Thanks for all the support everyone! :D

PS Check out my friend, Yuisaki's awesome one-shot of Hunter x Hunter by putting 's/10615226/1/Let-s-Dance' after 'fanfiction '. It's an awesome story so please check it out!

With a nights rest and a whole day of traveling to recover, I was able to pull myself together by the time we reached Heidelberg, Germany. We took a bus from Italy to Germany, wherein Natsume was constantly watching me. I avoided him like the plague, hiding behind Hotaru who seemed more than happy to keep Natsume at a distance. It's for his own good, I chanted whenever I caught a glimpse of his subtle, crestfallen face.

"Natsume, are you okay?" Ruka had asked quietly off to the side of the group.

I could feel Natsume's gaze wander to me. "Hn."

As I had gotten off the bus, Narumi clucked his tongue. "Mikan-chan, you needed to sit with your partner!"

I sheepishly smiled. "Sorry, I won't do it again."

Hotaru wanted to talk to Narumi to explain how she needed to be my partner, but that would blow my cover. And so, there I was, standing side-by-side with Natsume Hyuuga in front of the condescending Heidelberg Castle.

I stared at the weathered bricks and battered windows, pondering on what hid behind the historic walls. Hopefully, I'd be able to enjoy this attraction at least a little. Glancing at Natsume from the corner of my eyes and watching him cross his arms with an apparent pout, I thought of quitting while I was ahead.

Taking a deep breath, I gripped my dress tighter in my fists. "Let's go."

Natsume followed behind me as we trailed into the castle. We walked down a hall with checkered tiles and marble buffs lining arches. The outside was extravagant with sand-stone pillars towering overhead in Renaissance style, but the inside was breathtaking. Overhead, the bejeweled ceiling played out patterns of beauty and boasted gold and topaz.

"Amazing..." I subconsciously noted.

Natsume remained silent, taking the lead as I slowed to take everything in. He shoved his hands in his pockets and maneuvered the halls without hesitation.

"Hey, Natsume," I called, scrambling to keep up. "Slow down; I'd like to see everything."

"No," he replied.

I momentarily stopped in shock, eyebrows shriveled. Then, I stumbled to stand by him, cooing of the elegance as we briskly walked past each room and artifact. Each passing of an opportunity seemed to press against the back of my head and further down my spine until my entire body was tense with irk. This was a castle built during the Renaissance period - one of the biggest and best at that - and Natsume wouldn't let me pause to 'oh' over the silky linen or 'ah' over the intricate dome ceilings.

Finally, I stomped my foot and averted my eyes. "Natsume, I'm not taking a single step forward until we go back and see what you've made me miss."

"Baka."

I whipped my head to Natsume, ready to give him an ear full, when my sight fell upon a seemingly infinite garden stretching out beneath the balcony we observed from. Trees lusciously sprouted from well-kempt grass, each on different levels separated by weathered stone walls. Flower bushels decorated the walkways, swiftly dancing in the wind. Fountains and ponds were scattered throughout the maze, the sound of their soothing songs echoing through the garden.

"B...Beautiful..." I gasped, wide-eyed and clasping my sweaty hands.

"Hortus Palatinus," Natsume said.

I blinked. "Hortus Palatinus?"

Natsume nodded, placing his hand on the small of my back to steer me down the stairs. "Hortus Palatinus: a Baroque garden created during the Italian Renaissance by Frederick V for his newly wed, Elizabeth Stuart. It's the Eighth Wonder of the World and also considered Germany's greatest Renaissance garden."

112) See a wonder of the world

I listened to Natsume's husky voice as I fawned over the foliage. Everything was amazing; it was obvious that the garden had taken some damage, but that only seemed to add to its charm.

"Frederick arranged for the construction of the garden as a wedding gift." Natsume pulled on one of my curls to catch my attention. His eyes scrolled across the terrain. "This is the result."

I gaped at the Eighth Wonder, gingerly caressing leaves and petals, even dipping a finger in the cool pools of crystalline water. We found a bench in a grotto to gaze from.

"Do you know why it seems damaged?" I asked while toying with a vine draped from the iron arch overhead.

