Disclaimer: I do not own TMM or any of its characters

Claimer: I, chop4tess, own this story, its plot, and any and all original characters

For those who don't know, I decided to rewrite this story. There were so many spelling and grammar errors it was terrible. And the plot was all over the place. So I figured it was time to fix it. So here you have the 2014 rewrite of this story. The story is pretty much exactly the same but some chapters have been changed, some combined, and there's even a brand new never seen before chapter! This chapter is mostly new but parts of it came from the old chapter nineteen. If you haven't read the rewrite from chapter one, please do so. I look forward to your feedback!

Welcome to the final, yes final, chapter of my story. It's taken me a long time to get here but I hope you've enjoyed following Ichigo and Kishu's adventure as much as I've enjoyed writing it.

Enjoy!

Chapter twenty: A night to remember

October

Ichigo woke up on the morning of her seventeenth birthday to the sound of her two month old son screaming his little lungs out. Ichigo squinted at the clock as she sat up with a yawn. The digital display read four in the morning. Ichigo sighed as she threw back the covers and stumbled out of bed and into her son's nursery. Ichigo pushed open the half open door and switched on the light shutting the door behind her. Kiseki had his tiny hands balled into fists and was kicking his legs under the blanket as he cried. "Alright Kiseki I'm here, everything's ok." Ichigo soothed as she walked up to her son's crib and lowered the rail before bending down to sweep her son into her arms. Kiseki's screaming softened as his mother rocked him in her arms and his hands uncurled. "You certainly can scream when you want my attention." Ichigo felt an all too familiar pain in her chest as she remembered the day Kiseki was born and he didn't take his first breath. It was thanks to the midwife's expertise and experience that Kiseki survived. Now he was growing fast and didn't seem any worse for wear despite his premature birth and rough start.

"Right let's get you sorted shall we?" Ichigo cooed at her son as she tucked him under one arm and pulled a new nappy from the packet. The smell coming from Kiseki's nappy was enough to tell Ichigo what the problem was without her having to check. After two months of practice it took only minutes for Ichigo to lay her son down on his changing blanket, take off his spoiled nappy, clean him up and put on his clean nappy. Kiseki stopped crying as soon as he was clean and stared at his mother unblinking as if she was the most fascinating thing he'd ever seen. Ichigo yawned as she put the used nappy and wipes in a plastic bag and tied the handles.

"There, all clean now." Ichigo said and smiled at her son. Kiseki kicked his legs before grabbing his foot and sticking his toes in his mouth. Ichigo laughed and re-dressed her son before standing with him in her arms. Kiseki fussed a little so Ichigo sat down in the rocking chair Kishu had brought her as an early birthday gift and gently rocked back and forth. "Are you going back to sleep or are you going to make me stay awake all night again?" Ichigo asked softly. "You know I have a birthday party to go to tonight. I won't be much fun as the guest of honour if I can't stay awake." Kiseki gurgled and shifted in his mother's arms.

"You have to be a good boy for your grandparents while I am out tonight, alright? Your daddy and I will only be gone for a couple of hours but I know how much trouble you can be." Ichigo kissed her son's nose. Kiseki smacked his lips and stared at his mother's chin. Ichigo laughed softly and shifted her grip on her son. Kiseki was too young to focus directly but that would change once he grew older. Kiseki kicked and wriggled still fussing. Ichigo frowned wondering what was wrong. Kiseki whimpered and turned his head towards her opening and closing his mouth. That's when Ichigo realized what Kiseki was asking for. "Oh so you're hungry are you? Come on then, an early morning snack." Ichigo lifted her strap top up to expose her breast and shifted her grip on her son so he could suckle. Like magic Kiseki went quiet and stopped fussing. Ichigo smiled as she leaned back letting her son have his fill.

"Ichigo are you in here?" A voice asked and Ichigo looked up as the door opened. Kishu squinted in the bright light looking half asleep as he stuck his head into his son's nursery.

"Over here Kishu," Ichigo called softly. Kishu spotted her and smiled warmly. He shut the door softly and walked over to kiss his fiancée on the lips.

"I woke up and you were gone so I figured you'd be with Kiseki." Kishu reached out to touch his son's cheek. Kiseki didn't even acknowledge his father as he continued to feed. "Is everything alright?"

"Just a dirty nappy and a hungry little boy," Ichigo reported with a smile. Ichigo yawned making Kishu frown in concern.

"You look exhausted," Kishu knelt down beside Ichigo's chair and reached up to touch Ichigo's face. "I'll put Kiseki back to bed once he's done if you want."

"You don't look so chipper yourself." Ichigo pointed out with a smile. "But that would be nice, thank you." Ichigo looked down to check on her son who had his eyes half closed as he suckled.

"I never thought watching someone breast feed a baby could be so beautiful." Kishu admitted after a moment of quiet. "I always thought it was kind of gross before."

"It's amazing how close it makes you feel," Ichigo said softly. "It's something only a mother knows so it feels extra special." Ichigo smiled as she moved Kiseki to her other breast to finish off. He continued to suckle but not quite as quickly as before. Ichigo guessed he was already getting full and as a result he would be getting sleepy.

"It feels pretty special feeding him from a bottle as well." Kishu mentioned with a grin. He folded his arms over the arm of the rocking chair and dropped his chin onto his arms. "I know I've said it before but we made one good looking baby." Kishu beamed at his son.

