A/N: Hello! I have decided to switch the POV from third person to Ichigo's first person to convey her feelings more. I will switch POV from time to time between other characters such as Kisshu or Purin since I feel like I can have the characters come to life more that way. I also used the male uniforms from the new TMM ReTurn manga. Anyways please enjoy chapter 4!
_
"Cause I knew you were trouble when you walked in, but shame on me now." -Taylor Swift
"Ichigo," a sudden voice was trying to wake me from my deep, sweet slumber. A slumber that had me dreaming of a familiar green-haired alien. But the voice, it sounded sweet, mother-like.
"Ichigo." Why does the voice sound so much like my mother? "If you don't wake up dear you'll be late for school and poor Berry is waiting outside for you."
My eyes shot wide open as I recalled the day of the week. I groaned as I lifted my half asleep body to an upright position. It's Monday. I shifted my sleepy gaze over to the side of my bed where my calendar sat on my dresser, a giant red inked heart over the 23rd of the month. I smiled brightly, like a kid receiving candy on Halloween, Aoyama would arrive in four days. Finally. Even though it had only been six months since I last saw him, I was dying for his sweet embrace, the way his silky voice said-
"Ichigo!" I grimaced, remembering that my mother was standing beside my bed sending daggers my way.
"Yeah, yeah I'm getting up. Tell Berry I'll be out in a moment." I pushed mom out of my room through the doorway, slamming the door shut behind her. I released a deep breath that I didn't realize I had been holding in, walking towards my grey winter uniform I had hanging up on the wall. After I slid on the grey long-sleeve dress, and slipped on my white thigh-high, wool socks I could hear a tapping on my window. I snapped my head around to see what it could be. Standing up from my bed I came to the sudden realization of yesterday's events. It's more than likely Kisshu coming to walk me to school even though Berry walks with me everyday. Sure enough as I reached my window at the foot of my bed, my eyes met a pair of golden ones, peering down into my room motioning me to lift my window up. I looked around to make sure no one was near my house except, of course, Berry and Tasuku; who were thankfully at the front near the gate. However, I did realize that the snow that started last night kept going into this morning leaving about two feet worth of snow covering my yard. I lifted my window up and stuck my head out before Kisshu had the nerve to try and enter my room.
"You don't have to join us in the mornings ya know." I didn't think I sounded harsh but Kisshu's expression was painted in what seemed to be hurt. This alien couldn't be serious right?
"I am aware kitty-cat," Kisshu moved his floating body closer to mine, "I just wanted to see you before you left. By the way, you're adorable when you sleep and wake up." Mischief danced in his eyes as he teased me.
An unwelcome blush crept it's way onto my face and by the way Kisshu had a triumphant smirk playing on his face, it seemed I gave him the reaction he was looking for. I gritted my teeth, trying to appear as annoyed as I wanted him to think I felt, or should have felt, "Well if that is all, I'll see you after school." I slammed my window shut as I moved back into my bedroom. I assumed he teleported away, grabbing my beige boots and sliding my feet into them. I looked at the alarm clock, a useless alarm clock that never seems to wake me up, to realize the time. It read 8:15 in its bold red numbers. I quickly stood up, grabbed my brown briefcase filled with sad attempts of doing my homework, and ran down my flight of stairs. I had to catch myself with the hand railing so I wouldn't fall flat on my face. What was the point in having wildcat DNA if I still had no balance?
I scoffed at the irony this inconvenience caused me, grabbed my red overcoat, and proceeded to go out the front door. I shut the door behind me, greeted with warm smiles from both Berry and Tasuku. My eyes caught the roller blades that were attached to Tasuku's feet with a small chuckle escaping my lips. Did he really think that was the brightest idea with all the snow and ice on the ground? I shrugged it off since the boy had better balance than myself honestly. I would probably fall flat on my face, hoping someone would catch me. My mind wandered to the idea of Aoyama catching me, as we started heading towards school, in his strong, protective arms; just like he used to when he was the Blue Knight. I let the scenario play out in my head, with us leaning into a kiss, until my mind decided to play tricks on me and instead of feeling Ayoama's tender lips against mine I had felt a more deeper, passionate kiss to then be met with sunset golden eyes. I shook my head to erase the thought, but to no use it was already placed. It's all that idiot's fault for actually answering my question last night and proclaiming his love for me, again.
