READ READ READ!!! I MEAN IT!!!:

I was planning to update all four of my ongoing stories today on the 7th. Well, it's now the 8th. Do you know why? It's my one year anniversary of being an author on fanfiction!!! :D Aren't you guys proud of me? XD So I'll be updating my other stories on the same day along with a one-shot (maybe). So don't think it's just an author's note. (Well, the first part of will be since I'll be explaining something.)

Because of my one year anniversary, I have a present for you and me.

Present for you: updates on all stories and a one-shot

Present for me: a break from fanfiction

That's right. I'm taking a break. Go to my profile for the full explanation but here's a short sentence to why I'm taking a break. Fanfiction has taken a toll on me. Please read the explanation on my profile! It's under my rant section. And please remember that it's a break. It won't be long but long enough for me.

Oh and I've decided that once after I update all my stories again, I'm focusing on "Crossing Paths". My mind is so confuzzled (love that word! XD) from writing 4 stories and I want to finish at least one story before school starts. (Which is September 8th.) At this rate, I'll never finish! And I even have the ending of this story planned out XD I think there'll be 5 chapters or so left and an epilogue. I don't know. The future of this story is not certain.

Thank you to these reviewers:

Mikan-citrus fruits, Shokora 'N Strawberries, Kelii-chan, Dark Midnight Dream, xxALICExTSUKIYOMIxx, AMUTO4EVA0, sylvanicara, Kaggie101, xXSangoTsukiyomixX, TsukiyomiAlikutoMissaWatusi, -x, oxCuteKataraox, XYNDiCATE, , Pikachuwolffox4, HarunaNiwa073, animedprincess, xhappily-randomx, Merines Shinku, colourfulgurl, Soccerluver04, babo123, xXbunnyholicXx, darkangelzera, xXLove'n'HateXx, A-shadow-of-a-doubt, RandomlyBoredWolfy, gianna loves SasuSaku

So here it is :p

X-x-Flashback-x-X

"Ikuto! I'm sorry for worrying you but I'm alri—" I stopped midsentence when Ikuto ran towards me and wrapped his arms around my frail and worn out body.

"Amu, Amu, Amu! Do you know how much you worried me?! When Utau said that you jumped out a window from the third floor, I freaked out. I didn't want to lose you again..."

"Eh?" What was he talking about? When did he lose me the first time? "Sorry for worrying you, Ikuto. I promise it won't happen again.

Then something unbelievable happened.

Ikuto pushed me back a bit and tenderly kissed my forehead. So many things happened at once. The vision of when someone kissed me on the forehead from when I was little jumped into my mind. The face of the boy who kissed me became clear. He had violet eyes and a handsome face. I realized it was Ikuto. He was "Onii-chan".

"Onii-chan…?" And I fell limp in his arms and blacked out.

I don't know if I became unconscious from lack of food and water, or from fatigue, or from the aching in my head when I remember something like that. I think it was a little from all three, but mostly for the third.

X-x-End of Flashback-x-X

X-x-X

Secrets Are No Fun

Ikuto's POV

5:00 a.m.

KNOCK!! KNOCK!!

I sighed. I opened the front door and Utau stomped right in my house without my permission. She dropped her bags on the sofa and spun around to face me. Her eyes shone with anger, disbelief, and anxiety.

"I leave Amu to herself to take care of Ami for a few hours and this is what happens?! Ikuto, how could you just make her faint when she's already weak from all the searching??"

"How the hell should I know? I said it on the spur-of-the-moment because I was so worried and scared and that I might lose Amu again!"

Utau's eyes softened. "Ikuto, I understand that but was it really necessary?"

I didn't say anything.

"What exactly did you do?" she asked, a bit calmer now.

"I just kissed her on the forehead."

"And how did she react? Besides fainting, of course."

"She called me "onii-chan"."

Utau's eyes widened. "D-Does that mean…?"

"I'm not sure. We'll just have to see when she wakes up." I buried my face in my palms. This sucks.

"Ikuto…" I felt arms wrap around my waist. "It'll be ok. I'm sure Amu will wake up soon and everything will be resolved later."

I sighed and my forehead rested on her right shoulder. "Thanks, Utau."

Rima's POV

8:00 a.m.

"Nagihiko, do you think Amu will be alright?"

"I'm sure Amu-chan will be fine, Rima-chan. She just needs her rest."

All of Amu's friends (meaning boys and girls) heard from Utau, who heard from Ikuto, that Amu fainted. But Ikuto told everyone to not come and stampede through his house. He told us to wait until the afternoon or so.

