x Epilogue x

I kneeled down in front of the two tombstones covered in moss and placed the bouquets in their respective positions. Releasing a pleasant sigh, I clapped my hands together and looked to the sky cheerfully.

"Hi mom and dad, hope you two are doing well up there. Ami and I doing fine down here too; she caught the flu however last week, so that's why I wasn't able to come visit you guys. Sasuke, Mayumi, and Noelle are doing great too; I was worried that once everything was over, things would get out of hand, but they've been doing well. Let's see what else; Tsukasa's been increasing my load of negotiations lately, which is a good thing. I haven't had a decent amount of negotiations for a few years now. Hm…I feel like I had more to say, but I can't recall what I wanted to talk about."

I rocked back and forth on my heels as my mind relayed through various thoughts. Remembering suddenly what it was that I had wanted to say, I dug through my bag and pulled out a decorative card, using a small stone to hold it down.

"Isn't this invitation beautiful?" I gushed excitedly. "Rima and Nagi are getting married in four months, and since Rima decided to plan it out by herself, things have gotten pretty hectic. They originally wanted it during the spring last year since that was when the cherry blossoms would be in bloom, but after Utau gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, they decided it would be best to postpone the wedding until Utau and Kukai were settled in."

Before I was able to continue, my phone rang, jolting me out of place and causing me to fall on my butt begrudgingly. I stared at the caller ID and frowned.

"Ami, you know I'm visiting Mom and Dad right now," I reprimanded lightly.

"I know, I'm sorry, but Utau called and said she was going to be coming over for dinner with Kukai and the kids. And Nagi suggested that it would relieve some of Rima's stress if she came too, so now we're having party; Shou and I were planning to make dinner but we're out of the basics, so can you go stock up?"

I ran a hand through my hair and sighed. It was just like Utau to impose last minute plans, especially plans that would take place at the Hinamori residence.

"What about Sasuke and Mayumi? Ask them."

A hesitant giggle escaped her lips.

"They went on a date with Noelle a while ago and they must've turned off their cells because Shou can't reach them."

"Fine, I'll be home in half an hour.

"Thank you – Ah, I got to go, Shou's having difficulty at the stove. Love you, bye!"

Sighing, I slipped the phone into my pocket and returned my attention to the tombstones.

"I have to go; you know how Utau can be once she gets an idea in her head. I'll stay longer next time for sure; love you, bye."

X

It had been three years since Ikuto disappeared from the hospital room that day. After the first month, Kukai and I had hired a team of private investigators to track him down and check if he was still okay. When a year of no leads, clues, or evidence went by, Tsukasa placed a void on the investigation and the PI team labeled him dead – that had occurred nearly two years ago. Some of the newcomers at work believed me and the rest to be crazy, trying to avoid us when possible, since we prohibited anyone from taking over Ikuto's abandoned office. There were those who even assumed that he wasn't real or those who were slightly skeptical deemed it off as the 'Tsukiyomi Urban Legend'. And though it was difficult for me at least to move on during the first few months after the PI team called him off to be dead, there were several occasions that did shine some light.

Utau and Kukai had gotten married the year Ikuto disappeared; the two of them having everyone film vigorously so Ikuto would be able to watch once he returned from his prolonged disappearance. And then Utau gave birth to twins – Kaida and Toshio; they'd be over at my house almost every day of the week since Sasuke, Mayumi, and Ami were more than willing to cuddle with the twins allowing the poor parents a break. Then there was the engagement between Rima and Nagi after much stubbornness on Rima's part, and soon enough they'd be married.

"And everyone'll have a fairytale ending," I sighed happily pulling into the parking lot.

Zipping up the front of my jacket as to shield my body from the cold, I tugged on a shopping cart that was wedged between two other carts, and pushed it into the store. As I approached the cutlery section, I saw a frail old woman stare at me with gleaming eyes. Unable to recognize her, my mouth twitched into a small smile and I started towards the chicken.

"Child, where do you think you're going with such an improper greeting?"

Whirling around immediately, I saw Mrs. Sato staring at me impatiently. A silent curse escaped my lips and I walked to her begrudgingly.

"Hello Mrs. Sato, do you want me to hold your basket for you?"

"Nonsense," she snapped brushing my hand away. "Where's that charming young fellow who lives with you?"

