Merry Christmas Everyone! I'm giving this chapter to you as a Christmas present. I wasn't going to post in this story until after Christmas, but you've all been really good reviewers, so I thought you should be rewarded with it early! So first, the thanks to reviewers. And today, I will be handing out silly putty! Silly Putty to all reviewers! Throws packets of silly putty out to reviewers

Sishi

Merissala

Emerald Fox Fire

Crystal101

Mew of Fire

MewCherry (Cheri-saru)

Kagura-The Living Wind

Zoey2832

RyousRayne

BlueButterfly aka Darkmistress

Chibi Strawberry Neko

Mew Lizzy

Kay1fire

Nekoxlove

Liz-Sakura

Iluvboys

Mayalen

Hikaritenshi2000

StrawberryNekoGirl

Yoshiru

PrettyPinkSugar

MusicLovaGurl

Well, on with the long chappie! Its long and there is fluff! Ryou/Ichigo fluff! Yay fluff!

I do not own TMM. I'm putting this in bold from now on so you all know where the story starts because the reviews confuse me! I don't own I'm Gonna Getcha by Shania Twain either.

Mayalen burst into the dressing room the girls shared the night of the concert. It was also the night of their school dance, and with the concert starting at 4, they would supposedly be there by the time it ended.

"Oh my gosh, Mayalen, what's wrong?" Kaguya asked, running up and hugging her friend who was now in tears. She sobbed, trying to answer, but the words wouldn't come out. "Please tell us what's wrong, Mayalen," Ichigo said sadly. Mayalen calmed down a bit before choking out an answer.

"Kyle was supposed to take me to the dance! And when I went to school telling them we wouldn't be back until later…..oh man, it's horrible!"

"Please tell me what's wrong? Does it have something to do with Missy?"

"Well, I went to see the bulletin board, and my grades were hanging up there!"

Kaguya paused. "Uh……I don't really see a problem in that. The teachers always say you're a marvelous student who gets all A's and does their work neatly. They also say you're very polite…"

"No…..hanging on the board with it….it was blown up to a really big size, and it said….in big red letters…that I was a loser! And there were pictures of me hanging up there, stick drawing of me, and one said 'Class A Geek', another said 'If you're so smart, stop coming to school', and oh, there were even worse ones up there!"

"It's alright Mayalen. Don't worry! We'll show those punks who they're dealing with!"

"Well, that's only part of it. I found out Missy put those things up there! And….and….." Mayalen broke into sobs again.

"And what! What did she do! At the dance when I see her, its going to be all-out war!"

"No….before that…..Kyle said he didn't want to go out with me because I was a geek! And then I found out that he's taking Missy instead!"

"That….that…..that little conniving, lying bitch!"

"Girls, is something wrong? We heard the door slam, and then we heard someone crying?" the guys came in, looking worried.

"Mayalen's date dumped her for someone who pulled a nasty trick on her. He actually believed it!" Ichigo shouted in rage. Kish pondered this for a moment, and the other guys stared at him. "Look, he's actually thinking, that's a first!" Tart exclaimed. Kish sent a nasty glare his brother's way, and Tart got really scared and hid behind Pai.

"Well then, let's show them they're wrong! How about I take you to the dance?" Kish said, smiling at Mayalen. Mayalen stopped crying, her eyes becoming all shiny.

"You'd…really do that for me?"

"Of course! A guy who dumps his girl for another, and when she made him dump you by means of a nasty trick? Unforgivable to do that to a woman! We can all go! It will be fun!"

"And Pudding can take Tar-Tar!" Pudding exclaimed, popping out of nowhere and scaring everybody.

"I told you to stop calling me that!"

"Kaguya and Mayalen are on in two minutes! Better get out here, girls," a stage manager shouted. Mayalen wiped her tears away and smiled. "Thank you, Kish." She started to put her saxophone together. In a matter of seconds, it was assembled and tuned. "Lets rock!" said Kaguya. "Or in your case, jazz!"

…………………………………………………………………

While Mayalen played a soothing, beautiful jazz version of Greensleeves ((I love Greensleeves!)) Ryou thought about his conversation with Masaya over the telephone. Masaya was already back in Japan.

PHONE CALL EARLIER

"I guess you didn't stop the tour yet, huh? Well a bunch of people are probably going to riot, because they aren't three acts, like everyone paid for…."

