Me: woot! next chapter! and in...what?...about a week?
Fuu: does it matter?
Me: yes! o
Xao: ... -_- once again, we own nothing--
Fuu: though we keep asking Peach Pit if we could claim Ikuto...
Xao: don't interupt me...!
Fuu: ... O.o
Me: enjoy! ^^
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Aristocratic Hate, Democratic Love
Chapter 10
Ikuto gently grabbed Amu's chin and forced her to look him in the eye. "If I told you it was because I've fallen for you what would you say?"
Amu's eyes widened. Her heart swelled, but her thoughts were opposite of her heart. No! I can't…! He leaned in close to her. Amu felt her limbs turn to paste and her will begin to crumble as the distance between them began to close. But her reason won out in the end as she weakly pushed him away. She couldn't look him in the face and her hands trembled, but she knew this was the best thing for both parties.
And it broke her heart.
"We…shouldn't, Ikuto. It will not end well. It just…won't."
"…You sound like your trying to convince yourself more than me, Amu."
She flinched. Her heart felt like it was tearing in two, but she was strong. I can handle this. She repeated the thought like a mantra. "Think about it Ikuto. I'm not made for politics; you are. You were born to be a leader. Me? I'm just a lowly sculptors' daughter. It's partly surprising that your father approved of this marriage in the first place." He said nothing in response. She tried a glance up at him. His face gave away the emotion his eyes did. His liquid-ice eyes looked vulnerable and pained. Amu wasn't sure how much further her chest could be torn, but she could feel her eyes tear up from the pain in his eyes.
Finally, he said, "You're making excuses." He held her close and whispered into her hair, "Is it that bad that I adore you? Do you hate me that much?"
Her tears spilled over and soaked her cheeks. Finally, she spoke with her heart and said, "No it's really not. And I've found myself hating you less and less. But still…"
He waited as she took a painful breath before continuing, "But still, I plan on leaving when all this is done, Ikuto. I can't stand this prison. You can relate with me on that point. I want my freedom, and this place steals it from me. So falling in love…it would only end in hurt. For both of us."
Ikuto didn't say anything; simply stroked his wife's unusual pink hair. Neither spoke for a very long time.
"Run away with me then."
Amu looked up startled. "What?"
"When you've done what you intend to, I plan on running from this place. Come with me?"
Amu just stared at him. He bent down towards her till they were close enough to kiss, then stopped, waiting for her response. She opened to say something, but nothing came out. Finally, she managed to whisper, "Yes." She leaned up the rest of the way and kissed him.
The both of them tensed and relaxed as though an electric current had run through their bodies and left them tingling from the sensation. The kiss was innocent enough, but it still left both participants breathless.
Amu looked down at her knees, blushing deeply. "Wow." Ikuto chuckled. She looked at him and giggled as well.
Down below, the stable hands heard the quiet sound of awkward chuckles.
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Amu could feel Ikuto's eyes bore into her back as she changed back into her peplo. Without turning her head, she glanced at him.
"You know…?" Amu looked at Ikuto. "We never did have our honey moon night…"
Amu's face turned a bright pink. She had never even tried to think about Ikuto like that. Now that he brought it up, she couldn't stop thinking about it. Ikuto whispering her name; his fingers caressing her gently; his lips kissing her passionately; his body pressed to hers. Great; more distractions…
"I don't think we should," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. Ikuto's hurt and disappointment were practically tangible. "I mean," she amended quickly, "just not now. I don't think the time is right yet. Right now, we have to focus on overthrowing your father."
"Don't say that."
"Sorry?" she asked not hiding the confusion in her voice.
"'Overthrowing.' That makes it sound like we want to take his thrown. I don't want to. As I just told you a second ago, I plan on running away when we're done."
Amu digested Ikuto's words for a moment. "What are you going to do about your father's place when all's done? You didn't say…"
"You didn't ask. Tadase will take the torch. He's always envied me for the thrown as our family's next head. His love for our city runs deep, and he wants to be the one to watch over it and help it flourish."
"What about you?" She turned towards him fully dressed and completely absorbed in their conversation.
"I love the city as much as Tadase does, if that's what you mean. I just don't want to govern it. I don't want the responsibility should the city fall under my rule. Plus, now I have another reason to get out." He looked at her. She turned away, pleased and cheeks flushing.
"Well then, let's figure out what we're going to do about your father."
"And his employer."
Amu blinked. "Employer?" She turned and faced Ikuto again with surprise and questions in her eyes. "He's working under somebody?"
"Of course. You mean you didn't notice?"
Amu set her face into an embarrassed pout. "Not really… But," she continued her face becoming a medley of intimidated and confused, "what are we going to do if we have two enemies?"
"There's two of us, you know?"
She turned toward him. "We're in this together, Amu." He gave a small smirk but his eyes showed the same intimidation Amu was feeling. She went back over to him and kneeled down in front of him.
"Together? I like the sound of that."
And the deal was sealed with a kiss.
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Me: you know you've been waiting for that one. ^^
Fuu: and we've delivered! ^v^
Xao: now you do know the next chapter is gonna be super depressing, right?
Me: don't excite them!
Xao: (eveil chuckle)
Fuu: ...right...anyways, once again we ask everyone to review your likes, dislikes, and questions.
Me: NO FLAMERS! IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE FRIEKIN' STORY, THEN DON'T READ IT!!!!!!!
Fuu: till next time!
Me: THAT'S MY LINE....!!!