Hey everyone! It's not quite a late update. :D But I have news! Not quite good news, in your point-of-view.

I'll be going on a half-hiatus status.

Yes, sadly, that's the news. Now, half of you are (hopefully) complaining why Hope-chan is ditching her stories and oh-so-faithful reviewers. Well, I've got my reason! Here they are:

1. My grades. They're dropping. NOT good. That can't happen. Gotta catch up!
2. Need time to take a rest...I need inspiration, especially for Sealed Memories.
3. I'm attempting to finish my Xth draft of an OC-centric story. So far, I've gone through at least seven failed copies. Wish me luck.

And sadly, my Rimahiko passion is dying out. Probably because it's just the same plot line I'm writing in different ways. But no worries; I'll (almost, just in case I do) NEVER disconnect a story. I know it's very annoying. I'll at least give it a crappy ending and edit it some time 20 years later. Also, after my 'break,' I'll be starting Sealed Memories. So, all readers, your half-a-year's worth of Rimahiko from Hope-chan has been guarenteed.

Alright! Hope you enjoy this chapter!

(Disclaimer: I do not own Shugo Chara! or Fall for You by Secondhand Serenade and Love Story by Taylor Swift. I partially own Tonight's Last Dance. The lyrics, specifically.)


Chapter 12: The Dance of a Lifetime

He took my hand. I looked at him with confusion. "Nagi…?" I asked, as he smiled.

"May I have this dance?" he asked, as I saw Utau at the corner of my eye preparing for her next song. I smiled, walking towards him.

"Sure," I said, as we stepped onto the dance floor, as I looked in his hazel eyes. I smiled.

Was I truly in love?


It probably wasn't a coincidence that the moment Nagihiko and I stepped onto the dance floor, Utau announced she was picking a requested song. And it probably wasn't a coincidence that Kuukai whispered something into her ear at which she smirked (resembling like Ikuto a bit too much for her own good). And it definitely wasn't a coincidence that Utau's hand moved around in the request box for a long time…as if looking for something before picking a paper out 'randomly.' She turned toward the band as they shrugged, probably okay-ing the song. Utau stepped onstage, adjusting the microphone to a suitable height.

"Is everyone having fun?" she exclaimed as the cheers from the crowd echoed throughout the gym. Utau smirked at me and Nagihiko and I gulped nervously, wondering what song she'd chosen. "Alright! Well, I've just randomly drawn a request song, so here, one of the band members here will give you Fall for You."

(A/N: I know I usually try to not add A/N's in the middle of stories, but I JUST GOTTA ADD IT HERE! Okay. If you've read my A Collection of Songs for the Soul, then you're probably thinking: why is Hope-chan using the same song for two stories? Is she so lazy? Truthfully—well, yeah, that's partially, but truthfully, Fall for You fits best to the situation, personally, in my opinion. But as an apology, I'll put an alternate song that'll still fit in perfectly with the plot at the end of this chapter for those who are disappointed in me. Alright? Thanks!)

The best thing 'bout tonight's that we're not fighting
Could it be that we have been this way before?
I know you don't think that I am trying
I know you're wearing thin down to the core

Why does it seem like…this song is directed to me? Oh heck; with Utau and Kuukai and them fiddling with the Request Booth, there's a high possibility this song is directed to me. I listened to the lyrics as Nagihiko and I stepped into a simple waltz following the beat: one of his hands around my waist and the other holding one of my hands, while I had my other hand around his waist as well. Did I mention? Evidently not, cause I don't remember. Ah well. I'll tell you: I'm wearing (cursed) high heels. Blame Mama. Don't look at me. I said, stop looking at me! But at least with the high heels, I didn't have to reach up for Nagihiko's waist. He and I actually didn't look like a couple with so much of a height difference.

PAUSE.

We don't even look like a couple!

The song was soothing. I'd heard of it before. The first line, I couldn't help but smile at. Him and I were certainly not fighting tonight. Could it have been like this before: him and me, co-existing in the same room, without a single insult, or complaint, or argument thrown across the room? Perhaps…though all of those fights have blurred my memory.

Nagihiko…is he really trying to be my friend? No, of course not; he just wants to get my trust. And then—and then? And then? What'll he do with my trust? Crush me? Perhaps. But will he?

He seriously is wearing me down to my core.

But hold your breath
Because tonight will be the night
That I will fall for you over again
Don't make me change my mind

I realized I was holding my breath, in an attempt to listen to the lyrics closely. F—fall for me? Or I fall for him? Perhaps…I have already fallen for him. No one will change my mind, well, perhaps no one except Nagihiko.

