Summary:

Whenever you hear the words 'once upon a time', the second thing that might pop into your mind is that it always ends with a 'happily ever after'... Once upon a time is a perfect way to start Mikan Sakura's life... But will she end up having a happily ever after too? Find out...

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Chapter 1: He's back

A limousine stopped in front of the Kaoran kingdom's palace. As the door slowly opened, out came the great prince Natsume Hyuuga. All of the people who have known him before noticed the BIG changes in physical emergence. He was then followed by his dad and they approached their 'friends', so they say. But as with all the commotion going on, the raven haired boy seemed to be looking for something or rather someone. Then he decided to go to the buffet table and there he met the oh-so-famous blackmailer, Imai Hotaru.

"She's at YOUR Sakura tree..."

"Thanks..."

As he stepped into the darkness, he noticed, by the light of the moon, a little girl sitting down. She was wearing a tube baby pink colored dress that reached an inch or so above her knees. Small artificial, red, pink and white roses were embedded on the tip of her dress. She was wearing white open sandals that had beads on it. Her long auburn hair was in a half ponytail and she had a silver butterfly clip to seal it.

"Oi... Long time no see polka dots"

"So, you did fulfill your promise, chocolate boy..."

"Who gave you the permission to give me a nickname?"

"Why? You didn't ask for my consent when you named me polka dots or ichigo kara..."

"Hey, it's not my fault that you keep on showing me your you know what..."

"Yeah, whatever..."

"You missed me didn't you?"

"And what if I did?"

"...Hn..."

Mikan and Natsume have been childhood friends. They're really tight. They first met when they were 6, back at the resort that Hotaru's dad owns. No one knows but them the reason why they got along together that well despite their personal differences. But hey, life IS full of surprises.

Natsume sat beside Mikan and they talked about 'stuff'...

Mikan: Has it really been that long? 6 years... I can't believe it...

Natsume: Tsk... Life there isn't easy... Well it would have if you were there... I was lucky I found Ruka...

Mikan: Who's he?

Natsume: I met him at Australia... He's really nice and royalty too... But unlike me, he grew up there... When he heard the news of me going back he tagged along...

Mikan: And so now he's here?

Natsume: Yeah... But I pity him though...

Mikan: Why?

Natsume: Because, he really doesn't want to be a king... He told me once that he wants to be a veterinarian one day and take care of animals... Even though at first I thought it was stupid, in the end I realized that being a vet is better than being a push over crowned head...

Mikan: I know someone like that... HE wants to be a doctor... He told me that back when we were 8... When I was in hospital and he took care of me... He is always there. He has dark raven hair, magnificent crimson orbs, and the BEST friend that anyone would have... Is there by any chance that you know him?

Natsume: Well, I know that right now he hopes that his dreams will turn out into something and not into nothing...

Mikan: Never stop believing Natsume, it will come...

Natsume: I hope so...

The night was getting deeper, but the two doesn't seem to notice in view of the fact that the two of them were really trying to catch up with their present lives. And for your information, Natsume did not even bother to go inside. He missed her too even though he did not want to admit it.

Natsume: Hey, how'd you turn from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan?

Mikan: Very funny Natsume...

Natsume: No really, I mean it...

Mikan: Well, when my glasses were so thick already, dad wanted to alter them into contact lenses... It wasn't really at ease at first but I got used to it anyway. I started to let my hair down 2 years ago at this party where Hotaru and I were invited... I find it comfortable and Hotaru also told me that I look better that way and so that's when it all began. My skin allergy never came back ever since I was 13. But still, dad asked me to be checked by a dermatologist to make sure it will not at all come back...

Natsume: You look better that way...

Mikan: Whatever...

(all of these are in their minds)

Natsume: It's funny that I'm always honest with you... I just don't know why...

Mikan: Natsume has changed a lot... Maybe someone changed him when he was still in Australia... Well, whoever he or she is I wanna thank him...

Natsume: If only you knew why I changed... Being apart from you was unbearable... At that time, I was willing to do absolutely anything just to go back... Ruka is nothing compared to you... You're very different from the others and maybe, that's why I consider you as someone very special...

Mikan: I want to make new memories with you...

(end of thoughts)

Natsume: Uh, Mikan?

Mikan: Yes?

Natsume hugs her... (a/n: Waaaahhhhh!!!)

Natsume: It's good to be back...

Mikan; I know...

Hotaru: (steps into the picture/ or to be more appropriate, takes their picture first) Uh, Mikan, dad says we have to go... We still have school tomorrow...

Mikan: Right... Sorry Natsume but we have to go... Anyway, are you going to school tomorrow?

Natsume: Yeah, I guess I'll be seeing you there...

Mikan: Bye!

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The next day,

"Beep! Beep!"

Mikan's alarm was going berserk and she still doesn't want to get up. Well, no one can blame her since it was still 6:00 in the morning. But she gave up knowing that her step sister might barge in again and awaken her 'personally'. It was a great Friday morning. It was also the day that Natsume will start to go to alice academy. She can't believe that things are going too fast. But hey, that's reality.

