Author's Note: Sup guys welcome back to another ongoing chapter to MDBIC. Happy to say that I've reached chapter 14 now and the story is still progressing. Back when I had started this story I was thinking of writing a simple 15 chapter story but... as we can all see from this point back, I don't think that's going to be the case anymore. I really have a lot of fun writing for this story so I chose to continue it further.
Now then, for this chapter I do have to mention there is quite some character progression (thus why the title states the obvious) so again why this story is rated T.
Another thing, my writing isn't perfect and for some reason it feels like it kinda went off on this chapter? So let me know if there are any hard to read areas or spelling errors.
Thank you for making it this far and I hope you enjoy :)
Mikan's POV
"Mom?" I ran around the base of the stairs and followed her into the kitchen. "Have you seen Narumi? I really need to ask him something before he leaves?" It was almost time for them to leave for work so I had to find him fast.
It's been almost a month since the time they broke into the house and Narumi has yet to tell me anything about it. I tried asking him a few times before, but he always shot me down with the same answer.
"Try the garage?" My mom suggested as she prepared their coffee mugs, "He said he was going to check the cars."
Someone sounded like they were in a bad mood... "Okay, thanks." I quickly made my way to the front of the house and stepped out to see Narumi switching the windshield wipers off of my car.
It was really cloudy, so it was more or so likely expected to rain again. Ever since winter melted away half-ways through February, it's been raining.
"Dad?" I stepped off the porch steps while closing my coat around me, "Can I ask you something? I've been kinda wondering about something?" I stood a few feet away from him and the cars.
He did look busy so it didn't surprise me as he multi-tasked into paying attention to me too, "What is it?" He didn't glance back at me.
"Well… uhmmm I'm still kinda worried about happened with the break-in?" I fumbled with my coat straps tying them around me, "Have you found out anything new?"
He managed to spare a glance at me, but ended up shaking his head. "I'll tell you when something comes up okay."
I frowned at his usual answer. "Oh… okay." Shot down yet again. Still though- his answer never seemed to convince me.
I walked back into the house to see my mom fixing her coat on and wrapping a scarf loose around her neck, "Mikan, get ready for school okay. And wear something warmer than that." She scoped my wardrobe since I was wearing black leggings with a big lazy shirt on.
"I will." I sighed making my way to the stairs.
"And don't forget..." She stopped me at the bottom step and pointed at me, "Just because you have your car back, doesn't mean you're fully ungrounded. Straight home got that?"
"Yes…" I sighed again. "You tell me this every day. I get it already." I continued going up the stairs and into my room to get ready for school.
I had a good time gap to take care of my morning routine, since I was up earlier than usual.
I ended up tying my hair up into a messy bun and applying light pedalpink-like makeup. I switched my leggings color from black to peach and combined it with a white floral knee-length skirt. Lastly, a simple light pink long sleeve with a pearl-white scarf to top it all off.
I threw on any random accessories and kicked on a pair of low heel boots before picking up my coat and exiting my room. I rushed down the stairs to grab my school bag and locked up the house after me.
My parents were already gone by the time I finished getting ready for school, so it didn't really matter if I caught breakfast or not.
I lightly ran the rest of the way to my car since the weather decided to start my day off with a light drizzle of rain.
After leaving home, it was the same on and off batches of rain along with upcoming traffic. The usual school traffic getting into school and then followed with finding a decent parking spot. It really didn't matter to be honest, it wasn't like I was late or anything- just the rain made it better to park closer to the building.
The school was just beginning to get crowded too so I got here at a good time. The same thing applied to the main school building; students were just starting to enter the hallways, so it didn't take me long to reach my morning class.
I walked in expecting the class to be empty, but surprisingly it wasn't. What surprised me even more was that Natsume was already here. He was here with Hotaru and Tobita working on something on one of the very back tables. Besides them, there were a few other people in the classroom. People like Anna and Nonoko were already here too, but they were on the other side of the classroom. They were with a few other girls chatting away like how we used to…
I faintly smiled at Anna since she saw me walk in and she did the same. We haven't gone back to being close like before. They kept their distance, and I respected it and I didn't blame them for it.
IT was my fault for keeping my relationship with Hyuuga a secret. It was also my fault that I let them get excited over my birthday and plan along with Ruka. To be honest, I thought they found out the worst way possible.
I continued moving to the back of the classroom as Hotaru took notice of me. "Hey." I smiled as she waved shortly in return. "You guys look like you've been here since sunrise."
"We have." Tobita added in. "We're just about done with calculations, so we're trying to rush things up a bit." He was sitting across from Natsume copying down the numbers Natsume was quickly scribbling out.
I watched curiously as Natsume's gloved hands jetted across the paper laying out numbers at a really fast pace. "He's really in there isn't he?" I faintly giggled as Natsume was too busy to look up at me or even say hi.
"Yeah, zones everything out when he's focused." Hotaru was in the seat next to him watching them work.
I quietly smiled and dropped my school bag on the empty seat next to Tobita.
I tried to hide my disappointment yet again of seeing them all busy. The scribbling and typing away on calculators was the only sound that came from them as I took my class materials out. I was about to slide into the seat when I heard someone approaching me.
"Hi uhmm Mikan?" I looked up to see Anna stop a few steps away, "Do you have a minute?" She looked kinda nervous.
