AN: OMG I'm finnnnnnaalllllyyyyyy back! Did you know you shouldn't push back writing two essays onto the weekend? Yeah, who would do that? Hehehehe Not meeeee . Cough cough my second time cough cough At least I started the heading before the weekend~ ^^ Anyway, thanks sooooo much for all the reviews! :D You guys are amazing ^^ I'm going to do my best to update, so be on a lookout for the new chapters~ But anyway, here you go~
Recap:
He pulled away from her, and looked her in the eye. Her beautiful orbs were glistening with tears as she looked at him confused and sad.
"We should break up."
"-to. Ikuto! Heeyyyyy! Are you in there?" Amu asked me, waving a hand in front of my face.
"Huh?" I asked, coming back to reality.
"What happened in Osaka?"
"Another time," I said, firmly avoiding the topic.
"Right now, we should get you home; it's getting late," I added, picking up my car keys and heading towards the door. But with inhuman speed, Amu quickly shut the door that I was about to open, fear overcoming her now angst-ridden honey orbs.
"Amu-"
"I'd rather not go there... at this time of the night," She said, hiding the quiver in her voice as she glanced at the grandfather clock. Though it was shrouded in the shadows of the night, it clearly displayed that it was around one or two in the morning.
"Why? What happened at your house?" I questioned, disquieted.
"Another time," She said, smiling grimly. I sighed; she's as obstinate as I am.
"I'll get the blankets," I said, walking towards the closet. I opened the door and reached up to the top shelf for a blanket, when suddenly, Amu's arms snaked around my waist in a tight hold.
"Thank you, Ikuto. Thank you," she whispers.
"Aww, does wittle Amu want to sleep with me tonight?" I teased, picking her up bridal style and carrying her into my room.
"O-oi! Baka! Let me go!" She thrashed in my arms. I laughed and set her down on her feet and handed her the blankets.
"Just kidding," I said huskily, leaning my face into hers. She blushed as red as a tomato, and reached up, attempting to smack me, which I cleverly avoided. I grabbed her hands and pulled her close to me, our bodies touching.
"You'll have to do better than that, Amu-koi~" I whispered, as I leaned in and bit her ear.
"Mou, Ikuto! Let go!" She pulled her hands out of my grasp and pushed me away. Shen then walked off towards the couch, emanating an angry aura.
"Sorry, I went a little far," I said, going after her. She sat at the couch, bangs covering her eyes.
"Are you okay?" I sat down next to her.
"You act just like Tadase-kun," She mutters to herself.
"Who's Tadase?" I inquired.
"Oh! Just, uh, no one," she explains too quickly.
"Amu. Tell me."
"*sigh*. He's m-" And then I heard a car door slam. I knew who was home in an instant; my parents. I quickly ushered Amu up the stairs and into Utau's room.
"W-why? Who's home?" She questioned as panic slowly rose in me. If they knew about my late night... excursions, what would they do?
"My parents. Hurry, you need to pretend to be Utau and lie in bed," I explained as fast as I could, in a low voice.
"W-"
"Just do it!" I closed the door to Utau's room and ran across the hall to mine. I was snuggly in my bed, lights turned off, right when I heard the front door open. There was only one pair of footsteps, so I assumed it was my mother, as there were soft footfalls on the hardwood floors and carpets. I closed my eyes and faced the wall instead of my door, to look asleep, pulling the covers high above my shoulders, hiding my baseball tee that were clearly not my pajamas.
Footsteps neared my room, and in seconds, the door was opened just slightly. I slowed my breathing and strained to hear her actions. Suspecting that I was asleep, she left my door slightly ajar, letting a small stream of light into the room as she then went to check on Utau. Taking the risk of being caught, I got out of bed quietly, changed into my pj's, and peered around my door, not letting more than my eyes past it.
"Utau... Utau, wa-"
"Mom, what're you doing?" I asked, trying to look as lethargic as I could by rubbing my eyes as I stepped between her and Utau's now open door.
"I just wanted to ask Utau how she was doing, and if she was okay. She doesn't seem herself lately," My mom, Souko, said softly. She was concerned for Utau.
"Well, I think you should do that tomorrow or somethin'. She's sleeping," I said, closing the door in relief.
"Alright then. I'll wake her up in the morning bright and early so I can discuss some things with her. Good night, Ikuto," My mother said, pragmatically, before going to bed.
"Shit," I muttered under my breath. I don't even know where she is, and I doubt she'll be back by tomorrow morning. Well, there's nothing I can do right now, but to go to bed.
The Next Morning~
"Ikuto! Wake up!" A harsh voice exclaimed.
"Huh?" I said, groggily rubbing my eyes and immediately being blinded by sunlight as someone opened the blinds to my windows.
"Dude..." I began, agitated, before this person put a finger to my lips and silenced me. When I could finally open my eyes from sleepiness, I saw Amu's face inches from mine, a look of trepidation on her face; she straddled me, legs on either side of my chest, arms next to my head. She strained to hear if there were any footsteps coming up the stairs. Hearing none, she sighed with relief and let herself drop onto my chest.
"Ah, thank god. I thought someone heard us," She exclaimed.
