Chapter 3

"Amu, I am begging you."

"Utau, I don't understand why you can't do it."

"You know I'm busy. My tour starts today, and I don't have time."

Amu silently groaned to herself. It was Sunday, and had been only half a day since her encounter with him. After that incident, she went home, dried herself off, and went to sleep. It was roughly around nine o' clock.

"Utau, can't you get someone else?"

"No, Amu. Look, the key is under the mat, and he's probably asleep right now. Thanks, I gotta go. Bye!"

And the phone hung up.

As Amu inwardly sighed to herself, she only imagined what a chafed experience she was about to face. What was this 'experience'? Well, after that little walk Ikuto had through the hyperborean rain, he had caught a cold. No, a flu. He was immensely sick, and needed someone to take care of him so he could get back on his feet, to get ready for his next tour. Unfortunately, Utau could not do it, and the only person she knew that could was Amu.

"Ugh…" Amu sighed, as she grabbed her coat.

As she was about to take out her cell-phone from its charger, a similar violin tune rang. Yes, her ring-tone was one of Ikuto's songs.

"H-Hello?" Amu asked, as she hastily got ready to leave the apartment.

"H-Hello, Amu. It's Tadase."

She slightly gasped at the sudden rendezvous with her old, childhood crush. Sure, she saw him here and there, but not often.

Her expression changed from rushed, to convivial.

"Hey, Tadase. So, what's up?" She asked casually, closing the apartment door behind her, and locking it.

"Well, I was wondering… since I'm not busy later, if we could go out?"

"I would love to, Tadase. Where shall we meet?" She responded, stepping down the stairs to the front of her apartment complex, trying to find her car.

"I was thinking we could go to that amusement park, the one near the park."

Amu convulsed for a second, indulged in the nostalgic feelings from her past.

The amusement park near the park. Otherwise known as Ikuto and Amu's amusement park. The very one where he said his farewells to her, the one where she realized her feelings, and the one where her feelings got eradicated. It was special to her.

"S-Sure, Tadase. What time should we meet?" Amu apprehensively said, getting into her car.

"I was thinking around 7:00."

"Sounds great. See you there." She said, as she hung up the phone.

She inserted her keys into the car, turned them, and heard her engine. As she slowly got out of her parking space, her hands became sweaty. Her stomach had butterflies, no scratch that. It had rhinoceros. Her heart was beating at a hypersonic speed.

Why am I getting so nervous, it's Ikuto. I should be feeling rage, wait why did I agree to this anyway?

As she drove, her mind was set on that day. The day at that amusement park, where he said his farewells…

"Ikuto…"

"Hmm?"

"I love you. Forever." Amu said, as she breathed. Her heat was racing, but it felt comfortable. It assured her body he would be the one she loved, and only loved. One's heartbeat towards others can easily tell you how you feel about them.

They were sitting on a nearby bench, looking out towards the scintillating lights of the divine, resplendent carousel. The amusement park was empty, due to the fact no one knew about it. Amu was snuggling on Ikuto's lap, as he had his hands wrapped around her. His face was on her shoulders, giving her a kiss on the cheek from time to time.

She loved, adored, admired, and treasured these precious moments she would spend with her soul mate. Her life was perfect, especially since she had him. Her friends were content with their relationships as she was with hers.

"Amu." Ikuto said, as he removed her from his lap and sat up.

"What is it, Ikuto?" She asked, giving him some space.

"We have to break up. I can't do this anymore."

Her heart shattered, and separated into pieces. Pieces that could not be mended. Unconsciously, as if set on cue, tears started to flow down her cheeks, slowly. His expression was firm; his eyes were telling her he didn't love her as she loved him.

"I-Ikuto…why? What have I done wrong?"

"It's not you –"

"Don't give me that 'It's not you it's me' excuse!" She screamed. Her voice was uneven, croaky, and pitchy. She was trembling, shaking, and shivering. Overall, she was scared. Never did she think relationships could hurt someone this bad.

One second you're giving your hear to someone, the next the person shatters it into a thousand pieces. Pieces forever to be lost in a sea of sadness.

He stood up, and started walking away slowly. His fists were clenched, while he gritted his teeth. Pain was seen through the exterior of uncaring in his eyes. He had to push her away. Why? For her to be safe in the long run. Fame is something not to be excited with, fame is something spectral.

