DISCLAIMER: BARON THE CAT RETURNS AND ITS CHARACTERS DO NOT BELONG TO ME.

A/N: THIS IS MY FIRST FANFIC… PLEASE R AND R ^^ I NEED YOUR COMMENTS FOR ME TO IMPROVE MORE!

A DISTANT MEMORY

CHAPTER 1

The baron knew he had not been the same since that little adventure in the cat kingdom; he had been a lot more silent lately and talked less to Muta. Was this because of Haru? Was he really missing his last client? He knew it was preposterous for how could he-betrothed to another- think of such things? He let his mind wander to what Haru was like during their adventure in the cat kingdom; her light brown fur and hazel eyes would very much suit a cat, her frightened expression when the guards finally caught up to them, and that unmistakable blush on her cheeks when he carried her up that tower. The echoes of shouting interrupted Baron's thoughts; Muta and Toto is arguing again, if Haru were here she would've done her best to stop the two. Baron sighed and decided to go to the upstairs library for some light reading, when Muta suddenly barged in the door and waved a piece of parchment towards him.

"Hey Baron, mail from the cat prince Haru saved," he gave the piece of paper to Baron and trudged towards the tea tray "Looks pretty important to me."

"And so it is," Baron remarked "It's an invitation to the Prince's Ball, and he wants Haru to come." Baron winced at this; Haru should not go back there, she may still have traumas or something or worse, she may not be able to come back before dawn. Just the mere thought of it made Baron angry, but as angry as he is he concealed it. "Is it wise for me to bring her there again?"

"Why not? You're there to protect her aren't you?" Muta suggested between chewing a piece of angel cake.

"Yes well, that doesn't guarantee her safety."

"So? I know you'd like to bring her to the ball as her escort," Muta grinned and stifled a chuckle. "

"What are you suggesting?" baron's heart skipped a beat at Muta's little tease.

"Isn't it clear enough for you baron? I'm suggesting you like chicky."

"Preposterous! Besides, she's human and I am a mere creation by an artisan. I do not like her." But you love her, a little voice in baron's head pointed out.

"Oh do stop your aristocratic act baron, you know yourself you like her. Ahh never mind, if you still like to act as if you never really care, go on. Oh by the way, you should buy some more angel food cake; your supply's pretty low." Muta left the bureau, leaving the Baron inside to ponder about Muta's words.

Haru was different; she was never late in another subject again and she completely dropped the Machida thing, because of the ginger cat that helped her last 2 months ago. Haru's grades were average but after the incident it lowered by 20%, everyone's worried about her.

Haru hated people worrying about her, they say she's ignoring her studies completely and she's not her usual self. Of course! Why don't they try to be stuck in the cat kingdom, become a cat and be forced to marry the prince! Though she wouldn't have had met baron if it weren't for the prince whom she saved.

She had had enough, why not visit baron? He did tell her the bureau is open to her all the time, that's it; she'll visit the cat bureau tomorrow after school.

Haru made her way through the city's roofs until she passed that familiar white arch that opened to the little city full of creations given souls. The cat bureau came into view and the memories came flooding in, Baron's special blend of tea, the dance, and when the ginger cat swept her in his arms. If only she could turn back time, if she were given a choice she would've stayed a cat if it meant to be with baron everyday.

She reached the bureau and overheard Muta talking to Baron.

"Preposterous! Besides she's a human and I am a mere creation by an artisan. I do not like her." Baron's melodic voice flooded her ears and swirled through her head. She couldn't listen to another word; Haru sat down in the farthest corner of the town and hugged her knees close to her chest. She heard the doors of the bureau opening and Muta coming out of it, the soft plodding of cat's paws came towards her.

"How much of it did you hear chicky?" Muta patted the brunette on her shoulder and sat down beside her. Haru shuffled in her position to face Muta. "He doesn't like me?" Muta chuckled and continued to pat Haru.

"Baron is a very complex creation; he can say things he doesn't mean. You know, he likes you, he's just doesn't recognize the feelings inside him or he tries his very best to conceal it. Come on let's get you inside for some tea."

The door opened, revealing Muta with Haru, to baron's surprise.

"Haru, it's nice to see you again." Baron poured a new batch of his special blend of tea in a saucer and handed it to Haru.

"You too, Baron." Haru replied in a monotonous voice and avoided Baron's emerald irises. Baron wondered at the tone of Haru's voice, was there something he said? Maybe she was sick.

"Are you sick? Is something bothering you?"

"Oh no, I'm fine. There's nothing to worry about."

"If you insist,"

"Baron, what about that ball this Friday?" Muta asked rather innocently. Baron stared daggers at Muta.

"Thank you for reminding me Muta." Baron clenched his paws and tried to keep his fur from standing up. "Haru, come here." The two made there way to his work space and picked up the piece of parchment.

Honorable Baron Humbert von Gikkingen and the lady Haru Yoshioka,

Greetings! A good day to you,

We would be much honored to have the Lady Haru and Baron Humbert von Gikkingen grace our wedding and our pre-nuptial ball on the last Friday of the month. We hope the last encounter in our blessed kingdom won't be a problem for Miss Yoshioka for the King Father has retired to a distant island in Cat Kingdom.

Our regards,

Crowned Prince Lune and Lady Yuki

"Well, I guess everything turned out great in the Cat Kingdom," Haru mused. "I'd love to come." Baron winced, he knew this was coming.

"Are you not afraid of what might happen? Nothing is really written in stone."

"Aren't you coming?" Haru asked "I'm sure I will be fine as long as you're there." Baron stiffened at this and realized Haru trusted him with her own life.

"Yes, I will be going. It's set then. Muta, will you be kind enough to take care of the bureau this Friday?"

"Hmmm… Caring for things isn't really my thing. Maybe some angel food cake can assist me."

"I would buy some more before Friday."

"Alright, I guess I have enough help."