Authoress's Note:

Okay I felt so embarrassed while writing this. I think i might have to change the rating back to M again XD Thank you to the guests and my followers for reviewing! *hearts*

And sooo...Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice

Back in the room...

"So the last time I saw her was when I was 7," Hotaru sighed, "until she came into the academy as an amnesiac."

Natsume merely listened silently, without interrupting her. So apparently, the two were close friends. (Although Hotaru seemed to enjoy 'abusing' Mikan. Maybe that was just her way of expressing her affections.) But that still didn't explain why the leader was after her.

Hotaru glanced at the clock on the wall, "She seems to be taking too long a trip."

"Yeah... it's been an hour." Natsume brought his fist to his mouth, and appeared to be in deep thought.

Although the vending machine WAS far, it wasn't far enough for her to take an hour. She could probably be talking to someone she met on the way, but at this time, there was hardly anyone around. He rested his hand on his heart, and he could feel it beating quickly. It was as if he could feel that something bad was going on. He looked at Hotaru who seemed to think the same way. They nodded at each other and left the room.

"Damn it!" Natsume slammed his fist against the vending machine, and clenched his fist hard.

She picked up the coffee cans on the floor, "Seems like someone got her." Hotaru calmly said, but on the inside, it was fire and hell. There was another scent in the air that mixed with Mikan's own, one which Natsume knew very well. There was one thing bugging Natsume. Why was he here? Wasn't he already in charge of tailing Mikan? Why did leader send his lackey? There were many unanswered questions that Natsume needed the answers to, but that wasn't important at this moment.

"Gorou..." Natsume sprinted off, swearing that he'll kill the bastard if he touched a strand of hair on Mikan's body. Wait, he already did. So that settled it, that bastard was going DOWN. He trailed after Mikan's fruity scent which was so much part of his life. Hotaru followed closely, her horse shoe glove already on her hand, and her eyes had a deadly vibe to it. Looks like for once, both of them agreed with each other.

When they arrived at the backyard, their eyes widened at the bloody mess. There was fabric on the grass, and blood splattered everywhere. Almost like a dog had rabies and started attacking someone with their ferocity.

"I thought I smelt something weird back there," Hotaru curved her lips upwards, "so it was you cat-dog."

Sumire and Mikan who were apparently having fun talking turned around at the voice. Mikan jumped forward, pouncing on Hotaru, only to meet her glove.

"Owwie... so mean..." Mikan rubbed her head, crocodile tears leaking from her eyes.

"Don't call me cat-dog you blackmailer!"

Hotaru's eyes glinted, and she smiled menacingly. "Stinky mutt."

"WHAT?! I'm a cat too okay!" Sumire frowned, knowing well herself that cats didn't like her because of the dog in her, and vice versa. That was precisely one reason why Natsume-sama kept her at arm's length, because he was a cat and she a dog. She wished she were a cat-wolf instead of cat-dog because wolves weren't disliked by cats. It was a total misconception that wolves were dogs and wolves would snap if someone called them dog. They really hated being compared to a dog.

"So, what happened?" Natsume questioned, startling Sumire. How could she forget that her prince was here? She collected her sanity and suddenly acted all feminine.

"Ano... you see Natsume-sama~" her voice went up an octave, causing Natsume to wince and plug his ear with his index finger. Sumire saw this and pouted at the rejection, entering a depressed world.

Mikan saw this and giggled, deciding to explain on depressed Sumire's behalf. "Well this happened..." She explained the story in detail, describing how Permy went all 'BAM' and 'POW' against the dude.

"Permy's like super awesome~" she gave a thumbs up, and her face was in awe.

"Hehe...Well, if you say so!" Sumire put her right hand on her neck and the other on her hip, and tilted her head upwards to do a little model pose. Apparently she got so caught up she forgot about the name-calling business that she disliked.

"I guess you can be useful huh?" Hotaru said, acknowledging her slightly. She was thankful that cat-dog had saved Mikan's ass but she wouldn't let it show. She wouldn't want her to get conceited.

