Amu hurried through the night with Yoru by her side, the castle already in sight. "Maybe I should invest the positive energy I gather outside in Tadase as well, maybe I should meet him halfway," she thought aloud as they neared the castle. "What? No? Are you serious?" Yoru was taken aback by this statement and grabbed her dress, urging her to stop. "Hey, you can talk after all! I didn't dream it!"
"It doesn't matter now, but you certainly won't invest the positive experiences and energy they give you so painstakingly in that guy!" His expression was serious and appalled.
"You don't get to decide that... besides, I've never really taken the initiative myself. I've always waited for him to make a move. It's time for me to take charge."
"Amu, they meant their threat seriously, believe me! Let it go!"
"What can they possibly do?" She laughed a little and sighed. Why was everyone interfering with her decisions?
Yoru shook his head and sighed in frustration. Of course, he couldn't say that Ikuto could wreak havoc with a little more time. "Amu... they're not bad catches, why does it have to be Tadase? Do you really want to hurt them both just because you prefer someone who treats you like this? You know what awaits you..."
"I'll just turn the tables today; if it comes from me, it's not so bad," she said convincingly, radiating confidence, and Yoru felt like banging his head against the ground in despair.
"You're taking this way too lightly..." How could she forgive Tadase for this act so easily and then present herself to him on a silver platter? "The time you waste trying to change Tadase, you could already be enjoying with the others..." he muttered softly, knowing that every word was wasted breath.
"Who says they wouldn't do the same in the end? Especially that guy who won't even reveal his name."
"Are you serious? Don't you think something would have happened by now if he were like that? Okay, sure, he's a bit presumptuous, but he would never do something like that! And Nagi..." he laughed disbelievingly for a moment, looking at her incredulously and shaking his head. "The boy asks for permission to kiss you. Are you living in a different world than the rest of us?" The cat took a few deep breaths, trying to keep his composure, because she was driving him almost insane.
"I find it strange how much you defend this nameless guy. Do you know him? How can you be so sure?"
"Sixth sense, I've told you before," he said, looking annoyed to the side, regretting his words.
"You even admitted that you feel something for both of them..." he tried to dissuade her from her unrealistic idea.
"Not as much as for Tadase... it's not even the action itself that's the problem... just the way it happens..." she muttered softly, sighing as she looked up at the castle.
"What if it happened with one of the other two?" Amu laughed and shook her head, patting Yoru's head. "Then I would probably feel a lot for that person, and I would really have to rethink my situation with Tadase."
In the current situation, that would never happen, unless they did it against their will, and then they would be no better than Tadase.
\\Ikutooo..!\\ Yoru's voice echoed in Ikuto's mind in a very desperate and plaintive tone. \\She wants to take the initiative with that guy and make more effort for him..\\
The now blue-haired man laid on his sofa and stared at the ceiling, letting several seconds pass before he responded to Yoru. \\If that's what she wants and it makes her happy, so be it...\\ He had let Nagi's words run through his mind all the way home and since he had been lying on the sofa. \\Have you lost your mind too now? Then what am I even here for?!\\
\\I was convinced I could awaken her memories, but if I can't do that, I'm just a stranger to her who suddenly comes between her and Tadase. I completely ignored this possibility and left it out of the equation. I trampled on her feelings and wishes, I don't want that anymore.\\ Ikuto's voice echoed in Yoru's head with a certain seriousness but also with incredible sadness and he hung his head and ears and let out a sigh.
"I really have to get going, so come on, or don't..." Amu's voice finally tore him from his thoughts and shortly afterwards she turned her back on him and continued walking towards the castle. Yoru sighed and trudged after her, depressed.
Upon arriving at the castle, Amu's maids were already waiting anxiously behind her window, resembling a few startled chickens. The princess quickly climbed up and was immediately attended to by the three of them, who hastily prepared her, as time was running short. "There won't be time to shower today, Milady," Ran came closer to her mistress after making this statement, furrowing her brow with concern. "You have a strange scent about you, even with different clothes..." She was quite sure it was the scent of a man, and this fact unsettled the pink-haired girl greatly, as it must have meant she had been in close contact with another man. "That must be Nagi, I told you about him." Ran shook her head decisively. "That's a different scent. We must go now; he should be here soon." They bowed and left the room. On their way to their own chambers, they whispered and speculated about their mistress's actions when she wasn't around. The thought that she would casually come so close to strange men displeased them; they had always seen her as sincere and faithful. Ultimately, they decided not to jump to conclusions. They knew she worked in an inn, and perhaps she involuntarily acquired this scent.
Amu looked down at herself and sighed. "It must be him..." she thought of Ikuto, who had been in her arms for a while. "Would perfume help?" She rummaged through her nightstand and found a small bottle. She sprayed the contents twice against her décolletage, hoping it would suffice. Yoru, as always during these visits, remained outside. He didn't want to be involved in any of it.
Eventually, the door opened, and Tadase entered. He never waited for confirmation. As she thought about the past few weeks, the blonde seemed to regard her even more as his property and object than the blue-eyed stranger did.
"You seem in a good mood today," he sounded disdainful and began unbuttoning his shirt. Amu sighed briefly but then smiled at him and approached him, gently cupping his face with her hands and kissing him. She then let one hand slowly glide down his neck to his chest, where she made gentle up and down movements.
"We're going to spend our lives together; do you really want it to always be like this?" She looked at him deeply and calmly in the eyes, waiting for a reaction. "Am I really so unbearable? Do you really want someone else so badly?" she continued, as he only looked at her in silence. Tadase sighed and reluctantly uttered a 'No.' "I love you, Tadase... I've loved you for so long, despite the past few weeks. I know you have a good heart..."
"I don't have those feelings for you..." The girl smiled sadly and looked down. "I know, but can't we work on it?" She took his hand and slowly walked backward towards the bed. "Today, I'll take the lead," she grinned and winked at him. The young prince sighed and wasn't really keen on relinquishing control; he liked the feeling of power, probably because he didn't experience it anywhere else. Nevertheless, he agreed to it.
Amu gently pushed her fiancé down, so he was sitting on the edge of the bed. She sat on his lap and slowly and tenderly caressed his neck with her lips, working her way down to his chest. She slowly took off his shirt while letting her hands glide gently along his back. The blonde closed his eyes and enjoyed her touches, even though he didn't want to; he wanted to emotionally distance himself from her.
She eventually gently pushed him back, so he was lying on the bed. He looked at her a little sadly and plaintively, due to his inner conflicts. Amu paused for a moment, looking at him with concern and sadness, but then continued with a gesture from him indicating she should proceed. She unbuttoned his pants and then took his hands, placing them on her breasts. He continued to watch her silently, and Amu began to feel nervous. For her, taking the initiative was completely new, especially on this matter, and it was even harder when he just laid there and watched her. She was on the verge of giving in and letting him take over as usual but then bit her lip and pulled herself together. He had to start seeing her as an independent being to even begin to develop feelings for her.
She blushed and continued to undress him, but before she removed his underwear, she started seductively undressing herself while sitting on him and making gentle movements. Tadase bit his lip and took a deep breath. His breathing quickened, but he still mostly kept it under control. Eventually, Amu couldn't avoid it any longer and reached the lower part, where she had been aware of the bulge for some time. She blushed even more than before and sat there for a moment, without doing anything, just looking at it. "And you are sure you want it that way?" he chuckled a little, but not maliciously. "I-isn't it better for you like this, too?" she stammered, her cheeks growing warmer.
