Recap

"Rima, I know we've been together for a while and I also know we're young but I've never met a girl like you. I think about you when we're apart and I love the times we have together. Rima, I love you."
-Nagi

"I brought...good luck...charms."
-Nami

"They (Nagi and Rima) are more lovey-dovey than normal."
-Yaya

"It seems Utau-chan is warming up to you (Rei)."
-Jazlynn

"Good, now start the signal."
-Mr. Valentine

Rima: What exactly is his purpose?

Nagi: Daydreamer said that she can't give away that information till a later chapter

Rima: I guess we'll have more drama

Nagi: By the way Daydreamer would like to point out that in Japan you get your license at eighteen instead of sixteen like Americans

Nagi & Rima: Daydreamer doesn't own Shugo Chara

Chapter 3 Hot and Cold

*Rima's POV*

I woke up with a start. Why did I wake up like this? I don't remember any bad dreams or that weird feeling you get when you're asleep and you feel like you're falling. Maybe I had a nightmare but forgot about it. I looked at the clock. It was only three in the morning. I guess the best thing to do is get a glass of water and try to go back to sleep. I quietly got out of bed and walked to the door.

"Rima, is something wrong?" Kusukusu asked.

"Don't worry. I'm just getting a drink. I'll be right back," I whispered.

"Can I get one too?" she asked.

"Sure." She floated to me and we both tip-toed downstairs. At least I did while she floated. Suddenly I felt a chill down my back. There were goose-bumps down my arms.

"Kusukusu, are you freezing?" I asked as I rubbed my arms to warm them.

"No."

"Weird, I'm really cold," I said. I grabbed a glass and filled it with water. I took a sip then got a small straw so Kusukusu could have a drink. After our drink I put the glass in the sink then creeped upstairs. I quickly got under the covers to feel warmth again. I even put my blanket over my head to warm my face. What's wrong with me?

*Nagi's POV*

I opened my eyes expecting there to be a bright light from the window but there wasn't any. It was still dark outside. My clock said it was three in the morning but that can't be right.

"Nagi, you alright?" Rhythm asked. Him and Temari was out of their eggs looking at me concerned. I was about to answer but suddenly I became very hot. That never happens in my house. It's always freezing. I pushed the blanket off me as if it would bite me.

"Nagihiko?" Temari said concerned.

"I'm just really hot. Maybe auntie turned off the air conditioning for once," I said.

"I don't feel any different," Temari said as she felt my forehead.

"Same with me," Rhythm said.

"You don't feel warm," Temari said.

"Weird. Oh well, it's too early to get up. I might as well try to get more sleep," I said.

"Good night," they both said then went back into their eggs. I felt like something was wrong. Even the temperature of my house can't keep me cool. What's up with me?

*Rei's POV*

That morning was like others. It was a normal Sunday. I got up earlier than Rima, of course. I decided to take a shower.

"Rei, are you still wearing that necklace in the shower?" Jazlynn asked.

"Of course. Nami said it was lucky. I should keep it on at all times," I said. I quickly got in and out of the shower. I walked back into the room to see Kusukusu and Rima up, even though she was still in her pjs and she had bed head, and they were talking to Temari.

"Hello Temari," Angel greeted her.

"Oh hello you three. I decided to come over this morning for some girl time. Is that alright?" she asked.

"Of course, just let me get dressed real quick," I said. I quickly changed then Rima and I sat on her bed. I noticed that Rima was wrapped up in her blanket like a burrito. She must be pretty cold.

"So what's up Temari? Are the boys treating you ok?" Kusukusu asked.

"They are treating me fine. I'm just worried about Nagi. He was a little weird last night," Temari said.

"What's wrong with him?" I asked.

"He woke up around three this morning and he claimed to be hot but the Fujisaki house is always cold. It's that way so the dancers don't get too hot," she told us.

"That's weird. Rima woke up around the same time saying she was cold," Kusukusu said. I didn't know that. I felt Rima's forehead to see if she had a fever but she was fine.

"I don't have a fever," she said.

"I felt Nagi's head but he was fine too," Temari said.