"Sasuke?" I questioned a frown playing across my brows.

"No, no, that handsome fellow with the towel."

"Towel…"

Flashback

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

I tensed fiercely and sent a desperate look to Mrs. Sato, who failed to notice me.

"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 choked on my spit, feeling Ikuto's arms wrap around me with more force as he chuckled lightly.

"Ikuto, mademoiselle."

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

My heart sank and my face, obviously flustered, seemed to give Mrs. Sato the wrong impression for she only smiled at me coyly. When Mrs. Sato, turned around to go to her wheel chair, Ikuto moved away from me and helped her into it. Before going away, she grabbed my 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," I pleaded desperately.

"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."

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

"Why the hell did you do that?"

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

I snapped my head in his direction and narrowed my eyes into little slits.

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

He stepped up to me and twirled a little piece of my hair around his finger.

"You stole my clothes, remember?"

"This was your form of payback?"

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

"She thinks we're lovers!"

He shrugged once more and I groaned.

"I really hate you right now."

End of Flashback

"Oh, you mean Ikuto," I sighed.

Her eyes twinkled brightly and she stepped closer to grab my hands.

"Yes, yes!" she exclaimed. "How is that handsome young fellow? Are you two married yet?"

I forced out a smile.

"He's away on a business trip."

"When will he be coming back?"

"I don't know, to be honest, but he said soon, so I'll believe in his word and just wait patiently."

Mrs. Sato smiled softly for a brief moment before smirking immediately.

"You love him don't you? And don't try to lie to me, your eyes tell a different story."

I nodded my head slowly, and for the next ten minutes or so, Mrs. Sato chatted with me eagerly – wanting to know every possible thing there was to know about Ikuto.

I managed to finish the grocery aspect in a record amount of time while my thoughts were focused on Ikuto. Pulling myself away from my nosy but lovely neighbor had been difficult and in the end I was forced to promise her a small get together at my house when Ikuto came back.

Sighing, I placed the groceries on the conveyor belt and smiled at the cashier.

"How was your day today?" asked the young man.

"It was fine, thank you."

Without another word, the man rapidly scanned the items.

"That'll be $94.56."

Nodding my head, I looked down to grab my credit card when I noticed a streak of azure from the corner of my eye. I snapped my head in the direction of the exit, only to see a swarm of other shoppers leaving. I rubbed my eye vigorously and stared at the cashier blankly.

"Ma'am? The money."

"Oh!" I exclaimed, clearly embarrassed. "I'm sorry."

Nodding his head, the man swiped the card into the machine and began to press a few more buttons. Meanwhile, I returned my attention to the door and stared at it as though magically wishing for what I had seen to appear once more. When nothing came into view, I cursed my colorful imagination and pinched my hand fiercely.

"Here's your card; we're a bit shorthanded today, so I'll bag your groceries.

Absentmindedly, I grabbed it from him and shoved it carelessly into my back pocket.

"It's okay, I can bag them."

"No, it's my privilege to do so for such a lovely lady."

I smiled and returned my attention to the door once more, to see a head of azure appear suddenly. The head lingered there for a moment until I took a subconscious step forward. My eyes widened – was that him? Did Ikuto actually come back? I mean, if he did, he would've at least given a call, right? Would I look crazy if I just ran out right now? It could be some other guy with azure hair and if so, he'd think I was a crazy.

I gripped the end of my jacket firmly and took another step forward. My mind and heart didn't seem to accept my excuses. And when the head of azure came into view once more, I bolted out of the store without a second thought.

"Ma'am? Ma'am! Your groceries!" shouted the cashier from behind me.

Outside of the store, the smell of smoke drifted lightly in the air. Frowning, I looked down to the ash tray to see a newly crushed cigarette stubbed in. My heart pounded. I turned to face a young couple who seemed to be talking animatedly.

"Um, excuse me, but was there a guy here? He's about six feet and has azure hair?"

The man, obviously annoyed at me for having interrupted his conversation, turned to say something until his girlfriend immediately stepped forward.

"Oh wow," she gushed excitedly. "Do you know him? I saw him standing there and I thought he was a model. Is he?"

My heart pounded excitedly within my chest.

"D-do you know which way he left?"

