Happy Tenth (chapter) every one! :) Extra long just for my lovely readers :3

DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Shugo Chara!, nor do I own any of its characters.

Attractions

~Chapter 10~

She'd grown up so fast. In more ways than one. She was taller, even more beautiful, smarter. She was the epitome of Aphrodite's radiance. Throughout the years, she had grown up. She turned into the young woman Ikuto had always known that she would be. She was amazing and deserved the best that the world offered.

Ikuto had stayed away from her, just as he had told in the note he'd left her that last night he'd seen her. But he also kept to his promise on keeping an eye out for her. He found himself following her home sometimes, making sure on certain instances that she had gotten to her destinations safely. He put all his trust into her and believed that she was waiting for him, keeping herself safe and sound in the process. He was happy for that.

And now, here she was, standing up on the stage of the stadium, her speech reaching the hearts of her fellow peers as valedictorian of her high school career. Her words spoke to every person in the audience, tears leaking from the eyes of the people who took her words to heart and let them move them. Amu stood with her cap and gown, an honor roll sash flung gracefully around her neck along with others informing the crowd of her many acheivements and goals she had reached as she had worked hard throughout her time there.

To say Ikuto was proud was an understatement. But, it was the closest term to his feelings right now to her success. He couldn't be any more proud to be held so closely in this bright young girl's heart. As she spoke up on stage and received her award from her principal, he felt his heart soar for her. And he kept his eyes on her as she made her way gracefully off the stage and to her seat as the principal took over the podium.

It wasn't long until she was back on the stage, receiving her diploma and shaking her principal's hand. She smiled at the cameras flashing, posing slightly with her teachers and principal beside her. Ikuto clicked his camera, capturing the moment before she moved once more and stepped back to her seat.

Ikuto sighed happily and sat back in his seat, letting the cheers of the crowd and announcing of names ring through his ears, not making sense to him as he watched her. She was the only thing, the only person who could make any sense in his mind. Hinamori Amu; Hinamori Amu. She was everything to him, and he didn't know how much longer he could stay away from her.

She was eighteen now. A young lady getting ready to head away from her home and get into the college of her dreams. He was waiting for her to turn twenty before coming back into her life. And hopefully that'd be a good age to bring in his love for her into the equation.

The ceremony came to an end as the graduates threw their caps into the air, cheering and hugging each other in their excitement. Soon, the whole stadium was emptying and the former high schoolers were pulled every which way to take pictures and have teary embraces with family and friends.

Off in the distance, he saw the Hinamoris and Tsukiyomis together, happily hugging each other and congratulating Amu. There were balloons, hugs, kisses, candy necklaces and money or flower leis given to her. She was surrounded by family from all around the world and friends who she had gained through the years of harship and triumph. He wished he could join in on the festivities- go to the graduation party that was created just for Amu and her Guardian friends and others-, but he knew he couldn't. He'd get seen. He couldn't afford to get seen.

Ikuto sighed and made his way to the bathroom. He had a long and lonely drive back to his college dorms and he didn't really want to stop for a potty break in the middle.

When he finished his business, he exited the bathrooms and looked around. Most of the people had exited the huge stadium and decided to hold their joyous celebration out in the parking lots so that they could get into their cars easier and follow each other out of the place at an instant. Ikuto was left in an empty hall with only his footsteps making the echoing sound against the walls.

He stopped at the steps leading down through the seats of the place, showing the football field with a giant stage prepared with hundreds of foldable chairs. He noticed some people starting to clear the grass up and watched as they continued their hard work to bring the place back to normal for the next football game being held there.

Taking a deep breath through his nose, he closed his eyes and reveled in the peaceful silence. He'd never been here with so little people, having it be so empty and quiet. It was pretty cool.

His peace was cut short when he heard a gasp coming from down the hall. And when he looked, he mentally cursed his luck. He really shouldn't have dilly-dallied.

"...Ikuto..." his name coming from her lips set his heart thumping rapidly and he fully realized just what was going on.

But it was all too late. She'd spotted him. There were the only ones in the hall and she knew he heard her. He couldn't run away. He could only hope that things take a turn for the best in this situation.

"Amu," was his slightly panicked reply.

All too soon, she stood right before him, staring up at him with beautiful golden eyes. His breath caught in his throat just like the first time he saw her walking slowly down her stairwell.

"You came," she whispered.

Ikuto nodded. "I haven't missed a graduation yet."

Amu's eyes widened. "You were... middle school..."

He nodded, watching small tears of joy slide down her pale cheeks. Slowly, he lifted a hand and caressed her cheek, using his thumb to wipe away those tears. And wordlessly, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

He'd missed her. He missed her pouting face whenever he won a playful argument with her, her slightly flushed cheeks as he'd teased her. What he missed the most, though, was the warm embrace that she'd wrap him in even though he wasn't exactly the nicest person to her- considering all the teasing he did to her.

