Author's Note

Once again thanks for the reviews! I'm trying to update quickly! By the way, could I get a disclaimer and we'll pretend it was in all previous chapters as well please.

Ikuto: Bioangel doesn't own Shugo Chara or any of its characters.

Bioangel: Thanks

Ikuto: No problem. Was this really necessary?

Bioangel: Only if you can't pay for a lawyer if someone sues us, meaning me, so yes it's necessary.

Chapter 4

I listened to the sound of the rain slop down outside as Ikuto stood in front of one of the huge windows in the living room that reached from nearly ceiling to floor drawing back the curtain. It poured just beyond the warmth of the house. We'd woken up early to watch the sun rise and had been waiting for the downpour to cease ever since.

"Well, looks like it might be an inside day today." He said, turning to face me.

I walked over to the window as well and pressed my hand against the cool glass. The instant I did it was like a mental trigger.

"Ikuto!" I exclaimed. He just looked at me surprised, not knowing what was suddenly so great. "I-I just remembered something," I was talking too fast and my stutter came out, "I remember my mom telling me when I was a little girl not to touch the glass when it's foggy because it will get dirty."

"That's great! What do you remember, just her telling you, can you see it, hear it, or you just know?" he asked eagerly.

"No no, I see it, I-I see her and I can hear her voice!" I was immediately choked up upon being able to make some connection with who my mom actually was. I had sunk to my knees and tears were flowing. As childish as I felt, and probably looked, I didn't care. Although it made me a little sad, I was still happy to remember.

Ikuto wrapped me in warm hug, "It's going to be okay, you'll see her again," he assured. I clung to his shoulders, my face buried in his neck.

After a minute or so had gone by I pulled myself together and Ikuto extended a hand to assist me in standing.

"I just really missed her out of nowhere," I explained.

"You don't have to justify crying to me Amu, it doesn't bother me," he looked into my eyes and the whole world felt warm and loving. "Come on, it's time to change bandages again. Then we can talk more or find something to do with ourselves." He took my hand and began to lead me upstairs to my bathroom, where all of my medical things were stored.

"Almost completely better!" Ikuto remarked happily as he pulled the last bandage off, "how does it feel? That's the real question," he asked.

"Better," it was almost the truth, it did feel better from what it had been, but it still hurt. I wouldn't have told Ikuto that though, he was trying really hard to be optimistic.

"Good, I'm glad," he looked somewhat relieved now. "What would you like to do after this?"

My mind instantly went into fantasy mode lying in bed with him kissing. I thought about initiating a more passionate kiss each night before bed, but lost the courage every time. I blushed immensely, coming back into reality.

"What is it Amu?" his smiled hinted a smirk now, genuinely intrigued as to what I was thinking. The blush had already given away that it made me nervous.

"N-nothing, I-I," I tripped on words, unable to come up with something quick enough to be convincing.

He pushed my hair back behind my right ear and leaned in until his lips just barely brushed it; I got a very tingly sensation from the combination of light touch and warm breath. "You can tell me later if you'd like," he whispered, with a slightly taunting edge. Before standing up to leave he kissed me on the cheek, lingering a moment longer than usual.

Part of me was really shocked; this was probably the most purposefully suggestive thing he'd ever said to me. I didn't know if I wanted later to come soon or if I'd be too afraid to make any kind of move whatsoever. I was excited that the door was open if I wanted it to be though.

I hopped up to pursue Ikuto. "Wanna play hide-and-seek?" he inquired, absolutely innocent now, before I could address the subject any further.

"Sure," I replied, a bit confused, but I decided to just let it go for now.

"Okay, you get to go first since I already know the best places," he decided.

"Kay, how long do I have to find a place to hide," I asked.

"How about the count of a hundred and I'll go slowly?"

"Sounds good, you have to count from the kitchen though," I informed.

"Ready?" Ikuto called once he'd made it to the kitchen.

"Yeah, you can start now," I called back.

