A/N: Hello again minna! This is the second to the last chapter of my fanfic. The last chapter was not really my favorite so I guess you guys thought the same since I didn't have any, even a single review about it. huhuhu

Anyways, I intended to post this last Friday but my mother begged me to come with her to the hospital as my father goes through a check up. The doctor advised us to admit my father in the hospital and so we did. My mom and I take shifts in taking care of my father. Hopefully, he can get out of the hospital today.

Disclaimer: I do not own Shugo Chara and its characters!

*flash back*

Few days before the contest.

Ring! Ring!

"Hello?"

"Utau, it's Ikuto. I'm sorry for calling you out of the blue but I need a favor."

"Hmm? Can it wait after the contest?"

"... Actually, I was planning to do it after the contest but I have to inform you first."

"Okay. I'm listening."

"The truth is..."

*End of flash back*

After checking her planner for the 3rd time, Utau snatched her phone and dialed Amu's number. "Amu, it's Utau. Are you free tomorrow? It's been a while since I've gone shopping. My clothes are SO out of season. Would you be willing to accompany me?"

'Sure. I also like to buy some clothes too.'

"Great! Meet me at 10 am near the fountain inside the NP Mall. Ah! Before I forget, no boys allowed. It's girl bonding time, Amu. We're gonna get our hair and nails done!"

'Is Rima coming too?'

"Yep. Well, see you tomorrow! Bye."

'Bye.'

After calling Amu, Utau quickly called Rima. "Rima. The plan will commenced tomorrow. Yes. Are all the preparations complete? Good. Ok. See you tomorrow. Bye." She then called Ikuto and told him the news. After hanging up, Utau heavily sighed then said, "Well, Ikuto, I hope you know what you're doing."

NP Mall

Amu pulled the sleeves of her blouse and looked at the time. She looked right and left but there's no sign of her friends. "AMU!" cried her friends. "What took you guys so long?" "Sor-rry. I ride w-ith Rima but the ca-r suddenly broke down. We run our way to get he-re." explained Utau as she and Rima tried to catch their breaths. "I'm sorry but you should have called me. You two should better sit down first. You looked like you're going to pass out any second.

After catching their breaths, "So, where should we go first?" "Ah! I almost forgot! My mother gave me this. It would be waste if we're not going to use it. It expires the day after tomorrow." Rima showed a discount coupon. "Whoa! It's almost marks off half the price! Amazing. This brand so expensive! How did your mother got a hold of this?" Utau exclaimed. "My mother is a frequent shopper of theirs." "But doesn't that store only sell formal dresses? Besides, even if we have that discount coupon, it's still be going to be very expensive." Amu stated. "Ah! I know! Since your *points at Amu* birthday is closest, why don't we buy you a dress. Consider it as a VERY advance birthday gift!" Rima suggested. "Yeah! Let's do that! I'll be willing to split the cost with you Rima." Utau agreed then helped Rima drag Amu towards the said boutique. "Guys! My birthday is not that close! And... And I don't need a dress." 'Yeah right.' Both her friends thought.

Inside the store

"Guys, I really don't NEED a dress. You don't have to do this." Amu begged. "But we LIKE to. Besides, it's not everyday we have a chance like this." Utau replied. "B-" "No buts, Amu. If you're having a problem with the money, don't worry. Utau and I will be the ones paying for it. It's your birthday gift after all."

"Here. Try this on." Utau said as she gave Amu a dress which is in her arms' reach not bothering to look at it and shoved the pinkette into one of the fitting rooms. "Try this next." said Rima as she toss another dress into the fitting room.

"Hmmm... Guys? I think this dress doesn't suit. And I don't like it. It's so... uhmm... showy." "Come on out and let us see."

Amu hesitantly opened the door and was greeted by her stunned friends. "I-it has a nice c-cloth." Utau lamely said as she and Rima blushed. Amu is wearing a sexy halter topped red dress with spaghetti straps. It hangs low in her chest exposing much skin much to Amu's distaste. It has a long slit in the right and it leaves her back bare. "Thanks for the lame excuse, Utau." Amu then closed the door and tried the next dress.