"uhhyeah- I mean sure." This surprised me completely. I hesitated taking a few steps at first but ended up following her a few tables down. "What's up?"
"I… well… it's…" She tried to pick the right way to start off but she just wasn't sure.
"It's okay Anna." I tried making her more comfortable. "It's only me. You can tell me." I smiled hoping it would help her relax.
She lightly nodded before continuing, "I… don't want you… to miss my birthday next month…" She sadly admitted. "It's weeks away..."
"What?" I couldn't help smile over what she just said. That- was- that? All that nervousness was for that? "I mean- of course I wouldn't miss it." But wait, did this mean she was inviting me to her birthday?
"I don't want you to miss it." She looked at me worried. "You've always been there for me."
"I know. I won't miss it. Promise!" I smiled again as I finally got her to smile back. "I was actually more worried about you forgetting about me…" I admitted.
"I couldn't!" Anna eagerly took a step forward. "Of course not- not because of… something like this."
"Me too…" I added. "I'm sorry-"
"No, I am!" She cut me off, "We shouldn't have left you out. There's no excuse for that." Her words were really making me tear up.
"You really mean it?" I tried keeping my smile from trembling.
"Yes, and I'm sorry too for being so up front and random like this. I just couldn't help it."
I wouldn't deny that. This was suddenly random and unexpected. "It doesn't matter- as long as we're friends right?"
She instantly nodded, "Do you want to go sit with us?"
Her question made me look back at Natsume busily working away. "Uhmm… yeah sure." I ended up accepting. "I'm sure they won't mind." I brushed that concern away and went to pick up my stuff. Anna helped me carry my binder and pencil case while I grabbed my own bag. "Okay let's go."
Anna and I continued happily talking about anything that came to mind as we joined the rest of the girls.
"Mikan?" This time it was Nonoko that approached me next, "You're really going to hang out with us again?" She surprised me with a quick hug as she pulled me closer into the group. "Anna how did you convince her?!"
"Oh no- guys we had it wrong!" Anna began to explain, "She wasn't avoiding us…" She turned to look at me, "Well, we all thought you didn't want us around because of…" Her voice trailed off as she looked past my shoulder and over at Natsume.
"Is that what you guys thought?" I couldn't help question. "I stayed away because of Sumire and all the things she was saying. Her and her friends were making all these things up- and I thought you guys were taking a part in it, so I thought you guys didn't like me anymore." I admitted.
"Sumire is my cousin Mikan." Anna reminded me, "She's always moving around me because of family."
"I know…" And that's what sucked the most. Being around Anna meant being around Sumire.
"We thought you didn't like us anymore." Nonoko along with the rest of the girls agreed.
"I swear I thought it was the other way around!" My confession made them laugh along with me.
We continued catching up and laughing about missed moments that the bell ended up surprising us. We all settled around each other as I took a seat next to Nonoko, while Anna and the rest of the girls sat around us.
I continued talking to Nonoko as Sumire and her friends showed up. They instantly stopped and curiously whispered to each other before continuing to their seats. Their expressions said it all; they weren't happy to see me with the girls again. Sumire especially looked like she saw something disgusting as she walked by me, but I purposely waved and smiled at her instead making her turn away.
Ruka filed into class next with two of his friends. He too was surprised to see me at the front, but he didn't give me a dirty look like Sumire. He actually smiled and went to his usual seat followed with his friends.
"Oh, Mikan?" Anna tapped my shoulder from behind. "Are you free after school? We're going shopping for some last minute party arrangements. Want to-"
"Definitely!" I ended up answering before she even finished asking. "Count me in!" Sorry mom, but there was no way I was going home after school. I missed spending time with them and we had a lot of catching up to do. Staying out just this once couldn't do any harm right?
The instructor shortly walked in after the warning bell along with the remaining students. As everyone finished taking their seats I took a quick glance over my shoulder to see if Natsume was wondering where I went. Like, had he noticed I was gone?
I frowned disappointed as I saw that he had his head down on his arms with the hood of black jacket covering his head.
That's a no.
"Mikan, let's go together." Anna skipped over next to me as I was putting a few things away in my locker. It was already after school and I was swapping things in and out before retrieving my coat.
"Sure!" I agreed. "Do you want to carpool with me in my car or do you want to go in your car?"
"Oh, my car." She answered. "We can carpool in my car since I'll be having Nonoko follow me in her car with a few of the girls."
"Okay then." That works too.
I closed my locker and fit my coat on, "Let's go." I followed after her and joined the rest of the girls at the entrance. They all happily chatted away and laughed as they led the way out of school. I hesitated though. I frowned quietly as I checked my phone for any replay from Natsume.
I had sent him a text during lunch since I didn't get to see him again; a simple text letting him know I was going to be leaving after school with Anna, but I was yet to get a reply.
Had he even checked his phone? I mean, a simple 'okay' would have been a good enough answer, but he was just horrible with texting back.
"Mikan? Anna's hand rested on my shoulder, "Ready to go?"
I put my phone away, "Yup, I'm ready." I cleared my thoughts and smiled at her. "Let's go."
It was nice being back together with Anna and the girls. It was something that I really missed.
Being able to spend time with them again, hangout, talk, laugh together, all of it; I missed it. I missed it so much that I didn't dare ask why they suddenly had a change of heart.
