A/N: Alright, so this here is my first ever songfic, so please take it easy on me. I was in the car, my ipod was on shuffle and BAM the idea for a twoshot songfic. I just HAD to write it. It was like a pebble in the shoe. This also mainly why I haven't written the 8th chapter of 'Rewind'.

Seriously, my outlet for fluff has become fanfics...

This song is called 'Little Wonders' by Rob Thomas


Little Wonders: The Departure

Mikan's POV

Let it go

Mikan Sakura sat on the edge of the bed in her dormitory, spacing out as she pondered on events and reminisced on memories. Her eyes swept her almost empty dorm; this was her last hour at Alice Academy. Her last time in this room.

Let it roll right off your shoulders

She had spent the morning bidding emotional farewells with all of her friends. Hotaru. Ruka. Inchou. Anna. Permy. Nonoko.

Don't you know?

She had decided to join her mother as she left the academy. Mikan wanted to be there to support her and provide her companionship. She also wanted to spend time with her. If possible, to take back the twelve years of her absence, to fill the void.

The hardest part is over

There was no longer the Elementary School Principal there to mess up their lives. In some ways, there was a new-found peace for all of them. However – and to the disappointment of so many people – Yuka was still a wanted criminal, and thus had to flee immediately. In fact, Mikan's decision to leave with her was sudden. Too sudden.

Let it in, let your clarity define you

Mikan took a deep breath. There's no going back now and she didn't regret her decision. Burning determination blazed in her eyes – a trait which she inherited from her mother. She will be strong for her mother. She was not about to let her suffer all on her own again. Not any more. It was even worth leaving her friends.

In the end

But it's not like it will be forever. She will see them again. That was a promise. She was still Mikan and they were still her cherished friends. Those were bonds that were impossible to break.

You will only just remember how it feels

But there was something that they gave to her, of the utmost value, that no one could take away from her... the memories.

Our lives are made, in these small hours

How many happy memories and adventures had she shared with them? Everything. They had become her family. The past year and a half had certainly been the best in her life. It was thanks to them. It was those experiences that would be with her forever.

These little wonders, these twists and turns of fate

The discovery of her Alice; the gaining of friends (some harder to win over than others); the Alice festival; the Christmas Ball (at which Mikan found herself blushing at the memory); the Hana Hime adventures; the discovery of her mothers past. All of that had happened here at the Academy. This place was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

Time falls away, but these small hours still remain

Now she had to leave the academy. But somehow, it was okay. They could take the place itself away, but not all the times she'd shared with dear friends within it. A reminiscent smile graced Mikan's features.

Let it slide, let your troubles fall behind you

The auburn haired twelve-year-old stood up. She took a few steps towards her small suitcase and grabbed the handle. Standing tall and firm, she knew it. She was ready. Everything was all set... almost.

Let it shine, until you feel it all around you

She was told to wait for an escort to take her to the front gates to meet with her mother. Her smile adjusted itself into a smirk because she had an inkling as to who it might be. Right on cue, there was a soft knock at her door. Her smirk was wiped right off as she hurriedly dragged her suitcase towards the exit.

And I don't mind

She stopped just before the door, bracing herself for what might be on the other side. Was she really ready for … this? Swallowing the huge lump in her throat, she extended her hand. Carefully placing it on the brass handle, she slowly and cautiously turned it.

If it's me you need to turn to

As expected – and secretly feared – there stood before her a crimson eyed boy with lengthy jet black hair. Mikan's heart skipped a beat for at least a good three seconds. It was Natsume. It was unmistakably and undeniably Natsume.

But there was something slightly unusual about him. Instead of the wild roaring flames of his crimson orbs, it was strangely calm. But it was full of sadness. Such a deep heartache. The intensity of his gaze forced Mikan to cringe in the slightest. Here he was... the last thing to settle.

We'll get by

She held his eager glare with unfaltering conviction. They stared for who knows how long. Drinking in each others features, burning the image into their minds. The connection was unbelievably strong. It made Mikan feel weak at her knees, but she tried her best to stand firm.

