It was a while before I finally left Kukai's house. In the end of it all, Noelle never did come back down, making me feel like the worse thing on this earth. Sighing, I made a turn into a fast-food drive through.

"What can I get for you sir?"

"Two chicken sandwiches, two sodas, two french-fries and two onion rings."

"Small, medium or large for your fries and onion rings?"

"Medium."

"And what kind of soda."

"Pepsi and um…Sprite."

"Will that be all?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, drive through and your order will be ready soon."

I drove through the winding path to the little window where a petite teenage girl was standing. Just when I happened to look up, she met my gaze, turned slightly pink and quickly turned away. I smirked slightly, her action reminding me of Amu. The two of us stayed there for what seemed to be a pretty long time; I stared through the front window while she occasionally spared a couple glances.

"So much for fast-food," she mumbled.

"It's not ready yet?" I asked.

She nearly fell down.

"H-huh? Uh, n-no. Sorry it's taking so long."

"It's fine."

So we waited for another minute or two – and this time when she turned around the food was in her hands.

"Sorry for the long wait," she said with an embarrassed smile.

"It's fine."

I grabbed the food from her hands, gave her a small smirk, and drove away. However, just before leaving the drive through completely, I looked into my side mirror to see her placing her hands on her pink cheeks. Chuckling to myself I made a quick stop to Amu's house and placed the food on the kitchen table. I had absolutely no idea when she'd wake up, and since I had one more task ahead of me I figured it'd be better safe then sorry.

Next stop – my house. This morning I would have never guessed that Amu would be so severely traumatized that I'd have to take extra precautions. Here I am now, sending little girls off and taking care of a twenty-one year old. Sighing, I pressed on the accelerator harder.

Within a few minutes, I was parking the car on the driveway. I wouldn't need too many things I reasoned with myself. I was not going to be staying at her house for a long period of time. That was unquestionable. She probably wouldn't even want me to be in her house, supervising her. Then again, whether she detests my presence or not, this is probably the best thing for her.

Sighing, I grabbed the smallest duffel bag from the closet I could find and began packing some of my clothes and other necessities. I was done in a matter of minutes; I didn't need much: just a couple pairs of clothing, a brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, cologne and a couple little other things.

Amu POV

I was awake. That's all I knew at this point, but it was strange for all I could see was darkness. Not the kind of darkness you feel when the lights are turned off, but you can still make out some of the objects. I could utterly see nothing. Blackness is how I would describe it in one word. I just lied there, waiting for my vision to return but nothing happened. My heart skipped a beat. I waited a couple more seconds – nothing happened.

My heart stopped, then began beating frantically. What if I had gone blind? It's not impossible is it? At the same time, I felt a sharp pain shoot up my shoulder. I was going to call 911 once I found the phone, however before I could the black screen that laid in front of me turned gray and before I knew it I was starting to make out the individual shapes of my bedroom.

I felt foolish, I admitted to myself, for thinking I had gone blind. I pulled myself up from my bed, and the minute I did so, a pounding headache revealed itself. Clutching my shoulder, I walked into the bathroom area, turned on the light to see my reflection in the mirror. Frowning, I pulled off the leather jacked I had gotten from Ikuto a while ago – I never recalled even grabbing that out of the closet. The same went for the other articles of clothing I was wearing. When I tossed it onto the floor, I noticed the bandage that had been wrapped around my shoulder had evidently fresh bloodstains on it.

When a foreign scent of food filled the room and my stomach made a low growling noise, I almost forgot about redoing the bandage on my arm. I had to make a choice – I could endure the pain of my shoulder while I ate, or I could endure the pain of hunger as I wound the gauze over my shoulder once more. With a defeated sigh, I began the task of unwrapping the bandage, disinfecting it, and re-wrapping it. All the while, my stomach voiced its unhappy complaints.

Fixing my shoulder didn't take as long as I thought it would have. However, even as I did rush down the steps to finally see what that tempting smell was, my shoulder didn't fail to remind me of its wound. I came to discover, much to my pleasure, that the enticing smell was fast-food. I also didn't waste time in taking out the beloved sandwich and taking a huge bite from it. My stomach now voiced its gratitude.

