Shugo Chara

Hot or Not

chapter 43 spoiler in this chat!!!

ShellyCullen: Ugh…I'm mad.

……………

ShellyCullen: I said, I'm mad!

Ikuto: So…?

ShellyCullen: I'm mad because the mouse on my computer no longer works. I've been using the keyboard the whole time. Let me tell ya, it takes a while to figure this all out.

Ikuto: And I care why?

ShellyCullen: You know what?! I'm sick of your attitude! But I'm WAY too happy to care!!! I have a HUGE SPOILER!!! Its for chapter 43 and I found it on mangafox. Read at your own risk!!!!!!!!!

Amu: What happened? What did Ikuto do next???

ShellyCullen: I heard that Ikuto was leaving to look for his father. He confesses to Amu again and gives a kiss on the cheek. I THINK that's what's going to happen from all the research I found online.

Ikuto: So....this could all be a rumor?

ShellyCullen: YEP! ^-^

Amu: Nice...

ShellyCullen: Now read this chapter you are all dying to know about! ;3

Recap:

"Hey buddy!" I called out, extremely happy. What I saw shocked me more than anything I'd ever seen so far.

Ikuto was standing there as a girl was pushed against him, giving him one, hot kiss.

Chapter Twelve:

Closer Together or Farther Apart?

Amu's POV

My mind was whirling as so many thoughts roamed around.

What was going on? Who was this girl? Why were they kissing? Was Ikuto okay with this?

I tried to keep control of all the rushing thoughts, tried to understand what was truly going on, as my head began to hurt and my chest was throbbing.

They pulled apart, and I was finally able to recognize who the girl was. My eyes widened.

"Y-Yamabuki-san?" I asked, confused. She stood there, her fingers gripping onto Ikuto's pale arms and gave me a smirk as her red/brown hair curled to the sides of her face. She must have thought we were a couple or something.

Suddenly, everything went a bit blurry as I recognized them as tears. My chest began to feel heavy as I quickly took a deep breath. I blinked as the tears quickly dissolved and put on my cool attitude.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded, glaring slightly. Her chin came up a bit as her smirk grew.

"Why, are you not happy to see me, Hinamori?" She asked, giving one of her sneers and cooing closer to Ikuto. I couldn't see Ikuto's expression, but I could tell he was pushing the girl away from him.

"What do you want, Yamabuki-san? And don't involve Ikuto in this, this is just between you and me." I answered coldly. Yamabuki rolled her eyes and let go of Ikuto, who took a few steps back from the scene. My eyes were locked with hers.

"Well, protective much? And you call him by his first name, huh? Why is it that the Great Amu Hinamori never ceases to surprise me?" She asked and began to laugh. I only glared at her reaction.

"Don't worry, Hinamori. I'm not here to steal your precious boyfriend. Just came to get the job done. Now, if you'll excuse me I have an interview to get to." She smiled again and waved, leaving in her model like walk.

I let out a breath, confused. What was that about?!

I turned back to Ikuto unwillingly. I was afraid he'd be mad at me or hate me. Was he furious that my rival had kissed him to get to me?

But when I turned, I wasn't met with a glare. Quite the opposite.

Ikuto leaned against the brick pillar with a composed face. His lips were parted slightly into a straight line as he looked into my eyes, his own expression a mystery as his eyes held my own. He seemed to be waiting for my reaction, almost as if he were waiting for my own fury that would never come.

We were like that for who knows how long, until Ikuto sighed and looked the other way. My eyes dropped to the floor after being released as a blush coated my cheeks.

What…just happened?

"I didn't think you'd be the one to having enemies." Ikuto muttered as I looked back up at him. His expression was still composed as he continued to look to the side.

"Huh?"

"That girl. It just seems…strange…to think someone like you could even have a school enemy. You're always so kind to people, even when they don't deserve the kindness back. How could someone learn to hate you?"

I stared at Ikuto in shock. What was he thinking? What was going through his head right now? I wanted to know what Ikuto's statement meant, but he turned back to me and smiled. My stomach began to flutter.

"Well, we better head back kid. I think that's all the excitement you need for one day." He said as his smile soon turned into a smirk. My eyes widened and my cheeks heated up.

"YOU PERVERT!!!"

Rima's POV

I quickly turned on my black laptop as it began to load. I sighed at the slowness and began to kick off my shoes, letting them fall onto the ground with a thud.

The computer beeped to life as I waited and opened up my email.

There was, of course junk mail all over the place as I lazily deleted each piece. One particular letter sparked my interest.

THE BEST GAG BOOK

I clicked the box, hoping this wasn't a virus and the new book scans I had requested from Amazon. A window popped up and a face did as well. I gasped.

"Hello Rima. If you haven't figured this out yet, it isn't any gag book at all. I just didn't want you to delete the box."

I stared at the boy in wonder, waiting for whatever response would come out of him. I pushed the Full Screen mode as it filled the whole screen.

"I'm really sorry for contacting you this way, as it should be face to face, but I couldn't wait. Honestly, I have missed you Rima. And I AM back from my job. The problem is your now on vacation."

