"Hold up, there is no way I am coming into that store!" I shouted.
"That store? It's just a store."
"I don't care! I'm not coming!"
"Why not? It's a new store too," whined Amu.
Is she serious? Can't she not see the customers that are in the store?
"Do you see the customers that are in there? They're kids!"
"What's your point?" she asked with her arms crossed.
"Fine, but why are you going in there for? Little sibling, cousin?"
"Myself."
"Oh I see…YOURSELF?"
"Yes, now if you don't have anymore questions I'm going inside."
"Ok one more, didn't you ever make one when you were a little kid?"
The minute the question came out of my mouth, her golden eyes turned dull and gloomy and I wished I hadn't said it. Her eyes met my mine, but she soon darted her eyes away. Her mouth opened, as if to say something, and then closed again.
"I was going to get one when I turned 11," said Amu her voice cracking.
"So what happened?"
"…Hey u-um I think Rima said we should meet her at the park!" exclaimed Amu running out of the mall.
Even though I did sigh, I couldn't help but worry. I took a step forward and looked at the flashing sign: Build – a – Bear. (A/N Yes horrible idea for a store but I couldn't think of a different name!) Looking at the store one more time, I turned around and started running after Amu.
When I had finally caught up to her I found her crouching behind a flock of birds. A hand supported her chin as she fed the birds some bread. She seemed so serene yet together at the same time mysterious and sad. I came up behind her quietly not wanting to disturb the peaceful scene, but I didn't notice the twig under my foot and crack. The flock of birds flew away leaving a sheet of gray for a blind second. Amu herself stayed in her position, not bothering to turn around. After a few seconds she got up and faced me, her golden eyes streaked with tears. She had been crying? But why?
"Um…do you want anything?" I asked awkwardly.
"No thank you."
"How about an ice cream cone?"
She looked down to her feet then suddenly back at me.
"Chocolate," she mumbled causing me to chuckle and walk towards the stand.
"Two chocolate please," I said to the vendor as I took out a folded 5 dollar bill out of my wallet.
"Here you go sir."
"Thanks," I said grabbing the cones.
As I walked back I noticed a small crowd had formed, and being the nosy cop I am I had to check it out. I walked up to the crowd and looked at the commotion. In the center was a little kid and some punk-ass looking dude.
"Hey kid you spilled your shitty looking ice cream on my new shoes! Clean it off!"
The boy didn't reply but started to wail- loudly.
"Hey! I said clean it!"
The crying continued.
"Why you miserable little! Shut up or I'll make you shut up!"
The boy's tears stopped for just a split second but fear but of overridden his commands and he started to cry again. The man obviously paranoid raised his hand and quickly brought it down. He slapped him! He slapped him! I have to do something. I push myself through the crowd and find the boy still on the ground looking up. There right between the two of them was a flash of pink – Amu. A red handprint came right across her cheek but she just played it cool, so I stepped back and watched things unfold.
"Is the kid yours?" asked the man threateningly.
"First off do I look like I could be a mom? Second has your mother ever taught you not to hit a lady or was she an ass like you?"
"Maybe you were a high school whore? And don't bring my mother into this conversation."
"Haha very funny. I wasn't a whore, and I just brought her into the conversation."
"Little girl don't make me angrier than I already am. Now run along because I have some business to handle," said the man walking towards the little kid.
"Oh no no I don't think you're going anywhere."
"Get out of my way!"
"Make me!"
"Fuck off bitch! Go back to your whore of a mother!"
Amu's hands fell to her side limply.
-PUNCH!-
"Don't you ever speak about my mom like that!" screamed Amu punching the man again till he fell down.
"You filthy scumbag! Don't you EVER talk about her like that!" screamed Amu now kicking him.
"Go rot in hell with…your mother," smiled the man triumphantly.
That sent Amu into a rage and she screamed. I rushed in and grabbed her from behind and she wriggled to get free. I sent the man a deathly glare.
"You come near her again and I'll deal with you myself."
I was walking towards the bench when I remembered the kid.
"Hey kid! Follow me!" I said.
