Opening the door to Masaya's apartment, I stepped through and wrinkled my nose slightly. Being empty for almost a month now, it had a stale scent to it. Brushing the smell aside, I walked in with Masha flying over my shoulder to look around. "Well, I guess I'll be staying here for a while then," I spoke aloud, putting one hand on my hip and leaning to the side a little. "Oh well, can't be helped."

College Mew Mew 8

By: Satashi

Humming to myself, I made best of the better part of the morning cleaning and dusting. My vision had come back yesterday, and I felt more-or-less fine again. The only part of my body that remembered the battle was a soft spot on my right side.

My dorm room had been almost completely destroyed, leaving me homeless until I recalled having the spare key to Masaya's apartment, which he would gladly let me stay in, as soon as I told him I was.

Unfortunately, he had no idea how he had gotten to Japan while he was in England. He explained to me that he had been having dreams again, and the last battle I had, it had become so strong, he had changed into the Blue Knight before he even knew what was going on. Assuming he had the same powers as Kish and the others, teleportation wasn't a problem. The only thing was, if Deep Blue was truly dead inside of him or not. The thought worried him more than I knew he was letting on.

I shook my head to clear the thoughts. "No use thinking about that, ne Masha?" I asked the floating computer. "Better finish dusting."

The other Mew Mews had picked up the slack while I was gone, taking full advantage of the enemies being wounded to find and collect enough drops to make two full pure Mew Aqua containers.

I was told by Kish on a random visit that Saucer had taken his fallen friends and teleported away shortly after the Blue Knight had battled them. By now, however, they were surely recovered and probably not in the best of moods. At least now they knew better than to attack us like they did that night.

Moving into the bedroom, I smiled to myself. He really hadn't planned on going after the war broke out again. His bed was unmade and there were a few cloths scattered on the floor. Normally being a neat-freak, it was always cute when he got too busy to clean up after himself. That paired with my habit of cleaning his apartment up for him, had made him into a more laid back person than he used to be. He even had a half empty case of Smirnoff in his refrigerator.

Smiling to myself, I shook my head and picked up his cloths, gathering them into my arms to put in the laundry basket in his bathroom. Once next to the washing machine I sorted out his cloths and realized with a smile that I had many of my own mixed in with his. I still had to go shopping, though, as most of mine had either burned to ashes or got stained in the attack. Luckily Mint was able to get to my dorm and collect everything that was still fine soon after the attack.

My cell phone was fine, but my laptop was ruined completely. About a third of my cloths were salvageable, and my backpack was luckily only waterlogged. If I had to buy more textbooks, there was no way I could eat for a week at least. Unfortunately, my precious bell collection was gone, leaving me only with the original one. Zakuro had taken it to an antique collector and had it polished, buffed, and resigned for me, making it look brand new. I still refused to replace the ribbon, though, and still wore it as a bracelet.

My cell phone rang, snapping me out of my thoughts. Reaching over the couch, I picked it up from the cushion and answered it. "Hello?"

"Ah, Ichigo,"

"Keiichiro! What's going on?"

"Sorry to ask, but can you come in if you're feeling well? Lettuce and Ryou are being worked to death and the others can't make it…"

"Okay, I'll be right over. Give me about half hour."

"I'll be eternally indebted to you."

I knew the café would be crowded, but I didn't expect it to be this bad. The entire outside was filled with people, despite the cold weather. Poor Lettuce was running all over the place, taking ordered and carrying at least three trays at once. Hurrying inside, I gasped at how full it was. Spare tables were brought out, and there were more than just a few people just waiting around to get their checks. Ryou seemed to be everywhere at once, a light shine of sweat on his face. I didn't blame him, it was nice and warm inside the café, and he didn't seem to stop moving.

Running back into the kitchen, I greeted Keiichiro with a quick "Hello!" before running past him to the changing room and putting on my outfit. Emerging, I saw three trays waiting and I grabbed two, putting one on my arm, and then picked up the third, hurrying outside and looking at the receipts to see which table they went too.

