Chapter 11 Who will dance with who?

Remember that I'll start writing longer chappies if I get more reviews, so keep 'em coming.

This NOTE is for the ppl who reviewed my story:

ARIGATO GOZIAMEMASU!!! X100 (Sorry if I spelled any Japanese words wrong… I'm not Japanese but I'm Chinese. J)

And pluz… Here are the answers to some questions that have been asked in my review:

Serena
2007-04-08
ch 10, anon.

NO! I LOVE RUKA! HE IS WAY NICER THAN THIS!! EVEN NATSUME IS NICER THAN RUKA! NO O! WHY?!?! OK, sorry bout that, please write more or else...
Lol jk jk anyway you're great but can you cut off the swearing stuff?

The answer is no, I can't cut off the swearing cuz of 4 things: it's part of an everyday middle schooler's life. Since everyone in GKA is 12 so that's why. And +, it's part of my writing voice, it draws attention, and it really gives you a good picture of how bad the situation was to them.

natsumeXmikan
2007-04-03
ch 7, anon.

Okay Sana is Okay just Okay and did you get Sana from Kodocha?

The answer is NO! Of course I wouldn't copy that from such an important anime. Although, I did get the name from there cuz I heart it. J

Also some ppl, coughs have mentioned Sana's "attitude" problem. The reason for her toughness is because she really doesn't want ppl to see the soft side of her as portrayed in the first few chappies. It'll all totally benefit the hardships she has to suffer next…

Also… again, this fiction is continuous from what I know about the manga. I haven't read all of it, just to the part where Natsume kissed Mikan. That's it. So if you're wondering why some things are missing from the story such as Natsume's sister, then that's the reason.

Disclaimer: WITH NO FURTHER ADOS, WE ALL KNOW THAT IT ISN'T MINE SO…LET'S START CHAPTER 11.

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Mikan's POV

I inhaled deeply. Was this a mirage? It can't be Sana. It can't…This girl gliding down the stairs so gracefully was ten times more prettier than the regular Sana (I'm not saying that she wasn't before) and looked more feminine in her silky dress than Sana normally did.

I continued to stare as if my eyes were frozen on her (everyone else's eyes seemed to be) as she reached the bottom and began confidently walking up to where I was standing. People made way for her as she glided straight at me smiling at me through her tinted glossed lips with her glowing dark chocolate eyes.

When she finally reached me she laughed, "Mikan, why do you look like that? Have you seen a ghost somewhere?"

I opened my mouth slightly but no words came out. I was stunned. Here she was a popular, gorgeous girl talking to me? I couldn't believe she was my friend for a moment, but reconsidered when she place her warm gentle hand on my bare shoulder causing me to shudder with amazement.

"The only ghost that she saw was obviously you," Natsume broke the deafening silence by placing a hand on his hip and obviously trying to embarrass Sana in public.

I shot a thankful smile at him, half of which was for ending the awkward silence and buying time for me to recover.

He raised his eyebrows at me then shrugged.

Sana glowered brightly and stepped up to his challenge, "And the only ghost you'll ever see is yourself in a mirror."

People in the crowd snickered and let out giggles and laughs. They were obviously enjoying a pretty girl making fun of a handsome guy.

Natsume glared which meant he lost and walked to the refreshments table.

Sana just stood there shifting from foot to foot displaying her satisfying grin. The crowd soon lost interest and headed back to join their former groups.

I approached Sana and tapped her on the shoulder, "Hey, how did you manage to find such a cool gown?"

She winked at me then whispered something into my ear, "I always manage to spruce up an outfit." Her breath felt warm and smelled of sweet roses.

Nonoko and Anna jumped up to us with their giddy smiles and sparkling eyes, "Your dress is so lovely," they cooed as Sana thanked them heartily.

I was somewhat jealous that no one was noticing my outfit nor paying me any attention, but I quickly snapped out of it when Hotaru appeared with seafood crammed into her mouth.

"Do you want?" She held up a lobster at me while I sweat dropped shook my head again sending my pigtails into a rampage.

Hotaru seemed like she was about to respond when a loud booming voice echoed around the room interrupting her next words.

