(A/N: I do not own Shugo Chara. Please review!)

Chapter 10

Utau sat beside Kukai on a bench in the park. His arm was around her, holding her close. They were sitting there in a peaceful silence, listening to the birds sing. On normal circumstances, this would've been a cheesy event. But it wasn't. Because she was with him.

He had explained to her about Rebecca. He told her he was stupid and that it happened so fast. She wasn't going to forgive him, but then he kissed her and everything felt warm and happy again. When he told her that he loved her, she knew that he didn't mean to do what he did. He was just simply, amazing. They had kissed again before they were rudely interrupted by Ikuto and Amu.

She sighed and she pressed her face against his chest. She closed her eyes.

He smiled down at her. "Utau?"

"Mm hmm?" she answered, her eyes still closed.

"I love you."

Utau opened her eyes slowly and looked up at him. He had a most amazing smile. A smile that she knew meant he was in love. That made her happy. That she could make him smile like that. She leaned up and pressed her lips to his. She ended the kiss and smiled at him. "I love you, too."

Kukai gave her a smile in return. "Hoshina Utau… you're… the most amazing person I've ever met…"

Utau felt like she was going to cry, and Hoshina Utau didn't cry easily. "What…. What about Hinamori Amu?"

Kukai looked at her. "Amu? Utau, I told you… Amu's just a close friend." He embraced her. "Don't worry about her. I don't want to kiss her every time I see or think about her. "

Utau smiled against his chest. He then let her go, but he still kept one arm around her. "Kukai? You're going to the bachelor's party, right?"

Kukai smiled. "Yeah! My older brothers are too. Mom's going to stay home with Daichi."

"Your… brothers?"

"Oh yeah!" Kukai exclaimed with a smile. "You haven't met them yet!"

"Didn't you say you had… three older brothers?"

Kukai smiled. "Four actually. And one little brother."

Utau nodded. "I feel bad for your mother."

Kukai laughed. "Yeah! We all do. I think she's been wishing for at least one girl this whole time. But it's getting easier for her since two have already moved out."

"I would hate to have six boys."

Kukai laughed again. "Ah, come on. My mom had six boys and we're doing just fine."

"Tell that to your poor mother." Utau smiled at him and Kukai laughed. They kissed one more time before they got up and walked out of the park, hand in hand.

Ikuto was bored. He was very, very bored. Amu and Midori had left because the bachelor party and he and his dad were waiting for guests. This was going to be a clean party. No strippers. Just a bunch of guys, dancing, possibly some gambling, etc. Ikuto wished Amu was there. He had gotten so used to her that it felt strange being away from her.

And he hadn't kissed her for a very long time.

The doorbell rang.

"I'll get it!" Aruto called from somewhere inside the house.

The guests started arriving and soon the living room was full of men and boys. Ikuto talked with Nagi and Kairi by a table of food that they had set out. The few little kids that were brought played in a different room with a male baby sitter.

The doorbell rang again and Ikuto went to answer it. Ikuto's eye brows raised when he saw Kukai and four older guys. They all looked different, but Ikuto had seen them in some of Amu's photos. They were Kukai's older brothers.

"Hi, Ikuto-san!" Kukai said with a smile. He walked in, followed by the older brothers. He turned and smiled at him. "These are my older brothers, by the way, Kaidou, Shuusui, Unkai, and Rento. Guys, this is Tsukiyomi Aruto-san's son, Ikuto-san."

"What's up?" the blond one, Unkai said.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Rento greeted him, giving his hand a shake.

Kaidou nodded towards him.

"It's nice to finally meet Amu-san's almost step-brother," the one with the glasses, Shuusui responded. He looked around. "This is a nice place you have here, Ikuto-san."

"Thanks," Ikuto responded.

"Kukai," Kaidou started. "We're not staying here too long."

"Okay, Kaidou," Kukai said with a nervous smile. He then left with Ikuto towards Kairi and Nagi.

"Hi guys!" Kukai greeted them with a wide smile.

"Hey, Kukai," Nagi said with a smile.

"Hello, Kukai," Kairi said. Kairi and Nagi looked at each other and then turned back to Kukai. Nagi smiled innocently while Kairi was expressionless. They then each grabbed one of his arms and led him out of the living room and to an empty guest room.

"G-guys-!" Kukai exclaimed. Ikuto followed them and locked the door behind them.