But surprisingly, Natsume decided to say something that swept Sumire off her feet. "It was a good thing that you were there." Sumire exploded there and then, and melted into the ground upon hearing his 'compliment'. At least it seemed like that to her.

Kyaaaa! Natsume-sama just praised me! She was so glad she decided to save Mikan! It was the best decision in her life so far.

After Sumire returned to her room with hearts in her eyes, the three of them were left in the backyard.

Hotaru and Mikan were about to leave when Natsume reached out for Mikan's hand.

"Wait, I need to speak to you."

Mikan looked at him as if he was being strange. She hoped that he wasn't going to scold her for being a trouble again.

Natsume looked at Hotaru and nodded, asking her to go on first. Hotaru grumbled and said in a low voice, "Lovebirds..." and left the scene.

He felt good when she referred to them as lovebirds. Shit, was he already that much in love with her? It seemed as if there was nothing stopping him from falling deeper and harder in love with the unguarded klutz.

They were finally alone and Natsume pulled her towards a Sakura tree, and sat down. Mikan could feel Natsume's body temperature from his hand, and it melted her on the inside. She prayed that he couldn't feel her rapid pulse from their contact, and that her face wouldn't give her away.

"So..." Mikan broke the silence first, "you were saying?"

Natsume did not reply for a while, as if he was collecting his thoughts.

"Have you..." he paused, "remembered your past?"

Mikan flinched when she heard his question, and she knew Natsume could feel her flinch. After all, he didn't let go of her hand.

"I don't know if they're my memories... they feel so surreal..." she gripped his hand slightly, "Sometimes in my dreams, I can see me, crying over a woman who's my 'mother'... She was covered in blood, taking her last breath. She begged for me to run, but I don't know from what or who. The next moment, I found myself running from an alice... He was huge and fast, and h-he jumped on me and-" she shivered, the thought of it caused cold sweat to run down her face. She wrapped her arms around her knees, and pulled them in, putting her head down.

Natsume saw how terrified Mikan was, but he didn't say anything. Nothing he said would erase the fear, and he knew because he had first-hand experience. Instead, he scooted closer to her and put his arm over her shoulder, pulling her in so she could rest on his shoulder.

Natsume's action pulled her from the darkness, and now she felt like she was lying down, basking in the warmth of the sun. Her 'Sun' was very comforting, and she felt like nothing in the world was a problem to her anymore. It was okay to not have her memories and be a person with an empty past. It was okay to wake up in fear and be a sweaty mess. It was okay to be labelled as the 'full-human'. It was okay to be herself. It was okay... as long as he was here. He shook her inner world, and broke every possible barrier she had to her heart. How was it possible to feel such at peace in a world so screwed up?

She leaned against his chest, feeling the movements he made while breathing. His pounding heart matched hers, and it was like a melody to her. His strong arms that wrapped around her shoulder like a vine made her feel so secure and protected.

"I promise you Mikan..." His voice so deep and powerful, it resonated in her ears. "I'll protect you as long as I live." That was all she needed to hear.

"Mmm..." her heart squeezed tightly, and she felt like she was bursting with joy. This moment was forever engraved in her heart and mind, for it was too precious to be forgotten.

Mikan looked up and he looked down. They gazed into each other's orbs longingly, revering the moment. The feelings they had for the other transmitted through their eyes, and no words were needed.

They moved their heads closer slowly, as if time was of no importance to them. Their heads tilted and their lips met. Their lips moved passionately yet delicately, and strongly yet gently. They pulled away for air, but quickly pulled back because they didn't want to leave each other's lips.

Both of them locked their lips and Mikan's hand found itself buried in Natsume's hair. She twirled and played around with it, making him purr in pleasure. She noticed that he liked that particular action, so she continued doing it. He embraced her tighter, and inserted his tongue in her mouth. She jerked in surprise when she felt his tongue enter. She flustered, not knowing what to do. Natsume could feel her nervousness but he wouldn't let her escape. Not now.

He held her neck lightly, causing her to feel ticklish. He positioned her head and moved his tongue with skill, caressing her own with his movements. She moaned in his mouth, feeling the excitement build in her. How can this man be such a good kisser? His mouth was soft and tasted just as sweet as her favourite howalons, making her feel like eating it up.

