A/N:

Sorry for the uber late update, and nope, I'm not giving up on this story, just didn't have the time and mood to write.

xxxUtauloverxxx : Thanks for the encouraging review. Yes, there'll be a bit of Amuto this chapter. :D Oh yeah, regarding the baby thing, well, I'm planning something else; but your suggestion is good xD

Smallvillegirl2: *runs away* Haha, your wish is my command. This chapter is about Amu…and Ikuto! Thanks for the review^^

Angelfoxblue: Haha :D Thanks! I'll continue the story :]

Sylvanicara: Hmmm…maybe there's something really wrong with Yoi? Or perhaps, she is just another teaser? Or distraction? :P

Besides of those awesome reviewers, I would like to thank all those who had fav-ed this story and etc :D

Onwards, Chapter 3!

Chapter 3

A child's giggles roused her from her dreamless sleep. She forced open one eye and was greeted by the sight of Shizuko clamping a hand over her Guardian Characters. She smiled at her daughter and spoke gently, "Let them go, Shiz."

Shizuko widened her eyes in innocence, as if she had not tried to suffocate the four Guardian Characters. Then, she eased her hand away.

"...Amu-chi! You're late for work!! You better-" Ran screamed.

"WHAT?! AND NOBODY BOTHERED TO WAKE ME UP?!?!?!" Amu cut in.

Before Miki, Suu and Dia even had the chance to open their mouths to voice their thoughts, Amu leapt out of the bed and dashed into the adjoined bathroom.

"- but the clock is faster by 15 minutes." Ran finished lamely, before plopping on a nearby cushion.

"Miki-chan has finished drawing out your outfit; and I have made breakfast!" Suu chattered.

Dia hovered beside Shizuko, taking in the scene. It was a typical morning in the Hotori household. She gave the bed a quick glance. A small frown touched her perfectly arched brows. Amu's side of the bed was rumpled, clearly having suffered a night of Amu's tossing and nuzzling. Yet, Tadase's side, on the other hand, was neat and smooth, not even a single crease in sight. Untouched.

And it had been like this for the past few weeks. Her mind whispered. She glanced at the toilet's door. Amu seemed unaware of Tadase's absence. Either that or she is aware but is feigning ignorance. She concluded quietly.

"Diya?"

She switched her focus from the bed back to Shizuko. "Are you hungry? Suu made your favourite Salmon Omelette for breakfast." She questioned the pink-haired girl.

Her innocent face brightened and she nodded heartily. Dia took her stubby hand and led her down the kitchen.

As she accompanied Shizuko down the stairs to the kitchen, she decided that Amu was probably just could not be bothered with Tadase. Afterall, it was not him that was in her heart. Even after so long, she still has not forgotten him. She sighed. Up to now, she still could not understand why Amu had chosen to give him up. But whatever the reason was, she would support Amu's decision; and of course, to keep her secret a secret. She smiled at the wee girl who was skipping down the stairs in a carefree manner; her undeniably midnight blue eyes sparkling with joy.

----

Meanwhile, in Amu's room, chaos had just been unleashed.

"Miki! You can't be serious about me wearing that, right?! RIGHT?! I have to leave the correct impression. I must dress well. Gosh, I'm a freaking image consultant! You can't just expect me to wear that suit? I'm sorry, Miki. I have absolutely no intention of hurting your feelings, but…" she rattled on, oblivious that no one was paying much attention to her.

Ran was busy throwing some random stuff into their bags so that they could be ready for their outing later with the other Guardian Characters.

Suu, on the other hand, was tidying up the bed; smoothening the rumpled sheets and neatening the comforter.

And, cool-headed Miki simply rolled her eyeball. She was accustomed to Amu's daily panic attacks and insecurities. She took no offence in her words, because it's just so Amu. She never really believes that she is beautiful, so there was nothing much she could do to convince her otherwise. Except to force her into clothes that would simply enhance and exhibit her beauty. She mused. Glancing at the clock on the wall, her mouth twitched slightly. In about 5 seconds, Amu would stop her ranting and would plead her to transform her into some decent outfit for work.

