Hi low everyone I'm back with a new longer chapter!
I think Amuto fans will be pleased with this chapter it's got a lotta fluff! ^^ I'm happy with the feed back I've been getting on these new chapters you guys are awesome cookies for everyone!!!
Well I guess I shouldn't delay you all any longer enjoy the chappy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Shugo chara……. Or superman! XD
Oh Yeah One more thing I guess I should put I messed up on Amu's age she's 16! Here are the ages for ya'll
Amu-16
Ikuto-?
Utau-?
Yaya-15
Rima-16
Nadeshiko and Nagihiko-16
Tadase-16
Kukai-17
Notori-38
Miki-18
Yuu-33-34 (haven't really decided)
Tsumugu-35
Ren- 32
Tsukasa- 27
Saaya-15
Gozen-500+
Kazoumi-300+
"Of all the things to ask me to do!" Amu whined to Nadeshiko and Yaya during lunch break that Monday, "Why a violin? And what can he possibly do with that?" Amu placed her lunch tray on the table with an impressive "plat" that echoed among the noises in the cafeteria. Nadeshiko calmly sat next to her with her usual dancer's grace overwhelming the few passerbys who watched and Yaya sat across from them her tray overloading with desserts rather than nutritional food.
Nadeshiko looked thoughtful as she dipped her chopsticks into her rice, "How interesting a violin to vanquish and voice."
Amu sweat dropped realizing it made more sense when put that way. She sighed and dug her fork into the meatloaf on her plate she stirred it around in thought, "True I guess but the question still remains how in the world am I supposed to get a violin for Ikuto?"
Yaya bit off a large piece of a cupcake, which left a smudge of icing on her lip, and put on the most serious face she could muster, "Ya know Amu-chii it is as simple as just buying one." She wiped the frosting off her lip with her thumb then licked it off. Then she pointed toward the ceiling in excitement, "I know! Let's have a shopping trip the day after tomorrow! This week is conference week so we have the next three days off and while were at it we can go shopping for ourselves as well!!!" Yaya's voice level went up as she gabbled on about how fun it would be. She was completely into the declaration she didn't notice Rima until Rima stuffed the rest of Yaya's cupcake into her mouth muting her from saying anything else. Nadeshiko and Amu sweatdropped and laughed, "Hi Rima!" They both rang.
"Sorry I'm late." Rima said as she flipped her golden locks over her shoulder and sat next to Yaya, "Sensei wanted to go over the next play with me."
"Oh yeah Rima! You got the lead in Beauty and the Beast!" Amu said. Rima pouted, "Why do I want to be such a weak girl? Where is the comedy in this play!"
"It's good to be well rounded." Nadeshiko pointed out. Rima huffed and folded her arms, "I'm only interested in comedy!"
They laughed and she relaxed a little, "I didn't do anything funny…." She said flatly but then a small smile teased her lips, "Oh yeah what was Yaya ranting about?"
"Oh well you see Ikuto ran into the bad guys last Sunday…" Yaya began, "Utau is being forced to work with them using her voice which has a creepy power and the way to beat Utau and the creepy old fart is for Ikuto to play Violin…. I don't really get it but that's what's going on."
"So Ikuto asked Amu to get a violin for him which leads Amu to a dilemma," Nadeshiko explained, "We don't know how to acquire one."
"I already said! Just go buy one!" Yaya mused hoping her shopping Idea would patch through.
"Well…." Amu began remembering her Sunday spent surfing the net on Violin prices, "I already check out violins on the internet the cheapest one I could find was $900. And Ikuto was particular on getting a light brown one."
They all looked at her puzzled. They then glanced at each other then nodded.
"Ikuto musta remembered something about a violin." Yaya insisted.
"It's possible if he beat Utau's voice with a violin he must have already known how to play it." Rima said flatly picking up the meatloaf on her fork and then dropping it back on the plate.
"It could very well be the key to unlocking his memory." Nadeshiko suggested then she rested her chin in her hand in thought. Her eyes shifted toward Amu then she lifted her head, "Have you asked Tsumugu-san about it?"
Amu folded her hard and slumped on the table, "How in the world am I supposed to ask my dad to get my cat a violin so he can save the world from a bad magic guy!" She sat up and lightly tapped the table, "He'd have me sent to the funny home."
Nadeshiko smirked, "Well of course you don't say it's for Ikuto silly!"
Amu snapped her head and began to comprehend what Nadeshiko was saying, "Say that you've suddenly taken an interest in music and you want to learn to play an instrument."
There was an awkward silence at the table and after a moment of Amu just staring at the table with no response everybody sweat dropped again.
