Author's Note: Um...please don't kill me.
Yes, I know, it's been quite a long time. For this, I am sorry. I've been so busy with work and I've started drawing regularly once more. For those of you who love Hotaruness, she has a page on deviantart. I'll post a link on my profile page. In the mean time, I am having a christmas contest for those of you interested. It can be pictures or stories, but yeah...
If you're a deviantart fan, I'm offering a premium membership, so...yeah...^^"
Anywho, once again, I apologize for the delay and am glad to be writing once more. It is my first love after all.
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I do not own Shugo Chara, Hotaru on the other hand is all mine~
Summary: Like any popular 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 31: The Key
An alarm goes off, a gentle hand easily reaching over and hitting the snooze button to halt the sound. Turning her head slowly to her right, she sighs inwardly. Next to her is the face of none other than Ikuto Tsukiyomi.
"Is it weird that I'm getting used to this?"
Smiling softly, she recalls yesterday, his lips upon hers when she had came back upstairs. They were both quiet the rest of the night as she finished her chapter and sent it to her publisher where as he read some of her manga issues.
She hadn't been sure of what to do really.
Her heart beat had accelerated considerably, her face red the whole time and all Ikuto had done afterwards was smirk and release her.
She didn't know what to make of it.
Sitting at the table, a bowl of cereal in front of her, she sighs again, outwardly this time, her mind occupied on other things. She was actually a bit curious as to whether or not she should go to school.
She knew that she had to obviously, due to it being the first day of the new semester, but she was unsure as to what to do.
"Yo."
Hotaru's head snaps up as she hears a voice, her eyes locking on Ikuto's face. She blinks in surprise, not having expected to see him up.
"G-good morning Ikuto…"
Ikuto continues to stare at her, her face turning red as she looks down at her bowl.
"…kun."
He smiles, obviously pleased with the nickname. He sits down in front of her, already dressed in his school uniform. She was going to question as to how he got it, but decided against it.
Did she really want to know?
Ikuto's eyes suddenly lock with hers, her face instantly turning red. She couldn't help it, ever since yesterday, looking at him made her heart rate increase ten-fold.
"I-I'm glad to s-see that you're g-going to school."
Ikuto only smirks as he takes a bite of her cereal.
"Yes, well, I knew that if I didn't, you'd be lonely."
Hotaru frowns at this, the frown instantly disappearing and forming into a smile as she stands up.
"Well, let's go then."
Hotaru stands up, about to put her bowl away when a small little melody goes off, signaling a text message. Pulling out her phone, she quickly glances at the screen, one of her eyebrows raising at the message.
It was from Amu.
[I have a question I want to ask you in person. Can you come by after school for a bit?]
Hotaru is quick to respond, her fingers easily pressing the keys before hitting send.
[Sure.]
Hotaru was sitting in the courtyard. It was lunchtime, her eyes on the tree branches swaying over her. She couldn't help but feel as if Ikuto was on edge. The way he seemed to glance about and every time she asked what was on his mind, he would tease her, instantly changing the topic.
She sighs a bit, her bento in her lap, Ikuto's right beside her. It's as she begins to eat does a small noise go off, a bell-like sound.
It was her phone.
Reaching around in her bag, Hotaru manages to locate her cell, easily flipping it open to see a notice.
[1 New Message!]
Clicking certain buttons, she opens the message, her eyes scrolling through the text.
[Hey, was Ikuto at your house yesterday?
-Amu]
Hotaru's eyebrow raises at this, easily sending a response.
[Yes, all day. Why?
-Hotaru]
After waiting a minute, her phone goes off once more. It's as she begins reading this message does her eyes widen in shock, her blood seeming to run cold. She spaces out, her eyes no longer on her phone or anything in particular.
"Smells good."
Hotaru jumps, instinctively clutching her phone to herself. Next to her was Ikuto, a curious look on his face, his eyes on her phone.
"Something wrong?"
Hotaru shakes her head, smiling and closing her phone instantly.
"Of course not. Just got a random text from Amu."
