"Where are we going?" I growled impatiently.

Amu, I knew wasn't going to answer. She had been sitting in same position as she drove since we left. Her eyes straight on the road and her mouth in a strict line. Ami sat in the back with a glum expression on her face. Okay, so I guess she wasn't going to answer anyway.

Who was this Renji guy anyways? Was he an ex-boyfriend? Maybe they're having an affair. Ugh…look at yourself Ikuto. Can you even hear what you're saying? You're acting like a sissy. Who cares if she's having an affair? If she is, nod your head, and walk away.

As Amu turned onto the highway I finally got a glimpse towards where we were heading to – Kyoto.

"Kyoto? Is this a joke?"

Amu snapped her head towards me for a moment, anger throbbing through her eyes as clear as a crystal.

"Does any of this seem like a joke?"

"How the hell should I know?"

The rest of the way, we were all silent. Amu drove a little bit more then stopped in front of a graveyard. She got up, closed the door weakly, and stumbled to the graveyard. Ami and I floated in back behind her.

"Ikuto, I need you to be careful now," whispered Ami.

"Careful? Of what?"

"Amu…I don't remember much but she has strong attachments here."

I was thoroughly confused, but nodded my head regardless. When we caught up to Amu, she was mumbling things to a huddle of gravestones that stood in the corner near a fence. Catching herself, she got up and turned to us. She had been crying.

"Ikuto," she said stiffly. "Meet Nina, Hikaru, and Renji."

"They're…um…dead? How?"

When Amu looked down the ground, Ami kicked me in the ankle. I shot her a dirty look while she gave me 'I told you to be careful' look.

"An accident."

"Okay. So tell me. What's the story?"

She went silent then looked up at me with eyes so sad I wish I had never even brought this subject up.

"You must know by now – I've never really had a normal childhood. Well that's actually an exaggeration, the first 8 years of my life were fabulously normal. On December 20 my Ami and I along with my parents were playing a board game. I was 8 she was 1. They were shot and killed by two thieves."

December 20…why does that date seem so familiar?

Amu was now a bit nervous or scared because she twisted the emerald blades of grass around her fingers. Sighing, I set my hand on hers for support. She looked up and smiled, her eyes filled to the brim with tears.

"…Our relatives…they sent us to an orphanage-

"They didn't take you in?"

"Hah- please why would anyone want two traumatized kids? They took care of till I was 10. Anyways, it was at the orphanage where I met Nina, Hikaru and Renji. Nina and Hikaru were both 19 and they were going out. Renji was my closest friend in every aspect. Age wise I was 3 years younger than him but boy were we close. Months later, a sickness spread and they died… End of story."

She was in tears. Her cheeks stained with tears that shouldn't have even been there. I got up, sat behind her, and hugged her close.

"By the way, Renji was my first crush."

"Did he confess?"

"Yeah…the fool told me he liked me right before he died."

"I love you."

"I thought you were mad?"

"I was because you kept a big secret that was hurting you from me."

"You're good then?"

"Seeing that I don't have to compete with a ghost, sure."

She cracked out a laugh and I already felt my heart lift.

Later

Amu POV

After we left Kyoto, we dropped off Ikuto back at work then went home. Ami walked behind me quietly until I reached the living room. She sat on the couch while I went to the kitchen.

"Ami, want a sandwich?"

"Okay."

I quickly put together the contents for the sandwiches and brought them out. I sat near Ami and watched TV.

"Why didn't you tell him the truth?"

I placed my sandwich back onto the plate and stared at Ami.

"He didn't need to know that."

Ami dropped her plate to the table and stood up.

"Amu, he's in love with you. He at least deserved the truth."

"That was the truth!" I fought back.

"We were never in an orphanage! And they were murdered!"

"Ikuto doesn't need to know that! The less he knows about me, the less pity he'll feel."

"I don't care about any other reason; I just thought he at least deserved the truth from you."

"It's too soon for the truth."

"Have it your way then."

She walked away from me and rushed up the stairs where she slammed the door.

The truth? She wanted me to tell him the truth about my past. Yeah right. Just hearing Renji's name made him flip out. I don't know why, maybe it was jealously but think of what would happen if he learned everything.

It wouldn't be everything though would it? That man…I still can't seem to remember him. Oh who was he? It is because of him I met Ikuto, Rima and everyone else. It's because of him I have the life that I do. He was understanding and compassionate. He didn't question my past and tried to understand even though he had no idea what it felt like. If I was him I wouldn't pay a million dollars to step into my shoes.

