A/N: Um…hi? I know I know: why do even bother finishing this? Well, I had it written out in my copybook, was just too lazy to type it, correct errors and actually finish it (there was no ending written). But here it is. It could be a little illogical (at least some parts), because the idea came from a dream I had a long time ago.
And yes, this is the 2nd and last chapter. No more. Enjoy!

Cats and Demons

Chapter 2

Ichigo decided that walking through a magical door was the same as teleporting. She squeezedRin's hand tighter and finally opened her eyes. "What the-?!" - she heard him say. To her great relief she didn't see angry monsters, but...a field with green grass and pink flowers. She looked around and noticed that there were white walls. "It's just designed like a field," - she murmured. Rin snored, "Mephisto is creepy!"

They stood in the middle of the room and looked at each other. "So, - murmured Rin awkwardly, - what should we do?"

Ichigo thought for a moment, "Let me transform first". The boy raised an eyebrow. "Transform?"

Ichigo smiled mischievously and pulled out her pendant.

"Mew Mew Strawberry, Metamorphose!"

A bright, pink lightsurrounded her and blinded Rin for a moment. He covered his eyes with his hand. When the light had faded, the boy looked at Ichigo and gasped, unable to hide his awe. Not only did her appearance and clothes change, no, that wasn't the part that had amazed him. Sure, she looked like a pink bubble gum girl, but it was cute. Rin stared at her and tried not to droll: she had cute black cat ears and a fluffy tail, with a pink rainbow! Rin gulped. This was too much. He could handle a bunch of demons, but this strange creature that made his heart beat faster...

"Wow! - he let out - That's so cool!" Ichigo smiled, "Well, when transforming into Mew Ichigo, I can use more abilities. But..." She cocked her head to the side. "How do you fight?"

Rin sighed. Truth be told, he had hoped she would spend more time talking about herself/her powers/team/ etc. So he wouldn't have to tell his own story. Alas!

"Well, I use this". He pulled the sword out of the dark red sword-case. Ichigo's eyes lit up with.

"Thing is, I sort of transform too when I draw Kurikara. That's the sword's name". Ichigo frowned, "But why do you transform? I mean, how is that possible? You are human".

Rin avoided her gaze, "Not really, no. I'm a half-demon". She gasped, and he tightened his grip on the sword, but continued anyways: "My demonic powers were sealed into the sword". He glanced at her from the corner of his eyes, expecting to see fear or hate on her face. But she just looked surprised and curious. Ichigo smiled sympathetically."Then transform".

Rin did as he was told. As soon as the flames burst out of the sword and consumed the boy, Ichigo jumped back. But she was quite surprised at her own feelings. She wasn't scared at all, only fascinated and utterly confused. When the flames had settled down, she looked at Rin. He looked the same, despite the demon tail behind him, the vivid blue eyes, the horns and… pointed ears.

Ichigo blinked. 'Just like Kisshu 's… ' She blinked again, but then shook her head to get out the memories. She couldn't understand who and what this creature before her was and why…why she felt so attracted to him. It was ridiculous, but the fascination she felt grew with each moment her eyes were locked on his form. A demon, but not the monster she had imagined. She wouldn't go that far and call him handsome, but there was something about him. He looked powerful, courageous even. Just like a hero.

Rin came closer. He, too, was fascinated by the cat-girl, but they had to work. More like exchange fighting methods and, although he wanted to, he couldn't spend his time admiring her. Yukio would kill him for being lazy. So he said: "Let's do our best". He felt awkward after saying such cliché things, but Ichigo nodded, smiling at him.

They spend a few hours training, explaining their methods of fighting, and discussing pros and cons of each way. It was quite fun, but soon enough they were tired and decided to have a rest. Ichigo sat on her knees and Rin let himself fall on the soft grass.

"I wonder, - said Ichigo after a while, - how our friends are doing". Rin looked up, "Fine, I think". Ichigo sighed and said to herself. "I wonder how Aoyama-kun is doing…"

"Who's that?" – Rin asked a little too harsh. He realized his mistake when Ichigo gave him bewildered look. "Um…he is the tall, dark-haired boy from our team. The one your brother mistook for our leader". Rin snored. "Oh, that one. I thought that was a girl. I mean what a pussy. I wonder how he saved the world. With a crappy magical girl's speech?!" Rin didn't know what had happened to him. He didn't even know that guy long enough to criticize him. But for some reason he didn't like the way Ichigo worried about him.

