DISCLAIMER: Sadly, I do not own the creative epicness of Shugo Chara. All characters, plots, and chibi charas belong to their rightful creator, Peach-Pit-sama. I am only here to adore it and write fanfictions where my imagination is possible! XD

WARNING: This fanfiction is only based upon the anime version of Shugo Chara.. Any histories, appearances, or situations from the manga will not be realized or included if not recognized in the anime. Please be aware of this. If you do not agree, I suggest you find a story you approve of more. =-)

CAUTION: It seems as if Guardian Charas will not be appearing in this story. I apologize greatly for those of you who enjoy the chibi would-be-selves, but honestly, I could not find any need for them. Forgive me, and I hope you will enjoy the story regardless.

Now, with that said, let us begin! ^^ I am eager to know what you guys think of my very first SC story. . .

CHAPTER I ~

"Ack!"

Her bottom collided with the sidewalk concrete, sending pains up her back and buttocks instantly. Text books and notebooks flew out of her tight grasp within a split second, now diverse among the ground.

"Gomenasai. I didn't see you, and I was in such a hurry that I -" The fuchsia girl began, her words only coming to a sudden halt when she glanced up to meet the stranger's eyes. Mysterious violet stared back at her, matching a grin she couldn't quite read. The slim boy, who looked just a few years older than her, offered her his hand, and she immediately felt her cheeks turn a light shade of pink.

"Are you alright?" He asked, chuckling a bit. She took his hand, and he pulled her up. Then he ducked his hand back into his left pant's pocket, as if it officially belonged there.

"O-Of course I'm alright!" She snapped, now scrunching down and gathering her scattered school books. I can't let my guard down, she reminded herself. Cool-and-Spicy.

He blinked, as if somewhat surprised at the 15-year-old's sudden change of character. But after a moment, a particular half-smile crept up onto his lips as if he now understood. He bent down, picked up one of her books, and held it out for her to take. "Actually," he began, never looking away from her face. "It may have been my fault."

She swiped the book out of his hand quickly and stacked it on top of the rest in her arm. Her cheeks were still apparent with a slight blush as she stood up and turned her back to him, choosing not to eye the guy as long as he stood in front of her. "Yeah, you're right. It was your fault." She retorted nonchalantly, her free hand on her hip. "But I'll forgive you this time."

The girls that had gathered around stared at Amu with admiration. "Cool and Spicy~" they cooed. As always, Amu ignored them and marched toward the main entrance of the school. Today was her birthday. And there was no way she was going to give in to some senior's flirtations. Not even a new guy, for that matter.

But then he slipped in front of her, causing her feet to come to a complete halt and trapping her between the school doors and the crowd not far behind them. He stared at her with those piercing midnight orbs that held a mischievous glint. A sparkling curiosity. And another emotion she found unrecognizable. His blue bangs of his band-boy hair fell neatly over these emotions, allowing them to be more enticing than before.

She could feel the blush creep up again as she was forced to look into his eyes. Those eyes that were just inches away from hers . . .

"W-What do you want?" She tried to play it off as miffed. Which, in her defense, half of her was. Yet, the other half of her wanted her to be herself. Even just for this once. But, of course, because of the crowd merely feet behind, she couldn't.

The boy was thoughtful for a moment, choosing his words wisely, yet rather quickly. "I would like to know your name." He answered, his voice barely above a whisper so the others would not be able to hear.

"Get out of my way." She countered in a harsh hush.

"Not until you tell me your name."

Amu grunted, and attempted to go left and around the boy. He read her movements and slid left as well, trying to prevent her escape. She then went right, but was, again, stopped by the boy. She tried many different strategies, but he repeatedly imitated her motions and continued to guard her entrance to the school. After about five minutes of this, Amu groaned out of frustration, giving into his command – which was rather difficult for her.

"Fine. My name is . . ." She hesitated, taking a breath through her teeth. She hated losing or giving up. She considered not telling him, or making up a name. But she figured it would be easier just to blurt out what needed to be said - it was, indeed, necessary if she was to get to her class on time.

"Yes?" He prompted.

" . . .Hinamori Amu. Now, please, let me by."

He smirked in satisfaction and triumph. "Yes, Ms. Hinamori. It was nice to meet you," The boy stepped aside, as he had promised, and gestured for her to go through. "Ladies First."

"Whatever," She mumbled, rolling her eyes, walking past him and through the two, huge doors. Luckily, he didn't follow her. And hopefully, she wouldn't see him for the rest of the day.

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Upon entering the building, she found her best friend, Rima, waiting for her.

"You look annoyed." The blonde stated as they began to walk together in the hall.

"Sort of . . . " Amu replied, now wondering about her friend's comment. Did she really look that irritated? Sure, she was a bit annoyed at the previous confrontation, but it hadn't bothered her that much. And if it had, most of the irritation would have left her system. . . or maybe not.

"What happened?" They both stopped at their lockers, which happened to be beside each other. Amu cracked the combination to hers, opened it, and replaced the books in her hands with new text books and notebooks for the next couple of classes. She could feel curious eyes on her.

"You know . . . this and that," She half-answered, not really wanting to tell Rima about what had just occurred. "It's alright. Nothing big."

Her friend raised an eyebrow, daring to stare the fuchsia girl down. For a moment, there even seemed to be flames in her golden eyes. "Are you sure?"

"Yes!" Amu concluded, shutting her locker at precisely the same time as the word was said. "I'm positive!"

"Okay then . . . if you say so." Rima stared suspiciously at Amu, hoping her comrade would 'fess up under pressure.

However, much to Amu's relief, the school bell rung then. A well-known warning to get to class and be there on time.

"Bye Rima-chan!" Amu said, smiling and waving her friend off as she ran to her next class.

"Bye Amu-chan." Rima called back, and stared daggers toward Amu for a moment longer before walking to her own class.

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