Disclaimer: I do not own Shugo Chara; all rights go to its rightful owners. This is pure fan-fiction.

Yes I was finally able to upload this! Sorry, been busy with studying but now my next major test is not until next month, so yay! Anyway here is a longer chapter as promised! I think it's the longest one so far. Happy reading!

Chapter 4: A Rough Start & A Glimpse of Stardom

Amu's POV

When I woke up the next morning I was shocked at what I saw on my bed. It was Ikuto the person! And he was sleeping right next to me! Under my blanket!

"Wait" I thought, "If Ikuto's a human does that mean I'm a…."

I lifted my hands from under the cover and was relieved to see that they weren't paws. But if Ikuto didn't kiss me, then how did-???? Then I saw it, on top of his head, were blue cat ears! I quickly lifted the blanket off Ikuto, discovering a human Ikuto with cat ears and a tail! WHAT THE?!

Ikuto opened his eyes and looked at me with a smile. "Yo. Good morning Amu-chan. Like my new form? A lot better than a cat, huh?" He said as he sat up and put his face close to mine. I felt my cheeks getting hot, he was way too close!

"H-How did you ch-change into a half human?" I stuttered.

"Magic. I met the fairy again and now I can change into this form or into a full cat. But this is way better." He was inching closer to me. I could feel his breath on my ear. My head was spinning, it was too early for this! His lips were now getting clos-

"BAKA!!" I yelled as I pushed him back. "Don't think that I'm going to let you kiss me so casually. I learned my lesson not to kiss thieving cats. No way am I getting a tail." I said as I looked at Ikuto's waving around.

"Awe, you don't like good morning kisses?" Ikuto smiled as he tried to get closer.

"Not from cosplaying perverts!" I yelled as I threw my pillow at him.

"Hmf. Guess my regular tactics won't work on you. You are a challenge Amu."

Regular tactics?! You mean he's done this before?!

"Amuuu!!!!!!! Breakfast time!!!!" My parents called from downstairs.

"Coming!" I yelled back.

"Just change back into a cat and come down!" I yelled at Ikuto as I stomped out of the room. Jeez, is he always like this in the morning? No way is he going to win my heart like that.

Ikuto's POV

I stared at the closed door after Amu stomped out. I couldn't believe my regular tactics didn't work on her. What the heck is wrong with her? Every girl swoons over me the second I get close to them.

"Ikuto!" I heard a voice cry. I looked up, it was Poofy Wings again.

"What now? Back so soon?" I said annoyed.

"Ikuto Tsukiyomi. You're supposed to try to win Amu's heart, not seduce her!"

"What's the difference?"

She gave me a look like she was talking to an idiot. "Try showing some compassion and understanding. That's my advice. And you better do what Amu said and turn back into a cat."

"How do I do that?"

"If you really want to you can. Now this time, please Ikuto, for your sake, try being more sincere. Good bye Ikuto Tsukiyomi." And then she vanished as quickly as she came.

"She's always so formal. Wait, she said if I really want to I can turn into a cat. What does that mean?" I closed my eyes and there was a puff of smoke. When I opened my eyes again, I was a cat.

Hmm….that was easy. And then I walked out of the door and down the stairs.

I was surprised when I came down. The whole family was sitting at the table, eating and talking so loud. It looked like a lot was going on for just a family of four. I started meowing and everyone looked at me except for Amu who just kept eating her food.

"It's the kiddy." I heard the little kid say.

"Oh looks like the cat's finally awake." The father said.

"Come here kitty. There's food over here." The mom waved me over. I walked up to her and found a plate of food on the ground next to Amu. Then I remembered what Utau said about compassion and understanding. Maybe if I be nice her family, Amu would like me more. It was worth a shot.

I began to purr and rub against Amu's mom's leg as a thank you for the food. It sure felt weird.

"Ohh, what a nice cat." Amu's mom began petting me as I looked Amu's way, her eyes widened.

"Meow." I just said to Amu as she looked at me. Then I began eating the food, wow it's been a while since I ate an actual home cooked meal.

After I finished eating I walked up to Amu's little sister, who I now know whose name is Ami.

"Kiddy! Want to pway wit me?"

"Meow" I answered back.

"Hahahhaa, yay!!!" she said as she picked me up and squeezed me to death.

"Let's pway!" And she carried me into the living room to show me her dolls. I really do not want to play with dolls. So instead I just kept purring and circling around Ami. I think I got the hang of this purring business. "The kiddy's so fwuffy and friendwy."

