Disclaimer: I do not own Tokyo Mew Mew or any of its characters

Claimer: I, chop4tess, own this story, its plot, and any and all original characters

Welcome to chapter nine of the 2014 rewrite! We are back to following the original chapters.

Enjoy!

Chapter nine: Ichigo's visitor

July

Ichigo groaned as she slowly made her way downstairs making sure to hold the handrail tight. She was now seven months pregnant and she felt very fat and heavy. She had spotted her mother's car pulling into the driveway from her bedroom window and had heaved herself up to great her. After all, Sakura had gone out to buy maternity clothes for her since she refused to leave the house in her sate. At least the morning sickness had stopped but Ichigo's back and ankles ached with the added weight of carrying her baby. It didn't help matters when her baby kicked her sharply in the ribs either. Ichigo groaned as she walked into the sitting room as her baby chose that moment to kick her in the kidneys. Ichigo rubbed her swollen belly with her hand.

"Is he kicking a lot?" Sakura asked as she pulled out some clothes from the shopping bags.

"He kicks me almost all the time. It's almost as if he's ready to come out." Ichigo groaned as she sat down. "I had no idea how heavy babies are, I feel like I'm carrying a whale."

"Hang in there, only two more months to go then he'll be out." Sakura smiled at her daughter as she pulled more clothes out. Ichigo noticed all the bags and frowned.

"How much did you buy?"

"Well," Sakura blushed lightly, "There was so many nice clothes I couldn't decide." Sakura put a pile of maternity clothes on the table and Ichigo's jaw dropped.

"Mum, I'm only going to be pregnant for another two months! I couldn't possibly wear all these clothes in that time!"

"You can always give them away if you don't wear them or keep them for next time." Sakura answered as she placed the last clothes on the pile. Ichigo gave her mother a suspicious look.

"What next time?"

"Well you never know you may well have another baby after this one. Hopefully a good long time after this one but you never know." Sakura smiled as she picked up another couple of plastic bags. "I would like to have several grandchildren." Ichigo shook her head with a smile. It was going to be hard enough having one baby, there was no way she was having another one.

"What's in those bags?" Ichigo asked noticing the logo of a famous baby store on the bags.

"These are for my grandson," Sakura beamed as she pulled out clothes, blankets and toys.

"But I already have a load of clothes." Ichigo said confused. She and her mother had spent hours on the internet choosing clothes and some soft toys.

"You'll be amazed how many sets of clothes you get through." Sakura said with the confidence of experience. "Besides, most of these are for older babies whereas the stuff we brought before was for a new born. He's going to grow fast."

"Yeah," Ichigo said softly as she rubbed her belly her features creased into a concerned frown. Sakura noticed her daughter's concern and put down the baby clothes and sat next to her daughter taking her hands in hers.

"You are going to be a great mother and I'm going to be there with you every step of the way. Don't for a moment think you're alone in this." Sakura kissed her daughter's forehead making Ichigo smile. Shintaro had mellowed over the past months seemingly accepting that his daughter was having her baby regardless of what he thought. He'd helped to turn the guest bedroom into a nursery by organising to have the double bed taken away and painting the walls pale blue with white clouds. He'd even gone shopping with Ichigo and Sakura last month for baby furniture and a pushchair. Ichigo had been knocked side-ways by the cost of everything but her parents brushed aside her concerns.

Ichigo wanted her baby to sleep in her room for the first couple of months to keep him close. Sakura had laughed fondly and ruffled her daughter's hair on hearing that. As a result the cot was all set up at the foot of Ichigo's bed. It meant Ichigo's room was a little crowded but Ichigo didn't mind. Some of her relatives and friends had been giving gifts in the form of toys or clothes and they had been carefully folded in the chest of drawers in the nursery or put in the toy box.

"Oh I almost forgot to ask, have you thought of any names for the baby yet?" Sakura asked breaking Ichigo out of her thoughts.

"Nothing definite yet, I mean…I want to ask Kis–" Ichigo stopped midsentence but her mother's sharp ears had heard the mention of Kishu's name.

