Disclaimer: I do not own Shugo Chara.
-Hello everyone. I'm a bit late again aren't I? Well, this is it, the next chapter. I hope you guys like it.
-It isn't over yet, but it'll almost be… : ( I might write a new story soon, I'll tell you guys about it in the last chapters to come.
-This chapter is a combination of Kutau and Amuto. :D
-Please Review and tell me what you think. If you have any questions, ideas or anything you'd like to tell me, fell free to send me a message : )
-Thanks again everyone. Now, without further delay, I give you all the next chapter!
Can't A Guy Propose?!?
The Hinamori mansion was buzzing with excitement. True to their word, Dia and the others did more than just find clues against the Yamabukis while Amu was gone. They also filed files in which Amu was able to get back the inheritance that was rightfully hers. Ami was finally able to return to the mansion with her sister, and the Yamabukis were no longer allowed to step foot inside the mansion. Ever again.
Su was in the kitchen preparing a healthy breakfast for the whole 'family' when Kukai and Daichi had arrived. Kukai had received a little letter from the palace that they were all invited to dinner that night, and he came over to relay the news.
"So, all of us are supposed to o to the palace tonight then?" asked Rima. They were now in the dinning hall of the mansion eating a meal together after such a long time.
"Yeah." Said Kukai with a nod "It's nothing fancy, or so they say, they just want us there that's all."
"It could have something to do with Ikuto and Amu-chan being back." Said Nagihiko with a smile.
"Could be." Said Rima in agreement. "And look who finally woke up." Rima turned to Amu, who just got down. She slept late, and therefore, woke up quite late too.
"And to think this was our first breakfast together like this in a while too." Teased Miki "Amu-chan, you sure have a time for choosing when to wake up late."
"Hey, I was tired from that long trip." Said Amu with a pout.
"You wouldn't be if you didn't bother to run somewhere…" said Ran with a sigh.
"Come on Ran, she couldn't help it." Muttered Daichi.
"I know…" replied Ran.
"So…what's new?" asked Amu as Su gave her the meal for the day. "Thanks Su."
"Welcome Amu-chan." Replied Su before she sat down beside Dia.
"Kukai just came here to bring us some news." Said Dia with a smile "We're going to the palace toning."
"Oh? Why?" asked Amu confused.
"They're inviting us for dinner." Said Kukai with a smile "That, and Tsukiyomi wants to see you too."
"They can't leave the palace today?" asked Amu. She was a bit sad that she'd have to wait until later to meet Ikuto.
"Nope. They have some things to assists. That's what it says in the letter. Apparently, you can't go in there to see him either." Said Kukai.
"Now this is odd." Said Nagihiko "Why wouldn't Amu-chan be allowed to see Ikuto-kun when she wants to?" he asked.
"No clue. All I know is, they're trying to keep people away from the palace for a while. For some odd reason, the royals want their privacy." Kukai replied.
"Sounds fair." Agreed Rima "I mean, their son did just get back from a trip searching for Amu. Plus the fact of what happened with that ball."
"Yes. It would seem that some things have yet to be resolved." Said Dia. "We're lucky enough to have gotten the inheritance back with their help."
"Well, they owe Amu-chan that much don't they?" said Daichi as he ate. "Man this stuff is good." He commented with a smile.
"Isn't it always?" said Amu as she looked at Su "As long as Su made it, it's bound to be delicious."
"Thank you Amu-chan." Said Su with a slight blush of embarrassment.
"Well, it's all true you know." Said Amu.
Suddenly, in the middle of the conversation, Kukai stood up from his seat. His plate was in his hands and he made his way to the kitchen. Everyone stared at the empty seat and wondered what Kukai was up to.
"What's with him?" asked Ran as she faced Daichi.
Daichi looked at everyone's confused expressions with a grin and spoke "Let's just say that Kukai has…plans for today."
"Plans?" said Nagihiko a bit shocked "This early?"
"Well, he's always been on time hasn't he?" said Daichi, his grin never leaving his features.
"Something's up right?" asked Rima knowingly.
"You can say that. Don't worry though…he'll tell you when he gets back." Assured Daichi, he already knew from the beginning what Kukai was up to.
