~Chapter Eleven~

"Are you feeling alright, though?" Akasaka repeated, for perhaps the twentieth time.

Ichigo shifted from one foot to the other, focusing her eyes on the computer screens. They glowed a consistent black, with neon text scrolling across the surface as his fingers flew over the keys. The scientist had been working since the early hours of the morning on breaking into the alien systems, partially because Lettuce and Pudding had insisted he take a break to sleep during the night, and also because his alarm had somehow been permanently shifted to only go off at a decent hour – which probably had to do with the monkey and water Mews as well.

"I'm fine."

She felt as though it had become a habit to say that now. Deciding to go to the Café early had been made plainly out of a need for a sense of security, but instead of finding the refuge she expected, she'd been met with Akasaka's constant concerns. It wasn't such a bad thing that the man was always so anxious over the girls' conditions, but the fact was that he didn't need any more worry lines on his face was a strong factor that reigned over her hesitance to confide in him. And these days, those were a common sight on his usually animated, handsome features.

Eventually, Ichigo divulged to him the incident with Kisshu, and even pieces of their conversation. She left out the bits about being at the aliens' residence, and about the token he'd left behind. She feared that he might expect her capable to go back, and even if she could, going back seemed like a forbidden thought. She was too perplexed, and certainly too irritated at her own confusion to even consider doing anything that was related with Kisshu.

"If you have any other significant communications with Kisshu, even if it's just something that bothers you," he paused, pulling his gaze away from the computer to peer at her solemnly, "Tell me."

Ichigo swallowed, resisting the urge to shift her weight back to the other foot. She wanted to tell Akasaka everything, but honestly, something told her she shouldn't. It was as though in the last few days, almost everything she had believed in was starting to crumble. It was as though even the alliances were blurring along the edges.

"Alright." She murmured.

It was another moment before he turned his attention back to the computer, and even then, she felt as though he was somehow still watching her with those soft, concerned eyes.

The hall was dimly lit when Ichigo walked out into it. Her footsteps echoed a cold whisper against the shadows, and it felt as though even in this silence she was not truly alone. A shiver ran over her body, stopping to linger over her left arm. Ryou was lounging on a stool in the kitchen, his feet propped-up on the counter. His hands were dancing over something, eyes solely engrossed with the task. Ice blue flicked in her direction as she closed the door.

He didn't say anything, his gaze piercing through her. The presence of the uncomfortable atmosphere was enough to almost physically detect.

"Akasaka is still busy, and the girls aren't here to work yet." She stated quietly.

It wasn't as though she was obligated to explain herself, but somehow it felt as though Ryou had the ability to disarm her of her attitude as easily as that of an adult and child.

"And your point is…?" His eyes drifted back to the work in his hands.

Ichigo swallowed, walking over to sit down on a stool across from him.

"What are you doing?"

"Work."

"What kind of work?"

"Productive work."

The Mew leader sighed heavily, propping her elbows onto the counter. Her chin rested in her palms, eyes narrowing at the man.

"What is the productive work for?"

Ryou lifted his eyes to glower at her, "Don't be nosy. If I wanted you to know, I'd tell you."

"Well, don't be so darn bossy! And don't you dare glare at me like that. I didn't do any harm!"

The room grew incredibly silent after Ichigo stopped talking. Ryou's eyes had drifted toward her left hand, or more specifically, her wrist. Deep, emerald green met his gaze, a rich color that seemed too foreign in beauty to possibly exist under the naked eye. It seemed to almost glint faintly when viewed under the light, an array of iridescent, varied colors. It shimmered slightly as she pulled her hands off the counter and into her lap.

"What is that?" Ryou breathed.

Ichigo could feel her body tensing in response, her hands clenching in her lap. Her heart dropped into her stomach as his eyes bore into her arm.

"A temporary tattoo."

They narrowed, almost as though stating that he didn't believe her. This wouldn't have been too surprising, considering that she wouldn't have even believed herself if she had been in his shoes. She was quite terrible at lying.

"I'll tell you what," He shifted his gaze from her arm to rest on her face, "I'll tell you what I'm doing, if you tell me what that's about."

Her thoughts raced. Partly because of the fact that she truly was curious, and partly because a large portion of her brain denied the offer the moment it left his lips. Honestly, she wasn't even really sure what was going on with her hand or wrist, except that it was because of Kisshu.

Ichigo could still remember the brush of his hand over hers during the kiss. The moment after, as she stared at her feline reflection irritably. From the very minute she had shifted back, she had noticed something different. A shiver traveled down her spine, and it was as though she were holding ice in her left hand. Cold bit into the skin of her palm, and she lifted it, slowly uncurling her fingers to reveal the smooth surface underneath. Only it wasn't smooth.

