Disclaimer: I don't and can't own Gakuen Alice even if I wanted too. It belongs to Tachibana-sensei.

Hey there guys I present to you the twelfth chapter of Eternity.

Please enjoy~


~Eternity 12~


Natsuhiko's POV

She stopped right in front of me, looking at me from head to toe, with a scrutinizing gaze. I thought it was just my imagination but this woman in front of me gives me the creeps. I was about to ask her what does she want when she spoke.

"Crimson eyes isn't such a common eye color don't you think?" She commented in rather bitterly. The sentence didn't register in my head at first because I was thinking that she just uttered that sentence in Japanese, fluently too, but when it did, my eye brows furrowed. I don't have a good feeling about this woman.

"He really looks like Natsume," she whispered to herself, quietly like she didn't want me to hear it. Fortunately, it was loud enough for my ears to pick up. Natsume?… You don't mean… My eyes widened when it all clicked to me. Crap, this is bad news; I need to find mom and dad, pronto. If my instincts are correct, this girl must be that Lulu… Lu something person.

"I'm sorry but I'm busy," I said in English, as I hastily left the blonde alone in the condiments aisle. I didn't bother looking back since all my attention was focused on finding my parents. What if they bump into her? Even though, she only said Natsume I know for sure she was talking about dad. I mean, Natsume and crimson eyes really, that just spells dad.

A few minutes of searching the grocery store, I finally found mom and dad on queue for checking out the groceries. I paled, if they keep on waiting here, the probability of that blonde girl bumping to them is high. I hurriedly made my way to them.

"Natsuhiko! There you— are you okay? You're sweating too much," Mom asked, eyeing me suspiciously. Dad was looking at me with an eyebrow raised.

"It's nothing mom," I replied as I put the items I got on the cart.

"Are you sure?" She asked again as she placed a hand on my forehead. With her actions, I calmed down a bit. I gave her a small smile and nodded.

"Yeah, I was just worried the ice cream would melt if I didn't find you guys fast," I excused lamely; my mom seemed to bought my excuse since she giggled. Dad looked at me questioningly though.

"Why don't you guys go ahead? You know to have some alone time, I can handle the groceries, it isn't that many anyways," I offered, shrugging my shoulders, trying to act normally as possible but on the inside I was praying that they would go with my plan. Mom's face flushed when she heard my statement and she glanced at dad.

"It's fine, Natsuhiko, we should all go home toge—"

"Polka, we should follow what this kiddo says," Dad cut her off. Phew, thank heavens dad must've realized something.

"Eh… are you really sure, Natsu?" Mom asked, giving me a worried glance.

"Yeah, I memorized our place already anyways, sides, I know you want to be alone with dad anyways," I teased. Mom went beet red.

"If you're okay about it…"

"Uhuh, Hundred percent sure," I said casually, nodding slightly. Please, just go already... I'm about to die due to nervousness if you kept on stalling.

"Come on polka, the kiddo's big enough already," Dad said ruffling my hair. I gave him a glare as I swat his hand away. He just smirked and handed me some money for the groceries and taxi fare.

"Be careful, Natsu okay?" Mom reminded me. I nodded.

"I will, enjoy your date," I teased. Mom blushed.

"Let's go polka," dad said as he grabbed mom's hand and dragged her away, but before they completely leave my sight, dad looked back and mouthed.

"Explain later," I nodded as I let out a big sigh. Finally, they're out of sight. I wouldn't worry about them clashing with that strawberry blo—

"That was rude of you," someone muttered behind my back. My head whipped at the voice's direction only to find her.

"Can I help you?" I asked, trying to be polite as possible. Did she saw my parents?

"Are you alone?" Well that answers my question, I thought as I finally relaxed myself.

"Yeah," I answered, not leaving room for the conversation to grow. But I was proven wrong, when she continued to talk.

"Not one for conversations, are you?" She mumbled, her eyes twitching. I just stayed silent. She sighed.

"I'm sorry, you just really looked and act like my fiancé, Natsume," she stated, sighing dreamily when she said Natsume. My eye brows furrowed. Fiancé? Dad? What the heck is going on? I was about to ask her something when the cashier called my attention.

"Sir?" I immediately apologized and organize my items. I heard her giggle at my shortcomings.

"You even act like him," She giggled. Won't you please just shut up and what the heck her cold eyes doesn't match her actions, is she acting right now? I continued to ignore her.

"Definitely like him," she said, nodding to herself. I silently wished the cashier to be faster. The faster he punches out my items, the faster I leave this annoying woman.