It seemed a bit suspicious since the moment they had me tag along for shopping. But day after day that I tagged along with them, the further I got from Natsume. He wasn't doing anything to contact me. He wasn't doing anything but drowning away with calculations and work.
And I understood he was doing it to avoid thinking about Youichi being gone or being alone for the matter. I tried being there for him to keep him from feeling alone, but he wasn't allowing it!
He got super busy after we made up on Valentine's Day. It got worse as time progressed.
Instead of him feeling alone, I was the one feeling alone…
So, I had no choice but to trust Anna and the girls to keep me company while I stayed out of their way.
"Mikan, are you sure you don't want to come with?" Nonoko walked around the back of her car to meet me and Anna on the other side.
"Sorry guys, it's just that I got a text message from Misaki and she wanted me to help her with something. Something about locking herself out of her car?" I kinda made up the last part as I got my car keys out.
We were standing around the school parking lot as we all settled to retrieve our own cars.
"Oh, then next time then." Anna offered this time.
"Yeah, I'll be there for sure next time okay." I began walking towards my car, "Have a good night." I waved them off as I quickly rushed the rest of the way to my car.
Anna's Sweet sixteen party was this coming weekend, yet I haven't told Natsume about it. And the fact that Misaki texted me to let me know she was on her way with Andou to meet Natsume at that GA pub, meant this was the closest opportunity.
Thanks to Anna and Nonoko keeping me company all this time, there were no openings to approach Natsume during school hours. And it wasn't like I could find him after school either, he was either off with Hotaru and the group or somewhere else.
Never available, so I had to take this chance.
I drove to the more hectic side of the city where I wasn't allowed to go to. Once of the main reasons why I wasn't allowed to this side of the city was because of the hellish traffic. And on the side note, it wasn't exactly the safest area either; especially at night.
It took a while, but by the time had I reached the designated parking lot, Misaki and her boyfriend had already arrived. I drove in just as they were getting out of their cars.
"Hey," I didn't waste time exiting my car, "He's coming right?" I asked.
"Uhh he should be here…?" Andou answered as Misaki pulled him along to go inside the building.
"It's creepy out here." She admitted as I followed her towards the entrance.
The place was livelier than the last time I was here. More people and more moving around were happening. It was uncomfortable trying to push through the crowd as I continued following Misaki and Andou.
The whole time I was moving I kept glancing around hoping to spot Natsume.
"Hey Mikan?" Misaki turned to look at me, "I don't think he's here yet…" She looked around too.
"But do you know if he'll really be here?" I insisted on looking around some more.
"We can wait and see?" This time Andou answered. "Just chill for a bit and see if he turns up."
"Hey guys!" A girl's voice spoke from behind Tsubasa as he turned to reveal Luna carrying a few drinks. "Long time no see… you guys here for the live show?"
"Reo's performing tonight right?" Andou took a few steps back to let Luna into our space.
"Yup, I let Natsume know but I don't see him here yet."
I turned away looking around disappointed while Andou kept the conversation going. "Yeah, that's why we're here too. He's just probably on his way or something."
"Oh?" Luna surprisingly turned her attention to me, "What's the little girlfriend doing here?" She didn't waste time on trying to pick on me, "Isn't it past your curfew?"
I instantly shook my head, "I'm waiting to see Natsume. There's something I need to talk to him about…" My voice trailed off as she moved closer to me.
"You look pretty anxious though. You sure it isn't anything more?" Luna comfortably settled herself next to me and placed the drinks down on the bar behind us.
"It's just something I need to tell him…" I repeated myself not wanting to disclose anything more than that.
"Suit yourself." She shrugged. "I WAS open for relationship advice but okay~ if that's how-"
"Wait," I ended up cutting her off. "Would you really help me?"
"Yep!" Her answer was instant as a huge smile spread on her lips. "I'm all ears."
Natsume's POV
"Alright, who fucking did it?" I scoped around the group of people I had in front of me in search for answers. And they better freakin' know how fucked I am because of this…
Andou and his girlfriend shrugged not wanting to sell the person out or come clean themselves. Their eyes kind of met each other before trailing to the side staring at Luna.
"Luna…" I sighed pulling Mikan's fumbling figure towards me and pressing her head against my chest. "What the hell did you give her?" I curiously glanced down while Mikan strangely began nuzzling her face against me.
"What- don't look at me…" Luna quickly defended, "She came here asking for friendly chit-chat, so don't pin this on me!" She huffed crossing her arms.
Well I guess this was partially my fault too. I had made plans to meet Andou and his friends here because I was going to be helping at the nearby shelter, but things didn't fall through. I ended up being late and Andou ended up bringing his girlfriend which caused my own girlfriend to tag along.
What a great opportunity for Mikan to get into Reo's place. As much as I tried keeping her away from the place, she was annoyingly persistent to come here just because of me. It was like she didn't understand the hell that could happen if her parents were to find out. Yeah, the first time she got considerably lucky that her parents didn't catch her, but like I said; that was luck. Try making Mikan understand that…
"Hey," I raised my attention to Andou and his girlfriend, "What did I tell you guys? I fucking warned you guys about her."
Andou didn't say anything while Harada was first to roll her eyes and give me attitude, "I invited her alright. You know… she has been trying to reach you for the longest time but you've been too busy. So I let her tag along- what's the big deal? It wasn't like I was going to ditch her just because her parents are cops."
