Ichigo's greyish brown eyes slowly, unwillingly, fluttered open. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw Kisshu's face next to hers but she did remember that he came to see her last night. She did remember that she asked him to stay with her. She had been crying last night until she fell asleep. She was sure it had not been a greeting he wanted to deal with, having to comfort her while she fell apart. She wondered if he might have been annoyed. If he was he was kind enough not to say it. Having him there was really comforting. He may not have had any idea why she was crying but it was fine that way. Just having someone who knew nothing about it was a nice change. Since he did not know he did not look at her with the same look in his eyes everyone else did. It was nice not to have that horrible discomfort floating in the air with every word, the way it was with everyone in her life now.

In the past she never would have thought Kisshu would be the one she felt most comfortable crying with, nor would she have thought having him with her would be as comforting as it was. Who could ever guess that one she had looked on as an enemy could ever be the one she would run to. If anyone had told her a few years ago that she would even ask him, plead with him to stay with her... well, she would have called them crazy. It was a little crazy if you put some thought into it.
There was one long arm draped over her waist and the other arm was resting soundly under her head. This was just about the way they had been last night. His embrace was nice, it felt good, comfortable to be in. That must have been the reason she seemed to have moved almost not at all in her sleep. It was morning now so he had to have stayed with her all night. He must have fallen asleep at some point and never ended up leaving. Waking up to this should have at least worried her, but it did not.

His eyes were closed. His pale, lily white skin nearly glowed in the mornings light. His face looked so soft she was tempted to touch it for a second. The light glistened off his hair and created a little green tinted halo around his head. Ichigo could not help but smile. For once, and likely only once, he really looked terribly angelic. A little alien angel. She gingerly moved a few strands of hair off of his eyes. This would have made a cute picture if she could have reached her cell phone.

Still, she knew he would cease to be an angel when he woke up, so she should get up before him. Strangely, part of her did not want to get up but she ignored that feeling. She carefully took a hold of his arm and eased it off her. Ichigo gingerly put his hand down and then she eased back. She did her best to move slowly and as gently as possible to avoid waking him up. Until she wanted to be silent she never realized how much the bed springs creaked. She held her breath, wincing at every groan the bed made, and inched toward the end of the bed. Her toes found the end of the bed. Almost there!

Her heart jumped out of her chest as Kisshu's arms wrapped around her, instantly jerking her back to him. "Morning, honey!"

"Kisshu? Y-you're awake?" She drew back as far as his grip on her allowed - His face was so close.

"Yep! I woke up a little before you but it was so peaceful I decided not to get up." He chuckled, eyes twinkling with a successful capture.

She glared at him, that smug smile making her want to hit him, "You mean you were awake all this time? You let me go to all the trouble of trying not to wake you up when you weren't even asleep?"

He let out a laugh, more than pleased with himself, "Watching you was too amusing to tip you off, Koneko-chan!"

Ichigo twisted free enough to hit his arm, "You nearly scared me to death, you jerk!" She rather hoped he had been asleep for some of the time at least. "Anyway, you can let go now that you had your fun and almost scared me to death."

He locked eyes with her, "I can?" Kisshu's smile widened, eye glinting seductively as he pulled her closer. "But what if I don't want to let go, Kitten?"

Her eyes widened a little in return, pulling back to gain her some room,"Kisshu, I have to get ready for school soon, quit teasing me. Let me go!"

"That is not what you said last night! You were all over me, Koneko-chan." He hummed suggestively, like a purr.

"You are the most. . ." Ichigo glared, already seeing the angelic bit of him she saw before fade away totally.

"The most handsome guy ever?" Kisshu cooed, enjoying this more than he should.

"No! Try the most arrogant and irritating!" Ichigo jerked back from him in a burst of motion, both hands planted on his chest to give her room.

He did not move to capture her, reclining back instead, head lolled to one side, "Oh, come now, Ichigo!" He gave a low chuckled, "Too bad, you were so much more receptive before. Guess you don't remember. . ."

Ichigo's eyes widened as she sat back on her heels, "I don't remember what?"

A sly predatory smile crept slowly onto his face, revealing his fangs.

Ichigo's heart jumped into her throat. "Kisshu!" She leaned over him, grabbing his shirt in her small fist, "You didn't get me pregnant, did you?"

