That Illegal Kiss... – Chapter 13/Rehabilitation –

[Welcome to chapter 13 everyone! I know that the last chapter was quite dark and depressing but maybe things will begin to get better again? You shall have to continue reading to find that out ;) – I do not own Shugo Chara! nor the characters, I only own the storyline. Please continue to R&R, fave and follow! Thank you everyone! ;) xx]

5 WEEKS LATER

Ikuto's POV

I was woken up by a loud ringing noise, my eyes flicked open when vibration accompanied the noise, rushing out of my bed I ran over to my desk and grabbed my phone, it was a withheld number, I was hoping and praying it was the news that I had been waiting for. I answered the phone with a fluttery stomach.

'Hello?'

'Is this Tsukiyomi Ikuto?' A rough older voice asked, I sighed slightly.

'Yes it is, may I ask who is calling?'

'My name is Kazuomi Ichinomiya, I am the doctor who has been looking after Amu Hinamori. I am pleased to tell you that she has been making excellent progress and will be available for visits starting from tomorrow.' I bit the inside of my mouth, I recognised this man's name, but I just couldn't figure out why.

'How is she feeling? I mean really feeling?' I needed to know if she was stable enough for me to come and visit her. 'The last time any of us saw her she was self harming and smearing blood on the walls from her wrists. She was babbling a lot as well.' I could feel a lump forming in my chest as I thought about how bad Amu looked the last time I saw her.

'She is doing much better. Her wounds have almost healed and she is talking about school and working at the cabaret bar. She hasn't begun smiling as of yet but we are hoping that when she sees all of you that will change.' I sighed in relief, I was hoping that she was going to accept me once again, I would understand if things wouldn't go back to how they were, at least not straight away.

'That's great to hear. What hospital shall we come to and what time?' I was feeling better as Utau and Kukai entered my room with sleepy eyes and messy hair, I rolled my eyes at them as I got my notepad and pen ready.

'Well visiting times start at 10:00 and finish at 14:00 then start again at 16:00 until 18:00. The hospital is Seiyo International, so come at any time and tell the receptionist that I called you.' I smiled gently as I write down all of the information.

'Thanks doctor. We'll be up there first thing tomorrow morning.'

'Not a problem, Amu looks forward to hearing seeing you.'

Beep beep beep

'What's going on brother?' I glanced over at Utau who was rubbing the sleep from her eyes. 'We're seeing Amu tomorrow. She's been making excellent progress and they are hoping that once she sees us she'll start smiling again.' I felt a small smile playing on my lips as I thought about seeing her again.

'So they're really helping her to get better?' Kukai looked more awake already, he was hugging Utau from behind, I mentally rolled my eyes. They had officially been together for a few weeks now and they had already had sex, I could hear them most nights and to be honest it really was annoying that shit out of me. 'Yeah Souma, she's getting better. This isn't what they told me, but I'm guessing that she is going to be coming home within the next week or so.' I sighed as I sat down on my bed, the two teens watched me carefully.

'You seem upset about that...' I glared at Kukai, I was upset because it had been so long since we had heard about Amu or seen her. I want my girl back...I'm pissed off because she got this bad because of a stupid mistake on my part.

'I'm upset because we didn't hear anything sooner. I want my girl back Souma, hearing you have sex with my sister almost every night doesn't help!' Kukai rolled his eyes as he kept his arms around Utau, who looked away blushing. 'I don't want to hear you two all the time! Besides, you do have a home too you know Souma.'

'Yeah I know, but my family are on holiday right now so there isn't anyone there. Besides I need to be here to keep up to date with what's happening with Amu. Don't think that just because she loves you and I have Utau that I don't care Tsukiyomi. I still love her, just as a sister instead of attraction.' I sighed as I sat back on my bed so that my back was firmly against the wall.

