Sorry for the late update…my excuse is school. It's been a pain in the ass and I only worked on this chapter because the internet was down and sat here for four hours finishing the last half of the chapter. I could've posted this last night but I couldn't log into fanfiction and someone wouldn't send me the document so I could post it up today in the afternoon. *sighs*
I know I'm supposed to stay focused on "Crossing Paths" but the plot bunnies were at the works ^-^ I had some Amuto moments in this chapter~ (kinda)
Thank you for these reviewers:
ShugoCharaLuvr, CrAzYaNiMeFrEaKgUrL, Uchiha Lolita, miserae, oxCuteKataraox, liledormouse, Foxgrl18, D1Gi-S0rA, XSaluri-ChanX, Dark Midnight Dream, HarunaNiwa073, xBlackTigerx, Chaillot, Holy Angel Heart
Thank you Holy Angel Heart for taking the time to review every chapter ^-^
The reviews are dwindling down…not just for me but for many stories. Stupid school -.-
Hope you enjoy this chapter~ ^-^
Disclaimer: I do not own Shugo Chara! in any way so please do not sue because you won't gain anything.
Note: When characters think or say "Holy—!!" It doesn't mean they cursed and I just covered up the curse word. I would type the curse word out because this fanfic is rated T. "Holy—!!" just means the character says "holy" but stops herself/himself from cursing any further. Some people were confused so hope this clears it up.
X-x-Flashback of Chapter 6-x-X
A nice, hot shower reallyhelps after a long day. I sat on my bed, my wet hair dangling and a towel wrapped around my naked body. I strolled over to the balcony (A/N: Did I mention that? If I didn't, my bad. But Amu has a balcony :D)and chugged down my bottle of milk.
After I finished the whole bottle, I let out a breath of happiness. "Milk definitely tastes better after a hot shower!"
I heard the ringtone of my cell phone and looked at the caller ID. Well, one thing's for sure. This person isn't on my contacts list. I flipped it open and brought it to my ear.
"Hey." Ok, that came out on an impulse. I always "hey" but I think I should've said hello since I have no idea who this person is.
"Hello, Amu."
I almost dropped my phone.
"I-Ikuto?!"
X-x-End of Flashback-x-X
X-x-X
Surprises Everywhere
Amu's POV
Holy—!!! The Tsukiyomi Ikuto called me. Ikuto is calling me. Me as in a plain, pink-haired girl. Well, pink hair isn't plain. Try the word "weird".
I heard Ikuto let out a short laugh. Even the sound of that makes my heart beat rapidly. Does he know the effect he has on me?
"Stuttering now, are you?"
I frowned with the blood rushing to my face. I tried not to stutter with the next sentence. "Finally talking to me, are you?" I sat down on my bed.
There was silence from the other line and I thought he hung up for a second.
"…it's better this way. It's bad enough that my sister…"
"Rima? What about Rima?"
"…"
My eyebrows knitted together. "Why is better this way? What did Rima do?"
"It doesn't matter anymore. Because I've given up."
Now I am completely confused. "Given up? On what?"
"On trying to be good. I just can't. You're too much, Amu."
I blushed when he said my name. "W-What do you mean by 'too much'?"
"Stammering again?" My face glowed bright red. If he continues teasing me like this, I'm afraid that my face will burst. "I called tonight because I didn't get the chance to talk to you today since you drove away." He just changed the subject…
"Oh."
I could hear him laughing.
The tips of my mouth curved down. "Why are you laughing?"
"I was just wondering why you drove away."
"Oh, yea. I was just, um, I had to hurry home or my dad will worry." That of course was a lie and I hope I was a good actress. I still don't know why I drove away. Was I nervous and surprised that he was going to talk to me or was I scared because of what Tadase-kun told me?
"Oh, I see." He didn't continue after that. I sat down on my bed and twiddled with a strand of my pink hair.