Hotaru: Baka... Hurry up or we'll be late for class...

Mikan: Right...

Mikan and Hotaru ride the car and went to school.

They were a little early...

Mikan: Hotaru?

Hotaru: Mm?

Mikan: Just go ahead to class I'll be going somewhere first...

Hotaru: Sure... But don't get yourself in trouble, Ok?

Mikan: Deal... Ja ne!

Mikan went to the music room... She got to the piano and started playing... she sang along as she played...

Mikan: If I could break this spell
I'd run to him today
And somehow I know he's on his way to me

You and I were meant to be

Far longer than forever
I'll hold you in my heart
It's almost like you're here with me
Although we're far apart

Then, a certain raven haired boy entered the music room. He sang along with the lovely brunette...


Natsume: Far longer than forever
As constant as a star
I close my eyes and I am where you are

Mikan: Sure as the dawn brings the sunrise
We've an unshakable bond

Natsume: Destined to last for a lifetime and beyond
Far longer than forever

Mikan: Far longer than forever

Natsume: I swear that I'll be true

Mikan: I swear that I'll be true

Natsume: I've made an

The both of them: Everlasting vow
To find a way to you

Far longer than forever
Like no love ever known

Mikan: And with your love

The both of them: I'll never be alone

Mikan: Far longer than forever

Natsume: Much stronger than forever

Mikan: And with your love I'll never be alone

-song end-

Natsume: You never got tired of that song have you?

Mikan: Yeah... I kind of wish that I'll have the same story as that girl in the story...

Natsume: Tsk... You're life is already a fairytale... Being adopted by a King, having an icy-cold step sister princess...

Mikan: Huh, and having the most eligible bachelor-prince as a best friend...

Natsume: ...

Mikan: But I want to experience something that really happens in fairytales...

Natsume: What? A love life? You're gonna make me puke polka...

(Dring!)

Mikan: That's the school bell... We have to go... what is your first period?

Natsume: The same one you're having...

Mikan: Oh, ok... Let's go together...

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Natsume's school schedule...

1st period: Chemistry class

2nd period: Math class

3rd period: Gym class

4th period: Music class

5th period: Literature

-Lunch-

6th period: Biology

7th period: Art class

After class activities: Basketball practice

Mikan's school schedule...

1st period: Chemistry class

2nd period: Gym class

3rd period: English class

4th period: Music class

5th period: History class

-Lunch-

6th period: Home economics

7th period: Art class

After school activities: swimming team for girls, or church choir

After classes, (Mikan's POV)

I went to my locker and stocked my books there. Then I notice some pink paper inside. I picked it up and started to read it...

"Meet me in front of the ice cream house later after your swimming practice... The one that has a small playground near it...

-Natsume

Mikan just smiled and kept the note in the pocket of her bag. She got her swimming attire and headed off to the school's pool. With her were Anna, Yura, Era, and Mie. (I created Mie and Era)

Coach: Alright girls, in 2 weeks time you know that we'll be having the competition against the Tokyo University swimming team... Mikan, I'm going to let you match up with Sumire Shouda...

Mikan: WHAT?! B-But c-coach, she's known to be undefeated... How could I possibly be any match to her?

Coach: As far as I'm concerned, I know what you can do Mikan... I've seen you many times... I believe in your abilities...

Anna: WOAH! Way to go Mi-chan...

Mie: Yeah, I want to see that obnoxious, abhorrent, despicable wannabe's face after you beat her on the 30th...

Coach: (whistle) Now let's start our practice...

-fast forward-

Yura: Hey Mikan, wanna hang out with us?

Mikan: Thanks, but no thanks Yura... I have to meet someone...

Era: Really? Who is it?

Mikan: That is for me to know and for you to find out... Ja!

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At the ice cream house...

Mikan: I'll get one vanilla and chocolate on a Belgian cone please...

Seller: Here you go...

Mikan: Thank you!

Mikan hands to Natsume his ice cream... Then they walk towards the small playground. They sat down at the swings and started to chat.

Natsume: So, you're still up with the swimming thing huh?

Mikan: Why? What's wrong with it anyway? And besides, that's just for extra points at school... You already know that I want to be an event planner...

Natsume: It would be greater if you're a swimmer... Just imagine, one day you'll be Japan's heroine...

Mikan: But I don't want to swim all the days of my life... What am I? A fish?

Natsume: I couldn't see the difference between the fish and you so probably you're similar to it...

Mikan: Very funny...

Natsume: I really missed teasing you... (to himself) or if you just remove the word 'teased' to be more appropriate...

Mikan: Hm? What was that last part?

Natsume: Nothing...

The sun was already setting and if you'll look at them, it's as if they were a couple...

Natsume: Hey, I'll take you home...

Mikan: But Hotaru might get mad at me...

Natsume: It's already done... I've already asked her permission...

Mikan: Her permission?

Natsume: Tsk... Let's just go, ok little girl?

Mikan: Whatever...