Disclaimer: No matter how much I love Gakuen Alice, it will never be mine..

This story was inspired by the song: So Close by Jon McLaughlin. Listen to it. It goes with the story:3 Enjoy~

I knew exactly who it was before I even felt the tap on my shoulder. Stopping mid-dance, I turned to look into ruby eyes.

"Natsume." I breathed. "I didn't think you were going to make it. " He was dressed in a tux but the bow wasn't tied.

"Hey Nat." Ruka said from beside me. Natsume ruffled his messy black hair.

"Yea... me neither. Luckily my flight got in earlier than expected."

Ruka smiled brightly and patted him on the shoulder. "That's awesome. It wouldn't have been the same without you here, buddy."

Natsume rolled his eyes. "It's a rehearsal dinner Ruka. The wedding isn't even until tomorrow."

"I know, but I'd still enjoy having my best man here."

"Yeah, Yeah. Are you gonna hog the soon-to-be-bride all night or do you think you could spare her for a dance?" Natsume held out his hand for mine. I rolled my eyes, a habit I clearly got from him, and placed mine in his.

"Maybe I could spare one for you. As long as you promise not to stomp on my feet again." I said with a smile. They both chuckled.

"I'll see you two in a bit. I'm going to go make sure they didn't run outta crab already. Imai would never forgive me if they did." Ruka replied before heading off in the direction of the kitchen.

As I turned to face him, a slow song started. He smirked his signature smile. I've missed you. The words were perched on the edge of my tongue. I bit my cheek to get rid of the thought. Placing a hand on his shoulder, we swayed to the song.

I studied his face under the dim lighting. He looked tanner, slightly more rugged. A lot more tired. "It's been a while." I said. He spun me under his arm, the dance turning into a waltz.

"I know." We glided across the floor arm in arm. Chest to chest. Heart to heart. "Are you excited? About the wedding? About marrying Ruka?" He sounded almost hurt. Like it was painful to announce the truth. It's supposed to be you. Always you. Could I tell him? Tell him that, Yes, I loved Ruka, but I always loved him the most? No. I'd imagined the hurt. He'd be happy for Ruka. If I said anything he'd see it as me betraying his best friend. I smiled instead.

"Yes. It's going to be beautiful. I can't wait to see all this planning come to life." He stared at me intently.

"That's not what I asked." The timing picked up but we spun effortlessly along, my dress twirling around us like a breeze. Dancing as though we'd been born into each other this way. Naturally and perfectly. Effortlessly.

I looked away from his gaze. How could I answer while I was so close to him? I could barely think straight.

"Mikan." He said.

"Yes. I'm just nervous. Pre-wedding jitters, I suppose." He nodded but when I looked back at him he had a sad look in his eyes. Why must I imagine what I want to see? He was the one to turn from my gaze this time.

Looking over my head he snorted. "Look." He said nodding behind me. I looked over my shoulder but I didn't join in on his joke. Hotaru and Ruka were dancing together. They seemed so content. Like how it feels when I'm with Natsume.

Slowly I turned back around. "Don't you ever think..."

"Hmm?" He looked back down at me.

I continued in a whisper, "That maybe this was the way things were supposed to be? That if you have never left, we'd be having our happy ending together?" I nodded my head toward Ruka and Hotaru. "And they'd be having theirs?" He closed his eyes and shook his head slowly.

"Mikan..."

"I know you feel it too. I never knew if you did but now I do. You know how this was supposed to end."

His voice was pained, "I can't... I did what I had to do... to protect you all... If this is the consequence, so be it."

I swallowed against the lump in my throat. "I can see it in her eyes too. Hotaru's. She tries to hide it but, it's so clearly there. She loves him so much but, she won't say anything for fear of hurting me."

He looked deep into my eyes. "You love him." Yes. I did love Ruka. He was the perfect guy. Prince charming reincarnate.

"I love you more." Loving Ruka was not like loving Natsume. After Natsume had left, it was almost expected of me to be with Ruka. Almost as if, as soon as he had departed, all eyes shifted to us with an expression of "well...?" Ruka was the good, sturdy boy every parent wanted for their child.

Natsume was the forbidden fruit. The daring, reckless boy parents warned their daughters about. But I knew the real Natsume. I knew deep down he cared so much you could feel it in your toes. I knew he hurt so deeply, had been hurt so deeply, your heart would shatter for him. He needed me. And I needed him.

Out here dancing with him, our bodies pressed together, our hearts beat in time, and our souls blended as one. Perfection.

He stepped back as the song slowed to an end. Looking at me through tortured eyes, he whispered, "I can't." and walked away. Leaving me there, in the center of the dance floor, to be claimed by another man.

An anxo note: I wonder how many of you noticed the disclaimer kind of went with the story... I wonder how many of you went back to check;D So this is probably the longest drabble in the history of drabbles... but oh well... the more the merrier right? I hope you enjoyed this story and I would love to hear what you thought. Also, please feel free to point out any mistakes.

P.S: I've never been to a rehearsal dinner. I've been to one wedding... and I was like five... so it's been a while... If they don't dance... they should:) Especially with Natsume;)

~With Love,

anxo