'I know that you care for her Souma, don't think I haven't noticed that. Anyway on another note can you both get dressed, I want to get Amu some gifts.' I stood up and gently pushed them out of my room. 'Nothing sharp, just a few simple cuddly things, like some flowers, chocolates and maybe a teddy or something.' The two roughly grunted in agreement before I made my way over to my closet to pick out my clothes for the day.

We had decided to buy Amu a small cat plushie and some chocolates. We were going to buy her some flowers on the way in tomorrow. I sighed as we all sat down in my front room, both of the teens were giggling while hugging each other on the sofa opposite me before I glared at them with a serious matter in mind.

'We need to talk about what happened at court...' They instantly stopped and stared at me, the smiles gone from their faces and their hugging ceased. 'The final hearing is going to be with Amu isn't it?' Utau was looking at the floor now, she had taken it pretty hard when she found Amu in the bath.

'Yes...but at least we will have all of you out of their greasy hands...they won't be able to hurt you guys anymore. Besides, Guardians records and Shugo co have been showing a great interest in Amu's case. I'll be happy when you are all working for them...' They both nodded in agreement.

'We need to talk to Amu about her telling the court her story...' Kukai said abruptly as he tightened his hand into a fist. I could understand the anger behind his fist, Easter had dodged every bullet so far. Once Amu testifies and the evidence of the damage they had caused her comes to the table there won't be anything left for them to do, they'll go down and have to pay all of their clients for damages.

'Just look forward to tomorrow...we'll see her again and we can sort this whole horrid situation out.' Utau was holding Kukai's hand tightly as he flicked on the television set, we all watched Naruto whilst eating dinner that Utau had prepared, for that one moment we felt at peace. We were all excited for tomorrow and finally seeing Amu again, that was until I began to worry that she would relapse if she saw me.

I shook the feeling as the evening rolled on and I made my way up to my room, I planned out what I was going to wear as I took the chance while Utau and Kukai were downstairs to get to sleep with a smile across my face.

THE NEXT MORNING

I woke up to the sound of my alarm before sitting up in bed, it was 9am and we had a 40 minute drive to the hospital. Keeping that in mind I raced out of my room and knocked on Utau's bedroom door.

'Hey! Get up you two! We're leaving in 10 minutes so I need you both to get up right now!' I shouted before locking the bathroom door and having a quick shower, as I was drying my body I heard some banging on the door. 'Hurry up in there! You're not the only one that needs a bath you know!' I sighed at the sound of my sisters' voice before wrapping a towel around my waist and opening the door while drying my hair.

'You need to chill out Utau...I was in there less than five minutes.' I said casually as she rolled her eyes and pushed past me. 'If you aren't ready in five minutes we're leaving without you.' I smirked as I heard her growl and slam the door shut behind me. I got ready in my room before hearing the bathroom door open, Kukai had switched with Utau as I came out of my room and looked over at my sisters bedroom door.

'I'll wait for you both downstairs...don't take too long or I will leave without you. I'm not going to be late seeing her again, understand?' My voice was a lot sterner than I had intended and heard her sigh before I made my way downstairs. I was wearing a pair of casual navy trousers along with a white shirt which showed off my chest. I sighed before picking up the plushie and chocolates I made my way to the door and looked at my watch before sighing and getting my shoes on.

'We're going to be late! Come on!' I grabbed my keys before opening the door and hearing them both rush down the stairs, I sighed as I went out to my car. 'Honestly you guys take far too long getting ready...' I got into the car as they scrambled outside and locked the door after getting their shoes on, I sighed as they both got into the car.

'Let's just get a move on ok?' Utau huffed as she looked out the window and Kukai slumped back into his seat. 'Fine...' I replied as I began to drive towards the hospital. I took a deep breath and held back my happiness, I didn't want to smile until I saw her again. I put the radio on to break the silence that had taken over the vehicle. We had all been waiting 5 long weeks to hear about her progress and to finally be able to go and see her again was making us all a little anxious.