He said he loved me, still after all this time. A whole year had passed and that dumbass, love-sick alien was still in love with me. I wonder why he was never able to move on from me. Was it because of the military that he said he was spending so much of his energy on. No. I bite the inside of my cheek trying to think of another logical reason for his decision.
It's because no one could replace you. A tiny voice spoke in the back of my head. I pushed the voice and thoughts down, I will deal with those another time. I noticed we arrived at the school's front gates as I heard Tasuku tell Berry and me goodbye as he skated his way towards his classroom.
"Are you okay Ichigo? You were pretty zoned out the entire way here." I could hear the concern in Berry's voice. I don't really blame her, especially after the events that unfolded yesterday between the new alien threat and finding out Kisshu had been alive.
I give her a reassuring smile, "I mean to be fair my mom did have to wake me up this morning." I stretch upwards, trying to reach the sky with my hands, kneading like a baby kitten heading to bed. Berry giggled at my cat-like moves. The only time my cat DNA showed outside my Mew form was never at the best of times, like how one time I slept the entire day away at school causing Miwa and Moe to freak out thinking I had a fever. We started walking towards our classroom, greeting fellow classmates as we headed for the third floor. I got a sad, melancholy feeling looking up at the classroom sign above the door, 3-A. I am almost finished my time as a junior high student and damn has it been one hell of a time between saving the world as a Mew, fighting aliens, fighting the Saint Rose Crusade, and now whatever this new adventure was about to unfold. Hearing the bell ring, I panicked and hurried over to my desk, next to Berry against the window, and placed my briefcase on the hook on the side of my desk.
The teacher walked in, looking exhausted from probably making our hellish exams we would be taking on Friday, placing her folders and books onto her podium. If I remember correctly we should be focusing on exam practice today for all six of our courses for the rest of the week to prep for that dreadful exam. I placed my head onto my desk, flinching at the cool touch as it met my forehead. I turned my head towards the right to see what Berry was up to. Of course she was doodling in her notebook, probably some bunnies and mini Tasukus were going to be all along her pages. Berry must've seen me watching her because she lifted up her notebook to reveal three chibi drawings of the aliens. I stifled a laugh seeing smaller versions of our newfound comrades.
"I think you made Taruto look even more like a baby, which I didn't think was possible," I gave Berry a wicked smile. Berry had to stifle her laugh as well, prompted from our teacher clearing her voice. All of the students settled down from their conversation to give her their full attention; I sat up in my chair to make sure I didn't fall asleep and possibly miss exam answers and god do I need those answers. I didn't want to bother Retasu all week with endless studying hours at the library or at our houses, especially with Kisshu needing to be around me to protect me against the new threat thanks to Ryou's order. That bastard, making my love life way more complicated than it need to be. Unfortunately, it seems the library is about to become my new best friend for the next couple of days.
"Before we begin class I would like to introduce everyone to our new transfer," I saw from the corner of my eyes Berry stiffen in her seat. Why was there a transfer five days before winter break? Berry must've thought the same thing, meeting my gaze with alertness. She leaned over to be in whispering reach, I met her the rest of the way, for looks of course since I can hear her just fine with me staying in my seat sitting up.
"Do you think it could be one of those things Shirogane-san and the boys mentioned yesterday?" I grimaced at her usage of the word "things". I know she didn't want to say alien while we were at school but it did sting a little since Kisshu and them were also aliens and they for sure weren't "things".