"Who is this 'Kis'?" Sakura asked giving her daughter a narrow eyed look.

"He…" Ichigo sighed as she realised that she couldn't get out of this one. She had almost let information about Kishu slip many times over the past four months but always managed to catch herself in time. She hated keeping Kishu a secret from her parents. "His name is Kishu, mum, and he's the father."

"I see," Sakura nodded, "Are you and Kishu talking?"

"Oh yes we talk all the time. He's very excited about the baby and I think he'll make a great father." Sakura noticed the way Ichigo's face softened when she spoke of this Kishu person. Obviously Ichigo was deeply in love and Sakura only hoped this Kishu loved her back half as much.

"I would really like to meet him Ichigo. Your father wants to meet him too." Sakura suggested gently but Ichigo still grimaced.

"Father wants to kill him rather than meet him." Ichigo muttered but she knew her mother had a point. "I've been talking with him about meeting you and hopefully you'll get to meet him soon."

:-:

"Is it ready yet?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I need to do more testing," Pai's eyebrow twitched.

"I thought you spent all of yesterday testing it?" Kishu whined.

"By testing it I found the problems that needed fixing. Now I need to make sure that the problems are fixed and that no new problems have arisen." Pai growled out through clenched teeth as he tried to block out Kishu's insistent whining.

"I'll test it for you." Kishu offered.

"Kishu, will you shut the hell up?!" Pai roared spinning on his heel to glare at the green haired alien. "Do you want to be turned into a puddle of goo?" Kishu huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. Pai grunted and turned back to his worktable which was covered in pieces of paper containing reams of data and elegant drawings. Taruto walked into the room at that moment and noticed the tension right away. Oh great they're fighting again, Taruto thought sarcastically.

"How are things with the mews?" Kishu asked spotting the youngest alien hovering in the doorway. The mews had been surprisingly helpful in the preparations to bring the other aliens to Earth. They were doing the bulk of the research into charity organisations that helped people find jobs and homes in different countries. The plan was to spread the aliens over as many different countries as possible to minimise the impact on local communities.

"Everything seems to be progressing quickly. Keiichiro has been in contact with some of the charities and he said to make sure to bring young males and females first as they can work harder and for longer hours. Young children and older people will need to wait until there is somewhere for them to stay." Taruto reported.

"That's Akasaka to you, Taruto." Pai said giving the young alien a hard look. Taruto rolled his eyes and Kishu sniggered. "So its young people first right? It might be difficult getting them to leave their families behind."

"We did," Kishu said quietly and silence filled the room.

"Yeah," Taruto said sadly, "we did."

"That doesn't matter now, we are doing what we said we would and we should be proud of that." Pai said firmly before his friends could sink into depression.

"What do you mean, Pai? We're not fighting like we said we would." Taruto asked puzzled and Pai smirked at him.

"No, but we are giving them a new home like we promised." Pai replied. Kishu nodded in agreement and Taruto grinned. "Now both of you go away, I need to concentrate." Pai turned back to his diagrams and mathematics while Kishu and Taruto left him in peace.

As he walked down the corridor away from Pai's lab Kishu's thoughts soon turned to Ichigo. He had been with her yesterday and the sight of her swollen belly never failed to amaze and humble him. That was his baby in there, growing inside the girl he loved. Ichigo had had several ultrasounds since the first was done four months ago, and the pictures of his baby boy were clearer now. Kishu could even make out tiny hands and feet.

"Are you alright Kishu? You were spacing out." Taruto poked Kishu in the ribs to get his attention.

"Huh? Oh yeah I'm fine, I was just thinking about Ichigo." Kishu shook himself out of his thoughts and turned his attention to Taruto. "So how are things going between you and the yellow mew?"

"You mean Pudding?" Taruto blushed, making Kishu grin. "She asked me out."

"Whoa, what did you say?" Kishu leaned in closer as Taruto blushed darker.

"I said yes," Taruto mumbled.

"Cool stuff little brother! Although as the guy you should have asked her out." Kishu winked and punched Taruto gently on the shoulder.

