A/N: (Peeks around) Hello? Anyone there? Yeah I'm back from the dead. I seriously cannot believe how fast time flew by. Before I knew it, 6 months had slipped through my fingers. I'm terribly sorry for keeping you all for so long. Honestly, everytime I got a review, I felt guilty I didn't update. But hey here I am and I really hope you guys enjoy it. Longest chapter yet!

Just wanted to thank all those who reviewed/favorited/alerted my story. Whenever I see a notice in my email, it makes me happy. I also wanna thank the readers in general. Without you guys, this story wouldn't have survived. Anyway enjoy!

Disclaimer: You know what? Forget about subtext, if I owned Kaleido Star, I'd make LaylaXSora CANON.

Layla stood there, frozen, looking at Sora's smiling face that was patiently waiting for an answer.

"Huh?" Was all Layla could find to say. Did she hear her correctly?

Sora straightened her head and her smile disappeared, eyes again expressing confusion, "Um, I asked 'who are you'?"

Sora's eyes widened in shock before she started waving her arms around frantically, "Oh I'm sorry! That must've sounded rude. I'm sorry if I offended you or something and the doctors already told me that everyone visiting me was a friend or family member. I'm just so stupid and careless and why did I have to say something like that? Oh and now I'm babbling now and I'm probably wasting your time after you came to visit me…"

As Layla watched Sora start rambling more to herself than actually to Layla, she couldn't help but chuckle. Her heart and spirits lifted, knowing that Sora was still the same, even after her memory loss.

Hearing Layla chuckle, Sora stopped her rambling and lightly blushed. "Sorry. I meant to ask what's your name?"

"It's okay. I'm sorry to have reacted the way I did since the doctors did warn me already. But to answer your question my name is Layla Hamilton." She said with a small smile.

"Miss Hamilton…"

"Just Layla is fine."

"Oh! So, Layla…san?" Sora repeated, earning a nod from Layla. "That's a pretty name."

"Thank you," Layla mentally berated herself for not being able to come up with more things to say. Her mouth felt dry and she felt awkward. She hadn't conversed with Sora much after the production of Legend of Phoenix besides the occasional phone call or letter, for both their careers constantly kept them occupied. And now when she finally did come into contact with Sora, Sora doesn't even remember her anymore.

It was silent in the hospital room. Neither one had said a word. Normally cool and collected, Layla could not even look Sora in the eye, much less spark up a conversation.

"So, um Layla-san… ah! Sorry, I keep adding on the honorific. I don't know why, but it just slips out of my mouth. I guess it's a habit from my Japanese heritage."

Layla's eyes arched up in surprise. "So you remember some things?"

"Oh, sadly no. Well actually, I guess I remember the stuff that came naturally to me. Like I unconsciously spoke perfect Japanese to my parents, yet I knew to switch to English when talking to others."

"I see."

Sora's brown eyes brightened as she started more conversation. "So Layla, tell me about yourself."

"Well, I'm Layla Hamilton, I'm twenty-one and we've known each other for about three years," Layla finished her sentence and looked over at Sora to see her listening attentively. Layla hated the formality of how their conversation was going, but it wasn't like she could all of a sudden become chummy with someone who thinks of her as a stranger. But as she thought about it, their conversations before were always a bit on the formal side, even after they became partners.

"So are you a performer at the Kaleido Stage like the others?"

"I was a performer. But due to an accident I couldn't continue performing there anymore. So, I took up an offer to try Broadway, and I've been in that business ever since."

Layla watched as Sora sat on her bed silently, gathering her thoughts on the new information. "How did we meet?"

Layla paused, thinking of a way to respond, "We first met, when you came to audition for a position at the Kaleido Stage."

"We met while auditioning together?"

Layla chuckled, "No, I was actually one of the judges. We actually didn't get off with a good start."

Sora laughed, "Really."

"But you slowly grew on me and eventually, we became partners."

"No way!" Sora exclaimed, eyes wide with shock.

"Is it surprising?" Layla asked, amused.

