Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice and the characters. I am only to be recognized for the plot and well, for some of their unusual attitude. Yeah.

A/N: Here's my first fanfic. So, yeah, please be nice. If ever you see grammar mistakes or so, I'm so sorry—I'm not a grammar nazi. And I'm quite lazy to re-read it. HAHA. So let's start the story... enjoy!

-xXx-

Angel in Disguise

Shoot 01: Starting Point

-xXx-

Mikan Sakura

They started recognizing my drawing skill since I was 14. They told me I was good and based on the themes I usually draw; I got some passion for fashion. I'm not all girly-girly who likes pink and frilly stuffs, but I have this inspiration that keeps on urging me to continue drawing under fashion industry. Though they told me I was good, they also told me the same day I can never excel with such a useless talent.

My parents are business tycoons. And me, being their only child, they want me to stop drawing and take up a business course and follow their footsteps instead. After that confrontation, distance grew between me and my parents.

I never hated them. It's just that, why can't they just be happy for what I want? My talent for drawing is not useless. I know not all artists can excel and be rich with arts. But I could try, right? I may not be as good at Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti and any other legendary artists, but I believe that I can shine in my own way. No artist is the same. Same goes for the art. Maybe some arts are similar but never the same. Each art has a story behind it and only good artists can make ordinary people understand the meaning of their art. And I believe I can do the same.

"Don't you think floral pattern is too common and old?"

I tilted my head up to face the emerald eye beauty and sighed, "As long as the carrier of the outfit looks good and unique, the opinion of the audience about the 'old floral pattern' stuff won't matter." I sat up straight and continued, "You are pretty enough, dear. I'm sure the Sumire Shouda can blow anyone off their shoes whatever she is wearing."

Sumire giggled, "Oh stop it, Mikan. You know I only look perfect with the clothes you design for me." I rolled my eyes and continued coloring the outfit I drew for her, I concentrated on how the colors should blend together until she cheerfully stated, "That's why I am so thankful you're here."

Years before entering high school, I meet two of the best of friends I could ever have. And that's Sumire Shouda and Hotaru Imai. Since 5th grade, we are always together and no one can separate us. We have been through a lot of stuff and I can proudly say we have experienced living the married life. Literally the MARRIED LIFE. We fought like cats and dogs, we slept closely together like conjugated triplets, and we laughed out loud like complete idiots whenever and wherever we want. I can go on forever and believe me; we have made so many memories together. Until the 'oh-so-intelligent-and-wise' Hotaru stood us up for Medicine School. What a best friend huh, but she never forgets to contact us at least once a week to do some catching up. But we rarely see each others; especially Hotaru's school is miles and miles away from ours. Although things are like this now, that is not enough to ruin our 6 year-friendship.

While Hotaru is happily taking up a Medicine course, Sumire and I attended an Art School that specializes in discovering aspiring Models, Fashion Designers, Stylists, and Photographers. We may sound like useless students taking up this path but believe me or not, striving for your dream come true is enough to continue despite what other people are saying about us. And with that, my family turned their backs away from me. They didn't literally abandon me, I mean; they are still the one responsible to pay up my fees here. But once I graduate here, I stand alone.

I'm not afraid. Hotaru may be away and she might take a while to finish up her course, but I got Sumire and I know we would be together until we have children and grandchildren of our own. I took up the Fashion Designing course, but once in a while I become a stylist just to perfect the model look I made up with the outfits, while Sumire took up the Modeling course. She is undeniably stunning with what she is doing and I am proud to style her. I must say she is the 'inspiration' for what I have became, I did design and sew a few simple dresses for her way back then. She's so perfect as a girl and I really admire her, too bad I can't be as good as her. Sumire is always number ONE after all.

"Stop being cheesy, Sumire. You sound like a lesbian who's drooling over me." I teased while I hit her playfully on her head. Sumire shrieked acting like it hurt like hell then she grabbed a pillow, "why you little—" She counterattacks me with the pillow so I grabbed one too. We continued laughing and hitting each other for minute or two until my dorm room open and a familiar blond popped into the room, "Am I late?"

