Hello my darlings! I am back!

Note: Please do not ask me if this story has ended when I have it clearly posted that this story is not completed! And as always, play the song while you're listening. I'm sure you all know this one. It's popular. ;)

Happy Reading!

Complicated

By Tsuki's Angel

~Chapter 21~

-Seclusion of the Heart-

"Amu!"

Yaya ran into the arms of her friend. Amu was startled at first, but then she gratefully returned the hug. It was nice to show up and be showered in hugs. She had to admit, it was awkward at first when Yaya called her up to apologize after all these months, but Amu was ready to put the past behind her and move on. She didn't want anything holding her back anymore. She needed to grow up a bit.

Yaya and Amu were currently at a burger joint where they used to come quite often when Amu went to school here. The two girls took a seat in a booth and ordered some coffee.

"How have you been?" Amu asked, pulling back from the hug.

"Fun! Finals were hard though! I had to study so hard!" Yaya said with excitement.

Amu smiled. She had missed her hyper personality. "But you passed right?"

"Right!" Yaya exclaimed. "Where are you living now?"

"Oh," Amu said. "Um, I'm living in the apartment complex a few blocks from here."

Yaya gasped. "You live by yourself now?"

Amu smiled tightly. "Yes, I live by myself."

"Oh," Yaya said. But she smiled again. "You have to meet Tadase and Anna and Miyu and Nina! They all missed you very much! They're on their way."

Amu snorted. "Missed me? I slapped Tadase across the face. How could he miss me?"

Yaya shifted uncomfortably. "I just know that he's sorry, Amu. He really is."

"Oh really?" Amu said. "Is that why he's on his way here? Cause he missed me?"

Yaya huffed. "Amu, I know it's hard for you to believe, but we all missed you! Tadase wants to talk to you, I think." She pouted her lips. "He wouldn't tell me what, though."

"Whatever," Amu said, pushing off the thought.

"I'm serious!" Yaya whined. Amu nodded and began to drift off into space. Yaya almost frowned. "Are you mad at me?"

Amu's eyebrows scrunched up. "Why?"

"I took Tadase away from you," Yaya said.

Amu shook her head. "No, I'm not mad about that."

Yaya looked confused. "Really?"

"Yaya, really. It's okay," Amu said. "I'm definitely over it."

Yaya sighed. "I'm glad." Yaya quickly changed the subject, as Amu knew she always did when she didn't like a topic. "So how was Florida? Was it hot?"

"It was warmer than it is here," Amu laughed. "But I missed the chilly weather here."

It was true that when Amu lived in California previously, she lived in the more northern part. It snowed there usually, and the weather was nice. Amu liked wearing shorts all the time, but she also missed the hot cocoa in the winter, just like her and her mom used to do.

"Really?" Yaya scrunched her nose. "I wish we had more sunlight!"

Amu rolled her eyes. "No you don't. Trust me. Sometimes, it gets so hot that you just want to sit in a tub of ice cubes."

The girls laughed and chattered for about ten minutes until Amu heard the sound of Tadase's voice come into the restaurant. She quickly turned her head around and saw the blonde man that she once used to date. She felt a little bit of anger and a little bit of hurt when she saw him. She recalled what happened at the Halloween party. She remembered how she left a pretty red mark on his face.

Tadase smiled when he saw Amu. "Hey, Amu. It's been a while."

Amu rolled her eyes. "Not really. What was it? Halloween?"

Tadase winced. "Yeah…about that…"

Nina and Anna walked in through the doors. They smiled when they saw Amu, but frowned when they felt the tension in the air.

Nina chirped up. "Hey, Yaya. Let's get some fresh air."

"What?" Yaya said, pouting. "But it's cold outside!"

Anna shot her a look. "Yaya, let's get some fresh air."

Yaya sighed. "Fine."

Tadase and Amu were left alone in the booth. Amu awkwardly played with the button on the sleeve of her coat while Tadase stared at his folded hands on the table.

"I'm sorry, okay?" Tadase said. "How many times do I have to say it?"

"Keep going," Amu said. "I'll tell you when to stop."

"You shouldn't even be mad at me," Tadase said. "I know you had a thing for that Ikuto guy."

