Chapter 3
Amu's POV Dream...
"Amu" My name was called from afar. I turned and saw a smiling blonde.
"Tadase? What're you doing here?" I ran to my loving boyfriend and his arms wrapped around me comfortingly.
"Amu. I love you, you know that right?" he said gently. I looked up to him and smiled before nodding and burying my face in his chest.
"I love you Amu. That's why..." he cut himself off. I looked up at him in confusion and his eyes were narrowed suspiciously looking at something behind me.
"Amu! Get away from him!" I glanced behind me and saw a familiar figure. That head of unorganized midnight blue locks. Those mesmerizing sapphire eyes. That tall lean stance.
"Ikuto?" his name traveled off my lips softly. Two ears popped out on his head and my eyes detected a tail swaying behind him. My heartbeat quickened and my breath hitched. "Ikuto." I unconsciously pushed away from Tadase's arms and reached out to the familiar kitty.
"Amu. I love you. Please forgive me for anything I did to hurt you." he pleaded and took a few steps towards me. Tears started welling in my eyes and I ran to him. His arms outstretched and hugged me in the same way Tadase did before.
"I forgive you. Ikuto." I nuzzled my face in his trusting chest and wrapped my arms around his waist.
"Hinamori-san." a snarl came from behind me followed by the click of a gun. "Come back to me. This instant!" the snarl continued and I froze in fear. I reluctantly turned around and faced Tadase's angry and envious glare.
"Back off Tadase. She's obviously scared of you." Ikuto hissed to the blonde. Tadase let out a crazy laugh and a sadistic smile took over his face.
"That so? Then if I can't have her..." Tadase held the gun up and pointed it directly to me. "Then NO ONE CAN! INCLUDING YOU TSUKIYOMI!" Tadase laughed and a BANG! rang out. I screamed and shut my eyes closed, waiting for the pain to come. As I stood there, cowering in fear, the impact of the bullet never came and instead I heard a grunt of pain. Trembling in fear, I dared to open my eyes. I felt something warm and wet splatter against my hands that were clutching my head in fear. I looked at the ground beneath my feet and I saw a pair of feet clad in black shoes and also attached to a pair of legs wearing black pants. Something red trailed down the pants and landed on the floor. Another BANG! rang out and a manly scream of pain was heard right in front of me.
"A...mu." a weak voice rasped out and a body fell in front of my eyes. There was no longer a tail. No longer a set of soft ears poking through the disarray of blue hair. "A...mu...A-are you o...kay?" the voiced rasped again and I recognized the fallen figure in front of me again.
"Ikuto?" my eyes widened as blood pooled around his shape. "IKUTO!" I screamed and burst to his side. I picked his head up and turned him over to lay his head in my lap. "Ikuto! WHY?!" I screamed as tears poured from my eyes. His beautiful face showed a smile and I felt a cold hand brush against my arm. I held his cold hand in my own warm hands and cried over him.
"A...mu...Ai...shi...te...ru..." he rasped again before I felt all traces of warmth leave his body.
"Ikuto...IKUTO!" I shrieked again.
"Amu. Come back to me."I heard Tadase laugh again.
"Tadase..." I growled under my breath and stood up with my head lowered. My hair fell in front of my face and shadowed my eyes. "Tadase!" I screamed again before lunging. "Yoru!" I called for Ikuto's chara and held the Humpty Lock and Dumpty Key in my hands.
"Character Transformation! Amulet Lynx!" I screamed and transformed with Yoru. I wore a similar outfit Ikuto wore whenever he transformed with Yoru, but instead of blue, my outfit was pitch black and I had a pink bell strapped to my neck and tail. I slashed out my claws at Tadase and he smirked, aiming his gun again. I leaped and slashed again. BANG! Another shot from Tadase rang out and I felt a pain in my abdominal area.
"I see. If that is your choice Amu, I have no other option." Tadase sneered and shot again. This time the pain went right through my chest and I screamed in agony. My transformation was undone and I landed on the floor. "Good night, Amu."
Dream END...
"AHHHH!" I screamed and shot up from my bed and examined my surroundings with wide eyes. My blanket was on the floor and my comforter was ruined.
"What happened?" the door shot open and he burst in. "Amu? Are you hurt?" Ikuto's eyes were filled with pure worry and his hair looked a little disheveled.