"Don't worry about it, Kukai. They're just doing a normal procedure. It should be over soon," Ikuto said, leaning against the closed door.

Nagi and Kairi pushed Kukai into an empty seat and leaned close to him.

"So, we hear you're dating Utau now, right?" Nagi said with an innocent smile.

Kukai relaxed and smiled. "Oh, is that what this is about? Yeah, I'm dating Utau."

Kairi adjusted his glasses. "Interesting, Nagihiko. The boy calls her, Utau."

"Well—" Kukai started, but Nagi cut him off.

"We also know how you almost broke her heart," Nagi said with another innocent smile, which made him looked especially mischievous. "Ikuto told us."

"That was a misunderstanding-!"

Nagi put a finger on Kukai's lips. "We know."

Kukai breathed. "I fixed it, seriously! Rebecca-chan isn't in my life anymore! I don't even like her as a friend!"

"Calm down, Kukai, you're being irrational. We are only questioning how well of a boyfriend you'd be to Utau," Kairi said.

Kukai's face turned red. "How well of a—"

Suddenly, Kukai's phone rang in his pocket. Kukai smiled in relief and quickly answered it.

"Hello?" he said into the phone. He smiled wider, his cheeks slightly red. "No, no, it's okay…." He laughed. "Don't worry about it, I'm fine, but do they do that often?" Kukai paused as he listened to the person on the other line. He laughed again. "You don't have to do that, it's okay! It's nice to see how much they care for you." He looked at them and smiled. "Sure, I'd love that. I'll text you later, okay… Okay, bye!" He closed the phone and slid it back in his pocket.

"I'm guessing that was Utau?" Kairi said.

Kukai smiled. "Yeah! She must've known you guys would've done something like this tonight!"

"I told you this was normal procedure. You've done the best out of the others."

Kukai's smile vanished slightly. "Um, how many… others, were there?"

Kairi sighed. "You seriously expect us to know how many people she's dated?"

Nagi placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Kukai. She's never been in love before, until she met you."

Kukai smiled at him. "Thanks." Suddenly, Kukai jumped out of his seat. "The weddings tomorrow, isn't it?!"

They all stared at him. Ikuto sighed. "You're just realizing it?"

"Wow…," Kukai said, oblivious to Ikuto's comment. "How that happen so fast?"

A sudden pain of realization hit Ikuto full in the chest. The wedding was the next day. In less that twenty-four hours. It was so obvious… and yet…

Ikuto looked down. Amu…, he thought.

Nagi and Kairi noticed the change in Ikuto's mood. Nagi went over to him and put his arm around his shoulder. "Come on. Let's go back to the party."

Ikuto looked at his friend who was smiling at him. Of course they had figured what was going on between him and Amu. They weren't stupid… most of the time… It seemed like Amu was just starting to open up to him, and…

Ikuto sighed again and nodded. "Yeah… We should… head back to the party…"

After the party was over, the doorbell rang and Ikuto ran towards the door. He opened it to see Midori and Amu both looking really tired.

Aruto went over to them and took Midori's hand. "Hello, Honey. Did you two have a fun night?"

Midori yawned. "Oh, yes… Didn't we, Amu?"

Amu nodded sleepily. Ikuto was going to die. She was so freaking cute when she was drowsy. "Mom? I'm going to go to bed," she said with a yawn.

"Okay, Dear."

Amu headed up the stairs and Ikuto followed. Amu went into her room and flopped on the bed, completely bushed. She hadn't even bothered to change her clothes. Or brush her teeth. Or get under the covers.

Ikuto sat on her bed and watched her.

She then turned and her eyes opened slightly to see him. "What… are you… doing here… Iku…to?" she asked drowsily, yawning in mid-sentence.

Ikuto smiled at her and laid down next to her on the bed. He wasn't going to try anything. He was better than that. He just wanted to be with her, knowing that this would be their last night… 'together.' He pulled the covers over them and put his arm around her. He watched her fall asleep.

Ikuto smiled sadly at her and kissed her forehead. "Good night, Amu… I… love you."

She didn't respond. She was already in a deep sleep. Although, she did have a smile on her face.