His eyebrows arched playfully, though seeming surprised anyway, "Eh?"

"You didn't, right?" She was mentally, and frantically searching her memory for anything that might indicate truth in his implications.

"Really, Ichigo? You still don't know how these things work?" Kisshu eyed her mysteriously, running a hand down her arm as he unlatched her fist from his shirt.

"What do you mean? Can't you just give a clear answer?" He was worrying her, making her question what she might have let him do while she was sleeping - She could not have done something with him in a crazy sleep walking state, could she?

Kisshu leaned up, propping himself on his elbows to be closer, "See, Koneko-chan. . . Even if I. . ." He moved in just short of letting his lips connect with hers, ". . .were to kiss you deeply, maybe even tasting you with my tongue. . ."

Ichigo's cheeks suddenly burned but she refused to give in to his game.

He moved forward swiftly, knocking her to the side, causing her to fall back onto the bed. "Or even if I were to. . ." His hovered over the top of her, fingers gliding up her arm slowly, "get even closer than this. . ."

"K-K-Kisshu! What are you-" She stammered, expression betraying her apprehension.

He grinned slyly and tugged down at the neck of the nightgown with one finger. "Even if I were to touch these. . ."

Ichigo swiftly slapped his hand away and crossed her arms over her chest protectively, "If you don't stop I'll slap you! Nya!"

His eyes twinkled as he moved off her and sat next to her. "I'm trying to explain things to you, that's all." He reached down and gently slid his fingers along the fur of her tail.

"Eh?" Her eyes widened at the sight of his fingers on her tail and she reached up and found her ears. "Eeeh! They came out?"

Kisshu ignored that, quickly feigned an innocent look, "My point is that none of these things can make you pregnant. The only way I could get you pregnant is if I were to-"

Ichigo lunged forward and slapped her hand over his mouth, making the back of his head hit the wall, "Kisshu!" She hissed, "That's not what I meant!"

He reached up and pulled her hand away, smirking like a cat, "Calm down! I was only teasing you a little."

Ichigo glared, "What I meant was. . . the last thing I remember from last night is you..." She absently touched a strand of her red hair, "running your fingers through my hair. It was really relaxing and I don't remember anything else."

His expression softened instantly as he watched her, "You were an easy subject. All I did was stroke your head for a little while and you melted." He chuckled lightly, "Did you know you were purring?"

She glared again, not sure if he was still lying, "Kisshu! You. . ." Her eyes left him and drilled into the wall, "You didn't do anything, right?"

"Oh! You're asking if I took advantage of you while you were sleeping, right?" Kisshu stared at her without another word, expression blank.

"You didn't, right?" She prodded.

Silence.

Ichigo locked eyes with him, leaning forward threateningly, "Kisshu!"

He stifled his laughter with a hand to him lips, nearly rolling around on the bed, that familiar old laugh he always had when he did something bad - He was no longer expressionless at least.

Ichigo shook him, fist lacing into his shirt again, "Stop laughing and tell me right now! Nya!"

"If I tell you will you give me a kiss?" Kisshu smirked, stilling his chuckling.

"No! You either tell me or I will start beating on you!" She raised a fist for an example.

He sighed dramatically, "Fine. You are so cold hearted!" His tone softened a bit as he continued, "The answer is no. I did not do anything to you at all. The only thing I did was relax you so you could sleep and then I let you sleep in my arms."

Ichigo snatched up a pillow and hit him on the side of the head with it, "You could have said that to begin with!"

Kisshu let his body relax into the hit, falling over and stretching out on the bed as he ran her tail through his fingers again. "Can't I have just one kiss for being good?"

"As if!" She hissed, jerking her tail away.

Kisshu grinned and reached up, taking her ear between his finger tips. He rubbed it gently with his claws, working up and down. Oh, no, not that! How did he know her weaknesses so well? Her eyes fluttered shut, not exactly willing, but enjoying it too much to fight it. His fingers worker expertly along her ear. Ichigo could not resist the purrs he elicited from her. She never felt anything so nice, it was better than a spa. He had the perfect technique, the perfect balance of combining his fingertip and his nails. There was only one explanation for this, he had to have a cat at home. After he had finished with that ear he moved to the next one. By now she must have been purring loudly, not that she was paying attention anymore. After he finished both ears, and only after, did she realize she was curled up in his arms.

