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Recap

The bartender stared, his eyes locked on the door where the stranger had exited. Then he made a noise as if he were pondering something. "Hm...did you get a look at those eyes of his? So...foreign. So sleek. And burgundy, might I add. Hm. I've never seen anything like them."

"He's probably just a a racial mix," another added. "Those breeds are increasing, you know. We Cyniclons are not the only breed on the planet anymore."

The bartender shook his head, not convinced. "I've run this bar for 53 years now...and watched my dad do it before me. Never in all my life have I witnessed a character such as that cloaked stranger. I wouldn't say he's another breed. More like...a different species..." The room fell into a curious, bewildered silence. "That man...whoever he was...was NOT from around here."

Chapter 2

With a gasp, Ichigo jerked upright from out of the King-size bed. "Kisshu!" she rasped in alert panic. Abruptly, she turned to her mate in the bed beside her. "We slept in WAY too late! It's almost 10:00!"

Sleepily, Kish somewhat lifted his head from the pillow, cast his mate a tired glance and mumbled through an oncoming grin. "...And you point is...?"

Ichigo glared. "We were supposed to be up HOURS ago! Your national address is at 12:00!"

With a full, amused grin, Kish scoffed. "Nah, we can afford to miss it, kit-kat." While whisking his hands around Ichigo's waist, Kish gently pulled her back down by his body. "What's the big deal, anyways?" He chuckled after laying a short suck on her fine lips. After pulling out, Kish felt his spirits lifting. That was the best night sleep he'd gotten in weeks. Already, he was in a better mood. Whenever stricken by those sudden, lonely sensations, it made him frightened and depressed. It made him want to be beside Ichigo. Moving in over her body, Kish locked another kiss – only longer and even more affectionate.

Then it ended.

A bit stunned, Ichigo stared into the eyes of her mate. Why was he being so extra...affectionate? Of course, it was Kish – so he was always especiallypassionate, flirtatious, cunning, complimentary, enticing and adoring. Nevertheless, he somehow seemed even more than usual. Why? While Ichigo absolutely loved it, it still made her anxious. It made her stomach turn some days they way he'd cling to her. Still, she had no time to goof around right now.

Panicking, Ichigo pulled herself free from his grasp and blushed. "Ha! What do you think!" She scolded, fiercely, while trying to keep a distance between them. "I JUST told you – it's your National Addresses! It's today, you know! You can't miss it, you idiot!"

Playfully, Kish awakened and looked dangerously at his lover. "Hey – no insults," he replied, sharply. "You better watch it, honey-cakes. You're talking to a Lord, ya know."

Ichigo's glare deepened. "You watch it, too - YOU'RE talking to a Lady! And don't call me sweet-cakes!"

Kish laughed heartily and pursued her. "Ooooooh – my kitten is in one of her fine moods again. In that case, I am sincerely sorry, baby."

"Not baby, either," replied Ichigo, sourly. "I think of Justin Beiber now when someone says that. Ugh. My mom loves him..."

Again, Kish laughed. "I knew your mom was an odd ball – I guess that's where you get it from. But hey – believe me, beautiful – I do NOT use 'baby' in the same context as Beiber. At least I don't have to beg like he does."

Ichigo grinned, cleverly. "That wasn't always the case, Kisshu..."

This provoked her mate further. "Oh-oh," he articulated tauntingly while climbing over top her body. "Being witty, are we? Have I rubbed off on you?" His voice was enticingly spicy and the gleam in his eyes dimmed, romanticly.

A bit uneasily, Ichigo made a noise. "E-eh? And what if you have 'rubbed off on me?' Why would YOU care?"

Kish smiled, mischievously and sheltered her face with his own. "Because I think it's cute," he answered while moving in to lock a kiss.

Ichigo's reply prevented him. "Cute? Only if you think a bad influence is cute," she retorted with a grin.

Kish hovered over her lips. "Bad influence?" He repeated in a pretend, shocked voice. "I'm not a bad influence. And even if I were, it wouldn't matter. You know why?" Before Ichigo could answer, he scoffed. "Because people – especially you, my sweet, darling kitten - need trouble in order to mature. It's just how humanity ticks."

Instantly, Kish moved in and began laying kisses on her neck and chest. In the hopes to restrain her blushing, Ichigo scoffed uneasily. "Oh really? Ha! Well it hasn't improved upon your character very nicely," she laughed. "It's only made YOU worse!"

Kish left enough space between his lips and her skin to counter back quickly. "How so?" He then moved back in, picking up with the kisses yet again, only this time beginning to get carried away.

"S-simple," Ichigo replied shakily and she tried to squirm away from the neck kissing. "You're spoiled."

As if to fight the statement, Kish pulled out and met a gaze. He lasted about five seconds before a smirk occupied his face. Then he returned to lock a lingering kiss on her lips. After a moment, he retracted. "Then stop spoiling me, Kit-Kat... It's your own doing, you know..." The two shared a deep gaze and both broke a smile.

"You're really something, you know that," Ichigo giggled as she folded her arms close around his neck.

Kish smiled, lovingly and flashed his mate a look. "Yeah, irresistible, huh?"

Ichigo sneered. "Hm. I don't know if I meant it in a positive context, Kisshu..." When Kish glared she broke into a little laugh. "What? I'm just teasing you!"

The pair was interrupting by the ring of Kisshu's phone. Annoyed, Kish groaned but nonetheless reached to answer it. "Hello?" He spoke into the gadget after hitting "receive call."

