Courting

-chidori amane-

Author's Notes: This is just a dribble so I don't know if you guys will like it. Furthermore, I'm just following my err New Year's Resolution: write a literary piece at least three times a week. I know, that's like: IMPOSSIBLE. () I don't have beta so bear with my errors. And English is like my third language. Moreover, read the manga because it's like a fanfiction came to life (or in drawing).

Chidori: -fidgets-

Ikuto & Amu: -tap foot while arms crossed-

Chidori: -gulps- Sorry?

Ikuto: You made me wait! And the readers and reviewers too. Have you no shame?!?

Chidori: -sniffs- I said I'm sorry, ok? Last week was like the most hellish week of my life!!! –wails-

Amu: oh, I understand Chi-chan.

Chidori: -perks up- Arigato, Amu-chi!!!

Ikuto: Amu!!! Don't side with her!

Amu: -looks back and fort at Chidori and Ikuto-

Ran: We're on Chidori-chan's side!!! She had a rough week you know!! She barely slept, and even if she had a nap, around two to three hours only!

Miki: Ran's right! She had a ton of exams!!! And she's really cramming!

Suu: Good thing she could still find time to eat, desu!

Ikuto: -sweat drops- Oh.

Chidori: Yes, readers and reviewers. I was really busy and all with college stuff. (And nobody wanted to help me finish my computer program…that's the hardest task I did last week) –sniffs-

Amu: Anyway, since Chi-chan is kind of unstable right now, I'll say the things she should have said. She gives warm hugs and cookies to those who have reviewed. She was actually hoping to get more reviews though. And she was kind of embarrass for her simple and careless mistakes (pointed out by one reviewer) that's why she will try to edit the two previous chapters (for everyone's satisfaction).

Ikuto: Chidori doesn't own Shugo Chara… -mumbles "I hope she does though"-

Guardian's Apartment

7:35 pm

"Amu, you're going to live with me. Pack your things now," Ikuto said in a voice that leaved no question.

Everyone thought they misheard him and actually concluded that he was joking, which wasn't the case because Ikuto was really serious. The group laughed at him, even Amu. "Nice joke, Ikuto! That's a good one but you could have made a better one. Seriously!" Amu said in between laughs.

Ikuto felt his cheeks reddened in embarrassment and cleared his throat to regain their attention. "I'm not kidding Amu. I'm dead serious."

Amu and her friends didn't know what to say or to react, they were simply dumbfounded. "No way," Rima said as she was the first to confirm her stand about the whole fiasco. "Amu is staying with us."

"Rima is right. Amu is one of us and you can't take her away that easily," Nagehiko voiced out while protectively hiding Amu behind his back.

Tadase stepped in front and faced Ikuto. He said in a hissed a voice, "Damn it, Ikuto! Why are you doing this?"

"None of your concern, Kiddy King. Amu will stay in my mansion and that is all you need to know," Ikuto answered back, no mischief was present in his usual façade.

"Hell no!" Amu's friends protested.

"Guys, guys. Calm down," Amu said when she finally woke up from her trance and made her way between Tadase and Ikuto. "I'm sure Ikuto was just tired that's why he wasn't thinking what he's saying. Right, Ikuto?"

Ikuto smirked and neared his face to her. "Of course not, Amu. I'm not joking or lying. But anyway, I'll just pick you up tomorrow night since you're probably tired from all the things we did." He made a note to give himself a pat on the back for making Amu flushed. He then swiftly pecked her on the cheek and went to his car before her friends could beat him into a pulp. "Oh yeah, make sure you already pack your things tomorrow when I come."

"W-what?!?" Amu shrieked. "No way!" And all she got for a reply was a smirk from his handsome face before he sped away.

The group fell onto an awkward silence before Yaya hesitantly spoke up. "That was just a dream, right? Amu-chi is not going to leave us, right?" She said, almost on the verge of crying.

"Of course not. Amu will never leave us, right Amu-chan?" Kairi asked with a hopeful tone in his voice.

The pink-haired nervously laughed before nodding. "Don't worry guys. There's no way I'll live with him in one roof, again. Unless my parents forced me; but that's too impossible." There's just no way in hell.