He sighed and began to laugh as I leaned in closer to the scream. My heart was pounding violently as I waited. What's he getting at?

"Well, I've wasted enough time just trying to make small talk on this message so I'll just cut to the chase. I was wondering if-."

Just before the answer came the screen flicked black. I urgently grabbed the computer, now staring back at my own reflection of it. My eyes widened as I set it down and took a deep breath.

This is not HAPPENING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ikuto's POV

We arrived home quietly. At any other time with anyone else, I wouldn't have minded the silence that lingered between us. But I couldn't help thinking that it wasn't quite over. That our friendship wasn't just yet patched up.

Amu came into the house, opening the door that was always welcoming us and took off her shoes. I did as well and we stood in the doorway, silent.

This atmosphere was almost suffocating, an unbearable need to talk. I sighed as Amu began to walk up the stairs.

"I'll be outside swimming." She stated, taking a quick glance back at me. I nodded as she looked like a child needing permission from the adult. She rushed up the steps, making the stairs creak slightly under her weight. I made my way to the couch and collapsed onto its smooth fabric.

I sighed and ran my fingers to my hair, irritated. Why did something always have to go wrong whenever it had always seemed so right?

Amu's POV

I ran into my room and grabbed my bathing suit, opening the bathroom door and shutting it behind me. I sighed and leaned against the wood. Why didn't it feel…okay yet?

I shook my head and began changing, taking my dirty clothes and placing it on the counter. I looked over to the basket and remembered that strange yellow egg.

Earlier it had character changed me and made me lick Ikuto. I shivered at the thought. What was it going to do next? And what would happen if Nadeshiko discovered it? Would I just lose the bet?

No, no! I wouldn't let this happen! I would win this bet fair and square! And I would beat Ikuto's sorry butt in the process!

The egg wiggled a bit and flew into the air. I watched as the sides cracked and a character appeared. She had long orange hair locked in two pig tails and light skin. She wore a yellow, shining dress and a microphone to her left. She smiled at me and did a twirl.

"Hello. My name is Diamond. Amu-chan's self she wants to be!" She giggled and floated toward me. I stared at her in awe.

"I finally get to see you. I've been waiting quite a while to actually meet you." She stated and my eyes widened.

"You have? AH!" I began remembering the character change.

"W-what kind of character are you? Some sort of perverted girl?" I asked in a rush, hoping that wouldn't be the answer. Her head tilted to the side and she smiled.

"No, silly. I'm…hmm, well, let's just say I come from the heart's desire."

Hearts…desire?

"Desire for what?" I asked, anxious. But the girl just smiled and placed a finger to her lips, winking.

"Heh. I'm not allowed to tell you that. You're supposed to figure it out yourself. Are we going swimming?" She asked as she eyed my outfit. I looked down, still wearing my striped bathing suit.

"Well, I am. You're going to be staying here." I commanded and she looked sad.

"Why?" She asked.

"I'm not allowed to have guardian characters during this bet or else Ikuto will win!" I stated and she looked at me questionably.

"Iku…to?" She asked, confused.

"Uh, yeah. We're in this bet now, you see, and…OH, just forget it! Look, you have to stay here and make sure Ikuto does not see you, okay? I'll be in a lot of trouble if he does." She nodded and smiled at me.

"Alright. I'll be sure to stay out of his way."

"Good." I took a breath out and started walking downstairs.

Diamond murmured something, but I couldn't hear it. It couldn't be bad though…could it?

I came downstairs to see Ikuto by the fridge, as always wearing his bathing suit.

"Why are you dressed…like that?" I asked, pointing to his swim trunks.

"What? You're not the only one allowed to swim, are you?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. I rolled my eyes.

"That's not what I meant. I mean, why are you going swimming? You hate water!" I stated, crossing my arms. He shrugged.

"Maybe I just feel like it."

Ikuto's POV

Amu was being a bit nosy…if she weren't so dense she'd probably figure out I'm going to the pool to be close to her.

I glanced back at her, to see that she was heading outside to the backyard. I followed her, quietly.

Damn, I am a stalker. Ha ha, oh well. Amu will just have to get used to it.

We came outside, the sun was just setting and the pool sent out a quick scent of chlorine. I held my breath, not liking the way it carried through the air and stood by the lawn chairs.

Amu went into the pool, shaking a bit as the water rose and her eyes widened. I smirked.

"Is the water warm enough for you?" I teased and she glared, which soon turned into a smile.

"Come on in, Ikuto. You wanted to go swimming." She stated, waving a hand towards the water. I shook my head.

"I think your having enough fun for the both of us." I stated and looked to the side, ignoring the facial expressions coming to her face.

"Come on, Ikuto. If you do I'll buy you your favorite! Chocolate-." I dove into the pool, giving it a big splash before she even finished the sentence. She squealed and splashed more water into my face.

Okay, this was pretty stupid. Especially with the fact that cats hate water. My nose rose right above the water as I stayed in place.

