Author's Note: Um...*hesitantly walks out*...I'm really...REALLY sorry. I've been caught up with so many things and truth be told, I got stuck...writer's block is evil. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter. Extra long so...yeah. he he ^^;
Rating: T
Dedication: Witchgirl590 for reminding me that I haven't posted. I love their dedication! Thank you~!
Also, winner of the title change goes to-*drum rolls* KidTantei! Congrats! Next chapter goes out to you~! Hope you enjoy it when I finish it...which is actually being worked on. I promise! .
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!
Chapter 29: The Idol's Idol
Bang, bang, bang!
"Hm….?"
Hotaru's eyes blink open wearily, her mind trying to register the noise.
'Who is…?'
Hotaru begins to sit up only for a force to stop her. Hotaru looks behind her, a sleeping Ikuto holding on to her tightly. She smiles warmly, a blush taking to her cheeks. Gently removing his arms, she rushes downstairs.
Bang, bang, bang!
"Coming!"
Hotaru, still clad in her pajamas, answers the door, her free hand rubbing her eyes.
"Hello-?"
Hotaru's eyes widen, fear starting to settle in her nerves.
"U-Utau!"
Before the baffled, half-asleep Hotaru is none other than Utau Hoshina. Said girl has her hands on her hips, a frown on her lips. Hotaru begins to feel her legs give out a bit.
"W-What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to talk to you about Ikuto."
Hotaru freezes, invisible sweat running down her face.
'Does…Does she know that he's staying here?'
Utau's gaze turns dark.
"I wonder where Ikuto is…I wonder if he's hiding here."
Hotaru mentally screams.
"Just kidding."
Hotaru slides to the floor, Utau's gaze having scared her.
"I have to stop my habit of imagining the worst-case scenario when it comes to Ikuto."
Hotaru tilts her head at noticing Utau's shy aura. She rises to her feet.
"I was wondering if you could come out a bit."
Hotaru blinks confusedly before letting a smile cross her face.
"I can. Just give me a bit of time to get ready. I overslept today."
Utau nods her head, her arms crossing across her chest.
"Hurry up then."
Hotaru nods her head before rushing back upstairs. She closes her door behind her, locking it swiftly before rushing through her clothing. It's as she finds an outfit that she cautiously turns to Ikuto. After confirming that he's still asleep, she changes clothes. Now donning a turtle neck sweater, a black pleated skirt that reaches her knees, and leggings, she smiles in approval. She begins to walk out of her room but stops.
Glancing over at Ikuto, she sighs. Quickly scribbling a note explaining her absence, she places a quick kiss to his forehead and rushes out.
Hotaru could feel a sweat drop fall down the side of her head.
"A ramen shop?"
"Yes, is that a problem?"
Hotaru shakes her head. She begins looking around in awe.
'I've never been in one before.'
Following Utau to a machine that produced tickets, she continues the same action and follows Utau's example. Sitting in the stool next to the pop idol, she watches as Utau gives an order.
"Salt with hard noodles, extra oil with ajitama as topping."
The man behind the counter smiles enthusiastically.
"Okay! And for you young lady?"
Hotaru tenses in her seat before mumbling her response.
"The same…"
The man nods his head before walking off, to make their order Hotaru assumed. Utau, noticing Hotaru's 'awed' look, frowns.
"You act as if you've never seen a ramen shop before."
Hotaru turns to her, a guilty blush on her cheeks before looking down. Utau's eyes widen before she lets the subject drop. It's when Hotaru's ears pick up whispers that she turns to Utau.
"Shouldn't you disguise yourself or something?"
"Why? I'm not doing anything wrong."
Hotaru couldn't argue with that.
"Anyway, about Ikuto. I've been looking for him but I can't find him. There are some suspicious guys watching the house so he hasn't gone there."
Hotaru remembers Yoru's words of how Ikuto had nowhere else to go. A bowl is placed in front of her.
"Salt with hard noodles."
"Those suspicious looking guys, do you have an idea who they are?"
Not having received an answer, she turns to Utau.
"Utau?"
Who is currently engrossed in eating her ramen. Utau, noticing she's staring, turns to her.
"It's going to get cold."
"Oh, right."
Hotaru breaks her chopsticks apart, eagerly eating the noodles. She sighs in delight.
'These are so good.'
Hotaru finishes up, placing her chopsticks down just as Utau does. Both turn to each other in surprise.
"You're done already as well?"
Hotaru blushes.
"Well, when I eat something good, I tend to get preoccupied and eat pretty fast."
Utau nods her head as she turns to the man once more.
"More noodles, hard. Two please."
Hotaru was a bit shocked but had to admit that she was still hungry as well. Hotaru turns to Utau.
"I must admit that I haven't met someone that's my size and eats as much as I do in a long time."
"So? I'm going to eat as much as I want. If I don't eat, I don't get energy and I can't sing."
Hotaru had to admit that she admired Utau's determination.
"Sing…Oh! I heard your new song!"
"It was only on the radio."
"But you're going to be on music shows soon, right?"
Utau frowns.