Amu lightly traced patterns on the table with her finger then let out a sigh, "I think it'd be better if I just tell him it's for Ikuto…."
"Hey!!" Rima snapped, "Amu quit it! We all know how you feel about music since… well you know but I think it would be better if you just lied this one time for Ikuto's sake and if these bad guys are really attacking other people then I think you should gun up and just deal with what ever happens!"
Amu glanced up at Rima and then back down at the table. Rima sighed and she Nadeshiko and Yaya all placed their hand on the one Amu was tracing the table with and smiled, "We're your best friends Amu were in it with you!!"
Amu smiled with them, "Okay! I'll find the courage to ask dad to pay for one."
The bell rang and they dumped their trays and parted to their class rooms.
The rest of the day droned on in a blur. While Yashiro-sensei babbled on about an upcoming exam and whatever else Amu zoned out trying to figure out ways to ask her father to help her fund the violin venture. Then something dawned on her that hadn't before if she were to say she wanted to learn he would expect her to take lessons which in the case scenario was an unnecessary expense. She buried her head in her hands wondering how in the world that would pan out.
Before long it was already time to leave. Amu gathered her things and said goodbye to Nadeshiko and Yaya and headed toward Tsukasa's office. She knocked lightly on the big double doors.
"Come in!" Tsukasa chimed warmly. Amu walked in slowly and saw Tsukasa looking over a pile of student essays on his desk. He looked up and smiled warmly when he saw Amu.
"Amu-chan! How are you come in have a seat!" he pushed the pile over, "I'm a little disappointed you didn't bring Ikuto-kun here today."
"Oh! Um… I decided to leave him at home…" Amu smiled weakly.
"I see well it's better that way. I won't have to deal with yet another code blue." Tsukasa smiled but Amu couldn't help but feel that behind that joking smile Tsukasa knew more than he let on, "So how was your weekend?"
"It was…. on the tedious side." Amu sighed remembering the long research she did. Not only for the school's essay project but also the dawn til dusk internet search for Ikuto's violin, quitting abruptly because Ikuto turned human, without noticing again, just as Saaya walked in the front door. It was a close call but somehow Amu managed to hide Ikuto from Saaya.
Tsukasa smiled and dug something out of his drawer, "Well at least it wasn't eventless."
Amu snapped her head to Tsukasa in surprise. Tsukasa pulled out what looked like a Polaroid picture and handed it to Amu.
It was a picture of poor Ikuto dressed like a little prince. A crown on his head and a cute little prince charming suit buckled around him. In the picture Ikuto looked absolutely mortified. Amu couldn't help but giggle lightly.
"It's a gift for you Amu-chan." Tsukasa smirked, "To find such an interesting little friend deserves congratulations."
Amu bit her lip and smiled, "Thank you Tsukasa-san." Amu said politely and stood up, "I better get going. See you tomorrow."
"Have a good evening Amu-chan" Tsukasa rang as retreated from the office. Amu noted the way he said "evening" was a little suspicious as if he knew something. She shook it off and told herself to quit being paranoid.
Amu began walking down her road to her house when she noticed something she hadn't before… well it was something she knew was there but she never really paid much attention to it before. On her path there was a four way spilt right before her house on the left lane opposite of her on the corner was a small older building. As long as Amu remembered that building had been vacant worn down and the white paint was peeling off of it. Now it was painted a light green the area around it was clean the windows and doors had been replaced. From the looks of it, someone had fixed it into some kind of shop. Above the door was a pink and yellow sign with only an "S" stapled in Amu guessed the owner hadn't finished putting up the sign yet. Amu glanced both ways of the passing street and quickly ran across the road and, instead of turning right toward her house, made a left to further investigate the newly revamped shop.
At a closer glance Amu saw that the shop was not only a shop but a small café of some kind.
"I wonder who bought this place." Amu asked herself as she peered in the window. There wasn't any furniture but the bar sitting in the front was made of what seemed like the Easter bunny's collection of stones. Each was stone was symmetrically stacked with an array of pastel colors that made Amu dizzy by simply looking at it. The slant on the top was a simple white marble and a glass case was perched on top of the slant and had rows of clear plastic shelves.
The wall that the bar was leaning against was painted a soft yellow and the opposite wall was a white tile pattern. Amu glanced at the floor and noticed it was tile as well only the floor tile was beige. Amu glanced at the bar again and noticed it wrapped around the soft yellow wall and had a rounded edge at the end of the bar pointed toward the wall. Amu guessed it was an opening. The door in back of the café pulled back and Amu panicked and ran off toward her street not bothering to look across then she mentally kicked herself for freaking out. She wasn't doing anything wrong.
