Okay this is VERY long chapter, I was going to split it in two parts but I need them to be together. So apologies if you think it's too long. :S

I had my friend KT help me with this chapter, well... she didn't do much to be honest. She basically just kept saying "sex now?" every few paragraphs.

KT: I know what the Amuto fans want.

(Frowns) KT, I've got cookies downstairs.

KT: ...BYE! (Zooms out of room)

Anyway… I managed to write this chapter and keep my sanity (will what I have left of it anyway) Enjoy and Happy Easter!

X-x-X

Amu knocked on the door of Ikuto's apartment; it was two days since they had slept together.

When there was no answer she frowned.

Where could he be?

He hadn't been in yesterday either.

Sighing she leaned her back against the door and slid to the floor with her knees hugged against her chest waiting for him.

Amu waited outside the door for hours, at one point she considered trying to force the door open.

It was only when she got a text message from Ami who wanted to ask Amu about her new chara character Runa that she sighed.

Where was he?

As Ikuto had no mobile she decided to ring Utau instead.

After a few rings the voice message answered and she slammed it shut.

Standing up she felt tears coming to her eyes, was he avoiding her?

Was it because they had slept together, maybe he didn't like her anymore... maybe she had been to straight forward by saying she loved him all these times.

Not to mention Utau was absent aswell, she had asked Kukai as he seemed close to her but he had no idea.

Amu refused to believe that maybe after all that time Ikuto had finally returned Utau's feelings, Utau had told Amu that she was no longer chasing after him and Ikuto had said he loved her.

But then why... why had they both disappeared?

Refusing to cry she wiped the tears away that were forming and walked home, she'd try again tomorrow. If he still wasn't there then... then she'd try to forget him, even if that was impossible.

X-x-X

Amu walked down the street, it was now night and she was walking along club filled streets where excitement filled the air.

After finishing work and finding someone to look after Amulet – Tadase had offered – Amu had dressed up for Yaya's night out.

She was wearing a red chiffon babydoll top, some black skinny jeans and black flipflops. Parts of her hair were tied in a ponytail, whilst rummaging around her hair accessories she had found the 'X' clips she had used when younger. Glad they were still in tact she had decided to use them.

In her bag hanging from her shoulder she had the present she had bought Yaya, she had spent a lot in order to make up for the 3 birthday's she had missed whilst in America.

Rima and Utau had arranged where to meet, apparently even before Amu came to Japan the two had been planning where to bring Yaya for her 21st.

As Amu turned a corner to be met with more clubs and bars she found her three friends up ahead, she smiled and as soon as she was within distance Yaya grinned and leaping forward enveloped Amu in a tight hug.

Amu smiled, "Hey Yaya, happy birthday."

Yaya pulled away seeming to jump up and down on the spot slightly, "I can't wait for tonight, I've been looking forward to it for ages and I'm finally 21!"

"You could have fooled me." Utau said.

Due to Utau being a popular singer she was once again wearing large black sunglasses and her hair down to hide her face.

Amu smiled and pulling the present from her bag said, "Should I give this now or later?"

"Now, now!" Yaya said pulling it from her hand and tearing the wrapping paper up.

Amu smiled as Yaya's eyes widened upon seeing the thing, she stared at it for a moment before glancing towards Amu, "I-Is this what I think it is?"

When Rima and Utau caught sight of it their eyes widened also.

"Wow." Rima said.

Amu smiled sheepishly and said, "It's to make up for the three years I missed."

Yaya's bottom lip quivered and suddenly she threw herself around Amu's body once again and squeezed her in an embrace, "Ah I love you Amu!"

Rima lifted an eyebrow in amusement and Amu rolled her eyes, as Yaya finally pulled away she said, "When do I meet him or her?"

Amu smiled at Yaya, "It's a she and whenever you want, this week I can take you to pick her up."

Yaya nodded and looked back down at the photo frame which held a photo of a puppy Labrador laying on its back and staring into the camera.

"You bought her a puppy?" Utau asked as if she still couldn't believe it.

Amu nodded, "Yep and I've also bought some toys and things to begin with, I know Yaya's always wanted a puppy."

Yaya nodded.

Rima sighed, "Well let's go, me and Utau are taking Yaya to a great club called Seduce."

As they began walking Utau said, "It's really popular and usually booked but I got us in through some phone calls."

Amu smiled, Utau was famous now so of course she could get them anywhere.