Just when I thought she'll leave me alone when I left the market, I was wrong. I was walking to the opposite direction of dad's apartment, I didn't want her to know where I was staying, I didn't want to risk being followed in a cab either. I tried telling her off, but she just shrugged and continued following me.

Now, she was beside me talking about her and dad's dates. My hunches were proven correct when she mentioned dad's full name somewhere in between her stories. I was about to tell her I don't want to listen to her crap when she mentioned something.

"Yesterday was the best time of my life, he finally slept with me," Luna, she told me her name earlier, said dreamily. What the hell? I stopped walking.

"Hey, you okay? Oops, I may have said too much," she giggled to herself. Were my ears deceiving me?

"He was so sweet and—"

"Shut up, I'm not interested," I cut off harshly, glaring at her. My fists were clenching the plastic bags tightly. She seemed taken aback with my behavior.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go somewhere," I muttered coldly, making fast strides leaving her. If only I had turned back even once, I would've seen her smirking evilly at my direction.


Natsume's POV

Polka and I were walking towards my apartment. It wasn't really that far from the grocery, just a couple of blocks away. I was still wandering about the behavior of my son, suddenly wanting us to go ahead. Even though, I didn't know what the problem was, I trust my son's judgment and went along besides, I told him to explain later.

I glanced at Polka; she was silent ever since we left the store. I then noticed that she was shivering, hell, Polka wasn't really used to coldness. I placed my arm around her shoulders and she immediately looked up to me, face beet red.

"Na-natsume?" She stuttered.

"You're cold, I just thought I could warm you up," I smirked at her. Her blushed intensified at my choice of words.

"Pervert," she mumbled softly, scooting close to me.

"Anything bothering you?" I asked, giving her shoulder a slight squeeze. She shook her head.

"Nothing, I'm just so happy this trip happened," She replied softly, beaming at me. I gave her a small smile.

"Oh yeah, why do you think Natsuhiko wants us to go ahead?" She asked curious with Natsuhiko's behavior earlier.

"Hn, he just wants us to have some time alone," I shrugged. Or maybe, he wants me to confess already?

"Natsume, are really okay?" Mikan said as she touched my cheek, lightly.

"Hn," I nodded, smiling at her slightly, leaning to her touch.

"Really? I feel like your hiding something big from me," She mumbled jokingly. I stiffened slightly which made Mikan look at me with an eyebrow raised.

"Are you hiding something from me after all?" She asked, her gaze scrutinizing. What do I answer? Yes? Then she'll ask what am I hiding, ending up with telling her? Or lie to her? Prolonging her ignorance?

She then slapped my shoulders, successfully snapping me out of my thoughts. She skipped in front of me, sticking her tongue out.

"I was just kidding, I know you wouldn't hide something from me," She said, smiling at me, not noticing that, that smile of hers was a fake. I felt my shoulders relax and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I thought I was done for.


Mikan's POV

I bit my lip, trying to resist the tears forming in my eyes while skipping ahead of Natsume. This just confirms it; he's hiding something from me. He didn't even know I gave him a fake smile, usually he notices it right of the bat. I even noticed him relaxing after I told him I was kidding.

What could he be hiding that he wouldn't want me to know? Or was he planning to tell me some other time? I don't know what to think anymore. All I know is that, the sinking feeling in my stomach is growing which I don't like one bit.

After that conversation, our way back to his apartment was filled with silence, awkward one that is. I sighed softly as I glanced back at Natsume, he looked like he was miles away from me. He was thinking so deeply about something. It must have been something to do with the one he is hiding from me.

Whenever I think of what he is hiding from me, only one thing pops out, he's having an affair. I shook my head, no, Natsume isn't that kind of person, I mean we've been married for twenty five years already and not once did he cheat on me, he wouldn't right? I don't know what to think anymore, it may be something else entirely, but I can't help but think that was the case.

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard Natsume groan.

"What the heck?"

I looked back and saw Natsume on the ground, holding his cheek, and Natsuhiko was there standing in front of him, rubbing his knuckles, the grocery bags he was supposed to be holding was on the ground scattered. It was a good thing that it was already night time, no unwanted speculators. I immediately ran to Natsume's side.

"Are you okay, Natsume?" I asked worriedly, kneeling beside him, checking his cheek. I glared at Natsuhiko.

"Natsuhiko, what do you think you're doing to your father?" I asked him angrily. Natsuhiko ignored me and kept looking at Natsume lividly.