He grinned gently, yet mischievously. "At the very least, it's interesting. Whether it's effective is another question altogether." Typically, it didn't take so long for them to even start, as he was supposed to produce an heir already. There had been talk that he might not be able to do so, or perhaps she couldn't.
"You...you just lie there and do nothing," she whined a bit, finally mustering the courage to remove the last piece of clothing. She touched it, causing him to twitch slightly. He didn't want to make anything emotional out of the situation. Using her kept his feelings at bay, yet he couldn't resist becoming more involved. He gripped her hips with his hands and stroked the sides of her stomach. One hand traveled up to her lips, and his thumb brushed gently across them. Amu smiled and looked into his eyes before gathering her courage and sitting down on his member. She closed her eyes as she felt it slowly penetrate, and both moaned softly for a brief moment. She began to move up and down slowly and leaned forward to kiss him. He continued to hold her hips firmly with one hand and buried the other in her hair.
Amu retained control for a long time and played a bit with him by repeatedly stopping when she felt he was close. The blond boy breathed faster and when she did it again, only a quiet "Fuck.." escaped his lips as he gripped her hips tightly. This back and forth of emotions drove him crazy. The girl, on the other hand, clearly enjoyed it and grinned cheekily at him. Although the whole thing was not very effective for Tadase's actual task, he didn't say a word about it, which made Amu feel like he at least somewhat enjoyed it. "I can't take this anymore.." he gasped and looked at her pleadingly. She hadn't allowed him even once, and the sensation down there became more intense. Ultimately, he turned with her and took control, but this time still with feeling and not roughly. When he finally felt the relief, he threw his head back and breathed deeply.
Amu chuckled and then smiled gently. "I could have teased you even more," she grinned and stuck out her tongue at him.
"Why do you think I subjugated you?" he wiped the sweat from his forehead and ran his hand through his bangs.
Amu made a face and rolled her eyes. "Subjugated , huh?" she grinned and Tadase did the same. He kept control for the rest of the time and she was also quite happy about it, as it was slowly getting tiring and she admired his perseverance and that he could even reach climax so often, because in the end, she always felt pretty stuffed.
This time he carefully lifted her hips at the end and held them in that position for a while. Probably an attempt that it would work better. "Do you really think that helps? I think, with that amount inside, it's impossible that it doesn't come all the way to its destination."
The blonde sighed. "I know that myself, but it doesn't hurt to try." she shrugged and waited until he laid her down again after a few minutes.
"What if it's a girl.."
"Then we'll have to try until it's a boy. I don't know what measures my parents would consider sensible for a girl." he sighed softly and laid down beside her, that was the first time, otherwise, he would immediately leave the room.
Amu looked sadly at the ceiling. She didn't care which gender, her child was her child, she didn't want it to possibly die just because of the gender. She turned to him and laid her head on his chest. "What if it doesn't work out..?" she sighed and placed a hand on her stomach. She was convinced that something was wrong, either with him or with her, because with the amount she had to take from him every day, it was simply impossible that nothing happened.
The blonde remained silent and thought about what to answer, because he could hardly tell her that his parents would then see her as useless and unworthy and banish her. If he thought back, he had never liked his parents; they had always been power-hungry and knew no morals, and he had to obey.
"It won't come to that," he wrapped an arm around her and sighed softly before closing his eyes and falling asleep; after all, it was quite late, and since his parents forced him to such an extent, it drained his strength, he had been getting too little sleep every day since it started, because he usually had to get up early again, but this night he wasn't in his room and couldn't be woken up, so he could finally get some sleep after a long time.
Amu had been awake for a while, watching him sleep with a gentle smile. He looked peaceful, and if you saw him like that, you would never have guessed that he was capable of such bad things. She was gently stroking his hair when he slowly woke up and opened his eyes, meeting hers. He blushed and looked away. "Don't stare like that..." he sounded embarrassed, which made Amu giggle. Suddenly, Tadase realized that it must be later than usual, and he sat up abruptly in bed, looking for a clock. "Damn... I've slept way too long."
"Well, then it doesn't matter now; we might as well do something together." she smiled, surprised at how easy it was for her. Before, she would have been too nervous to suggest anything, probably because interacting with everyone in the guesthouse made her more self-confident.
Tadase sighed as he put on his shirt and buttoned it up. It wasn't really irrelevant, but on the other hand, he didn't want to deal with his mother's lectures on how he dared to be late. "All right. By the way, do you want to explain to me why you smell like a man?" Naturally, he had noticed that the night before, but he wanted to see where it would lead and didn't want to bring it up, as it might distract Amu from her plan.
The expression on the pink-haired girl's face became uncertain, and she swallowed. She had hoped that the perfume would be enough since he hadn't mentioned it. She had no excuse ready; after all, everyone assumed she had only been in the castle. "I was outside yesterday, and being the clumsy person I am, I tripped. A butler caught me, but unfortunately, he was wearing a strong perfume, and it must have rubbed off on me." she sighed and raised her arms with a shake of her head. Tadase looked at her incredulously. He didn't perceive the smell as that of a perfume, but he also wasn't one hundred percent sure about it. He scrutinized her from top to bottom. "I hope you're not cheating on me." his expression was serious and cool.
"Of course not..." she nervously swallowed again but didn't show it.
He raised an eyebrow and continued to watch her closely. For now, he decided to leave it at that and believe her.
After they got dressed, they headed into town to stroll around. Surprisingly, the suggestion came from the blonde prince himself; he just wanted to get away from the castle. Amu stopped at a shop window displaying bridal wear. Her eyes sparkled, and she hoped her dress would be just as beautiful. "Look, aren't the dresses adorable?" she smiled and turned to Tadase, pointing at the dresses with her finger. "Certainly. Yours will still be unique, specially made for you, and even more beautiful than all the others." he smiled and watched her face, which now radiated even more joy than before.
"These are really pretty dresses." a familiar female voice appeared behind Amu, and shortly after, a lilac tuft appeared over her shoulder. The girl had managed to get a look at the dresses by peeking over Amu's shoulder.
Nadeshiko was just on her way to run errands for the inn, and as a girl, there were always discounts. Amu's eyes widened, and her gaze initially betrayed unease. "Could you maybe keep some distance?" Tadase looked at the lilac-haired girl judgmentally, waiting for her to comply with his request.
"Oh, sure, sorry. I was just so overwhelmed by the dresses." she smiled shyly, and shortly afterward, her expression turned surprised. "Oh, silly me, the royal couple, how rude of me." Of course, it was all just a show. "But it seems we have the same taste; maybe we could be friends?" Nadeshiko beamed enthusiastically at the pink-haired princess.
"I don't think that's a good idea..." Tadase objected before Amu could respond. Amu, on the other hand, stood there perplexed and confused. Why was Nagi here, and what was this show for? However, the fact that he showed no signs of knowing each other relieved her. Eventually, she turned to Tadase. "Why not?"
"Who says she's not crazy? We're not exactly discreet right now. There are female assassins too." Betrothed of royal families were often kidnapped and used to gain access to the throne or a lot of money.