Natsume leaned back, resting one hand behind me and the other on the edge of the bench. "During their war with Ferdinand, Frederick's army lost an important battle. He and Elizabeth were exiled to The Hague and the garden's construction for completion was ceased. Later in the Thirty Years War, the garden was used as an artillery base." He kicked a stray pebble. "Now it's just romantic ruins."

His crimson-eyes drifted to me as I blushed at his words. Romance wasn't something I felt completely comfortable discussing – especially with Natsume. I let out a breathy laugh, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear and staring at my lap. Natsume pushed my forehead with his forehead, forcing me to look at him. He locked my gaze with his own, eyes dark and questioning.

"Natsume..." I closed my eyes and stood in front of the crimson eyes which watched my every move. "I'm dying."

His body tensed. Natsume's jaw locked as he swallowed a thick lump. I waited for his reply. He mauled over my words.

"Me too," he finally said.

I inhaled sharply, staring down at him in dismay. "What?"

Natsume shook his head and stood. "Not literally, little girl." He shifted his weight with hands stuffed in his pockets. "I did research," he stated.

I remained stoic, staring up at him expectantly. First he says he's dying, then he says he isn't and now he was saying he did research. How was I supposed to follow him like this? We'd only known each other for a week and a few days and this was prevalent now more than ever.

"Tuberculosis spreads through the air," Natsume clarified, "but you're still not likely to get it. You can share toothbrushes, food, drinks...kisses, and still not get TB."

My heart pounded agonizingly in my chest. "Natsume..."

He suddenly threw his head back, taking a deep breath. When he brought his head forward again, his bloody eyes seemed to have melted as he gingerly tugged one of my auburn curls again. Natsume released my curl and caressed my jaw line with his calloused thumb as we stared at one another. Our breaths mingled and I had to pull away.

Natsume's hand dropped from my face. His eyes went hard and he worked his jaw under tight lips. I held my clasped hands to my chest, hoping to damper the sound of my drumming heart. As he stared at me, eyes even and analyzing, I felt too exposed.

"I'll only hurt you," I whispered, hiding behind the curtain of my hair.

He was silent for a long time. The silence was filled solely by the harsh pants of breath I provided. Then, he walked away. I watched him leave, my deafening heart and breaths ceasing.

Don't think about it too much, I told myself. It's for the best. This mantra, so to speak, replayed through my head for the next few hours. I didn't even realize time was passing me by; I only knew that Natsume had turned his back and walked away. And that it was for the best.

The patter of footsteps reeled me into reality. Taking a breath, I looked up, finding an annoyed Hotaru. I smiled in greeting.

"Baka, the bus to our hotel is leaving," she said.

I gasped. "We better hurry then!"

I took a few running steps and then felt my world tip and the ground fall out from beneath me.

"Mikan!"

I caught myself, taking a few steadying steps forward while cradling my head. The pain of my beating heart throbbed against my rib cage, tearing through my body and pulsating against my temples. I looked up at a blurry Hotaru who was holding me by my shoulders. She called out meaningless words that I could barely hear above the ringing from my head.

"Sorry," I murmured, a smile withering on my lips. "I'm just tired."

Hotaru ducked her head under my arm and placed her other hand on my waist, guiding me towards the balcony. Slowly, my vision steadied and the ringing of my ears dissipated. Glancing up at Hotaru, I watched her amethyst eyes waver in concern as I heaved heavy breaths. I began to carry more of my weight with effort.

"You've been pushing yourself," she stated.

I looked up at her with a bright smile. "I've been having fun."

Hotaru shook her head, frustration boiling beneath her skin. "I've told you countless times: do not push yourself," she managed to grind out through her teeth.

"Sorry," I mumbled dejectedly, finding another ounce of strength.

"'Sorry' won't cut it this time," Hotaru replied, her voice straining with intense anger. She immediately shut her eyes and inhaled to calm herself. "You can't disregard these types of things, Mikan. Please, stop this." She watched me in devastation, exhaustion casting shadows beneath her eyes.

I looked away, unable to accept her feelings. Sometimes, I wondered who was more broken between Hotaru and me. I was a monster. What else could force the bright, reassuring and dependable Hotaru into such a corner?

"What's going on?"

We glanced up to the balcony. Ruka and Natsume watched us, Ruka rushing down the steps in a panic.

"I'm calling Doctor Hinomiya," she said, releasing her grip on me. I stumbled a bit but found my balance and watched her walk ahead. "You're getting a checkup when we return to the hotel."

