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[America Mew Mew] Episode Thirty Four
Almost there. ♥ I don't know what else to say about this chapter other than I don't have very many left before the climax. (I also know I've been focusing too much on Sorrel/Panforte, so I'm trying to get the other relationships out there. ._. I'm sorry, guys. I apparently really, really like that couple.)
Title: Episode Thirty Four: Creating Bonds
Fandom: Tokyo Mew Mew [but very, very AU]
Summary: Chive and Celsia bond while Retasu finishes packing. Oh, and Mimi decides that Sorrel's so gloomy she needs a girls' night out!
Claimer: Chive, Panforte, Briar, Celsia, Roy, Rune, Shuugo, Laine, Mimi, Sorrel, and Amy belong to me. The plot from this point on belongs to me. ._. Ryou, Retasu, and the original story, however? They are property of Mia Ikumi.
So much for sparring with Panforte. Chive kept on dodging every single punch Panforte threw; every one was dangerously close to hitting his head or arm. Panting for breath, Chive slowly inched backwards towards the metal doors. Panforte didn't even notice. He kept punching and grumbling and cursing at empty air.
"Panforte? I'm leaving, 'kay?"
Panforte immediately turned to face his comrade. "And skip battle practice?"
"I'm hungry," Chive lied. "How 'bout I meet up with you later? We'll practice then."
Shrugging, Panforte summoned a punching dummy into the arena. "Fine," He said without even looking at his battle partner. "See you in a few hours."
Chive seized his chance and left the room immediately. He ignored Briar ("Hey, what are you doing?! Now I have to spar with him until you get back!") as he started running out the doors. He had no idea where he was going; he just knew he wanted out. Panforte hadn't acted this crazy since... since...
Something had happened between Panforte and the purple mew. He could just sense it. They'd probably broken up.
What a coward! (Or perhaps she'd really hated him for who he was? ... None of this really made sense to Chive. Interspecies relationships were so much more complicated than they needed to be.) He blinked, suddenly realizing he was floating just above Queens. Snapping his finger, he let himself be transformed into normal clothes.
So much for the hair, he sighed as he floated down and inspected himself in the mirror. He was pretty sure the mews'd recognize him if he walked like a normal person, but whatever. He just didn't want to be in the same room as Panforte right now! Poor Briar.
Chive ran his hand through his hair one last time, inspected it, and grinned before walking into the local coffee store.
Oh. Crap. The blue mew was in line too. She seemed more pre-occupied with her cell phone than the actual movement, so perhaps she wouldn't notice him? He certainly hoped so as he slipped into the very back of the short but slow-moving line.
She still eyed her cell phone. As Celsia held it up, she eventually made it to the counter and ordered a cup of black tea (what else?) and a blueberry scone. Chive couldn't help laughing as he watched her sit down at a nearby table with her purchases.
And as he soon got his mocha latte and chocolate chip cookie, he sadly noticed she was the only one sitting alone. All the other tables were taken. Sighing, Chive stopped in front of her and gestured towards the empty chair, "Can I sit here?"
Celsia looked up. "Huh? ... You?" Pressing her lips, she attempted to nonchalantly shrug, "Uh, yeah, sure. I won't be staying very long."
"Fine," Chive smiled as he took his seat. "Something is wrong, is it not?"
She raised her cup of tea delicately to her lips. Slowly sipping it, Celsia nodded, her black hair bobbing with her every movement. "You're being unusually civil. I thought you were just some regular perv."
"Please," Chive sighed before taking a bite of his cookie, "I can be civil when I want."
She smirked at him, "Oh, really? I wouldn't have guessed."
He stuck his tongue out at her, "Aren't you quite the lady. You do realize there's no other tables here? They're all taken."
She glanced around the room slowly as she took another sip of tea. "... So it seems," She commented dryly. "You couldn't deal with takeout?"
Chive's face paled, "And return to Panforte? I die first."
"It's that bad?" Cels actually looked a little worried as she set her tea down. Tilting her head, she asked, "Is he being a slavedriver and overworking you?"
"No," He replied calmly. "Panforte is angry. I no pass time with him."
Huh. His English was worse than usual. As she watched him lazily sip his mug of coffee, Celsia couldn't help noticing... that for a perv, he was being rather polite this mornng - more than she'd ever been towards him.
"Chive," She awkwardly said, "Why aren't you with Briar, then? Aren't you two comrades?"
He turned his gaze towards the window (and the world outside) as he stated, "I left Briar to calm Panforte down. That's... what little kids are good for, right?"
"Yes," Cels couldn't help agreeing with him. "But isn't Panforte the logical one? Why'd he get so angry?"
Chive didn't respond. He instead started slurping his latte as his free hand rested squarely under his cheek.
"Hey," She scolded, her eyes narrowing. "That's rude."
He blinked as he slowly studied her over. Smirking, he slurped his latte even more loudly. "So what will you do?"
Argh! Was this revenge for her behavior back in that basement battle? Cels could feel her veins pulsing as she bluntly commented, "I'll take your coffee away."
He stared at her blankly, "Are all ladies rude?"
"No," She pouted, directly avoiding eye contact with him. "You're being the rude one."
Laughing loudly, Chive attracted the attention of most cafe-goers as he remarked, "You are rude. I say it first."
Now they were all looking at her! Blushing, Celsia shyly finished the last sips of her tea. She harshly whispered as she craned her head lower, "Will you keep it down?"
Chive started, "Maybe if you---" He paused, watching as she rose from their table. Gently putting her bag (with scone inside) inside her purse, she then turned to leave. Chive immediately stuffed his cookie in his pocket, seized the latte in his hand, and then followed her out of the store.
"Oy!" He called, ignoring the attention of most people as he tried to keep up with her. "What was that for?"
She turned back towards him. Her eyes were practically watering as she calmly, shakily said, "You called me rude."
"I tell the truth," He sighed, throwing the latte in the trash. He then bit his lip as he gently wiped the tears off her face. "... You think you are a lady, but you act like a peasant."