When Amu woke up, she saw Ikuto lying down next to her. In her bed. Amu blushed violently as she saw him there. He was still asleep and looked very, very cute. Amu was about to turn and look at her clock when she realized his arm was around her, keeping her close to him. Amu blushed harder but smiled. She closed her eyes and snuggled up close to him.

She couldn't deny how she felt about him. She loved—Amu's eyes widened. The wedding! She frowned and pressed her face against his warm chest. She wanted to stay like that, because she knew… that that day, they would become step-siblings… and that meant… Amu squeezed her eyes shut and gritted her teeth. She had known something like that was going to happen. She would fall deeper in love with him and she wouldn't be able to bear not being with him. She moved her arm and placed her hand on his chest and moved closer. Dammit. She loved Ikuto. And… she wasn't going to be able to be with him anymore.

She felt tears in her eyes and she let them fall. She then felt a hand on her face. She looked up to see Ikuto looking back down at her.

"Don't cry," he said with a pained smile. "Don't cry." He wiped her tears gently and Amu bit her lip.

"Ikuto… today is—"

"I know. I know." He wrapped his other arm around her and held her close. "It… doesn't have to end, you know…"

Amu bit her lip harder. She knew. "Ikuto, please don't say that. It does." More tears started to flow down her face, but Ikuto would gently wipe them away.

He leaned down and gently kissed her lips. It wasn't passionate and they each knew they weren't going to make it passionate. Just… sweet. Amu kissed back and tried to hold back her remaining kiss. She knew that that kiss was her last with him.

They broke the kiss and looked at each other.

"Amu, I love you," Ikuto said softly, pressing his forehead to hers.

Amu shut her eyes. "Ikuto, I—" She sighed. "I love you, too." They held each other for a while in silence until they decided they better head downstairs.

It was the big day.

When they reached the bottom of the staircase, they saw everybody rushing around the house, getting everything in order.

Mrs. Franklin rushed towards them with a long pink flowing dress in her arms. She stopped in front of Amu and scowled at her. "Well finally you're up! Here's the dress and—" She looked at Ikuto in surprise. "What are you still doing here? The men are changing in the guest house! Get out!" She pushed Ikuto away from Amu and out the door. She turned back to Amu and gave her the dress. "Amu-san, the women are in Hinamori-san's bedroom. Hurry now!"

Amu took the dress and headed towards her mother's bedroom, which must've been the largest bedroom ever invented.

Amu saw her mother getting dressed and some of her friends and family helping her with it. There were also her aunts and Macy and Jin who were getting dressed in their bridesmaid's dresses.

"Hi, Sweetie!" her mom said, as her hair was being done. "Did you have a nice sleep?"

Amu gave her a small smile. "Yeah, Mom, I slept well."

"We had fun last night, didn't we Honey? That movie we saw was wonderful, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, it was fun." Amu smiled at her mother and walked over to her and kissed her cheek.

Midori smiled widely at her daughter, and was then snapped at by the woman who was doing her hair for moving her head.

Amu went back across the room and quickly changed into her dress. She started working on her make-up and was trying to decide how she'd wear her hair, when Macy came over.

"Hey, Honey! It's the big day, can you believe it?" Macy said with a smile.

"Yeah, it happened fast, didn't it?" Amu responded, trying her best to hide the sadness. Macy didn't seem to notice.

"Sweetie? I can do your hair if you want me to," Macy offered.

Amu smiled at her. "Thank you, I'd like that a lot."

"Oh, goodie!" Macy exclaimed with glee. She started working on Amu's hair. "I haven't done some one's hair since my niece came and visited me! Would you like it up, or maybe—"

"You can choose."

"Okay, then!"

Macy worked on Amu's hair for a while longer before she finally announced it finished. Amu looked at herself in the mirror and was slightly surprised.

Her hair was now silky smooth and curled at the bottom. Her hair flowed over her shoulders, although part of it was put up and complimented with a peach colored flower that went beautifully with the dress and Amu's hair.

Amu stood up and gave Macy a hug. "Thank you."

"No problem, Honey. Now let's check on your mama," Macy said with a wink. They went over to Midori who was standing in front of a long, full length mirror.

"Oh… Midori," Aika said with a smile. "You look beautiful!"

