WARNING: OOCness. You have been warned.

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Chapter Four: A Trip Down Memory Lane

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"Well, what are you waiting for, little girl? We have a mission to do."

"Y-You're my new partner?!" I gawked at the sight of him. This wasn't a dream that I would have to wake up from soon. It was really him: Natsume was standing before me in the flesh; the real thing. I haven't seen him for so long.

I took in his full figure from head to toe; he's grown a lot more since I last saw him. But of course, that should be expected. He's probably around six feet tall now.

"Obviously," he replied monotonously. He dispersed the ring of fire surrounding us and began attacking the enemy.

I rushed to his side to help him. I made two long, sharp icicle dirks and held them both in my two hands. I reluctantly stabbed one enemy in the stomach: a vital organ; and slashed the throat of another who was rapidly approaching me. I heard the latter make gurgling sounds within the few seconds he had left to live, watching both spill blood, staining the floor and everything around them. I didn't want to do it, but I had to. Orders are orders; they were villains anyway, so it doesn't really matter that much, I guess…

One man had made his arms into pointed metal things that looked somewhat like swords and slashed my arm, almost giving me a critical blow. He kept advancing, slashing his sword arms at me, forcing me to me to step backward again and again. I felt my back against Natsume's; we were cornered.

"Can you nullify all these people at once?" he whispered.

"Yes."

"Good. Do it when I give you the signal." My eyes were glued onto him, watching his every move very carefully, not wanting to mess things up. "Now!"

I held out my arms and released my Nullification Alice, canceling out all of the remaining standing men's Alices, leaving them confused. I panted heavily; that took a bit of energy out me. It's really tiring when I do that and haven't had enough rest.

In an instant, I saw each and everyone of them bathed in Natsume's flames, yelling in agony and pain. I covered my nose to keep some of the stench of their burning flesh out and to keep myself from inhaling the smoke.

The flames disappeared and all that was left was their ashes. I stared at Natsume's face again; he had no trace of regret or pity in his eyes.

"What?"

"You're . . . Amazing."

He chuckled. "I know." He headed for the stairs and continued on his way upstairs, where the book was. I huffed, being a bit bothered that he didn't even look back to see if I was following him. I guess he's still the same obnoxious Natsume.

From there on, everything just seemed to happen so fast. We were on one floor for a few seconds and quickly proceeded to the next before two minutes could pass. Before I knew it, I was holding the book that we had to get; and we were standing a few feet away from the enemy's hideout, which Natsume blew up within a matter of seconds. I looked at him with wide eyes, my mouth hanging partially open.

"You're back. You're really back," I said and nearly dropped the book I was holding. I felt my lips quiver when I talked and felt the hair on the nape of my neck stand up out of pure excitement, the thrilling feeling inside me welling up; I couldn't keep it subsided any longer.

I don't know why, but I hugged him tightly, inhaling his cologne in. I have to admit, I really did miss him though. He actually even hugged me back, his strong arms safe and welcoming.

"Yeah, I am."

"I missed you, Natsume-kun."

It was silent for a while and we stayed embracing each other. I broke from the hug soon enough and flashed one of my old sweet smiles at him. I thought I saw him smile back at me and rubbed my eyes to make sure, but he had already turned his back to me by the time I stopped to look at him again. I'm pretty sure I heard a faint "I missed you too," from him though, which made me happy.

"So how are we getting back home, polka dots?"

I raised an eyebrow at him. "You're still calling me that?"

"Of course. Idiotic little girl."

I folded my arms across my chest and looked away, feeling the night breeze blow once again. It was a nice, cool feeling, indeed… "I'll have you know that I don't wear polka dot printed panties any more, Black Cat," I snorted.

He faced me again. "Then what kind of panties do you wear now?" he teased and neared me, his infamous smirk on his lips once again. I stuck out my tongue at him like a child and evaded his touch once he tried to steal a peek at what kind of underwear I wear.

It's as if he had never left…

"I'm not the same person you used to know," I told him, wearing my poker face. He's still the same Natsume. I am still Mikan but a better, wiser, and more experienced person. I can't let him tease me like that when I already have my feelings set for Naru-sensei; it's just not right.

Judging by his expression, he was very confused and demanded an explanation immediately. "A lot of things have changed, that's all," I said blankly, my eyes staring into his ruby ones. I saw my reflection in them and shook my head. We were tired. He didn't need to hear any of this right now. He'll know soon enough. "Let's go back to the academy."

"When is the car going to get here?"

"It's not coming. I'll teleport us back to the academy." I took hold of his hand and inhaled deeply, knowing how much energy I would waste on this one trip. I used my CSE Alice and we were back to the academy grounds. I brought us to the same spot where I had teleported myself last night, near the teachers' dormitory.

"When did you— never mind. I forgot about your second Alice."

"Yeah," I smiled at him, my expression soft once again. "We should go get some rest now," I told him as gentle as I possibly could. Narumi-sensei's room was so close and I wanted to get there as soon as possible. Maybe he would let me rest in his room again…

He stayed quiet, observing his surroundings and taking it all in. "It feels like I haven't been here for ages," he said to himself.