"The awards will now be given!" I could see the important principals seated upon golden throne chairs up on the stage. Then the voice continued to ramble giving a speech of the awards and stuff. This year our RPG didn't win, but the Technology type did again. Now they proceeded to talk about the last award which was the queen and king of this festival. "This year's queen award would be given to a very brave and courageous girl who has helped this school in many ways." I wondered who it would be. Last year it was Hotaru but this year…

"And this year's queen award goes to Sana Chang!"

Thunderous applause followed and stung my ears badly. But I still clapped until my palms hurt, because you know what? Sana was my best friend forever that I didn't want to lose. Ever. Even if she has that sort of attitude that sometimes makes me feel bad.

I watched Sana's mouth hang open so wide that a fly could buzz right into it and her eyes widen with excitement when the announcer had called her name. She jumped up and down like an overly-excited contestant on a game-show. I skipped over to give her a supportive hug as she flung her arms around me, Anna, and Nonoko so fast that we barely had time to say congrats.

"Please come up on stage and show your pretty self." The announcer smiled flirtatiously at Sana as she flounced up the stairs that led to the magnificent gold stage to take the mike from the announcer dude.

"Arigato goziamemasu to all my loyal and best friends out there!" Her voice was bubbly and sounded like she was proud of us. I couldn't help grinning when she said my name.

"Thanks to Mikan, Anna, Nonoko, and Hotaru for being the ultimate friends ever since I came here. I couldn't have saved the school without thinking of a better cause." She winked at us then giggled, "And Arigato to the other supportive classmates out there. I scanned the crowd to see almost all the guys and some girls from the class all wave energetically at Sana then watched her wave back before she continued, "Thank-you Natsume-kun and Ruka-pyon for being there to torment me and to offer a new challenge when I needed it!"

I noticed that Natsume and Ruka's ears perked up when they heard this and whipped around to see Sana give them the thumbs up. I smiled thinking of how generous Sana was even thanking her notorious enemies. Tonight was certainly the best night I'd ever experienced at Alice Academy. (With the exception of last year's Christmas Dance.)

"Lastly, I thank everyone in the crowd and all the staff members for helping to make this academy a better place and environment for us to learn in." Sana turned to the principals behind her and curtseyed lifting her fluttering dress while doing so. She indeed did look like a queen.

The kid principal stood up then placed a sliver tiara with dark pink-cut diamonds in them that sparkled so brightly that it hurt to even look at them.

"Thanks everyone and good-night," She bowed to the audience then hurried off stage, with her cheeks flushed red. She fast walked (almost jogged) towards us as I welcomed her with wide arms. She rushed into them as Anna and Nonoko joined the group hug and we squealed as we high-fived the fashion goddess telling her congratulations and how lucky she was.

The announcer dude picked up the mike and then started talking again, "This year's king award goes to Natsume Hyuuga for being voted most handsome and courageous guy on campus!"

All the girls (young and old) started cheering like crazy. I swear, my ears are sooooooo dead. Natsume stuck his hands into his pockets while walking on stage slowly but managed to keep his coolness that seemed to loom around whenever he was present. A golden crown with rubies was set onto his head and matched his eyes so wondrously. Just thinking about him made me all gooey inside.

I glanced at Sana who had a smug look on her face.

"He's so showing off, and they said he's handsome? Handsome my butt!" Sana did the whatever sign to no one in particular, waiting for me to give my opinions to her.

I blushed as I whispered some words into her ears, "I think he's cute."

Sana started laughing, "Ohh yeaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!" A wide grin developed onto her face as she nudged my shoulder playfully. "Ohlala, maybe he'll ask you to dance like he did two years ago."(I had told her about what Natsume had done to me in the past in case you're wondering how she knew that.)

I just blushed furiously while shaking my head to cool the heat off my cheeks.

Suddenly, the orchestra started playing a new softer classical piece.

Me and Sana observed from the sides while couples glided onto the floor staring into each other's eyes dreamily.

Almost every guy left in the room without a date immediately lined up in front of Sana pleading her to dance with them.

I broke out laughing as I watched Sana's disgusted expression as she waved their disappointed faces away.

"Let's have the queen and king of this year's fest dance together in the spotlight!" The annoying voice of the man's words pierced my heart. Sana with Natsume? No!!! This can't be happening…They can't! It's too unfair!