It was quiet between them for a minute. They just stood in each others' arms. But no matter how much Ikuto enjoyed being near her again, he knew it wasn't supposed to be; not yet. So, he let her go, pulling his arms back to his side; as did she.

"I have to go," Ikuto said, looking down at the field again. "College."

He tried to forget that her bottom lip started trembling as she spoke, "b-but... you just got here..."

Ikuto shook his head sadly, still not looking at her. "You weren't supposed to see me."

She was quiet for a minute before she spoke up, voice breaking slightly. "Will I see you again?"

He paused, slowly turning his head to face her again. He nodded, sending her a gentle smile. "Of course. Just not now."

As the tears gently began to cascade once more, he placed his hands on her cheeks and kissed them away. He stared deep into her eyes, hopefully conveying all the love he held for her, before stooping down lower to capture her lips in a gentle kiss.

And when he pulled back, he took in her slightly flushed face and smirked. As the smirk gently formed back into a smile, he stood up and shoved his hands in his pockets, closing his eyes. When he opened them again, he let his lips quirk into a boyish grin before turning around to head for the exit.

"See you later, Amu."

"Don't say my name like that!"

Some things never change.

"YOU WHAT?" Yoshiro practically screamed as Ikuto relayed what had happened earlier that day to his friend. They were in the same college, sharing a dorm room just like they used to talk about when they were nothing but little boys with big dreams.

"She saw me, so I kissed her."

Of course, Ikuto wasn't telling the whole story. To be honest, he thought that if he said what had happened out loud to his friend that he'd burst into tears. That wasn't him. He couldn't do that; he had a reputation to uphold.

"Dude! WHY?"

Ikuto raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean 'why?'"

"You worked so hard to keep away from her and the first time you slip up, you kiss her? Kiss her? Isn't that the reason why you left?"

Ikuto sighed, shaking his head. "That was when she was ten. She's eighteen now and I think she can handle one kiss."

"So why didn't you just stay?"

Ikuto was silent for a little. "You know exactly why. She's eighteen. I'm twenty three. She's still considered a minor in many peoples' eyes. If she were with me, do you know how many people would look down on her? She'd be thrown into shame and you know it."

"I also know that you would too," Yoshiro replied, crossing his arms over his chest as he fell back onto his bed.

Ikuto mimicked him and sighed. "I know. But I don't care. It's her who matters most."

Yoshiro looked at him, raising an eyebrow at Ikuto once said boy met his eyes. Yoshiro smirked. "You got it bad."

Ikuto smirked as well. "I thought we'd already established that."

Yoshiro chuckled. "Whatever. Now practice your violin!"

"You just want to listen to me play," Ikuto teased.

His best friend shrugged, not ashamed at all. "It helps me fall asleep."

Ikuto laughed and did what his friend said, lightly placing the bow on the strings and began the light tune that his professor had given for him to practice. And as the light and airy song progressed, all he could think about was Amu.

Ikuto sipped his coffee as Utau scowled at him from across the cafe's table. It was the day after the graduation and Ikuto had a little gig set up for him in the establishment he was sitting in currently. He still had thirty minutes until his performance, so he was spending time with his beloved little sister and her boyfriend, Kukai.

"What happened Ikuto?" Utau asked, frustrated at the lack of response from her elder brother. "She was hysterical when she came back from the bathroom! All she could say was 'Ikuto'!"

Kukai rubbed Utau's arm to calm her down, looking at Ikuto apologetically. "Sorry, man. You know your sister; protective of her loved ones."

Utau scowled, pouting slightly. "Shut up, Kukai."

Said boy chuckled and just sat ungracefully in his seat next to his girlfriend.

"What happened?" Ikuto repeated Utau's question. "We ran into each other."

"And?" Utau growled, growing even more irritated with her brother's evasive answers. "What else?"

Ikuto tried to mask his uncomfortable look, obviously failing when he noticed his sister's face softening at his look. "Do I have to tell you?"

Utau sighed, falling against her backrest as she shook her head. "No, you don't. But one day, you will!"

Ikuto nodded, looking out of the window beside him wistfully as he lifted his cup to his lips. "Someday."

For the remaining time Ikuto had to just wait around before his performance, the trio talked. Utau told him about the parties and how Amu was. Utau told him Amu had gotten over her shock but was happier yet sadder than they had ever seen her. Utau told him of all the advances Amu had gotten from the male part of the aquaintances, and Ikuto had to try his best to appear unaffected by the stories of flirting and hugs.