After 40 minutes we had arrived at the hospital, I took in a deep breath as we parked up and made our way to the entrance, we all stood at the reception entrance before looking each other and nodding. 'Remember to see how she is before we mention about the court case.' I reminded them as we entered and made our way to the desk.

'Hello and welcome to Seiyo International can I help you?' The nurse smiled at us as we all gathered around the desk. 'We are looking for Amu Hinamori.' She nodded and looked down at her sheet. 'She is on the second floor, in the rose ward.' She smiled as she twirled a piece of hair around her finger, I rolled my eyes before making my way to the elevator with Utau and Kukai.

We pushed the button as we all got inside and looked at each other with serious eyes. 'It's finally time...' I sighed as we got to the second floor, we got out and made our way to the rose ward, I gripped onto the bouquet of roses that I held for Amu in my hand, I took in a deep breath as we opened the door to the ward.

Normal POV

As they walked through they saw a lot of beds lined up in rooms on either side of the corridor, they arrived at the nurses' station after looking at one another waiting for the nurse to finish what she was doing.

'Oh sorry, I didn't notice you all there. How may I help you all?' She smiled up at them all from the screen of her computer. 'We're here to see Amu Hinamori.' Ikuto clenched a fist as he spoke Amu's name. Utau and Kukai held their breath as the nurse smiled up at them.

'I-Ikuto...is that really you?' The three of them all froze as they heard Amu's shaky voice come from behind them, the nurse smiled as she walked around the desk to Amu's side. 'It seems you have some visitors Amu.' The nurse smiled as they all turned around, tears came to Kukai and Utau's eyes, Ikuto was lost for words as he stared at Amu. Her skin was once again glowing and she had life in her eyes, it was true that she wasn't smiling but he didn't care, she looked the same as before, he was glad to see that she had gained weight and had her full figure back.

'AMU!' Kukai and Utau yelled as they ran over to her and hugged her tightly. Ikuto watched on from the desk as her leant against it casually not sure how she was feeling about him being there. The nurse laughed and smiled as the three embraced. Amu was hugging them both back but her eyes never left Ikuto's face.

'So...How are you feeling Amu?' Ikuto asked as Kukai and Utau let go of Amu and moved to the nurse's side to allow room for Amu to walk over to Ikuto. He kept his eyes glued to hers as she stopped in front of him. 'Better...' She put one arm across her chest and rubber her other arm.

'I'm glad to hear it...' Ikuto rubbed the back of his head as he looked away before looking at her again. 'I'm sorry about before...I thought it would be bet-' Ikuto began to say again before feeling her finger against his lips, he felt shock wash over him as he brought his arm down and watched the sides of her mouth flick up slightly.

'Why are you apologising?' The smile was so small that it was unnoticeable to others, he felt his heart stop for a second. 'I know why you done what you did. I've been watching the news surrounding the case. You were busy trying to find a way to break me out that you couldn't come and see me, besides, we're winning so why would I be upset with you or angry at you?' She brought her finger down as a small blush played across Ikuto's cheeks and his hand gently touching her cheek.

'Amu...' He felt relief wash over him as her eyes flashed playfully. 'I don't get to see you blush often.' He couldn't hold in his joy anymore and embraced her tightly, she returned the embrace and buried her face into his shoulder as she breathed in his scent. 'I missed you Amu...' Ikuto whispered so the others couldn't hear, he hugged her tighter as she sighed out in relief. 'I missed you too...a lot more than you think...' He sobbed lightly into her hair as he kissed the side of her head and stroked her hair gently.

'Amu...We need to talk to you...' Kukai's voice broke their moment as Ikuto reluctantly let go of her petite body and wiped his face dry before walking over to Kukai with her. 'About the case right, I know you need me to testify...' She held Ikuto's hand as she led them back to her room. 'I've already decided to testify next week at the next hearing.' The nurse shut the door after they all entered to give them privacy.

