Chapter Eight : Competive Princes & Flustered Cats
Previously…
The kitchen was filled with soft chatter and the clatter of pans. She looked around, her eyes zoned in on a figure sitting in a bar stool. If Ikuto wasn't holding her hand she probably would have teetered and lost her balance. Two red tinted eyes met hers, the light mood in them faded. She watched them as they flickered down, obviously noticing Ikuto's hand intertwined with her own. His face filled with hurt, and he turned facing his back to her.
"T-Tadase-kun." She stammered weakly.
Continued …
Ikuto gripped Amu's hand securely, insuring she wouldn't wiggle free. He could feel her hand tremble as he held it, she didn't seem to be putting up a fight about his hand still holding hers but he figured she had bigger priorities than that. He pursed his lips, as they stood there in awkward silence, he felt a little neglected by the fact she wasn't paying attention to him, she seemed so absorbed in the fact little king had showed up and rained on her parade. He sighed, giving Amu's hand a soft squeeze, he was surprised when her hand tightened in his
'She seems scared, what the hell did he do to her?' Ikuto took a breath, trying to scan his memories. He remembered warm lips
'Not far enough.'
Then he remembered her blushing face.
'Still not far enough'
His mind lingered on the image of her sleeping form, then it clicked. Ikuto wasn't entirely sure of how much of his dream was a dream or real. He smirked, Ikuto had a feeling that a certain part in particular had happened last night.
"Ikuto." Tadase akwolaged, nodding his head slightly.
"Tadase." He matched his voice much deeper than Tadase's. A sudden feeling filled the air, Ikuto maintained a steady gaze with him, creating this heavy feeling; it was the kind of anticipation you get before a fight. He gave him his signature smirk, his hand still in Amu's. A smile pulled at the corner of his mouth as Tadase broke their gaze to glance down at their hands. Amu remained silent the entire time, keeping her gaze low; like a puppy that had done something wrong.
"All this silence makes Yaya uncomfortable!" a small voice chirped, disrupting the looming silence.
His deep blue eyes flickered around the kitchen, noticing that everyone had stopped what they were doing and was watching this silent show down. It almost amused him how suddenly this came on just simply by placing Tadase, Amu, and him in the same room. A small blonde girl who Amu had referred to as 'Rima' suddenly continuing moving, like she had been snapped out of a trance. Another boy followed suit, spraying butter onto a pan. It seemed that the show down had ended. 'For now.'
After eating a quick breakfast everyone was gathered around the table trying to decide what the day plans would be, Ikuto and Amu sat across from Rima, Nagi; while Tadase sat beside Ikuto, and Yaya beside Amu. Ikuto had stuck around longer than he intended to, but he still felt there was unfinished business from earlier. He let his thumb rub against Amu's hand, which he still held. It was a constant reminder of what he had left behind and what he would leave behind again in order to be with his father. Ikuto had already began to question what he really wanted, since he was young; he was sure of becoming a violinist and traveling alongside his father. But now the blushing child beside him deemed worthy of forgetting it all. He could leave his father like he did him so long ago without the slightest remorse, just so he could hold Amu's hand everyday. He sighed, his attention returning to the conversation.
"Yaya wants to go to the park!"
"Well I don't like the park, lets go someplace different." Rima muttered.
"How about the pool?" Nagi added quietly. Everyone w as quiet, thinking of answers. Nobody seemed to object after a while, so the day plans were the pool. Ikuto plastered a smile to his face 'Bathing suits and water, these are a few of my least favorite things.' He thought sarcastically, he didn't say anything because in a way, he had no voice in the matter. He felt Amu tug on his hand, Ikuto glanced over at her a moment. Her golden eyes looked brighter than they did earlier
'Will you come?' she mouthed. He pursed his lips thinking a moment. He hadn't seen her look so bright since Tadase's little entrance this morning. He smiled slightly giving her a short nod, he leaned close to her, cupping his free hand around her ear "Ill go." He whispered "But im not getting in the pool."
From the plastic beach chair, Ikuto watched Amu take her first dip into the pool. Earlier she had caught him staring at her, she flushed and nudged his shoulder. He was still a little embarrassed, but it was his first time ever seeing so much of Amu's skin. His eyes watched her long and milky limbs slide into the water with ease. He shook his head, looking away 'God maybe I am a pervert.'