Sumire ran a hand through her ebony curled-end hair to fix it up a bit, "Right on time, Nogi." She answered him still laughing gracefully. She even laughs prettily. Ruka rolled his eyes and closed the door behind him. "I'm afraid that if I came later, this room would be filled with feathers. Right?" I guess he's right. But who cares? We were having fun. But I guess fun time is over. Since Ruka is here, we have to start to study for the finals next week. And with finals, I mean our last project for this Semester. As a designer/stylist, I need to know some facts about how a model would feel with the clothes & how the clothes would come out with the camera flash on. That's why I have Sumire here as my model and Ruka as my photographer. Though Ruka and I work together while Sumire is in the top working group, the opinion and tips from a model won't change.

I turned to face Sumire and asked, "What are you guys doing for this finals?"

"Well, we thought of doing a High Fashion photo shoot but to have a little bit of twist, we decided to have it at a gangster-ish surrounding. We already prepared the graffiti wall behind us and some more props. All we have to work on is the outfits." Sumire briefly explain and wow, I was blown away with their idea. I bet their photo shoot will be number one again. I can't even say something just with the thought of their project.

Ruka is in the same state as me but he managed to say something afterwards, "That's a great idea, Shouda-san. Your group has a lot of creative imagination huh."

Sumire snorted, "Thank you but honestly, my modeling partner was the only one to put a twist with everything we do. I mean, we thought of shooting a high fashion theme. But then he said we should do it with a graffiti wall behind us to give off a high gangster-ish fashion shoot or whatever." She shrugged, "Sorry I'm not great at explaining. But that's how I think the way it is."

"It's so perfect Sumire! Holy Bikkembergs—I'm so excited to see your photo shoot output. You have such a perfect working group. And I am so happy for your dream progress. I bet you will be one of the top models in the world!" I burst out happily while shaking both of her hands.

She laughed at me, "I should have captured a picture of your face just now. Your expression was simply priceless!" Sumire continued laughing as I pout away from her, "But enough blabbering about how perfect my group is. Seriously guys, all groups have their flaws once in a while."

"But not your group." I firmly stated.

"Whatever." She rolled her eyes, then continued, "How about you guys? What's your final project for this finals, lovebirds?" Then Ruka's face went red as tomato as Sumire tilts her eyebrows up and down. I just rolled my eyes. We met Ruka at our high school and well, we grew feelings for each other. Although it took him almost a year to ask me out, we're still okay. I officially became his girlfriend after we received the news we got in at Alice Arts Academy, which is this school. I really enjoy being with Ruka's company as much as how I enjoy being with my best friend's company. He's the best and perfect boyfriend I could ever have. Sometimes I wonder, with looks like his, why didn't he try out modeling? But hey, I'm still proud of him being a Photographer. I just love everything about him. "What's with the lovebirds?" I asked a little bit annoyed, "That's so old school." Then we laughed.

After Ruka got back to his normal self, he answered Sumire's question, "Mikan was the one who thought about our whole project. She designed a few chiffon sleeping wears. She suggested having a peaceful photo shoot, like angels sleeping. But instead of them sleeping on a bed, they would be peacefully floating on top of the water while sleeping."

"I thought of underwater photo shoot at first, but hey, that's old and common. So to have a new idea on how people could do photo shoot with water, I decided an ON-TOP Water Photo Shoot. Just imagine how their chiffon outfits and their hair would freely float with the water. It's so—" I thought of a perfect word to describe how I imagined the photo shoot would be, "—heavenly." I can't help but to smile with the idea I thought of. "I know it's not as good as your group's theme. But I want to try out something with a twist too." Sumire smiled sweetly and held my hand, "No Mikan, your idea was too perfect. I felt so—relaxed about it. Maybe our photo shoot would capture many people's attention, but your idea of the photo shoot for your group could capture all of the people's heart."

