Author's Note: Yay! It's chapter 27! Whoo-hoo! *takes a deep breath* Now that I got that out of my system. Continuing...

I've already gotten a few submissions on the story contest. Have I looked at them...no, not yet, but I actually plan to do so later on today. Does this mean if you send your story late I won't read it? No, that's not what it means. It just means that I'm not going to read all of them last minute.

Rating: T because I said so...

Dedication: Goes to toricahill19178. Don't worry. I've never thought that you've hated me and to show my love, this chapter is for you! ^-^

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

Chapter 27: The Tail Leads to...

Once upon a time, a young mermaid had traveled to the surface. At having seen the beautiful sky, she began to sing, her voice soft and melodic. Sailors on a ship not too far away heard her song, deciding to steer their ship toward the beautiful voice only to run into a fog. Blinded, the sailors were unable to see the rocks protruding from the ocean. Their ship crashed…their were no survivors.

The mermaid was stricken with grief at this, but decided to continue singing since it seemed the pirates liked her song.

'I want my song to be heard.'

Ship after ship, they crashed, unconsciously being led to their doom by the beautiful music. The mermaid, her heart crushed with sadness, decided to stop singing, afraid to hurt any others. It wasn't until one day she noticed a new ship, a young man aboard taking her breath away. Calling out to him, he spotted her, and so began their secret meetings, their love growing with each one.

When questioned if the mermaid sang, she told the sailor of her hardship. Trying to coax her to sing, the sailor tried everything but the mermaid would not produce a note. A new day had begun and with determination set in his eyes, the sailor had new motivation to make the mermaid sing.

Unfortunately, a thick, dense fog had began to roll in, the sailor losing sight. The mermaid, noticing this, was afraid of losing the man that she had come to love, so she began to sing…

Upon hearing the song, the sailor began to lead his ship toward the voice, his eyes catching sight of the mermaid, the fog now gone.

The mermaid had saved the sailor's life and for her great deed, earned the legs to walk along the land with her loved one, where they continued to live happily ever after.

Hotaru was still standing next to her bed, her face a dark crimson at the sight and thought of Ikuto in her bed. Panic begins to well in her eyes.

"What is Ikuto-kun doing in my bed?"

"It's noisy…"

Hotaru halts in her movements at hearing Ikuto's drowsy voice, her eyes spotting Yoru easily.

"I can't sleep…meow…"

"Yoru?"

Hotaru kneels next to her bed, hurriedly grabbing Yoru, her confusion evident in her voice.

"Yoru? What's going on? Explain yourself!"

"Actually, last night…"

(Flashback)

Ikuto is sitting on the ground in an alley, snowflakes floating around him. Yoru appears next to him, having just inspected the front of the house.

"It's no use, they're there. We can't get inside."

Ikuto sighs, sweat on his face despite the cold weather.

"It's probably father's orders."

Yoru, noticing the distress on his creator's face, peers forward.

"Ikuto, are you not feeling well?"

"I can't tell, but I don't have any energy…"

Yoru, noticing Ikuto's eyes closing begins tugging on his clothing.

"Ikuto!"

"It's cold, I'm sleepy."

"If you sleep now, you'll die!"

(End flashback)

"So, I lent him some of my energy to character transform and take him here. Understand?"

Hotaru is quiet, a small smile on her face.

"Oh, okay then, I guess everything is alright."

A few moments of silence pass.

"Are you crazy? You're just lucky Onii-chan wasn't here! He'd slaughter all of us!"

Sighing, Hotaru releases Yoru, looking over at Ikuto. Taking her bottom lip between her teeth, she paces a bit, a sudden voice causing her to halt.

"Lady Hotaru…"

Quickly motioning for Kia to turn off the light, she slides into bed, throwing the covers over both her and Ikuto. Knowing it was too late to fake sleep, she answers.

"Yes?"

She hears her door open a bit, the butler's voice soft.

"Lady Hotaru, I heard a scream. Are you alright?"

"Yes, Watson, I just slipped but I'm alright. Did you forget something?"

"Yes, just my pocket watch. If you're alright, then I'll go for the night."

