Moona-chan: Hey guys! Sorry for the long wait! My laptop is currently... broken... so I'm using my Mum's. Well, it's great to be back. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
= )

Faded Poems and Broken Violins
Disclaimer: We only own the plot and the poems.
Chapter Seven: Dancing in the Dark

Amu POV

I woke up to silence. It was eerie... no screaming in my ear, no sister jumping on the bed, not even a whispering Mother or Father. I got up and out of bed, looking around. I was scared, where is everyone? Did something happen?

"Mama? Papa?" I called out, walking out of my room. I walked all around the house, seeing no one. There was a note on the refrigerator, addressed to me. I took it into my hands, reading it very carefully.

Amu-chan,
I'm sorry if we startled you. Papa, Ami, and I are at Grandma's. We'll be out shopping by the time you get home after school. Be careful. Be back around 6 o'clock or so.
Love,
Mama
P.S- Your lunch is in the refrigerator.

I put the paper on the counter. Why should I bother to go to school today?

Who would care?

Who would notice?

It's not like I'm important there. No friends, only rumors and false presumptions.

I sighed and walked up to my room, searching for my clothes. Might as well go anyways.

I took a quick shower and toweled off my wet hair. I quickly changed and got my books together. The time showed as 6:12a.m.

Crap.

I was a bit earlier than I thought.

I walked downstairs, grabbing my lunch out of the refrigerator, and heading towards the door.

I slipped on my shoes, and slid open the door, prepared to walk outside into the weak sunshine.

As I took the first step outside, my hand lingered at the door, my head turned towards the house.

I took in a sharp breath and my words barely escaped in a whisper.

"I'm leaving now."

~!At School!~

I arrived early, no one was around. I sat on the grass, just by the walkway entrance into the school. I hugged my knees.

I wish Ikuto was here.

Maybe I wouldn't be so bored if he was actually here.

Then again..

All he does is cause trouble.

Ugh, Amu, stop thinking about that pervert!

"Yo," a voice greeted, interrupting my thoughts, "What's up, perverted kid?"

My cheeks flared red and I shot a glare at the Blue Pervert.

The Number One pedophile in my book.

"The sky is up. Now go away."

"Ouch, I'm hurt," Ikuto said, sitting next to me, pouting. I scooted away from him.

"All you do is cause trouble." I shot another glare, thinking about the Saaya incident.

"That's not completely true..."

Liar.

"Yes it is. Now go to high school before Saaya arrives."

Stop it.

"What's wrong, Amu?"

Stop hurting him..

"Nothing. Now, please, go before you get yourself into trouble."

You're not being fair, Amu.

"Amu... if you need to talk, just tell me."

He rested his head on top of mine for a moment.
I felt a slight breeze go by, but it was warm, and the sun felt warmer... unless it's just because of the blood rushing to my cheeks..

He kissed my forehead and walked away without a word.

"Weird cat-eared cosplay-kid."

#*During School*#

The whole day passed by fairly slow. Every teacher had their lecture, and as usual, I cared less. All I could think about was Ikuto, and my book of poems.

Why is he so special?

Of all people, the perverted-pedophile decides to get into my life, my mind, and my poems.

Honestly, couldn't I have chosen Tadase-kun?

He sparkled in my mind, he was so charming, bright, and smart. Ikuto is just... well, he's perverted, mysterious, handsome, and- wait. What?

Amu.

Did you just call Ikuto... handsome?

Why did I... why is he on my mind?

I'm confused.. I like Tadase but.. question is...

How do I feel about Ikuto?

~!After School!~

As usual, Ikuto was outside waiting for me. I avoided him, and more importantly, his eyes.

To him

I'm an open book.

He can read me

Figure me out.

He can get through my outer character

He can get beyond the walls.

"Yo."

"Hi."

"You okay?" Ikuto asked, walking by my side. I looked at the ground.

Why Ikuto?

"Peachy."

Why do you make me feel this way?

"Amu. Don't lie to me. I hate it when you lie."

Why did you...

"I'm not lying."

Make me want to..

"Then why are you avoiding me?"

Want to love you?

"I'm not avoiding you. We're talking right now, aren't we?"

We walked in the direction of my house.

Why did you set up my heart

"Then look me in the eye."

I dared not to look up.

In such a way that you could

"Amu! Look at me!" He walked in front of me, stopping me in my tracks, hands on my shoulders.

Easily break it?

I looked up.

His eyes widened.

I tried to force back the tears.

Oh, dear God... He knows... He knows!

I pushed past him and ran. I ran as fast as my legs could take me. I couldn't tell if he knew everything, but he knows something now. He knows I'm hurt. Just not how or why. And I'll keep it that way.

I reached my house within minutes. Panting, I fumbled with the door, trying be granted access inside. As soon as it opened, I squeezed through, and slammed it shut, and locked it.

I panted and sobbed, choking on air. Thick tears ran down my cheeks, I could feel them. As soon as I reached my room, I walked in and slammed the door shut, sitting in front of it. I pulled out my book of poems, and decided to write.

Dancing in the Dark
You know those times of life
When things spin out of control?
It's like dancing a masquerade
Without your mask
Everyone can see who you are
You're vulnerable
But you can't see them
They are superior
It's like dancing in the dark
Afraid
Lonely
Cold
Scared
All of the feelings make you glance behind your shoulder
Voices pulsing through your skull
Lacing your thoughts with their twisted words
They stitch themselves in tightly
Feeding off of the fear
They whisper their propositions
The darkness concealing their sly lies
Dancing in the dark
A dangerous game
Played by one
One at a time
Few get out alive
Do you dare
To play the game?

I sniffled, and closed the book, settling my pen down as well. I cried and cried, my head on the hard floor. I soon fell asleep, exhausted.

Tears.

It's kind of funny how
They easily exhaust you..

Ikuto POV

After Amu ran away, I rushed home, scared.

What was wrong with her? She seemed so... pained. Did something happen? I swear, whoever hurt her, I'll kill them..

I set my violin case on my bed, opening the case. Papers were scattered everywhere. I sighed. Ever since I met Amu... I wrote a melody. She was inspiration.

I picked up my latest music sheet and smirked.

Just thinking about the look on Pinky's face after listening to these... I bet it would be beet red and surprised.

I chuckled.

One day, my love...

One day.

Moona-chan: Well, that's it for chapter seven! Sorry for it being so... rushed and corny. Please review! :D