Late again… je knows and je apologizes tremendously! I promise I'll work harder! Anyways... here it is and I hope you enjoy it and do not forget to Comment\Review! Happy Reading~ Oh and-even though you're probably tired sick of hearing this- Happy new Year! Here.. some sparkles (ﾉ´ヮ´)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧*

"Happy Birthday (part 2)"

"Sometimes you get so stuck on one moment that you forget everything else"

I got home and dashed into the bathroom.

"What's the rush honey?" my mom asked behind me.

"Hum…" I started and then I hesitate while turning to face her. Her eyes went wide-open and I thought she was going to yell at me so I started to explain why I had brought a stray cat home but she interrupted me:

"Oh my… how cute!"

"What?" I asked "Yo-you don't even like cats."

"That's not true." She replied toying with his long fur "Ami is allergic which is why we can't have pets." And she looked at me. Of course I knew that I couldn't keep him. I shrugged and explained:

"I won't keep him for long mom, I thought I could give him as a birthday gift for Ikuto." I handed her the little cat and started running the water on the tub. "Help me wash him?"

We carefully washed the bluish kitten while he complained and then I wiped him. I took him to my room –where he would stay for the next week- and watched him playing with my earphones that were hanging on the desk. I sighed.

"What will I call you?" I snapped my fingers and watched him quickly turn his yellow eyes to meet mine, I smiled and then he continued to fight with the earphones string. I reached for them and teased the little cat. I sat on the floor and at some point he just got tired and jumped to my lap, purring while I was petting him. Somehow he reminded me of Ikuto. I giggled at the thought.

Later, I took a long warm bath then dried my hair and tied him up in a ponytail noticing the blurred mark on my neck. I sighed heavily. Thank God my parents didn't notice this. Then I watched my face getting redder on the mirror. I squished my cheeks. "get a hold of yourself Amu!" I demanded. Of course that sleeping with a cat who remembered me of Ikuto didn't help at all. What a day. I hope Ikuto likes this little guy. And the party. Ugh… how am I going to remain silent about it for a whole week? I'm screwed. I need to try my best to not ruin the surprise. I sighed and fell asleep soon after.

In the morning I covered the hickey with my hair. Ikuto was standing outside my house-gorgeous with his winter uniform covered by a coat and a blue scarf. Even though the sight of him made my heart squeeze I walked forward, ignoring his presence. I glared at him as he chuckled and he smirked as reply.

"Morning."

"Die." I said. I distanced myself from him and walked away. A gust of air made my hair flutter and I quickly tried to put it back together but Ikuto obviously noticed the mark on my neck. He was trying to control his laugh when I faced him and said angrily:

"It's not funny you big idiot! You pervert!" I flinched felling his cold touch on my neck. I was about to shake him off but then I noticed he was wrapping his scarf around my neck. Then he kissed my forehead causing me to blush.

"I wouldn't want for anyone to see it." He said taking my hand in his.

"Of course not." I replied. "You're fan girls would most likely kidnap me right away."

"Wouldn't that be nice?" I looked at him with one eyebrow lifted. "Well I could be the prince on a white horse and come to your rescue." He explain. My stomach twisted and I said:

"Please don't. I already had a prince; I really just need a commoner to stay by my side."

"Hmpf, you still think of him." It could have been a question but he didn't make it sound like one. Ikuto gripped my hand tightly. I chuckled.

"Don't worry, funny enough after our first kiss all feelings of uneasiness I still had towards him were gone. Dating you made me feel like he didn't even exist. I realized he was just more of a long timed crush. Now that I think about it, even though we dated for two years, I didn't knew much about him. I can't say I wasn't hurt though. But…" We stooped walking, and to my surprise, my voice was muffled by Ikutos lips. When he distanced himself from me I glanced at him noticing his slightly blushed cheeks and troubled expression.

"I won't ever leave you." He said still facing forward. "And I won't ever hurt you."

I smiled.

"Hmpf, you better."

What I had told him was true. I love Ikuto and if I think back on Tadase it doesn't even feel like I had even like him. Maybe I was just attracted by his princely looks. Ikuto is better though, better looking, better person, better everything. Thank God the little boy from my childhood came back to me. I don't think I can let him go ever again. I pulled Ikuto down and got on my tiptoes only to kiss his cheek. He looked at me startled, I chuckled and said:

"Thank you." He looked at me puzzled.

