you're going to have to trust me when I say; that I can't tell you why I need to go back home to Tokyo."
His eyes turn sad. I can tell he's struggling with this. "Answer one thing,"
"Anything."
"When you come back, will you marry me?" He looks at me intensively.
Yes...No...I'm not sure.
"...There isn't any guarantee that I'll ever be back..." I whisper.
His face goes pale, his expression blank. I caress the side of his face. "Jonathan..."
He shakes his head back and fourth slowly.
"I love you. I do." I voice. "But I don't want to make you a promise that I can't keep..."
He stares at me intensively, still not showing much emotion.
I plan on coming back, but not everything always goes accordingly. "When I come back, we'll talk about it...okay honey?"
"Okay." He says cooperatively. "Ichigo...I love you. I don't want to pressure you into something that you don't want to be in...But I don't want to lose you either..."
"I don't plan on being gone long, I promise." I assure him.
"When do you leave?" He wonders
"Tonight." I answer.
He nods slowly. He evaluates the ring still in it's box, glittering in the dim lighting. Pulling it out of it's case, he slides it on my finger. "Keep this with you. Whether you decide to marry me or not, or whether you come back to me or not; you'll know I'll always be thinking of you." He kisses the top of my head.
"Thank you." I whisper.
I have to leave. I'll miss my plane if I don't leave now... I was already behind schedule before I even walked into the house.
"I'm sorry Jonathan," I apologize softly "I've got to go." I kiss him on the cheek, rising from the safety of his arms, whispering "I'm sorry." in his ear.
I retrieve from the room quickly in fear that if I were to stay any longer, I'd talk myself out of leaving.
Tears are streaming down my face. I can't believe I have to leave him behind; leave everything behind.
My life, my job, Jonathan; my home.
Slamming the door of the limo shut, I curl into my seat; wrapping my arms around myself. The diver pulls away from the curb, speeding our way to the airport as instructed.
Is this a mistake?
I wipe fallen drops from my face.
Even so...I don't have a choice. "We're counting on you girls" ..."You still remain the leader of the Mew Mews."..."The would will end if we don't act now..." Everything is on the line..."We need you."
I made a promise.
I promised Ryou I'd be on the plane,
and even if it kills me;
I will be on it.