"You're his father, how could our son be anything other than beautiful?" Ichigo grinned. Kiseki finished his early breakfast and hiccupped. "Oh, looks like this little man is all done." Before Ichigo could stand up Kishu was already gently taking their son into his arms. Ichigo pulled down her top and watched with a smile as Kishu laid a towel over his shoulder before putting Kiseki against his chest and gently rubbing his back. Kiseki burped and Kishu wiped his mouth clean.

"You can head off back to bed if you want, Ichigo. I'll put this little one down." Kishu continued to gently bounce Kiseki in his arms to make sure the baby didn't have any trapped wind. Kiseki was already drifting off to sleep in the safety of his father's arms.

"I like watching you with him," Ichigo answered standing up with a smile. "Holding a baby is a good look for you."

"You really think so?" Kishu asked as he turned his head to kiss his son's cheek. Kiseki sighed softly and turned his head to bury his face in his father's neck. Ichigo melted at the sight and walked over to lean on her fiancé's unoccupied shoulder.

"Absolutely," Ichigo whispered kissing Kishu's cheek. Kishu turned to her with smile and kissed her gently. The moment was spoiled as Kiseki chose that moment to be sick all over his father. Ichigo and Kishu looked at each other before laughing. "Well timed Kiseki," Ichigo laughed as Kishu cleaned up his son's face.

"I've got this Ichigo you head back to bed and I'll be there soon." Kishu shifted their son to his other shoulder as he cleaned up the worst of the vomit with the towel. Ichigo yawned and decided to take Kishu up on his offer.

"Ok, I'll throw out the rubbish and head back to bed." Ichigo kissed Kishu's cheek before grabbing the plastic bag containing Kiseki's used nappy and leaving the nursery. Ichigo padded downstairs quietly and threw the bag in the bin. The house was dark and quiet as Ichigo left the kitchen and headed back to her room. She could hear Kishu talking softly to their son through the closed door of the nursery as drawers opened and closed. Ichigo smiled and for the countless time thanked the Gods that she had someone to help her raise Kiseki and shoulder the burden of caring for a baby. She truly believed she wouldn't be able to cope on her own.

It felt like only seconds after Ichigo had slipped back into her warm bed that she felt the bed dip as Kishu crawled in beside her. His chest was bare and Ichigo eagerly turned towards his warmth and snuggled in close. "That was quick," Ichigo muttered sleepily.

"It's been forty minutes," Kishu chuckled as he wrapped his arms around Ichigo and pulled her close.

"Oh," Ichigo yawned. "You couldn't find a clean shirt?" Ichigo ran her hands over Kishu's bare skin to make her point.

"I couldn't be bothered to look for one and I didn't want to disturb you by turning on the light." Kishu answered rubbing circles on Ichigo's back. "It feels good to be able to hug you without a baby belly in the way." Kishu added pulling Ichigo closer to make his point. Ichigo laughed and kissed her fiancé's neck.

"I'm surprised how quickly I lost the weight considering I wasn't trying that hard." Ichigo commented with a smile. "But I'm glad I did otherwise I'd never be able to fit into my dress for tonight's party."

"Are you sure we should leave Kiseki alone?" Kishu spoke after a pause. Ichigo, who had been falling back asleep, pulled herself reluctantly out of the fog of sleep.

"He won't be alone Kishu, mum and dad will be here with him."

"I know but he's still so tiny." Kishu sighed, his breath ghosting over Ichigo's cheek. "I don't want to leave him."

"We're only going to be gone for a couple of hours," Ichigo said in amusement. "And I thought mothers were the ones who suffered from separation anxiety?"

"I'm sorry Ichigo you're right, he'll be fine with your parents." Kishu nodded. Ichigo chuckled at Kishu's uncertain tone but she really couldn't keep her eyes open any longer. Kishu was a very overprotective father and he hadn't been separated from Kiseki for more than a couple of hours since he was born. While Ichigo was beyond glad that Kishu loved his son so deeply, she knew from experience that once Kiseki grew up he was going to start to want some freedom. She just hoped that when that day came Kishu would have the wisdom to know when to back off.

:-:

"Happy birthday sweetheart!" Sakura smiled at her now seventeen year old daughter from the kitchen table. Sakura put down her cup of tea and the morning newspaper and stood up to hug her daughter. Ichigo hugged her mother back and put the baby monitor down on the table.

"Thanks mum," Ichigo stepped back with a smile. "I don't feel that much older to be honest."

"You look older though." Sakura mused tucking a lock of red hair behind her daughter's ear. "But that's not surprising all things considered."

"Oh dear, Kiseki is aging me already and he's only two months old." Ichigo laughed.

"Oh he'll age you alright, especially if he's anything like his mother." Sakura chuckled affectionately. "Where is he by the way?"

"Fast asleep," Ichigo answered as she poured herself a cup of tea. "He was up three times during the night so I thought it best to let him sleep a little longer." Ichigo sipped her tea and wrapped her hands around the mug soaking in the warmth.

"The luxury of being a stay-at-home mother," Sakura smiled as she sat back down at the table. "You can plan your day around your child rather than forcing your child to fit around your day."

"Very true," Ichigo sat opposite her mother and tucked a leg underneath her. "But Kishu and I will need to get jobs at some point. We can't rely on you and dad forever and I'm sure you will be glad to have a full night's sleep again."