I was exploring the contents of the bag to find several packets of onion rings and French fries, when I heard the front door open. Not moving from my seat, I continued to eat my food slowly.

"I see you're awake…and eating the food."

He appeared in front of me, with his hands in his pockets. I frowned for a moment, as something tugged at my memory. At that moment, I put my sandwich down and stood up.

"Amu, is everything alright?"

A sudden realization hit me. The house had been dead quiet when I woke up. Even after fixing my wound and coming downstairs the house had still been quiet. I figured, Ikuto had taken her out, but now he's here by himself. Panic ripped at my heart, as I tried to remain calm.

I turned away, and began quickly walking towards the stairs. I heard Ikuto's footsteps behind me, but I didn't turn around. I ran into her room, to see the pink room and bed empty as well as quiet. Frantically, I checked the other rooms. She wasn't there either. I raced back down the stairs, and just when I unlocked the front door, did Ikuto place his hand on my shoulder.

"She's not here," he said answering my unspoken question.

"Where is she? Why isn't she here? Wh-

"Sit down, I'll explain."

Listening to him, I walked back to the table where my uneaten food had been left. Walking back, I didn't fail to notice a small duffle bag lying in the corner. I would ask about that later. He took his time, I noted with impatience. Ikuto pulled out another sandwich, unwrapped it, and took a bite from it. Only after taking a sip of his soda did he begin providing me with information.

"Noelle is at Kukai's house. She is being watched by him and Utau."

"Why? She should be here with me."

"You can't look after her for a while."

"Why?"

He set down his food, and stared into my eyes seriously.

"Amu, Noelle is staying with Kukai and Utau because you tried to, from what I'm assuming; harm yourself or even worse attempt to take your own life."

"I never-

His voice was gentler now.

"You did. Noelle called me and told me after you passed out. Thankfully you had nothing to eat at all this morning and so nothing happened to you."

"…Is she mad at me?"

"More like she's angry at me for sending her away.

I tugged at a French fry and took a bite out of it.

"I'm the reason for all of this," I mumbled after a period of silence.

"Reason for what?"

"If I had been there for Ami more often that I had, she wouldn't be in the hospital. If I had been more careful, Karyn and Anju wouldn't have been murdered. If I had been the responsible adult I'm supposed to be then Noelle wouldn't be in Kukai and Utau's very capable hands."

I heard Ikuto's slightly audible sigh, but he didn't say a word. He finished his sandwich, crumpled up the wrapper, and put it to the side.

"Here's the truth of the matter, you're not supposed to be a responsible adult. For Christ's sake Amu, you're only twenty-one. Any regular twenty-one year would be out in college, enjoying life and what not. Not handling hostage cases. And before you say anything, I know you're not a regular young adult. You had to grow up alarmingly fast after your parents died. You had top notch grades, and even went to college earlier that what was considered normal. I get it. But the fact is, don't expect to be a perfect adult, when in fact you're just beginning your life."

"Age has nothing to do with anything. I still have to have a job, take care of my younger siblings – biological or not, I have to pay taxes, I have learned how to kill when necessary. I'm pretty sure; I'm considered an adult in most places. "

My temper was rising pretty fast. He had no right to claim I wasn't an adult. I was more grown up than he was. I didn't need to be twenty-seven or twenty-eight…however old he is to be an adult. When I looked up, he was smiling. Not his usual smirk I've seen every so often, but a sincere, small smile.

"Probably, but to me you're a kid at heart, who wanted to Build-a-Bear, who wanted to go to the arcade, who picked flowers. All these things and more Amu."

"You think you're so perfect? You lie, you break hearts, and you smoke! You think you know everything about everyone; you believe you can make the best decisions for someone. You have this temper at times that is undeniably frightening. Y-

"I don't believe we were talking about perfection. We were talking about you being a child at heart."

I screamed in frustration and stood up.

"Who do you think you are, claiming to know every little bit about me? You're just an ex-negotiator and ex-boyfriend to me. Do you really think you know me?"

"I don't think yelling at me will help you very much."