"Wow Amu-chan, didn't know you could be so bold," I said, encircling my arms around her waist, snuggling into the covers some more.
"O-Oi! Let me go Ikuto!"
"If you shout, you'll be found out," I smirked. But she wriggled out of my grasp like a worm, jumping up once she was free.
"Hah!" She said, pointing an accusatory finger at me, then bursting into giggles. Never before have I ever seen her so... carefree. Well, not since a while.
I got out of bed and stretched. I need a change of clothes I thought to myself. I walked over to my closet and opened it, taking out a navy blue t-shirt.
Amu~
I watched Ikuto walk over to his closet and take out a shirt. He then began to remove his own shirt, and it wasn't he mentioned it, did I realize that I was staring at his hot and toned body.
"Oh? Is Amu staring at me changing?" He smirked.
"Y-you're the one who just started taking his clothes off!" I blushed profusely, finding the surroundings of his room now very interesting.
"Is Amu-koi embarrassed after looking at my body?" I turned my back to face him, in a cool and spicy manner. But really, I just wanted to hide my face from Ikuto. But then he sauntered over and embraced me from behind.
"I-Ikuto!" His strong arms wrapped across my body.
"There there, Amu-koi, there there," He teased, patting my head gently.
"Mou!" I huffed, face growing ten times as red; it feels like my face is as hot as a frying pan.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and we both froze as if time had just stopped.
"Ikuto? Are you awake yet?"
"Iku-"
"Don't say anything," Ikuto whispered, putting a hand on my mouth. Once he was certain I wouldn't speak, he let go of me, and pushed me in the direction of his window.
"Climb out and jump down," He whispers, putting on his shirt.
"Dude, this is the second floor! I'll die if I jump!" I whisper shout.
"We don't have a choice! Unless you wanna get caught!" He whisper shouts back.
"B-"
*Knock knock. "Ikutooo?"
"Go!" He says again, pushing me harder this time.
"The things I do, I swear," I muttered under my breath, but nonetheless, opened the window as quietly as I could, and looked down. Ikuto must think I'm some freak of nature if he thinks I'll make it. I feel like this height is wayyyy higher than two stories. But I spot a tree nearby, on the adjacent bedroom's windowsill. I take a deep breath, say my prayers to God, and step out onto the windowsill.
"I'm coming in."
The door opened just as my body escaped the room, as I hoped to God she doesn't notice part of my hand on the window. I held on for dear life, and for balance, averting my eyes away from the ground and focusing on the bright azure sky instead.
"Ikuto? Hm, he must have gone out..." I didn't hear anything else, except the roaring of my heartbeat as it pounded in my ears.
"One foot at a time Amu, one foot at a time," I told myself as I sidestepped to the tree. I managed to reach it with no problem, and began to descend it slowly, carefully finding each branch with my foot and testing its weight before going down. I was halfway down when the bedroom window opened, and I heard Ikuto's mother's voice.
"Ahhh, the morning breeze feels nice."
I yelped in surprise, and lost my balance and began to fall. I hit the ground with a thud, big autumn leaves softening my fall.
"What was that noise?" Footsteps were heard, approaching the window.
I quickly scrambled to my feet, surprised at hoe agile I was, even after such a fall, and attempted to conceal myself into the nearby bushes. But as I was about to take a step, I faltered, and landed hard on the ground again, clenching my teeth from the pain that shot up from my ankle. Crap. I must've sprained it. Just as I was about to surrender myself in defeat, Ikuto appeared and scooped me up.
"Iku-"
"Shhh," He hushed, as he carried he bridal style swiftly out of sight from the window.
"Hmm.. Must have been my imagination." Was all we heard before she left. Once I was sure she was gone, I breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank god she didn't see us," I said aloud.
"Are you alright? Is your ankle okay?" Ikuto questioned, setting me down gently on the grass.
"Y-yeah, I think I'll be fine," I said, trying to get up. The unbearable pain almost made me fall again, before I was kept steady by Ikuto's firm grasp around my waist.
"Thanks Ikuto," I said, leaning into him. He smelled nice~ Omg, I becoming a pervert.
"Here," He picks me up bridal style again and starts to head off towards the fence surrounding his mansion.
"We'll go out this way," Ikuto says, turning a sharp right that reveals a secret path out to the sidewalk.
"You must use this passage a lot," I said, amazed at how clear a path it was.
"Well, desperate times call for desperate measures," he smirks, landing on the concrete sidewalk.
"You have a lot of desperate times," I muttered.
"Hmm? What was that?" He asked, tickling my sides.
"Ahh... Ikuto! Okay okay, Hahaha! I give, I give!" I cried tears of laughter as I was pushing away his arms.
He almost lost his grip on me and I almost smacked the ground again.
"Sorry, are you okay?"
"No~ You almost dropped me. Humph~" I said, in a haughty attitude.
"Oh? Is Amu vying for my affection?" Ikuto said huskily, leaning in close and gave me a peck on my cheek.
My face grew red, my cheeks got hot from embarrassment; but, I didn't pull away. I actually kind of... liked it.
"Take me out to eat! I'm hungry~" I ordered, pointing towards the direction of the town.