Or I won't live to see another day
I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
You're impossible to find

Alright, that's a bit too far. I'm NOT gonna commit suicide if Nagihiko re—rejects me or something. On second thought, the song seems to be talking about Nagihiko…

Though that's just assuming.

This is not what I intended
I always swore to you I'd never fall apart
You always thought that I was stronger
I may have failed, but I have loved you from the start

Yes. I did think he was stronger. He was always taking care of us, either obviously or in the dark. I saw a lot of times: he'd slip something sweet into Amu's lunchbox when she was in a grouchy mood, or he'd 'unintentionally' crash into someone who had gotten Yaya angry, or he'd place a gift in my bag, saying it was from a fan-boy. He did all these things us, yet keeping in the dark. I thought he was strong. Unbreakable.

He hasn't failed. He hasn't failed me. No, Nagihiko, you haven't failed me. That's what I want to say, but he'll probably just think I'm going crazy.

This song must be reading my mind.

Yet the last line doesn't fit our situation.

Does it?

Oh, but hold your breath
Because tonight will be the night
That I will fall for you over again
Don't make me change my mind

Or I won't live to see another day
I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
You're impossible to find

So breathe in so deep
Breathe me in, I'm yours to keep
And hold on to your words 'cause talk is cheap
And remember me tonight when you're asleep

I'm breathing. I'm breathing in deep. I can smell the smell of him: slightly floral, slightly of cologne, slightly of the cold winter air. Do I sound like a smelling pervert? Perhaps.

I'm afraid to talk. I'm afraid something I don't want to say will be let loose. I'm afraid he'll tease me about my words till I finally give in. No, I won't talk. I can't. I'm afraid.

Though tonight, I'll definitely remember in my mind.

Because tonight will be the night
That I will fall for you over again
Don't make me change my mind

Or I won't live to see another day
I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find

Tonight will be the night
That I will fall for you over again
Don't make me change my mind

Or I won't live to see another day
I swear it's true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
You're impossible to find

We finished our slow dance, as he bowed to me and I managed a rigged curtsy. I looked up and saw him smiling at me. It must have been the atmosphere; it must have been the atmosphere; it MUST have been the atmosphere.

Blink. He's smiling at me.

Blink. He's kissing me.

It all happened in a blur. Before I knew it, I felt his (now) familiar lips on mine once more, soft and tender, yet demanding. It probably was the atmosphere—it DEFINITELY was the atmosphere—that I started kissing him back. We were in the middle of exchanging saliva and his tongue was about to enter my mouth when I probably realized what I was doing. I kissing my supposed-to-be-my enemy! I was kissing someone who liked someone else! My eyes snapped open as I immediately drew back from the kiss. I stole one glance at him: confusion. Utter confusion…and curiosity as to why I drew back. I mumbled some incoherent words under my breath and turned around, stumbling through the crowd, as I heard him call my name. But I couldn't respond. I ran. I ran away from him. It was too much. Too many thoughts were swarming in my mind.

I found a quiet place: the gym supplies storage closet. The gym supplies had been pushed to the side and we placed extra juice and soda bottles there. I snuck in and crawled into a ball form, except I didn't cry. There was no reason to cry. I just needed some peace and silence to think.

Why.

Why is why such a hard question to answer. I truly don't know why. Why did Nagihiko kiss me? Why did I kiss him back? Why does Nagihiko like Chika? Why did Nagihiko kiss me previously today? Why—why—why was Nagihiko so hard to read? Why was I myself so hard to understand?

Why is this all so confusing?


I opened my eyes and realized I'd taken a short nap. Groggily, I looked around for a clock but soon realized there's no reason to place a clock in the storage room. I looked around, sighing from the sleeping fatigue, but managed to stand up. I wasn't going to think about them anymore, seeing I couldn't think of anything straight about my questions.

I stumbled out of the small room to see the ball starting to enter 'romantic phase,' meaning it's getting late, the songs are getting slower, the people who have needed to confess have confessed, and Yaya switched some of the lights off.

Yup: the lights definitely signalized 'romantic phase.'

I checked around for a clock on how long I'd slept. Darn. I slept for two whole hours! Everyone was probably panicking, looking for me. Wonder why they didn't come to pick up drinks.

"RIMA-CHII!" Yaya exclaimed from behind me, as I turned around and saw her. I smiled weakly through she glomped me the moment she was in jumping-on-Rima and landing-on-her radius. Soon after, everyone else found me too.

