Convoluted Chapter 1: Last-but-one-chapter, a gakuen alice fanfic

Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice.

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The convention usually followed by everyone while writing flashbacks is italics. But, since majority of this story revolves around long flashbacks, I decided not to write flashbacks in italics.

This is a two shot story with long chapters, hope you reader pals enjoy. Flames are accepted (but please make sure it doesn't go beyond certain thresholds), compliments are appreciated, very much. Don't skip the flashbacks.

Please feel free to let me know of any mistakes you find: grammatical, spelling and emotional.

Summary: The diamond adorning his ring finger wasn't exactly of a superior quality, but it was worth more than just its price. He would know that, and the person who gave him knew that. And to him that's all it mattered.

Not exactly much of a summary, but hopefully you find the story good.

Read and review

by: Pillu

CONVOLUTED

Last but one chapter

A tall man, height of six foot two, probably an age of twenty six, wearing a black jacket, hood over his head – thus concealing his raven hair to the nosy pedestrians – and a dark shaded aviator sunglasses – hiding his eye color; crimson- walked towards the tall building named "Serio Corps".

Looking at the majestic structure before him, the said lad couldn't help but smirk 'Not even half the size of Hyuuga Corps sub branch'.

Standing just before the building, he let a grunt pass his pink lips. He knew what he came here for, he had it planned. Planned well, and long. All he had to do now was execute it. Taking one of his hands, he made sure the bag that he wore earlier was still there, hanging on his back.

Once he got that confirmed, he pulled his hand back, now placing it at his direct view. He stared at the beautiful diamond ring adorning his ring-finger. The diamond was shaped sakura petal, earning a teaser "girly" from one of his most trusted and feared employee; Hotaru Imai. This diamond wasn't exactly of a superior quality, but it was worth more than just its price. He would know that, and the person who gave him knew that. And to him that's all it mattered.

Taking a long breath, he walked towards the building entrance. The automatic glass door few feet away from where he was standing opened as the sensors sensed his weight. At this a wave of nostalgic hit him.

Flashback:

Natsume Hyuuga walked out of his automatic glass doors, looking at his trusted Rolex, he read out loud to no one in particular "one in the morning". It was a habit of some sort, to read out the time aloud everytime he left office. Being a heir to one of the most successful corporations in the world, it wasn't surprising for him to leave his office this late.

Now what would be surprising? Getting a faithful wife, two or few loving children and the luxury of time to spend with them would probably be surprising. He however, did not even have a girlfriend to begin with. He tried, honestly. He tried to find a stable relationship; he did have a couple of girlfriends in his school and some more in university. But it never worked out right. He would always find an alternate motive for his ex-girls to be with him. The culprit would usually be his killer looks or his money. He did not cheat on them as most expected of him, but he officially in a gentleman fashion broke it off. The cycle continued for a long period before he lost interest in his love life. So, yeah if you find any reporter ask him a question such as "How would you describe yourself?" the answer you would hear is "Bachelor", so much for 'describe' part of the question.

He sighed. Just as he started walking towards the parking lot, Hotaru Imai; his personal secretary passed by him in her BMW yelling "drive safe, boss". He didn't bother replying. He was tired and therefore not in a mood for Imai's lets-start-an-argument-at-one-am mode. As he walked to his car, he mentally made a note to increase Imai's paper work tomorrow.

He liked revenges. He always did.

Reaching his car, he opened the driver's seat, taking it, he started his Lamborghini Reventon's engine. He zoomed off to his villa near outskirts of Tokyo. A villa he bought thinking it would keep his mind at peace, since the location of the said one is quite far from civilization or simply far from the main city. He however had to deal with the distance between his workplace - main branch of Hyuuga Corps- and his villa. The peace however did not seem to occupy his mind.

As he accelerated on the highway, he decided to take a shortcut to reach his destination a little earlier. So, he turned the car in one way, wrong direction. He had done it before, he got caught by cops before, and the cops apologized to him for stopping his car before. So it was no big deal, really. Before or after.

Just as he speeded up further, he removed his suit, throwing it onto the passenger seat and loosened his tie. When he turned back, he panicked as he saw a two wheeler headed his direction, he applied brakes immediately and he saw that the owner of that two-wheeler did the same. But he knew, his speed was much greater.

He felt a collision, a mild one and his car stopped, air balloons deflated which he felt was unnecessary, seeing that his seat belt was sufficient enough to do the job. He lay there for a few seconds, taking mouthful of air before sprinting out of the door to check on the two wheeler guy.

The first thing that caught his eyes was a brunette girl - not a guy- sprawled on the road with a Aero 50 crushing her right arm. Hold on 'Honda Aero 50 (NB50) from 1985?' (A/N: I have some sort of liking towards Aeros though its an old model. Sort a favorite) what the, really an 'Aero 50!', he smacked himself. Okay, that's the main thing that caught his attention. 'What's an Aero 50 doing here? now?'. Oscillating his head horizontally from his new Lamborghini Reventon to the girl's Aero 50, he could use only one word to describe his feeling 'anachronism'.

He pulled Aero 50 which was apparently crushing brunette's right arm, and tossing the poor vehicle aside carelessly- not caring as it fell on the other side. He was about to ask her if she was alright but he was cut off even before he started.