Tsukiyomi Mansion

8:15 pm

"Good evening, Ikuto-sama," Sebastian, the butler, greeted. "Your father has arrived earlier and asked for your presence in the library."

"Thanks, Bastian," Ikuto mumbled. "By the way, I have an important matter to take care of tomorrow. Please cancel my appointments then."

The butler bowed down before replying, "Yes, Ikuto-sama."

Ikuto walked towards the study room where his father was. What does this old man want from me now? He opened the door and found the man in question lying tiredly on the sofa. "Oi, you called me?"

Aruto Tsukiyomi, a 43-year-old man, CEO of Easter Company, slowly opened his eyes, which greatly resembled that of Ikuto's. He smirked at the scoffing face of his son. "How was your date?"

Ikuto quickly looked away when his face turned into a few shades of pink. Damn it! How did he know?!

"Oh, I've got my sources, if that's what you're thinking," Aruto simply said and was finally on his feet. "So how was this Amu girl?"

"None of your business," Ikuto grumbled. "Where's my violin? I want it back. I already attended that awarding ceremony you forced me to."

His father scowled and he trapped him in a headlock. "Really now, is that the proper way to thank your father? I set you up with your lady and 'Where's my violin?' is all I get. Geez, kids this day." Aruto finally let go of him and Ikuto glared at his father's expectant face.

Ikuto sighed and awkwardly tried to thank his father. "Ahm thanks, I guess."

Aruto laughed good-heartedly and pat his son on the back. "Now now Ikuto. When are we going to have small Ikutos running around the house?"

Ikuto only groaned in annoyance. He really was grateful of his father, but he was just too goddamn annoying. Like right now. I think making Amu lives here isn't the best idea after all.

Guardian's Apartment

7:16 am

Amu, Yaya, Rima, Tadase, Kairi, and Nagehiko ate their breakfast in a not-so normal fashion. The atmosphere was visibly tense and even the charas, who were obviously worried, could feel it.

Amu, knowing that this was all her fault, tried to cheer up the group. "Come on guys! I can't stand this suffocating aura. It's not as if I'm leaving or something," she said then let out a laugh that sounded forceful even to her.

Nagehiko, the one who was seating on her left, smiled sincerely at her and placed his hand on top of hers. "You don't have to force yourself too much because it only makes us more worried. Just be yourself, Amu-chan."

I'm supposed to cheer them up, not the other way around! But maybe, that's what friends are for. "Thanks," she said, a true smile plastered on her face. Her bright smile was like a magic that broke the spell cast around them since last night. Everyone, including the charas, smiled back and forgot the mishaps of yesterday's events.

"Well then, shall we all go to school?" Tadase asked with more enthusiasm than before.

"Let's go!"

Hinamori Residence

9:48 am

-DING DONG-

"Papa," Mrs. Hinamori called her husband from the kitchen. "Someone's at the door. Can you answer it? I'm still busy here."

"Oh okay," her genius-in-photography husband answered and went to the door. He first looked at the peephole and scratched his head when he didn't recognize the handsome man on the other side. Nevertheless, he opened the door and smilingly asked the young man for what he needed.

"Good day, sir. You are Amu's father, correct?" he asked using his smooth voice.

Amu's father only stared at the young man in disbelief since he addressed his darling daughter so affectionately. Instead of answering him, he called for his wife who was more 'knowledgeable' at this situation than he was. "Mama, I think you're needed here."

A woman with eyeglasses made her way to the living room and found her husband with someone she hadn't seen in a very long time. Her eyes suddenly widened and she felt excited as to why this young man with midnight blue hair and sapphire eyes was standing in front of her door. "Oh Ikuto-san, how have you been?"

Ikuto bowed down while hiding a smirk, since Amu's mother still remembered her. "I've been doing fine Ma'am."

"Oh please come in," she said and ushered Ikuto inside. "Do you want anything to drink?"

"A soda will do," Ikuto replied as he smiled gratefully at the woman who had given birth to the only female he had come to love and care. With an exception of her sister and maybe mother.

"W-wait, Mama! Who is HE?" Amu's father burst since he was feeling out of place.