"I...ku...to?" I whispered and he darted to my side. Tears poured from my eyes once again and I clutched his shirt tightly. "Ikuto."
"Shhhh, Amu. It's okay, I'm here. What happened?" he chided me gently and rocked me in his arms.
"Ikuto." I cried into his chest and stayed silent. I didn't want to recall the horrible scene of Ikuto getting shot to death right before my eyes and just the thought scared me to death.
Ikuto's POV
"Ikuto." Amu muttered my name again as she cried in my arms and I was left here, clueless.
What happened? Did she have another nightmare? It doesn't look like she's in pain. As I held Amu, I rocked her in an attempt to calm her down. My shirt was soaked with her tears and she was trembling from fear. I sensed she didn't want to talk about it and just let her cry in my arms until she fell asleep. Every now and then, her body would twitch and a few tears would escape her eyes. I leaned my back and head against the wall and held Amu in my arms. She stayed cuddled close to me and I would wipe away any stray tears and hold her tighter close to me. Eventually, she relaxed completely and wasn't scared. Nevertheless, I stayed by her side in case she woke up again.
2 hours later...
My eyes were heavy with sleep, but I tried to fight and not allow myself to sleep. I glanced down at Amu and she was sleeping peacefully. Her breathing was even and her face was serene. I glanced at the clock; it was 12:00 midnight. Amu's charas were sleeping in their eggs in their usual basket and Yoru has joined them. Assuming the rest of Amu's family was asleep, I was the only one awake. Amu stirred and her mouth opened in a wide yawn. Her eyes opened slightly and I watched as Amu blinked the sleepiness away from her eyes. She sat up in my arms and I stared at her, not sure what to do next.
"Ikuto? Are you still awake?" Amu's honey eyes met mine and I nodded my head to her question. "What am I doing in your arms and why are you on my bed?" I stared at her once again, but this time in disbelief. I smirked as an idea popped in my head.
"Are you serious Amu? You really don't remember what happened? You kept screaming for me!" I teased the pinkette and snickered as her face turned cherry red and she looked away.
"Wh-what?! That can't be...You're lying Ikuto!" she stammered and pulled away from me, hugging her knees to her chest. I chuckled and got off the bed.
"Don't worry Amu. I was only teasing you...except I didn't really lie to you. You were calling my name constantly, but not in the way you thought. You were crying. It's my turn to ask, what happened?" My tone turned serious and Amu lifted her head to face me. Her eyes were wide and I recognized the same level of fear from when she was X'ed. "Amu?" the pinkette's expression was emotionless, but tears were falling from her eyes. She didn't flinch and I guessed she didn't notice. "Amu calm down.. There's no need to be frightened anymore."
"Ikuto...I remember. It was horrible!" she screamed again and slumped against the ground. Her expression completely different. I ran to her side and held her close to my chest again. My already soaked shirt absorbed more of her tears and I was exhausted from lack of sleep. I was already struggling to stay awake and be Amu's comfort, but it was quite hard until her sobs lessened to a soft whimper.
"Amu, what happened?" I asked her urgently.
"...Ikuto? can I ask you something?" Amu's eyes darkened and she looked away from me as I gave no response. "Ikuto" she faced me again. "Would you take a bullet for me?"
To say I was shocked was an understatement. I was astounded. I gulped and hesitated. No choice here.
"Y-yes." I said it quietly and Amu's eyes widened. "Wh-what brought this up?"
"..."
"Amu?" I eyed her desperately.
"...If Tadase pointed a gun at me and shot, would you protect me?" she asked again. I couldn't decipher her tone or look through her poker face, so I just answered normally.
"Yeah. Except, why would Tadase point a gun at you?" one of my eyebrows rose and she hugged me.
"Thank you Ikuto." was all Amu whispered before falling into silence.
It was now 1:00 am and Amu was still in my arms. By this point I was beyond tired and was gradually falling asleep. I couldn't stay conscious anymore and was still jet-lagged since I came back just recently. And then I had to chase after Amu.
"Sleep." a gentle voice whispered. I felt a warm hand caress my cheek and something soft make contact with my forehead until my eyes closed and I blacked out.
Amu's POV
I stayed still in Ikuto's arms, feeling reassured that Ikuto would protect me, but I was also scared of my nightmare coming true.
Would Tadase really threaten me and those I love? I can't imagine my own boyfriend killing my family and shooting at me. Now that Ikuto said he would take a bullet for me, I don't want him to die...
