Author's Note: Oh my goodness, I am so sorry. Things have happened as of lately. I have finally moved out of my mother's house, which of course left me with no internet service, but my cousin and I have recently have acquired it, so do not fret. On top of that though, I have been busy with work, having more hours does that. I have not forgotten about you, so don't worry. On another side note, those of you who are reading 'A Match Made in Heaven?', I am in a bit of a slump on that one. I'm still doing it, but writer's block has hit me hard so please, bear with me. I'm sure you guys want to continue with the story, so I'll shut up now. lol

Oh! Only a few more chapters before my contest ends...if anyone cares. ^-^;

Rating: T

Dedication: Witchgirl590 for messaging me and reminding me that I do have people who care about this story. Don't worry, I'm not mad at you and to show it, this one is dedicated to you. ^-^

Summary: Like any boy, Ikuto has many girls that chase him on a daily basis besides his sister, so there's only one way, in Ikuto's mind, to stop them. Have a fake girlfriend of course!

Chapter 21: Easter's Porcelain Doll

Several days had passed and nobody seemed to be themselves. Amu had fallen into a slump of sorts, not having heard from Hotaru at all. She didn't even know where she lived, Hotaru had always sought her out. She would've asked Nikaidou but he had taken a leave of absence. Ikuto…

…he didn't speak at the moment. Every time she spotted him, he always seemed to be in his own little world.

At this point, she was starting to get worried. She knew something was wrong, but no one would tell her anything.

"Okay, you're going to have another concert today, so be sure to gather as many X eggs as possible."

Yukari Sanjo turned to the emotionless girl, a small smirk on her face as she begins to laugh a bit.

"Ah…it's not like you won't listen to what I say anyways."

She walks over to the numb lavender-haired girl, said girl standing motionless, her hair down, the top layer pulled back by a black ribbon. Yukari absently strokes the girl's face before turning to two eggs sitting atop a shelf.

"Let us out!"

"Yeah, leave Hotaru alone!"

Yukari frowns at the two voices, the two having a little fit every now and then. She decides to ignore them this time as she turns her head to a mysterious man who at the moment, was standing in the shadows. The man smirks as he walks over, eyeing the girl as he walks over.

"We should've done this sooner. She's gained so much popularity, it's remarkable."

Reaching over, he grabs a few stray strands of Hotaru's long locks, the man feeling the softness. This girl was quite a popular item at the moment, the X discs were practically being snatched from their hands.

"She's like this doll…."

"I would appreciate it if you didn't touch her."

Both people turn their heads, their eyes landing on a certain blue-haired teen, eyes solemn.

"Ah, Ikuto….glad to see you finally show yourself. How's the recording going?"

Ikuto doesn't respond as he walks over to Hotaru, grabbing said girl's hand and pulling her down into his lap as he sits. The President only smirks, knowing that he had Ikuto right where he wanted him. He turns to leave, his smirk smug as he leaves without another word. Yukari follows after him, Utau entering the room.

"Ikuto-kun!!"

She starts to rush over when she notices the girl in his arms, Ikuto's grip somewhat possessive. Utau pouts as she walks over, struggling to keep her smile in place despite the vein throbbing in her forehead. Ikuto looks up, his face stoic regardless of his tight grip.

"Utau…"

"Can you believe they have me singing backup for her? It's despicable."

Ikuto had to admit, he hadn't heard her sing once but today he was scheduled to record with her. He lowers his head to gaze at Hotaru's face, the girl's eyes lifeless and empty. The sight alone made him cringe.

'How did this happen?'

(Flashback)

After confirming with Nikaidou that Hotaru had indeed been abducted, he rushed over to Easter's headquarters, knowing exactly who he had to see. He had easily passed the first few stories through climbing, quickly passing security before coming to the president's office, his hand slamming the door open, his face stoic.

He's met with a smug grin.

"Ah, Ikuto, how nice of you to show yourself. May I ask why I have the pleasure of this fine visit?"

Ikuto only glowers.

"You know damn well why I'm here. Where is she?"

The president leans back in his chair, his shoulders shrugging as if innocent.

"Why Ikuto, I have no idea of whom you speak? She who?"

Ikuto can't contain his anger as he practically snaps at the older man.

"Hotaru!! Where is she?!"

A chuckle fills the silence, Ikuto's knuckles turning white from the lack of circulation.

"Oh…her. She came by for a visit actually…"

As he says this, the president snaps his fingers, a small panel in the floor sliding open. As the panel opens, a table lifts from the floor below, Ikuto's eyes widening at the sight. On the table, unconscious, is the girl he's been looking for. Hotaru's eyebrows are furrowed, as if in pain, her hair down and waving along the metal table.

"Hotaru!"

"Ah, ah ah…."

The president waves his finger, as if scolding Ikuto for doing something wrong.

