-1Class Mates

Amu watched Ikuto, holding the knife shakily in her hands. She was gambling, gambling on the other Ikuto she knew and that he will hopefully save her, though it was just her wish.

"We're leaving Kukai," Ikuto finally said.

"What," both Amu and Kukai whispered. It wasn't an answer they were expecting from Ikuto.

"Your not that badly hurt are you?" Ikuto asked Amu.

Amu shook her head, not knowing what was happening. Did he already choose? Is he letting her go?

"Help me carry Kukai back to his place," Ikuto said, already supporting Kukai to his feet.

Amu gently placed the knife on the floor and went to help Ikuto. The three walked in silence. They headed towards the other end of the streets where Amu barely went and they turned multiple alleyways and smaller streets that Amu had already lost her track of the way they went. She didn't care anymore. She finally managed to do what she wanted - to meet night Ikuto again and she was just glad this time he let her go. They arrived at a small bungalow, that looked old and wretched. Ikuto took the keys from Kukai's pocket and opened the door. They went in. As soon as they were inside Ikuto laid Kukai down and went to the cupboard, taking out the first aid kit. Amu sat idly watching as Ikuto bandaged and treated Kukai's wounds. It reminded her so much of the times when she got hurt and he helped bandage her. She felt a kind of pain in her heart knowing this Ikuto would not do something so kind for her.

"I'm sorry Ikuto," Kukai said.

"Just rest," Ikuto said.

Kukai nodded, closing his eyes, he fell asleep. Ikuto put the first aid kit back into the cupboard and without looking at Amu, he opened the door and offered, "I'll escort you home."

Amu stared at him. She didn't expect him to offer to take her home. He didn't seem the type to care whether it was dangerous for her or not in the night. "Thank you" she simply said, following him out Kukai's house.

It was awkward. There didn't seem to be anything to say to each other. It was worse than the silence before. It didn't feel right.

"Are you serious?" Ikuto finally asked breaking the silence, "about liking me."

Amu didn't dare look at him but simply replied, "Yes." She somehow felt guilty but it wasn't a complete lie was it. She adored him as her father, it is like but not in the way she made it out to be for this Ikuto to believe. He didn't say anything more to her until she pointed out that they've arrived at her, well it should be their house.

"Amu Hinamori," Ikuto said turning his back on her, "I still don't know about you."

Amu began to sweat, oh god, she thought, he still didn't believe her, is he still going to hurt me?

"Tomorrow night, should we meet?"

Amu stared at Ikuto. She couldn't believe he was saying he'd see her again himself. But where… a place where night Ikuto always goes might be better, in case he'd change his mind and not like the places that are more to day Ikuto's taste. "The park. Not the one from last time but the other one, closer to where your friend lives," Amu suggested.

"Fine, I'll wait for you," Ikuto said, giving Amu a strange look, which made her heart skip a beat. He waved at her, "sweet dreams," and started to walk back.

Amu inhaled and let out deep sigh, with much relief. She smiled, he said he'll see her tomorrow night, so he didn't hate her. Her smile grew into a small chuckle with tears falling down her eyes. "I finally got a little closer to you night Ikuto. I'll stop you from hurting day Ikuto."

For the first time, Amu found herself sleeping soundly till morning. Maybe it was because she knew where night Ikuto was, with the guy named Kukai and he wouldn't get hurt. She managed to open up some kind of communication between her and the other Ikuto. Everything should go fine now. If she kept night Ikuto occupied with her or if she could keep a constant eye on him, then he won't have chance to get hurt. Neither of the Ikuto's should be hurt. Amu stretched, opening the curtains and enjoying the morning sun, she went to cook breakfast. The next step will be harder and it would take time. Amu stared at herself in the reflection of the water. "Am I a terrible person?" she asked her reflection, "I want to erase night Ikuto completely… am I evil?"

"Good morning Amu."

Hearing his usual cheery but sleepy voice, Amu turned around to greet day Ikuto with a smile. He was dressed and ready to go to work but his hair was as messy as ever. Amu put down the spatula and ran over to hug him tightly. "Good morning."