If only Ikuto could be like him. Why couldn't Ikuto be as understanding as he was? Why couldn't he at least try to be reasonable?

Sighing, I walked upstairs and headed towards the room where I kept all the newspaper clippings. I sat down against the wall and stared at all the articles. All of them were focused on negotiators who helped other people. A guy specifically. I looked at them again, none of them rang a bell.

A clue. Anything could help. Why can't I just find him already? Why can't he just appear right on my doorstep? Where is he?

I buried my head between my knees and tried to think. I tried to think back to 11 years ago when I was 10. When I was in the bank with Ami. He introduced himself. Damn it! Remember his name, Amu. We talked…about my past and why I was there. The hostages. Then he wanted me to surrender. The prick.

I flat out refused – but Ami made me. Then – I released the hostages and stepped outside. We were crowded around officers and he came forward. He was tall that was for sure and he had an easy going smirk. An unforgettable smirk. Something about it seemed cocky and young…almost like Ikuto's but not really.

No, having the same smirk doesn't mean anything. Ami and I have almost the same smiles but we're two different people. Anyways…he came forward and haha – he thought we were the hostages.

Then what? He helped me out right.

That's all I have of him. A faint and distant memory of him. Just one night…No there was more wasn't there Amu? You saw him one more time a couple years later.

Flashback

The minute I got off the phone, I looked from the principal to his secretary then ran out of the room. No way! I can't believe they caught him. How many years has it been since that day huh? I think it's been 4 years.

I pushed my way through the wall of students that blocked the doors to the school's entrance. That bastard was finally caught.

Outside there was a small dark car waiting outside. The driver was leaning against the hood casually. I immediately recognized him; he was the man who had helped me years before. He had grown older obviously, as had I.

His eyes more understanding and patient than it had been when he was 17. He walked away from the hood with a smile and came towards me.

"Hey kiddo. How're you doing?" he asked ruffling my hair affectionately.

I looked up. My throat felt tight and clammy and tears threatened to fall.

"H-hi," I managed.

I closed my eyes tight, so he wouldn't notice that I was close to crying. I wasn't going to let him see me cry. I wasn't the same 10 year old as before. I was 14 years old; more knowledgeable.

"Are you honestly going cry on me Amu?"

"I'm not crying!" I protested, crossing my arms over my chest with a huff.

"Sure you aren't. Anyways, we should get about going. It's about to start."

He opened the door and let me sit in the front right next to him. I climbed in and sat on the comfy leather seats of the car. In just a few moments, he was sitting in the driver's seat and had started the car.

"Why are you here?" I asked. "Were you ordered to be here? Or like are you on duty?"

"No, today's my day off."

I gaped at him. He chuckled lightly.

"Why are you here on your day off?"

"Because, isn't it better when you have some support when going through something difficult?"

"How'd you know to come today?"

"I've kept watch on you. Like for example-

As he drove, he bent down and pulled out a small pink package from under his seat.

"Happy 14th birthday!" he exclaimed excitedly.

He placed it on my lap, and I held onto it with numb hands. It was quiet between the two of us.

"What's this? I don't even get a smile from the birthday girl?"

I looked at him and weakly smiled even though I was crying.

He didn't tease me about crying because he understood. He understood that no one was there for me to celebrate today except for Ami. But she was only 5.

"Thank you," I mumbled.

"Open it."

"Right now?"

"Of course!"

I carefully opened the package making sure not to rip the wrapping.

"Rip it open."

"No. I like pink."

"Really now? Well, take your time."

Once I had finished opening it. I opened the white box and pulled out a flowered chest. The base was wooden, and over it was a cushion type thing that had flowered embroidery over it.

I clicked open the golden lock and inside was a necklace. The chain was silver and hanging from it was a pink and green humming bird.

"Look on the back."

I turned the cool metal over and on the back was something engraved in it. I pulled higher for closer inspection. On it, it said:

Soar free with your new wings

Live life to the fullest

Enjoy the everyday songs of the world

~Happy Birthday

"It's pretty."

"Isn't it? I swear it took me a long time to find something. You like it?"

"Yes. I like it."

"Good."

All of a sudden, his easy going smile vanished. He jaws tightened and his eyes were set hard.

"We're here."

