Utau couldn't help but take a small peek from behind the curtain. It was still early, and very few people occupied the seats, so it wasn't like she was going out on a limb. Sanjo-san, however, thought differently. "Utau-chan, you should know better than to stick your head out into the audience."

She sighed, but didn't want to argue. "I'm sorry Sanjo-san." She headed back stage into her dressing room. Somehow, the company had found a way to give each individual performer their own room. Hers was right next to Ikuto's.

Ikuto…

Utau still harbored small feelings from him, but they were changing to a love a sister felt for her brother. And although it'd be a weird topic, for say, a family reunion, Utau would always remember.

But now that Ikuto had returned, and Amu confessed to Utau, it was for certain that something was going to happen. And although she couldn't exactly prepare her reaction to what it would be, Utau had to mentally ready herself before it could happen.

Time to confront Ikuto.

~Sky'sCharm~

Ikuto lounged on the recliner, staring out the window. Italy was absolutely beautiful. Gondolas, beaches… the fact that he was on vacation with a lively group was nice too, especially because Amu was there.

But she seemed to have been a little off when they first ran back into each other. It must have been that Tadase had told her of his engagement.

Before Ikuto left, Tadase told him that his parents planned an engagement, but he was certain he could get it called off. And it seemed to work for a while, making it safe for Tadase to date Amu. He would often call to "brag" about his dates and would ask Ikuto for advice on his relationship. Ikuto, a little stung, would often tease him about still holding hands, and that he was "backseat dating." In the end, the conversation would end with chuckles, before Tadase would have to go do something like homework, and when Ikuto planned to fall asleep.

Then one night, Tadase called him during one of his naps, and he immediately knew something must have been wrong. Tadase's father had to lay him off his job, and Tadase, still happily with Amu, was now engaged to a rich family with cultural background. The news was shocking and very upsetting to Tadase, who found the one person he wanted to be with… and now he was shattered.

"Ikuto?" The sound of Utau's voice cut Ikuto off from his trail of thought. It didn't sound urgent, but Utau had a talent for concealing things, something that impressed him to this very day.

"Come in." She slowly opened the door, looking around to make sure it was okay to enter, despite being told it was all in the clear. She must have had pre-show jitters. "Hey. I need to talk to you about Amu."

"She broke up with Tadase… didn't she?"

She nodded solemnly, "That's why he couldn't come on this trip… too many emotions."

"Plus," Ikuto sat himself up, tidying up the pile of newspapers on the floor, "He was engaged."

"I still can't believe you knew and you didn't tell us." She huffed, "Amu is my close friend… practically my sister. And she's the one you love. Why didn't you tell her?"

His eyes were glued out the window, focusing his attention on the city. She was about to ask yet again, unsure if he had heard her question, but before she could get a word out, he silenced her. "It wasn't my business."

She raised an eyebrow, "It took you that long to come up with that?"

He shrugged, still facing the window, "It's true, isn't it?"

She rolled her eyes, annoyed by his cryptic attitude, but she figured, pre-show jitters. She knew there was a reason behind all this, but she figured it was because she cared that he didn't interfere. She also knew he would never say this straight to Amu, and that she couldn't say this to her either. It seemed hopeless, so she left the room in defeat.

I'm sorry, Utau. But I would have only made it worse. That was Tadase's fight… not mine. I'm tired of having to fight all the time, but when it is time…

He closed the curtain behind him, opening his violin case. Even after all these years and the travel, the violin was still in good condition. It didn't even look like it had a scratch or a fingerprint on it.

I will be by Amu's side.

~Sky'sCharm~

About an hour later, the Guardians had arrived at the Concert Hall, and sat in a row reserved just for them. They talked amongst themselves, noting the various decorations and the elegant dresses the women were wearing.

"I'm glad we went shopping before this." Amu commented, staring down at her red spaghetti strapped dress, "I didn't know everyone would be dressed awfully fancy…"

"This is often used as an opera hall," Nagihiko lectured, twirling a lock of Rima's hair with his index finger, to her dismay. "People in Italy love to get dressed up for these occasions, and because it's Music Fest, they love to outdo one another."

Rima tuned out the mindless conversation. She had important matters on her mind right now, concerning Yaya. She's been different lately, and not the good kind of different… She let a small sigh escape her lips, quiet enough not to attract any attention. And I know why. I wish she'd just tell someone about it. She stared at the closed curtains on the stage. Utau… I don't know you well… but… I know you wouldn't hurt anyone. Right?

"Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for coming out to the fifteenth annual Music Fest! Tonight, we have brought in superstars from all over the world for you to enjoy. First up is one of Japan's biggest idols. She's Hoshina Utau! Featuring violin backup by Tsukiyomi Ikuto!" The crowd applauded daintily, attempting to maintain high standing. The lights dimmed, and two spotlights appeared on stage as the curtains opened, revealing Ikuto standing upstage-left, and Utau sitting on a stool center stage, in front of the mic. She was wearing a long white summer dress, and Ikuto was wearing black tux.

"Good evening, everyone." Utau greeted in Japanese before she switched to Italian to say, "I'm very glad to have come here tonight. Before I start, I'd like to dedicate this song to a special someone… you know who you are," She announced, giving a slight glance to Kukai. "And now everyone… Il Mio Cuore Va." (1)

The song started slowly and beautifully, and Amu felt herself swaying to its softness.

Ogni note in sogno

Ti vedo, ti sento

E cosi e so che, ci sei.

Tu, da spazi immense

Da grandi distanze

Sei venuta e so che, ci sei…

Despite not understanding what the lyrics meant, it was like Kukai could connect to Utau when she was singing. She could express every feeling in her heart, and no matter what language, the softness of the song had captured his heart.

It was a selfish wish, but he wish he could see this side of her a little more sometimes. Not that he didn't mind her over-the-top competitiveness, but it was almost rare to see Utau at peace.

He smiled, content in watching her performance. He'd seen her thousands of times, and somehow, she managed to make every time different. It's part of what made her special.

And I wouldn't want it any other way…

The song was reaching its conclusion as the music got a little softer and much stronger.

Sei qui, paura non ho

Sente che batte forte il mio cuor

Sara per sempre cosi ti

Protegge il mio cuore

E il cuore mio va e va…

The audience, still maintain their high society façade, applauded in the same manner as before. Utau, not really bothered by this, took her bow with Ikuto, smiling and waving to fellow audience members, and returned backstage,

This is my chance…

~Sky'sCharm~

1 = This means "My Heart Will Go On" The Italian version is sung by Sarah Brightman.

And so, after months of prancing away like a magnificent pouf *shot for quoting Spike* I've finally returned to make some progress with this story.

I apologize for the long wait, but I have plans to finish this story, and plan to focus on it until it is finished, no matter how tempted I am to update my other stories. Reason being I looked back at some of the old chapters and remembered how much fun it was to write this.

But because of my million or so other projects, I will have to shorten this story to fifteen chapters. Hope you guys don't mind, but I had to delete four of my one-shot collections. I was totally looking forward to writing them, but it got out of hand and I was totally neglective-like.

Okay, no more rambling. Hope you enjoyed this chappie. :D I will probably get to work immediately on the next.