'Y-You have? Are you sure you can handle it so soon?' Utau asked as she looked at Ikuto with uncertain eyes. 'Yeah I'm more than sure. I've been getting calls from the judge and the other companies to ask me if I'm prepared to. At first I wasn't sure because I didn't exactly know what was going on.' She looked down with a lonely smile on her face. 'I'm sorry worrying you all...I only found out last week what I had done to end up in here...' She tightened her grip on Ikuto's hand.

'You didn't remember?' Ikuto asked as they all sat down, Amu and Ikuto sat down on her bed while Kukai had Utau on his lap in the visiting chair. 'I did...well some parts I remember...they said that because I was feeling so down that I will think of it as a nightmare more than reality.' She looked up at him and touched his cheek gently. 'The one thing that my memory seems to be clinging onto is that you were there when they found me...you waited until the ambulance came...' Ikuto took her hand and kissed her wrist gently before pressing her hand against his cheek once more.

'You were pretty out of it...I wasn't sure if you would remember me being there or not...' Ikuto smiled as a tear leaked from his eyes. Amu brushed them away with her fingers before placing her head on his shoulder. 'We're going to go and get some breakfast. We'll leave you two to talk for a while ok?' Utau smiled as she stood up with Kukai while holding his hand. 'Make sure you don't get the cottage pie...it's too watery.' Amu smiled as she watched them both leave.

Amu's POV

I was left alone with Ikuto, I blushed as I thought back to the final conversation before we stopped talking. I looked up at his face to see his stern gaze looking at the floor, I sighed as I sat up straight and touched his cheek once more. 'My feelings never...never changed for you Amu...' I was shocked as he spoke before I was able to place my hand against his cheek, I slowly lowered my hand as I looked down at the ground.

'Even after everything that happened, even after I put you and the others through so much?' I asked as I felt a sudden tension fill the air. 'Of course, I always feared the worst Amu. But you need to know, I will be more protective of you now. I almost lost you once, not again.' His stern gaze had moved to my face as I looked up at him.

'You won't be put in that position again Ikuto. I still stick to what I told you before everything happened. I wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't thought that you were going to leave me for another woman...' I tried to stand up but felt his strong arms pull me back down to my bed. Before I could protest and push him off I felt his lips crash against mine, taking me completely by surprise.

He wrapped his arms around my waist as I wrapped my arms around his neck slowly. His kiss was filled with passion as he hungrily claimed my lips for his own once more. He stroked his tongue along my lower lip as he pulled my body close to his chest. I blushed remembering that I didn't have a bra on, he kept begging my lips for entrance and I gasped as I granted him entrance. He groaned slightly as he began exploring my mouth once more.

Neither of us had felt the others lips in such a long time that the passion was driving us both crazy. I gripped onto his hair lightly as he caressed my curves and groaned out once more, we both pulled away from each other and looked at each other. We were both panting but I could feel my hot cheeks whereas he had that lustful yet loving looked etched onto his face.

'We shouldn't do that again...' I whispered quietly through pants before feeling his tongue against my neck, I bit my bottom lip as my back arched up in pleasure. I could feel the sweat building up on my brow as he flicked his tongue against my collarbone. I let out small moan as he stopped and smirked down at me.

'I've missed that sound...' His voice sounded rough as I giggled slightly, I was then in a tight embrace by him. 'It's been too long since you laughed...especially so cutely like that...' I blushed slightly as my poker face came back. 'My family should be here to visit soon...' He held my arms gently as he sat back to look at me. 'They're not happy with me...'

'I know...father doesn't want you tutoring me anymore...' I felt tears prick my eyes as he chuckled lightly. 'You're my student, I'm not going to stop tutoring or teaching you.' He licked my neck once more before allowing me to sit up properly, I was blushing madly as I dried my neck with my sleeve.