While Amu was busy trying on the next one, Rima silently went to the clerk and whispered something to her. The clerk nodded then walked away. When the clerk returned, she was carrying a box. Once Rima retrieved it, she quickly dashed towards where Amu is at and toss the dress through the door. "Amu! Try that one! I absolutely think that suits you." "Hai. Hai. I'm still trying the second dress."

For the second time, Amu opened the door and showed the dress. "So what do you think?" Wearing a green and black cocktail dress, Amu looked delicately pretty. It wonderfully shows her nice figure but still look decent. "Hmm... It's nice but it's not what we're looking for." "Try the last one while we search for another."

Inside the fitting room

'That one was not so bad. Well at least it's decent.' Amu then saw the last dress her friends gave her. 'This dress reminds of Ikuto. *giggles* It's blue just like his hair.' Amu spread it in front of her and was geniunely amazed. The dress has a very elegant cut but it was easily complimented by the tattered edges of the skirt giving it a unique punk look. It was tube top and its skirt is shorter in the front. She loved its intricate details and she absolutely loved how the dress is made up in different hues of blue. She quickly tried it on and was astounded. It hugs her figure just right; emphasizing her luscious curves. 'It shows some skin but not too much. I like it.'

Appreciating the dress as she twirls around, her friends called out to her to show them the dress."Oh my GOD! Amu you look great!" "This is totally perfect!" Her friends squealed; making some of the other shoppers look in their direction. "Guys, please stop shouting like that." "But we can help it. This is totally it!" "Okay, take that off and we'll pay for it."

'Ikuto's choice is really great. The dress suits her perfectly.' 'The dress is so expensive and Ikuto simply bought it like it was nothing. Geez. How rich can he be?' Her friends thought as they pretended to purchase the dress.

"Where to next, guys?" Amu asked as they exited the boutique. "Where else?" "Huh? I don't get what you mean." "Now that you have the perfect dress, we have to search for the perfect..." Utau said as she dragged the last part of the sentence. "SHOES!" Utau and Rima said together. "Guys, you don't have to do that. This dress is pretty much enough." "Tsk tsk tsk. No objections, Amu. Now come on."

After they found the shoes that match the dress and more shopping, they all went to the salon and got their nails and hair done. "This is the life. Shopping then shopping, then getting our hair and nails done. How I miss this." Utau said and her friends agreed.

Later at Rima's house

"Phew that was an exhausting day but I'm glad we did it." Amu said as she flopped on Rima's bed. "And it isn't over yet." Her friends said as they smirked showing a set of brushes and a make up kit. "You gotta be kidding me!"

Utau and Rima made Amu put on the blue dress and her silver sandals then forced her to sit on the chair in front of the mirror. They quickly throw a blanket on Amu's dress to prevent from ruining it and began working on her make up.

Satisfied with their work, they pulled the blanket off her then guided her in the 3 way mirror in the corner. "WOW." was all Amu can say as she saw her reflection.

"Something's missing. Hmmm... I got it. Wait for a while." Rima said as she dashed out of the room. She came a little later and show them a clutch. She secretly stuffed it with Amu's wallet and phone while Utau is busy distracting Amu as she put some accessories on her. Rima then gave the clutch to Amu. "Perfect." "Then all we need to do is snap some pictures!"

After their impromtu photoshoot, Amu clasped the clutch then felt something in it. She quickly opened it and saw her belongings. She crossed her arms then hissed, "Okay girls. Spill." "Spill what Amu?" Rima asked innocently. "What are you trying to do?" Amu asked as she showed the clutch's insides. 'Busted.' "A-" they were about to explain when a car's horn interrupted them. 'Phew! Save by the bell.' "What was that?" asked Amu as she made her way to the window. "Your ride has arrived, Princess Amu." Utau said as she mocked a bow. "What the hell? What do you mean? Utau. Rima. Explain yourselves." Instead of answering, Utau and Rima guided her to the car.