Amu shot a glare at him. "You don't know anything."

"I may have been all the way across the country, but I'm not stupid, Amu," Tadase said.

"Do you have any idea how much you hurt me?" Amu asked.

Tadase let out a deep breath. "No," he said honestly. "No, I don't. And I never will."

"Yeah," Amu said. "You never will."

Tadase shook his head. "Look, I know it will never be the same between us, but can we just try to forget about it. We have the same friends here…and you have to finish your senior year with us." Tadase paused, thinking of that to say next. "I think…I think it would be better if we forget."

"That's what you said on Halloween," Amu said bitterly. "To forget."

"Look, I'm not saying it's going to be easy," Tadase said, "or even perfect. But I don't want it to be a disaster either."

Amu was silent for a moment. Thinking about the situation, she realized that Tadase was right. She was going to be here for a while. She would have to find a way to cope, or she was never going to make it.

"Besides," Tadase continued. "You slapped me pretty hard. Don't you think that was punishment enough?"

Amu crossed her arms over her chest. "No," she said. "It wasn't."

Tadase groaned. "Amu—"

"But," Amu interrupted, "I am going to forget it."

Tadase grinned. "Really?"

Amu sighed. "Really. But don't think that we're best friends. You have to earn that."

"Great," Tadase said. "Let's start with today."

Amu didn't reply to his statement, but said, "Let's go find Yaya and the others."

. . .

Amu was grateful for being back in her solitary apartment. Tsukasa had set everything up for prior to her arrival, so it was a piece of cake to move in. Amu took a can of pop out of her fridge and sat down on her couch. She held her knees to her chest and looked around. It was so quiet…and still. That's why Amu jumped when her phone rang. She picked up her cell phone from the coffee table and answered it.

"Hello?" she said.

"Amu?" she head a feminine voice. "It's Souko."

"Souko!" Amu said.

"Yeah," she said. "I can only talk for a bit since I'm at work, but I wanted to check up on you. How you doing, honey?"

Amu sighed. She decided to go with the truth. "I think I will get used to it." Amu paused. "Actually…I was thinking about getting a job. You know, to get out of the house a bit. How about you? How is everyone? How's Ikuto?"

Souko sighed. "I'm not gonna lie, Amu. It's been quiet around here. Of course we all miss you. Even Kiseki. And don't even get me started on Ikuto." Souko chuckled a bit, but it was riddled with sadness. "That boy is a sulking mess. Give him a call, will you? Sometimes I think he's more of a kid than Yoru. He needs you."

Amu teared up, and tried to laugh a little. It came out strangled. "I miss you guys, too. I'll come visit around Christmas or New Years if I can." Amu sniffled a little. "You know, Souko, it's a little lonely here."

"Sweetie, I wish I could give you a hug, but we all knew that this had to happen. I know you're lonely, but I also know you're a strong girl. Hang in there, okay? You're a fighter. You can come home whenever you feel like you need to take a break."

Amu smiled. She could come home. Amu had a home. The thought was comforting. "Thank you, Souko."

"No problem, honey," Souko said. "Take care."

Amu said goodbye and hung up.

. . .

Souko left work late that day. She came home to a quiet home where her family was off doing their daily activities. Souko prepared dinner, and the family later ate, making small conversation. They were all present, except Ikuto. Nobody wanted to talk about it. They all dispersed uncomfortably afterwards, leaving Souko to deal with the dishes. She piled them all into the sink and turned on the faucet. She sighed as she realized how mundane this was.

"Hey, Mom, is there any extra dessert?" she heard Kukai's voice ask.

"Where is he?" Souko asked Kukai when he entered the kitchen.

Kukai bit his lip and hesitated to tell his mother where his older brother was currently located. "Um, I'm not really sure…"

"That's not very convincing," Souko snapped. "Work on your speech skills. Do me a favor and sign up for the debate team. Now tell me again—where is Ikuto?"

"He's been locked up in his studio," Kukai sighed.

Souko tried to hide it, but a painful expression flashed across her face. Silence consumed them, but when she spoke again, she whispered, "Again?"