'Father blames you for my depression getting so bad...he said that you should've been taking better care of me...' I couldn't face him as I felt tears welling up in my eyes. 'Hey don't cry. He's right, I should've been there more. If I was then maybe it wouldn't have been so bad...' I sighed as I looked up at him and brushed the tears from my lids away. 'It wasn't your fault...you were busy and I kind of told you to stay away...' We just stared at each other for a while until I heard the door to my room open.

Ikuto's POV

I looked over at the door and quickly let go of Amu and stood up to bow to Amu's family as they entered the room. I rose my head to look at them but was shocked to see the anger on her father's face. 'What the hell is he doing here!?' He was yelling at the top of his lungs, I took a step back towards the window.

'Father! I can have him visit me if that is what I wish!' Amu retorted as she stood between me and her father, I looked down at her with shocked eyes, she had her arms stretched out as if to keep me safe from a blast. I sighed as I took a step forward and put a hand on her shoulder, she looked up at me and shook her head gently.

'Don't worry, I'm not leaving.' I smiled down at her reassuringly, I looked at her father as I stepped past Amu to come face to face with her father. 'You are mad at me, I can understand that. But what you don't realise is that I have been fighting day and night to get your daughter out of a contract with a company that put her in the bad state that she was in!' I dared not to yell back at him, but I did speak with authority as Amu's mother and little sister stood at the doorway watching with hopeful eyes.

'She never would have gotten into that contract if you had been keeping a close eye on her!' I sighed as he retorted with anger laced throughout his voice, I looked back at Amu who was looking on hopelessly. 'I would never allow any harm to come to your daughter if it is in my power. She is a great student and I believe that she can go far given proper guidance, did she tell you about the company? They almost killed my father and tried to rape my little sister, you should be thankful that we are bringing them down Mr. Hinamori.' I felt Amu's shaking arms wrap around my waist as I kept my gaze fixed on her father.

'I did not know that, but I still don't understand why you didn't keep to our agreement and keep a close eye on our daughter whilst we were away.' I pinched the bridge of my nose as a headache came into play. 'I wanted to, but once I found out that she was contracted with Easter I was busy with press meetings, police meetings and surveillance missions to keep your daughter safe. If we hadn't planted a spy in the security team there then things would have been much worse.' I heard him take in a deep breath and take a step back as if he had finally understood what I was trying to explain to him.

'I'm sorry...I had no idea that you were going to such lengths...' I looked down at Amu who was still hugging my waist tightly, I put a hand on her head as her grip lightened and she looked up at me. 'I didn't know that you were doing all of that either...' I smirked as she blushed slightly. 'We made sure not to get you involved. After what happened to my father we couldn't take the risk of you being involved and found out. They might've done the same to you, Utau and Kukai were less suspicious suspects and that's why they had their own hidden cameras.' I turned towards her family. 'You may not want to watch the images when they are shown in court. Some of them are difficult to watch, some include your daughter, which is why they haven't been released yet.' I looked down at Amu. 'They're only going to be shown when you are in court.' She nodded slightly before sitting down on the bed again, I stood next to her as her family came forward to sit on her bed and the chair.

'When are you coming home Amu?' Ami asked as she sat down next to Amu on her bed. 'Yes Ami, I should be leaving in the next week. Have you been a good girl?' Amu smiles as she hugs her. 'Yeah! But I miss playing with you in the evenings...it's really lonely without you...' Her little sister was tearing up, I kneeled down in front of her and smiled as I put a hand on her forehead, she looked at me.

'Your big sister will be home soon. She's almost completely better Ami.' I smiled as she sniffled and nodded. 'Will you still be tutoring Amu?' I looked over at her parents, her father sighed and looked away as her mother nodded with a solemn smile. 'Looks like I will be Ami.' I smiled as I felt Amu's hand on my shoulder, I looked up at her and smiled as I gripped onto her hand.