I pushed my displeasure down to not worry my bunny friend, "I really hope not, but it would make sense considering the time of year and how our winter break is literally in five days." Berry nodded in agreement, adjusting herself in an upright position; I followed her movement quickly before our teacher had realized. Whoever this student was, better not be an enemy and better not ruin my plans with Aoyama this upcoming week. Berry and I stared at the door anxiously, waiting for the student to end our painstaking long wait for their introduction. Just as soon as I finished cursing the new alien existence in my mind the student had stepped foot into the classroom. My eyes fixated on the young boy who stepped through the threshold.
A sudden burst of inner squeals could be heard from a couple of the girls in the room, boys expressing utter disappointment (probably because it wasn't a new girl transfer they could drool all over), and with my heightened hearing I could notice Berry's sharp inhale. I turned my attention back towards the new boy. Hair as silver as a brand new pair of keys, eyes the color of brilliant emerald, the face structure of an idol, and the aura of confidence radiating off of him. I understand Berry's reaction more clearly now, not only is he attractive, he's too attractive. Too perfect looking for any fourteen year old human. I pulled my attention away from the possible enemy and caught Berry staring at me, unease settled in her gaze. I gave her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, we won't fall for his antics. We'll kick his ass and be done with this all before Christmas just you watch." I huffed, wearing a smug look. To my demise it was shattered very quickly hearing his silky, higher pitched voice, similar to Kisshu's, break my train of thought.
"Whose ass are you kicking?" My eyes shot to my future foe, sure enough my cat senses tingled (yes tingled, I know very cliche) sensing that he wasn't from Earth. He was given the empty seat that was in front of me, joy. He gave a coy smirk towards my direction, gross another Kisshu, "Name is Sato Kane," his eyes never leaving mine, "I hope we get along for the rest of the year!"
I wasn't very comfortable with his accentuating the world 'along' when I get a very strong feeling we will be doing the exact opposite of just that. I give him a kind smile as he turned his body to face towards the board, where our teacher started teaching god-awful English. It's not that I hate English, I'm just terrible at it, and math, and science...and just about every subject in school. Except for gym class, thanks to Ryou splicing my DNA with a wildcat, I've gotten better in my once failing class. I let out an exasperated sigh as I started scribbling the foreign words on the board, hoping Retasu and Berry can help me make sense of my notes before the exam on Friday.
The loud ringing of the bell had awoken me from my cat nap. I struggled opening my eyes for a moment, lifting my head to see the time. 3:15. Finally, school was over for the day and I can get away from this hell away from my upcoming hell. Cafe Mew Mew.
I groaned as I stood up from my desk, "Let's go Berry before Shirogane chews us out for showing up late." I let out a large yawn along with a body stretch, looking out the window to see the school front's gate. I squinted, noticing a dark green hoodie contrasting to the bright white fresh snow covered grown. I smiled to myself, I would never admit to the others, especially Kisshu, that I was happy to see him waiting for me. I knew he would protect me while Aoyama was abroad. I love you, and I meant it. Those damn words. That damned alien! I felt a small blush creep up on my cheeks hearing Kisshu's love proclamation once again. I hope he felt the daggers I was sending him through this window. It aggravates me how easily he can get under my skin. It's worse that he knows it too. It seemed like he knew that I was glaring at him; he turned around with a toothy grin and a wave towards me. I scoffed as Berry walked over to my side, probably to see what I was staring at so hard.
"Oh it's Kisshu-san!" I blinked, it was weird hearing anyone using honorifics towards the aliens, even weirder hearing it from a fellow Mew. I giggled to myself causing Berry to tilt her head looking at me.
"Sorry! I'm just not used to anyone being so formal when it comes to Kisshu. After all.." I let my words trail off since we were still at school. Berry smiled sweetly at me, looking back out the window in time to see Tasuku meeting Kisshu at the gate, wearing his usual roller blades. I swear one of these days he's gonna fall on his ass.
