Chapter Three: The lioness explodes

A/N Sorry everyone for the REALLY long wait! My poor little computer got a virus and had to be sent to the computer hospital! But its fixed now and I promise you won't have to wait that long again, at least not if I can help it.

Also, I am changing the format a little, just to make it easier to understand.

Italics = thinking/Recap

Bold = Inner

Regular = Talking

Sdkagome: Hi again to all! :3 Sorry for not updating as quickly as I normally do.. But my poor computer got a virus and I had to send it to a shop *cries in corner*

I don't own SHUGO CHARA or ANY of the characters,

ENJOYYYY~ 3

Chapter Three:

Recap: I sighed out loud and grabbed the chords while muttering a 'thanks.' glancing at him with my lips pursed.

Putting the cords in my trunk I turned around I gasped instantaneously. Ikuto was there with his arms on either side of me, trapping me. I squealed from surprise at his advancement and sheer speed he conducted. He stared at me so intensely, his eyes read of lust and of something much more deep, more personal.

I blushed deeply and resembled that of a tomato. I tried to gather my voice to yell at him, but a stutter came out,

"W-what a-are you d-doing?" well more of a whisper I admit.

He then parted his lips, slowly leaning in. His eyes still intently fuming into mine. Midnight blues clashes for dominance with amber gold and honey.

My lips slowly parted, ready for his touch…

Amu's POV:

I didn't know what to think, my mind was in a daze. I was under his inescapable spell.

I knew my heart was thumping loudly, it was acting liked a caged beast inside my chest, trying to rip apart the bars to be free.

His body was so close to mine that his even and calming breath was fanning my face.

My body moved by itself, slowing creeping forward. The scent of his hot breath was only inches away now, the smell and faint feeling of it was intoxicating.

He didn't have any colon on that I could tell, but he smelled musky, like the midnight rain and dried roses mixed into one. It seemed unbelievable that this musk was his natural scent. He slowly moved closer, the scent growing stronger, he was now an inch away. Now centimeters.. Until I felt him stop moving closer, hesitant.

It only took those few seconds of his hesitation to jolt me out of it his charm.

I regained my composure, and surely enough I wiggled my way around him.

He looked surprised too, almost like he was in a trance and had suddenly snapped out of it.

I blushed deeper than a strawberry, looking away sheepishly.

'What was that. Just now..' my brows furrowed, I breathed deep, shallow breathes, my lungs feeling deprived of air. Putting my hand over my breast, I could feel my heart wildly rampaging in my chest.

'I can't believe what almost just happened.' was the only thought in my head.

A tiny part of me wanted it to happen, but overall I'm glad it didn't.

'I don't even know him!' Still looking away, I spoke, "W-well thanks for your h-help and all, uh… s-see ya!" I spun around and got in the drivers side, madly putting on my seatbelt to save my life.

I just wanted to get out of this awkward situation.

He turned his expression to indifferent, and put his hands in his pockets, strolling back to his car. "Hn. No problem." he got in the drivers side, closed his door and rolled up his window as he drove slowly.

"Ja ne." Was all he said before speeding off.

I gulped, yet I felt like I still hadn't swallowed the lump in my dry throat. My hands were trembling slightly, hot and sweaty. My face burning from blushing. I bit my lip, shaking my head. 'Just don't think about it, Amu.'

Driving off I went home to make myself some dinner.

Ikuto's POV:

I cursed my self as I drove off, slamming the gas pedal like a mad man.

'How could you be so stupid! Allowing yourself to taint the self control you worked so hard to obtain!'

A low growl rumbled in my chest viciously to myself. Sighing I ran a hand through my hair exasperated, trying to calm myself. 'Anger is not going to help.' I said in my head, although I was still a bit pissed.

That much I couldn't help. 'I hope she doesn't hate me now, fuck!' I didn't notice my speed as I went well over the limit. Then again why would I fucking care? I glared at the road as I thought more about it.

'Why her? Why someone so innocent! And mortal none the less! She was mortal, right?'

Suddenly my thoughts would be answered as I heard my cell phone ring. I smirked knowing who it was immediately as I answered my cell.