Her father coughed which caused me to stand up, I took in a small deep breath before making my way over to the door. 'Where are you going?' Amu asks in a rush causing me to stop. I turned towards her with a smirk, she had worried eyes as she looked at me. 'Don't worry, I'm just going to go have some breakfast. I did rush up here to see you after all.' I winked at her before bowing my head to her parents.

'I'll be back to see you later, I think it's fair to give you some alone time with your family.' Her parents bowed their heads slightly in thanks before I waved to them and left them in the room alone. As I shut the door I sighed out in relief before making my way downstairs to the canteen.

ONE WEEK LATER

Normal POV

After being allowed to see Amu again Ikuto, Utau and Kukai made the effort to come up to the hospital every day when there is no school. Ikuto had taken the first two weeks of school as sick leave as he was feeling down and worried about Amu, it was before he had heard from the hospital so he couldn't go to the school knowing that he wasn't able to teach Amu dance and not knowing when she was going to be allowed out of the hospital. After he heard from the hospital he went back to work and felt much better, today was the day that Amu was being released from hospital, he had agreed with her parents that he would go to pick her up. They both had meetings at work that couldn't wait, he was happy that he could prove to her father that he could in fact look after his daughter once more.

Kukai and Utau were at the courthouse explaining that Amu was going to be released from hospital and wanted to be able to testify once she got home as she wanted it all out of the way. Ikuto had been waiting for Amu to finish collecting the rest of her belongings, the doctor and the nurses all came to her room as they were leaving. 'We look forward to seeing you for your follow up sessions Amu.' Ikuto bowed to the team as Amu copies him.

'I look forward to seeing you all in the future and not as a patient.' Amu smiled as Ikuto took her belongings from her and began leading her towards the exit, once they got to the car park Ikuto placed Amu's bags in the boot of his car before opening her door, she blushed as she sat in the passenger's seat before he shut the door and got into the driver's seat.

'I can't tell you how good it is to finally be out of the hospital, I hated not being allowed to leave the ward.' Amu smiled over at Ikuto who put the car into drive before leaving the car park. 'I'm glad that you're out of there more than anyone...that doctor...he used to work for Easter...' Ikuto sighed as the car fell into an uncomfortable silence.

'I know...he told me, he quit after learning what the others done to your father.' Amu was fiddling with a frill on her skirt. 'Well...he could have helped us out with the case, but that doesn't matter right now. I've been waiting for you to come out so that I can just see you again and forget about what happened...' Ikuto grunted as he pulled over and leaned over to her kiss her deeply.

He placed a hand to her cheek ever so gently as he once again claimed her lips for his own, she felt a sweet twinge of pleasure erupt in her stomach as she places her hands at the back of his head and into his hair, she gripped on to his hair gently as he pulled away before getting carried away. 'Now are you sure that you want to go to the courthouse today?' Ikuto had a serious look on his face as Amu nodded slowly. 'I just want to get it out of the way, I know that this is the best chance for me to help in bringing them down.' He nodded as he pulled away once more to make their way back to the courthouse.

'Amu, there is one very serious matter that we need to discuss...' his voice was stern as he kept his eyes on the road. 'What's that Ikuto?' Amu asked as she felt her stomach tighten up, she was hoping that he would wait a while until this conversation came into play. 'It's about us Amu, I need to know where I stand with you now.' He blew out a deep sigh as he continued to keep his eyes on the road. 'I need you to understand that I have just come out of the hospital Ikuto...' She began to say, Ikuto felt his heart begin to crumble inside of his chest.

'I see...so you don't feel the same way as before all of this happened.' He stated it rather than confirming what she was trying to say. Amu rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms across her chest. 'I never said that...you should really give a girl a chance to finish you know.' He bit the inside of his mouth as Amu took in a deep breath. 'My feelings haven't changed for you...nor do I think that they ever will. I still love you and only you Ikuto, I just need to know that you aren't going to bail out when I get into trouble to try and sort it out from a distance again. Because I don't think that I'll be able to handle it again.' She was watching the road so she didn't see Ikuto reaction, after about 5 minutes of silence she turned her head to look at him and was shocked to see tears falling down his cheeks.