She dashed all the way down her street and made a quick left into her driveway. At the door Ikuto was waiting for her his tail flicking back and forth from boredom. His head quickly snapped toward Amu when he saw her running into the driveway. He stood up just as Amu reached him and she scooped him up in her arms and gave him a big hug.
Ikuto was a little shocked by Amu's greeting but he liked it. He licked Amu's ear and said, "Hey pinky"
Amu blushed and released her grip, "I'm not pinky… but hey." He climbed on her shoulders and curled around her neck behind her hair like usual and she dug out her keys from her backpack and unlocked the door and walked in.
"Any luck finding my violin?" Ikuto asked casually. Amu detected the hint of urgency in his voice, "No but I have an Idea… from the girls."
"Continue~" he purred sounding pleased.
"They suggested I ask my dad for violin lessons." Amu explained, "I can't afford one on my own but my dad can help us at least rent one."
Ikuto stayed silent but Amu could hear him purring softly and felt the vibrations of his purr on her neck. It was soothing like a lullaby. His purring slowed and Amu felt him snap his head toward the hall. Amu followed his gaze and Saaya was standing on the base of the stairs. Amu gulped hoping she hadn't heard the conversation. Saaya was glaring at Amu but then turned away as if to ignore her. When she turned Amu noticed the head phones on her ears leading all the way down to her hand. She had her ipod on and didn't hear a thing. Amu thanked her lucky stars. Amu quietly made her way upstairs to her room and shut the door behind her, "That was close."
"yet another close call." Ikuto groaned, "I wish I was human it would be a lot easier."
I agree Amu thought to herself and dropped her backpack on the floor. She walked over to her bed sat down ungracefully which knocked Ikuto off her shoulders. He landed on the floor and hopped up on the bed and curled next to her, "So how are you going to ask Tsumugu?"
Amu blinked then looked at Ikuto, "I don't know…. Music… it's a touchy subject."
Ikuto waited for Amu to continue but sensed that this was a taboo subject for her.
Amu took a deep breath and laid down on her bed and pulled Ikuto closer and petted him as she allowed her self to remember, "My mom was a pianist. She always loved music and taught me how to read notation and listen for notes and I always sang with her piano. She got a break into music when I had just turned six and was to go on tour with a famous ….violin..ist….." Amu's voice broke and tears began to stream down her eyes. Ikuto looked at her. He didn't know what to do she was in so much pain and there was nothing he could do to comfort her and he could only guess the rest. Amu wiped her tears with her sleeve and choked the rest down and continued, "The third day of the tour right after mom called us and told us she was alright and wished me sweet dreams they got on the plane to the next city…" Amu paused and spaced out in the distance. Amu was no longer with Ikuto but in that moment, "It was so weird hearing her voice one night and the next day….she was gone…" Amu hugged Ikuto closer to her and sobbed in his soft fur. Ikuto rubbed his soft head against Amu's cheek and licked her tears. She stayed crying for a while and Ikuto heard her whisper "Mom" several times. Finally Amu exhausted from crying fell asleep.
Ikuto reached out his paw and noticed it was a human hand. Relieved he sighed and ran his hand through her hair. A painful emotion echoing in his own stomach.
Guilty. He felt utterly guilty for bringing up this painful memory for her. Yeah, he didn't know the situation but he still hurt her. It was the last thing he wanted to do. He wrapped his arms around her holding her for as long as he could, "I'm so sorry Amu." He breathed and kissed her forehead. He wished he could stay like this forever. But of course he wouldn't. Come dawn he would change into a cat again. Never in the day, was he always stuck in the night? The prison he was given by that man who had Utau under his control…. Utau…
He reluctantly let go of Amu and walked to the other side of the room resting his hands in the pockets of the jeans that manifested with his transformation. He stared at the wall, "What am I going to do?" he stared at Amu's sleeping figure.
"Fate won't let me protect both of them." He sighed and walked toward the balcony stepping into the twilight and hopped on the roof of the house to think.
Just as Ikuto exited Tsumugu entered. He peered at the open balcony and shut the door. He noticed at Amu was sleeping and covered her with her blanket. Tsumugu noticed that Amu's eyes were red and puffy. He began to worry and rocked Amu gently to wake him up. Amu rubbed her eyes and looked up from her sleepiness to see Tsumugu staring at her with worry, "Amu-chan? Are you okay?"
Amu nodded, "Yeah." She said clearing her throat. I guess just a little sleepy. She over exaggerated a yawn, "Long day."