She flinched. Gently taking his hand, she frowned, "... Your hands are rough. Let me get some lotion for that."
"You do not listen! I said---"
"I know what you said," She interrupted, still holding his hand as she pulled out a travel size lotion from her bag. Gently squeezing the lotion onto the back of his hands, she gently rubbed the cream into his hands. Chive couldn't help the blush that was surely appearing on his face. He blinked.
"You are still a child."
She nodded, "Yes." Closing her eyes, she squeezes his hand gently as she puts the lotion away. "I'll be turning fourteen this winter."
He softly smiled. "You are rude because you are young."
She pouted, "... Are you implying I don't know better?"
"No," Chive assured her, gently swaying her hands. The two were still walking, however, as he ushered her to a mostly seculded spot outside. They sat down on the grass and in the recluse of trees, ignoring the strange looks people nearby gave them.
"I am young also. Maybe we can learn together?"
Opening her eyes, she wistfully looked at him. Curling her legs under her, she said, "Chive. We're arch-rivals. I can't possibly learn with you if I'm supposed to..." Instead of finishing her sentence, she let go of his hand as she stares at the grass beneath her.
He picked up her hand and gently kissed it. "I will leave Earth soon. I want no regrets, Celsia."
She blushed - he was a gentleman after all! - but froze upon realizing he said her name. How does he know it? He blinked as their eyes met. Laughing nervously, he let go of her hands.
"I know your name," He admitted, looking up towards the sky as he lay down. "But I have no desire to use it."
"Huh?"
"Your real name... is a respect sign, yes?" He looked thoughtful as he slowly added, "... I use names when I respect their owners."
He didn't respect her, then? Celsia couldn't help frowning, "Because we're enemies, right? You don't respect me because I have to fight you?"
"No," He stated simply. "You refuse the truth. We will talk when you know it."
She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Are you... calling me a liar?"
"You lie to your heart," He softly chuckled. "You know all other truths."
He rose from his position and brushed the grass off his pants. Smiling at her sadly, he said, "Goodbye."
"Wait!"
His face didn't change as he looked away from her. "What?"
Bridging the gap between them, she leans on his back and gently hugs him from behind. "Thank you. You... saved my hands back there in the basement. I know you didn't have to help me, but you did. And for that... I'll always be grateful."
His eyes widened; she could feel his muscles tensing as he whispered, "Really?"
"Yes," She laughed. "The pain disappeared."
He turned to face her, and Celsia couldn't help noticing: he was actually blushing! ... He actually looked kinda cute with his face all red like that. "Y-you're welcome," He stammered as he quickly flew off into the sky.
She blinked, but shrugged as she picked up her purse and turned to leave towards the train station. That same green blur came back down. Chive coughed as he looked at her, "I mean---"
"You don't have to explain yourself," She shrugged nonchalantly, that smile still plastered on her face. "You said you wanted to help, remember?"
"...I forgot," He glanced away. "To say you become a lady." Still blushing, he gently bowed as he took her hand and kissed it again. He flew off into the sky for the final time that day. She watched as he became a speck in the sky. Shaking her head, she again started walking towards the train station.
"Wow," She giggled. "Just wait 'til I tell Sorrel!"
+
She was packing everything. Roy watched as Retasu gently lay all her clothes on the bed. Leaning on the doorframe slightly, he remarked, "Are you going to miss us?"
"Huh?" She jumped, turning to stare at the teenager in her doorframe. Smiling nervously, she gently placed a folded t-shirt into her suitcase. "I-I... yes. I will miss everyone."
Roy smiled as he walked in, "Your English's gotten a lot better."
"Really?" Retasu can't help smiling as she motioned for her friend to take a seat somewhere among the mess that has defined her bedroom. Roy laughed softly, pushing his feet around the cluttered boxes and bottles of water and perfume everywhere.
Finally finding a seat on the couch (after much pushing on his part), Roy nodded. "Yeah. Your room's also cleaner than mine."
Retasu shyly laughs, "That is not true."
"Actually, I'm telling the truth," Roy groaned as he lay on her couch. Kicking a pair of platform boots off (were those actually hers?), he added, "I haven't seen my floor in three months."
"You are a teenage boy," She suggested sympathetically. "It is natural to have a messy room, yes?"
"True," He admitted, scooping up the platform boots and gently putting them in plastic bags like the rest of Retasu's shoes. "But I haven't seen a girl's room this messy."
He paused for a moment upon realizing the door opened on its own. Pressing his finger to his lips, Roy watched a little red fox walk in silently. Retasu blinked, glancing over her shoulder at him.
"I am too loud?"
"Not at all," Roy laughs nervously, looking up to her for what seems like thirty seconds before he stares back down at her floor. "You know me. I tend to go off on random tagents sometimes."
Shrugging, Retasu knelt down. She lifted her bedcovers as she lay completely flat on her stomach. Reaching for a pair of high heels, she then seized them with relative difficulty. She sighed of relief as she came out and quickly wrapped them in a plastic grocery bag.
Her eyes widened at the sight of the red fox. Jumping, she stepped back, "Nani?! Roy-san, wh-what is---"
Roy sighed. He rose from the couch and scooped up the fox into his arms. "I was telling you to be quiet," The orange-haired teen scolded the fox. "You scared Retasu."
"You know this fox?"
"Oh," Roy laughed as he held the fox up. "Yeah. His name's Rune."
The fox pouted as he glared back at his master. Retasu tilted her head slightly as she watched the two glare at each other. It was really almost as if that fox were human... only, there was something slightly off about him. She just couldn't figure out what.
"Is he your pet?"
Roy shook his head. "Nel'd have a heart attack if we did. And he's not Minoru's pet, either. His parents decided to name their pet fox Kitsu."
"It is short for 'kitsune'," Retasu couldn't help smiling. "That is fox in Japanese."
"So I've heard," Roy smiled back at her as he let Rune rest on his right shoulder. "Minoru's dad is half-Japanese."
"There are many Japanese in this neighborhood," Retasu commented as she resumed packing. "It has helped me feel... safe here."