"What? A Fragile person like me?" Nadeshiko chuckled at the thought and covered her mouth with her hand.
"I don't really have friends, so it would be a nice change," Amu followed up. The lilac-haired girl hugged Amu from behind and rested her head on her shoulder. "Please," she made a puppy face. Amu couldn't help but blush a little; after all, she knew who she really was and couldn't help but think about the previous evening. Tadase tilted his head slightly and scrutinized the two skeptically. Why was Amu reacting like this? He shook off the thought; after all, his fiancée was generally rather shy, and a stranger was just hugging her. He gently pulled her out of the embrace and now wrapped his arm around her waist. "Can't you make friends in the castle... I don't want to constantly worry that it was a mistake," he sighed and looked into her yellow eyes. "You could trust my feeling," she smiled gently, tilting her head. He raised an eyebrow and sighed a little annoyed. "All right."
Nadeshiko sighed inwardly; she didn't really like that he actually seemed to be nice as well. "So, can I join you today then? Unfortunately, I don't have much free time." She looked at the two with big puppy eyes.
"Actually, we were planning to spend the day together," but ultimately, he looked at Amu and left the decision to her. Nadeshiko also looked at Amu and grinned confidently, which made Amu sigh. She really wanted to spend the day with Tadase alone, but she also couldn't bring herself to just send Nagi away. "Sure, why not."
The lilac-haired girl's eyes sparkled, and she nodded happily. "And, is there a dress for you?" she inquired, looking back at the shop window.
"They're pretty, but apparently, one is being made specifically for me," she smiled gently, looking a little embarrassed.
"So, it must be something very special," Nadeshiko smiled gently but sighed inwardly again and glanced briefly at Tadase.
As they continued their way together, Tadase initially still kept his arm around Amu's waist, but she was quickly torn away from him as Nadeshiko kept discovering things and happily dragged Amu along, always somehow clinging to her.
"Do you always seek so much physical contact with your friends?" They were all sitting at a table in a café now, taking a break and eating some cake. His voice was cool and somewhat disdainful. He scrutinized the girl as he waited for her answer.
"Hmm? I don't understand?" she looked innocently confused, with numerous question marks written on her face. Of course, she knew what he was talking about. "Do you like women? Are you aware that this is not well received? Especially not if you try to get close to the fiancée of the Crown Prince," he raised an eyebrow, and also lifted his chin a little higher.
Nadeshiko waved her arms defensively and laughed awkwardly. "Of course not. I just got a little carried away. I'm just so excited about this friendship."
In reality, every single time Tadase and Amu got a little closer, she intervened. "Uh-huh," Tadase didn't believe a word she said and turned to Amu to kiss her, but as expected, Nadeshiko interfered by insisting that Amu try a piece of her cake, thus diverting her attention away from him. Tadase narrowed his eyes in annoyance and now approached Nadeshiko to smell her, because all of this just seemed absurd to him, and he didn't care about his image at the moment. To his disappointment, though, she did indeed smell entirely like a woman, so his suspicion wasn't confirmed.
Meanwhile, Nadeshiko made a perplexed face and stepped back a little with her hands half-raised. Amu immediately understood what was going on in Tadase's mind, but even if Nagi hadn't perfected his femininity, it wouldn't be the scent he was looking for. The lilac-haired girl looked at the blond prince with uncertainty as he backed away from her. "Is something wrong? Do I smell unpleasantly?" She smiled shyly.
"No, quite the opposite..." he murmured discontentedly, crossing his arms. Nadeshiko's eyebrows furrowed as she observed Tadase's questionable reaction.
"Um, well... maybe we should go our separate ways for now," Amu awkwardly scratched her head at the current situation. "What? That's a shame, really?" Nadeshiko took Amu's hands and looked at her sadly in the eyes.
Amu grimaced a little and sighed. He would see her tonight anyway.
Tadase simply decided to ignore her and be more determined in his actions. He stabbed a piece of his cake with his fork and gently turned Amu's face to him. "Say 'ah'," he grinned and carefully fed her the piece of cake as she complied with his request. "Mmmm, this one's good too," she smiled and did the same to him, offering him a piece of her cake. "You've got something there," he pointed just above his lip, but before Amu could do anything herself, he followed with, "Let me help you," and a kiss. She blushed and smiled. Nadeshiko watched reluctantly in silence. She didn't know how she could prevent it this time, but she began to understand why Amu still wanted to believe in this guy.
"What's the lady's next wish?" Amu thought for a moment and then smiled. "Isn't there a festival going on? Let's go there."
"As you wish," he smiled gently, stood up, and offered her his hand. His gaze shifted to Nadeshiko. "You can come along if you want." Since he didn't intend to let her interfere anymore, he didn't really care whether she was there or not. Nadeshiko just nodded silently and sighed.
The pink-haired girl took her beloved's hand and then clasped her arms around his right arm, leaning her head against his shoulder. Nagihiko felt a pang in his heart with each of these touches and remained silent and lost in thought for the next while. At first, he had hopes, since the relationship with Tadase didn't seem healthy, but if he would be permanently like this with Amu, he would certainly have no chance that Amu would fall in love with him and choose him.
The festival consisted of numerous stalls, many people, and everywhere there was music and dance. Amu's eyes lit up at the sight, but she also looked around searchingly before spotting a small tent selling clothes. The clothing was aimed more at the middle class and was plain, just what she had in mind. "Let's change our clothes so we don't stand out like colorful parrots," she tugged lightly at Tadase's sleeve and smiled gently. The prince frowned briefly, but then agreed with a sigh and a nod.
Amu and Tadase stood in their simple medieval attire on the edge of the dance floor. The light of the lanterns surrounded them as the joyful strains of a song filled the air.
A smile spread across Amu's face as she watched the dancing couples. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, her hands already moving to the rhythm of the music.
She turned to Tadase, her eyes full of anticipation. "Come, let's dance," she called out excitedly over the music, reaching out her hand to him. Tadase returned her smile and took her hand in his.
Together they stepped onto the dance floor, carried away by the captivating melody of the song. Amu's steps were light and graceful as she moved to the rhythm of the music. Their movements were infectious, and soon other couples joined them on the dance floor.
(For the dance, I thought of this song: https//watch?v=dhW1mh7U6-U )
They twirled to the rhythm of the music, their steps synchronized and full of joy. The world around them blurred as they lost themselves in the dance. Every moment was magical, filled with love and happiness.
At the end of the dance, they stood embraced, their smiles radiant and full of bliss. The music faded slowly, but their love and happiness remained as they held each other, savoring the moment to the fullest.
After dancing with Tadase, Amu turned to him with a slightly embarrassed smile. "May I dance with Nadeshiko?" she asked politely, her eyes on Tadase's face. The gentle breeze of the evening made her hair gently sway over her shoulders as she waited for his answer.
Tadase, who had been enjoying the gentle movements of the dance, hesitated for a moment when he heard the name "Nadeshiko." He had noticed throughout the day how she fluttered between them, and although he had no clear indication of who Nadeshiko really was, he felt a slight unease in his heart. Nevertheless, not wanting to appear rude, he nodded in agreement. "Yes, of course," he replied, trying to hide his inner confusion.
After receiving Tadase's permission, Amu turned to Nadeshiko with a radiant smile and politely offered her hand for a dance. Nadeshiko, who had been standing on the sidelines, was surprised by the invitation, but her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she took Amu's hand.