"Ichigo, don't ever feel that you have to move out." Sakura took her daughter's hand in hers and squeezed tight. "This is your home and we are your family. We'll always be there for you and you'll always have a place to stay under this roof." To Ichigo's horror she felt tears fill her eyes. She swallowed the lump in her throat and took her mother's hand to squeeze back.

"Thank you," Ichigo whispered. Sakura leaned forward and placed a kiss on Ichigo's forehead.

"You're our child Ichigo and there's nothing a parent wouldn't do for their child. A concept you are going to be become very familiar with over the next few years." Sakura winked and Ichigo grinned.

"I know mum, but knowing something and hearing it are two very different things." Ichigo drew in a deep breath. "Damn hormones are still messing with my emotions." Ichigo muttered and Sakura laughed releasing her daughter's hand.

"I know you want to move out and be independent and that's great, but don't worry about your father and I. We love having our grandson here even when he cries." Sakura raised an eyebrow and Ichigo nodded.

"Yes mum."

"Did you start the birthday breakfast without us?" A male voice asked and Ichigo turned to smile at Kishu who was carrying Kiseki in his arms. "I heard Kiseki fussing when I walked back from the bathroom so I brought him down." Kishu explained as took a seat next to Ichigo. Kishu placed Kiseki on his lap so the baby was leaning back against his father's stomach with Kishu's arms wrapped securely around him.

"He was flat out when I woke up." Ichigo tickled her son's chin. Kiseki tried to grab at her finger and missed. Ichigo laughed and sat up. "And what birthday breakfast are we talking about?"

"Kishu suggested that as it is your birthday today we would take care of breakfast while you relax." Sakura stood up. "So that puts Kishu in charge of Kiseki for the morning while I make pancakes."

"Hmm pancakes," Kishu moaned. Ichigo snorted and shook her head.

"Why do I get the feeling that I won't get a look in on those pancakes before they all vanish?" Ichigo grinned mischievously. Kishu tried to look innocent but Ichigo didn't buy it for a second. Kishu had discovered a passion for pancakes and would devour all in sight if Ichigo let him

"I would never eat your birthday pancakes." Kishu protested bouncing Kiseki on his lap.

"Sure you wouldn't," Ichigo grinned leaning forward to peck Kishu on the lips. Kiseki started to fuss, wanting his own breakfast, and Ichigo reached for him automatically.

"Oh no you don't," Kishu moved out of reach. "I'll feed him so you just relax." Kishu winked and stood up with Kiseki against his chest. Ichigo sat back shaking her head with a fond smile.

"I'm not going to argue if it means I don't end up with baby vomit all over my shirt." Ichigo laughed as Kishu wrinkled his nose remembering last night. In spite of warnings of baby vomit Kishu set about fixing Kiseki his bottle while Sakura whipped the pancake batter in a bowl. Ichigo laughed and chatted with her family enjoying the relaxed and warm environment. As she watched her fiancé move around the kitchen making their son's breakfast and chatting to her mother Ichigo felt a fond smile curve her lips. Kiseki may have come as a complete shock and her pregnancy may have threatened to tear her family apart, but in the end Kiseki had brought them all closer. He truly was their little miracle.

:-:

"Ichigo we're going to be late!" Kishu yelled up the stairs as he jogged to Ichigo's bedroom which he shared with her. The sun was already setting, painting the sky in brilliant pink, warm orange and cool blues. Kishu glanced at his watch and frowned when he noticed it was already ten to eight. Ichigo's birthday party started at eight and the venue that Mint had booked was a fifteen minute drive from here. It wouldn't look good for the guest of honour to turn up late to her own party.

"I'm nearly ready," Ichigo called back through her partly open bedroom door. Kishu pushed open her door and smiled at the sight of Ichigo putting her hair up in bunches with red ribbon. She was wearing a pretty pink strapless dress with a white ribbon tied around her waist and pale pink heels. Her baby bump was almost gone now and if it wasn't for his son downstairs Kishu wouldn't have known she was ever pregnant.

"That's what you said twenty minutes ago," Kishu reminded his fiancée with a grin.

"Well it was true twenty minutes ago as well." Ichigo said as she finished with her hair. She picked up a necklace from her jewellery box and Kishu stepped forward to clasp it for her. Ichigo smiled her thanks before gathering her make-up and phone and putting them in her shoulder bag.

"Are you sure it's ok to leave Kiseki with your parents?" Kishu checked once again.

"Kishu you really need to relax. My parents have more practice with babies than we do so I'm sure they can handle anything Kiseki can dish out in the couple of hours we're going to be gone." Ichigo kissed Kishu gently. "Come on Kishu, we need to relax and let off some steam every now and again."

"You're right you're right," Kishu nodded. "Sorry I'm making such a fuss about this."

"There's nothing to apologize for," Ichigo smiled. "But we should get going or we're going to be late."

"That's what I said twenty minutes ago." Kishu grinned.

"Well we're waiting on you now." Ichigo laughed as she headed downstairs with Kishu in tow. As Ichigo and Kishu arrived at the bottom of the stairs Sakura stepped out of the living room holding her grandson. Sakura beamed when she saw her daughter and future son-in-law standing shoulder to shoulder all dressed up. Kishu had rented a tux for the occasion and looked very mature and grown up.