"N-no, w-well," Sora chocolate eyes broke from Layla's stare. "I never expected that we were on equal grounds."

"Why's that?"

Sora's eyes shifted around the room, seeming to look anywhere, besides crystal blue as her hands attached with IV tubes, fumbled with her sheets. "I think it's something to do with my memory, but…"

Layla stayed silent, heart ramming against her chest as she awaited Sora's explanation.

Sora's eyebrows scrunched in frustration as she voiced her thoughts, "No matter how hard I try, I can't remember names, faces, anything from my past, but when I see something I ought to know, I get these, feelings. Like, when I first saw my parents and little sister, I felt joy, respect and love. And when I look at you," Chocolate orbs looked up suddenly and captured crystal blue, "…I get this feeling of intense admiration."

The first thing Sora noticed when she gained consciousness was how incredibly numb her limbs felt. Next came the immense, searing pain that flashed through her mind and made her head throb uncontrollably. Then when the pain subsided for a split second, Sora came the realization that she knew nothing, nothing at all.

And that hurt.

"Where am I?" Sora croaked to no one in particular. Her mouth felt dry.

"Oh, Ms. Naegino you're awake."

"Ms. Naegino?" Sora repeated, the words rolling of her tongue sounding familiar yet foreign at the same time.

The doctor moved to sit facing Sora, his face expressing concern. "You're in the hospital right now. Tell me, can you remember your name?"

"Ah, I-I," Sora stuttered. What was it? What was her name? "I-I don't… know."And when she admitted this, she felt a piece of her heart ripped out.

She had no identity, no sense of self.

The doctor emitted a long sigh, catching Sora's attention.

"My name is Dr. Kurr and your name is Sora Naegino." Dr. Kurr said, using his kind and professional voice from years of practice.

"My name is, Sora…Naegino…" Sora said slowly, brow scrunching as she tried to wrap her already throbbing mind around it.

"About a month ago, you were in an accident. You were unconscious after the accident and have just woken up. I know you're confused and in pain, but if you're up to it, I would like to run some tests to check your health," Dr. Kurr smiled at her with kind eyes, trying his best to keep Sora calm.

"Uh, o-okay." What else could she say and do? She was helpless and the man seemed to hold the answers to her missing self.

The tests went by quickly, mostly checking the condition of her body. The doctor asked her a few questions in a very kind voice about her thoughts and memories, but each time her mind drew up a blank and it was frustrating her.

No, it scared her.

"Well Ms. Naegino, your physical condition seems to have heal tremendously. And if we ignore the broken bones and other injuries, I'd have to say you're pretty healthy. But," Dr. Kurr said with a sigh and looked up at Sora with eyes full of pity, "I'm afraid that, you've obtained amnesia during your accident."

"I…see."

A few minutes of silence passed by. "Well your family and friends are outside waiting to visit you so you can see them if you'd like."

"I'd… like to see…them, please." As Sora said those words, she felt afraid. What would they think about her in this condition? How was she going to respond around them?

"Don't worry. I know you're nervous, but just act how you feel you should. Remember all the people that are going to visit you love you very much and support you."

"Y-yes. Thank you."

Sora waited patiently as the doors opened and three people entered.

"Sora!!" Exclaimed the woman as she ran over to Sora crying and gave her a heartfelt hug, careful not to agitate her injuries.

"It's good to see you doing well," the man said softly in Japanese, his face aged from stress.

"Uh-um, h-hello…" Sora was unsure of how she was supposed to act, but she did know that as soon as these people walked through the door, she felt tremendous love and happiness.

There was silent in the room as both the man and woman looked her over with concern.

"Honey, are you okay?"

"I-I-" Sora felt like crying. How could she tell these people who obviously cared for her, loved her and whom she could tell were an important part of her life, that she didn't even remember them anymore?

"Sora," The man spoke gently. "If there's something on your mind that's bothering you, please tell us. No matter what it is, we'll always love you no matter what. "

"I-I-I'm sorry," Sora choked out. "But, I…d-don't remember who you are…"

Waves of silence washed over them and as Sora hung her head and stared at her bed sheets, she could feel the severity of her comment weigh on the two strangers' shoulders.

