Hey! Im not so sure this is a very good chapter. Sorry T.T But, its long, and Ikuto's in it, so it has to be good, right?
Hope you like it!
Midnight blue. It was in front of my eyes, surrounding me, caressing me, making me feel marvelous. It was against my lips and running over my-
Ring!
No, that wasn't right… Mmm...Light. Obnoxious noise.
My eyes flashed open. I rubbed them, and realized my phone was ringing. Dang, did it have to wake me from my dream? I liked those dreams. As bad as that sounds.
I reached in my pocket and flipped it open. I didn't bother checking who it was, I'd just find out from the text.
Are you there yet? It was from Tadase. I sighed and started texting back when suddenly my phone was pulled from my fingers. "Wah?" I asked.
"Yes," Kukai read out aloud, "we are. How boring! What else should we write?"
"Oh! The plane ride was horrible," Rima suggested, she had the evil glint in her eyes.
"I feel so in love with you, then add a smooch in dots or whatever," Nagi added. I shot him a glare.
"Okay! Give it back," I ordered Kukai as he got up and went to the other side of the table. I stood up too, planting my palms on the surface of the table. I didn't follow him right away until I realized he was actually going to text Tadase.
"Okay. How about this- The plane ride was horrible. I totally stuffed myself on way too much food on the plane, and I feel fat. I wuv you, and please tell Kukai to quit kicking my butt at Halo! He's so amazing! He's totally in love with Utau. Star, kiss, star!" Rima giggled and Kukai waved the phone in the air.
"Hit send!" Yaya giggled.
"Hurry before she can stop you!" Nagi added excitedly.
"Don't you dare send that!" I growled, and ran around the table.
"How are you going to stop me?" He teased, leading me around the table. He mirrored my steps perfectly so he was constantly directly across the table from me.
"I will throw ice-cream at you!" I threatened loudly. "That will stick in your clothes and hair. Utau will be furious!"
He blanched, but held the phone up, then ran down the huge hallway, cackling evilly. The other three were laughing at the threat of my complete humiliation. Weren't they supposed to be on my side? Horrible friends, I swear. I was so going to have to get back at them later. "Run, run, as fast as you can, you can't catch me because I'm the Kukai-man!"
"Very creative you stupid jock!" I shouted at him sarcastically. Then, I closed my eyes and ran faster. When I opened them I didn't have time to even comprehend that he'd stopped moving, and ran into his hard back. I swear to god everything was in slow motion as I attempted to figure out what just happened. I saw my phone fly as I felt the air rush from my lungs. I watched Kukai fall, and did my best so I wouldn't fall on top of him. I caught a flash of blonde, and I don't think Utau would like that very much. I heard my phone say 'message sent' and groaned.
"Damn Amu! I may be a stupid jock but you're gonna get an interesting text back from that!" He cackled, and I caught my nose in my hand with groan. It hurt, really badly. I sat up momentarily, and my head spun. I think he gave me a concussion.
"I am going to kill you," I said, flopping back down on the ground.
"Amu. Get up, that's very unlady like of you," I heard Utau's voice say. I pulled one of my hands back to my nose and cussed under my breath. Kukai snickered.
"Wait 'til I show you the text she just sent Tadase. It's very inappropriate," he said, cracking up again.
"You dumb jock! You gave me a nosebleed, and you did that text not me! I am going to cover you in ice-cream!" I shouted at him. Then, I took a second to process that last comment. When I got it I froze, lowered my voice dangerously, and hoped my warning hit home. I paused between each word. "Kukai. What did you send?"
"Not on my watch, Kukai doesn't look very good when he's covered with ice-cream," Utau sniffed daintily, and if I wasn't in so much pain I would've giggled.
"Maybe I'll just get you too," I groaned, sitting back up and leaning my head backwards like Momma always said to do when I had a bloody nose. I heard my phone go off again and groaned as I reached for it.
"You would never," Utau threatened.
"I am the queen of food fights, aren't I?" I asked. Before I could actually wrap my fingers around the pink phone someone picked it up. The hand definitely didn't belong to Kukai. Too slender and pale, and I highly doubted Utau would disgrace herself with bending down to steal my phone. That could only mean it was him. Why did he have to be a witness to this humiliation?