[Tadase got into a fight last night…
He says that Ikuto is the one he faced…
He was stopping him from taking eggs from people.
-Amu]
School had just ended and Hotaru had answers she needed from Amu, one being the events that Tadase had told Amu about.
She was really worried.
She was currently at her house, having gone home to change real quick, Ikuto, of course, having done so as well. She had handed Ikuto more of her father's old clothes, the clothes being a little big, but fitting him nicely still.
Hotaru had changed into a long spaghetti strap dress, a nice long-sleeved shirt underneath considering the cold weather. She was waiting for Ikuto, having already slipped on knee high socks as well.
"Hmm…I'm surprised it still hasn't' hatched yet."
Hotaru's head snaps up, Ikuto's face right next to hers as he peered over her shoulder. She follows his gaze to the egg hanging around her neck. She holds it up a bit, her finger tracing the small harp on it.
"I am a bit too….I wonder what it is…"
Hotaru was honestly curious about what lay inside, what lay waiting for her in the egg but she knew that when the time was right that it would show itself to her. Smiling softly as she allows the egg to rest on her breasts once more, she turns to Ikuto, a question in her eyes and on her lips.
"You ready?"
Ikuto nods his head, easily slipping next to her as they headed out of the house. Locking the door behind her, they begin heading toward Amu's house, a nice leisure pace, their breaths coming out in puffs before mingling with the air around them.
"Hotaru…"
Hotaru's head turns to Ikuto, having gotten a bit used to the silence. She waits patiently for an answer, Ikuto's eyes seeming to stare off. The feeling that was beginning to run through her blood was unnerving her. The way he seemed tense…the way he kept staring off up at the sky or nothing in particular was starting to form questions in her head.
He suddenly stops, Hotaru stopping a few steps afterwards. Turning to face him, she lets out a slow breath, another puff of hot air billowing out in front of her before dissipating.
"Ikuto…"
Ikuto's eyes land on her, as if having forgotten she was with him. His violet eyes note the expression on her face, the worry in her eyes.
"You've been acting strange lately….it scares me…I feel like…"
She looks down, her eyes turning to the sidewalk beneath their feet, struggling to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall.
"….it feels like you're going to disappear on me."
Ikuto's eyes widen at this, now realizing the thoughts that were going on in the mind of the girl before him. Allowing the silence to mull over a bit, he smiles softly before reaching over, his hand grabbing the back of her head, easily pulling her to him.
Hand in his pocket, the other on Hotaru's head, he sighs a bit.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. There's just been quite a bit on my mind lately."
Hotaru sniffles a bit, lifting her head to lock gazes with him. She wanted to see his face, read his eyes even though it was nearly impossible a majority of the time.
"You mean those people who are after you? From Easter?"
Ikuto didn't want to worry her about the fact that they could also come after her to use against him, but he didn't need to give her a heart attack. He preferred a smile from her, the way her eyes closed with the expression, that warm feeling that seemed to envelop those around her when she did…that…
…that was what was making him…
"Ikuto…?"
Ikuto snaps out of his daze, his smile fading as he frowns, raising an eyebrow slowly. Hotaru's eyes widen, her blush returning once more as she pulls away, looking down bashfully.
"….kun."
Ikuto chuckles, shaking his head a bit as he reaches into his pocket, his fingers quick to find the chain that was oh-so-familiar to him. Pulling it out, he holds it up a bit, inspecting the key that seemed to haunt him at times, while bringing back fond memories. It was an item of contradiction that he treasured. Turning his gaze to the back of Hotaru's head, his gaze softens unintentionally.
An item he treasured…
"As for me disappearing…I think I have a way of getting rid of that fear."
"Really? How-"
"Stay still."
Hotaru had been mid-turn when Ikuto told her to stay put, her body having freezing instantly. Blinking in confusion, she waits, her ears picking up the sound of his footsteps when she sees a chain pass her eyes.
Emerald pupils follow the item at the end, a small gasp escaping her mouth before suddenly turning to Ikuto.
"B-But Ikuto…"
Another frown.
"…kun, this is-"
"I know what it is."