"Not even one kiss?" He smirked, down at her as she rested against his.

Her body jerked upright again, "Ok, one kiss. . . but only on the cheek!"

He shrugged, "Alright, I guess I can live with that." He turned his cheek to her, tilting his head up for her.

Ichigo cautiously pressed her lips to his cheek, and to her surprise he did not do anything. "I almost expected you to use the chance and steal a kiss anyway."

Kisshu grinned playfully, "The thought did cross my mind."

"You are such a pervert, Kisshu!" Ichigo jumped off the edge of the bed to her feet and her cat ears vanished.

He linked his fingers behind his head as he sat up again. "Me? You're the one who was all over ME. I was a saint, resisting temptation, and not once taking advantage of your cute sleeping habits!"

Ichigo's cheeks flushed again but she did not look at him, "What are you talking about? I didn't do anything like-"

"You just don't remember." Kisshu's golden eyes twinkled to matched his sly smile. "It's true, you really were all over me, literally. You really like to cuddle up close while you sleep."

Her eyes widened, head snapping in his direction, "Eh? Really? No way! I didn't!"

"Mhmm! You did." He moved off the bed, blankets sliding around him as he moved, "Your sleeping habits are adorable, Koneko-chan!"

Ichigo grabbed her cloths out of the closet in an angry motion, "I am going to school!"

"Really? Shouldn't you put those away before you go?" Kisshu moved in close behind her.

"Put what away?" She glanced back over her shoulder to find his face.

One arm slipped around her waist to hold her in place while his over hand caught her tail, "These!"

"Ek! No!" She twisted free, twirling away from him. "They came out again?" She covered her ears with her hands.

"Relax. It's not like I have not seen those before. . . but no one else is supposed to know about them, right?"

She took a few deep breaths and focused on making them go away. He was stressing her too much, making them come out. She just needed to calm down and it would be fine. It was good that he pointed them out to her before she went out the door. Her parents might have seen them if she had gone out. They had come out at school a few times but she managed to hide them back then. It was rather annoying the way they always came out when she was getting stressed like this. Normal girls did not have to deal with this.

Thank goodness they were not being stubborn today, they went away quickly. Ichigo gathered her cloths in her arms and headed for the door. "I'm going now."

He hummed questioningly, "Koneko-chan, don't you still need to get dressed? I might not mind you walking around like that, but your teachers might."

"Like I would change while you are in my room! I'm going to change in the bathroom!" She paused at the door, casting a glance at him, "When are you leaving?"

"Not for a while." He drifted into the air again, "Why? You worried I'll leave without saying goodbye?" He cooed at her.

She grabbed the doorknob, "Then, I will see you later?"

"Of course, Ichigo. Like I'd let you escape without seeing me again while I'm here!"

"Fine, just don't let anyone see you in here!" She kept her voice in her angry tone even if she was not angry now, "Don't let them see you leave either!" She opened the door and hurried out.

Ichigo seemed a bit better today. He was glad, really glad. He had not quiet gotten her to smile but he came close. At least she did have a little life back in her eyes, unlike when he first saw her. After he teased her a bit she seemed more like herself again. Kisshu dropped onto her bed. He scooped up her pillow and hugged it to his chest. He felt so confused. Something was wrong with her and he did not know what, but he wanted to fix it. But what was he supposed to do to help her if he had no idea what the problem was. She said she did not want to talk about it so he had not pressed her. If she did not want to tell him he could not make her. He pressed his face into it the pillow and breathed in her sent. It still smelled like her, almost like she was still here.

All through the night he had been taking it in, drinking in the sent of her hair and skin. He had studied every curve of her face, listening to each breath she took, and memorizing those moments. His kitten, his love. . . Ichigo. She was so beautiful and so stunning he could hardly take his eyes off her all night - So much so that he had not even slept enough yet. He could not fall asleep with her lying in his arms, so close to him. She was so perfect, like a dream - Except it was not quite like a dream. Her tears had not been like a dream, they soaked into his shirt. The way she sobbed pitifully into his chest cut into his heart. If it had all really been like a dream she would have smiled and laughed.

"Please, smile for me later, Ichigo."