"You're welcome." He replied with a smile. Then he leaned forward and touched my uniform sleeve. "What… is this fur? You have a new pet?" He asked patting my shoulder trying to get rid of the fur. My jaw dropped and I was trying to find a suitable excuse but the school bell ringed.

"Saved by the bell." I whispered unconsciously.

"What?" he asked.

"Nothing." I replied quickly and again on my tiptoes I slightly pressed my lips on his. Then, I ran to the class waving him 'later'.

~Time Skip~

"What? You idiot!" Utau cried with indignation.

We were having lunch together in the cafeteria. Rima and Yaya too.

"I know. I know." I replied playing with my food.

"Don't do that." Rima said in a low tone. I looked at her raising my eyebrows ironically and then released the fork from my right hand and crossed my arms on the table. "Well apparently he didn't notice " Rima continued indifferently "so next time he asks don't be stupid and just answer him that some relative of yours asked you to watch the cat for a couple of days." I sighed.

"Well nevermind, what's done is done. His birthday is from today a week so you better not blew the whole project away!" Utau warned me.

Project. I repeated the word on my mind. Poor Ikuto… you'll have to endure your sister's extravagance. Maybe I'll think of something to help him.

"By the way Amu-chan." I adverted my look from the table to Yaya. "Why aren't you taking that scarf off?"

I blushed and Utau chuckled. I could see Rima from the corner of my eye glancing at Utau with one eyebrow raised.

"I-I'm just cold that's all." I stammered out. Rima sighed probably understating the situation and Yaya stared at me confused. I buried my blushed face on the table.

"What's wrong?" A familiar voice sounded from above. It was Ikuto. I growled softly.

"What timing." I heard Rima's sarcastic tone.

Since I didn't move Ikuto leaned closer and asked near my ear:

"Do you want to go to the infirmary?"

"Ohoh… she's fine so, what exactly do you plan on doing?" I heard Utau teased and even Rima softly chuckled. I immediately rose from my seat and almost screamed:

"Enough already." Utau just laughed uncontrollably. Ikuto shared his glance between me and his sister.

"What is going on here?" he finally asked.

"Whooa there, what's with you face Hinamori?" Kukai sat beside Utau.

"It's nothing." I replied. Then I faced Ikuto and said angrily: "This is all your fault!"

"O..kay?"

"Ugh..just..let's just go…" I said grabbing my belongings.

"Go, go and have fun!" Kukai teased. Utau probably explained him what had happened. I glared as reply and Utau giggled.

Ikuto and I left to the library. He was helping me with my studies. I explained what had happened and he smirked.

"It's not funny."

"It is a bit." I slammed a book on his shoulder. "Ouch." He complained. I faced my books again and he started: "You know, my birthday is next week." I paused my writing.

Oh crap. "Yep, what about it?" I tried to keep it cool. I better find a suitable excuse. I'll be busy for the entire week helping Utau on the big party. "If you are suggesting we should plan something, I'm sorry but I won't have much time for you this week." He raised one eyebrow. "I have to study. Utau is gonna help me with my English so, it's not like we won't see each other." Good job Amu.

"I was going to ask what you were going to give me as a present."

"Nothing." I replied without adverting my look from the books.

"Really?" I nodded, then he grabbed my chin and forced my eyes to meet his; he sighed and then continued: "I'll just have to satisfy myself with you." He smirked.

I knew he only wanted to see my frustrated reaction, so I tried my hardest to maintain calm despite my uncontrollably thumping heart. I grabbed a book and hit Ikuto with it-again. He moaned in pain and when he let go of me I allowed one of my hands to stop at my heart. PERVERT!PERVERT!PERVERT! IDIOT! Calm down. Take a deep breath. Ok. Better.

"Concentrate you idiot." I said angrily.

He chuckled. "Seriously though," He started straighten up "won't you really have any time for me?"

"Nop."

He sighed and leaned against the chair.

"Fine." He said. I looked up to face him.

"Are... are you sulking?" I couldn't help a smile.

"No." he replied.

"Oh yes, that was so very convincing." He rolled his eyes and I chuckled. "Fine, we can go on a date for your birthday." Utau will love the Idea of a distraction. "Only in the morning though."

He smiled. "Ok. Then... back to the studies, where were we?"

After 5pm Utau and I walked to my place. I told her about my plan to take Ikuto out on his birthday and-like I thought- she loved it! Then later, she teased me again when I took Ikuto's muffler off.

"You should show some progress with your relationship with Kukai so that I can mock you too." I said.

She was sitting on the floor of my room-her back against my bed- playing with the kitten.

