Show Me Your Smile

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"Amu," I could feel shivers of happiness sliding up and down my back. I reached my hands out.

"Ikuto," my heart sighs, along with my lips.

He smirked at how the childish face I must have had on. I glared at him, a little irritated at his smirk.

"What?" I pull my hands back and put them on my hips, but, as it was the most comfortable posture I knew of, it was quite un-royal. Standing straight up, as so books would not fall off one's head was as easy as riding a pony with both legs on one side. Honestly, who could possibly do such a thing without resulting in crisis injury? I for one cannot.

"If truth be told," he started and his smirk widened as my eyes started narrowing suspiciously, "I was just thinking how adorable you look." He tapped a finger upon my nose and slid it down to tap my lips. Unconsciously, they tugged upwards into a smile.

"There's that beautiful smile," he murmured before stepping forward and, despite how of a loathing I felt towards clichés, he took my breath away.

"Ikuto," I whispered, as my cheeks started to flame under his intense and passionate gaze.

"Amu-chan," he teased with a light smirk as he placed his hands upon my waist.

I gave him a look, "What did I tell you about calling me that?"

He chuckled, "I remember, mother. Although I really should not be calling you that, for the things I may do to you." His tongue stuck out, in a very arrogant manner and smirked at the blush I could feel spreading across my face.

"Hmph," I turned away from him, my blush spreading to my neck as he grabbed me from behind on the waist and nuzzled into my neck. My breath hitched, as I felt a smirk forming, causing me to jerk out of his embrace and point a teasing finger into his face, "No time for that, now."

"Ah," his eyes twinkled, which made me immediately nervous, "I see what you mean."

I stared, "What?"

"Mmmm," he muttered.

Silence embraced us beautifully. He continued to stare at me.

I twitched a little, "What?"

"Amu," he murmured and I could feel a familiar heat passing through my face at the way my name left his lips.

"Ikuto?" I attempted to murmur back in such a way that would cause him to reciprocate the heat I felt.

I suppose it worked, for he instantly pushed me against a tree and, with blazing eyes, he mumbled my name again.

"Are you drunk?" I laughed.

"Amu," he muttered urgently, making me stop immediately. He leaned closer.

"What's wrong?" I asked, a bit distracted by the two succulent pieces of flesh under his nose.

"I…" He didn't finish the sentence, but continued to lessen the gap between our lips, until the tip of his nose touched mine. I found it a little difficult to breathe.

"Amu," I felt the warm air.

"Amu," he said again.

I was growing a little impatient, therefore I leaned up and wrapped my arms around his neck and continued to make the gap disappear.

"Amu!" I was jerked awake by a girly scream that seemed to really resemble…

Ran was staring at me, nose to nose, in a terrified manner. I blinked my droopy eyes and suddenly noticed my arms around her.

I unclasped my hand quickly and scampered to the very edge of my bad.

"Y-y-you!" I cried, unable to think of anything else, less the fact I was so embarrassed I could probably cook the whole kingdom's breakfast.

Ran jumped off the bed and waved my pointing finger away, a smirk making its way unto her face.

"Stop, quiet, no!" I could not properly think of a response to the up-coming smirk.

Before anything could be said from Ran, Su's head popped in, concern pasted upon her face.

"Ran? Is everything alright? Is Amu still in her Ikuto mode, desu?" She gasped a little when she saw that I was fully awake and glaring at her.

Unlike the stuttering, apologetic Su I was expecting, she actually chuckled and walked in, swaying her hips! I stared.

"S-Su?" I asked, now worried for her. This was never how the pastery-loving Su acted.

"Ikuto!" She squeaks, twirling her long, blonde locks.

"Amu!" Ran says back in a deep voice and took her visor off in a mock bow.

They ran towards each other and embraced in a long, mocking hug. They stared into each other's eyes, then burst out laughing before the staring could last even half a minute.

