HELLO I'M BACK! I'M NOT DEAD YET, WOOHOO! Okay, this chapter is slightly longer (I think) to make up for my delays and laziness -_- I'm really truly sincerely sorry! I'm in 11th grade which means IB which means lots of homework, projects, tests and STRESS. I'm probably going to take even longer to update and stuff from now on. I'M SORRY! I STILL LOVE YOU GUYS, OKAY?

And I hope you enjoy this chapter~

"Mikan?" I heard my name through the closed bathroom door. I was hardly able to answer as I continued to empty my stomach into the toilet bowl.

I sat on the floor, tired and nauseous, before slowly getting up and opening the door, revealing Natsume, clad in t-shirt and jeans.

"Again?" He sighed as he slowly led me out to our bedroom. I gave him a lazy nod.

"Better get used to it." I wrinkled my nose at my own comment and wondered if I could possibly get used to throwing up all the time.

"I'll get you something to drink." He stated simply and got up, leaving me in the room. I traced the shape of my belly and smiled. When will it get bigger, I wonder?

"What—" I felt a pair of strong arms hold my waist. I turned around to stare down at Natsume who was frowning deeply at me. "What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm just trying to get a box of cookies." I roll my eyes playfully as I ignore his hands and continue reaching for the box at the top shelf, tiptoeing on the stool.

He growls lowly. "Get the hell down from there, woman, or I'll get you down there myself."

"I'm fine." I insist and continue reaching.

"Get down." I finally comply, rolling my eyes so much it hurts, and he takes my place and reaches for the box. He hands it to me with a scowl and I stick my tongue out at him.

There is a flash.

Stunned, we both turn to the door of the kitchen and find Anna, Nono and Aoi hysterically giggling, a camera in Aoi's hands.

"Oh my god," my eyes sparkle as I trot over. "Is that Hotaru's camera?"

"Yep," they answer and hand it to me. I looked at the moving picture that it print out and smiled.

"How rare for Hotaru to let you use her things." I comment and turn the camera over in my hands.

"Actually, she told us to give it to you." They said. "But of course, Hotaru Imai never does things for free."

I sigh. "I knew it. What does she want now?"

"500 rabbits per picture you take." Anna and Nono say unanimously. "Or maybe give her your first born child." Aoi added playfully.

"Over my dead body." I mutter and they laugh.

I turn the camera over in my hands again and wonder how ironic I just sounded.

"Whoa your tummy's getting bigger." Koko commented, staring at my belly. I laugh and give it an unconscious rub.

"Does it kick?" Kitsu added, a large grin plastered on his face.

"Oh! Can I listen to it?" Mochu joined in and I laughed again at their ridiculous faces.

"Give her some space, for heaven's sake." Sumire pushed the three boys aside and huffed. "Let her breathe."

I giggled. "I don't think my tummy is quite big enough for kicks yet." I answered them and their faces fell. "I'll let you feel it when it does kick." Their faces lit up again. I brought the camera up and flashed a picture before they could blink.

I slipped the photo into my bag and made a mental note to add it into my photo album later.

I pout as I sit cross-legged on the couch, squeezing a pillow against my chest. I hear footsteps bounding down the stairs and immediately recognize it as Natsume.

"What are you doing?" Natsume asks as he makes his way to the kitchen and grabs something to drink. "It's late. You should go sleep."

"I'm craving." I reply and he plops down next to me.

"Craving?" He repeats and I nod.

"I want ice-cream." I turn to look at him. "I'm craving ice-cream."

"Cold things are bad for you and the baby." He answers smoothly as he takes a sip of that red liquid. "Plus, all the shops are closed at this hour."

"Natsume." I state firmly and he turns to give me an annoyed glance. "I need ice-cream. Now."

"Be reasonable." He growls and I glare harder.

"Now, Hyuuga."

Within a minute of glaring at each other, I successfully get Natsume to pick up his phone and call an ice-cream shop located in Alice Academy. Of course, no one says no to the Prince.

"Woman and their cravings." He scowls once he hangs up and give me a cold glare, but I'm too busy dancing in victory.

Within minutes a young man rings the doorbell and delivers my ice-cream. I cheer and quickly grab the carton and jump onto the couch.

"For the nth time, don't be so active!" Natsume hollers. "Dancing and jumping around like that—do you want the baby or not?"