Now in front of the car, "I'm not moving away from this step until you tell me what's going on." Amu hissed. "Your prince is waiting. He'll explain everything to you." "The things we did today is all for this. Now go." Knowing that she lost the battle, Amu obediently went inside the limo and enjoyed the ride. 'It's not everyday I got to ride in an expensive limo.'

The car halted to a stop and the butler opened the door and let her out. "Wow." Amu was mesmerized by the scene she is seeing. She found herself in a beautiful garden. The butler gave her a note and politely excused himself then drove away.

'Follow the lights.'

The note simply said. Amu smiled at this and happily followed the lights. She looked up and admires the beautiful night sky filled with stars. And then she heard it. A beautiful sound came somewhere in the garden. 'Ikuto.' She hurriedly followed the route and saw a gazebo with a man dressed in a tuxedo playing a violin.

Watching Ikuto's serene expression as he played his violin, Amu stopped at her tracks and closes her eyes to listen to the piece. Ikuto noticed her but continued playing. He finished his piece then walked towards Amu. "Do you like it?" Shakes her head. "I love it. *puts her hand on his face* I always do. You never ceased to impress me with your compositions Ikuto." "Do you want know what is the title of that piece?" Amu nodded. "Future." Ikuto answered then offered his hand to her. She was about to accept it when she remembered today's events. She quickly pulled back her hand then said, "What are we doing here Ikuto? What's all this about?" "I will entertain all your questions later, Amu-koi. But for now, we shall eat."

He then led her in the gazebo where a romantic candle light dinner for two awaits them. Throughout the meal, Amu kept asking Ikuto about today but he always dodges them and changes the topic.

"Now that we're done eating can you tell what is this all about?" "Not quite." Ikuto chuckles while Amu pouts. He led her outside the gazebo to a wide area. "This place is famous for its serene atmosphere and breath taking night sky." "I can see why." Amu replied as she shivers. He noticed it and immediately took off his coat then covered Amu's bare shoulders. "Thanks." she murmured. "No worries." He then hugged her from the back and squeezed her.

"Aren't you cold?"

"Nope. Just let me stay like this for a while."

"Look! A shooting star. Hurry make a wish." Ikuto cried. Amu closed her eyes and makes a wish while Ikuto got something from his pocket and clasped it in his hand. He leaned over her and rested his chin on her shoulder.

"What did you wish for?"

"That's a secret. If I tell you, it won't come true." she answered.

"Hmm... Is that so? But I want to tell you my wish. Before that, I want to show you something. Look. *pointing at the sky* Look at the brightest star. Did you see it? *she nodded* I would catch it for you." Ikuto swing his arm fast like he was snatching something and brought his hand back down.

"Haha. Who are you trying to fool? You couldn't snatch a st-" She wasn't able to finish her sentence as he produce a shining ring in his hand and brought it closer to her face.

"I told you I would catch the brightest star. In fact I have the two brightest stars with me now. This is second one. *indicates the ring*" He turns her around so they were facing each other. "And here's the first."

"My wish depends on your answer, strawberry. … Hinamori Amu, would you marry me?"

"Ikuto..." Amu whimpered as her tears began to fall. Ikuto brushed away her tears with his thumb then settled his free hand on her face.

"I love you, Amu. You mean everything to me. I want to have you here with me and in the future."

"Please... Please don't do this. *sniff* I love you. I love you too much that it hurts me. *sniffs* I don't you to suffer by giving you false hopes. *sniffs* I really like to be with you too, Ikuto *sniffs* but you know why I can't do that. I… I want you to be happy even if I'm not part of it. Please. *sniffs*" He pulled her into an embrace and squeezed her gently.

"You know I would have dragged you and marry you in some far away place if I could. Since you're still not in the legal age for marriage, I asked your friends to set up things for this proposal instead. I love you, Amu. More than you'll ever know. I'm willing to wait for you. So? *pushed Amu a little to force her to look at him* Would you do the honor of becoming my wife?"