'Do you really think that I would be that stupid again!? I almost lost you forever due to my stupid stubbornness, there is no way in hell that I am ever going to make the same mistake twice.' His voice was loud but she knew it was because he was relieved, she rolls her eyes again as she slumps back into the seat.

'Let's just get one rule straight though...just because I want to be with you it doesn't mean that we are going to get physical, at least not until we have been together for a few years, I want to know that I can trust you with that type of commitment. I get scared when I think that you might bed me then leave me...I know that you keep saying that you won't but I need to be sure of myself.' She breathed out a sigh as he wiped the tears from his eyes while still driving carefully down the road. 'And if we are to kiss or whatever in school, you make sure that we don't get caught. Lord knows that we don't want to be separated by you being in prison for fraternising with the students.' She smiles as she sees a spark light up in his eyes.

'Must you be so naive Amu? I'm never going to get caught when we are alone, and about not having sex, I'm cool with that. I told you from the beginning that I would rather wait until you are ready. I'm not the type of asshole that is going to force you to have sex with me. Although I thought you knew that...' His voice was stern but soft, she smiled at him as she sat back in the chair, finally feeling comfortable and safe. 'I do know that but I was just making sure that you remembered...' she smirked as she felt his hand on her knee, she blushed as he smirked slightly.

'Just make sure you are ready for the courthouse, I don't want you to get into a bitchy mood when you see the Easter staff. There will be videos and one of them reportedly show you being beaten...' Ikuto's voice grew cold and angry, she looked over at him and placed a hand on his. 'I remember you saying the first day you came to visit...please don't worry too much about it. It will be difficult to watch but it's what needs to be seen...' Amu's voice was small as she remembered some of the beatings, she sighed to herself as Ikuto put both hands on the wheel.

'I've seen some of it Amu...' He sounded hurt and angry, she kept her eyes glued to his face as she could see the anger building up. 'w-what did you see Ikuto?' she was afraid to ask but she needed to know, there were some parts of her beatings that she had blocked out. 'you were beaten across the face and slashed about with a belt Amu...they held you down on an office chair to stop you from escaping and they even gagged you to stop your screams...you were kicking at them but they held your feet down as well...they weren't nice to you Amu...I felt hopeless as they showed me the footage, I was forced to watch you being beaten and couldn't do anything about it!' he slammed his fist down on the steering wheel. Amu jumped before putting a hand to her chest, I can understand that you are mad Ikuto, but at least we got evidence against them...I'm not looking forward to seeing the footage but you need to promise me that you aren't going to do anything stupid ok?' she put a hand on his strong shoulder as he bit the inside of his mouth.

'I don't know if I can promise that, I'm more than a little pissed off with the fact that you had to go through that.' Ikuto gripped the steering wheel tighter as he blew out a deep breath. 'Just keep close to me and remember that we are going to be together after this. It will still be secret but you need to keep it in mind. If you do something stupid during the hearing then I won't be with you.' Her voice was filled with worry and sadness. 'Then I promise that I'll behave...' Ikuto muttered as she blew out a sigh of relief. 'Good...' she smiled as she leaned over to him and kissed his cheek gently.

30 MINUTES LATER

Amu's POV

We had parked up outside the courthouse, I felt Ikuto's hand tighten on mine as we stood outside the entrance, and my heart was pumping fast as I looked up at him. I felt my nerves melt away as he looked down at me with his kind smile and eyes. 'Are you sure that you are ready?' I nodded slowly in response after I straightened out my gothic Lolita mini skirt, I had a black crop top on underneath a red buckled up blazer. He opened the doors as he walked inside with me. I felt my breath leave my body as we saw the Easter employees across from us. I froze but felt relieved as Ikuto kept me behind him, he was like my own personal body guard, although I felt like I was in a dangerous situation, he made me feel at ease.