(For the dance between the two, I thought of this song: https//watch?v=SIMICxefWf0 )
The two women began to dance gently, enveloped in the mystical atmosphere of the medieval festival. Their movements were fluid and harmonious, in tune with the melody played by the band. Nadeshiko radiated graceful lightness, while Amu performed the dance steps with a broad smile.
During the dance, the connection between the two women strengthened. Amu could feel the warmth and tenderness emanating from Nadeshiko and was drawn to her grace and presence. Nadeshiko, on the other hand, enjoyed being close to Amu and felt drawn to her charm and aura.
The music seemed to embrace them as they moved in the dance, and the world around them disappeared as they glided over the festival grounds together. It was a moment of joy, connection, and understanding that united them both in that moment and expressed the magic of the festival in a very special way.
As they danced, Amu felt the presence and the gentle touches of Nadeshiko. In each of her steps and in each glance, there was a subtle intensity that Amu could not ignore. She thought back to the evening before, when 'Nadeshiko' had confessed his feelings to her, and she had admitted that she also harbored weak feelings.
Nadeshiko danced with an elegance and passion that fascinated Amu. Her eyes radiated a gentle dedication, and his touches were full of tenderness and warmth. Despite her loyalty to Tadase, Amu couldn't help but feel touched by the genuine affection that Nadeshiko showed her.
During the dance, Amu felt torn between her feelings for Tadase and the emerging attraction to Nadeshiko. It was an emotional turmoil that threatened to overwhelm her as she was torn between two lovable personalities. Nonetheless, she tried to enjoy the moment and surrender to the magic of the dance, which freed her from all her inner conflicts for a moment.
Nadeshiko finally approached Amu's ear, causing Amu's heart to beat a little faster, as her recent experiences with someone near her ear had always stirred up her emotions, thanks to Ikuto. However, the purple-haired girl whispered softly to Amu that it was time to head to work soon, especially since Amu needed to change and dress up as Akane. Taking a few deep breaths to calm her nerves, the pink-haired girl nodded in agreement. They turned a few more times to the music before Nadeshiko led Amu back to Tadase. "Brought her back sound and secure," she winked, her confidence evident in her grin.
"We should head home; I'd like a bit of rest before..." she interrupted herself, not wanting to continue the thought in front of Nadeshiko, but she could tell from her eyes that Nadeshiko understood what Amu meant. While the princess used it as an excuse to have some peace at home and possibly sneak out of the castle, there was some truth to her statement as well. Tadase nodded politely and bid Nadeshiko farewell, reluctantly inviting her to visit Amu occasionally, as it would surely bring joy to his fiancée. Amu felt a bit uncomfortable at this remark, and bit her lower lip in a way that Tadase wouldn't notice. While Nadeshiko continued to act politely and girlishly as she graciously accepted the invitation, Amu could visualize the self-assured and pleasing grin that Nagihiko must have been wearing internally.
With little time left before opening, Nagi headed to work and found Ikuto already waiting outside. "Before opening? Seriously?" Ikuto glanced briefly at Nagi and continued to lean against the wall with his arms crossed. What purpose did he have in life other than Amu? Nagi sighed and sat on the bench next to the despondent man, reporting on the day's events. He started with his impressions of Tadase and how the two of them should probably give up, and then moved on to his dance with Amu. He couldn't resist teasing Ikuto. "Now I'm ahead of you," he stuck his tongue out and grinned. "Of course, he's the knight in shining armor... damn it," Ikuto's eyes reflected deep sadness, and his voice was weaker than usual. If Nagi's account was true, he had to give up on Amu's happiness.
"I hate to admit it, but he really seems to care about her. Even though I was just a girl, you could occasionally see jealousy in his eyes."
"You act more masculine than some macho men around her," Ikuto narrowed his eyes and raised an eyebrow before rolling his eyes briefly.
"Wow. Firstly, that's not true, and secondly, I naturally behaved more femininely in his presence. He has no idea. I don't care at the inn; the people who come here won't notice either way."
"Oh, and stay away from her more; you're causing her trouble. Your scent must have lingered on her yesterday, otherwise I can't explain Tadase's very odd behavior. He eventually started smelling me, probably suspecting I was a guy, and you don't just come to that conclusion out of nowhere. He must have thought, as familiar as I am with her, there must be more to it. Fortunately, I play my role excellently when it matters, and I smelled as lovely as a maid on a fresh spring day," he grinned and made theatrical hand movements. As Nagihiko, however, he smelled completely different again.
"Let her take a shower if needed; I'm not giving up everything... friends can hug each other..." The fingers of his right hand pressed harder into his arm, and he lowered his head slightly.
"Wow, you're really something. I feel the same way as you do, and I'm not throwing myself into an endless black hole," The purple-haired guy stood up and nudged the downcast man with his shoulder.
"It's not the same for you... you didn't have everything... you didn't have a life with her, which you lost all at once... I'd prefer death than this torture of seeing her in another's arms..."
As Ikuto spoke these words, Nagihiko raised his eyebrows in surprise. An incredulous expression crossed his face as he tried to decipher the meaning behind Ikuto's mysterious statement. The words seemed like a hidden message that he couldn't quite decipher.
Nagihiko furrowed his brow, his eyes searching Ikuto's face for an explanation. A feeling of confusion washed over him as he tried to understand Ikuto's statement. It was as if he were trapped in a fog of ignorance, unable to solve the puzzle that Ikuto had presented him with.
"What?" Nagihiko finally said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "What do you mean? A life with Amu? But... that's impossible. She has been Tadase's fiancée for as long as I can remember. They have been promised to each other since childhood."
Ikuto gasped for air, his chest feeling like it was collapsing under the weight of an immeasurable emptiness. A deep sigh escaped him, accompanied by a downtrodden shake of his head. "Forget it," he whispered softly, his gaze clouding over and turning desperately towards the sky. The sun was setting on the horizon, a painfully beautiful spectacle that only emphasized the darkness within him. Stars began to twinkle, like sparkling tears of the universe, yet for Ikuto, they brought no comfort, only the reminder of transience.
His thoughts were overshadowed by dark clouds as he toyed with the idea of simply facing the sensors, ready to confront the fate that had long awaited him. What did he have to lose anyway? His world seemed lost already.
"Seriously, you, already here?" a voice chimed in, and her gaze met the blue-haired one. "And you're out here when you should be preparing things inside," the voice added, this time directed at the purple-haired one. "Hopeless, both of you," Amu's cheerful grin quickly got turned down by a shake and an uneasy glance from Nagihiko. Confused and questioning, she looked at her colleague, but only now did she notice the dark aura filling the air. It emanated from the blue-haired one, who didn't even look at her. This behavior was unusual for him.
The purple-haired one sighed irritably before approaching Amu's ear and asking her to hug the blue-haired one. Confused and surprised, she followed his request, although she knew Nagihiko wouldn't normally allow such closeness. She couldn't understand what was going on, but she could feel the pain hanging in the air, as tangible as a stab in the heart.
"Hey..." the gentle and loving voice he so revered approached, and soon after, arms wrapped around him. He couldn't help but slowly sink to the ground, yielding to the gravity of his sorrow. His pain erupted from within him, tears he could no longer hold back.