I was deep in my thoughts when I felt Ikuto's weight gradually grow heavier. I looked to the older man and noticed his eyelids drooping.
"Sleep." I whispered softly and reached up to place my hand on his cheek. His eyes closed completely and I pressed my lips against his forehead. He fell asleep and I allowed his head to rest on my legs again. My back leaned against the wall. Ikuto was sprawled across the floor. I ran my hands through his soft locks.
"Thank you Ikuto. Aishiteru."I whispered to him once he was asleep. Soon my hand rested on the top of his head and I rested my head on the wall. Moments later, I was asleep myself.
Ikuto's POV The Next Day...
I woke with a yawn and felt something warm resting on my head. I opened my eyes, but squinted due to the overwhelming bright light coming in through the window. It's morning already? I can't believe Amu and I spent the entire rest of the day sleeping. Well, at least the jet-lag wore off.
I felt something shift near me and glanced towards the wall. Thee Amu was leaning against the wall with her eyes closed. My head was in her lap and her hand was resting on my face. I quickly got off Amu's lap as softly as I could, as to not wake the sleeping beauty, and picked her up bridal style. I tucked her in her bed properly and made my way downstairs.
"Oh Ikuto you're awake? Good morning. Is Amu still sleeping?" her mom inquired me.
"Morning." I waved and noted the food on the table. "Amu is still in bed. Shall I go wake her up?" I spoke politely the respected mother and she shook her head.
"No. I heard a scream last night so Amu must've had another nightmare. Don't let her go to school today. I don't want her fainting like yesterday." I nodded and sat down at the table.
"Ikuto-nii-san! Do you like Nee-san?" Ami ran up to me and curiously asked me.
"NOOO! My little sparrow likes TWO BOYS?!" Amu's father cried from the couch and I cringed.
"Uh, I care for Amu and I don't want her to be hurt. However I am not her boyfriend. Tadase loves her and she loves him. I am merely a close friend." I tried to explain this clearly when a hand pat my back.
"Awww, it's ok to be honest Ikuto. I understand if you have feelings for Amu. Don't mind her father." Midori laughed and pat my back before leaning in close to my ear. "And honestly, I prefer you over that blonde Tadase." she whispered and blood rushed to my face. It took me a lot of effort to keep my cool
"I appreciate the thought Ms. Hinamori!" I smiled and started eating the pancakes and bacon in front of me. "Your food is very delicious. Thank you for making breakfast for me too!"
"Aw, no need to be so formal or polite Ikuto-san. You can just call me Midori. Or even Kaa-san would work too! After all, I'll be your mother-in-law in a few years!" she whispered the last part again and this time, I couldn't control my blush. I mean sure I love Amu, but she likes Tadase more. I'm only her sense of support. If I could marry Amu, that would be a dream come true and dreams don't always occur in reality.
"Um Midori. I...don't think that'll happen..." I sweatdropped as she just laughed it off.
"~Yaaawn~ What's with this ruckus?" Amu walked up rubbing her eyes.
"Morning Amu. If you had to choose, do you like me or Tadase more?" I bluntly asked her. Her mother put me in an awkward position so this is my way of escaping it.
"Wh-where did that come from?" she exclaimed.
"Awww Amu! don't be shy! You like Ikuto-kun more right?" her mother coaxed her.
"Eh, EH?! Wh-who said th-th-that!?" Her face flushed the same shade as her hair and I snickered.
"Amu...Just admit it. The fact that your face is the same color as your hair is proof enough. I'm more attractive." I smirked proudly.
"...No comment!" she declared before sitting next to me and eating her breakfast, fuming.
"Heh. So you do admit it." I snickered again.
"N-no one said that! Just shut up and eat your food!"
To say Amu was flustered was an understatement. She was in fact distressed and embarrassed. I continued eating with a smirk though. My eyes kept stealing glances at her cute pouty form and I smiled. We finished eating a few minutes later and Amu went back to her room.
"Are you going to school today Amu?" I asked her just as I was turning the door handle. When the door opened and I took a single step in, I heard her scream and saw her face was bright red. "Hmmm?" my eyes trailed lower down and it was only then did I realize she was changing. Her uniform was hanging from one hand and she was covering herself with her previous clothes.