"It's the fourth time this week," he replied. "And it's only Tuesday." Souko didn't reply. She shook her head. Kukai looked at his feet when he said, "He won't go to dance practice."

Souko dropped a plate and it crashed into pieces into the sink. She shut her eyes and leaned on the counter. She took a deep breath and looked at Kukai as if holding back tears. Kukai had seen his mother cry a select few times before, but the expression she held was heartbreaking.

"What's happening to him?" Souko said, holding up a brave tone. "He won't even eat. My God, Kukai, why won't he eat?" She took in a shuddering breath. Kukai was at a loss for words. "Get him out of there. Now. Amu's not coming back if he's going to act like that." Kukai didn't move. Souko glared at him. "Kukai Souma Tsukiyomi, if you do not get your ass up to that Godforsaken studio, I will cut the cables on all your video games."

Kukai gasped. "You wouldn't."

Souko's glare sharpened. "Try me, honey."

"But he won't listen to me!" Kukai whined.

"Please grow up," Souko said, sighing. "And go get your moping brother out of his cave."

. . .

"Ikuto!" Kukai hollered, banging the door with his fist. "Ikuto! Open the damn door, Ikuto!" He heard no reply.

Kukai groaned in frustration. Suddenly, an idea popped into his head, and he immediately headed towards Kiseki's room. He opened the door without even knocking and saw that Kiseki was sitting on his bed with his laptop.

Kiseki immediately glared at him. "What the hell? Can't you knock? What if I had been naked?"

Kukai flinched at the grotesque thought. He shook his head and said, "I need you to pick a lock."

Kiseki raised his eyebrows and laughed. "What?"

"Pick. A. Lock," Kukai said slowly. "I'm pretty sure I'm speaking English."

"I got that part," he said.

"Come on," Kukai prodded. "You pick the lock on my door all the time."

"Cause you steal my stuff."

"So?"

Kiseki nearly slapped him. "Get out."

"No!" Kukai said. "I need you to pick the lock on Ikuto's studio door. He won't open it."

Kiseki's expression didn't change, but Kukai could tell that his attitude was changing by the lack of response.

"You want me to pick the Drama Queen's lock?" Kiseki asked.

"Yes," Kukai said. "Otherwise Mom will cut the cables on my PS3. Now, do it."

Kiseki rolled his eyes before glaring at him. "Fine. Just leave me alone."

Kiseki quickly shuffled through his desk drawer to find his homemade lock pick. Shutting the drawer with a loud clang, he walked away and to Ikuto's studio. He knew this lock was relatively easy to pick. Kukai watched him with sudden interest when suddenly he heard a click.

"We're in," Kiseki said. He then scrunched his nose. "He's definitely sulking."

Kukai frowned. "Mom isn't gonna be too happy."

Kiseki thumped Kukai on the back of the head. "Not if she doesn't find out, idiot. Now do something about it. I was never here."

Kukai said, "She already knows."

Kiseki didn't care. Kukai heard Kiseki's footsteps get further and further away. He went straight into the studio and wasn't particularly happy with what he saw. Ikuto sat in a corner, twirling a paintbrush between his fingers. He looked torn and just plain unhappy.

Kukai sighed. "What are you doing? It isn't the end of the world."

"I know it isn't. But hell, I have the right to make my own decisions, don't I?" Ikuto said grouchily.

Kukai nodded. "You have a point. But that doesn't mean I'm going to let you turn into a recluse because your girlfriend moved across the country."

"She's not coming back." Ikuto stated. "Why would she?"

Kukai was astonished. "What the actual hell, Ikuto? Didn't she say she's come back? Stop being such a little bitch and get over yourself." Ikuto glared at Kukai. Kukai threw his hands in the air in exasperation. "You need to be slapped. Hard."

Ikuto stood up. "Do it then."

Kukai rolled his eyes. "Look at you. You're pathetic."

"Pathetic? Pathetic?" Ikuto exclaimed. "You try having Utau move to the west coast, and then we'll see who's pathetic."

"Huh," Kukai said. "Well I'd be pretty damn upset. But do you not hear what's going on here? Or even see it? Amu moved back home temporarily. And because you can't live a year without her, you decide to lock yourself up in a room. Isn't that just stupid?"