"I can do whatever the hell I want to do. Thanks for the food," I mumbled bitterly at the end before storming off and disappearing into my room.

I slammed my door behind me, with more force and drama than it needed. I flopped onto my bed, held my head in my hands, and began crying.

Ikuto POV

Sighing, I got up and threw the unneeded wrappers and empty cartons of onion rings into the trash. I neatly organized everything on the table, before going to lie down on the couch. When my phone vibrated, I nearly jumped up in the air. Disappointed in myself, I pulled the phone out of my back pocket and answered.

"Hello?"

"You just love to make her angry don't you?"

I paused.

"Kukai, what the hell? Are you spying on me?"

"You wish. Actually, in reality, you butt-dialed. I was going to hang up, but then Utau and I realized: where would the fun in that be. So we listened, and listened until Amu screamed her head off at you and stormed off."

"Great."

"Listen, Utau's not here so I'll ask for an explanation. There really was no point in talking about her being a child at heart. I'm positive you don't give a shit whether she acts like a kid or an adult. So what's up? And don't give me some bull explanation on how you create fights for your own entertainment."

I scoffed.

"Kukai, she had this look in her eyes when I got to her house. She looked lost and confused – hurt. And then I told her about Noelle and the incident, and she started on and on about how she was responsible for every bad thing that's happened up to this point. So I thought the best solution was to make her angry."

"You really are a creep," muttered Kukai.

"If she's angry at me, then she won't think about the other negative things for a while."

"And how do you feel about this?"

"What do you mean?"

"Okay, so it's no surprise that the two of you have broken up. I'm not sure about her, but I doubt it that you have no feelings for her what-so-ever. You've made her angry to forget about the incidents for now, what about the way she thinks of you? Did you ever stop to realize, the more you make her angry, she might actually begin to hate you and push herself away from you?"

"It…doesn't matter. Our relationship was over the minute I found out she was the girl from eleven years ago."

"Listen Ikuto, I wish Utau and I were over there to slap some sense into your brain, but we're not. So the only thing I can do is call you a dumbass – You're a dumbass. Now I'll leave you to think over my words of wisdom."

"Bye."

I pressed the 'end' button and threw it to the floor. It didn't matter if she didn't have feelings for me anymore. It didn't matter if we could never get back together again. As long as I could be by her side for a little while, then I was content. I placed my hands behind my head and dozed off.

11:30 p.m.

"MURDERER!"

I stirred slightly, and was greeted by the darkness of the living room. From one of the windows, I could clearly see the moon taunting me with its freedom. I placed my hands behind my head, and stared up at the ceiling, thinking. Kukai's words were still echoing in my head, when I heard another shrill scream, similar to the one that woke me up.

"DON'T KILL THEM!"

Pausing, I got up off of the couch and ran upstairs. Why the hell was Amu screaming? I flung open the door to her room, to see her push her blanket away and turn violently on the bed. Stepping closer, I heard her moan in discomfort as she turned violently once more. I caught a glimpse of her face: her brows were furrowed together, and beads of sweat had begun to form under her hairline.

I sat on my bed and grabbed her shoulders firmly, giving her little minor shakes.

"Amu! Wake up."

She tried to toss and turn once more, but I kept her firmly in place.

"Amu! Wake up!"

Her moving came to a still, but then her eyes flashed open revealing frightened golden eyes. However, when she did look at me, she didn't recognize me. Believing she was still in her dream, she began to push at me, and kick me, and punch me.

"Stop," she whimpered helplessly. "Get away from me!"

I picked her up, and brought her closer to me to the point where she was on my lap.

"Sssh," I muttered soothingly, "It's Ikuto, remember? Nothing's going to happen to you. You're having a nightmare."

She looked up at me, her eyes paralyzed in fear and shock. For my own selfish reasons, I brought my hand to her cheek and held it there. God knows, the two of us hadn't been this close since we broke up.

"Ikuto?" she repeated as though my name was a candy she'd had before but could not remember.

"You had a nightmare. Can you tell me what happened?"