"Rima! You really got us worried!" Amu exclaimed, as I smiled weakly. "G—gomen, minna," I managed. For a split moment, I caught Nagihiko's gaze. Hurriedly, I turned away from him, a slight blush that I could feel spreading on my cheeks.

"Ne, Rima-chii! Yaya saw you kissing someone!" Yaya said mischievously, as I glared at her in an attempt to get her shut up and not say anything. Evidently, my glares weren't threatening enough, her radars were on low signal, or she was simply sugar high, which is what I vote for.

"RIMA-CHII AND NAGI-KUN, IN A GYM, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" Yaya exclaimed, as everyone turned towards me, either amazed, shocked, or teasing me.

"Rima! Seriously? Awhhh, that's cute," Amu remarked. I froze. I really didn't know what to do. My questions from earlier flooded into my mind.

"I regret!" I exclaimed, as everyone watched me out of shock. "I wasn't supposed to kiss him! I blame myself! I hate myself for kissing him! I wasn't supposed! Why did I kiss him back? Why did he kiss me? Why are you always playing with me?" I exclaimed, pointing a finger accusingly at Nagihiko, as I felt tears stream down my cheeks. "You like Sasaki-san! Then stop raising my hopes just to crush me in the near future! Stop playing with me! I—I HATE YOU FUJISAKI NAGIHIKO!" I exclaimed loudly. Thank goodness Kuukai was near the DJ and told him to pick a super loud and very upbeat song. Also, thank goodness we were in a rather secluded area. Not very many people heard…hopefully. I wiped the tears on my eyes, as Amu approached to give me a hug, but I slapped her hand away.

"Ju—just leave me alone!" I exclaimed, running off again. After I knew I'd lost them, I crawled back into the storage room. Unscrewing a Coke bottle, I swallowed a fourth of the 1.25L black liquid in one gulp. I was attempting to get drunk from Coke, so I could forget all of my worries. Now I know why people drink alcohol. To forget. To relieve stress.

I guess Coke will have to replace alcohol for now. I took another gulp, bringing the black liquid's level down to half of the bottle. It was much lighter already, holding the big bottle, as I searched for a comfortable corner. I lied down, my eyes already drooping threateningly close, as I sighed. I closed my eyes.

Fujisaki Nagihiko…who are you to me?


I forgot one thing. When you drink a lot of Coke, you need to let it out. And how? By going to the bathroom. I slept for about 30 minutes and then woke up, needing to go to the restroom. Sneaking out of the room so no one would discover my sanctuary, I maneuvered throughout the crowd to exit the gym building and walked towards the bathroom.

Quickly finishing my business, I swiftly made my way back to the gym. The darkness outside was frightening. I definitely needed someone to accompany me back home. I was about to enter my hiding room once more when I felt a hand on my wrist.

"I knew you'd still be in the gym," the voice said. Oh, how I hate the voice. How I hate him. Him. He made me so confused. What does he want?

"I—I'm sorry," he stammered, releasing my wrist. I didn't turn around, instead standing there with my back towards him. "For?" I asked. "There's nothing to be sorry about. Everything's my fault," I said. It's all my fault.

"No, it isn't. I was too rushed. I—I'm sorry. I really am. Oh yes," he said, taking something from somewhere and slightly pushing it towards my back. "This is yours. From the gift exchange," he added, as I shrugged, taking the gift but not looking at him. Quickly unwrapping the wrapper, I found a nice keychain of a delicate snowflake. I slipped it around my finger and slightly spun it.

"Anything else you'd like to say?" I asked him. He shrugged.

"The 'Mistletoe Corner' will be starting soon. Don't you want to oversee it?" he asked. I shrugged this time.

"Perhaps," I said, walking towards the 'Mistletoe Corner," or where it was intended to be, with my back still to Nagihiko. I couldn't see his face now. I seriously regretted saying I regret…I seriously regretted all of this. I hated myself even more now.

"Alright everyone!" Utau exclaimed over the intercom. "We're opening up a 'Mistletoe Corner' now, everyone! It'll be at the left corner upon entrance of the gym! Yes, if you're single, you'd better go check it out! I guarantee I'll give you the perfect partner!" Utau exclaimed enthusiastically. "My last dance you'll be needing a partner, so get one there if you haven't one already!" Utau exclaimed, stepping off of the stage and letting the music continue.

