(no subject)
She never did stop loving him.
Even after she had finally accepted Amu, a part of her still hoped that Ikuto would realize that he did care for her more than a sister, and that she was the one for him. Utau had their first date all planned out-- although, admittedly, she had to completely change it after they got stuck on the island. It wouldn't have been anything fancy; a stroll around the island, a picnic, maybe if they were lucky the island could have a dance or something that day. She'd hold his hand, and he wouldn't push her away, and everything would be perfect. Maybe, she thought, he wouldn't even push her away if she kissed him. Or he could kiss her.
But no matter how long she believed in that dream, Utau knew that it was impossible. She toyed with the ring that now rested on her finger, wondering if it would always feel this cold. It was probably a feeling that she'd eventually get used to. It was a gorgeous ring, she was shocked that something so elegant could be found on the island. Unless he asked for it directly, but the idea that the rock would give away something so beautiful away without a price was doubtful. She hadn't told anyone yet, although some people acted as if they already knew about it. The hug Katara had given her had lasted a little too long.
She wasn't exactly sure what to do after she had finished packing. She sat on the edge of Ikuto's bed, tracing her fingers along the stitches of the quilt she had made for him a few Christmases ago. It was badly done, the colors on it clashed horribly, but he still kept it anyway. The shells that she collected when they went to the beach together for the first time still sat on the table, as well as other small trinkets Utau had forced upon him over their stay. Utau had expected him to throw them all out the moment she turned her back, and that was probably his first instinct, but for some reason he decided not to. Yoru probably scolded him. Or Amu.
As if the name had called to him, Ikuto entered the room, pausing slightly when he took notice of his sister. Taking in the situation, he leaned against the wall. "You're moving out?"
Utau bit her lower lip. "I... Someone proposed to me! Even though he's really stupid, and I rather eat dirt than kiss him, I-- I think I do like him. Ikuto, I wanted to stay with you, especially after it didn't really... work out with Amu--" she flinched at the expression he made "--but I don't think that I can anymore. You can hate me, but please don't think I'm abandoning you, Ikuto!"
Silence greeted her. Her eyes were starting to water, and she was getting ready to leave as quickly as possible before she made it worse, when he started to laugh. It was a quiet chuckling at first, which gradually grew louder. "You found someone, eh? I was wondering if you were ever going to leave."
It was times like these where she wanted to do nothing but cling to him. Tell him to forget about any other girl, and that she'd always be there for him no matter what. But she knew that if she told him that now, it'd just be a lie. She couldn't follow him around anymore, or yell at Darry for talking to him, or even compete with Amu. One little thing could change so much.
So she just nodded, gathered up her things, and left the room.