"Ami!" I heard Amu call as she entered the living room. "Can I take the cat for a while?"

"No! I'm pwaying wit him."

"Please? Uh……I need to check if he has fleas."

"What are fwees?"

"Little teeny tiny bugs that like to bite you."

"Ahh! Take kiddy! And make sure he has no fwees!" Ami screamed as she stood up and ran to her room.

Once Ami was gone I looked up at Ms. Pink Head and she gave me an angry look. What did I do now? She picked me up and carried me all the way into her room.

Once she closed the door she said "Okay Ikuto. What is up with you?! First you try to kiss me this morning and then you go coddling up to my mom and baby sister. Are you having some kind of guy cat needs or something?!"

"What? I was just trying to be nice. Besides they liked it. Can't I be nice to your family?"

She gave me a skeptical look. "Are you sure that's all you were doing? Being nice?"

"Yes Amu." I said rolling my eyes. Then a smile came on my face. "Would you like me to purr for you too?"

"NO!" she said crossing her arms.

I sighed as I closed my eyes and there was a puff of smoke. Then I was back to being half human half cat or whatever. I looked at Amu who had her eyes wide from witnessing my transformation. I was about to say something until I heard my cell phone ring in my pocket.

I picked it up, "Hello? Ah director Yoshi. Ya good morning to you too……What? That's today!? Arg….ya I know but…….what?! No! I'll be there. Ya…okay…see you later."

Damn it! I completely forgot about that. I turned to look at Amu after I hung up the phone and she gave me a worried look.

"Is something the matter Ikuto?"

"Ah…..well you see. I have a photo shoot today. And it's starting in one hour. I really have to be there. But I don't know what I'm going to do about…this." I said gesturing to my cat ears and tail.

"Oh…" Amu said. And she seemed to be pondering. "Is it really that important?"

"Ya. If I don't make it someone else will get the part and I really need it to raise my popularity."

"Well…….okay, fine. I guess you can……..kiss me and turn back into a full person." Amu said looking the other way.

I was surprised by her words. I know that she didn't really like the way I treated her this morning but she's still able to nice. Hm...Ms. Pink Head is pretty interesting.

"Thank you Amu." I said giving her a smile that made her look a little stunned. "And I look forward to our third kiss." I teased.

"Arg! Behave or I'll change my mind!" She said as she went to grab her wallet.

"What are you doing?"

"Well you can't just walk there. And it looks like you don't have any money. I'll lend you some so that you can take a bus."

"A bus?" I never went on a bus in my entire life. Then an idea came to my head.

"Hey Amu, why don't you come with me?"

"Huh? Come with you? You mean to the photo shoot?"

"Ya. It'll be weird if I just went into a public bus as a person. Everyone would be running up to me since I'm a model. You can take me there when I'm a cat and then change me when we get to the studio. Plus, you have my lucky charm."

"Lucky-? Oh, you mean this?" She said holding up the dumpty key around her neck.

"Ya. I always have that during a shoot. And since you're the one wearing it, I need you to come."

"Well…okay then. I'll come. But only because I want to be able to change back right away after the shoot is over."

And just like that we made our plan to go to the photo shoot. Hmm….This may be fun with Pink Head coming.

Amu's POV

After Ikuto changed into a cat we went onto the bus to go to the photo shoot. I was really nervous but also excited. I've never been to a photo shoot before. I wonder if I'll see some more famous people! Maybe I'll see-

"Hey! We're here! We need to get off the bus." Ikuto said in my lap, snapping me back into reality.

"Oh, right!" I picked up Ikuto and walked out of the bus. I looked at the building the photo shoot was in and it was huge! And there were guards guarding every door! How was I going to get me and Ikuto inside?

"Hey, I'll go behind that tree. I can change there." Ikuto ran behind the tree and came back a second later in his half human form wearing a hat. He told me to walk behind him to cover his tail.

"Hey! It's me Ikuto." Ikuto said as we walked up to the guards. The guards bowed and opened the door for us, and then we went inside.

"Okay Amu. I need to change into my full form now. I can't take pictures with this tail."

"Uh okay." I said as we walked behind a pillar. "You promise we'll change back once the shoot is over right?"

"Ya, ya. Now hurry up before someone sees us."

"W-wait. Change back into a cat."

"What? Why?"

"I don't want to kiss you when you're in this form. It's too embarrassing. I'll rather kiss you when you're a cat." I said, blushing a little.

"What? Can't handle this sexy face?" Ikuto said giving me a smug smile.