"Hmm, he looked inside the grocery store, smirked, and ran in the opposite direction."

Nodding my head, I thanked the woman, and raced towards said direction. The cold air hit me like blades of ice as I ran against the direction of the breeze. Standing on my tiptoes, I looked around the crowd of people who bustled around. I cursed. It was only natural for people to fill the streets as it neared Christmas time, but I wished they would just disappear for now. I whirled around, to see the head azure once more before it was submerged by the heads of other people.

As I ran, I noticed the streetlamps beginning to flicker on. I made a quick stop at a nearby grocery store and tried to regain my breath; it was there I noticed another freshly crushed cigarette bud. What if he really wasn't Ikuto? But then again, there weren't very many men in Japan who had azure hair that was actually natural. I pulled out my phone and grimaced – it was almost seven. I'd chase him for a few more minutes, and if I couldn't reach him, then I'd just turn back.

Satisfied with my method of approach, I ran, shouting out for the azure headed man to stop. Strangers sent me looks of annoyance and contempt, but regardless of it, I continued to run. It wasn't until I reached the next block that I lost him at the intersection. Panting heavily, I looked around, trying to single him out from the crowd, but my efforts were futile. I waited another minute, and when I didn't see him, I sighed and turned around. It probably wasn't even Ikuto that I was chasing. I kicked the ground lightly and hailed a taxi.

"Amu Hinamori?" the man questioned once I sat in.

My hand snaked around my holster, an action that had begun to occur naturally at this point.

"How do you know my name?"

"There is a party, under the name 'Ami Hinamori' that is waiting for you. The description was to look for a woman in pink hair and golden eyes."

I cursed, completely having forgotten that I was supposed to pick up groceries for the dinner with Utau and Rima.

"Okay then, thank you."

The man nodded his head and began to drive. I rested my head against the window and watched the city lights with a burdened heart. On the side of the road was a man with dark hair smoking.

Flashback

"Wow, I'm pretty sure it's not that cold in here," said Ikuto walking in.

I watched him walk to the coffee maker and start making himself a cup of coffee.

"What do you mean?"

"Sweater, raincoat, scarf, earmuffs, gloves. You've gone all out for winter."

"Oh, I totally forgot," I said taking off my earmuffs, and gloves.

"I never said take them off."

"But you said-

"Yes, I said you've gone all out and it's not cold. But I never said to take them off. In fact, it actually looked quite good on you."

"Are you hitting on me?"

"Did my attempts fail?"

"Yes."

"Darn. Now tell me what's up with wearing super winter wear in a building?"

"I'm sick."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, really. Ami wouldn't let me leave the house…so I had to sneak out."

"Oh no, my mom said I can't hanging out with bad girls," laughed Ikuto sarcastically.

"And my…mom said I can't hang out with strangers…," I said my voice turning quiet all of a sudden.

-Beep Beep-

I turned around, grabbed my soup out of the microwave and started to walk out.

"Sorry, I have to go…um eat."

I stared at the microwave silently, and cursed at my inability to move on.

"Knock knock," said Ikuto knocking on the open door. "Can I come in?"

I looked up and shrugged.

"Sure thing."

"Listen, I'm sorry. I'm not sure what I said wrong, but every time I talk about something in particular you seem to get upset and emotional."

"No, no! It's not you, it's me. It's something stupid…personal don't worry about it."

"I don't know. Ok how about this, how about you come out to lunch with me? How does that sound?"

"But I made ramen."

"Or we could go to a noodle shop this afternoon."

"Okay, but I'm still eating this."

"Knock yourself out."

Grinning, I peeled the lid off and began to eat. After a while I looked up and noticed Ikuto was just staring at me.

"Do you want me to hire you as a piece of furniture? Maybe a statue? Some sort of paperweight?" I asked comically.

"No."

"I see you've left all humor at home today."

"…"

I sipped up a noodle and got up from my desk. I fixed my scarf and walked towards Ikuto and started to walk around him in a circle.

"No humor…no wise ass jokes…all seriousness…hmm."

I then abruptly stopped and took a step closer to him. We were inches apart…but I wasn't doing what you would normally think two people this close we would do. No, instead I raised my hand and put it against his forehead.

"You're not sick either!"