Hotaru's heartbeat is running fast, her face mere inches from Ikuto's.

'He's so close…!'

"Yes, I'm fine. J-just make sure to lock the door behind you."

"Yes, of course. Good night Lady Hotaru."

"Good night Watson."

She waits until she hears the door lock downstairs before popping her head out from under the covers. Cheeks tinted pink, she eyes Ikuto, his relaxed face comforting her somewhat.

"I guess I can't put him in a guest room or the servants will see him."

'He looks really sick…'

Yoru slides next to Ikuto's head on the pillow, yawning slightly.

"Just sleep here. Besides, he needs the warmth."

Hotaru nods her head, knowing that what Yoru was speaking was the truth. Helping Ikuto slide out of his jacket and boots, placing them nicely by her desk, she slides back under the covers, her body as close to the edge as possible. Her heart was beating too fast for her comfort but their was nothing she could think of at the moment.

Turning her body to face him, she notices a sliver of moonlight peek through her curtains, the light illuminating Ikuto's face a bit. Reaching out a hand gingerly, she strokes his cheek before leaning forward and placing a kiss to his forehead.

"Good night Ikuto-kun."

Sunlight was peering through Hotaru's curtains, the light causing her to open her eyes. It's after blinking a few times does Hotaru remember something.

…Ikuto was in her bed last night….

….his face was only a few inches from hers….

…and he was currently watching her.

"Aaaahhhh!"

Hotaru's body begins to instinctively pull backwards when a slight tug holds her in place. Looking down, she immediately realizes that Ikuto is holding her. Facing up once more, her face turns red.

"W-W-What are you doing Ikuto-kun?"

Ikuto only smirks, his eyes half-lidded. The action stops Hotaru's breathing.

"Watching you sleep."

Hotaru freezes, before her whole body turns red. She doesn't respond, Ikuto taking advantage of the moment to pull her closer, her face now in his chest, Ikuto's chin resting on the top of her head. Hotaru's eyes widen.

"Ikuto…"

"Hm?"

Hotaru reaches a hand up to his forehead before pulling it back quickly. She lifts her head up to meet his gaze, her eyebrows furrowed.

"You have a fever…"

Ikuto shrugs. Hotaru's eyes lower, remembering Yoru's words of him having no place to stay. Slowly wrapping her arms around Ikuto's waist, she hides her red face in his shirt.

"Well…since you're not…feeling well, you're free to stay here….You know, since…you have no place to go."

Ikuto doesn't seem to say anything, when her eyes widen a bit.

"Oh! I just remembered something."

She sits up, Ikuto's amethyst eyes watching her. She turns to him, her voice a bit low.

"I'm supposed to hang out with Amu today. Her and Ami are building a snowman and she wanted to know if I could hang out afterwards."

After a few minutes of silence, she throws a smile on, her eyes seeming to light up.

"But you're free to stay here. I doubt Onii-chan will be coming home today, especially with the school quiet, so you're free to anything in the fridge, I-"

She stops, having been cut off by Ikuto sitting up and pulling her into his arms once more.

"How about…I just go with you?"

Hotaru blinks in surprise, her cheeks a bit red. She doesn't notice the stern look in Ikuto's eyes, his grip on her somewhat possessive.

'Don't think we'll hesitate in getting a hold of Hotaru again…'

Ikuto couldn't seem to throw those thoughts out of his head. With him having taking the violin, he knew that he couldn't leave her out of his sight. He was grateful for Yoru taking him here of all places.

"O…okay. I'm sure Amu won't mind…but, are you up for it? You're not feeling well, remember?"

Ikuto throws a smirk in her direction, pulling Hotaru's face close to his.

"It's okay, being near you has made me feel much better."

Hotaru's eyes widen before freaking out, her body about to fall off of the bed when Ikuto catches her, a few chuckles escaping his mouth. Hotaru frowns.

"Not funny…."

Hotaru and Ikuto had just made it to the school grounds, Amu having texted that she was still there. They were waiting by the gate, Ikuto's hand encased around Hotaru's. She didn't understand why he had done so, but considering he was not feeling his best, didn't ponder about it.

"Hotaru-chan!"