I couldn't help but think why she fainted. Was it just because of fatigue or something more? I had been suspicious of Amu when she was around Ikuto. They both seemed like a couple and…childhood friends or something.

"Did you tell everyone about us?"

"What about us?" I asked, having no clue what the heck he was talking about.

He hugged me closer. We were currently sitting on his sofa in his living room with me curled up in a ball in his arms. He kissed my cheek and I blushed.

"Oh. That. I was planning to but seeing as Amu just fainted, I think I should wait."

"I understand. But the sooner the better since it'll show that you're mine."

I giggled. "I'm already yours." I brushed my lips against his but Nagihiko didn't want that. He pulled me closer and we shared a chaste kiss. He then stood up and extended his arm.

"It's almost time for school. C'mon." I almost forgot. Time seems to pass by so quickly when you're around the person you love. That just happened now and before Nagihiko and I started dating.

I took his hand and stood up. I grabbed my bag and held my boyfriend's hand.

"Let's go, Rima-chan."

Utau's POV

7:30 a.m.

I was kicked out of Ikuto's apartment for my frantic worrying over Amu.

I walked along the streets to the college I go to, not bothering to drive. I'm an hour early anyways so I have some free time.

My mind then pondered back to Amu and Ikuto.

If Amu does remember Ikuto as being "onii-chan", does that mean she'll remember all the great times we had together when we were small? I couldn't help but smile. I was so heartbroken when Amu couldn't remember half the stuff we did together and almost forgot Ikuto completely.

But…

I stopped walking.

If Amu regains all her memories back, will my secret—no, secrets—be out?

I resumed walking only to bump into a sculpted chest.

"Whoa, sorry about that. Hey, is that you, Hoshina?"

I looked up and saw Souma Kukai, a member of Midnight Mystery. Who knew I would bump into him.

"You look like you could use some rest."

"I'm fine," I snapped. I've been up all night really because of Amu and only got one or two hours of sleep.

"No, you're not." He grabbed my hand. A warm feeling sprouted from within me. What is this feeling…?

Turns out we were in front of a café. He pulled me inside, not caring about the fan girls/boys. I sent them all glares and they cowered in fright instantly.

"You shouldn't be that cold. Lighten up a bit. People will love you even more."

I glared at him. Love me even more? Pft. I don't need love from my fans. All I need are my friends and a future. And nothing more. Nothing more…

"Here." I looked up and saw that he had given me an iced mocha. "It's on me."

"I want coffee. I need to stay awake."

"Coffee stunts your growth."

Not true. "Are you calling me short?" I instinctively stand ramrod straight so I can match his height. Damn boys and their tall bodies!

He grinned. "Never said that. Now come on. If you keep on standing there, we're gonna be late for school."

"We? Why should I walk with you?"

"Because a pretty girl like you needs a bodyguard and I'm up for the job." He puts a thumbs-up sign in front of me. Blood started to heat my cheeks. His smile widened.

"See? Instead of brushing off that comment, you blushed and acted shy." Me, shy? I don't think so. "Be more like this and I'm sure guys would fall in love with your cool and shy personality."

He grabbed my hand and led me towards the direction of the school. I took a sip of my iced mocha. I honestly never tried it before. I always got coffee, latte, or a cappuccino, but this is really good!

"This is…really good."

"I know." He smiled at me again. Can he never stop smiling? "I should've gotten one for myself."

"…I'll give you one the next time we meet."

"Next time?" This time, he smirked. "Asking me out on a date, Hoshina?" He leaned in closer and I felt a rapid beating on the left side of my chest.

"As if, Souma." I stalked past him while he chuckled from behind. I placed my hand over my heart and halted. What the heck am I feeling?? I never felt this way before…well, once. But my heart ended up broken after my old crush and I broke up. And I don't want it to happen again. Maybe that's why I'm aloof to many people…

I was suddenly pushed forward by a slap on my back. I turned around and saw Souma standing beside me.

"Hurry, pop princess, or we'll be late for school. It's already eight o'clock." Are you serious? That much time past?? And who is he calling pop princess? Stupid soccer boy… "This calls for some drastic measures." He grabbed my hand tightly and the warm feeling bubbled inside of me once again. "Ready and DASH!!!"

And I was pulled away with a great force.

I looked at the back of his head and thought about something.

All I need are my friends and a future. And nothing more. Nothing more…

Maybe that's not true.

Kairi's POV

8:15 a.m.

"Ah! Iinchou!"

I turned around and saw Yuiki Yaya running towards me.

"Iinchou?" Since when I am Class Prez?