"Then…just tell me why! Why are you breaking up with me? Why?!" She yelled, falling to the ground, uncontrollable tears flowing faster than a river down a creek.

"B-Because…" He could help but feel several tears run down his face. When had he last cried? He couldn't remember.

"I never loved you… I only got together with you because I pitied you. You're nothing to me." Ikuto said callously. His tone was cold, cold enough to freeze fire. Cold enough to freeze ice if that was even possible.

He walked away, blood spilling from his hands as his nails dug into his skin. It was for the best, hurting someone so they couldn't be hurt any further. He frowned as this little 'dejavu' occurrence happened once again in his life.

Amu sat on the ground, sobbing malignly. It was about a good four minutes, until rain started to spill on her. How cruel Mother Nature could be. It was as if she was trying to recreate a cliché Korean drama scene. Cruel indeed.

"Ikuto…"

She reached his apartment complex, and parked the car in the nearest available parking space. She knew where he lived, and dragged herself to the door. There was a mat, as Utau described.

She reached down under the mat, and retrieved the key. Amu cautiously opened the door, as to not awake Ikuto. First of all, she didn't want to talk to him. Second, sick people need their sleep. Despite how much she detested this man, she still slightly cared for him.

As she closed the door behind her, her eyes stumbled upon a blue haired man, sleeping on the couch. He was wearing a black t-shirt, ripped blue jeans, and white socks. His eyes were closed, as his breathing was uneven.

"What a lazy cat." She smiled, as she went to pull the covers over his shoulders.

As she quietly approached him, she heard him mutter something in his sleep. She took a seat at the edge of the sofa, staring at his luscious face. It looked so innocent, like a small child lost in an industrial city full of revolution.

Her eyes trailed to his closed eyes, and she saw something wet. Tears? It seemed tears were flowing down his face, as he was peacefully sleeping.

She wiped them away with her thumb, and started to gingerly stroke his cheek. They were warm and soft.

"Amu… I'm… so sorry…" He mumbled, as he slept.

Sorry? What kind of dream is he having…?

Her eyes became somber and tenebrous as she continued stroking his cheek. She couldn't help but wipe away the tears that started to find their way down his cheek once again.

"I…Lo…Love you…Amu…"

Her eyes widened, astounded and dismayed at what he said. Even though he was sleeping, she was surprised. Amu had to hold herself back. She wanted to embrace him, cuddle with him, kiss him, hold him, and tell him back 'I love you too.'

More tears started to run down his cheek, as he mumbled words that couldn't be ciphered. He looked so, vulnerable. He looked like a small boy, a boy that could be stained by any color. Pipe dreams and imagination filled his thoughts.

"Marry….propose…Amu…"

She couldn't help but feel a single tear hit her cheeks as he said those words. Marriage was something she would accept from him, anytime and anywhere. However, pipe dreams will stay pipe dreams, and reality will stay reality.

A few minutes passed, as she found herself playing with his soft, smooth, and pliable hair. She noticed him make a slight movement, as if he was trying to find a more comfortable position. He did it again.

Amu became aware, and stood up from her seat, giving him more room to relax. Amu started to walk to the kitchen, hoping to make some soup. Soup was always good for sick people, fluids were.

"Amu?"

She froze as she heard her name. Amu turned around, and saw Ikuto, sitting up, rubbing his eyes.

His eyes were red.

Well, he was crying.

"H-Hey, you're awake." She nervously asked, walking towards the kitchen.

"What are you doing here?" he sternly questioned.

She brushed off the semi-harsh tone he used, and went into the kitchen. She found a cup, poured some water into it, and walked back to the living room. Amu saw him silently sitting, his eyes fixed on the walls of his apartment.

She handed him the glass of water, as the femme took a seat on the couch opposite of his. Crossing her arms, she observed him as he held the water in his cold hands.

"Utau asked me to take care of you, until you felt better. She was busy with her tour."

"You don't have to do this. I'm fine taking care of myself." He immediately replied.

"I could tell you were burning up, you need my care." She sneered, watching as he looked down at the ground.

Neither of them said a word, as the only sound that could be heard was the beating of the rain outside. Yes, it started to rain moments after Ikuto's mumbles in his sleep.

Ironic.

"Why did you agree to take care of me? I'm not even worth your time." Ikuto asked, unemotionally.

At first, she was a little taken back from his tone, but regained her composure and senses. She had never seen him so… harsh. However, a stubborn side with some 'attitude' came into play.

