Shelly Cullen owns both plot and chapters 1 through 10 XD.

Shugo Chara

Hell's Lingering Kiss

ShellyCullen: Here we are. Next chapter. This one was a lot of fun writing. I hope its just as much fun reading it. A lot happens here, so I would advise NOT skipping it.

Kaya: ShellyCullen does not own Shugo Chara or the bible prayer present at the beginning of each chapter.

Ikuto: Here's to long reviews…and the birth of-.

Amu: Christ?

Ikuto: No, you.

Kaya, Shelly: Awwwwww. (:

Amu: *Blushing. Just start the chapter already!

Chapter Eight:

Humility

Trying to make myself feel humble, Lord, is a little like trying to pull myself up by my own shoelaces. I can't do it, God. So, please, You do it for me. Fill my heart with humility. Amen.

Okay…now I've lost it.

It wasn't just the fact that a weird, mysterious boy was staying in my room. Or that I actually LET him stay. No, it was much deeper than it was made out to be.

Because, somewhere inside me, I had this strange feeling. A thought had me thinking that I was somehow connecting all the dots. Almost as if there was a missing piece I had just discovered, and yet, it didn't seem to fit anywhere in the puzzle.

I shook my head, brushing the thought off. I'd had way too much time to think on things. I was beginning to think I was becoming a loner with all the free time I had. Just to sit…and think…and sulk.

I was now huddled in my ball of blankets, laying in bed and trying to stay up. The opposite of what my body wanted. I struggled, very hard, to keep my body from falling asleep. When I was on the brink of unconsciousness, I'd shake myself out of it and feel more drained than before. I sighed now, and turned to face the side where my room was exposed.

He was there, of course, just a few feet away. He leaned casually against the wall without his shirt and stared at the ground, deep in thought. His lips made a tight line as he seemed to be lightly messaging the side of his right hand with the other.

He must have sensed my gaze on him, for he sighed and lifted his head to stare at me. I blushed a little; pulling the covers up to my nose to hide the redness scattered across my cheeks. He took a step forward.

"You should be sleeping." His voice, now soft and gentle, lingered in the darkness. The paleness of his chest only seemed to glint off the moon's fair shine. I stared at the scene. "Are you listening to me?" He asked.

Making his way to the bed, he didn't seem to be mad or anxious like before. Instead, he sounded restless. He sat down by my feet as I continued to stare.

He appeared to be in a better mood than before. He could be tired, I noticed, by the way his eyes scanned the room. Or maybe he was always this observant.

I tried to create as much courage for myself to ask him questions. Now was a better time than ever. I sucked in a breath, messaged my temples and blinked back up at him. He was off somewhere in space.

"Y-You know…" My stutter never ceases to surprise me. Or happen when I least need it. "I'm sure there's a penalty for this." I stated, setting to see how brave I really was. He stared at me intensely, and I flinched under his focused gaze.

"Penalty?" He asked, his eyes narrowing. My mouth opened, astonished.

"You...You don't think there's anything wrong with sneaking into a girls room and demanding to stay till she's well?" He smiled this time, finding my statement particularly funny.

"Most girls would find this romantic." He gleamed white teeth as me, stunning me for a second. I shook my head.

"I'm not like most girls." I answered, pouting slightly.

"I know." He replied, staring at me with dark, blue orbs. I watched as his eyes glistened with a strange new emotion.

"Your not exactly safe either." I noted, whether to him or myself. I needed to distract him from that intense gaze.

"I am danger." Was all the answer I got. I listened to the crickets chirp outside and sighed. He didn't continue.

"So...are you just going to stick to the one sentence answers?" I questioned, hoping to understand more about him. Curiosity was building up inside me. I had an enticing feeling of wanting to know more about him. He made a face, but hesitated.

"I like taking risks," He seemed certain of this. "It makes life much more fun. Why make rules if they weren't meant to be broken?" He asked, and I tried to consider this. "In a group, there always has to be that bold person. The one who's a little braver than the rest, who can see everyone for who they are." He gave me a humorless smile. "There's always that one person who tests the line and pushes the boundaries."

"And you're that person?" I asked, seeing if I was following exactly what he was telling me.

