Hi! :D

Hey guys! we know it's been sooooo long since we updated and we are so sorry! no amount of sorry could express how sorry we are. We don't know If that made sense but we shall explain. Reason #1 we had a hectic schedule- teachers come out at us at every direction, It's practically scary. #2 A week ago we had a anniversary for four days- we had lots to do especially the program and the whole show. #3 It's the fourth quarter AND the end of school is near- supposedly some of you are students too, so you know how much projects and tests there are not to mention the final exams! :(((

Hopefully you would understand! And this update will make up for being late. :)

So well here's the next chapter!:))

Enjoy!:D

Mikan grunted in reply as Misaki gave her a apologetic look. They were in Mikan's room with Mikan seated on her bed with Misaki in front of her, Everyone else are by the door, with a pleading half sheepish smile look.

"Come on Mi-chi, we'll only be gone for a while." Misaki reasoned.

Mikan glared at them then turned to Misaki. "By a while you mean hours and hours." She said.

Misaki gave a sigh. "You know that you very well can't come with us."

Mikan glared harder. "Even so- that doesn't mean all of you could leave me alone here while you guys go skiing!" She yelled.

Misaki cringed and looked behind her, giving them a 'please-help-me' look.

Hotaru sighed and rolled her eyes. "Baka, what's the point of even going here if were just gonna stay inside the whole day." Hotaru stated.

"Then why won't you just take me along!" Mikan pouted.

"You know you can't come with us." Tsubasa answered but earned a glare from Mikan.

"tsk." A vein appeared on Hotaru's head. "Stop being so stubborn." Hotaru gritted out.

Mikan crossed her arms and quickly stood up, she marched to the adjoining bathroom, she turned and glared at them for a second before slamming the door closed.

Everyone cringed and gave a sigh.

"Maybe leaving her alone isn't such a good idea." Anna said.

"Yeah, I'm willing to stay behind." Nonoko added.

"No." Hotaru said and turned towards the door. "All of us needs to come."

The girls sighed defeated and followed after Hotaru.

Tsubasa sighed. "I don't get why Hotaru is making such a big deal out of this."

"I don't get why all of us have to come." Koko added.

Tsubasa nodded. "Were just planning Mikan's birthday, do we really have to leave her alone?"

Beforehand, when they were still on their way here, Hotaru took it upon herself to be in-charge of Mikan's birthday. The whole reason why they would be leaving her now was not actually to go ski but plan for her party. Though no one really understands why of all her birthdays would Hotaru wanna make this one grandeur and different from her previous birthdays which just consisted of the whole gang and cake with the whole restaurant to themselves.

Subaru shrugged and Ruka just laughed awkwardly.

The beeping of the car sounded. "Would you lazy good for nothing guys hurry up!" Hotaru shouted.

The guys grumbled.

"I don't get why she's a slave driver."

Subaru scoffed. "At least she's not your sister." He said and shook his head.

The guys snickered.

Ruka frowned. "She's my girlfriend!"

They looked at him like he's mental and rolled their eyes.

"Lucky you." Koko said sarcastically and then they left.

Mikan sat in the tub, the hot water still running, making her hair damp. She hugged her legs and muttered things like. 'stupid' 'people' ski trip' 'unreasonable'... and a lot of curses.

She reached for the bubble maker and poured some in the water. Bubbles started building up, almost concealing her whole. She puffed her cheeks as she popped a bubble.

"They are so unfair!" She screamed to herself. She sighed and stayed in the tub for a few more minutes before rinsing herself.

She went out of the bathroom, dressed in a black pleated mini skirt and pink leggings, her top was a white long sleeved shirt over a black tank top.

She shivered a bit, feeling the cool air hit her neck and left her room. She peered over her door and saw no one.

"I'm all alone again." She grumbled and headed for the living room. She stopped mid walk to turned the heat up but froze completely when she saw a pair of feet rested on the coffee table.

A smile slowly crept to her face realizing not ALL of them left her.

She jumped to the living room, disturbing the person.

Crimson eyes stared at her as she beamed a smile and chanted "I'm not alone!" and danced around.

Natsume's brow rose and he set his laptop aside and sat down properly.

"What got you so high?" He stared at her weirdly.

She gave him a smile and plopped down beside him. "Nothing." She gave him a sheepish smile.

Natsume blinked and a light pink shaded his cheek before he shook it away.

"Weird..." He stated as he shook his head. He leaned back on the sofa and set his feet on the coffee table.

Mikan pouted and did a 'hmph'. "Am not!"

Natsume tilted his head towards her, his mouth tugged upwards forming a somewhat smirk and smile. He watched as how her cheeks puffed up and turned red with anger and embarrassment, how she'd try to dress up like a grown up and fail but she still looked cute, though only in Natsume's eyes he guessed. He suppressed a chuckle as she tried to glare at him, she's just like a ten year old, he mused.