"Hey I'm back….and I'm about to leave too." Said Kukai with a smile as he emerged from the kitchen. "Don't worry though, I washed the plate and utensils that I used, I didn't want to pin any extra work here."
"And where, may I ask, are you going Souma-kun?" asked Nagihiko with a smile "That is, if you don't mind me asking."
"Oh, that." Replied Kukai, he thought about it for a bit and then he gave them an answer "Well, after coming here…I was planning to go to the palace."
"The palace?" asked Rima in shock "But didn't you say… 'the royals wanted their privacy?'"
"Yeah I did." Replied Kukai.
"Okay…I'm lost." Replied Ran with a confused look.
"So am I. I thought I couldn't see Ikuto." Said Amu as she looked at Kukai confused.
"You can't." he replied.
"Then how come you can go to the palace Kukai?" asked Dia "If Amu-chan can't go…then why can you?"
"You can say Kukai's appearance in the palace today was made via special request." Said Daichi.
"Special request?" asked Miki. "Care to elaborate and explain what that means?"
"Well, Utau told me to come over today. She told me not to bring anyone else with me though. For some reason, she told me to go alone." Replied Kukai with a nervous smile, he knew what was going to happen next…
"WHAT?!?" everyone, except Daichi was in the brink of shock.
"Utau told you to go alone?!?"
"What's going on?!?"
"Kukai!!! Why'd you keep this from Yaya!!!"
"I knew something like this was coming…."
"Come on Kukai!! Tell us!!"
Kukai sweat dropped with everyone bombarding him with all these random questions. Nagihiko laughed nervously as he looked at the faces of the excited girls around him. It's been a while since the mansion gave such a fuss like this.
"Calm down…jeez…" said Kukai with a laugh.
"Don't you dare tell us to calm down." Said Ran with a grin "I bet this is just some way and excuse so you and Utau-chan could spend some quality time together."
"That's true. With everything that's happened and all." Agreed Miki with a nod.
"What?!?" asked Kukai.
"Don't deny it either." Most of the girls replied in unison.
"H-hey now…" started Kukai "It's nothing like that…"
"So, you're saying, you're not going to spend some time with Utau-chan while you're there?" asked Miki questioningly.
"Well….I…" Kukai couldn't deny that fact. He did want to spend time with Utau, badly even, but he couldn't bring himself to admit it. Just thinking about it made his face turn ten shades of red.
"Look Kukai's blushing…" teased Ran and Daichi just laughed.
"Looks like you're caught Kukai." Said Daichi. "They know what you're up to."
"I'm serious, I honestly don't know why she wanted me to go alone. Nothing was mentioned in the note she gave me." Said Kukai, as he tried his best not to loose his cool and stutter.
"Oh? Is that so?" asked Nagihiko with a sly smile.
"Yes!" replied Kukai.
"You sound a bit too defensive…" said Rima with an evil glint in her eyes.
"Why are you guys ganging up on me?" asked Kukai with a sight.
"Because it's so much fun!" replied Yaya "It's fu to see you turn red all the time Kukai. Wait till I tell Utau-chii about it too!"
Once again, he blushed about another ten shades of red. "Come on, can I go now?" asked Kukai "You guys interrogated me enough for today."
"I guess we can get you off the hook…for now." Said Rima.
"Thank you." Replied Kukai.
"Oh you're very welcome." She told him.
"Have fun spending the day with Utau, Kukai." Said Amu with a smile "And do tell her that we all said hi. Say hi to Ikuto for me too."
"Will do Hinamori. Will do." And with that, Kukai walked out of the mansion. He didn't bother to ask anyone escort him out. Things were back to normal now, and everyone was an equal. Kukai, for one, was just relieved to be out of the mansion.
"Finally, alone in peace." Said Kukai then he suddenly smiled "It's been a while since it's this lively; finally, things are really looking up."
Kukai continued to walk to the palace with a smile on his face. He thought back to the times when a smile was rarely in place, but now, things seem to have taken their turn…for the better.
Meanwhile, In the Palace
Utau was inside her room, humming to herself. She was singing a melody of one of the songs that se used to sing when she was little. She was inside her room, all alone, when there was a sudden knock on the door.
"Come in." Utau called.
"You seem happy." Said Yukairi as she came inside Utau's room.