She laughed nervously. "You seem like the type to be Class Prez so that's why I called you that. Hm? Is something the matter? You seem a bit down."

"I'm alright." In truth, I was worried for Amu-san. I remember when I was reading a thick book and the notes for it were due the next day in a café, I was so tired. Then Amu-san saw me and asked me what was I doing. I told her that I had to take notes. She probably saw my tired face and smiled. She snatched my book away from me and my notes and gave it to a worker of the café and asked them to hold this for a while. It seems she knows that person. Then she walked back to me and said, "C'mon. You look like you could use some fun." She grabbed my hand and took me to many stores and we ate lunch. "Did you have fun, Kairi?" she asked. That was the first time she called be by my first name. "Y-Yea. Thanks, Hinamori-san." She grinned and replied, "Amu. Call me Amu. It's only right since I call you Kairi." "O-Ok, Amu-san."

And that's when I began to care for her. When she and Tadase-san broke up, I was worried if she had been hurt badly or something.

"—chou? Iinchou!"

"Eh?"

I looked at Yuiki-san and saw her hand extended towards me. I've been too preoccupied in my thoughts that I didn't even notice her hand in front of me. There was a piece of candy in her palm.

"Here is a present from Yaya!" she said, in third person. "Candy always cheers a person up! So eat it and let's go to class."

"T-Thank you, Yuiki-san."

"Mou, call me Yaya! Yuiki-san is too formal."

"A-Alright, Y-Yaya-san."

"Just Yaya."

"F-Fine."

"Yay! Let's go, Iinchou! Or do you want me to call you Kairi?"

"D-Doesn't matter. But I think I like my name better."

"Ok then, Kairi! Let's hurry!"

She grabbed my hand and I felt a warm feeling inside of me.

Amu's POV

I woke up to a throbbing pain in my head.

"Ugh…" I brought my hand up to my temple and started massaging it.

"Amu? Are you ok?" I turned to my left and found Ikuto on a chair leaning towards me.

"Ikuto?" I whispered, my voice coarse. Ugh, I sound terrible.

"Here's some water." He handed me a glass of water and I slowly sat up and rested against the headboard. I drank the whole glass and handed it back to Ikuto.

"What time is it?"

"It's two in the afternoon."

My eyes widened. I've been knocked out for about 12 hours?? But wait, why was I in bed? Or rather, his bed. I looked around the room and my eyes landed on the picture frame on the desk. With Ikuto and me as kids.

Then the events from the night before flooded back in my mind.

Ikuto was "onii-chan". My childhood friend. My childhood crush.

Memories of when we were little passed through my head. Ouch. I never knew remembering things could be this painful. I clutched my scalp with my ten fingertips.

"Amu, are you ok??"

"You knew, didn't you." I said it like a sentence because I knew he did.

"Amu…"

I looked up and clutched both of Ikuto's upper arms. "Tell me," I pleaded.

"I did."

I let go of his arms. "Then why…?"

"If I forced you to remember and tell you everything, I knew you would scream and say your head would hurt. I did it for your safety. I didn't want you to see you writhe in pain. And Utau agreed not to as well."

"U…tau?"

"You don't remember?"

I looked behind me and saw the five picture frames hung above Ikuto's bed. "Utau…she was your sister."

"Yea. Amu, tell me what you remember. Do you remember everything?"

"Um, I think so. Well, at least the main events."

"Really? Then could you tell me why I left the house that day ten years ago?" (A/N: Refer to chapter 9 if you don't remember.)

I blushed. Ikuto…kissed me on the forehead. "You never told me."

"I had to help earn money for my family."

"You had…financial problems in the past?"

He nodded.

I bowed my head. "And me being there wasn't helping because I was simply a freeloader along with Ami."

He shook his head. "It's not your fault. So I left and played the violin out in the streets. I then met Amakawa Tsukasa."

"Amakawa Tsukasa?"

"Yes. He helped me earn money and took care of me. He was a nice man."

"Where is he now?"

He shrugged. "I'm not sure. And then an agent found me playing the violin. She was impressed by my technique and offered me to play the violin at the company. I accepted. I was able to help my parents and our money problems were over. When I heard about your parents, I immediately returned but you forgot all about me."

I brought my hand up to stroke his cheek. "I'm sorry."

He shook his head. "It's not your fault. But I do have one question. What happened four years ago?"

"Four years ago…!" Yes, I remember clearly what had happened. It's still in my memory. I never forgot about it. (A/N: Remember, Amu only lost some of her memories during the time before her parents passed away.)

"Will you tell me?"