Midori turned around and faced everyone. Amu understood how her aunt felt. Her mom did look very beautiful. She wasn't wearing her glasses, since she had bought contacts, and she wore mascara, capturing the beauty of her eyes. Her brown hair flowed down her back, covered by the sparkling white veil. The dress was sleeveless with lace gloves. Her mom wore a diamond necklace and matching diamond earrings. Her lips were coated with a light red lipstick that was covered in gloss. Pink blush was brushed onto her cheeks. She looked stunning.

"Mom, you look amazing," Amu said with a smile, giving her mom a hug.

Midori smiled at her daughter. "Oh, Amu, Dear. You don't know how much it means to hear you say that. And to see you so happy.

Suddenly Mrs. Franklin came bursting in. She wore a red velvet dress with a large black flower. Her hair was put up and she wore black gloves. "Sorry to disturb you, Hinamori-san, but it's time." Midori breathed and squeezed her daughter's hand.

Amu smiled at her mom. "You're going to do great, Mom," she said with a smile.

"Thank you, Sweetie," Midori whispered, kissing her daughter's forehead.

Then they walked outside to where all the guests had arrived.

Amu looked towards Ikuto who walked over to her with a smile. They linked arms, like they had rehearsed.

"You know…," he whispered to her. "You look absolutely beautiful…"

She looked at him and smiled. A light blush on her face. "Thank you."

The music started to play and Amu watched Ran and Su walk down the aisle throwing flowers into the air from their baskets. Following them was Hikaru, who carried the rings on top of a velvet pillow.

"Shall we?" Ikuto said to her with a smile.

"We shall," Amu responded. They led the bridesmaids and groomsmen down the aisle. Amu noticed familiar faces in the audience. She saw Ikuto's friends, and Yaya, Rima, and Kukai.

They then broke their linked arms to go and stand on either sides of the alter. The other bridesmaids and groomsmen followed. Amu looked around and saw Aruto standing on the alter with a big smile on his face. She saw her grandma in a front seat, and she saw Kukai keep on glancing to the other side of the aisle where Utau sat with her mom. Amu smiled. It was cute how Kukai had found somebody. Amu looked back at the aisle where her grandpa was leading her mom down the aisle. Her mom… never looked so happy.

They reached the alter and her grandpa slowly kissed her mom on the forehead and then handed her over to Aruto, who took her hand lovingly. The priest began to speak and Amu's eyes glanced towards Ikuto. He was staring right back at her. Amu felt a slight blush on her cheeks. Ikuto smiled as their eyes locked.

I. Love. You, he mouthed to her, slowly and carefully so she'd understand.

Amu smiled and blushed. I love you too, she mouthed back. He smiled at her and gave her big thumbs up. It took all she had not to burst out laughing.

They kept looking at each other and smiling as their parents said their 'I dos' and Hikaru gave them the rings.

"I pronounce you man and wife," the priest declared. "You may now kiss the bride."

Aruto and Midori leaned in towards each other and kissed each other lovingly. Everyone applauded and cheered.

And then it was over. People came up to the newlyweds and congratulated them and everyone started mingling. Then, Aruto and Midori headed back into the house and when they came back out, they were wearing casual clothing (okay, maybe a little fancy) and each had a suitcase in their hands. They headed towards the car as everyone continued to cheer.

They packed the car and Amu and Ikuto went up to them and hugged them goodbye. Amu had totally forgotten about the honeymoon…

"Now, we'll be gone for a couple of weeks on our honeymoon, children. You'll behave, correct?" Aruto said, smiling at them.

"Of course, Dad, you know me," Ikuto said with a smirk.

"I do know you so that's why I'm reminding you." Aruto gave his son a hug and then his new step-daughter a hug as well. Midori gave Ikuto and Amu hugs and smiled at them, her eyes slightly teary.

"Oh, I know everything will be all right!" she said giving them another hug. "And remember, Sweethearts, you can always call us if there's any trouble!"

They went inside the car.

"And Ikuto," Aruto said, smiling. "Whatever you're planning on doing, don't."

Midori laughed and Ikuto gave his dad a smile.

"Bye Mom! And, um, Dad!" Amu said slightly awkwardly.

"Bye parents," Ikuto said.

The other guests called out their good byes or ran in for last minute hugs before Aruto and Midori left for their honeymoon.

After a while, all the guests were gone, leaving Ikuto and Amu… alone… for a whole two weeks.

(A/N: So there you go, Aruto and Midori are finally married. Hmm… what will happen in chapter 11?)