I sighed, reaching the 'Mistletoe Corner.' It was actually really easy. There was a room, which was in reality Gym Supplies Storage Room B on the other side of the room of the other one, where we placed mistletoes on the roof everywhere. We'd let ten or twenty students go in once, and they randomly walk around. Finally, when we say 'stop,' they open their eyes and see their partner under the mistletoe. If it's of the opposite gender, you need to kiss him/her under the mistletoe in front of everyone and it'd be a good start if you want to dance with him for the last dance. If you were of the same gender…you could try again if you wanted to.

It was actually really amusing. Everyone was blushing and red-cheeked and slightly embarrassed. Some people didn't want to kiss whoever they were 'paired' with; others simply needed the push that we gave. I'm glad to say 'Mistletoe Corner' has turned out to be extremely successful.

"ALRIGHT EVERYONE!" Utau exclaimed loudly into the microphone. "It's time for the last song! Grab a partner!" she exclaimed. "This song is made up by yours truly, me. I hope you'll enjoy Tonight's Last Dance!" I sighed. I didn't want to dance. I wasn't in the mood. Subtly , I slipped into a corner and watched all the blushing couples, awkward glances, yet, of course, the blissful smiles. Kairi was hesitantly following Yaya's random dance moves, while Ikuto was attempting to embarrass an already strawberry-red Amu. Even Kuukai dragged Utau around while Utau sang with a headset.

It was nice seeing everyone in love.

(A/N: The following song is to the melody of Fall for You. Yeah, I know; I'm so lame, using the same song twice in the same chapter. But I took time making up the lyrics! Some places might seem a bit rocky, but overall, I've tried. Sing to yourself!)

Tonight will be the night we'll all remember
Least I definitely shall and won't forget.
Won't forget your touch making me tremble
'bout the night that I will never regret

But take a step
B
ecause tonight will be the night
That I will be dancing with only you
With me you'll dance tonight.

You and I shall waltz 'cross the dance floor
I know we will
Now would you take my hand for tonight's very last dance
For tonight's very last dance.

Tomorrow you might forget this
You might think of it as something merely for fun
You might think you were being foolish
You might think that yesterday's already done.

Oh, but take a step
Because tonight will be the night
That I will be dancing with only you
With me you'll dance tonight.

You and I shall waltz 'cross the dance floor
I know we will
Now would you take my hand for tonight's very last dance
For tonight's very last dance.

So take this last chance
Take a step, we can both dance
And hold onto my hand 'cause I'll be there
I'll be right there holding you gently with care

Because tonight will be the night
That I will be dancing with only you
With me you'll dance tonight.

You and I shall waltz 'cross the dance floor
I know we will
Now would you take my hand for tonight's very last dance

Tonight will be the night
That I will be dancing with only you
With me you'll dance tonight.

You and I shall waltz 'cross the dance floor
I know we will
Now would you take my hand for tonight's very last dance.
For tonight's very last dance.

Everyone applauded loudly for Utau's singing, as I smiled weakly at her, who stole a glance across the room before turning her attention back to Kuukai. Silently, I sighed, stumbling out of the gym, as a tear slipped down my cheek.

I'd missed tonight's last dance.

...

...

...

Not like I really cared.


Alternate Song for Rima and Nagihiko (instead of Fall for You)

Utau stepped onstage, adjusting the microphone to a suitable height.

"Is everyone having fun?" she exclaimed as the cheers from the crowd echoed throughout the gym. Utau smirked at me and Nagihiko and I gulped nervously, wondering what song she'd chosen. "Alright! Well, I've just randomly drawn a request song, so here, one of the band members here will give you Love Story."


Hey, I knew that song!

We were both young when I first saw you
I close my eyes and the flashback starts
I'm standing there
On a balcony in summer air

That was ironic. Nagihiko and I were both rather young when we first me: all the way back 6th grade. Funny how that seems so far back now, yet seems to close, just like yesterday. Am I sounding like an old sage? Perhaps a bit.

Closing my eyes, I remember that day. I met him. I glared at him dangerously to stay away from Amu, who was my 'best friend.' I wasn't 'about to let some pre-best friend's twin brother come and steal away my best friend!' Now that I think about it, it's rather funny.

I listened to the lyrics as Nagihiko and I stepped into a simple waltz following the beat: one of his hands around my waist and the other holding one of my hands, while I had my other hand around his waist as well. Did I mention? Evidently not, cause I don't remember. Ah well. I'll tell you: I'm wearing (cursed) high heels. Blame Mama. Don't look at me. I said, stop looking at me! But at least with the high heels, I didn't have to reach up for Nagihiko's waist. He and I actually didn't look like a couple with so much of a height difference.

PAUSE.

We don't even look like a couple!