"Yo." My voice answered with a tad bit of venom dripping.

"Someone's angry. Let me guess, the plan isn't working?" The girl purred over the phone, trying not to giggle.

'Why is she so damn happy all the time,' asking myself, obviously annoyed at her painfully obvious retort.

"No shit. I don't know what to do! I let my," I shuddered, "other side take over." I almost gagged, it was so sickening.

The frown on her face as was immanent as she responded, "I thought you had mastered control by now." She sighed, obviously disappointed, but always a bit amused. 'Did she like seeing me in pain or something?' I thought 'Probably' and chuckled inwardly. 'Damn secret sadist.'

"Well, apparently not as much as we had thought. The question is how to fix this." I said, one hand on the phone, the other hand rubbing a temple that quickly went back to the steering wheel.

"You know I can't help with that, Ikuto, its your job to break this curse. Not mine. I'm just a guardian so to speak. I'm not allowed to give any hints." She finished apologetically.

It made me a bit frustrated considering I knew she knew what was going to happen but let me continue this game anyway. A long exhale of breath escaped my lips, "Alright. Ja ne 'Gaurdian.'" She chuckled a bit then whispered a good luck and hung up.

I closed my phone then slowed a bit pulling into my drive way. Rubbing my temple once more to relieve some pressure, I made sure to compose myself as I stopped the car. I sat in there for a while, trying to relax. 'Can't get tense, you know what happens Ikuto..' I calmly said in my mind.

My cold gaze frosted over to my house, well, mansion. A small smirk slowly rose because the remembrance that I had the home to myself for a week popped in.

My little brother Yoru went somewhere (He never tells me where,) and left a note saying he would be gone for a week, no more, no less. Mischievously the corners of my mouth curled to a cat like grin as an idea popped in my head.

I grabbed my phone, opened the car door and shut it as I went through my contacts and pushed on the name 'Kuukai.' Putting the phone to my ear I heard a couple rings before my best friend answered.

"Yea? Sup, Ikuto?" I smirked as I breathed a reply into the phone, anxious to tell him my brilliant plan.

"Listen well, Kuukai, this ones an ear full." the last part I said as a slow cat like smirk adorned my face, trying to hold back a devious chuckle.

Amu's POV

Sitting down at my lone table, I began eating some rice balls and tempura I assembled for my so called, 'dinner.' it was more like a snack, but I suck at cooking.

I sweat dropped remembering what happened last time I tried to cook an actual meal, man was mom pissed.

She went to the store for a few seconds and came back to a kitchen on fire. Giggling nervously at the memory of, "Holy shit Amu! What the fuck just happened!" my body shook with the bound of laughter. I think that was the only time my mom ever swore. Shaking my head with a small smile at the memory I took another bite.

I stared at the wall, my chopsticks lazily moving my food around as I pondered things.

My mind dazzled, dancing from thought to thought.

A blush started to creep up on my cheeks as I started to think about what had happened just now. Shaking my head violently I patting my hands on my cheeks.

"No Amu, Don't retort to thinking about that! Just enjoy your dinner." I said to myself in encouragement out loud as I eye balled my food.

'What dinner…?' I thought, staring at the tempura. One leg shifted restlessly over the other in my chair, changing positions anxiously. Using my chopsticks to grab a shrimp I put it in my mouth and chewed slowly, then swallowed.

I furrowed my brows in determination, trying not to think about it. Glaring at the food as if it was it's fault for my uncontrollable thoughts.

But knowing my mind it just kept refusing, pushing the matter forward. I grunted with frustration, then bolted up, walking to my fridge to get a glass of milk.

'Maybe a glass of milk will help calm my nerves.. Why I'm nervous I don't know.' Grabbing a cup from the cup board I poured the milk in my glass then chugged it, sighing happily when as I finished and wiped my face with a content smile.

"That's what I needed." I rinsed the cup and took my dinner to the counter top near the dish washer deciding to wash it later and went up to my room. I took a quick shower and put on my favorite PJ's.

They were a pink ruffle spaghetti strap top and some pink ruffle short shorts with a small bow in the middle on top. Jumping happily into my bed under the covers I got comfy, staring at my clock. 7:32. 7:33. 7:34. More minutes went buy as I stared at the ticking clock, it lulling me to sleep.