"So…aren't you going to tell me why you called, Ikuto?" A thrilling sensation went through me as I spoke his name.
"Right. About that…would you like to accompany me on Halloween?" This time, I did drop my phone.I stared at the phone like the idiot I am for a few seconds. I quickly picked it up, however, or he might think I just hung up on him.
"Sorry, but I'm—"
"I know. You're going out of town right?"
I frowned. How did he know about that? "Are you trying to annoy me, then?"
He let out a chortle. "Maybe."
"If you knew I'm not going to the dance, why are you asking me to accompany you on Halloween?"
"I was just wondering if you would like a ride next Saturday." I dropped my phone again. God, I have to stop doing that. I picked it up and put it against my ear.
"W-What?" Was my intelligent response. I swear I heard him laugh just now.
"I said—"
"No, I heard you. But why?
"I happened to be going somewhere next Saturday, too."
"I can go by myself." Although I was secretly hoping I could go with him.
I slapped my forehead. I can't believe I just thought that!
"Yes, but we're saving gas here. Think about the resources we'll save." I raised an eyebrow. I didn't think he was the type to go green. On second thought, I didn't even know what type of guy he was. All I know is that he likes to tease me (sometimes), wants to stay away from me but he's given up, he's smart and quiet, and he's good looking. He is an enigma that I might not solve. But I'm going to try. "Plus, I'd like to show you something."
"What is it?" This almost sounds like a date. I blushed at my thought. Focus, Amu!
"That's my secret." My face turned redder at hearing his low, velvet voice. Gosh, I'm blushing when he isn't even present in this room!
"F-Fine."
"So I guess I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Um, yea. Bye."
I heard the soft "click", indicating he hung up. But I just stared at the screen of the phone that read "Call Ended: 1:54". (A/N: I actually read the conversation with a timer XD But it may be different ;D) I gently closed my phone and placed it on the top of my nightstand. I repositioned myself on my bed and looked at the wall across from me with a blank stare.
I then started to mess my wet hair all up, scratching my head in a frantic frenzy.
Ah, what should I do?? Ikuto just offered me a ride next Saturday. Yes, the Ikuto. The hot guy that everyone wants to go out with but can't. And he just asked me. The "new girl" of the school. Who has weird pink hair—I'm still trying to figure out how I got pink hair…maybe something happened to my genes that day...—and golden eyes and I give off an awkward aura. (Yes, I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb.)
Geez, this is making my head hurt!
I sighed, grabbing my blow dryer. I turned it on and waved it around my head. After I finished, I placed it away and sat back on my bed. I turned to my nightstand. I took the sphere and twisted the key (A/N: Is that what it's called?) on it. I let go and placed it back on the table. Violin music began to play softly and I breathed out a content sigh. This always calms me whenever my emotions are going wild. I'm still not sure who gave it to me though…I received this on my birthday.
X-x-X
(A/N: I totally forgot about Amu's birthday DX And I had all these ideas for it too D: But it wouldn't work so I got some new ideas :3 And I just decided to add it here XD)
(A/N: Did I say that everyone was a junior? I forget myself DX Amu's turning 18 here so that would be a senior…so everyone here is a senior ;D Man, I seriously need to get my facts straighten out -.-)
Flashback:
"Happy Birthday, Amu!" Rima jumped on me and gave me a big bear hug.
"Thanks, Rima." Ow, that hurt a bit… Rima wasn't heavy but for some reason, she's like rock hard. I felt like I just smashed into a brick wall.
"Oops, sorry," she apologized once she noticed my wince.
"That's ok."
"Anyways, are you planning to do anything today?"
"Nope," I answered, popping the 'p'.
"Good because I've already made plans for the two of us today." I sweatdropped. "We're going to the company I work at and then we're going shopping.
"Oh, o—wait, what do you mean we're going to a company? What for?"
"Amu, you are going to be my personal model." Rima gave me a big smile. "Now let's go to homeroom."