"Look, a real friend asked me to. I'm not going to go back on my word and not take care of you. I don't break promises. Never."

"Promises…" He muttered softly.

"Yes, promises. The bond that two people share, trusting each other."

"Sometimes, they're meant to be broken."

"Look, Ikuto. Don't give me any of your 'Ikuto-Knows-It-All-Philosophy'. It's so insensible, it's laughable." She replied, showing some of her 'attitude' in her tone. Also adding a small 'hmph' at the end, giving it more effect.

"Don't you have something else to do than bother me?" Ikuto asked, trying to stable himself as he stood up.

"As a matter of fact, I have a date with Tadase. Tonight. At the amusement park, the one near that park." Triumphantly saying, she gave a small smirk at him.

As the words escaped from her mouth, his face went cold. It was stiff, as his eyes lost all its color. The color of anguish filled them. All of the feelings he locked up came rushing back, instantaneously. He relived that dreadful moment, the moment where he hurt the only girl he ever truly loved. Hinamori Amu. Breaking her heart, watching her cry; feeling his heart break made him feel even worse.

She watched as his face turned… woebegone, immediately regretting what she said. To feel triumphant over having a date where the man broke your heart? Are you crazy? Am I that sadistic?

"Ikuto I didn't -."

"Heh… have fun on your date. Hope you and Tadase live a happy life together. Be sure to invite me to your wedding." He acrimoniously said, walking towards his bedroom

The room to his bedroom closed, with a loud sound. Amu found herself staring at the door, regretting what she just did. Maybe she went a little too far. Sure, she didn't like this man, but doing something like that to him was just… not her character.

Amu tucked her knees to her chest, maintaining her seat on the couch. Her mind replays the scenario several times. She knew he was hurt. His soft spot was exposed, and she just stabbed it violently with a sword.

She couldn't help but cry quietly, clutching at her chest.

It hurts, why? Why does it hurt so much? He's a selfish brat, and he doesn't care about anyone other than himself. But why? Why?

A few hours passed, as she dried up her tears, she fell asleep on the couch. Not to mention, her position looked painfully uncomfortable.

*~~^~~*

"Tadase, you look pretty happy today." His co-worker asked.

"Yeah…I do feel happy today, Kiseki."

His smile was bright, excited about the date tonight. He had loved Amu from the day he saw her. They went through a lot in their childhood. However, he had seen how she cared for his older figure, and brother-like friend: Ikuto. The day she hugged him on top of Easter's building, how her real character would come out when she was around him, and how she loved him.

"Care to explain?"

"I'm going on a date tonight." Tadase replied, taking a sip of his coffee. He was taking a break from his work, at a nearby café. It was his favorite café, known as Kin's Café.

"Hoho, is this girl of yours, pretty?" Kiseki asked, nudging his elbow.

"She's beautiful."

"Any plans for the future?"

"I hope to propose to her, and marry her one day. Actually, I can already see it." He gleamed, taking another sip of his coffee.

Kiseki gave a friendly smile, and took a sip of his cappuccino.

"By the way, Tadase. I heard Tsukiyomi Ikuto was coming on the show, is it true?" He asked curiously, almost desperately.

Tadase gave a small chuckle.

"Yes, he is coming on the show. It'll be his last appearance in Japan before he leaves. You know, he's like a bigger brother to me."

"I know, I know. You already told me all those stories about the 'Guardians' and such."

They both laughed accordingly, taking multiple sips of their drinks, and listening soundly to the music provided by the anonymous music artists.

"Anyways, more about this marriage thing. When do you plan to propose?"

"Actually, I already have the ring."

*~~^~~*

Tadase is going a little fast there. Anyways, sorry I couldn't upload sooner. I had some guests who stayed over, and they used the computer. I wanted to be polite, so I just let them use it.

Thanks for the reviews; as much as I say this, it means a lot to me. Whether it be one or one-million readers, I'm happy at least one person in this world continues to read my stories.

My computer also got reformatted, so I lost some word files, but hey, it's all good. And sorry for some grammatical errors, I'm sure I have some. I felt this chapter was sloppy, and I used a lot of repetitive words. Sorry if that bothers you.

Anyways, thanks for reading, and reviews would be awesome. And for those of you who asked me, I am a boy. I'm Korean. PZ.

P.S. Sounds funny huh? That amusement park near the park. I know.