Scared Little Boy, Heart of Gold
SPOILERS through chap 87
(I do not have any rights whatsoever to any manga on the planet………so don't go even imagining I'm near as good as the author. Btw---I'm neglecting my studying for tests since this is in my head. Children don't try this at home!)
People always thought Natsume was tough, but Mikan was starting to believe otherwise. He'd kissed her-twice, once accidentally and once quite purposefully. He'd ran up and hugged her, wearing a mask, as apology. In that same mask he'd had the guts to admit his love for her.
Mikan still didn't quite understand why he was always saying things he didn't mean. Most of the time she fell for it, true, but sometimes she remembered the warm feeling of his hands wrapped around her, the regret she'd felt in him.
Natsume kept his face cold, and was rude towards her. Since Luna was a thing of the past at the Academy he didn't have to be quite so cold; the immediate threat to his Mikan was gone. He was still competing with Ruka though- neither boy was quite sure, really, who had the upperhand in their contest of love.
Natsume, being the jealous type, still made sure to spend some time with Mikan when he could get them alone without attracting attention. He kept his face cold, but listened to her burdens, gave her advice, warmed his soul about her.
He knew that when all the troubles were over he'd have to say something. He wanted to; but he was scared that he wouldn't deserve her. After all, he used his power so much did he have much life left to live? He'd been bleeding when he coughed since before he turned 10.
He wanted to snatch her up and hold her, literally steal a kiss (hey he may be sweet but that does not mean he is going to be gentle and risk losing what he wants). As he sat there, in the sakura tree, hoping for that day to come he heard a voice call up to him.
"Natsume! Natsume!" Looking down with eyes softer than normal he saw little Mikan. He nodded to her and she climbed up the tree.
"Say Natsume, I've been here almost a year now! Waaaah ooff!"
Mikan found herself in Natsume's arms, as he'd had to catch her before she fell. Sometimes the girl couldn't speak and climb, normally a fairly easy combo. But---after all Mikan was a little idiot when it came to common sense. Creative, yeah, but….
Mikan smiled at Natsume. "Thanks, but you shouldn't have to!"
Natsume shook his head and gave her a hug and brushed his hand over her head before jumping out of the tree. "I remember that day well," he smirked. "Polka-dots, how could I forget? You've only yelled at me about it since."
For once Mikan didn't have a reply. She just remembered that Natsume had given her a real kiss here, her first. After a moment she smiled to herself.
"Why do you always run from me Natsume? Are you scared of being sweet?"
He just walked away. I'm scared of hurting you, of ruining that smile for good. I don't even like not cheering you up after I tease you…but I can't.