This sight pierced Amu's heart inexplicably. She sat down beside him to hold him in her arms as he released his pain. His breathing was irregular, his tears unstoppable. Although it was her embrace, his arms remained motionless at his side, and Amu could feel the pain that held him captive.
"Nagi, what have you done..." she whispered, her eyes full of pain and despair, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"I haven't done anything..." he muttered, a hint of petulance in his voice before he sighed. At least he couldn't be blamed for the inevitable truth, as he hadn't really done anything beyond conveying it to him.
"Don't you want to hug me too?" Her voice broke, and Ikuto slowly raised his arms to pull her tightly to him, as if he could never let her go again. His heart was heavy and broken, and it felt like it could never heal again.
And in that moment, as they hugged, Amu felt the pain in his embrace, the burden of his broken soul clinging to hers. It was as if the world around them was sinking into darkness, and they were both alone, trapped in an endless ocean of pain and loss. No words could bridge the chasm between them, only the silent suffering they shared as they held onto each other, desperately hoping that their embrace could mend the broken pieces of their hearts.
Amu couldn't understand why she felt such pain just because he did. She had been in high spirits and happy before. And Nagihiko couldn't help but ponder Ikuto's words, about the inexplicable connection between them that was so strong and painful in that moment. It was as if their souls were communicating on a level beyond words, a connection that couldn't be explained but only felt.
With every passing second, Ikuto pressed Amu tighter against him, as if desperately clinging to her to avoid falling into the abyss of darkness. His arms were like steel chains wrapping around her, and his face was hidden in her hair, as if he wanted to hide from the world, from all the pain and despair surrounding him. Yet even in their embrace, they couldn't stop the incessant flow of tears pouring from them. Amu felt her lips adorned with a sad sob, as she lost all control over her emotions.
"What's going on here?" Aaron's voice pierced the evening as he tried to enter the inn, but he was trapped in this scene of grief blocking the entrance. "My girls won't be made to cry," he threatened the blue-haired one, but Nagihiko immediately reacted by waving his hands wildly, as if trying to appease Aaron.
Amu looked up, desperately trying to wipe away the tears to see clearly. "I-I'm sorry, I don't know what's wrong with me... He's just so incredibly hurt and sad, and somehow it's rubbing off on me..." Her voice almost choked on the weight of the pain surrounding her, feeling like she was drowning in an endless whirlpool of sadness.
The girl's gaze pleaded with Nagi, hoping to finally understand what was going on. As she continued to hold Ikuto in her arms, she had no other choice but holding him, because every time she thought he couldn't hold her any tighter, he squeezed her even tighter. Ikuto felt miserable for showing himself like this in front of others, but he simply had no control anymore.
Nagi took a deep breath and sighed before telling Amu about the conversation between him and Ikuto. A heavy silence descended upon them as Amu lowered her gaze to the ground. Nagi hadn't done anything wrong, but the news that her relationship with Tadase was finally going well and thus any hope for Nagi and Ikuto was destroyed hit the blue-haired one hard. He had told her the same thing he told Nagi just a few moments ago, and if it was really true, she felt guilty for not being able to remember him.
Aaron planted his hands on his hips and raised his eyebrows in question. "I don't quite understand what's going on here, but you still need to come in slowly. You should have started long ago."
Nagi sighed again and grimaced. "I'll take care of it. Stay with him until he gets himself together." With gentle movements, he slowly lifted Ikuto up, while Amu positioned herself on the other side of the blue-haired one. Together, they finally brought him to a table inside the inn. As thanks and an apology, Amu hugged Nagi, who helped her with the work.
A gentle smile graced Nagi's lips, but his eyes betrayed a hidden sadness as Amu briefly looked away. It weighed on him just as much that his own chances were gone, yet he pulled himself together. Nevertheless he could understand that Ikuto might be suffering even more if his story was true.
"Hey, don't be so down. Look at Nagi juggling everything now while you hold me here," Amu joked affectionately, nodding towards the stressed Nagi. "Should have gone as a girl, people are more understanding then..." murmured the purple-haired one in stress, so that no one could really hear, but Amu caught it as he passed by them, and she chuckled softly. She had managed to reign in the pain she felt through Ikuto a little. But the blue-haired one's ignorance prompted Amu to let out a mournful sigh.
"Do you really want to give up? Yes, I love Tadase, yes, things are finally going well between us... but there are also feelings for you... and for Nagi... I told you that," she confessed, not wanting to give him false hope, but she couldn't bear to see him like this. "Where's the cheeky, charming guy gone?" With an affectionate smile, she gently nudged him on the nose.
As he remained motionless, Amu desperately slumped back into her seat and sighed heavily, holding the bridge of her nose. But soon she straightened up again, her gaze determinedly fixed on Ikuto. "If you don't start talking to me now, I'll be the best customer here today."
The blue-haired one sighed deeply, struggling to lift his head slightly. "Stop this nonsense," he muttered.
"But no, if you're feeling so miserable, then so am I," she replied with a determined voice and a self-assured smile.
"I noticed yesterday how you despise alcohol..." he remarked with an emotionless gaze. But Amu just shrugged and briefly stopped Nagi as he passed by their table again. "Could you please bring me a bottle of liqueur?" she asked him.
The purple-haired one skeptically raised an eyebrow. "For whom?"
"For me," Amu replied firmly. "Certainly not," Nagihiko tried to convince her.
"Well, tough luck, princess," Ikuto retorted with a slightly mocking tone, but still relatively composed.
Amu pouted a little. "Don't tell me what to do and go get me that bottle now!" She crossed her arms and looked at Nagihiko determined and resolute. After a desperate shake of his head, he finally did what she asked.
"This is your last chance," she threatened Ikuto again, but he continued to look at her incredulously, leaving no doubt that he would not be fooled or persuaded.
Amu sighed discontentedly as Ikuto continued to not respond to her efforts. Frustrated, she finally reached for the bottle and began to drink from it. Every sip was like a silent plea to him, but he remained silent and motionless.
The intensity of his gaze burned into her, but Amu stubbornly ignored him and provocatively continued to drink. She knew she would regret it because she couldn't handle any alcohol at all. But in that moment, only the attempt to lure him out of his dark cocoon counted.
"Please, stop..." His voice was sharp, filled with a mixture of concern and anger.
Amu scoffed mockingly and took another sip. A quarter of the bottle was already empty. Nagihiko watched the scene with a worried look, but he didn't intervene. With a heavy sigh, he returned to his work.
Finally, Ikuto reacted and roughly snatched the bottle from her. "Why are you doing this crap?"
"Because it was the only thing that finally made you come alive again," Amu retorted challengingly.
Ikuto's gaze darkened. "You don't understand what's going on in me. Why don't you just leave me alone? Maybe I've already made my decision?" The bitterness in his voice was hard to miss, and he again alluded to the thought of his self-chosen execution, which of course he would never speak out loud.
Amu's expression darkened, and anger mixed with her eyes. "Because I have to share this pain with you. Haven't you noticed how I cried earlier? It hurts so terribly..." Her words sounded desperate, and perhaps there was also a trace of incomprehension in them. It was as if she couldn't recognize the inexplicable but deep connection between them, reaching over from a past life.