"Oh you both look wonderful." Sakura sighed happily. "I wish I was your age once again." Ichigo laughed and stepped forward to take her son. Despite everything she said to Kishu, Ichigo knew she was going to miss her son even if only for a few hours. This would be the first time in two months that they had been apart. Kishu had been helping her mother with the shopping while she stayed home with Kiseki.

"Now, you be a good boy for your grandparents ok?" Ichigo said sternly to her son. Kiseki gurgled back at her his golden eyes bright. "You've been fed and changed so don't start screaming the second I walk out of the door alright?" Ichigo tickled Kiseki's nose and the baby kicked his legs in response. Ichigo chuckled and kissed her son's forehead.

"Are we ready to go kids?" Shintaro walked out of the kitchen holding his car keys. He had agreed to drive Ichigo and Kishu to her birthday party then pick them up in two hours. Ichigo wasn't sure if Kishu could last two hours away from their son but she was sure her father wouldn't mind coming early if they asked. Ichigo nodded and Kishu helped her into her coat. After a round of goodbyes, Ichigo and Kishu followed Shintaro outside and into the car. The weather had turned cold over the past couple of days and Ichigo shivered as the wind whipped around her exposed legs.

As they got into the car and Shintaro drive off, Ichigo found her mind drifting. While she was looking forward to the party she knew there would be some sadness there too. Pai would be leaving for his home world tomorrow, leaving Lettuce waiting for him to return. Ichigo really hoped they could stay strong over the test of time. Pai didn't know when he would be back and there was no way for him to contact Lettuce while he was away. Ichigo knew first-hand how damaging long distance relationships could be, especially if there was a lack of communication.

Thinking of Masaya made Ichigo feel sad. He still hadn't contacted her and when she called his parents they told her that he had taken a year out of his American collage and gone off on his own. They assured her that Masaya was fine and they spoke with him every day, but Ichigo worried. She didn't regret falling in love with Kishu, or Kiseki being born, but she did regret hurting Masaya. She believed they broke up after he left but Masaya had stayed true to her and believed they were still a couple. That difference of opinion and ripped them apart and Ichigo didn't know if those wounds would ever heal.

"Are you alright?" Kishu asked jolting Ichigo from her thoughts.

"Yes I'm fine," Ichigo smiled. "I was just thinking about Masaya." Kishu's eyes went dark and Ichigo sighed. Even if she and Masaya could be friends again, Kishu and Masaya would always hate each other with equal passion.

"I hate that he still makes you sad." Kishu muttered so Shintaro didn't hear them.

"I'm worried about him." Ichigo admitted softly.

"Well, don't worry about him tonight. We have a party to get to." Kishu took Ichigo's hand and Ichigo nodded with a smile.

"You're right."

"I'm always right." Kishu joked.

"Oh Kishu hasn't anyone told you?" Ichigo grinned as Kishu frowned in confusion. "Mothers are always right." Kishu laughed and Ichigo saw her father grin at her through the rear-view mirror.

It didn't take long to get to the party and Ichigo felt excitement well up inside her at all the colourful balloons and streamers. Mint had certainly outdone herself. There was space for parking but Shintaro drove them up to the main doors and put the car in park. "Have fun guys and don't worry about Kiseki your mum and I will take good care of him." Shintaro winked. Ichigo smiled and kissed him on the cheek.

"Thanks dad, we appreciate all that you're doing for us." Ichigo smiled and her father nodded.

"My pleasure," he answered. "I'll see you two in a couple of hours."

"Bye Mr. Momomiya," Kishu called as he stepped out of the car. He opened Ichigo's door for her and offered her a hand out. Ichigo shut the door behind her and waved as her dad drove away. "Shall we birthday girl?" Kishu grinned and Ichigo nodded with a smile. The venue Mint had chosen was the local town hall and the elegant design of the building lent a sophisticated air to the event. As they walked into the main hall Ichigo couldn't help but gasp.

The walls of the hall were covered in streamers and balloons and a huge banner stretched from one end of the hall to the other reading: happy birthday Ichigo. A DJ had set up his speakers and table at the far end of the hall and bouncy disco and pop music blared out of the speakers and filled the room to the rafters. Mint had even installed coloured flashing lights around the DJ's table. Ichigo stared at the crowds in amazement as girls in every style and colour of dress imaginable twirled and spun alongside boys in black suits and tuxes.

"Did Mint invite the whole school?" Ichigo asked trying to spot their hostess in the crowd.

"I think she invited the school plus one more for luck." Kishu chuckled.

"There you two are I've been waiting for you to show up." Ichigo turned at the voice to see Mint striding up to them. Mint looked every inch a rich princess in a strapless dark blue satin dress, black high heels so high that Ichigo was amazed she could even walk in them and a small tiara in her hair.

"Hi Mint, you look great." Ichigo smiled tugging self-consciously at the hem of her not-so-expensive dress. She didn't need to see the labels to know that Mint's outfit was all designer. Mint smiled and did a twirl.

"Pretty isn't it? I only brought this dress a week ago." Mint ran her hands over the tight bodice with a smile. "You should have seen Daisuke's face when he saw it. I thought his eyes were going to pop right out of his head!" Mint giggled and Ichigo shook her head with a fond smile. Daisuke certainly has his work cut out for him, Ichigo thought privately. "You look nice too Ichigo. And Kishu, I have to admit, you look almost handsome in that suit." Mint looked Kishu up and down before giving him a sharp nod as if he needed her approval.