"Prove it," He finally answered her.

Mikan's head tilted to the side, curious to what that grin on his face could mean, slowly she watched as his hand reached out to her, something made her think that he'd pinch her cheek but she thought wrong as she felt her ribbon come loose and her hair flowed down to her waist.

Her eyes widened in realization as he pulled her ribbon swiftly.

A smirk played on his lips as he showed her the ribbon he held.

She blinked a few times and came to her senses . "Hey!" She advanced towards his hand. "Give it back!"

Natsume was quick and out stretched his hand to his side, avoiding her.

She grumbled a bit and glared at him. "You're being a bully."

He played along and answered her. "So that means you're the nerd then." He stated. "Though I hardly call you smart." He added. "Maybe a whimp would suit you better."

Mikan gaped at him, she'd been called pale and skinny but never a whimp - and did he just imply that she's stupid? Her eyes turned to slits before she tackled him. She grabbed hold of the other end of the ribbon and came a tug of war.

It maybe the twentieth century but physics will be damned if it didn't exist. Physically men are stronger that women but Mikan won't give up that easily.

She buckled her footing and pulled as hard as she can, her small hands becoming red.

Natsume looked at her amused, never did he think that a petite girl like Mikan could put of a fight, he wasn't putting much effort in pulling the ribbon really, he actually was just holding it but he felt the strong tug she made.

He smirk and watched as her face turn red from exertion and he abruptly let go.

Her eyes grew wide as she felt her stumble backwards and hit back first onto the floor. Natsume's heart thumped in anxiety, guilt, and regret, immediately scrambling to his feet, he attended to Mikan.

Mikan moaned a bit and rubbed her back. No harm done, he thanked the management for having carpeted floors but the guilt was still there.

He helped Mikan sit. "I'm sorry," He muttered. "I was being immature." He added.

Mikan merely looked at him and burst into laughter a second later. Natsume sat there confused, shock, but mostly relieved that she's okay.

"Hotaru never-ever lets me have fun!" She beamed after her fit. "It's okay. I'm fine." She added, she didn't really need to say it but Natsume still had that look on his face.

"I'm sorry." He apologized again.

Mikan smiled. "Really there's no need." Still he had that look.

Mikan gave a sigh and looked down. She grabbed a red lace and brought it to his face. "Well, you could at least say sorry by buying me a new ribbon."

Natsume stared at before sighing, he had a unsure look on his face making Mikan frown.

"Were only going to town, there's no harm there." She reasoned. " And plus you have a car! we'll be okay!" She Stated happily.

Natsume was still unsure though but it is his fault for tearing her ribbon apart.

Reluctantly he stood up and helped her to her feet. Giving a sigh, he rubbed his temples before looking at her, she still had a childish smile on her face. "Go get you coat." He said flatly.

Mikan's eyes grew wide in excitement and surprise, she didn't really think that he'd consider. Mikan giggled in happiness and dashed upstairs to her room, leaving Natsume and a trail of dust behind her.

Natsume sighed and shook his head but his lips tugged upwards in an obvious smile. She's just like a kid going to the amusement park for the first time. He thought although his smile didn't last long as the thought of Mikan's sickness came to mind. He'd have to be more cautious around her. The accident a while ago didn't cause harm but still and the thought of if the great Hotaru Imai witnessing it, he won't know what've happened to him after.

"I'm ready!" A cheerful voice rang through his ears. He turned to see her in a white cushioned coat, like what skaters use, and her shoes now high knee soft brown boots.

"Okay, let's hurry up." He said as he grabbed his car keys resting on the table.

Mikan bounced and gave a thankful smile at him. "Yes sir!"

Hotaru sighed in annoyance and ribbed the bridge of her nose. For the past half hour they have been trying to figure out Mikan's favorite color. She watched as the two rival teams quarrel and give each other strange looks.

"Her favorite color is Pink!" Misaki stated.

"No!" Sumire stood up. "It's orange!"

"I can't believe you're her friend it's Pink! not orange!"

"Excuse me but Pink is gay!"

"Excuse yourself! REAL men wear pink!"

Koko looked at Tsubasa's direction. "Oh puh-lease Tsubasa, you just sided with them because Misaki's hair is pink!" Koko pointed out and received a glare from both Misaki and Tsubasa.

"Then how bout Anna huh?" Nonoko said. "Her hair's pink but she's orange!"

"She's not Orange!"

Ruka stood in the side lines watching the two groups debate. A smile formed on his face, In the first place it doesn't really matter but since they wanted it to be the best for Mikan, everything should be perfect, including the color. He shook his head again as he watched them, his attention turned towards his girlfriend.