She stops, unsure of how to react. It slowly occurred to her that he was doing this to ease her fear of him vanishing. It was his proof. She smiles softly, hands clasped around the dumpty key.
"Thank you, Ikuto-kun."
He smirks as he begins to walk ahead.
"For what?"
Hotaru knocks on the door, Amu's mother quick to greet and allow them in. Hotaru and Ikuto head upstairs, both finding Amu in deep thought. Ikuto lingers by the door, leaning on it after closing it shut.
"Amu-chan…"
Amu turns to Hotaru, a smile on her face as she sees her, only for it to falter slightly at the sight of Ikuto. She looks unsurely between them before pulling Hotaru closer. She leads them to the balcony, closing the sliding door shut behind them despite Ikuto's inquisitive gaze. Hotaru smiles reassuringly before turning to the troubled pink-haired girl.
"Amu-chan…What was it you wanted to talk about?"
Amu's hands fiddle with one another, the girl having trouble on how to word the thoughts that had been bouncing in her head since she had spoken with Tadase. She opens her mouth several times only to close it and pace a bit.
Hotaru was watching Amu with interest, now deeply curious as to what she had to say.
"Amu, are you sure you're-"
"Was Ikuto with you last night?"
Hotaru's eyes widen at this, a bit unsure as to where this was coming from. Cheeks tinting lightly, her eyes avert downwards.
"Y-yes."
It's quiet a bit, Hotaru lifting her head after a minute of silence only to see Amu's face a deep red. Hotaru's eyes widen in embarrassment as she begins to wave her hands, as if trying to ward off the thoughts that were entering Amu's mind at the suggestive response she had given her.
"N-N-No! Not like that! He just spent the night! Nothing happened!"
Amu slowly nods her head, somewhat relieved to hear that as Hotaru was suddenly uncomfortable. She was now glad they were outside a bit, considering her face was heated up. Hotaru makes a notion to go back inside, the wind a bit biting, Amu nodding her head in agreement. Hotaru opens the sliding door, walking back into Amu's room as Amu follows suit.
"I assure you though. I'm telling the truth. I don't think it could possibly be him."
Ikuto was struggling not to eavesdrop, his cat ears and tail having already appeared as they came back into the room. Amu doesn't respond to Hotaru though, her eyes continuing to glance at the blue-haired teen in the room.
He sighs.
"I get it. I'll wait outside."
Hotaru smiles softly.
"Thank you Ikuto…"
He stops, one of his cat ears twitching. She sweat drops, her cheeks flushing again.
"…kun."
She really needed to get the hang of that.
After getting what he wants, he leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Amu sighs, head hanging a bit.
"Sorry, it's just-"
"I understand Amu-chan. Now tell me, what did Tadase say exactly?"
Hotaru listens quietly as Amu begins to relay Tadase's tale to her, the encounter, the fight, and the one behind the egg stealing. Hotaru's eyes widened slightly throughout the explanation, though her mind was set.
There was no way Ikuto could be behind this.
"He was with me the whole night. He was there when I went to sleep, and he was there when I woke up."
"How do you know he didn't leave in the middle of the night?"
"Because I would have known."
Amu tilts her head a bit at this, the question mark pretty much visible above her head.
"How?"
Hotaru's face heats up once more, steam seeming to emit from the flustered girl.
"B-because…he w-was in the same…bed…"
Amu's eyes go wide at the last bit, unsure as to whether she heard correctly or not. Repeating it over in her head, allowing it to sink in, she finally nods her head, her face turning red once more.
"I see….Hotaru…"
Hotaru's eyes avert back to Amu, said girl's face hidden by her pink hair.
"….you're a woman now."
Hotaru stands up, once more, heart rate increased ten-fold.
"I told you nothing happened!"
Hotaru stops, realizing that she screamed out her statement. Sitting herself calmly at the table once more, she places her hands in her lap, sitting properly.
"…nothing happened…"
After awhile, she hears giggles, her embarrassment fading as she sees Amu's lit up face. The laughter is contagious as she, too, begins to laugh, glad to have the tension leave the room and atmosphere.
