Author's Note: So begins the next chapter, and might I add, a good one. For those who have been worried, don't worry, Hotaru and Ikuto 'get back' together in this one. Lol On another note, there was some confusion as to which picture was Hotaru, so let me clear it up. Don't worry, it's not my avatar. I have a link on my profile that if you copy and paste in the search bar, should lead you straight to my drawing. Once again, I do take requests for those who want certain scenes drawn out between Hotaru and Ikuto. ^-^

Rating: T, once again for those who didn't know.

Summary: Like any popular boy, Ikuto has many girls that chase him on a daily basis besides his sister, so there's only one way, in Ikuto's mind, to stop them. Have a fake girlfriend of course!

Dedication: This chapter is dedicated solely to my new reader, DarkLozFanUberest who has lovingly reviewed quite a few of my chapters after discovering my story. I have to say I have loved each one and hope that they continue reading. Oh, Kuryo also. Lol I hope ya'll enjoy.

-Previously-

Another screech of brakes as they halt on the stairwell, the only sound evident is everyone's heavy breathing. Hotaru holds a hand to her chest, her mind willing her heart to calm down.

"Are we there?"

"We're…here…"

"Thank you Miss. Saeki."

Amu suddenly stands up, her finger pointing at a silhouette.

"That's…!"

Chapter 10: What's Behind The Cheshire's Smile?

"-Nikaidou-san!"

Everyone rushes out of the van, only one left behind in shock. Hotaru watches her brother a bit longer before rushing out as fast as she can, her feet stumbling a bit from her injuries. She stops behind Amu, anger set deep within her emerald eyes.

"Return Amu's eggs, Onii-chan!"

Nikaidou only smiles teasingly as he waves a suitcase in front of them, his initial shock of them finding him having passed.

"I don't think so. I need these for an experiment."

Utau steps forward this time, her annoyance evident.

"Nikaidou-san, what're you planning?"

Nikaidou turns to the singer, a bewildered expression in his features.

"It shouldn't be of your concern really. You collect X eggs your way and I'll do it my way."

Utau becomes angered, her violet eyes brimming with energy.

"I think you've reached a new low. I would never try to take advantage of the weak!"

Amu becomes confused, a sweat drop running down her face.

"Weak? Is she talking about me?"

"I never thought I would see you on the other side Utau."

A small gasp escapes Utau's lips as the feminine voice halts the argument. A business-like woman appears, her long fingers adjusting the frames on the bridge of her nose.

"Manager…."

Everyone turns to Utau in shock.

"Manager?"

Hotaru's thoughts begin to race through her mind, her heartbeat thumping in her ears.

"Really Utau….Do you know how hard it was to schedule that interview and then you take off without warning."

Utau looks down in shame, as if the ground will hopefully swallow her. Utau's manager adjusts her bangs with a few flicks of her wrist, her eyes starting to narrow in on the girl with lavender hair.

'Why does she look familiar?'

Hotaru's fists are clenched tightly, her knuckles white from lack of blood.

'Yukari-san….she was in on it too? What else do I not know of?'

"Now, Utau, stop this foolishness and take care of these brats please."

Everyone then turns their attention to the pop idol, Utau's head hanging in despair before turning around, her back now to Nikaidou and her manager. Yaya gasps out loud as Kukai growls a bit in anger. Amu steps forward, her stance wary.

"What're you doing Utau? I thought that you were against dirty tricks!"

Utau is quiet before suddenly Character Transforming. It's Tadase that speaks the thoughts of everyone.

"She can Character Transform?"

Utau suddenly attacks, violet butterflies flying in every direction. Everyone tries to duck in some way but it's Hotaru who stands strong, Kia beginning to give off a glow. Amu notices her Humpty Lock giving off a glow as well.

"Eh? What's going on?"

Hotaru closes her eyes, her body seeming to know what to do in the situation as Kia returns to her egg. Hotaru's body floats a bit, her whole figure giving off a soft glow before her clothes suddenly transform. As she gets back on her feet, everyone stares in awe at her attire.

"She…"

"…Character Transformed!"

Hotaru's hair is pulled back into a loose ponytail by bandages. Her upper body is barely covered by a shirt that cuts off under her breasts, the fabric clinging to her, netting flowing from underneath, the sleeves reaching her elbows. On her lower half is a split skirt, netting on her legs as well, the right ending at her knee while her left has a separate piece of it's own on her calf. Obi socks adorn her feet, simple straw sandals on them, pouches on her right leg and on the back of her hip. Hotaru inspects herself, a little bit thrown back by everything.

"Oh wow…what happened?"

After taking note of her appearance, she turns her attention to Utau. She reaches into the pouch on her leg only to pull out a kunai dagger. Her legs reposition themselves, her body showing she's obviously ready to attack. Utau growls in frustration before aiming an attack in her direction while the others begin to Character Change. Hotaru rushes forward, her speed having increased, kunai ready.

