Chapter Twenty

Once I had put on some clothes, brushed my teeth and thrown my hair up in a side pony with my signature X clip, I joined Yaya and the other's downstairs for breakfast; mom placing plates of eggs, bacon and toast in front of our guests.

Papa wasn't here this morning, he probably had an early photo shoot, and Ami was already munching on her food when I sat down.

"Good morning, mama, Ami," I said happily. Even though I had a weird wake up this morning, it didn't change that I was glad to see my friend's smiling faces.

"Ah, good morning Amu dear, I hope you don't mind that I let your friends in, I thought you would have been awake by the time they arrived."

I nodded as she sat a plate in front of me, picking up my chopsticks to start eating.

On the tv, Utau's new song started to play, catching everyone's attention. We looked up to stare at the screen, listening as the media spread more rumors about her love life with Kukai and an upcoming concert.

"Look, it's Kukai! I wonder why he wasn't at the meeting yesterday," Yaya asked, seeming a bit disappointed. Those two had always been close, he was like the older brother she always wanted so of course she enjoyed having him around.

"Ah, that reminds me. I forgot to tell you guys, but Kukai sprang his ankle apparently. I thought it would be nice we if all got together and went to see how he and Daichi are doing sometime."

"That sounds like fun," Ran shouted, all fired up.

"And Su can make some get well soon tarts, desu," Su stated with the same amount of excitement Ran had.

"I'm in," Miki said, nodding with Dia in unison. Even Pepe and Kusu Kusu were getting enthusiastic over the idea.

We all smiled, agreeing that it was a wonderful idea.

"So it's settled," I said while finishing the last bite of egg on my plate," when we all get back from the three-day vacation we will pay Kukai a visit. Oh, that reminds me, hey mama, Hinari invited me to come stay the weekend at her dad's hotel after Christmas. Is it alright if I go?"

Mom sat across from me blinking, her face looking troubled. I knew what she was thinking, I agree it's strange for Tadase's new girlfriend to invite me of all people, but I truly did want to be her friend.

"Are you girls going as well," she turned her attention to Yaya and Rima, the both of them nodding simultaneously.

"We'll all be sharing a room! Just like one big sleepover!" Yaya was already worked up just thinking about it.

Mom's tension seemed to ease up a bit when she learned they would be joining us, she smiled then gave a nod of approval.

"I'll have to talk to papa, but I don't see what it would hurt. Just be careful."

After breakfast, we all sat in the livingroom watching a comedy sketch marathon together, laughing and talking as the time past. Soon though, it was getting dark, which meant I would have to meet Ikuto before long.

As if he knew I was thinking about him, my cell went off, everyone looking up when it chimed in my pocket. I flicked it open, reading the text.

Message Received: From Ikuto

Still shopping today?

"Who is that," Ami asked while taking a bite from her strawberry flavored pocky stick.

"It's Ikuto," I spoke as my thumb started to type a reply, not even having to look up from my cell to know everyone was staring holes into my phone. "I'm supposed to go shopping with him around six."

Message Sent: To Ikuto

As far as I know, yeah.

Yaya clapped her hands, getting excited.

"Oooh, we get to go on a date and see all the juicy stuff for ourselves! Alright, it's Yaya's lucky day!"

Yaya stood up then, cupping her hands together as she leaned forward to stare at me with sparkling eyes.

"What are we waiting for, let's go Amu-chiiiii!"

Rima stood abruptly, grabbing Yaya by the arm before tugging her to the door.

"We, are not going on a date, Amu-chan is. We, are going to the park. Have fun Amu, and be sure to let us know how it goes when you get home."

We all said our goodbyes, then the two of them were off.

Well, more like Rima was pulling a kicking and flailing Yaya down the street who was yelling about how it wasn't fair she couldn't go on the date too.

Mental note to self, thank Rima later.

I shut the door then turned around to see a smiling Ami, that same creepy smile she gave me last night when she had something up her sleeve, plastered on her doll-like face.

"Okay, spill it. What do you want now?"

"I'm going with onee-chan today!"

"What?! N-No!"

"But onee-chan, I miss you!"

"Amu dear, take Ami with you, it's been awhile since she has spent time with you. I'll even give you both some extra money incase you see something you like." Mom smiled her words, this giving them an extra effect that was hard to refuse.

"Okay, fine, Ami you can go..."

"Yay!"

Ami grabbed her coat then bolted out the door, standing outside waving and yelling for me to hurry up while a couple who were walking down the street holding hands stared at her then looked to me like we were both crazy.

Yeah, this was sure to be interesting.

"Bye mama, we're off!"

I grabbed Ami's hand to keep her close, then started to walk the snow-covered street towards the train station; by the time we made it there, Ikuto was already waiting for us.

"Hey cosplay boy," I teased as we approached, Yoru and the other Guardians loudly greeting one another before Ikuto even had the chance to say anything cocky to me in return.

Ami instantly released my hand when she seen Tsukiyomi, running over to his side before grabbing on to his hand instead of mine.

Ikuto looked a little confused, but he gave a side grin to her before looking up at me.

"He's my boyfran' now, onee-chan!"

She stuck out her tongue as she blurted those words, like claiming ownership to a newly found possession.

Making a whole little scene about it which didn't help my embarrassment any.

I had to stick my tongue back out at her in retort, crossing my arms before looking away.

That little trader!

She didn't miss me, she just wanted an excuse to come along...

"Looks like you have competition for my attention, Amu. Guess you're just going to have to up your game." His taunt made me groan from aggravation.

"Hmph, you can have him," I tried to sound as unconcerned as I possibly could, but my voice wavered at the end making me clear my throat.

"Jealousy is cute on you."

"Pfft, let's just go..." I stomped off to board the train, thankful for a topic change.

Oh wow, chapter twenty already?!

This is the longest fanfic I've done so far.

Not to mention this is my first Shugo Chara fanfic I've written.

I was a little afraid at first to even attempt writing this,

I didn't think anyone would like the story

to be completely honest with you.

Thank you all so much for the support!