AND HA! There's no balcony! No summer! But—wait, darn it. There was this once when he was helping me sneak out of my house that my parents had completely locked up when they went on their business trip so we could go on a Guardians' trip to the beach. Yet that was totally irrelevant, right?

See the lights
See the party, the ball gowns
See you make your way through the crowd
And say hello, little did I know

Anddddd, evidently, no. The ball that the beach house's owner held was beautiful. I still remember it. The lights, lighting up and reflecting on the summer ocean. The elegant flowing gowns various woman and ladies were wearing.

As usual, Nagihiko was a rather center of attention.

And as usual, after a while of chatter, he made his way through the crowd to say hi to me.

That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles
And my daddy said stay away from Juliet
And I was crying on the staircase
Begging you please don't go, and I said

He, my Romeo? Pshhh, that must be some sort of lame joke. I'm not some snobby rich girl who's waiting on the balcony for her forbidden love to come rescue her. I'm not that dependant on men yet.

Though I can imagine Papa protesting anyone who approached to stay away from me.

And me, crying because Nagihiko was leaving? That wasn't possible.

I only c—cried once when he left, but that was because he left me in the middle of a scary movie! It was scary!

Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone
I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
It's a love story, baby just say yes

The Romeo in the story sounds like the typical Prince Charming. Though to be truthful, I won't mind living a life like that: clichéd, dull, yet charming and sweet. Nothing's sweeter than your Prince Charming rescuing you, is there?

So I sneak out to the garden to see you
We keep quiet cause we're dead if they knew
So close your eyes
Escape this town for a little while

Alright, I admit I've snuck out of the house numerous times after that. But it wasn't to see Nagihiko! It was to see the whole gang. Fine, they set us up once: meeting in the park when they 'ditched and stalked us instead.' Course, we kept quiet, cause we'd be dead if anyone heard us. My house was still a relatively close distance.

We lied down on the grass, counting the stars in the sky, as both of us temporarily escaped our town life.

Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter
And my daddy said stay away from Juliet
But you were everything of me
I was begging you please don't go and I said

Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone
I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
It's a love story, baby just say yes

Romeo save me, they're tryin' to tell me how to feel
This love is difficult, but it's real
Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess
It's a love story baby just say yes
Oh oh

Yes. That's what I'd say. Romeo, please come and save me. Someone, MY Romeo, please come and save me. I'm suffering; suffering. Not love…or maybe love…maybe true love I've never experienced. Someone, please, Romeo, or Prince Charming, or even the Frog Prince, come save me. Help me out of this turmoil of love and mess.

I got tired of waiting
Wondering if you were ever coming around
My faith in you is fading
When I met you on the outskirts of town, and I said

Certainly, that's me now. I'm tired of waiting for my 'the one' to come around. My faith is weakening. I'm starting to give up on him. I looked up into Nagihiko's eyes.

"Rima-chan?" he asked. "You've been zoning off for awhile. Something wrong?" he asked, with hints of care, curiosity, and warmth coating his eyes and voice. I whispered the lyrics to him.

Romeo save me I've been feeling so alone
I keep waiting for you but you never come
Is this in my head? I don't know what to think
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said,

He smirked, as he sang the next lyrics out.

Marry me Juliet
You'll never have to be alone
I love you and that's all I really know
I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress
It's a love story baby jus say yes

Oh, oh,
Oh, oh

Both of us sang the last lyric in sync:

Cause we were both young when I first saw you…


We finished our slow dance, as he bowed to me and I managed a rigged curtsy. I looked up and saw him smiling at me. It must have been the atmosphere; it must have been the atmosphere; it MUST have been the atmosphere.

Blink. He's smiling at me.

Blink. He's kissing me.


ALRIGHT! I'm feeling like Rima's getting a tad tad tad OOC as my story's progressing. Or maybe that's because I don't know how she acts when she grows up. Oh well. *shrugs* Tell me if you think she's getting more and more OOC. I'll try to correct it--thinking about it over my break!

Alright! See you guys half a month later!

~~*Hope-chan*~~

PS: I own Tonight's Last Dance (lame) lyrics. The melody goes completely to Fall for You by whoever-composed-the-melody (is it Secondhand Serenade?)

PPS: I FORGOT TO SAY! Excuse me for the minor Amu-bashing a few chapters (or maybe one chapter) back. I was trying to expres my feelings about Amu being the, in my opinion, most undeveloped character in Shugo Chara! Now, I'll stop my rant. I can PM you about it though ;)

Sorry for all Amu fans! And...Amuto I guess. Though I guess they're no Amuto fans reading this...cause it's primarily (and basically only) Rimahiko.