New Experiences with Another Twist!
It was only one more day before the awaited ball. Everyone was thrilled to bits by the news. The royals as well, were thrilled, mostly the king and queen. Ikuto and Utau were not as excited. The only reason they wanted the ball is because Kukai and the rest of their friends were coming along, other than that they'd rather be locked in a room.
As of now, Ikuto was free to do as he wished. He and Utau had been granted freedom for the day since they had to attend a ball the next day. Ikuto spent his time, as much time as he could, with Amu.
"Hm, so far, Mai hasn't done anything reckless." Said Ikuto then he asked "You aren't hiding anything are you?"
"No, of course not." Amu replied as she shook her head in response. "Why would I?" she asked confused.
"I figured that if Mai said anything, you'd end up hiding it from me since you don't want to get anyone else involved." Ikuto replied with a shrug.
"I could do that…" started Amu.
"Oh no, don't you even think about doing something like that." Said Ikuto "It's not going to help anybody, not even you."
"I know okay, you don't have to panic." Smiled Amu. "But I don't want you to get hurt though." She admitted.
"You know she won't be able to hurt me either way." Said Ikuto "You should worry more about what could happen to you."
"That's easier said than done Ikuto. I do worry about you and everyone else too you know." She replied with a pout.
Ikuto smiled at her reaction, then he held her tight and spoke "There's nothing wrong with worrying about others, but you also have to worry about what can happen to you." He paused for a moment and faced her completely "Listen, I just don't want you to end up getting hurt Amu."
Amu held his hands with hers and smiled "Thank you for worrying about me. I promise to be careful. I really will, so please, don't worry too much okay?"
"Hm, alright, just don't do anything reckless." Replied Ikuto.
"I won't." She told him with another smile.
The two of them continued to talk while walking around the palace. Because the two were always together, there were times that gossip could already be heard. The maids and the rest of the workers would whisper things like….
"Oh there they are again. The prince sure pays a lot of attention to her. They're always together it's like they're both inseparable. "
"Do you think it's possible that he feels attracted to her?"
"No! The king and queen would never allow such a thing. But still, he's never paid so much attention to anyone."
"The prince is in love! Magnificent!"
"And she's such a nice girl too. I wonder how long it's been…"
These things would be the main topic most of the time, especially now that the ball is on its way. So, as Ikuto and Amu were walking around, it was no longer new to them that people were gossiping about them and what they were doing. To Amu and Ikuto, they'd spend as much time as they could before the ball.
While Amu and Ikuto spend their time together, Utau had her own agenda. She would go to town as always. Her routine was simple, she'd go to town, and mainly, she'd visit Kukai and then everyone else.
Today was no different. Utau had decided to go to town, and she was going to spend her free time today to the fullest. "Today is the last day I have of freedom before that ball, and I am not going to let anyone ruin it for me, especially not Ryo." She told herself. This was the main reason why Utau had decided to leave early.
Utau had once again asked for Musashi's help to get to town without Ryo knowing that she left early. Utau quickly got into the carriage and Musashi took her to town once again.
"Thanks a lot Musashi. I really do appreciate this." She told him with a smile.
"Not a problem at all princess." He replied with a smile.
"I do owe you. You always are so kind to us. Thanks for dropping me off." Utau told him and then, before she could say another word, she heard an all too familiar voice suddenly call her attention.
"Oi, Utau, here again?" Utau turned around, and as she expected, it was no other than Kukai himself.
"Kukai." She went and suddenly gave the energetic boy a hug.
"Hey, glad to see you too Utau." Kukai laughed a bit and then he gladly hugged her back "How's is going now? You doing alright?"
"Shouldn't I be?" she asked him.
"Hm, well knowing you hate balls, and one's about to come up tomorrow, I thought you'd stay at home and rest." He told her with a shrug as soon as they broke from the hug.
"I don't like balls all that much, scratch that, I rarely like it at all, but I can highly make an exception for tomorrow." Utau said with a smile.
