Enjoy chapter 3! Aoi got her laptop (FINALLY) so I can work on my writing as much as I can! I don't own anything!

~xXx~

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED! ;)

~Hello London~

Normal POV

Even when they got to their apartment, Ichigo was completely exhausted. It was about an 8 to 10 hour flight, that was including their second plane from Paris to London. Kashino wasn't entirely surprised, for he knew Ichigo was the that type of girl. Plus, she did sleep through out the entire flight to Paris from back in middle school during the Grand Pix.

Ichigo was able to bring their stuff inside their new apartment, but immediately collapsed on the sofa. She was able to look around at the place though: a small living room connected to a fairly sized kitchen -perfect for their situation too- a half bathroom to the left of the living room and stair cases to the right of the kitchen leading to 3 bedrooms and a full bathroom. The interior color was similar to the one in Paris back then, but the light blue was almost to a white.

"I'm sorry," Ichigo apologized, rolling her head against one of the sofa's pillows. "I know we should start unpacking, but it's been a long day and..."

"No need to apologize Ichigo," her Sweets Spirit Vanilla said quietly, "We know how you are."

"But the Welcoming Party is tonight and the Marie's Garden grand opening is tomorrow and- "

"Relax Ichigo," Chocolat said sitting down on the sofa's arm. "It's only 7: The party starts at 9, you can sleep for an hour till 8 and get ready afterwards."

"But..."

"Chocolat is right, you'll be able to rest for a while at least right?" Kashino flopped himself down next to Ichigo and wrapped his arm around her.

Ichigo looked up and smiled at her fiance, "You sound tired yourself."

Kashino gave her a weak smile and pushed a strand of brown hair from her face, "Not as much as you."

Ichigo heard Vanilla whisper something and saw her and Chocolat leave for the kitchen in the corner of her eye. She laid her head on Kashino's chest, her eye lids starting to get a little heavy.

"Still," she managed to say through her drowsiness. "How can I sleep when there's so much to look forward to? The party, the grand opening, the shop- there's a lot to do and so little time! I- "

"Calm down," he said gently, stroking her hair. "Did you forget that I'm here? Everything will be fine. If you worry like that, it'll make me worry."

After a while, Ichigo eventually did fall asleep. Kashino slowly laid her down against the pillows and her legs and feet on the cushions. He told Vanilla and Chocolat that he was gonna start bringing the luggage upstairs. After he brought Ichigo's things to her room, he brought his stuff to his room and starting unpacking.

Everything will be fine, he thought to himself. I'm not even sure... As he started folding his clothes into the dresser his mind suddenly went off to the night before they left for London.

*Flashback*

"It's good to see you again Makoto," his sister Miyabi said pulling him in for a hug.

"You too Aniki," he said hugging her back. "How you feeling?"

Miyabi giggled and placed a hand to her 8 month old pregnant stomach. "She's more active and giving me a hard time but I'm hanging in there."

As the two siblings sat in the living room of Miyabi's ginormous mansion, her husband Muraoka went to the kitchen to prepare some tea.

"How is everything?" She asked her brother.

He shrugged. "Fine I guess."

Miyabi gave a small smile. "How's Ichigo-san?"

"She's alright. She's at her parents for the night."

Miyabi smile grew. "Did you do it?"

Kashino blushed. " Yeah..."

"And..?"

"She- she said yes," he muttered out.

"That's great!" Myabi cheered, clapping her hands together. "I'm happy for you Makoto!"

"Thanks. And about that, that's also the reason why I came here tonight."

Miyabi's face fell and didn't blink when Muraoka placed the tea on the coffee table. "It's about Mother and Father isn't it?"

Kashino flinched at the mention of his mother and father and nodded. "Yeah..."

"You didn't tell them Makoto?"

"Why would I?" He scowled. "They didn't approve my relationship with her when I told them we were dating, so why the hell would I tell them I wanted to marry her?"

"...What did Ichigo-san's parents say?" Miyabi asked after a long silence.

Kashino let out a breath. "They approved. But still... mom and the old man..."