"Haha you wish. We are very lovey-dovey when there is nobody around." She said proudly.

"Bla, bla, bla…" I teased. "When will you tell him?"

Utau froze for a few seconds. On these past months Utau and I, we grew quite fond of each other, our relationship is that of which you could say she's like my sister. It's amazing how some friendships don't take long to consolidate. We talk about everything and last week Utau told me she was offered to record professionally, which is terrific, but the firm where she will be working on is on America.

"I don't know. Maybe I won't." she had a sad expression on her eyes "How do you tell the person you like that you'll leave the country for years."

I sighed. "I guess I wouldn't know how to answer that." She sighed heavily "Well you still have some time." Then we stayed silent for a while. Someone knocked on my door.

"Girls," it was my dad's voice "dinner will be ready in 5."

"Okay" we replied.

"Let's go blondie." I said.

"Shut up strawberry." She replied. And we both laughed.

~Time Skip~

The week of secrecy worked out better than expected. I maintain my distance from Ikuto; Utau, Kukai and I managed to finish all the preparations for the big party. The hardest part was my creating diversion plan. I needed to keep Ikuto busy for the entire morning so that Utau could set the house ready for the celebration- it was of course prepared to be as extravagant and crazy as it could be, somewhat like a royal ball, not that I was surprised, it was Utau planning the party after all. The only thing that made my eyes go wide-open was the guest list.

"300 people?!" I asked astonish.

"Well… they were a few more but some can't come." I looked at Utau dumbfounded.

"He'll…" I started.

"Love me."

"Kill you." I corrected.

Utau pouted and Kukai patted her head muttering «There, there». I sighed.

Thank God I planned Ikuto's second present.

And so, the big day came faster than expected.

"Won't you let go of me?" I said.

"Nope."

We decided we would visit a theme park for his birthday. After lunch Ikuto decided he wanted to ride the Ferries Wheel. So here we are, Ikuto squishing me against him, causing us to be as close as we could be. I was blushing hard of course.

"P-people will see."

"They won't. This Ferries Wheel haves those special dark glass, so people can't see us from the outside."

"PERVERT!"

"It's your fault. I could barely see you all week." He said slowly stroking his lips down and up my blushed cheeks.

"Still, that doesn't give you the right to—"

He silenced me with his lips. It was a soft, tender kiss. Loving. When his lips parted from mine he rested his forehead on mine and closed his eyes whispering: "Just a little longer. It is my birthday after all."

"That's not a valid excuse." I said and we both laughed still clinging on each other. I could feel the tip of his nose stroking my skin as he leaned down to touch my lips again but my phone ringed and we both jumped in surprise. It's time. Ok. I hear him sighing.

"Sorry, I think this marks the end of our date." I said.

He growled softly, showing his disagreement. I smiled and glanced at the outside, noticing we were reaching the top I rose on my tiptoes, pulled Ikuto down and kissed him right on the lips.

Eternity. I though. I know it sound lame and cliché, but I really hope you Ikuto, are the one for me.

When we parted I remained with my eyes shut, but I could tell my boyfriend was smirking. When I finally opened my eyes Ikuto hugged me violently.

"Wow… What are you—" I said.

"You can't look yet."

"What?" I struggled to get away from his grip, and I succeeded. Hahahaha. No. Unfortunately he had me chained against him- with one arm only though. I couldn't get a clue of what was going on so I tried to at least look at his face. He had his free hand covering most of his face and he was facing the other way but could see some red on his face. My chin fell. So that is it? I laughed.

"What?" he asked, grumpy.

"That is a girls reaction you idiot. I can't believe you are blushing over something like that." I said trying to control my laughter.

"Shut up pink head. What's with you kissing me at the top of the Ferries Wheel?"(SN/: for those of you who don't know, it is said that if a couple kisses when their… compartment? I don't know what it is called sorry- reaches the top of the Ferries Wheel their love will be eternal, or something like that.) He freed me from his tight hug and glared at me –with his cheeks still slightly blushed might you. I smiled as reply.

The door opened and we stepped out. We walked with our hands intertwined.

"I can't believe it's my birthday and you'll spend most day with my sister, at my house." He sighed. "Really, it is very suspicious."

"What is?" I asked.

"Like my sister would skip an opportunity to party. She didn't even screamed on my face HAPPY BIRTHDAY" Ikuto moderated his low, raspy voice and tried to imitate Utau's voice. I laughed of course.

"Well, it seems she forgot."

"Hmpf, that wouldn't happen. Perhaps you know something?" He raised an eyebrow, looking at me.