5…

4…

3…

2…

"Darn! Fine, you win. I will wear that chequered suit. I shall trust your judgement, Miki. And I sincerely hope that I am doing the right thing. If I happen to be teased or be utterly embarrassed by this thing…er..I'll…do something! So, Miki, please work your magic." she said.

Ahhh, the magic word. Please. Miki's lips curved into a full smile. Though she would have preferred Amu to say pretty please with lots of Yorus, but that will do for now.

And within seconds, Amu was in a smart-looking checked suit. She studied her reflection. It wasn't as bad as what she had initially imagined. At least she doesn't resemble some Scottish fellow in a tartan. The checked black and white jacket hugged her upper torso nicely. Not too tight, not too loose, with just the right amount of space for her to breathe and move around easily. The jacket overlaid a wine red silk camisole which contrasted with her pale skin. The knee-length black skirt gave the outfit a hint of normality. It had no frills, lace or any fancy details. Just a plain black skirt.

Now that her outfit is done, the next thing would be to do her make-up. As she lined her lash line carefully, she could not help but realised the truth in her mother's words. Make-up is just like war paint, a shield, Amu. Once you put it on, you won't cry. Coz' if you cry, you know that the make-up would be ruined. Indeed, there is much truth in those words that her mother had uttered. Afterall, it was the makeup that got her through Ami and…Ikuto's wedding. In fact, it was so effective that she even smiled and congratulated them. Must be the mascara, you just can't cry in them. She mused slightly, before capping her eyeliner.

She tilted her head up and gazed into the mirror. Miki was hovering next to her; Ran was smiling at her in the background; Suu was just touching up her chignon; and Dia was with Shizuko downstairs. A smiled tugged at her lips. War paint or not, she knows that everything will be fine so long as her Guardian Characters and her daughter was there for her. Her half-smile became into a full one as she spoke, "My own heart unlocked!"

A bright dazzling light engulfed her and she transformed into Amulet Heart. "Alright! Let's get Dia and Shiz; then we can go!" she said in an enthusiastic voice.

Miki and Suu shook their heads slightly; fully aware that that was not Amu talking, but rather Ran saying it; but still, they flew down to inform Dia and Shizuko about their imminent departure.

----

Just here will do, Ran.

Are you sure, Amu? You still need to run quite a distance to your office if we stop here.

Nah, it's okay.

Poof! Her transformation wore off and Amu emerged in the alley in her suit with Ran next to her. "Thanks for the ride, Ran" she said.

"You're welcome, Amu-chi! I shall get going then; take care and see you later!" Ran called out over her shoulder as she prepared to take flight.

Amu waved her goodbye and waited till Ran flew out of sight. Then, she glanced at her watch. 8.26. 4 minutes to get to the office. Well, Kukai's practices do have their uses. She took a deep breath before dashing off in the direction of her office.

8.27. She was at the road intersection, waiting for the appearance of the green man impatiently. Seconds ticked away, quietly but surely; and her impatience and annoyance mounted. Just as she was about to curse the traffic light, the green man materialized. Finally! She thought as she sprinted across the road and continued her run to her office.

8.28. It can't be that faraway. She thought as she weaved through the morning crowds.

8.29. Getting closer. She told herself as she raced up the stairs that led to her office lobby.

"Good morning." Amu gasped out to the receptionist.

"Good morning, Amu. Right on the dot, as usual." The receptionist returned her greeting mildly.

Amu, who was still trying to catch her breath, smiled back weakly. The receptionist glanced at her flushed face and shook her head. "Amu, ever heard of the invention called alarm clock? Anyway, Kikaku wants me to inform you are to meet a client for lunch today at 11.00. He also wanted me to emphasise to you the importance of this client. Apparently, he is some big-shot from some talent management firm. So, in the words of Kikaku himself, 'please do not muck up'." She said robotically.

Having repaid her oxygen debt, Amu nodded and replied, before walking towards her office, "If there's nothing else, I shall get to work."

----

"Ikuto, I need the details of the Yoi girl now." Yoru grumbled to Ikuto, while trying to keep pace with Ikuto's long stride.

