Hello again! First off, I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed and followed this story! It really means a lot to me, and I truly do appreciate it! Also, to Sweet Little-I hope this chapter was posted soon enough ;)!

The flashback is in Natsume's POV and the rest of it in Mikan's! I realized that I didn't give much background information in chapter one on the characters, so here's a little to go off of!

1. Mikan, Natsume, Hotaru, Ruka, etc. are all around 20 years old in the present. In the flashbacks, they are probably around 11 or 12 years old!

2. Aoi and Youichi are the same age in this fic, and I'm thinking 3-4 years younger than Natsume and Mikan.

3. Natsume is now the head of Hyuuga Corp (creative, I know), and Hotaru the head of Imai Innovations. Mikan's family owns Sakura Corp, and I still have to come up with a name for Ruka's business haha…

Finally, the disclaimer: I don't own Gakuen Alice, Kitchen Princess or Yumeiro Patissiere (or any of the recipes or ideas from those two franchises!). Although if I did, Henri-Sensei wouldn't be such a jerk to Tennouji-san! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

ENCOUNTER

"Mommy Mommy! Pleaseeeeee?! Can we go to the ice cream parlor after story time today? I promise to be a good girl and not fight with anyone!"

"Hehe alright Mikan, if you promise. We can go for ice cream today."

Tch. What a spoiled brat-she just has to promise such a stupid thing and her mom immediately agrees to get her ice cream? Even if I promised to take over the next three industries my mother would never take me out for ice cream. I frowned as I thought about my parents; no matter what I did it never seemed to please them. At the age of 12, I'm already considered a genius and have been praised by various adults for my achievements. But it means nothing-they never care. Not that it truly matters, at this point I've already given up all hope in my parents caring about me...but if I impress them enough they might finally give my sister a break. Every and any mistake I make they take it out on Aoi, as my "incentive" to do better the next time. She's the only person that matters to me, and as her older brother, I have to succeed every time so our parents don't make her cry. That's the only thing I can't stomach-my sister's tears.

I finally reached my destination in the library and grabbed a book on financial history. I quickly flipped through it, memorizing the whole thing before placing it back on the shelf. I reached for another book on the top 10 ways to take over a business, and once again memorized it. After repeating the process for about 20 minutes, I decided to take a break in the swivel chairs nearby. I reached for the manga I had grabbed before coming to this boring area of the library and began perusing it.

"Ring Ring Ring." I glanced down about thirty minutes later at my loud cell phone-it was my father. He had sent a text warning me to come back home only after I came up with an effective strategy for dealing with the Takahashi's. With a deep sigh, I threw down my manga and thought of the problem at hand. The Takahashi's were known in the business world for their extreme investments, and they were currently interested in buying up all my shares in Kuro Neko Industries, the section of Hyuuga Corp that my father had given to me to grow as a test. The bankers told me yesterday that the best solution would be to collaborate with the Takahashi's-it would not only benefit me but also their company. My problem now is convincing the Takahashi group to collaborate with me and to prove that it is worth their time as well.

I got up, desperately thinking of a solution to the problem. If I didn't come up with something and go home tonight, Aoi was going to be in huge trouble. I swiftly headed towards the shelves once more, grabbing book after book in hope of finding some scrap of useful information. Just as I was reaching for Business: A Guide for Those in Desperate Times, a voice interrupted.

"What are you doing with all those boring books? I know! Why don't you come to story time with me? Ms. Maple is going to read us Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone today, and that's one of the coolest-"

"I don't have time for stories little girl. Now leave me alone," I coldly commanded. I turned around to peer at the distraction, only to be severely disappointed when I realized it was the ice cream brat from earlier. The girl was dressed in a bright yellow frock and carrying a tiny knapsack with her that had a picture of a dancing frog. Worst of all, however, were her twin pigtails that stuck out of the side of her heads like droopy rabbit ears. Put simply, she looked like a petulant five-year old child. I don't know why I was expecting something more extraordinary; perhaps it was because not many people would have been brave enough to interrupt Natsume Hyuuga in the midst of his work. Then again, this idiot wouldn't have a clue who I am.