I listened and I could hear him begin to slowly count to a hundred as we'd agreed. Even though it'd been about a week, I still hadn't seen a good portion of the house. I hadn't even thought about it because I was usually with Ikuto unless one of us was showering or something. I decided to explore a bit while I looked for a place to hide, Ikuto was going pretty slowly.

I briefly wondered if there was anywhere he didn't want me to go, but I figured he would have told me and soon forgot about it. I walked down the hall and past his room then hung a right. I was now in a large corridor. The house looked huge from outside and even more enormous inside.

There were a number of closed doors, I stopped in front of one that had a music note carved into the wood. Maybe it's a music room I thought. I turned the doorknob and walked in. It was.

The room was completely empty except for a huge ebony black grand piano that was in perfect contrast with the white carpet and walls. It was of older style, but had been kept in pristine condition, polished and everything. I flipped up the light switch and a chandelier of crystals threw rainbows everywhere. The whole concept was beautiful. Somebody obviously played well; I hoped that it was Ikuto.

I approached the piano, running a hand along its ivory keys. I pulled its matching bench out and sat down. I wished I knew how to play something. I wondered in the back of my mind if I did once, and then decided to try a little something regardless.

I pushed a single note, that I was pretty sure was C. The piano sounded beautiful. The longer I sat, the more little bits and pieces seemed to come back to me. I remembered a very simple melody that I just repeated again and again, unable to recall any sort of ending.

Just as I was about to finish and go hide, applause exploded from an audience I was unaware of.

"Bravo! Encore!" Ikuto shouted from the doorway still clapping.

Darn it, I hadn't realized I'd been that long.

"I hope you never have to hide for real," he teased. I just smiled and made a face.

"Do you play?" I asked.

"Yes ma'am, scoot over a little," he slid onto the bench next to me and began to play a far more complex version of my same melody. "I guess it's safe to show you if you already remembered on your own," he smiled.

"Don't stop, keep going," I smiled back, "I want to hear the end, I couldn't remember it." I explained.

He continued. There was much more emotion in Ikuto's version than mine, it was happy, but there was also and undertow of sadness at the same time. I liked it because it was played on the high notes as well. I felt very satisfied when the song was over. It gave a sense of completion to hear the end.

"That was beautiful," I told him, and it really was.

"It's nothing compared to how you play," he returned.

I laughed. "You're silly," I said.

"I'm being serious, and the only reason I play this song so well is because you used to like listening to it." Now I was stunned, not just by what Ikuto had told me, but by the fact that he would tell me. He usually never parted with anything from the past. "It's really nice to know that you still do," he released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. It looked like a weight had just been lifted. "And some memories are safer than others," he informed without me having to inquire.

"I wish I could remember more of this."

"It will come back on its own, just give it time," he put an arm around me, "you can come play whenever you like. This room is sound proof with the door shut." He pointed.

"Will you come play too?" I asked, hopeful he'd say yes.

"Of course, as often as you want me too," he said, kissing me atop the head. I was happy now. The music felt very homey and comforting, even more so with Ikuto.

Before conversation or song could progress any further the phone began to ring downstairs. Ikuto rose to go get it and I rose to go with him.

"You can stay and play if you want to," he offered, "I'll only be a minute," he said walking out of the room. I decided to play the simple melody again while I waited in hopes that more would come back.

I heard Ikuto descend the stairs and pick up the phone to answer.

"Good afternoon, Tsukiyomi residence." I smiled at his formality. I could hear his voice trail off as he walked into another room.

I began to play, but got discouraged after a while when the end still didn't come back.

When Ikuto returned he already had on shoes and was pulling on a coat.

"Are we going somewhere?" I asked, feeling rushed since I clearly wasn't ready.

"There's really no need for you to come with me, it's just business," he told me, but he seemed uneasy.

My heart dropped a bit upon finding out I was staying home, but I didn't want to impose by asking to go and he seemed to be in a hurry.

"I won't be too long. Lock the door when I leave and I'll call you on my way home," he walked over and placed a hand on each or my shoulders to make sure I was paying attention, "don't leave the house and don't invite anyone in that comes to the door," he said. I began to feel a little frightened.