Somehow, this morning, he had nearly mad her forget about her sadness. Very nearly, she had been her old self, the self she hardly even know these days. While she had been with him, the darkness in her heart lifted just a bit. Now that she was at school though it was all back. She made her way through the crowded hallway. It was all she could do not to cry when she walked by Aoyama's class room. Holding herself together at school was so difficult, it took all the strength she had each day. When the school day was over she was always left with no energy, drained of every last ounce of her spirit. She tried so hard to seem like her old self but it was so hard to keep herself together, let alone act happy.

"I saw Aoyama-kun's girlfriend today. She still looks so. . . I don't know."

Ichigo stopped, frozen as she listened.

"Yeah, I know." That was Aoyama-kun's best friend from the kendo club. "But I'm still in shock about what happened so I don't blame her for feeling that way. I feel bad for her. . . I know she misses him. We all do. What happened was such a shock, no one had a chance to prepare themselves for it."

"There you are, Ichigo!" Moe whirled Ichigo to face her. "I was looking all over for you! Let's hurry and eat lunch together!"

"Oh, right, sure!" Ichigo nodded, startled, but not shocked by her friends sudden appearance. She wondered if Moe knew what she had been listening to. She always tried to protect Ichigo from hearing things like that. She really did try to watch over her. Ichigo wished she could be less of a burden to people. Everyone had to try to shelter her and baby her. If only she could be stronger so people did not have to work so hard. She was so weak, she always had been. Before she became a superhero it did not matter so much that she was weak, but it mattered more and more now. After she became a Mew Mew she had so many things to battle, and she should have become stronger, but she didn't. She kept relying on everyone. She let other people be her shields when she should have been the protector. If she had been better, gotten stronger, maybe things would be different now.

It was not hard to find his target considering he knew where to find his young friend. All the battles had made the group of three rather close considering all they faced together. There was something about having a world against you to bring you together. Destroying the world had not worked out, but their friendship had. They were as close as if they were triplets anymore. Pai, for all his closed off nature, even regarded them that way. Not to say they did not have an odd relationship, because they did, but it was a good one.

"Yo, Taruto!" Kisshu glided beside his friend.

"Hey, Kisshu! How did it go?" The boy's golden eyes look up questioningly.

"Fine." He grinned at the younger alien, "Been to see Pudding yet?"

The tips of the boys pointed ear started to redden and his cheeks got a bit rosy. "She had already left for school when I went to her house this morning."

Kisshu smirked, "Oh, I see." He crossed his legs as he floated next to the boy. Taruto was really growing up though, he had to admit. He was already catching up to him in height - He was still not up to Kisshu's chin, but close. The kid was changing and starting to look like the grownup he always tried to make everyone think he was. He had calmed down a lot more these days, become more at ease with being his own age. The playful side in him had shown up more often lately. Taruto was more at ease with his own inner child. That had to be thanks to the little monkey girl.

"I know you were here to see her a few months ago. . ." Kisshu said casually, as if it was common knowledge.

The boy whirled to face him, "What? How did you know?" Taruto's eyes widened in disbelief, "I thought I was so careful!"

"Don't worry, I'm the only one who knew." Kisshu waved a hand dismissively.

Taruto crossed him arms over his chest, annoyed, and slightly pouting,. "Pai would get mad if he knew I borrowed to ship by myself. He still won't let me drive it alone."

"He'll never hear it from me, but I do want to know what you found out while you were here that time." Kisshu crossed his arms as well, expression calm and blank to keep the others interest down.

"Like what kinds of things?" Taruto frowned, head tilting a bit, already curious, "What do you need to know?"

"Did Pudding say anything about Ichigo?"

Taruto paused and looked into the air thoughtfully, "Not really. I did ask about her once when I came alone. I thought I could tell you how she was, but Pudding got upset when I asked. She didn't really say very much about her. She said Ichigo was staying away from everyone as much as she could because she was depressed." He looked back at Kisshu meekly, "I didn't think you would really want to hear about that."

"So she did not tell you why?" Kisshu frowned, wishing the monkey was a bit more informative.

"No. . . I can ask her again when I see her. I will make her tell me this time." Taruto stood up, seemingly intent on his new task.

"No, forget it." He shook his head, "If you do, that little monkey will tell everyone I'm here. She won't tell on you but there's no way she'd keep her mouth shut about me. I would rather they just not know I'm here. It is easier that way. No one knows you came to see her last time, right?"

