AUTHOR'S Note & DISCLAIMER: I do not own Gakuen Alice. I am merely a simple, worshipping fan who is trying to express myself through creative writing. I'm a newcomer so please don't be too harsh. Happy reading! )
Chapter 1.
"Oh sweet daffodils
Ignored by the beautiful Persephone
As she was whisked by Hades' chariot, with wheels fiery and wild
Into a place dark, cold and unknown"
Pathetic. Pointless. This whole thing won't work. It won't sell. It just won't. Hyuuga Natsume dabbed furiously at the canvas, trying to see the painting's beauty, trying to see how it stood out. Tilting his head slightly, he sighed miserably as he shifted his attention to the thing he was painting, his so-called model.
Shouda Sumire struggled to keep her balance on the tree branch, trying her best to sit up with the grace and poise she was supposed to be exuding. Her shoulders were cold and her fingers were a marvelous shade of blue. Her raven hair, which was styled into long curls, had long ago gone into an uncontrollable frizz and the lyre she was holding was slipping from her fingers. Her make-up was starting to crack, and no matter what she did to look like the muse she was supposed to be, she just ended up looking like a sad excuse for a painter's "stunner".
Her face was not that repulsive. She wasn't fat either. In fact, she was attractive and had a taut, youthful body that everyone would envy. It was just that SHE DID NOT STAND OUT.
Natsume ran his fingers through his dark hair as he lost the last strand of inspiration which he had. The only reason that I'm painting Shouda was because she insisted that she can withstand posing for hours just to help me with this project.
"Umm, Natsume-kun..? I think we should call it a day. I'm really cold. Perhaps we can continue tomorrow?," Sumire chirped shrilly, as she tried her best to stop shivering. Squirming a bit and trying to bat her eyelashes, she smiled pleadingly at the artist. Natsume grunted as he stood up and started packing his brushes and paints and though he hasn't said anything, Sumire took this as a signal to come down and finally move her stiff joints. Sitting up on a tree and keeping a pose for three hours was no joke, and the concept of modeling for a painter didn't interest Sumire in the least. She didn't even like art. The only thing that kept her going was the goal of trying to please Natsume, trying to make him happy. Trying to make him fall in love with her.
Natsume and Sumire have known each other since childhood. Natsume only saw Sumire as a mere acquaintance and nothing more, though unfortunately, Sumire had developed a rather strong infatuation for the handsome artist. In fact, this infatuation has stretched on so far, that it has fed Sumire with the illusion that Natsume was secretly in love with her and would one day confess his everlasting affection.
She was, sadly, only one of his numerous fan girls and admirers.
Hyuuga Natsume was the most eligible bachelors in Japan, and though he had a certain attitude that isn't the most pleasant of personalities, his ruby red eyes and trademark smirk had an overwhelming power on the nation's female population.
"Don't be late for dinner just because you need to powder your face. I hate it when people make food wait. I don't even understand why you wear such a ridiculous amount of the stuff. Ever heard of 'the natural look?" These words were uttered by the dashing painter with such oozing sarcasm and ridicule as he headed towards the mansion." Make sure you don't leave anything in the garden."
With an irritated jerk of the head, he went through the doors and left the teary-eyed girl standing amidst the fallen leaves. With nothing but a sheet to cover herself, Sumire turned to get her clothing. Realization will hit you soon, Natsume, she sniffed as a tear rolled down her cheek, I'm willing to wait.