Only after a few hours I was tired and wanted to go home desperately. As soon as one person left, it seemed as if two more came in. It was a never ending cycle almost. Everything went so quickly, I didn't even notice it was getting late until the sun started going down and the outside crowd died off. Soon after, people thinned out and we were able to manage a break.

I pulled out a chair in the kitchen and fell into it, laying my head on the table. "Aw…I can't move…"

"Try being here since eight in the morning…" Ryou complained right back at me. It was almost seven at night now; he had put in almost twelve hours non-stop.

"I don't feel sorry for you, as much as you goof off when I work every day."

"That's mean."

He was only halfway arguing with me, probably still worried that I was still a little hurt. "I guess I'll go look around and refill drinks." Standing, I took the tea pitchers and made my way out into the diner.

Lettuce was bowing lightly to a customer as they left, and then sighed, wiping her forehead. "It gets a little warm after a while," She spoke, smiling at me. Agreeing, I refilled someone's glass and made small talk with them a moment before retreating to another table.  Free of this, we walked back into the kitchen, where Keiichiro was setting down my cell phone.

"Ichigo, Masaya just called while you were out. He said he would be taking the three o'clock flight home today."

"That's in two hours our time." I realized. "He won't be in until early morning! I still haven't called him to tell him I was staying at his place." I picked up my cell phone and started to press the speed dial, but Keiichiro grabbed my hand lightly.

"He was on a pay phone, his cell battery is dead."

I sighed. "Oh well, I wanted to wait up for him anyway."

At two A.M. I heard the door open. I had dozed lightly while waiting, but stood up from the couch, making my way over to the door, hearing some voices. "Ah, see you tomorrow." Mark was saying as I came into view. Seeing me, he smiled. "Or maybe later. Masaya, you dog, you didn't tell me you was living with your girlfriend."

"Eh?" Masaya turned to see me. Instantly I blushed. Mark was grinning like an idiot. No telling what he was thinking. "Ichigo." He nodded a good night to Mark and closed the door in his face, cutting off his laughing friend.

"Well, um, my dorm was kind of blown up, so…" I fidgeted with my shirt hem, looking down. A moment later I felt arms around me. Looking up, I didn't even have time to speak before my lips were claimed. I lost track of how long we were kissing, and the next thing I knew, I was lifted off my feet and carried off into the bed room while still being kissed.

I was laid onto the bed and felt his lips on my neck, arms still holding me close. "I missed you too, nya…"

I'm not sure when I woke up at first. Rolling over, I curled against Masaya's body and wrapped an arm around his waist and used his chest as a pillow. His heartbeat was steady; soothing. I revealed in the warmth under the blankets, wondering how I possibly lasted so long without him near me.

I took a long intake of air through my nose as I felt his finger trail down my spine and moved closer to him, snuggling. The finger trailed down to my tail, which it took between another finger to trail its length until it twitches and fled from his grasp on its own accord.

Giggling lightly I opened my eyes and looked up over at him, smiling. "G'morning, Masaya."

"I could get used to this," he greeted me back with a smile. "But your dad is going to kill me when he finds out your staying at my place."

"He already knows."

"He does?" He patted his body playfully. "I'm not dead yet?"

I couldn't help but laugh, sitting up and brining the blankets to my chin to cover myself. "Mom let it slip out."

"How much do you tell her?" He stayed laying down, moving his hands behind his head.

I blushed." Er, well…. We are rather close…"

"Oh man…" he removed one hand from his hair and put it over his eyes "I'm never going to be able to look at her the same again…"

"You're going to have to; you're coming over to dinner tonight."

"I am?"

Smiling, I poked his stomach. "It's only polite, since I'm moving in. You have to help me get the remainder of my things I'll need." Putting on a cute face, I pawed at the air and meowed at him. "I can stay here until I get another place to live can't I?"