I raised a brow, "And even so you still brought her here? What the hell? And since when was this the only place to hang out at? Didn't I fucking tell you guys to keep her out of this place? Take her to the park, movies, mall, fucking someplace else other than here." I readdressed the same shit as before, "I don't want her here."
As soon as I said that I felt Mikan's body slightly pull away from me.
"Why?" Her red hinted cheeks puffed up while her glistening eyes tried to focus up at me. "Why… whhhyyy don't you want… me here. With. You?" Her speech slurred making it ridiculously impossible to look at her.
It pissed me off because I wasn't here to stop her from getting drunk. And it also pissed me off that my suppose-to-be friends were the ones that watched her drink and didn't even bother stopping her.
"What the fuck?..." I ended up voicing out my disappointment. "Guys, seriously… how much did she drink?"
Andou and his girlfriend played dumb again while Luna awkwardly reached behind herself to the counter behind. She arched backwards reaching behind the counter before retrieving a crystal blue shot glass.
"Oh don't you dare…" She twirled the shot glass between her fingers, "She had a single shot. Two tops."
"Of what?"
"Something strongly sweet. Don't worry about it. She's like not even that far gone." She waved me off, "She's just a light weight." She placed the glass down at the counter again while I couldn't help glare at her for sounding really stupid just now.
"Luna, you're fucking stupid." I sighed glancing around looking to see if Reo was anywhere nearby. I was only hoping he wasn't watching this play out. "If Reo finds out you gave alcohol to an underage person…"
"Oh boo-hoo so what?" She cut me off sarcastically rubbing her fists against her eyes, "It's not like I forced it down her throat. She willingly picked up the shot and drank it herself. And besides you're not old enough to drink either yet you did with Reo?"
"It's not the same dumbass." I argued.
Yeah, I sat down and had a drink with Reo the other time, but that was just to catch up and shit. Like, Reo was up for keeping one of his crappy promises he made to me as a kid and got me my first drink. So the fuck what- It wasn't that big of a deal because it was just a single drink. And it wasn't like I was going to be around this same city by the time I did reach of age.
Just seriously didn't expect Luna to bitch at me about it now…
"Well anyways, it's your fault." Luna concluded trying to make me feel like I was the one doing wrong, "It's your fault your little girly girlfriend is down in the dumps." She managed to hit a bull's-eye there.
"Fuck…" I swore glancing down at Mikan. This was disappointing and it was my fault…
I couldn't help think back on what happened a few weeks ago.
Flashback
"What do you mean Youichi's gone?" Her voice completely showed confusion mixed with concern.
"You heard me." I shrugged at her as I kept my focus on the thin phone in my hands. I tried to make it seem like it didn't bother me, "His family showed up and picked him up."
"Just out of nowhere?" Mikan leaned forward trying to get a glimpse of me.
"Yes…" I breathed out, "They just showed up and left."
"And you let it happen just like that? You didn't try to stop them or anything?"
"Why would I?" I gave her a confused glance. "He's better off anyways." He's back with his family and he has everything he'll ever need. Why would I keep him?
I turned away as Mikan shifted closer to me.
"But… what about you?" Her hand softly grabbed my shoulder, "It must have been really hard seeing Youichi leave so suddenly and-"
"What's there to be sad about?" I kept myself turned away from her, "He's better off, so whatever. It's done and over with."
"Yeah, but what I'm trying to say is that I'm worried about you; you know, like I don't like it that you're all alone now…" She sounded concerned, but it was stuck between that or feeling sorry for me.
"I'm used to it." I sighed shrugging her hand off, "I'll be alright." I summed it up. I've been living without him for a few weeks anyways, so it wasn't like it mattered at this point. The only thing that's basically changed was the fact that I didn't have a reason to go back home early.
I could give a fuck less about school. They've tallied up my absences to the point that I'm probably going to have to go to summer school, but it wasn't like it jeopardized my school year. I wasn't at risk of repeating the school year like in my past. They just gave me a warning to keep me in check.
As for the rest, I just kept myself busy with other crap to keep me from going home. The only reason why I would go home was basically to sleep and shower. Other than that I didn't care.
I kept working with Imai's group every other day, and went to volunteer the days in between to finish my community service hours. And if I felt like it I'd stopped by to hang out at Reo's place.
"Natsume?" Mikan surprised me as she slid off the trunk of her car and stood next to me. "I don't think you're alone. Well I mean you have me… right?"
I glanced at her curiously, "Do I?" She was really committing herself to something more than just being my girlfriend.
"Yes, of course." She enthusiastically grabbed my arm and wrapped it in her arms. "You're not alone."
I couldn't help smirk at her good intention.
"I'll hold you to it then."
End of Flashback
See…
I thought that would have been a good thing.
But… the following few weeks got pretty bad.
I didn't have the time to spend with Mikan like she had hoped. I didn't have the time or the energy to be honest.
She would try to make the most of it at school, and I would sometimes let her tag along to my meetings with Imai and the group, but she would get really bored. Either I had to leave early with her or she would excuse herself and leave on her own.
I felt pretty bad about it, but in a way it reminded me of how Youichi would have to wait for me to finish things, like school or work.
So I ended up giving her my cell phone number. Something I wasn't so sure of doing, but I let her have it.