I hesitated. If I say it, it'll be like I'm reliving the experience. I quickly shook my head.

"Amu…"

"I'm sorry, Ikuto."

He then tenderly caressed my cheek and I felt myself leaning into his touch. "It's ok. But tell me when you're ready. Utau told me something about this when you had a fever and you were yelling in your sleep. She asked if I remember but I said no because I was never told about it. She didn't tell me what happened because you had to tell me. But I'm not going to force you if you don't want to."

I closed my eyes. Ikuto is…so nice and…considerate. I've been so grateful to everything he's done. I'm…afraid to say it but Ikuto deserves to know.

"Amu, like I said, I won't force you to—"

"I was shopping with Utau and we were both 14 and it was in September or so," I started, cutting him off midsentence. Ikuto deserves to know. I didn't make eye contact with him though. I don't think I can. "We got separated thanks to a crowd that was in our way. I was walking around, trying to find my way home—more like your home—and my sense of direction sucks so I ended up lost and probably far away from your house.

"Then I heard someone say, 'Hey, sugar.'" I turned around and I found a drunken man with a bottle of beer in his hands. He took a drink and sauntered towards me while swaying. 'I won't bite, honey. Why don't we have some fun?' he said. I got scared and started to run. Somehow, he caught up with me and grabbed me by my wrist and threw me in an alleyway." I saw Ikuto's hands clench into fists and unclench and he did the same thing a few times. I placed my hand over Ikuto's but I was still looking down.

I continued my story in my monotone voice. "He threw his beer bottle to the ground somewhere else and backed me up until my back was touching the dirty wall. Thank god I wasn't at the end of the alleyway. I'll explain later. A streetlight was nearby and I caught a glimpse of the man. He was hideous." My voice started to get quieter and quieter as I spoke. "He had brown hair pushed back by hair gel with black beady eyes. He had on a jacket with a shirt and pants. He looked to be in his mid-thirties. I'm not sure. But then he was like, 'Let's make this fun, shall we, sugar?' I hated how he called me that. I kicked and scream but he covered my mouth and whispered, 'Be quiet or I'll make this even worse.' He pulled some rope from his pockets and tied my wrists behind my back. He then covered my mouth with a cloth to keep me from screaming. He trapped my legs between his so there was no escaping.

I gulped and balled my fists until my knuckles turned white. Ikuto gently placed his hands on top of mine. "Amu, whenever you want to continue. I'll wait."

I took a deep breath. My voice was quiet now. "He then ripped my top and bra. Then the rest of my clothes. He then said, "Damn. This is going to be fun. I still remember how he…groped me everywhere. I tried everything but I just couldn't. And then, he went…down there. Before he could take my virginity, Utau found me. I don't know how she did. She must have been passing by while looking for me and saw us thanks to the streetlamp. So if I had been further down the alley, I may not have been saved.

"The guy snickered, 'Another hot chick? Sweet. Come here, sweetheart. I won't hurt you.'. Utau saw me and she was furious. She said, "Oh, I will come over to you alright." She did and when she was in front of the man and he was about to trap Utau too, Utau kicked him in his…private. And he didn't have any clothing in his lower area so it hurt even more. I'm glad Utau found me. She called the police and the guy is in jail for sexual abuse. Turns out he has raped countless girls. Utau took the clothes we bought from that day from the bag she was carrying and told me to wear it. After that, we went home. The only people who know about it are Utau, her parents, and me. And now you. No one else…"

Ikuto's POV

I cupped both of Amu's cheeks and wiped the tears away with my thumb. She started crying in the middle and her voice got so quiet that I had to really tune in or else I wouldn't have heard.

But now I know what had happen. I'm so…mad at myself for not staying near Amu. And her virginity was almost taken away!

Amu's fingers went to her eyes and we quickly rubbed them away. "I-I'm sorry. I'm being such a baby."

I hugged Amu with all my might. "Don't be silly. You're the bravest girl I've ever met. Though you are a baby when you whine about not having enough sweets."

She stuck her tongue out. My eyes traveled to her lips. I wonder how it'll feel and taste when mine are against hers…

"Jerk. And I do not whine every time."

"So you do admit you whine."

"Oh, shut it." She glanced at the clock. "Ne, Ikuto, do you think I could talk to Utau after they're done school? Speaking of school…" She narrowed her eyes at me. "Why aren't you in school? You can't just ditch!"

"Who else is going to take care of you?"

She put on a cute pout and crossed her arms. "I can take care of myself."

"Yea, but this is my house."

"Education is much more important."

"You're more important."

