Shugo Chara

Hot or Not

ShellyCullen: So, this chapter is basically a flashback. Before we go forward, we have to go backward. Hope you enjoy the secrets this story has to offer! ;3

Back from vacation! It was a fun week, but I kept thinking about this story. It drove me crazy! Honest. I might even post TWO chapters today if I have time. So, where did I go?

I went to this resort my family goes to every year. There's corn everywhere and I didn't see any stoplights! I'm used to the suburbs, not much of a country girl.

Anyway, you're probably all waiting for the chapter, rather than me blabbering on about my life, so here it is!

;3 ^-^ ;3

Ages:

Ikuto = 17

Amu = 13

Nadeshiko = 14

Yaya = 12

Rima = 13

Tadase = 14

Nagihiko = 14

Flashbacks

Understanding the Past

Chapter Fifteen:

Hidden Truths

Rima's POV

6 months ago

I can't believe this. I rushed to the Royal garden, clutching my backpack in my arms. Apparently, there was an emergency. One I wasn't informed in.

I came to the door, trying to catch my breath and make sure no one saw me out of character. Then, I pulled the door open and stepped inside.

The garden was all in order. I looked all around, trying to find some sort of fire starting or rats going around. There was only the flowers and sunrays sweeping over the dome, the fountain giving a relaxing era.

I sighed and stood in the center, trying to figure out what was going on. Why the emergency? Why did I get a text that-?

"Rima?"

I turned to see Tadase, looking over a pile of papers in front of him. I gave him my usual neutral expression, a little curious. What was going on?

"Do you need something?" He asked, tilting his head to the side. The blonde hairs to his face fell a bit out of place, but that didn't affect his image.

"I…got a message. Some emergency about the Royal Garden…?" I asked, letting the question linger. He gave a puzzled look that melted into a small smile.

"I think Kukai pulled a little prank on you." He stated and I stared at him, wide eyed. This…was…a…prank???!!! This is sooooo not funny.

"Don't take it personally, though. Being the new queen chair, he's just testing your…skills. It's not to make fun of you or anything." He said and I sighed, taking a seat in a chair. I put my chin into the palm of my hand and relaxed. Tadase looked up at me from his work.

"Something wrong, Mashiro-san?" He asked and I shook my head.

"No, its just…being new here is hard. No one seems to understand why I even took this role in the first place." I stated and sighed.

"Why did you take on this role? It was a choice, after all." Tadase asked, now that the paper work had been pushed a side. I shook my head.

"Nothing. Nothing really…but, you can call me Rima now." I said, staring at the stone floor. My cheeks felt a little hot, but I hid them under my composed character. I couldn't see Tadase's expression, but he seemed happy.

"Rima-chan."

Nagihiko's POV

9 weeks ago

I paced around my room, thinking. Today I was going to confess. Today I was going to tell my feelings for Rima.

Since she came into role as the new queen chair, after Nadeshiko had left the guardians in order to continue dance, I had become the Jack chair, watching her silently.

Rima was…a stubborn girl, that's for sure. She was quiet, very sophisticated and well rounded. But…the way she smiled, that one second I'd seen her truly happy. That was the day I fell in love with her.

I took a deep breath and headed toward her house. Hopefully, after being friends for quite some time, she'd return my feelings. Hopefully she'd understand.

I came to the front door and stared at her house, trying to remember this day as best I could. This was going to be the best day…if it all worked out. I was about to knock on the door when I heard a giggle.

My head turned, toward the bushes on the side. Behind that was the backyard. I quietly headed over, as not to disturb any peace or property around. Rima stood in the backyard, laughing…along with Tadase.

I watched in confusion. Why were they there alone? It couldn't be a meeting, could it? I thought about that idea, although, they were the king and queen. My thoughts were interrupted as they began to speak.

"Don't you think…we should tell them now?" Tadase asked and Rima sighed, sitting on one of the green lawn chairs. Tadase sat on the one next to her, his feet planted on the side as he leaned over.