"No," I flatly refused. I don't want to. I suck at modeling and I don't even have the attributes of a model."
"Yes, you do. Please, Amu?"
"No. Ask Utau."
"I don't want her to be my personal model. She's in enough covers of magazines as it is. Please, for me?" She gave me her puppy eyes and all the arguments I had in my head flew out the window.
I sighed. "Fine."
"Yes!"
"But I get to choose my outfits," I joked.
Rima gave me a smirk. "Only if I think it suits you."
X-x-X
"Happy Birthday, Amu-chan!" Daichi gave me a big hug and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Thanks, Daichi."
"So you're like, what? Eighteen?"
"Yup." I smiled from ear-to-ear.
Throughout the day, I received many yells of 'Happy Birthday!' and some presents. I'm so thankful to have received any presents, considering I moved here less than a month ago.
I was a bit disappointed though.
He still isn't talking to me.
Yep. You guessed it.
Tsukiyomi Ikuto.
We still haven't talked and I'm not going to talk unless he initiates the conversation and gives me an explanation as to why I had to lie to everyone about the car accident.
X-x-X
Still Flashback:
"What do you think?"
"Hmm…she has a nice body and all…but does she really want to do this?"
"Yes, of course she does. Right, Amu?" She turned to me with an angelic smile on her face but I knew better than to believe that.
"Y-Yes," I told to Rima's manager. I was biting my lip, shuffling from foot to foot, fidgeting with the hem of my shirt, everything that relates to being extremely nervous.
And it doesn't help that Rima's brother is here with her! Yes, I have to do a photo shoot with Ikuto. Why? Because Rima wanted it. She said, "You two look good together." I blushed at that remark but don't I get a say in this? It is my birthday after all.
"Hinamori-san, please come with me."
"A-Alright."
"We just need to put on your make up."
I nodded. I followed Rima's manager to a room and stepped inside. I sat in front of the mirrors that covered one whole wall. In front of the mirror, a table covered the bottom half of the mirrors. Cosmetics were cluttered around the table and it was amazing.
"Please take a seat," a new voice said. I turned around and saw a blonde behind me. She was wearing a blue dress that puffed out at the bottom and her hair was curled at the end. A flower barrette was on her left side of her hair.
I obeyed and sat ramrod straight, my arms like poles by my side, my hands clutching the side of the chair.
She giggled. "You can relax. I'm not gonna bite."
I calmed down somewhat but was still nervous. She started to comb my hair and proceeded to put my hair in a half ponytail on the left side of my head. I immediately relaxed from the soft touch of her fingers. It felt so good to have someone comb your hair…
"See? What'd I tell you?" I saw her smile from the reflection on the mirror. I mirrored her expression. "I'm Lulu by the way. Lulu de Morcef."
"Hinamori Amu."
"So what are you so nervous about?"
I shifted uncomfortably in my vanity seat. She applied a yellow ribbon to my ponytail. "It's my first time doing a photo shoot and I'm not even a model! Rima just pulled me into this… And the camera doesn't exactly love me, making our feeling mutual."
Lulu let out a quiet laugh. "I'm sure the camera will love you. And just relax. Keep in mind of these two things: have fun and loosen up. It'll be easier for you and photographer."
"I can't exactly relax when he's here."
"He?" I turned the chair around and she began applying some makeup to my face.
"Rima's brother."
"Ah." I closed my eyes so she could put some light gold yellow eye shadow, bringing my eyes out. "You don't like him?"
"Not exactly. I think we're in a fight?" I said it as a question because I don't have a clue what to call our "disagreement" from before.
"Don't think about your problems. For now, focus on the photographer. That's the main thing you have to do. Set your problems aside and listen to what he or she tells you. It's critical that you please the photographer."
"You seem to know a lot about modeling." She placed some lip gloss on my lips.