"I guess we should go meet them at the gate huh?" I nodded my head towards the pair of boys, who seemed to be having a deep conversation. Why do I have a feeling it was about me and Berry?
I grabbed Berry's hand, heading towards the hallway, letting go once we were out of the classroom. Whispers and conversations filled our ears as we were in the hallways and stairwell. I caught bits and pieces, some of it was about the upcoming exams, some of it was about Christmas plans, and to my dismay some of it was even about that new boy Sato Kane. I'm sure my face twisted with disgust at hearing that name since Berry grabbed my hand once more and gave it a tight squeeze of reassurance. I smiled gratefully at Berry, I'm so glad another Mew went to the same school as me to experience what I was feeling; plus I finally had someone to talk about all this craziness with outside of the cafe.
We reached outside, our overcoats blocking up from the winter's prickly wind. It felt nice having my pigtailed hair blow with the wind and having snow tangled up in my red locks. As I could see Kisshu and Tasuku appear closer, I see Kisshu's golden flick their attention over to me. It's like he can see right through me, his eyes reading me from head to toe, passion and mischief dancing in his eyes as they once have before over a year ago. I inhaled as we finally reached the boys, feeling Kisshu's gaze never leaving my body. Trying to hide the blush, that decided to return against my will, I looked up at Kisshu noticing how he had his huge elf-like ears hiding under a black beanie and the hood from his hoodie.
Kisshu's eyes met mine, a flirtatious look now appeared to match his smirk "Like what you see kitten?"
I gritted my teeth down as my blush grew heavier onto my face. I heard Berry giggle beside me and placing her hand on my shoulder, "To be fair Kisshu-san," Kisshu lifted one eyebrow up at the use of honorifics, "I would be staring too. You don't see an alien in human clothes everyday you know!"
I finally let out the breath I had been holding in, sending a mental thank you to my bunny friend. "She's right! You look weird! It's the middle of December and you're wearing nothing but a hoodie and jeans!" I grin with a sense of success at getting an excuse for looking at Kisshu for far too long.
"Ah you must've forgotten kitten, but my kind did live in harsh winter conditions for the majority of my life." Kisshu sent a small scowl my way. I grimaced, it was like a mental slap in the face to hear how the aliens lived before the Mew Aqua. How could I forget their grim upbringing? How could I forget the whole reason why I met them to begin with and them coming to Earth to begin with?
I gave Kisshu my best apologetic puppy dog eye look I could muster. He blinked in utter confusion at this sudden change in attitude from me. Got you right where I want ya. Kisshu could never stay mad at me for long, it's the one thing that had never faltered during the battles we had. He could never kill me, let alone stay mad at me. Kisshu petted me on the head and gave me a soft smile, sincerity in his eyes.
"Oh you know I could never stay mad at you kitty-cat, especially with that pathetic excuse for puppy eyes." He laughed while dodging my attempt to smack his hand off of me. I pouted, "My puppy dog eyes aren't bad right Berry? Tasuku?" I recreated the puppy eyes I had given to Kisshu and directed my attention to Berry and Tasuku.
Berry remained quiet, pretending to watch the silent snowfall. Tasuku, however, was brutally honest with me, "Ichigo-san, you know me, and I'm sorry to say this, but you do look pretty sad." I pouted and glared at Kisshu who laughed again, clearly happy that he won.
"Let's just go. I rather listen to Shirogane yell at me than listen to Kisshu gloating about being right." I trudged ahead of the group, hoping that the cafe would be in sight sooner rather than later.
I opened the front door to the cafe, welcomed by the sweet smells of fresh baked pastries. I sit at one of the pink tables to catch my breath before the work day began, just to be met with Minto's haughty attitude.
"Why are you always late Ichigo? And you call yourself a leader." I groaned and shot daggers at the bird Mew. I love her to death but my god why does she have such an attitude sometimes? You would think she was a damn princess with that kind of an attitude, hold on that gives me a great comeback.