"Hey, how dare you treat my windy so carelessly?" saying so, the lass got up clumsily to pull back her fallen 'windy'. Inference; she had named her Aero 50 as 'windy'. Wonderful.

That was when Natsume Hyuuga caught the sight of her face. Pale skin, rosy lips, brunette hair, perfect reddened nose. Pretty.

He could see that she was not some princess out of fairy tale, but guessed a trip to a salon would make her prettier. Not that her looks mattered to him much.

He observed the brunette as she pushed her hair sticking to her face behind her ear and made way to pull back the fallen two-wheeler onto its wheels. He saw her left arm clutching her right one, gritting her teeth as if the mere action would alleviate the pain.

Before she tried to injure herself more, he pulled 'windy' back on its wheels pulling its stand, to stabilize the vehicle.

He turned his attention back to the brunette only to see her pout.

"I could have done it myself" came out from the lass.

"With your broken arm? Yeah, could have fooled me" he replied uninterested.

It's only few seconds until she recognized him and go "Kyaaa" or "Wooow". Well atleast that's what he expected. But only to meet a glare from her.

Okay, maybe she didn't recognize him.

"Who was the one driving on the wrong side again?" came out from the girl, continuing "I can call the cops and have you arrested".

True, he shouldn't have come this way, but there is no way he would accept that to her.

"Then go ahead, make a call and have me arrested" he smirked.

He didn't bother checking on his car, he was sure it was still in running condition, probably just some minor scratches. Besides he has few more of them in his garage.

He was about to talk more but, seeing her injured arm he restrained himself. But, the girl went on anyway "You, you… who do you think you are talking to me like that. You don't know what I am capable of."

Shouldn't that be his dialogue? Except for the stuttering part and repetition of the word 'you'. He scratched the back of his neck yawning, he didn't have time for this, he still had work tomorrow.

Besides what possibly can a five foot three height, approximate age of twenty two, slender looking with an injured arm could do to him, to Natsume Hyuuga? Unless she is a terrorist – he glanced down at her, 'Nahh' – or her 50cc windy winds up some magical powers and exercise it against him. This time, he looked at 'windy', a bigger 'Nahhhh'..

"You know what, I will just drop you at some hospital and go on my way. I am a busy man" he started impatiently.

"Sure, but drop me at my home, not hospital", atleast this discussion is going somewhere, hopefully towards resting soon. He could have ended it there but something inside him made him speak "Don't be silly, you have to get that treated", pointing her now bleeding arm.

"Yes, I will get it treated, once I go home."

Thinking her family member was a doctor or something he agreed.

He started walking towards his car, expecting her to follow him. Only to realize she didn't; when he turned back to check on her. He raised a brow.

The brunette spoke "where are you going? Our ride is here" pointing her windy.

"Are you mad? I am not taking you in that… that thing", pure disgust emitting from the lad.

"Then pray tell oh mighty lord, how do we make it to my house?" the girl yelled.

He pointed his Lamborghini Reventon.

"Come on, both of us know you either stole it, or you must be driver for some rich dude, lets just use my windy. Besides I need her to go to my work, groceries and…" the rest he did not hear.

He was busy, collecting his dropped jaw back to its original place. 'What the hell! Do I look like a thief? A driver?'. He looked back at his attire; he didn't have his coat on, tie carelessly worn, half his shirt tamed by a loosened belt and the other half pulled out, disheveled hair, sleepy eyes. Okay, he did not look 'formal' he was not at his office or anything but heck, the media, critics and other people called this look of his sexy. Yes, SEXY. If he remembered correctly, some magazine writers snuck up on him at the same time of the day just to get a shot of him wearing the same look. Tired and bored look.

And this girl here, took the whole liberty to call him a thief? A Driver? What the hell? If she had added an adjective to it such as sexy or too sexy then maybe it was acceptable. But no, she had to call him those, without any of these. Unacceptable.

"….So, we will just take my windy…", 'Oh so she was still rambling about that', "…You can come back here and take your car later on", with that said, the brunette looked up at him smiling.

"If that's the case then take you windy and go home yourself. I will go my way" he said now fully irritated.

"Besides I am neither a thief nor a driver. I am…"

"Okay, so I was wrong. You borrowed the car from a best friend. It doesn't matter to me. Also, I wouldn't be bothering you and had long gone home myself; if only you had not crashed into me and injured my arm" said the brunette bringing the accused arm into his view.

Then came his final reply "Look I don't care about you or your appointments, I am not even touching that shitty old piece of metal…"

-0-

"So which way, is your home", asked the crimson eyed lad riding windy, enjoying the cool breeze passing him.

"Second left and then third right and straight, the only house towards left" answer came from the girl behind him.

Probably it's not so bad to ride a two-wheeler in the outskirts at this time, is what he concluded as he enjoyed the breeze. He glanced at his watch, two thirty it showed. No doubt, he would have enjoyed it more only if windy was capable of going more than forty kilometers per hour. The damn thing would not speed beyond this.

"Hey, slow down don't go so fast" came another statement from the owner of the vehicle he is currently riding.

He couldn't help but hit his forehead with his palm and drag it down his full face with frustration. An action that he thought in his yesteryears, he was incapable doing.

And so at two thirty in the morning, The Natsume Hyuuga heir to a multi trillion or more worth group of companies was riding an out dated two wheeler- something that couldn't even fit his full height, causing his legs bent uncomfortably – with an intention to drop a garrulous girl home, who was currently sitting behind him, making place more congested for him.