"I can imagine. If I went off to another country, I'd prolly surround myself with as many Americans as I possibly could."
"Roy-san?"
Roy blinked. "What's up?"
"D-do you... think Shirogane-san will miss me?"
He stared at her. Stuffing his hands into his pockets as he slowly sat back down, he nodded, "... Yeah. Of course Ryler'll miss you. You were his first girlfriend."
Retasu blushed, but said nothing as she shut the first suitcase. Setting it back down on the floor gently, she picked up another one and opened it again. More shirts, skirts, shoes, and miscellaneous items went into the black and blue suitcase, each item somehow squished more tightly than the first.
She went down to pick another pair of shoes. Crossing her ankles, she seized the bag, "Here we go."
"Retasu! I'm so sorry---"
CRASH! Retasu fell face-first into a pile of clothes as more boxes fell around her. Ryou stared as he watched each and every pile fall down simultaneously. The pink box fell, then the blue... the green... the black... and even the shopping bags were getting into the act.
He winced, "Okay, maybe I'll come in another time."
Rune snorted. Ryou immediately focused his attention on the red fox. Crossing his arms, the blond sneered, "Isn't your time limit up anyway?"
There was a sudden look of panic on Rune's face. He jumped off Roy's shoulder immediately as he ran over the piles of falling clothes, boxes, and shoes--- oh, man. Retasu's face just had to come between him and the door.
The fox immediately crashed into Retasu. Glowing a faint purple, he started cursing as he became larger, the tail disappearing as his red hair shone... Huh. Retasu couldn't help blushing as she realized: she was now kissing a very red Shuugo on the lips.
Both Retasu and Shuugo immediately jumped as far away from each other as they possibly could.
"Wh-what was---"
"Oh, man, Retasu, I'm so sorry---"
Ryou snickered, "Was that your first kiss, Shuu?"
"No. Comment."
Roy sympathetically smiled, "At least that wasn't with Meems. She would've killed you first."
"Tell me about it," Shuu groaned as he rose from the piles. Wiping his lips with his sleeve, he added, "So, niisan. Why don't we help Retasu finish packing so that you two can go on your final date?"
Ryou didn't even get a chance to argue. Before he knew it, he knew it, he found himself digging through the piles of clothes and packing all of Retasu's bags with her. Sighing, he muttered, "I thought boyfriends didn't have to do this kind of garbage."
+
After watching Sorrel act even more like an ice queen to patrons, Mimi couldn't help it. She didn't care if her boyfriend was struggling with his sanity or Ryou was off mourning the loss of his girlfriend. One of her dearest friends was clearly upset, and they needed to do something about it.
So what better than a girls' night out?
Mimi couldn't see how this wouldn't work. She had invited Sorrel's closest friend, Amy, as well as Sorrel herself (doi) and Mimi's friend Laine. (Maddie, unfortunately, was still out of town and visiting family in Vermont.) She had asked the other mew mews to come along, but unfortunately? Retasu was still busy packing, Celsia had ballet lessons, and Primrose had promised her dad that she'd do some quality time bonding with him.
Amy had come over early to the shopping center. Mimi honestly didn't know what to make of the vibrant, pink-haired girl that looked more like a cotton candy machine than a regular teenage girl. (Apparently, rock stars were supposed to be this way no matter what?) But after awkward introductions, Meems couldn't help feeling like she'd known the girl her whole life.
They both wanted Sorrel to feel better about her break-up with her boyfriend. While neither of them had been privy to the details, both of them did know that it was apparently very messy and neither Sorrel nor Reese had wanted to break-up.
(Though that then led to the natural question: Why did they break-up?)
Amy giggled as she pulled out a notebook. Both she and Mimi stared at its contents as Amy opened it ontop of the table they were currently sitting at. Mimi couldn't help saying, "You think this'll really work? I never thought Sorrel to be much of the mani and pedi kinda girl."
"It'll work," Amy said confidently, her pink hair bobbing as she nodded. "After all, you were the one that orchestrated this expedition! Sor talks a lot about you guys, you know."
Mimi couldn't help blushing. Really? Sorrel talked about the mew mews? She supposed it was to be expected, but that kind of compliment completely threw her off guard. Yeah, she saved the world with Sorel on a daily basis now, but... she didn't think the five of them had actually reached BFF level.
"She loves looking after you," Amy added to make up for Mimi's awkward silence. Winking at the brunette, she added, "I think she really likes showing you the ropes. Her job apparently makes her feel really mature and sophisticated."
That made Mimi blink. "She's... not normally mature?"
Amy snorted as she leaned back in her chair. "Omigod, really? You didn't---" She couldn't even stop laughing. Once she finally calmed down, she apologized, "Sorry. But I've known Sor since we were both kids. She can be mature when she wants to be, but most of the time she's still pretty young and naive at heart. I blame that on Florida every single time."
Mimi tilted her head, "But you can't blame the South for everything."
"You can too."
Furrowing her eyebrows, Mimi remarked, "I really don't know what to make of that."
"I'm so sorry I'm late!!!"
Both girls blinked as they saw Laine wave frantically at them. Behind her, Sorrel was slowly walking to their table. Laine had to actually drag Sorrel to their table before she could order their coffees inside the coffeehouse.
Amy and Mimi exchanged nervous glances as if to say, 'Jeez. I didn't think it had hit her this badly!'
Sorrel gave them a nod of acknowledgment. "Hey."
Mimi and Amy awkwardly replied, "Hey!" in squeaky, almost insincere voices as they nervously watched Sorrel. To their surprise, she just stared into space as she turned her head sideways. Both girls followed her gaze, but absolutely nothing was there, save for a few fake palm trees.
"I think she's officially gone nuts," Mimi whispered in Amy's ear. "... Is she gonna be okay?"
"I have no idea," Amy whispered back. "Normally, she bounces back pretty quickly. I don't know: they were really serious."
Sorrel turned to face them. Resting her hand under her chin, she said blankly, "You know, I can hear you."