She giggled a little while her face was flushing a bit. "Well, this young man is Ikuto Tsukiyomi. He's the one Amu adopted in her room without us knowing. But I caught them and Amu asked me not to tell you."

"Wh-what? Since when?" he demanded and felt a bit disappointed because he wasn't told of anything as the man of the house.

"Now now, dear. It happened a really long time ago, maybe six years or so," she answered. "Wait here, Ikuto-san, and I'll get your drink."

"Thank you, Ma'am," Ikuto said.

Once the two men were left alone, Mr. Hinamori did not hold back to fire questions at Ikuto who was actually expecting that kind of outburst. "Why would my darling Amu keep you in her room? What are you to her? Why are you here?"

"Ah," Ikuto uttered. "Amu is a very nice person." He earned a nod from Mr. Hinamori. "And when I asked him to stay in her room for a short period of time because I ran away from home, she let me. As for your other inquiries, I will gladly answer them once Mrs. Hinamori is back."

"I see," was all Mr. Hinamori mumbled while digesting the info.

Mrs. Hinamori finally came back with three sodas on a tray and distributed the two for the two men sitting comfortably on separate seats. When she was finally settled on the sofa across Ikuto, she asked calmly, "So why are you here Ikuto-san?"

"I want to ask your blessings for your daughter's hand in marriage," Ikuto delivered his speech smoothly and accurately that Mr. Hinamori choked on his soda after hearing this.

"WHAT?"

Somewhere on the road

4:14 pm

Amu's POV

I'm inside Rima's convertible car but Nagehiko is driving. I'm at the back seat and the two are in front. The others are in the Tadase's van since we can't all squeeze in here. Throughout the day, I've tried to be normal. Normal in a sense that fellow students still think I'm 'cool and spicy'. My acting is good so far, however, I'm really troubled of what Ikuto said last night.

He wants me to stay at his mansion. Mansion, not house. Agh. What a cocky bastard.

I don't want to. No matter how tempting the offer is, I refuse. Why? 'cause I don't want to get separated from my 'new family'. Call me weak or whatsoever, but I just can't. I know I act more like myself when I'm-

"Hey Amu-chan? Are you feeling alright?" Miki asks me suddenly that it catches me off guard.

I give her a small smile and nod my head. Ran and Suu also look at me with concerned eyes, and I assure them that nothing's wrong.

When we're nearing the house, I notice a black limo parked in front. Maybe it's Rima's parents. But I don't remember them visiting us in any time soon, especially now. That only means one thing, Ikuto is here.

The car stops a few feet behind the limo and we step out. I still can't see any sign of Tadase's van. Ikuto then, wearing a black hood on top of a black-white striped long sleeves shirt, and black pants, reveals himself. I can't help but be amazed at how good he puts on his casual clothes. He's got a good sense of fashion. But that should be the least of my concerns now since he'll probably take me away from my friends. I immediately frown at the thought.

When he looks at me, I notice the mischief in his eyes. The same mischief whenever he looks at me, however, something's amiss. I just can't point my finger on it. What could it be?

And he pecks me.

Huh?

"IKUTO," I say slowly and threateningly.

"Yes, Amu-chan," he says my name as if he owns me. Like NEVER!

I twitch. "If you keep on pecking me like that, you'll really get what you deserve."

His eyes clearly show amusement and mine's bemusement. Argh. Damn cat! "And what will that be Amu-chan?" He whispers on my delicate ear. And he has the nerve to bit that sensitive spot! Why you, you, you, stupid cat!

I don't know what made me do it, but I just roughly pulled Ikuto's ear. Which is like the biggest mistake of the century. Because instead of yelping in hurt, he purrs in pleasure? And, oh my god, he's eyes have this intense look like how Tadase or Kairi looks when we made out. This isn't good. Oh crap! His ears are-

"That feels good Amu-chan. I see, you still remember where to touch the erotic places," he says and I quickly step away from him.

"Pervert!" I yell at him and he just goddamn smirks! Agh. The nerve of this guy.

"What do you want Ikuto-san?" Nagehiko sharply asks while glaring at him. "We already told you last night that Amu is staying with us."

I feel a tug on my blazer and I see Rima's worried face. I convince her that everything will be alright by placing my arms around her shoulder.