"We found your replacements."

"What! You found a replacement! Who!"

"Two girls. Ichigo picked them…."

"Wait….did you just say Ichigo?"

"Uh….gotta go, bye!"

Ryou slammed down the phone. "Damnit! I just blew Ichigo's secret!"

END PHONE CALL

"I hope Masaya doesn't do anything I wouldn't do."

"That was the beautiful Mayalen! And now, ladies and gentlemen, I, her best friend, Kaguya, will sing some soothing songs for you! I will clarify now that this is a performance of the song I'm Gonna Getcha Good, and I do not own anything from it!"

Let's go!

Don't wantcha for the weekend

don't wantcha for a night
I'm only interested if I can have you for life

yeah
Uh, I know I sound serious

and baby I am
You're a fine piece of real estate

and I'm gonna get me some land


Oh, yeah
So, don't try to run

Honey

love can be fun
There's no need to be alone

when you find that someone

I'm gonna getcha while I gotcha in sight
I'm gonna getcha if it takes all night
You can betcha by the time I say "go," you'll never say "no"
I'm gonna getcha, it's a matter of fact
I'm gonna getcha, don'tcha worry about that
You can bet your bottom dollar, in time you're gonna be mine
Just like I should

I'll getcha good

Yeah, uh, uh
I've already planned it

here's how it's gonna be
I'm gonna love you and

you're gonna fall in love with me
Yeah, yeah

Oh, yeah
So, don't try to run

Honey

love can be fun
There's no need to be alone

when you find that someone

I'm gonna getcha while I gotcha in sight
I'm gonna getcha if it takes all night
You can betcha by the time I say "go," you'll never say "no"
I'm gonna getcha, it's a matter of fact
I'm gonna getcha, don'tcha worry about that
You can bet your bottom dollar, in time you're gonna be mine
Just like I should

I'll getcha good

Yeah, I'm gonna getcha baby

I'm gonna knock on wood
I'm gonna getcha somehow honey

yeah, I'm gonna make it good
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Oh, yeah
So, don't try to run

Honey

love can be fun
There's no need to be alone

when you find that someone

I'm gonna getcha while I gotcha in sight
I'm gonna getcha if it takes all night
You can betcha by the time I say "go," you'll never say "no"
I'm gonna getcha, it's a matter of fact
I'm gonna getcha, don'tcha worry about that
You can bet your bottom dollar, in time you're gonna be mine
Just like I should

I'll getcha good

Oh, I'm gonna getcha, I'm gonna getcha real good
Yeah, you can betcha, oh, I'm gonna getcha
just like I should, I'll getcha good
Oh, I'm gonna getcha good!

The fans screamed at her brilliant interpretation of Shania Twain. "If you liked that song, check out this next one!

…………………………………………………………………

"Hello everybody! How did you like Mayalen and Kaguya!" Ichigo shouted into the microphone. The fans screamed wildly as Mayalen and Kaguya, still standing on stage, took a bow. "Thank you and goodnight!" the two shouted together. "This next song doesn't feature Ryou and me singing, but instead Kish will be singing it! How's that sound!" The crowd cheered once again, especially all of the Kish fans.

I Hate You (So Much Right Now)

Kish: I hate you

And I know you hate me too

I hate you so much right now

Ichigo: I hate you

Get a clue

I hate you so much right now

Ichigo: Darkness dwells in my heart

You know to well you tore me apart

You don't stop, you continue to push and pull me

Ichigo and Kish: I ask why

What were your intentions when you tried to hurt me

And I

Won't follow you anymore

Kish: I hate you

And I know you hate me too

I hate you so much right now

Ichigo: I hate you

Get a clue

I hate you so much right now

Kish: Time and time again, you say you're always change

But it's never any different from before

You'll never change, you'll never change

You set this all upon yourself

And now how I feel is all because of you

Ichigo and Kish: I ask why

What were your intentions when you tried to hurt me

And I

Won't follow you anymore

Kish: I hate you

And I know you hate me too

I hate you so much right now

Ichigo: I hate you

Get a clue

I hate you so much right now

Ichigo: It's all your fault

You are to blame

I know I will

Never be the same

Kish: I hate you

And I know you hate me too

I hate you so much right now

Ichigo: I hate you

Get a clue

I hate you so much right now

Kish: I hate you

And I know you hate me too

I hate you so much right now

Ichigo: I hate you

Get a clue

I hate you so much right now

Kish: I hate you so much right now

…………………………………………………………………

"You've all been a brilliant audience! We were going to make that last number our closing song, but since you've all been so great, we'll sing one more!" Ichigo said after about six or seven songs.