A smile spread across my face, remembering I didn't have school tomorrow, it was a teacher conference day or whatever. Yawning softly, I slowly closed my eyes, escaping to my dreams.

Next Morning

Amu's POV still

'I'm actually awake.' Amazed with wide pissed off eyes as I looked at the clock. It was 7:30 AM. "Shit.. Why can't I just stay asleep like a regular person." I groaned to myself in apparent aggravation.

Just then my phone rang.

It was 'unknown number.' I answered sheepishly, wondering who had my number. I never give out my number.

"Amu-chan." A small delicate bored voice sounded.

"U-uh, this is her.. Who is this?" I was kind of interested in who this was. Not really afraid, but legitimately curious.

"Rima Masahiro, the new girl." She said monotone.

"Oh.. Um. Yes?" I replied lamely. Even over the phone I could feel a sweat drop wanting to happen on her side.

She only replied.

"You are invited to this party, be at 64. Blaine Rd. at 5 o'clock."

The line went dead.

Standing there my mouth went agape with shock plane as day on my face.

'S-she just demanded it.'

Sitting there with my legs crossed I wondered how she got my number. Or why she would order me to go to this party…? Or why I was even invited? So many questions..

My legs carried me to my closet, gold eyes skeptically skimming what I had. Is this a formal party? Probably not, it's a bunch of high school kids.

Red rose onto my face heating it up, I've never been to a party before.. Everyone always thought I was too cool for them or that I wouldn't want to go. 'Again, based on a reputation I was accidentally forced into by my own nervous habits. Damn mask of lies.'

Shooing this train of thoughts away I looked again, smiling. "That's perfect." I said out loud.

I slipped a black dress over my head, it had light pink cherry blossoms going down one side with red rhinestones swirling down, dancing with the cherry blossoms. The dress went to just above my knees, hugging my body with some light ruching in the mind area and a sweat-heart neckline. I put on black heels that fastened with black ribbons up my ankles to the mid part of my calves.

Gliding to the bathroom I turned on the curling iron and put on some mascara and eyeliner, then grabbed the iron and curled the ends of my hair.

Concentrating in the mirror I started applying some clear lip gloss then rubbed my lips together and smiled to my reflection. I nodded once, while putting on a silver bracelet, satisfied.

I glanced at the clock, doing a double-take. "E-eeehh?!" it was only 9'oclock in the morning! I muffled profanities under my breath. 'I guess the excitement took over.'

