Well, I'm pretty sure a 'Woo-hoo' is in order. We made it! Second to last chapter! Disclaimers: I don't own anything, that includes: Shugo chara, Maroon 5 or their song 'Maps', or any places, businesses, or magazines. Also, I'm thinking you guys are in for a bit of a cliff hanger, sorry. Thank you!

XAmu P.

Getting back to the hotel was a bit of a hassle; considering the throngs of fans buzzing all around me for several hours. Mika and Nate were a force of nature while moving effectively maneuvering closer to the hotel. Somehow, we got back to the room; by that time I hardly had any energy to pack. Instead, when I got to my room I threw myself on the soft bed and stared at the ceiling while trying not to doze off. After what only felt like a couple of seconds, Mika burst into the room.

"What are you doing?!" Mika cried, jumping on the bed nearly kneeing me in the chest. "You're supposed to be packing!" She quickly hopped off the bed to throw the contents of my dresser at me.

I couldn't control my giggles as soon as I found myself drowning in a heep of my own clothes. "I know! I know! I'm… trying." I chuckled, plucking a shirt off my head.

She was about to throw a white dress when she stopped and lowered her hand. She tilted her head and looked at me for a moment.

"Hey, are you alright? You've been kind of out of it all day." She asked furrowing her brows.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just… I'm feeling a little homesick. I haven't heard from my family in a while, and.. It's weighing on me a little." I replied while gazing intently at my hands. "I'm kinda missing my friends." I sighed, thinking of one friend in particular. She averted her gaze and took on a particularly troubled look, but not even a second later she turned back and gave me a small sympathetic smile.

"So, Amu.. How do you feel about.. Nate?" she asked unevenly. I thought for a second as she waited patiently for my answer.

"I dunno… He's a good friend, and an even better body guard. He's good at handling overwhelming situations… sometimes." I thought back to the moment earlier in the night when Nate kissed me. My brows crinkled at the recollection.

Why he'd decided to do that still eludes me. He's been that way recently; addressing me with pet names and tons of little touches. I didn't want to admit that he may want something romantic, and that's only because I didn't want that with him.

"Oh! Good… Well, finish packing and I'll see you in the morning." She said, pulling me out of me revere.

"Yeh, alright." I replied while she crossed the room to give me a hug. "G'night!" I called to her down the hall.

After she called back I got up, shut the door, found some p.j.'s and slid into my bed. It took a while to get the racing thoughts to calm before I fell asleep.

XNarator P.

Ikuto had made it to Paris, but unbeknownst to him he was four hours to late. By the time he landed, Amu had packed her things, clambered into a private jet, and flew to Italy.

When he arrived he didn't even bother unpacking, and instead visited a couple agencies in the area. Coming up empty handed everytime. He read almost every news paper, magazine, and catalog without any hints as to where she was.

Finally, an entire week passed and Ikuto had been meandering through the streets with a coffee when he passed a paper vendor. A magazine lining nearly every rack made Ikuto choke. The headline read "Our Bubblegum Babe Sun Soaking in Syracuse!" and on the front cover was his beautiful pinkette laid out on a sunny beach gazing at him with piercing hazel eyes. He couldn't help but smile in spite of himself.

xXx

It was still very clear in Amu's mind when she landed in Syracuse for the first time. All of the sights overwhelmed her as she took in the beautiful, clear sea, and the breathtaking architecture that overflowed from the city. Even the sun smiled down on the amazing city. She could still feel the excitement for her first shoot on the Italian beach in her bright swimsuits.

Her week was full of appointments and shoots, she could barely have a moment or two to herself without her busy schedule interrupting her peace and quiet. Through the excitement, tensions were a bit high between Amu and her team.

Amu had been posing in front of building after building; outfit after outfit. It had felt like ages since she had a break. Finally, after a few more snaps she shuffled over to her canopy to envelope herself in a robe and plop into a chair. Mika tailed behind her carrying a towel and a bottle of water.

"You're doing great! You look amazing out there!" She exclaimed. She pushed the water into Amu's hands and dabbed her forehead with the towel. Amu sighed contentedly at the cool water gliding down her parched throat.

"Thanks, Mika. I really appreciate it." Amu smiled. She let her eyelids flutter shut and in an attempt to relax she rested her head against the chair.

XIkuto P./Narator P.

The flight to Syracuse was long. It felt like forever. Now that I knew where she was the hours just seemed to drag. I wanted to see her and touch her and hold her, but it felt time and space were pushing us apart.

She was so much more beautiful than I could've imagined, and after I saw her In that magazine all of my senses whole body started to buzz at the thought of her being so close. I made sure to book a flight that night, but I also glimpsed an add by a high class jewelry store called 'D.D. Diamonds'. They specialized in a certain type of jewelry that I knew I couldn't leave without.

When I landed in Syracuse the sun was trying to peek through the plentiful clouds lazing around in the sky. 'Looks like rain' I thought. Even with the testy weather, the streets were still bustling and alive with people. There was a slight breeze nipping at me through my jacket.