"I wanted to do modeling since I was little but people didn't exactly see a model in me, apparently. I've been to many companies around here but they all said no. So I'm now in the background, dressing models up and such. It's not like I hate it—it's really fun, actually—but I would prefer modeling as my career."
"Why don't you try looking into an agency somewhere far away?"
"Eh?" She paused, her hand in midair from putting mascara on my eyelashes.
"If you've only searched in this city, you shouldn't give up. Who knows, maybe you'll find the agency you belong in in another country or something! Just don't give up. Because you look like a model to me." I winked at her.
The tips of her mouth went up. "Thanks, Amu-chan—you don't mind me calling you that right?"
"Nope. So I guess I can call you Lulu?"
"Of course."
She went to the rack of clothes and pulled out a stunning dress. "Now here's your outfit. Hurry and get changed!" she exclaimed excitedly. She pushed me to a corner of a room, which was concealed with a red curtain. I'm guessing that's the changing room.
After I was done, I pushed the curtains away and tried to walk on my 3-inch heels. Lulu broke into a huge smile.
"Amu-chan, you're so pretty! You should definitely be a full-time model. You have the right figure and the looks for it."
"Thanks for the praise but I think I'll stick to staying home and having a normal and chilled life."
"That sounds so boring, though. Add some excitement!"
"Nah, I'll pass. I have enough excitement already." Yea, the Tsukiyomis' (mostly Ikuto and Rima) were the "excitement" in my life. And Ikuto is bad for my mental health since he's such a mystery to me that I'm afraid I'll never solve.
"If you wish. Here's a necklace, a bracelet, and a pair of earrings."
"Thanks."
X-x-X
"Ha! I knew you would be perfect! What'd I tell you? Isn't Amu perfect for this line?"
"She is."
I shifted from foot to foot and bit my lip anxiously. Rima and her manager were going around me and looking at me from every angle. They fixed any misplaced ruffle or smoothed out a little wrinkle. That's just making me more nervous.
"Whoa. Damn, birthday girl."
I turned around to the new voice and I broke into a grin. "If Utau heard that, I bet she'll throw a fit." He threw his head back and let out a booming laughter. Kukai was standing in a soccer uniform by the camera set. Lately, I've been talking to Kukai much more. I guess you could say we were friends. This guy is hysterical. I have the funniest moments with him in math. He makes that class seem more bearable. "Why are you here?"
"Oh, I just wanted to watch you and my brother in a photo shoot." He seemed way too amused. I glanced at Ikuto and he had a death glare going on at Kukai.
"You should do it with us." At least it'll be less awkward.
"Nah, I'll pass. Besides, it's Rima's call. And I have soccer practice anyway in about 30 minutes." Damn. "I thought I'd stop by and experience your first photo shoot."
"It's not that special."
"Yes, it is. Anyways, did you pick your dress?"
"Nope. Rima did. The designer always does." I was wearing a yellow dress that went down to my knees. The top part was tight and hugged my chest. The bottom half of the dress (which was the part from under my breasts to the bottom) was flowy and the material of the whole dress is satin. There was a white sash that was wrapped under my breasts and it ended with a big bow on my back. The dress had a white floral design. My three-inch heels were white and the jewelry Lulu gave me had a flower theme. There was a yellow flower as the charm to the necklace and the bracelet. The earrings were yellow flower studs.
"Well, I'm not an expert on how the fashion industry works."
"I can see that," I teased.
"Hinamori-san, please step this way," one of the cameramen called. I felt myself getting hot.
Then I felt someone's hand on my left shoulder. I turned my head and saw Kukai grinning at me. Seeing his contagious smile made the corner of my lips go up as well.
"Hinamori, you're gonna rock this shoot. I know it. So go out there and kick some ass!"
I laughed at that. "Yea, yea. Thanks, Kukai. And I mean it."
"Sure thing. I'll see you later, ok?"
"Sure." I smiled and his reassuring hand left my shoulder. I walked towards Ikuto who was looking at me.