Amy and Mimi laughed nervously. Laine came back with their coffees, milk, and cookies as she gently placed the tray on the table. Brushing back her long, blond hair, Laine slowly turned her eyes upon Mimi and the others.
"I hope you're at least thirsty," Laine smiled. "I think I got everyone's orders right."
Mimi beamed, "You did! I see my milk over there perfectly."
Gently taking the milk off the tray, the brunette happily began sipping her beverage. Laine giggled, tilting her head slightly, "But you didn't even like milk before this March."
"Details, details," Mimi retorted in-between sips.
A small chuckle left Sorrel's lips. The other three blinked as they slowly stared at her. Did they hear things right? Was Sorrel actually... laughing?
"Is it that weird that I'm laughing," Sorrel sighed, her lips curling into a frown.
Mimi shook her head, "Not at all! You just seem like Eeyore today, that's all. So grumpy and half-empty, you know?"
Snorting, Sorrel leaned back in her chair, letting her arms rest in her lap. "Half-empty? ... I suppose that's an accurate way to describe--"
Amy cut her off with a glare. Clearing her throat, Amy added, "Oy! This is a girls' night out! So let's have some fun and try to not think about things that irritate us, okay?"
Sorrel and Mimi replied in unison, "Fine."
Laine blinked. "Whoa. They've become really close over the past four months, haven't they?"
"Y-yeah," Amy shakily replied. "I didn't think they were capable of unison yet."
Mimi stuck her tongue out once she finished her milk. "You two are silly."
She then rose from her seat, taking the tray from the girls as they finally reached to grab their beverages and desserts. She tossed her milk container in the trash, put the tray ontop of the trash bin, and walked back as quickly as she'd left.
"All right," She winked. "Let's go get those mani pedis!"
Laine giggled, "Sure," as she and Amy helped Sorrel out of her seat. While the salon wasn't far from the coffeehouse, it was admittedly a decent walk. (Evidently, Amy hadn't realized this when she decided to wear three-inch shocking pink high-heels.) The four girls stayed close to each other as they sipped on lattes and ate cookies to their hearts' content.
Every now and then, they would attempt to speak about something: the weather, the latest bands, clothes... but all would eventually fall short when Sorrel wistfully sighed and stared off into space. (For someone who was born and raised on logic, she sure was taking this break-up hard.)
Finally, Mimi had to clutch her fist and hold back her tongue. "Sorrel. We're trying to have fun here."
Laine sidestepped her friend to hang back with Amy. "I know better than to talk to Meems when she's like this," Laine admitted shyly. "She's like a firecracker now."
Sorrel frowned, "You don't have to try so hard."
Amy winced. Whispering to Laine, "... Yeah. I see what you mean."
"Yeah?" Mimi crossed her arms, putting her cookie away in her purse. "You're being the worst partypooper ever. Even Ryan hasn't been this bad."
"Ryan?" Amy whispered in Laine's ear.
Laine whispered back, "Mimi and Sorrel's boss at the flower shop. His real name's Ryou, but Mimi calls him Ryan to insult him."
Nodding in understanding, Amy laughed. To all four of the girls, she said, "Hey, I see the salon! Meems, go ahead and open it for us, will you?"
"Sure," Mimi nodded, still glaring at Sorrel as she opened the door for the whole group. When Sorrel passed through, Mimi added under her breath, "Ungrateful." Sorrel's hand opened and closed, but the purple-haired girl didn't acknowledge Mimi's words any other way.
Amy and Laine, thankfully, were more amiable as they decided to split up into two groups. Laine and Mimi would get their nails done; Amy and Sorrel would go ahead and get pedicures. That being settled, Amy and Sor were ushered into a different room while Laine and Mimi took their stations.
Nervously, Mimi smiled over at her friend. "It smells in here."
Laine returned the smile, "Have you ever been in here before?"
Mimi shook her head, so Laine added, "It always smells. Don't worry, you'll get used to it soon!"
(Was that supposed to be a good thing?) Mimi went ahead and picked out pink nail polish while Laine seized a baby blue for her nails. Satisfied, both girls happily let the manicurists do their job.
In the other room, Amy couldn't help noticing how shaky Sorrel seemed from their chairs. Sideways glancing at her friend, Amy began, "Sor. Are you sure you're okay?"
Sorrel shook her head when the pedicurists disappeared. "Not really. I don't know why, but... I've been taking it really hard and on you guys."
"Yeah," Amy laughed. "Mimi's petty upset about the whole deal, considering she orchestrated it for you."
"I know that," Sorrel blushed, staring down at her feet. "But I haven't been nice to her about that... and I know I should apologize."
"He was your first serious boyfriend. I know Mimi's got hers... and I bet she'll understand."
Sorrel's eyes watered. Closing them, Sorrel ignored the water flowing down her cheeks as she softly replied, "Thank you."
The pedicurists looked surprised when they came back and saw two teenage girls with wild hair colors crying together, but they just shook their heads and ignored it as they began work on the girls' toenails.
Burying her head in her hands, Sorrel silently sobbed for the rest of the pedicure, only lifting her head up to comment on the color of nail polish and the occasional pain the cleaning gave her. Once the procedure was over, Sorrel found herself completely and utterly blank.
There was nothing she truly wanted to cry over anymore. It was almost as if she were now a blank slate. How... peculiar. Shaking her head, Sorrel went ahead and gave Mimi a hug from behind when the four girls were briefly reunited.
"Thanks," She whispered in Mimi's ear. "I really needed it."
Mimi jumped, but said nothing as she looked back at her friend. The wide smile on her face said everything that words could, after all.
Laine whispered to Amy, "What happened?"
Knowingly, Amy responded softly, "She got the purifying sob she always needed. I think... once she let herself cry, it'd become better from that point on."
"Ah," Laine smiled.
The four girls then parted again, but no one was smiling wider than Mimi. She happily proclaimed, "You know, I should do this more often!" to Laine as she walked slowly towards the pedicure room.
Amy and Sorrel wiped the last tears from their faces before heading towards the manicure stations. Picking her nail polish, Amy remarked, "She's right. We should do this more often."