"Only almost handsome?" Kishu pretended to look hurt.

"I think you look gorgeous," Ichigo smiled and kissed Kishu's cheek. Kishu grinned at her and Ichigo's heart did that little skip in her chest that left her feeling breathless.

"Well you two are the last to arrive so why don't you go straight in?" Mint broke the moment with an eye roll. Ichigo spotted the smile trying to break out over Mint's face and she grinned.

"Are the other mews here?" Ichigo asked scanning the crowd.

"I saw Pudding and Taruto by the buffet table a few minutes ago." Mint pointed at the long table groaning under the weight of all the food and drink piled on top. "I think the others are dancing."

"How about a drink before we take to the dance floor?" Kishu suggested taking Ichigo's elbow.

"Good idea," Ichigo nodded goodbye to Mint and they went their separate ways. Mint vanished back into the crowd while Ichigo and Kishu walked up to the buffet table. The mews had already given Ichigo her gifts that afternoon after school, and they had spent most of the hour at her house playing with Kiseki who soaked up the attention like a sponge. Ichigo smiled at the memory. Kiseki was going to be one spoiled little boy at this rate.

"Big sister, you're finally here!" Ichigo turned just in time to see a yellow blur launce itself straight at her. Ichigo stumbled backwards as Pudding barrelled into her middle in a fierce hug.

"Steady on Pudding you only saw me a few hours ago." Ichigo laughed. Pudding was wearing a bright yellow dress with a pattern of white flowers on the hem and flat brown shoes. Ichigo was glad to see someone else who wasn't in designer.

"I'm just excited to see you." Pudding grinned huge stepping back. "Everyone is here tonight, even Ryo came!"

"Ryo is here?" Ichigo asked in surprise. She hadn't spoken to Ryo in months. He hadn't come round to see Kiseki nor had he shown any interest in coming to her birthday party. Ichigo knew he still harboured strong feelings against the aliens and he was very much against the plan to bring the aliens to Earth. But he hadn't tried anything. Mostly he kept himself locked up in his office under the café and didn't talk to anyone. Ichigo frowned and worried her bottom lip. It wasn't healthy for Ryo to lock himself up like that. He needed human contact as much as anyone despite his standoffish attitude. "Hey Kishu could you get me a drink while I go speak to Ryo?" Ichigo asked.

"Sure thing, hey Pudding you want to give me a hand?" Kishu smiled at the youngest mew.

"Ok," Pudding let go of Ichigo and skipped over to Kishu. "Where is Kiseki?"

"He's only two months old Pudding, he wouldn't like all the noise and people. Ichigo's parents are looking after him back home." Kishu chuckled as he walked over to the buffet table with Pudding skipping alongside him. Ichigo smiled at them before turning and walking through the crowd trying to spot Ryo. It took about ten minutes of searching but Ichigo finally spotted Ryo's distinctive blond hair and white tux. He was standing by the floor to ceiling windows staring out into the night holding a glass filled with ruby liquid. Even though Ryo was only a year older than Ichigo, there were days when she thought he looked much older than his years.

"Hey stranger, it's nice to see you again." Ichigo joked with a smile. Ryo turned his bright blue eyes on Ichigo and at once she felt like she had done something wrong. Ryo just had that effect on people, as if he was always slightly annoyed with you. "Um, are you enjoying the party?"

"I didn't come here for the party. I just wanted to speak to the mews and I knew they would all be here." Ryo answered and Ichigo flinched. He was blunt as usual.

"Is something wrong?" Ichigo asked.

"I need to take your pendent back." Ryo held out his hand. Ichigo stared at him in shock. Force of habit had her carrying her mew pendent around with her even though she didn't need to use it. She hadn't turned into a cat since she became pregnant. "You don't use it anymore do you? So what's the problem?" Ryo asked when Ichigo didn't move to give him her pendent.

"What do you need it for?" Ichigo asked. Giving up her pendent would feel like giving up a part of herself. Being a mew had been the single most important thing in her life for over a year. It was what brought all her mew friends together and how she met Kishu.

"I'm working on a plan for the future but I need the pendent back." Ryo's hand was still outstretched.

"Ryo, if you're planning to stop the aliens from coming here –"

"That's not why I need them back." Ryo interrupted. "Look Ichigo I know I haven't been happy about you bringing the aliens here and I still oppose it but…I'm not trying to stop it and I'm not going to get in your way ok? I just need your pendant." Ryo sighed. Ichigo paused before reaching into her bag and taking out her gold pendent. Ryo's eyes had been sincere so Ichigo decided to trust him. She placed the pendent in Ryo's hand and felt something shift inside her. She was officially no longer a mew. She felt both sad and relived. At least now she would be able to focus on looking after her son, marrying Kishu and building a family together.

"You can't let your hate devour you Ryo." Ichigo said softly. "I know your past is full of pain but if you don't let go of that pain then your future will be full of pain as well. You deserve better than that. But the future won't wait for you to make up your mind." Ichigo leaned forward to kiss Ryo gently on the cheek before leaving. Fighting the aliens had been the centre of Ryo's life for so long she didn't know if he could ever move on from that. But she really hoped he could. She looked over her shoulder to see Ryo turning her pendent over in his hands with a thoughtful crease between his eyebrows. "Live for the future Ryo," Ichigo whispered even though he couldn't hear her. "Don't live in the past."