"Not exactly." He muttered under his breath. This made me wonder what he really meant. He peered down at his folded hands, down on his legs, and was quiet for a moment. I waited anxiously.

"So…" I started again, curious. "What are you trying to tell me? That you're a reckless guy as is everyone else?" It was the best summary I could make of it. He watched me now, probably wondering why I seemed so interested in this small chat.

"Hmm…" He gave it some thought. "It does appear that way. Maybe…" Was he unsure of his own response? Could his idea have wandered away? Or maybe he didn't even finish the sentence. I closed my eyes for a second, feeling them burn hot as I did, and reopened them.

"It doesn't seem fair." I stated, and it was his turn to be puzzled and confused. I let out my rigid breaths and continued on. "People like you…you can do whatever you want without worrying about consequences. Which, again, makes you a reckless person, but less burdened and much more carefree. Always in today, never thinking about tomorrow." I shook my head, feeling a strange tinge of jealousy.

"It…It isn't the same for me. I can't do that. I wish I could sometimes. Forget duties and responsibilities, but then, I'm just digging myself into a deeper hole." I was staring off at the ceiling as I said this, and I didn't see his expression at all. Or if he even cared. "I'm tied down to things holding me to the earth. I guess that's why I'm in this sort of position in the first place. Call it fate if you will." I laughed, though there was nothing remotely funny about it.

The boy's finger sudden rubbed my cheek to reveal a clear, wet substance. It wasn't till then did I notice my giggles had turned into fresh tears. I quickly wiped them away, my throat burning in agonizing pain from using a great deal of my voice.

"People like us, Amu-."

"Like us?" I chuckled, humored by the statement. When did we get into the same category? Weren't we just discussing over differences?

"Yes, us. No one seems to understand, do they? They can't tell how much is swept under the rug, until someone takes the time to actually move it. Everyone can see a pretty face and say its beautiful, but no one can understand the pressure, the misery hidden behind the mask of beauty." I stared, wide eyed at his response. He was right, I realized. More than I was expecting. Maybe there was something good about him after all.

I opened my mouth to speak, with seconds of nothing, but air entering from my lungs. Then, I swallowed and spoke. "You…You know my name." I tried this same question again, hoping for an answer. He nodded, but didn't make any gesture to speak. Guess he wasn't as open as I thought.

"Well…" I began, going for a different route. "Since you know my name…can I at least know yours?" His eyes widened for the first time, and I seemed to break through of his composed mask. Many questions filled his own stare and he seemed to hesitate, as if thinking it over. He watched me gently now; in an expression I could only fathom of knowing, and gave a small nod.

"Its…Ikuto." He lowered his voice, like it was some sort of secret he was sharing with me. I looked up at his face and compared it with the name.

"Ikuto." I whispered, letting it roll off my tongue. I nodded, giving a small smile. "It fits you." He looked relieved for some reason and smiled back in triumph. For a few quick valuable seconds, there was nothing, but utter bliss in the air. I wanted the feeling to last forever, but just as evening seemed to drift away, so did the sensation. I sighed.

"You really should sleep now." Ikuto, and I was finally glad to put a name to his face, instructed. I nodded, a little more relaxed around him; but the insecurity wasn't completely drawn out.

I pulled several more covers over my body, maybe even colder than before and glanced quickly at Ikuto. He was looking the other way for some reason, completely still. But before I even had a chance to ask, my mind, and my body had completely surrendered; devouring me in the darkest of the night's sky.

::~0~::

It's really pretty. I thought, staring out into the snowfall. The flakes danced around in the air, falling onto the ground like stacks of feathers. I grabbed a handful in my mittens and watched it curiously.

I felt at peace, just standing and staring at the white blanket coating the earth. Nothing could be more beautiful…or as rich in resource. I let the snow drop into a pile under me, before noticing the particular spot melted within seconds. I examined it, confused. Reading as a message was spelled out.

It's coming.

My eyes blinked open once more, watching the white ceiling appear above me. How strange my dreams were getting. Thankfully not those fantasies, but something…different.

"Have a bad dream?"

I jumped to the side, noticing I wasn't alone in my bed. Next to me, laying more casual than ever, was the one and only, Ikuto. His hands were behind his back and his ankles were crossed as he asked the question, watching the ceiling as well. My face steamed up, and my nose felt a little stuffy.