A very small jewel glinted at her, nearly identical to the coloring that was slowly seeping around it like ink. For some odd reason it struck a sense of familiarity in the back of her mind, as though she had seen it somewhere else. Shock settled into the pit of her stomach, leisurely gripping onto her as she stared at the unusual gem that was now embedding itself into her palm. What surprised her most was that she barely felt it, though it surely should have caused pain. It was only a slight tingle under the surface of her skin, and she wasn't quite sure whether this was a good or bad thing.

Her first instinct was to run to her mother, though that was dismissed nearly right after it came to her. Her parents knew nothing of these things, and if anything, it would probably cause them heart-attacks. The Mews would most likely fear for her safety and tell Akasaka, which most likely would…

Yes, Akasaka was the perfect person to go to.

It was only after she had appeared at the Café and walked into his lab that she had realized just how terrible his reaction might be. Who knew what he might want to do to her hand! A desire to run tests was strongly a plausible avenue. Though, considering the man's normal concerns, it was also likely that he might strip her of her duties as a leader until he discovered its purpose. And that was out of the question.

Even further along the road of possible responses, the Mews might have insisted an attack on the aliens. On Kisshu. Ichigo hadn't even figured out what the thing was, so it could potentially be something helpful. Then the aliens – and perhaps said trouble-maker – would be harmed for nothing.

On another note: Why the heck did she even care?

"Well, what is it?" Ryou practically growled.

Ichigo jerked out of her reverie, her eyes refocusing on her blond boss. The dread from before washed back into her system as his blue gaze pierced into her.

"I told you. It's a temporary tattoo. One of my friends at school has been urging me to try them. You wouldn't believe what sort of things are in style!"

Her voice nearly broke on the last part. Yes, practice would be required in the future. Lying was definitely not in her career path.

Ryou continued to stare at her for a minute more, almost as though digging into her soul for the truth. But really, how was she supposed to tell the truth when she didn't even know it? Besides, she deserved a raise for this. She had been poisoned, had her brain wired to a perverted alien, kidnapped, stalked, had something growing into her hand, and now she had to lie to her boss. Really, what did you have to do to get better pay at this Café?

Rain had begun to fall rather hard since she'd left the Café. Work had been tedious, though today she had added a new piece to her uniform. The customers had actually been rather intrigued with her white dress gloves, and Akasaka had been so impressed with her creativity, that he even decided they would add it as a permanent part of the uniform. Mint had been quite excited at this, proclaiming that it was about time they had inserted some mannerly tradition into the cute little place. Ichigo had dismissed this as something to do with her life among the rich.

Of course, it would aid in concealing whatever was happening with her hand, so this wasn't such a bad turn in events for her.

A soft vibration against her thigh made her stop under a tree, her hand reaching into her pocket. The cell phone's screen glowed, its exterior humming against her fingers. Aoyama's photo announced that it was his number that had texted her. Chilling beads cascaded around her, fatter drops plunging from the leaves on the tree above her head. They kissed her skin, causing maroon strands to stick to her cheeks and neck. She knew she was growing wet quickly, and silently she cursed herself for not checking the weather beforehand and bringing an umbrella.

Are you alright? I didn't get to see you at school.

– Masaya

A soft smile curved her lips, her fingers grazing over the buttons. His concern was endearing, and if it wasn't for the freezing rain pelting her, she would have thought that the shivers that had run over her body were from excitement.

I'm fine! Just finished work. I'm really sorry for leaving so quickly on the date! I got a message from one of my friends that they needed me, and it was really important. :(

– Ichigo

She tucked the cell phone back into her pocket, ignoring the fact that the fabric was dripping, and probably wasn't the best environment for an electronic. It was amazing how fast it was growing dark. The sun seemed to almost be sinking into the distance, banishing the rest of the world into a cloak of night. Ichigo chewed on her lip, quickening her pace.

She decided to leave her cell where it was until she reached her house. It was better to keep it in some kind of covered area then to make it any worse. By the time she was a block's distance from her house, it occurred to her that she could most likely stop by Aoyama'. The thought also arose that she was thoroughly soaked, and it would be embarrassing to appear on his doorstep like a wet cat.

~ I wonder if he thinks I'm avoiding him…~

Ichigo swallowed, her footsteps lost in the drowning noise of rain on pavement. Her head swam slightly, and her eyes slipped shut. She stopped, reaching her hand out to grip onto the wall beside her. She lifted her other hand up to push her wet bangs out of her face, only to pause as the coolness of her palm touched her skin.

She opened her eyes slowly, her breath catching as she looked at her hand. The ink-like substance that curled around her hand, beginning at the gem embedded in the middle of her palm, seemed to almost deepen in hue. A profound green swallowed the gem's exterior, darkening as she watched it.

"What have you done to me, Kisshu?" She murmured.