Ikuto was furious. "Get out."

"Why? Afraid of the truth?" Kukai snapped.

"The truth is," Ikuto said between clenched teeth, "that Amu is going to college in California. She's not coming back in a year." Ikuto pinched the bridge of his nose. "She…she said she would come back…but college is a long time. She's going to change…and forget about Florida."

Kukai stared at Ikuto. He didn't look like the big brother he knew and loved. Kukai took Ikuto by the ear and yanked him towards the door.

"Ouch!" Ikuto yelled. "Kukai, you know my ears are sensitive!"

"We're going somewhere," Kukai said. "This nonsense has gone long enough."

Ikuto glared at Kukai. "Dude, I'm older than you. Let go."

Kukai obliged. "Okay, but I'm still taking you out somewhere."

Ikuto scowled. "Fine," he said, "but it better not be somewhere stupid."

. . .

Amu stirred the pasta in the saucepan. It was around 6PM in California, which meant it was around 9PM in Florida with the three hour time difference. She was hungry. Amu stared at her phone, waiting for a reply from Ikuto. She texted him several times already. She wondered why he hadn't replied. Maybe he's out with his buddies, Amu consoled herself. Don't worry.

As soon as the pasta hit al dente, Amu drained it and poured marinara sauce all over it. She sat down on her couch and turned on the TV. She saw that her dance performance was recorded on the DVR. Watching the routine made her feel more at home.

Lately Amu had been really quiet. Before, when she was with Utau and Ikuto and the others, she felt like opening up. But now, she felt like reverting back into her cool and reclusive persona. She didn't want to get close to anyone anymore. She just shut everyone out. The day she spent with Yaya and Tadase wasn't as fun as she had imagined it.

Amu finished up her pasta right around the time the dance recording ended. She watched crappy late night TV after that. Eventually, she turned it off. She threw her head back on the arm of the couch and groaned. The apartment was so empty. There was nothing to do. Amu was afraid that she would go crazy eventually. She checked the time. 10:30PM.

Where could she go this late at night?

Amu was just about to pull her hair out. She wasn't tired. She was wide awake. She wanted to get out of the house. Now. Then, all of a sudden, like a ton of bricks, Amu jumped off the couch. She threw the dishes into the dishwasher and went to her room. She opened her suitcase and found her sweatpants. She threw them on along with a baggy t-shirt. Grabbing her keys and throwing on her trusty Vans sneakers, Amu was in her car and on her way to the nearest dance studio, which was downtown in the city, twenty minutes from the suburb she lived in.

I'm at a payphone trying to call home
All of my change I spent on you
Where have the times gone
Baby it's all wrong, where are the plans we made for two?

Amu entered the freeway and she felt exhilarated when her car accelerated past the eighty mark. Amu needed dance. She craved it. It was like a drug, and she was physically and psychologically addicted to it. She needed to numb her mind, her body, everything. She felt so frustrated all of a sudden. It all felt so wrong. She should be happy to be back in Cali. Happy.

Yeah, I, I know it's hard to remember
The people we used to be
It's even harder to picture
That you're not here next to me
You say it's too late to make it
But is it too late to try?
And in our time that you wasted
All of our bridges burned down

Amu merged from lane to lane, avoiding the cars that were going much slower than she was. All she needed to do was get into that dance studio. She didn't even have a clue if it was open or not. She just needed to get out of that lifeless apartment.

I've wasted my nights
You turned out the lights
Now I'm paralyzed
Still stuck in that time when we called it love
But even the sun sets in paradise

In a matter of minutes, Amu had reached the city. The lights were bright, and Amu never felt closer to Miami. She rounded a couple of streets, looking for the studio with only her memory to aid her. Her mother had brought her here once or twice.

When Amu found the studio, she parked about a block away since there was no parking available. She was grateful that the studio was still open. The familiar scent of the hardwood floors gave Amu a certain sense of comfort. There wasn't anyone around to direct her to a dance room, so she helped herself. She would pay afterwards.

