Amu: 18

Ikuto: 23

Saaya: 18

Kukai: 21

Tadase: 20

Utau: 19

Disclaimer: I don't own Shugo Chara Peach Pit does.

.::. Straight In His Direction .::.

Saaya and I stood in a room filled with rich blue walls decorated with white swirls that practically glittered rainbows when the sunlight praised itself across them, blinding the eyes of any living thing. The aroma filtered our nostrils with fresh wood and cotton. It was a mix but very enchanting.

Jay-Jay sat in a leather black chair, separating the bright colours into focus with a purple folder filled with Saaya's and my drawings of our designs. From the happy glow and atmosphere around her, I'd say she was impressed.

"Cotton tank with a silk curtain spilled against it. Yes, yes the colours do go great with each other," Jay-Jay all but shared her opinion. Saaya's face lit like a candle in a dark room. Her eyes were shimming with admiration and acknowledgement. I was very happy for her.

Jay-Jay made very little comment after that, nodding as she went along. I swallowed, waiting for her to voice for at least one of my own designs. I held my head high, a smile but my fists were clenched rather painfully, thoughts of disappointment running in my head. What happens if she doesn't like it? What would happen to me? Why isn't she voicing her thoughts? Oh my gosh I'm going to be kicked out!

As if sensing my thoughts, Saaya turned to give me a brief calming smile that reached her eyes. I gave her a small one back before our eyes once again, refocused on Jay-Jay. She reached the end of the page, examining the final drawing of mine. I could see the book closing and disappointment flooded in my veins. I let Saaya down, myself and the company.

Placing the purple folder on her glass desk, Jay-Jay stood up and walked to her window that reached across the whole wall. She gazed outside of the traffic, her posture straight and still making my own nerves fizzing up greatly. Her brown curls pulled back in a hair-tie swished as she turned her stormy glossy eyes of silver to us. I held my breath.

And then blew out as she spoke. "Tomorrow morning you both will meet your models for the upcoming runway. Five each." She turned her back to the window and when she did, a smile lit her face, similar to a mother's who approved highly of her children. "Well done girls. I'm very proud at your results."

"Thank you," we both squealed out. I had to refrain from jumping up and down when she began to walk towards her desk. I can't believe it! She's happy with the work. I turned to look at Saaya who then turned to me. We knew what was about to come so, reaching out my hands, we both embraced each other, glad for one another.

"Oh, Amu! I will like a word with you." She didn't have to ask for Saaya to leave, since she was practically running to the door. Waiting for its dark wood to close, I turned to Jay-Jay and waited.

"Are you pleased with the designs?" So much for being patient, I thought.

Jay-Jay turned with her arms behind her back. "I want to promote you, Amu."

My eyes widened, not expecting this. "I...uh," I honestly didn't know what to say. "Why?"

Jay-Jay walked around her desk, studying its colour, design and of course, making sure there was no dusk. The minute her eyes looked at mine, I couldn't determine if she was happy or just being neutral. "You're the best, Amu. That's a simple way to put it. The best, creative little designer I have."

I couldn't quite put my feelings down but joy was definitely one of them. "Thank you," I all but said, not knowing what else was appropriate to utter. "Your words really do mean a lot. To be able to be here, let alone promoted...I couldn't ask for more."

This time, Jay-Jay smiled, clear as crystal. She reached down onto her desk, picking up an A5 yellow piece of paper before handing it to me. "I want you to look at this when you have free time. It may be after the runway or before but once you're ready, come and find me."

"What is this?" I asked and took the paper out of her hands.

"Shugo Chara is top company for people like you. They have their professional models, designers, photographers, even best secretaries. And when I say the best, I really do mean the best. Nothing like you, have ever seen in your life."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Me? An eighteen year old, given an opportunity for the big world. I knew my words weren't even words by the time I stumbled upon something suitable to say. "Jay-Jay I...I don't understand any other words by thank you. I really don't know what to say, I...I'm utterly speechless." Jay-Jay all but continued to smile. "So," I say knowing gratitude's weren't something she was used to. "Where is this Shugo Chara Company?"

"America."