I felt rejuvenated with a new surge of energy. I felt alive at the idea of our close proximities. After these long seven years I could be with Amu. So, I took the streets by storm and tried to spy a perfect spot to play.

Even in my awe, I promised her that I would come back to her no matter the distance, and here I am.

XAmu P.

Thanks to the gracious weather gods, I was able to leave work a little early. The wonderful storm clouds decided to give the lovely sun a break, and they couldn't be thanked enough. Staying in stiff positions all day isn't easy, and take its toll on the body after a while.

When I sluggishly shuffled to my hotel door I almost collapsed against the door. Luckily, I had enough strength to unlock my door and usher my body through and make my way over to the balcony that overlooks the city.

At times like this It would be refreshing to talk to Rima. She was so supportive and really knew how to make me laugh. For some reason, I don't hear from them anymore, and I can't get a hold of them. I haven't heard from my friends or family in years. I would've thought that they would've been proud of me. Nate thinks it's their loss, and that I'm better off without them. After all these years… I guess he's right… But I would've thought just one person would've cared! I thought for sure that Ikuto would've tried to call or something! Even so, I can't ditch my feelings for him, even if he doesn't feel the same. I felt the sky picking up on my feelings, because I felt gentle raindrops on my bare shoulders.

Just as I was spiraling deeper into my dark thoughts I heard the door open. I turned to see Nate with a bouquet of flowers. 'Think of the devil, and he shall appear.' I thought with a smirk.

"Hey.. Is now a good time?" he asked. He smiled gently while offering the flowers to me.

"Uhh… Yeah, what's all this?" I asked awkwardly, taking the flowers to cradle them in my arms. He strode toward me and gripped my shoulders.

"Listen, Amu… I love you." He said letting a big smile take over his face and looked at me expectantly.

I felt my face drain and my shoulders stiffen; I didn't know what to say. "Umm… I, uhh." I mumbled on for a moment and felt my eyes wander towards the window. When I did I felt my heart drop. I dropped the flowers and quickly turned toward the window.

Among the bustling streets of Syracuse I spotted a mop of azure locks and what was unmistakingly a violin case. Thoughts of Nate and any and all things that he said flew out of my head.

I felt my heart pounding in my chest and pumped all the blood to my legs, and not even a second later I found myself bounding through my hotel door. I flew down the stairs in nothing but my light sundress. I could barely control myself when I through open the hotel doors and took off in the direction I was sure I saw Ikuto go. I bounced up and down in the crowd, rudely shoving past people trying to catch another glance of him.

Then, the skies opened up and released a heavy downpour. The pain in my bare feet and the icy rain numbing me to core became very real. Reality set in when I hit a fork in the road and Ikuto was nowhere to be found.

The walk back to the hotel was a long one. Longer than any I had experienced so far. The rain pelted down on my head and my beyond soaked body.

I made it back to the hotel and glanced up at my room's balcony. For a moment I swear I saw Nate glaring back down at me. However, after trudging up to my room he wasn't there. After a thorough glance around, the only trace of him was the flowers he had given me, but the were destroyed. It looked like they had been stomped.

xXx

"After what was felt like ten years in hell, it's now over! Now, is the time to relax! For the most part!" Mika clapped. "We will be going on a cruise! Only catch is, we will be having a really exclusive press conference there!" She winced as I grimaced.

"A press conference?" I groaned. "I hate those! Why can't we just relax that's what a cruise is meant for." I whined.

"Well, don't be so bummed, we'll have some of your fans on the boat to, so that'll be fun!" she enthused. "A lot of folks from the island wanted to come! It'll be a blast! Don't worry about it!"

I heaved a heavy sigh. "When do we leave?" I asked solemnly.

"Now!"

xXx

"Hinamori-san! How's your love life?!"

"Where do you think your career is headed?!"

"Is your hair fake!?"

"Have you had any work done?!"

Reporter after reporter. Question after question. Camera's flashing incessantly. It's nauseating, being on a ship didn't help either. They've been at it for what feels like hours. I'm so exhausted. I just really need this to be over.

"If you'll excuse me, I need some fresh air." I said politely pushing my chair out. The reporters roared in the wake of my reply. I sighed and excited the big ornate room out of a secured door.

I made it out to the deck and the cool night air whipped my long pink hair. I took a refreshing, deep breath. I braced myself on the railing and leaned against it.

Suddenly I felt hands on my back and someone mumbling behind me aggressively. Before I could turn around, I felt them shove me and found myself teetering over the edge of the ship.

XxXxX

Alright ladies and gentleman. It's done! Finally! That's the second to last chapter for you! I hope you guys liked it! If you have questions, don't worry, they will be answered in the next chapter. Again, thanks so much for the reads and the support! I hope I didn't let anyone down! I know this is also a fanfic and there isn't really a lot of cuddles or anything. For that I'm sorry, but I hope to make up for that in the next chapter. I would actually like to hear what you guys think is happening/ predictions as to what the future holds!