Ikuto averted his gaze. He didn't want her to feel this pain, but he also saw no point in hiding his feelings from her. His voice was soft as he asked, "Will you ever leave Tadase?"
Amu raised her eyebrows in a somber expression and fell silent. The silence between them was laden with an invisible weight that weighed heavily on their shoulders.
"See," Ikuto continued. "So what's the point of all this?"
"I... how am I supposed to know right now... We're nowhere near that point..." Her words sounded muffled as her gaze sadly fell to the table. Deep down, she was sure she wouldn't leave Tadase, but she had to do something to pull Ikuto out of this endless pit of pain.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not stupid. You can't fool me," Ikuto said with a cold gaze, his eyes still empty and cold as ice.
"I... would..." Amu hesitated, her thoughts seeming to tread dangerous territory that she would rather avoid. "Would a night of belonging to you help to let go...?" She nervously bit her lower lip, unsure if she would regret her words.
Ikuto could hardly believe what he was hearing, and an ironic smile crossed his lips. "What do you take me for? Do you think I only want you for that? What would that change? It would only make everything worse." Her proposal deeply hurt him, and he couldn't help but bury himself even further in his own pain.
Amu felt a stabbing pain in her chest as she saw Ikuto's reaction. The uncertainty in his eyes hit her like a blow. She had hoped to offer a solution, a way out of his agony, but instead, she seemed to sow only more confusion and suffering.
"I'm sorry... I just wanted to help," she whispered, her voice barely more than a whisper. A heavy feeling of helplessness washed over her.
Nagihiko sighed heavily again as he struggled through the work, occasionally catching fragments of the conversation. The fact that Amu offered something like that to a guy like this hurt him deeply, but now was not the time to focus on that. Since he had served everyone adequately and had a short break, he joined them.
"Well, where's my offer?" A confident grin adorned his face as he winked at Amu. Her face remained expressionless, only her mouth corners slightly downturned. "Keep dreaming," she replied.
Nagihiko performed theatrical gestures to illustrate the pain her response caused, but his smile betrayed that he didn't take it too seriously. "How unfair and mean," he commented.
The purple-haired one gallantly wrapped an arm around Ikuto and spoke with a voice brimming with confidence. "Perhaps you should think about it again," he announced with a mischievous smile. His gaze, however, revealed a completely different intention, namely to lighten the dark mood, and by no means did he take his words seriously.
Ikuto, surprised by this unexpected gesture, asked, "What's gotten into you? As if you'd accept something like that?"
"Huh? Sure, better than nothing. Who doesn't dream of a night with the enchanting lady here," Nagi immediately shot a meaningful glance at Amu, signaling to her that his previous words were pure fiction, and he, just like Ikuto, would never accept such an invitation.
"Uh-huh. I'm not doing it," Ikuto declared unmoved.
"But I'm not giving up so easily," Nagi continued. "Your fiancé may be nice for now, but who knows if that will last?" He stepped behind Amu and gently embraced her waist, leaning his head against her shoulder.
Ikuto shrugged indifferently. "If you want to lift your own hope just to let it get shattered, go ahead."
"Just empty words then?" Nagihiko taunted. "How confident you were that she would be yours and you wouldn't give her to anyone else. But now see how quickly things can change. Pathetic." He held Amu even tighter, causing her face to blush with embarrassment. "Nagi, stop that..."
"And this coming from the one who claims that the happiness of his loved one comes before his own," countered Ikuto with a shrug. "I act based on the belief that her happiness lies with Tadase."
"Look at her, she's completely blinded. She herself doesn't know what's best for her," Nagi interjected, shrugging again.
"Hey, wait a minute!" Amu protested offended. "I do know very well what's best for me," she explained, crossing her arms, while giving Nagihiko a reproachful look.
She noticed a change in Nagi's expression. His usually light and mischievous demeanor gave way to a more serious countenance as he gently began, "Amu, I know what I'm about to say is hard to accept, but I must say it nonetheless. Have you ever considered that your feelings for Tadase might not be as strong as you think?"
Amu raised her eyebrows in surprise, unsure where Nagihiko was going with his words. "What do you mean?"
Nagihiko sighed lightly and continued, "Perhaps you've fallen so deeply for Tadase because he's always been there, because it's what you know. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's right for you. Sometimes we can be so entangled in our habits and expectations that we overlook the possibility of true happiness."
When Nagihiko voiced his concerns, Amu felt a pang of defense for Tadase in her heart. Her eyes flashed with determination as she replied, "Nagi, I understand what you're saying, but you're wrong. My feelings for Tadase are genuine. Yes, there have been times when he's made mistakes, but who among us is perfect? I've looked past his actions, not because I'm blinded, but because I love him. Because I know there's a good person inside him capable of growth and change."
Her gaze was firm, and her voice sounded resolute. She had overcome so many obstacles and challenges with Tadase that she had no doubt her love was strong and true. She was ready to stand up for her beliefs.
"There you have it." Ikuto expressed with an empty gaze and a cold voice, as he reached for the liquor bottle to drown his frustration.
Nagihiko briefly looked calm and melancholic, then smiled determinedly. "Nevertheless, I won't give up," he said, kissing Amu on the cheek before returning to work.
"Idiot..." Ikuto muttered, continuing to drink.
The entire conversation lasted only a few minutes, and slowly, Amu began to notice her perception becoming clouded, feeling everything spinning in her head. Additionally, she was growing increasingly tired. "I still have to work..." she lamented, holding her head. She hadn't considered the consequences of her plan with alcohol, and now she was feeling them. Nevertheless, her gaze wandered to Ikuto, and she took the bottle from his hand. "You're not getting drunk again."
"Oh, but you can? I need it more," Ikuto retorted. Amu rolled her eyes and left the table with the bottle in hand. Arriving at the counter, she briefly leaned on Nagi. "I need your miracle cure..."
The lilac-haired boy raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "You brought this upon yourself. I was against it." With those words, he left to continue working. Amu looked after him discontentedly and sighed.
Musicians were invited to the inn that evening. They entered the building and headed straight for the stage. Despite her current problems, Amu tried to serve the guests. However, when the band began to play the first few notes, a familiar voice started singing.
Oh come, my beauty, bring the wine to me,
Bring the wine to me, I'm parched, you see.
Oh come, my beauty, bring the wine to me,
For wine and woman is what I need.
Amu's gaze landed incredulously on Ikuto, who was still listlessly tapping an empty glass back and forth, glancing at Amu out of the corner of his eye. She had to admit his voice wasn't bad.
She sighed and glanced briefly at the bottle on the counter, which now held only a quarter of its contents. Although she had taken it away from him, he had already consumed a considerable amount in a short time. Quickly realizing he was addressing her directly with this song, she sighed but slowly felt the alcohol taking over, causing her to join in with a confident grin.
"I'll pour you a glass if you dance with me,
If you dance with me, together we'll be.
I'll pour you a glass if you dance with me,
Then wine and woman you shall receive."
Ikuto's sadness was gradually masked by the alcohol, and his confident self began to emerge. He raised an eyebrow and conveyed a 'Is that so?' with his gesture before getting up and approaching her, pulling her closer and joining in with the song.
"Oh come, my beauty, up onto the table,
Onto the table, let's dance and be able.