"Makoto, listen to me: You're 19 years old- almost an adult. And because you're almost an adult, you are capable of making your own decisions without anyone to tell you yes or no. I am not saying that you should not tell Mother or Father about your engagement, but if you happen to do so, you should never let their opinion change your feelings and choice. Do you understand?"

"Aniki..."

"You're my brother Makoto and I love you, so I wanna help you in any way I can. But at times like this, you're on your own."

"Thank you Aniki," Kashino smiled. "But for now, can you keep this to your self? Don't mention this to them at all?"

Miyabi nodded. "My lips are sealed! However, if under any circumstances that they do find out, I cannot change that fact and you have to confront them yourself, understand?"

"Yeah."

*End of Flashback*

Kashino finished putting the last of his clothing in the dressers and put his suit case in the closet. He took a quick glance at the digital clock on the side table, 8:10PM. He went to the back to the dresser and pulled out the clothing he planned on wearing tonight and laid them on the bed. As he walked towards the door, he grabbed a towel as well and, hoping it will wash away some of his tiredness, headed to the bathroom for a shower.

Ichigo's POV

"Ichigo wake up, it's time to get ready!"

I blinked slowly and raised my head, having Vanilla the first thing I see. "It's 8:30 and you have to get ready for the welcoming party!"

My eyes shot open and I gasped. "Oh my gosh! Where- " I looked around and remembered that we arrived at our apartment in London right after our flight. I sighed and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. "Where's my luggage?"

"Kashino brought them up," said Chocolat. "He just got out of the shower and he's getting dressed."

I craned my neck and got up. My legs felt really wobbly and started to have second thoughts in wearing heels and wear flats or sandals instead. I managed to make it up the stairs and went to the second open bedroom door that I guessed was mine. And as much as I wanted to belly flop on the bed, I lifted my luggage on it instead and started digging for my dress I was gonna wear tonight. I eventually found it, the light blue sundress with off the shoulder straps. I knew I didn't have much time for a shower so I decided to use the face cleanser and cotton balls instead to get any dirt off my face. After I slipped on the dress, I curled my hair, tied it and, let it lay on my left shoulder. I put on these cute earrings Rumi-san got for me and my angel wings necklace Natsume gave me. And of course, I'm wearing my heart shaped engagement ring.

After spraying on sprits of perfume, I slipped on my white sandals and grabbed my white shoulder bag and walked out my bedroom door. Before I went down the steps, I bit my lip nervously and asked Vanilla, "How do I look?"

She giggled. "You look amazing!"

"B- but what if I trip down the steps again?"

She took my finger and pulled my hand towards the railing. "Hang on to this, steady your breathing and take one step at a time, there's no need to rush."

I did as she said and slowed down my breathing. Once I did, I started to head down the stairs. I wonder what made me so nervous. Maybe because I was worried I would fall and I was looking so nice, or that Kashino would be waiting outside or something, or if it was my wedding and I was walking down the- wait wedding? Nononono, its to early for that! I may be engaged but a wedding is too soon and- ! I gripped the railing harder and tried to focus. I let out a gasp of air once I made it to the bottom.

"You sure took your time coming down," Kashino laughed as he grabbed my shoulders.

I blushed. "I- I ugh, shut up!"

He laughed again and pulled me away. "You look beautiful."

I felt my face turn a deeper red. I don't know, ever since we started dating, he's been acting more, kind and romantic. Not that I don't like it it's just that, I can't believe I'm saying this, I miss his mean, sadistic side.

"Thank you. You don't look bad yourself!" I looked at him: white dress shirt and tie and jeans, casual. That's what Henri-sensei wanted at least. It's not like we were going to a ball, just a regular non-formal party.

He smiled and held out his hand. "Ready?"

I smiled back and nodded. "Ready as I'll ever be!"

~xXx~

The Marie's Garden in London wasn't that different from the one in Japan. Think of it as the Disney resorts; the one in California isn't as big as the one in Florida. The one in Japan is slightly bigger than the one in London. Maybe because of Koshiro-san's shop.