I felt self-conscious under his scrutinizing stare. Did I look ugly in his eyes? Awkward? Sore thumb?
I looked at his outfit and I have to say that it suited him. He had on some loose fitting dark jeans with some sneakers. His hoodie was gray with a white tight shirt underneath. So I guess my semi-formal outfit would contrast to his casual one?
My pace slowed and when I stopped, I was a good five feet away from him. And I wanted it to stay that way.
"Hinamori-san, please stand next to Tsukiyomi-san with your backs touching."
…How come my wishes never come true?
I reluctantly went over to him and saw him inch back. I felt my nostrils flare. I just wanted to say to him, "Look, this wasn't my idea! So just chill so we can get this over with!" I didn't though.
Our backs touched. When looking in the camera, I was on the left and Ikuto was on the right.
"Now turn your bodies a little towards the camera. That's it. Hinamori-san, lean on your left foot and bend your right leg. Tsukiyomi-san, try to act casually. Stick your hands in your pockets."
Snap! Snap! Snap!
I moved from my pose. I stood two feet away from him, facing him. The photographer, which was a man in his thirties, stood about three to four yards away from us and he was facing our sides.
The photographer then said, "Hinamori-san, please lean on Tsukiyomi-san's chest." Oh god. I saw Ikuto immediately freeze. I hesitantly walked up to him and leaned on his chest. "Now please wrap your arms around him." A blush was splattered across my face. I did as I was told, anyway. "Now please face my way." As the cameraman moved to his left a little, I also turned my head more to my right. I guess this shot would focus on the back part of my dress.
"Tsukiyomi-san, please lightly wrap your arms around her shoulders so the back part of the dress is still visible." He did and I shivered at his cold touch. One of these days, I'm going to make him stand in front of a fire to warm himself. I wonder what his body temperature is…60 degrees?
"Now smile, the both of you." I did, a little though.
Snap!
"Tsukiyomi-san, could you please give me a lighter expression?"
I looked up at him and saw his face was strained. My eyebrows knitted together. What's he doing?
I suddenly felt an immense pain on my shoulder. I let out a small squeak and glanced at my left shoulder. Ikuto's hand was clutching it, as if he was pain. Upon hearing my almost inaudible yelp, he released his hold at the speed of lightning. I turned my head back to him and he was looking away.
"Let's try this one more time," the photographer suggested. At least this cameraman was nice. Most were strict and mean. I did what Lulu told me to do: have fun and loosen up. The sooner this gets done, the sooner I can get out of here. Although having fun is hard. But I'll try. I may gain a benefit from this experience.
Snap! Snap!
"Tsukiyomi-san." I looked up and his face was still with no expression on his face. Swallowing my pride, I spoke for the first time in weeks. I guess I just lost our "silent game."
"Look," I started. He looked down at me in surprise. This was the first time I've spoken to him in weeks, after all. "I know you want to get out of here as soon as possible. I know you don't like me and all, but we have to cooperate. So just give a smile so we both can get the hell out of here. Agreed?"
I turned back to the camera without waiting for a response. I smiled, showing my teeth a little. I glanced at Kukai who gave me a thumbs-up. I grinned even further.
Snap! Snap! Snap!
X-x-X
Still Flashback:
"How about this one?"
"Too long."
"Rima, just pick one!"
"But it doesn't look right on you!"
"Gee, thanks."
"I just need the perfect dress."
"Want to try another store?"
"Sure."
Right now, Rima and I were in a brand name store looking for a dress. Rima insisted that I wear a dress since it's my birthday and that we were going somewhere later. Of course, she didn't tell me what the place was.
Now you might be asking, "Why didn't Rima just make you one?" Rima didn't know if I would like it (I highly doubt I wouldn't like it) and she wanted to see one on me to see what color would suit me best. If needed, she'll make adjustments to the dress we buy.
The photo shoot lasted for an hour.