"Who's the person assigning your homework?" She asked with what I imagined was a very evil smile. But I wasn't looking at her. I was looking at the man I'd let my arms wander to, the one standing next to her. He hadn't changed very much over the past five years. If anything he was just even more beautiful. He looked a little older, and possibly a little taller. His hair was still a messy blue, and he still looked like he had the grace of an alley cat. Which he did. His face looked closed, but there was there was a gentleness there. That's what I loved about Ikuto. He never let anyone in, but he'd let me in. And I'd shut him out again. His body was as long as I remembered, and those eyes… Oh god they made my knees feel weak just looking up at him. I didn't know what I would do if they were actually meeting my gaze. Ikuto was standing right in front of me, and I had no idea what to do, until I realized what he was reading. It was the text from Tadase, and I watched his lips twitched into an amused smile. Crap. I let my head fall back with another groan.
"Utau I think Amu's dead," Kukai said, poking me. I slapped at his hand.
"Kukai I've already hit one guy today. I am not afraid of giving you a nose bleed too," I said menacingly. He laughed, knowing it was an empty threat.
"You're getting blood on your shirt," Utau said, dropping something on my face.
"Not my fault," I said, and pinched my nose with the handkerchief. I tilted my head back again.
"It's in your hair!" Kukai said, and I felt somebody playing with my hair. Whatever. Until they yanked it.
"Ow!" I turned to look at him. He had a huge grin on his face.
"What is with you today you stupid jock? You are being more annoying than you usually are," I accused suspiciously. This was overboard, especially for him.
"Still going to ice-cream me?" He asked, and I caught the glint in his eyes. This time I did whack him. He fell over groaning.
"Very lady-like Amu," Utau said sarcastically.
"We can't all be as amazing as you are Utau. Do you know what he was suggesting?" I asked sweetly. She nodded, and I realized she was going to punish him in her own way later. I was never going to 'ice-cream' him. And, no, I am not explaining. This is rated T, not R.
"It's not my fault you kicked my butt at Halo. I need to kick your butt at something else. That hurts my male pride," Kukai said sweetly.
"Like you have any," I retorted.
"She has a point," Ikuto pointed out and I blushed a little, just hearing his voice. Oh man, how embarrassing. And he had my phone. Damn. I heard footsteps behind me, and opened my eyes to see an upside-down Rima. That was better than anything Ikuto.
"Rima! Help!" I called at her. She nodded and ran over. She had her serious face as she stole my phone away from Ikuto and started texting furiously. Nagi came up and looked down at me. I take it back, these guys are amazingly loyal friends.
"Amu what happened to your nose?" He asked, leaning down. He touched it softly, probably making sure it's not broken. He looked a little relieved. Sometimes he acted way too much like an overprotective mother, but sometimes that was really nice.
"Kukai's oversized head," I said angrily.
"What?" I heard Rima ask, and I swear to god I could feel her glare. I glanced over at Kukai and laughed to see Yaya attached to him, glaring up at Utau. She could be such an odd thirteen year old.
"Yaya. What's wrong?" I asked through a giggle. I swear to god she was strangling him.
"Utua attacked you guys, and broke your nose, right? I told you she's still suspicious!" She yelled, and I thanked god there weren't very many people here. This was rather embarrassing. Utau breathed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Yaya that is why you're the Gossip Queen at your school. You jump to conclusions way too fast, now let go of Kukai before you end up killing him for me," I said, sounding a little like I was scolding her. She always blamed everything on Utau. I honestly wonder if she had a crush on Kukai.
"You guys are such kids," Utau groaned.
"Wonder why?" I asked, and she giggled. Then seemed to catch herself and stood up straight again, stopping the laugh. I rolled my eyes at her.
"What are we going to do about her nose?" Rima asked looking like an angry little tiger.
"Cut it off?" Kukai suggested. I froze, it sounded like he meant it.
"He's just kidding! Yeesh Amu-chi!" Yaya complained.
"Stupid jock," I muttered under my breath. He leaned close to me.
"What was that?" He asked sweetly.