"What?! Ikuto!"

"Hahahhaa. Okay, okay. Just give me a moment." He closed his eyes and then he was a cat on the ground.

"Okay, stay still okay? Don't move." I picked Ikuto up, closed my eyes, and kissed him on the lips.

There was a flashing light and the next thing I knew I was a pink cat on the floor.

"Yes it worked!" Ikuto said as he touched the top of his cat earless head. "Hey you should change too."

"How do I do that?"

"Just close your eyes and think about it."

I closed my eyes and there was a puff a smoke. Then I was a person again! Well, I still had cat ears and a tail though.

"Woah. This feels soooo weird." I said as I touched my cat ears.

"Here" Ikuto said as he put something on my head.

"Hey! What is this?"

"A hat. Wear it to cover up your ears. It's a good thing you're wearing a dress, it covers your tail, just don't move it so much."

"I won't"

"Hmm…unless you become mesmerized by my awesome modeling skills. I guess it would be alright to wag your tail." Ikuto said with a smirk.

"Errr! I'm a cat now not a dog!"

Ikuto just kept his stupid smile.

"Ah! Ikuto! There you are. I've been looking all over for you!" A tall girl with purple hair said. I was surprised, she was really pretty, was she a model? She had long silky hair tied in a pony tail down her waist. And she wore such stylish clothes!

"Hey Nadeshiko" Ikuto said as he walked over to her. I saw him wrap his arm around her waist. Wait, what?!

"Ikuto! That's not going to work on me this time. You're late! Now hurry up and go change. Everyone's waiting for you." She said as she pushed Ikuto's arm away. Then she looked at me.

"Oh, and who's this?" She said looking at me.

"Oh. Mm……..my new favorite." I heard Ikuto say casually. What?! His new favorite?! He said it like I'm his toy!

"Hi. My name is Nadeshiko Fujisaki. I'm Ikuto's stylist. It's nice to meet his new girlfriend." She said smiling at me. Hmm…she seems pretty nice. Wait, girlfriend?!

"Oh, I'm not his girlfriend! My name is Hinamori Amu." I said as I bowed my head.

"Hahahahahaha. You're really cute. No need to be so formal. Can I call you Amu-chan? Let's be friends, kay?"

"Y-Yes." Wow, she really is pretty and nice. I guess not everyone in the entertainment industry is all stuck up. I hope we can be friends.

"Ah, shoot the time! Hayaku, Hayaku!" Nadeshiko said as she pushed me and Ikuto farther into the building.

We walked up a flight of stairs and came to a double door. [Is that what it's called?] There were two guards standing who opened the doors for us. I was amazed when we got inside. There was so much stuff going on! There were cameras, clothes, people putting make-up on, and so much more. I've never seen anything like it except on TV.

"Ikuto, go into the dressing room. I already laid out your clothes in there. When you're done I think Meiko is going to do you're makeup. I need to get the other models ready." Nadeshiko said as she started picking through clothes on a rack.

"Haiiiii. Oh Amu, just wait here okay?" Ikuto said to me before disappearing into a room.

Once Ikuto was gone I sat down in a chair and waited for him. I think I was getting a little too excited, I needed to calm down. I wonder what Ikuto will look like.

After about twenty minutes Ikuto came out of the make-up room and I think my mouth opened a little. Was that Ikuto?! He already looks good enough as he is but…now.

[Author's note: For Ikuto's outfit please use your imagination. I'm not sure if I could describe an outfit for him well. Just know that he looks more amazing than usual, if that's possible.]

"You look amazing Ikuto!" Nadeshiko said as she turned to look at him. "Doesn't he, Amu?"

"Umm….ya. He looks…great." Omigosh, why can't I say anything? He looks beyond great, but I can't tell him that!

"Did your heart just skip a beat, Amu?" Ikuto said as he walked closer with his face up to mine.

"N-No!"

"Amu…you're blushing."

His comment on me blushing just made me redder I think. "It's just…the heat. It's kind of warm in here with all the people." I said as I crossed my arms and turned away.

"Just make sure you watch me okay? You're my good luck charm for today." Ikuto said as he walked past me towards the director and cameras.

"Good luck charm…" I thought to myself.

I saw Ikuto talk to the director as some staff members fixed up his hair and outfit a bit. Then Ikuto went on to the set and did poses as cameras flashed at him. I couldn't believe how real Ikuto's poses looked. He did so many facial expressions; happy, sad, serious, mysterious, and even that smug smile of his.

"Having fun watching?" Nadeshiko said as she popped up behind me.