I sat Amu on the bench and gave the partly melted cone to the kid while I threw mine away. She was crying – badly. I guess you could say she was hysterical. Tears flew down her eyes, and her head was in her hands; she shook her head from side to side as if denying what the man had said. And all at the same time she whispered, "She wasn't a whore. She wasn't whore." I felt bad but what could I do when I knew nothing about the situation. I turned my attention to the kid.
I squatted down to the grass so I could be eye level with him.
"What's your name?"
"Hikaru," smiled the boy happily. "Hey is the lady okay?" he whispered.
"I'm not sure."
"Hikaru? Hikaru are you here?" shouted a woman.
Hikaru turned his head and saw his mother looking around for him frantically.
"Mister it's my momma I have to go!"
"Okay see you kid."
"Hey, thanks for that. And could you tell that lady I said thank you and I'm sorry for making her cry," smiled Hikaru before running off.
Smiling I got up and slowly sat next to Amu on the bench. The air between us was pretty much silent excluding her sobs and desperate chants.
"The boy you saved…he said thank you," I said finally.
"…"
"He also said he's sorry for making you cry."
She quickly looked up, shame and regret spread all over her face.
"He…I…him…he didn't do anything," she finally whispered.
"Could you take me home?" asked Amu.
"You're not going to wait for the rest of them?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't think I have the spirit anymore. Sorry…"
"Okay, I'll hail a taxi then walk you home."
"You're coming too?"
"Might as well, I never really do anything on these besides walking and eating."
"Oh, okay. Thank you."
I walked over towards the station, and while Amu waited for a cab I took out my cell.
"Hello?" asked an irritated voice.
"Rima, Amu and I are taking a taxi back."
"Why? What happened?"
"I'll tell you later. But something happened and her spirits for today were shattered. She says sorry."
"No…it's fine. Do you want us to come back?"
"She said she doesn't want to ruin your day as well."
"Oh, well tell her it's fine and I'll talk with her tomorrow."
"Got it, bye."
"Bye."
I snapped my phone shut, and walked back towards Amu who was getting into the cab slowly. I ran over and got inside. Amu gave the man her address and then the ride was silent.
15 minutes later
"Thanks for the ride," said Amu handing the man some money.
"Here, I'll pay for it."
Amu just nodded and got out of the car.
"Well…bye Ikuto. See you at work tomorrow."
"Are you sure you want to come?"
"Of course, a single word can't keep me all sad forever," smiled Amu.
"Okay bye."
"Bye," said Amu turning around to go to her house.
Walking back I knew her smile was fake. She was upset and it was obvious. She shouldn't go to work, and so when I turned around to tell her that again her door was already closed.
Amu POV
"Who's there!"
"It's me Ami…"
"Huh?" said Ami walking out of the kitchen with a bag of candy. "You're back early."
"Something happened."
"Like?"
"A little kid spilled ice cream on a man's new shoes and the man got upset and was about to beat the kid when I stepped forward. He called mom a whore…and I got upset."
Ami put the candy she was about to put her mouth back into the bowl. She then angrily picked it back up and stuffed it into her mouth.
"Please tell me you beat his balls up!"
"Sort of. I punched him till he fell down then started to kick him."
"Good enough," smiled Ami satisfied. "Now head up and get some rest. You're all worn out and considering what happened a couple days ago you shouldn't have even gotten in the middle of that mess."
"Ami?"
"Yes I know you love to help especially kids. Now go get some rest!"
"Yes ma'am." I smiled.
The Next Day
I woke up lazy and grumpy. Ikuto was right I shouldn't have gone to work…I had no mood to do anything except sleep. Sighing, I put on some jeans and a purple long sleeve. Matching it with a pair of Uggs and a scarf. I walked outside and grabbed my keys when for the second time I realized my car was still getting repaired.
"Ami!" I shouted storming back inside. "What is today?"
"Wednesday. Yes my car is coming back to me today! And speaking of today, you're coming to my recital after school right?" Crap I forgot all about that!
"Yes I am coming! I'll make it to your recital."