I saw surprise flicker across her face. "W-What is that supposed to mean?"

I looked at Amu with the full intensity from my eyes on hers. Should I tell her?

…No. I can wait. And I have to make sure she has the same feelings for me.

"What I just said. You're more important than education but I think taiyaki is more important," I teased, trying to light up the atmosphere.

"Hey! You would choose taiyaki over me??"

"Any day."

"Hmph." She crossed her arms and pouted. "Anyways, can you Utau to come over here after school? I want to talk to her."

"She can't. She has to do recording for a new song. Remember? And unfortunately, I have to go to since Satoru-san is about to blow at me for ditching some of our practices." (A/N: Satoru is the manager of Ikuto's band.)

"Oh, ok."

"Aww, will Amu-chan miss me?"

"Hurry up and just go," she commanded, a blushing gracing her features.

"Yes, my princess." Her blush darkened and I smirked.

I wonder what she'll say to Utau. I hope she won't blow up at her. Utau was doing it for the good of Amu.

"Just rest and take it easy. There's plenty of food in the fridge and when I mean rest, I mean it. I don't want you fainting when it comes time for Utau to visit you."

"Yea, yea. I'll rest. Now just go already!"

"Hey, this is my house," I reminded.

"Oh, hush."

X-x-X

I found Amu out in the driveway, waiting for Utau and me. I told Utau what happened and she knew that she was going to talk about keep secrets from her.

"Amu, you should be inside! You're still weak and you could collapse at any moment!"

"Oh, stop treating me like I'm so fragile. I have enough strength to at least walk. Oh and thanks for letting me stay at your house. That was…nice of you."

"Of course." I smiled lightly at her. She looked down and blushed. But she glanced up with more confident and calm eyes. "Ikuto, could you go inside while I talk with Utau here?"

"Don't you want to talk inside?"

"No, we can do it here. Right, Utau?"

"Yea."

I peered at the two and wonder what will ensue. I did as Amu asked and looked out from the living room window.

I hope the both of them will be alright.

Amu's POV

"I see you remember everything."

I nodded.

"Utau," I looked at her with the full force from my broken face. "Why didn't you tell me you were siblings with Ikuto? I wouldn't have been mad." My feet stood planted on the ground, three feet away from her.

"That's not it."

"Then what is??"

"It was for your own good, Amu!"

"Utau, I don't care if it's for my own good! I'd rather be in pain and knowing my best friend wouldn't lie to me than being free of pain and having a disloyal friend. Utau, you were one of my first friends and my best friend. I thought we wouldn't lie to each other and be honest but I guess I was a fool for believing that."

"Amu, listen to me. I know I've lied to you for a long time. But I can't bear to see you in pain since you're my best friend! I would rather lie everyday than see you in pain."

"But can't you see I'm already hurting here??" A tear or two began to roll down my cheek.

"Amu, I don't want us to argue like this anymore. How about we tell everything right here, right now, and come clean. Agreed?"

"You mean you're keep more secrets from me?!" I screeched. You must be saying that a person needs to keep some secrets but it's different for Utau and me. We're so tight, that it's not even funny. I would die to save her and she would do the same. We agreed to not lie to each other and be honest and open. Sure, I let her keep some secrets that aren't my business but when it's about me, than I want to be told.

"When Ami was kidnapped," I grew cold at that. "I was a part of it."

"W-What are you talking about?"

"I knew who the kidnapper was. And I saw him with Ami. And I didn't stop him."

"There is no way I will believe that." She and I know that she loves Ami. So why would she help a person hurt Ami? That doesn't make sense. "Utau, I'm not going to talk of this nonsense. If you're just going to say this, I'm leaving." I turned on my heel and started to walk away.

"And I even had a part in your parents' deaths!!"

I froze at her confession. I turned around and saw her breathing heavily. "Impossible."

"I saw who killed them! Remember, I was with them when they died. I hated your parents." Utau, why is she saying these hateful words? "I ruined Ami and killed your parents!"

A hand coming in contact with a cheek sounded through the silent night.

X-x-X

If you haven't read the author's note above, than do it now.

I kinda rushed this chapter D: Not good. Sorry for any spelling/grammar mistakes. Way too lazy to check. So tired -.-

Hope you liked the Rimahiko, Kutau, and Kairya moments :D I felt that I was neglecting those pairings and felt bad xP I'm always so into Amuto! Speaking of that, I'm still spazzing over chapter 43!! KYAAAA!! XD *fangirl scream* *jumps around like a mad woman*

Please review!! If you do, you get an Ikuto plushie! xD And any other character you want!

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