"Maybe you two just miss each other," I teased Rima. She brushed it off but I saw the slight blush on her cheeks.

"It's weird that it happened the same night though. That can't be a coincidence," Angel said. I was thinking the same thing but what would cause it. Easter was no longer evil so what could it be?

"You're thinking the same thing, aren't you?" Rima asked.

"Yes, but I'm sure it's just me being paranoid. Easter isn't evil so who else would do it? I think it's just you and Nagi's hormones missing each other," I joked to lighten the mood.

"Is not!" Rima yelled.

"You still never told me what happened last night on your date. From the looks of you two, it went well. Rima touched her necklace that she wore to bed. Nagi gave it to her.

"He took me on a picnic under this giant sakura tree," she began. All of us surrounded her wanting to hear this.

"It was nice. The sun was starting to go down so it was cool and not too hot. After we ate, him and I were on the porch swing that was connected to the tree. Him and I just enjoyed each others company. He then gave me my necklace...well he gave me a black box and I was honestly freaking out because I'm only thirteen but I felt silly when I opened it," she blushed a bit.

"Go on," I encouraged her.

"He then told me...told me," she began to blush.

"Spit it out! Nagi didn't tell me anything!" Temari yelled.

"He told me he l-lo-loved me," she said not making any eye contact.

"And you said?" I asked. I was a bit scared. Rima has love issues since her parents fight.

"I told him I loved him too."

"Awwwww," all of us except Rima of course said. The blush on her cheeks darkened into a crimson color.

"Ri-ri," I said then pulled her into a tight hug.

"Don't call me that," she said.

*Nagi's POV*

"Yo Nagi, you feeling better?" Rhythm asked.

"Not really. It's still too hot," I said. I was sitting in my room. I was reading but it was too hot that I didn't feel like doing anything. I was shirtless and I pulled my hair up in a giant bun to get my hair off my neck. I was about to take a freezing shower if I don't cool off.

"You sure you're not sick?" he asked.

"Baya already checked me and she said I was fine," I said.

"Maybe you should do something. You look miserable just sitting here," he said.

"I'm taking a cold shower," I said. I hopped in the shower for a long time. My mother had to yell at me for wasting water to finally get out. I dressed in a thin tee shirt and shorts. I know my mom would not like my outfit since it was very untraditional but I really don't care. I heard my phone go off.

TO NAGI

Hey Nagi,

I was wondering if you could come over. Rei is making fun of me! She won't stop teasing me! If you're over then maybe she'll leave me alone.

FROM RIMA

I couldn't help but smile at her text. Rima and I took a big step last night. It felt like I was on some kind of high last night. It just felt like the world was just me and her.

"You gonna text her back or just smile at your phone?" Rhythm teased.

TO RIMA

I don't have dance practice today so it's good timing. What is Rei teasing you about now?

FROM NAGI

"Temari went over there not too long ago. Maybe they were gossiping," Rhythm said.

"Are you reading over my shoulder?" I asked him.

"Of course...but I'm your chara so I know when you're thinking of Rima. Also you make a certain face when you think of her," he said.

"I've caught you making the same face. Do you have a crush Rhythm?" I asked.

"Honestly, I think Kusukusu is a babe but that might be because you and Rima are close," Rhythm said.

"You know charas have their own feelings and personalities. Your feelings are your own," I said. Rhythm just floated there. He even made the face we were talking about.

"Thinking about a certain clown chara?" I teased. It's very rare that I see Rhythm not acting like a flirt.

"Nagi, you just turned the tables on me. Well played man," he said.

"I'm going over to Rima's. Do you want to go see your girly friend?" I asked.

"Yeah man!" he said giving me a thumbs up. My phone then beeped. It was Rima.

TO NAGI

I told her about our date. Now she won't stop teasing me. Was I supposed to keep it a secret? I didn't even think about it till now.

FROM RIMA

"I wasn't planning on keeping it a secret," I said.

"Then tell her. She's freaking out man," Rhythm warned. He didn't have to tell me twice.

TO RIMA

Don't worry Rima. I want everyone to know. I want to be able to show you off. It's better if you told Rei anyway. She'd probably be mad if she found out without you telling her. I'll be over soon so we can be teased together.