"Let me guess….it's because I'll be there right?" Kukai said with a grin.
"You better drop your ego." Teased Utau back and then she laughed a bit before she replied "But yeah, I guess it's because you and the others would be there, and mainly you."
"Aw, I'm touched." Replied Kukai.
Utau couldn't help but laugh again and then she turned to Musashi "Thanks again Musashi. You can go back now if you want to."
"Thank you Hime-san." Said Musashi "I'll be here to pick you up later on. And I'll make sure that Ryo doesn't find out about it." He smiled.
"Thanks." Replied Utau "I doubt he'd go look for me here."
"Well then, I must get going. I might have other orders from the king and queen." Said Musashi he then turned to Kukai and smiled "I leave her to you sir."
"Count on it." Replied Kukai with a smile and a thumbs up.
Utau blushed and spoke "Alright you two, enough of that. I can take care of myself you know."
"True, but that doesn't stop me from taking care of you while you're here." Said Kukai with a warm smile.
"Hmp." Utau turned away from him, but she was touched deep down.
"Well, we'll see you around then Musashi?" said Kukai.
"Yes, I'll be back here later. I bid you both farewell. Have a good day." He told them both and then he turned to leave.
Kukai saw him off and then he turned to Utau "He's a really nice guy."
"I know. Musashi has always been so kind to help me out." Said Utau with a smile "He helps Ikuto at times too."
"That's nice to hear." He told her and then he waited for a while before speaking again. "Come on, the others are waiting for us now."
"Right, I almost forgot about that. Sorry to have kept you." Apologized Utau.
"No problem. I'm fine with it. Come on, we better get going." Kukai held her hand and the two of them began to walk to Kukai's place both of them not letting go of the other…
When they arrived at the Souma residence, Utau saw everyone there, as in everyone. Yaya, Daichi, Rima, Ran, Dia, Miki, Su, Nagihiko, Rhythm, Temari and even Ami. All of them were in the Souma household. They were helping out at the restaurant too.
"What are they all doing here?" asked Utau shocked.
"The restaurant was packed today, so before you came, I went to get help from the others. They said it was fine." Said Kukai with a smile. "And they're doing a great job too. They came here because the Yamabukis were out again today. "
"Sure looks like it." Agreed Utau "Ami seems to be having fun too. But don't people get to recognize her as a Hinamori?" she whispered the last part so only Kukai could hear.
"No one knew if the Hinamori kids as much, Ami was just a little kid when their parents passed and the rumors spread, so many think that they're both gone and it was like they never even existed." Said Kukai sadly "It's kind of sad that way."
"…" Utau didn't speak for a while and remained silent. It took a while but she soon spoke up. "So, no one knows about her either?"
"Nope, not even now." Said Kukai as he shook his head "That's why we can take her to places without anyone caring about it."
"I see…" said Utau.
Kukai saw her expression and spoke "Don't think about it too much, we're doing fine like this, and Ami doesn't seem to mind."
"She knows?" asked Utau shocked.
"Not all of it, a part of it yes. She knows that the Yamabukis aren't family and that Amu's working hard for her sake." Said Kukai "But we haven't really told her anything."
"Well, I guess it's enough to know for someone her age." Said Utau.
Utau and Kukai looked at their friends for a while and then Kukai suddenly got an idea. "Do you want to try?" he asked her with a grin.
"Try what?" Utau asked her confused.
"Working in a restaurant?" he asked her. The grin he had was still clear on his face.
"Are you kidding me? Me work….here?" she asked again.
"Why not?" asked Kukai with a shrug "Don't you think it'll be a good experience? You know, this may be a once in a lifetime experience." He grinned again.
"You're not joking aren't you Kukai?" Utau asked him.
"Nope, it's a serious offer." He replied with a smile "Do you want to give it a shot? It's fun really, especially with everyone here."