Now this was a definite surprise. "America?" I repeated.

Jay-Jay knew that I knew what she knew and thought about my questioning to this...if that made any sense. Her smile faulted, her eyes squinting a bit concerning. "It's a big change I know. You'd leave everyone here behind, including Saaya. But an opportunity like this doesn't come flying down chimneys Amu. You understand that right? Talent is not something to be wasted upon. And if you are really thinking about your future, you may want to think about giving me an answer any time soon."

I swallowed. "With all due respect, Jay-Jay, I think I will have to wait a while before I even give you a proper answer."

As I knew she would, Jay-Jay nodded. "Of course, when you're ready. Until then, keep the work up." She sat in her chair, hands reaching for her mini laptop on the corner left. "I'll leave you to find your way back to the apartment downstairs. I have a lot of work to do concerning with the runway. Apparently we had booked the place a week before," and giggled to herself. I nodded in acknowledgment.

I waved goodbye with the paper in my hand. "See you next week."

When I made it back to my apartment, Kukai and Saaya were on the couch watching Pride and Prejudice. I laughed inside, not sure what I should be thinking. When I made my presence noticed however, both jumped up in surprise.

I laughed at their pathetic excuses. "I'll be in my room watching my own movies." I winked at them both before exiting. Eventually when the door to my room closed, blocking out their voices, my smile faded into a neutral but complicating expression. Sighing, I slammed my body on my double white bed, welcoming its comfort before turning on my back and looking at the yellow paper with the words Shugo Chara written in fancy font. I fought hard to resist a growl in frustration and instead sulked.

Leaving this place would mean leaving Saaya, Kukai, Tadase and Ikuto; the one guy who I had purposely cut my hair and lied on purpose too; just to talk to him and now having dinner with. Moving to an upper class would do well with my career, especially if Jay-Jay had already said something to them. It would be such a disappointment if I rejected it...

Rejection...

My eyes snapped open in a blink of an eye and it surprised me how much time had gone by. Did I pass out? I searched for the clock next to me, hoping it wasn't that late.

Karma just didn't work in my favour today.

"Shit!" I jumped off the bed, almost knocking myself down to the floor as I searched for my clothes, sweat appearing at the palm of my hands.

Ones I grabbed its fabric, I hurried to my bathroom to change out of immediately, ignoring all thoughts to have a shower. I shrugged off my bra and wrapped the breasts in wrap, flattening them. I flung on a white t-shirt with a loose grey jumper that told people I was the 'cute and innocent' gay boy. You know that ones that are just so adorable with their clothes? Yeah, I'm one of them now. With a pair of skinny jeans and belt, I chucked on a cross Saaya bought me, mused my hair, and grabbed a pair of runners, my keys and wallet. I only managed to say a quick bye before anyone had stopped me.

7.13pm was the time I parked my car in the almost empty lot, before jogging towards Dark Strawberry. I stopped just before the windows, taking deep breaths to calm my racing heart and shaky hands. Come on, Amu! Get your gay on.

Gingerly, I walked towards the door, opening it to hear a jingle of a bell. There were seven people in here, two with another partner. My eyes searched the tables, unsure on what to see. Ikuto did say seven sharp, but was he the one to ditch a date if the other party was late?

Not that it's date, I scold to myself. You're here strictly for business. Don't get too happy.

Yet, when I walked to the counter and saw a note sticky tapped to the board with the name 'Yoru' on it, I couldn't stop a smile from spreading my cheeks. Ripping it off the counter, I turned and read what was written in very neat handwriting.

Meet me in the staff's room. No one but Kairi is here today.

-Ikuto.

Looking behind me for no apparent reason, I walked behind the counter and through the staff door to see...

...A candlelight table with a very hot Ikuto.

Did I forget to mention that he's in a tux?

Hey guys! I apologise for being so late ahhhhh! Hope this was good and that you enjoyed it (: hopefully the next chapter will be faster!

Oh, and THANK YOU for your comments on 'My Lover Complex' for those who have and for those you putted the story on favourites and alerts. Oh, my gosh! God smacked is the only thing I have to say. MLC will be uploading soon!