Tsumugu looked at her attentively, "Were you crying Amu-chan?"
Amu's composure broke and her eyes filled with sadness and she reluctantly nodded, "I remembered that night." She said simply.
Tsumugu's face became filled with sadness and he hugged Amu tightly, "Oh Amu-chan"
Amu smiled when she noticed her dad started to cry. Relieved at the fact he still missed her too. She patted his back, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you sad, dad"
He sniffled and sat up, "It's okay Amu-chan… but what made you remember that?"
Amu bit her lip and scanned around the room looking for a way to explain without letting her father in on the truth or even hurting his feelings with the excuse, "Well…. Yesterday…. Er… actually Saturday I gain an interest in an instrument."
Amu paused to check her dad's reaction he just stared at her blankly a little confused his eyes began to light up, "I know just the teacher!" He cried hopped up pulling Amu with him, "Tsuka-san would be happy to teach you piano!"
"Dad, wait!" Amu cried. He stopped in his tracks his eyes still filled with joy Amu hated to crush it, but she had to do this for Ikuto, "Dad… it's not piano."
Tsumugu's face fell a little, "Oh" He said his face had a calm smile, "Then, what do you want to play Amu-chan?"
Amu looked down the back to the balcony and the back at her father who was still patiently waiting with a calm smile still on his face. Amu sighed and looked at her father with strong determination in her eyes, "Dad, I want to play the violin."
Amu studied his face closely watching for signs of sadness or anger. He had a shocked expression but then it didn't turn to anger or sadness like she thought instead his brow furrowed in thought, "You know that's a tricky one violins, good violins don't come cheap."
Tell me about it Amu thought still flinching from the online prices. Tsumugu then slammed his fist into hand and exclaimed, "Aha!" which made Amu jump back.
Tsumugu looked at Amu in a comical triumphant stance as if he were Clark Kent and he just finished changing into his hero costume and hopped out of the phone booth as Super man. Amu sweat dropped but chuckled lightly at her analogy. Tsumugu looked at her with the same bright happy eyes from a while ago which Amu didn't expect and she gasped.
Tsumugu smirked, "Here's the deal Amu-chan you can get a violin on one of these two conditions, A. you Make up with Saaya and you two become friends or B. You get a job and pay for the violin and the lessons yourself!"
Amu stared blankly at him. Tsumugu thought she was considering the two options and weighing which would be easier. He was confident Amu would rather try to make amends with Saaya rather that get a job. He nodded satisfied and made his way out the door, "I'll leave you to think about it." And he left shutting the door loudly and walking down stairs. Ikuto took the opportunity to walk in he had heard half of the conversation, "Well?" he asked cautiously.
"WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT BEFORE!!" Amu yelled unconsciously which made Ikuto jump back in surprise. She covered her mouth once the words left it and turned to Ikuto, "Sorry but it was just too obvious!" Amu laughed, "I could get a job buy your violin and I wouldn't have to waste my dad's hard earned money pretending to take lessons!"
Ikuto smirked and slung his arms around Amu lazily, "What about the other option." He purred in her ear. Amu blushed, "I-i—i-i-it's just-"
"Yes?" Ikuto replied coolly enjoying making her stutter cutely.
"I-it's just m-making up with Saaya is like trying to tame a wild lion for a pet!" Amu said flatly, "In other words impossible!"
She turned around which forced Ikuto to let go of her, "Plus it will be better this way! We can find the person meant to make you turn human for good if I get a job somewhere where lots of people go!" She smirked, "It'll be like killing two birds with one stone!"
Ikuto smirked back but then looked at Amu with a worried look on her face, "Hey Amu are you okay with this….. getting me a violin, I mean."
Amu smiled at him brightly. He felt like he got punched in the gut by that smile but in a good way, "Yeah! As long as I can help, I will"
"Amu-chaaan, Saaayyaaaa-Chaan dinner's served!" Tsumugu called out from the kitchen.
"Ah dinner!" Amu said then she scanned Ikuto's full human frame. She blushed slightly and turned on her heel, "You better stay up here I'll bring you up some food later."
Ikuto shrugged making himself break from his trance, "Whatever." She walked to the door and looked over her shoulder once more. Ikuto was turned away from her and staring at the floor. She stared at him for a little while then sighed and closed the door behind her. As she entered the hall Saaya crossed paths with her and pushed her into her door, "Watch it pinky!" She scoffed and raced down the stairs, "Don't call me Pinky!" Amu yelled after Saaya, only Ikuto can call me that!
Hee hee …. That's all I'm saying!
Fwee! 136 reviews! I love you guys!!!! On to the special thanks!
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