"Ahh! Nadeshiko! You scared me there." I wasn't even paying attention to where I was when I was watching Ikuto.

"He looks great, right?" She said smiling as she looked at Ikuto.

"Umm ya, he looks great. Has he been a model for a long time?"

"What?! You don't know? He's been a model since he was in middle school. And he's practically a natural! But there's so much competition, that's why Ikuto hasn't become that well known yet."

"Wow. I didn't know. So I guess modeling must be very important to him, right?"

"Yep! His mom was a model you know. And his dad was a violinist!"

So I guess Ikuto has a pretty extravagant life, completely different from mine. I'm just the "cool & spicy" Amu Hinamori who goes to Seiyo Elementary. Wait, she said "was". Why did she say "was"? Are his parents not around anymore?

"Ah, it looks like their finished." Nadeshiko said. "Come on Amu" And she grabbed my hand to lead us to Ikuto on the set.

"Great work Ikuto. I'm glad we decided to wait for you and not use a backup model." I heard the director say.

"Ya. Sorry about the wait." Ikuto said.

"Director Yoshi! Great job to you too. The set you picked is perfect. It just said 'Spring'!"

"Thank you Nadeshiko. Oh, who's this?" Director Yoshi said looking at me.

"This is Amu Hinamori. Ikuto's new girlfriend!" Nadeshiko said. What?! I already told her I wasn't his girlfriend!

"No, I'm not-"I began to say.

"Ikuto's girlfriend, huh? Hey how would you like to take a couple pictures with Ikuto?" The director asked. Wait, did he just say pictures?!

"Oh no, I'm not a model!"

"That's a great idea director Yoshi! Amu-chan's really cute! Come on Amu-chan, I'll help you pick an outfit!" She said as she pulled me. When she pulled me my dress lifted a little, revealing my tail!

"Ah! Is that……a tail Amu-chan?" Nadeshiko said pointing to it.

Oh no! What was I going to do? Just then Ikuto was in front of me, covering me. Was he going to fix the situation? She already saw the tail.

"Nadeshiko, its.."

"Ah, are you into cosplay Amu-chan?!" Nadeshiko said with a sparkle in her eye. Huh?!

Ikuto and I gave her a blank stare, and then I saw Ikuto sigh. "Ya she is. She really likes cats. A lot. She even tries to get me to dress up in cat ears and a tail too." What was Ikuto saying?!

"Oh that's sooo cute! I didn't think you'd be the type to be into cosplay, Amu-chan. Hey I know why don't you wear that in the picture?" Nadeshiko said.

"Wha-"

"That's a great idea Nadeshiko. Hurry, go find an outfit for Amu." The director said as he motioned his hands at Nadeshiko and me.

Before I could say anything else, Nadeshiko grabbed my arm and pulled me into a dressing room.

"Let's see…what should you wear? Probably something that will match with Ikuto. Oh, this looks good. Here, try this on." Nadeshiko said as she placed clothes into my arms.

"Hmm..you should probably take off your hat too." She was about to pull it off before I clamped my hands on it.

"No! I have to wear a hat. Um…I'm having…..a really bad hair day."

"We could get a stylist to fix your hair."

"No, I'm self conscious without a hat in pictures." I lied.

"Oh all right. You can wear a hat. But can I at least pick a different hat for you to wear?"

"Umm..ya. That'll be fine."

After Nadeshiko picked out the hat she left the room to let me change. Jeez, look at the mess I got into. But….it could be fun being a model for a day. After I put on the clothes and secured the hat I walked out and Nadeshiko did my makeup.

"There! Finished! Look in the mirror Amu-chan!" Nadeshiko said as she pulled off the cloth over me and motioned towards the mirror. I was completely shocked. Was that me?! I looked soo…..cool!

I was wearing this short sleeve white shirt with a collar and a loose red tie. I was also wearing these black shorts with suspenders and boots. The red hat I was wearing matched with my stockings too. My hair was done in a kind of messy side ponytail that the hat didn't cover. The tail didn't even look weird with my outfit!

[Author's Note: The outfit Amu is wearing is the outfit she has in this one picture in which she is holding a guitar. If you don't what I'm talking about go to google and type down 'Shugo Chara Amu guitar'. It looks really cute. :] ]

I walked out with Nadeshiko and saw Ikuto looking at me with his mouth a little opened. He gave me the same look I gave him earlier!

"Wonderful Nadeshiko! Amu looks wonderful!" Director Yoshi said.