"Natsuhiko!" I reprimaned. Natsume touched my shoulder and stood up, he offered his hand afterwards. I grabbed it and stand beside him.

"It's fine, Mikan," he said rubbed the back of his hand to his lips. He stared at Natsuhiko.

"What's gotten into you kiddo?" Natsume asked Natsuhiko.

"Keh, don't kiddo me," he mumbled disrespectfully. I stare in shock at Natsuhiko, he wasn't one to disrespect his parents which made me wonder more, what's gotten into my sweet Natsu?

"Watch your tongue, Natsuhiko, I'm still your dad," Natsume reminded him.

"The moment I learned what you did, my respect for you went down the drain," Natsuhiko replied furiously. What Natsume did? What is Natsuhiko saying?

"What do you mean?" Natsume muttered, confusion written on his face.

"Oh, don't place innocent now, how could you dad? To mom even?" Natsume's eyes widened.

"How far do you know?" Natsume asked, looking at the ground.

"I know far enough," Natsuhiko scoffed. I didn't know what was happening, all I know is that every word I hear add up to the sinking feeling in my stomach.

"Where did you get that?" Natsume mumbled dangerously.

"From someone who—"

"Stop! Please, just stop," I cried out when I couldn't take it anymore. It was all too much, the information Natsuhiko was saying gave me unlikeable thoughts, adding up to what I was thinking earlier that Natsume was cheating on me. My tears were falling endlessly on my face.

Natsuhiko went silent when he heard me cry. I looked at him and it seemed that he finally regained his composure. He looked back at me; his face was full of guilt. I glanced at Natsume and asked him the question that was bugging me.

"Are you cheating on me?"


Natsume's POV

This was it, the million dollar question. I was rendered speechless. In front of Mikan's crying face, I couldn't bear to lie, I couldn't even tell the truth. I just stood there, looking stupid.

"Answer me Natsume!" She sobbed out.

"Mikan, I…"

"Yes or no? Damn it!" Mikan swore, her eyes were puffy due to crying.

"Yes, but I ende—" My face went sideways. First I was punched by my son, now I'm slapped by my wife.

"How could you! I trusted you Natsume! Twenty four years, was that nothing to you?" She screamed at my face.

"Mikan, let me explain, I ended it already, please beli—"

"My, what a family reunion this is," a familiar voice cut off. Our heads turned to the voice, I mentally groaned, perfect timing really.

"You," I heard Natsuhiko mutter. Natsuhiko knows her? God damn, so that's why he wanted us out at the grocery store earlier, she was the reason. Hell, she must be the one who fed Natsuhiko with lies… or not, because I wasn't sure myself either.

"So you've met my fiancé already," She cheerfully said.

"Fiancé? What do you mean by that?" Mikan whimpered.

"You heard it right, honey, it just happened yester—"

"Luna!" I muttered dangerously.

"Luna?" I heard Mikan mutter. Holy crap, I just made things a lot worse. Mikan glanced at me; she was looking at me with hurt filled eyes.

"You're not the Natsume I once knew," She whispered before running to god knows where. I was rooted to the ground.

"Even if mom somehow finds heart to forgive you, don't expect the same from me," I heard Natsuhiko say, grabbing the groceries before following after his mom. Mikan left me, now my son did too.

"Wow that was quite a show," Luna sarcastically said, clapping her hands.

"Fuck you stay away from me before I do something I won't ever regret," I muttered dangerously glaring at her. She just rolled her eyes.

"I doubt your family would welcome you open arms now," she said. Stop adding salt to my wounds already. I ignored her. I should have followed Mikan the moment she ran. I was about to go after them when Luna grabbed my arm.

"You know I'm always here for you," she mumbled.

"Fuck off," I said as I shrugged her hand off and followed my wife and son.


Mikan's POV

I ran and ran to wherever my feet would take me. It was all too much, I found out that my husband was cheating on me, my son somehow knew about it, and worse of all I met the mistress.

She even said they got engaged yesterday, so that's why he wasn't there at the airport, she was more important than his family. Is he going to start another family? Is that what he was implying? But I don't understand. I didn't think I ever did something he'd hate me for, all I did was give him my everything.

That time too, he was meeting Luna, and to think that he told me she was his coworker. I felt so betrayed and broken. I thought he loved me, but I was wrong. Maybe he did, somewhere in these twenty five years of marriage he did loved me, but it faded away and he found a new fire somewhere else?