Ran looked towards me, giggling as she asked, "Was that even close to what you were dreaming of?"

I blushed, looking anywhere but at the irritating two, which triggered more chuckling and smirking, until I finally snapped, "Leave."

Ran mocked a bow and Su curtseyed, "Yes m'am."

Still laughing.

I sigh and walk to my window. Sure, it was nice now and then for the soul-sisters to tease me and lighten up the situation, but that really did not help how my heart still longs for Ikuto.

I understand Ran and Su have no intentions whatsoever and their silliness is just an attempt to cheer me up. I smiled as I looked out the window. They were the best friends a princess, anyone, could have. They can pierce through my façade of 'cool and spicy' any time, any day, and still love me for whom I am, just like a certain blue-haired man… My heart clenched as I recalled the day he left.

"Amu," I nearly jumped out of my skin at the unexpected blow of breath to my neck. I cursed myself. How many times had this man sneaked up on me? Too many.

I turned around from my admiring gaze at the garden I had grown with sweat and blood and stared up at Ikuto, unable to help the smile that spread across my face. The late afternoon sunlight and the sweet smelling garden created an atmosphere that caused frustration or annoyance to be foreign to me.

"Ikuto," I said back, trying to disguise my joy as annoyance. I couldn't have him know that just his mere presence caused my heart to sing with happiness. It was quite childish and embarrassing, I believe, even to think the words 'heart sing with happiness'.

"I can sense your enthusiasm," he replied, signaling to me he saw through my pretense of irritation.

I rolled my eyes and put my hands up in a surrender position, "You caught me, captain."

Ikuto stepped forward and enveloped me within a tight embrace, "Captain? Hm, there's a ring to that. Captain Ikuto or, rather, Commander Ikuto. How does that sound?"

I laughed a little, looking up at his twinkling eyes, "Well, Commander Ikuto what brings you to the castle? You know as well I as do you're not allowed to just come sporadically without reason and without consent from my father." This is also the reason why he hasn't spent everyday with me, my selfish heart whispered.

Ikuto smirked, but said nothing, just tightened his embrace, until my mind was filled with just his scent, leaving it thoughtless.

We stood there for awhile, until I pulled out and, with head full of curiosity as Ikuto really did not visit often, asked, "Why are you here?" I winced. The question itself came out more of a demand, then an inquiry.

Ikuto just smirked again and ruffled my hair, causing me to glare at him, and answered simply, "I'm leaving."

My glare wilted immediately.

"Pardon?"

"Amu, I'm leaving."

That was certainly not a scenario I was planning. I felt my whole body freeze up with shock and the deadening thump of my heart. Every pump was heavy and, from how difficult it was for me to breathe, not enough to supply blood for my unmoving body.

Apparently I was frozen for quite a few moments, for Ikuto stared at me and waved his hand a little, "Amu?"

Unwilling to show just how much that little statement hurt me, I coldly threw a hand in the air and started to walk past Ikuto, determined for my face to stay stoic, saying, "Do what you must."

I could sense Ikuto watching me as I resolutely kept a strong mask on, praying I wouldn't weep and wishing the palace door was closer. Ikuto could walk faster.

And he did. He caught up to me in mere seconds and I was once again within his embrace, this time more bittersweet.

I felt myself trembling and realized that I had no control over my body at this moment.

"Amu," Ikuto sighed with a pang of sorrow and pain, "This is hurting me too, but if we were to be together, this is what I must do."

He pulled away a little, pressing a burning kiss to my forehead and took my shoulders in his hands, staring at me intently in the eyes, "I must prove myself to your parents, mainly your father." I looked away, ashamed at the way I was acting. "Utau will stay with the elderly couple who needs a strong back and a beautiful voice who keeps them feeling old," He chuckled.

Silence proceeded.

"I will come back," he declared, his tone of confidence made me look up and see the promise and commitment dancing within his cerulean orbs.