Who was I to come here and make her relive a nightmare? Who was I sit on her bed and pull her on my lap so she felt comforted just like what I would do to Saya when she was younger? Who was I to place my hand on her cheek because I needed to touch her? She may still have the temper but she's not the same girl from eleven years ago.

"I can't forget."

"Do you want to forget?"

Frowning, she pulled herself up and sat on the bed. Across from me now, she folded her legs and placed her hands on her ankles.

"I- I don't want to be haunted."

"There's no reason to feel guilt."

"I do, but that's not it."

She inched a bit closer to me.

"Ikuto, in my dream someone was attacking me."

"You were shot," I reminded.

"No, I was being attacked. Hands on – no guns, no weapons."

This time I frowned.

"Tell me what happened, in your dream."

"I- It started out like yesterday. It began with me getting shot, and then Karyn shooting him back. We escape, and t-they get shot."

She furrowed her brows together, trying to remember the exact details.

"After Karyn and Anju are murdered, it goes dark and then I'm in a room. There are fallen boxes around me, and then a man comes out. The image of him is blurry. He starts yelling at me but I can't make out what he's saying. He shoots me in the leg, and jumps on top of me and attacks me."

I was silent for a moment, and got up off of the bed.

"My take on it is that either you're too guilty about all of this so your brain creates a sort of punishment you seem fit, however cruel you make think it is now. My other take, however isn't as realistic – you could be a psychic of sorts."

Her solemn face cracked into a smile. It was at that time I decided that it was time for me to go. I ruffled her hair slightly, and turned around to make my exit.

"You're leaving?"

"You're nightmare is gone, and you are smiling."

"I see."

I was halfway out the door when she spoke again.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you."

"Don't be. You'll yell at me tomorrow."

"Why is that?"

This time I turned to face her, and smirked.

"You'll see."

Tomorrow Morning

"I am a responsible young adult! I don't need here to take care of me!" she screamed at the top of her lungs.

"I told you you'd yell."

"That's before I found out what a complete ass you are! I am an independent woman, Ikuto, and I don't need you to take care of me like I'm five."

"Calm yourself, and eat breakfast."

"Maybe I don't want to have breakfast."

I narrowed my eyes on her.

"Maybe you want to pass out again, and have everyone who cares about you worry? Seems like a wonderful plan, don't you think?"

She rolled her eyes dramatically, and took a seat at the table.

"I want you to calm down. There's no point in screaming till your throat is hoarse because I'm staying here until your nightmares are gone. Period."

I decided to ignore her completely when she began to curse me in whatever I would ever do. Then she started off mumbling incoherent cuss words. And if that wasn't enough, she began to criticize every single little detail about me.

"Cursing me won't help."

"It's helping me."

Sighing, I moved my plate the counter and peacefully began to eat my breakfast. While the entire time, I felt Amu's stares burning into my side. Just as I put my empty dishes in the dish washer, Amu cleared her throat.

"My nightmares are gone."

This time I chuckled.

"You're not asleep. Nice try."

She cursed me again as I left the kitchen. All I was able to understand from her incoherent mumbling was the fact that I'd 'regret my choices'. What was she going to do?

Xx Later That Day Xx

When I made sure the towel was wrapped firmly around my waist, and my hair had stopped dripping water, I exited the bathroom and went into Ami's room, where I was currently staying. Before opening the closet, I noticed notes taped onto her desk, onto her wall. They were little messages, I saw. Each note was a different color, a different shape, and a different message. A note shaped like ballet slippers caught my eye first; not only was it dated for today, but it was the lengthiest one that had almost every letter capitalized.

Geez Ami, who the hell does Ikuto think he is? You know how I HATE when people hover over me or even try to take care of me don't you? He SENT Noelle AWAY and is LIVING here temporarily. I know what you'd probably think, but he's NOT trying to be thoughtful OR considerate. He's just being EVIL right now. Gosh, it's like he wants to KILL me. You know how I was after you-know-what happened. Anyways, enough about my troubles. You've been in a coma for nearly a month now. It's really lonely without you, even if I do have Noelle and everyone else with me. I miss you a lot, and I hope you come back home soon.