Hotaru's head raises, her gaze meeting Amu as she reaches her, little Ami right behind her.

"Hotaru-channn!"

Ami rushes forward, throwing her arms around Hotaru's legs. Hotaru giggles before lifting the little girl.

"Hey, Ami, what did you do today?"

Ami begins to tell Hotaru about the snowman she had been building, Ikuto watching with interest on how Hotaru handled her so well. Shaking his head of thoughts, he notices Amu watching him keenly. He raises an eyebrow at her. Amu steps forward, keeping her voice a bit low.

"So….why are you with Hotaru?"

Ikuto shrugs.

"I guess I unconsciously go towards her when I'm not feeling well."

Amu frowns, knowing that he was evading the question. She had noticed something in the way Ikuto's eyes had been watching Hotaru. She had a feeling he was there for more than him just not feeling well. Hotaru, spotting the slight tension, throws a smile on and places Ami down.

"You guys ready to-"

"Kitty!"

Everyone turns their heads to Ami as she rushes to Ikuto, her eyes having finally landed on the blue-haired teen. Amu sweat drops as Hotaru giggles a bit. Ikuto is a bit thrown back, a bit unsure of what to do before he kneels before the little girl, a smile on his face.

"Ah, you found me."

Ami nods her head happily, her hand coming up to pat Ikuto's head a bit. Ikuto chuckles before rubbing Ami's head in return. Hotaru, a soft smile on her face, was now watching Ikuto. It was when he glanced at her that she turns her head away in embarrassment.

"Yes, well, let's hurry back before we freeze to death."

Amu begins to hold her hand out to Ami, but the young girl shakes her head. Instead, she surprises everyone by grabbing a hold of Hotaru's hand. Hotaru smiles warmly, knowing that it had been awhile since she had seen Ami despite the recent visits she had made.

"Mm!"

Hotaru's eyes widen a bit when she notices Ami's free hand reaching for Ikuto's, whose currently were in his pocket. Ikuto, noticing this, frees his hand and holds it out to the young girl, Ami takes it happily before beginning to tug on the two a bit.

"Alright, let's go!"

Hotaru glances at Ikuto as they begin to walk side-by-side, Ami between them, swinging their hands happily.

'This makes it seem like we're…'

'We probably look like…'

Ikuto and Hotaru glance at each other, a slight blush on both of their faces as they look away.

'…parents.'

Amu is mentally laughing at the cute scene, her eyes noticing that neither of them seemed to mind the image they were giving off.

Hotaru and Ikuto were currently sitting on Amu's bed, Hotaru's face a deep red.

"That…was a bit embarrassing."

Ikuto only chuckles.

(Flashback)

They had finally reached Amu's house, Hotaru a bit hesitant on entering. She knew that they were going to question on who Ikuto was and she was a bit nervous on that part. She knew that he was her boyfriend at school, but in public..?

"I'm home!"

Hotaru is thrown out of her reverie by Amu's voice, the girl having opened the front door. Following right behind her, Ami's hand still in her own, she steps inside as well. Amu's parents light up at seeing Hotaru, their eyes taking note of Ami holding her hand.

"Oh, Hotaru-chan! Just as cute as ever I see."

Hotaru giggles, knowing that Amu's dad always said that to her and his daughters. He was one devoted photographer when it came to his daughters. Amu's mother smiles at her warmly.

"Here for a visit, Hotaru-chan?"

Hotaru nods her head, her free hand removing the hat on her hair, her hair in a low loose ponytail. Amu's mother begins to speak once more when she notices Ami's other hand is holding someone else. Her eyes follow the arm to Ikuto's face, her cheeks tingeing a bit before her smile turns sly.

"Hotaru, who is this handsome young boy?"

"O-Oh, this is Ikuto Tsukiyomi, he's a-a-"

Ikuto, placing his most gentle smile, bows his head a bit.

"I am her boyfriend."

Hotaru can't fight the blush on her cheeks as Amu's parents turn to her, Amu's father seeming to cry a bit, Amu's mother seeming to light up at this bit of news.

"I hope you don't mind me coming over. I had wanted to hang out with Hotaru today but she had said she had other plans, so I kind of invited myself along."