I suppose he anticipated some sort of emotional break-down from me, but I was the 'cool and spicy' Princess Amu. She did not fall to the ground, crying and begging the one she loved to not leave. She especially did not show feelings for a man who was about to leave her, despite what they had went through.

I shrugged his hands away, heart dropping at the hurt look which adorned his face, "If you wish." I was mentally beating myself down. If you wish? I couldn't have said anything more thoughtful or encouraging…or loving?

I saw that Ikuto knew I was resorting back to my façade of the girl who pushes everyone away, unintentionally. I also saw the pain that was plainly shown on his. My heart reached out to him and, before my mind could register what my heart was doing, I placed my hands on each side of his face.

Surprise covered his eyes.

I blushed and, knowing there was no going back now, slowly pulled his face towards mine, heart erratically beating.

He was shocked, I could tell. I usually never initiated an embrace of any sort. This time was different. Before he left, he had to know my feelings for him weren't just an act.

Time seemed to slow down for me and the distance between our lips never ended.

Ikuto smirked and I glared at him, knowing my discomfort caused amusement on his end. He just stood there, watching me as I painfully continued to pull on his face.

I felt a full on blush sweep across my face when Ikuto chuckled and lowered his face towards mine, finally to close the agonizing space, while crushing me into his body.

He squashed me closer and closer to his body, until I could feel my back bending a little, which caused my chest to be pushed onto his. Our lips were dancing a tango only two could enjoy. The beating of my heart was back and in full motion, making my face feel extremely hot.

I lifted my face away and murmured a little unsteadily, "I'll be waiting and…keep safe."

Ikuto smirked and dipped his head down to continue, when a bell rang. His time was up.

He stepped away from me, but not before gently kissing anywhere of my face he could find, causing my face to heat up anywhere his lips touched.

"Tidy up," he chuckled, glancing at me up and down.

I looked down and blushed hotly at how disarrayed my clothes were. I shot back to Ikuto, "Look at yourself."

He laughed and reached out for me, but pulled back and became somber, "Amu," he started in quite a serious tone.

I sensed the grave atmosphere at once and said back professionally, "Yes?"

"As I have said before, you must lose your façade," I looked away, as he continued, "Let others in. Trying to take everything on yourself isn't healthy. Can you do that for me?"

I looked into his trusting eyes, "Possibly."

He grinned, "If that is the best answer I can get, I'll take it. Also…"

Ikuto reached into his pocket and held something that glittered in the sunlight. He dangled it in front of me.

I blinked a little and gasped. It was the Humpty Key that Easter has been searching for.

I gulped, somewhat worried at what news he had to bring.

I was even more surprised when Ikuto took my hands and pressed the Key into my palm. "I need you to keep it safe and out of Easter's clutches," he whispered into my ear, "It is also the symbol of our love. As long as it's with you, I know our bond is forever-lasting."

I grinned at his silly speech, "I'll keep it forever near my heart," I whisper back.

A love branded within a key. Forever.

"Your highness?" I was interrupted from my thoughts by a light knock upon my door.

"Uh, yes?" I asked back, beating myself at being caught up in the moment again.

"The King and Queen has sent for you. They are in their office," the butler who had knocked recited professionally.

I sighed, "Thank you." He looked quite grateful and relieved. Possibly at the fact I didn't shoot a notorious death glare or say anything in a cold tone. Maids and butlers should catch me when I'm in a nostalgic moment more often. Perhaps, then they would see there is more than the 'cool and spicy' Amu everyone knows and fears.

I sighed again, laughing slightly. If that were to happen, the stars would fall out of the sky.

I walked towards my parents' office, quite dreading the reason for my presence to be needed. Typically, a visit to their office was rewarded with shocking or grave matters. The last time I entered there was to find one of our brave knights had been killed in battle. I had liked him. He was a good guy.