Sorrel nodded, "Yeah."
To herself as she finally held her hands out for her manicure, she added, "Because it's the oddest way I've ever gotten closure."
Title: Episode Thirty Four: Creating Bonds
Fandom: Tokyo Mew Mew [but very, very AU]
Summary: Chive and Celsia bond while Retasu finishes packing. Oh, and Mimi decides that Sorrel's so gloomy she needs a girls' night out!
Claimer: Chive, Panforte, Briar, Celsia, Roy, Rune, Shuugo, Laine, Mimi, Sorrel, and Amy belong to me. The plot from this point on belongs to me. ._. Ryou, Retasu, and the original story, however? They are property of Mia Ikumi.
So much for sparring with Panforte. Chive kept on dodging every single punch Panforte threw; every one was dangerously close to hitting his head or arm. Panting for breath, Chive slowly inched backwards towards the metal doors. Panforte didn't even notice. He kept punching and grumbling and cursing at empty air.
"Panforte? I'm leaving, 'kay?"
Panforte immediately turned to face his comrade. "And skip battle practice?"
"I'm hungry," Chive lied. "How 'bout I meet up with you later? We'll practice then."
Shrugging, Panforte summoned a punching dummy into the arena. "Fine," He said without even looking at his battle partner. "See you in a few hours."
Chive seized his chance and left the room immediately. He ignored Briar ("Hey, what are you doing?! Now I have to spar with him until you get back!") as he started running out the doors. He had no idea where he was going; he just knew he wanted out. Panforte hadn't acted this crazy since... since...
Something had happened between Panforte and the purple mew. He could just sense it. They'd probably broken up.
What a coward! (Or perhaps she'd really hated him for who he was? ... None of this really made sense to Chive. Interspecies relationships were so much more complicated than they needed to be.) He blinked, suddenly realizing he was floating just above Queens. Snapping his finger, he let himself be transformed into normal clothes.
So much for the hair, he sighed as he floated down and inspected himself in the mirror. He was pretty sure the mews'd recognize him if he walked like a normal person, but whatever. He just didn't want to be in the same room as Panforte right now! Poor Briar.
Chive ran his hand through his hair one last time, inspected it, and grinned before walking into the local coffee store.
Oh. Crap. The blue mew was in line too. She seemed more pre-occupied with her cell phone than the actual movement, so perhaps she wouldn't notice him? He certainly hoped so as he slipped into the very back of the short but slow-moving line.
She still eyed her cell phone. As Celsia held it up, she eventually made it to the counter and ordered a cup of black tea (what else?) and a blueberry scone. Chive couldn't help laughing as he watched her sit down at a nearby table with her purchases.
And as he soon got his mocha latte and chocolate chip cookie, he sadly noticed she was the only one sitting alone. All the other tables were taken. Sighing, Chive stopped in front of her and gestured towards the empty chair, "Can I sit here?"
Celsia looked up. "Huh? ... You?" Pressing her lips, she attempted to nonchalantly shrug, "Uh, yeah, sure. I won't be staying very long."
"Fine," Chive smiled as he took his seat. "Something is wrong, is it not?"
She raised her cup of tea delicately to her lips. Slowly sipping it, Celsia nodded, her black hair bobbing with her every movement. "You're being unusually civil. I thought you were just some regular perv."
"Please," Chive sighed before taking a bite of his cookie, "I can be civil when I want."
She smirked at him, "Oh, really? I wouldn't have guessed."
He stuck his tongue out at her, "Aren't you quite the lady. You do realize there's no other tables here? They're all taken."
She glanced around the room slowly as she took another sip of tea. "... So it seems," She commented dryly. "You couldn't deal with takeout?"
Chive's face paled, "And return to Panforte? I die first."
"It's that bad?" Cels actually looked a little worried as she set her tea down. Tilting her head, she asked, "Is he being a slavedriver and overworking you?"
"No," He replied calmly. "Panforte is angry. I no pass time with him."
Huh. His English was worse than usual. As she watched him lazily sip his mug of coffee, Celsia couldn't help noticing... that for a perv, he was being rather polite this mornng - more than she'd ever been towards him.
"Chive," She awkwardly said, "Why aren't you with Briar, then? Aren't you two comrades?"
He turned his gaze towards the window (and the world outside) as he stated, "I left Briar to calm Panforte down. That's... what little kids are good for, right?"
"Yes," Cels couldn't help agreeing with him. "But isn't Panforte the logical one? Why'd he get so angry?"
Chive didn't respond. He instead started slurping his latte as his free hand rested squarely under his cheek.
"Hey," She scolded, her eyes narrowing. "That's rude."
He blinked as he slowly studied her over. Smirking, he slurped his latte even more loudly. "So what will you do?"
Argh! Was this revenge for her behavior back in that basement battle? Cels could feel her veins pulsing as she bluntly commented, "I'll take your coffee away."
He stared at her blankly, "Are all ladies rude?"
"No," She pouted, directly avoiding eye contact with him. "You're being the rude one."
Laughing loudly, Chive attracted the attention of most cafe-goers as he remarked, "You are rude. I say it first."
Now they were all looking at her! Blushing, Celsia shyly finished the last sips of her tea. She harshly whispered as she craned her head lower, "Will you keep it down?"
Chive started, "Maybe if you---" He paused, watching as she rose from their table. Gently putting her bag (with scone inside) inside her purse, she then turned to leave. Chive immediately stuffed his cookie in his pocket, seized the latte in his hand, and then followed her out of the store.
"Oy!" He called, ignoring the attention of most people as he tried to keep up with her. "What was that for?"
She turned back towards him. Her eyes were practically watering as she calmly, shakily said, "You called me rude."
"I tell the truth," He sighed, throwing the latte in the trash. He then bit his lip as he gently wiped the tears off her face. "... You think you are a lady, but you act like a peasant."
She flinched. Gently taking his hand, she frowned, "... Your hands are rough. Let me get some lotion for that."
