I do not own Shugo Chara…

Chap 12

When the two reached the Hinamore residence, Ikuto asked as he walked in, "Isn't anybody else here with you?" unbridled worry was in his tone.

Amu shook her head, "No, they're all gone for several days."

"And you're here alone? Amu! That's dangerous!" Ikuto exclaimed, alarmed, "Who knows what could happen to a girl like you!"

Amu was pleasantly surprised by his sudden uncharacteristic outburst. She faced him; her head cocked cutely, "Ikuto? Are you worried about me?"

At her obliviously cute head gesture, Ikuto's heart throbbed; he closed his eyes, attempting to calm his racing pulse, "This is what I mean you Baka!" he whispered harshly and opened his eyes when he was able to stifle the sudden urge that had arisen up in him, "A seventeen year old girl in a big house with plenty places for creeps to hide; located in a secluded area, should not be by herself!" he crossed his arms.

"Really? I do it all the time….." was her genuinely innocent reply.

Ikuto sighed, So naïve. Then said, "Just give me your cell."

Amu obeyed without question.

Ikuto took it from her, casually noting the Yoru-like charm on it and found the entry he had been looking for.

"ikuto?" was Amu's question.

"Mushi? Mushi?" came Mrs. Hinamori's voice over the receiver.

"Hinamori-san, this is Tsukiyomi Ikuto."

"Ah! Ikuto-kun!" she sounded delighted, "What can I do for you?"

"I would like permission to stay with Amu until you return." He asked

Straight to the point as always. Amu thought, leaning against a doorpost for a few moments, then silently went upstairs to wash up.

"My! My! Our Amu-chan means a lot to you, doesn't she?"

Ikuto's voice softened, "She does."

"Well, I don't see any problem with it. Let me ask her Tou-san."

Silence.

Ikuto could just see Amu's father panicking when his wife asked him.

Mrs. Hinamori came back on, sounding slightly dizzy, "He said that it was fine. We're not going to be back for at least a week. Take care of our Amu-chan."

Ikuto smiled, surprised and relieved that they trusted him to such a level, "I promise. Goodbye."

"Bye!" click.

Ikuto walked upstairs and knocked on Amu's door. He could hear faint music coming from the other side.

"Hang on just a minute!" came Amu's voice, she opened the door.

Ikuto smirked down at her, "Looks like I'm your bodyguard for a little bit."

Amu was stunned to silence. A flush slowly crept up her neck, "R-really?"

Ikuto's eyes glittered, "Do you doubt me?" his tone was smug.

"G-give me a minute then I'll show you to your room." She said, and retreated back into her room. She stood on her balcony trying to gather her thoughts. Ikuto was staying in her home legally? Again, her mind was brought back to yet another awkward point in time….when Ikuto had been discovered five years ago. Her Kaa-san had said, "I can't let you stay here anymore."

She didn't let him stay when I was almost twelve. Kaa-san really didn't have anything to worry about even with Ikuto being seventeen and my being naïve. She flushed, But now? When I'm seventeen and Ikuto is twenty-two? Kids get into trouble at my age and Ikuto….. her thought trailed off. Kaa-san trusts us a lot. Maybe Ikuto did mature quite a bit. He's definitely not as bad as when he was seventeen…..Amu smiled and went back to the door. Ikuto was waiting patiently on the other side like always. Amu smiled a bit shyly and looked up at the tall man. "C-come this way. There is a guest room here, or you can take the couch."

Ikuto grinned wickedly, "What about your room? We fit in it before…."

Crimson was all he saw. Amu pointed a finger at him, "Only because you needed my help!" Amu insisted, smiling coyly, "That is not going to happen again." She added as an afterthought, "Especially since I'm older now."

Ikuto bent to say in her ear, "And what's that got to do with anything? It's still the same age-difference…."

Amu blushed and turned away, "I-I didn't say anything like that!"

Ikuto smirked, "Or course you didn't…."

The seventeen year old didn't reply, but instead, opened a door almost exactly across from her room, "H-here it is."

Ikuto sensed her nervousness at his being so near her. He paused for a minute, "I think I'll camp out on the couch."

Amu's relief was apparent, "Okay, then I'll get you a blanket and a pillow. Mine and the guest room are the only ones on this level. So if you need anything, you can find my room easily. Just let me know."

"Anything?" the suggestiveness was thick.

Amu burned, once again, "Oh be quiet you." she muttered, shoving a blanket and two pillows into his arms, "And go to sleep." She smiled and shooed him away, turning her back to him. Bad idea.

That devilish smirk was back. Quicker than a flash of lightening, Ikuto moved the bedding to one arm and grabbed Amu's waist with the other, pulling her tightly against him. Again. Amu found herself tucked underneath Ikuto's chin.

"Your hair smells nice." He teased, taking an exaggerated whiff.

Bright red.

"H-how did you—" Amu began, still blown away at his speed.

"While I was away, my fighting skills improved quite a bit. You'd be surprised at how many guys think that musicians are weak." His eyes glinted, his hold tightened, "and I had you to practice on."

Her cheeks couldn't get any redder. She valiantly tried to put up a struggle, but, Ikuto just held on.

"I am not a practice dummy!" she huffed.

"Yes you are. My practice dummy for fighting," a smirk, lips brushed her ears, "and other things….."

"W-wha—"

Ikuto chuckled and released her, "I'm just kidding Amu."

He headed downstairs.

Amu lay on her bed and took her robe off. She had to keep it on, especially with Ikuto and his perverted mind there. She turned to face her window and sighed. She really wouldn't have cared to cover herself up when she were younger, but as soon as she hit fifteen, things began to change. She hugged her little plushie black cat. How she wished her girls were here. She closed her eyes and touched her heart.

Ikuto lay on the couch, happy to give Amu some space. He was having a hard time restraining himself. He was bored now, and wanted to go bug poor Amu again, but refrained. Insomnia didn't help either…..

The young man stared at the ceiling when Yoru's little face popped into his head. He smiled. They had both had so many adventures Ikuto couldn't count them! He missed him badly. He knew what he wanted to do, that's why Yoru disappeared.

"Amu's disappeared too, but, she's still pretty uncertain." Ikuto smiled, he had plans for her, but she didn't know that…..yet. The young man smiled at the thought, then fell right asleep.