"No…not yet." Rima answered simply as she looked down at her folded arms. Tadase seemed a little disappointed.

"But, our friends have a right to know. They are more understanding than you'd think." Tadase smiled as a small grin caressed Rima's face. I took a step closer, as to get in better earshot of the conversation

"Yes, your right. They do…but maybe after things settle down a bit. I don't want this to get out of hand." Rima replied as her hand came to Tadase's cheek, lightly touching his skin. My eyes widened. Were…they…?

"Alright. We'll wait. And then we'll tell them. I love you, Rima-chan." He smiled and I froze. Rima's head turned to him.

"As do I."

Rima's POV

3 weeks ago

I was sitting in Amu's room, perched on the side of her bed as my legs swung over. Nadeshiko was on a chair in front of me and Hoshina-san stood with her arms crossed.

Amu was beside me, seeming a little nervous and flustered. We were all quiet…and none of us liked the overbearing silence.

"Okay…why are we here?" Hoshina demanded and we all looked over at her. She sure was an impatient super star. I never liked celebrities. And this is why.

"Calm done, Utau-san. I'm sure Amu has a purpose for all this." Nadeshiko smiled and Hoshina turned her head, making a 'humph' sound. I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

"Amu? You have an announcement of some sort?" Nadeshiko encouraged and Amu nodded. What did she have to say?

"It's…well, about Tadase-kun." She started and we all turned to her. Her blush grew and she looked at the ground. It was amazing how different she seemed at school. Although, I was the same way.

"I…um…I'm going to admit to him. That I like him." She whispered, still staring at the floor. My eyes widened as I covered them with my neutral expression.

"That's great, Amu. You're finally trying to win his heart. And admitting to us is the first step." Nadeshiko smiled and Amu nodded.

"Finally have the guts to tell someone you love them. I was wondering when you'd come out of your shell." Hoshina added. I just nodded in agreement.

"T-Thank you guys, for listening. And understanding. I'm going to tell him when he gets back from vacation." The girls smiled and started adding in ways to give him hints. I left the room to make a phone call.

"Tadase? We have a slight problem…"

O.O

"Tadase has…a girlfriend?" Amu asked as her face paled. Nadeshiko nodded sadly at Amu's expression. We were all together in the garden, reading Tadase's new letter.

"I'm sorry, Amu. I know you wanted to admit, but…maybe it wasn't meant to be." Nadeshiko said to comfort her. Amu looked down at the ground, her expression unreadable.

"Amu…" I said, gripping the side of her blazer. She shook her head.

"I-Its okay…I guess, I always knew I'd never be able to have Tadase-kun. I…I have to go." Amu choked out and bolted out of the dome.

"Amu!" Nadeshiko called and I stood still, watching the water fountain. I'm sorry, Amu. But I don't want you to get hurt from me. I don't want anyone to be hurt.

Saaya's POV

A few days ago

"Are you able to do it, Yamabuki-san?" The voice asked from the other end. I walked around the bedroom, grinning widely.

"Do it? I'll be more than happy to. Just to see the great and powerful Amu Hinamori crushed is enough satisfaction. Even if it is a tiny, innocent peck on the lips."

"Good." The voice whispered and sighed in relief. I stopped in my tracks, taking a break from pacing.

"But…I have to ask. Why are you telling me all this, anyway? What are you planning, Fujisaki?" I wondered.

It was silent for a few seconds as I waited, tapping my foot against the wood paneled floor.

"Let's just say…the help I require involves more than just me." Nagihiko finished and hung up.

Amu's POV

3 weeks and one day

I was in my room, sitting on the floor with my knees drawn to my chest. Tadase had a girlfriend…just before I was to confess?

I was hiding my head in my knees, while my guardian characters stood before me.

"Don't worry, Amu-chan! You can try again next time!" Ran called cheering.

"Next time? He has a girlfriend. I'm not taking his happiness away." I muttered and it was silent again.