"You do not listen! I said---"
"I know what you said," She interrupted, still holding his hand as she pulled out a travel size lotion from her bag. Gently squeezing the lotion onto the back of his hands, she gently rubbed the cream into his hands. Chive couldn't help the blush that was surely appearing on his face. He blinked.
"You are still a child."
She nodded, "Yes." Closing her eyes, she squeezes his hand gently as she puts the lotion away. "I'll be turning fourteen this winter."
He softly smiled. "You are rude because you are young."
She pouted, "... Are you implying I don't know better?"
"No," Chive assured her, gently swaying her hands. The two were still walking, however, as he ushered her to a mostly seculded spot outside. They sat down on the grass and in the recluse of trees, ignoring the strange looks people nearby gave them.
"I am young also. Maybe we can learn together?"
Opening her eyes, she wistfully looked at him. Curling her legs under her, she said, "Chive. We're arch-rivals. I can't possibly learn with you if I'm supposed to..." Instead of finishing her sentence, she let go of his hand as she stares at the grass beneath her.
He picked up her hand and gently kissed it. "I will leave Earth soon. I want no regrets, Celsia."
She blushed - he was a gentleman after all! - but froze upon realizing he said her name. How does he know it? He blinked as their eyes met. Laughing nervously, he let go of her hands.
"I know your name," He admitted, looking up towards the sky as he lay down. "But I have no desire to use it."
"Huh?"
"Your real name... is a respect sign, yes?" He looked thoughtful as he slowly added, "... I use names when I respect their owners."
He didn't respect her, then? Celsia couldn't help frowning, "Because we're enemies, right? You don't respect me because I have to fight you?"
"No," He stated simply. "You refuse the truth. We will talk when you know it."
She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Are you... calling me a liar?"
"You lie to your heart," He softly chuckled. "You know all other truths."
He rose from his position and brushed the grass off his pants. Smiling at her sadly, he said, "Goodbye."
"Wait!"
His face didn't change as he looked away from her. "What?"
Bridging the gap between them, she leans on his back and gently hugs him from behind. "Thank you. You... saved my hands back there in the basement. I know you didn't have to help me, but you did. And for that... I'll always be grateful."
His eyes widened; she could feel his muscles tensing as he whispered, "Really?"
"Yes," She laughed. "The pain disappeared."
He turned to face her, and Celsia couldn't help noticing: he was actually blushing! ... He actually looked kinda cute with his face all red like that. "Y-you're welcome," He stammered as he quickly flew off into the sky.
She blinked, but shrugged as she picked up her purse and turned to leave towards the train station. That same green blur came back down. Chive coughed as he looked at her, "I mean---"
"You don't have to explain yourself," She shrugged nonchalantly, that smile still plastered on her face. "You said you wanted to help, remember?"
"...I forgot," He glanced away. "To say you become a lady." Still blushing, he gently bowed as he took her hand and kissed it again. He flew off into the sky for the final time that day. She watched as he became a speck in the sky. Shaking her head, she again started walking towards the train station.
"Wow," She giggled. "Just wait 'til I tell Sorrel!"
She was packing everything. Roy watched as Retasu gently lay all her clothes on the bed. Leaning on the doorframe slightly, he remarked, "Are you going to miss us?"
"Huh?" She jumped, turning to stare at the teenager in her doorframe. Smiling nervously, she gently placed a folded t-shirt into her suitcase. "I-I... yes. I will miss everyone."
Roy smiled as he walked in, "Your English's gotten a lot better."
"Really?" Retasu can't help smiling as she motioned for her friend to take a seat somewhere among the mess that has defined her bedroom. Roy laughed softly, pushing his feet around the cluttered boxes and bottles of water and perfume everywhere.
Finally finding a seat on the couch (after much pushing on his part), Roy nodded. "Yeah. Your room's also cleaner than mine."
Retasu shyly laughs, "That is not true."
"Actually, I'm telling the truth," Roy groaned as he lay on her couch. Kicking a pair of platform boots off (were those actually hers?), he added, "I haven't seen my floor in three months."
"You are a teenage boy," She suggested sympathetically. "It is natural to have a messy room, yes?"
"True," He admitted, scooping up the platform boots and gently putting them in plastic bags like the rest of Retasu's shoes. "But I haven't seen a girl's room this messy."
He paused for a moment upon realizing the door opened on its own. Pressing his finger to his lips, Roy watched a little red fox walk in silently. Retasu blinked, glancing over her shoulder at him.
"I am too loud?"
"Not at all," Roy laughs nervously, looking up to her for what seems like thirty seconds before he stares back down at her floor. "You know me. I tend to go off on random tagents sometimes."
Shrugging, Retasu knelt down. She lifted her bedcovers as she lay completely flat on her stomach. Reaching for a pair of high heels, she then seized them with relative difficulty. She sighed of relief as she came out and quickly wrapped them in a plastic grocery bag.
Her eyes widened at the sight of the red fox. Jumping, she stepped back, "Nani?! Roy-san, wh-what is---"
Roy sighed. He rose from the couch and scooped up the fox into his arms. "I was telling you to be quiet," The orange-haired teen scolded the fox. "You scared Retasu."
"You know this fox?"
"Oh," Roy laughed as he held the fox up. "Yeah. His name's Rune."
The fox pouted as he glared back at his master. Retasu tilted her head slightly as she watched the two glare at each other. It was really almost as if that fox were human... only, there was something slightly off about him. She just couldn't figure out what.
"Is he your pet?"
Roy shook his head. "Nel'd have a heart attack if we did. And he's not Minoru's pet, either. His parents decided to name their pet fox Kitsu."
"It is short for 'kitsune'," Retasu couldn't help smiling. "That is fox in Japanese."
"So I've heard," Roy smiled back at her as he let Rune rest on his right shoulder. "Minoru's dad is half-Japanese."
"There are many Japanese in this neighborhood," Retasu commented as she resumed packing. "It has helped me feel... safe here."
"I can imagine. If I went off to another country, I'd prolly surround myself with as many Americans as I possibly could."
"Roy-san?"
Roy blinked. "What's up?"