"Hm…." Utau thought about it and when she was about to agree, she thought of something and asked "One question, people will find out that it's me, and I'm trying to avoid that."
"Simple, let your hair down or something, use some kind of disguise." Said Kukai and then he started to tease her "Unless of course….you aren't up for it?"
Utau looked at him quizzically and then she spoke "Are you trying to challenge me Kukai Souma?"
"What if I am?" he asked again.
"Oh alright. That's how you want to play it? Fine I'm in." said Utau with a smile.
"Alright! Now that's what I'm talking about! Come on, come with me." Said Kukai as he took Utau's hand and they both walked into the kitchen.
Daichi was taking in the orders while Rhythm and Su were cooking the food and the rest of them were taking down orders and helping in washing dishes and silverware, then he heard the doors of the kitchen open. He turned around and saw Kukai along with Utau walking inside.
"Hey Kukai, what's up?" asked Daichi then he looked at Utau "Looks like he bumped in to you on his way back."
"Yeah he did." Said Utau with a smile. "Looks like people are coming in and out of here today. The place is much more crowded that usual."
"It sure is." Agreed Daichi.
"Why's that?" asked Utau confused "Some kind of occasion?"
"Kind of? I'm not so sure, we decided to open twice as early today since we'll be closed tomorrow because of the ball. People just keep coming." Replied Daichi.
"That means business will be going well with you guys. That's nice." Replied Utau with a smile.
"Thanks." Said Daichi with a grin then he looked back at Kukai and asked "So, what's she doing here in the kitchen?"
"Utau's here to help out." Stated Kukai.
"Help out?" asked Ran confused.
"She's gonna work." When Kukai said this, everyone seemed to stop what they were doing and they stared at Kukai like he was crazy.
"What?" asked Kukai.
"Um….Kukai, you do know what you're talking about….right?" asked Daichi "You're going to make her work? As in, labor?"
"Why not?" asked Kukai with a shrug "She's one of us now isn't she? And she told me she'd be happy to." Kukai gave Utau a grin.
"But…she's a princess Kukai." Said Miki.
"That's righ~desu. We can't make her do that." Said Su.
"It's fine. I think I can manage." Defended Utau, but deep down she was curious about all this work, seeing as she's never been told to work…ever.
"Are you sure about this Kukai?" asked Rima as she suddenly came in the kitchen and handed Daichi another list of orders.
"Come on you guys. It'll be fun." Said Kukai with a smile "What harm will a little work do to anyone?"
The others looked at each other and then some sighed. Nagihiko then stepped up and spoke "Why don't we let her?" he said.
"Nagi." Started Rima.
"Don't worry Rima-chan, we wont overdo it." Then he looked at Kukai "Right Souma-kun?"
"Yeah, it's just for a bit of fun." Said Kukai with a nod.
"Well…I guess it wouldn't hurt." Said Rima as she gave in, and soon, the others agreed too. Suddenly Temari came inside and smiled "Looks like you've all attracted quite a crowd."
"Temari-oneesan?" asked Kukai questioningly "Weren't you and Ami here just a few minutes ago?"
"Yes, well Ami felt sleepy and I took her to one of your spare rooms, that is f you don't mind." Said Temari.
"No, it's fine." Replied Kukai before he looked over at Utau. "Now, shall we get to work?"
"Alright." Agreed Utau with a nod.
Kukai gave her simple instructions to follow. She'd go and do what Rima and some of the others were doing. Take down orders, and bring them over to the kitchen. Once she's taken them down, she has to repeat the orders to make sure they're complete. Then lastly, when the food is done, she has to serve it to the designated table.
"Did you get all that?" asked Kukai.
"Sounds simple enough." Stated Utau.
Kukai gave her a grin and spoke "Oh we'll see."
Utau took out her ponytail and let her hair down, hoping that no one would recognize her.
