Defining Moments

By Laura Schiller

Based on: Shgo Chara

Copyright: Peach Pit

Author's note: Dialogue and settings have been taken directly from episode 127 of "Shugo Chara Party!".

The first time Tadase kissed Amu was the last time he chara-changed.

They were sitting on a bench at Easter's amusement park watching the rides sparkle and spin beneath the velvet-black sky. It was a warm summer night and both of them felt a little bereft; Ikuto had just gone, whisking in and out of their lives as was his custom, announcing his decision to join an international travelling orchestra. He had flicked Amu's forehead with a farewell order to 'grow up already', and Tadase could see by the look in her amber eyes that she was already missing him.

"I guess I'm used to him appearing and disappearing on a whim by now," she said, too casually as always.

Tadase knew quite well that Ikuto loved her, in his own peculiar way, and that Amu was more attracted to the older boy than she would admit. He had seen them a few moments ago, Amu cornered in Ikuto's arms on a merry-go-round and looking equal parts nervous and excited. His first impulse had been to feel jealous, but he had fought it down; it was time to stop this absurd game of posturing and 'be the bigger man', though he was five years younger. He was determined to trust Amu and the love between them. Besides … he also knew that he had things to offer her which Ikuto never could.

"Amu-chan?" he said, to get her attention.

She turned towards him, and he mustered all his courage to lean over and gently kiss her on the cheek.

Her reaction was pure Amu: she blushed scarlet, scooted away and huddled into a ball, overcome with nervous happiness. Tadase had seen Ikuto kiss her once, in farewell; she had never reacted like this. He smiled.

"What?" she squeaked.

"You know … I'm always by your side."

Amu's shugo charas went into tiny raptures below the bench as she lit up further with emotion. Tadase meant it, with all his heart; he was no wanderer, like Ikuto. His heart stayed in one place, and that place was with Amu.

"My prince … " she couldn't help but say.

Kiseki heard that. Two years ago, he would have taken umbrage at the idea of his master being called a mere 'prince', but they had all changed since then, and the little king was beginning to see that soon, Tadase would no longer need him. His actions tonight proved that he was nearing the end of childhood, in mind if not in body; there was a quiet confidence and authority about him, as if he were slowly growing into the leader he wanted to be.

So Kiseki took the opportunity to let loose with one more chara-change, one last golden crown and theatrical royal cackle. Amu chimed in, giggling behind her hand in affectionate amusement, and the laughter of two children, soon to be children no longer, rang out beneath the rainbow lights of Easter Amusement Park.