"Why are you doing this Utau?"

Utau frowns before dodging a swipe of Hotaru's blade.

"Because…it's for Ikuto…"

Utau swipes at Hotaru's face but she nimbly leans back, her body easily flowing into a backwards flip.

"What do you mean? How is this for Ikuto?"

Utau rushes forward, her blonde pigtails flowing behind her.

"Everything is for Ikuto! I don't care what happens to me as long as Ikuto finds happiness!"

Hotaru stops, Utau's words having caused her to freeze.

'Everything is for Ikuto…? Is he not happy?'

"Hotaru, look out!"

Hotaru doesn't dodge in time as Utau aims another beam at her. Hotaru's arms cover her face instinctively but the attack pushes her onto the ground. Hotaru's breathes are heavy with exhaustion, her body not used to Character Transforming, as she struggles to her feet.

"I never asked you to do anything."

Everyone looks up, obviously surprised by the newcomer. Hotaru's eyes widen.

"I-Ikuto-kun…." She whispers to herself.

Ikuto jumps down from his post, his feet landing softly on the ground. Tadase growls in anger, his glare enough to show his distaste for the cat. Ikuto only smirks as Utau is frozen mid-stance.

"I-Ikuto…."

A groan is heard, Hotaru's attention now on Utau's manager. She raises an eyebrow in confusion, her defense stance dropped.

"This isn't good…"

Nikaidou turns to her, his curiosity obvious now.

"What do you mean?"

"She hasn't seen Ikuto in awhile what with her recording her new album so…"

As she trails off, Utau dashes toward Ikuto, her Chara appearing out of nowhere, her transformation disappearing.

"Ikuto~!"

She wraps her arms around his neck, her face burying into his shoulder, an annoyed expression on his features.

"I can't move Utau. Let go."

Hotaru gulps audibly as she relaxes, her breathes heavy as Kia appears as well, her clothes returning to normal.

"But I haven't seen you in so long~!"

Nikaidou chuckles a bit as Yukari begins to turn away. Ikuto then turns his attention to Amu and her friends, Hotaru noting how his eyes pass over her easily.

"C'mon Utau, we have work to do."

Utau turns to Ikuto and grudgingly releases him, her eyes glaring at Hotaru as she leaves. Ikuto turns his attention to Nikaidou. He raises his eyebrow questioningly, obviously looking for an answer from the scientist.

"Why don't you play with the kids Ikuto? I'm sure Easter would love for you to prove your loyalty."

Tadase and Hotaru step forward, their eyes brimming with anger.

"You're not going anywhere with Amu's eggs!"

"You will not stand in our way Ikuto Tsukiyomi!"

Ikuto takes note of the briefcase in Nikaidou's hand as the deranged man begins to walk away. Amu yells, her hope beginning to dissipate.

"No!"

At this, Tadase steps forward, his king scepter in his hand.

"Hold it! Holy crown!"

Tadase aims his attack at Ikuto, cat ears appearing on the blue haired teen. He jumps out of the way, a smirk on his face. Tadase growls in anger as Hotaru transforms once more, her legs carrying her towards her brother.

"Stop Onii-chan!"

"C'mon, Ikuto, take me seriously!"

Ikuto's smirk only widens as he dodges another attack.

"I don't even need to Character Transform to fight you."

As Hotaru nears her brother, she pulls a kunai out, the sharp object shining, revealing it's sharp edge. Nikaidou notices this and only grins as he snaps his fingers, X eggs beckoning at his order. He waves his hand forward, the eggs flying in Hotaru's direction. She gasps as she dodges them, the distance growing considerably between her and her brother.

"Stop!"

As Hotaru blocks a blow from the eggs, Ikuto's attention turns to Hotaru's brother. He avoids another of Tadase's attacks, his foot hitting the case in Nikaidou's hand.

"No!"

Amu notices her eggs falling out of the briefcase, Ran managing to escape her prison. She turns to Amu hurriedly.

"Amu-chan!"

Amu nods her head as she dashes forward, the other two eggs falling toward the ground. Wings appear on Amu's ankles and wrists. She jumps forward, her hands managing to grab a hold of the blue spade egg. Kukai steps forward, his fist raised in triumph.

"Nice catch!"

Ikuto sticks out his tongue, his apology full of sarcasm.

"Sorry…My foot slipped."

Nikaidou recovers quickly though, managing to grab a hold of the last one, a shriek of fear escaping the small container. Amu gasps.

"Suu, no!"

Nikaidou replaces the egg in his case, his disarrayed hair blowing slightly in the wind.

"It doesn't matter, I only need one anyways for my recipe."

Yaya's eyes become concerned as she begins to freak out.

