Hey, it's been awhile! Sorry for not updating sooner, but I've experienced some technical difficulties. Now I've finally found time to write this chapter! It's not much, but I hope all you faithful reviewers like it! It's Lettuce's turn to do the disclaimer!

Lettuce: Um… well… A-Abby does n-n-not… own Tokyo Mew Mew! Oh, did I mess that up? I'm so sorry!

Me: Relax! You did a great job!

Lettuce: Really? Thank you!

Chapter 3- Flashback and Surprise!

Ichigo tuned out her mother's continuous questions in order to recall the events of the previous night.

Flashback

Ryou gently placed Momomiya on her feet in his room but did not let go of her. After a few moments, Ichigo gave him a perplexed look, causing him to pull her into his lap as he sat down on his bed. Then her expression changed to that of wondering what he was planning.

"Strawberry…" he cooed.

The excitement of hearing her nickname said like that caused the appearance of two oh so familiar cat ears atop the girl's head of red hair. She mewed softly and nuzzled his neck affectionately, savoring the moment.

Shirogane in turn ruffled her short locks and carefully stroked her fuzzy, black ears. When he heard a purring sound emit from her throat, he chuckled lightly and hugged her closer.

End Flashback

'Then… I fell asleep…?' Ichigo pondered, 'Yeah…'

"Ichigo? Ichigo, are you listening to me?" her mom asked.

"…Oh my gosh! What time is it!" Ichigo cried.

Mrs. Momomiya answered, "Nine fifteen. Why?"

"Ahhh! I'm gonna be late! Ryou's going to kill me!"

With that, Ichigo rushed to shower and get ready for work. She raced down the street towards the café, praying that she'd make it on time. Sliding through the doors and skidding to a stop, she could hear Pudding clapping with Tart saying, "You just made it, Ichigo oneechan!"

Sighing in relief, Momomiya began working right away. Shortly thereafter, though, she noticed something… off. Where was Ryou? Ichigo spun around, looking for him. 'Let's see… there's Mint… Lettuce… Pudding… Tart… Zakuro… Pie… and Keiichiro's in the kitchen… but no Ryou… wonder where he is…' However, she soon dismissed the thought as she was given another order.

By the time the café closed, Ichigo had grown worried. 'I'll go check his room…' she thought while climbing the stairs. Locating the door to his room, she opened it to be greeted with a sight she thought she'd never see.

End Chapter

Me: Cliffy! Sorry for the shortness, but I had to update asap! And besides, I wanted to leave a cliff hanger!

Lettuce: What did Ichigo see?

Me: I can't tell ya 'til the next chapter! In the meantime, please R&R!