He finally stopped the vehicle once he reached her destination. He looked around, the neighborhood was quiet. 'Well it was almost three in the morning', he snorted. Her house was single story, small house with a big garden. From the moonlight, he can see that the garden is well taken care of.

He turned back, only to hear the girl say "Can you unlock the front door for me? I am a little clumsy with my left arm and my right one hurts real bad." She stated, cringing in pain holding her right arm.

He grunted and accepted the key from her. Approaching the front door, he opened the lock using a metal key. He pushed the door open and let her in. from what he saw inside, her home was cozy, neat and well maintained. But from the looks of it, it didn't look like someone else was living with her.

He frowned 'then how will she get her arm treated'. Wanting to question that, he moved forward to go inside her home, uninvited.

Even before he stepped inside, she asked him another favor "can you please go to the house just opposite to mine and tell a guy named Koko that I have injured my arm, he will know what to do next".

He sighed 'that answers my question'. And proceeded to reply "I can't say him 'I have injured my arm'", he looked at her. She understood it quickly.

"Right, my name is Mikan, Mikan Sakura, tell him 'Mikan has injured her arm and wants help'".

End of Flashback

"Mikan" he whispered the name slowly. The only name which found him the peace that he so badly searched for all these years.

He headed towards the blonde Receptionist as he entered the building. Stopping by her, she smiled like a professional asking him "Can I help you Sir?". Ofcourse she cannot recognize him with his complicated attire.

"Yes, Miss Luna Koizumi", he read the name-tag on her uniform, "I had an appointment with someone, a confidential meeting".

"Alright Sir, can you please wait here, I will have to ask the security to check you first. Sorry, this is just a formality, so hope you understand."

Natsume replied "Confidential meeting, power five."

She looked surprised, not everyone had a power five. It meant, the person is not to be checked or stopped by security for any reason.

She nodded, "Well Sir, we don't get identities of the personnel if it is a confidential meeting. So according to the standard security measures.."

"I have the code word, but I don't think you are authorized to hear it", he finished.

Looking at the arrogant person in front of her she grunted. If he was good looking then she might have tried and flirted with him but, agrr.. this guys face is hidden.

Luna sighed, power five means, this person is important to the company which meant, she would likely to get fired if she misbehaves.

"Okay Sir, I will call the authorized person in charge of codes for further clarifications. So please be seated in the lobby meanwhile…." He walked off headed towards the lobby, thereby cutting her off.

"Your welcome" the blonde grunted to herself. She saw her colleague's little boy playing with a tennis ball. She smirked; well if she can't show her agitations on him then her colleague's kid would- for a candy. And if anyone would get fired then it would be her colleague and not her.

The blonde whispered something in the kid's ear handing a candy, making sure the action went unnoticed by her colleague.

The kid giggled and ran towards the man pointed by the blonde who was currently seated on a couch in the lobby. Stopping at a safe distance from the grownup- the said grownup's back was facing the kid- the kid chucked his tennis ball at Natsume.

Natsume caught the ball with his left hand even without turning back. As if he had eyes in his back. Making both Luna's and the kid's mouth drop.

Flashback:

Natsume ducked the flower vase thrown at him.

As per the girl's request, he walked towards the opposite house. Standing in front of the door, he held out a finger to push the calling bell and before he succeeded in the said task, the front door opened wide and a flower vase thrown at his direction.

He bent down to duck the accused object. The next moment he heard voices

"I am sorry honey, I did not mean to…." a male's voice.

"How many times do I have to tell you Koko…." a deranged female's voice.

Next thing Natsume knew this 'Koko' guy probably the same age as him dashed towards Natsume, out of the door and locking the door from outside. The moment this 'Koko' shut the door, they heard something big crash at the door, must be a telephone.

Natsume raised a brow. He seems to be doing that a lot lately. And all this time he thought, he was the only one awake at these hours of day.

Koko straightened up and looked at Natsume, "Sorry about that mate…" 'Since when was I his mate' "my wife is…", Natsume finished for Koko "PMSing?".

Koko replied to Natsume grinning "No, not PMSing, just some common pregnancy mood swings."

Natsume froze, really? So men have to undergo so much abuse from their wives before they are titled fathers? Wow, for a moment there, Natsume stood there swearing to himself that he would never get his wife pregnant. If he ever decide to get a wife that is.

Curiosity left him asking Koko "so your wife throws flower vases, telephone and other stuff at you for no reason?"

"Not really, last week I took my wife for a checkup, her gynecologist told her that she was weak and warned not to lift any heavy objects. So since then, she is using vases and phones. Before that it was usually chairs or tables or televisions or computers or…."

"Okay, I got it. But really how can you bear with that?"

"I couldn't that's why, I paid the gynecologist some extra fee to lie my wife that it's unhealthy to lift heavy objects" grinning wide Koko continued "aren't I the smartest?"

Natsume, looked awestruck. He could not bring himself face such ordeals. He however managed to ask "why?"

"Oh, that's because, she asked me to bring strawberry flavor ice-cream and I did not bring vanilla."

"Wait, that doesn't make any sense. She asked you for..."

"Yeap, nothing makes sense when they are moody."

Natsume discovered something new that day. 'Women undergo physical pain during pregnancies but, men undergo physical torture during their wives pregnancies.'