Ikuto exhaled noisily, "Chill, wait till I get to the office, Yoru. I will give it to you so that you can check on her."

"Suit yourself. Just remember the catnips too."

"Aye, aye."

Ikuto smirked. Some things just never change. The best way to pay Yoru for a favour is still catnips; and despite the economic recession, the price had not risen – it was still five bags of catnips.

He rounded the corner and managed to catch the elevator before its doors slid to a close. He nodded his thanks and pressed for the top level. He tried to ignore the low murmurs in the background. He knew that they were surprised to learn that the Chairman of Easter is using a commoners' elevator instead of the executive one that was reserved for him. He was well aware that they would get over their shock and awe quickly and would try to suck up to him. He predicted that the most hypocritical and 'courageous' one would pluck up enough guts to greet him.

And true to his words, one brave soul flashed him a brilliant smile and said coyly, "Good morning, Mr. Tsukiyomi." He merely nodded his greetings before fixing his eyes on the position indicator, signifying his reluctance to speak. Yoru, who was hovering next to him, was giving him a running commentary of what was going on in that limited space in the elevator. "Ikuto, that woman is pissed; and there, can you feel the tension that's building up here. It's so thick that you can literally cut it with a knife, no, a giant claymore! Ahh, that woman is whispering about you being a jerk, a person devoid of emotion, a robot. Such dramatic words coming out a beautiful lady; imagine the eloquence needed to craft out such phrases, clauses and sentences. Indeed, one can never judge a book by its cover. Moving on, her companion merely shrugged and the lady just bottled up her displeasure and is now pouting. Don't tell me that this is the lull before the storm?! Nah, sorry to disappoint you, but they are getting out of the lift at this level; and that will leave the two of us in this lonely confined space."

The moment the door slid to a close, Ikuto raised his hand to flicked Yoru gently away, attempting to shut him up. He did not become the Chairman of Easter without his brains, brawn and perceptiveness. He did not need Yoru's running commentary. And, he, for one, ken that Yoru knew that and was merely attempting to get his attention and irritate him. He had reined in his desire to flick Yoru away just now as he has absolutely no interest to give his workers anything more to talk about him. Not that they have much to start with in the first place, he mused.

"Iku --!!!" Yoru's words became incomprehensible and gibberish as Ikuto pulled his cheeks apart. Gently, of course. He has no intention of hurting his own guardian character that was born out of his desire to be free. In fact, Yoru had become one of the most precious things in his life, together with his violin, Easter, Utau and…Amu. It was kind of ironical that Amu, not Ami that is one of the most important things to him. He released Yoru's cheeks and Yoru, seeing Ikuto's thoughtful look, kept quiet. Amu. He had never once stopped loving her. Even after seeing Amu lying in Tadase's arms. Perhaps I can never be like the Sun to you, but I'll be that tiny star up there, lighting up the darkest night for you. Forever~~ His lips twisted into a slight smile. Of all things, indeed. Maybe Ami is right. Though he can never display his love for Amu to the world, but at the very least, he could be her blanket to cushion her fall if Tadase fails her. That is, if he even has the chance to be a cushion.

"Level 20" the robotic voice of the elevator announced impassively. Ikuto jerked out of his reverie and glanced at the mirrored walls of the lift to ensure that his façade was in place. The perfect gentleman, the immaculate chairman, the flawless paragon. Then, he strode out of the elevator, emitting confidence and authority. By his side, invisible to most people, Yoru flew next to him silently.

His secretary, upon catching sight of him, ran through his agenda for the day rapidly. "Mr. Tsukiyomi, from 0900 – 1100, you are required to attend the Board's meeting. Thereafter, you are to have lunch with an image consultant that you had requested for Yoi Tsukasa. I've already made the necessary arrangements – the reservations and so on. Moving on, your presence is required for the launch of Ami Tsukiyomi's latest album. It is a formal event, so you have been kindly reminded to dress appropriately. With that, sir, I strongly urge you to prepare for the Board's meeting which is going to begin in –"

"20 minutes. I'm aware of that. Get me the file on Yoi Tsukasa, please. Thank you." He interrupted.