Maybe he just needed blow off some steam, but after his short monolog he wasn't aware of the pink tiger that had appeared instead of Ichigo. So when the half-demon opened his eyes, he shrieked and backed away. "What's wrong with you?!" – he yelped. Ichigo, the cute kitten, was fuming. Her face was red, she was showing her sharp fangs and openly hissing at him.

"How dare you insult my Aoyama-kun?!"- yelled the demon-tiger. Rin blinked. "Wha- Is he your buddyor something?" "No, - roared Ichigo, - he is my boyfriend!" Rin's jaw dropped. "What?! For real?! That looser is your boyfriend?!"

Ichigo hissed and jumped at him. Rin wasn't expecting this move, so when she landed on him, he found himself pressed to the ground. Ichigo dug her nails into his upper arms. "Don't you dare call him a loser! Ever!"

Rin raised an eyebrow, "Oh, how about girly-girl then, huh?" Before Ichigo could react, he pushed her off and, grabbing her wrist, sent her flying over his shoulder. Ichigo gasped in surprise and landed on her butt. "Jeez, calm down, - said Rin, - It was a joke. Nothing personal". He kneeled in front of her and offered her his hand. Ichigo glared up at him and slapped his hand away. "I don't need help from a demon". She regretted said statement in the same moment, when Rin backed away, hurt written all over his face. She was about to apologize, but suddenly the boy grabbed her arm and pulled her up. "I'm not a demon, got that?!" – he growled. Ichigo felt shivers run down her spine, but then another wave of anger washed over her. "If you aren't a demon, then stop acting like one". Rin bared his fangs, "Stupid girl. You don't even know how it's like to be out in the battle".

It started again. They couldn't remember who had made the first move, or how they began, but they did. They rolled around in a mix of pink and blue. Each tried to stop the other, but it was hopeless. They were so engrossed into each other and into fighting, that they didn't notice how or when they had gone right through another door. They landed in a dark room full of closets and shelves with random items on them. Only when Rin's head hit something hard, the boy winced and looked around. "How the-?" – he murmured and rubbed the hurt appendage.

But that was his minor priority, because Ichigo grabbed something and threw it at him. The cat-girl was totally oblivious to her surroundings. A book hit Rin, then something heavier. "God damn it! Why are you so angry?!" – he yelled in attempt to stop her.

Surprisingly she did, she stopped throwing things at him, still clutching something in her hand. "Look, I'm sorry, - murmured Rin reluctantly, - I didn't want to insult your boyfriend." He blushed lightly. Apologizing was like a stab right into his ego. Ichigo sighed, "I'm sorry too. For calling you a demon, you were hurt, weren't you?"

Rin stood up, but before he could answer, he heard her shriek again. Apparently, Ichigo threw the object she had been holding at the nearest shelve. Said furniture wasn't very stable and something came flying from the top and right at her.

"Watch out!" – Rin screamed and jumped forward. Sadly, he wasn't fast enough and bucket fell on Ichigo's head. On top of that, Rin landed on her as well and both went down with a thud.

"Are you alright?" – he asked in a hoarse ton. As Ichigo didn't answer he got worried. He reached out to touch her face. Something sticky was rolling down her head. Rin's heart stopped for a moment.

'Blood?'

But then Ichigo maned softly and grabbed her head. "Ouch…" Rin got off of her and pulled her on the feet. "Can…can you walk? Do you need the ambulance? Feeling dizzy?" Ichigo pushed him away lightly and murmured, "Switch on the lights, please".

He did and gasped. Indeed, her head was covered in something liquid, but, fortunately, it wasn't blood. It was- "Paint?" Rin looked at the pot. It was half-full with crimson paint. The other half was on Ichigo's head, small drops rolling down to her shoulders and dress. She grasped her hair. "What's that? What's wrong with my head?"

"Don't worry, - said Rin, trying to reassure her, - there is aWC somewhere here. I-I think it will…go away". He chuckled. Ichigo raised an eyebrow, "What's so funny?"

Rin shook his head. "Nothing". He hiccupped and clasped a hand over his mouth. Ichigo narrowed her eyes, "You are…"

It was too late, Rin was shaking. He avoided her gaze, so she wouldn't notice. Suddenly, he burst out laughing. Ichigo hissed, but it didn't help. He laughed so hard, that tears formed onhis eyes and he clutched his stomach. After a while he calmed down and glanced at the red-head.

She had tears in her eyes too, but not from laughing. She was truly crying. Rin rushed to her side, freaking out. "Hey, hey. It was a stupid joke. Sorry, I didn't mean it. You don't look funny". He rubbed her back, and Ichigo calmed down. She wiped her tears away. "Hey, - said Rin, trying to sound cheerful, - you look cute".