My fatigue weighed in the back of my mind; it was the least of my issues right now.

Ruka stared at Hotaru as she walked past him, not giving him any acknowledgment as she whipped out her phone and dialed Hinomiya's number. I stared at the blazing sight of her back as she grew unnoticeably smaller with distance. This was the second time today…and I felt…relief.

"She's just worried," Ruka said, coming up to me. "Are you okay?"

I merely stared after Hotaru's back, my mouth slightly agape.

Natsume came up from behind Ruka, eyes watching me without a hint of emotion.

I mentally shook myself. With a smile on my face I replied, "Yeah, Ruka, I'm fine! Sorry to worry you."

The three of us fell silent. Ruka stared at me with wide, azure eyes and Natsume took a subconscious step closer. I cocked my head to the side, still smiling. Then, I felt a drop of water fall onto my chest. I glanced at the sky, wondering if it was about to rain. There were no clouds in sight. Another drop fell, this time cascading down my neck.

Slowly, I lifted my finger to my face, feeling the moisture that bled from my eyes. Natsume took another step forward, reaching out his hand as Ruka's lip quivered.

I laughed, wiping my eyes. "Weird."

They both stared at me, eyes unblinking. Without a single thought, I bolted past the two, running to the corridor where Hotaru disappeared down. My vision began to become blotchy again but I ignored the warnings and continued on. I ignored the calling of my name repeatedly and the spinning of my world. They were all things that didn't matter.

Once I no longer heard my name or footsteps, I collapsed against the wall, panting and trying to settle my heartbeat as my line of sight continued wavering. After I took a moment to calm myself, I stood with the aid of the wall and made my way to the bus. My chest ached tremendously and I couldn't help myself from tripping over my own lead-heavy feet.

Don't think about it too much, I thought. It's for the best.

By the time I made it to the bus, the black spots which had been plaguing my sight were mostly gone and I could walk somewhat normally. I got on the bus in a daze, subconsciously approaching Hotaru. When I reached our seat, however, she had her bag placed in the unoccupied seat beside her. I looked at her but she denied eye contact, choosing to stare out of the window instead.

My stomach collapsed and I felt like puking everywhere. When I glanced up, everyone was staring at me. As I made my way down the aisle, several of my friends asked, "Are you okay?" and, "You look pale, Mikan." I smiled and nodded until I was past them.

Fortunately, there was a vacant seat in the back. I took my seat, leaning my head against the cool window and closing my eyes. The pressure of my emotions persisted along my throat. I tried swallowing it back again and again but it seemed like nothing would work.

I opened my eyes, staring up at the blinding sun that coated me in warmth. The world revolves around the sun, Mikan. Not you, I told myself, settling further in my seat as I saw Ruka and Natsume approach the bus, heads bent in a deep discussion.

I swallowed once more, tugging my cardigan tightly around myself as a chill ran up my spine. The hard cushions of the seat offered no give as I attempted to shift into a more comfortable position with my head ducked.

Natsume and Ruka got on the bus, taking the first set of seats without any apprehension. I sighed in relief, closing my eyes as the bus engine roared. As I drifted off to sleep, I thought, I've never felt this good before.

"Mikan, it's time to wake up."

I groggily opened my eyes, sinking into my seat and groaning. "Few more minutes, Hotaru…"

A male chuckled. "Sadly, it's just good ol' Narumi. Hotaru went ahead."

I sat up, eyes narrowed in confusion. Then, I remembered where I was and what had happened. With a smile on my face, I thanked Narumi and got off the bus, walking into the hotel and taking the elevator to my floor without registering any of my surroundings.

My hotel room's door was propped open by the lock. I pushed it open to find Dc. Hinomiya setting up her equipment on a table. Glancing around, I couldn't find Hotaru.

Dc. Hinomiya looked up and seeing me, she gasped. She ran towards me and hugged me tight. "Mikan, you look…"

I laughed softly. "I know; but I feel great!"

Hinomiya stared at me, her clementine-like eye narrowing as tears danced along the lines of her lids. I pushed her auburn bangs behind her ear, staring into the depths of her discolored eye.

"Where's Hotaru?" I asked.