Ikuto seemed startled at first but laughed. He patted Amu's head, holding her gently, "silly girl."

"Call me anything you want," Amu said, resting her head on his shoulders. She felt safe - a natural feeling because he was her father. Someone who'd protect her.

"How about cry-baby," Ikuto said amused that Amu was letting him call her names. "Did you have a nightmare? Want daddy to treat you to candy?"

Amu laughed at his comments and pulled away from Ikuto. "Yes," she said, "I did have a nightmare but if daddy would treat me then I'll be fine."

Ikuto raised his eyebrow, "so you did want me to buy you something after all. Schemer."

"I take after you father," Amu said, going to the kitchen and setting out breakfast. After they finished, Ikuto drove Amu to school, whose mood had gotten a lot better. She was confused before and messed up about everything because of night Ikuto's sudden appearance but now she knew what she wanted to do. She knew what she felt and she won't stray from this conviction.

"AMU," Yaya practically screamed. "He's here. The prince has finally came to our school."

Amu stared a Yaya, giving her the I don't get you look.

Nadeshiko grabbed Amu's hand and pulled her into the classroom. "A new transfer student has come to our class Amu. He's extremely good-looking. He's like a prince. He's amazing."

Amu wanted to ask what he looked like but Nikaidou had entered the classroom. Today everyone seemed to be very obediently silent and looked ready for class.

Nikaidou wrote something on the board, "let me introduce everyone to our new member of the class. Please welcome Tadase Hotori."

Amu stared surprised as Tadase walked through the door and started to introduce himself. She didn't know Tadase was the same age as her. After Tadase had finished introducing himself to the class, everyone applauded. He then looked at Amu and smiled, "Amu, I guess we're class mates now. Please take care of me. "

Amu smiled back at Tadase, "yeah."

The other people in the classroom started to run wild. "Amu you know Tadase, when? How?"

Both Amu and Tadase looked at each other and smiled. Tadase turned everyone's attention back to him, "Amu helps out at the church voluntarily."

Having got their curiosity satisfied, Nikaidou swiftly proceeded with the lesson. Amu could feel the stares that Nadeshiko and Yaya was giving her throughout, not surprising since Tadase ended up sitting next to her. She was going to get bombarded at lunch by them and she was right.

"So, Amu, care to explain the situation?" Nadeshiko demanded.

Yaya nodded, "details. What have you done with him. Held hands or hugged?"

Amu sighed, "give me a break guys. Me and Tadase are…"

"Friends," Tadase said, heading towards them. He smiled at Yaya and Nadeshiko who looked very happy. "Amu helps me a lot with stuff at the church. We've been friends for quite some time isn't that right?"

"Yep," Amu agreed.

"Oh, Tsukasa and the kids have been asking about you," Tadase said, "well it's mostly the kids that miss you. Do you want to go over to the church and visit them after school?"

"Sure," Amu replied. She really did miss the kids herself and it has been awhile since she went to the church. It was only right if she went since Tadase invited her.

"An invitation just for Amu," Yaya taunted.

Tadase smiled, "I'm sorry. This time it really is for the kids. I'll invite both of you next time."

"You better," Nadeshiko said.

Having something to look forward to Amu sat through lessons hoping it would end soon. She was somehow excited and anticipating. It was going to be fun hanging around Tadase and the kids. She pulled out her mobile and gave Ikuto a quick text to say she wouldn't be home for dinner. "It should be ok," Amu whispered, "Ikuto wouldn't mind and tonight, I'll be seeing him."

The bell rang and Tadase and Amu headed for the church. Tsukasa welcomed Amu with a smile as the kids almost jumped on her, already before she stepped in, dragging her around to play with them. She enjoyed herself so much that she had forgotten about the time. It was dinner then it was so quickly that the kids needed to go to bed. Amu glanced at the clock, she was really late to go back home now. She quickly sent another text to day Ikuto, telling him she'd stay at Yaya's for the night in case he'd worry. There was an hour before she should head to the park and meet night Ikuto., so she decided to stay with Tadase.