"I haven't heard you asking Ichigo out." Taruto huffed trying to rub the red out of his cheeks.

"Unless you haven't noticed Taruto, Ichigo is currently seven months pregnant with my baby. She doesn't want to go out at the moment." Kishu looked smug and Taruto rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, but when are you going to ask her to marry you?" Taruto asked making Kishu glance at the younger alien in confusion.

"What does 'marry' mean?"

"It's what humans do when they want to live together until they die." Taruto had over-heard Mint and Zakuro talking about marriage and he had asked what it meant as the people of his world didn't marry. "It's a symbol of everlasting love and faith towards your partner. Marriage is for life but you can get a divorce which is where you split up."

"What a strange custom," Kishu commented. He couldn't understand why someone would make promises of love if they didn't intend to keep them.

"Apparently the guy gives the girl a gold ring with a diamond and asks her 'will you marry me' while down on one knee. If the girl says yes there's this big party which is called an engagement party. The girl wears a white dress to the wedding and the guy wears a black suit and they exchange vows, usually in some sort of religious building."

"It sounds like a lot of fuss." Kishu replied but in his mind's eye he saw Ichigo wearing a white dress and promising to be his forever while he promised himself to her. He rather liked the idea actually. Perhaps this wedding idea merited more research?

:-:

Zakuro dropped a plate of cakes onto a table and waltzed off leaving the young couple staring after her in surprise. It became tiresome sometimes being rude to people all the time, but Zakuro knew it was important to protect her identity. Otherwise she would be hounded by press while at work and she'd never get anything done.

Sighing Zakuro headed into the kitchen to ask Keiichiro for more butterfly cakes. She stuck her head around the door to see Keiichiro busy mixing various items up in a bowl. The café had become very popular, even with the start of the new school year, and Zakuro couldn't help but wonder why Keiichiro didn't get any extra help. An extra cook would greatly help to reduce the pressure on him to bake all the cakes himself.

"Akasaka," Zakuro called to get Keiichiro's attention making the older man jump in surprise. Keiichiro turned in surprise and gave Zakuro a warm smile.

"Hello Zakuro, I didn't hear you come in. Is there something you need?"

"Yes, we need some more butterfly cakes." Zakuro reported. Keiichiro glanced at the clock on the wall with a thoughtful frown.

"I think the ones in the oven should be ready. Could you get them out for me? They are in the middle oven on the fourth self. There are some oven gloves hanging on the door handle." Keiichiro nodded his head towards the three ovens built into the wall at chest height. Zakuro nodded and pulled the oven gloves on before opening the oven door. A blast of heat hit her face making her eyes water. Inside the oven were racks of cooking cakes in various stages and the smell was heavenly.

Zakuro reached in and pulled out the tray on the fourth self as Keiichiro had instructed. The cakes were fat and golden and the smell made Zakuro mouth water. Zakuro pushed the oven door shut with her elbow and the hot tray caught her on the inside of her unprotected arm. Zakuro yelped in pain making Keiichiro glance at her in shock. Zakuro hurried over to the worktable and almost threw the tray on it and clutched her arm.

"Zakuro what happened? Are you alright?" Keiichiro abandoned his cake mixture and hurried to Zakuro's side.

"It's nothing to worry about; I just caught my arm on the tray." Zakuro tried to protest but Keiichiro gently took her arm and tugged her over to the sink. "I'm fine really, Akasaka."

"Whether you're fine or not is beside the point. If you get burned you need to run the injury under cold water to minimise damage." Keiichiro turned on the cold tap and held Zakuro's arm underneath the cool jet. "And I think I already asked you to call me Keiichiro." Keiichiro smiled at Zakuro who blushed and nodded. After a few minutes Keiichiro pulled Zakuro's arm out from under the water and inspected the area carefully. The skin was still red but it didn't look as angry as it did before and Zakuro's skin was cold.

"Thank you, Keiichiro, it doesn't hurt anymore." Zakuro blushed as she retrieved her arm.