Amu quickly found out that none of the dance rooms were open. She looked around, but the only thing that was open was the workout room the dancers used to tone up. Amu didn't see anyone in the room, so she made her way in. She eyed the boxing ring. A punching bag was hung to the side, and Amu quickly thought of a couple of ideas. Incorporating boxing and dancing would be a new feat. She didn't know much about boxing, but Daichi and Kukai had taught her a thing or two during toning sessions at their own dance practices.

As soon as Amu closed the door behind her, she jumped into the ring. She found boxing tape and wrapped it around her knuckles to protect them. Amu was already hyped up on the song she was listening to in the car, so she decided to play the same one. She felt the familiar sensation of adrenaline rush through her veins. She felt the electricity shock her bones. Amu turned her torso left and right to stretch. As soon as the chorus hit, Amu was moving, letting out all of her frustrations.

I'm at a payphone trying to call home
All of my change I spent on you
Where have the times gone
Baby it's all wrong, where are the plans we made for two?

Amu noticed that for some reason, her rhythm was off. She began to panic. What's wrong with me? She screamed to herself. Come on, Amu! Dance! Amu took a deep breath and tried it again.

If happy ever after did exist
I would still be holding you like this
All those fairytales are full of shit
One more fuckin' love song I'll be sick

It wasn't working. Amu tried and tried again…nothing was happening. Amu's frustrations were not being let out. They were building up. Why, why, why! Amu said to herself, panicky. What's wrong with you? Amu stopped for a second. She couldn't feel anything. Why couldn't she feel anything? Amu took her water bottle out of the duffle bag she brought. She poured some over her head, even though it was slightly chilly in the room. Her grey tank top was soaked. She started again.

You turned your back on tomorrow
Cause you forgot yesterday
I gave you my love to borrow
But just gave it away
You can't expect me to be fine
I don't expect you to care
I know I've said it before
But all of our bridges burned down

Amu moved her arms and legs to what she felt—which was nothing. She was afraid that she was looking like a fool, dancing alone in a boxing room to a beat that she couldn't feel with her heart. Amu stopped suddenly and felt soulless. What did she have if she didn't have dancing? She felt so lost.

"What's happening to me?" Amu whispered.

Amu thought of Ikuto. She wanted him here more than anything. Tsukasa said that she would get used to it here. He said that it would be okay. He couldn't expect her to be okay. Did he even care about her? Why was she in this mess? Why her?

I've wasted my nights
You turned out the lights
Now I'm paralyzed
Still stuck in that time when we called it love
But even the sun sets in paradise

Amu felt stupid. She tried again and again to pick up a beat, even the drum in the background. She couldn't pick it up. She just couldn't.

"One, two, three, four," Amu counted.

Counting out the beat was something she learned when she first began dancing. It always helped. Amu found herself picking up a little of the beat, but she felt pathetic doing it. She could usually dance without a count. She was better than this.

I'm at a payphone trying to call home
All of my change I spent on you
Where have the times gone
Baby it's all wrong, where are the plans we made for two?If happy ever after did exist
I would still be holding you like this
All those fairytales are full of shit
One more fuckin' love song I'll be sick

Amu felt her frustrations turn into anger. She was sweating for nothing. She wanted to scream. She wanted to thrash her arms around and scream to the world that she was fed up.

Now I'm at a payphone…

Amu knew the rap was coming up. She prepared herself once more. Maybe she would have more luck during the rap.

"Calm the hell down," Amu mumbled to herself.

Man fuck that shit
I'll be out spending all this money while you sitting round
Wondering why it wasn't you who came up from nothing
Made it from the bottom
Now when you see me I'm stunning

Amu felt herself getting a little bit better. Her heartbeat still started to go up, even though she was a bit calmer. It was because she felt herself get lost.

And all of my cars start with the push up a button
Telling me the chances I blew up or whatever you call it
Switched the number to my phone
So you never could call it
Don't need my name on my show
You can tell it I'm ballin'

Amu felt herself choke up halfway through the rap. She felt her nose hurt, like the way it did before she was about to break down. She felt her eyes sting.