Amu watched Ikuto sit on the beach chair alone, she felt somewhat bad for him. Ikuto had willingly came to the pool with her even though he detested water. She smiled at him, her eyes meeting his for a moment. She moved her body towards the ladder closest to him. Her arms gripped the metal railing as she pulled herself form the water. Little sparkling droplets dripped from her hair and rolled down her skin. She flashed a grin watching his jaw hang a little slack 'All boys are the same.'
She plopped down beside him, causing some water to land on his face. She giggled watching his nose wrinkle as he wiped away the drops. She looked at him, her expression softening. She brushed his arm.
"Thank you for coming." She cooed "Even though you don't like the water."
He only smiled slightly; she knew this smile all to well. He usually did this when he had something clever to say back. Which 9 out of 5 times was him teasing her.
"Amu in a bathing suit is worth a little water." He shrugged nonchalantly.
'So predictable.'
Amu glanced up, seeing Tadase lumber their way. He shook his head, sending little water droplets in every direction. He gave Amu a warm smile, completely ignoring Ikuto.
"Do you want to play volleyball with me?" he asked tilting his head to the side.
Amu felt a weird feeling of obligation, like she owed it to him for rejecting his kiss. Her shoulders slumped. She glanced over at Ikuto and gave him a small frown. She stood feeling something catch her wrist. Amu turned bumping into Ikuto's bare chest, causing her to blush on contact.
"Count me in." Ikuto said challengingly.
Of all the things in the world he hated the most, Easter, swim trunks, and water were at the top of his list. He waded through the shallow end, positioning himself beside Amu, who gave him a quick smile. He sighed, Ikuto didn't want the kiddy king to get her all to himself, and he also looked at it as a perfect time to get back at him.
As Tadase served the ball Amu jumped up beside him, giving it a good hit. It sailed over the net towards Rima. She covered her head with her hands defensively. Nagi saved it, grabbing Rima from behind and knocking it over the net. Yaya hit it, only to send it into the net. He groaned, readying himself for another serve. He couldn't help but grin when Tadase sent the ball in his direction. Ikuto shot from the water like a shark, his fist smashing into the ball. It rocketed over the net, by the time Ikuto had shook the water from his hair the ball was already sailing back. He repeated his move, putting more of his upper strength into his hits. He watched closely as Tadase jumped in front of Nagi in order to hit it. Ikuto moved closer to the net, gesturing for Amu to stand in front of him. He called a time out, and discussed his plan with her. She grinned giving him an eager nod.
As Tadase sent ball towards Amu, Ikuto grabbed her waist hoisting her upward so she could hit the ball. He braced himself as she slammed her balled hand into the ball. Her eyes glittered with excitement as the ball sailed past Tadase, giving them a point. He lowered her into the water again, but left his hands at her waist.
"You look pretty hot serving a volleyball." He teased.
She only laughed, shaking her head "I'm used to your little teases, so it doesn't bother me." She mused.
Ikuto pursed his lips, letting his arms pull her back to his chest "Is that so?" he purred.
Suddenly something solid knocked into Ikuto's head, he whirled around, seeing Tadase smiling slightly. He grit his teeth, the little king was getting on his nerves. He could hear everyone laughing except him and Amu, who was trying her best to hold back a giggle. He smiled without humor, snatching the ball that floated beside him. Nobody but Amu noticed him serve the ball, it rocketed over the net. "Heads up!" he called at the last minute.
Tadase looked up at the last moment, only for his vision to be blocked by a large object. The impact was painful, a stinging sensation ran over his face. Everyone's laughs were silenced. Though Ikuto made no noise he could tell he was grinning 'Damn that cat' Tadase looked at him with a smug face "Its on hello kitty." He threatened.
Let the games begin.
TO BE CONTINUED : Chapter Nine Enemies?
AUTHOR'S SIDE NOTES :
Ikuto : Hello everyone! This chapter took much longer than we all intended by Alice has been-
Alice : *Smacks*
Ikuto : Ow, Anyway how was your first day Alice? *grins*
Alice : *glares* It was peachy
Ikuto : Take note of the sarcasm folks, give Alice some positive reinforcement!
Amu : Alice don't own Shugo Chara or any characters mentioned!
Ikuto : Your so cute when you say that.
Amu : *blushes*
Alice : Spare me.