"Nah, I'd tell you." I tried to sound as calm as possible.

"Hm."

We walked all the way to his place, we talked like usually, he didn't seem to notice anything. When we were about 5 meters from the door I whispered to his ear: «Don't kill me»

"What?" he asked, but it was already too late, the front double door slammed open and some colored little papers were thrown our way.

"SURPRISE!" a mass of people- myself included- screamed.

Ikuto blinked a few times and then glanced at me with his eyes wide open. I smiled at him and he was swallowed inside an enormous group of people congratulating him. I got somewhat irritated when I saw a few girls all dressed up clinging to him. I walked inside the mansion. Wow I must say. Utau really overdid it. The 19th century decorated house had disappeared. No trace left. The brownish floor was covered in little white and blue papers. All the amazing furniture and paintings had been removed from the hall into God knows where, and now there were only speakers on the walls and some tables here and there with food, drinks, and on the left side of the stairs there was a mountain of presents. Looking at the guests, most were probably rich so I couldn't stop wondering what kind of outstanding presents Ikuto had received. I could spy some very, very big boxes.

I glanced around searching for Utau. I spotted Rima and Nagihiko I went to greet them. Soon after, Yaya and Kairi approach us as well as Kukai.

"Where's Utau?" I asked Kukai.

"I think she's in her room."

"Thanks. I'll be right back."

I went upstairs and, incredibly enough, it remained intact, no crazy alterations. I got at Utau's room and opened the door.

"Ah there you are!" she said "Here… your clothes." She lifted a long sleeved white chiffon dress, very simple with a bateau neckline with a thin honey colored thread marking the its edges -same goes for the sleeves and bottom of the dress- and two invisible pockets on the sides. I must admit it was gorgeous, and it had the perfect size, not very short, the bottom would end just above my knees. "Go on. Hurry!" she scolded me.

"Ok, ok…" I got into the dress and Utau did my make-up and hair: a ponytail tied up in a honey colored lace.

"Now for the shoes…" She started "Ah! These will do." She showed me some white Wedged high heels with bordered and cross straps. My eyes went wide-open.

"You are crazy." She gasped and smiled glaring at me.

"You are going to put these on right now, if not then I'll lock you up in Ikuto's room for a whole freaking weak you hear me?!"

Scarry…

"Yes mam." And so I did as she demanded.

"Perfection. Ah one more thing." She said. "Here you go."And she handed me my present for Ikuto number 1- The kitty. I observed him closely. Poor thing, Utau had tied a big yellow bow on his neck.

"Was this really necessary?" I asked smiling at her. She glared at me and shoved me out the bedroom.

"Listen now, Ikuto is also changing his clothes right now, this will probably be the only time you'll have to actually give him your present ok?Go on…"

I blushed.

"Like now?... but"

"Oh for God's sake Amu, I assure you that in all that time it took you to get ready he is probably almost done. Hurry!"

"Ok Ok…" I sighed.

OK Amu.. chill, cmon It'll be like watching a film, with hot guys, nude… from the waist up? Maybe all the way? GAAAAAAAAH OH JHJSGDHAGSDY BAH. Damn…but... I wonder if Ikuto has a nice body… … … I blushed and squealed in the middle of the hallway like an idiot.

"Pervert. I'm a pervert, oh no… I was infected by Ikuto! GAAAAH." Then I frowned and lifted the kitten purring in between my hands close to my face and said: "This is all your fault you know mini Ikuto?" He licked the tip of my nose as reply. I chuckled.

I was standing In front of Ikuto's bedroom door.

"Ok. Take a deep breath. There's no reason to b this stupid." I sighed and knocked on the door.

I wonder if he'll like what I'm wearing. There were a lot of pretty girls downstairs… I wonder who they were.

The door opened revealing a naked from the waist up Ikuto. My eyes went wide-open not because he was absolutely perfect, but because I felt the irritation from earlier devour me. I pressed my free hand on his bare chest and pushed him inside the room, closing the door behind me. I glared at him and noticed his confused look.

"What is it?" he asked smiling, but I felt so angry that I almost screamed:

"What the hell are you doing opening the door looking like that?" He lifted one eyebrow dumbfounded. "What? Why are you looking so surprised? What if it hadn't been me knocking on the door? Would it be fine if one of the girls downstairs saw you like that? Would it?" I wasn't sure about what I was telling him still, I was surprisingly mad but Ikuto on the other hand seemed to be enjoying himself, when he smirked I snapped "YOU-!"