The party was held in a tent right in the main entrance. Tables and seats were set up, there was a small stage right in front of the fountain, a DJ, food and drinks and, a big open space for dancing and socializing.

"Oh wow," I said, clutching onto Kashino's arm. "It's so packed."

"A lot of new competition too," he said his voice steadily calm.

"Especially we're in charge of the main shop too, how can we- "

"Ichigo, Kashino!"

I looked back to face the familiar voice who called out our names. "Henri-sensei!"

Henri-sensei smiled and walked towards us, followed by a girl who looked our age. "I'm glad you're able to make it. How was the flight?"

I smiled. "It was okay! I'm a little tired, but I'll be able to manage!"

"You are free to leave if you need to anytime you want, but for now, I'd like to introduce you to someone."

He gestured towards the girl behind him who had long lavender colored hair and big dark brown eyes. She had a kind looking face but at first glance, you'd expect her to be the energetic type.

"I'd like you to meet Kazunari Asuka. I recruited her from America and she'll be your shop's assistant."

"And don't worry, my Japanese and English is flawless." She said speaking for the first time "Though I would prefer English, speak either or!"

I laughed. "Nice to meet you Kazunari-san! I'm Amano Ichigo and this is Kashino Makoto!"

"Oh trust me, I know you guys, the two of the famous young patissieres who won the Cake Grand Pix when they were in middle school! And please, call me Asuka!"

Henri-sensei smiled and walked away, satisfied that we were already getting along.

"Don't take this the wrong way Kazunari, but you are Japanese yet you don't look entirely..."

Asuka-chan shook her head, not taking it to offense at all. "No, it's okay! I'm actually half Japanese. My dad was Japanese and- "

"Her mom was Filippina!" A voice finished for her.

I jerked my head up and saw a cream colored light and wings shine behind her hair. I gasped and smiled. Now I know why Henri-sensei recruited her, she has a Sweets Spirit! I looked up and Kashino and he grinned.

"Come on Yuca!" Asuka-chan pouted. "Stop introducing yourself that way! We have to be formal sometimes!"

"So your Sweets Spirit is Yuka?" Vanilla said coming from behind my shoulder.

Asuka-chan giggled. "I knew you guys had Sweets Spirits, but I never really knew who! And yeah, this is my partner Yuca!"

Yuca had a cream colored top that falls just above her knees and brown leggings under and she wore yellow sandals. Her eyes were dark brown like Asuka-chan's and her hair looked like black, but in the light, it was actually a very dark brown. It was tied back with a white ribbon and her utensil was a fork like Chocolat.

I pointed my index finger to Vanilla. "My partner is Vanilla!"

"And Chocolat is mine," Kashino said gesturing his head toward her behind him.

"I saw them on TV during the Grand Pix but they look cuter in person!"

I really liked her already. She seemed they type of person who would wanna be friends with anyone, you know?

Thankfully, we were able to make it through the night. Mostly thanks to Asuka-chan to keep us occupied. We sat by the fountain and ate some of the food that was offered while listening to the random pop music the DJ was playing.

"How long have you lived in America?" I asked her as I was finishing up my 8th slice of cake.

She laughed at the stack of plates before answering. "My whole life- well, up until now. I started living here in London just last month."

"I'm surprised your parents let you move all the way here," said Vanilla.

Yuca shook her head sadly. "The thing is..."

"Nah," Asuaka-chan said casually. "My mom died when I was 5 and my dad died before I turned 16."

I felt a sting in my chest. "I'm so sorry..."

Asuka-chan waved it off, "No it's fine! They're probably watching me from up there and worrying if I'll be alone by myself." She laughed. "During those three years before I came here, I just lived with a friend that's all."

I was so surprised she can talk about it like it never affected her. She's strong- I admire that about her.

"Okay, enough depressing stories," she said setting down her cider. "Tell me bout you guys. You went to St. Marie in Japan?"

I nodded. "During my second year of middle school. Kashino and my other team mates met during their first year."