Standing On My Own

Ryou: Every time I fell

I try to stand back up

But someone's always there to help me on my way

Somehow I feel

I won't ever get anything done

Because I'm not even standing on my own

Ichigo: Why can't you see

Just let me be

Who I am and who I want to be

Is it a crime

Don't waste your time

Cause I don't need help from you anymore

Ichigo: I'll learn to stand on my own

Ryou: (I wanna stand on my own)

Ichigo: I'll learn to stand on my own

Ryou: (I wanna stand on my own)

Ichigo: I don't need you anymore

So just head out the door

I'll learn to stand on my own

Ryou: (I wanna stand on my…)

Ryou: Falling to hard

Getting up to fast

I wanna set my own pace, go my own path

Fall down, get up

This is all moving to fast

Why can't you just let my live my own life for once

Ichigo: Why can't you see

Just let me be

Who I am and who I want to be

Is it a crime

Don't waste your time

Cause I don't need help from you anymore

Ichigo: I'll learn to stand on my own

Ryou: (I wanna stand on my own)

Ichigo: I'll learn to stand on my own

Ryou: (I wanna stand on my own)

Ichigo: I don't need you anymore

So just head out the door

I'll learn to stand on my own

Ryou: (I wanna stand on my…)

(Kish, Pai, Tart, and Ryou freestyle on their instruments)

Ichigo: I'll learn to stand on my own

Ryou: (I wanna stand on my own)

Ichigo: I'll learn to stand on my own

Ryou: (I wanna stand on my own)

Ichigo: I don't need you anymore

So just head out the door

I'll learn to stand on my own

Ryou: I wanna stand on my own! (The word "own" echoes and fades)

The cheers got louder and louder as they finished the song. "Thanks everybody, you've been great!" she yelled as the five of the walked off the stage. That was the end of the concert, and everyone else left as well, except for those many people who tried to sneak back and get autographs. All attempts were thwarted by security guards.

…………………………………………………………………

"Woah, lets go to this dance and relax for once in our lives!" Kish said, kicking back in the tour bus.

"Did you guys ever bring anything nice to wear when we started touring?" Ryou asked, giving Kish a questioning look.

"Uh……."

"I take that as a no," Ryou finished, sighing. "Typical."

"Well, I have this!" said Kish, holding up his gang uniform. "This is the nicest piece of clothing I have! See how squeaky clean it is!"

"How did you manage to get the blood stains off?" Tart questioned. Kaguya and Mayalen jumped. "BLOOD!"

"I am NOT letting my best friend going with some crazy lady-killer!"

"Woah, settle ladies!" Kish said. "I just got into a fight with some guys who were harassing Meo. And they weren't being so non-violent themselves either."

"Well….."

"No more questions! Let's get to that dance and party!"

…………………………………………………………………

"Oh my gosh, did you go to the concert before coming here?" a classmate, Janina said to another classmate, Donald. "Masaya Aoyama is out of the tour. Guess who replaced him?"

Instantly, the members of the Mew Mews, Mizakuse, and the two girls came through the gym doors. Girls started screaming as the guys entered, and guys whistled as the ladies walked in. Missy, who was on the school stage talking on the phone up there, gasped and dropped the phone when she saw Mayalen walking into the school, her arm in Kish's.

"Wow! Check it out! Mayalen and Kaguya knew the dj would be late, so she brought The Mew Mew's and Mizakuse with her!"

"Woah! We're not here to play!" objected Ryou. But then again, everyone was looking at him angrily, yelling, "Play some songs! Play some songs! Play some songs!"

"Fine, will you all just shut-up then?" Ryou snapped. The gym became quiet, but when they managed to borrow some equipment from the band room, the gym was filled with cheering and whistling.

"I thought you said we'd get to relax," muttered Tart.

"Hey everyone, we're The Mew Mew's, and we're here to play until the dj comes!"