I let out a little chuckle. It was ironic how it seemed like he missed the school for being away from it for so long and how it seemed like he was actually interested in the academy when he used to hate it with a burning passion, almost as hot as his very own Alice. \

Did he miss me as much as this school? And Ruka? And everyone else? Ah, it would be unsurprising if he remembered how much he hated this school very soon and began to rebel once again. A feisty Natsume is very irritating albeit entertaining.

"Come," he said and took hold of my hand, not bothering to see whether I even wanted to go with him or not. I tried to stop him but it was too late. He already began to dash away, dragging me along to wherever he felt like going. I couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed that he did this, but I guess it doesn't matter that much since I've just been reunited with him again.

Still, he should learn to be considerate about other people's feelings too. Insensitive, good-looking bastard.

I opened my mouth to speak, but he had already said something before me. "It's just going to be the two of us, polka dots."

"Where exactly are we going? And will you please let go of my hand?"

"You'll see." He looked back and me briefly and smirked then resumed running off casually again. "What are you talking about? I let it go a long time ago. Don't tell me that you want me to hold your hand. Hm?"

I arched an eyebrow. Is it just me or did Natsume become more teasing and playful? I'm pretty sure it's not me so it has to be the latter. Or maybe it wasn't either of those reasons; maybe, just maybe, he wasn't feeling too good and thus his strange attitude. "Are you okay, Natsume-kun?"

I received a "Hn," as a reply and assumed that meant 'yes.'

He halted abruptly, causing me to hit my face on his hard, muscular back and fall down to the ground on my arse. I helped myself up, rubbing my poor arse and silently swearing.

"Do you know where we are?" he asked all of a sudden, making me concentrate on what he said. I looked around carefully to see if any part of where we were seemed familiar in any way. I half-smiled, memories of the place rushing back to me. I pointed to a white building not so far from where we stood. "That was where we had our Christmas Dance," I said. "We danced together, remember?"

I froze, remembering another thing. The Primary Division Principal; I also danced with him there. He purposely removed my mask that was not supposed to be allowed to be taken off while dancing or else I was to lose something important… I grimaced at the thought. It's his fault. It's all his fault…

"You gave me a 'tooth kiss,' " he remarked, quoting what I said before and drawing me away from my horrendous thoughts about the principal.I just realized that he was making fun of me and let out a "Hey!"

"And this tree," he noted, suddenly appearing behind me and indirectly forcing me to back up against the tree he was speaking of, "this tree, do you remember it?" Yet again, I don't know how he did it, but he managed to have me against the tree and tower over me, leaving me uneasy with his closeness.

I looked up at the tree with its thick high branches then back at Natsume. "No, I don't."

A look of disappointment flashed in his eyes. He covered them with the shadow of his bangs. Not before long, he stared deep into mine, his mesmerizing crimson eyes full of expression. "Let me remind you," he said faintly.

Before I could say more, I felt his warm lips on mine which tasted sweet and delightful. I remembered Naru-sensei and tried to push him away, but my effort was futile. He ignored my attempt to break free and continued doing what he pleased, his tongue begging for entrance. I opened my mouth to gasp for air and tell him to stop, but he seized that opportunity and shoved his tongue into my mouth, exploring every bit of it. I stopped struggling little by little: it was all his fault for being such a damn good kisser.

Finally he let me go; leaving me gasping for air. "Natsume, please don't... do such... things..." I said in between my gasps for air. Yes, I'll admit that his kiss made me feel good and made me want to melt right then and there, but I don't want it. I don't. I don't. I really don't. What I want... is no one other than Naru-sensei...

He looked at me with a hint of annoyance, his eyes piercing like daggers. "And why not?" he asked bitterly.

"Because," I looked away, not wanting to feel the pressure of his gaze on me, "I already have someone who I love…" I heard my voice trail off. I stole a peek at him, not being able to keep myself from looking at him and how he would react: his face showed both shock and anger, his hands balled tightly into fists.

He turned his back to me; his back which I stayed behind countless times for protection and comfort, more time than Hotaru and even Narumi-sensei. "This is where I stole your first kiss," he spat out, beginning to walk away. "You are mine," I heard him state while watching his retreating back disappear into the distance.

I touched my lips absent-mindedly, the sensation of his kiss still there. 'You are mine,' he said. A raging feeling began to well up in me. I'm his? I'm his?! What, am I an object of possession now? Is that what I am? I don't think so.

I, Sakura Mikan, belong to no one but my own self. I would sell my soul to the devil before I become treated as someone's possession.

Today, I found out that the feeling I first had for Natsume still existed and had just resurfaced: extreme dislike. Distance and time apart from each other changes things, I guess. But that's the way how life is. I accept that. Kuonji might think of me as his as well, but just wait. Just wait until I become older and grow stronger; then I'll show you all.

I headed back to Narumi-sensei's room, hoping that seeing him would make all this negativity disappear and just float away. Narumi-sensei who has been there for me since day one…

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Author's Note: Chapter four is doneeee. I hope it didn't disappoint you guys; partially dedicated to Venus Syrinx: (belated) happy birthday. :) Like I said before, possible pairings are: MikanNarumi MikanNatsume MikanAkira. If you have anything to say, go right ahead. I hope you, reader, continue to read and enjoy this fan fiction.

Review please. :) Flames are highly accepted.

Ja!

-Aimee