"D-do you... think Shirogane-san will miss me?"
He stared at her. Stuffing his hands into his pockets as he slowly sat back down, he nodded, "... Yeah. Of course Ryler'll miss you. You were his first girlfriend."
Retasu blushed, but said nothing as she shut the first suitcase. Setting it back down on the floor gently, she picked up another one and opened it again. More shirts, skirts, shoes, and miscellaneous items went into the black and blue suitcase, each item somehow squished more tightly than the first.
She went down to pick another pair of shoes. Crossing her ankles, she seized the bag, "Here we go."
"Retasu! I'm so sorry---"
CRASH! Retasu fell face-first into a pile of clothes as more boxes fell around her. Ryou stared as he watched each and every pile fall down simultaneously. The pink box fell, then the blue... the green... the black... and even the shopping bags were getting into the act.
He winced, "Okay, maybe I'll come in another time."
Rune snorted. Ryou immediately focused his attention on the red fox. Crossing his arms, the blond sneered, "Isn't your time limit up anyway?"
There was a sudden look of panic on Rune's face. He jumped off Roy's shoulder immediately as he ran over the piles of falling clothes, boxes, and shoes--- oh, man. Retasu's face just had to come between him and the door.
The fox immediately crashed into Retasu. Glowing a faint purple, he started cursing as he became larger, the tail disappearing as his red hair shone... Huh. Retasu couldn't help blushing as she realized: she was now kissing a very red Shuugo on the lips.
Both Retasu and Shuugo immediately jumped as far away from each other as they possibly could.
"Wh-what was---"
"Oh, man, Retasu, I'm so sorry---"
Ryou snickered, "Was that your first kiss, Shuu?"
"No. Comment."
Roy sympathetically smiled, "At least that wasn't with Meems. She would've killed you first."
"Tell me about it," Shuu groaned as he rose from the piles. Wiping his lips with his sleeve, he added, "So, niisan. Why don't we help Retasu finish packing so that you two can go on your final date?"
Ryou didn't even get a chance to argue. Before he knew it, he knew it, he found himself digging through the piles of clothes and packing all of Retasu's bags with her. Sighing, he muttered, "I thought boyfriends didn't have to do this kind of garbage."
After watching Sorrel act even more like an ice queen to patrons, Mimi couldn't help it. She didn't care if her boyfriend was struggling with his sanity or Ryou was off mourning the loss of his girlfriend. One of her dearest friends was clearly upset, and they needed to do something about it.
So what better than a girls' night out?
Mimi couldn't see how this wouldn't work. She had invited Sorrel's closest friend, Amy, as well as Sorrel herself (doi) and Mimi's friend Laine. (Maddie, unfortunately, was still out of town and visiting family in Vermont.) She had asked the other mew mews to come along, but unfortunately? Retasu was still busy packing, Celsia had ballet lessons, and Primrose had promised her dad that she'd do some quality time bonding with him.
Amy had come over early to the shopping center. Mimi honestly didn't know what to make of the vibrant, pink-haired girl that looked more like a cotton candy machine than a regular teenage girl. (Apparently, rock stars were supposed to be this way no matter what?) But after awkward introductions, Meems couldn't help feeling like she'd known the girl her whole life.
They both wanted Sorrel to feel better about her break-up with her boyfriend. While neither of them had been privy to the details, both of them did know that it was apparently very messy and neither Sorrel nor Reese had wanted to break-up.
(Though that then led to the natural question: Why did they break-up?)
Amy giggled as she pulled out a notebook. Both she and Mimi stared at its contents as Amy opened it ontop of the table they were currently sitting at. Mimi couldn't help saying, "You think this'll really work? I never thought Sorrel to be much of the mani and pedi kinda girl."
"It'll work," Amy said confidently, her pink hair bobbing as she nodded. "After all, you were the one that orchestrated this expedition! Sor talks a lot about you guys, you know."
Mimi couldn't help blushing. Really? Sorrel talked about the mew mews? She supposed it was to be expected, but that kind of compliment completely threw her off guard. Yeah, she saved the world with Sorel on a daily basis now, but... she didn't think the five of them had actually reached BFF level.
"She loves looking after you," Amy added to make up for Mimi's awkward silence. Winking at the brunette, she added, "I think she really likes showing you the ropes. Her job apparently makes her feel really mature and sophisticated."
That made Mimi blink. "She's... not normally mature?"
Amy snorted as she leaned back in her chair. "Omigod, really? You didn't---" She couldn't even stop laughing. Once she finally calmed down, she apologized, "Sorry. But I've known Sor since we were both kids. She can be mature when she wants to be, but most of the time she's still pretty young and naive at heart. I blame that on Florida every single time."
Mimi tilted her head, "But you can't blame the South for everything."
"You can too."
Furrowing her eyebrows, Mimi remarked, "I really don't know what to make of that."
"I'm so sorry I'm late!!!"
Both girls blinked as they saw Laine wave frantically at them. Behind her, Sorrel was slowly walking to their table. Laine had to actually drag Sorrel to their table before she could order their coffees inside the coffeehouse.
Amy and Mimi exchanged nervous glances as if to say, 'Jeez. I didn't think it had hit her this badly!'
Sorrel gave them a nod of acknowledgment. "Hey."
Mimi and Amy awkwardly replied, "Hey!" in squeaky, almost insincere voices as they nervously watched Sorrel. To their surprise, she just stared into space as she turned her head sideways. Both girls followed her gaze, but absolutely nothing was there, save for a few fake palm trees.
"I think she's officially gone nuts," Mimi whispered in Amy's ear. "... Is she gonna be okay?"
"I have no idea," Amy whispered back. "Normally, she bounces back pretty quickly. I don't know: they were really serious."
Sorrel turned to face them. Resting her hand under her chin, she said blankly, "You know, I can hear you."
Amy and Mimi laughed nervously. Laine came back with their coffees, milk, and cookies as she gently placed the tray on the table. Brushing back her long, blond hair, Laine slowly turned her eyes upon Mimi and the others.