"That was, 'when I get up I'm punching you in the gut'," I told him, leaning closer to him. He smirked, and came closer again.
"If you can even stand," I blinked at his point. It was very valid.
"You have a point," I said, thinking, "I guess if I can't stand I'll just have to get someone else to do it. I'm sure there are plenty of random people on the streets that would agree to do it under the right circumstances."
Kukai cracked up, and Yaya looked confused. "What's that mean?"
"Nothing small child. Adult words you shall someday understand," Nagi said, putting his palms together and bowing to her. I laughed at that. Go Nagi, go!
"I'm going to cry if you don't tell me!" Yaya pouted.
"And I'll give homework," Utau threatened. I would've laughed if my nose wasn't still gushing blood.
"How long do nosebleeds usually last?" Rima asked. She sounded curious. Geez, best friend, I wasn't a science experiment.
"Not enough time to go drop your stuff off then come back to get me," I replied before that venue could continue.
"Amu you know I would never do that," she said sweetly and Nagi had to hide a laugh with a cough. I pulled the handkerchief away from my nose, and touched it.
"Well, it seems to be slowing down," I said with a sigh.
"Let's hope so or we just might leave you," Ikuto said smoothly. I swear if I'd had the guts to look up at him he would've been smirking. Mmm… I loved the way his voice sounded. Definitely liked him way more than I'd ever like Tadase, but I wasn't going back on my decision. Hopefully he could forgive me.
"Very encouraging Kitty," I shot at him. Utau laughed outright this time, and I heard Ikuto chuckle after a moment. Rima got in my face, kneeling so she could look at me.
"Did you get any more brain damaged than you already are?" She asked.
"Hah. Very funny. I guess we'll find out," I said sarcastically.
"If you can't walk we could always roll you," Kukai suggested and Nagi started laughing. Utau giggled. Very odd suggestion. I'm almost positive Kukai would enjoy it a lot more than I would. Why does he always suggest the oddest things? Gee, I wonder.
"Very helpful. I'll take that into consideration," I didn't look at Kukai when he laughed. Instead I looked in the opposite direction. He poked me, and I just ignored him. He got in my face, in a way, and waved, almost hitting my nose it was so close. But I just completely ignored him. Utau was still cracking up, and now so was everyone except Ikuto. And me, because I was ignoring Kukai. Then he licked my cheek. I threw my fist, and caught what was hopefully his skin.
"Get away from me you damn jock!" I yelled, pushing him away from me, and rolling into Rima. I reached up and she helped me up. I stumbled a little, but just shook my head and regained my balance, with Rima's help of course. Kukai was clutching his sides, and rolling around on the ground. His cheek was red, and I felt satisfied that I had caught his cheek. I looked at Utau, who smiled sweetly and shrugged. Then I realized Rima had a McFlurry, so I used the spoon stuck in the creamy whiteness, aimed at Kukai, and flung the ice-cream at him. It hit his forehead, and he stopped rolling around. I glared at him as he laid there frozen on the ground. His head slowly lifted to look at me, and I smirked. He looked hilarious.
"Kukai!" Utau whined, "you are so gross sometimes!"
"Stupid jock," I muttered through my laughter, then looked at Rima, "where's my McFlurry?"
"Right here," she said, handing me the ice-cream. I sighed and popped a spoonful into my mouth. I watched as Utau pulled Kukai, rather violently to his feet and scolded him like it wasn't my fault. I shifted my weight to my other foot and the world seemed to spin. I shook my head again, and it went away. I hope this was going to go away. When Utau started dragging Kukai away I laughed softly. He looked back and glared at me.
"This isn't over Pinkette!" He called as Utau dragged him away. I shook my head and followed. The more I walked the less dizzy I was, and I was thakning god I didn't fall over. I didn't want to give Ikuto an excuse to play knight and carry me, not that I didn't want to be in his arms- I really, really did. It was more of the fact that I wanted to talk to him in private. Then, suddenly the cat was right next to me.
"Don't I even get a hug?" He whined. I blushed, and shook my head.
"Not yet," I said nervously.
"Are you gonna explain?" He asked softly.