"Hai hai, Hime-sama~" Ikuto smirked.
"Aww, look at those two together~ Aren't they the cutest?" A couple of girls gushed.
"I wish I was her!" One girl sighed.
"No you don't~ Ikuto-koi is just a pervert~" I said in a sing-songy voice.
"And you're the one who fell for this pervert~" He said, nuzzling his head into my neck. I petted his hair; it was soft like a kitten's.
"You're just like a giant cat, aren't you?" I stated, giggling from his reaction. He stared at me as if I were going insane, then focused his eyes back on the sidewalk, shaking his head.
"Ikuto~ Don't ignore me like that." I pounded a fist onto his firm chest. I bet he has a six-pack... damn he must be hot shirtless... wait what am I thinking?! I already have a b-
"Amu-chan?"
"I looked up to find Tadase standing before me, shopping bags in his right hand, left hand in his coat pocket.
"T-T-Tadase?" I stuttered in surprise.(AN: I wasn't sure if you guys wanted me to make Tadase evil or not sooo... the possibility is there if you want that~)
"What are you doing in town this early in the morning?" He asked me, eyeing me position very suspiciously, while still being able to act princely. He looked from me, to Ikuto, to his arms around me, back to Ikuto again. I could feel Ikuto's arms tense up as well. They clearly don't like each other already...
"Oh, um, just getting something to eat," I almost stammered, hastily climbing out of Ikuto's arms and landing on the sidewalk. My foot was in excruciating pain, but I had to bear with it. Ikuto put a hand on my shoulder in concern.
"Are you alright?" He asked me, eyeing Tadase just as suspiciously as Tadase did him.
"Yeah."
"What's the matter? Are you hurt, Amu-chan?" His eyes seemed to twinkle, but I could feel a chill run up my spine.
"She-"
"Nothing happened. I just tripped. Right Ikuto?" I said, looking at him for agreement. I pleaded with my eyes, desperately wanting him to go along with what I said. He seemed confused, but agreed with a,"Yeah."
"Okay then. But when are you going to introduce me to your new friend here?" Tadase asked, gesturing at Ikuto.
Ikuto~
This guy is up to no good. As soon as he appeared, Amu seemed to be on guard, and wary of him. I better stay vigilant as well.
"This is Ikuto. He's Utau-chan's Onii-chan." Amu says.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Hotori Tadase, Amu's boyfriend." Hamanawha? Did he just say boyfriend?
"Nice to meet you too." We shook hands, but our grips were both firm; I knew he suspects me, as do I to him.
"Anyway, Amu-chan, would you like to join me? I was just going to go to your house," He says, holding out his hand to her. She hesitates, looks at me with a wild look in her eyes, then realizing there's nothing else she can do, reluctantly reaches for his hand.
"Sorry, but she has somewhere she needs to be," I said, intercepting, and taking hold of Amu's hand before she could touch his filthy one. I begin to lead her away from him, before he pushes me ad takes her out of my grasp, pulling her into his embrace. Amu flinches, but not out of fear, but out of pain of landing on her injured foot. Because of it, she falls into his arms more than she would have liked.
"Please don't touch my girlfriend so familiarly," He says icily.
"Let me go, Tadase!" Amu says, irritated at his attitude. She shakes him off right when I scooped her up in my arms, bridal style.
"We're going to go now, if you don't mind," I said, just as coldly as he did.
"I'll call you later, Amu-chan." He says before going his way.
We were walking, well, I was walking, silently through town before I spoke up.
"Who was that?" I asked, jabbing a finger behind my back.
"He's my 'boyfriend.' " She says, using air quotes.
"What do you mean, 'boyfriend?' " I asked, mimicking her air quotes as I tried not to drop her.
"*Sigh, it's a long story."
"Well, I can't go home, and by the looks of it, you can't either..."
"I guess now's the best time," She says, shrugging as she motions to get down.
"I'll get some bandages from the a store. Sit here and wait a bit," I say, setting her down on a bench.
"Okay."
I quickly head across the street and buy some bandages and some breakfast as well. I bet she's starving. I paid for my items and then went back to Amu. She was sitting there alone, watching the cars pass by and watching a leaf fall down from a nearby tree. She cocked her head to one side as it swayed too and fro, eventually landing in her hand. She examines it closely, seeing all the tiny details, like the lines, and the ever-changing color scheme of the leaf.
I crossed the street and handed her the bandages first. She carefully wrapped them around her ankle, and tying it off once she was done. I sat down next to her, and handed her her breakfast. We ate in silence for a while, just peacefully admiring the scenery of everyday life.
"Tadase is..."
AN: And we're done~ That cliff hanger though ^^ Well, what do you think? What would you like Tadase to be? Or do you want me to choose?
Now, onto other matters, next update will (HOPEFULLY) be up in a couple of weeks. I'm thinking no longer than four... I'm not even sure how long it's been since the last update, I didn't check. But I'll be getting less busy in a couple weeks, so I hope to write more in that time as well ^^ That's it for now, stay tuned for the chapter about Utau and Kukai~ Some kutau coming up ;) Thanks for reading and I'll see you all next time ^^