The girl's cheeks began to puff out in irritation, and she pouted at me. "I am NOT a little girl! In fact, you're probably the same age as I am! And what do you mean you don't have time? Everybody has time for Harry Potter! Hey….I know who you are! You're that kid that Anna and Nono were talking about during the last story time-the one who comes to the library only to read boring financial books and manga. Honestly! Quit trying to spread rumors that you like these dull novels, or you won't ever make any friends! I mean it's obvious you hate them-or you wouldn't be flipping through them so quickly and would actually read them!"

I scoffed. Friends? I don't have time for any of those apart from Ruka. He's the only friend I have or need. I glared at the girl before venomously responding, "Look here little girl. You might have a need to make multitudes of friends, but I'm not interested. I'm also not interested in you or your stupid Sorcerer's Rock so why don't you do us both a favor and get lost."

"YOU'RE SO RUDE! Besides! How could you even know if you're interested in Harry Potter if you've obviously never even read it? I'm sure it would be much better than what you're pretending to read right now! Why don't you just try it once? For my sake?" The girl heatedly retorted. I sighed in irritation before shutting the book and placing it back on the shelf.

"First of all, I happen to have a perfect photographic memory so I actually am reading all these books. Second off, I still have 0 interest in attending your kindergarten story time; besides, some of us have work to do. Finally, why do you even care if I attend or not? My actions are of no concern to you, little girl," I slowly muttered. It was about then that I heard the sniffling, and was shocked to find the girl with tears in her eyes. "Why are you crying, little girl?" I alarmingly queried. Tears from any girl made me uncomfortable, as they reminded me of my previous failures in protecting Aoi.

"I….I… I AM NOT CRYING! I'm just sad because you're always alone! I always see you at the library, but you never talk to anybody. I don't want anybody to spread rumors about you thinking you're better than the rest of us because I know you don't think that! I've seen you work super super hard, and seen how worried you get while working sometimes! So… Please… Just come join us for once…" The girl sniffed. Is this girl for real? She's never even met me, yet she's this concerned for me? The only other person in this entire world who has cared for me is Aoi, and yet this girl….so easily….I stared at her, observing how she had averted her gaze to the books beside me and was attempting to reign in her tears.

"Alright little girl. Quit crying, I'll come with you to your stupid story time. But you should know: associating with me will only get you in trouble. Are you still willin-"

"YES! I DON'T CARE ABOUT WHAT ANYONE ELSE THINKS! Come on! Come on! Come on! They're gonna start in a few minutes!" With that, the strange girl snatched my arm and dragged me through the hallways. I blinked, stunned at how quickly her tears vanished to be replaced with a smile and could only smirk at the change. To think someone was this worried about me, and only because of rumors. Rumors… That's it! My smirk morphed into a grin as I realized that was the solution to the Takahashi problem. I'll propose starting a rumor in the market that Kuro Neko and the Takahashi Group are going to collaborate. Since both companies are well-known, our shares should immediately skyrocket just from the rumor, and then they'll realize collaboration is the best solution. After that, the actual collaboration can begin.

"AHHH! You smiled! It's because you're actually really excited to be going to story time, isn't it? Ah, but you'll never admit it, I'm sure!" The girl suddenly burst out. I immediately wiped my grin off my face before cocking an eyebrow at her. What an idiot… but then, this is the idiot who helped me out of this problem. With that, we finally entered the library room for story time.

"What do you mean the flight's been canceled? Look here lady, I don't have time to deal with your nonsense! The announcement is happening soon, and I'm a very busy woman. So either put me on a flight that will get me to Japan or find me someone else who can." Hotaru deadpanned, in her trademark bored voice. Except this time it was tinged with pure rage, and I knew that any second now she was going to pull out the Baka gun.

"I….I….I...I'm so sorry ma'am! I promise I'll try my absolute best to find a flight. Please calm down!" The timid representative stuttered out, desperately clacking away at her computer. Based on her name tag, it would appear Sheila was a trainee for the airlines-poor thing, having to deal with Hotaru.

A deep sigh escaped from me as I saw Hotaru reach for the gun. I swiftly made my way over to the two of them and grabbed Hotaru before she could blast the scared flight representative sky high. "Thank you...Miss Sheila! We'll be right back; please tell us if you manage to find a flight!" I chirpily called behind me, attempting to diffuse the situation. We made our way to one of the nearby gates-A46 or something-and sat down. I quickly inched as far away from Hotaru and her murderous glare as possible in my seat, before reaching for my cell phone to inform my parents of the situation. All I wanted was a nice, peaceful trip with my best friend because it would probably be my last chance to travel alone with her since she's getting married. And...it resulted in us getting snowed in and stranded in Greenland. I glanced up at Hotaru, who was still fuming, before softly murmuring,

"At least the trip wasn't a complete waste! You procured the business deal, which was the main purpose of coming here! Also, we got to spend some time in the cabins, at the spa, skiing-it was super fun!"