"I don't think that's the case any longer," Ikuto says, making as frown in thought. What could he possibly mean?

"Let's go inside before people start gossiping us," Rima suggests smartly. I'm not sure if that's a good idea though since there's nothing to talk about anyway. I AM NOT LEAVING MY FRIENDS.

"Ok," Nagehiko reluctantly agrees and Ikuto triumphantly smirks. What is this cat up to?

Guardian's Apartment

4:29 pm

"WHAT?!?! You did what?!?" I ask in disbelief at the smirking man in front of me. Oh my god! I think I'll faint.

"You're lying!" Tadase accuses. He and the others arrive in the apartment moments later before Ikuto had dropped the bomb. A huge bomb. "There's no way they'll agree!"

Ikuto glares at Tadase who almost shrinks back but stands his ground. "If you want proof, I'll gladly call Amu's parents for you and they will confirm this."

Just like what he said, he dials a number in his cellular phone. "Oh, Hinamori-san. Yes, please do. Thank you." He turns his attention towards me and hands over the phone. "Your mom wants to talk to you."

Hesitantly, I grab the phone from him and talk in the phone with unsure voice, "Hello?" Maybe this is just a prank.

"Oh Amu-chan! How is my dear daughter?"

"Amu is on the other line? Let me talk to her-"

"Eh? I want to hear sister's voice!"

These are mother's, father's, and Ami's voice. No doubt it. I walk towards the balcony for fresh air and privacy, and I speak on the phone with more stable voice. "Hi Mama. How are you all doing there?" I ask in respect and courtesy, as an introduction of course.

"Oh we're doing great Amu! How about-"

"Great Mama. Really great. What were you thinking? Why would you sent me to Ikuto's place?" I burst out because they're decision is totally out of comprehension.

"Oh that," and she even giggles. Mama! You're not helping! "Don't worry, Amu. Ikuto's intentions are clean and decent. He will not do anything that'll hurt you in the process. Trust him, Amu, like how you trusted him when you let him stayed in your room."

Oh. That kind of stings. I'm really…touched? Moved? I don't know. Nevertheless, I have an argument that needs to be heard. "I know Mama. But that means living separately with my friends!"

"Amu dear, you can still see your friends in the university and you can still hang out like you used to. Except that you won't be living in the same roof," my mom insists. But I'm still suspicious how Ikuto managed to convince my parents.

"Mama, tell me the truth. Why did you agree with Ikuto?" I ask her straight.

There's a sudden and long pause in the other end of the line. I don't quite hear the hushed voices but I know Mama and Papa are discussing. Finally, someone speaks; but not my mother, instead, my father. "Darling daughter, you'll understand in time why Mama and Papa decided for you to stay at Ikuto's place. But for now, please abide with our request. Just don't forget that Mama and Papa are doing this for your own good."

How could this be for my own good? I want to cry. This is not fair! I feel like I'm being manipulated. Sensing my distress, Ran, Miki, and Suu come by flying over me. I give them a small smile like what I did in the car.

I sigh and make up my mind. "You guys win. I will stay with Ikuto only because you think it's for my own good. BUT, that doesn't mean I'm happy with this."

"Oh Amu, please try to understand," Papa's voice is pleading and I really have no choice now. I already gave my word.

"Yes, Papa. I'll go then. Please take care in there," I say before I return the phone back to its rightful owner. That sly cat, IKUTO TSUKIYOMI.

"Same to you, Amu. We love you!"

Tsukiyomi Residence

6:38 pm

I can only gape at the mansion in front of me. Oh my god. This is huge!!! A three story mansion with a yard covering acres of land, healthy trees carefully trimmed, and roses in different colors are the major decorations. I think I see a fountain or two in the further side of the lawn. I never thought Tsukiyomis were this rich!

"This place is paradise!!" my charas exclaim and they've gone on their way to explore the are, leaving me and Ikuto alone.

"What the hell! You own this?" I ask him incredulously.

He smirks at me then he snakes his arms around my waist. He sniffs my hair and sighs contentedly. "Not yet. My father still has his name on this land and company. But sooner or later, he will divide all of these between me and Utau."