I looked up. It was a large brown building with pillars of the same color. A few cars were parked here and there. The majority were police cars.

He parked the car and we both exited. He stood close by me as we walked into the court room. The walls were colored in a light cream color but that didn't erase the coldness the room brought. People were seated on wooden benches that were organized in small rows.

He and I walked past them and took a seat in the front. Just seconds after we sat, the judge slammed the gabble on the table and footsteps echoed behind us. I turned around on the uncomfortable seat and saw him being brought in.

My heart froze then began to pound. His steel gray eyes bore into mine and his mouth cracked into a smile revealing dirty teeth. His hair was a mixture of brown and gray, not to mention his stubbly beard.

As he walked right past me, he paused for only a moment and whispered, "So you're the one that escaped, eh? Mark my words little girl, when I leave I'm coming after you. Think of it as revenge for putting me in here."

End of Flashback

Just as I was about to get up and check for the necklace the man gave me, my phone rang and my pager vibrated.

"Hello?"

"Amu, its Ikuto. We need you down here ASAP."

"What's wrong?"

"We found one of the hostages Kyou took."

"I'll be right there."

I rushed out of the room and knocked on Ami's door.

"Ami, I have to go to work."

"Okay. Bye."

I stormed downstairs and hopped into my car.

Later

Heart racing, I pushed open the doors and stormed inside.

"Ikuto's office," informed Suzuki.

Nodding my head, I made a race to his office and flung the door open. Inside was Ikuto of course, and a small girl. She had shaggy brown hair and huge brown eyes that were filled with hesitation and fear.

Ikuto had her on his lap and was just talking to her. Like a brother or father.

"So what's your name cutie?"

"…"

When she didn't answer, Ikuto didn't mind. Instead he kept at it.

"I'm Ikuto Tsukiyomi, a negotiator."

"…Noelle…" she whispered.

Her whisper didn't even sound like a whisper. Just a faint breeze that felt so fragile that it would break. Noelle didn't open up. She just sat on his lap, afraid.

"Where are you from?"

She looked up and when the light fully shined on her I saw her actual body. It was bruised. They were yellowish brown with tiny dots of purple in them. Her tiny lip trembled.

"Don't take me back!" she exclaimed, tears already slipping down her cheek.

Ikuto pulled her in closer.

"We're not going to send you back. Believe or not, we're going to take good care of you from now on, okay?"

"Honestly?"

"Mhm."

The assurance didn't make her stop crying, but it put a faint smile on her face.

Once Noelle was fast asleep, Ikuto handed her to me.

"I'm leaving her in your custody."

"Why mine? Where's her family?"

"Murdered by Kyou."

"No other relative?"

"None of them wanted to take care of her," he frowned. "Sounds very similar to your case."

"Yeah. Is that all?"

"That's about it."

"I see. Looks like we have a new little sister. Oh boy, is Ami gong to be happy about this," I said getting up to leave.

"Amu," mumbled Ikuto.

"Wh-

Before I could finish my word, he had waltzed over and placed his lips over mine. It was short and sweet but full of compassionate warmth.

"What was that for?" I asked.

"That's for being such an ass today and for being so understanding."

"You were an ass. And understanding of what?"

"Noelle's situation. You took her in, just like that."

"Why would I refuse?"

"I don't know. But I know plenty of people who did. And believe me, I would've taken her in, but I think she needs a mother's love."

"In case you haven't noticed Ikuto, I'm pretty warped up."

He came in again and pecked his lips onto mine.

"No, but you have a compassionate soul and heart."

"Looks like your little line won you something."

"Like what?" he asked with a smug smirk.

"Me," I said before leaning in to kiss him, Noelle between the both of us.

A/N

How are my favorite people? Haha. Okay so I know most of you are a bit upset with the way Amu said her past. Believe me, I was never going to mention the real truth her past to Ikuto this early on. I was actually planning on lying to him, which I did. But before I wrote this chapter up, I read the reviews and felt awful. Just plain awful, because you guys were all excited about Amu telling Ikuto everything about her past.

So, sorry about that. But don't fret, that's coming up faster than you think. Anyways, so there was another flashback. Goodie for you guys. If it's a bit confusing, I'm terribly sorry for that. It's just that, I couldn't mention Ikuto's name because then she'd understand and yeah. I tried my best to not making confusing.

And that's about it.

Read~Review~Enjoy

Neko-Meme