We all heard a ring and Kashino quickly stood and took out his phone, "I'll be right back." And he walked out of the tent to take the call. When I turned back to Asuka-chan, she gave me a look.

"You two together?"

I blushed and nodded. "Engaged actually."

Her eyes widened. "Really? How long?"

"Since Wednesday; we've been dating for almost 3 years."

Asuka-chan picked up her cider. "I had a feeling, when I saw you four on TV, I felt like out of those three boys, you and Makoto-kun would be together. Just a hunch I guess you can say!"

I looked down on my empty plate then placed it on the stack just when Kashino came back. "Sorry about that."

"Who was it?" I asked.

"Hanabusa," he said. "He told me he's gonna stop by here in a few days."

I was about to say something, but then a tapping sound on the microphone caught the attention of everyone in the tent.

"Welcome young patissieres to the welcoming party for London's Marie's Garden," Henri-sensei said. "We hope you take this night into consideration to get to know your peers and fellow competitors before tomorrow's grand opening, for starting then, you will all become rivals. Even so, I ask that you stay original with your own ideas and skills."

For some reason, I started to shake. It wasn't cold- it was mid spring, I'm not that tired either so... As If sensing my uneasiness, Kashino took my hand and gently squeezed it. I looked at him and nodded a thank you.

For the rest of the night, we were able to make it through. After the party, Asuka-chan told us that her apartment was a few blocks from ours so it will be easy to tell her anything if we needed her.

It was around 11:30 when we got back and I was really, really tired. Even so, I still had to put away my stuff. After I changed into comfortable pajamas and Vanilla went around to explore, I started unpacking my clothes and putting up photos and personal stuff. On my desk, I put away my stationary, laptop, sketchbook and pens and pencils. I also put a couple of framed photos: ones with me and my family and friends. Above my bed, I hanged up the painting Papa made me.

As I was about to climb into bed, I walked over to the window and drew back the curtains and the view was just beautiful. Big Ben was standing tall in the distance, the lights were making the city look like the night sky. I laid my head against the edge of the window and took in the sight. In the corner of my eye, a little blond head came next to me.

"Beautiful isn't it?"

Vanilla nodded. "It's nothing compared to all the pictures I've seen."

I smiled. "I can't believe it, it was like it was just yesterday that I was at Natsume's recital and I went to the Sweets Festa. Everything seems so nostalgic that I can't seem to wrap it around my head."

"I feel the same way," she said flying right in front of me. "It's like I just met you in the middle school cooking room making crepes. Then we became partners."

I nodded and extended my finger. "I'm glad you're my partner Vanilla."

She grabbed it with her hand and cooed, "Me too Ichigo."

Normal POV

It was around 4AM the next day and both Johnny and Koshiro-san were awake in her helicopter while the Sweets Spritis were resting. They were gonna land in London in about two hours. Koshiro-san was obviously excited but Johnny...

"They should be living in the apartment complex not to far from the Marie's Garden! Makoto-kun~! I'm almost here!" Koshiro-san squealed.

Johnny tore his eyes from the window to his cousin. "Miya, are you sure about this? It's been 3 years since then. Just give it up."

"Shut up Johnny!" She said bitterly. "I'm not going to give up and you shouldn't either."

Johnny bit his lip. He did still love Ichigo but unlike Koshiro-san, he's slowly starting to accept the fact that she'll never see him the same way. After all he's done to Ichigo, he didn't wanna hurt her anymore and he just wanted to be there for her in any way that he can, to make it all up.

He leaned back in his chair and pulled up the blanket to his waist and closed his eyes. He's gonna need the sleep because when he wakes up, who knows what's gonna happen.

I hope you all enjoyed!

I don't know how long this has been going on, but I heard a rumor that there's gonna be a season 3 of Yumeiro Patissiere coming out this August. I looked it up but I haven't seen any official announcements of a season 3. I totally want a season 3 but I honestly doubt there's gonna be one. What do you guys think?

I had really fun writing this! Review please!

Oh and to my reviewer Ka-chan who wanted the link to the photo, I just got it from the Yumeiro Patissiere manga page at MangaHere dot com