The moment his name escaped her mouth the green appeared to freeze, until very gradually it twisted in on itself and bent into another color. A light pink stretched throughout the depths of it, until it was completely whole in the weaving tone. Ichigo gasped upon seeing it change, unable to tear her eyes from the sight. Cool rain slid down the skin, pooling around the gem. The color smoldered, almost as though it was liquefied underneath the shell.

She pulled her eyes away from it, her head craning up. It was then that she recognized where she was. Where she had stood not even a day ago. Her heart sped up affectionately, and almost immediately she felt irritation. Inside the organ the little voice was pulling the strings, urging it to hop and skip at his memory.

"Kisshu…"

There were so many ways she wanted to finish that. There were so many things she wanted to say to him, and some that she just didn't know how. She wanted to yell at him, to hate and despise him for making her fight for her home. And just as equally she longed to pity him, to offer him friendship, or at least some sort of truce. How was it possible to express emotions that one didn't even understand about themselves? Her heart was locked away, out of her reach. It was as though with each passing day it moved farther away, and the little voice that she so adamantly cursed moved toward her.

Why? Why couldn't she just say what she felt? Because through all of the mental and emotional chaos, she didn't even know what she wanted to say. Because for some reason, whenever she was around Kisshu, nothing made sense. It was easy to yell her feelings and opinions to Ryou, to giggle and declare her love for Aoyama, to vent her frustrations to her mother, to lead and express her comradeship and affection to her friends. And yet, with Kisshu, it was as though the cord that connected her brain to her mouth was blocked off. It was enough that he was impossible, that his very presence could conjure the most intense infuriation. But why was it that she felt confused around him all the time? If that's the way she felt – and it most certainly was! – then why couldn't she just stick with it? Why did her head start to hurt every time she tried thinking about it?

Yelling at Kisshu had never been an issue before. In fact, their arguments were a common sight. So why was it starting to change now? Maybe – just maybe – it could be that Kisshu was growing on her. But more along the lines of an annoying mole on your side, and you get used to it after a while. Right?

But why?

Her thoughts wandered as she continued to stare at the clock tower, her body trembling. Frozen beads skimmed down her back, causing a gasp to escape her. Ichigo shuddered violently, dragging her gaze away from the tower to her right. She had to get home. She'd be lucky if she didn't get sick from this.

Her mother was waiting for her at the door with a towel in her hands. Her expectations over Ichigo's condition much have been far from the real damage, because she immediately turned and ran for the linen cabinet. The Mew dropped her bag on the tile near the door. She was shaking so badly that it echoed through every nerve, and she had to clench her teeth to prevent them from chattering.

A warm bath was the immediate advice that her mother provided, though by the time she reached the top of the stairs, she couldn't think about anything but her bed. Ichigo had just finished peeling off her shirt when she remembered the cell phone. Guilt rushed through her as she fumbled to open it. The screen didn't greet her with its usual glow. After a few attempts at turning it on, she finally concluded that the poor thing needed some serious fixing. Perhaps she could take it to Ryou tomorrow.

Exhaustion tingled through her whole body, causing each and every limb to fade into a dull ache. She fell into the blankets with a sigh, and even as her vision began to blur, a soft blue near her eyes indicated that the gem remained. She clasped her fingers around it, and an odd sense of comfort swept through her. The last thing she was aware of was its warmth against her cold skin.

Kisshu had never been so uncomfortable. Almost every night on this Earth furthered his irritation toward their atmosphere. A frosted breeze kissed his face, bringing along with it a sheet of light moisture. The rain was just another reason to hate this place. It was bitter tonight, almost as though the air was in a foul mood.

Even the weather failed at ruining his disposition, though. For just in front of him was a window. Her window. The tree near the house swayed slightly under him, and Kisshu gripped onto the trunk. He didn't really need its support, but it honestly was better to be safe than sorry. Waking her unnecessarily was the last thing he wanted to do. The normal tilt of his surroundings was evidence to his teleportation, and his senses even twisted for a moment. It was a lapse in the atmosphere, a glitch that he easily took advantage of.

Her bedroom was just as he remembered it. A sweet scent was permanently blended into the furniture and walls. It echoed her essence, and a thrilling quiver traveled through him as he breathed it in. Kisshu was silent, his presence untraceable as he covered the distance to her bedside.

A deep, dark red pooled over her pillow, silken tendrils cascading around her face. Kisshu reached a hesitant hand forward, his fingers lightly brushing her bangs aside. It amazed him that no matter how many times he looked at her, every time affected him in the same way. Just the sight of her made his breath catch, his thoughts grow scattered.

Pai didn't, and probably would never understand. His heart was practically dedicated to his researches and Deep Blue's cause. It wouldn't have surprised Kisshu if he learned that the alien had been born with his passive mask. And Taruto…well, he was just a child. His oblivious affection toward the Monkey Mew was barely a whisper of comprehension to what Kisshu experienced with Ichigo. How could he try to explain this to his two closest comrades, when even he was perplexed to his own emotions? By all natural rules, he shouldn't even be here. Her smiles, her irritatingly endearing outbursts…it made him want to hold her and shun her all at once. How could she do this to him?