Soon enough, it was time for Ikuto to climb onto the makeshift stage and start his little recital to all the morning goers of the cafe.

After the performance, Ikuto decided to go back to Seiyo along with Utau and Kukai to say hello to his parents. He was unable to see them the day before, for he had been running later than he had thought he would and had to run before he could actually spend quality time with them. He stopped by his dorm to get some sheet music his professor had given him and made Yoshiro a note- he was in a lecture- and headed out to go home. He figured that while he was there, he'd let his family hear a few of the peices he'd been working on and maybe he'd make his own while he was there.

He pulled into the familiar driveway of his home, noting the extra car that was along side his own. It wasn't his parents' car. It wasn't Utau's either. Ikuto just pushed the thought away, assuming that it was Kukai's.

Still, as he made his way to the front door, he couldn't help but wonder why the car was so familiar.

The front door opened before he could open the door, a thirteen year old Ami squealing and pulling him into a big bear hug. "It's Ikuto!"

He panicked, looking around to see if Amu was there. If she was, he'd have to turn around and get out of here, quick.

"Hush, Ami! Amu's asleep upstairs!" Midori said, coming to the door with Tsumugu and Aruto.

"My boy!" Aruto grinned, pulling Ikuto into a hug when Ami pulled away. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Ikuto nodded, a sheepish look appearing on his face. "Yeah, sorry. I've been very busy."

"It's fine! As long as you are here now, it's absolutely fine."

Ikuto found himself surrounded by the others, being herded into the living room and having him take a seat. It wasn't until he was comfotably seated that the rest of his company noticed the violin case and music folder that was placed just at his feet.

"So how is your curricular going?" Souko asked as she came in with tea.

"It's well. My professor tells me I'm accelling far past all the others," Ikuto replied, umcomfortable at the stary eyed gaze Ami was giving him.

"That's great! What were you doing before Utau dragged you along here? I'm sure you were busy."

"Oh, no, I was just performing at a little cafe that wasn't too far from the University. I don't have any classes today, so I thought I could play something for all of you while I'm here."

Midori beamed, "I hope that you wouldn't mind us hearing it as well. If we had known that you were coming, I'm sure we could have just chosen another time to come over here so that you all could have some family time."

"Nonsense!" Souko smiled. "You're just as much of a family to Ikuto as we are to him. Your family and you deserve a little reunion yourself. You haven't seen him in a while either."

"She's right," Ikuto piped in. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine; no problem," Tsumugu replied. "It's just that Amu really misses you."

Ikuto looked down at his lap sadly. "Yes, I'm sorry about that. Is she here?"

"Yes, dear, she's fallen asleep up in your room," Souko said.

"May I go up and see her? I won't wake her up."

"I'm sure you won't; go right ahead."

Ikuto nodded and, rubbing Ami's head quickly just to make her the least bit happy, made his way to the stairwell and headed up the stairs. He let the nostalgia consume him as he made his way through the household. He remembered those little times in the past when he was playing with his younger sister and helping out his mother. It was such a nice remembrance.

When he made it to his room, he stopped for a second, examining the closed door before him. And after taking a deep breath, he opened to door and stepped in.

He found Amu asleep atop his bed, hugging one of his pillows to her chest while the other was placed beneath her head carefully. She looked peaceful in her dreams. Ikuto found a small smile make it's way onto his face as he sat on the edge of the bed and pushed a small strand of hair behind her ear.

She looked so happy in her sleep. It was as if nothing could harm her. Her chest rose and fell slowly as she curled herself around the pillow. He was glad that she wasn't so sad. Especially in her dreams.

He let himself watch her, admiring her long eyelashes and how her hair had grown since her childhood. She'd let it grow past her shoulders and to her mid back. Her bangs were slightly longer as well. It suited her now grown up being. It made her seem more mature.

Her hair was the same beautiful shade of light pink and, from seeing them yesterday, he knew her eyes were as bright as ever. Just a little more matured. He was glad that she had grown up so well and gotten so smart; even more intelligent beyond her years. He was so proud of her.

Bending down, he pressed a light kiss to her forehead before heading out of the room and down the stairs. He went into the living room and let himself be pressured into playing a peice for them. It made him happy, seeing her so carefree and being able to be surrounded by his family again. He enjoyed it while it lasted, because he knew that after he finished this song, he'd have to go.

Amu was awoken by the beautiful sounds of a certain stringed instrument floating through the air. It was a lovely peice created by Mozart, she recognized, but she was unable to tell what the title of it was. She sighed as she happily let the song float into her ears and fill her with a warmth she only got when she was with Ikuto.

Ikuto!