"No, but you'll make me sick if you keep touching me!" exclaimed Ikuto.

"Oh look, you're not sick after all. I'm going outside."

"Did you finish your soup?"

"No."

"Too bad, eat it all."

End of Flashback

Flashback

"Please tell that what I think just happened didn't happen?" asked Ikuto.

"…Yes…" I said offering a smile.

"What happened?"

"We're out of um…gas."

"OUT OF GAS?"

Ikuto flung the door open and stormed to my side of the car where he also forcefully opened the door and pulled me out. Now that I was standing on the side of the road, he stuck his head in the doorway and checked the top screen and saw the gas icon flashing red. He came back out and clenched his fists.

"Call someone," he said finally.

"Sure thing."

I pulled out my cell phone and just as I was about to dial the number my phone made a –ding ding- sound and the screen went dark.

"What was that?"

"My phone went out of battery."

"Course it did," mumbled Ikuto bitterly. "Let's push the car."

"What about your cell phone?"

"It's in my car!"

"No need to yell."

I started to get into the driver's seat when Ikuto grabbed my arm and pulled me aside.

"You're pushing princess."

"It's my car!"

"But you did this!"

"You know what? I'll prove it to you and your macho attitude that I can push this car!"

"Careful not to break your Guuchi sunglasses!" I heard him call out.

I smirked but I was not going to let him get the better of me. I pushed the sleeves of my shirt up and took a deep breath…and started to push. And to my surprise and most likely to Ikuto as well, the car actually started to move and I smiled in triumph. I was pushing! I was actually pushing a 700 pound car by myself…well with the help of Ikuto but who needs him anyways.

After a long time of pushing my arms started to give in a bit and I could I was pushing a bit slower. I'm sure Ikuto had noticed too because he called out to me.

"Hey? You want me to push now? You've already pushed 1 entire mile!"

"Nah…I'm fine."

"You sure?"

"Of course I am."

Of course I'm not! Sighing, I continued pushing the car. As I pushed a car came up from behind, honked at us, turned their car to the left, ran into a mud puddle and splashed me with mud. I was drenched in wet mud and I heard Ikuto slam his fist on the horn several times and shout out some curses.

"Stop moving the car Amu!"

"But-

"STOP!"

I stopped pushing, and he walked towards me and took one good look at me. I knew what he was looking at. Mud covered my pink hair, my clothes…everywhere. I looked like someone out of a zombie movie minus all the scariness.

"Don't rub it in," I mumbled bitterly.

But instead of rubbing it in, he started to take off his jacket and put it around my shoulders. I stared at him dumbfounded but he just shrugged it off.

"Rima's going to bite at me if she sees you like that anyway. Saving myself the hassle…go sit at the driver's seat. I'll push the rest of the way…princess."

"Whatever pretty-boy," I smirked. "Thanks."

End of Flashback

Flashback

"Hurry up; you're going to catch a cold."

We left our boards outside and took shelter in the shack. It was pretty empty except for some ragged sheets and oversized t-shirts. I changed quickly and tied my wet hair into a tight bun. Ikuto was still in his swim shorts.

"Why aren't you changing?" I asked.

"I'm going to start my car."

I watched him run through the rain and in the meantime I placed the sheets on the cold wooden floor. In a few minutes, Ikuto came back with a scowl on his face and he was shouting curses.

"What's wrong?"

"Car's broken."

"Cell?"

"No. Fucking. Reception."

I struggled not to laugh, knowing that'd only make his mood worse. When I sneezed, Ikuto shot me a look of concern.

"You cold?"

I nodded.

He sighed and wrapped a sheet around me.

"I'll be back with some wood. Let's see if I can make a fire."

He left again, and I just lay down on the floor. Rain pelted against the window making a drumming sound. Strangely I felt my eyes get foggy…and my eye lids became heavier.

End of Flashback

Flashback

Unfortunately for me however, it wasn't enough time. There was a loud knock on the door, and my heart dropped. I took off the robe with regret, and stuffed it under the bed. Taking in a soothing breath, I walked to the door and opened it. My eyes widened in shock when I saw who the lucky customer was. And trust me, he was as equally shocked as I was. Maybe even more.

"I've already explained to him your test. We'll stand behind the door for a few minutes just to make sure everything is working well."