"H-How did you know?" I burst, completely compelled by adrenaline beating in my ears. His head turned to me now, and when I locked eyes with him, my body involuntarily relaxed. Last night replayed in my mind and I felt I owed him enough to hear him out.

"You were talking in your sleep. Something about snow and melting." He shook his head, that familiar smirk forming. I glared, agitated by that know-it-all face.

"So?" I pressed, pretending like it didn't matter and it wasn't a big deal. Truth be told, I didn't want him hearing my dreams. Especially those horrid graphic moments in my head.

He laughed as always and I was only crushed by more humiliation. I covered my face with a pillow and hoped to drown him out.

"What? No, 'good morning?'" He asked, mocking a hurt expression. I rolled my eyes, groaning.

"Where you always this friendly?" I asked, swatting his hand as his fingers twirled on my arm. He pouted, but continued on anyway.

"What day is it?" I asked, my eyebrows pushing together. I couldn't remember, probably a side effect from the headache.

"Its Wednesday, why?" He asked, only somewhat curious for my answer. His index finger and middle finger had just made it up my shoulder. I shook my head.

"No reason. Just good to know." Good to know. I reminded myself. I stood up, feeling a little lightheaded, but besides that I was fine.

Ikuto's arms encircled around my waist as he still laid on the bed. My standing figure stumbled slightly, being pulled closer into his grasp. "Where are you going?" He asked into the bottom of the shirt I wore. His black button down shirt.

I raised an eyebrow, annoyed. "Where do you think? Let go!" I protested, trying to squirm out of his embrace. He pulled me even closer and soon I was back on the bed.

"Amu…" He started, and the huskiness of his voice had me red. "It's early. Don't you just want to…" He trailed off, planting more kisses lightly to the base of my neck. All the blood left my face as I remembered last time. I fought to get away.

"I-Ikuto…I-I just…gotta…pee and stuff." I was finally set free, after Ikuto's long sigh and stumbled over to the bathroom. I closed the door with a thud and clicked the lock. After my hyperventilating was over, I looked back in the mirror. The marks that were almost faded, now revealed freshly made ones. I sighed, not sure what to feel, and decided to take the time and make use of the bathroom.

I opened the door, and found Ikuto standing right outside. My eyes widened.

"Took you long enough." He muttered harshly and I glared, raising an eyebrow. What was with this new attitude? Last night he was so understanding, so nice…

"Anyway, I think we need to talk." Ikuto replied and I was bewildered.

"About…?" I urged him to continue.

"Just…things." A smirk twitched up the corners of his mouth and his face went down slightly, covering up his eyes. Before I could understand what was going on, Ikuto pounced on me.

He knocked me onto the pink carpet I had, leaving me breathless with the swift, sudden movement. I didn't have much time to catch my breath, before Ikuto began to work.

His hands urgently grabbed the base of the black shirt and pulled it over my head. Then, in seconds, he had tied the shirt like rope and my hands were clasped together, impossible to move. I felt a slight breeze pass my stomach, knowing it was bare. All that was left on my chest was my bra.

"I-Ikuto!" I tried yelling as loud as I could, but my voice was dry and croaky. I knew no one would come.

His face bent down and his tongue slowly licked the part of my belly button, then carefully slid up to my stomach. He continued doing this motion, having his tongue explore every bare flesh revealed, and letting his hands fall over my breasts. I gasped, frozen in shock and fear.

I didn't want this. I didn't want this to happen to me. Why was it that every guy I know seems to disappoint me somehow?

I tried not to cry, but regardless of what I wanted, the tears poured out anyway. I watched, seeing as he barely noticed my expression. I shut my eyes closed and prepared for a scream.

"L-Let G-G-Go!" I demanded, face burning and eyes streaming down with tears. I tried to think fast, a plan to help me escape for the time being. Seeing my object, I lifted my knee and hit his groin. He moaned in pain and fell to the side. With my hands still tied, I ran over to the bathroom. The closet door to me.

I turned the doorknob with the tip of my fingers and slammed it behind me. My breathing was coming out in overdrive, and I wondered if I would pass out from either lack of air or shock. Thankfully, the door stayed as should and I began to think.