"It also has a lot of famous people in there," Utau continued, "So me being there shouldn't cause a fuss and I'm sure Yaya will love to see some celebrities."

Yaya's eyes were shining with excitement, "Thank you, thank you Utau!"

As they went on Amu also learnt what Rima's present was, apparently Rima had bought Yaya some jewellery pieces which were limited edition and not many were made. Unfortunately they were still on order and didn't arrive for another week to Rima's disappointment.

As the three came to the club their eyes widened.

"Wow." Yaya said.

Amu's eyes scanned the queue, "I bet it goes on for blocks."

"Don't worry." Utau said, "Follow me."

The three followed behind Utau who walked up to the bouncer.

The bouncer glanced at them and lifted an eyebrow behind black sunglasses, "Can I help you?"

Utau smirked and pulling her shades off shook her head letting her hair fly around her, the people in the queue being screaming when they saw her like fangirls.

"S-singer Utau Hoshina?" the bouncer said in disbelief.

Utau smiled and placing a hand on her hip said, "Of course, now why don't you let me and my friends in. I'm scheduled to sing at the club tonight and I doubt your boss would be too happy if you held us up."

As if he had been zapped the bouncer quickly moved from the door and let them in, a bit of a dumbfound expression on his face.

"Come on girls." Utau said with a wink.

Amu nodded and followed in after Yaya and Rima, when they were in she let out a small gasp. The club was beyond huge.

A dance floor filled with people was in front of a stage, upon which a band was playing. Strobe lights covered the club and bright lights were everywhere, not to mention the bar upon which men were dishing out glasses.

Among the crowds Amu spotted several famous people, however she noticed that they were only surrounded by a normal amount of people.

No crowds of screaming fan girls.

"Hey Utau!" Amu shouted above the music, "Why is nobody bothered by the famous stars!"

Utau who was stood next to her had now taken her shades off and was in the midst of placing her hair in two pigtails.

"Their here all the time so it's no biggy, plus there's security around the room and if the stars feel their being harassed they can get you chucked out of the club for good." she replied, "Now I don't have to wear shades or hide my face due to that."

"Oh." Amu said.

"Oh my god!" Yaya squealed pointing to the singer on stage, "Look, it's the pop-star Hitomi Shimatani!" (1)

Utau smiled, "I could get you a look backstage later on."

Yaya turned around and glomped Utau, "Thank you!"

Rima smiled and shouted, "Let's go!"

As a new group – Buono! – came onstage the three of them made their way through the crowd to the bar.

X-x-X

A few hours (and many drinks) later...

Amu watched as her friends partied on the dance floor, during the time they'd been here they had drank, danced, and Utau had also sung a song on stage.

Checking her watch she found it to be 2.20 – wow.

Amu glanced at Yaya and a small smile appeared as she watched Yaya bump into somebody and both of them go towards the floor.

Typical Yaya.

Currently on the stage was a musician Nanne Gronvall who Amu had to admit could sing pretty well, but Amu still believed Utau was better.

Speaking of Utau, Utau had once again proven she wasn't good at holding her drink. After a few she became quiet drunk shouting to them about how she liked Kukai and how they were actually together but were keeping it quiet in public.

It had gotten pretty emotional…

X-x-X

Utau took another drink of alcohol before placing it on the table they were currently sat on, "I just like him so much." She mumbled looking down.

"And he likes you." Rima assured her.

Utau frowned and shook her head, then she yelled, "But I don't just like him, I love him! I've loved him for ages!"

Yaya giggled slightly at Utau's outburst and Amu could tell Utau would later regret this.

Utau folded her arms and huffed, "I just wish I knew if he felt as strongly about me."

Utau was then about to stand up when her ankle caught on the table leg and she tumbled over.

Yaya burst into giggles and Amu fought back a laugh as Utau pulled herself back up and mumbled.

X-x-X

Suddenly Rima came towards Amu, "We're going backstage, you coming?!"

Amu shook her head, "I'm fine, infact I better be going, I need to be up early to go collect Amulet from Tadase."

Rima seemed disheartened but didn't protest, "Okay then."

As Rima walked away with Yaya and Utau she seemed to explain to them Amu leaving as a moment later Yaya frowned.

Sighing Amu stood up, wobbled slightly then stood up straight.

Too many drinks...

Walking outside of the club Amu found the queue into the club still there – seriously, who goes out past 2 in the morning?

As she passed the bouncer she spotted the black eye on him, wow, looks like somebody got angry with him.