"Recipe? As in, you'll cook the egg?"

"You could say that…"

Amu growls in anger as she rushes toward Nikaidou.

"You're such a coward! Using such tactics like this!"

At the girl's words, Nikaidou becomes annoyed. His hand shoots out, grabbing a hold of Amu's tie, pulling her close, his voice only a whisper.

"You have courage Himamori. Fine, I'll give you a chance. If you're as courageous as you think you are, come by my lab for a challenge."

"Fine."

At Amu's agreement, Nikaidou pushes her back, his smirk wide and dark.

"Amu-chan, are you okay?"

"Amu-chan!"

Amu shrugs off their worries by smiling at them, trying to ease their minds.

"I'm fine."

Nadeshiko steps forward, her yell one of despair.

"He's getting away!"

Before anyone can rush forward to stop the Easter associate, the X eggs return, Hotaru barely managing to side swipe the attack. Hotaru gasps as her brother disappears, her attention not on him long before another attack is sent. Hotaru prepares herself for it, only to realize that it's not headed for her, but for an unsuspecting Amu.

"Amu, look out!"

Hotaru manages to pull Amu out of the way in time, the eggs easily making a quick turn. Hotaru notices and tightens her grip on the girl behind her, bracing herself for the hit but it never comes. Eyes opening warily, a small shocked gasp escapes her. There, standing quietly, is none other than Ikuto. The others hold their position, unsure of the cat's intentions. After awhile, his gaze lands on Hotaru, the girl helping Amu to her feet, her eyes on the boy before her.

"Ikuto-kun…"

The guardians turn at the sound of the suffix added to Ikuto's name, their minds racing for an answer as to why it was there. After a few stray breezes, Ikuto steps forward, his eyes smoldering into Hotaru's. The girl's heartbeat picks up at the eye contact, her will melting at the gaze.

"Hotaru…We need-"

"-to go."

Everyone turns their attention to Kukai, his words heavy with distaste, his arms crossed along his chest to support his feelings about the situation. Hotaru is thankful for the distraction, her mind knowing full well that she wouldn't have been able to resist anything Ikuto would ask of her. Hotaru shrugs past Ikuto, her hand enclosed in Amu's.

"He's right. Let's go everyone."

Hotaru's head is down, her will to hold her tears in faltering slightly.

"Hotaru…are you alright?"

Hotaru had been spacing out for the past hour or so. Amu turns her head to her Chara, hoping for an answer to her friend's behavior. Ran and Miki then turn their heads to Kia, the ninja just as confused as they are. Kia floats down to Hotaru's face, the Chara grabbing a lock of the girl's hair.

"Hotaru-chan?"

Hotaru snaps her head up, her eyes widening a fraction before turning to Kia. After a few seconds, a smile forces it's way onto her face.

"Yes? What is it?"

Kia sighs as she turns to Amu, encouraging the girl to ask her question. Hotaru follows the ninja's line of sight, her eyes now on the pink-haired elementary student. Amu's eyes search Hotaru's face, hoping to find a reason for the girl's sudden depression before releasing a sigh.

"Did….something happen with Ikuto? You two seemed like ya'll had something to say but…"

Hotaru looks down at her lap, her fingers twiddling with the edge of the oversized shirt she was wearing at the moment.

"…You could say something happened…yeah…but it's no big deal, really. I'm fine."

Amu gets off of her bed, moving down to sit next to the troubled girl. She places a small hand on Hotaru's shoulder, the urge to comfort her strong.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

After awhile, Hotaru's shoulders sag, her head hanging dejectedly.

"Well…long story short, we got into a fight. I just…"

Hotaru's vision begins to blur as tears threaten to betray her emotions once more. Luckily for her, her long hair was blocking Amu from seeing her heartbroken expression.

"…I didn't know what to do after finding out that Ikuto was a part of Easter. First my brother, then Ikuto…I just don't know what to do."

Amu nods her head to show that she was listening intently, her arms wrapping around the saddened teenager.

"I'm sure everything will turn out alright."

Hotaru nods her head, her fingers wiping at her eyes, her glasses already off for bed.

"Thanks Amu-chan."

Hotaru's eyes turn to Amu's clock, her eyes squinting to clear the blurry numbers.

"Amu, I believe it's time for you to go to bed."

Amu groans in disbelief, Hotaru knowing that she was only slightly agitated. Amu slips under her covers, her hand reaching for the lamp on her nightstand.

"Good night Hotaru."

Hotaru smiles warmly in return.

"Night Amu."

As the light goes off, the moon's light illuminates the room, the door to Amu's balcony only slightly covered by the curtain. After a few minutes, Hotaru stands up, her feet leading her to the clear sliding door. She looks outside, the moon captivating to the girl. She sighs inwardly, her hand on the glass.