"Thank you Hotaru-chan…I'm glad to know that he isn't behind this. I'm sure maybe Tadase-kun didn't see properly since it was night."
Hotaru nods her head, glad to have Amu's support in this situation. Hotaru watches as she stands, her eyes on the elementary-schooler's happy expression.
"I'll go let Ikuto know that he can come in now."
Hotaru nods her head, turning her head back to the window, watching a few clouds roll by in the sky. The sky itself was a grey color, symbolizing the snow that had fallen the previous nights and the cold that was surrounding the town.
"Hey, Ikuto!"
Hotaru turns to the door at the sound of Amu's voice, the sounds somewhat muffled considering the door was closed. What was bothering her though was the fact that the tone wasn't cheerful or teasing.
It sounded a bit upset.
Standing up slowly, she takes one step, listening carefully, the silence seeming to only echo the thudding sound of her heartbeat and further encourage the cold feeling running up her arms.
"Why….here…?"
Hotaru's head snaps up a bit, the other voice sounding familiar.
'Who is…?'
Taking a few more steps forward, she leans her head a bit further, hoping to hear more.
"Can I…in love…you?"
Hotaru's eyes widen. That was Ikuto's voice this time, her hand now grabbing the doorknob and opening the door. She could feel all eyes on her, her heart faltering a bit at the sight of the owner of the unknown voice.
She gulps.
"T-Tadase…kun…"
She looks between them, unsure of what to say when Tadase's voice breaks the silent.
"You…you were in on this too, Nikaidou-san?"
She could feel her heart break at the sound of the betrayal in his voice. She looks away as she nods her head, her voice low with regret.
"Yes…"
Before she can get anything else out, Tadase takes off down the stairs, leaving them in silence. Hotaru is unsure of what to say, opening her mouth to somehow pick up the broken pieces when Amu's voice pierces her ears.
"Idiot!"
Hotaru is shocked by Amu's words, turning to her with surprise.
"Amu-chan, what are you-?"
"Why did you…? You're horrible Ikuto!"
Hotaru was sure now that she was missing something, glancing to Ikuto for an answer when Amu answers it for her.
"Why did you say those things? Why did you taunt him like that?"
It slowly hits her as she realizes what she heard Ikuto saying. She lowers her head, unsure of what to do now, closing her eyes in pain as she stands there.
…useless.
"I never want to see your face again!"
Hotaru reaches out to Amu a bit, Amu seeming to notice this as she runs into her room, her voice filled with pain.
"Both of you leave now!"
Hotaru stands there, shocked by everything that just seemed to overcome them. Suddenly the laughter that she had gotten out of Amu was gone….and she knew that Amu's support along with it.
Hotaru turns as she hears Ikuto heading down the stairs, her feet easily carrying her after him.
"W-wait! Where are you going?"
He continues on outside, thanking Amu's mother before leaving. Hotaru watches as the door closes, feeling her heart shatter a bit. Amu's mother seems to notice the tension, her voice surprising Hotaru.
"You love him."
Hotaru turns to her, the smile on Midori's face giving her hope.
"Go after him."
Hotaru nods her head, quickly slipping on her shoes and coat as she runs after him. Her thoughts are muddled as she searches for him, Kia and Lily already floating up to get a sight on him.
'Ikuto…You've done something horrible…but….'
Her hand clasps around the Dumpty key as Kia signals her in a direction.
'…I know deep down you didn't mean those things…!'
Turning a corner, she's quick to spot Ikuto, her footsteps quickening.
"Ikuto!"
Ikuto's head snaps up as he hears Hotaru's melodic voice calling his name. He's not quick to turn in time as he feels thin arms wrap around him, the body they're attached to shivering. He knew it wasn't from the cold either.
"You said you weren't going to disappear! Please…"
Ikuto's eyebrows furrow as he hears her voice break a bit. He's about to say something when he suddenly tenses up. Hotaru, feeling the change, peeks around Ikuto to get a glimpse at his face, his skin seeming pale to her.
"I-Ikuto…?"