"Is everything alright? I-I don't want to stay alone," I said, my voice getting higher with nervousness.

"Yes, everything is fine. I didn't mean to scare you. I just want to impress upon you the need to be safe, that's all," he smiled and leaned in to kiss me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and his wrapped around my waist, my heart beginning to flutter. He drew me closer, holding my body against his just before pulling back.

"I'm sorry I have to go, but I'll take this along with whatever you were thinking of earlier at some point this evening when I get home," he reminded, a slightly naughty smile crossing his lips before he kissed me once more and dashed out on his way. "My cell phone number is on the fridge if you need me," he called back.

Then I was left alone in the piano room. The splendor of our kiss still hadn't faded and I felt as if I was walking on air. I put everything back in its place and went to go lock the door as instructed. My heart was still at a steady pace thinking of what Ikuto had said. I needed to keep busy or I'd just continue to worry myself to death.

I figured it would probably only get colder, so I decided to make a fire in the living room hearth. It took me several tries and a lot of newspaper and dry pinecones before anything was actually burning instead of just smoking, but it eventually cooperated.

What to do I thought to myself. There was a deck of cards lying on the coffee table that I played multiple games of solitaire with for about an hour before giving up, unable to win. I couldn't have ever been good at this I thought, putting the cards away.

I drummed my fingers on the coffee table, thinking of what to do next. I wanted to call Ikuto, but I didn't really need to and I didn't want to interrupt if it was important. I did want to know what he was doing however. In the end though, I decided against it.

At six o'clock the phone rang. "Good evening, Tsukiyomi residence," I mimicked Ikuto.

"Very good," Ikuto laughed on the other end, "You don't have to answer that way, I just always have is all."

"Ikuto! Are you on your way?" I asked excitedly.

"No I'm not, and I'm sorry," he apologized, "I didn't think it would take this long. It doesn't look like I'll be home for dinner, but I'll for sure be home by eight."

"Ahhhh," I whined, disappointed.

"I know, just a bit longer love," he replied sweetly. "I'll see you at eight though."

"O-okay," I stuttered upon being called love.

"Gotta go, be safe," he reminded before clicking off.

Although I was happy from even our short conversation, I was still disappointed. I'd live though. Only two more hours. I figured by the time I made and ate dinner, then took a bath Ikuto should be home.

I finished washing my plate and set it in the dish rack to dry before heading up to my room to pick out pajamas and bathe.

I hunted through my dresser, once again having a hard time finding anything modest. I settled on a cute pair of silk mini short underwear and matching top. I figured even if I wasn't brave enough to wear them to bed I'd still try them on while Ikuto was away to determine possible future use.

I began running water to fill the tub and poured in some strawberry scented bubble bath. I decided I might as well take my time and try to relax since I still had a solid hour before Ikuto was supposed to get home.

When I got out I brushed my teeth and hair, spritzed on a bit of perfume, and put on the silky underlings. From what I could see in the bathroom mirror they were pretty flattering, but I wanted to see them in the full length mirror next to my dresser just to be sure.

I walked out into my room and my face lit up with the brightest, hottest blush I'd ever experienced upon seeing Ikuto laying on my bed reading, already showered himself, waiting for me to get out.

He looked up and his eyes widened slightly, and he held the same intrigued expression as earlier. I turned on my heel to fetch a robe off the bathroom door hook and attempt to hide my very rosy cheeks.

"W-when did you get in? I t-thought the door was locked?" damn my stutter giving me away.

"I got home early," I could hear him rise from the bed, "and I have a key for the house. I would have called, but I wanted to surprise you. So I showered and came to wait for you," he explained, now standing in the doorway. He was being sweet, but I was just embarrassed.

"Y-you could have knocked," I said crossing my arms out of nervousness. I didn't really mean that, I scolded myself for being short tempered out of discomfort.

"I'm sorry," he apologized, turning around, "if you really don't want me to see Amu I won't look, that hasn't changed. For what it's worth though, you look beautiful. And it didn't take silk and lace to make me notice."