My eyes crinkled a bit as I giggled a little at my anxiousness and ran downstairs. Doing some chores that took a little while I finally plopped on the couch and turned on the tv. Slowly I droned in and out of sleep.

~~~~~ 20 Minutes Before The Party ~~~~~

I snapped my head up, alarmed.

How long was I out? Looking to the clock, I jumped out of the seat.

"Holy shit! Only 20 minutes!" Gathering my keys and ran to the car, my heels clicking softly as I ran gracefully and opened the door to my car, hopping in.

Putting the keys in the ignition I sped away driving to the place Rima told me. I stopped the car, my eyes wide, and sweat dropped.

"Holy crap… Who the hell lives here?!" I squealed to myself in amazement from the site of the HUGE mansion.

There was a golden gate in front, while grey brick stones on both sides of the gate, lining the area for privacy. The gate opened and I slowly drove in.

A beautiful fountain in the middle of the lawn the road I was on turned into a round-a-bout that circled the fountain that joined into one road again that lead up to the door of the mansion. On the far right and left there was a perfect line of cherry blossom trees, and a zen garden on the right with a coy pond.

I shook my head, still bewildered that I was invited to a place like THIS.

Getting out of my car, I slowly walked up to the front door. 'more like gate,' my thoughts proceeded.

I knocked once, and some random dude opened. He had a lamp shade on his head and a beer in the other.

'okay then.' trying not to laugh I casually starting walking in and had instantly spotted Rima.

She was in a cute little golden colored dress, it was a sweat heart neck line and hugged her tiny curves. Her hair was half pulled up, and delicate curls fell over her shoulders. She saw me and blankly stared, then walked her way over to me.

Rima POV:

I heard the door open and saw Amu awkwardly come in. She skimmed the room and her eyes fell on me.

'Hm.. She looks cute. I don't know why Ikuto-niisan would want someone so innocent looking though. She seems like she's never even been to a party before.'

Slowly I made my way up to her, my curls gently bouncing with each step I took.

"Amu-chan, you made it I see." I said, careful to keep a blank expression.

"A-Aa. I'm here" She motioned to herself and laughed nervously, glancing back at me while rubbing the back of her head.

"Hn."

"S-so.. Um.." She looked at a lost for words, her eyes blank. Like a deer in head lights.

I sighed and motioned her to come with me.

"This your first party." It wasn't really a question, more of a statement.

She laughed nervously and scratched the back of her neck this time. She looked down to the floor, a sad but regretful look on her face.

"Yes. It is actually. Everyone always thought I was too cool for parties, so I was never invited.." My eyes widened at that. Not really at her words, but the look on her face.

She was still looking down. Her brows furrowed a little, not exactly sad, but not happy either. All of her expression and feeling though, was in her honey eyes. A hint of sadness twinkled, but mostly regret, happiness, and oddly mourning.

That's an odd mix of emotions.

She looked back up at me and smiled softly, regaining her composure.

I looked away, and stopped at the bar and sat on a stool. Amu took a seat next to me, looking bemusedly at the beverages.

She probably didn't think this party would even have alcohol. I giggled a little inwardly at that. Although it was understandable considering this is her first party..

My thoughts were interrupted when Amu bumped my shoulder lightly for my attention.

"Yea?"

"I-is this alcohol?" She whispered, a look of concern on her face.

"Duh. What else would it be?" I voiced boredly. Amu bit her lip, taking in the information I just told her. I sighed.

"Listen, you don't have to drink any if you don't want to." I reported in a whisper tone so she wouldn't feel embarrassed.

Amu's shoulders relaxed a bit as she nodded. This girl is interesting, I mean, what teenager wouldn't drink at a party? She seems a little too innocent..

"EEP!" I snapped my head to the source of the scream and saw a guys arm around Amu's small waist. He looked pretty drunk, and Amu looked more than scared.

I felt a sudden urge to protect the pinkette like a mother lion trying to protect her own, so I hopped off of the stool and slapped his arm off from around her.

"Hey, back off. She obviously looks likes she wants nothing to do with you." I voiced monotone, with a bit of venom seething from my tone.

The guy turned to see who rudely interrupted him, and was shocked to see me there. I glared, fire spitting from my eyes.

He looked me up and down letting out a throaty laugh while wrapping his arm around Amu again, unfazed that I just slapped it off.

Amu tensed with tears starting to brim on her amber eyes, a small shake escaped from her shoulders.

The guy stopped his obnoxious laugh and looked at me again with hooded eyes, lust consuming his gross features.

I stood my ground, glaring even more intensely. A growl was forming in my throat and I could feel the anger seething in the accelerating of my heart. My fists clenched painfully as my nails dug into my flesh.

He grinned in a drunken amusement.

"Aw, is the little girly -hic- jealous?" He winked at me before turning his attention back to Amu.

Amu closed her eyes tightly, one tear slipping down her face. Seeing that one tear, I exploded, something Rima Masahiro NEVER does.

I slapped him right across his face, a loud "Whap!" echoed in the room. No one heard because the music was so loud, but Amu's eyes thrashed open, surprise written on her innocent face.

I stood there, my hand slowly going back down as I glared at the man under my bangs.

He looked bewildered, a red hand print on his cheek. But his surprise soon turned into anger.

He practically jumped off the stool, towering over me. Remaining strong I didn't move one inch from my spot that I had claimed, but felt a little uneasiness in the pit of my stomach.

"You little bitch!" He hissed as he rose his hand about to hit me.

Thrashing my eyes shut tightly I awaited the impact, but seconds past and I felt nothing. Confused, I looked up and saw him on the ground.

What surprised me was who was standing over him, fire in their eyes, looking like they were about to kill something. Or someone.

END CHAPTER 3