"Now, now Ikuto. She's under our care now. Isn't that right Hotaru?"

Ikuto flinches as Hotaru's eyes open, his own gaze meeting emptiness. Slowly sitting up, Hotaru turns her head to Ikuto, her legs sliding to the edge.

"Don't you see Ikuto? We have something that you want…and if you don't do what we say, we can't make any promises that she'll stay safe? Understand?"

Ikuto is quiet as he walks over to Hotaru, his eyes never leaving her face, her gaze following his every move. It's as he stands in front of her that he slumps his shoulders, his head now resting by Hotaru's head.

"Yes…."

(End Flashback)

Sighing, he turns his gaze to Utau, who had been watching him carefully the whole time.

"What?"

"Can I kiss you?"

"No."

"Ikuto."

Both turn their heads to Yukari motioning for Ikuto to follow her.

"You too Hotaru."

Hotaru nods her head standing up, her hand in Ikuto's. Yukari motions to one of the studios, both easily walking in. As they walk in, Ikuto pulls out his violin, Hotaru taking her place next to the microphone. Yukari's voice comes over the speakers, her tone businesslike.

"Alright, let's start from the chorus. Ikuto, you start once your part comes up."

Ikuto doesn't reply as the music begins, the notes familiar, the bow in his hand rising as his part comes up. It's when it makes contact with the strings that the music seems to evolve, the notes tuned and going with the rock-like music. As the music begins to crescendo that Hotaru's voice starts, her voice light and melodic. Ikuto's eyes widen at the sound, his hands having stopped moving. His eyes gaze over at her, a string tugging at his memories.

"Ikuto!"

Ikuto frowns as he turns over to the window, a matching glare on Yukari's face.

"Pick up at the chorus. Once more."

They begin again, Ikuto's eyes on Hotaru the whole time. It was like the time in the park, her voice wanting to bring him back to a happier time…when he was little…

"Kairi, is dinner ready yet?"

"Could you wait a little bit longer? I had to start late because I had to do laundry."

Kairi tuned out his sister's onslaught of sentences as he turns his gaze to a door, a certain girl behind it. The apartment was small, but his sister had actually been kind(?) enough to take Hotaru in, though the main reason had been to keep an eye on her.

'Hotaru-san….'

"Did you live like this before I got here? If I don't cook, you just eat junk food."

He had to admit, as Musashi lifted a dirty shirt off of the floor, that his sister was somewhat sloppy.

"So, what's wrong with that? Besides, I have you now. Hey…I'm out of beer."

He only sighs as Musashi hands her another can of beer.

"But I'm not going to be here for long. Once my mission at Seiyo Academy is done, I'm returning back home."

Silence fills the air, his suspicions confirmed as he walks over to the couch.

…his sister had fallen asleep.

"Nee-san…"

Musashi idly floats beside his creator, a sweat drop running down the side of his face.

"I can't believe that this is the same gung-ho career woman I knew…and Kairi, I know she's your sister, but you're not her servant."

Kairi only sighs as he covers his sister with a blanket.

"You're supposed to respect your elders. That's what Confucius says. I was honestly surprised when she came home and was able to see you. Then to ask me for help since she was in such a bind…."

Both turn their eyes to the stack of CD discs in the corner of the room, a frown settling upon Kairi's lips.

"I wonder what the guardians would think if they knew it was you passing out the wishing CD?"

Kairi hangs his head, his legs carrying him back to the stove.

"I can't help it…Besides, I'm almost done. The plan goes into effect tomorrow."

After preparing a tray of food, he lifts it off of the counter, walking over to the room that is being shared with him. Opening the door, his eyes land on Hotaru, the emotionless girl staring out the window.

"Hotaru-san…Dinner is ready."

Hotaru turns her head at the sound of his voice, her eyes following him as he places the tray on the bedside dresser between two beds….Well, a bed and a futon. He hands her a bowl of rice, watching as she quietly eats it. After taking a few bites of his own, he stops, his hands dropping to his knees.

"I don't know what's right anymore…Watching you like this…"

Hotaru stops, her body unmoving as she seems to listen.

"Hotaru-san…"

He doesn't say anymore as he steps over to Hotaru in a few steps, his arms enveloping the girl in a hug. Placing a quick kiss to her forehead, he pulls back, returning to the quiet filled air as they eat.

Utau is looking out of the window, her hair pulled up into a giant hat, her eyes silently burning holes into the side of Hotaru's face. She had to admit that the girl's obedience was creepy.

"Alright, we're going to have another concert tonight to collect more X eggs. If all goes well, we might be able to get rid of those Guardians as well."

Utau doesn't respond as Yukari turns another corner.

"Tonight…the stage is Seiyo Academy."

Author's Note: I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and be a bit patient with me. I'm been a bit numb lately, and it's actually quite hard to come up with chapters when one feels like this. lol I'll do my best to become inspired though!