Rima spoke with Utau and gave her some pieces of advice before she let her do her job. "Just remember to be all polite and don't frown. Keep up smile, even if you don't want to and if you keep doing that, it'll avoid any misunderstandings, accidents and other unnecessary things. Plus, don't forget to double-check the orders so you wont miss anything."
"Alright, thanks Rima" Utau gave her a smile.
"No prob. Now go." Rima went off to a table to get their orders while Utau went to another.
Utau went to a table with a whole family in it. There was a mother a father and two little kids which she pictured to be six or seven and the other about ten.
"Good morning sir." Greeted Utau "What will you have for today?" she asked.
"Oh." The man looked at her and he stared for a bit then he smiled back, a kind smile. "Um alright then, well have…." He told her what they wanted and, like she was told, she repeated and double checked everything.
"Is that all sir?" she asked.
"Yes, that would be all. Thank you." The man told her.
"Alright, it will be served shortly." With that, she bowed kindly and then went back into the kitchen.
"Nice job." Kukai greeted her with a smile. He was watching her the whole time. "Not bad for a first try."
"Thanks." She told him with a smile and then she added "It was kid of fun."
"Hm, glad you enjoyed it." Said Kukai with a smile and then Utau handed him the order that she got.
"So, what now?" asked Utau.
"You go to another table that needs you. You assist them when you see the food that's being ordered on the counter, you then take it to the designated table that ordered it." Said Kukai.
"Oh…" replied Utau.
"Don't worry about it. You won't get confused. Temari-oneesan's minding the counter, so she'll probably tell you where you should take the orders that are being placed there." Said Kukai with a smile.
"Alright, I better go to the next one then." Utau walked out the kitchen Kukai watched her leave and then he smiled. He heard Daichi speak behind him.
"You sure are enjoying this aren't you Kukai? Watching her like that?" he told his brother.
"I don't enjoy watching her work as much as I enjoy watching her smile. She's never been this happy the first time we met." Said Kukai.
"She's starting to smile more now isn't she?" asked Miki.
"Yeah she is. And that's what makes it fun to watch. It's good to know that she's enjoying herself now." Said Kukai.
"And it's all because of you." Daichi and everyone else said at the same time.
Kukai couldn't help but laugh at that and he soon spoke "You sure it's because of me? I don't think so."
"Quit being modest Kukai." Said Rima as she came in "Sure it's because of all of us, but it's mostly because of you. She comes here mainly because you're here."
"True, you don't see her looking for any of us all the time do you?" asked Nagihiko with a grin.
"She enjoys it here because you're always here with her. Don't you get it?" asked Ran.
"Well, whatever you say guys. I think it's the other way around." Said Kukai "I like it when she's here all the time. Makes me want to wake up everyday." As he said this, he grinned.
"Oh and where did you get that line?" asked Miki jokingly "A book?"
"Nice one Kukai." Said Daichi with a laugh.
"Oh and no one comments when Nagi says things like that?" Kukai asked with a laugh.
"Because it fits when Nagi say it and it just doesn't seem like your thing being all mushy." Said Ran.
Nagihiko laughed a bit at this and he heard Rima speak "That's enough already." Said Rima with a grin "Shouldn't we all be working right now? Not fooling around?"
"Right, working." Agreed Kukai and then he added, "We better start working before Utau comes in here and sees us fooling around."
And work they did. As they were doing their jobs, Utau was doing very well with hers. It didn't take her long to talk with the customers and even laugh with some of them too. She soon stumbled back into the first table and served their meal.
"There you go sir." Said Utau as she placed the different meals in the table of the happy family.
"Ah thank you so much." Said the man and the kids seemed to smile at her.
"My pleasure." Replied Utau with a smile.
As she paced everything in it's place the man asked "So, young lady, is it your first time working here? We haven't noticed you here before."
Utau sweat-dropped and then she replied. "Well, yes it is."
"I see…." Replied the man.
"You seem to be very close to Kukai and Daichi and their friends." This time it was his wife that spoke.