"I hope he comes quickly!" said Ichigo. She had been wearing a dress that she had brought on the tour that was pink and frilly. There were also areas of black in the dress."

"Miss Goth Lolita, you need to sing now!" said Ryou through clenched teeth. ((If no one knows what Goth Lolita is, its dressing up like an old Victorian doll, only you look more gothy. Go Kamikaze Girls!)) An annoyed look on her face, she screamed, "One, two, three, four!" and they started playing on their instruments.

(Just Wanna) Scream At You

((Interlude is whispered))

Ichigo: I just wanna…

Ryou: ((Screaming)) Scream!

Ichigo: Please just let me…

Ryou: Scream!

Ichigo: you are why I…

Ryou: Scream!

Ichigo: And so I…

Ryou: Scream!

Ichigo: At you

Ryou: Looking back in time

I realize

All the pain you put me through

Not by my side

Like you said you would

Ichigo: ((whispers)) And all I wanna do is….

Ichigo and Ryou: Scream at you

No reason to chase

Get out of my face

I wanna scream at you

No time for fun

Cause I'm on the run

From you

Ichigo: ((Whisper)) I just wanna…

Ryou: ((Screaming)) Scream!

Ryou: No time for regrets

So don't you dare fret

After all nobody's perfect

You thought you were

But you're not

Ichigo: ((Whsipers)) That's why I need to…

Ichigo and Ryou: Scream at you

No reason to chase

Get out of my face

I wanna scream at you

No time for fun

Cause I'm on the run

From you (("You" echoes))

Ryou: Yeah I'm on the run from you

I'll always run from you

Yeah always run from you (("You" echoes))

Ichigo and Ryou: Scream at you

No reason to chase

Get out of my face

I wanna scream at you

No time for fun

Cause I'm on the run

From you

Ichigo and Ryou: Scream at you

No reason to chase

Get out of my face

I wanna scream at you

No time for fun

Cause I'm on the run

Ryou: Cause I'm on the run from…

I better run from…

I'm on the run from…

Ichigo: ((Whispers)) You

The crowd cheered and screamed like they were on fire. "Is that damn dj here yet!" Ryou shouted angrily.

"He's here, but he's setting up. Do one more song and you should be done," Mayalen yelled back in reply. Ryou let out a frustrated sigh before speaking to Ichigo. "We're doing the brand new song."

"But Ryou! We've only practiced it a couple of times! I don't think I'll be able to…"

Without warning, Ryou pulled her into a kiss. H held it for a couple of seconds as he heard the gasps of the students, some girls even crying. "Think you'll be able to do it now?"

Almost too stunned to answer, Ichigo mustered out a weak reply. But it also sounded like she was a little lovesick. "Yeah….."

No Guilt ((Ichigo sings the whole song by herself))

You will see soon

The truth that's coming up to you

You forced this feeling onto me

But I'm not going to accept it

This feeling of guilt

You made me experience first-hand

But I'm better now

I've finally healed

And I have no guilt

No guilt

No remorse

I can hear you screaming

Your false tales

Telling me how I should live

I can see now it was all a bunch of lies

The light of truth seems brighter

Now that I don't believe you

This feeling of guilt

You made me experience first-hand

But I'm better now

I've finally healed

And I have no guilt

No guilt

No remorse

I can hear you screaming

This feeling of guilt

You made me experience first-hand

But I'm better now

I've finally healed

And I have no guilt

I have no guilt

I have no guilt

I have no guilt

I have no guilt

The dj finally started taking requests because as soon as Ichigo was singing, she heard other music playing. "Thank you, and goodnight," she said, seeing as Ryou was so pissed off that he wasn't in the mood for it. Then she realized what it had taken to make her sing that song. "Oh my….."

"Meo, we're done now. Would you like to dance?" Ryou asked, a little bit cooled off. Ichigo's face became beet red. "What if he tries to kiss me again?" she thought. But as her head told her to say no, she wasn't listening. Her heart was saying, "Go for it."

"Um….sure," she said. She let him take her hand as he led her to the dance floor. Just as Ichigo had imagined a couple of seconds ago being what she would not like to do at the moment, a slow song came on. "Oh come on! You're got to be kidding me."

"If this makes you uncomfortable, we can always dance later," said Ryou.

"Yes! Yes!"

