Chapter 4: Lunch

One month. He had tried for half a year, but one month was all the alien prince could manage to get the council to approve. And even that was a struggle. There had been a raucous outcry from two members of the assembly. It was still too early in their development as a nation for him to up and abandon his people to play on earth for so long! The other two were quietly murmuring amongst themselves, trying to figure out if there was some way they could make this prosperous for their people. Perhaps making trade agreements with Earth? Were earthlings even aware aliens existed? And then there was Pai, stoically staring into Kish's eyes, trying to figure out what his true motivations were, but already having a slight inclination into what Kish was after… He had hoped that Kish's feelings for a certain pink haired cat had subsided… But it wasn't until they spoke later that his fears were confirmed.

The two had retreated to Pai's personal quarters for a more private conversation after the council meeting, and it was there that Kish confided in his friend his true intentions. All of this was for Ichigo's sake, and it was well worth it after all she had done for them and their planet. Cheering her up was honestly the least he could do. "And what do you plan to do when the month is up?" Kish hadn't even considered it… He was still licking his wounds from the blow of being limited to such a short amount of time.

"I will return here and continue to rule over our kingdom." It was obvious that Pai was skeptical. He had been there when they had first gone to Earth. He had been there when Kish's… obsession with Ichigo had been at its peak. It was clear that Kish's feelings hadn't changed much. Well. That wasn't exactly true. He had matured quite a bit these past few years, and it was showing in the way he talked about her. "Do you really think I'd just leave this all behind? After all we've done to get this far? As much as I-" Kish paused, choosing his words carefully. Another sign of his newfound maturity. "As much as I would like to stay by her side, I know that there are other things that are more important. I will take the time I get, and I will cherish it forever." That had been enough to convince Pai of his resolve and dedication to their kingdom.

There had been a sense of dread when the one month window was decreed. How could he do all he had planned in such a short window of time? But now, sitting so close to Ichigo, the wind from the open window blowing the aroma of strawberry scented shampoo his way, one month felt like it was going to be a lifetime. Kish had had dreams of moments like these. Of living beside her. Basking in the mundane rituals that humans held close to their hearts. Learning from her. Learning more about her. Not that he didn't know anything, but they hadn't exactly been the closest during his last visit to Earth. Kish was sure there was plenty he didn't know. Little secrets that were waiting for him to uncover. He shifted in his chair with anticipation, golden eyes flicking from the front of the class to Ichigo and now out the window.

There's a part of his old self that wants to cause trouble. Reach out and tug on a strand of her hair. Pass her a note with some flirtatious message. It had taken everything in him not to pull her into his arms the moment they crossed paths in the hallway only moments ago. Her eyes were swollen and red with tears, and the panic in her expression had him sure she'd recognized him. It wasn't long before panic melted into confusion, and Kish couldn't help but give her that iconic toothy smirk, admittedly less toothy in his current disguise. To his relief, the magic was working. Everyone perceived him to be a normal student. Now as long as he remembered everything that Pai had taught him in a rush before his departure, he'd be just fine.

School was a lot more boring than he had anticipated, and the minutes he was spending in these lectures felt more like hours. He was anxious. Anxious to spend more time with Ichigo. To befriend her. To potentially woo her, though that wasn't his main goal (but it would be a happy bonus). Kish just genuinely wanted to ensure the month that he had her was maximized. He wanted to make Ichigo the happiest girl in the world. This was taking too long. He was choking on boredom. Choking on the sweet smell of strawberries. Drowning in her. He wants to leave here. Grab ahold of her and teleport them to somewhere more private. He wants to hold her. Press his lips against hers. He-

"... and consider using your free period to study." Newly rounded ears perked up at the announcement as the bell tolled, a sound signaling freedom. Yet, before he can stand up, his desk is swarmed by curious classmates. He's bombarded with questions. Where did he transfer from? What were his hobbies? "Will you join our club?" "No way! He's joining the soccer team!" Food. Colors. Birthday. Kish had been used to attention, being a prince and all, but at least on his home planet he had guards to disperse the crowds. Anger welled up inside of him. Didn't they know he only had a MONTH to spend with Ichigo?! How could he possibly waste time with any of these insignificant beings when she was mere feet away?!