"Oh! Hello Sanjo-san. Nice to see you here this early in the morning. No duties today?" asked Utau. Usually, Yukairi had to be busy, so this was something new.
"Well, most of my jobs revolved around you and Ikuto-kun, you mostly. Finding you suitors would be my priority at times, to make sure that you go and meet them." Reminded Yukairi.
"And?" asked Utau.
"Well…now that you don't have to do any of that, I have much free time in my hands. I personally have to thank you." She said with a slight laugh.
Utau looked at her shocked "What do you mean? You're not looking for suitors to court me anymore?" asked Utau.
"No, of course not. You father and mother made it clear to me that they have made up their minds on the matter." Said Yukairi and then she asked "You didn't know that you were no longer to meet with your remaining suitors?"
Utau shook her head and replied "I had no idea." She knew her parents were giving her freedom, but she thought that she'd at least be told to meet with her remaining candidate of suitors.
"I see, so you had no knowledge of this?" said Yukairi and she smiled "Looks like they really have made their decision concerning you and Ikuto."
"What's going on here Sanjo-san?" asked Utau confused.
"Your father and mother told me to cancel all remaining appointments with the other remaining suitors. They said that…you've made your choice and that if you were even given more suitors to choose from, you'd probably just ignore them again." Said Yukairi.
"I see…" replied Utau "Well they do have a point there. I would pay them no heed if they were trying to court me for petty reasons again. They're all the same Sanjo-san."
"It would seem so." Replied Yukairi "Oh and one other thing…your mother seemed to have mentioned something about you. She said that…your heart already belonged to someone in particular."
Utau suddenly turned away from Yukairi and blushed. One thought, or rather, one person crossed her mind. "Kukai…"
Yukairi looked at Utau quizzically before she smiled "And it would seem as though….your mother was right after all."
"I-I don't know what you're talking about…" said Utau with a huff. She was being stubborn again.
Yukairi sighed "Utau, don't try to deny it."
"I-I'm not…it's just that…" Utau stopped in mid-sentence before she continued "I never expected mother to…understand so quickly."
"Well, she is your mother isn't she?" said Yukairi. "She knows you more than anyone."
"I guess so.." replied Utau with a smile.
"So…." Started Yukairi "Who's the lucky guy?" she asked with a hint of amusement in her eyes. Of course, she already knew the answer. Souko and Aruto took the liberty of telling her after all.
Immediately, Utau blushed and hid her face from her companion. Yukairi couldn't help but laugh at her reaction. It was amusing to her how Utau acted now, it was very different from the Utau she once knew.
"I was just kidding Utau, no need to turn away." Said Yukairi "Besides, I already know who he is."
"You do?" asked Utau as she looked at Yukairi.
"Of course I do. Your parents told me all about it. And lets not forget that scene he made during the ball. Souma was it? He sure is something if he can make a speech like that." She told Utau with a smile.
Utau then recalled that speech Kukai made in front of Ryo and company. The one of how much he loved her… "I still can't believe that he said all that out loud…but I guess…that's just how Kukai is…" she thought with a smile.
"Are you expecting him today too? The palace is making a huge fuss about it. Some were even making bets if he was coming today." Said Yukairi with a sigh.
"Making bets?" asked Utau with a confused look.
"He's been quite popular here you know. They say he comes here almost every day." She explained.
"Well…it's the only way we get to spend tome together…." Said Utau a bit hesitant about opening up "It's either he comes here or I go to the town. And after the past few days, they say I have to stay here for a while."
"Ah…so is he coming here today? Paying you a visit maybe?" guessed Yukairi.
"I did send him that letter telling him to come today…" said Utau "But I have no certainty if he will. He might be busy too…"
"Don't worry about it so much. I'm sure that he'll come over. That boy will do anything for you Utau." Utau blushed when she heard this, but she also couldn't help but smile.
After a moment of silence, a knock was heard and Utau spoke "Come in." she called again.
The door opened and in came Kukai Souma. He smiled at Utau and then he looked at Yukairi. "Oh…you must be Sanjo-san, a pleasure to meet you." Said Kukai.
"Hm, so this is the popular Kukai Souma?" asked Yukairi.
"Sanjo-san!" exclaimed Utau. She didn't want Kukai knowing he was being talked about here in the palace.
"Popular?" asked Kukai in confusion.