Shoot. Me. Now.

"Listen, the first thing you will do is to introduce yourself. Invite him in, but don't just say 'Come in'. He has control over you; therefore you will call him master. But there are certain people who will want a closer connection, and so they will offer you their name."

"Hello master, my name is Amu. Please do come in maste-

"Ikuto. Call me Ikuto," he answered roughly.

I snapped my head up and looked at him, but he avoided my eye contact.

"Yes, please do come in Master Ikuto."

Hugo gave me a tight smile before turning around and leaving. I closed the door once Ikuto entered and followed him in. Neither one of us said a word, but when he began to take off his shirt, my eyes went wide.

"What are you doing?" I whispered.

"Covering you up," he hissed angrily.

"Stop it! I have to do this test!"

For the first time since seeing me at the door, he looked at me straight in the eye.

"You're honestly going to have sex with me?"

x

"Amu," he addressed me emotionlessly. "Get dressed."

I scrambled for my bra and hooked it on.

"Okay."

Ikuto turned towards me, frowned, and then turned back around.

"Didn't I tell you to get dressed?"

"I didn't bring any clothes."

"You came here dressed like that?"

"Yeah…"

"Oh for God's sake, put on my jacket!" he snapped.

I grabbed his leather jacket from the floor and hurriedly put it on.

"Okay."

End of Flashback

Flashback

"Amu?" he asked after a brief period of silence.

"Yeah," I muttered feeling myself lull back to sleep.

"Do you want to go back to your room?"

"Kind of…I'm getting sleepy…I can't move though."

"I'll take you."

"I thought you were injured or you were afraid of hurting me."

The clouds moved away again, allowing me to see the smirk he was currently wearing.

"I lied."

I felt a smile grow on my lips.

"You're horrible."

End of Flashback

A small grin formed on my lips and I felt a tear sliver down the curve of my cheek. I breathed out painfully and quickly wiped it away. I was so pathetic I could hardly stand it. Unable to tell him that I fell for him again - Fell again? Closing my eyes, I rested my head against the headrest and shook my head slowly. That was wrong. I don't think I really ever stopped loving him to fall for him again.

"Your party is waiting here," announced the man snapping me out of my thoughts immediately.

I wiped another tear and looked out the window.

"The bridge?" I questioned.

The man shrugged, "This is where we were told to drop off 'Amu Hinamori'."

Nodding my head, I reached into my pocket to grab some money only to be stopped by the man.

"Your party already paid for the ride."

Frowning, I slipped out of the car and watched the taxi drive away.

"Ami?" I called out walking up the ramp of the bridge – my hands stuffed deep into my pockets. "Why didn't you just call me?"

I sighed once I was greeted with silence. It was just like Ami to play a prank on me. I rested my elbow on the railing and watched the reflection of city lights in the waters of the river below me.

"I'm going to wait here for five minutes, and if you don't come out by then I'll leave you here by yourself."

"Five minutes? That's a little harsh, don't you think Amu?"

My body went rigid at the familiar voice.

"I wanted you to keep chasing me, but I couldn't stand the thought of you running in the cold."

Eyes wide, I whirled around to see a tall figure in the shadows of the bridge. I pulled myself away from the railing and took a step forward to see the figure become basked in the lights. Azure eyes twinkled brightly.

"Miss me?"

"Ikuto?" I breathed out softly, taking a step forward.

"In the flesh," he grinned.

A tear rolled down my cheek as I ran to him immediately. He looked at me and grinned, raising his hand to brush away my tears.

"Hey, why are you crying? Are you that glad to see me?"

I raised a fist and punched his shoulder.

"Y-you jerk. What took you so long?"

When I raised my fist again, he caught it and pulled me into his chest.

"I've missed you Amu. I really missed you."

"T-they said you were dead."

"Why would I die when I promised you I'd come back?"

I raised my hand to his face and grinned shakily – wanting desperately to rememorize every inch of his face.

"You're not a ghost right?"

A chuckle escaped his lips and I felt serene warmth spread through my body. He shook his head then pressed a kiss on my forehead.

"Follow me."

x

I kicked my legs back and forth while I stared at the night sky. It seemed too surreal that he was back; I'd already pinched my hand relentlessly in hopes of waking up from this dream.