"Probably not. Every since I switched agencies, Easter has been interfering with my work. For awhile I had to go around to local music stores and department stores."
"I'm sorry."
"Why are you apologizing? It's not your fault. Besides…"
Their new order is placed in front of them.
"Songs have power. No interference can stop that. No matter where I am, if I can sing, that's my stage."
Both girls' Chara are watching the two in awe, a smile on their faces. Hotaru looks down at the egg hanging around her neck.
"Wow Utau…"
Hotaru has a bright smile on her face. Utau flinches a bit at the sight.
"What? You're creeping me out."
Hotaru shakes her head, her smile still intact as she grabs a few noodles with her chopsticks.
"It's just…I admire you. You have the determination to make your dream come true. You've found your song…"
Hotaru turns back to Utau only to notice the pop idol with a small tint on her cheeks. Utau turns away, quick to begin eating her ramen. Hotaru just giggles.
Yoru stretches, his small paw rubbing his eyes sleepily. He turns his attention to Ikuto who is still sleeping heavily. His tail begins moving as he spots the note next to them.
-Ikuto & Yoru-
-Sorry, I had to go somewhere real quick. I'll be back as soon as I can. You're free to anything in the fridge.-
-Sincerely,
Hotaru, Kia, & Lily-
After reading the note, Yoru eyes the violin, his eyes narrowing a bit.
"Something's fishy about that violin…"
He floats over to it, his small paws opening the case.
"It wasn't this weird color purple before…Yesterday Ikuto fainted after looking at it. What's going on?"
A fists pounds heavily on a desk.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm sorry sir. We looked at his sister's place and his friends' places…."
The man scoffs, his head turning away as he crosses his hands together.
"I don't care that Ikuto is gone. That always happens. The problem is the violin! It's still in development. If it doesn't turn up, our investment will be wasted."
One of the men before him raises an eyebrow, a empty feeling seeming to take place.
"What do you mean, sir?"
"That violin has X egg energy in it. Those with no power can play it and have no effect, but it's different when Ikuto plays it. Ikuto is the son of the legendary violinist, Aruto Tsukiyomi."
The man smiles sinisterly.
"His performance would attract many X eggs and bait the Embryo. That was the plan, but I guess I have no choice now."
He swivels his chair around, his back now to the men.
"It's a little earlier than planned, but it's time to use it."
"It sir?"
He turns his head to them, his evil intentions apparent.
"As long as I use it, Ikuto can't resist the magical powers of the violin."
"Aruto Tsukiyomi?"
Hotaru was a bit in shock on how familiar the name sounded to her. Her parents tended to play his work. They were music connoisseurs and Aruto was one of their favorites. Utau turns to her.
"You've heard of him?"
Hotaru nods her head, her braid swaying behind her.
"Yes. My parents are actually big fans of his work. I've always heard his music since I was a kid…"
A small blush appears on Hotaru's cheeks.
'Especially after meeting Ikuto…'
"Well he is our real father. Our mother is Soko Hoshina. She is the only daughter of the Hoshina family, the clan who founded Easter."
"Easter?"
Utau only nods her head, her eyes closing as she recalls the story told to her.
"He was a man with talent but still young with no status or fame. Of course the family was against it when their only daughter wanted to marry him….but the two got married against their wishes…with one condition."
Hotaru's head perks up at this, her curiosity rising.
"Condition?"
"A simple one. They said, "When the time comes, give up music and take over Easter.""
Hotaru's eyes widen at this.
"But my father couldn't do it. He disappeared the night my grandfather, the former CEO of Easter, died. He took only his violin. My mother, Ikuto and I were treated coldly."
Hotaru could only imagine the pain their mother went through, her eyes widening with shock. This was a lot for her to take in, her mind running images of Ikuto and Utau young, scared, and sad.
"But still my mother believed in and waited for my father. We were chased from place to place…but I was okay as long as my mother and Ikuto were with me…but a few years later…my father's violin, and just the violin, was found overseas."
Hotaru's mind went back to last night.
"Is it something important?"
"Oh not really. Just a keepsake of my father."
Hotaru mentally shakes her head.
'It's just like I thought…it is important.'
"That was the last straw for my mother's weak heart. She betrayed us . She remarried the executive director of Easter. My mother is weak. She's been under the control of my stepfather ever since."
Hotaru nods her head.
"They make us work to pay for our father's sin."
Hotaru sighs, worry overcoming her.
"That isn't right what they're doing. You two had nothing to do with it and yet you've been roped in. Easter is…"
Her fists clench from anger, most of it rooting from the fact that they were being treated this way.
"…so cruel."
Utau is quiet for a bit before turning her amethyst eyes to the sky, a nice breeze blowing through.
"That's why I wanted power. Enough power so they wouldn't be able to crush us. I wanted to save Ikuto from this destiny."
Things were slowly starting to fall into place in Hotaru's mind, and she couldn't help but understand what Utau was feeling.
"But I found out that I wasn't as strong as I thought…If I can't save myself, I can't save someone else. I've realized that."
Utau turns her gaze to Hotaru, said girl leaning back a bit in surprise.
"You made me realize that."