"Thanks Amu, drive safe. I mean um…yeah be careful."
"Yes of course."
I stepped outside again, ready for my long walk to the bus station when I noticed a red BMW and then I smiled. I walked towards the car, and Rima rolled down her window.
"Mornin' sunshine," smiled Rima.
"Good morning. What's this?"
"This is me picking you up and getting some juicy gossip."
"About what?"
"Oh you'll see now hop in."
I walked towards the passenger's seat and buckled up. The minute I was in Rima sped off.
"What happened yesterday?"
"Hmm?"
"Why'd you leave so early?"
"A man acted stupid that's all."
Rima gave me a short warning eye but I ignored her. How is it possible I feel so comfortable around her? I can't trust people. I can't and I don't know why. But I trust her and I barely know anything about her. Maybe it's because she acts a little bit like Utau. Her bossiness, but she is also childish like Yaya. Is that why I can trust her? Because she reminds me of my two best friends? And I kind of trust Ikuto though I know absolutely nothing about him. It feels strange…this trust I'm starting to feel…
"We're here," smiled Rima fakely, and I could tell she wanted to know more about what happened.
I got out of the car, and the both of us walked into the station. The minute my foot crossed the threshold of the door I felt heads turn and stare at me. I'm not sure why they stared but it was creepy but familiar…it reminded me of my life as a teenager and kid. Rima soon had to separate from me because we had two different jobs but none the less I continued walking to Ikuto's office, seeing how I didn't have one for myself yet.
"Yeah she's the new girl."
"The one who helped that tough case?"
"Yes that one."
"I heard she got shot."
"Maybe she-
I slammed the door shut before I could hear another word of gossip. Yes gossip, how I hated that word. The word that had given me misery since I was 8. Ikuto, un-startled, merely looked up and then turned his attention back to his papers.
"What's the matter with you?" he asked.
"Rumors."
"And?"
"People are talking about that case, the one with Yuzu and Renji."
"Mhm…well about that case. Well, how should I say this, you're leaving."
My heart nearly plummeted and shattered.
"L-leaving?"
"Yes, Tsukasa said he was impressed by how you accomplished your task…so you have your own office," said Ikuto nonchalantly.
"Oh. Where is it?"
"Across mine then two rooms down."
"Do I go right now?"
"Yes."
Excited I nearly ran out the door, and I could hear Ikuto chuckling as he walked right behind me. I walked two doors down and looked across. I slowly reached my hand for the doorknob and opened it to reveal a plain white room with a wooden desk, a chair, and a water cooler.
"Yes it's beautiful," smirked Ikuto. "Rules, you can't put any violating posters and-
"Can I paint the wall?"
"Sure knock yourself out."
"Can I change the furniture?"
"Go ahead."
"Thank you!" I exclaimed running out the door.
"She sure is strange…" said Ikuto to himself.
As I ran across the hallway I checked the time 12:32 p.m. Good I still have time before the recital. I ran to the front desk where Suzuki was writing something down.
"Suzuki I got myself an office!" I exclaimed.
"Really?"
"Yes!"
"Where is it and I'll come and check up on you in a little bit."
"Go to where Ikuto's office is. Across his and two rooms down."
"Got it."
"Okay!" I exclaimed running towards Rima's office.
"Rima!" I exclaimed flinging the door open.
She quickly looked up and eyed me suspiciously.
"What?"
"I got myself an office!"
"No freaking way?"
"Yes way!"
"Let me see!"
Rima and I quickly walked down the hallway with Suzuki quickly trailing behind us. I opened the door and they just stared at the room blankly.
"It's…old Amu," sighed Suzuki.
"Remodeling is what it needs," agreed Rima.
"You two just ruined it. Go, go before I change my mind," I smiled.
"Okay, but you better fix that room!" exclaimed Rima.
"I will."
I closed the door shut behind me and stared at the room. They were right, it was rather dull but I loved it. My own space. Here…here in this office I would be able to get my own negotiator jobs. People would come to me, not someone else, but me.
"Knock knock."