Shaking her head she began walking away, as she did she brought out her mobile and checked it.

Eight messages

As Amu walked on she opened up the first mail and was met with surprise to find who it was from.

Amu, Ikuto here, Utau just rang me saying something about going out? Is it true you're going to the club 'Seduce?'

That message was at nine, not long after she'd gone out. The next was a half hour later and from Ikuto again.

Amu! Why aren't you replying, I can't get through to you or any of the others your out with. Ring me now!

The rest of the messages were all the same, Amu frowned, why was he so eager to see her?

At that moment Amu's phone rang, clicking 'accept' she brought it to her ear.

"Hello?"

"Amu!"

"Utau?" Amu asked, "What's the matter?"

"Ikuto was just here."

"Eh... he was?" Amu stopped walking.

"Yeah he said something about trying to get through to you and the rest of us; he just sneaked into the back of the club now."

Amu sweatdropped, trust him to sneak in...

"And?"

"And when he found out you'd left he ran off again, tell me, where are you now?"

"Um..." Amu glanced around, "A few blocks from the club."

"Oh no." Utau said, "Look I'm sorry... I never thought. You see it's my first time in this area so I didn't know..."

"Utau, what are you on about?" Amu asked.

"Well..." Utau said, "Apparently around here it's dangerous for women to go out by themselves, if I had known I wouldn't have let you leave by yourself."

"Huh? What do you mean it's dangerous?" Amu said, panic rising up inside her.

Utau swallowed, "I mean that you better make sure you're in a place with plenty of people. This is one of the major areas for sexual attacks."

Amu's eyes widened.

She quickly glanced on either side of the street.

Empty.

Only the backs of clubs were on these streets so no people could be seen on this.

Suddenly Amu heard Utau's voice speaking to somebody, "Huh?... But wait... Fine just—"

The line went dead.

Amu swallowed and looking around the street so a group of guys at the end, they were on the corner and didn't seem to see her but even so she was nervous.

As a hand came down on her shoulder and a hot breathe fanned across her neck Amu let out a gasp and whirling around used her bag to hit the stranger in the face.

It was only when the figure was sent a few paces back that she froze.

"I-Ikuto!" she cried in surprise.

Ikuto glanced at her with a newly marked cheek.

Amu quickly walked forward and pressed her palm gently on his face, "I'm so sorry! I thought... well... I didn't mean it!"

Ikuto didn't say anything; instead he grabbed both her wrists with his hand and stared down at her, "Are you an idiot?"

"Eh?" Amu said, a vein suddenly appearing on her forehead and ready to hit him once again for the comment.

Ikuto let out a frustrated sigh, "You should have told me you were coming here, Utau should have aswell."

"Why are you so bothered?" Amu asked with a frown.

"Because I was worried!" Ikuto snapped back.

Amu was taken back by his anger.

Ikuto's eyes softened in regret and he sighed, releasing her wrists he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him as he spoke, "I knew this was a known area for attacks. I was scared that any of you might be attacked. But above all I was worried for you."

Amu felt her cheeks flushing, he was worried about her? And more than the others, more than his sister Utau?

Amu soon felt herself relax and closing her eyes allowed Ikuto to hug her, even if she had said she couldn't be with him yet she hadn't said anything about not hugging him.

She had to force herself however to not kiss him.

Not yet.

At least not until she had found out the father of Amulet and was certain she was staying in Japan.

Once those two things were sorted out she'd decide whether to be with Ikuto or not, she already knew she wanted to stay here with Ikuto. It was all a matter however of Amulet.

"We should go." Ikuto said finally pulling away.

"Oh... erm... right." Amu replied trying to hide her disappointment of him not holding her any longer.

Ikuto glanced at her for a moment and seemed to be debating whether to do something or not.

Raising his hand Ikuto placed his palm on her face, Amu stared up into his eyes and held her breathe.

Was he going to kiss her again?

Ikuto paused before saying, "Remember what I said at the party?"

"U-um..." Amu said trying to register what had been said, however she was to preoccupied with what Ikuto was doing now to think back to then.

"I said I'd wait for you." Ikuto said with a small smirk, "So whenever you feel you're ready tell me."

Amu swallowed and nodded.

"Good. Let's go then."

X-x-X

As Amu reached her flat door and opened it she paused and turned towards Ikuto.

"Yeah?" Ikuto asked knowing she wanted to speak.