I stared at how Sumire was so sincere with each word she complimented my idea. "You'll do great. I hope with your idea, you could excel into the top group." Then she smiled at me, I smiled back as I turn to look at Ruka who's also smiling at me. "Thanks. But can we get over this cheesiness and back to our study. Do you think chiffon would be great to use to float with the water?" I suddenly asked breaking up the serious atmosphere between us.

Sumire thought for a second or two then answered, "Yep, chiffon is a light and frilly material after all. I'm really amazed with your skills today Mikan, very creative. I bet Natsume and you would have a great time sharing photo shoot ideas."

"Natsume?" I asked her utterly confused.

"Yeah, Natsume." She shrugged, "He's my modeling partner. He's the top model for the boys' freshmen level so I got paired up with him. He's my partner since 1st Semester so he's kind of my good friends."

I grinned evilly, then teased her, "I bet you guys are going out without telling me, huh." She gaped for a moment wile Ruka rolled his eyes, "Mikan? NO! Of course not. He's just a FRIEND."

"Oh really?" I snorted.

"Really."

"Really really?"

"REALLY REALLY REALLY!"

"Really really really really?"

"Oh God—MIKAN!"

I chuckled, "Kidding."

After 2 hours of questioning each other's opinion about the whole photo shoot set, Sumire excused herself because she had a phone call from their group's designer, telling her it's time to go and see her outfit. Before heading out of my room, she's mouthing about how naïve their designer is. "We never have a perfect outfit." She complained before leaving Ruka and I completely.

Ruka cleared his throat to break up the silence and to catch my attention. I was drawing some more chiffon dress, okay. "Hey." He started as he gently smiles his million dollar smile. Everything he does is all so gentle and kind. We have never fought even once throughout our 8-month relationship. Though there are a lot more of pretty girls out there like Sumire, he even chose the ugly duckling to be his girlfriend. I can never ask more but a boyfriend like him. He's so understanding, nice, smart, and kind of slow sometimes, bubbly and wonderful. I never thought a rich good looking blond boy with mesmerizing azure eyes would fall for me. I mean, he's too good and perfect for me. He never upset nor let me down. He accepts the way I am and he never asked for more from me. I love him so much.

I smiled back at him, "What's with your smile Ruka? I know you want something with that smile."

He shrugged, "I was just going to ask you out for dinner. Is it wrong for me to ask my girlfriend out once in a while?" I was slightly touched with how he acts and playfully punch him at his arm. I stood up from the floor and told him to wait outside the room while I change my clothes. As soon as he went out, I rampage my clothes in the closet to look for my slim beige pants, I folded the end 2 times for about 1-inch wide to get a chic yet simple look. I paired it with an over-sized but cute golden yellow cotton top with a baby panda print in front and loose ¾ sleeves. I jumped on my red 2-inched stilettos. I put up my brown hair into a messy bun and dumped my wallet & phone into my small red Cambridge Satchel bag. I applied baby powder on my face and a bit of pink lip tint to achieve a baby doll lips. Before heading out, I looked at myself at my whole body mirror beside my bed. I looked fine and simple so I headed out contented.

Ruka smiled upon seeing me and told me I look cute. Just cute? Well yeah because Sumire is the one to be only beautiful. But still he called me cute and made my heart jump a little bit. He offered his arm like a gentleman and we went on. He brought me to Shakey's and we ate quite a lot. After eating and waiting for our desert, we chatted about our upcoming project and he told me I was great for giving our photo shoot idea. He's really open and bubbly especially when it's just the two of us.

And I smiled with the thought that maybe, a big possibility, he's the one for me.

-xXx-

"ANNA! GET YOUR FRIGGIN' BUTT OVER HERE!" I scowled upon my phone. I don't want to finish this dress until I am sure this perfectly fit to my model. I sighed as I shift the phone to my other ear, "Look, I'm sorry. I'm just s stressed out. I'm almost done so drop by my room immediately. Don't forget to bring your partner with you."

"Don't worry Mi-chan, I understand you. I don't feel offended or something, really. See you then. Be there in 10 minutes!" Anna cheerfully replied to me.

I smiled; I have such great friends, "Okay. Wait for you then."