She was happy with texting or calling on the weekends, but again that didn't last since I wasn't replying to her all that much.
Not only that, but I didn't have the extra energy to spend time with her after my daily routines; like for some reason I haven't been feeling… like myself.
I still didn't know anything about the last black out I had, but at least I haven't experienced another one. The only thing I couldn't understand now was the constant exhaustion. I was literally waking up every morning feeling exhausted. And to make things trickier, my body was suddenly getting random scratches or bruises. It wasn't like I was having memory issues; I just couldn't remember how I was getting randomly beat up.
It was annoying feeling so worn out because it really limited everything I would do. It got to the point where I would have to sleep at school again in order to get by the rest of my day.
It was a miracle when I would get the chance to stop by at the GA pub. That's why I told Andou and warned his girlfriend to keep Mikan away from the place, just in case she assumed I was here, but obviously they couldn't even do a single simple thing like this…
"Neh… Natsume?" Mikan continued strangely pulling on the laces to my hoodie. "Why… whyyy don't you replyyy to my text messages?"
I didn't bother answering her question and hugged her head to my chest again.
If anything this meant she was thinking about me while attempting to drink.
I didn't say anything as I suddenly picked Mikan up and carried her like a little kid in my arms. She instantly adapted to the sudden arrangement as she hugged her arms around my neck and wrapped her legs around my waist.
"Woah- wait." Luna didn't waste any time in rushing to stop me from leaving, "Are you leaving? You can't seriously take her home looking like that?"
"Yeah I know," I wasn't fucking taking her home to her parents looking like this, so… "I'm taking her to my place-"
"You can't!" Luna awkwardly looked around the pub, "Just- just hold on a few seconds! Don't leave okay!" She instantly ran past us and into the crowd towards the stage where Reo's band was setting up.
"What the hell was that about?" Andou got my attention next.
"I don't know." I crossed my arms underneath Mikan's body to keep her in place. "All I know is I'm about to get the hell out of here if she doesn't come back within the next minute." I seriously didn't have the patience to put up with anymore of this crap. "Damn I'm fuckin' tired." I sighed glancing back to see if Luna was on her way back.
I didn't spot her until she was suddenly talking to Reo near the stage. It wasn't a long conversation as she quickly rushed back waving something in my direction as she returned.
"Here!" She held out a pair of keys in front of me, "I asked Reo if you could use his place instead and wait out for her to sober up."
"Why?" I couldn't help ask as I glanced past her and towards Reo on stage. He was just finishing up connecting his guitar as he held a thumbs up in my direction letting me know it was okay for me to use his place.
"Because…" she rolled her eyes at me, "it's easier this way."
She didn't let me question anything else as she quickly grabbed the side of my jacket and guided me towards the staircase near the bar area.
All I got out of Andou and his girlfriend were awkward shrugs as I turned away from them.
"Now consider this a way of me paying you back for getting your little girl drunk." She stomped up the stairs as I followed after her. "Reo's place is the whole second and third floor so make yourselves at home until she's okay." Luna glanced back at me as we reached the door to Reo's apartment and unlocked it. "Here we are."
She pushed the door open for me and handed the keys to me at the same time.
"…You still owe me." I grabbed the keys rather rudely and walked into the apartment without looking back at her. I closed the door right after me and locked the door before turning around and scoping out the apartment.
It was a pretty decent size apartment. The whole floor was an open plan; the kitchen, living room, and eating area where within view. The black and white theme across the apartment even reminded me of his old place.
I couldn't help feel the crazy nostalgia as I recognized a few of the things Reo had from his old place. I couldn't believe it, after so long he still managed to keep these things looking the same.
He had the same pool table and lounging chairs next to it. The art frames and graffiti tagged canvases he would spray with the guys back years ago were here too; finished and mounted. Never thought I would get to see his finished work. It was the simple stuff that carried no value, which he decided to move along with him. As for everything else, it was all replaced. The couches along with the rest of the living room set were new since I didn't recognize them from before; tables, lamps, stereos, all of that new too. He went with more of a modern look as he now had leather black couches and a big flat screen TV. He had a few other things that shaped up the room, but the single-one thing that caught my attention was the simple small picture frame he had on one of the end tables.
I slowly walked towards the living room area, and gently placed Mikan down before heading straight for the picture frame.
The frame spoke for itself as I remembered seeing it for the first time a few years back. I still couldn't believe it.
in this picture all six of us were in it. Luna and I sat on the curve in front of Reo's old house. Reo and the older guys were standing behind us leaning up against the lawn fence. And then there was this other short kid in the picture. I couldn't remember him for some reason… but he looked like he was around the same age as me at the time.
"Uhhmmm Natsume?" I heard Mikan mumble from the couch I left her, "What issss that? Can I seeee?"
I instantly placed the picture down and turned it away keeping her from seeing it. "It's nothing." I walked away and headed for the kitchen in search of something to help Mikan sober up faster.
"What are you doing?" She whined from the couch as I reached into one of the cabinets.
I didn't bother answering this time as I got the grounded coffee beans out and started to coffee maker.
A few seconds later… "Natsume?" I surprisingly heard her closer. I half turned around just in time to catch her stumbling towards me.
"Dammit… Mikan…" I sighed holding onto her as I finished putting the grounded coffee beans in the coffee maker. She was really starting to frustrate me. It was like she was a freakin' child right now. Not even Youichi got this complicated.