After a few more shots of Ikuto and me, we did solo shots of just me and then of just Ikuto. I could relax more and have fun when it was just me. I also tried on another four outfits. One of them was skinny jeans with a sophisticated shirt. They let my hair loose and a fan was blowing at me so my hair was flying. I liked that the best.
All in all, it was fun. I guess.
We left the building at 4:30 and headed for a mall, which was five minutes away from the building. It's around five right now.
Another half an hour later, we found the dress that was right for me.
It was a black halter dress that was mid-thigh length. It was very much like Rima's yellow dress I wore today at the shoot. It had the same concept and almost the same material. Instead of floral patterns, there were dark blue (the color of Ikuto's hair) and white swirls. The bow was under my left breast and the ribbon was about two inches wide. Rima tossed me about seven really thin silver bangles. She also bought me some open toe black heels, which had two inch heels. The earrings were a swirl. If you spin it, it would look exactly the same as it did before you spun it.
The total cost of everything was roughly around 160 dollars.
I freaked out at the cost. Rima told me not to worry and that she had enough money. I still freaked out.
In the mall, we went to a table and rested for a bit. Rima said she'll be right back. When she came back, she had a little box in her hands. I opened it and there was a mini cake with the diameter of four inches. It was so cute! It was an ice cream cake (I could tell from the cold atmosphere around it) and the top layer was white. There was a flower made from icing at the upper left hand corner. In pink icing, there were words that said "Happy Birthday Amu!" I was elated.
"Aw, Rima, you didn't have to."
Rima smiled. "This is just one of my presents."
"Don't tell me you got more!"
"Heh heh." She had a devilish smile on her face. I gulped. Rima took a candle from the bag and stuck it in the middle of the cake. She pulled out a lighter (why does she have one with her?) and lit the candle. She smiled and said, "Make a wish, Amu."
You know what my wish was? Well, that's a secret.
I blew it out and Rima handed me a fork.
"Rima, we can share this."
"That's ok. I'm not that hungry."
"Oh, ok." Now that I think about it, I've never seen her eat anything before. She would always buy like an apple or pizza but never eat it.
I savored the chocolate taste of the cake the mashed Oreos inside of it. Yum.
It was 5:30 and we rushed to a salon that was pretty well-known.
Our town didn't have many of this fancy stuff. The building we went to in the beginning for the shoot was half an hour away from school. And Rima was at the speed limit when she was driving. Well, she went over it a little.
I got a pedicure, manicure, and my hair was done. It took roughly an hour. How? I have no idea. I think Rima bribed the owner with extra money because I saw her take an additional wad of cash from my purse. There were ten people working on my nails and hair at the same time.
The design on my nail was a white flower on the same color blue as my dress. In the middle of the flower was a silver diamond stud. It wasn't really diamond, of course. If it was, I would've killed Rima for wasting so much money on me. The same pattern was on my toenails. My hair was in a half ponytail and my hair was straightened even more.
After that, Rima pushed me into a bathroom that was in the salon. She told me to change in a stall and wear the dress we just bought and all the other accessories.
After I was done, I came out and Rima did my make-up. She applied some mascara and lip gloss with a very light shade of glittery silver eye shadow.
When we came out of the bathroom, I met with stares and I felt uneasy. Rima pushed me out the door and we both hopped into the car. Our next destination was fifteen minutes away.
"What is this place, Rima?" I questioned once we stopped the car.
"You'll see."
I got out of the car and almost tripped. I steadied myself and Rima told me to close my eyes.
"Why?"
"Just do it."
I did. Rima grabbed my hand and led me to who-knows-where. I was walking straight and then Rima opened a door. We turned right.
"Ok, you can open them."
I slowly opened my eyes and I gasped.
"SURPRISE!!"
As you may have guessed it, it was a surprise party. There was a table with many types of foods and a stage. There was a DJ to the side who started cranking up the music. All my friends were here and even my mom!