Amu's mother shakes her head, her hand waving them off.

"Of course not. I can already tell that you're a good kid just by the way you're handling Ami, please, make yourself at home."

Ikuto bows his head once more.

"Thank you ma'am."

"Wait a second!"

Ikuto and Hotaru both turn to Amu's father, his camera currently in his hands. He was at present aiming it at the two of them, Ami now swinging happily from their hands. After hearing the click, he smiles happily, obviously now pleased with the man in the home.

(End Flashback)

Hotaru hides her head in her hands, desperate to hide her blushing face.

"Oh god! I can't believe he took a picture of us like that!"

"At least you remembered to smile."

Hotaru peeks through her hands at Ikuto, a smile taking over her face.

'It was because I had been looking at you…'

She sighs, her hands beginning to unwrap the bag next to her. She holds one out to Ikuto.

"Here…They're still hot."

Ikuto nods his head, taking the fish-shaped pastry from her. Reaching into the bag, she pulls out another for Yoru, her Chara, and herself. She blows on it a bit before taking a bite from the tail. She hears chuckles next to her.

"What's so funny?"

Ikuto only holds up his taiyaki as well, a part of the tail missing. Hotaru realizes what he's trying to point out and can't help but laugh a bit as well. Most people ate taiyaki from the head down, some even starting with the stomach that held the contents but very few actually started with the tail.

"Sorry you guys, my parents were just talking to me and swooning about Ikuto."

Hotaru lowers her head once more as Amu giggles.

"W-What'd they say?"

"That they like him and that they're proud of you for finding such a nice young man."

Amu can swear that she could see steam emitting from Hotaru's head. Walking around the two to sit in her desk chair, she watches them. She can't help but perceive the two glancing at each other every once in awhile. She knew that Hotaru had feelings for Ikuto, but Ikuto…she wasn't sure.

"So, Ikuto, why are you really here with Hotaru?"

Both look up from their taiyaki, a bit thrown off from her question. Hotaru sighs before glancing at Ikuto. He nods his approval before grabbing another taiyaki.

"Well, you see…Ikuto really isn't feeling well…and Easter is after him. His father has them swarming his house and his friend's and last night he almost fell asleep in the snow. Yoru barely managed to take him to my house."

Amu nods her head, glad to have a grasp on the situation somewhat. Ikuto turns to Hotaru.

"By the way, you should lock your window. It's dangerous."

Hotaru frowns at him.

"You're the cat-eared pervert who snuck into my room."

"You say "pervert" but do you even know what that truly means?"

"Of course I do! I write remember, I know exactly what it means, and let's be honest, most would think so if they knew that you sneaked into my room at night."

"Really? So you know what a real pervert is like?"

Hotaru's eyebrow raises in question.

"What? A real one?"

"Yeah."

Ikuto leans toward Hotaru, his hand covering his mouth as he whispers into her ear.

"A real pervert is someone like you who smiles the whole time while watching me sleep."

Amu raises an eyebrow in confusion, having caught his words despite the hand meant to cover it. Kia and Lily only giggle.

"Hotaru…"

Hotaru's face turns red as she turns to them.

"I wasn't smiling! Why would I be smiling when you're not feeling well?"

"Oh, so you were watching."

Hotaru's face turns a deep red as she points an accusing finger at Ikuto.

"You should talk, you were watching me sleep this morning!"

Amu begins laughing at the two, both now looking over at her. Hotaru looks down, her face turning red once more. Ikuto reaches over, placing a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Don't worry, you're my pervert."

"I'm not a pervert!"

Amu begins laughing more, her laughter causing Hotaru to join in as well. Ikuto lets out a few chuckles himself when Amu's father calls her downstairs. Amu stops, getting up.

"Hold on a second you guys."

Hotaru and Ikuto watch her leave, Hotaru having grabbed the last taiyaki. Hotaru takes a bite of it when Ikuto suddenly leans toward her, licking a piece of chocolate on the side of her lips.

"W-What are you doing?"

"Mm, chocolate."