"That's good to hear." Keiichiro smiled warmly making Zakuro's heart skip a beat in her chest leaving her feeling breathless.

"You are always looking out for us." Zakuro said without thinking. Keiichiro looked surprised for a moment before he grinned.

"I like looking out for you. It makes me feel useful." Keiichiro reached out and gently touched Zakuro's face. Zakuro tensed in surprise at first before relaxing and tilted her head into the touch. Keiichiro stepped forward until he was close enough for Zakuro to smell his cologne under the scent of the cakes. Keiichiro's gaze went unfocussed as he gently slid his fingers across her cheek to her lips. The feeling of his skin against hers sent tingles down Zakuro's spine. Keiichiro leaned forward and Zakuro found herself leaning into him, her eyes sliding shut before she was even aware of it, to meet Keiichiro's lips in a gentle kiss.

Time seemed to stop and the noise from the café faded into the distance. All Zakuro knew was that Keiichiro was kissing her, all she could feel was his lips against her own and all she wanted was for this moment to never end. Once the need for air became too great to ignore, Keiichiro reluctantly pulled away and took a deep breath. Her stared into Zakuro's soft blue eyes taking in her flushed cheeks and pink lips. Suddenly the world came crashing back into focus as the realisation of what had just happened hit him.

"Oh God I'm so sorry Zakuro!" Keiichiro jumped back from Zakuro as if burned his cheeks scarlet.

"What are you sorry for? I rather enjoyed." Zakuro said evenly despite the fact that her heart was going a hundred beats a second. She smiled shyly at the look of shock on Keiichiro's face. "No one has ever kissed me like that before, it felt wonderful." Zakuro blushed at her own honesty and looked down at the floor.

"But don't you have a boyfriend?" Keiichiro asked clearly confused. Zakuro's head snapped up as she stared at Keiichiro in shock.

"No I don't, who told you that I did?" Zakuro narrowed her eyes wondering which paper had published that lie and how much she could sue them for.

"You did," Keiichiro blinked. "About four months ago you stayed back late at the café and you told me that you had fallen in love with someone." Keiichiro elaborated seeing Zakuro's confused expression. He could remember that night like it happened only yesterday.

"Oh yes I remember now," Zakuro shook her head with a smile. "I was talking about you." Keiichiro's jaw dropped open as he stared at Zakuro his mind reeling. "I wanted to tell you but then the phone rang and we lost the moment. There never seemed a good time to bring it up and…well, I was scared you might reject me."

"Zakuro," Keiichiro stepped forward and gathered Zakuro in his arms, "how could anyone possibly reject you? You're the most beautiful woman in the world. Not to mention you're talented, intelligent, wise, you have a great sense of humour and a character full of depth. You could turn the hardest heart of stone into a romantic fool."

"You're good for my ego so I think I'll keep you." Zakuro joked as she smiled at Keiichiro. She wrapped her arms around Keiichiro's neck and closed her eyes. She could hear Keiichiro's heart thumping in his chest and his body was warm and firm.

"I do wonder what it is you see in me though." Keiichiro admitted, feeling self-conscience.

"I love you for your kindness, your gentle nature and of course I love your baking skills." Zakuro opened her eyes and grinned at Keiichiro who grinned back. "Will you kiss me again?"

"Do you really need to ask?" Keiichiro leaned in and kissed her again. This kiss went deeper than the last one. Zakuro parted her lips as Keiichiro slipped his tongue into her mouth. Her heart was pumping so fast she felt dizzy and lightheaded. Things might have become somewhat inappropriate had a loud cough not interrupted them. The couple jumped back guiltily and turned to see Mint standing before them wearing a big smirk.

"Having fun are we?" Mint asked innocently while Zakuro wiped some drool from her lip and Keiichiro fixed his clothes. "You do realise that while you two are kissing the day away, some of us do have work to do?"

"I doubt you are working." Zakuro scoffed but there was no bite to her words.

"With Ichigo gone I have to work," Mint sighed dramatically and examined her nails. "All this manual labour isn't good for my nails or skin you know."