"I can't wait to get started nyaaaa! This Yoi girl must definitely have some sorts of relations with the Founder!" Yoru exclaimed.

A light smile touched his lips as he swivelled in his comfortable executive chair. No matter what have been done to conceal the girl's mysterious background, he was confident that with the expertise of Yoru, nothing would and could remain masked forever. Yet, Yoru's enthusiasm had left its impact on him. He was now intrigued and determined to uncover if there is truly a connection between the Founder and Yoi. Should it be so, it would inevitably complicate matters. He exhaled audibly and took a sip from the cup of black coffee that his ever-efficient secretary had prepared. Well, there's no use in anticipating when such energy and adrenaline rush could be put to better use.

With that, he turned to Yoru and said, "Once the file is here, just scan through and feel free to do what you deem as appropriate. I've already prepared a comfortable office for you here so as to enable you to work efficiently"

"And, yes, the office is fully equipped with catnips and milk." He added the moment Yoru attempted to voice his concerns over the availability of food to him.

"Alright! I'll get started as soon as possible! You continue with whatever you are doing." Yoru replied robustly as he settled himself in his new office – a discrete dollhouse in the corner of the room.

Seeing that Yoru is at ease with his new environment, Ikuto buried himself behind the papers to ensure that he remained up-to-date with the latest news, especially those that are economically-related.

The comfortable silence between them was interrupted when Ikuto was due to attend the Board's meeting. Ikuto gave a slight incline towards Yoru before exiting the room with his secretary and the stack of documents.

----

She was running late for the second time in the row. Mind you, she is usually punctual when meeting clients. At least for the first time. A grin spread across her face as she requested the driver to accelerate. A check on her watch indicated that she had approximately 5 minutes to get to that restaurant. It wasn't as bad as her initial expectations – 15 minutes late. Yet, technically, it as not her fault for running late. Afterall, it is definitely not easy to convince an adamant and stubborn client who wants to wear a silver sequined leopard print dress for a red-carpet event. That is, like a fashion disaster. A nightmare for all, and a field day for the paparazzi. Of course, she had no idea how anyone could even come out with such "innovative" design, let alone, wear it out. Her client must be possessed, she mused.

But, thanks to fate or other cosmic forces that had intervened, she had a sensible image consultant who managed to convince her otherwise after almost 3 hours of pleading, demonstration and warnings. It was tiring yet amusing at the same time. Perhaps this was the reason why she had refused to quit her job despite Tadase's objections.

The moment Tadase came into her mind, her buoyant and joyous spirit was somewhat dampened. She could not help but feel that something was wrong between them. It was as if he was never there. She did not particularly miss his presence; she did not even bother to bug him about his whereabouts; and days continue to pass as per normal, which is highly abnormal. Though she was grateful to Tadase for giving Shizuko the perfect family structure and his love, she had long out-grown her child-like adoration for 'The Prince'. Yet, Tadase must be feeling more miserable than her, right? He gave up his bachelorhood and prospect for a love-filled marriage out of his devotion to her. Sometimes, she felt as if she had cheated on him in some subtle way or another.

"Enough of such depressing thoughts, I have to present myself to the client in like a few minutes and I can't afford to screw it up!" She murmured quietly to herself.

The cab's engine silenced as it came to a halt in front of the medieval-themed restaurant. She paid the driver, giving him a generous tip to show her appreciation for the quick ride and slid out the cab gracefully. Inhaling deeply to calm her nerves, Amu entered the cosy restaurant and requested to be shown to her table.

As she sauntered after the waiter to her table, she tried to recall the details about her potential client. It is about some girl, she was confident of that. All she needs to do is to provide her with an extreme makeover and it can't be worse that trying to persuade someone to not wear a sequinned leopard print dress. With the optimistic thoughts in mind, she directed a confident smile to her client who was already at their table.

Midnight-blue eyes clashed with amber ones as the bored man turned away from the window to acknowledge her presence. Her breath hitched as a wave of recognition surged through her. It was the exact shade that she would always remember and is somewhat similar to the one that was reflected in her daughter's eyes.

Ikuto.