"Come in," I smiled.
The flung open revealing a beaming Tsukasa. He struts in as if it was his own office and looked at me happily and with a concern on his face.
"Like your new office?"
"I love it."
"Well good, but you're leaving."
"Leaving?"
"A job…negotiating."
"Really?"
"Yes and unlike the other one this one is very simple. I'm sending Kukai with you. He already knows where to go so just go with him."
"Got it."
I left my office and walked up to the front desk where Kukai was busy flirting with one of the officers and Suzuki. By the looks of it, it looked like he was either telling a joke or bragging. Maybe even a mixture of both.
He looked up and his face cracked into a toothy smile. He casually waltzed over towards me like I hadn't seen what he had been doing.
"Hey Amu ready to go?"
"Yeah, sure."
"Good, we'll take my car," he said heading towards the parking lot.
He walked up towards one of the police cars and opened his trunk from where he took out a dark green jacket. He quickly slid into it and hopped into the car while I just stood there dazed. Chuckling he rolled down my window.
"You coming?"
"Huh…yeah sorry," I said slipping into the car.
The immediately sped off and Kukai turned his siren on. The car's radio played a surprisingly old song…at least it was to me: Hotel Room Service by Pitbull. I was quietly humming along until Kukai suddenly interrupted.
"So…sorry about what happened yesterday. Nagi and I didn't get to talk to you at all and that was pretty much the point of the outing."
"No, it's fine. Something happened and after that I wasn't in the spirits anymore. I should be saying sorry."
"I heard chunks here and there from Rima but she doesn't really know what happened and being the detective she is…she's 'investigating'," smiled Kukai.
"Oh."
"Yeah. Anyways about this case, seeing that you've solved a hostage case this should come off to be easy. But then again you've never really done a suicide case before."
"Suicide?"
"Yeah…A man – he's lost everything. His wife and kids who died in a car crash a couple days ago."
"The one with the drunken man," I whispered to myself.
"Yeah that one," replied Kukai surprisingly hearing me. "Anyways he has a gun and is planning to jump off the roof of a supermarket building."
"Oh."
"Mhm. I bet you already know this already, but your still new and I may not know much about the field of negotiating, but I've seen Ikuto in action a couple of times. Stay calm, don't rush…haha sorry that's pretty much all I can give you."
"It's fine, thank you."
I looked at the time 12:57 p.m. Ami's recital starts at 3:00 p.m. Surely this wouldn't take long. The car suddenly swerved into a parking lot filled with a lot of people. Kukai flung his door open and quickly walked towards the scene while I struggled to keep up.
"Let us through! Hinamori is here!" shouted Kukai pushing through the crowds of people and a couple police containing the crowd.
"Good to see you again Souma," said one of the officers.
"Same to you Yamamoto."
Once through Kukai turned around, his face full of seriousness.
"Listen here, there's man who's been trying to calm down the victim. Go up to him and use his cell to talk to the man."
"Got it."
I walked up to man who was trying to calm his supposed friend down. He was tall, well at least taller than me, and had cocoa brown hair with striking seaweed colored eyes.
"Excuse me, I'm the negotiator."
"Oh thank goodness you're here. I've been trying to calm Kaoru down but he doesn't seem stable at all at this point."
"Okay let me talk to him."
"Hello Kaoru, this is Amu. I'm a negotiator."
"Won't you please leave me alone? My life is already ruined," he sobbed.
"I heard…I'm really sorry."
"The man…he was drunk. He hit my wife and kids…"
"I see. Tell me a little bit about yourself. What kind of music do you like?"
"Well I like Green Day and Pop."
"That's good I like Pop too."
"What is she doing?" asked the man to Kukai. "Favorite music, how is that helping him?"
"She's getting him to talk. If he talks he won't do anything dangerous."
"Oh."
"Hey Kaoru. It's kind of cold today, are you cold? What are you wearing?" I asked.
"A t-shirt and some worn out jeans. Not really cold…at least…well I'm not really sure."
"Mhm. Do you want anything? Something to drink."