"It's a wonder you're still alive." Zakuro said in mock shock. Mint wrinkled her nose making Zakuro laugh. "I'll be right there Mint, just give me a moment."

"Ok, just don't spend all day snogging in here. There's work to be done and customers to serve." With a cheery wave Mint left the kitchen. Zakuro made a silent vow to get the other girl back for that comment later. Zakuro turned back to her brand new boyfriend.

"Since tomorrow is a Saturday would you like to go out somewhere after the café closes?"

"Ryo can handle the café without me for a day. I want to spend the day with you." Keiichiro smiled and Zakuro laughed.

"How about we start our day at nine at the park tomorrow morning?"

"That sounds good to me." Keiichiro gave Zakuro one last kiss before he went back to his cake batter, which was most likely unusable by now, and Zakuro walked back into the café with a huge grin feeling like she was floating. She couldn't force herself to be rude to the customers for the rest of the day and instead practically danced around the tables.

Mint watched Zakuro and laughed to herself. People in love really did make huge fools out of themselves. But Mint was happy that Zakuro had found someone and that that someone wasn't an alien. Keiichiro was a nice person and he would treat Zakuro with the kindness and respect she deserved. Mint may have come to accept Ichigo's relationship with Kishu over the past couple of months but that didn't mean she wasn't relieved to hear that at least one of her friends was dating a human. She had noticed how Lettuce blushed madly whenever anyone mention Pai's name and she dreaded having another friend getting together with an alien. Although, since Ichigo became pregnant the aliens hadn't made any attempt to attack them so Mint guessed that gave them some points.

Pudding had been telling anyone who would listen that she was going on a date with Taruto but Mint wasn't too worried about it. Pudding was only thirteen after all and Taruto looked about the same age so they couldn't really get up to too much mischief. Mint was of the opinion that they were more friends than lovers. Mint couldn't help but smile at the mental image of Pudding and Taruto walking down the street hand-in-hand, they made such a cute pair.

"Mint, stop standing around with that stupid smile on your face and get back to work!" Ryo yelled making Mint jump. She shot Ryo a glare and stomped off. Ryo was in serious need of a girlfriend or a hobby.

:-:

Sakura had signed her daughter up for pre-natal classes which would teach Ichigo what to expect when her baby came and also help with the practical side of being a first time mum. Ichigo hadn't really wanted to go but Sakura insisted that it was a good idea. Her first class was tomorrow so Ichigo was sitting downstairs on the couch reading a book about childbirth so she wouldn't show up looking like a total idiot.

The doorbell rang and Ichigo looked up in surprise. Her mother had gone out to visit a friend and her father wasn't home from work yet, so Ichigo heaved herself up and walked slowly over to the front door. Her baby kicked hard enough to make her gasp and Ichigo frowned. Her baby seemed almost agitated but Ichigo couldn't think of a reason why he should be upset. She rubbed her belly with a hand and silently asked her baby to stop using her insides as a punching bag. In response her baby kicked her harder. Ichigo rolled her eyes and sighed. "You're going to be a stubborn little guy aren't you?" Ichigo whispered as she reached the front door.

"Good afternoon," Ichigo said cheerfully as she pulled the door open. When her brain registered who it was that was standing on her front step, Ichigo's heart froze in her chest and suddenly she couldn't breathe. There was just no way he could be here. "M-Masaya…?" Ichigo gasped breathlessly. The world spun as she took in Masaya's familiar brown eyes and kind face.

"Ichigo…" Masaya's gaze drifted down to her swollen and clearly pregnant belly before he raised his gaze to her face. He looked so confused as if he thought his eyes must be playing tricks on him. In his left hand was a bunch of red and white roses. "I don't….what's going on Ichigo?" A flash of pain and betrayal went through Masaya's eyes. Ichigo went cold. She opened her mouth to explain but nothing came out. Before she knew what was happening, the floor was rushing up to meet her while Masaya leaped forward to catch her, the flowers falling from his hand.

*End Chapter*

And enter Masaya!

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