"Ikuto..." she murmurred, "Will you tell me who Amulet's father is?"

Ikuto's face fell and he looked away avoiding her gaze, he said nothing for a while but then, "Do you plan to still leave Japan in July?"

Amu looked down, "Y-yeah."

"Then I won't say."

"Huh?" Amu said, her head snapping up.

Ikuto was still looking away, "If you're gonna leave after all of this then it proves you don't really care about everyone."

"That's not true!" Amu yelled.

Ikuto stared back at her with cold eyes which caused Amu to shut up, was he going to start avoiding her again?

"Tell me right here and now you'll stay in Japan and I'll tell you."

A second passed.

A few more...

After thirty seconds when Amu had remained silent Ikuto shrugged and began walking off.

Amu took a step forward and shouted after him, "That's not fair Ikuto!"

Ikuto stopped and turned around, "What?"

Amu swallowed and kept her balled fists at her side, "Your making me choose between you and Amulet."

Ikuto's eyes widened, "You think that's what I'm doing?"

Amu bit her lip unsurely then nodded and continued, "Y-you're saying that if I don't promise to stay here with you, you won't tell me anything. Don't you think that's a little selfish? What about what Amulet wants or do you not care?"

Ikuto stared at her for a moment before speaking, "I'll come this Saturday to see Amulet like we planned."

With that he walked off.

Amu stared at the space Ikuto had been stood at for a while longer before returning to her apartment and closing the door.

What've I just done?

X-x-X

A few days later as Utau walked across her flat her mobile went off, answering it she said, "Hey."

"Hey." Kukai's voice replied.

Utau smiled, "What you want?"

"Yaya's been ringing everyone up, she got a new puppy and wants everyone to go and see it at her's."

"Sure I'll come, what time?"

"One."

"Kay see you." Utau said.

"Yeah..." Kukai didn't hang up however as he seemed to want to say something else.

"What is it?" Utau asked.

"Er..." Kukai murmurred, "You do like me don't you Utau?"

Utau was taken by surprise, she and Kukai were going out, their had been a lot of flirting going around them for years now, they had been meeting up and such for a long time and had actually been going out.

At first Utau had shown no interest in him as she had still liked Ikuto but the more time she had spent with him the more she had fallen for him.

To begin with Utau had denied it to the others, not because she was ashamed but rather embarrassed about it. She did like Kukai – infact she loved him but she didn't want to admit to her friends that she had already fallen for him when he may not feel as deeply for her.

"O-Of course." Utau replied, "And if this is about me denying our relationship to the others it isn't what you think. I was just a bit embarrassed is all, a-and not about you. I like going out with you." Utau continued in a ramble.

There was a pause before Kukai said, "What I mean is, how much do you like me?"

"Huh?" Utau said thinking, if she was to be honest she'd say "More than you could imagine, I love you" but it'd be way too embarrassing to admit not to mention the fact that he may not have the same feelings.

"N-Never mind." Kukai replied, "I'll see you at one."

With that he hung up leaving a confused Utau.

X-x-X

Ikuto sighed as he laid on his bed, what Amu had said had been true. He was being selfish.

He knew he should tell her who the father was but he was worried that if he did she'd then leave back to America.

He stared up at the ceiling in thought, how long till Amu got tired of his games and used a DNA test to see who Amulet's father was.

"Ikuto?"

Ikuto glanced over to see Utau, he sat up and sighed, "What is it?"

Utau smiled, "We're going around Yaya's at one, wanna come?"

"What do you think?" Ikuto asked.

Utau frowned, "I thought you and Amu were getting along."

"We had an argument."

Utau blinked in surprise then narrowed her eyes, "Ikuto, in four days it's the first of June. Amu leaves near the beginning of July, you have little over five weeks. Are you going to spend all that time making her suffer? She loves you Ikuto."

The words sliced through Ikuto.

He snapped his head towards her and narrowed his eyes, "And I love her aswell! But what's the point if she plans on returning to America, I'm just trying to not get in too deep then let her go and leave me again. It was enough last time."

Utau remained silent for a moment and stood still before replying, "Maybe if you told her who the father was instead of playing games she wouldn't leave."

"Amu told you I knew who the father was eh?" Ikuto replied.

"You mean Amu realises you know?" Utau said.

Ikuto lifted an eyebrow, "Of course, I told her I'd tell her when the time is right."

"Oh." Utau said.

"If Amu didn't tell you then how do you know that I know who the father is." Ikuto said.