"Hotaru," He started, gaining her attention, he smiled at her. "You're taking this too seriously. relax a bit."

She growled in reply and glared at him.

Ruka sighed. "You know how much they care for Mikan too." She didn't answer. Ruka shook his head, It's practically unbelievable how Hotaru shows her love and care for someone- well in this case Mikan- though maybe that's why he feel in love with her in the first place. Ruka chuckled at his thoughts and smiled at the scene before him.

'I hope things... will always be like this' He thought before approaching them and holding back Hotaru from being accused of murder.

Natsume grunted in frustration. He can't remember how they got into this situation in the first place. Firstly, they came here to buy only a ribbon, just ONE ribbon, but now it seems they- or rather she got carried away. He wouldn't even want to know how much they've spend, well... actually he really didn't care, he just wanted to go back to the villa and sleep the rest of the afternoon away but no, he's still here in the mall. For what exactly? Shopping of course! WRONG! they've spend their time there- after buying the ribbon- restaurant and cafe hopping because of a little hyper brunette.

He'd never admit it though, well not to anyone else but, actually he enjoyed their time together. He got to know more about her, well yeah she has that disease thing and it surprised him how hyper she still is. Be it the coffee or the actual food, he does not know.

He stared at the girl in front of him, her chocolate orbs skimming through the menu the waiter had given. The stupid waiter he means. He saw how he looked at Mikan with his beady black eyes of his, how the lad continued to stare at her. Can't he see that they are having a date? Well... not a date- date but still she's a girl and he's a boy and they are spending time together! And they practically look like a couple! That could be considered as a date right?

He unconsciously growled again as he caught sight of the same waiter stealing a glance at his Mikan. He turned his head towards the oblivious brunette and sighed, he's suppose to be mad at her, but just the sight of her smile and serene face it all melted away. He sighed again and looked away, his eyes surprisingly caught a sign. A boutique filled with dresses, gowns, heels and stuff, obviously for women.

He turned his attention towards the Mikan, a grin cracked on his face as he started to drag her away from the table, the food and the annoying waiter.

Mikan pouted and struggled on his hold. "Natsume!" she protested. "My food!" She whined.

He ignored her ramblings and tightened his hold on her, though not that much. They finally stopped, he looked at her and was greeted with a curious and amazed face.

She pouted again. "What're we doing here?" She asked.

He sighed. "Do I need to state the obvious?" He said sarcastically.

Her face turned grim. "I'd rather eat food." She whined.

Natsume raised a brow and dragged her inside, they were greeted with a scene that gave off the sense of genteel and pricey tags. There was a giant glass chandelier above them that gave a golden glow.

Mikan stiffened on the spot, she was neither poor nor rich but, in all her life she has never been in a place such as this, and this is a store!

"Natsu-" She started to protest but got cut off.

"No buts, It's my money you're using." He said with a finality to it.

"But-" She tried again.

"I said no buts." He said a bit annoyed. "And if you don't cooperate with me we won't eat." He threatened. It was strange, he's blackmailing her to wear and get expensive clothes in exchange for food. AND he's paying all of it.

Mikan sighed in defeat. "Fine... for the food."

Natsume smiled triumphantly as an employee in a black suit approached them.

"Natsume!" Mikan's voice was heard, it was a good thing they were the only ones in the store or else she'd be causing quit a scene for them. She came out of the dressing room in a black chiffon cocktail dress,the bodice was heart shaped, there were expensive looking silver beads embedded onto it at the middle. She ran her hands through the dress feeling the expensive silk pressed against her palms.

"I can't wear this!" She exclaimed gesturing to the dress. "It's too..-too..."

"Perfect." Natsume finished barely a whisper. Though she is right, she can't wear that, not that it doesn't suit her but it takes away a bit of her innocent look, the look he's been admiring about her.

"Natsume?" She tilted her head to the side.

"Hm...?" He inquired.

Mikan frowned more. "You weren't listening." She said with a 'hmph'

Natsume's eyes grew from what she just said. Not that it had a over acting affect on him but as the words rang in his head again, It's like , well he feels like they are actually a couple having a lover's quarrel, now, that's on Natsume's perspective though.

"I don't like this dress, let's just go eat food already." She turned with a pout evident on her face.

Natsume stood up just in time before Mikan could close the door to the dressing room. He stood behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders. Mikan blushed on how close they were, she could feel his hot breath brush through her ear making her senses tingle.

"You're right, this doesn't suit you." He started, Mikan's eyes brightened, thinking about her food again. "But," He began. "You're gonna try more dresses on." He smirked.

"But-" Before she could continue, Natsume had already slammed the door shut.

Mikan sighed and turned towards the full length mirror. She blushed at her reflection, with the dress, she looks so, so, so... so-so she couldn't even place a word on it. Running her hands through the skirt of the dress she wondered why Natsume would take her here of all places. Maybe he brings every girl he meets here. She thought. Oh how wrong she was, cause in truth she's the first.