I slid my eyes over to Sana, who was practically screaming in horror through the sides of her gritted perfect teeth while her nails were dug sharply into her palms leaving behind marks.

"I'm sooooooooooooooooo not going to dance with him!!!" She wailed at me hopelessly while the spotlight shone on her, "If they make me, they're soooo D2M!" (Dead to me)

I shook my head sadly. I knew the principals would make Natsume dance with Sana. It was a new tradition they had conjured up this year. My heart was tearing into two by the minute.

"Mikan," Sana's beautiful face looked desperate for the first time ever, "If they do make me, please understand that nothing is going on between us, I'm just being forced to, not like I want to. So don't hate me, please."

I nodded while smiling sadly at her. I understood what she meant, although the green monster of jealously told me not to believe her.

Another spotlight spun around the room and finally rested on Natsume's glowering face. I could tell he definitely didn't want to dance with Sana. But too late, the Alice chaperones rushed towards Sana and dragged the tantrum-causing Sana to Natsume, then thrusting her into Natsume's arms. It hurt my eyes to watch.

She started sobbing (literally) while pushing herself away from him, but the shocking thing was that he held tight onto her. I nearly started screaming. My hand automatically, controlled by jealousy, made its way to the tablecloth behind me and sank my nails into it forcefully.

I knew it was leaving long marks into the table, but I didn't care. The pressure was hurting me so much that I wanted to punch something. I tried to restrain my clenching fist, but it didn't work. I punched my own dress then looked away while silent tears streamed slowly down my cheeks. What's happening to me?

Sana's POV

I did not, definitely not want to dance with "you know who" cuz of several reasons: 1. I hated him. 2. I didn't want to betray Mikan. 3. I hated him again. I didn't want to ruin my friendship with Mikan let alone seem interested in a bozo like him.

I knew he hated me too so then why…? Why was he pulling me onto the dance floor thus making us the center of attention? I tried to jerk my body away from his clutch while my eyes watered continuously thinking of what Mikan would do if I danced with him. Although I'd already told Mikan that even if we did dance together it meant nothing, but I still sensed that she was very uncomfortable and even sad.

I stared into Natsume's burning red eyes and tried to force a good answer out of him as he pulled me onto the center of the dance floor.

"What the heck are you doing?" I hissed through the sides of my mouth as a new song began and as his hand slowly moved up to my waist.

"Dancing," he replied not breaking his eye contact with me.

"You know very well what I mean," I growled as his right hand slithered into my free hand which was hanging freely at the sides. I slapped his hand away angrily.

He looked shocked then started his menacing glaring.

"Just get it over with you stubborn girl," His voice was out of patience, "D'you think that I wanted to dance with you for no reason?"

"No, ah-visously not, you're just moving too fast for my pace," I returned then let him resume his dancing position which I'd slapped away unwelcomely before.

We started slow as we formally, gracefully danced around the room with girls and guys both glaring at us although I didn't know why. I knew that the girls were jealous of me but it wasn't my fault that the freaking principal forced me to dance with this stupid retarded Natsume.

As he twirled me around and around, my heart mysteriously started pounding like crazy although I didn't know why. It's probably nothing, was what I was thinking but I was wrong. It was totally something.

This new feeling was so weird and making me soooooooo nervous that my cheeks started to heat up and I lost all of my fashion queen confidence. Instead of looking at him, I relocated my gaze unto the floor and began trembling.

"Why are you shaking?" Natsume narrowed his eyes at me as if he was trying to read my mind.

"Oh-oh it-it-ts noth-ing," I stuttered. Where is the fashion queen me? I hate being all unstable inside. What's happening to me? I've never felt this way before. I want to regain my coolness, but my heart isn't letting me!!!

During one of our spins, I twisted my head to the crowd to search for Mikan. I finally spotted her next to the food table. OMG!!!X100 She was staring at the floor and CRYING??!!

I wanted nothing more than to tear myself out of his arms at this moment to run and comfort her. I wanted so much to apologize that my heart was slowly experiencing painful burns and my head started swimming.

Ah ha! Then it hit me so suddenly. How could I be so stupid? I could use my wish alice to wish me away from him! Then I could run and comfort Mikan. Yeah! And since they ah-viously forgot to replace my earrings, I won't hurt myself at all!!! I smiled bravely thinking about what I could do to get myself away from this weirdo freak.