Tears started their way down Sora's cheeks. She had disappointed these people. Why, why couldn't she remember them?

Suddenly, Sora was drawn into a pair of soft and caring arms. "Shhh, it's okay Sora. You don't have to be afraid."

"Like I said before, we still love you no matter what you were going to tell us," The man softly said as he sat on the other side of her bed and placed a strong hand on her shoulder.

Sora was left speechless as their caring words washed her fears away. Just who were these people who had such a tremendous effect of her, who immediately brought back memories of love, care and respect for them?

"S-so," Sora hiccupped, no longer afraid of their reaction, "W-who are you?"

The man and woman smiled brightly down at her, "Why, we're you're parents of course."

Sora buried her face on her mother's chest and cried.

The later visits were less nerve racking after Mr. and Mrs. Naegino reassured her that they were all people who cared and respected her.

The next people who visited her were a group of three girls. All three immediately enclosed her in a tight group hug, forgetting about her injuries until Sora gave a light yelp of pain to which all three immediately jumped back and began spouting innumerable apologies. Although they were shocked when they found out she didn't know who they were anymore, like her parents had said, they were very understanding and did their best to cheer Sora up. She found out that their names were Anna, Mia and Rosetta and although they didn't say it, Sora could feel that they were her best friends…even if they were a little weird.

"Okay, okay, this is a great one. What did the statue say to the other statue?"

"What?"

The tall girl named Anna who had her eyes closed gave a big smirk, ready to give the punch line, snapped her eyes open and exclaimed, "Is dat choo!!"

As Anna laughed hysterically, all the others watched on in embarrassed amusement.

"Get it? Is that you, is 'statue'… Aw come on guys. Don't tell me you didn't think it was at least a little bit funny…"

Sora sensing her friend's disappointment forced an obviously fake chuckle, "Ahaha..aha, it was so funny…I forgot to laugh?"

"Aw Sora you don't have to lie. It's not your fault that joke wasn't funny."

"Miaaaa!" Anna whined.

"Yeah Sora, no need to pity her."

Anna gave a gasp and wailed, "Rosettaaaaa. You guys are so cruel."

"Ah there it is! That look!" Mia exclaimed as Anna fell into a sad and dramatic, yet beautiful pose. "Where is my camera when I need it!"

Sora watched on with amusement as Rosetta sighed, "How immature."

Her next visit was from a spiked hair man with shades who was accompanied with a wavy haired woman and a young blonde haired man. Unlike the other visit, this one was a bit different…

"My name is Kalos and I'm your boss at the Kaleido Stage. I will see you back at work as soon as you get better so rest up." And with that, Kalos left the room.

"Umm."

"Oh don't worry Sora. That's just Kalos being Kalos," the woman said with a British accent. "Translated, he means 'I was worried for you, and it's nice to see you doing well, and rest more to get better soon," she said with a chuckle.

And for some reason, Sora believed every word she said.

"So, uh what are your names?"

"Oh yes! I'm terribly sorry. My name is Sarah and I'm your dorm manager back at the Kaleido Stage," Sarah said with a bright smile.

"And I am Yuri Killian," Yuri said extending his hand, "A friend."

Sora took the hand and shook it, "It's nice to meet you. So he's really like that?"

Yuri and Sarah looked at each other before responding.

"Yes."

Other visits were equally as interesting, such the visit with a Chinese girl named May and a tall, stand offish man named Leon, who had just introduced himself and stood off to the side silently. May explained that he's always been that way and that he was probably a little disappointed that she didn't remember her own partner. Although it saddened Sora, she knew that every single visitor was disappointed. She saw the flicker of sadness in everyone's eyes, but she knew she had everyone's support and kept up her happy smile for herself and everyone else. There was something that she felt besides respect when she looked at Leon, but shrugged it off, leaving it as another memory to recover.

Then she showed up.