I put on my best smug look to give Minto, "The Queen is never late, everyone else is simply early." Minto scoffed at that, but I was quite proud of myself for thinking on my feet.
"Look at that, the cat isn't a scatter brain today."
"Watch it birdie, you do know what cats like to eat right?"
We both gave each other our strongest death glares, like we were about to change into mew forms and battle. Minto smiled at me and giggled, I quickly joined in. It was nice to banter with each other sometimes. Especially during tense situations that it seems the mews were going to be thrown right back into.
"Smile a little more Ichigo, otherwise you'll get wrinkles from all that frowning, and I doubt either Aoyama and Kisshu would appreciate that." She reached over and held my hand. Ah, she must've sensed that I was stressed and upset. She has a weird way of showing it, but she truly does care about her friends. A lot more than either one of us will admit. I gave her a small smile, hoping she would receive it as a thank you. I assume she did, all she did was drink from her favorite blue teacup and then lifted herself from the chair to change into her uniform. Berry followed suit and I did shortly after.
After changing into our maid outfits, Keiichiro and Ryou called us out to the lobby before opening up the cafe for the evening. As we all settled into the room Keiichiro smiled, extended his right arm out, as if he was about to show off something.
"Alright mews and Tasuku, meet the newest members of the Cafe Mew Mew team. Boys, you can come out now."
With that said, the three aliens came out wearing uniforms matching Tasuku: a white long-sleeve button up, a black vest with grey stripes, black slacks, and black lace dress shoes (that Tasuku would wear if he didn't get permission to roller blade as he worked). If this was a shoujo romance anime, the boys would have roses and bokeh lights all around them, which is what I feel like would happen since they looked so polished and attractive. At least Purin thought so as she hopped over to Taruto with a giant grin plastered on her face.
"Taru-Taru you look so cute!" She gives him one of her infamous death hugs, "I can't believe we are going to be working together na no da!"
Taruto looked like he was going to pass out between how bright red his face became from what I could only assume from being between the compliment and the tight death grip Purin had on the poor boy. Pai walked over to Retasu where I could hear the porpoise mew stumble over her words to compliment the older alien. I smiled to myself watching the cute encounter before me. I hope Retasu can gain the courage to ask Pai out, or at least be together for Christmas Eve, one of the most romantic days seen here in Toyko. I turned back around to notice Kisshu was looking at me with a soft, pleading look on his face. I felt my face redden when I realized what he wanted from me, a compliment. I squeezed my hands into fists as I was having trouble forming words. What do I even say? You're cute? Attractive? Good-looking? My, that uniform looks good on the others but you, they dont stand a chance? That last one sounded so dumb Ichgio!
As I was trying to formulate a structured and friendly compliment that was appropriate, I felt Kisshu place his thumb on my chin, tilting my face to force me to look at him. I could feel his gaze penetrate into mine. I felt my face grow hotter, I knew at this point I must've looked like a strawberry at this point. Funny considering my name and all.
"Well kitten? How do I look?" He grew a playful smirk with naughty intentions behind it. I took a deep breath, still trying to figure out how I should respond. His eyes searching mine for a semblance of anything romantic, which I'm sure there was just by the way his smirk grew, revealing a fang of his. Say something you idiot! I had to scream at myself in order to break the trance we were in, though I hate to admit it, I didn't want it to break.
"You loo-"
"Oh I'm sorry we aren't open yet." I heard Keiichiro state to whomever had the audacity of opening the front door with the closed sign on it.
"I'm sorry Akasaka-san, but is Momomiya-san here today?" I blinked with surprise all over my face. I also noticed that Kisshu's face and demeanor changed in an instant to displeasure. No, it changed to pure hate and jealousy, eyes starting to glow a subtle white light with rage. And I knew exactly what could cause that kind of terrifying reaction as soon as I heard my name used formally from a silky, warm voice.
"Aoyama-kun?"