First things first. SORRY! yeah, i know. I've been a bad girl for not updating in a while. Blame school. I'm still adjusting to the homework, quizzes, tests, and all that jazz. So, sadly, it will take me a while to update. I'll finish this story though. I like to actually finish stories if I start them. I know some authors that don't do that, and it kinda makes me all 'blehhh.' I mean, if you write it, and you have avid readers, then the least you should do is finish right? But I know it's hard sometimes. Loss of inspiration, new ideas, yeah. Oh well, all I'm just saying is that I'm planning on finishing this fic.

I've decided to update Pause and Rewind first because of all you awesome reviewers out there! I swear, you'd be freaked out if you saw me grinning like an idiot in front of the screen whenever I see a review. (I do that sometimes...fine, most of the time...alright, alright, every single time.)

Ok. last thing before I let you guys read. In this fic, Ikuto's gonna be practically begging for Amu's forgiveness. So for all those that do not want to see him crawling on his hands and knees for her love, I suggest you take caution when reading. I just want to see him weak for once. This is one of those 'how could he do that!?', 'you better earn her affection!', 'hard to get love, eh?', 'AWWW!' story. I suppose it could be cliche, but I felt like writing it so whoop-de-doo.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the sadistic (or lovey-dovey) plot.


.Chapter o3.

I am so over you.

Amu looked at her digital clock for the twentieth time. Her eyes flitted from the LED red lights to the slightly worn out carpet below her feet. She had been pacing for the past two hours. Stupid Ikuto. Stupid 'Oho! I'm back. Why aren't you welcoming me?' attitude. Stupid old carpet that can't even stand a couple of walk-throughs.

Groaning with agitation, Amu plopped down on her bed. She couldn't believe how his return had affected her. She had sworn time and time again to have stopped having any emotional attachments towards the scheming cat boy…err, man. Just because he happened to mysteriously reappear again, did that mean that she would idiotically fall for him a second time?

Scrunching up her nose in discontent, Amu balled up her fists. No. She would not be a victim to his charms no more. Besides, he'd probably just leave again. Nodding her head as if agreeing with herself, Amu glanced at her reflection on her vanity mirror. Bushy pink hair was untamed, face was slightly pale, but her eyes shone with a newly found determination. Offering herself a little smirk, Amu reached up to tie her hair into a ponytail. She gave the clock one last look before she made her way across the room to the door.

"I don't need Ikuto anymore…."


"What do you think you're doing?" Utau swept her long blonde hair behind her back as she regarded the male strangely. She had never seen Ikuto in a thoughtful manner. The man had not left her room nor spoken a word to her, even though he was the one that entered her room in the first place.

"Hello? Do you mind answering?" Her orbs stared at Ikuto's hunched form that was sitting on top of her bed. His eyes were gazing aimlessly at her carpet. Hands were clenched around each other, and they propped up his chin. Boy, was this a different side of him. Utau's eyes gleamed as realization dawned on her.

"It's because of Amu, isn't it?" For the first time in the past hour, Ikuto's head lifted up to meet hers. His eyes glanced at her in a wary manner.

"Why would you say that?" A gruff yet handsome voice left his mouth. Utau mentally swooned, but she 'tsked' herself right after. She had already promised herself to not ogle or crush on him anymore. Amu was a much better candidate for Ikuto. Speaking of that male….Utau rolled her eyes.

"It's obvious. You come back. You go to her school to perform when you had the choice of performing in any other significant stadium. After the little show you gave, you come back here, or more precisely my room. Now, you're quiet and you're most definitely thinking of something along the lines of 'what should I do now?' So …am I right? Or am I right?" She received a smirk. A smirk that made her insides flutter in anticipation. Utau averted her gaze from the male instantly. She already gave him up to Amu so she should not be having these mind-tingling feelings right now. Curse those good looks of his.

"You're right. I guess you know me pretty well." Curse that dreamy voice of his too.

Utau hesitantly casted him a sideways look. Those captivating dark orbs of his were still on her, but they were unfocused. Probably thinking of a pink-haired highschooler again. She dared herself to face back towards him.

"What did you expect? You just got up and left without telling her that you were…." Utau shut her trap. She was approaching a taboo sentence, and she knew better than to complete it. Plus now, it got awkward for the two of them.

Ikuto had redirected his gaze, focused this time, back onto her own slightly wavering eyes.

"I'm sorry, Ikuto." Her voice cracked slightly, and he shook his head as if to brush away her comment. Ikuto stood up and proceeded towards the door. It was probably the best option. There was no way the two of them could be in the same room after what she had implied.

Before he left, he paused and stood there for a while, contemplating. With his mind made up, Ikuto took a deep breath.

"It's me that should say sorry." With that, he disappeared behind the closed door, but that didn't mean he didn't hear the silent sobs from the girl inside.


Amu browsed through the stores. She could do the only thing that any girl would do to have a clear mind. Shopping. A woman's best friend.

So far, she went through seven stores. Two bags hung from her wrist. Inside, were two shirts, one cashmere sweater, and a pair of leggings. Not too bad. All she needed now was a black leather skirt. Cute, trendy, and it would probably make a couple of heads turn.

Acting slightly giddy, Amu proceeded with her last item on her shopping list. This was the perfect way to forget about that guy. And with the new outfit, she could go hit one of those nightclub one of these days. She's never been to one, but they sounded like a riot. Amu needed to find some release anyway.

Her eyes caught a flash of black near the back of the store. She hurried over to see if she could find that skirt. Right before Amu made it over, a person's back was pushed in front of her face. Wrinkling her nose in distaste, she pushed the guy off.

"Watch it!" A flurry of blonde hair blocked her vision. "Hey!"

"Hey yourself." A bright smile lit up the man's face as he regarded the flustered girl in front of him. Amu felt her chin drop to the ground before it too, spread into a wide smile.

"Tadase!"


A/N: Well, I introduced Utau and Tadase in this chapter. It would be a bit weird for it to be just Amu and Ikuto, you know?

As you can see, Utau and Ikuto had something happen to them. But, mwahahaha, I'm not spoiling anything. So just wait. (I am sadistic...hah.)

Thanks to these faithful readers/reviewers: masaaki, Aoi Faith, Faery of Night, Emmoria, Ellie413, midnightangel109, xXxgooglylaughxXx, kakashisasukelover1, romancerox, -black-.x.-rabbit-, animeloverxoxox, FunnyLaugh.

I love you people. haha

pleaseee read and review