Golden blonde hair and crystal blue eyes, her graceful entrance intimidated Sora to say the least.

Just who was she? And before she could stop herself, she blurted out, "Who are you?"

The pain in the other girl's eyes was the same as all the others, but unlike the others, the pain in her eyes hurt Sora more than the others. The amount of respect and admiration she felt from this woman made her feel ashamed to have disappointed her. And like her other visits, Sora ignored the pain and kept smiling…until she realized how rude she sounded and in the process of realizing that, made a fool of herself by rambling on to this admirable stranger.

Then she heard a light chuckle and Sora had a fleeting thought that it was one of the most beautiful sounds she has heard all day.

Blushing, Sora tried to compose herself under the woman's gaze, "Sorry. I meant to ask what's your name?"

"It's okay. I'm sorry to have reacted the way I did since the doctors did warn me already. But to answer your question my name is Layla Hamilton," she said with a kind smile.

'Layla…Hamilton, what a nice…wait manners!!'

"Miss Hamilton…"

"Just Layla is fine."

"Oh! So, Layla…san?" Sora tested, "That's a pretty name." 'Shoot! Did I just say that out loud? Stupid, stupid, stupid!'

"Thank you."

Sora sighed in relief. 'Good she didn't notice.'

An uncomfortable silence followed and Sora felt like it was her duty to spark up some conversation. 'A trait from the past?' Sora thought to herself. Luckily the blonde responded to her attempt and they soon found themselves a little more relaxed in their chat.

"No way!"

Partners? Equals? She was equal to this blonde haired goddess?

"Is it surprising?"

"N-no, w-well, I never expected that we were on equal grounds."

"Why's that?" Layla questioned.

'Because your elegant and graceful demeanor makes me seem like an inferior cockroach when sitting next to you,' was what Sora was thinking, but of course she wasn't going to say that out loud. She made sure to fix that mistake. Thinking before speaking, good plan.

"I think it's something to do with my memory, but…" Sora sighed. She might as well speak the truth. Honesty is always a nice place to start when creating relationships…

"No matter how hard I try, I can't remember names, faces, anything from my past, but when I see something I ought to know, I get these, feelings. Like, when I first saw my parents and little sister, I felt joy, respect and love. And when I look at you," Sora looked into Layla's eyes and hoped she didn't sound stupid, "…I get this feeling of intense admiration."

Sora blushed and started to feel uncomfortable under the surprised stare Layla was giving her. 'Did I say too much?'

"Aw, no admiration for me. I'm saddened Sora."

"Wha!?" Sora gasped as a tiny man with a mask appeared out of nowhere and floated in front of her face. Sora was struck speechless as she stared at the man, her mouth gaping as she tried to find the ability to talk again.

"I'm glad to see you doing well and that you're so happy to see me that you're speechless, but why don't you come here and give your good buddy Fool a hug and maybe even a kiss!" he said as he floated towards Sora with his arms wide open and mouth puckered.

Smack! Before Sora knew it, her arms shot up and slapped Fool across the room and into the window.

"Sora. Are you okay?" Layla asked with a worried expression.

"Um, uh, ah." Great how was she going to cover up this one? "Y-yeah, my hand just did that on it's own for some reason. I think it's probably something with my nerves," Sora said with a smile. That was a good lie right?

Layla looked at her with an eyebrow raised, "Do you need me to get the doctor or something? After all you're still injured."

"No! I- I mean no, it's okay, really."

There was a knock on the door and Dr. Kurr walked in. "Miss Hamilton, visiting hours are almost over."

"Ah yes, thank you."

"Um , thank you for visiting me."

"Don't mention it. I'll see you again tomorrow Sora," Layla said as she made her way to the door with a small wave.

"I'll be looking forward to it. Bye!"

And with that the blonde disappeared from the room.

"So did everything turn out okay?" Dr. Kurr asked kindly.

"Mm, everything turned out fine." And it was true, everything's going to be alright.