"Oi, don't get all clingy on me. I already agreed, didn't I? Get off me already," I say. "Are you trying to say that your father is also living in this mansion?"

He pauses and his face shows uncertainty. "Well, yes."

When we're in front of the door, the golden door opens and we are welcomed by a butler and two lines of maids in uniform. And across us, a man stands with a pink rose in his hand. He leisurely walks towards us and I can feel a deadly aura emanating from my side. When the man who really and totally looks like an older version of Ikuto is finally in front of me, he gives me the rose, kneels down and takes my hand. "Welcome to the family, Amu Hinamori." And he kisses the top of my captured hand

Oh my god. I think I just met Ikuto's father. No doubt about it. Like father, like son. And double oh my god, I think I'm blushing. Damn!

"Father," Ikuto calls his father in gritted teeth. "Let go of Amu's hand. NOW!"

His father, Aruto-san, fakes a hurt face but frees my hand. He also stands up and smiles apologetically yet handsomely at me. Oh crap! I can't stop blushing!

"Loosen up, boy. You're acting like a jealous husband." With that, Aruto-san laughs soundly that causes me to blush harder (also because of his disturbing remark) and Ikuto to flush in embarrassment. "Anyway, are you not going to introduce me to this lovely and fair lady?" he asks and pointedly looks at me.

Ikuto groans and grumbles something like "Amu, meet Aruto Tsukiyomi, my real father. Father, meet Amu."

"That's better!" Aruto-san beams. "Can I call you Amu then?"

"NO," Ikuto answers for me. Oh god, this two are funny!

Aruto-san scowls at Ikuto. "You're not the one to decide Ikuto. So, can I call you Amu?" He asks me again.

I sweat drop. "I guess so."

He grins. "Perfect. You can call me 'Aruto', 'Uncle', or if you want," he pauses and his eyes are suddenly alit with mischief, "call me 'father'."

I think my jaw drops and Ikuto is trying his might to control himself from pouncing his father. Before I could answer though, Ikuto already takes hold of my wrist and leads me to somewhere I don't know.

"Oi Ikuto, where are you taking Amu? You're not going to ta-"

Huh?

"Ikuto, where are we going?" I ask him while he leads me to nowhere. I kind of lost track of where we're going. I can't even find my charas. Huh? Where are those three anyway?

Ikuto doesn't answer me and I can't tell his expression. He is… I don't know. He suddenly opens a door to a bright room and we go inside. I'm about to ask him again when he slams the door shut, making me yelp in surprise. He then switches of the light and I feel something hard press against my body.

To be continued…

Chidori: -smirks- I know, a cliffhanger!

Ikuto: -jaw drops- You just didn't cut that awesome scene. It's almost perfect! Lights, turned off, secluded room, and… how could you?

Amu: …

Chidori: because I can. –evil laughs-

Ran: Chi-chan, how come we have lesser scenes here?

Chidori: because you were ah exploring around?

Miki: Quit it Ran. We're just supporting or extra characters here. Just be thankful we're still in the story.

Suu: and don't forget that Chi-chan is still unstable, desu!

Chidori: Suu, you don't have to point that out. It seems like I'm abnormal or something.

Ikuto: -mumble 'Because you are'-

Chidori: -twitches- I can hear you, ya'know. Do you want me to hook Amu with Tadase?

Ikuto: NOOOOO!!!!

Tadase: YEEEEES!!!!

Amu: …

Chidori: Why is Amu so quiet?

Ikuto: -checks Amu's temperature- She's got a fever!!!

Suu, Miki & Ran: Oh no!

Chidori: Ahmm… I'm alone again.

Kairi: Yo!

Chidori: You're here! Do me a favor and read this script while I check some manga.

Kairi: ok…-reads script 'I hope that you enjoyed this chapter and will review. Since the average review I have so far is 24, I want to receive at least 23 reviews. If not… Anyway, constructive criticisms are welcomed and some tips on how to make my style in writing to become better are also accepted. If you suggest any 'good' scenes between Ikuto and Amu, don't hesitate to tell me. I might fit them in my future chapters.'-

Yoru: -pouts cutely- Review!!!