"Yes, they're very kind to me. I've met them by…accident and they accepted me. They were always so kind to me I owe them much." Said Utau.
"I see. Well you seem very kind to them as well." Said the man "They deserve as much, especially after all that they've been through…."
Utau's interest was caught after the man had said this. "What do you mean?" she asked him confused. "Did something happen to them?"
"Ah that…didn't he tell you?" asked the man.
"No…I don't know about his history…" replied Utau.
"Not about his parents?" he asked her again.
Utau simply shook her head in reply. Now that she thought about it…. She knew Rima's parents abandoned her, Nagi's passed away that's why Temari was left, Miki and the others three were taken in by the Hinamoris long ago, but she's never heard of Kukai and Daichi discuss their family at all.
"What happened?" asked Utau.
"Well, to cut the story short, their parents passed away a long time ago." Said the man. "They were still kids back then."
"…" Utau remained silent as she listened.
"Their parents were…in a sense murdered." Said the man "They were close friends of ours."
"That would explain how he knew so much about them." Thought Utau.
"They were killed right in front of those two boys." Said the man. "The reasons why weren't clear, but it was a sad story nonetheless. We wanted to tak them in, but they wouldn't let us. They wanted to learn to take care of themselves and so this is where they are now. I'm impressed with those two."
Utau could reply at first and then she soon spoke "I see…I…I'll just leave it to him, when it'll be alright for Kukai to tell me…"
"Alright then…thank you." Utau smiled, at least she tried her best to smile, before she walked back in the kitchen in silence.
When Utau entered the kitchen she was silent and she didn't, or rather couldn't say anything. She did though, hear Kukai call her and speak. He was currently facing elsewhere so he didn't see her, and she was too preoccupied in her own thoughts to understand whatever it is he was trying to say.
"Utau?" asked Kukai, his back was still turned.
"…" Still there was no answer….
"Utau?" Kukai called again and still, no answer…
"Um…Kukai, you better turn around, like…now." Said Daichi as he whispered this to his brother.
"What?" asked Kukai confused.
"Turn around man." Said Daichi.
When Kukai turned around he saw Utau staring at the ground and tears were falling from her face and dropping on the floor.
"Eh?" asked Kukai shocked "Utau? Hey what's wrong? Why are you crying?" he asked her.
Utau shook her head and it seemed to him like she was telling him not to worry because it was nothing. Kukai want over to her and gave her a hug.
"Sure doesn't seem like nothing." He told her then he asked "Did something happen?"
Utau remained silent for a while and she heard Daichi speak "I'll….go get her a glass of water." He seemed to be talking to Kukai.
"Come on Utau, you can tell me, what's up?" asked Kukai again.
"I'm sorry." She replied.
"Sorry? For what? You didn't do anything wrong." Stated Kukai.
"I…I heard about it…I…" she stated.
"What?" asked Kukai confused. "Come on, let's…go somewhere we can talk privately okay?" Utau nodded and Kukai took her to one of the rooms in their home and that's where the two of them started to talk.
Utau looked at him and Kukai wiped her tears away and then she told him what she heard. She told him the whole story of what had happened and then, she waited for his reaction. She hoped that Kukai wouldn't get mad at her or worst is to hate her.
Kukai stayed silent and then she smiled at her warmly "Hey, if that's what you're worried about, it's nothing." He assured her.
"Aren't you mad?" asked Utau. "And…I never knew that you lived like that…"
"Hm, well….my parents were…they were really something to me and Daichi." Started Kukai "But…I think my parents would have wanted the two of us to be happy."
"…Don't you miss them?..." asked Utau softly.
"Of course I miss them. I mean, we both do, but sometimes I just don't want to think about it, but those memories would always be with me. I don't want to be lonely about it, knowing that my parents would have wanted me to be happy." Said Kukai with a smile.
"I see…" said Utau.
"You don't have to worry about me that much. I'm fine really, and I don't feel as bad when they used to bring this topic up." Said Kukai.