I guided her to the couch again and tried keeping her seated. She swayed a few times making her fall sideways on the couch, but after a few adjustments she managed to sit up straight.
"How much did Luna give you?" I couldn't help ask her as I suddenly felt the floor beneath us vibrate from the sudden loud music taking place underneath us.
She shrugged raising three of her fingers up, "This… many?"
Seriously? "Three shots?" Damn… no wonder.
I sat on the edge of the coffee table in front of her and shrugged off my hoodie leaving my black long sleeve on instead, "Tell me why you took the shots?"
My question made her awkwardly glance away.
"Because…" Her tone of voice got bitter. I didn't say anything, but instead waited for her to tell me the rest. "I thought it was going to help me stop being upset with you! You… you don't talk to me anymore! You don't- you don't talk to me. You don't spend time with me. You don't even hold hands with me—you haven't even asked me on our first date! I want to-"
I stared at her surprised for some reason. "Alright, alright- stop, I get it." I figured if I didn't stop her, she was going to keep going.
I ran my hands through my hair and breathed out a long sigh.
This definitely meant she was hung up over the fact that I haven't been paying much attention to her. It wasn't like I didn't want to, I just didn't have the time…
"Luna said it would help me feel better…" She crossed her arms looking away.
Now that was dumb. I couldn't help shake my head for hearing her say that. "What a stupid way to drink…" I added.
"It wasn't stupid!" She bit back trying to pick a fight or something. "You're stupid!"
I rolled my eyes and stood up, "Shut up, you're acting like a little kid." I turned to walk away but she caught my wrist.
"I am not a little kid!" She argued back, "I am NOT a little girl!"
She continued pulling on my wrist harder. She pulled to the point that I saw her shifting out of the couch.
"Are you serious?" I quickly pushed her to fall back into the couch while she continued to hold onto my wrist.
"Mikan, Let go." I didn't want to get rough with her and pull my wrist away forcefully. So instead, I sat down next to her and waited to see if she would actually listen.
After a few seconds of waiting, I felt her same hand trailing higher on my arm as she swayed leaning towards me. It almost seemed like she was ready to fall forward, so as soon as I caught her shoulders she basically let herself fall up against my chest.
"Mikan?" I stared at her curiously as I tried pulling her away from me, "I can't let you fall asleep. It would-"
"I'm not." She quickly answered back, "I just want to feel you…" Her voice trailed off as she began to snuggle her head against the side of my neck.
Her nose tickled the side of my neck as I felt the most awkward chills run up that side of my body.
"Mmmm…" She breathed out a long breath causing me to tense up, "You smell so good…" I wish I could say the same, but all I got out of her was a whiff of strong alcohol breath. It got me distracted too because she seriously caught me off guard when her tongue unexpectedly pressed up against the side of my neck.
I instantly leaned my head away, "What the-" Hell? I stared down at her as she didn't budge either. It was like she knew I was ready to jump out of the couch because she instantly wrapped her arms heavily around my neck keeping herself anchored to me.
"Mikan…" I grabbed her shoulders a bit alarmed. "You're drunk-"
"I don't care!" She shouted back down into my chest.
"Well I fucking do, so stop!" I was beginning to get nervous. And it wasn't because she was coming onto me, but it was more because she was drunk and I couldn't do anything about it.
"No!" Her arms tightened even more around me as she began to pull the rest of her body towards me.
"Stop-" I breathed out another complaint as I tried sliding back to the other end of the couch.
She didn't let me get far, "Stop running… away…" She boldly pulled the rest of her body onto my lap and straddled my waist. "Natsume…?" She whimpered sweetly against the side of my neck.
As much as I tried sliding away from her, it just wasn't helping. It was actually making things worse. "…Damn…" I breathed out a heated breath as I felt the dangerous friction between our bodies.
I couldn't do anything else but stop moving. I stopped resisting as her hips finally stopped grinding up against mine.
The less I moved the better… I cringed feeling the sudden spike of unwanted excitement.
My hands unknowingly shook as I slowly released her shoulders and reclined on my arms instead.
It was like the perfect sign for her too. She immediately took that as a sign to continue.
"Mmmm… finally…" She pressed her nose against the side of my neck breathing in my scent again.
My body tensed with temptation this time. I couldn't help it as I felt her lips press up against the side of my neck.
Damn… my teeth and fists clenched with self-restraint as I felt her kiss my neck repeatedly. It was good- too good. She was doing a REALLY good job…
The blood and heat of my body was incredulously beginning to concentrate around my— damn it! This wasn't right!
It wasn't right for me to move. DAMMIT- WHY the hell did she have to be drunk?!
It felt even more right as she began sucking wet kisses on the base of my neck.
I couldn't help it as I breathed out a frustrated hum and tilted my head away allowing her better access.
"Natsume…" Her warm breath and lips brushed my skin as I shuttered pressing my eyes shut.
"Hmmm…" I hummed again as I refused to look at her and getting anymore tempted.
"Let's kiss…" Her request shot my eyes open. "I'mmmm not a little girl. I want you to kissss me." She grabbed my face and seductively ran her bottom lip against the left side of my cheek.
God… She had no idea how difficult she was making things.