"So what's someone like The Natsume Hyuuga doing at my doorstep, quarter after three?"

Natsume replied as he had recited, "Mikan has injured her arm and needs help."

Natsume watched as Koko's eyes turned from playful to concern and panic "Is she alright? God, how many times have I told her to be careful? She never listens. Wait I will just sneak in and get my medical kit."

After saying so, Koko walked around his house with great stealth to one of the open window.

Natsume let his crimson eyes follow Koko, as Koko disappeared into the house via window. Natsume hardly took three breaths, he already saw, Koko jumping out of the window holding his kit with three or four kitchen vessels aimed at his back barely missing him. Origin: the same window that he used to come out just now. Inference: Figure it out yourselves.

Koko yelled "let's go" to Natsume, heading to Mikan's house.

-0-

"Well, this should do for now. But I need to take X-rays of your right arm to know if anything is broken. I will be expecting you at the hospital where I work tomorrow err.. today at ten. Try not to move your arm much. So what happened to your arm? Did you get caught while enquiring or something like that?" Koko asked as he finished wrapping the gauze around her right arm.

Causing Natsume to wonder 'caught? enquiring?'

"Nope, I met with an accident that's all" glancing at Natsume.

"If you say so, Um... Say Mikan, can you gimme some idea to g…" Koko got cut off by Mikan.

"There's some chocolate flavor ice-cream in my fridge."

"You are a life saver. Thanks, Mikan"

Koko left soon after he collected ice-cream from Mikan's fridge.

More than ever confused, Natsume posed from his where he was seated- couch- "Chocolate flavor?"

Mikan just laughed it off and asked "Would you like something to drink?"

"I don't think you can make much of a drink with that arm of yours. Just stay here while I make some coffee for us. Where is your kitchen?"

-0-

"You don't have coffee powder?" Natsume asked slightly irritated. It was three thirty, he was tired and sleepy and the damn girl did not have supplies to make coffee in her damn kitchen.

"Hey, coffee is not good for health. Besides hot chocolate is much tastier" argued the brunette.

"You are not in high school or something, grownups drink coffee not hot chocolate" yelled Natsume back to the girl.

"That's the reason why, kids are always so energized and grownups always so enervated. Take my advice, drink hot chocolate instead of coffee and see the miracle it (hot chocolate) does."

"No way little girl, I will either have coffee or nothing at all. You can't convince me to drink that.. that.. thing"

-0-

"I told you to add more sugar to hot chocolate and you didn't, see now its not tasting sweet" complained the brunette sipping her hot chocolate.

"I think sugar is just fine, stop yapping", sipping some of his hot chocolate.

"It's late I better go home, you get well soon okay" said Natsume with a tiny smile as he finished his hot chocolate.

"Wait, how will you go home?" asked brunette, worried.

"I call someone to pick me up"

"Hey, you I will not let you bully your friends at this hour."

"I am not bullying my friends little girl, I am jus…"

"You can stay at my dad's room if you want for tonight."

Natsume looked at her skeptically, "You want me to sleep with your dad?"

"No silly, my dad passed away three years ago, you can use his room. Besides that's the least I can do to return the favor."

He decided she is an idiot, to let a stranger stay at her home for night.

"You shouldn't let a stranger stay at your home."

"I know, but if you had any bad intentions, you wouldn't have waited for this long", the girl said genuinely.

He wasn't sure if he was supposed to be cynical or be happy that the girl trusts him. Either way the girl looked honest.

"Alright," this made the brunette smile, "Before I forget to ask, what's your name?"

The lad before her smiled "Natsume.. call me Natsume." Not bothering to tell her his last name.

Thinking about the two words mentioned by Koko earlier 'caught' and 'enquire' made him ask "what do you do for living?", making the girl grin "I am a journalist", stunning Natsume.

A journalist?

A journalist who couldn't recognize Natsume Hyuuga? Is it even legal for a journalist to not know a the infamous Hyuuga boy? Now he was feeling more cynical than ever. Maybe this is a trap. If so, then why did she just introduce herself to him as a journalist? "You sure?"

"Of course, what makes you think I am incapable of spelling my own profession? When I say I am a journalist, I mean it."

"So which department do you work in? Relationships? "

"No, that's too boring. Besides I can't write about it without experiencing it."

'Meaning, no boyfriends, good.'

"Sports?"

"No way, I can't deal with people who brag about themselves when they win and blame others when they are defeated."

"Movies? Gossips?"

"Worse than sports. I hate plastic world."

He gulped "Business?", 'Please say No'.

"Sheesh, dealing with self-centered people with egos bigger than solar system? Last thing on my list."

Okay he wanted a no, not a criticism.

"Well which field then? Politics?"

"Crime, I cover crime, drugs, and other illegal stuff" sounding proud.

"Isn't it…"

"Spare me the lecture will you."

"I didn't even start it."

"I get it from everyone. You are too young and inexperienced and other blah. Listen carefully: I am the best there is in covering crime articles."

"But…"

"How about I let you in on a little secret? Provided you don't tell it to others."

He raised his left arm lightly, as an implicit promise.

"Ever heard of Reo Mouri?"

"A famous international actor? The one who was charged guilty for supplying guns and other arms to terrorist organizations? If that's the one you are talking about then yes, I have heard of him"

"Yeap that's the one, and would you believe me if I were to tell you that: I was the one who exposed him?"