I squeezed my eyes shut tightly because it was part of the process of my alice and wished hard for me to quit dancing with you-know-who. I felt the pain in my head start to increase. Oh no! What the? I blinked open my eyes to find myself still moving to the melody with Natsume. What!? Why isn't my alice working? I don't have the limiting earrings on. This is getting too strange. It was working fine earlier, but now…? I instantly tried again but failed each time I tried to. Am I losing my alice?

I couldn't do anything else, or else the headmasters might think me rude, or worse, make me dance all over again with him. All I could do was wait for this extremely long song to end.

As these thoughts popped out inside my head, a warm tear slid slowly down my cheek. Firstly, I'm losing my friendship with Mikan, and two, my alice isn't working right! I couldn't help it under this pressure, I was dying inside!!!

Warm and gentle fingers suddenly cupped around my cheek firmly and pushed away the upcoming tears.

Without hesitation, I glanced up to see Natsume's serious face lingering extra close to mine. We had stopped dancing for the song was over, but he still stood there with his hand planted on my cheek. Everyone in the ballroom whispered in hushed tones. Girls were fainting everywhere while the guys looked ready to kill.

My mouth auto opened at the sight of the two-timer all toughed up black cat suddenly standing here and brushing away my tears. I instantly blushed when the corners of his mouth curved up and he removed his fingers from my cheek.

Was he actually smiling? At me? I can't believe it! I want to scream nasty stuff at him. How could he be comforting me when he supposedly kissed Mikan and asked her to dance two years?

I couldn't hide the built up anger and emotions inside of me any longer, "YOU TWO TIMERED PLAY BOY!!! HOW COULD YOU?!?" I screamed at the top of my lungs and struck him across the face, and then while everybody were getting all shocked up and stuff, I balled my fists and ran for the exit to the outdoors as fast as I could. I wish I could've seen the look on his face, whatever it is, he deserved it.

Mikan's POV

Once I saw Sana slap Natsume, I was horrified/shocked. Everything was happening so fast, it took the slow me longer to understand them. I hated Natsume wiping her tears; it was an action that showed he like her. He lied to me. He said he didn't like her. But now…? I knew Sana needed me right now. I knew she didn't mean to hurt me this much, since it was the principals who forced her to dance with him.

Gawd! Why do I have to fall for Natsume??? This wouldn't be happening if I hadn't fallen love with him. It isn't my fault! I know that but Sana… she tries so hard to be tough, she can't really express herself thoroughly even to me. I need to go and see if she's okay. She's definitely more important than who I have a crush on.

I rushed out of the ballroom towards the same direction Sana was in as fast as I could.

But before I could get halfway out of the ballroom, I felt a strong warm hand reach out and grab my wrist into its clutch. Who the heck? I flipped around to see Natsume's dead-serious face with hints of sadness around his eyes.

I couldn't help it; I blushed, but then remembered what had happened with Sana. He was a liar and nothing could convince me otherwise.

"Mikan…" His bangs were now covering his eyes so I couldn't see what his expression was, "Tell Sana I'm sorry for whatever I did to make her this mad at me."

My face twisted into frown. He wants to apologize? That cowardly sneak.

"Do it yourself for all I care," I jerked my hand away from him harshly, "You… you…LIAR!!!"

Then I also slapped his face, adding more to the red mark that Sana had already made.

Everyone in the audience gasped with wide eyes. I couldn't blame them; this was the second time that Hyuuga had been slapped in public tonight.

Sana's POV

The sakura tree came into view for the umpteenth time I've been here. My cheeks were now tear-stained and my hair was no longer tidy. I'd stopped running and was now trying to confidently stroll over to the grassy patch under it where I usually sat when I was trying to calm myself down after a good cry.

Without any concerns for my silk dress, I kneeled down in front of the tree and wept. I cried to my heart's content when I felt someone's presence behind the tree.

I sat up immediately rubbing my sore and red from crying eyes. I was entirely pooped out from crying. All of my saved up energy had been released through my angst tears and I was now in my life-less-ish form. I was too tired to be afraid of whatever was coming.

"I know you're there, whoever you are," I called out in a lazy monotone.