"Explain what? The sky? I'm not sure I could do that," I said, trying to make my voice sound nonchalant, like I had no idea what he was talking about. I just really didn't want to explain when we were in front of people. I looked behind us, and realized Rima, Nagi, and Yaya were giving us a lot of room. Kukai and Utau were nowhere to be seen.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about," he said, leaning close to me. His face looked so, so serious. I felt a blush color my cheeks, and I am almost positive he was holding back a smirk. Keep your cool Amu. You can do this.
"How about when we're not surrounded by people?" I asked, feeling the blush crawl farther across my skin. Oh god, he made my heart race. I wanted to reach up and run my hand through my hair, and so much more. I couldn't though. I had to maintain distance. I wasn't an adult yet, I couldn't let him make me a burden him again. I shook my head and started walking again. He caught up quickly.
"Sounds good, but it better be a good reason," he said, and I didn't meet his eyes.
"You probably won't think so," I mumbled. He was so close we were almost touching. It felt so good. I sighed softly, again. Then stopped. That couldn't be- wait. There it was again. "No way!" I muttered excitedly as I reached into the bag I always carried on my hip. Everyone just assumed it was a belt, or a permanent fixture, but it was where I kept the guardian eggs. It was smaller than it had been because for some reason the eggs kept getting smaller. I reached in and touched Ran's pretty pink egg. It wiggled a, just barely, but it was there. It couldn't be, it really couldn't. It had been years since they'd gone back into their eggs. I smiled, and started walking again. I knew I should probably talk to the mind-clouding, hot, amazing cat-boy walking next to me, but I didn't know what to say. I liked just being close to him. I was about to eat another spoonful of ice-cream when he grabbed my wrist and pulled. I ended up being pinned against the wall. With a huge blush on my face, his hands on either side of my head.
"I don't like that," he said, not even an inch from my face. I stared into those gorgeous midnight blue eyes, blinking rapidly. What was I supposed to do?
"I-I do," I said, trying not to stutter. And failing.
"I don't care. You've avoided me long enough," he said, his eyes tightening a little. I bit my lip. I knew I'd hurt him, but I didn't think I'd have to deal with it for another year. I wasn't ready to see him again. I hung my head, but he hooked his finger under my chin, and made me look at him. "Amu."
"I don't want to be a burden," I said, feeling tears in my eyes, and I looked away from him again. I really had no idea what to think right now. I wanted to do so many things, and I kinda wondered what he'd do if I reached up and kissed him right now. I sure wanted to.
"We'll meet you guys at the house," Rima waved as she walked by. Ikuto nodded, and they kinda just guessed I would go along with it. They were right, I did. I nodded, not looking up because I couldn't face Ikuto. Then everyone else I knew was gone, and it was me and Ikuto. I wished he would touch me, but I wasn't going to cross that line. Not yet. And honestly, I didn't know if he hated me, the last thing I'd known was how he loved me. I had no idea if that changed or not. I wanted to know, but I was too terrified to ask, and when it comes to situations like this I wasn't very good at gaining courage.
"Amu. You'll never be a burden," he said softly.
"I was a burden! I got a call from your agent once, and they explained what you were skipping every time you came to visit Japan. And you always said it was to see me. And then Utau said something about you being so stressed a-and I-" I couldn't stop them, the tears fell from my eyes, and I looked up at him. He lifted his fingers to my face and wiped away the tears. I hung my head again. Dang! I'd hurt him, and now it was probably hurting him to see my tears. Or, at least, that's what his eyes were saying.
"Amu," he said, and I wouldn't let him lift my chin to make me look at him, "Amu look at me."
"No," I whispered, "I can't. I've hurt you too much."
"Amu," he growled. I just closed my eyes tightly and shook my head softly. That's when I felt his forehead touch mine. I couldn't do anything. I couldn't let him get as stressed as Utau said he was, I couldn't let him get that way again. I wasn't going to let him get in trouble because he came to come visit Japan. I couldn't let him do that to himself again. Because of me. But, on the other hand, I wanted everything to go back to the way it was.
"No. You can't do that again," I said quietly.
"I don't care what anyone said about stress or anything. I don't care if you want to shut me out like that. I'm not letting you do that again," he said, and kissed my forehead.