Most times he wasn't sure whether he should be angry with her or with himself. It was probably a lack of professionalism that caused his lapse of logic. Pai had always warned him that if he continued to mess around and play games all the time, then eventually it'd come back to haunt him. Ichigo's presence was a revenging spirit, sent to straighten his antics. This was what he argued to his conscious on bad days. Of course, these thoughts only ensued the usual circling of blame toward her, then back to himself again.

Oh, Strawberry… My love for you is a mystifying and torturous thing.

A soft sigh escaped her lips, her lids fluttering slightly. Kisshu's brows winged upward at this, a slow, sultry smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. Her conscious responded to his thoughts even in sleep. It was a new, interesting concept, and it amused him greatly. He knew his dreams could reach her, but it never occurred to him just how sensitive the bond really was.

The alien leaned closer, until he could feel her warm, gentle breaths on his face. In the dim light he could see the smoothness of her skin, the curve of her lips, the contours of her supple features. He resisted the urge to cover her mouth with his own. It was so incredibly tempting to seduce her slumber, to weave his being into every form of her mind and body.

Carefully, he flexed against the bond, pressing and testing its outline. He slipped through it, and almost immediately he felt as though he were floating. He had once heard a term for it here on Earth. An 'outer-body experience' humans had called it. And then suddenly the space was gone, and she was everywhere. There was nothing that wasn't Ichigo, every thought, every sense, every tight, elastic fold of her soul. He was engulfed with her core, the deepest and private parts of her existence surrounded him.

Her dream pulled him in, jerked him into an alternate reality. He watched through her eyes, and was almost shocked at the intimacy of all of it. It was as close as two beings could come to joining as one. Ichigo smiled affectionately at the person in front of her, and it was a moment before he recognized the ugly little twerp as the Aoyama boy. Darn twit.

It's just a dream… he assured himself.

"It's just a dream…" The infuriating boy echoed, his hands cupping Ichigo's face with his touch.

Kisshu was stunned at this, but remained silent as she responded. Her voice was distant, faded even. It still managed to fill him with a profound longing.

"I wish I could tell you."

Tell what?

"Tell what?"

The boy held her with his eyes, dark, warm, and reassuring. To Kisshu he could've been the replica of welcoming evil. And yet, he couldn't stop watching.

Ichigo pressed into his arms, burying into his embrace.

"That I'm so confused. That I love you."

The last three words tore into him, piercing into his heart with fervent torment. Kisshu waited, expectant of the reply that would only further the murderous reaction inside of him. But it never came. The boy only held onto her, his soft features remaining pleasant and adoring, but only silent. It stretched on, and after a moment Ichigo pulled back delicately, her expression both questioning and timid. Aoyama's mouth remained closed.

Say something! Kisshu mentally growled at the boy.

He couldn't believe the fool had the audacity to leave her hesitant feelings unanswered. To just stand there like a sputtering fish, her warm, small body pressed against him. It was incredibly horrible, even if the scene was just part of the dream.

"Say something." said Aoyama, in that same constant tone.

It was then that his eyes started to melt into an incredibly bright, honey hue. The feeling from before began to return to Kisshu, the growing sense of suspension.

"I did, Aoyam-"

Ichigo froze, her small figure growing stiff with astonishment and disbelief. Aoyama's skin faded, paling. The body the Mew leaned against grew slender and lean, the irresistible bend of his hand lacing through her hair. Forest green hair fell around clever, sharp features. Kisshu's lips parted, and he sighed gently.

"Ichigo."

The dream fell away, dropping out from under him. And the overwhelming tight grip of Ichigo's essence, a gravity in the emotional and vast world that he had been inside of, vanished. With an almost audible snap he returned to his body, and his eyes flew open upon impact.

She remained as he remembered her from only minutes before, in the same eternal, frozen beauty that sleep enchanted her with. A brilliant, changing array of colors glowed between the creases of her left hand, winking at him and beckoning his curiosity.

With absurd tenderness he drew her fingers back, his eyes widening as the unveiled light danced across the ceiling with a new intensity. It softened as a feeling of awe washed through him, fading to a mute, blue radiance.

"It worked," Kisshu spoke quietly, "It's uniting with her."

I could put SO many reasons why this is late right here, but I'm not going to. :) Because I trust that you amazing readers will just be happy that I finally pulled my crap together and posted something. So, thanks in advance.

If there are any questions, you're welcome to leave them in the reviews. I'll willingly respond to concerns, inquiries, but not irritations. All things will be revealed in time. 3

Whitewolfffy~

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