"Ya. You look really great Amu." Ikuto said as he walked up to me. "Ready my little strawberry?"

"What?!"

And then he lifted me up bridal style and carried me in front of the cameras. What was I suppose to do? Just smile?

"That's great Ikuto! Make it look like you're a young couple in love, which you are!" Director Yoshi said as the camera started flashing.

"Just have fun Amu-chan!" Nadeshiko yelled from next to the director.

"Come on Amu. Smile. It's just pictures." Ikuto said as he put me down.

What the heck? Might as well enjoy myself, I thought.

I smiled and tried my best to pose with Ikuto. It really was fun! Ikuto lifted me up piggyback style this time as I just blushed again. He was able to make me laugh in a lot of the pictures; I guess Ikuto was good at that too.

"You're doing great Amu!" Nadeshiko called from where she was.

"Hahahhaha. I never knew I could have so much fun taking pictures!" I yelled back.

"Hmm? So you are having fun." Ikuto said as he leaned close to me.

"Huh? W-What a-are you doing? T-That's too close!" I said as I stepped back.

"Amu" Ikuto said as he leaned even closer. Omigosh his lips are so close to my face! What is he doing?!

"Ikuto! If you kiss me right now your cat ears are going to pop up!" I whispered loudly to him.

He wasn't listening! Oh no! I closed my eyes tightly and then I felt his lips – on my forehead. I opened my eyes and the camera flashed.

"That was a great picture!" Director Yoshi yelled.

"W-Wha?" was all I could say.

"You really thought I was going to kiss you on the lips?" Ikuto smirked. "Unless you really wanted me too." Ikuto said leaning closer again and making my face feel hot. Errrrrr! What is with him?!

"No!" I said as I turned around.

"Amu, Ikuto you guys are done! That was wonderful!" Nadeshiko called to us.

When the pictures were over me and Ikuto went into the different changing rooms to change. Once I finished Nadeshiko told me that Ikuto had to stay a little for some paperwork and told me to wait outside the shooting room for him.

"Okay" I said as I left through the double doors. I thought I would wait outside for him since it began to feel kind of stuffy inside the building. I was thinking about the pictures we took and wondering if they would all turn out okay. As I started walking towards the stairs I saw a familiar blonde walking up. Omigosh it couldn't be…..but it is! It was my prince!

"Oh, hello there. Are you one of the models for the shoot today?" He said now right in front of me. Ohhh he's smiling! His smile is so sweet!

"Umm...n-no. I'm a friend of one of them."

"Oh I see. Hmmm….you look familiar. Have I seen you before?"

Oh what should I say? I can't tell him I was a cat when I first met him and kissed him!

"No! Um…my name is Amu Hinamori."

"It's very nice to meet you Hinamori-san. My name is Tadase Hotori. You really do look familiar. Did I- oh, your hair!"

"My hair?"

"Ya, your hair is the same color as a cat I saw yesterday. It was very cute, like you. That's probably why you look familiar. The cat looked kind of lost though; I hope that it's okay."

D-Did he just call me cute?! Omigosh, my prince just called me cute! And he remembers me! Well, he remembers the cat version of me.

"Hinamori-san? Are you alright? You look kind of dazed."

Oh no! I spaced out. Uhg I'm such an idiot!

"Y-ya I'm fine. It's just the heat in here. I think I'm going to go outside for some fresh air." I said as I looked down and started walking towards the stairs. Wait, what am I wearing?! I'm still wearing the boots! I quickly turned around to head back to the studio when I bumped into Tadase and started to fall back!

"Ah!"

"Hinamori-san!" Tadase said as he grabbed my hand. I felt a rush of wind through my face as I looked into Tadase's eyes as he pulled me up. My prince saved me! I swear I was completely red. I was so close to him!

"Are you okay?" Tadase said, still holding me up.

"Y-Ya. Thank you."

"Amu" A voice called behind Tadase.

I looked up and there was Ikuto looking at me and Tadase. I looked at Tadase and noticed that he was still holding me. Oh no, what's with this situation?!

Sorry about the cliché ending. I couldn't really think of how to end this chapter, but I hope you still liked it! I'll try to upload the next chapter in a week or two. Please R&R I love comments! Here's the preview!

"Hinamori-san…do you know Ikuto Tsukiyomi?"

"Ya. He's actually the friend I told you about earlier. Do you know him?"

Ugh, I know lame preview. I couldn't get a good preview that wouldn't spoil the next chapter. But look forward to it! It's called The Sudden Meeting & New Star Encounter.