Love,

Amu

Partly amused by the top half of the message, I pulled out a navy note that was lying on top of the desk and wrote a little message on it.

Don't listen to her Ami, I bought her fast-food.

~Ikuto~

Satisfied, I taped it right next to Amu's and then went back to the closet. When I opened the door, all the clothes I had hanged and folded were gone. Even the suitcase was messing. It didn't take much to figure out who was the culprit behind this.

I stormed to her room, and flung her door open without even knocking. She was sprawled down on her bed with a magazine at hand. She had also changed out of her clothes and into navy sweats rolled up to her knees, and a somewhat tight black tank top. Her hair was piled into a messy bun. She didn't even spare a glance in my direction.

"Where the hell are my clothes?" I asked resisting the urge to seem angry or even shout.

She flipped a page, read some article before flicking her eyes over towards me for a second and returning her vision back to the page.

"How should I know, I'm not responsible enough for that."

I took in a deep breath, trying not to be as frustrated as I clearly was. She'd pay for this.

"So…you have no idea where my clothes are?"

"Nope. Haven't seen them at all since you unpacked."

"Uh huh – well I guess my only option is to walk around all day, everyday like this."

"Yep –WHAT?"

"It's horrible isn't it? Well, I'm going to go eat something."

And before she could say a word I was out of the room.

Xx 1 Hour Later Xx

-Ding Dong-

There really was no need for me to lower the volume of the TV; however curiosity and maybe just a bit of nosiness got the better of me. I put the TV on mute and listened to Amu and whoever rang the doorbell talk.

"Hello, Mrs. Sato."

"Hi dearie," said Mrs. Sato in a gentle, frail voice.

My curiosity rose up just a little, and so I got up off the couch, made sure the towel that was still wrapped around my waist was tight, and headed towards the door.

"Is there anything I could do for you?"

"I was actually planning on dropping these blue bells off for Ami, but my knee has been acting very…peculiar lately. I've been confined to that horrible contraption over there," she mumbled bitterly referring to the wheel chair behind her.

"Mrs. Sato, shouldn't you be sitting down?"

"No doctors will be telling me what to do. Child, I am close to eighty years old, I do believe I know what is best for me."

Amu laughed and took the vase of blue bells from the older woman's hands. When she returned to the door, I was sure it was time for me to make my entrance.

"Amu, what's going on?" I asked casually walking up to her and wrapping my arms around her waist.

I don't believe the woman saw Amu tense up, but I definitely saw it and smirked. Payback.

"Who is this handsome young fellow, Amu?"

"No one."

"Now, now, don't be shy. We all have had our fair string of lovers."

I burst out chuckling. This woman was really something.

"Ikuto, mademoiselle."

"How charming! Now I really should let you two get back to your little rendezvous," she replied with a sly wink.

From the side I saw Amu turn a little pink. When Mrs. Sato, turned around to go to her wheel chair, I moved away from Amu and helped her into it. Before going away, she grabbed Amu's hands with her own and gave it a little squeeze.

"He is really is charming fellow."

"Mrs. Sato, you really are like a grandmother to me, but I assure you, there is nothing between us."

"There may be nothing between the two of you now, but he'll surprise you in the end. I know his kind. Goodbye dearie. And lovely meeting you Ikuto."

"The pleasure is mine."

"Goodbye Mrs. Sato."

Amu stood there smiling and waving until Mrs. Sato was out of site. The moment she was gone, she pushed me inside the house.

"Why the hell did you do that?"

"Did what? I just wanted to meet her."

She snapped her head in my direction and narrowed her eyes into little slits.

"You could've been decent enough to put on some clothes."

I stepped up to her and twirled a little piece of her hair around my finger.

"You stole my clothes, remember?"

"This was your form of payback?"

"Maybe yes. Maybe no," I shrugged walking away.

"She thinks we're lovers!"

I shrugged once more.

"I really hate you right now."

Chuckling, I walked away.

A/N

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

Happy Black Friday!

Hello everyone. I was honestly going to update the day before yesterday, but we had some unexpected guests. And yesterday, there really wasn't much time to write. So I present you guys with two chapters. YAY!

Thank you to:

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