"I could sure use some beer."
"Haha okay, I'll get you some ice cold beer. Is it okay if I come up there?"
"No police though."
"No police I promise. I'm going to hang up okay? I'll be right up."
I hung up the phone and turned around.
"Could someone get me two ice cold beers?" I shouted.
"I got it!" shouted some random man.
Kukai pushed through and came running towards me.
"What are you thinking? You can't go up there, he's armed!"
"What do you want me to do? Listen I'm not a kid anymore I'm 20. I can handle myself."
"Fine, but let me come with you."
"No. I promised I wouldn't bring any sort of police with me."
"You're really something else."
"Yes, yes I've heard that before."
"I brought the beer!" shouted someone giving me the beers.
"Thanks."
"Listen here; be careful his gun is loaded. Don't get to close to him or even to the ledge you hear me."
"Sure thing."
I turned around and started to walk to the supermarket. I took the short flight of stairs to the roof and opened the door to have a gush of chilling wind fly at me. Sitting on the ledge was Kaoru. I walked over towards him and just stood there holding the beers.
"Hey there," I said nonchalantly.
"Police?"
"I said I wouldn't bring them."
He shrugged in approval and I tossed him the can of beer. He opened his up right away and started drinking.
"Do you mind if I sat next to you."
"Sure."
"I'm putting my gun right here."
"Whatever."
Smiling, I walked over towards the ledge and sat right next to him; our feet dangling off the ledge.
"You're different from the rest of them," he said finally.
"Hmm?"
"First off offering the beer, I don't think other negotiators have done this before. And even coming up here, putting your gun far out of your reach, and sitting next to me, on a ledge. You're crazy."
"Guess I am. But I've had things happen to me that are much worse."
"I don't like sharing it but it's very similar to your case. When I was little my parents were murdered. And no one even tried to help my sister and I. When they were about to kill my mom I called 911 and told them my case. The operator thought it was a joke and laughed at me before hanging up. My childhood was a mess, we lived on the streets and I'm pretty sure I would've done suicide if it wasn't for my baby sister. Because I knew if I died no one would care for her. So I lived for her, she's the whole reason I'm able to sit here and talk to you right now. So let me be your little sister. Let me be the person that will encourage you to live. Even though you miss your family, keep in mind that if you throw away your life like this they'll be upset with you. Do you want that?"
"N-no," said Kaoru with tears trickling down his cheek.
"Will you come down with me? Will you let me help you?" I asked.
"Y-yes," he sobbed.
I leaned over and hugged him. I then got up and we walked down the stairs.
"Am I going to be arrested?" he asked.
"Not arrested but you will be going with the cops. I promise I won't let them do anything bad to you. You'll just be there for a few weeks."
"Okay."
Once we were back out again, the cops took him for questioning, and Kukai came marching at me.
"Are you mad? You not only sat on the ledge with him, you put your gun out of your reach!"
"Yes it's stupid, but it worked didn't it?"
"What if he had shot you?"
"But he wouldn't. Why would he when I poured my heart out to him? No he only had one bullet. That one bullet just for himself."
"Whatever. Just consider yourself lucky.
I looked at the time 2:56 p.m.
"Kukai we have to get back now!"
"But-
"NOW!"
He and I ran towards his car with no further questions and he sped towards the station. I ran inside and all the way to Tsukasa's office. I flung that door open too to see he and Ikuto talking.
"I – to – go – leave – early," I panted.
"What?" asked Tsukasa.
"I have to leave work early."
"Why?"
"My little sister's rehearsal."
"Aren't your parents going?" asked Ikuto.
I looked at the ground then towards Tsukasa who only nodded his head.
"You can go, it's fine," said Tsukasa.
"I'll come too then!" said Ikuto.
I merely stared at him, but I was running late so I just shrugged.
A/N
Hey everyone! Happy Halloween! Muahahaha! Anyways, this is my longest chapter yet holding the record at 16 pages. Lots of things happened in this chapter and I hope you liked it. Thanks for the reviews!
Read~Enjoy~Review
Neko-Meme