"Oh yes. After that stunt you pulled during the ball, people here have been talking about it." Explained Yukairi.
"Oh…sorry about that…" said Kukai a bit embarrassed.
"No need to apologize. Many think you did what you thought was right, and there was no harm done. Well, except Ryo, but I can't say he didn't deserve that." Said Yukairi. She faced Utau and then turned back to Kukai. "Well, time for me to take my leave. Farewell for now Souma-kun, Utau."
Yukairi walked out the room and closed the door behind her. She came face to face with Nikaidou when she got out and he asked "So that was him?"
"Yeah, and it looks like this boy is really something." She replied.
"If Utau thinks so, then I think we should trust her. This is a big step for her. Not to mention the fact that he was able to impress Utau is enough proof. How many guys does she not walk away from?" stated Nikaidou.
"So true. Well it'll do us no good staying out here. Shall we go elsewhere?" suggested Yukairi with a smile.
"Ah, lets do just that." And with that said, the two of them walked away to spend their own alone time together.
Kukai sat inside Utau's bedroom while he waited for one of them to break the sudden silence. Finally, he decided to be the one to start a conversation, and it started something like this…
"So…people here talk about me?" he asked. Truly, he was curious about it too.
Utau sighed and shook her head, but she responded. "Yeah, it looks like they do. They even make bets weather or not you'll be coming here to pay me a visit."
"Oh?" asked Kukai, he was getting interested "Really now? When did this start?"
"No idea. I just found out today when Sanjo-san brought it up." Said Utau "Honestly, do people here have nothing better to do?"
"Well, maybe they're just concerned about their princes." Said Kukai "After all, I'm not really a part of the…nobility class. They have a right to doubt me to the very least."
Utau frowned and spoke "Kukai, they don't know you the way I do. They have absolutely no right to doubt you just because of social status."
Kukai saw her sudden grim expression and stood up from his seat. He went over to Utau and touched her face with his hand and he brought himself closer to her. "Now, don't frown and give me that look, you know I don't like it one bit when you do that." He said with a smile.
Utau didn't even try to look away from his gaze as she replied "I can't help it. I hate it when they talk about you just because you aren't from nobility, it's not right. They're all being too…judgmental."
"Yeah, but Sanjo-san never said they thought of me that way, just that I'm being talked about." Said Kukai.
"I know…" replied Utau.
"See? Now, don't be stubborn and give me a smile will you." Said Kukai. "You're prettier when you smile."
Utau blushed and then, she granted his wish, and smiled. "Happy?" she asked him.
"Yes, very happy actually." Replied Kukai. He smiled again before he leaned closer and kissed her. Utau closed her eyes and put her arms around him. Kukai brought her closer and everything was just a bliss. The two of them were in their own little world again…well that is until…
"AHEM!" Kukai suddenly broke the kiss, much to their dismay, and saw Ikuto at the door with his eyebrow raised.
"Um…hey Tsukiyomi, what's up?" asked Kukai with a nervous expression. It's not every day your lover's older brother comes in while you were in a…moment.
"Looks like I missed out on a lot of things when I was gone Souma, what else has been kept secret?" asked Ikuto as he came inside the room.
"Well…uh…nothing much?" it came out more of a question than a sure answer. Kukai didn't really know how much Ikuto knew and he didn't want to find out.
"Heh. Whatever." Replied Ikuto, but he was grinning at the two who were blushing madly.
"W-who told you to just come in here anyway?!?" asked Utau, annoyed that her brother just barged in her room without notice.
"Mind you, I knocked before coming in here. No one was answering so I thought the room was free. I decided to make sure so I came in without being invited." Said Ikuto with a shrug.
"Y-you knocked?" asked Utau.
"Well yeah, but it looked like you didn't hear a thing." Said Ikuto with a smirk "And I can see why. I wonder what would happen in if it was someone else that walked in here…"
Kukai and Utau bother turned red at the statement. They didn't know what they'd do if it wasn't Ikuto that walked in. "…" they didn't, rather, couldn't say a word.
The three of them stayed there in silence until Utau suddenly spoke "What are you doing here anyway? If you came here so suddenly then you must have a reason."
"Yeah. I was going to ask if you sent the invitations to the Hinamori mansion, about the dinner tonight and all that." Said Ikuto.
