Natsume and Mikan continued seeing each other at their usual place, the mountain. In fact, today is the 8th Sunday of their meeting.

He never failed to come early at the foot of the mountain to wait for the arrival of Mikan and when she pops out, their teasing and bickering would eventually start. Therefore, their journey from and to the peak of the mountain was never boring.

Halfway through their climb, Mikan paled so he insisted on carrying her to the top. She just obliged.

They are now together at the top of the mountain and Mikan was wearing a black long sleeve shirt and jogging pants despite the hot weather though Natsume doesn't mind. During their continuous meeting, she observed that he was always wearing the precious necklace that she found when they first met. It looks very good on him though it was always hidden under his shirt.

They are lying on the grass and watching the starry night and the shining moonlight.

"It is beautiful isn't it?" She asked, her eyes never leaving the wonderful sight of the night.

"Yes, truly an amazing gift from the gods." He replied with a pensive nod. Mikan turned to him and assessed his face.

"What?" he asked unsurely as he also looked at her.

"What's wrong Natsume?" She inquired in a soft, comforting tone.

"Nothing you should be worried about." He acknowledged, obviously avoiding the topic.

She reached for his sturdy, delicate hand and gripped it gently with hers. "You know that you can tell me anything right?"

"Hm." Was his only reply as he avoided her gaze but he tightened his hold on her hand.

"It's alright if you don't want to talk about it, but I want to let you know that I'm always here to listen." She squeezed his hand lightly and smiled at him. He squeezed it back right after her.

He seated himself up and courageously looked her straight into the eyes. He can see it, her readiness to support and accept whatever it is that he has to say. He connected both of their hands together firmly.

"I feel lost, Mikan." Her eyes widened in shock, hearing her name coming from his mouth. From their first meeting, he refused to address her by her given name. He always calls her embarrassing nicknames and she sure gets so annoyed by that.

"Don't be, Natsume." She squeezes his hands again, letting him feel her comfort for him.

He sighed, "It seems like I've been doing the same stuff every day. I eat, I bathe, I signed paper works or whatever hell it is that I need to sign, I work, I sleep. Then the next day, I go through the same crap. I don't like it… it's making me feel…controlled. I just hate it." He stated, never looking away from her brown orbs.

"I know the feeling..." she shot him a sad smile. "…and the answer is quite simple." She pushed herself closer to him so she could see him very closely.

He waited for her response.

"What is it that you would like to do?" she inquired at him. "What is it that you would never get tired of doing and working for exceptionally?"

He was in a daze for a moment.

"Natsume, your vision would become clear when you look intently to your heart…" She smiled at him encouragingly and used their clasped hand to point it to his heart then she continued, "…who looks outside dreams, but who looks inside awakens."

He was blown away by her words. Never did he meet a person who is so fathomless at heart and mind. She never fails to put him in an unending thought with her deep words.

She waited for him to say something, but after a while, all she received was a quaggy squeeze from him. Then his eyes became different, it became hopeful, fulfilled and happy unlike a while ago, troubled and searching. And for the first time in history, NatsumeHyuuga smiled at her, a true smile.

She abruptly pointed a finger on him and covered her mouth with her other hand. "You…you smiled!" She exclaimed in delight.

"Come here, idiot." He did not wait for her reply as he pulled her close to him and embraced her tight. Mikan moaned in pain due to her fresh wounds that he was hitting. She was frozen at first but then she returned his actions. Giving her nicknames again means that he is back to himself.

"What's wrong?" he asked, concerned. Mikan knew he heard her gasp of pain.

"Nothing, I'm just surprised by your actions…"

The moment was broken when they heard the beeping sound from Mikan's phone. She quickly broke the hug and searched for the phone from her bag while he cursed in annoyance.

"Natsume, it's late, I better head back…" She stood up and grabbed her bag. He stood up too and dusted his pants.

"Come at my house tonight, polka." He stated. She was like an idiot gaping at his words.

After she processed his statement, she asked, "Are…are you inviting me to your home?"

He just nods.

"Uhm… but… it's late and…" She contemplated with herself for a moment as he waited for her words. "…okay, but I should leave quickly because I have work tomorrow."

Natsume smirks.

"Deal." Then they head down the mountain, and into his luxury car.

It was a one hour and thirty-minute drive from the mountain to the Hyuuga's Chateau. It is located at the top of a hill and it's very big and elegant inside and out. Outside is a very large land for the trees and flowers, parking lots, swimming pool and other outdoor facilities.

"Is…is this a hotel?" Mikan asked in awe.

"No. This is my house." Natsume answered with his famous smirk.

And finally, the idea hit her. He is a prince, not just anybody out there. Of course he's damn rich.

The place is complete with uniformed personnel. There are guards scattered around the place outside. And when they entered, still riding the car, all of the people outside paused from their work and bowed to their direction. They continue to move forward to the main house.

Two security guards opened the huge priceless door and as soon as the chateau opened, a line of staff automatically bowed in front of them. There were at least ten chefs, fifteen gardeners, five mechanics, thirty cleaners, ten drivers, three assistants and two keepers, all properly attired.

The inside of the house has no enough words to describe it. It was elegant, with white and gold as its theme. The tables, chairs, chandeliers, lights and all of the things look like they are worth a billion each. The place is so huge and clean.

"I ask all of you to welcome my guest," Natsume announced, making sure all of them heard him. They bowed once again in reply. Mikan's mouth is still hanging open as all of this takes place.

In a minute, they all proceeded to their own chores. The two housekeepers and three assistants placed themselves on either side of Mikan and Natsume, making sure that they maintained the three-meter distance from him.