The surprise look on his face was replaced by smirk "No, I wouldn't believe you."

"Hey, that's not fair. I swear it was me who…"

"Okay, okay stop your whining. It was you. There, happy?"

"You don't sound convinced."

"Anyway, I think we should get some sleep little girl its four already."

"Don't call me little girl call me Mikan."

"Little girl."

-0-

Natsume Hyuuga opened his eyes slowly hoping to shield from the brutal sunrays penetrating from the windows and into the bed room. He lay there with his shirt thrown aside on some chair, shoes fallen below the bed, belt's location unknown. Well atleast he was wearing his formal pant. Where was he again?

Oh, right.

'Mikan's late dad's room'.

He slowly got up and turned towards the bed side drawers. Picking up his watch – Rolex- he read the time aloud "nine thirty". He was still sleepy, if allowed he wouldn't mind skipping his work and just sleeping here. What did he just say? Skipping work never crossed his mind before, why now? Besides he did not remember the last time he slept so well, let alone in someone else's room.

'Mikan' he whispered, surprising himself. Where the hell did that come from? Scratching his head making his hair more disheveled than it already is, he got up.

Walking out of the room, he saw Mikan typing something clumsily on her laptop using only left arm in the living room. She stopped and looked up at him, smiling she greeted him "Good morning, did you sleep well?"

He simply nodded.

"Hey, the least thing you can do is wish me properly and…" and looked away quickly.

He frowned, now what was the reason behind such an act? So, he pressed "and?"

"And have some decency to wear shirt when you are with a girl" she managed to grumble out.

He smirked. Looking down at his bare chest, chiseled with six pack yet non-bulky; worth a billion dollars each pack, he let out another comment.

"Your right, I shouldn't go shirtless in front of girls, I should go shirtless in front of women, I will just go and put my shirt back."

He walked into the room just in time to avoid a flying vase. Sheesh, did all women in this area used vases as their weapons?

He came out wearing his shirt, half of the buttons open, making him look sexier, totally unintentional.

By the time he came out, he saw Mikan bringing a cup of hot chocolate for him from her kitchen, he couldn't help but smile "you shouldn't push yourself, I can make one for myself."

Handing him the mug using her left hand, she replied "No problem, why don't you take bath. The bathroom is right opposite to my room."

"Yeah, I want to but…"

"Don't worry, I can let you borrow my dad's clothes, I think he was pretty much your size. But he would wear only tees and jeans even for work, does that work with you?"

'Her dad used to wear only tees and jeans? Weird man. Nevertheless, casuals are any day better than nothing. But still what about… ah I will just have to pass.'

"No I will have to refuse your offer", said Natsume taking a sip from his hot chocolate.

"Come on, you will stink if don't bath"

"I will just spray my perfume."

"Yuck."

"I don't have a choice here moron."

"What do you mean? I am giving you a chance to not stink, take bath."

"..later"

"Why?"

"Cause everytime I take bath, I change my underwear, universally followed rule."

That shut her up. There is no way she can offer her dad's stuff this time. No you are not supposed to share those stuff. Global hygiene rule.

He saw her as her cheeks turned rose color and bending her head down.

'Little girl.'

She shot up again "I know what to do."

He saw her walking to the front door, opening which she screamed "Hey, Koko"

'Oh no she is not doing what I think she is doing.'

"Little girl stop…"

He heard another yell from other side of street, Ruka "what is it Mikan?"

'She is really going to embarrass me' "Little girl…"

Mikan continued however "Do you have a fresh and unused pair of underwear? Its for the dude, you met last night."

"Shut up, stupid", oh ho how easy it is to ignore the words of a sane person.

Koko replied "Yes, Mikan I have it, wait a minute."

Natsume couldn't help but, scream "Hey, stop it the whole street can hear you. Atleast use your cell or go there and speak dummy."

"Will you just quiet up, as you can see, there are only three houses in this area. One mine, other Koko's, third one belonging to an old lady whose cant hear a thing even if you try."

"Still, its…"

"Mikan catch" an yell from the other side.

He saw a small rectangular box thrown from Koko's house front door to her house front door.

'Undeniably a good throw.'

He saw as Mikan caught the rectangular box swiftly with her left arm, smooth.

'An excellent catch.'

Koko "I will be expecting you at the hospital to get your arm checked up. I am leaving to work now. Bye."

"I will be there, did everything work out between Sumire and you last night?"

"Chocolate ice-cream did the trick. Thanks" saying so Koko left to work.

Their conversation slash yelling ended there.

Embarrassed as Natsume is, he still managed to blurt out "and I thought you are clumsy with your left arm."

"Well, we throw stuff to each other all the time, besides going all the way there, is tiring"

"I can see that, and the house is just opposite to yours."

She handed him the small cardboard box 'Well atleast it's a fresh and unused one, now I can take a bath.'

Taking the thing from her he went inside the bathroom, he opened the door and stepped in, he smirked.

"Hey, wait don't go in there" came another yell. He turned back to see the brunette who looked like she ran a marathon. "Just step out for a minute without turning back. Please"

"Why? You don't want me to see your polka dotted panties hanging in here."

Another yell "PERVET"

He liked revenges. He always did.