My little pose worked, and he laughed. "I couldn't let my kitty be homeless. You're house is too far off to commute everyday to classes. Plus, its nice waking up to someone…"

"Nya," I blushed darkly as his hands slipped under the blankets and wraps around my back, drawing me to lay on him. "Ma-Masaya…"

"Just let me hold you for a while… I missed you."

"O-okay…" I felt my tail flip under the covers and my cheeks get warmer. His heartbeat invaded my ears again, lulling my eyes closed. Before I knew what happened, I fell into a blissful sleep.

When I awoke next, I heard sounds coming from the kitchen. I stretched out slid out of bed, shivering as I walked to the closet and picked out some cloths. Grabbing a towel as well, I wrapped it around myself, just under my arms and walked out of the bedroom, sniffing. "Breakfast?"

"Lunch," He corrected. "It's past one."

"Oh wow." I looked at the clock on the wall. "How long till its ready?"

"Half hour or so."

"I'm showering then." I declared to him before walking to the bathroom, which was still a little steamy from the last use. Masaya had definitely gotten lucky with this apartment complex, having his own bathroom. I sat down my cloths on the counter, followed by the towel. Pulling the shower curtain, close, I turned on the tap and let it run over my wrist, waiting for it to get warm. I would have to buy some bubble bath…

I rubbed my hair dry with my towel as I walked from the bathroom, now fully dressed. Sniffing the air again, I smiled. "What are we having?"

"Oven baked sandwiches with garlic-butter dipping sauce, put on toasted French bread with fresh, organic, toppings! Free from all parasites, of course."

"Of course," I sat down and grinned. One of the things he could do, and do well was cook. Keiichiro may have cake and pastries down pat, but dang if my boy couldn't serve up a six course meal with all fresh ingredients, freshly picked herbs, and not an ounce of artificial things added...

But then again, it also took him half an hour to make two sandwiches. I couldn't help but giggle.

"What is it?" He sat a plate in front of me and flicked the bell on my wrist.

"Just thinking," I replied, smiling as he served me. "I like it when you cook for me."

His lips turned to a grin as he prepared his own plate; obviously pleased with himself, but too humble to say anything about it. "As long as you're happy."

"I am, nya"

Finally sitting down, he grabbed a handful of chips to scatter on his plate as well."Want to catch a movie before we go to your house?"

"Yeah!"

I always loved dates with Masaya. I know it sounds corny when I try to explain why to my friends, but I really do. Our dates consist of doing weird things I never see anyone else do; such as cleaning a river, cleaning a park, going to a museum, going to the library to look at things on saving the earth or animals, or just other random things. Going to the movies and dinner was a rarity, but also some of my favorites. Normally I wasn't much of a movie go-er, as Masaya liked mystery, suspense, and thrillers. I liked the run of the mill chick-flicks and comedies.

Tonight, however, I let him pick which one to watch since he just got back from his trip. He, of course, instantly chose the movie I wanted to see, but I laughed and told him to pick again, this time to choose one that he really wanted. He picked next what I knew he would. A horror/suspense movie that he had wanted to see ever since the previews came out.

Now I found myself clinging to the sleeve of his shirt with both hands, eyes wide in fear, but not darling to look away from the screen. When the monster of the movie jumped up from the lake and grabbed the poor girl, dragging her in, I screamed for my life and buried my face into Masaya's chest and tried to catch my breath. The big dork, like always, chuckled to himself and continued to watch the movie, as if I hadn't just had a heart attack.

Thankfully, it was only almost five in the afternoon when the movie ended so there was still a little of daylight left. Masaya stretched out a bit and yawned. "It'd normally only be about eleven or so in England. I'm beat."

"I'm a little tired too," I replied, taking his hand as we randomly walked about. "But if we nap, we'll sleep right until its dinner time, be late, and then not sleep any tonight. I have classes tomorrow." Letting out a sigh, I scratched my head with my free hand. "I'm dreading this. I haven't been to class since my dorm was attacked… I've missed about a week's worth already."