FROM NAGI

"Let's go!" Rhythm cheered. I told auntie where I was going then left. She didn't question my clothes. She knew I was really hot but she told me I wasn't sick. The walk to Rima's house was very quick. I knocked on the door. Rei answered.

"Hey Nagi, she's getting dressed," she greeted then let me in.

"Hello Nagihiko," Temari greeted me.

"Hey Temari," I said.

"Did your mother see you in those clothes?" she asked.

"No, only Baya saw me but she knew I was really hot," I said.

"She said he wasn't sick," Rhythm added.

"Rei, does this mean-" Angel asked.

"I doubt it," Rei interrupted.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"Nothing, we're just being paranoid. First you get really hot. Now Rima's really cold. It's just weird," she said.

"Rima's cold?" I asked.

"Rei! I borrowed one of your sweaters. I hope that's ok," Rima said as she came down the stairs. She had on a red sweater that looked a size too big but it made her look adorable. She wore black jeans too. I noticed the necklace I gave her still around her neck.

"So Rei was right," I said.

"And Temari was too," she said as she noticed what I was wearing.

"I'm gonna go upstairs. Don't eat each other," Rei said as she went upstairs.

"Rei!" Rima yelled. She still blushed with little things like that.

"Don't worry Rei. She'll be in one piece," I called up to her.

"It's not her I'm worried about," she called back. Rima's blush was a bit darker. I couldn't help but laugh. I kissed her cold cheek to calm her down.

"Don't worry Rima," I said.

"I wasn't," she said. Her and I sat on the couch. She turned the TV on.

"And that's all on the weather. Next up after commercials, Arihiko and Do Re Mi are making a comeback. Stay tuned," a news lady said.

"REI! YOU'RE ON TV!" Rima yelled. A second later Rei was downstairs sitting next to Rima.

"After commercials," I informed her.

"Guys, this is a time that makes or breaks me," she said giving us the most serious face I've ever seen. I knew she was nervous but I didn't think she was this bad. The commercials were over after a painfully slow minute.

"And we're back. There was some news last night. The once frowned upon singing duo that changed companies, Do Re Mi and Arihiko, are starting to rise. They opened at Utau Hoshina's concert last night. Many fans were very pleased. Here's what a few had to say," the news lady said.

"I was so shocked when I found out who it was. On my ticket it said a guest opener. Who would've thought it would be them?!"

"They were awesome!"

"Do Re Mi was so pretty!"

"Arihiko was really cool!"

"I love those two! I wonder if they're together."

"I missed them. I don't care who they work for."

"It seems these two are rising to the top. We may be hearing more from these two young teens. Now let's go to sports." The TV was turned off. Rima and I stared at Rei. She just stared at the TV with the remote in her hand.

"Rei." Rima said concerned. They said good things so why would she be like this?

"They loved us," Rei whispered. She then started jumping on the couch.

"THEY LOVED US!" she yelled. I placed Rima on my lap so she wouldn't be stepped on by her cousin.

"I can't believe it," she said. Her phone rang and she quickly answered.

"Hello?...You saw it too!...I know! It's awesome!...Got to go. I almost stepped on Rima," she said then hung up.

"I'm guessing that was Aarin," I said.

"Correct," she said.

"I'm happy for you Rei," Rima said.

"I still can't believe it," she said.

"Scream it to the world girl!" Jazlynn cheered. Rei yelled with excitement. I know she's a singer but her screaming hurt my ears.

"I'm gonna call Sanjo and tell her the good news," she said then ran off.

"It's good to see Rei really happy after everything that happened," I said.

"Yes, now I don't have to worry about her," Rima said.

"Did you still worry about her even after Easter?" I asked. I felt like a terrible boyfriend for not noticing.

"Just a little. She was really nervous about last night but seeing her that happy puts away all doubts and worries. Now all my attention will be on you," she said.

"I like the sound of that," I said then kissed her. Her lips were cold but they felt nice on my warm ones. Just her being next to me cooled me off.

"I walk out of the room for a minute and you're sucking face."

"Rei!" Rima whined as she pulled away.