-0-

The ride on windy to the hospital was noisy. Very noisy and painful. Painful because, he was wearing a lady's helmet- to hide his face- and riding a nineteenth century two wheeler.

"Polka I expected a proper breakfast in the morning, not some pathetic cup noodles."

"Don't call me Polka, you know my name. If you wanted a better breakfast then you should have prepared it yourself. Besides one of my arm is injured."

"Just accept you cant make anything edible other than hot chocolate and instant noodles."

She did not respond behind him, all he could hear was windy's engine.

Hold on, did he nail it?

"Really, you cant cook anything at all?" he started laughing.

From a pedestrian's view, it looked like a laughing mad man with lady's helmet riding an outdated two wheeler, in tees and jeans with an injured blushing girl behind him. All in all, it looked hilarious. Especially the way, man's legs were bent to make sure so as to not touch the ground.

"I can make hot chocolate and instant noodles."

"That's not considered cooking at all."

"It's not like you would know how to cook."

"Trust me I am a pro in cooking." He was honest; cooking was one of the many skills he gained even with learning or trying. All he knows is, no matter what he tossed around in a frying pan, the results were efficiently excellent.

"Yeah, right" sarcasm dripping.

"Glad you accepted it."

"I don't believe you."

"How about I cook tonight for you, will that make you believe me?", so is he staying with her another night. Yeah, yeah, in the other room.

"Depends on the taste."

He parked windy in the hospital's parking lot and walked into the hospital.

"Natsume, why are you still wearing the helmet? We are not riding anymore."

'To keep my identity hidden.' Never in his life had he thought he walk around the hospital wearing a helmet.

He couldn't help but frown when all ranges of people, all the way from three to ninety nine, laugh at the 'helmet man' inside the hospital. Oh and lets not forget the giggling girl next to him.

He had to calm down, besides the situation would worsen if he were to remove the helmet and show his face in public. Major fangirls, fanboys and fangays attack.

Nevertheless he still managed to come up with a lie "pathophobia".

He heard no more giggles from her. Instead, he felt a warm hand holding onto his's. He looked to his right, brunette's left arm was holding his right arm. That was the first time he felt peace.

"You can stay out if you want", the brunette offered.

"Nah, that's okay, I will come", he actually expected a laugh from her when he lied her he had phobia, but a comforting touch? This whole situation seemed alien to him but at the same time he felt welcomed, a hearty warm welcome.

"Alright now that's taken care of, I want you to make sure you keep the cast for another month. Your bone is fractured. And nice attire mate (glancing at Natsume)", Koko said as he washed his hands using disinfectant after treating Mikan.

Honestly it's not like you see a rich and sexy guy walking around wearing an old tee shirt with jeans,and a helmet everyday. Natsume glared at Koko through the helmet. He had an urge to remove his helmet and hit Koko with it. But, the mere act of removing his helmet is more or less suicidal, especially when a two helper nurses are inside the same room.

"For a month! No way, I don't think I can manage my life for a month with just left arm. Shorten it" wined the girl with a cast around her one arm.

For which Natsume spoke up "You will do as he said, no arguing polka".

"My name is not polka! You pervert."

"It suits you"

"No it doesn't"

"Yes it does"

Koko faked clearing his throat and spoke, "As much as I want to watch you two lovebirds fight for the rest of the day, I am afraid my busy schedule does not permit me, my other patients are waiting, and so could you please continue your lover's quarrel outside."

"Don't call us that" both screamed at the same time.

Koko couldn't help but laugh.

"Really I never figured that you (looking at Natsume) are a type who was capable of dealing with someone like her."

"You two know each other?' asked Mikan.

"No Mikan not really, I know him from the televi…" Koko stopped talking when Natsume placed a finger on his lips indicating Koko not to continue any further.

For some unknown reason Natsume wanted to be with Mikan as Natsume, not The Natsume Hyuuga.

Koko being the smart one shut up quickly changing the topic:

"So Mikan, if you cannot use your one arm how will you travel to work back and forth for a month. My work timings and your work timings don't exactly coincide, so dropping you and picking you up is not an option for me, maybe you could use a cab for a month, I would not suggest you a bus, it would be too congested and tough for you to handle with just one arm."

"I don't think I can afford a cab for a month, so I guess I have stick wit…"

Natsume intervened "I can do that, my work timings are flexible".

Koko snickered "ofcourse, anything is flexible for a Hyu…"

Cutting Koko, Natsume spoke "I think I made myself clear here, I have a car..."

Cutting Natsume, Mikan spoke "You don't have to borrow car from anyone (earning a giggle from Koko) we can use my windy. You can even take it to your work place, as long as you come back pick me up and drop me back home."

"There is no way, I am chauffeuring you for a month in that…that… thing," declared Natsume.

-0-

"This is where you work? Oracular newspapers" asked Natsume bringing windy to halt.

"Yeap, this is the place" replied brunette getting down from her windy.

"I will call you if I finish my work earlier, if your's get over fast, then you call me. So hopefully, neither one has to wait for the other long."

Oracular, Natsume knew this newspaper agency very well; his good friend Tobita Yuu owned it.

"Got it. Take care..", 'She is a sweet heart to tell me to take care of myself after knowing each other only for a short…', "of my windy, Bye", 'NOT'.

" Bye" he grunted.