:-:

Ichigo soon found Kishu standing alone near to where she had left him. Kishu looked up and smiled at her and Ichigo smiled broadly back. Kishu held out a glass filled with orange coloured juice and Ichigo took a grateful gulp. The juice was sweet and refreshing and felt very good going down. "Thanks Kishu that was very nice."

"How did your talk with Ryo go?" Kishu asked sipping his own drink.

"He wanted my pendent." Ichigo watched in amusement as Kishu almost spat out his drink.

"He wanted what?"

"Relax Kishu, he promised me he isn't going to do anything to try and stop your people from coming here and I believed him." Ichigo laid a gentle hand on Kishu's arm. "I think he just wants to be prepared for the future if the need arises."

"I seriously doubt my people will be anything but grateful for being able to stay here." Kishu shook his head. "There's no need for Ryo to prepare for anything."

"Let him make his plans," Ichigo advised. "If he never needs them then there's no harm done." Ichigo kissed Kishu gently. "Where did Pudding go?"

"She went off to find Taruto." Kishu took another drink and accepted the topic change without fuss. Ichigo smiled and pecked Kishu on the cheek to let him know she was grateful for him dropping the topic. Kishu smiled at her to show he'd understood the meaning behind the kiss. He would have kissed her back if a polite cough hadn't interrupted. Ichigo looked over Kishu's shoulder to see Zakuro standing behind them with a smile.

"Sorry to interrupt," Zakuro smirked. She looked every inch a professional model in her ankle long flowing purple dress with thin straps around her shoulders and a split down the left side of her skirt. She was also wearing knee-high boots, elbow length gloves and her hair was wrapped around her head in an elegant swirl, held in place by almost invisible pins.

"Zakuro you look amazing!" Ichigo gasped moving forwards to hug her friend. Zakuro hugged her back with a laugh.

"Thank you. This is a new dress designed by one of the companies I model for and I said I would wear it tonight to promote it."

"Zakuro this is a party! You're not supposed to be working tonight." Ichigo pouted and Zakuro laughed.

"I don't consider wearing a pretty dress to my friend's birthday party to be work." Zakuro chuckled.

"Fair enough," Ichigo smiled. "Hey, did Ryo ask you for your pendent?"

"Yes he did but I wouldn't worry about that if I were you." Zakuro sipped her drink. "Keiichiro tells me that each pendent is locked onto our DNA so they won't function for anyone else."

"I just hope that Ryo's quest for revenge doesn't force him into living alone for the rest of his life." Ichigo admitted quietly. "He can't have a family if all he thinks about is defeating an enemy that no longer poses a threat."

"Ryo will be fine," Zakuro smiled gently. "Keiichiro will keep an eye on him and I'll kick his butt if he turns into a hermit." Zakuro winked and Ichigo grinned. Even without her wolf powers Zakuro was a fierce opponent.

"And here comes Keiichiro now," Ichigo grinned as the cook stepped out the crowd to smile at them. Keiichiro slipped and arm around Zakuro's waist making Zakuro smiled at him.

"Hey guys, how's Kiseki doing?" Keiichiro asked his brown eyes shining. He looked very dapper in a black suit with a purple tie to match Zakuro's dress.

"Still screaming all hours of the night," Ichigo answered with a smile. Keiichiro hadn't been able to come round to her house that afternoon as he had a meeting with his suppliers. Zakuro had brought his gift with her on his behalf; a large sponge cake with jam filing and lemon flavoured icing. "That cake you made was delicious by the way. My mum had to hide it before my dad ate it all." Keiichiro laughed.

"The best praise a cook can receive is the knowledge that their food was irresistible."

"Hey everyone," a soft voice said. Ichigo turned to see Lettuce walk up behind her. The girl was wearing a green dress with a halter top and black high heels. Her green hair was twisted up in a bun and held in place with a sparkly hair tie that flashed and winked when it caught the light.

"Hi Lettuce, you look great. Is that a new hair tie?" Ichigo asked giving her friend a brief hug. Lettuce blushed and nodded, reaching up to touch the tie.

"Pai brought it for me." Lettuce smiled and Ichigo saw a hint of sadness in her friend's expression. Ichigo gave Lettuce's hand a quick squeeze and Lettuce smiled her thanks.

"It looks lovely the way it catches the light." Zakuro commented with a fond smile. Pai came up at that moment and caught the end of the conversation.

"She does look lovely doesn't she?" Pai smiled at Lettuce who blushed deeply. Kishu sniggered and Ichigo gave him a swift but gentle kick in the ankle. Ichigo narrowed her eyes playfully at her fiancé telling him to behave. Kishu liked to tease Pai over the way he went from stoic emotionless to sappy poet whenever Lettuce was around. Ichigo thought it was cute but the couple shouldn't be teased for it.

"There you lot are!" Everyone looked up to see Mint striding towards them with a good looking boy in tow. He had short brown hair and blue eyes and looked rather out of his depth in a formal black suit while Mint was in her element. "I wanted to introduce you all properly to Daisuke." Mint indicated each of them in turn. "This is Pai and his girlfriend Lettuce, Ichigo and her fiancé Kishu, and finally Zakuro and her boyfriend Keiichiro."

"Whoa you two are engaged all ready?" Daisuke asked with wide eyes as he shook Kishu's hand.