"That's ok. I think we should dance now," Ichigo said without thinking. She gently placed both of her hands on Ryou's shoulders, while both of his went to her waist. The feeling of someone touching her that low made would usually be fine if they were dancing. But since the encounter with Masaya, she shivered. Ryou removed his hands. "If you don't want to do this, that's ok. You don't have to be scared to admit it. But if you do, I'll tell you now that I'm not going to do anything."

She hesitated, but then nodded and let Ryou place his hands on her waist once more. And she felt that same strong, safe feeling she had felt after she had been harassed by Masaya. She was so happy, and felt secure. She slowly put her head on his chest, and they danced like that until the song was finished.

"Please don't leave me, Ryou. I want to stay in your arms forever."

"Ichigo, I have something to tell you. Could you please come with me?"

She nodded, and Ryou led her to the hallway where they could talk with some privacy.

…………………………………………………………………

((Ok, what would this story be if there wasn't any Zakuro/Keiichiro fluff?))

Zakuro sat on the side, watching Mint have fun dancing with a bunch of guys she didn't know. And then there was Lettuce, following Pai everywhere like a lost puppy. It looked like Pai was really enjoying her company, because they were talking and looked like they were having fun. Pudding and Tart were dancing with each other, while Kish was with Mayalen and Kaguya. She sighed.

"Am I the only one who's not having fun at this?"

"Excuse me, Miss," a man with a pony-tail said. As soon as he said this, there came a stabbing sensation in her foot, and soon, her lap was wet with punch.

"Oh no! I am very sorry! I didn't mean to step on your foot or spill punch on you…"

"Oh, it's nothing," shrugged Zakuro. She went over to the table that had all the food on it and grabbed the napkins. The man had followed her, and had grabbed some about the same time she had grabbed hers. Their hands touched, and both pulled away, blushing.

"My name is Zakuro. What is yours?"

"Keiichiro. I'm a student teacher here. I've finally completed my work, however, and will be graduating from college soon. But they invited me back to this dance as a thank-you. Of course, I have to chaperone."

"Cool. I'm with one of the bands."

"It must be exciting, traveling a lot and doing what you love…." Her face was blank as he said this. "Oh….is it not that fun?"

"Eh, it's ok. It just gets kind of lonely. I mean, Mint usually has a new guy about a month after she dumps the old one, and she usually stays with guys for an extremely long time. And Lettuce is getting married…to…Pai…."

"Did….I am sorry, it is none of my business."

"Especially since I had this huge crush on Pai since I was a little girl…sure, he was in a gang, but I admired him for that. I always thought we were meant to be….but, I guess we weren't."

"I am very sorry to hear that, Zakuro. I wish there was some way I could make it better."

"……You can stay here and talk to me while you chaperone."

"I think that would be very nice," Keiichiro said, smiling. They instantly started talking to each other, reviewing childhood memories, sharing secrets, and Zakuro felt as though she knew Keiichiro really well, like he was a long-lost friend.

…………………………………………………………………

"Ichigo…..this might come as a shock to you….and after what happened with Masaya….this might….scare you….or make you feel a little insecure…"

"So just hold me again, and I'll feel safe."

"Ichigo….ever since I first found you lying in that puddle….oh…I kind of put Kish up to asking you to be the lead singer. I had a really good feeling about you. But what I didn't realize was that this feeling was my own, and no one else felt it…."

"Ryou…..what are you trying to say?"

He walked up to her and held her. He held her as tight as he could. "I love you, Ichigo Momomiya."

There was a long pause. "Wait a minute…..Ryou….when I was in your room once…after that whole incident…I slipped on a song sheet. The title was 'My Beautiful Strawberry' and it was dedicated to Ichigo….did you dedicate it to your sister?"

Ryou chuckled. "You've got one thing right. My sister's name was Ichigo. And, like you, she got hurt by Masaya. I think it's partly his fault she died. She was a very sick girl to begin with, but she meant the world to me. Did someone tell you the name The Mew Mew's was her idea? Yeah, but I really think that when Masaya dumped her, she just lost it. She stopped eating, and she didn't talk to anyone. Within a week, she was gone."

"Ryou….I'm really sorry…."

"But 'My Beautiful Strawberry' wasn't dedicated to her."

"But then…..who?"