He glared at windy, if it wasn't for her then he didn't have to look like a fool in front of, um… in front of…

Some kid: "Hey, mom look at loser and his outdated bike."

Yeah, that's right he didn't have look like a fool in front of that kid.

-0-

He rode the bike towards Hyuuga Corps, the guard at the compound stopped him, not recognizing Natsume, obviously.

"Do you have an authorized permission to go inside, citizen?" Guard_one.

'Damn, a guard working under me stopped me from entering into my own building.'

Natsume got down from the bike- pulling its stand- he removed the helmet saying "from every possible way."

Seeing their boss, Guard_one froze, it's not like you get to see your boss wearing casuals and riding a 1985 model two wheeler. One thing the guard was sure, his job is on the line.

Shrugging the scared look on the guard's face Natsume commanded "Take this wind… bike and keep it somewhere safe. Don't tell them that this one is mine. If anyone were to ask, tell them that this one belongs to you. I will collect it back in the evening. Keep this up for a month, you will have a good raise."

Guard_one nodded "Yes, Sir".

'Phew, that takes care of one thing', Natsume gave the key to the said guard and walked past him, but not before patting the guard's shoulder "And keep up the good work." Natsume was feeling generous today for some reason.

Guard_two approached Guard_one "What happened?"

Guard_one, holding the place where Natsume patted "I would never wash this shirt."

-0-

"It's almost fifteen minutes to twelve boss", announced the only employee other than his best friend/employee gutsy enough to question Natsume.

"Your point is?"

"You are never this late."

Deciding to play along "Aw... did someone miss the handsome face of their boss?"

"You wish," Hotaru stomped out of her boss's chamber.

"Hey, don't hit on my girl dude" pouted his best friend and second in command for the Hyuuga corps; Ruka Nogi.

"I wasn't, I was just trying to get her out of my chamber before she eats my head off, besides I am not the type to hit on my own cousin."

"Good."

"I want you to do something for me."

"What is it?"

"Get out."

"Ouch, that's cold dude."

"Now, and send your girl inside for a moment, I have a task for her."

Natsume watched as his friend walked out of his office chamber.

He heard a knock on his oak door.

"Come in."

"You called for me? Sir"

"Yes, Hotaru…"

"Since you called by my first name, I assume you want a personal favor."

'It quite scary how well she knows me.'

"Stop acting smart, just liste…"

"I am not acting smart. I am smart."

"Fine my dear not-acting-smart ass cousin, (earning a glare from Hotaru) I want you to find out everything there is to know about a girl named Sakura Mikan. As soon as possible. She works at Yuu's newspaper company. You can take your leave now"

Hotaru smirked at him "And since when did you start showing interest in girls, my dearest arrogant rich ass cousin?"

Ruka blasted in "Natsume, you are in love! Oh, wow this calls for the celebration, Whoever this chick is, she has to be something to make you fall for her."

"Ruka, I don't pay you for eavesdropping on me, Besides I don't remember mentioning the damn word love, so stop assuming things and go do your job", Natsume sure has a handful of staff.

"Dear cousin, you will mention the damn word sooner or later, so her name is Sakura Mikan right?"

"Yes."

"I am on it. Oh and you usually have coffee at this time, I will send someone to bring it here for you."

"Hotaru, don't send in coffee for me."

"…"

"Send in some hot chocolate."

End of flashback.

"Excuse me sir, would you like to have some coffee while you are waiting" Luna asked. She was determined to find out what's hiding inside that hood and shades.

'You are one persistent woman, I will give you that much.'

"Sure, but make it hot chocolate instead of coffee."

Luna looked at this man surprised. Not many men would ask for a hot chocolate in public, they would usually go for coffee; blame posing-masculinity. But ofcourse, we do know how many guys prefer hot chocolate behind the curtains. That's right exactly the same number of guy's who prefer to watch chick flicks in secret. Which is: MAJORITY.

"Alright Sir."

Five minutes later…

Natsume was sipping his hot chocolate when a bulky man- size triple that of Natsume but strength as Natsume judged it, not reaching even twenty percent to that of Natsume's- walked towards him.

The man bent to Natsumes level, "Code word please."

Natsume replied in low voice "BLACK CAT."

The man quickly recovered from his previous posture, bent down with respect. "Master Serio was expecting you Sir, I apologize for the wait. I am unaware of your identity, but Master has commanded us to treat you well. So once you finish your drink and please take your time with that, I will escort you myself to Master."

Natsume nodded, once he finished his drink, he got up and turned to the bulky man "Let us not keep your Master waiting anymore shall we."

The man got up leading Natsume towards elevator "this way Sir."

Once they got into the elevator the elevator's door closed, the box moved vertically upwards, gaining height as every second passed.

Flashback:

Natsume held the elevator door open letting Hotaru come in.

She was having a file in her arm. She started "It's only seven thirty."

"So?"

"You usually finish your work a twelve, minimum."

"I did finish all my work, didn't I?"

"Yes, but you usually take longer."

"I guess hot chocolate did the trick" he said it in a whisper, but didn't go unnoticed by Hotaru.

He outdid himself today. He did come in late today, and finished the same work load faster than any other day. All he had in his mind was, to complete his work before Mikan called him to pick her up, since he did not know at what time her work would get over, he worked as fast as possible. More surprising fact was: he was not even half the tired he would usually be at the end of a day. It was like a child completing its homework in a fast pace when parents promise to take them out for dinner, once they finish it.