First things first were to unbind my hands. I studied the knot and began to pick at it with my teeth. After many tries, it finally loosened enough for me to free my wrists. I rubbed them slightly, and placed the shirt back on. Then I looked for an exit.

Luckily, above my shower was a rectangular window, fogged up so no one would see through. I imagined myself climbing throw the opening, seeing as it WAS a possibility and walked toward it.

With only my socks on my heels, I climbed the rim of the bathtub and reached for the handle. The adrenaline still pounded in my blood, made it easier to be aware of everything. I unlatched it and pushed the window forward. It opened slightly as my hands grabbed the dirt in front of me. I hauled myself onto the grass and army crawled with my elbows and knees till I was out in the clearing.

I just about shut the window with my foot when the bathroom door opened.

I ran. I stood up, terrified and scared silly, running in any random direction.

I thought Ikuto was nice. I thought that somehow he understood me. I wanted to be friends.

With the cold snow soaking up my socks, my feet began to freeze with what I imagined frostbite would feel like. I shivered, still wearing just the lounge pants and Ikuto's black shirt. I glared down at it, wanting to rip it to shreds, but knowing common sense came before revenge and anger. I sighed and leaned against a tree.

He comes into my home, violates me, I give him a chance and he does it again. Perhaps my judgement on people was wrong after all. I sighed again and sank to the ground, my fever catching up with me.

I laid back and tried to drift off here, no longer compelled to run. I was too sick and tired to move anything.

"Hinamori-san?" The voice, soft and kind, reminded me of the sane part of the world. And for a minute, I thought I was finally safe and secure. I glanced up to find that blonde haired boy watching me, concern evident on his face.

"H…Hotori-kun?" His last name had somehow reappeared in my mind, even though just seconds again, his existence would have meant nothing to me. Strange how I suddenly remembered.

I pictured him giving me that sweet smile he seems to share with everything. Instead, his eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"What happened?" He asked, and though his voice was as leveled as ever, the threat was clear. I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

"Are you alright?" He asked, worried now. He seemed to examine me all at once, accessing my state. He didn't like what he saw. I blushed. "Did ….did something happen?"

I looked down at the snow covered ground and avoided his gaze. I didn't want to impose on Hotori-kun's life with my helplessness. I just couldn't ever fit in his world, everything perfect, and beautiful, and amazing.

Soft hands, warm hands, cupped the base of my chin and lightly lifted it up. I stared into his pink shaded eyes, more different and unusual than any other. And still, it seemed like a natural eye color to have. Maybe I was going insane.

"Hinamori…" He took in a breath and shook his head, before re-looking into my eyes. I felt my heart splutter and give out to him as he held my face, and I wanted so badly to trust Hotori-kun.

Though, I'm sure I could never do that. How can something so broken down come to love and trust anything?

I quickly turned my head to the side, letting his hands retreat back to his body. The wind swirled and chilled my skin, giving me hundreds of goose bumps. I closed my eyes, wanting more than anything to go to sleep.

Hotori spoke again. "It's much too cold, don't you agree?" He asked, and his voice began to fade away. I could feel sleep raw in my eyes and let pictures of my own world fill them. Everything was a mystery passed that.

::~0~::

Something's on my head.

It was wet, like snow melting on your face…but, it wasn't cold like snow. It was pretty warm.

I opened my eyes and stared up at the cloth barrier. Through the tiny bindings, light shed through. I lifted my hand to my eyes and pulled it off.

Surprising, pulling the cloth off only gave me the glare of sunlight. However, it didn't bother me or irritate me like it had before.

Then I saw it. Ikuto's face through my dazed out eyes. Memories flashed my mind as I held in silent screams and tears, trying to put together my thoughts. I needed to think…think…something was different.

My eyes adjusted, making me blink several times to actually see what I was looking at. It was a room inside of house I'd never seen before in my life. I took in the neat and tidy room, along with the traditional Japanese doors leading out into the backyard.

Before I had time to question any of this, Hotori-kun walked back in with a tray of tea. He smiled at me politely, placed the tray on a desk and offered me some. I accepted, feeling it rude not to.