The whole week preparation for the On-Top Water Photo Shoot wasn't easy as any other photo shoot. We carefully filled every space detailed. I want everything to be perfect. When the day for the photo shoot finally ended, I saw how good we worked out for this project. I carefully analyze the pictures captured on my laptop. I made Anna a peach chiffon dress. It's a tube emperor dress with a V cut beaded border at the chest area and I sewed small crystal Swarovski randomly on its tube top and on random free flowing layers of chiffon. It's a short to long dress. She's bare foot and her makeup was light smoky yellow to orange with a 3 crystal beads glued under each of her eyes. And to give a little bit twist, I drew a thin line of aqua blue eyeliner under her eyes going upward. Her hair was in a messy wavy state and I inserted random sea-ish stuff and Swarovski on it and some fake strands of the same shade blue hair extension. The camera is angled on top of the pool, Anna is floating effortless on the half a feet pool. She looked floating although she wasn't.

"Had fun?" A familiar deep voice startled me as the door behind me opened. I turned around and rolled my eyes, "Next time, try knocking the door Ruka. Okay?" He shrugged and sat beside me. Ruka took the photo of Anna from my hands and made a 'not bad' face then he looked at me, "Great job, Mikan. You did a perfect job."

I snorted as I stood up and stretch my arms in the air before pointing out to him, "But not as perfect as Sumire's group." I sat down back to my seat and cupped my cheeks with my hands, "I wonder how it'd go for them. I'm so excited to see her photo."

Ruka reached for my chin and turned my head to him, "Will you stop looking at yourself lowly. Sumire is good and so are you. Maybe Sumire is perfect at modeling. But there are you and for me, you are perfect in everything you do." I smiled and I got the message from his eyes that he wanted to cuddle. He slowly brought his face near to mine and as I close my eyes, my phone suddenly rang that made Ruka grunt and back out. I laughed at his expression and picked my phone up, "Yeah?"

"Mikan! We just finished our shoot, get out of there and let's have our celebration dinner. Hurry though okay. I'm with Natsume and I want you guys to meet him. And—" she paused for a second to think what she forgot, "—Oh! Don't forget to bring a sample photo from your project, I got mine here. Hurry up! I want to see you friggin' butt here, NOW!"

Laughing, I asked, "What's with the rush, Sumire? I get it ok. Will you let me change will you?" I heard her grunt, "Fine. Just hurry." Then she hung up.

I looked at Ruka and smiled at him, "The princess wants us there, get ready. I'll see you by your room. It's on the way anyway, we'll continue this next time." I slightly pinched his cheek, "Don't wear something too formal or something. Ok?"

He rolled his eyes before leaving my room, "Yes, mother."

-xXx-

We arrived at where Sumire is and saw her alone. She still has her dark smoky hot make up on and her hair was in a messy bun located at the right side. She's wearing big plain red off-right shoulder sweater and white shorts and her 5-inched black pumps. Sumire is really pretty even though she's wearing simple clothes. She waved her hand and smiled at me as soon as she saw me, "Mikan!"

I pulled Ruka along with me as we sat down in front of Sumire, "Hey. So I thought you're with someone?" She blinked twice, "Oh, Natsume? Well I told you to hurry. He has other appointments; he's a top model after all." She explained then we state our order to the waiter. I'm having pasta for dinner and a chocolate frappe; I don't want to get bloated tonight. Sumire ordered Caesar salad and tomato juice plus a slice of blueberry cheesecake to balance the veggies and sweet. And as for Ruka, he ordered roast beef and mashed potato plus water only.

While waiting for our orders, Sumire grabbed a picture out of her purse and gave us a sly smile, "Aren't you going to ask about our photo shoot?" I rolled my eyes and smiled, "Let me see your shot." She gave me the picture and—WOW!