"So did you find that person in the end?" Tadase asked, giving Amu a glass of milk.

"Yeah. I was so scared before not knowing what would happen but now everything is fine," Amu said.

Tadase smiled, "that's good to hear. You know I kind of knew beforehand when I first transferred schools that you were in this one."

"Oh, that's right, why did you transfer schools?" Amu asked curious.

Before Tadase could answer Tsukasa came rushing into the room looking rather flustered. "Help…Amu, Tadase have you seen Yoru?"

"Yoru," Amu repeated, slightly confused as to who he was.

Tadase quickly explained, "he's new here. He joined after you left and he's been such a trouble-maker. You didn't see him today because he was locked in his room."

"He's gone," Tsukasa said. "I was checking on the kids and he was gone. I think he ran away."

Tadase grabbed hold of Amu's hand and started to run towards the door with her. "Tsukasa we'll look outside for Yoru. Amu please help."

Amu nodded, letting Tadase lead the way. They ran down streets and everywhere looking frantically for the boy named Yoru. Amu saw how upset and worried Tadase was and wanted so much to comfort him that Yoru was fine. She put in more effort and shouted for the boy.

"Amu, where…"

"Keep looking Tadase," Amu said, "we will find him."

"But we've been looking for two hours already," Tadase said, "where could he be?"

Amu thought hard. They've been everywhere that the kids would go to but they couldn't find him. Amu stopped, Yoru wasn't like the other kids, maybe he went further, somewhere the other kids didn't go. "Tadase what does Yoru like?"

Tadase looked at Amu, "Err…I don't really know."

"Think. Like what does he like to draw or read about, anything small," Amu kept trying.

"The sea," Tadase said, "he loves drawing the sea and fish."

Amu grabbed Tadase's hand, "hurry. I know where he is. He'd be by the riverbank." She started to pull him into a run, heading towards the riverbank. They were going to find Yoru at last and Tadase wouldn't be sad anymore.

"There, is that him?" Amu pointed sounding optimistic.

Tadase peered down at the little boy sitting by the riverbank. He smiled, "It is him. Yoru. Yoru."

Tadase and Amu ran to the boy who turned and looked at them irritably.

"Yoru are you alright, you scared us," Tadase said taking off his coat to put it on the boy.

Yoru sighed, "hello and you are?"

"I'm Amu Hinamori, Tadase's friend."

"You mean Tadase's girlfriend?" Yoru said.

Tadase quickly covered Yoru's mouth and apologised to Amu. He blushed and so did Amu, but they both laughed in the end. "Let's go back now," Tadase suggested.

Yoru nodded and the three slowly made their way back to the church.

"So Yoru, why are you out so late?" Tadase asked.

Yoru sighed, "I wanted to go fishing."

"Really," Tadase said smiling, scooping Yoru up in his arms and carrying him instead, "next time don't go out on your own."

"Whatever," Yoru said falling to sleep.

Amu smiled at Tadase. "He doesn't seem that rebellious to me."

Tadase shook his head, "to be honest I don't quite understand myself. He usually is very hard to deal with but tonight…I guess that's a good sign. I'm sorry Amu. Do you want to stay over at the church - it is well late into the night?"

"Yeah that would b-" Amu stopped. Late into the night…she thought with the daunting truth coming to her at last. She looked around her in panic.

"Amu, what's wrong?" Tadase said worried with Amu's reaction.

Amu bit her lips, "I have to go. I-I can't stay any longer."

"Amu," Tadase called but Amu was already frantically running.

Her heart began to race in fear in anxiety. "Ikuto…" she panted as she ran towards the park. "Ikuto…." Amu really wanted to punch herself at that moment. How could she have forgotten her meeting with night Ikuto. After everything she's done to get this little bit closer to him and she went and blew it. No, there might still be hope. Ikuto might still be waiting for her. Amu turned and ran into the park. Please be there Ikuto, she cried in her heart… please be here….

[X-MAS NEXT WEEK! So I've decided for either a X-TRA LONG CHAPTER or TWO UPDATES for next week to celebrate. It's also my B-DAY on 24th DEC!]