It's the heart that really matters in the end

She won't see Natsume for so long. Never argue with him, never provide him company. Never share a moment like this in a long time. That was their limit, her knees finally collapsed. She tumbled forward only to find herself nestled surprisingly comfortably on Natsume's chest. He had caught her and was embracing her tenderly in his arms.

Our lives are made, in these small hours

Mikan didn't adjust her position, she just held on for dear life. Natsume didn't seem to mind either. This moment was to be cherished. It may well be their last...

These little wonders, these twists and turns of fate

They caressed each other for almost an eternity. But it wasn't enough. So long as it wasn't forever, it wasn't enough. Mikan felt Natsume tighten his grip on her waist and back. She could tell he didn't want to let go but he had to and it was tearing him apart. In that instant, she found herself wondering what she had done to deserve him.

Time falls away

In the beginning they were far from friends. He was cold. But gradually, over time, they became closer. They each found themselves a spot in each other's heart. And after the myriad of moments they had shared in the time that had passed in the blink of an eye, here they were.

But these small hours still remain

Mikan silently whispered to his chest, "I love you, Natsume." They were words that she had been longing to say but found extremely difficult to. If it had taken any effect at all, Natsume didn't voice it. Instead, he clutched her even tighter. It hurt.

All of my regret, will wash away somehow

"Selfish," he muttered so softly that Mikan wasn't sure if she heard right. She hummed in askance. "I don't want you to leave," he breathed, "it's selfish." At those words Mikan felt herself shudder. She didn't want to leave. She didn't want to leave him. She wanted to stay like this forever. How could she go abandoning him, when it was obviously causing him a hundred years of pain?

But I cannot forget, the way I feel right now

Mikan couldn't help it any more, she looked up at Natsume, beads of tears glistening at the base of her eyes. His eyes widened at the sight of her crying face. The pool of water that had been threatening to fall finally gave way to gravity and rolled slowly down her face. He looked torn; unable to choose between letting her go to wipe it away or keep holding and watch as they continued to pour down her face.

In these small hours, these little wonders

But she had to leave. Her resolve was solid – although apparently able to be wavered by a certain someone. Putting Natsume out of his miserable dilemma, she pulled away. She sniffed as she wiped away her tears.

These twists and turns of fate

She replaced a smile onto her tear streaked face and with a shaky voice managed, "I'll come back." She clutched her fist to her heart, "That's a promise."

Oh, these twists and turns of fate

Natsume spoke in response, squeezing her arms, "Then I'll be waiting here for you... that's a promise."

Time falls away but these small hours, these small hours, still remain, still remain

That promise had put Mikan at incredibly ease. It seemed unbreakable. They looked again at each other; Mikan smiling sadly and Natsume gazing down with a stoic expression. That was settled now and she was ready.

These little wonders, these twists and turns of fate

"Goodbye, Polka Dots," Natsume spoke, finally managing a smirk. Mikan narrowed her eyes at him but she smiled anyway.

Time falls away

"Not yet," she said pointedly as she broke from Natsume's grasp. She let his hand fall to his side but caught one in hers just in time.

But these small hours

She walked past him, dragging her suitcase in one hand and Natsume in the other. Natsume's body gave a jolt as his arm was pulled across his trunk and he was forced to turn around. Mikan's grinning face was looking back at him, "You're still my escort, aren't you?

These little wonders, still remain.

I hope you liked it =] The idea was amazing in my head, and I guess I don't do it much dignity when I write it, but nonetheless, it's here for you to read. Initially, I wasn't going to put this up because I didn't think it was that good. But I need the feedback. So REVIEW!

Also, this is a TWOSHOT! Since I am not depressing or cruel enough to leave it at that. Like most people, I need my happy ending. I haven't written the second chapter. But as a sneak peek: It is also a songfic but to 'All My Life' by Thirsty Merc. Thanks for reading ^.^