"You don't know, Amu. Maybe they'll break up." Miki said and I lifted my head up a bit.

"Break up?! What am I, the rebound?" I asked and they all shook their heads.

"Amu, Desu! Miki didn't mean it like-."

"I know, I know…I just…I don't feel very well. Can you guys just leave me alone for a while?" I pleaded, hiding my head away again. I took the silence as a yes.

I began to think of why I was so sad. Tadase just had a girlfriend. Its not like he would be single forever. Or waiting for me forever. I let out a rigid sigh.

"Amu-chan! Its-!"

"I said leave me alone." I stated, looking up. Only, I was met with a person I hadn't seen in a long time. Ikuto.

"Iku…to?" I asked, whispering his name in the room. Ikuto had left me at the carnival that night…why was he here now?

He looked down at with a strange expression held in his eyes. I couldn't make out what he was feeling at the moment, but I could feel the sweet taste of reunion in the air. He stared at me as I watched him closely.

What was he doing here?

I wanted to ask him about a million questions. Why did he leave me before? Why was he back now? Would this be the REAL last visit?

But just seeing him, feeling the very presence of him in the room was good enough…for now. I didn't want to ruin the moment.

I crawled over to him, almost as if having no self-control over my body, and wrapped my arms around his neck. I had missed Ikuto so much…just wanting now to last forever. His arms wound around my waist and I buried my head into his chest.

I don't remember how long we were alone in each other's arms, but it felt comforting. Even with Tadase having a girlfriend, it didn't matter anymore. All that mattered was this moment. Right here, right now.

I smiled. I felt almost stupid. Why was I crying over Tadase? I should be happy for him. That he had found someone he cared about. And if he were ever hurt I would comfort him…just like this.

And maybe…just maybe…one day, he can be the one I share a moment with like I am with Ikuto. To know that nothing else matters…but him.

Yaya's POV

"CANDY!" I yelled, taking the pile of sweetarts and bubble gum in my arms. I loved candy to death, just tasting the yummy food tingling in my mouth gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

"Not too much, Yaya. You'll get a sugar rush." Mom stated and I pouted, but dropped the delicious sugary treats.

Dad came over and patted my head. "How's our little Yaya?" He asked,

smiling as my eyes sparkled.

"Piggyback ride!" I declared, hopping onto his back. He began to laugh too, running around the house. Then Tsubasa started to cry.

"Oh, looks like we'll have to take a break kiddo!" Dad said as I sighed and got off. Mom stored the candy away and walked with father upstairs to the two-year-old.

I came into the living room and slumped over the couch. Today was just like every other day. And tomorrow it would be the same. It was always like this since Tsubasa was born. It wasn't fair.

I wished for attention too! Why did it all have to go to him? I was once a baby. Once as cute. I sighed and sat up. Being a big sister was hard work.

The doorbell rang and I checked the peephole, seeing a smiling Tadase-kun. I opened the door, confused.

"Happy birthday Yaya! I know its tomorrow, but I thought an early present would be better." He stated, handing me a white grocery bag.

I smiled and accepted the gift. I still had my friends, so I'll be fine.

I checked the bag and a wide grin spread across my face.

I Love Candy.

ShellyCullen: So…were any of you expecting that? Hopefully not. Next chapter comes back to the closet scene. :)

LOL. XD Wow, that sounded wrong… Sadly, school starts in about a week for me. And that means less updates. T-T So, let's enjoy our freedom before they take us against our freewill to that prison called school!

Amu: Hey, what about us?

Ikuto: Yeah. What are we? Raw meat?

Shelly: There's no time for chats! I have to get this chapter out today!

Ikuto: Sure, whatever. Forget about us.

Amu: Its not like we're important or anything.

Shelly: -Sigh- Okay, okay. Here, entertain yourselves with this. Listen to Nickelback or something.

Amu, Ikuto: ???

Shelly: Long reviews, please!!!

;3 ^-^ ;3