I thought going here would strengthen our ties, but it told me otherwise. I glanced around and found out that I was in the park near Natsume's apartment. I sat on the swing and stared at the night sky. It was filled with stars that were shining so brightly. I sighed, I wish I could turn back time, back to the time when Natsume and I were still so in love with each other.

But that just wistful thinking now, isn't it? Somehow, the stars that were shining brightly seemed to disagree with my thoughts.


Natsuhiko's POV

Crap, where did mom go really? I glanced around, no signs of her. Damn, I should have controlled myself and waited for the proper time to confront dad but how could I? After I heard what that Luna bitch said, my eye sight turned black and my body moved on its own.

I sighed, this is my entire fault. I should have just ignored that annoying woman, listened to dad's reason and plot something for dad so that he could reconcile with mom peacefully. But still, I'm just a kid after all, I can act mature all I want but I can't change the fact I'm still a kid and I danced on the palm of that annoying bitch.

I groaned, this no time to beat up myself, I've got to find mom, fast. I ran again, man these groceries aren't helping either. I was glancing around so much that I bumped into someone, resulting to me falling to the ground and the groceries scattering once again. Damn it all.

"Ouch," We both groaned. I felt like I heard that voice somewhere. I looked in front and saw that it was the same long black haired girl I bumped into earlier. Does she live somewhere near my dad's apartment?

"You again," I muttered in English, while standing up. I offered my hand to her. Hey, my mom taught me well.

"Hi- hyuuga!" She squeaked, blushing as she took my hand and I lifted her up. I rolled my eyes and proceeded to pick up our groceries. I felt her eyes on me, but I ignored her.

"Your mom… run… park…" she whispered, trying her hard to form a coherent sentence in English.

"Thanks," I gratefully muttered after picking up all of our grocery, smiling slightly at her. I guess she's not so bad. Finally, I can go to mom. She averted her eyes from mine when she saw my smiling face.

"What's your name?" I asked her in English.

"Zhen," she replied bashfully.

"Xie xie, Zhen!" I said before breaking off to a run in order to chase my mom.


A few minutes of running, I finally found mom, she was sitting at the swing. She was looking at the night sky with a sad smile on her face. I can't help but feel somewhat responsible for her sad face.

"Mom," I called out throatily. Her head turned to my direction, a blank look on her face. I cringed.

"I… I'm sorry for everything, I didn't know if it was better to tell you, but I tried talking to dad first about it, since I don't want you guys to separate, but what he—" I almost stumbled down when mom hugged me tightly. I couldn't hug her back due to the groceries I was holding.

"Natsu, I forgive you… I know you're just concerned for me and your dad," She told me, patting my back. I don't know if mom was holding back her tears or she just cried so much that she didn't have any to let out.

"I'm really sorry mom," I cried out, as I felt tears on my cheeks.

"It's okay, it's okay," she mumbled soothingly, brushing my hair. I broke the hug off and wiped my tears.

"But mom, what are you going to do now?" I asked her the question that was on my head since earlier.


AUTHOR'S NOTE:

WHOOOOO. I'm on a roll, I updated again! Hell yeah!

pinkpocket23 - Honestly speaking, when I saw your comment, my eyes widened. I mean, you're one of my favorite authors here, and to have you comment on my story is freaking awesome! Thank you for that! And lol! I feel like that too sometimes :) Also, I'm glad you're back from break, I've been waiting for updates in your stories too! :)

FrozenCrimsonCroissant - ANNNND, I think this chapter answered a lot of your inquiries XD And I don't know about Zhen though, who knows? I kid, she may or may not be an important role in this series, but I definitely would like to have her appear on a spin off series with Natsuhiko and Shizuka on the line :)

jejeje - It varies really. HAHAHA. sometimes I update so fast that I don't think it was possible for me to have that much free time to update. There are also times that I don't update for a long looooooooong time. Hopefully that won't happen again :)

Anilissa - And yeaaaah, that cold blue eyed girl is Luna HAHA. I just noticed that I didn't mention Luna's eye color in this story. So it added up to the suspense eh?

Ayame-hime 11d7 - Yup, she's a creep alright, wanting the attention of Natsume haha. Lololove me like you doo~ And yeah, but somehow I ended up having a lot of free time right now due to some faculty outing on my school so yeah... HAHA.

For all those who read and reviewed in my previous chappie, I give you my thanks!

Reviews are very much appreciated. Also, this chapter is not beta-ed so if you spot on some mistakes, I'm sorry.
Well that is that, Ja! See you next chapter! :D

-Raku-chama-