The authoritarian, stern voice replied. "Where the hell are you?"

As if by cue, Kish laughed. "Good to speak to you, too, Kova," he replied, mockingly. "Well if you want to know – I'm in bed. While casting Ichigo a glance, he spoke to her though still loud enough so Kova could hear. "Hey, Kitten. Care to give Kova the specifics since he's so curious?" Ichigo blushed and glared.

Kova snapped back bitterly. "I need no details, you fool of a Lord. But what is the meaning of this? You're national address is in TWO HOURS. Please, I do beg of you. Do NOT be late. You know this day is a truly significant matter."

Kish shrugged. "Of course I know. I'm just running a but late, that's all," he laughed. When Kova made a noise, Kish sighed and decided enough was enough. "Alright already, Kova. I get the message, Look – you have my word – I won't be late. I'll be there within the hour. Now is that it?"

Kova replied quickly. "Not quite. I was hoping to speak with Lady Ichigo..."

Almost instantly, Kish picked up on the peculiar ring in the man's voice. "Why?" Again, he cast his lover a glance. Ichigo looked puzzled by the attention and mouthed 'what's the matter' to her husband.

"I have a bit of business I would like to discuss with her," replied Kova.

Kish was even more intrigued. "Is there a problem?" He asked.

Kova answered in his usual tone. "No, not at all. It is of little importance. Just please tell Lady Ichigo I will speak with her in private once you arrive." Without another word, the man hung up.

Baffled, Kish moved the phone from his ear and displayed a puzzled expression. "Weird..."

Ichigo was also intrigued. "What is it?" She asked as she sat up and got out of bed.

Kish spun around, realizing she had gotten up and looking a little disappointed. Nonetheless, he replied, "Kova wants to talk with you once we get there."

Ichigo swept over to her closet and began sorting through her clothes in search of a dress. "So what?" She asked. "Is that bad?"

Kish forced himself to sit properly upright. "Nah...I guess no," he shrugged, quietly. "I just thought it was suspicious."

Ichigo chose a dress and was now gathering her essentials. As she moved gracefully about the room, Kish's mischievously-attentive eyes were drawn to her. It made him grin. Ichigo giggled in response to her mate's comment. "You think EVERYTHING is suspicious, Kisshu - you're just paranoid, that's all."

Kish made an aggravated noise. "Ha. As if. But come on, hun - you know what I mean," he said seriously. "You have to admit it's a bit odd." When Ichigo had no response, he grinned. "Is my kitten up to some mischief again? What's the matter?" He chuckled. "You get yourself in Royal trouble with the government?" He continued to tease. "Or perhaps my dear sweet kitten made a fool of herself on national camera in her last exclusive, political interview."

Directly, Ichigo cast her mate a glare, tinted with worried offense. "Please don't mock me – especially in that way," she admitted. "You know how nervous I get when I comes to those stupid, public speeches...I hate them."

Kish looked repentant. "Hey," he sighed, soothingly as he stood up and moved over to her. "I'm sorry. But hey – you'll be fine. Relax." He smiled seductively and began massaging her bare, warm shoulders. "Your speech is short and sweet. All you have to do is come up after I'm through, say a few 'thanks', state your approval of the new bill, and then just turn to the screen with a smile and say 'here's the presentation. I hope you enjoy.' Then they'll play the vid that commences the new Act. See? No big deal at all. Just smile and be cute."

Ichigo sighed. Today's National Address was not just a major event for Kisshu but herself as well. As a Lady, she had a vast deal of new, critical responsibilities. After the alien's loss to Planet Earth against the Mews, Kishsu's planet had already begun to rebuild. Peace between the globes had been maintained but, over all, reconstruction of the alien's government and society still remained.

The most significant priority involved the complete annihilation of Deep Blue. No longer would he poison the alien's Shrines, prayers, blessings and divine glory. Since his defeat, the alien population did not regard him so highly. He had, after all, sought to not regain planet earth but rather obliterate it for its faults. The aliens despised this and instead of continuing to worship a treacherous God, they turned their attention to the Lord and Lady. Hench fourth, the Lords and Ladys to come would be adorned and regarded as the planet's supreme rulers.

It was an entirely new level of responsibility as well as anxiety.

Today would be critical. It was the day both Kish and Ichigo would present the new act that would permanently remove Deep Blue from all tradition, worship and landmarks. Although the population entirely supported the removal, Ichigo was still at diseased. Televised speeches worldwide would make anyone ill, though. It was a major deal.

"Oh well, though," sighed Ichigo in her head. "At least I'll have my family and friends all visiting for a few weeks. They'll be watching the address, too...I guess all I need to do is pretend I'm JUST presenting the bill to them. Because if I start thinking about the MILLIONS of people watching..."

Ichigo stopped to shudder and Kish chuckled. "Hey," he said, confidently. "Just keep what I said in mind. Chin up and smile. You'll be fine." Already Ichigo felt herself becoming lightheaded. She knew she was a better athlete and fighter than she was a public-speaker. Kish could catch her unease. "I mean it," he went on, assuredly. "You'll be amazin-"

The Lord was interrupted by a joyous, familiar cry. "ICHIGOOOOOOO!"

The two whirled around just as the bedroom door to their Royal compartment of the Palace burst open. In came Ichigo's running mother.

READ AND REVIEW PLEASE!

READ AND REVIEW PLEASE!

READ AND REVIEW PLEASE!