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath then dropped my robe and let it fall around my feet. "I don't care if you look," I assured, "I-I was just gonna try them on t-to, well b-because.." I kind of just trailed off, unable to explain.

"And I don't care why," he replied, turning around. And without notice he whipped off his shirt and his pants followed. I covered my face with my hands, blush deepening. "There, now we're equal and there's nothing to be embarrassed about," he was now as naked as I was in only a pair of fitting boxers. I slowly uncovered my eyes to see.

We stood looking at one another for a moment then I couldn't help giggling a bit. The thought was so sweet, but the act had only embarrassed me more. The situation in and of itself was pretty amusing. Too late now, already done so I just decided to get over it. I couldn't say I was displeased.

Ikuto held out his hand for me to take.

"Let's sleep in my room tonight, it's going to get chilly and I have a fireplace."

I sat on the edge of the bed while Ikuto built the fire. It was larger than mine and seemingly plushier. In no time Ikuto's fire had roared to life, shaming mine that merely crawled, sputtering into existence.

When finished, he flipped the light switch and shut the door, bathing the entire room in the warm glow of the fire that crackled and spit embers in its consummation of the wood that fed it.

Ikuto climbed into bed next to me and lifted the covers so I could crawl under as well.

"Amu," he paused for a moment, "are you okay with this? I mean really okay with this? I was just kidding around in the bathroom to make you feel better. We can put pajamas on if it will make you more comfortable." He reassured.

I was nervous, but it was an excited nervous. I scooted closer to him in response.

"I-I'm okay," I nodded.

"Alright, I'm just saying you don't have to be. Think of things being on your terms. What you say goes," he told me.

"I'm alright," I promised before turning over so we could assume our regular sleeping position: me facing away from Ikuto, but pulled close with his arm around my waist.

"Good," he said, snuggling closer and tucking my hair behind my ear. He dropped his voice to a whisper now, "Then you won't mind telling me what you were thinking earlier? About what you wanted to do?" he asked pleadingly. I could feel the edges of his mouth turn up into the naughty smile.

"I-I don't remember now," I lied in an effort to avoid the conversation, once again chickening out.

"Hmmm, pity," he sighed, "I guess we'll have to do what I want instead." I was completely frozen just listening. "I believe we left off somewhere around here," he continued, tracing my lips delicately with a fingertip. I bit down slightly on my bottom lip, heartbeat soaring. "Amu, turn over, please," still whispering. I listened and turned to face him.

His lips met mine and stayed this time. This was the kiss I'd been waiting for. The one without a time limit. The one I hadn't been brave enough for until I was in it.

His kiss grew slightly rougher to part my lips the tiniest bit. I felt his tongue graze the edge of my upper lip, and then slide inside my mouth as my cheeks grew warmer still. I pulled back slightly for a breath of air and he shifted to lay soft kisses across my collar bone, up my neck, and back to my mouth again.

Soon his hand slipped underneath my shirt and onto the bare skin of my back to press me closer in our fight for dominance that I was clearly losing. His tongue had once again penetrated past mine to explore the inside of my mouth. My hands found his face first then interlocked around his neck to pull him over until he was positioned on top of me, a leg on either side of mine, our bodies pressed together in a single embrace. Here we stayed for a considerable amount of time.

He pulled back, allowing us both air, then kissed me once more before lying back down next to me to cuddle.

I sighed with contentment and snuggled closer. I didn't really know if I'd ever kissed anyone else before, but I was convinced that Ikuto was the best at it and the only one I wanted to kiss for the rest of my life.

"Y-you're really good at kissing," I confessed, still blushing.

"You think so huh? I'm glad because it's something I plan to do with you quite often so long as you like." I leaned up to kiss his cheek this time then rested my head on his shoulder with his arm wrapped around me to fall asleep for the night.

"Goodnight Ikuto."

"Goodnight love," he returned, kissing me atop the head, "I'll see you in the morning."