I stick my tongue out at Natsume and ignore his outburst as I happily open the carton and dig a large spoonful of ice-cream.

Aoi trots down the stairs and her eyes sparkles at the sight.

"Oh my god! Ice-cream?" She runs over. "Can I have some?"

I laugh and let her take a scoop.

Aoi takes another carton of ice-cream before Natsume can stop her and runs back to her room with a loud laugh.

I giggle and pat the spot next to me on the couch. "Natsume, come, sit next to me."

I laugh as he grumbles like an old man and I hold the camera that was lying next to me at arms length.

"Say ice-cream!" I grin and take a picture.

"—uga!"

"—yuga!"

"Hyuuga!"

"Mikan Sakura Hyuuga!"

I jolt up at my full, full name and glance at my surroundings, mentally groaning.

I fell asleep.

In Jinno's class.

I glance up and let out a sheepish smile at Jinno's narrowed eyes, but he keeps his composure and clears his voice.

"Please don't sleep in class again." I nod vigorously as he goes back to teaching the lesson, but I began dozing off almost instantly. Math class was always my worst subject. It always seems gibberish for me and I just can't seem to remember anything. Plus, Jinno's monotone voice was a perfect lullaby.

My pregnancy makes me always so, so sleepy, especially in a boring class.

Before I know it, I was sleeping on the desk again.

"HYUUGA!" I was woken up by a flash of a camera, and I glared at Hotaru who feigned innocence.

"It kicked!" Kitsu screamed at the top of his lungs.

"It kicked! It kicked!" Mochu joined in as they pressed their ears against my large bump.

"You guys are so annoying." Natsume hissed as he flipped through his magazine.

"Come on, aren't you excited?" Koko chimed and draped his arm over his shoulder. Natsume shook him off with a glare.

"Cheer up." Mochu stood up and gestured towards me. "How about you try listening?"

Natsume stiffened, but did it anyway when Kitsu, Mochu and Koko stared at him expectantly.

He hesitantly set his head over my belly and stayed silent.

The baby kicked.

Natsume evidently jumped at the action and his pupils grew wide with surprise. I had to hold in my laughter at his face.

"Stop! Don't move." The camera flashed and his priceless expression morphed instantly into a scowl.

"I'm not doing that again." He grumbled and I snickered.

"I doubt that."

"It's a boy." I said stubbornly as we made our way to the hospital.

"How are you so sure?" Natsume raised his brows skeptically. "We haven't even gotten it checked yet."

"I dreamed of it." My eyes sparkled and a wide grin broke out on my face. Natsume scoffed.

We greeted Subaru in his office and he proceeded my health check and ultrasound.

I wanted to drag out the suspense of knowing whether the baby is a boy or a girl as long as possible, just for the fun and excitement of it. I'm finally going to know the gender of the baby.

After the tests, Subaru sat us down and explained the ultrasound photos and other necessary data.

"Congratulations, it's a boy."

I squealed and literally strangled Natsume out of excitement. "I TOLD YOU! IT'S A BOY! BOY!"

"Ok! I got it! Let go of me, woman." Natsume ordered and I continued my little celebration, but let go of Natsume.

Subaru looked at Natsume questionably, seemingly to ask why I'm being so dramatic with his eyes.

"Apparently she dreamed of his gender or something." Natsume explained vaguely and sighed. I sat myself down and gave him a glare.

"No." I said sternly. "He visited me in my dreams. He told me he was a boy! He also told me his name is Youichi!"

"Right." Natsume rolled his eyes. "Well, both of you are healthy, right? Can we go now?"

"Of course," Subaru answered simply. "Feel free to leave when you want to."

Natsume got up and left without a word, and I trotted behind him, clutching the ultrasound photo in my hands.

I caressed my bump gently. It's almost my due date and I'm both excited and nervous as the same time. An emptiness eats me. Will I really part with everything?

I make my way to the couch again and groan when I sit down. The baby is heavy.

Everyone is here today. The house is noisy and lively and it warms my heart watching everyone.

"Hey guys, let's take a picture together." I raise my voice over the commotion and everyone stops what they were doing and eagerly get into positions. Anna and Nono squeal and get the camera set up, before standing behind the sofa.

Natsume did not look exceptionally pleased, but he sat next to me, Aoi on my other side and Hotaru next to her. Everyone else organized themselves around the sofa and tried to fit themselves into the camera screen.