"Here," he said extending out a hand that was holding a cup of hot chocolate.

I took it from him gratefully and wrapped my icy hands around the solid warmth. He stared blankly at the ice skating rink in front of us but said nothing.

"He died," Ikuto finally said after a moment of silence.

"Who?"

"Taro. I followed him to Taiwan where he was trying to get a well-known gang on his side to attack me. He wasn't able to pay them after enlisting them, and so the leader had him beat to death in front of me."

I looked up to see his eyes filled with a melancholy darkness. Breathing deeply, I reached for his hand and gripped it firmly – the guilt piling on me.

"I didn't want to feel bad for him; he'd hurt you so badly and I almost lost you…but for months, I couldn't get the scene of his death out of my head. I thought if I hadn't chased him to such desperate measures, maybe he wouldn't have experienced such a violent death, but every time I thought of that, I remembered him trying to kill you in the hospital. After six months of nightmares, I went back to the gang that had killed them and asked them to beat me."

"Did they?"

Ikuto shook his head solemnly.

"So I asked them to break my arm."

He rolled up his sleeve and I saw an area of broken skin with a lump under it. Tentatively, I raised my hand over his elbow and allowed for my fingers to brush over the injury. My heart beat painfully as though feeling the same pain he had felt when he asked for them to break his arm.

"Did the nightmares go away?" I asked softly.

"No. I had him buried in Japan beside Karyn and Anju since those were his last words. After that incident, I spent a few more months in Taiwan while waiting for my arm to heal. Once it healed, I flew back to France."

"France?"

"I had a few obligations to upkeep. There was this woman I'd met at the brothel in France and I'd promised to help her escape. It wasn't easy, and it took nearly a year to accomplish, but I did it. I managed to help her escape and shut down that brothel. Then I paid a visit to Tadase and my father."

My mind flashed back to the incident at Tadase's gallery when Ikuto's father had snapped at me.

"What happened then?"

"Well, I made up with Tadase and as for what happened with my father, that's a secret."

I nodded my head and took a sip of my hot chocolate. Exhaling deeply, I looked up at him.

"I'm sorry Ikuto. Because of me you had to-

He placed a hand on my head and grinned.

"How did I know you were going to apologize?"

"I…"

"A person should only be sorry when they've done something wrong."

"But I-

"Do you want to go ice skating while we're here?"

I looked up to him and frowned.

"Wait Ikuto, I-

"Please Amu? I just came back and I really missed you."

x

"I don't know how to ice skate though," I whimpered clutching onto the railing.

"I know; just hold onto my hand."

I stared from the railing to his hand and grabbed it firmly with both hands.

"You just wanted an excuse to hold my hand," I said once we began to skate.

"Get ready," he said looking back at me with a coy smirk. "I'm about to make up three years of absence in one night."

He increased his pace and I held onto his hand firmly.

"Ikuto! Ikuto! Ikuto, slow down! I'm going to fall," I exclaimed as bubbles of laughter escaped my throat while he raced past the other skaters.

"I could just let you go."

Terror-stricken, I gripped onto his hand firmly, refusing to let go. Chuckling, he slowed down to a comfortable pace and began to talk about the things he'd done while he was in France. I suddenly pulled on his arm and he turned around alarmed.

"What happened? Are you hurt?"

"Pinch me."

He raised a brow.

"I come back after three years, and you ask me to pinch your cheek?"

"I think I'm dreaming."

"Huh?"

"There's no way you're actually here right now."

"Do you need to me show you that you're really not dreaming?"

I nodded my head and closed my eyes, waiting for the painful sharpness of the pinch to come. When nothing happened, I opened my eyes and looked at him.

"Don't get angry at me."

"Huh?"

Ikuto lowered his head and pressed his lips against mine, before pulling away quickly. A tear slivered down my cheek as I felt my heart explode with a thousand different emotions.

"Ah, why are you crying? Was it the kiss? Damn it, I knew I should've warned you," he mumbled, obviously flustered.

"I missed you!" I blurted out, feeling my face flush immediately. "I really missed you Ikuto. I missed you so much it hurt. I want to tell you so many things, but I feel that once I do – once I blink – you'll disappear again. I want to spend every day with you and just talk about silly things, like before."