"I hope you're at least thirsty," Laine smiled. "I think I got everyone's orders right."
Mimi beamed, "You did! I see my milk over there perfectly."
Gently taking the milk off the tray, the brunette happily began sipping her beverage. Laine giggled, tilting her head slightly, "But you didn't even like milk before this March."
"Details, details," Mimi retorted in-between sips.
A small chuckle left Sorrel's lips. The other three blinked as they slowly stared at her. Did they hear things right? Was Sorrel actually... laughing?
"Is it that weird that I'm laughing," Sorrel sighed, her lips curling into a frown.
Mimi shook her head, "Not at all! You just seem like Eeyore today, that's all. So grumpy and half-empty, you know?"
Snorting, Sorrel leaned back in her chair, letting her arms rest in her lap. "Half-empty? ... I suppose that's an accurate way to describe--"
Amy cut her off with a glare. Clearing her throat, Amy added, "Oy! This is a girls' night out! So let's have some fun and try to not think about things that irritate us, okay?"
Sorrel and Mimi replied in unison, "Fine."
Laine blinked. "Whoa. They've become really close over the past four months, haven't they?"
"Y-yeah," Amy shakily replied. "I didn't think they were capable of unison yet."
Mimi stuck her tongue out once she finished her milk. "You two are silly."
She then rose from her seat, taking the tray from the girls as they finally reached to grab their beverages and desserts. She tossed her milk container in the trash, put the tray ontop of the trash bin, and walked back as quickly as she'd left.
"All right," She winked. "Let's go get those mani pedis!"
Laine giggled, "Sure," as she and Amy helped Sorrel out of her seat. While the salon wasn't far from the coffeehouse, it was admittedly a decent walk. (Evidently, Amy hadn't realized this when she decided to wear three-inch shocking pink high-heels.) The four girls stayed close to each other as they sipped on lattes and ate cookies to their hearts' content.
Every now and then, they would attempt to speak about something: the weather, the latest bands, clothes... but all would eventually fall short when Sorrel wistfully sighed and stared off into space. (For someone who was born and raised on logic, she sure was taking this break-up hard.)
Finally, Mimi had to clutch her fist and hold back her tongue. "Sorrel. We're trying to have fun here."
Laine sidestepped her friend to hang back with Amy. "I know better than to talk to Meems when she's like this," Laine admitted shyly. "She's like a firecracker now."
Sorrel frowned, "You don't have to try so hard."
Amy winced. Whispering to Laine, "... Yeah. I see what you mean."
"Yeah?" Mimi crossed her arms, putting her cookie away in her purse. "You're being the worst partypooper ever. Even Ryan hasn't been this bad."
"Ryan?" Amy whispered in Laine's ear.
Laine whispered back, "Mimi and Sorrel's boss at the flower shop. His real name's Ryou, but Mimi calls him Ryan to insult him."
Nodding in understanding, Amy laughed. To all four of the girls, she said, "Hey, I see the salon! Meems, go ahead and open it for us, will you?"
"Sure," Mimi nodded, still glaring at Sorrel as she opened the door for the whole group. When Sorrel passed through, Mimi added under her breath, "Ungrateful." Sorrel's hand opened and closed, but the purple-haired girl didn't acknowledge Mimi's words any other way.
Amy and Laine, thankfully, were more amiable as they decided to split up into two groups. Laine and Mimi would get their nails done; Amy and Sorrel would go ahead and get pedicures. That being settled, Amy and Sor were ushered into a different room while Laine and Mimi took their stations.
Nervously, Mimi smiled over at her friend. "It smells in here."
Laine returned the smile, "Have you ever been in here before?"
Mimi shook her head, so Laine added, "It always smells. Don't worry, you'll get used to it soon!"
(Was that supposed to be a good thing?) Mimi went ahead and picked out pink nail polish while Laine seized a baby blue for her nails. Satisfied, both girls happily let the manicurists do their job.
In the other room, Amy couldn't help noticing how shaky Sorrel seemed from their chairs. Sideways glancing at her friend, Amy began, "Sor. Are you sure you're okay?"
Sorrel shook her head when the pedicurists disappeared. "Not really. I don't know why, but... I've been taking it really hard and on you guys."
"Yeah," Amy laughed. "Mimi's petty upset about the whole deal, considering she orchestrated it for you."
"I know that," Sorrel blushed, staring down at her feet. "But I haven't been nice to her about that... and I know I should apologize."
"He was your first serious boyfriend. I know Mimi's got hers... and I bet she'll understand."
Sorrel's eyes watered. Closing them, Sorrel ignored the water flowing down her cheeks as she softly replied, "Thank you."
The pedicurists looked surprised when they came back and saw two teenage girls with wild hair colors crying together, but they just shook their heads and ignored it as they began work on the girls' toenails.
Burying her head in her hands, Sorrel silently sobbed for the rest of the pedicure, only lifting her head up to comment on the color of nail polish and the occasional pain the cleaning gave her. Once the procedure was over, Sorrel found herself completely and utterly blank.
There was nothing she truly wanted to cry over anymore. It was almost as if she were now a blank slate. How... peculiar. Shaking her head, Sorrel went ahead and gave Mimi a hug from behind when the four girls were briefly reunited.
"Thanks," She whispered in Mimi's ear. "I really needed it."
Mimi jumped, but said nothing as she looked back at her friend. The wide smile on her face said everything that words could, after all.
Laine whispered to Amy, "What happened?"
Knowingly, Amy responded softly, "She got the purifying sob she always needed. I think... once she let herself cry, it'd become better from that point on."
"Ah," Laine smiled.
The four girls then parted again, but no one was smiling wider than Mimi. She happily proclaimed, "You know, I should do this more often!" to Laine as she walked slowly towards the pedicure room.
Amy and Sorrel wiped the last tears from their faces before heading towards the manicure stations. Picking her nail polish, Amy remarked, "She's right. We should do this more often."
Sorrel nodded, "Yeah."
To herself as she finally held her hands out for her manicure, she added, "Because it's the oddest way I've ever gotten closure."