And like an angel, she burst through the crowd. "Alright, everyone! I know you're excited, but he's not going to be able to hang out with any of you if he doesn't know where anything is. Right, Kiru?" The crowd groned, but Kish had all but tuned them out now. It hadn't been his real name that left her lips, but it was close enough. And she was smiling at him. That warm gentle smile he'd seen her use so many times for everyone else. He'd seen her angry. Afraid. Brave. Full of conviction. But he had not been on the receiving end of this new look and it only increased his desire to scoop her up and steal her. She was too good for this place. These people. She was HIS. His kitten...

A light punch to the arm from one of the boys pulls him from those dangerous thoughts. It honestly startled him how quickly he had reverted to the person he was when he'd first met her years ago. She was intoxicating. He made a mental note to keep his temper and infatuation in check. It hadn't worked out for him well the first time, and he didn't want to repeat that same mistake twice. It didn't help that he was away from his kingdom. There was so much pressure to perform there. To be who his people wanted. Needed. But here? He was no one. And that too was a familiar feeling from days long past. The first time he'd visited this planet. This city. He'd had so much fun…. But he'd caused a lot of problems as well…

Kish hadn't realized with all this monologuing, he'd been staring at her, not responding. Hence the light punch. "She's taken, so don't get any ideas, new guy." Ichigo tried to hide the cringe of pain that flashed across her features, but Kish caught it. Of course her classmate hadn't meant any harm with the words. No one knew they had broken up yet. Kish may have fallen back into his old ways right then and there. He'd make this weakling SUFFER for hurting his precious toy. No. Keep it cool. Deep breaths. She's a person. Not a plaything. But it was hard to breathe when she was taking his hand.

Kish let Ichigo pull him up from the desk and through the booing crowd. "Let" is a strong word. His brain had turned off the moment her warm, delicate fingers wrapped around his palm. It actually took everything in him to keep from literally floating off the ground. Wow. Today sure had been a roller coaster of emotions for him. They were almost out the door when Kish noticed the only person not at his desk had been Masaya, who was now watching closely as the pair made their grand exit. Again. Lots of emotions, but his anger was quelled for now. It was hard to forget that Masaya had literally murdered him in the fight to save Earth. But that didn't matter now. Ichigo was all that mattered.

He was so lost in thought that it had taken him a bit to snap back into reality and realize Ichigo had been explaining the layout of the building. The different clubs, the rooms they resided in, the various facilities available to him. He didn't care about all of that. It was show time now. They were practically alone (besides all the other students from other classes milling about and watching them carefully), and he had to somehow become her best friend in a month. Kish nods as she goes on and on. They're in the school's courtyard now, nothing like his palace grounds, but still sizable and a perfect place to have lunch. He could have listened to her talk forever, having not heard her voice for years and now having the pleasure of standing by her. Still holding his hand. Oh right. Maybe he should say something. That would be normal? As much as he didn't want this to end, he waits for a good moment to cut in.

"I'm really enjoying the tour so far, but do you take everyone around like you're on a date?" He holds up their still clasped palms. In an instant she's at a loss for words, quickly letting go and stuttering, her face starting to fill with the familiar shade of embarrassment. Kish couldn't help it. He laughs, and that only seems to make her blush harder.

"I- I didn't- I mean I don't! I just meant to- There were so many people and I'm class rep, so I wanted to be sure we had time to- Uh!" Another snicker leaves his lips.

"It's okay," Kish breaks her gaze to scan the courtyard. "It's lunchtime, right? I don't exactly have any friends yet… All the kids from class seemed nice, but since you're class rep and all, why don't you take me to lunch first before we have our first kiss." He smirks before setting off to find the perfect spot. This way of teasing her sated his urges. There was a part of him that hoped this wasn't too much. That she wouldn't reject him immediately like she'd done in the past. And then there was another part of him that didn't care. It was so fun. This was so fun. And they hadn't even spent a full day together yet!