Hotaru's eyes widen, awe filling her.
"How did I…?"
Utau turns away, a small blush filling her cheeks. She was not used to expressing her feelings, nor used to admitting that she was wrong.
"Look, just listen! I don't know what it is about you, but you have something special."
Hotaru blinks in confusion.
"Special?"
"Yes, obviously since Ikuto cares about you so much. He's never really cared what Easter has been doing, just listening and never really back talking. He didn't like it, but he didn't stop them besides going after the Embryo for his own sake…but lately…"
Hotaru is so eager to hear her words.
"…especially recently, he seems to have something driving him forward. He's become more determined than usual to defy Easter. This recent incident proof."
Shyly turning her eyes back to Hotaru, she mumbles her next words.
"…I think it might have something to do with you. You've obviously changed something in him. That's why…"
Utau once again looks away shyly, a pout on her lips.
"…if it's you…then I don't mind giving you the privilege of saving Ikuto."
Hotaru could feel her cheeks heat up, unsure as to the reason why, but she could feel her heart swell with emotion.
"Be grateful because the only person that can protect Ikuto is me."
Hotaru now pouts, the sentimental moment vanishing.
"You can't decide that on your own."
"Nikaidou-san?"
Utau and Hotaru turn around, a smile breaking out on Hotaru's face at the familiar face.
"Tadase-kun! Kukai!"
Hotaru hurriedly stands up, giving both of the boys a hug, a smile on her face.
"What brings you here?"
Tadase smiles, glad to see Nikaidou doing well.
"I just went to a movie with Souma-kun since this is our last chance."
Kukai begins to wrap his arm around Hotaru's neck, obviously teasing her when his eyes land on Utau.
"Oh, the idol is here too."
Utau turns to him, obviously none too pleased.
"Is there a problem with that?"
Hotaru laughs at the two before turning back to Tadase.
"So, what did you watch?"
Hotaru was currently walking to the store, her mind set on getting groceries to make food at home when suddenly Kia and Lily stop. Hotaru notices their halt and turns to them.
"Something wrong you two?"
Hotaru's ears suddenly pick up a sound, her mind registering the sound.
"Is that…?"
She looks around her only to notice several people walking around, their heart eggs obviously missing. Kia and Lily look around.
"Their eggs!"
"What was that noise?"
Hotaru lowers her head in worry, hoping that her fears were just that…fears….nothing more.
"That was the A chord of a violin."
Hotaru surveys the surrounding area, not spotting anyone nor sensing any X eggs. She turns to Lily and Kia, both watching her with worried expressions.
"There's nothing we can do now…Let's just go home."
Both nod their head, Hotaru walking ahead, the egg hanging around her neck bouncing against her chest.
Hotaru rushes upstairs, her hands hurriedly pushing the door open.
"Ikuto?"
Her eyes are quick to spot him lying down on her bed, a tired look in his eyes. Hotaru rushes over, her arms wrapping around Ikuto's form, relief instantly washing over her.
'Good, he's here.'
Ikuto is confused a bit by Hotaru's actions.
"Did I miss something?"
Hotaru shakes her head as she pulls back, a smile on her face.
"Ikuto, you didn't go out today, did you?"
Ikuto absently shakes his head, his mind a bit dazed still. He had just woken up. Hotaru sighs relief once more.
"Oh, okay good. Well, um…here. You should eat these and I went through my father's clothing and picked out some clothes I doubt he'll miss, so…"
Ikuto eyes the items for a bit before wrapping his arms around Hotaru, a blush instantly taking to her cheeks at the proximity.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to seduce me."
Hotaru's whole face turns red as she pulls back, as if his touch burned her.
"What? I just gave you food and clothing!"
Ikuto smirks while leaning closer, Hotaru backing away as he does so.
"Yes…obviously the food is to soften me up so I won't notice how when I change, you plan on watching."
Hotaru frowns, pushing Ikuto back a bit, her head low so he can't see her expression.
"You're overreacting!"
Ikuto only chuckles as he takes a bite of one of the rice balls she made. Hotaru lies down, exhausted by Ikuto's antics.
'There's no way it was him…'
"Everything is ready sir."
The director is leaning against a wall, his arms crossed over his chest confidently.
"Good. Then let's begin!"
The director smirks.
"This machine has the sound of the violin and if I set off this tuning fork, the waves will reach that violin and increase it's power. It had a small effect earlier today from the test run. With this, Ikuto will have to obey us."
As he speaks, the tuning fork before him begins to emit a sound.
Hotaru is sleeping peacefully, her mind caught in dreams. She doesn't even feel Ikuto leave her room, his eyes opening with no emotion in them.
Author's Note: Well, I hope you guys enjoyed that. Hopefully some of you guys are still reading this. T-T I really am sorry and will work harder. On a side note, I've posted my deviantart account on my profile page. There you'll find a folder of current Hotaru art. I've also made a small little club so that way if anyone else wants to draw and post, you're free to.
Truthfully I just want to see everyone's art. I love drawing Hotaru, but I would love to see some variety in the styles.
Well, till next time. Bye! ^-^