"I asked Ichigo to marry me shortly after I found out she was carrying my child." Kishu grinned looking proud of himself which made Ichigo giggle. "We are not getting married until after Ichigo's eighteenth birthday."

"You have a baby already?" Daisuke blinked in surprise.

"Don't you tell your boyfriend anything?" Ichigo joked grinning at Mint who blushed delicately.

"I forgot," Mint defended herself with a sniff.

"Good luck with your child I know that a baby is a lot of work." Daisuke seemed a bit in awe of Kishu which made Kishu puff out his chest. Ichigo rolled her eyes and elbowed Kishu affectionately in the ribs.

"He is a lot of work but he's worth every second." Ichigo answered Daisuke with a smile. "You are welcome to come over any time to meet my son if you want to."

"Ichigo just likes to show off our son." Kishu teased.

"Oh and you don't?" Ichigo crossed her arms over her chest and raised her eyebrows at Kishu.

"Guilty," Kishu shrugged making everyone laugh.

"I would love to see him. My cousin has an eight month old daughter and she's great fun." Daisuke smiled. "What is your son's name?"

"Kiseki," Ichigo and Kishu said at the same time. They looked at each other and laughed. "But our son is only two months old." Ichigo added.

"Do you like kids?" Keiichiro asked Daisuke.

"I love kids, they're so much fun. You can go back to being a little kid again when you're playing with them and just have a good time." Daisuke grinned and his blue eyes lit up like lanterns.

"Keep a tight hold of this one Mint. Good with kids, kind and handsome, what more could you want?" Zakuro teased making Daisuke blush. Mint laughed and linked her arm through Daisuke's.

"Hey everyone," Pudding reappeared dragging Taruto along by the arm. Ichigo had to swallow a laugh at the sight of Taruto wearing a tux that was slightly too big for him. His hands were covered by the sleeves of his jacket and the trousers bunched up around his ankles. Ichigo thought he looked adorable but she knew he wouldn't appreciate her saying so. "Why are you all standing around? Let's dance!" At that moment a pop song that Ichigo actually knew came on. It was an upbeat love song by a female signer and already Ichigo found herself tapping her foot to the beat.

"Pudding is right, let's save the chatter and dance." Mint marched onto the dance floor before Daisuke had time to comment. Daisuke looked surprised for a moment before his face relaxed into a fond smile and he allowed himself to be dragged onto the dance floor. It seemed Daisuke had figured out just who Mint was and loved her in spite of it, or maybe because of it. The knowledge made Ichigo smile.

"Would you honour me with a dance my Lady?" Keiichiro bowed offering a hand to Zakuro. Zakuro laughed and took Keiichiro's hand.

"It would be my pleasure kind Sir," Zakuro played along with a smile. Keiichiro kissed Zakuro's hand and the couple swept onto the dance floor in an elegant swirl of fabric.

"Let's go Taru-Taru," Pudding dragged Taruto off to the dance floor in much the same way Mint had done with Daisuke. Taruto stumbled to keep up but he didn't look too unhappy. Pai smiled and held out a hand to Lettuce.

"Would you like to dance?"

"I would love to." Lettuce smiled looking very young and sweet as she took Pai's hand in hers. Ichigo watched fondly as her friends took to the dance floor. Mint was using her ballet background to execute flashy twirls and spins while Daisuke did his best to keep up. Zakuro and Keiichiro were the most elegant couple as they waltzed across the floor staring into each other's eyes as if they were only people in the room. Pudding and Taruto seemed to be making it up as they went while Lettuce laid her head on Pai's chest.

"Come on kitten, we can't let the others have all the fun on your birthday." Kishu took Ichigo's hand and kissed her knuckles. Ichigo smiled and walked out onto the dance floor with her fiancé.

"After dancing in the night sky high above the city I doubt there's anything that could come close." Ichigo smiled as Kishu took her waist and she wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

"This feels pretty special as well." Kishu smiled as he steered Ichigo across the dance floor. The beat jumped into Ichigo's chest altering the beat of her heart and soon she was spinning in time with the music. Kishu lifted her into the air and Ichigo threw out her arms as he spun her gently. Kishu pulled her close as her feet touched the floor and kissed her deep. Ichigo kissed him back and smiled. The lyrics of the song entered her head and Ichigo smiled.

"I've got somewhere I belong, I've got somebody to love, this is what dreams are made of," the singer sang and Ichigo couldn't help but note how appropriate the lyrics were. All of her friends had found love and somewhere to belong because of it. If this truly was a dream then Ichigo never wanted to wake up. She never wanted to stop gazing into Kishu's eyes and knowing he was hers. She wanted to watch their beautiful son grow into the fine young man she knew he would one day be.

Ichigo glanced to check on her friends and smiled. Keiichiro was holding Zakuro close and gazing into her eyes as if he couldn't believe she was really there with him. Pudding and Taruto were still doing their own thing lost in their own world. Mint was smiling at Daisuke in a way Ichigo had never seen her smile before. Lettuce was holding Pai tight while he whispered in her ear.

Ichigo worried for Lettuce and Pai but she knew only they could decide if they would stay together or not. Absence made the heart grow fonder but it also made the heart forgetful. Ichigo didn't want them to lose that glow they had when they were together but it was up to them to fight for it.