As I entered without knocking, I was surprised to see a red-haired man sitting in a chair across my parents chatting with them as if old acquaintances. The first question in my mind was to ask of whom had passed away and sent someone to inform the King and Queen, in order to gain some sort of sympathy.

I cleared my throat to announce I had arrived. Normally, a royal would be escorted by the messenger, but I personally demanded for I to have none. After all, how sad it would be if I didn't even know the way around my own house?

My father bounced off his chair, crying with stars in his eyes, "Ah, our lovely daughter has arrived!"

I nodded to acknowledge everyone in the room.

I could see my father refraining from his usual "Amu! How cool!" and refraining from his attempt at embracing me. Instead, he clapped his hands and a sweat-drop formed in the back of my head as I was left to stand awkwardly in front of my parents and the red-headed man. They stared at me expectantly, as if expecting a speech or something.

I said the first thing that came to mind, "Hello," then winced. This was a repeat of princess academy.

"Amu, dear," my mother came to the rescue, "this is Prince Rui Shin of Zengo." I nodded; a little relieved his name was simple enough to remember. The last time I had a suitor with a name that was quite impossible to remember, he declared I was very dim-witted and had to find a husband who could put up with such insolence. I had coldly remarked about how I'd rather have a pig as a husband then him. He then stomped out of the palace, disregarding the apologies my parents were shooting at him. I smirked the whole time.

"Princess Amu, delighted to meet you," he said as he took one my hands and kissed it in quite a rude manner. His lips were massaging my hand, as if we had already met and had taken a liking to each other.

I instantly snatched my hand back, about to say something along the lines of insolent and disrespectful, but, as if able to sense the reply I had in my mind, the Queen intervened by saying, "He is a very potential suitor."

Yet another sigh left my body and I could not but exasperately reply, "Alright." And turned to leave.

A hand caught my arm and forced me to turn back around. It was Prince Rui with shockingly green eyes. They electrified me into staying still as he spoke, "Hear me out, princess. I am not just one of those suitors who come for the throne. I'm interested in you."

I'm interested in you.

Coldly I say back, "Really now?" and shake his hand off, stalking out the door, furious. Furious at his completely same words, furious at how my heart twanged at the mere thought of him, and furious I was still put up for auction.

I heard footsteps behind me and an angry voice speaking, "No one walks away from Prince Rui Shin!"

I smirked. So, he was one of those suitors, was he?

Turning around and nearly laughing out loud at the expression written across his slightly purple face, I walked closer and closer, leaning into him with a glare. I saw a gulp and I repressed the widening of my smirk. As our faces were centimeters away, I whispered deadly, "I just did," before promptly walking away and into my room.

I sighed. Losing my 'cool and spicy' façade is harder than it seems. How could Ikuto ask so much of me? Losing my toughness and showing my vulnerability to the world was not something I could do.

I looked out of my window again, observing how the scenery was so much different when Ikuto was still around. I heard his chuckle and saw his smirk in the sky. Shaking my head, I admitted to myself I was either missing him a little too much or insanity was finally taking toll on me.

A bell rang in the distance of my mind, signaling it was time for a new designed etiquette class. With a final look out the window, I sighed to myself, heart aching, despite my harsh tone, "Ikuto, you better be safe."

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So here it is!! The long-awaited sequel! I originally had thought to post up the story as a whole after I had completed the story from beginning to end, but then thought 'what the heck! let's post some chapters up!'

I really hope you enjoyed the first chapter to Show Me Your Smile :) and I hope you continue to read it!!

And (for those who might take the time to care a little lol:) but Show Me Your Smile is also an original title! Yayy! You would not believe how long it took for me to find a title that someone hasn't used on fanfiction already. Phew.

Well, as a greedy writer, I would love to know what you thought of this first chapter!

Stay tuned. Till next time,

romancerox

Psst, one more thing...if you care to search up Rui Shin as separate Japanese words...you might find a little fore-shadowing... I'll just leave it at that ;)