The dark shadow against the tree rustled then finally emerged in the moonlight. It was Mikan. I knew I should've been surprised to see my best friend come to look for me after what I've done to her, but my face remained emotionless.

"Mikan, I'm so sorry for everything. I'm not good enough to be your friend so don't speak to me anymore if you want to." I knew apologizing like this wasn't gong change the way she looked at me, but still better to say it early than late.

" Sana," Mikan sounded sad, but gentle at the same time, "Of course I want to be your friend. That's why I'm here right now."

"But I hurt you more than anyone else has," I whispered back as I ease my body into a sitting position leaning on the tree's strong and firm bark for support. I hugged my knees and closed my eyes to brace myself for her answer.

"That's not true!" Her quirky voice sprang to life in an angry tone as she shook her pigtails to indicate her words, "Although you have, it wasn't on purpose! You were forced to!"

She's right. I peeked out from under my arms, and listed another reason for why she may hate me, "I stole you away from Hotaru. She said so herself."

Mikan sighed and sat down next to me, "Is that why you never showed up at the RPG?"

I nodded although I really went through the trouble of disguising myself as a blonde.

" Sana, look, it really isn't just your fault. It was my fault too. We both share this fault since we are the ones who forgot to include her in our plans."

I didn't want to admit it, but she was right again. I scoured my mind for another reason and finally came down on the last one I could come up with.

"Mikan," I began in a low whisper, "I'm sorry for my attitude. You know the one that makes me seem tough and mean-girl type?"

Mikan nodded slowly as if she just noticed now, but I had already sensed her uncomfortable ness before.

" Sana, I understand you," she paused before choosing her next words carefully, "You need that act/attitude to hide how scared and alone you are in this academy. But deep down, you're really just too weak and unsure of yourself."

How did she know?!!? I sat up straighter then widened my eyes.

"But Sana… you don't have to use this attitude to mask your frustration, cause if you do, you'll soon get so into the role that you'll end up with that attitude forever Like a habit."

I cocked my head to the side urging her to go on. The moonlight shone its beam through her hair illuminating a circle of it making it seem as if a halo was upon her brunette hair.

"You…" Mikan's voice got softer and softer, "You're the one who helped me understand Sana that love doesn't always work out. I think…I'm ready to stop liking Natsume."

I gasped, "No Mikan! You can't just give up on Natsume because of me! I would never forgive myself!!!" My energy was now returning at full speed.

"It's not only because of you it's also cuz he lied to me," Mikan's caramel bangs covered her eyes.

I lowered my gaze but inside I was wondering how Natsume could lie to Mikan. I snapped out of my trance when I noticed Mikan's soft sobs.

"Mikan!" my pupils expanded as I witnessed Mikan covering her face with her hands and crying softly. I did the only thing I could do by instinct, I soothed her by rubbing her back and telling her it was okay. I knew she was going through more pain than I'd ever imagined. The pain of having the guy she loved betray her and the pain of realizing that it was true.

"I'm-m so-orry Sa-na!" her voice was having difficulty in controlling its smoothness, "I-I fee-l so ba-d t-hat I was jea-lous of you b-efore. An-d I hat-ed you!"

No wonder she was scowling at me in the hallways. Why is everyone jealous of me? There really is nothing to be jealous of.

"It's ok," I said in my sweetest voice, but my eyes started to water thinking about what pains she and I both shared. We are brave, although sometimes it's okay to break down.

I couldn't help myself any further, I also burst into tears. I sniffed and tried to wipe then away. After all, I had nothing to cry about, but they just kept coming down like rain.

Mikan noticed this and pulled me into a tight hug. I joined her by hugging her back and continuing to cry.

"Some-times, it-s ok-ay to-to cr-y," I stuttered while water flowed down my cheeks.

"You-re ri-ight," Mikan wept as she clutched onto my dress.

So here we are, two best friends, sitting at the base of the great old sakura tree holding on to each other for comfort and support and crying because our hearts decided to open at the same time.

It's okay to be tough, but sometimes you just can't hold your pain in. You just break down and need to cry for some reason. Whatever reason that is, it's a good reason.

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That wraps up this chappie. The next chappie will be the last in this story. Of course I'll have a sequel. I'll give out more info in the next chappie.

Read and Review, I don't care if you bad talk about Sana although some insults are really getting onto my nerves. Scary.