"I have the details about the person you requested for earlier."

That's Hotaru for you, never fails to amaze anyone.

"Already?"

"Are you questioning my capabilities?"

"Alright, lets hear what you got."

"Lets talk it in the café downstairs shall we?"

"Fine, provided Ruka doesn't tag along. All he does is annoy me, whenever he hears me mention a girl."

"But, this is the first time you are mentioning a girl, after so long."

-0-

Inside the café:

"What are you doing here Ruka?" Natsume's eye twitched at the sight of Ruka.

"It's a free country buddy. And I am hungry for some coffee. Anyway Hotaru, you can speak with Natsume about that Mikan girl, I would not hear a thing." answered back Ruka with a million dollar grin.

"Why is that? Have you lost your sense of hearing?"

"Nope, I will be busy staring at my girlfriend."

"Nogi, is this your way of asking for a breakup?" this time Hotaru spoke up.

"I know you would never do that to me."

"Are you willing to risk it?"

"I swear I will not nag Natsume, just let me know about the girl Natsume is smitten over."

"Make sure you keep your promise about nagging Ruka and, I am not smitten over any girl" Natsume countered.

"That's what they all say Hyuuga, that's what they all say" this time it was Hotaru who tackled Natsume back verbally and continued:

"Mikan Sakura, age: twenty two, height: five foot four. Residential address, I am sure you know that (earning a glare from Natsume). As you informed me earlier, I confirmed that she works for Oracular, crime department." Handing the boys the file she was carrying.

A waitress interrupted them, "Your orders, please"

"Black coffee"

"Brown coffee, regular."

"Hot chocolate."

Both Ruka and Hotaru raised a brow at Natsume.

"Just go on would you."

"This Mikan girl completed her schooling at Alice academy, Kyoto branch, a scholar. She was a brilliant student. However, she lacks in commonsense, cooking and current affair departments. Her mother Yuka Azumi Sakura passed away while giving birth to her. Her father Izumi Yukihira, was a well known university professor, History department. He took care of Mikan as a single father, thought her, cooked for her, spoiled her, and even wrote her assignments… an ideal father if I could add. She was and still is a happy-go-lucky girl, but never had any boyfriends before. She was more focused on her academics. A typical country side good girl, old fashion."

"Your orders are here, Sir, madam." The waitress served their orders and left them.

Sipping on their respective drinks, Hotaru continued:

"But, three years ago, her father passed away unexpectedly. Accident. It was devastating for her to lose her only family. No living relatives or whatsoever. She pulled herself together, in time. Her father had left her with some insurance money- enough for her to afford study in any university she desired- along with an old model scooter: Honda Aero 50 (NB50) 1985 model, which she uses till date."

Ruka interrupted "Really, she still uses it?"

"Yes, it holds a sentimental value for her. She even gave a name for it, Windy."

"Windy? What a weird name. I have never seen a scooter that old."

"There is one picture of her vehicle in the file that I just gave you, If you want to see it personally, then you can find Windy at our parking lot (Natsume's vein popped, this girl always finds more than what you asked her for). For some reason one of our security guard claims the vehicle to be his (two veins popped out of Natsume's forehead)".

"Should we sue that guard Hotaru?"

"We should ask Natsume that question. So, what do yo.."

"Can you just continue with the story, Imai" yelled the pissed Natsume at Hotaru.

"Boo hoo, you are no fun at all Hyuuga. Alright I will continue."

"She had already completed her high school by then. She did her journalism at Tokyo University. While studying there, as a final year student she worked as an intern in Oracular, under the guidance of Narumi L Anju, crime branch. The case they were working on was... sensitive: Reo Mouri, even before any official police investigation team got a clue, Narumi had doubted this Reo guy to be involved in supplying arms to terrorists, but had kept it secret from everyone- except Mikan his intern- since he had no substantial evidence to prove his claims."

"When Reo Mouri found out about Narumi Anju… according to police records, Narumi was just another case of mysterious disappearance. But Mikan knew better, she conducted a solo unauthorized investigation about this Reo Mouri, even disguised herself as a boy while collecting evidences. After a month of hard work, she had enough evidence to prove his illegal activities."

Ruka interrupted "She brought Reo Mouri to prosecution?"

Hotaru smirked "Nope, she probably knew that filing a case against him in court or police station would take time and money even putting her life in danger, none of which she could afford. So, she decided to do it in another way."

Hotaru finished drinking her black coffee, a look at the two boys told her, they were very eager to find out what happened next. Wanting to enjoy the sight of two curious men faces in front of her; a little longer, she called the waitress to order for another cup of black coffee.

Natsume clenched his fist with curiosity and impatience as he waited for Hotaru to finish ordering for another coffee.

End of Flashback

Natsume clenched his fist hard with impatience, 'Why was the damned elevator taking so long to reach the destined floor?'

The almighty god seems to have answered his prayers, the elevator reached the top most floor and the doors opened.

The men stepped out of the elevator. The bulky man led Natsume to couch and asked him to sit down. "I will let the Master know that you are here, and I will take you to him right afterwards. So please make yourself comfortable, this will not take more than a minute."

Natsume nodded and sat down on the couch. He reminded himself 'Patience is a necessary virtue."

Let me know what do think so far. RXR