Swish, what a shame could have got picked
Had a really good game but you missed your last shot
So you talk about who you see at the top
Or what you could've saw
But sad to say it's over for
Phantom pulled up valet open doors
Wiz like go away, got what you was looking for
Now ask me who they want
So you can go and take that little piece of shit with you

And that was it. Amu had it. It was only a few days since she had left, and yet she felt as lost as ever. Why did she feel this way?

I'm at a payphone trying to call home
All of my change I spent on you
Where have the times gone
Baby it's all wrong, where are the plans we made for two?

Amu screamed in frustration. She aimed her frustrations on the punching bag. All of a sudden, she was a thing of fury. All she did was wrathfully punch the bag. It barely moved. Amu didn't care. Her knuckles were going to be seriously bruised. She didn't care. At least she felt something. It was pain. Amu let out grunts of frustrations as she punched the bag. The tape was beginning to fall off because of sweat. She didn't care.

"Goddamnit!" she screamed. "Damn you, Tsukasa!" Punch. "Screw this!" Punch. "Why does it have to be me!" Kick. "Why'd you have to leave me, Mom? Now look where I am!" Kick. Punch. Punch. "I'm ALONE!"

If happy ever after did exist
I would still be holding you like this
All those fairytales are full of shit
One more fuckin' love song I'll be sick

Amu slid down to her knees, breathing deeply. She leaned forward onto her hands. Her knuckles were bleeding. She was shaking. She was just so angry.

And what angered her the most was that she had no right to be angry. This was her decision. She was the one who decided to leave. What's with her? Amu swiped her hand underneath her nose.

"Shit," Amu whispered.

Now I'm at a payphone…

Amu calmed herself down. She felt silly for being so outrageous all of a sudden. It was just that not being able to dance scared her more than anything.

"You dance pretty well for someone so angry."

Amu screamed at the voice that was so close to her. Her chest rose and fell as she stared at the figure that took in her appearance, which was haggard, sweaty, and downright messy. The boy that was looking at her had brown hair and stormy blue eyes.

"What the hell?" Amu yelled. "Who are you?"

The boy smiled. "I should be asking you that. Dance studio's closed after ten."

Amu frowned. "The door was unlocked."

"I had to stay a little while longer to close up the rooms," the boy said. "Everyone knows this place closes at ten."

Amu sniffed, embarrassed. "Sorry. I didn't know."

He smiled again. "Don't worry. You must be new here." He jumped into the boxing ring and held out a hand. "My name is Takuya. Takuya Nakagawa."

Amu gratefully took his hand. "Amu. Amu Hinamori. Sorry for all this. I'll pay."

Takuya laughed. "Don't worry about it. You're really good."

"I didn't feel good," Amu mumbled.

"What?" he said, tilting his head.

"Ah, nothing," Amu replied. "Say, can I get a membership here? Something where I can come in whenever?"

"Well technically I'm only allowed to sign you up during studio hours," he said, but when Amu's face fell, he decided to strike a deal. "But, I can make an exception."

"Really?" Amu asked.

"Yeah," Takuya said. "As long as I can take you out for some coffee. I need to know where you get your dance moves!"

Amu's awful mood lifted slightly. "Sure," she said. "I could always use some caffeine."

"You could use some cheering up, too," Takuya joked. "You were quite frustrated there."

Amu sighed and pushed her bangs off of her forehead. "It's complicated."

Takuya rolled his eyes. "Everything's complicated. It's life. Now, how about we sign you up?"

Amu picked up her duffle, throwing her water bottle in. "Lead the way."

. . .

"Kukai," Ikuto said.

"Yes?" Kukai sang.

"I said not to take me somewhere stupid," Ikuto said between clenched teeth.

Kukai gasped. "This isn't stupid."

"What's going on in your mind?" Ikuto asked, angry. "What makes you think that I'd want to go to the zoo?"

Kukai glared at Ikuto. "Everyone likes the zoo. I don't know a single person who doesn't smile when they're looking at animals."

"Yeah, I get that," Ikuto said. "But why'd you have to bring everyone?"

"Mom wouldn't lend me cash unless I did," Kukai admitted. "Besides, you shouldn't worry too much. Rima and Utau are coming, too."