Amu's POV

I couldn't help it, I began to laugh. Ikuto looked like a true cat in water. He was drowned, irritated, and plain mad. He glared up at me and started to move forward, head just above the water like a shark. A stalking shark.

I started to swim forward, away from the cat to see how far he was willing to go. I was surprised that he began to move faster, in a way I didn't think possible. Was he even SWIMMING?!

My eyes widened as I struggled to swim faster, farther, but each time Ikuto had always caught up. It was true. Ikuto was good at everything, even being a cat he could go and swim in water.

We came to the edge of the pool as I turned to him, slapping my hands together.

"Alright. I give up!" I declared, smiling. He smiled as well.

I was laughing when something suddenly tugged at my leg. My body went under, slightly as my eyes widened. Then I was pulled under.

I struggled to see, to breathe as I swirled and spun under the chaos of it all. But everything was moving too fast, and the thing on my leg still tug me to the bottom, wouldn't let me escape back to the surface. It was hard enough just to figure out which way was up.

My eyes began to stung from keeping them open under and black out. My throat was burning and I couldn't cough it off as I let it wash over me and my eyes began to close, unwillingly.

Ikuto's POV

I dove into the pool to see Amu struggling to get back up. A black string was hooked around her leg, coming somewhere in the bottom. I started to pull it, failing in my attempt. The water slowed me under and made it almost impossible to rip apart.

Amu's actions began to slow as I panicked. She was running out of oxygen and fast. My mind was going crazy, rushing, thinking as the idea came. I began to bite on the rope, using my teeth in such a manner as to tear it in half.

The rope cut and I rushed to Amu, bringing her above surface and placing her on the ledge of the pool. I came over her soaked body, her eyes closed and body still. My eyes widened and I began to push on her chest. Three times with no response. I tried again.

Come on, Amu. I begged in my mind. I tilted her head back, pinched her nose and place my mouth over her own.

She was still as I breathed out gasps of oxygen into her lungs. I gave her another breath and pushed down on her chest. She still didn't respond as I felt my own eyes blaze with water.

Amu, breathe!

I leaned down, another kiss of life to see her responding. I lifted my head as she began to cough, water coming from her mouth as her eyes were half- open. She looked up at me, exhausted and confused.

"I-Ikuto?" She croaked and I leaned down closer, trying to hear her words.

"Yes?" I asked, as I stared into her golden eyes. I had almost lost her, almost lost everything in those few minutes. I was just thankful she had survived.

"I'm…sorry." She said, taking deeper breaths of air. My brows creased in confusion.

"For what, Amu?" I asked, placing my hands behind her back and under her knees, holding her up bridal style. Her hands clung to my neck as she buried her head to my bare chest.

"I'm sorry I'm so much trouble." She finished, taking breaths into my chest. I began to walk back into the house, ignoring the fact that we left a huge trail of water behind. I came to her room and placed her on the bed. She stared up at me now, her eyes fully open with a curious expression in them. I stared back in wonder.

"What?" I asked, leaning down toward her. She shook her head though and yawned.

I sat up straight now, sitting on her bed and stared down at her. I carefully ran my fingers through her bubble gum hair. Lost…what would I have done if I lost her?

"You can come out now, you know." I spoke, not as gently as a small figure came to the room.

"Is she okay?" The girl asked quietly. I took a breath through my nose and unlaced my hands from her head.

"She's fine, no thanks to you." I said harshly as the girl winced.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-."

"Do you not realize what could have happened?! You could have killed her. Why did you do that? Were you bored of all this or something?!" I threatened, glaring at her with pure anger. She looked like she was tearing.

"I-I didn't know-."

"Of course you didn't. Next time you have the urge to help out, just stay out of it. This is just between Amu and I." I stated and sighed. She nodded and left, floating into the bathroom.

I looked down at Amu again, who had fallen asleep. Her breaths were nice and even as I relaxed. I carefully laid next to her, staring at her sleeping figure. She looked so delicate and fragile. Like even a poke to her could brake her.

I took her chin into my hand, and rubbed the soft skin. Then I leaned closer and lightly kissed her forehead.

What would I have done…if I lost you?

ShellyCullen: I felt that this chapter was…intense. Not much of the fluffiness here, but tons of Amuto! And hopefully I'll get a lot more chapters in before vacation. If I have time. Also, Amu had non-violent violence! (Stated from this magazine I saw)

Ikuto: Amu almost DIED?! This story is…is…just horrible! What would you do if she had died?!

ShellyCullen: Cool down, Ikuto. She didn't. I would never kill Amu! Or you. I'd probably cry if either of you died!

Amu: So…I lived, right?

ShellyCullen: No DUH! And plenty of Amuto fluff next chapter! Much more romance between the two! Hehe. And hopefully you guys know what day it is…no? Hmm, I believe it's the fourth of fifth afternoon. I'm too lazy to check.

Ikuto: What kind of author are you?

ShellyCullen: An awesome one! Now review please and hope you enjoyed the spoiler! ;3