I sucked in a shaky breath and wiped my tears away.

"Wah that felt like a confession."

Embarrassment flowed throughout me when Ikuto's gaze met mine. I averted the eye contact quickly.

"Well its better than the 'I hate you too' you said before I left."

I blushed at the remembrance of the hospital scene. Sighing, Ikuto tugged on my arm once more and we began skating again.

"Amu?"

"Hmm?"

"Did you mean what you said? About wanting to spend every day with me?"

I nodded my head.

"Yeah."

"I'm not the best person in the world."

"It's okay."

"You better not take back anything you just said."

"Why would I?"

Frowning, I stared at his back.

"You better not take back anything you just said."

Was he going to disappear again? Is that why he's saying this? Why else would I need to take back my words?

Ikuto skidded to a stop.

"I'm going to let go of you now."

Terror-stricken, I tried to reach out for his hand but he pulled it out my reach and took a step back causing me to wobble back and forth to regain my balance. Bending my knees, I held my hands out to the side and glared at him.

"Do you have a death wish?!" I exclaimed. "I can't skate."

"Don't worry."

"Hey! Come back here!"

Sighing, Ikuto dragged a hand through his hair and shot me an impatient look.

"Do you remember the promise I made you?"

I froze and racked my brain for every single promise he had ever made.

"Wanting to protect me?"

"No."

"Uh...coming back in one piece?"

"No."

What else was there?

"Becoming your gir-

I blushed and Ikuto smirked.

"I have to break that promise though."

"Huh?"

"I don't want you to be my girlfriend."

I rolled my eyes and tried to scoot closer to him only for me to almost lose my balance once again.

"That's not funny Ikuto."

"I'm not joking."

Freezing, I looked from my skates to Ikuto.

Panic beat through me.

Was he leaving again?

I struggled to get towards him causing me to lose my balance. Ikuto quickly stuck an arm under me and lifted me back to place. When my balance was restored, he took a few steps back.

"Just stay still."

"You're going to leave again!" I exclaimed.

He raised a brow and sighed.

"No. Christ, I was trying to make this cool, but I guess it's not working."

"Huh?"

Ikuto got down on one knee and stared at me – a light tint of blush covering his cheeks.

"What's wrong?"

"Amu, I don't want you to be my girlfriend."

"You said that already," I muttered. "Why do-

"Be my wife."

"What?" I asked unbelievingly.

"Be my wife."

He stuck his hand into his pocket and pulled out a ring.

A crowd of skaters had already gathered around – cooing and shouting.

"Are you going to say no in front of all these people?" he smirked.

Standing up, he held his arms out.

"Amu Hinamori, will you be my wife?"

Tears welled in my eyes and I ran towards him, only to lose my balance and topple on top of him. From beneath me, Ikuto slid the ring onto my finger.

"That was a yes right?"

I nodded my head, my tears and laughter mixed together.

"Y-yes!"

Later

"Wait, are we just going to go in? What if they have a heart attack?"

Ikuto looked at me and chuckled. Without a word, he leaned in front of me and opened the door to my house.

"What the hell?" I questioned stepping in. "Why is it so dark?"

Groaning, I flipped on the light, only to have everyone jump out – confetti and streamers flying in the air.

"CONGRATULATIONS!"

Startled, I took a step back and stared at Ami who only beamed at me. Rima, Mayumi, and Utau suddenly rushed towards me and took my hand, examining the ring Ikuto had given me earlier thoroughly. Meanwhile, Sasuke, Kukai and Nagi rushed to Ikuto and hit him playfully.

"Oh my god, it's lovely!"

"I'm so happy for you!"

"Doesn't she look like she's glowing with joy?"

How was no one surprised that Ikuto was here?

I turned and pointed to Ikuto.

"Guys, look he's back."

"We know," they answered in unison.

"Wait-

"He got here early this morning," offered Shou slinging a shoulder over Ami's shoulder.

"So Shou and I devised a plan to get you two to meet up," finished Ami.

Astonished I looked from them to Ikuto who only grinned.

"Surprise."

Later

After everyone had left the party, Ikuto and I had snuck out to the park – sitting side by side on the swing set. A nearby streetlamp shined its light on the diamond ring currently wrapped around my ring finger. Grinning, I held my hand against my chest and rocked back and forth on the swing. Ikuto turned to look at me and placed his hand on my head.