Just then, Kairi walked up to the group with a sticky Yoru in his arms. "Why do I get stuck with baby duty?"

Kiseki was right behind him. He smirked. "You said baby duty."

"Grow up," Nagi growled. "I don't even want to be here."

Kiseki glared at him. "And you think I do? This is all Prince Pouty's fault."

Ikuto grabbed Kiseki's collar and glared at him. "Say that again, and I'll kick your ass into next Tuesday."

"Go ahead," Kiseki snarled. "At least I'll be away from you!"

"Why you little—"

Ikuto dropped Kiseki as soon as someone grabbed his ear. It was Utau. She also had a hold on Kiseki.

"Ouch!" Ikuto yelled. "Damn it, how many times do I have to tell you people to stop touching my ears?"

"We touch your ears because we know you hate it," Utau retorted. "Now quit fighting."

"Let go!" Kiseki complained.

Daichi just arrived to the troubling scene with some wet napkins for Yoru. "What did I miss?"

Ikuto crossed his arms and grumbled, "Nothing. Is everyone here? Let's just get a move on."

"I believe we are missing Dia," Utau said. "She said that Ran and Rhythm weren't coming."

Daichi perked up at the mention of his girlfriend's name. "Why isn't Ran coming?"

"She has a college visit," said a sweet feminine voice. Dia had arrived. "I'm sorry I'm late. Daichi told me to pick up a few things for Yoru." She held up a bag. "Hope I didn't cause trouble!"

"You're fine," Kairi said, taking the bag from her. "Saya's coming today, Kukai. She and I will take care of Yoru. You guys just meet us back here before closing time."

"I am not staying here that long," Kiseki said.

"Good luck getting a ride home," Kukai replied. "I'm sure it's possible, considering you don't even have change for a bus."

Kiseki shut up. "Whatever."

"So, are we all ready to go?" Kukai asked.

"Let's just get this over with," Nagi said, shaking his head. "I should be doing a chemistry lab."

"Lighten up!" Kukai said cheerfully. "You guys look like a bunch of zombies."

"You seem to be the only one who's excited," Rima said.

Ikuto sighed. This was such a loud group of people. He massaged his temples. He was going to get a huge headache if these morons didn't shut up soon. Quietly, Ikuto began to walk towards the reptile exhibit. He had his cell phone on him. If they wanted to catch up with him, then they could call him. Ikuto walked into the dark hall and occasionally glanced at the glass cases that held potentially dangerous cold-blooded animals. He shuddered. He never liked snakes.

"Ikuto!" he heard a voice. "Wait up!"

Ikuto stopped in his tracks and waited for the group to catch up with him. "Yes?"

"You could have told us you wanted to see the snakes," Kukai said. "See, I knew you were excited." Kukai's eyes lit up when he saw the Kimono Dragon. "Utau! Look at that thing! It's huge!"

Ikuto raised an eyebrow and looked at Utau. She merely shrugged and said, "What can you do? He's a giant five year old."

Ikuto sighed. "It's going to be a long day."

. . .

The school bell rang and Amu hopped into her car. She put the key in the ignition and turned on the heat. Northern California got cold in the month of November. She checked her phone. She got a few messages from Ikuto. She quickly opened them to see what was up.

To: Amu Hinamori
From: Ikuto Tsukiyomi
Nov. 25 3:35PM

I miss you. Kukai dragged me to the zoo with everyone. Remember when we went to the aquarium? The dolphins here reminded me of you.

Amu smiled at the attachment. It was a picture of Utau standing next to the aquarium. Amu remembered the pink dolphin plush toy he bought her that day. She replied to him quickly.

To: Ikuto Tsukiyomi
From: Amu Hinamori
Nov. 25 3:35PM

Lighten up. I bet you're sulking. Haha. Enjoy yourself a little. And yes, I do remember the aquarium. It was quite fun as I recall. Tell everyone I said hi! I miss you, too. So much.

Amu clicked 'send' and turned the key in the ignition. She promised Takuya that she's have coffee with him, so she was off to go to the coffee shop address he had written on a note card. It took no more than ten minutes to get there. Amu went indoors since it was quite chilly outside. She ordered herself a cinnamon latte.