'So this is Miss Hinamori?' I gripped onto the back of Ikuto's blazer as he watched the Easter employees be directed into a room further down the corridor, he then turned to face behind me. 'Yes, I'm sure that you have a lot of questions for her. I hope you understand that she is very nervous having just come out of hospital.' I took a step forward with Ikuto's encouragement, I looked at the person behind me to see an older man, he had long purple hair that reminded her of Nadeshiko's. 'I understand that Tsukiyomi. Hello Amu, I'm Nagihiko Fujisaki. I am hoping to be your new manager by the end of this predicament.' He held his hand out to me with a friendly smile, I looked up at Ikuto who nodded with a small smile before looking back to the man and shaking his hand.

'I-It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Fujisaki...' I felt overwhelmed as Ikuto put both hands on my shoulders and squeezed slightly to help me calm down. I looked around the corridor as Ikuto and Nagihiko chatter, I felt my heart lift up as I saw my work colleagues come in from behind Nagihiko. 'Remember everyone, Amu has just come out of hospital so try to keep calm when we see her.' Yuu was gripping onto something tightly, I sighed a small sigh as I excused myself from the two men chatting and made my way over to them all. 'We know that already sir! We're not gonna cause her to go back there you know!' Tadase replied sounding anxious, I cleared my throat which caused them all to turn on their heels, Yuu was the first one to embrace me, the others shortly followed as they all began to cry in relief.

Once they all decided to let go of me I breathed in deep as Yuu handed me what he had been holding. I looked up at him and the others as they wiped the tears from their eyes, I looked down at my hands to see what looked like a card. 'We were all really worried...after we found out that you went into hospital we informed the customers, they've been coming to the club every night with flowers and cards for you. We've kept them all in your changing room.' Yuu explained as he kept his composure, Tadase stepped forward with a small bag which he also handed over to her. 'These are from all of us though.' He was looking down at the floor as Nadeshiko patted his back gently. 'We've been having a pretty rough time lately...the whole town heard about Easter and your story. We hadn't heard from you in so long...then we received a text from Ikuto telling us to look at the news...that's when we found out.' They all looked down as I felt a wave of guilt blow over me, I rubbed my arms as I looked down at the floor as well.

'I'm sorry for worrying you all...I...I wasn't ignoring you all on purpose...' I began to say as tears began to leak from my eyes once more, soon after I felt a pair of strong arms hugging me from behind. 'We don't blame you Amu...we heard about everything you went through...' Yuu began to explain as I felt my tears get worse, I turned around and hugged the person who had hugged me. It then became apparent to me that I hadn't really allowed the reality of what had happened to me to set in and I hated myself for it.

I felt someone slowly stroking my hair as I continued to fill the empty halls with the sound of my tears. 'Amu...we need to get into the courtroom now...' I looked up to see Ikuto frowning down at me, I began to try and wipe my tears away as I heard Utau and Kukai from behind him. 'The judge needs you now Amu. We know it's difficult but we also know that you can do this.' I nodded slowly as Kukai and Utau hug me from behind before taking my hands. I looked at Ikuto who nodded slightly, he followed us in with the rest of my entourage, I brushed my hair out of my face as we entered the room, I felt nervous as cameras began flashing and all eyes were on me. We took our seats as the doors were shut behind us, I felt my nerves go into overdrive, Utau and Kukai kept a tight grip on my hands as Ikuto sat beside Utau.

[And that's the end of that chapter. I hope that you all enjoyed this chapter as much as the others! I love you all and thank you soooo much for all of the support that you guys are giving me :3 love you all to pieces! :D 3 please don't forget to Review, Fave and Follow! And if you like it then please feel free to send this story on to your friends :3 thankiessss! Peace out ;) xxx]