A week had come and gone and Sora's condition had improved dramatically. So much improvement in fact, that Layla discovered Sora was able to leave the hospital in the next few days. It was good news, but as Layla found out when she walked into the waiting room for her daily visit, there were a few complications.

"I'm sorry Mr. and Mrs. Naegino, but Sora cannot leave with you to Japan. Although she is better, I do not think she is well enough both physically and mentally to go to Japan.

It will be in her best interests to stay here for her rehabilitation."

"I will not accept that! We're her parents! She needs someone she knows cares for her to help her heal!" Mrs. Naegino's shrill voice echoed through the hallway.

"I understand, but I assure you that Sora's rehabilitation would be best done over here," Dr. Kurr said calmly, trying to convince the Naeginos.

"Sora is already settled here and has her career here. Lost memory or not, I do expect her back at work as soon as she is healed." Kalos' voice came into the conversation. "And don't you have to provide for Yume? Knowing Sora, I know she wouldn't have wanted to have you look after her when you have another child and your own lives to support."

Mr. and Mrs. Naegino looked at each other and at Kalos and the doctor with a determined stare, before sighing as they finally accepted what they had said as the truth.

"But, Sora, she's so fragile right now, I-I just don't want to leave her alone when she doesn't remember any of us. I know she has friends here, but I don't want to burden any of you because I know, Mr. Eido that you have a business to run and so do your employees," Mr. Naegino said with a deep sigh. "So as her parents, it is our responsibility to take care of her!"

"I'll take care of her."

All eyes turned to look at the quiet, yet strong voice that interrupted the argument.

"I'll take care of her," Layla repeated.

"A-are you sure? I wouldn't want to burden yourself-" Mrs. Naegino said.

"It won't be a problem, honest. I have already contacted Maquarie to cancel all of my plans before I had arrived, and she can stay at my house. There is plenty of space and room and I assure you that there will be staff on hand if I ever feel like I need help. Sora will be in very good hands."

"But I still feel-"

"Please, Mrs. Naegino. Sora has done so much for me and I only want to return the favor. She's a dear friend to me and I'm more than willing to help."

"I appreciate your concern and willingness to take care of her, but I'm sorry, I don't think-"

"I want to go."

Sora had just came out of her room, pushed in a wheelchair by one of the nurses. Layla's mouth dried up as it often did while she was around Sora nowadays, but she was happy that Sora took up her offer.

"Sora…" Mrs. Naegino looked at Sora with concern.

"I…want to let Layla take care of me."

"But-"

"Mom, Dad, I know that you guys care for me very much. Even though I don't remember anything before last week, I can feel that much and I can feel that I love you guys too," Sora said with a soft smile. "But I know that Yume also needs to be taken care of and I don't want to burden you. I've already kept you away from your jobs for a month and I couldn't bear troubling you anymore. Of course I know that I will be troubling Layla by staying with her, but Dr. Kurr said that I would heal better if I stayed and from what I've heard, Layla has the supplies and space."

Mrs. Naegino's eyes teared up as she listened to Sora. "I just don't want to see you hurt again. I miss you."

"I know," Sora said when her mother bent down to give her a hug. "But please? Can I stay with Layla?"

Mrs. Naegino looked at Mr. Naegino and saw him give a slight nod, "Okay," She whispered, wiping off her tears.

"Thanks mom, dad. I'll promise to write, call, email…if you tell me the addresses, since I kind of forgotten them." Sora said, scratching her head in embarrassment as they all laughed.

"I'll take very good care of her," Layla said smiling.

"I know you will," Mr. Naegino shook Layla's hand.

Layla walked over to Sora, "Are you sure you want to stay?"

Sora looked up into Layla's eyes and gave her a bright smile, "Yes, I'm looking forward to it."

As Layla looked into those brown orbs, she could have sworn she felt her heart skip a beat.

A/N: Comments and Criticism are always appreciated and will truly be the highlights of my day. Dunno when the next update is because I'll be working on the next chapter for my other story next. Hopefully, it won't be a very long wait since summer vacation is here. Anyway see you all next chapter!