Ichigo stared at him. "I mean, - he explained, - this hair color does well with your…um…eyes and dress!" Ichigo giggled and Rin sighed in relief. "Really! You look like a raspberry". He bit his tongue and blushed. 'What a stupid thing to say!'

Ichigo looked at him, the smile vanishing from her lips. "And you look like a punk". Rin cocked his head to the side, and she pointed at his hair. "You have some paint your fringe".

The conversation ended here. Rin opened another door, and they found themselves in the big hall from before. Their friends and comrades hadn't gotten back yet. Only Shirogane, Yukio and Mr. Faust (a.k.a. Mephisto) were present. They said something to them, but the teens ignored everybody and went to the WCs. They didn't even notice that the "Men" and "Women" were situated next door.

Ichigo looked around: there were sinks and big mirrors, cabinstoo. To her great relief she was the only one there. She went to the sink and washed her head, shoulders and arms. When the last drops of crimson had vanished in the depths along with the water, she put her head under the dryer. After a while she switched off the machine and transformed back into her human form. Ichigo took a deep breath and looked into the mirror.

She cursed: for some reason (a total illogical one) her hair had actually changed its colour. It was light crimson (the so called dark pink she actually liked), only the tips had stayed red. "A raspberry…" – she murmured.

Suddenly, the door opened slightly and she heard girls' voices. She quickly jumped into the cabinand closed the door. "What a day," – said a voice, which Ichigo didn't recognize. "Indeed. I'll need a long hot bath, when I get home". This one in particular sounded like Mint.

Ichigo sat on the floor, with her back pressed against the door, wrapped her arms around her knees and sighed. 'What a crazy day'.

The time she had spent with Rin had been ridiculous. On one hand, they had trained and it had been fun; the knowledge they obtained from each other would be useful in the future. On the other hand, it had ended in a fight. Of course, Ichigo blamed the boy, but it was probably her fault too. And then – "the pot of colour accident". The red- currently crimson-head put said appendage on her knees. She didn't know what to do: how to face Rin or Aoyama. For some reason she felt as if she had cheated on Masaya, merely because she had allowed herself to be attracted to another boy.

'It's not like I like him or something…'

No, she certainly didn't think of him in any romantic way, but she couldn't ignore the fascination she felt for the demon-boy. She also pitied him, for she sensed he had gone through a lot of trouble because of his "dark blood". Fascination and pity.

'Just like with Kisshu…' Only, she wasn't afraid of Rin, because he was easier to deal with than the said alien-boy. She sighed again.

Meanwhile in the Male WC Rin was staring into a mirror. He still had his demon features although he had packed Kurikara into the sword-case long ago. "Damn," – he murmured. His face was twitching between anger and desperation. Quite a funny combination, but he didn't care though.

'What the hell is wrong with me?!' – he growled mentally. 'I fight her, even though the only thing I want is to take her into my arms and never-'

No, that was impossible. They came from different parts of the world, though they lived in the same country. The gap was just too big, plus they wouldn't see each other again. Never. An image of Shiemi flashed in his mind, and he felt guilt tug at his heart.

"God damn it!" – he roared suddenly and punched the mirror. The glass broke and small pieces fell on the floor, some cut Rin's hand and dug themselves into his flesh. "Ouch," – winced the blue-haired boy and then, out of desperation, kicked the wall with all his might. Sadly, he miscalculated his strength. And the wall crumbled, bricksfalling down.

"Shoot!" – he murmured, as sudden panic clutched him. 'Yukio will kill me. Or Methisto…' He wasn't sure who of them was scarier.

Out of nowhere he heard a gasp and a melodious voice said: "What's that?!"

'No, this can't be!'

He looked over the rubble that had become of the wall and couldn't believe his eyes. There she was, sitting in the corner, like a scared kitten. Her eyes were big and round, her hair still a messy raspberry-colour. Seeing him (and not, as expected, a monster), she relaxed and stood up, holding into the wall of the cabin. "Are you…alright?" – she asked him quietly. Rin blinked. 'Am I…?'

Not answering, he stepped over the bricks and moved over to her. For a few seconds they stared at each other, different emotions dancing in their eyes. Suddenly, Rin crushed her into a hug. Ichigo flinched, gasping in surprise, but didn't push him away. He wrapped his arms around her tightly, backing away slightly, so that her back was pressed against the wall. There was feeling up, no kissing, nothing. The only thing he allowed himself was holding her and pressing his face into the crook of her neck. A wave of pity washed over Ichigo and she wrapped her arms around his torso. She knew that if she pushed him away now, he would be broken. He was clinging to her as if she was his only life source.