He nodded, "Yeah, surprisingly, Pudding kept it a secret about me so far."

"Well, then let's keep it that way. Just in case. We have a truce and all, but they might get the wrong idea about us being back. I don't want any trouble with that Ryou or the wolf girl. I had enough tangling with them the first time. Besides, it doesn't matter for you, but I don't want Ichigo's lap dog knowing I'm here." Kisshu sighed, exasperated at the thought.

"Yeah, that's what I thought too. I told her not to tell anyone about me visiting. Pudding went along with it even though she thought it was stupid." His eyebrows went up. "I didn't ask her to keep it from that Aoyama guy though. I didn't think of that when it was just me. Do you think it will matter that I didn't mention that?"

Kisshu shook his head, "It will be fine."

"You don't think Ichigo will tell him, do you?" Taruto asked.

Kisshu couldn't hold back a smile. "No, she won't tell him about me being here, I'm sure of that." He knew after she spent the night with him there was no way she would tell the Blue Knight. He knew she never told anyone that he kissed her so she would never tell anyone about this either. She would surely hide his presence here this time, she would be too embarrassed not to. "Anyway, thanks Taruto." The air rippled as Kisshu took his leave swiftly.

Ichigo did not intend to come here but her body just took her there. The wooden bench she and Aoyama-kun had always come to was exactly the same as it always had been, the only thing missing was him. She pulled her knees to her chest and hugged them. Deep inside, her chest ached. It felt hollow and empty but the pain surrounding her heart radiated all through her body. It really hurt. Aoyama-kun, why? Why did he leave her? The terrible battle had been the beginning of the end, she just did not realize it. Had she known sooner maybe she could have done something. She should have realized and seen the signs! She should have seen what was happening with Masaya! If only she had just been able to do more to stop that last battle!

Her breath caught in her throat as she remembered that phone call, the one that told her she would never see him again. She remembered every word of that phone call like it happened a few minutes ago. She remembered the man's voice. Ichigo had never met his father but that must have been him on the phone.
Their powers were taken because of the Mew Aqua, but had returned a short time later. Just the same as that, Aoyama's recovery had been only temporary. Everything that happened to his body because of Deep Blue, and keeping the Mew Aqua in his body. . . In the end the damage that was done that day could not be reversed.

Aoyama had died that day so that others could live. He was brought back, but in the end it had still been too much for his body. The two of them had shared in the fate. She gave her life for Masay, and was also brought back. But the two of them. . . She was sure she would also share Masaya's fate. Too much had happened to her body as well. All the Mew Mews had been greatly exposed to the Mew Aqua, but so had Masaya. The Mews had taken the Mew Aqua into their bodies when they used it.

Mew Aqua returned life where it had been taken. They had all used it more than once. To reverse damage done by Chimara's, they took in the Mew Aqua and used it. That substance gave life but she suspected it also took a little bit from the user when it was taken into the body. Masaya lived with that inside him and released it when he defeated Deep Blue. He had been exposed to it for a long period of time and then released it. She believed that was why his life was taken in the end. If that was true, all of them, having taken it's power into their bodies were likely to suffer the same end. Taking the Mew Aqua into the body put stress on the body, but then releasing it out again put even more stress on the body. The price for taking it in and then sending it out. . . the price was that it drained life from you. Perhaps she was wrong, but she did not think she was.

Her conclusion seemed the only possibility. Aoyama-kun was exposed to it for the longest time. The Mew Mews were second. The Aliens never took it into their bodies. If they used it at all, it was to use it on their creations or to give it to Deep Blue. No one but the Mew Mews and Masaya had taken it into their bodies to release and use the power. Everyone but them should be alright. Mew Aqua took from the life of its user, the one who connected with it, to give out that life force to others. It stored energy, but when released, it also had to take from the one activating it in order to be used. It was too bad they never realized that before. They would have used it anyway though, so it did not make a difference, she supposed.

Ichigo herself had used it's power the most out of the Mew Mews. She had also used it together with Aoyama-kun. After Masaya and Ichigo, Lettuce had been the one to use it most - Twice transformed under its power. Ichigo was most afraid for Lettuce because of that. Thankfully, Lettuce and the others had not been dead after the fight with Deep Blue, only injured. That fact increased Lettuce's chances. However, she and Masaya had been dead. Masaya had already been returned to that state.