Takuya eyed Amu from where she was at the counter, ordering her coffee. He tapped her shoulder, and she turned around to face him.

"Oh," she said. "Hey, how's it going?"

"Great," he said, cheery. "How are you?"

Amu raised an eyebrow. "Are you always this happy?"

He shrugged. "More or less, yes."

Amu picked up her latte and threw a five on the counter. "Well, at least someone's enjoying life."

"Hey, hey, now," Takuya said. "No need to be so pessimistic."

"Yeah?" Amu said, taking her change from the lady. "You stand in my shoes right now and tell me that."

"I don't want to be pessimistic," Takuya said. He turned to the lady on the counter. "Plain coffee, please." He handed her some money and then turned to Amu. "But I'd love to listen."

Amu rolled her eyes. "I don't tell my life story to random guys I meet in boxing rooms."

"Well, then I don't have to be a random guy," Takuya said. "We can be friends!"

Amu let out a rough laugh. "You know, if I'm pessimistic, then you're optimistic." Amu felt herself shutting him out. "We don't need to be friends."

"Don't you have any friends here?" he asked innocently, taking his coffee and change from the lady.

"Of course I have friends," Amu said.

"Then one more couldn't hurt," Takuya said.

They found a seat near the back of the shop. It was at a high table with a couple of stools.

Amu took a sip of her latte. "Okay, so you said you wanted to know some dance techniques, right?"

Takuya shrugged. "I'm more of a boxer myself. I just wanted to take you out for coffee."

"So you lied to me," Amu said stoically.

"No, I didn't," Takuya said. "I still want to know your dance techniques."

Amu set down her cup. "Listen, Takuya, I don't want to lead you on, so I'm going to tell you right now. I have a boyfriend. And I'm not going to stay here forever, okay? I'll be leaving as soon as possible."

Takuya smiled and laughed a little. "Amu, I'm not trying to pick you up," he said. "But why leave so soon? Didn't you just get here?"

"Yeah," Amu said, blushing at her assumption. "But I'm only going to be here for schooling. I will try to move out as soon as I can."

"Hate it here that much, eh?" Takuya laughed.

"I don't hate it here," Amu said. "At least, I'm pretty sure I don't. I just miss my family."

Takuya's smile faded a little, but he picked it back up and nodded. "I see. Well, I bet they miss you, too. How long you gonna be here?"

"Few years. I'm hoping to go home after high school, but the guy who's paying for my school and apartment says it might be longer," she replied. Amu felt herself getting comfortable. It was unnerving. She quickly put up her wall again and changed the subject. "How about you? How long have you lived here?"

Takuya sipped at his coffee. "Ever since I graduated high school. I came here for a new start."

"New start," Amu repeated. "Where'd you live before?"

"I didn't live anywhere," Takuya said. "I was always moving from place to place."

"Really, now?" Amu said. What a small world, she thought.

"Really," Takuya replied. "Now how about those dance moves?"

"Tell you what," Amu said. "I can show you better than I can tell you."

Takuya grinned. "Now that's what I'm talking about!"

"But that's only if you help me look for a job around here," Amu said. "I haven't been in this part of town."

"Deal," Takuya said.

. . .

Ikuto stared at Amu's text. He tried to call her, but the line went dead. What is she doing? He thought. Ikuto had decided to stay at the aquarium while the others left to see the penguins. Finding a bench to sit at, he ran his hand through his hair and left it there, holding his heavy head with his elbow on the arm rest.

"Damn it," Ikuto said, gripping his cell phone with his other hand.

His worst fear had come to a reality. Without Amu around, he felt lonelier than ever.

Now before all of you start saying how Amu should miss Ikuto more, I hope you realize that Amu does miss him, but in a way that isn't painfully obvious, like Ikuto. You have to notice the little things about her. I just hope I portrayed it well enough for you.

And I bet a lot of you already dislike Takuya…greatly. Haha. Well, I'm not gonna tell you how to feel on that one. I'm gonna let his character mess with your emotions. ;)

This story will come to a close with a few more chapters and then an epilogue. It's been a long ride. I'm grateful that I had all of you with me!