"Sorry," – he murmured, apologizing for nothing in particular. "It's okay," – she answered, forgiving him for something that had never happened. Absentmindedly, she ran her fingers though his hair, but Rin reacted to the innocent gesture. Ichigo felt something warm coming from him. She opened her eyes and saw he was covered in blue flames once again. For a moment she was afraid she would get burnt. But when his flames spread out and embraced her as well, she relaxed.

'I thought they would be hot, but…they are just warm. And so nice'. Her cat instinct kicked in and she purred. He was warming her, and she thought it was sweet. Her body relaxed some more, and so did her mind. She felt her hair and even clothes, which had gotten a little wet during the hair-washing procedure, dry. She giggled. Rin, who had snuggled his head between her neck and shoulder, murmured something. "It's nothing," – she whispered, and then chuckled, pressing her body closer to his. "Thanks for warming me". They could have stayed like this a little longer, but suddenly a voice broke the idyllic silence.

"Okumura? What the heck happened?" It was one of his classmates, who had walked into the WC, and, apparently, seen the mess. Rin tensed, but replied, without letting go of Ichigo. "It's okay. I'll repair it".

Other male voices could be heard now behind them. Ichigo went numb, when she recognized Aoyama-kun's voice. 'No! He can't see me like this, he won't understand…' She let go of Rin, and looked at him, a silent plea in her eyes. He nodded, but his eyes showed ever-growing sorrow. Suddenly, he winked at her and forced a grin. "Don't worry, my body is blocking yours. It'll be fine". He reached behind her and opened the door. He let her slip through the small opening and hastily shut the door. Ichigo heard the debris crunch, as Rin climbed over. "Sorry, I didn't like my ugly face, so I punched the mirror and…Well, my bad". He laughed sheepishly, as the others made comments.

The cat-mew sank on the floor, ignoring the girls that had already gathered in the room. Even through the door, she thought she could hear him think the same thing.

'Just this once. After all, we won't see each other ever again'. He really did remind her of Kisshu. Passionate, hot-tempered, desperate. So vivid and full of life. Maybe that was one of the reasons she allowed herself to be consumed by those intense feelings. Just for once. Because she felt somewhat guilty towards the alien, even though she had no reason to. 'It doesn't matter. It's over'.

XxXxX

The day was over. The two groups gathered in the big hall. The director of True Cross Academy thanked them for cooperation, saying he hoped the exorcist and mews would work together again someday. That were the usual formality, but all the teens just cared about one thing: getting home and the sooner the better. That's when the next surprise came. Mr. Faust, unpredictable as he was, announced that they could (and would) go home on a magic train – ("It travels a lot faster that an average vehicle!")

"But why?" – asked Izumo not bothering to hide her annoyance. "Yeah, can't we go back through that magical door, or whatever that was?" – added Mint.

The director grinned, his eyes glistering dangerously. "I'm afraid not, my lovely ladies. You see, the system malfunctioned, but our best men are already investigating the cause of the unpleasant problem". He twisted around his out-of-nowhere-appearing umbrella, pretending not to notice the glares of the teens. "But, - he announced triumphantly, - this is the perfect opportunity to test out the train!"

'What are we? Guineapigs? ' – thought the exorcists, and mews. But there was no choice, so they simply followed the eccentric man.

XxXxX

With tiredness pulling at her every muscle, Ichigo only vaguely registered her friends saying something about going to another wagon and searching for a more comfortable place. She thought, she had nodded and smiled, and fallen into the very next couch like seat.

Aoyama was sitting beside her, squeezed into the wall, wrapped into a blanket (her doing).

Too afraid to lean closer to him, she pushed herself farther into the soft fabric, all too much aware of the demon-boy to her left. He wasn't sleeping, she noted. Couldn't, most likely, because of the blond beauty, whose head was pillowed on his shoulder.

It had been a long day, and Ichigo was too exhausted to think. Or feel, for that matter. Yet, she still craved his closeness and in an impulse, reached out her hand and slipped it under the blanked, covering him. His warm fingers curled over her soft ones and squeezed gently. Neither looked at the other.

After a small eternity, Ichigo freed her heart and turned to Masaya. He was facing away from her, and she tugged the blanked, and cuddled to his back, until he turned around, putting an arm around her. Behind them, Rin did the same to Shiemi and rested his head on her head.

The Kyoto-trio had to survive lack of sleep, warmth and comfort, squashed together at the other end of the couch.

The End.