Up to this point I've tried and stayed at my limit, but it really wasn't going to last much longer. Her actions continued to torture me as her lips began to kiss along my jaw line and neck.
I can't- "Mikan…" I pulled her hands away from my face and leaned away from her. "I… can't do this while-"
"Yes- yes you can!" She managed to get her hands free and shove me back against the couch, "I don't care! I don't care! As long as it's you…" Her voice shook as she spoke really fast and anxious. "It's okay. I swear!" She eagerly cupped my face with her hands and leaned down to kiss my lips, but missed.
I didn't know how I managed to turn away precisely, but she ended up breathing out a frustrated sigh against my cheek. "Whyyyy…" She continued to kiss the same side of my neck as she got to the base again and sucked in another few heated kisses. The warmth of her lips and tongue helplessly continued to work me up to the point of no return.
I wanted her… I wanted her so fucking bad right now…
I felt my body tense up again as her hands moved away from my face and over my chest. Her fingers danced and explored over the fabric of my shirt as they shifted lower and lower. It wasn't until I felt the tip of her fingers rolling up my shirt that caused me to look down at her actions.
I couldn't make any more sense of it as her touch simply felt incredible. It felt amazing to the point that I wanted to take control and turn this over on her, but some way... somehow… I managed to grab her wrists causing her to stop.
"You need… to-" I spoke between quick breaths, but I couldn't even finish my words as Mikan impatiently shifted her hips while trying to pull her hands away.
That did it.
I couldn't stop the immediate groan that escaped me from her hips suddenly moving against me.
I wasn't expecting it and she cleverly caught on.
"Natsume?" She glanced down at our hips.
It was ridiculous seeing as how she hadn't noticed it yet. It was quickly getting more and more concentrated down there, and I swear if it weren't for my jeans and belt buckle, I would have been in even more trouble.
I tipped my head back and bit back another groan as she pressed her hips down against me again.
Not again...
She got the reaction she was looking for since my own hips twitched awake on impulse.
"Damn…" I breathed out a shaky breath as the war going on within me got worse. There was no reasoning to this. There was nothing past this point but two options: Yes or no…
And I couldn't…
Fuck… this… I won't- "Mikan!" I yelled at her startling her. "Enough!" I sat up pushing her to the other end of the couch before pinning her underneath me. "I said stop!" My eyes caught her off guard as she realized they were etching red through the lenses.
I didn't care.
I fucking had it! I was fed up with having to hold back. I was fed up with her teasing me relentlessly. She obviously had no IDEA what she's caused. She was fucking drunk! I swear if it wasn't for the fact that she was drunk I wouldn't have hesitated to the limit.
I tightened my grip on her wrists since she still bothered resisting. "Why?!" She surprisingly began to turn her wrists, "Why won't you-"
"Because I can't!" I cut her off shoving my forehead up against hers. "I can't touch you! The fact that I managed to push you off me doesn't even make sense to me! Any guy wouldn't pass up on this opportunity! I…" God damn I freaking wanted to— "Forget it!" I climbed off of her and put distance between us.
She stared dumbfounded at me as I slid off the couch and sat on the floor instead.
"Natsume…?" I heard her shifting behind me but she didn't pursue touching me any further. She was expecting me to turn around or say something back, but I just couldn't.
We didn't bother saying anything else as I sat there waiting for everything to cool off. It took a few minutes before I suddenly began hearing very light snoring noises coming from behind me.
"Dammit." I whispered realizing she ended up falling asleep after all.
Now what…
I finally decided to stand up and check on the coffee. I actually thought I needed it more than she did right now.
I quietly prepared two mugs pouring straight black coffee into both of them; then returned back to the living room.
I sat down on the coffee table right across from Mikan as I sat the mugs next to me.
Mikan was curled up against the couch lightly snoring away as if anything that had just happened never took place.
"Hey..." I gently tried to unfold her body and attempted to sit her up. "I need you to wake up."
"Whaaat…" She groggily whimpered trying to stay asleep.
"I got you something to drink." I continued trying to keep her balanced, but it took a few attempts until she finally complied.
After she was able to stay seated on her own, I took the chance to hand her a mug. "It's hot. Drink it slow."
She awkwardly nodded as she brought the mug to her lips and tasted the bitter coffee.
"So gross…" She fumbled her tongue around for the taste, "Hot too."
"The sooner you drink it the sooner we can leave." I picked up my own mug and stood up to leave.
I left her alone to drink her black coffee while I finished mine up in the kitchen.
I couldn't look at her; I found it hard to be near her actually and hard to believe. It seriously wasn't that long ago that she was the one pushing me away saying she wasn't the one ready. It just didn't make sense to me at all.
And I was still bothered over the fact that I'm feeling regret over not doing anything.
Damn…
I continued drinking my coffee while watching her from afar finishing up her own drink. The only other thing left to pay attention to was the vibrating sounds of the music playing from underneath us, so it didn't take long to finish up and wait for her.
"Alright, let's get going." I was beginning to think it would have been a better idea taking her home in the first place. Maybe that would have been a better outcome.
It took about half an hour or so to reach her house by car. I drove her car to her place even though I didn't exactly remember which house was hers. I got the neighborhood right along with the street, but when it came to the actual house number it got pretty tricky. The last time I was here was around the holiday season, so I didn't really know how the house looked like without all the decorations.