"Why are you grinning to yourself Mrs. Tsukiyomi?"

"I'm happy," I murmured. "Is that a problem Mr. Tsukiyomi?"

"Well, I'm going to need a compensation fee."

I snapped my head in his direction.

"What for?"

"For making today one of the best days in your life."

I punched his shoulder playfully, "What do you want?"

Grinning, he pointed a finger to his lips.

"A kiss?"

"Initiated by you," he informed.

Rolling my eyes, I leaned forward and cupped his face – lowering my lips to his. Blushing, I pulled away, only to have him hold my head in place and press his forehead against mine.

"I love you Amu."

Pulling myself away quickly, I pressed a quick kiss on his cheek and turned around before he could notice the red tint coating my cheeks.

"Love you too."

x

"Hello?" asked the husky male voice.

"What the hell do you want?"

"Are you Amu?"

"Who else would I be dipshit?"

"Okay, Amu, I'm Ikuto Tsukiyomi, a negotiator."

"Okay? Like I said before, what do you want?" I asked, trying not to sound angry.

"Well first off, is everyone in that room okay?"

I looked around the room. Some of the hostages were just sitting there in a daze while those around them cried in fear and held onto each other. There were also those who stared at me with great pity and concern. Now if my past was different I would care, but it's not so I don't care.

X

"Let's see, 8 years old so that would be 3rd grade. Hmm…let's make a deal."

"What kind of deal?" I asked suspiciously.

"I'll give you $100,000 in scholarship money to complete your education along with your little sisters, if you promise not to do anything bad anymore. Deal?" he asked sticking out his hand.

"Deal," I smiled taking his hand and shaking it.

What I didn't know was that by shaking this officer's hand my life had already changed.

X

~The End~

Author's Notes

This feels so surreal. After practically two or three years of updates, I finally finished this story. And even though I feel like a piece of me had disappeared, I'm super thrilled and satisfied with how everything turned out.

And yes ^ Another supremely long chapter filled with oozing Amuto scenes because I'm sure EVERYONE has been waiting for something like this in the midst of all the negotiations, tears, drama, blood, battles, threats, and etc. I think this is one of my favorite chapters in this story. Probably because I've been wanting to write this scene since chapter like twenty or something.

Sorry if the epilogue came a little late. I've been obsessed with a few Korean/Taiwanese dramas recently. I've already seen Secret Garden, I Miss You/Missing You, and Autumn's Concerto. And so I was like, hmm let's watch some more. And while I was browsing, I remembered this one literally everyone gushed over, so I was like why not. GUYS. BOYS OVER FLOWERS = perfection. Omg. Like no. This drama leaves me speechless. And there's this other one which I can't get enough of. Like I honestly wish everyday would be Mondays & Tuesdays so new episodes would come out. Have you guys seen Dating Agency: Cyrano? Fangirling extremely because of how good it is.

Oh another thing I wanted to talk about.

BOYS OVER FLOWERS soundtrack. That is beautiful. I was so obsessed with the OST that I just ended up listening to it while I wrote up this chapter.

During the part where Amu was getting all those flashbacks and seeing Ikuto for the first time, I listened to "What Do I do?" by Jisun. I have to say, I really liked the combination of reading/writing the flashbacks while listening to that song.

And then during the ice skating portion, I listened to "Fight the Bad Feeling" by T-Max. GUYS. That one portion of the song where it's like Do-do-dodododo Bambambam that part. OMG. If you read the part where Ikuto proposes to Amu while listening to that portion, it feels like a scene in a movie.

ANYWAYS, I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO REVIEWED THE CHAPTER:

Animefan7272

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Guest

I'D ALSO LOVE LOVE LOVE TO GIVE ONE FINAL THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO'S BEEN READING MY STORY, REVIEWING, FAVORITING, LIKING, ETC. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. I DON'T KNOW HOW I WOULD'VE BEEN ABLE TO UPDATE FOR THIS LONG WITHOUT YOUR LOVELY SUPPORT! 3

This is the end for this story.

I've had a fantastic journey with you all.

I'll see some of you in my other stories hopefully.

Till then,

Read~Love~Review

Neko-Meme