All this time she had been hiding this from the others. There was no way she could tell them. They were all sure his death had something to do with Deep Blue, but she was sure it was more than that. She gave Masaya her life force so he should have been alright. The others did not really know what happened inside the dome so they had no way of knowing that. His death had to be because of something other than Deep Blue, it did not make sense otherwise. She would not tell the Mew Mews that.

She could not tell Ryou for some of the same reason she could not tell the other Mews, he too might share in this fate. He kept the Mew Aqua with him for such a long period of time that it might have endangered him. Knowing he was like them and since he had worked so much with Mew Aqua, she did not know for sure what his exposure might have been. She could also not tell him because deep down she knew if it was going to happen, there was nothing anyone could do. Even Mew Aqua clearly could not save Masaya. . . even after all she had done to save him, nothing was enough. If she told Ryou, he would only blame himself. Shirogane was the one who began it all, so how could he not blame himself? That was not something she could do to someone who had been such a faithful friend. Why should she torment him with something inevitable, beyond his capacity to change.

Still, perhaps it was only she who would share Aoyama-kun's fate. She had been the only one who transformed all the way. Mint could talk to birds but she never became one. Obviously it affected her the most out of all of them. If it was going to happen, surely she would be the one to die, at least before any of the others. Still, she could not be sure, so how could she tell them. . . If they were going to die, how could she rob them of the joy they could have in whatever time they lived by casting a horrible shadow over them? She loved them, so all she wanted was for them to be able to be as happy as possible for as long as possible.

"I finally found you, Koneko-chan!" Kisshu chimed as he leaned over in her ear, hands resting on the bench back.

Ichigo jumped, startled out of her thoughts. "Don't sneak up on me like that!" She hissed.

"Sorry, Kitten! It's just so much fun!" He simpered at her, eyes fully of play as he floated behind her.

"How long were you there anyway?" She hoped she had not said anything aloud without realizing it.

"Just a minute or two." He leaned in to rest his chin on her shoulder, "Why, were you thinking about me?"

She did not answer. It's not like she could tell him what she was thinking about, not yet at least. Her chest still ached with the hollow pain that always came when she was at this place. Her whole body ached. All she could feel was that pain. Her face must have showed it too. Kisshu's smile began to sag as he studied her expression. He noticed. Now his face was turning just as pathetic as a sad puppies. The concern in his eyes was growing. She felt her heart beat again. She really could not stand to see him sad, especially since it was because he was trying to help. He really had been working hard to be kind to her, he really went out of his way. She didn't want to repay him by making him as depressed as she was. For a change she wanted to be strong enough not to drag someone else down with her.

Ichigo forced a big smile, the kind she used to make so easily. "Thanks for coming to see me. I missed you."

Kisshu stared deep into her eyes and returned her smile. She turned her upper body, getting to her knees on the bench, quickly hugged him and buried her face in the crook of his neck where he could not see her face. The forced smile fell instantly once she knew his eyes could not see her. Forcing herself to smile was difficult and felt like it took such a great amount of energy. Having smiled, it made her feel like there was an even greater void inside, but she was determined not to let it show. If she could just hide her face from him for a while it would be alright. She refused to show him tears this time so if she could just hide this way for a while it would work out.

It was back - That look in her eyes, he really hated it. He noticed it the moment her eyes met his to first time; that look of devastation, hopelessness, pain, and a total sense of loss. He came so close to getting rid of it, but it was back. She looked like a lonely, isolated, lost little girl. She was still Ichigo. She looked and sounded like Ichigo, but in some ways this was not the girl he knew at all. What had happened to her while he was away? What terrible thing could have ripped the bright, ever optimistic, lively, happy look from her eyes and left them dull and sad? He hated that look in her gorgeous eyes, hated it more than he could express. He could have wanted nothing more in the world than to take that look away from her. If only he knew what happened to her! If only he had a clue what to do to help her. If only he had never left her. He should never have left her.