"Maybe I was right. Your hormones are getting to you," Rei teased. All of a sudden someone's stomach growled.

"Rima and Rei didn't eat breakfast this morning," Kusukusu pointed out. So it was both of them. Both of them looked a little embarrassed.

"Why don't we go out for brunch and celebrate your and Aarin's success with all our friends," I offered.

"Sounds fun," she said. We called all of our friends and they all agreed to meet us.

"We'd get there faster if we rode bikes," Rei said.

"I'm too short," Rima said.

"You can ride in the basket," she said.

"I don't know," Rima said seeming skeptic.

"I'll make sure you don't fall," I said. She still seemed a bit hesitant but agreed if I was the one riding the bike. Rei got the bikes out of the garage. They looked like they haven't been used in awhile.

"When was the last time you rode one of these?" I asked.

"Mama and papa rode them when I was little," Rima said in a quiet voice.

"Did you ride one?" I asked.

"No...I can't," she said a bit embarrassed.

"I'll teach you some other time," I offered.

"I can't reach so I can't learn," she said.

"Just because you're short doesn't mean you can't reach. You can move the seat up and down and they have smaller bikes," I said.

"I don't want to fall," she said.

"But-"

"NAGI! LET'S GO!" Rei yelled. She was down the street already.

"We'll talk about it later," I said. I helped her in the basket and began to pedal. Why did she seem upset about it?

"Come on slow pokes!" Rei called. I pedaled faster to catch up with her.

"Who's slow now?" I asked as I sped ahead of her.

"NAGI!" Rima whined.

"What?" I asked.

"Too fast," she complained. I slowed down a bit.

"You really don't like bikes, do you?" I asked.

"No," she said.

"Why?" I asked. She remained silent.

"We're almost there," Rei said. We stopped when we got to the restaurant.

"I've never been here before," I said.

"Me too," Rima said.

I've never been here either but Utau suggested it," Rei said as she went in. There was another bike leaning against the building. I noticed it right away since the basket had a soccer sticker on it.

"Kukai rode his bike too," I pointed out as I helped Rima out of the basket.

"Don't drop me," she said.

"Drop you? Never," I said. I held her close to me and kissed her cheek.

"Can't reach the ground," she whined.

"You have to say the magic words," I said.

"Please," she said.

"Not the words I was looking for," he said.

"What!" Rima said shocked.

"You can figure it out," I said. It took her a few seconds.

"I love you," she said.

"The spell has been lifted," I said as I set her gently on the ground. She couldn't help but giggle. I've tried my hardest to make Rima laugh. I know it's good for her but honestly I'm really being selfish. I just want to see her smile all the time as if nothing was wrong in the world.

"We better head in before they think you're kidnapping me," she teased as she laced her fingers with mine. Did she just say that? If she can joke then does that mean Rima has moved on from her kidnapping? I smiled at her.

"I shall lead the way my lady," I said.

"Nagi," she said before I could take my first step.

"Yes Rima?"

"Will you teach me to ride a bike...on another day of course," she asked being a bit shy.

"Of course Rima. I'm glad you want to learn," I said. Both of us gave each other a smile and walked in. Kukai and Utau were here besides the three us.

*Rima's POV*

"Nice of you to finally join us," Utau said. She wasn't in a disguise or anything but we were in the back in a giant corner booth.

"How many do we have?" Nagi asked.

"Well there's the five of us. Then there will be Amu, Ikuto, Tadase, Yaya, Sanjo's little brother, Aarin, and Nami," Utau listed off.

"Twelve," Kukai summed up.

"How did you get here?" I asked Utau.

"I sat in the basket of Kukai's bike," she said.

"Rima did the same thing," Kusukusu said.

"YO-HO!" we heard across the restaurant. Yaya came running in with Kairi walking behind her apologizing for her actions.

"Hey Yaya! How's my favorite sixth grader?" Rei asked as Yaya glomped her.

"Yaya misses everyone but Yaya has to help the guardians. Yaya is the oldest," she said.

"But you have Kairi, who acts older than all of us," I said.

"Hello everyone," Kairi greeted.