"P-P-Pervert! Get out you baka neko!" the pinkette screamed and threw a pillow at me.
"Oof! Geez! Calm down Amu!" I yelled back just as the door slammed shut right in front of my face.
"Ikuto-nya! Are you okay-nya?!" Yoru came rushing to my side just as I was rubbing my nose in pain.
"...After getting a door slammed in my face...what do you think Yoru?" I addressed my chara and flicked him in the forehead. He flew away and I proceeded to open the door again. Amu was now dressed in her uniform and was currently tying her hair up. "Geez. That wasn't very nice Ichigo." I complained and plopped myself down on her bed.
"Tch. Why would I care about a perverted neko?" she retorted and picked up her bag. "Ran, Miki, Su. Let's go." her charas floated around her and she opened her door again.
"Wait up Amu! I'll walk you to school." I ran after her down the stairs. She was putting on her shoes when she stuck her tongue out as me. "Amu-" I was cut off my the sound of the door slamming in my face, again, as she ran out.
"Oh? Too bad Ikuto-kun! Amu is probably looking forward to seeing that Tadase boy again!" Midoir spoke up from the living room.
"Tadase? do they always walk to school together?" I asked her mother.
"Oh yes! Except, I don't know about Amu but I don't trust that princely boy." she sighed and shook her head. "Go after her please Ikuto-kun. I worry about her and she tends to run into trouble alot. do this as a favor please!" Midori winked and I smiled.
"If you say so Midori!" I opened the door and ran out again.
"Ikuto-nya! Wait for me!" Yoru flew after me and I chara changed. Once I felt the familiar ears and tail pop out, I jumped into the trees and made my way to Amu's school. I finally found her on the sidewalk, walking alone with her charas floating around her. She wasn't smiling and had a depressed aura around her. That's not good...I wonder what happened? And I thought she always walked to school with Tadase...
Amu's POV
"Amu-" I cut Ikuto off and slammed the door behind me.
"Amu-chan!" Ran floated by my side followed my Miki and Su.
"Amu-chan." the artist smiled.
"Amu-chan desu~!" Su also floated by me and I grinned at my charas. On the way to my meeting spot with Tadase, I was running and soon found myself singing to one of Ikuto's familiar violin songs.
"Lalala Uta wo utaou...Kao age kokoro no mama...Utaou" I sung happily and turned the corner to where my meeting spot with Tadase was. The sight that met me shocked me. Actually it was the fact that there was nothing to see that shocked me. Tadase normally arrived 5 minutes earlier than me and...he wasn't here. Maybe he overslept? Hmmm, I should've taken Ikuto's offer to walk me to school. I checked my watch and saw that I didn't have time to waste to wait for Tadase so I ran ahead to the school. I was almost there when I heard the bell ring, giving a warning to all students that they must be in class in the next five minutes.
"Ran! Chara change!" I panicked and flew the rest of the way to the school. Just as the gates were closing, I made it into the classroom just in time.
"Nice to see you here Hinamori-san. Now please take your seat!" my teacher, Sana-sensei, scolded me and I reluctantly dragged my feet to my seat.
Timeskip...Lunchtime
The bell rang and I launched out of my seat.
"Tadase-kun!" I called for my boyfriend and he turned to look at him with his arms open.
"Amu! I'm sorry I wasn't there waiting for you at the usual spot this morning! I had some things to attend to!" he said with a smile and I smiled back at him.
"It's okay Tadase-kun! Since you addressed it now, I forgive you! But you have to treat me today!" I bargained with him and he only smiled sheepishly as I led the two of us to the roof to eat. We both pulled out our bentos and revealed the food. I split my chopsticks and starting feeding Tadase. "Ahh!~" I held a takoyaki to his mouth and he opened his mouth. I smiled as he accepted the octopus-bread into his mouth. "Does it taste good?"
"It's delicious Amu. Did you make it yourself?" Tadase asked me and I looked away sheepishly. When I heard his laughter, my head whipped back.
"Wh-what's so funny?" My face flushed and Tadase kept chuckling away.
"You chara changed with Su right? Haha, it's okay Amu-chan. It's still food made by you!" he smiled that princely smile I love once again and I laughed with him.
"Glad you liked it!" He ate my food happily and I watched him enjoy the food. When lunch ended we had to separate to our different classes and meet up after school later. Unfortunately for me, I didn't know that the time after school would kill me.