"O-of course I sent it. I'm not irresponsible." Said Utau "I can be depended on you know."
"Ah, and I just wanted to make sure." Said Ikuto "I don't think that's so much of a crime either. Besides, how was I supposed to know you two wanted some…alone time?"
Kukai laughed nervously, whilst Utau was a bit annoyed at Ikuto. "Okay…um…can we do anything for you Tsukiyomi?" asked Kukai.
"Nope, that's all I wanted to know. I'll be leaving now. Just forget that I even walked in here to begin with." And with that, Ikuto walked out of the room with a light chuckle and closed the door behind him with a click.
"I can't believe him…" muttered Utau.
Kukai chuckled "Your brother sure is something else Utau."
"Oh I wouldn't say that." Replied Utau.
"Um…so….what's up?" he asked her.
"Huh? What do you mean?" asked Utau confused.
"I mean, something must be up right? What's with tonight's dinner and all that? What's the occasion?" asked Kukai. He didn't know and now might be his only opportunity to ask.
Utau suddenly smiled widely which made Kukai wonder even more. "Well, there's no…specific occasion…or so we think."
"Uh…care to elaborate please?" said Kukai "You've got me confused here."
"I'll give you a hint. It has a whole lot to do with Ikuto and Amu. And there's one step further in their…relationship." Said Utau and Kukai's eyes immediately widened and he got the message.
"You mean…he's planning to….no way…" Kukai didn't know how to react at this point. He was happy for Amu, shocked about Ikuto and surprised about the whole thing altogether.
"Quite a shock isn't it?" asked Utau, but she was happy, he knew it. "Ikuto's finally free, and so am I. And all of this…we owe al this to you guys."
"Nah, you could have done it on your own." Said Kukai with a grin "I mean, with your attitude and all."
"And what's that supposed to mean?" asked Utau with a pout and a playful sad face.
"Aw come on Utau, don't do that! It's not fair!" Kukai was not immune to Utau's…persuasiveness and he couldn't bare it.
"Hm? Does Souma Kukai actually have…a weakness?" asked Utau
"Right." Said Kukai with a laugh "He does, only to a certain princess though. It's quite the shock."
The two of them laughed a bit and then Utau and Kukai both decided to take a good walk around the palace. The room was getting a bit too stuffy for the both of them anyway so what the heck. As they walked around the palace, the needed nothing more but each other, and that was more than enough for the both of them.
Later that Night
Kukai didn't need to go back to the town to change, for Utau told him to stay and not to worry, because the dinner was nothing fancy. He had insisted on being more…presentable, but Utau used her persuasive abilities, and of course, Kukai couldn't say no to her.
At any rate, it wasn't long before the rest of the gang were able to make their way to the palace as well. It didn't take long for Amu to find Ikuto, and the two of them were now waling together around the palace, just before the dinner started.
"…" Ikuto was silent for a while and then he suddenly stopped walking.
"Ikuto? Something wrong?" asked Amu worriedly.
"No…nothing's wrong." He replied.
"Are you sure? You look pale." Stated Amu.
Ikuto shook his head slightly and sighed. "Amu…" he started "We…need to talk, it's important."
Amu blinked a few times before she asked "What's all this about?" she began to worry about the outcome of this…'talk'.
Ikuto saw the worry on her face and he smiled warmly "Nothing to worry about Amu."
"…" Amu stayed silent and waited for him to speak again.
"Come with me." Said Ikuto. He took her hand and led her to the garden.
When they got there, she was mesmerized by the sight. It was beautiful at night, and the full moon was shining brightly above them.
"Perfect." Thought Ikuto with a smile.
"Ikuto? What was it that you wanted to walk about?" asked Amu.
"Well…the thing is…there's something I wanted to tell…no, to ask you." Said Ikuto. He breathed and looked at Amu for any further reaction.
"What is it?" asked Amu. She was getting curious now.
"Well…" Ikuto didn't want to further explain himself. Instead, he took her hand and was about to kneel down and ask when suddenly…
"Oi Tsukiyomi, there you are! We've been looking all over for yo---Oops…." Kukai looked at the scene in front of him and stopped in mid-sentence. "Sorry…" he muttered as Ikuto shot him a glare.
"Kukai…." Stated Ikuto with a glare.