She follows his line of sight to spot several men in suits heading their way, rather quickly. She doesn't have time to ponder about them as Ikuto suddenly grabs her hand, already beginning to tug her along down alleys and pathways.
"I-Ikuto! Who are-?"
She stops, remembering his words about the men that had chased him.
"Ikuto, we need to-"
She's cut off as Ikuto's ears and tail appear once more, his hands quick to slide around her back and under her knees. Instinctively, she wraps her arms around his neck as he begins to jump along and over walls.
"Ikuto, head to my house. We can hide there."
Ikuto doesn't answer her, but she notices his direction change, their surroundings slowly turning familiar. She was honestly afraid, but she knew that if they lost them, they could hide and wait for them to leave the area.
A sudden noise causes Ikuto to wince a bit, his eyes noticing Hotaru's house. Quick to jump onto the wall, he springs to the tree before landing on Hotaru's balcony. She sighs relief as he eases her onto her feet, Hotaru smiling triumphantly.
"Ikuto, we lost them! We-"
She stops, noting the regret that seemed to be filling in Ikuto's eyes, the apology that he wanted to say practically screaming at her.
"Ikuto…?"
So many thoughts were going through Ikuto's mind.
'They're only after me…'
He noticed Hotaru's smile as she seemed overjoyed at their small success…
…but he knew it was only temporary.
'They'll find her if I stay here. They'll kidnap her…they'll…'
Images of when she was being controlled flash through his mind, a sneer appearing on his face. It's when he hears Hotaru calling his name does he snap out of his reverie, his amethyst eyes screaming his thoughts.
He knew what he had to do.
"Ikuto, what's-?"
She stops, Ikuto's hand shooting out to grab her wrist, quick to pull her into his embrace. Hotaru wanted to enjoy the hug, but…she could feel the desperation behind it.
"Hotaru…."
"Ikuto, no!"
"…I'm sorry…"
A sharp pain in her neck is all she can register as her vision begins to blur, Ikuto's face fading with it. She struggles helplessly to stay awake, but her mind is already beginning to lose it's train of thought, her senses going numb…
…she falls unconscious.
Nikaidou had just arrived home, resting his briefcase on the kitchen table as he looks around.
"Hotaru, I'm home!"
His fingers begin to undo the choking tie around his neck as his feet lead him upstairs. Heading straight to Hotaru's room, he notices the door slightly ajar.
"Hotaru?"
Opening the door slowly, he looks around, finding the room empty. He begins to scratch his head when his eyes land on Hotaru's sliding door, his eyes noticing the unconscious girl outside. Rushing over, he's quick to unlock it, going to his knees as he lifts Hotaru's head up.
"Hotaru! Hotaru!"
He notes the jacket around her form, it obviously not belonging to her.
"Uh….."
He turns his attention back to her as Hotaru's eyes flutter open, a relieved smile overcoming him.
"Hotaru, thank goodness! Are you alright?"
Hotaru's eyes slowly move about her, her mind slowly registering her brother before feeling the cold wind that seemed to be biting at her skin.
In a rush, it comes back to her, her body instantly sitting up.
"Ikuto-kun!"
Yuu is confused, shocked mainly at his sister calling out Ikuto's name. It dawns on him slowly as to whose jacket he couldn't register, and why Hotaru was outside, unconscious.
"…no…."
Tears begin to stream down Hotaru's face, her hands coming up to her face.
"No…no…no!"
Nikaidou is quick to wrap his arms around Hotaru's sobbing form, knowing that he's helpless to comfort his sister.
"Ikuto!"
A man in the shadows watches in the moonlight as X eggs begin appearing around him, the sound of a crying violin echoing about him.
He smirks, feeling smug that his plan was working.
"You're doing a good job…"
His eyes land on the one holding the distressed instrument, his clothes not his usual attire or transformation form, his eyes lifeless.
The man chuckles.
"…Ikuto."
Author's Note: And there you have it. lol
Another chapter finally posted, which I hoped you all enjoyed. Remember, go to my profile page to check out the page full of Hotaru art.
It's nice~ 3
Until then, I hope to be hearing from those who still care about this story.