I disclaim TMM. Sorry this one is so short everyone; I promise the next chapter will be longer!

Hide-and-seek

Ryou sat back and ran his fingers through his shiny black hair. He turned this way and that in the mirror, unused to his new look. Lettuce was watching him from the other side of the room and something about the expression on her face made Ryou want to sweep her up and protect her from whatever wanted to hurt her.

"What's wrong?" he squatted beside her and brushed his hand lightly along her arm, making her shiver.

"I just wish you didn't have to hide, the others are so upset!" the thought of her friend's pain caused tears to well in Lettuce's gentle eyes. Ryou reached up and brushed the tears away with his thumb.

"I know," he murmured soothingly. "But I have no choice, I have to be able to protect you from Pai without him knowing!" Lettuce shook her head; more tears spilling down her cheeks, this time Ryou made no attempt to wipe them away.

"I have to get to school!" she cried, just noticing the time on the clock on the sideboard. She stood up and rushed around the room trying to find her bag. Ryou had to try hard not to laugh; she was so comical. Lettuce stopped at the door and pecked Ryou carefully on the cheek.

"Be careful," he laughed as she tripped over the doormat of café mew mew.

Lettuce walked slowly down the street her school bag in her hand. She was thinking about Ryou; how he made her feel wanted and loved. Suddenly a hand gripped her arm and she almost screamed in fright, a low laugh sounded behind her and suddenly she was spun roughly around.

"I told you I would come back for you!" Pai laughed. Lettuce struggled away but he pulled her tight against his chest in a crushing embrace. She snarled angrily at him, losing her innocent shyness, it being replaced by uncharacteristic confidence.

"Get off of me Pai, leav…" her complaint was cut off when Pai smashed his lips against hers. She tried to struggle away but Pai put his hand at the back of her head holding her in place.

"What the hell are you doing Pai! I thought it was Kish that was the pervert!" Lettuce screamed when she finally managed to break free. An ugly grin had spread across the alien's face.

"Kisshu is not the only one in love," he let go of her and stepped backwards. "I hope I'll see you after school!" With that he transported away. Lettuce looked around shakily, changed direction and instead of going to school she ran home.