Amu sat up quickly turning to the doorway. The door was left open, and she knew that she had closed it when she had climbed up into this room before she slept. The song drifted to an end and there was clapping resonating from the floor below her.

Compliments to the artist were sent his way and when she heard the name of the person, her heart leapt.

"Great job, Ikuto!" Aruto, she recognized his voice, said.

"Thanks, Dad." Ikuto sounded so at peace, so utterly happy, it made her heart melt. She knew it was him who had come into the room and left the door open. It had to be. "Well, I have to be going."

She jumped out of bed and ran to the door, tripping on a pillow and falling to the ground. The thump was heard through the whole house, the company downstairs getting quiet before hearing her groan.

"I'm okay," she called down, getting up.

The talking continued as she heard Ikuto say, "Alright, I'll be going then. I have to get to sleep early; have a six a.m. class tomorrow."

Amu hurried down the stairs, only half way down when she heard the front door close.

"No," she uttered, picking up the pace and dashing down the rest of the stairs.

She ignored everyone else's voices and ran to the front door, pulling it open and running to the driveway. She found Ikuto opening up his front car door, about to step into his seat. She sprinted the rest of the way, flinging her arms around his middle as he gasped in surprise.

She burried her tear covered face into his chest, successfully wetting his shirt. "Ikuto," she cried softly, holding him tightly.

She felt Ikuto sight quietly before he wrapped his arms around her, placing his head atop of hers. "You weren't supposed to wake up."

"But I did," she pointed out. "Doesn't that mean you can stay?"

Ikuto shook his head, rubbing his cheek on the top of her head. "No, it means that I've been very bad at keeping away."

"Don't go," she whimpered, her arms tightening around his middle.

Ikuto chuckled a little, burrying his head into her hair. "I have to finish college."

"Well, can't you visit?"

"I don't wanna do something that you're going to regret."

A sob escaped her throat.

"I'm sorry Amu. Just wait a little longer."

"What is a little longer? How long is that?"

Ikuto pulled back and stared into her eyes. "Not too long. I'll come back. Now just isn't the right time."

Tears trailed down her cheeks and Ikuto wiped them away. He gently held her to him, resting his forehead against hers and stared deep within her golden orbs.

"I'm going to college soon," Amu said, "When's the right time?"

"You'll know when it comes."

He gave her a smile before pulling her into a loving kiss. It was long, sweet, pure; so full of love that it hurt him to think that he was going to have to leave her again and hurt her even more. He didn't like it. But things in this kind of society were fragile and he wasn't going to shove her into the darkest depths of it just because of his selfishness. This was only a fragment of the hurt these two would feel if things happened too early or too fast.

He pulled back, placing his lips next to her ear and relishin in the fact that he got her to shiver just at his breath on her ear. "I'll see you later, Amu."

They let each other go, Ikuto heading into his car and Amu wrapping her arms around herself. She sniffed as she watched him pull out of the driveway, sending him a wave and watching him return it as well. And soon, his car disappeared around the corner.

"I'll see you later, Ikuto."

~Chapter 10 End~

Yay! Long chappy! :)

I hope you all enjoyed it. I enjoyed writing it. Well, we all know what happens after this. Next chapter is the last. T-T I hope you all don't mind...

I love you guys! So many reviews... it makes me feel like the luckiest girl alive! Maybe I'll take these stories that I've made, turn them around and change it a bit (characters, places and such) and publish them for real and stuff. Don't worry, I won't forget about this place. I'll put all my test runs here first ;) But just sayin'. If I do, one day, do you all promise to buy my books? :D

Now, I shall answer a few questions I got from my reviewers, you dears. :3

How did I come up with this story? Hmmm... well, I just randomly have bursts of ideas. This one actually came while I was looking at a spoon. It makes sense, yeah?

And another one: is this story going to have a happy ending? Why, yes it is. Don't you worry your pretty little head. :3 I'm a sucker for happy endings. But, for those of you who like the sad, tear jerking endings, I'm going to make a story just for you! But, it's going to be on the very popular Hunger Games Archive. Make sure to check into my profile or add me to alerts to see when that story turns up. Trust me, it will.

Sorry if my lack of spelling ability gets to you. I don't have spell check and I am most certainly not using word right now... after my computer crashed early this past spring, I wasn't able to get it again. T-T But thank you to the people who have showed my my errors (cuz I know I have a lot; especially since I wasn't able to edit these past few chapters) and pointed out better ways to write some phrases. I love you guys :)

Thank you all for reading! The NEXT CHAPTER will be the LAST. Sorry if you guys don't want it to end, but I don't think I can prolong this story any longer. :(

But I love all of you and I will still make more stories. :)

~xXPaintingRealityXx