Amu just stared from Ikuto to Kukai, wondering what was going on. "Eh???"
"Hehehe…my bad…." Stated Kukai as he placed a hand on the back of his head. "Really, I didn't know…"
"Kukai? What's the matter?" It was Utau. She suddenly appeared and it seemed that she was looking for Kukai at the moment. She saw the state they were in and understood immediately "Oh…so that's what happened…"
"It was an accident!" defended Kukai as he put his hands up.
"W-what's wrong Ikuto?" asked Amu, she was still confused.
"Um…we better get going now. Just wanted to tell you that the others were looking for you guys since you suddenly disappeared and all….um….goodbye." said Kukai as he backed away from the garden.
"…" Ikuto sighed, he never expected anyone to show up like that. Utau left just as soon as Kukai did, and now the coast was clear again.
Somewhere Near the Gardens
Kukai didn't really leave, why would he? He wanted to see this, and Utau was all for it. No, the two of them decided to hide behind a huge wall just near the garden area. They didn't want to dare and miss this.
"This is an invasion of their privacy you know." Said Kukai with a grin.
"Oh well. He can consider this payback." Said Utau.
"Man, what's taking him so long?" asked Kukai "You'd think this would be easy for him."
"He was actually having doubts about this you know?" said Utau. "But it seems like he's finally made his choice.
No one spoke as they watched Ikuto and Amu. Ikuto was talking to Amu now, and he's about to kneel again. But this time…
"What are you guys doing here?" asked a voice, one that belonged to Rima.
"R-Rima…." Stated Utau.
"And looks like she brought the whole gallery too." Said Kukai with a sweat drop and he was right. Behind Rima, everyone else was there too.
"What's going on?" asked Ran curiously "Who're you guys looking at?"
"W-well…." Started Kukai, he knew too well that this isn't good.
"Eh? Isn't that Amu-chan and Ikuto-kun?" asked Nagihiko. Soon enough, his eyes widened in realization to what was going to happen. "Is he really going to…."
"Oh my…" stated Dia happily.
"You mean he's going to…wow." Said Miki.
"Alright! Go Ikuto!~nya." Said Yoru with a light snicker.
"Eh? You mean Ikuto is planning to propo---mmmmm" Ran's mouth was clamped shut by Daichi.
"Come on now Ran quiet. They'll end up hearing us if you make any noise." Said Daichi.
"Sorry…" replied Ran.
"Eh? What's he going to do?" asked Yaya obliviously.
"Uh…" Kukai didn't know what to do at this point.
"Shh. Everyone quiet!" said Utau with a quick glare. Getting caught was the last thing any of them wanted.
All of them were silent and everyone thought that all was going to go well. That is until Yaya caught on and it was way to late for anyone to stop her.
"Eh?!? You all mean that Ikuto is going to propose to Amu-chii!!??!!" Yaya exclaimed, a bit too loudly for anyone's liking.
All of them groaned. They knew they were going to get caught now. Kukai slapped himself and muttered "Oh boy…Tsukiyomi is going to kill us after this."
With Ikuto and Amu
Ikuto was about to pop the question when suddenly "Eh?!? You all mean that Ikuto is going to propose to Amu-chii!!??!!" Yaya's voice was heard.
Ikuto gritted his teeth, he didn't even look at Amu. He knew all too well that she heard it too. "Can't a guy just have a decent proposal without his crazy friends interrupting?!?" When he looked at her, she was staring at him with her eyes widening in shock.
"Amu…." Started Ikuto.
"…" Amu remained silent and stared at him.
"Look, this isn't how I originally planned this. My plan never involved someone yelling that I was going to do this, but there's no turning back now. I'll make it simple. Amu, I love you more than anything, always have and forever will. Will you marry me?" he asked. He was never any good in expressing his feelings, so he made it as straightforward as he could.
"…" Amu stood there in silence as Ikuto waited for her to answer.
Even the others who were now watching without being hidden were getting curious. Just when Ikuto thought he was about to face rejection, a soft voice interrupted him from saying anything more, a voice with happiness that gladly said…
"Yes. I will."
Authors Note: And there you have it. Don't worry it isn't over yet. Haha. Anyway, please Review and tell me what you guys think about it. Thanks again everyone :D