'What do I do? I know that I love Ikuto but…he's a part of the enemy.'

Hotaru slides the door open, the night breeze a bit chilly. She closes the door behind her, her hair blowing idly in the wind. Hotaru rests her arms on the balcony railing, another sigh escaping her lips, as her eyes scan the quiet streets below her.

'How did all of this happen?'

"You know, it's dangerous to be out this late…especially dressed like that…"

At the deep voice, Hotaru jumps slightly, her emerald eyes locking with Amethyst.

"Ikuto-kun? What're you doing here?"

Ikuto shrugs, not wanting to discuss the fact that he had Yoru follow Hotaru here. He takes another step, Hotaru flinching backwards a bit.

"Some might even think…that you're an angel to take them away."

At Ikuto's words, Hotaru blushes deeply, the girl thankful for the darkness of the night. Hotaru's hands begin tugging at the bottom of the shirt, her mind registering that he noticed her clothes or lack thereof. Ikuto only chuckles at the action before grabbing the girl's hands and wrapping them around his neck, his hands then opening his jacket to wrap it around Hotaru, her body now pressed against his firmly.

"Ikuto…?"

Ikuto frowns a bit.

"Wrong."

Hotaru tilts her head, puzzlement in her eyes. Ikuto leans his head a bit towards her, his voice low.

"…that's not my name."

Hotaru's eyebrows scrunch together before raising in realization. Cheeks red, Hotaru averts her eyes downward, her heart racing at the proximity.

"….Ikuto-kun."

Ikuto smirks, a winning glint in his eyes. Hotaru, spotting the smile, pouts slightly before raising her gaze to meet his.

"Ikuto…kun, I'm pretty sure you didn't come here to correct me about your name. What are you doing here?"

Ikuto's face becomes a bit dejected, feigning hurt.

"You're not happy to see me? Not after everything we've been through?"

Hotaru's faces becomes a deep red at his implications, the color fading fast as Ikuto chuckles at her response. After a minute or so, Ikuto's face becomes serious, his grasp on the fragile girl tightening slightly.

"I know that your brother is planning to challenge Amu for her last Chara."

Hotaru's eyes widen in shock, her breath hitching in her throat.

"What? But when-"

She stops, recalling when Amu and her brother had a little silent exchange during the battle earlier that day. Her gaze becomes hardened, Ikuto a bit shocked that Hotaru could even show that much anger.

"Then, what do we…?"

"I can't do much unfortunately due to my being a part of Easter, but I came here to tell you the location of his hideout."

Hotaru locks eyes with Ikuto once more, her eyes searching his for any sign of betrayal or trickery.

"Why are you telling me this?"

Ikuto is quiet, for even he does not know the answer, his brain having racked itself on that question in particular. He sighs before leaning his forehead against Hotaru's, his eyes shut in thought.

"I know what it's like…to have someone you love and trust betray you."

Hotaru is quiet, her breathing heavy at the thought of Ikuto's lips so close to hers.

'Doe he know how I really feel about him?'

"What your brother did was wrong. He should've told you what he was doing…as I should've."

Hotaru blinks a bit in surprise before smiling softly.

'Oh, he's speaking of my brother.'

Ikuto opens an eye when he doesn't hear a response right away.

"Something funny?"

Hotaru shakes her head.

"This is the first time you've opened up to me. It makes me happy."

Ikuto only smirks before pulling Hotaru even closer, his mouth close to her ear as he whispers his next words.

"Well, I could open up more if you want."

Hotaru's face becomes beet red, another chuckle coming from Ikuto's direction. Hotaru looks away, embarrassment written all over her face. Ikuto gently pushes Hotaru's face to look at him, a smirk on his face.

"I may be working for Easter, but when we're at school, none of that matters…alright?"

Hotaru is in awe at the words that ease her heart immensely, before nodding her head, a small smile on her lips. Ikuto leans forward, pressing a soft kiss to Hotaru's forehead, his jacket now hanging from her shoulders as he pulls away.

"Good girl."

And then he was gone.

Hotaru continues to stand on the balcony, a hand touching her forehead slightly, a pink hue on her cheeks. Struggling to calm her erratic heartbeat, Hotaru feels the slight sting in her chest when remembering that they're relationship was only a façade. She closes her eyes, her mind having flashbacks of her times with Ikuto so far.

'Ikuto-kun…if you only knew…'

She smiles to herself, her hands now holding Ikuto's jacket closer to her body. It's as another breeze blows by that Hotaru whispers a few words to herself, her emotions floating on the wind.

"If only…."

Author's Note: Taa-dah! My new year gift to everyone! I must say though that I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter. I am quite pleased with the result. So, for those who have stuck with me so far, I appreciate it and don't worry, I'm already working on the next chapter, so look forward to it.