Mikan heard a soft knock on the door, she opened it to be greeted by three ladies in black suits, holding several dresses. They smiled at her as she smiled back awkwardly.

Stealing a glance behind them, she spotted Natsume with a smirk on his face. She mouthed him 'what?' He just ignored her and sat down on the couch, getting a magazine from the rack.

Mikan was exhausted, they both were. But now at last, to Mikan's joy, she finally have her treat. They were both in a cafe, several paper bags beside them with the store's logo.

"Natsume?"

"Hm..." He glanced from his laptop screen to look at her. "What is it?"

"What's up with buying me all these?" She cocked a brow, her hand hovering over her plate with a strawberry shortcake.

Natsume blinked, he hadn't really known why he brought her or in Mikan's case dragged her there and he didn't really think she'd ask. Thinking of a quick answer he asked. "When's you Birthday?"

Mikan tilted her head. "January 1," She answered. "Why?"

"Happy Birthday." Natsume greeted lamely.

Mikan's brow furrowed. "Really?"

Natsume nodded. "Really."

"You just made me remember that I'm turning 20 already." She slumped on her chair. "In two weeks..."

"Does it matter?"

She sat up straight. "Course it does!... after all..." Her voice quieted down on the last two words as she slumped back down.

Natsume clicked his laptop shut, knowing well what she meant. "I'm not trying to make you feel old or anything, neither am I allowing you to think such things that wouldn't even happen." He said irritably.

Mikan raised a brow "Allowing me?"

"Yes, allowing you."

"So now you own me?"

Natsume cringed." That isn't what I said." Did his words affect her that much.

"Well, you implied it!"

"I'm not! I mean... I don't own you, b-but-"

"But?"

"Uh... but no cause not th-that.." He mentally slapped himself, since when did he stutter?

Mikan kept looking at him expectantly.

"I'm- not saying anything to offend you it's just-"

Mikan burst out laughing. She's been doing that to him a lot of times now. It infuriated him, yes, that she was just pulling his strings but gave him a sense of relief that there maybe a cause of them misunderstanding or arguing or something like that, no, he wouldn't want that after all

... he loves her.

"Yes he finally admitted it, not to anyone though, but rather accepting and realizing his own feelings. When they first met he thought that the queasy feeling in his stomach was just not having breakfast, and on their second meeting, the thump his heart gave was just being surprised, and the third-which led him to be tagged along in the trip- was just pity.

But his emotions towards her proved otherwise.

"Natsume?"

He snapped away from his thoughts hearing her voice. "Hm...?" Not quit remembering what she said before.

"You know you do that a lot." She pointed out.

His forehead creased. "Do what?"

"Space out all of a sudden." She informed him.

"Really?" He inquired.

"Really." She smiled at him.

He sighed." Should I be apologizing for it?"

"Nope!" She replied with a pop. "It's just that It's weird."

His brows raised but an amused expression was shown on his face. "Look who's talking,"

She pouted at him. "I'm not weird." She defended.

"Yeap, you are." He said and gestured towards the waiter for their tab.

"You're being a bully again." She pouted at him.

"I am?" He said as he took out his wallet.

"You are!" She accused.

"Really?" He was enjoying this. "Never knew,"

"Well now you know." She stated and stood up as Natsume got his credit card back.

She looked towards the bags beside them and then towards Natsume.

"Hey,"

"Hm...?"

"Who's gonna carry all these?"

Hotaru glared at the name flashed on the phone. She's been calling the two for hours but no one is answering.

"Where are those idiots?" She asked through gritted teeth.

Ruka sat on the sofa, amused. They got back three hours ago and was surprised to find no Mikan around. Panic washed over them- except Hotaru.- thinking that she ran away though their worries were gone and was replaced by surprise to find no Natsume as well.

Thinking back...

"Maybe they eloped?" Koko guessed, only to get glares from them and a huge hit on the head.

Ruka chuckled at the memory only to be pulled away from the ringing of the door bell.

Hotaru immediately stomped to the door to get it, him following after.

An amused smile cracked on Ruka's face at the scene. There the two stood with the back seat of Natsume's car filled with bags.

HEY!:)) sorry again for being late! Hope this pays back. :) Longest chapter so far...:) YEAY achievement!

We tried to make this one longer than the other chapters and the mistakes to a minimum... but if there still then we are so sorry.:) Please forgive us!

Anyway, with regards to the fact that we are busy please bear with us! just 3 more weeks to bear!:)

we would also like to thank EVERYONE who has been supporting this fic! we love you guys and we are untimely grateful!

THANKS FOR READING AND PLEASE REVIEW! thank you.:))