Oh come, my beauty, up onto the table,
Because everyone should see us"
The pink-haired girl's gaze wandered through the relatively crowded room and hesitantly returned to Ikuto, before she shook her head and tried to turn away, but Ikuto grabbed her wrist again, pulling her towards him and giving her a challenging look.
Amu, no longer in her senses and only guided by the alcohol, no longer paid attention to the lyrics and continued with her verse, which actually matched some of her feelings.
"I'll climb up for a kiss from you,
A kiss from you, that's all I pursue.
I'll climb up for a kiss from you,
for that I'll stand next to you up there."
Nagihiko initially watched the two in disbelief, unable to believe what he was seeing and hearing. He wanted to interrupt them, but since the guests were very pleased and excited by the scene, he refrained from interfering at first. It wasn't until this verse that he approached Amu and whispered softly, "You better stop, you don't know what this will trigger in him again, and you want to remain faithful to Tadase, right?" He also didn't want the two to kiss again. However, the pink-haired girl waved drunkenly and laughing, pushing Nagi aside.
Ikuto followed the sung invitation once Nagi was out of the way and met Amu's lips with his briefly but firmly, sparking a fireworks of emotions in both of them, then pulling her onto the table where they both started to dance happily and in sync with the music, singing the next verse simultaneously in a duet.
"Sin beckons,
And flesh is weak,
It's the way it'll always be.
The night is young,
And the devil laughs,
Come, let's toast, you and me."
Nagi rolled his eyes and shook his head. He didn't like the whole spectacle at all, but his hands were tied. He burned this painful show into his memory, never to let Amu drink alcohol again, and sighed. With a bit more luck, he could have been in that position too.
Ikuto wrapped an arm around Amu's waist, pulling her close so they could feel the warmth of their bodies before continuing with the next verse.
"And later, my beauty, share the bed with me,
Share the bed with me, so I'm not cold, you see.
And later, my beauty, share the bed with me,
It won't be to your detriment, I decree."
Their gazes met and spoke volumes in that moment, volumes that Amu didn't even know existed. Hearts raced faster and higher, and their gazes lingered on each other. With the heat of their bodies pressing tightly against each other growing more intense, they continued to dance to the rhythm of the music, and Amu sang the next verse.
"But only if tonight you don't kiss another,
Don't kiss another, stay faithful, my lover.
But only if tonight you don't kiss another,
Or else you'll likely sleep alone."
Ikuto, still guided solely by his drunkenness, whispered firmly and resolutely in her ear that there would never be anyone else for him, causing her to blush and then smirk confidently. This action elicited a collective and curious "Ohhh?" from the intrigued guests who were closely following their actions.
Nagihiko, who couldn't believe his eyes and continued to watch the two in disbelief, could no longer just stand by and pulled Amu, far too late in his opinion, finally off the table and away from Ikuto, thus ending their show, and the band eventually took over the last verses, which were just repetitions.
The lilac-haired boy shook the girl gently, hoping she would come back to her senses. If it had only been these verses, he wouldn't have thought much of it, but those looks and touches spoke for themselves. Ikuto now also climbed down from the table and went to the two.
"Don't be such a party pooper," he said.
"You better sober up, you reek of alcohol." Nagi sighed and frowned.
"Naaagiii... let me go," Amu whined, reaching out to Ikuto, who charmingly took her hand.
"So, does that mean you like him more, huh?" the lilac-haired boy smiled, hurt.
"That's not true at all." She now leaned into Nagi's arms, which still held her tightly and restrained her, and closed her eyes for a moment.
"I still want to continue with him..." she murmured with a heavily burdened voice, trying to free herself from Nagihiko's grip again.
"Do you even realize what you're saying?" the young waiter had to really hold himself together not to go crazy or lose his temper.
"Well... yeah, I mean... that I want to go somewhere else with him." Amu hiccuped, and if Nagi weren't still holding her, she would probably be stumbling too.
"Could you at least be a little sensible?" Nagi's gaze landed desperately on Ikuto, but who was he kidding, the latter had drunk even more than Amu.
After the whole show, Aaron joined the small group and threw them judgmental looks along with a deep sigh. "I'll let this slide for now because the guests loved it, and we've never had such good tips, but get a grip on what you have there. And you, give them your remedy, it's enough." His voice was serious but still friendly.
"And if he's the problem, he'll be banned from the house." He now pointed to Ikuto beside him and scrutinized him from head to toe.
"No, no, that was just an exception," Nagi defended Ikuto with appeasing gestures, even though he couldn't understand why, because if Ikuto were out of the way, maybe he would have it easier with Amu again. Ultimately, however, he gave them a weaker dose so they wouldn't be quite so drunk anymore.
Aaron took over the rest, as most guests had already left for home, and placed Nagihiko in a corner with the two. Ikuto sat on a bench against a wall, with his eyes closed and his head tilted upwards towards the ceiling, while his right arm rested over his eyes. Nagihiko sat with Amu in his arms, who nestled against him, next to him, also leaning against the wall. "You're wearing me out..." he muttered and sighed.
"Are you at least feeling better now, or do you remember nothing?" he noticed that Ikuto was somewhat responsive and calmer now.
"But that still doesn't change anything. She offered me that sober too." he now held his head, which this time started to ache. He had had no problems with that the night before, but that was probably because he had received the normal mix then, and Nagi wanted to punish the two today.
"Offering to help out of desperation and simply wanting it are two different things," he paused briefly, looking at Amu. "I had to restrain her, after all."
"New things are exciting; in the dwindling of her senses, she simply got overwhelmed. Nevertheless, I would never do it. I don't want to harm her relationship," Nagihiko sighed heavily again, this time annoyed. The stubbornness displayed by everyone here was exhausting. "You're right. She doesn't know what she wants." Ikuto glanced at Nagi as he said this sentence and saw Amu snuggling up to him.
The purple-haired one chuckled softly for a moment. "Probably wants us all, huh?" Ikuto chuckled briefly as well. "Probably."
"We should just accept sharing her, then persuade Tadase, and everyone's happy," Nagihiko continued his unserious idea amusedly. "Mhm, sure," Ikuto chuckled again at this suggestion. Finally, Nagihiko sighed. "Basically, that's what we're already doing. Earlier, she was with you, now she's back in my arms." The blue-haired one also sighed and stared silently ahead for a moment. Could he continue like this for the rest of his life? At least this way, he would have a part of her, which was better than nothing at all. "The royal family would never agree to that anyway," he finally stated. Both sighed in unison and exchanged pitying looks about seriously considering such a thing.
"Maybe three guys are too much for me?" Amu opened her eyes and looked up at Nagihiko. She had only caught this suggestion from their conversation. Nagihiko grinned mischievously. "Well, with how you were earlier, our friend here could surely use a break at some point, and someone else would have to take over," he stuck his tongue out. Amu blushed brightly. "What?!" she only had vague memories. "Well, you were really, really burning for him."
"Never, you're lying!" she hid her bright red face in her hands.
"I had to restrain you," he shrugged.
"Ey, I don't need a substitute," Ikuto interjected now.
"Mhm, I probably don't either, although I can't say for sure, without experience," Nagihiko put his index finger on his chin and looked upwards in thought. "Then alternately," he laughed again. Amu lightly punched him in the side. "Idiot.." the pink-haired girl murmured embarrassedly.