Sumire is so pretty! The graffiti wall was painted with random things all over, but in the middle they painted the word 'FREEDOM' that will catch any person's attention despite the drawings behind it. Her hair was in a high ponytail by the right side and was curled from the tip to the end. She was wearing a high waist hot pink pants that was folded at the end, maybe once or twice. On top was a tucked in creamy sheer tank top and she wore a gold bib necklace to give shine to her plain top. Her belt was brown and thinly braided that matches her brown 4-inched stilettos. She also has a long black cardigan over her top that end just before the back of her knees; the sleeve was folded in a ¾ look. She has a gold small watch at her right hand and numerous black, white and red random bracelets at the other. Her pose was effortless. Her body was slightly facing the right side with her left foot slightly bent upward. Her right hand was rested just above her right thigh while her left hand was raised and bent above her head. Her fierce expression really looked great together with her makeup and outfit. Everything was just so, so—PERFECT.

I was totally blown away, "Sumire it's too perfect. You're so great! Hotaru has to see this." She giggled then brought out another picture, "Well I guess you guys are going to meet Natsume in a picture only," She reached out over me the picture, "Here, that's him." I took the picture from her hand and saw a very hot gorgeous guy at the same setting. What a handsome guy. He's a perfect pair for Sumire. I don't find his Crimson eyes odd, actually they're friggin' hot.

Natsume was wearing a dirty white pant that perfectly fits with his teal V-neck shirt, half the hem of the shirt was tucked inside his pant in order to show his brown belt & buckle. He was also wearing a black coat over his shirt that matches Sumire's outfit that is also folded in a ¾ sleeve look. The topsider he was wearing was in a blue, white and black color that blended well together with his outfit. His raven hair was in a fixed but still messy state that looked so sexy that paired his crimson orbs. And like Sumire, his pose was effortless. He was leaning against the wall and was looking straight into the camera. Both of his hands were inside his pocket, while his right foot was bending towards to the left just behind his left foot and the tip of his right foot was resting on the ground.

"Like what you see?" Sumire mocked at me, I rolled my eyes before returning the picture to her, "Give me a break. He's all yours to have, I already have my own." I told Sumire, hoping Ruka was not offended at what she said or something but in what I can see—he doesn't mind.

Sumire snorted, "I don't really like him as a boyfriend material. He's just a friend, really."

I nodded before asking, "Then what do you want? I mean, you are the only pretty lady I know who is still single." She chuckled, "I AM the ONLY pretty lady you know, Sakura." I smiled then she continued, "And I don't really want to talk about this, plus we're only 17! There's still a lot of time to meet hot boys—I think. Now let me see what you guys had for the photo shoot."

After she saw the photo, she gasped, "Oh my gosh, Mikan! This is way much better than I have imagined. The dress is even gorgeous even if you just take a picture of it. You finally leashed out your great imagination. Maybe with this, you might make it up to our group."

I looked at her utterly surprised but she ignored me and continued, "Why don't we check out the result and list of new Sem-buds the day after tomorrow. Your grade might be qualified to be on top."

"Me? ON TOP?" I laughed, "Give me a break. It's not like no one can design better than me." Ruka and Sumire gave me serious looks, "What?"

Ruka started, "Don't you believe in yourself?"

Do I believe in myself? Of course I do! I know I have a talent in designing but to be on top and be on Sumire's group, the top group; it's too much for me. I'm good but never as good as Sumire. Sem-Buds stands for Semestral Buddies. The top group should consists the top students of every category, 1 top photographer, 1 top designer in the girls' division and another 1 in the boys', 1 top female model and 1 top male model. But for the other groups, they would only be recognized as normal students- and I am one of the students.

I sighed and answered them in order to stop this topic, "Fine, okay, let's check the results and lists together. I don't want to have false hope but all right, I'll try to see myself as the top designer. Happy now?" They just smiled at my sarcastic answer. Sumire answered back, "Yipee. Jumping for joy."

We laughed for a minute or two then right on time, our orders were served. We ate just like how we always do, quite noisy but fun. I wish Hotaru is here to complete this moment. I love them so much that I'll do anything for them.

~ Miss Banana Tops

A/N: Let me hear you beautiful voices- please review! I want to know how the story went for you. :) Thank you for reading.

Next Shoot: First Meeting - to be posted on June 29.