"B-Bu-" He pushed his index finger to her lips to silence her.

"I WILL wait for you. So, what do you say?"

Not trusting her voice and so caught up with her emotions, Amu nodded. Ikuto slipped the ring into her finger and enveloped her to a fierce hug. "Now my wish is granted."

The ride home was peaceful as the two love birds snuggled and cuddled in the backseat. "You don't like it?" Ikuto asked as he saw Amu inspect the ring. "*shakes head* Of course I like it. I'm just wondering much it costs." 'I better not asked about it. Knowing him, this ring costs a fortune.' Amu thought as he lets out a heavy sigh.

"Don't worry about the cost of the ring, Amu-koi. It's my mother's engagement ring. So, I spent nothing, not a dime."

"But that doesn't mean that this is NOT worth something. How did you even tricked your mom to give this to you?" Ikuto feigned hurt and pouted.

"Ah, Amu-koi. You hurt my feelings. Is that how low you think of me?"

"I-it's not like that! *blushes furiously* So, t-tell me. How did you get hold of it?" He hmmed and pulled her to his in his lap.

"Before I tell you, give me a kiss. *Amu shrugged* You don't want to?"

"Hmph! Okay. *chuu~* Happy now?" He nodded.

"Well, I don't really have to do anything out of the necessary to acquire the ring. All I did was to talk with my mom. I told her my plans and she suggested the engagement ring. That ring is our family's heirloom. It once belongs to my great grandmother. Though it's still a little early, my mom gave it to me. That ring will become mine eventually. *tousled her hair* Don't be such a worrywart. Me and my mom went together and talk to your parents. We talked it over and your parents gave me their consent. Your papa shed a lot of tears though. *chuckles*"

For their engagement present, their parents gave them tickets for one of Ikuto and Amu's favorite bands. Meanwhile, their friends gave them a little surprise party.

Day of the concert

"I can't believe we're really going to Paramore's concert! I'm so excited. Do I look okay?" Amu asked as she twirled around in front of Ikuto. She is wearing a white tank top with a pair black capris and pink sneakers. She tied her hair in a messy ponytail with her X clips.

"You look great. Here. *tosses a jacket* Bring it, just in case. It's a long way to the stadium. I don't want you to get cold."

"Okay. What's with the bag?" Ikuto is wearing a navy blue tee with a pair of tattered jeans and sneakers.

"This bag is my weapon. I have your medicine here as well as bottled water and a hand towel. Better be safe than sorry. Come on. I already called a taxi service. It maybe here soon."

~After the concert; in the taxi~

"Here." Ikuto handed Amu her medicine as well as the water bottle. He then began rubbing her back.

"Etou... Excuse me sir. Is so something the matter? Do you want to go to the hospital instead?" asked the concerned driver.

"No, thank you for the offer though. I'm okay. Just a little overwhelmed." Amu replied in a weak voice.

"Are you sure? I know first aid. I used to be a life guard. Let me know if I can help you with anything."

"Thanks for the concern but she's okay. This happens once in a while." Ikuto replied as he helped Amu put on her jacket and kept her close.

"I'm afraid I don't understand. Forgive me if I seem to be overboarding you with questions."

"No. It's okay. I greatly appreciate it. I am just so happy after watching the concert and my heart is beating a little fast. ... My heart's not in a good condition."

"Your heart? Heart conditions are very tricky. You better take care of yourself more, young lady."

"That's what I always tell her. Such a hard headed girl." Ikuto provided while he squeezed her bit more.

Screech!

The taxi made a rough stop as a fast moving car passes through them. "Geez. Sorry about that. In this time of night in this area, many drunken teenagers drive through here. Hmph! Teenagers nowadays are so reckless. Why did their parents even give them a car? A-"

CRASH!

A/N: the end! just kidding you guys. It's not finished YET. The final chapter will be out soon.

Thanks for reading! Reviews are greatly appreciated. ^_^