Hotaru turns away, pressing the taiyaki further into her face. Hotaru barely stuffs the last piece into her mouth when hurried footsteps cause them to turn to the door. Amu rushes into her room, her hands easily grabbing a hold of both of them and pushing them towards the closet.

"What is Amu-chan?"

"I need you two to hide for a bit!"

"Wait, why-?"

Hotaru is cut off as the door is closed in front of her face. She can't help but notice the lack of space as she notices Ikuto's arms around her, his chin on her head.

"What are you doing?"

"It's cramped in here."

Hotaru can't argue with that. It's when she hears Amu's voice once more that she places a finger to her lips to show that they should be quiet.

"Come in, Tadase-kun. It's a little messy."

Hotaru blinks in surprise, now understanding why she had stuffed them in the closet. Tadase didn't like Ikuto…and for her, well, she probably wanted alone time with him. She hears footsteps when she hears Tadase's voice.

"What a cute room. It really suits you."

"You think so?"

"Yeah. Sorry for visiting you out of the blue."

Amu shakes her head, her cheeks tingeing pink as she looks at Tadase. This was something she had dreamed of for so long in her life. Her eyes glance at the closet.

'Though I can't enjoy it as much as I want to. Sorry Hotaru-chan.'

"Hinamori-san, why did your mom put 4 cups on the tray?"

Amu and Hotaru both tense up, Amu quick to respond.

"O-Oh, maybe just in case more people come I guess."

Tadase nods his head in understanding, seeming to notice Amu's nervousness.

"Is something wrong?"

Amu shakes her head hurriedly, her cheeks still red.

"No, it's nothing! So…what's up?"

Tadase looks away a bit, his eyes on the cup of tea in his hands.

"Um, well since I've got a chance. I'll tell you. It's about the second thing I wanted to tell you the night before we fought Utau-chan…"

He glances over at her, his body turned to her somewhat.

"…do you remember?"

"Oh, that time?"

Hotaru's mind is running a mile a minute.

'Wait…so Tadase-kun talked to Amu the night before? About what I wonder…Where is this going?'

Ikuto, noticing Hotaru's frantic state, tightens his hold on her, placing a soundless kiss to the top of her head. Hotaru sighs inwardly, her body relaxing against his, their ears still listening to the conversation.

"I couldn't tell you that night, but…"

Amu is waiting patiently, as well as the two stowaways in the closet.

"I don't know if I can say this right…but can you hear me out?"

Amu nods her head.

"I got the courage for this after hearing Kairi confess his love to Hotaru-chan at the train station…"

Hotaru tenses up as she looks up at Ikuto, his eyebrow raised in question. She shrugs, giving an 'I don't know'.

"I had once told you that I was in love with Amulet Heart, remember?"

Hotaru inwardly sighs, she remembered Amu telling her about that.

"Amulet heart was so striking at the time…I was blind and couldn't really see the line between her and you as a normal girl."

Tadase lowers his head, his eyes closing in thought.

"I didn't realize something so obvious…but as I spent more time with you, I slowly came to understand that Amulet Heart is a part of you."

Amu's eyes widen, her mind now wishing for him to hurry. Her heart is beating quickly as she listens intently.

"When you first told me that you liked me, I rejected you in front of everyone. Yet, I later told you that I fell in love with a different part of you."

Hotaru frowns. Amu hadn't told her that bit of information.

"I hurt you more. So…I'm sorry."

Amu begins waving her hands, shrugging off his apology.

"Oh! That was a long time ago! I don't care!"

"It's different now…"

Amu stops mid-movement, her ears having barely caught Tadase's words.

"I want to view you the same way no matter how different your appearance may be."

Tadase stops, his cheeks now turning red as he turns to Amu, his posture polite.

"Right now I am not strong like when I Character Change, but I want to say it. Please let me say it. I may be unworthy, but…"

Amu can't breathe.

"…Can I be in love with you?"

Hotaru and Ikuto both freeze in the closet, Hotaru's face red at Tadase's confession.

'Tadase is in love with Amu?'

Author's Note: Another chapter fresh off of the presses...kind of. lol Hope you enjoyed. On a side note, the way this turned out was better than expected. In a few more chapters you'll see an awesome thing I did and it was by total accident! lol