Hinomiya rubbed the tears in her eye away and went back to prepping her equipment. "She handed me the charts then left without a word." She subtly watched me from the corner of her eye as I discarded all clothing besides my bra and underwear.

My doctor indicated for me to sit and when I did, she put the cool metal of the stethoscope on my chest, concentrating on my heartbeat.

"Anything happen?" she asked.

I shrugged. "Not really."

Hinomiya sighed. "Your heartbeat says you're lying."

"I like it better this way," I said softly.

She glanced up at me, keeping time by mouthing the numbers.

"When I have no one beside me…" I glanced out the window and smiled softly. "Not only do I not fear death, but I don't fear the future." Their futures.

Hinomiya bit her lip, ducking her head to watch the clock on her wrist. "Breathe in and hold."

I did as told, feeling the restriction my lungs provided.

Her bangs concealed her face, playing shadows across her delicate features. I watched her for a long time. She remained hidden behind her makeshift curtain as she scribbled notes on her clipboard and took measures.

"Your heartbeat is steadier than before," she reported quietly.

The news didn't bring me joy or depression – I felt numb to this disease.

Hinomiya ushered me to the scale, still hiding her face. We watched the scale; I didn't mind when the screen displayed 82 in bright yellow, but Dc. Hinomiya choked out a sob. I turned to her, staring down as she cupped a hand over her mouth and her shoulders shook.

I wrapped my arms around her slim body, welcoming her broken sobs as she dropped her clipboard and clutched me tightly. She screamed into my chest, her tears trailing down my skin, following the groove of my perturbing bones.

"Mikan!" she sobbed. "Mikan!"

My lips quivered as I offered empty words of comfort. "It's okay, Chi. I'm happy like this."

Chi inhaled a shaky breath and turned away from me. "I'm sorry; I lost my composure."

I smiled tenderly at her. "No, it's fine. You're not just my doctor, after all."

Chi looked up at me, her hand busy at wiping her face with the sleeve of her shirt. I stared at the glistening silver band wrapped around her ring finger, boasting three glamorous diamonds.

"Don't tell my brother, okay?"

Chi reluctantly nodded.

"I know it's hard when he's your husband and is constantly asking about me but…"

"I know," Chi interrupted. "If it's hurting me this much, it'll kill your brother."

I smiled cheerfully. "Don't worry, Chi. I'm honestly okay with this." For the first time, I realized I was. "When Hotaru and everyone aren't near me, caring for me with such pained faces, I feel ready to die."

"Stop saying that!" Chi screamed.

I didn't flinch at her sudden words.

"Mikan, we all love you so, so much." Chi took a hold of my shoulders with her warm hands. "Even if they're upset it's only because they can't bear to think of a world without you! Please, try the surgery, Mikan. It may have a small survival rate but it's better than…"

She trailed off and her crazed eyes settles, her face turning lax.

"It's better than wasting away," I finished for her. "Maybe to you but for me, I want to live my remaining days without the idea of a risky surgery tainting every memory." I smiled again, walking around her to sit on the bed. "Shall we finish the examination, Doctor Hinomiya?"

Chi watched me for a moment. Her only response was, "Doctor Sakura."

I laughed. "You've been my doctor since I was eight; I can't stop calling you Hinomiya so easily."

She smiled and continued the checkup. "Chest pains?"

"Eight."

"And you've coughed up blood twelve times this past week?"

I glanced at the ground. "Fourteen, actually."

Hinomiya looked at me for a long time.

"…Fifteen if you want to count the one I'm going to do once you leave."

Hinomiya sent me to the bathroom, saying that holding it down wasn't good for me. I went through the usual routine, heaving and grueling until I felt empty and could only taste blood, hear blood, feel blood and see blood. I cleaned up my mess and returned to the main room. Hinomiya had readied the x-ray sight.

I stood in front of the white background, abiding by her orders as she snapped pictures. We looked at the difference between last week's and this week's. There was another round, white clump in my lungs.

"Only one left, Mikan."

Once again, I didn't bother asking 'one what?' I just silently nodded, absorbing the image that displayed more white than black – more death than life.

Thanks for reading!

Once again, check out my friend, Yuisaki's awesome Hunter x Hunter one-shot by adding 's/10615226/1/Let-s-Dance' after 'fanfiction ' (after leaving a review with your opinion and suggestions below, of course ;D)