Utau met his eyes, "Because..."

Digging into her jacket pocked she pulled out a bunch of papers stapled together and held it up; "...I found this in your wardrobe."

Ikuto's eyes widened, "W-when did you find that!"

"Earlier this week." Utau said, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Ikuto frowned, "It's not your business!"

"So you knew all along who was the father." Utau stated.

Ikuto stood up and strode across the room grabbing the papers from her, "Have you told anybody?"

"No." Utau said, "But I will do if you don't explain."

Ikuto let out a frustrated sigh, "I'll tell you later okay, after Amu."

"Speaking of Amu, when are you going to let her know the truth?" Utau questioned.

Ikuto glanced down at her then turned and walked back over to his bed, sitting on it he stared at the papers, "I'll tell her."

"And Tadase?" Utau asked, "What about him? Those papers are about him afterall, I'm guessing he doesn't know. Tell me how did you get this papers without him knowing?"

Ikuto remained silent for a few moments before saying, "I'll tell Amu then Tadase."

"When?" Utau asked, "She and everyone else deserve to know, this child is afterall—"

"I know!" Ikuto snapped, "Like I said I'll tell her, I'll arrange to meet up with her alone."

"Good."

"Just don't tell her." Ikuto added, "I will okay?"

Utau nodded.

"And don't tell anybody else, not even Kukai."

"I won't, don't worry." Utau assured him.

Ikuto studied her for a moment before nodding, "Good."

X-x-X

As Utau appeared at Yaya's house and entered the living room she glanced around, everybody was already there.

Yaya seemed to be thanking Amu once again for the present at the other side of the room, on the floor Tadase was kneeled down with Nagehiko petting a dog. However the dog quickly ran off and started yapping at Rima's heels, Rima merely stood unsure of what to do.

Amulet was there aswell, currently chasing the dog wherever it went. Nagehiko and Tadase had a close watch on her however making sure no accidents occurred.

Yaya turned to Amu who was the closest, "Where's Kukai?"

Amu shrugged, "I dunno, he hasn't appeared."

Utau frowned, where was he?

X-x-X

As the doorbell rang Ikuto opened the door to find Kukai there, blinking in surprise he asked, "Shouldn't you be at Yaya's?"

"Not yet." Kukai said, "I had a feeling you wouldn't come so I thought it' give us a chance to talk alone."

"Oh?" Ikuto said raising an eyebrow, "What do you want to talk about?"

"Utau." Kukai said.

"Oh." Ikuto said, "Er... okay."

Opening the door he allowed Kukai in who seemed nervous and fidgety, closing the door Ikuto folded his arms, "So what do you want to talk about my little sister for?"

Suddenly Kukai bowed towards Ikuto, "Ikuto please!"

Ikuto froze in surprise, why the hell was Kukai bowing down to him?

"Please give me permission to marry your sister Utau!" Kukai cried.

X-x-X

Dun. Dun. DUN!

Wow, brave Kukai. I know some people probably want me to focus on Amuto but there are other couples who need attention in this story and anyway all events that happen do somehow link to Amuto.

Oh and what's this, Ikuto will finally tell Amu the father? One word: Finally! At last I can get it off my chest, that's as long as Utau doesn't blurt it out in a fit of drunkenness.

KT: Review and I'll give you some imaginary cookies!

Hey wait a minute... you ate ALL of the cookies?! DAMN IT! You cookie monster!

X-x-X

(1) All the music groups and stars mentioned in this chapter are infact real Japanese artists whose music I've listened to at one point.

X-x-X

Next chapter: Is He Your Boyfriend?

Neither of them said anything more however Ikuto didn't move away, Amu realised this and murmurred, "Um... Ikuto?"

"Yes?"

"C-can you move away please?"

"Why?" Ikuto asked mischievously, "Do you not like being close to me?"

Amu blushed, "I-I don't dislike it but...." her voice trailed off.

"But what?"

Amu paused, too focused on him to remember, "U-um... I don't know."

Ikuto smirked.

"But I—"Amu was cut off as Ikuto pressed his lips to hers, all thoughts left her mind.

She didn't hesitate at all and before either of them knew it she was kissing him back and Ikuto had wrapped his arms around her pulling her closer.

Amu stood on her tip-toes as she kissed him, she wrapped one hand around his neck and with the other she delved it into his silky blue hair.

Just as things were getting heated something interrupted them.

A giggle.