He hopping over the back of the bench to sit with her, he wrapped her tightly in his arms, willing her pain to go away. Kisshu liked to see her happy the most even though all her faces were beautiful. He wanted to see her smile but a smile put on to cover a tear was not a smile at all. She smiled for him, did her best to hide the deep sadness in her eyes, but he was not blind. He already knew she was secretly still crying, just like last night. He hated to see her cry but hated even more that there seemed to be nothing he could do about it.

"Hey, Ichigo, I'm going to show you something good!" Kisshu scooped her up into his arms before she could fight.

"Wait, what? What are you doing?" Ichigo wriggled in his arms, not quite willing to trust him.

The air rippled as he took her away. Her body tensed as they entered the strange area. He was used to porting but she was not. She held onto him tightly and closed her eyes. His kitty did not seem to enjoy this type of transportation. Maybe he should not have taken her in here but it was too late for that now. She would get used to it. His feet landed on the large rock as he exited the portal. Her body relaxed nearly totally limp as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
Her eyes were still closed. "What happened? I feel air sick. . ." Ichigo moaned.

"It's fine, we're here now. You can open your eyes, we're at a lingerie store."

Ichigo's eyes flew open, "What?!"

"Just kidding, Koneko-chan!" He laughed as he set her feet down.

Her eyes widened as she looked around.

Kisshu circled her waist in his arms, her back pressed against him, "What do you think?"

The two of them looked out over the white sand and the slowly moving waves of the ocean below. They were standing on the cliff face looking down over the area. The sea stretched out so far, nearly endlessly until it finally met with the sky far in the horizon. The wind tugged them gently toward the sea as an invitation to dive in. The pools nearest them were deep aqua colors. The gentle sound of the waves washing over the sea and crashing over the rocks swirled around the air. The salt water smell wafted around them like smoke from a barbeque. Kisshu watched the wind toy with her hair in the same way he always thought of doing. She stared out, eyes beginning to brighten.

"This is that beach we were all at a year ago! The one where you guys made sea monsters the first time. The one where we were having a little fun time before you guys tried to kill us." The corners of her mouth moved up slightly, just the slightest hint of a smile.

"Umm, yeah, that one." He grinned sheepishly.

"It's beautiful. . . but why did you bring me here?"

"No reason, I just decided to a few seconds ago." Kisshu tightened his grip around her waist and stepped off the cliff. Ichigo reflexively grabbed onto his arms, pressing against him as best she could for security as they glided down to the beach. No one was around this area so he did not need to worry about being seen. She let go of him and he let his arms slip from her waist. She kicked her shoes to the side and sunk her toes into the warm sand. He watched her walk slowly to the water's edge and kneel down into the sand. Her fingers caressed the water as it lapped onto the shore. The waves washed over her toes and up her ankles. He watched her run her fingers through the water as it retreated before he joined her.

"It's gorgeous!" She mused.

"Yeah, it is." He nodded and sank his fingers into the sand.

Ichigo stood and walked farther into the water. Her skirt was getting wet but she did not seem to care. She twirled in circles letting her hands cut through the water at her sides. A smile crept over his face as he watched her. It had been a good idea to bring her here it seemed. Before he could dodge it an icy wave of water accosted him. Ichigo kicked again and sent a second wave at him. As her second strike hit she burst out laughing, eyes twinkling with girlish mischief.

Kisshu swiped a bit of water off his face, eyes locking onto her. "Oh, so that's how it is?"

Ichigo giggled again and stepped back, looking playful.

"If that's how it is, then it's your turn to get wet!" He grinned, "How about I show you a game called dunk the kitty!"

Ichigo screamed and took off running. She moved like a cat, but he was equally limber and quick. He chased her onto the beach and caught her up into his arms, dragging her back into the water. She struggled against him but not so much that he could not hold her. They were both laughing now as he pulled the struggling girl deeper into the waves.

"You are so going to end up looking like a drowned little kitty when I throw you in!" He smirked.

She shrieked and wrapped her arms and legs around him, "No, no, no!"