"Class Prez has been a lot of help too but he's not very good at watering the plants," Yaya whined.

"Sorry Yaya-chan," Kairi said.

"Yay! Class Prez called Yaya by her name instead of Ace!" Yaya cheered.

"If he calls you by your name then you should call him by his," Rei said.

"Yaya never realized that. Sorry Class Pr- I mean Kairi-kun," Yaya said as she glomped him. He didn't hug back but he didn't push her away. This guy is hard to read.

"Hello everybody," Tadase said as he entered. He was walking with Aarin.

"I didn't know you two hung out," Kukai said.

"We actually got here at the same time," Tadase explained.

"Why is it a big deal if we did hang out?" Aarin asked.

"I don't know. You just never have," Rei said.

"I guess we have to change that," Aarin said. He went up to Rei and hugged her. He whispered something in her ear. I don't know what he said but she smiled at him.

"Leave me alone Ikuto," Amu whined as her and the mentioned cat boy entered.

"That's not the way you treat someone that's been giving you rides everywhere," Ikuto said. Amu realized he was right even though he was holding it over her.

"Fine, thank you for being so kind and driving me here," Amu said.

"I think a kiss would make up for it," he said.

"In your dreams," she said. Ikuto got his license after he turned eighteen. He gives Amu so many rides and all she has to do is ask. He's hooked on her and they aren't even dating...yet. I am now making it my personal goal to help my friend notice her feelings by the end of the year.

"That's all of us except for Nami," Nagi said.

"She lives in the next town over so it might take her a while to get here," Rei pointed out.

"Congrats Rei on your performance!" Yaya cheered. Yaya glomped her.

"Thanks Yaya," Rei said.

"Did Sanjo talk to you two?" Utau asked.

"No, what did she want?" Aarin asked

"She was thinking about the great reviews you got and decided it was time to see if you'll sink or float. She said you don't need to open for me anymore and that you two should do things to boost your popularity. You know what I mean right? Go on TV shows, go to parties, give the public an image, and maybe by the time you hit high school you can reveal your identities," Utau informed them.

"Sounds like you two will be really busy," Nagi said.

"Don't get any ideas there lover boy. That doesn't mean you'll be by yourself every day at the house with Rima," Rei said.

"That's not what I was thinking at all," he sweatdropped.

"Nagi's going to teach me to ride a bike so we won't even be in the house," Rima defended me.

"You? Ride a bike? You hate bikes," Rei said.

"I hated them because I could never ride one. If I learn and like them then we can ride bikes to school," I said.

"We'll have to get a bike for you though. The ones your parents own are way too big for you. I had a hard time getting on the one I used," Rei said.

"You guys can use my old bike. It's pretty small and it's just collecting dust in my garage," Kukai said.

"Great! Thanks Kukai," Nagi said.

"Sorry I'm late," Nami said as she came in.

"It's alright, you live the farthest," Rei said. All of us sat down and ordered our food. It didn't take long for the food to get here.

"Great job to Rei and Aarin-kun," Tadase toasted as he raised his cup. We all raised our cups.

"Cheers," Yaya cheered.

"Good luck to you two for now on," Nami said.

*Third Person POV*

"The first try seemed to be a success Mr. Valentine."

"Excellent, now that our test is a success, we can use it on all the former guardians," Mr. Valentine said.

"Sir, not to intrude but how will this stop the guardians from interfering?" the scientist asked.

"Right now it makes them either hot or cold. You don't need to know anything else now," Mr. Valentine said.

"Yes sir," he said. The phone beeped.

"Yes?" Mr. Valentine answered.

"Sir, your wife called. She said your daughter snuck out," the secretary said. Mr. Valentine sighed and rubbed his temples.

"Very well, tell my wife I will send a car for her."

"Yes sir."

"I hate kids," Mr. Valentine said.

Rima: Wait a minute! He's making me cold?!

Nagi: And me hot

Rhythm: Rima already thought you were hot

Rima: Shut up

Kusukusu: Anyway, on with the question of the chapter

Temari: Question # 3 Why would Mr. Valentine make them hot or cold?

Rima: How would anyone know how to answer that

Nagi: Review