"Yes, the trip was successful. However, the announcement is very soon, and if I don't show up it will tarnish the Imai reputation," Hotaru stoically replied.

A smirk made its way on my face. "Translation: Ruka will be extremely disappointed if you're not there. Don't worry Hotaru! We still have a few days-even if the weather makes us stay in Greenland for a little while longer, you can still make it on time!" Hotaru just glanced at me before rolling her eyes. We were silent for a little while longer as Hotaru opened her laptop to work on her latest business transaction most likely, and I thought about the Sweets and Eats competition coming up. The theme was to create a dessert that represents reflection, and if I wanted to fulfill my dream of becoming a patissier, I needed to win this. Reflection...maybe if I looked through the recipes that I've collected ever since I was a child, there might be an idea. Mmmmm I can't wait to make more sweets! Especially to taste them hahahahah!

BAKA BAKA BAKA!

"Neh, Baka. Quit drooling would you? I know you're probably thinking about that competition again. People are going to start staring at you if you keep up that expression." I glared up at Hotaru from my position sprawled on the floor before getting up and rubbing my aching head. I really have to get my hands on that gun and find a way to destroy it. Although, knowing Hotaru, she probably has an extra and another backup in case the extra breaks too.

"At least I'm not thinking about a boy! It's obvious how much you're missing Ruka," I goaded, a silly smile caressing my face. Ruka and Hotaru's relationship is so sweet! But the best part is getting to tease my normally impervious friend about Ruka.

Hotaru quickly turned away, but not before I caught the slight blush on her cheeks. I started giggling softly before she interrupted me. "I'm not the only one, Mikan, who's going to be getting engaged soon. Or did you forget about Natsume?"

My laughter died out as I recalled how my parents mercilessly engaged me to some random stranger. Hotaru suddenly sighed as she observed my stricken expression, before saying, "Mikan. The real reason you wanted to come on this trip wasn't because you thought it would be the last one with just us right? It was because you needed to get away from your parents. That's why I agreed to let you tag along. But once we go back, you're going to have to face this problem head on."

"I know Hotaru. That's why I'm so scared... I don't know what to do. On one hand, I truly don't want to be engaged to somebody I've never even seen. On the other, I have to do this for my parents. I can't bear to see my mom disappointed-you know that Hotaru! So it really doesn't matter what I want. Oh, Hotaru! What should I do?"

Hotaru simply shut her laptop before placing it back in her bag. She then grabbed my hand and squeezed it lightly. "At this point, it's best not to worry. You haven't even met the guy-Natsume, was it? For all you know, he could be an excellent person and easy to fall in love with. Give it a chance."

"Yeah...You're right. I've gotta keep a positive mind about this! After all, my mom's best friend's son has to be an amazing person! Although, don't you think it's kind of odd Hotaru? My mom never mentioned her best friend to me before, and now suddenly I'm engaged to her son!"

"Oh...Umm… Yeah, that is weird," Hotaru uncharacteristically muttered. I looked at her, only to realize she was avoiding my gaze. That's weird. She's only avoided my gaze like that once before, and that was right after the accident when I asked her about the Sakura pendant I was wearing right now. I don't even remember receiving it, but for some reason, it still remains my most precious treasure.

"Hotaru? Are you alright?" I asked, worried.

"Y..Yes, I'm fine Mikan. More importantly, you only agreed to marry Natsume because your parents must have said something to you, right? What did they say?" I could see that Hotaru was changing the subject, but I didn't want to push her for information she clearly didn't want to tell me. I guess that's just how she is-when she's ready to tell me, I'll find out. She was right about my parents coercing me into this marriage, though.