"It'll be okay, we can study together. I haven't been to my classes for a month or so. I did my assignments, but if they trailed off from the syllabus, I'll have a rough time of things."

"Misery loves company," I sighed again. "I'm not looking forward to this."

"It won't be so bad." He glanced to the side. "Ah, Ichigo, would you go buy us some drinks?" He put a few coins in my hand. "I just remembered something. I'll meet you in the park, okay?"

Not giving me a chance to answer, he ran off, waving over his shoulder. "Um, okay…" I blinked and turned to look for a drink machine. "I wonder what that was about…"

"Hiya." Masaya leapt the bench I was sitting at from behind, scaring me. "Ah, sorry." He smiled at me. "Close your eyes."

I eyed him skeptically. "Last time you said that, you fed me something that set my mouth on fire."

"I won't this time, I promise. Just close them."

"…okayyyy." I shut my eyes, moving lightly as his hands trailed across my neck. "That tickles," I scolded him, wondering what was being placed around me and resisting the urge to open my eyes or bring a hand up to feel. I had developed a phobia of not being able to see ever since my last battle, and already I was squeamish.

"Okay, open them."

I did so, brining my hand to my neck, feeling a silk ribbon. Trailing it to the front, I found a hook that attacked to a bell, which jingled when I touched it. "A bell!" I realized happily. "Thank you!" I hugged him, making him laugh.

"And here," He gave me another small item.

"A compact?" I clicked it open. He normally didn't notice if I wore make-up or not, just my eye liner and lip gloss.

"I needed a mirror so you could see how it looked on you," He scratched his head and laughed lightly, obviously embarrassed about it.

I couldn't help but laugh at him, poking his cheek before I looked in the mirror. The ribbon was a bark blue with a silver bell. It was neatly tied as a choker necklace for me, with a bow at the end. "I like it," I told him as I flicked the bell, pleased at the jingle.

He was relieved. It was so cute how he was a little worried that I wouldn't like it. "I'm glad." His finger tapped it lightly, a habit he got over the years. "Got to let people know, you're my kitty."

"Awww, how sweet!" a new voice came up.

"Pudding!" I jumped back, surprised. "You scared me!"

"Welcome back, Masaya!" She gave him a hug. "We missed you! Ichigo was moping around ever since you left!"

"I-I was not!"

"Yes you were." Another vice came up.

"Hi Mint." Masaya greeted, standing to give the girl a friendly hug.

"What is everyone doing here?" I wondered, seeing Lettuce and Zakuro too.

"Ryou got a Mew Aqua reading," Lettuce began.

"And we're going to find it!" Zakuro finished for her.

"Not if we find it first!" All of us instantly looked around, trying to find the source of the voice.

"Hey, up here!" Kish called up, getting our attention to the air. "There you go! Miss us?"

"Tart!" Pudding exclaimed, looking up at a seventeen year old boy with long ears and flowing brownish red hair in a ponytail. He had on a short sleeved black shirt with a red slash on it. Matching pants and shoes complete with the same two strands of cloth from the waist of his pants. He looked more mature than possible, but still had that grin on his face that I remember from so long ago.

"Pai!" Zakuro then noticed, looking on the other side of Kish. He looked almost the same as I remembered, only older. I remembered Kish saying that they had a longer life expectancy than humans, so they age differently.

"It's like a re-union!" Kish exclaimed, holding up his hand and making a parasitic alien appear. "Here's to us!" With that, all three of them sent a parasite down to the ground.

Before I knew what to do, a large mutant cat appeared before us, followed by a large demonic bird and a rabid dog.

"Let's do it!"

"Mew Mew Zakuro!"

"Mew Mew Pudding!"

"Mew Mew Lettuce!"

"Mew Mew Mint!"

"Mew Mew Strawberry!"

Masaya moved his hand in front of himself and grabbed the air, forming a sword handle.  The blade shot forth and he swung it. "Blue Abyss!"

All our voices blurred together. "Metamorphosis!"