Kisshu froze, her face only a breath away from his, lips so close. Her eyes widened as she noticed it too. This had not been his plan but it was ending up this way. Her lips so close, her body wrapped around his made him aware of the color seeping into his cheeks. His breath caught in his throat and his heart raced like a contestant in a nascar race. He moved carefully, very slowly, slow enough she would have the chance to stop him if she wanted to. For a few seconds they shared the same breaths as his lips hovered just over hers, eyes locked. To his amazement she did not pull back. Was she going to let him? Unable to resist a second more he tilted forward and closed the distance, lips tenderly greeting hers. His heart pounded so hard it was nearly painful. They were so soft, so smooth, and warm. This kiss was so. . . amazing. She was not pulling away, she was letting him kiss her. Her arms tightened around his neck as her lips returned his kiss. His head spun as he drank in the kiss he had been wishing for for so long. They had kissed before but not like this, she never allowed him to kiss her before, never. He tasted the salt of the water as his lips caressed hers. He held her closer, drawing her in. He thought he could feel her heart beating as well.

Ichigo broke the kiss and buried her face gently in his neck. He knew it was her way of pulling away, her way of telling him to stop. She lowered her legs to stand on her own. He could not see her face but he was a bit glad of that. He messed up. She was likely angry with him, or worse, sad again.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that, I wasn't really thinking."

"Kisshu, shhhh!" Before he could stop himself, he was submerged in water.

He surface to see her laughing and grinning like a cheshire cat.

"So, who was it that got thrown in?" She teased, smiling wide, "Who is the one who looks like a drowned cat?"

"Alright, you got me. . ." He stood up swiftly, "But it's definitely my turn now!" He let out a little growl as he went for her again.

Ichigo bolted for the shore but she had to contend with the waves, he however did not. Flying was cheating, maybe, but too bad. Kisshu sailed over her and cut her escape off. She tried to dodge him but he tackled her into the water. She surfaced with a giggle, hair dripping into her face. Grabbing him by the shoulders she dragged them both down under an oncoming wave. He saw her tail floating in the water and felt it brush his legs. When had they come out? He really had not noticed. How many times was this that he brought them out now? He should keep count.

They broke to the surface again, both grinning and laughing. She took in several long drags of air. It reminded him that she could not breathe under water the way he could. It was a good thing he had not held her under at any point. Ichigo turned and began wading back to shore and he followed. She made her way up the hill to a sunny place and dropped into it. He eased down next to her and she shot him a smile.

They sat in silence, looking out over the ocean. Kisshu stared ahead so he would not stare at her. His heart was still beating hard in his chest. He had not thought of it until they were leaving the water, but wet clothes cling to the body. Even with the steady wind their clothes were still plastered to their bodies. It took all his will power not to stare at her, but he snatched multiple glances out of the corner of his eye. Everything in him begged to kiss her again, to look at her, to kiss her, to touch her. He wanted to star at her soaking form but he knew better.

"Kisshu?" Her voice broke into his thoughts.

"Yes?" He asked innocently, desperately hoping she had not guess his thoughts.

"Thank you for bringing me here, I'm having fun." Ichigo ran her fingers through her wet hair, pulling it all back, then reclined back on the ground. "It is so peaceful and beautiful."

"Yeah. . ." He could not keep his eyes from wandering over her. "Really beautiful. . ."

His body moved forward of its own will, leaning over her before he knew what it was doing. Her eyes widened a little as she stared up into his eyes. His fingers traced a path up her arm and back down again. Her skin was still slightly moist from the water. He could hardly catch his breath anymore. He took her slender hand in his and pressed it to his lips. Leaning down even further he pressed his cheek to hers and remained there for some time trying to gather himself together, or at least get his heart to slow down.

"Kisshu?" Ichigo's hand touched his neck, fingers delicately slipping through his hair, gliding over his skin. Chills shot up and down his spine.

Kisshu pressed his lips to her cheek, then kissed her forehead, and the tip of her nose. He was trying to resist, trying to stop himself, and trying to redirect his desire to kiss her on the lips. Everything in him wanted to keep going, to kiss her. His muscles tensed when he felt the damp fur of her tail slide over his leg. Several sets of chills ran through his body, not because he was cold but because of her. Did she have any idea what she did to him?

Ichigo could feel the burning heat in her cheeks. She could feel his warm breath on her cheek and neck. His lips moved over her skin gently, so delicately. He was still holding her hand in his. She held her breath and wondered what she should do. She was not at all sure what she should do or even what she wanted to do. So many things were running through her mind faster than she could catch hold of them. She knew she really should just push him away but was it really so bad? His touch was so tender and sweet. It did not feel truly unwelcome. She did not totally hope he stopped.