Ichigo looked to the side and to her shock saw that even Ryo was dancing. His partner was a pretty girl in a light purple dress with long brown hair and pale blue eyes. Ryo was smiling and his shoulders had lost some of the tension that Ichigo rarely saw him without. Ichigo laughed and hugged Kishu who looked confused.

"What's wrong?"

"That's just it," Ichigo laughed again. "For the first time ever there's nothing wrong at all." Kishu looked perplexed but he shrugged and grabbed Ichigo lifting her up for another twirl.

:-:

As the mews danced at Ichigo's birthday party a figure dressed in black jeans, jacket and boots smashed open a window at the café mew mew. The figure reached through the broken glass and unlocked the door. Kicking the door open with a foot the figure stepped into the café and looked around. Sweeping her long black hair from her face, Nikki glanced around in disdain. The café was designed to be 'cute' and it made her stomach roll.

Nikki pulled a small device from her pocket and glanced at the display. The device looked like a mobile phone only there weren't any keys or buttons. Nikki moved the device and a bright light flashed on the display. Nikki smirked and walked into the café towards the door marked 'staff only'. The light started to flash faster so Nikki pushed open the door and marched into the kitchen. The flashing slowed and Nikki panned slowly around the room. The light flashed again. Nikki glanced up to see a door before her and she smirked.

The door was locked but Nikki simply stepped back and held out her hand before the door. Light gathered in her palm before bursting out and blowing the door clean off its hinges. It made quite the racket but the café was located in a quiet area of the park so Nikki doubted anyone heard her. Behind the door was a flight of steps leading down into darkness. Nikki marched down, her high heeled boots clicking against the stone as she walked into the basement.

Nikki spotted the camera on the ceiling before she entered its field of vision. She flung her hand out towards the camera and the same bolt of energy that destroyed the door smashed the camera. Nikki knew the mews and aliens would investigate this little spree of hers but they didn't know she was here. There wouldn't be anything to tie her to this. Besides, she would go to ground and lay low until all this blew over. She had plenty to keep her occupied until her plan was ready to put into force.

Nikki followed the flashing light on her device keeping an eye out of any more cameras or security devices. The light started flashing so fast it was almost constant as Nikki drew level with a closed door halfway down the hallway. Nikki stopped and tried the handle. She wasn't surprised that it was locked. This door was rather more substantial than the wooden one at the top of the stairs. Nikki reached into her jacket pocket and took out a rectangular shaped object with a small digital display on the front. The object was small, small enough to fit comfortably in the palm of her hand. She tore off a sheet of paper from the back of the object and stuck it to the door over the lock. With a smirk, Nikki stepped back and pulled a detonator out of another pocket. Moving out of range, Nikki pressed the button.

The bang echoed in the cramped hallway making Nikki's sensitive ears ring. A cloud of smoke rose to the ceiling and suddenly an alarm started screaming in protest. Nikki rolled her eyes and walked back to the door. A smoking hole the size of a fist now occupied the space were the lock used to be. Nikki pushed open the door with a finger and smiled as it swung open easily. Nikki stepped inside and looked around. This had to be the mew's base of operations. There were computer monitors set up along the wall opposite the door and other electronic equipment. But there was only one thing that Nikki was there for.

Checking her device once more, Nikki walked over to a safe and placed another explosive charge on the door. Stepping out of the room Nikki detonated it blowing the safe door wide open. Nikki walked back into the room and reached inside the safe. There was a large heavy metal box inside. It was locked but Nikki didn't need to open it to find out what was inside. She ran her device over the box and it emitted a high pitched shriek and the light flashed red. Nikki smirked in triumph and turned off her device, stuffing it back into her pocket. After a moment's thought Nikki stood in the middle of the mew's command and control centre and gathered energy in her palm. With a grin Nikki threw the energy at the bank of computers and electric equipment.

The glass in the monitors broke with a crash as electricity sparked and arched from one computer to the other. "That should keep them busy," Nikki said to herself. The hard drives on those computers would be fried beyond repair. "And it should keep them from finding this before I can use it." Nikki patted the box. With the fire alarm still screaming Nikki walked out of the café with her stolen goods tucked under her arm.

:-:

Ryo stood in the ruined office staring in horror at the damage. Went the fire alarm went off it sent a message to his mobile prompting him to dash back to the café. The mews had been busy so Ryo left them at Ichigo's party to investigate the alarm by himself. There was no need to call the fire brigade as nothing was on fire. Ryo guessed that the alarm was triggered by whatever it was the person or persons used to blow open the door. His computers and monitoring equipment was broken beyond repair and the safe door was hanging off its hinges.

Ryo knew the aliens couldn't have done this as he'd seen them with his own eyes at Ichigo's birthday party dancing with the mews. But why would anyone else break into the café and come down here? Whoever it was had known exactly what they were looking for. The security alarm for the front door had been cut and the cameras destroyed. The destruction of his equipment appeared to be for the sole purpose of preventing him from finding those responsible. Ryo glanced at his safe and felt his heart pound nervously. Did they take it? Ryo walked forward and reached out to push the safe door further open. The hinges screamed in protest. Ryo stared at the empty safe for several seconds before his brain processed what his eyes were seeing.

"It's gone," he whispered. "The mew aqua has been stolen."

The End

Or is it…?

There will be a sequel titled Deep Blue's Revenge. For all updates and the plot outline please visit my profile page.

Thanks for reading!