"Ikuto. It's not like I want to shut you out, but I think you're better off without me," I said, letting my voice break.
"Amu I can take care of myself," he said softly.
"You always take on too much though! And you always protect me on top of everything! Utau told me how sick you were getting! I-I-I could…" I was going to continue, but couldn't. It hurt too much. I realized I was shaking from head to toe, and I couldn't help it. I missed Ikuto. I missed him a lot, but I couldn't see him hurt. Because of me! I remembered how'd he'd looked at that last visit. He'd looked really pale and tired, and sick. He looked horrible, and when I asked why, he'd said 'stress'. That's when I'd made up my mind to shut him out like that.
"Amu you disappearing from my life was the most stressful thing I could ever think of," he said quietly. I leaned my head back against the wall, trying no to let his words get to me, "please. Don't shut me out anymore. That's not just painful, it's scary."
His voice was low and sounded rough. He sounded like he was hurting, like he had all those years ago. But, his voice was also soft. Slowly, I leaned forward, and I gently leaned my forehead against his. "I don't want too."
"Then don't," he pleaded smoothly.
"Not yet. When I'm an adult-" I started, but he cut me off.
"Amu, please," he groaned.
"Not until I'm out of high school. Once I am, I won't ever do this again, I promise," I said, and looked desperately for an escape. His arms would catch me before I could run away, and I didn't want to hurt him anymore. Dang, there's no escape! I have to endure this all the way. I closed my eyes again. That seemed to help make this a little more bearable. I wanted so badly to wrap my arms around his neck. No. I couldn't. Not yet.
"Amu. Not good enough," he said angrily.
"B-But-" I stuttered. I didn't like him angry. It made me feel like a little kid again.
"No. At least let me be your friend until then," he growled. I peeked out from under my eyelids to see his eyes were closed too. His face looked drawn, and I couldn't stop myself, I reached up and brushed hair out of his face. His face relaxed at the touch, and he leaned his head slightly into the touch.
"Ok," I said quietly, "as long as you don't get stressed."
"I promise," he said softly. I didn't look up at him. I looked at his arm, and ducked under it. He let me walk away, but followed. He ended up walking right next to me, and I wanted to reach out and grab his hand, but that wasn't right after what I just said. I don't think that would help this situation. Not at all. Besides it was halfway through the year. Only four months till Graduation. Then I'd be with him. Not until I was an adult which would make it so I could be with him. Hopefully.
"So, where are we going?" I asked, sneaking a glance up at him. He looked tense, but shrugged.
"'My place' as Utau likes to call it. It doesn't feel anywhere close to mine though," he said, sounding annoyed.
"I know how that feels," I agreed. I had moved quite recently, and I hated the new house. It definitely didn't feel like home.
"Hmm…" he said, leaning close to my face again. I leaned back a little, surprised he was there suddenly.
"What?" I asked, a little hesitantly.
"I was wondering where you went," he said with a soft smirk. I felt my face turn red when I realized what he said. He'd been peeping in my window again! Jerk!
"I-I-Ikuto!" I shouted.
"Yes?" He asked, leaning closer to me.
"Y-y-you pervert!" I finally managed to get out.
"You didn't change at all," he said, messing up my hair.
"I'm not the only one," I smiled at him. He laughed softly.
"Although you've definitely grown up since I last saw you," he smiled, but his voice sounded a little sad.
"Yup, I'm in high school now," I said jokingly.
"How much longer do you have?" He asked… hesitantly?
"Four months. Technically," I said, and realized I'd dropped my McFlurry. I looked back, and saw it on the floor. Dang, that was tasty.
"Technically?" He looked skeptical.
"Well, with Utau assigning us homework I'm not positive I'll pass," I made sure my voice sounded unsure. I didn't think she was going to give very much homework. Probably just the final tests.
"I'll make sure you do, after all, once you're out of high school you'll be with me," he said slyly.
"To good to be true," I muttered under my breath.
"Hmm… Didn't quite catch that Amu," he said as his face leaned closer. I started walking again.
"Stupid kitty!" I called over my shoulder.
"I don't know what to think about that knick-name," he said curiously
"I don't know either, but I like it," I said, smirking to myself.