Hey guys!

Sorry for the major break between updates, I got really stuck as to what I was going to do because I had forgotten, but never worry! Here is chapter 9!

FYI Chapter 10 is the second part to this, so I shall update soon! (much sooner than before)

Read it, comment and most of all love it!

UTAUS POV

I screamed at Amu to let go of the lock and the key, "IKUTO NO!" I ran up to her and grabbed her delicate wrists before pulling them apart slowly, of course she was fighting back, but the tears that were rolling down her cheeks told another story.

"Ikuto…help him…" She pleaded, her hands shaking as she struggled unconsciously at my grip.

I looked back to Ikuto, he seemed to be in a daze, his eyes were drained of life and his body looked dead.

"Urgh, Amu!" I looked back to the girl that was fighting so hard, for Ikuto and against her own mind, "You have to get a grip! Just because you two had a misunderstanding doesn't mean it's all over!" I shouted.

I didn't want her to end up like me, always relying on the same person time and time again, but knowing that they didn't feel the same way as I did. Of course, I knew Ikuto was head over heels for her, I've never seen him act so freely before so it made me mad knowing that she reverted to Tadase and doubted Ikuto.

Amu burst into tears, the mental strain was obviously getting to her, it was at moments like these that I could appreciate what lengths she went to for everyone, Amu was truly an amazing girl, but to have thrown that all away over something like this? What exactly happened?

"Amu, drop the lock and the key," I said, in a cold, stern voice.

More tears poured out of her eyes as she demanded her mind to do as she said. Her fingers began shaking and soon her hands, all she needed was someone to push her, "Amu I said drop them, NOW!"

A clank sounded on the ground as the two tiny lock and chain connected with the ground. Amu stared in disbelief at her hands and her body, she had regained control and her eggs had come back to her, unmarked.

I let go of her wrists, knowing what would come, her transformation disappeared and she managed to murmur a 'thankyou' before passing out into my arms. I held her securely before walking with her over to Ikuto. I lay her down next to him, in the right place she should be.

"Amu-chan…" Urgh, that irritating boy!

I quickly spun around to face Tadase, hot anger crawling into every crevice of my body, "You!" I jabbed my finger into his chest, I really couldn't care less that I knew him closely right now, "You're ruining everything for them!" I pushed him back lightly, trying to make an intimidating stance.

"I thought that you liked Ikuto-niisan…" I slapped Tadase this time, the boy looked shocked and tenderly touched the already swelling mark.

"You're very low to bring that into this!" I continued, "You, Tadase, how can you say that? You doubted Ikuto when he was doing everything he could to protect you! To protect us! I don't care how long ago that was! All I know is you are in debt to him! SO. LAY. OFF. AMU!" I might as well of slapped him again, judging by the expression on his face.

"Tch." He walked stalked off, muttering to himself and I had to wonder, since when did little Tadase get so…un-gentlemen like?

But he was right, I was jealous of Amu, but I wanted Ikuto to be happy and obviously she was the only one who could make him happy. I sighed, tired at the games I had been playing for so long.

"Hey! Is that you? Utau!" I recognisable voice rang through my ears.

"Kuukai?" He grinned, running up to me.

"Yo~!" He said childishly, "I heard the there was a ramen eating contest at Ippudo…" He began.

"Bet you fifty dollars you won't finish the first bowl in five minutes." I teased.

"It's on!" He said and we continued like this, racing each other down the path and I remembered for the first time in a long time what it was like to be myself.

I looked into Kuukais striking, energetic green eyes and found myself lost, they were so deep and meaningful and his curly tassels of hair seemed to go on forever, not to mention that big toothy grin he constantly had plastered on his face.

He was such a kid.

"Hey, I can tell what you're thinking! Stop calling me a kid!" He grumbled, mouth twisting upside down.

"But you are a kid." I retorted, not the best come back, I know.

Suddenly his lips were pressed up against mine and when he broke off it took me time to register what just happened.

"Can't call me a kid now, can you?" He had barely finished his sentence before I had pushed my lips against his; the taste of honey-mint filled my mouth as we parted again.

He gripped my hand tenderly and walked a bit slower than before to our destination, a comfortable silence settling between us.

…So of course I had to ruin it.

"You know, I still believe you won't make that bowl in five minutes." I said.

And then it was on again as we raced each other down to the shop, laughing breathlessly, I looked back to the two now distant figures of Ikuto and Amu and then back to Kuukai, if I had to choose…

…Now I think the answer would be obvious.