"Mom!!" I ran to her and hugged her tightly. "When did you get here?"
"Your friend, Rima, asked me if I could come. I, of course, couldn't refuse. You're finally 18, Amu! You are now an adult. Are you excited?"
I nodded. I turned to Rima and hugged her tightly as well. "Thank you so much, Rima." I could feel the tears coming. I'm just so happy that I have such wonderful friends and family. I'm so thankful.
"Amu, don't cry. You'll ruin your make-up." She dabbed my eyes with a tissue and redid my mascara and eye shadow.
"Amu-chan!" I felt a glomp from behind and found my father crying.
"D-Dad." I laughed at his action.
"My sparrow is growing up!"
"Dad, I'm an adult now."
"It's so hard to believe. I must hand it to Rima-chan though. She planned everything. All I did was help her set up the stuff. Your other friends also brought in the decorations and such."
I swiveled around and wrapped my arms around Rima's waist. "Thanks, Rima. For everything. For being my best friend."
After that, things went by so quickly. People were hugging me from every direction and I was dancing the next minute with Ran, Miki, Su, and Dia. I was laughing so hard when Daichi and Yoru were rapping on the stage.
Kukai and Nagihiko were also here. Utau didn't come because she said she was too busy (Rima said otherwise. She said that Utau didn't want to come). Nagihiko was a polite gentleman but I never really talked with him. Kukai was making me laugh so hard that I choked on my soda. I clapped my hand on his back for being such a hilarious idiot, but I think I hurt myself. His back was really hard too like Rima's.
I was a bit disappointed that Ikuto wasn't here.
Near the end of the party, a huge cake was brought out that was three levels high. There was a big number 18 standing up on the top of the cake. Everyone then sang the corny "Happy Birthday" song and my face went red.
This was my best birthday yet.
After the party, I brought all my presents to the car (which was a lot) and said goodbye to everybody. Tsumugu drove me home with my mom and I was happy about that. It's been a while since Mom was with Tsumugu and it just seems like we're a family again. Mom was staying the night and leaving tomorrow since she can't escape work for a long period of time.
When I got home, I changed and took a bubble bath. After I finished, I blow dried my hair. Tsumugu gave me a big envelope that was 12 inches by 12 inches when I finished brushing my teeth. He said someone rang the doorbell and he found that on the floor. I dashed upstairs to my room and closed the door. I opened it and I pulled out the pictures from today's photo shoot. Wow, that was quick. There were 10 ten pictures. 5 of them were just me and the other 5 was with the Ikuto.
I stopped at the photo with me in the yellow dress. I was smiling, showing the top row of my teeth. Ikuto had a small smile on his face.
I put the pictures down on my desk and noticed a white box that was about seven inches high and five inches wide. I opened it and pulled out a sphere on a little platform that was an inch high. The top of the platform curved around the bottom of the sphere. In the sphere surprised me the most. It was me. I was in jeans and tight shirt with a scarf around my neck. I was smiling. Was a glass figurine? Though it's more like clay. (A/N: It's like those angel statues from Precious Moments.) I was standing at the right of the glass globe. It seems as if something is missing on the left side…
I put it upside down and upright again. Fake snow began falling in the globe. It was so pretty. I picked it up and looked at it from every perspective. I noticed a key sticking out at the side. I turned it around to the right until I could not turn it any more. I let go and violin music filled the room.
I closed my eyes and let myself absorb the music and engrave the notes into my brain.
Who is playing this melancholic, yet beautiful piece?
I picked it up and glanced at the bottom. Engraved on the bottom was "To: Amu" in cursive. Under it was "From: " and it was blank after that.
The tips of my mouth curved down. Who is this from? I looked in the box and found a folded piece of paper that I didn't notice before. I opened it and all it said was "Happy Birthday" in a neat cursive scrawl.
Who gave this to me?
I asked my mom and dad but they didn't know. They haven't been in my room at all today.