"Do I know anyone else named Ichigo?"

"Yeah, me, but….."

What do I call you form time-to-time?"

"You call me strawberry, but I…."

Ryou tightened his grip on her. She looked deep into his blue eyes. "The song was for you, Ichigo Momomiya. For you and no one else."

Ichigo was speechless. Shock overcame her, a million things swirling in her head. She didn't realize what Ryou was doing until their lips touched. Her eyes opened even wider, and Ryou broke from her. "Strawberry, do you not know that when you kiss, you're supposed to close your eyes? It's a rule."

He leaned forward to kiss her again, and this time, her eyes closed. He pushed her closer to her, to deepen the kiss. "Ryou….I…I love you too!" she thought as they kissed. She had finally put the pieces together. They broke, and she knew it was safe to tell him. "Did I ever tell you why I ran away?"

"No, you said it was none of my business."

"Well….you know that song we sing together? Stand On My Own?"

"Yes, I do. I wrote it when the Mew Mew's first became a band."

"Well……in my life….I could never do anything by myself. Someone was always there helping me. I don't mind help every now and them, but….I was…surrounded. I couldn't live my life because it wasn't my life. I needed something to show I could survive, even though I had had a life of depending on others. So I ran away from home. And then three days later….it all went black…..I hadn't had anything to eat, or drink in days, and hadn't had a decent night of sleep either."

"That could explain why you fainted…."

"Ryou….I don't have any regrets about running away. In fact, meeting you was….."

A scream was heard from the gym. The two turned their heads and left their own private little world, walking back into the gym. People were running around crazily while a man in black stepped forward. In all of the commotion, Zakuro and Keiichiro got separated. "KEIICHIRO!" She shouted for him. She heard him call her name once, but the masses of people were too loud and it was too crowded, and the two were separated and probably wouldn't be able to find each other.

"There she is!" one of the men in black shouted, pointing to Ichigo. Someone came forward, and he was surrounded by the men in black. They all stepped aside when he had reached Ichigo.

"DAD!" she shouted. "How did you get here? How did you find me?"

"I came here as fast as I could after a very nice man called me on my cell phone telling me where you were! You should thank that man, Ichigo."

"Wait….you're Ichigo Momomiya!" gasped Mint. The one who's been missing for two-to-three months!"

"Yeah…..I am," Ichigo sighed after a long pause, a defeated look in her eye.

"Yes she is. And she is coming home with me now…."

"Dad, wait! I don't want to go back home!"

"Well you are going?"

"Who tipped you off, dad? Who! I never gave Miwa and Moe enough information….."

"Ichigo, Ichigo, Ichigo…..or should I say Meo!" came a familiar voice.

"Well, here he comes right now!" her dad said. Ichigo's face twisted with furry as she saw who it was. "MASAYA!"

"Ichigo! You lied to us! You told us…..I mean…..you stupid…." Mint said, nearly in tears. "I really thought you were my friend…."

"I am your friend, Mint!"

"Friends don't lie to each other!" she snapped back. "You know what guys? This tour is over! I don't know about all of you, but I'm heading back to Japan tomorrow."

"Wait! Please! Dad, let me go!"

"No. We're going home now. Say good-bye to your little friends."

"RYOU!" she shouted, reaching for him. Ryou ran forward, reaching out to her, hoping he could pull her back to him. But instead, the door shut in front of his hands. With all the commotion, everyone evacuated the building, and Ryou couldn't see a thing. When everyone else was gone, only he, the rest of his band mates, the members of Mizakuse, and Pudding.

Ryou fell on his knees to the floor.

For the second time in his life, a girl named Ichigo was taken from him. And for the second time in his life, he felt he would never see her again.

Ok, this is at least 3,000 words without this note, the songs, or the above notes. Are you happy? This chapter was fluffy and long. To me, that's a good combination. Well, my sister had 146 reviews for her top-reviewed story, which has 24 chapters. I have the same number of reviews, with half of the chapters; this story had 10 of today. Oh yeah! And hopefully, this will get me reviews to get ahead of my sister! So thanks everyone! You helped me beat my sister! ((Everyone goes to review sister's story)) That's not funny. Well, this was a Christmas present, so MERRY CHRISTMAS! Won't post until after Christmas. So read and review, over and out. -Nibzo