"Did you find them?" she asked him.
"Find who?" asked Kukai confused.
"The people who…murdered your parents?" she was a bit hesitant to ask.
"Hm, sadly….no. We never did get to look for them, but whoever those people are…" Kukai didn't finish he cut himself off.
The two of them stayed in a long moment of silence before soon, Kukai spoke again. "Hey Utau." He started.
"Yeah?" she asked him confused.
"Don't think that this would change anything between us okay?" he said with a smile "I wont treat you any different and I hope you won't too."
"I won't, I promise." Said Utau and this time, she was able to muster a real smile on her face. She gave Kukai a hug, and the two of them stayed that way, knowing that whatever happens, they'll face things together.
Soon, as Musashi had promised, he came back for Utau. When it was time for her to leave she didn't forget to greet everyone a goodbye.
"I had loads of fun. Although things were pretty new to me, I wouldn't have had it any other way. Thanks everyone." Said Utau with a smile.
"No problem Utau-chan but you have to come back." Said Yaya happily.
"She will." Said Kukai with a smile "She always does…"
"Eh?" asked Yaya confused as she looked from Kukai to Utau "What's going on?"
"Be careful on your way back alright?" said Rima with a smile.
"Say hi to Amu-chan for us too." Said Nagihiko.
"I will, and you guys better not forget about tomorrow. I'll be expecting you there." Said Utau.
"We'll be there don't worry about it." Said Miki with a smile.
"Right." Agreed Ran "We wouldn't miss it."
After all the goodbyes, Utau gave Kukai one more hug before going back home. As she looked outside the small windows of the carriage, she knew she'd never forget this day. She got to know more about his history and she also got to try something new. For the first time in her life, she was actually looking forward for the ball tomorrow, because she knew that it was going to be new and an experience they'll never forget….
Later that Evening…
Later that night, Amu had just got back to her room. Ikuto had promised to stop by, and she knew that he'd be there in a few minutes. She smiled as she knew that she'd be seeing all her friends again tomorrow.
Amu sat on her bed and then she sighed, today was quite tiring and she knew that it'd be even much more of a hassle the day after. With the ball approaching, she knew a lot of people were making as much preparations here and there.
She went to the window and opened it, she wanted to feel the cool breeze of the night. She saw a full moon shinning brightly in the background and smiled. Then, Amu heard the door open and she spoke.
"Took you long enough Ikuto." She said with a slight laugh.
To her own surprise, she didn't get a reply, she mainly heard the footsteps approaching. She knew something was wrong. It was either Ikuto was playing some kind of trick, or this person just wasn't him. And Amu took the second option.
She asked "Who's there?" and then she turned around to see her unexpected guest.
"Hmp, looks like you were expecting him again. Is this a daily routine?" It was Mai. She was the one who came in her room.
"Mai." Stated Amu "What are you doing here? Haven't you heard ever of knocking?" she asked.
"From the tone of your voice, Ikuto doesn't seem to knock when he comes in here. You were assuming that it was him weren't you?" she said, and it was evident that she was mad.
"Answer the question." Stated Amu "What could you possibly want from me?"
"I want to talk to you." Mai stated.
"Really now? Haven't we had a talk before, and you didn't listen." Said Amu.
"Please, this time it just doesn't have to do with Ikuto or Utau." Stated Mai "Now, you're in it too."
"What are you talking about?" asked Amu.
"Hm…you mean you don't know? How you're ruining everything for Ikuto?" she stated with an evil glint in her eyes.
"W-what?" Amu stood there shocked and didn't know what else to say.
"Hm looks like I got you attention then. Don't worry though, this is going to be the last time that I'm going to talk to you…again." Said Mai.
Amu knew Mai was up to something, she wanted to call Ikuto or even Utau, but what was she supposed to say? And how was she supposed to call them when Mai was blocking the door? Now she has o choice but to listen, but the question was….what did Mai want to talk about? And what does it have to do with Ikuto?