Author's Note: Sorry for making the last chapter so short! Here's chapter 9! Enjoy!

Chii Yasha-san – I'm glad you think so! I was kind of worried about mobs of holding burning torches and pitchforks because they're so short! In fact, I still am…

Enjie Yekcam – Thank you! Keep on reading! …Just don't shoot me…

Nyaa Neko – Um, I don't have state tests, but I did have a field trip to Ellis Island one week and 5 tests the next… oh well! Here's the next chapter!

Mandytee – Thank you! Here's Chapter 9!

Queen of the Moon – Thank you! I know it was short, and I'm sorry… I blame my writing instincts! This chapter isn't as short, I think…

Otter – Thank you, I'll try to make sure of that! Here's Chapter 9!

(My disclaimer was in chapter 2)

Cherries and Pears – Chapter 9

"Nashi-chan? Nashi-chan, wake up," Sakura gently shook Nashi awake the next morning, glad that she wasn't the one oversleeping again.

After barely succeeding to wake Nashi in time, Sakura went downstairs to eat breakfast with Ichigo.

Nashi rose from her bed and dressed in her school uniform. When she was finished getting ready, she sleepily went downstairs and ate a bowl of Lucky Charms. Sakura and Ichigo waited for her at the front door.

The three walked to school, first dropping off Nashi.

"See you later, Nashi-chan," Sakura (rather quietly) and Ichigo (rather cheerfully) called to Nashi.

"Okay, Sakura onee-chan, Ichigo-chan!" Nashi happily ran into her school.

The remaining two cousins walked to their school and sat down at their desks.

"How did Ryou save me?" Sakura repeatedly wondered throughout the day. "Why did he even bother to save me?"

Ichigo glanced at Sakura. All day so far, Sakura had been quiet and sort of in a daze. Come the end of the school day, Sakura had made a decision.

"I have to thank him for saving my life," she told herself. "I will, right after school."

After school, Ichigo and Sakura got Nashi from the elementary school, and in fact, headed over to Café Mew Mew.

"Ichigo," Keiichiro said when they reached the café. "You should get straight to work. Is there anything you want to order, girls?"

"I want a fresh, warm bun!" Nashi exclaimed.

"I'm not very hungry, thank you," Sakura objected. "Have you any idea as to where Ryou is?"

"He's upstairs in his room, the second door to the left," Keiichiro answered, pointing to the stairs.

"Thank you!" Sakura called over her shoulder, already halfway up the stairs.

Author's Notes: I know, I made it short again, but I didn't have a choice! Chapter 10 is kind of long! Now that review button is right down there…