Suddenly, she could feel his hand crawl sneakily up her back, reaching her bra hook. She squeaked, and pawed at his hands to try to stop him.

"Natsu-" she tried to make out words but he ate her words up with his unsated mouth.

Oh god, this can't go on! She wasn't ready yet, it was her first time! She was confused, and swept away by his perfect kiss. So swept away that she didn't notice he was going so far. She needed to stop him before she lost her sanity over him. So she gathered all her strength and pushed him away. Their lips finally came apart and both of them panted for air.

She glanced at him dreamily and noticed how his hair was a sexy mess. Dammit! Why is this guy so... She bit her lip, and enjoyed the sight of his 'hungry' face.

"...We can't." she forced herself to say.

"Why?" he questioned, with need in his voice.

"I...Not here... Not yet..." Stupid stupid Mikan! Why are you so gutless!

"... Fine." Oh no! Was he mad? Mikan panicked, she didn't mean to reject him! She fumbled for words to explain but couldn't get anything out.

He pulled in for another kiss, and licked her lips at the end of it. It happened so fast she didn't have time to think at all.

"W-what?"

"I'll make do with this." He smiled devilishly at her, "For now."

Her face became tomato red and felt so hot as if steam was coming from her face. This man is a devil!

After that steamy session, they remained where they were because neither of them wanted to leave.

"Natsume?" she called out.

"Hn?"

"To be honest..." Should she tell him? She was afraid he might find her silly, but then again, she knew Natsume wouldn't be mean to her this way. "In my dream... I shifted into a wolf."

Silence filled the air and as the silence grew, Mikan wondered if she had said the wrong thing.

"Natsume?"

He snapped out of his trance, "Huh? Oh uhh..." He bit his lip, should he tell her? What if she didn't want to be an alice?

"If you were a wolf alice, how would you react?" he tested her first, not sure whether her answer was what he wanted to hear.

"I...I don't know yet. I mean, everyone said I smelt like a full-human, how is it possible for me to be an alice?"

Oh she was wrong, her smell was changing, and Natsume knew this.

"...Who knows?" Natsume looked up into the starry sky, and closed his eyes, resting for a moment. "We should be going, it's getting cold." He rose to his feet, and extended his hand out. She blinked in surprise and used his hand to pull herself up.

"You know Natsume, you can be such a gentleman sometimes."

"Don't you mean all the time," he flipped up her skirt, and lifted the side of his lips, "Polka?"

Her face turned into fifty shades of red and she lifted her hand to hit him, "YOU BIG PERVERT!" but he evaded smoothly.

He chuckled at her, teasing her was just so much fun! The way she got so worked up, and then pout and do that funny thing with her lips. Her lips... He subconsciously brought his face closer to steal another kiss, not giving her a chance to deprive him from it.

"So..." she mumbled, while playing with her fingers. "Are we...you know..."

Natsume raised a brow, unsure of what she was saying.

"Well you know... since we kissed and stuff..." she said, continuing to move her hands awkwardly and randomly.

"Spit it out woman!" he demanded, frustrated at the mind games.

"A-are we in a relationship?" The moment she said that, she covered her mouth as if she had said something presumptuous.

He thought silently and seriously because he swore to himself that he would never drag her into the darkness, and being a relationship would expose her to every danger imaginable. But it was too late now. He had already fallen hard for her, and after today, he confirmed that she was already in danger. He promised to protect her, and that meant being by her side. Besides, he could ward off annoying pests that preyed on her. Despite being a full-human, the oblivious idiot was unaware of the looks boys were giving her. Thinking of it made his blood boil. She's mine now.

"Hmmm... I don't know." He teased, cocking his head to one side. "Are we?"

Her shoulders slumped in disappointment, and she looked down. "I-I'm sorry... I thought-"

He brought his hand to her cheek and caressed it gently, "Just kidding." He moved in closer to her face, "You're mine now." and he sealed it with a kiss.

A/N:

So...how was it? Don't kill me hahahaha