"Ok, ok guys!" Aoi squeals. "One, two, three!"

The camera flashes.

"A silly one!" Koko screams and Anna runs to readjust the camera. The camera flashes again as everyone strikes a pose.

I laugh when the pictures are done and they scatter around the house again, laughing and talking.

Natsume sighs but does not move from beside me.

I lean over and rest my head on his shoulder. I bring the camera above us and I whisper in his ear.

"I love you, Natsume."

He doesn't answer as the camera flashes for the third time.

I kind of understand it now. The reason why Natsume never said he loved me.

It's because if he said it, he would feel like there's nothing more to hold onto. It's like he's letting me slip away. If he doesn't say it back, it's like a reason to live another day.

I understand now.

Thank you, Natsume.

I love you.

"Onii-chan!"

"Hyuuga-sama!"

I furrow my brows at the sound of three familiar voices yell for me, fear laced in their high-pitched tone.

"She collapsed!"

I ran up the stairs, three at a time, and almost couldn't stop myself in time as I made my way to our room.

Anna, Nono and Aoi were gathered around Mikan's collapsed body, pale with tears in their eyes, looking at me for help. There was blood seeping from her dress, as well as amniotic fluid.

I quickly dialed Imai's number, my hands shaking.

Subaru and Mikan has been in the room for over ten hours now.

Anna, Nono, Hotaru, Sumire and Aoi often switch roles in helping Subaru, and sometimes they would come out and take a rest. Their faces were pale, sweat dotting their foreheads, and they didn't say anything when the guys asked about her.

My heart is pounding.

I don't think I've ever felt like this before.

Ruka is next to me, giving me a comforting pat once in a while, the others pacing around the hallway like their life depends on it.

I haven't left my spot ever since the gang arrived at my house and scurried to get everything ready for her labour.

My body is on the verge of collapse.

Then, finally, finally, everything in the house stops. There is a cry. The cry of a baby.

My eyes grow wide as the door slowly opens, and Anna, Nono, Sumire and Aoi walk out. The last to come out was Hotaru, in her arms was a bundle of bloody towels and buried in them was a baby.

She comes over and motions for me to hold it.

My hands are shaking, numb and freezing, when I hold them out and the creature is so small and light as I hold it.

"Where is she?" My voice is calm and rings in the silent hallways. No one says a word.

"Let me see." I hand the baby to Ruka, who looks extremely pale and he carries the baby awkwardly.

"Natsume," Hotaru rarely calls me by name. She shakes her head and tells me not to go in. I hear my blood pounding in my ears.

"Let me see!" I hollar and push her aside, Aoi, Ruka and the others trying to convince me not to. I see red.

I enter the room and see Subaru packing his things, a motionless Mikan lying on some bedsheets.

"What happened to her?" I shake.

Subaru gives me a glance and says nothing. He stands up, and makes his way to the door. "I'm sorry." He whispers.

Sorry.

That's not what I wanted to hear.

I crouch next to her body and stare. No. She's just tired. She's just asleep. There's no way she's gone.

"Natsume." Hotaru calls again, her voice cracking slightly. I ignore her.

"Mikan," I touch her cold arm lightly. "Mikan? Wake up." My voice cracks.

"Wake up." I whisper again, leaning towards her and setting my forehead against hers. "Wake up, please. Mikan, wake up." I close my eyes and my throat contracts painfully. "Don't leave me." My eyes burn behind my eyelids. "I love you."

"Natsume, please." Hotaru's voice is soft and shaky. "Don't do this to yourself anymore. She's gone."

I breathe.

No.

No.

No.

I slowly sit up and feel everyone's eyes on me. I bring my arm up to my mouth and I viciously bite into myself, breaking the skin, my fangs sinking deep.

"Natsume, what are you doing?" Hotaru asks, her voice stronger and alert laced in her words.

I suck and gather my own blood in my mouth, and when it's full, I pull away, ignoring the trickling of blood I leave.

"Natsume, stop!" This time it's Ruka. "You don't know if that'll work!"

I bring her closer to me again. I close my eyes.

And then I press my lips against hers.

Next chapter will be the last chapter. Will she live? Will she die? SEND ME YOUR GUESSES! Thank you for those who have stuck with me for so long and been so very loyal :) I really, really love you guys and no amount of homework can keep me from writing! (Actually I've been spending all my free time on EXO so...guilty...)

Please R&R!