I had no choice but to nudge her awake, "Sakura?" I shook her shoulder trying to get her to look up, "which one is your house?" I slowed the car down as she squinted her eyes open.
"Errr… the one with the… two trees…" She slurred tiredly. She didn't help much with that but she raised her hand and managed to point out the house we were about to drive by. We almost drove by it so I had to shift the car in reverse and back it up enough to fit it in the driveway.
"Wait-" Mikan surprised me as I jerked the car in reverse. "Don't park on the left. Pick the… right side. My parents on… left…" Her voice trailed off.
Good news there; it meant her parents weren't home yet. "That helps." I shifted the car over towards the right side of the driveway instead.
I didn't waste time. I quickly turned the car off and helped her out. "Let's go." Picking her up was easier than anything else; plus less time consuming. It did take a while to get the correct key to unlock the house door though, but what made things worse was the sudden sound of the house alarm going off.
"Shit-" I quickly kicked the door shut behind us and placed Mikan down on the nearest couch. "Mikan- what's the pass-"
"My birthday!" She shouted clutching at her ears violently, "Make it stop! Natsume- MAKE IT STOP!"
"Where?!" I glanced around the dark living room. "Where is it?!"
This time she didn't answer as she continued crying from the loud beeping noise.
I had no choice but to leave her there on the couch as I went to find the dial pad on my own.
The living room didn't have it, so the next best place was the kitchen. It was on the far wall since the lit up keys were glowing in the dark. I had reached it as the digital screen read less than fifteen seconds. It instantly scrolled the same message over and over asking for a six-digit number so I had to figure what was the correct way of putting Mikan's birthday in.
On the third and final try, I thankfully got it right. The moment that last number went in, the whole house went silent.
"Finally…" I breathed out a sigh of relief as I welcomed the silence. The echoing of the alarm in my ear drums was quickly subsiding but the quietness didn't last though; Mikan began calling out to me in the living room.
"Natsume…?"
"Hold on…" I looked for the light switch next and used the kitchen light to guide me back to Mikan.
"Natsume? Hurry…" She cried out again as I found her crossing her legs urgently.
"What-" I quickly reached her side to have her grip my arm.
"Bathroooooom! I really-!" She cried out loudly as I swiftly picked her up and rushed up the stairs with her.
"You know…" I began to say as I got her in the bathroom, "You're really not making this easy on me."
She didn't say anything back as she began to squirm in my arms. I had no choice but to set her down as fast as possible and exit the bathroom.
It was a real close call apparently, because I heard her sigh in there as she thanked God for making it.
This night… this night was really REALLY starting to get on my nerves. I was beyond exhausted now. I wasn't expecting all of this to happen and I definitely didn't expect to get this tired. "Come on, Mikan." I breathed out frustrated, "Hurry up…" Dammit I wanted to be able to make it home.
I began to look for her bedroom when the bathroom door finally opened.
"Natsume…?" She pointed at the door right across the bathroom. "My room…"
Fine, "Come on…" I picked her up and pushed her bedroom door open.
Thankfully it wasn't as dark as the rest of the house- her room had some light to it because of the moonlight coming through.
I carried her to her bed to gently place her down and had her settle down on her own.
About time… Finally I got her down. "Now stay in bed, alright…" I pulled each of her boots off and placed them next to her bed, "Get some rest."
I stood up to grab the bed sheets to cover her but she sat up catching me off guard.
"Natsume! Don't!" She hugged herself around my arms causing my pulse to startle over a few beats, "You're going to leave me again aren't you? Don't- please don't!"
I tried pulling away, "Mikan, don't start-" This again. "You don't know what you're saying."
"But I do! So please…" She slowly released my arms and went to grab my hands instead. "I missed you…"
"No." I retracted my hands and began to take a few steps back towards the door. "Just go to sleep. I'll call you-"
"Natsume, please…" She wasn't letting up. She wasn't giving up. She wasn't making sense.
Why? Was she making this so hard? She obviously didn't know that the last thing I wanted to do was walk away from her. I didn't want to leave her, "I can't-"
"Stay…" Her one word stopped mine completely as it also froze me at the door. Did she really just ask me to… stay? The command she gave me. That simple single word was enough to convince me otherwise.
"Last chance…" I ended up offering. "One last chance… Mikan." My own words caused my chest to tighten as I grew unsettled. It was like time had purposely stopped at this pointed second because her answer wasn't coming fast enough.
Mikan didn't say anything but held a hand out to me instead.
She wasn't turning me down. She was, "Fine…" with it. I grabbed the doorknob nervously and turned the lock on it before closing it in front me. "I'll stay."
Chapter COMPLETE!
Happy to complete once again so I hope you guys like. REVIEW, PM, FAVORITE, FOLLOW whichever works best. I like reading what you guys think and how you guys might think the story might progress. Don't be shy! Share some ideas or even tell me where I might have skipped an error.
Just a simple sign that you guys like the story, because I'm really looking forward to writing the next chapter.
So thanks again for reading this far!
I hope the chapter wasn't too off. I mean, it was difficult writing that in a guy's point of view so I had some LOL moments trying to find the 'nicest rated T' version to it.
It took a few re-writes before getting it decent.
Lastly, the question at the end is: was it right for Natsume to cave in at the end? Review and tell me what you think.
THANKYOU! Until next time :)