"They told me that it was my responsibility, as the next head of Sakura Corp, to marry someone who would benefit the business. That they've raised me so I could be free from the burdens of the company, but now it's finally time to grow up and accept the reality that comes with being the heir to such a powerful corporation. Oh Hotaru, I really thought I would always marry for love-ever since I was a kid. But this? I have to marry someone, and for the sake of the company as well as my parents," I sadly revealed. I could feel tears starting to sting at the tips of my eyes, and Hotaru simply reached over and patted my hair.

"You know, Mikan, things have a way of working out for the better. I'm sure fate is just trying to rekindle the past."

Rekindle the past? What the hell is she talking about? Before I could ask, however, Sheila finally came back over to us. Based on the fearful look on her face, I could only assume she didn't have good news. With a grimace, I decided to start the fire myself.

"Sheila! Did you find another plane to Japan?" I asked, forcing cheer into my voice and quickly wiping any remnants of my tears away.

"I….I...I AM SO SORRY! PLEASE DON'T GET ME FIRED! I COULDN'T FIND ANY PLANES LEAVING GREENLAND TO JAPAN FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS!" Sheila suddenly burst out. I immediately chanced a look at Hotaru, only to find her reaching for her Baka gun. Oh, this was NOT good. Think Think THINK MIKAN! How do I stop Hotaru from not only exploding but catching Sheila and me in the debris? Oh to hell with it, I'm getting out of here-I've already lost enough brain cells to that gun.

"So let me get this straight. Your airlines not only prevented me from going home tonight but is also so incompetent, it can't even find a substitute flight within the next 24 hours? On top of that, you're not going to refund me for this flight if I choose a different airline because your poor excuse for this cancellation is the weather, which is "out of your control and therefore not your problem?" And you expect me to not file a single complaint and to stay calm about this?" Hotaru began spewing, her rage tingeing her tone with every word spat out. Not good, NOT GOOD AT ALL! Please, God, Grandpa's soul and anybody else up there listening! Calm Hotaru down!

"That's it! Sheila, not only have you severely burdened me, but you've also-"

"HOTARU?!" Wait. That wasn't me, or Sheila! I whirled around, only to find...Ruka? Why was Ruka here? I stared at Hotaru, who looked as shocked as I was-although she was covering it up with her emotionless facade again. I let out a deep sigh of relief-if anybody could calm Hotaru down right now it would be Ruka. Hotaru sauntered over to where Ruka was standing, and it was at that moment that I saw a man standing near Ruka. He looked surprised to see Hotaru as well. He was wearing slacks and a button-up shirt with the first few buttons undone. Perhaps the most exquisite thing about him were his eyes though, which were a stunning shade of crimson. It was then that his gaze suddenly shifted to me, and I watched as his eyes widened with shock then narrowed in….anger? He raked his gaze over me before his eyes landed on the sakura necklace on my neck. My heartbeat was suddenly all over the place, although whether from fear or something else I couldn't tell. He glared at me venomously, and I was caught in his trance.

"Natsume! Come here, Hotaru has a proposition for where we can stay since it looks like all the flights back to Japan are canceled for the next few days," Ruka suddenly broke the trance, and I immediately shook my head. There's no way he glared at me-we've never even met! The man-Natsume-stalked over slowly, and I had to try very hard to suppress a shiver. I couldn't even fathom why this person was having such an effect on me, and truth be told it was terrifying me. Hotaru then placed her hand on my arm, in a reassuring manner, and I realized my fear must have been visible. I quickly schooled a blank expression that could match one of Hotaru's best ones.

"Ruka. Natsume. We have two cabins owned by my family available. Getting a hotel in this country is going to be difficult at this time because all the occupants of this airport have been snowed in. Since all of us are waiting to get back to Japan, why don't we share the cabins for the next few days? Sheila can put all of us on the next flight back to Japan."

"That's fine, Imai. Shall we go, then?" Natsume replied in a very silky voice, and I involuntarily took a step back when he glared at me again. Ok, that's it! I so did not imagine that first glare-just what was this guy's problem? Oh well, two can play at this game. If he wanted hostile, well, hostile is just what he's gonna get!

Thank you for reading! I realize that this chapter is a little similar to the first one, situation-wise. I promise that I won't write all the events from both Natsume's and Mikan's POV's because that would become super repetitive. But for this first situation, I thought it would be beneficial to establish both Mikan's and Natsume's feelings at the beginning!

I'm already working on chapter three, so hopefully, that will be out soon as well!

Arigato!

Breezylyn