I studied Hotori-kun in the inclining silence. He held his teacup very lightly, bringing it up to his lips and tilting his head back ever so slightly. His eyes closed, something like a smile crossing his lips and put it back on the saucer dish.

"I…" I tried to say, at a loss of words. Hotori-kun looked at me expectantly, patiently awaiting my response as my voice barely started. "I…um, is this your house?" I asked lamely. I felt a little nervous round him. His gaze was so interested in everything; while I just say something stupid and inferior, not even matching up to his intelligence. He smiled, regardless of my stupid question.

"Yes, it is." His voice wasn't quite high for a boy, but actually soothing. I tried very hard to concentrate on it. "I've been here for a while, though." He added.

"Oh, really?" I'd never seen him when walking around the city. Though, there were so many people there. What were the chances of us bumping into each other?

With nothing else to say, I stared down at my hands and felt the uneasiness of discomfort in the air. I wanted to badly to break this awkward silence between us, feeling a deep wedge forming if I didn't say something. I peeked around the surroundings, finally landing on a black Bible on the desk.

"You pray a lot?" I asked, and immediately wished I hadn't. Great, now he probably thinks I don't know what a bible even is!

He nodded, carefully picking up the old book and setting it on his lap. He stared down at the faded gold words on the cover and ran his fingers over the black, torn, leather booklet. The pages looked a yellow color, keeping up with the rest of the appearance. Old.

He watched my expression now, giving the hint of a grin. "Do you pray?" He asked the same question I had, without being a complete idiot like me. I blushed, embarrassed by this fact.

"W-Well…I haven't lately." I admitted truthfully. It didn't feel right to…lie to him for some reason. It felt…wrong.

"God helps us through the darkest of our hours. Into the thick fog, we walk blind, yet he is there, and we hold onto the hand of faith. He takes away our fear, and pain."

I had the sudden feeling to defend myself; like a kid giving excuses to the parents so they won't be punished. I felt very childish around him. Maybe his thoughts were too deep. Or mine weren't deep enough.

"If…If that's true, why is it that depression can still overtake us? Or not knowing whether there really is a god or not?" I sounded stupid now, like a ranting little kid. Hotori dropped his gaze back on the tattered book, and continued without hesitation.

"You have many doubts, Amu?" He looked back up, not lifting his head, but purely staring through his lashes. "Why?"

I froze, confused in my own beliefs. I had reasons for my doubts, but there weren't something to discuss. The things I've forgotten or surpressed…it's hard to say there really is a god in a disgusting world like this.

I kept thinking of something to tell Hotori-kun, but nothing came to mind. They were either too personal to reveal or simply not enough. I sighed, ashamed of my inner thoughts locked into a bottle.

"The-."

Hotori-kun was quickly interrupted when the door opened.

"Hey, Tadase. About the project. Amu is-."

I turned to the person, knowing very well who the voice belonged to. My eyes, widened in utter shock bored into the person's face.

What was going on? I didn't know Kukai knew Hotori-kun! And…I'm what? My head spun, not able to process the new load of information. It was especially hard, not knowing all the answers and ending up creating more questions. I began breathing harder, feeling like I was beginning to hyperventilate.

"Kukai…perhaps…" Hotori-kun started, sensing something wrong. He sighed, laid his hand on my shoulder with the lightest touch, and confirmed my expression. He nodded, as if comforting himself with what he had just decided.

"Hinamori-san, I think…we better explain."

I nodded, confused over many things. First, the fact that Hotori-kun sounded wary. Second, that Kukai had mentioned a project with my name with it. But most of all, how the two new each other…and exactly how I was involved.

ShellyCullen: Well, some turn of events, don't cha think? ^-^ I love how finally, things can slowly unfold; so all of you and little Amu here can understand exactly what's been going on in my head. ;3

Amu: I don't think that's a good idea…

Ikuto: You've got everyone confused and wired up. This an addicting story?

Shelly: Mmm… I hope its addicting. Otherwise, I'm no doing my job right. Oh, and it seems that A LOT of you have the EXACT same questions about what is what in the story and what will happen. Soon enough you'll know. Hehe.

Ikuto: She's crazy. You'll never guess unless you think like a maniac.

Shelly: It's the candy they're giving us at school! They plan to make us fat, I tell you! … Um…Reviews?

Shelly