She's left slack jawed at the doorway into the building. There's a part of her that wants to turn right around and leave this sassy newcomer to eat by himself. It's what she would have done if yesterday hadn't happened. But what was waiting for her inside? Studying? Her friends? Masaya? That last one was the only thing keeping her out here. She'd noticed him staring at her when she'd left with Kiru. She'd heard one of his friends ask him if he was just going to let this new guy get away with it. And she'd definitely heard him begin to explain that they weren't dating anymore... And the outcry of shock from the class all the way down the hall… She did NOT want to return to that. To the questions. The stares. She wasn't ready. This guy may be trouble, but at least he didn't know her. He couldn't judge her. So she stomps after him. She already had her lunch with her anyway.

Kish had already flopped onto his back under a nearby tree, eyes closed, waiting, hoping, that she would follow. "Fine. But it's not a date. And we definitely aren't going to kiss." He peeks his eyes open to find her standing over top of him and every bone in his body is screaming to pull her down to the ground with him. But he's learned patience (sort of), and she eventually sits down on her own. Ichigo begins unwrapping her lunch.

"Are you going to share?" Kish sits up eyeing her lunch. She glares at him. Ah. There's the look I remember.

"Seriously?"

"Well you didn't exactly leave me time to grab my own," Not that he had his own. "And even though you gave such a great tour, I may get lost on my way back to the classroom…"

Ichigo sighs and attempts to compose herself. He was right, and she was still class rep. Maybe she wasn't giving him a fair chance either… With all of the emotional whiplash in the last 24 hours, she wasn't exactly putting her best foot forward… In all honesty, she was lucky he was being so lighthearted despite her erratic behavior. Carefully she separates her lunch into two equal halves and passes it to him. "I'm sorry… Here…"

Her tone was much more melancholy and it shocked Kish. He hadn't intended to make her upset. That was the complete opposite of his whole mission being here in the first place! His smirk drops, and he accepts the food. "H- Hey. I didn't mean to upset you, Ichigo. I was just trying to make you smile. You seem like there's something on your mind. Not that I know you, but-" He felt so lucky to be able to be here with her. To eat food he knew for a fact she'd made on her own. To hear her voice. Of course he had to keep it a secret who he truly was, but he hadn't realized how difficult this was going to be.

His words almost sent her over the edge into tears again. But she had to stay strong. She couldn't break down in front of this total stranger! She let her lunchbox drop to her lap as she averted her gaze in fear that she'd fall apart again. There was a part of her that wanted to confide in this stranger and a part that didn't. He was going to find out anyway, she supposed… As soon as they were back in class, he'd hear the whispers. "You're right… I'm not acting like myself… My boyfriend broke up with me."

She inhales sharply and her bottom lip quivers. It was impossible not to notice that she was holding back tears. Kish is running through scenarios in his head. Reach out to her? Hold her? Eat the lunch? Provide comforting words? Nothing seemed right. But it isn't long before a lightbulb goes off, and his smile has returned.

"Want to skip class?" Kish is grinning ear to ear now.

"Wh- what?" She looks at him wide eyed. She'd never considered something like that before, and this only solidified that he was a troublemaker. He leans forward.

"You don't want to deal with all the drama in there, right? Well, I'm not exactly excited to be the new kid either. Let's get out of here. Go do something to get your mind off of all of this! Anything's better than math!"

It takes her a moment to process what he's saying, and now he's so close to her. He had been handsome from afar, but even more so this close. In all of the commotion, she hadn't taken him in at all. He was so close she could feel his breath. He smelled like mint and pine. "I-"

"Alright!" He jumps up and chows down on his half of the home cooked meal. It only took him a few seconds to finish. God it was heavenly though. "It's settled. I'm not taking no for an answer! I'll get your things!"

"W- wait!" But it's too late. He's already inside. She's about to get up. Finish her lunch at her desk and totally ignore this crazy idea altogether…. But Ichigo would be lying if she didn't say this had her a little excited… Anything beat having to face Masaya again. So she stays put and waits for his return. It's not like she was good at math and what was the difference between sleeping through the lesson or not being there at all?