I went under the covers and slept on my side. I winced at the touch of my left shoulder. I sat up and looked at the skin of it. It was purple. Great. A bruise that Ikuto made. But why was he so…pained? It seemed as if he was holding something in. I turned the key on my present. I let go and closed the light. The music played as I slowly went into a deep slumber.
End of Flashback
X-x-X
Normal POV
"You're a stalker, you know that?"
"Just shut up."
"I agree with Rima."
"Kukai, don't even start."
Rima, Ikuto, and Kukai were having a discussion in their living room.
"You were spying on Amu while you were calling her just now? And you stayed until she fell asleep? Like what the hell?" Rima said in a flat voice.
"I just wanted to see her expression."
Rima's eyebrow rose. "Just for that reason? Can't you tell from her voice?"
"Yes."
Rima frowned. "You. Are a stalker. Creeper. Period."
"Rima's right. I feel sorry for Hinamori for having a creep spying on her while she sleeps."
A pillow was thrown at the speed of light at Kukai but he caught it before it made contact with his face.
"Wow, a pillow? That won't hurt me."
As soon as he ended that sentence, a vase was thrown at him.
"Whoa, chill, Ikuto. This vase is Souko's favorite. So don't go throwing it around."
"Then stop being such a total dickhead."
"Ikuto, no cursing!" Souko scolded from the kitchen.
"It was entertaining though today at the photo shoot." Kukai grinned. "You should've seen your face!" Kukai started howling with laughter.
"Shut the hell up. If I didn't stop myself, I could've easily hurt her."
"But you didn't. I knew you wouldn't, Ikuto," Rima said. "I have complete faith in you."
Kukai snorted.
X-x-X
Amu's POV
"Amu-chan, wanna shop with us tomorrow? We're going out of town. Hey, why don't you get your business done tomorrow and you can then go with us to the Halloween Party!"
"Sure, I'll go. And no, I still have to do something that day, Ran."
"Oh, ok. Well, at least you'll come with us to shop! Miki, Su, and Dia are coming with us and that's it."
"Ok."
"I'll stop by your house half an hour after school lets out. That way, you can go home and change."
"Sounds good."
X-x-X
*dies*
I wrote the part of where Amu was posing with Ikuto for the second time to the end in one sitting. My brain hurts and the last parts of the flashback were rushed because I got lazy and this chapter was getting long anyways. Do you know how long this chapter was?
5,712 words!! XO
And if I messed up with anything (like with the fashion shoot and at the nail salon or anything else), I'm sorry but I'm not an expert at that. And if you were confused about anything, just ask me. I'll answer it to the best of my abilities without revealing anything :D I tried to describe and present and outfits as best as I could but I didn't know the terms for some of the things I was describing! DX
Ok, I started writing this somewhere in September. I think during the middle. And now it's November. I was halfway done the chapter and then the homework started piling up. I lost interest and I have a major writers block on "Crossing Paths". That's why the flow of this chapter might not be that good. I typed like a third of this in two days and I typed the rest throughout the month. I had to read it through like three times of what I had so far to get my writing flow going.
The only time I can type is probably before Thanksgiving break and during it. And then Christmas break. But I may be too tired because of school. I have two projects due next week and it's hard T.T It's just been really heard on me. I have at least 3 hours of homework each day.
Shameless Self-Advertising: For those who read Save Me, be ready for major Amuto fluff. Well, that's in a few chapters but I've typed out a whole chapter of major fluffiness (I shouldn't have but whatever :D) For people who like fluff, good story content, and some hurt/comfort, then Save Me is the story from all my stories. I'm actually going to try and make Save Me the best story out of all my stories.
I'm planning to write a book. If I finish it (I'll probably finish it next year or something), and I have it get published (.OOO1 percent chance), I'll tell you guys about it and I hope you read it :D
So please be patient with me.
Please review =] It would really make my day and motivate me more.