"Wouldn't you at least finally want to tell us your name?" the purple-haired one looked at the blue-haired one, and after Amu had regained her composure, she also looked at Ikuto with an approving nod.
"Ikuto.." he simply hoped that the name was common enough and his transformation was sufficient.
"Ooh, not a good name," Nagi briefly scrutinized the face of the blue-haired one but found no great resemblance to the Demon Lord and nodded eventually.
"Well, what can you do," he shrugged.
"It doesn't matter; after all, you're still a good person. You can't choose your name," said Amu with a friendly smile directed at Ikuto. "Crazy evening," she murmured quietly.
"You both have an alcohol ban," the lilac-haired one's gaze was annoyed and serious, shifting between Amu and Ikuto.
"Nope. You're not going to deny me anyway," Amu teased her colleague with a cheeky grin.
"I'll need that; I'm not giving that up for sure," Ikuto crossed his arms and looked aside.
"Sharing," Nagi repeated with a confident grin.
"You're both idiots!" Amu finally broke away from Nagihiko and crossed her arms petulantly.
"I didn't suggest that; count me out," Ikuto defended himself and threw Nagihiko a non-serious, disdainful look.
Amu sighed softly. Even though her memories were only vague, they were clear enough, and she knew Nagi hadn't lied. She looked at Ikuto longingly and unconsciously held her hand briefly over her heart. There was an incredible emotional chaos inside her, but upon closer thought, her time here with the two of them was much more exciting than her time with Tadase.
While Amu was lost in her thoughts, Nagi and Ikuto exchanged gazes with an evil grin and nodded in unison. The atmosphere was charged with tension, sending a shiver down Amu spine and making her nervous. Suddenly, she was snapped out of her thoughts as she felt gentle touches on both sides of her body.
Ikuto's teeth grazing her left ear sent goosebumps across her skin, while his arm wrapped tightly around her waist. The touch of his left hand on her thigh sent an involuntary warmth coursing through her body, causing her to tremble internally. At the same time, she felt Nagihiko's lips on her neck, his left arm enfolding her, and his hand placed just below her breast.
Amu could feel the heat in her face as she nervously rubbed her legs together, trying to calm the rising unease within her. Her breath quickened, and she could hear the pounding of her heart in her ears as her thoughts swirled wildly.
Despite her attempt to maintain control, she couldn't ignore the rising desire that surged within her against her will. Each touch, each kiss fueled her desire, while she simultaneously tried to suppress her emotions.
The nasty grins on the faces of the two men reflected in their eyes as they noticed Amu's reaction. The mixture of nervousness and longing within her made the situation even more exhilarating and yet frightening. Amu felt trapped in a whirlwind of emotions, unable to resist.
As Amu struggled with her conflicting emotions, Ikuto and Nagi continued to exert their subtle yet tantalizing touches, relishing in the effect they were having on her. They exchanged knowing glances, silently communicating their intentions to push her boundaries further.
Ikuto leaned in closer, his breath warm against Amu's ear as he whispered teasingly, "Enjoying yourself, princess?"
Amu's cheeks flushed even deeper as she squirmed uncomfortably between them, her heart racing erratically. She tried to muster a response, but her voice failed her, lost in the whirlwind of sensations overwhelming her.
Nagi's lips trailed from her neck to her collarbone, leaving a trail of fiery desire in their wake. His fingers traced delicate patterns along her skin, sending electric shocks of pleasure through her body.
Feeling their combined effect on her, Amu's breath hitched, her chest rising and falling rapidly with each passing moment. She was torn between the intoxicating allure of their touches and the nagging voice of reason in the back of her mind.
Sensing her internal struggle, Ikuto and Nagi exchanged a silent understanding, their gazes locking with a shared intensity. They knew they had her exactly where they wanted her – caught in the throes of desire and uncertainty.
With a shared glance, Ikuto and Nagi communicated silently, their eyes alight with a mischievous spark. They were orchestrating a seductive dance, and Amu was unwittingly the star of their performance.
As the tension thickened, Amu's breath hitched in her throat, her pulse quickening with each passing moment. She felt as though she were walking on a tightrope, balancing precariously between desire and restraint.
Ikuto's voice, smooth as silk, caressed her ear, sending shivers down her spine. "You're exquisite when you're flustered, Amu," he murmured, his warm breath stirring the hairs on her neck.
Her cheeks flushed crimson, a mixture of embarrassment and anticipation flooding her senses. She struggled to maintain her composure, the overwhelming sensations threatening to engulf her.
Meanwhile, Nagi's touch danced along the delicate fabric of her dress, his fingers tracing tantalizing patterns over her skin. Each brush sent tingles of pleasure coursing through her, igniting a fire she couldn't extinguish.
Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, she found herself teetering on the edge of surrender. The allure of their forbidden game was irresistible, pulling her deeper into its grasp with each passing moment.
Yet, even as her resolve wavered, a voice of caution whispered in the depths of her mind. She knew the risks of succumbing to their charms, the potential for heartache and regret looming on the horizon.
Caught in a dizzying dance of temptation, Amu struggled to find solid ground. Each touch, each whispered word, threatened to unravel her completely, leaving her at the mercy of her desires.
As the tension reached its peak, Ikuto and Nagi exchanged a knowing glance, silently acknowledging that they had pushed their teasing far enough. Sensing Amu's growing discomfort and the intensity of her desire, they each took a step back, releasing her from their playful grasp.
Amu's breath came in ragged gasps, her chest rising and falling with the intensity of her emotions. Her cheeks flushed with a deep crimson hue, betraying the lingering effects of their teasing. Despite their retreat, she still felt a burning desire coursing through her veins, her body yearning for more.
With a shaky exhale, Amu steadied herself, trying to regain her composure in the wake of their intense encounter. But the memory of their teasing lingered, leaving her heart racing and her mind reeling with unanswered questions.
Ikuto flashed Amu a mischievous grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Sorry, Princess," he said playfully, his voice tinged with genuine concern. "Didn't mean to ruffle your feathers too much."
Nagi chuckled softly, his tone light and teasing. "Yeah, guess we got carried away," he admitted, his expression sheepish. "But hey, can you blame us? You're just too much fun to tease."
Amu's brows furrowed in confusion as she finally had time to breathe "Idiots," she muttered under her breath, her lips forming a stubborn pout. "What was that all about?"
The two men exchanged glances again, their eyes sparkling with irony, and a brief, amused laugh escaped their lips. "Definitely," Ikuto sighed, his voice tinged with resignation.
"Yup," the lilac-haired one agreed, his tone confirming.
"Definitely what?" Amu interjected, annoyed, still reeling from their actions and overwhelmed by the burning sensations coursing through her body. She waited for a response, but the two guys seemed to understand each other without words. For them, it was clear that Amu's feelings for them were stronger than she might have realized, and that at the moment, she probably really did want all three of them.
"Well, looks like we've done some solid groundwork; she's gotta head home soon," Ikuto remarked with a wry twist of his lips, his expression betraying his reluctance to see Amu leave, especially knowing that she will be seeking solace with Tadase.
Nagihiko nodded with a heavy sigh, understanding Ikuto's inner turmoil all too well; it likely mirrored his own feelings.
"You two are impossible," Amu retorted, her tone full of frustration as she rose from her seat, acknowledging the truth in their words and leaving the inn to head home.