"W-wait wait! Gee you crazy pink head. Calm down." He said holding my face up with both hands "Utau made it clear no one was to go to the upper floor. So when I heard the knocking on my door I assumed it was Kukai or Utau herself." He gave me that heart melting smile causing me to blush. "So none of the girls at the party would come here." I frowned and then my eyes went wide open when I remembered what I'd told him. He laughed at my troubled expression. He wrapped his arms around me squishing me against his bare chest. I blushed even more and pushed him away. He chuckled.

"Y-You did that on purpose." I squeaked. He shrugged with his lips molded in a wide smirk.

"You're just so cute when you're jealous. Now turn around." He crossed his arms and continued with a troubled expression- he was faking it of course: "I want to get dressed." He mimicked a girl's voice and pouted. "I'll feel uncomfortable with you staring." I glared at him.

"Oh really?" I sat in the armchair next to me, crossed one leg over and laid the little cat on my lap. "Hmpf, I'm not going anywhere." I forged a smile. He chuckled and said with one eyebrow up:

"Don't get to exited ok?"

"As if." I replied.

Actually now that I had calmed down I could properly look at him. I blushed.

Damn he's just so hot. Of course that he was only getting on his haberdasher so I sighed and started playing with the cat.

"Who's the little guy?" Ikuto finally asked couching in front of me.

"Hm. Ikuto meet Yoru. You're present number one." I said. Ikuto blinked a few time.

"For real?" he asked. I nodded "Hah… But why is it that you picked the name?"

"Just felt like it." I shrugged.

"You're unbelievable." He said while undoing the yellow ribbon in Yoru's neck. "If he's number one, where is number two?" He asked looking up to meet my eyes.

"Hmmm… It's not the time to give it to you yet. You'll have to wait a little bit more." I said smiling. He sighed.

"Fine." He stood and I observed him buttoning the haberdasher, he left the first 3 open so I assumed he wasn't going to put the tie Utau prepared. Like me, his clothes were very simple. He had some formal midnight blue trousers and a white haberdasher tugged inside his pants. "Let's go" he said.

"Wait. Sit." He did as I said and I leaned forward to fix the collar of his shirt. "There" He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me down to sit on his lap.

"Hey!" He kissed me and smiled.

"Thank you princess."

I blushed.

"Grab your coat and let's go. Before Utau kills us."

We left Yoru on the bathroom and then walked down the hallway with our hands intertwined.

"I can't believe you didn't told me about this party." He said.

"Haha well yeah, I knew you wouldn't like it and try to stop it from happening."

"It's hideous."

"Yup." I chuckled.

"Well" He gripped my hand tighter "I guess seeing you all dressed up like that is worth the sacrifice." I smiled.

"Really?"

"You were jealous over a few girls, imagine how will I feel knowing that there are over 40 guys our age and older that will stare at you all the time?"

"There are?"

He glanced at me and then chuckled.

"Good thing you saw me half naked today," I raised one eyebrow "whenever a guy approaches you today you'll just think «Oh, I've seen better.»"

"Ahah, getting cocky here are we?" He shrugged. "Well that isn't entirely wrong."

He smirked then lean forward and kissed me in the cheek.

The party was more fun than I'd expect. I spent most time beside Ikuto, together with Utau, Rima and the others. Every once and a while a meddling girl would try to get Ikutos attention but he'd ignore it most of time. I also noticed Ikuto was right about the guys thing: they were looking, but whenever that happened Ikuto would wrap an arm around my waist so that she would understand I was already taken.

I got to meet Ikuto's aunt and uncle, the ones who took care of him and Utau. They were really nice.

A few hours later I could see Ikuto's patience slowly disappearing.

Must be time for the second present.

My parents and Ami were invited to the party as well so I went to them and informed them on what I was going to do. Then I dashed to Ikuto's side and grabbed his hand. I whispered on his ear:

"It's time for present number two. Grab your coat." I also fetched myself a coat from Utau's closet.

"What is present number two?"

"A free ticked out of this hell hole with a bonus- me!"

He rose his eyebrows being taken by surprise. Then he smiled.

"Utau will kill us." He said.

"She will, but it was a gift, how could you refuse?" I teased.

And we left the party with nowhere precise to go. We just wandered around, but who cared. We were together.

This one was a long one no? I hope you liked it! Oh and here: . these are the shoes I tried to describe, I don't know if it was confusing so… Well anyways: Please let me know your thoughts on my story! Review\Comment!

Till the next Chapter!