"Welcome back, your majesty." Announced the two housekeepers. "Would you like to eat your dinner now, my lord?"

"Yes, and my guest shall be dining with me tonight." He ordered confidently to the staff.

"Of course, your majesty." And with that, the other keeper left them to inform the chefs of the house.

"And you are dismissed." He said to the remaining crews. They bowed politely and took their exit.

He stared at the hypnotized lady in front of him and smirked.

"You're close to being a goldfish gawking like that polka-dots." It's true; she hasn't changed her facial expression since she rode his dashing black limousine.

It's been a while since she recovered herself again.

"Na..natsu…" He glanced at her curiously while shock is still evident in her face, "I should go, your majesty," she said suddenly feeling very distant and mimicked the bow of his staffs, she then hurriedly ran to the main door.

It was his turn to gape at her but immediately recovered. "Lock all the doors." He stated, and with a snap the sound of the doors locking invades the room. She did not get even close to the main door when it closed.

Mikan trembles as she realizes what happened. She heard his footsteps coming closer to where she is. She looks at the gorgeous floor instead.

"What happened just now?" Natsume questioned with a glare.

"Uhm… I…" Still looking at the perfect floor, she answered him, "Forgive me, Natsume. I forgot you're a prince…"

He reached her place and grabbed her lightly by the soldiers and tilted her jaw to make eye contact with gasped as he touched her wounds but he did not notice.

"So what seems to be the problem now polka?" he asks, not looking away.

"Being you a prince is not a problem… it's me." He stared at her, urging her to continue. "Well… I'm poor, no scratch… I'm a beggar, good-for-nothing-"

He shook her with a normal squeeze. "Don't you dare insult yourself!"His motion unintentionally left her small bag thrown to the floor.

"UGH!" Mikan exclaimed loudly. Now, that really hurts. The wounds were getting fresh 's eyes jolted in curiosity as he hurriedly pulled her sleeves up.

Her sleeves rose and through the bright light of the chandelier, her pen-length scar showed, her other shoulder revealed big black patches.

He was surprised to see the marks, and his mood turned sour. She looked at him and she instantly knew that he saw it.

Mikan automatically pulled down her sleeves, turned to the opposite side so her back was facing him, and picked-up her belongings. Little did she know that it was the turn of her shirt to rise as she was picking up her things, showing him another group of black patches and some other fresh cuts forming on her delicate skin.

She felt the cotton of her shirt pulled up as her body bent, and she freezed as it came to her the consequences of her act. She hurriedly picks up her things and runs to the door.

She doesn't want it, she doesn't want anyone to know her deepest, darkest secret. She doesn't want anyone to know her sufferings, especially him. He's special to her and she doesn't want to lose him. She's afraid that if something would be revealed to him, he would not accept her anymore. She's tired of being left out again and again by someone she loves…and he, he's just that special to her.

Mikan continuously switched the golden knob of the door but her efforts were futile. She bangs it with her fist but it just wouldn't budge.

"Who did that to you?" Natsume finally questioned, his bangs covering his fiery eyes and his mood turned dangerously bad.

She stopped her attempts at unlocking the huge door and settled herself to sit on the floor.

"This door is surely hard to open huh…hehehe." She said nervously.

"Don't avoid the question!" He shouted right at her, she moved away in shock. She never heard him this angry. She swallowed hard.

"Uhm…well, it's nothing. I fell through the streets while riding my bike yesterday… It's nothing, really." She said as convincingly as possible.

"Tell me the truth!" he gripped her shoulders again, forgetting all about the wounds. It was a light move from him but Mikan, being human, cried again in pain. Then unexpectedly, her mind flashes back as her eyes turn blank.

"I suppose not paying for a month is not a way of escape right?" His eyes which were staring at her were dangerously terrifying. He gripped her shoulders hard, digging his nails on it which left a pen-length scar.

"If it weren't for your stupid parents, I'll be having money right now! But no! They died leaving me with a pest like you!" He continuously struck her mercilessly as the poor girl curled from pain.

In a split second, she broke loose. "I'll pay! I'll pay… please! Please let me go! Don't touch me! I wasn't going to escape! Please! You're hurting me! Please!"

Natsume observed her reaction as his anger came forgotten and was replaced with the throbbing stab on his heart as he watched her.

"Hey, hey…I'm right here. Everything's alright." He embraced her tight and continuously whispered to her ear. She stopped trembling and shouting when his comforting voice entered her senses.

Finding warmth in his arms for once in her life is so comforting. She moved closer to his broad, strong chest, hugged it like her life depends on it and cried like she never had in years. She was giving it all, her fears, her doubts, her loneliness, her sorrows… she is entrusting it all to him.

After more and more tears dropped from her brown orbs, it eventually ended but her hold on him continued to remain as stiff as a board.

He carried her easily into his arms and climbed up the stairs to one of the rooms. He placed her on the bed carefully like she is something fragile. He kneeled in front of her, making sure to give her enough distance.

Her oblivion was broken when she saw the wet marks on his shirt which she caused.

"Jeez… I ruined your shirt…" She started unhappily but continued to stare at his shirt.

"What more would you expect from a clumsy goldfish?" He said, smirking. Mikan laughed at his words, making the mood light.

"You're giving me nicknames again, Mr. Egotistical Jerk!"She smiled once again that fades automatically and sighed, "…and…I'm sorry."

"It's okay." He wiped the traces of tears off her face by his handkerchief. Mikan just sat there and let him do the honor. He intertwined their fingers together and made eye contacts.

"You do know that I'll be listening to whatever you want or need to say right?" It was now his time to ask this question.

"I know…" She responded half heartedly, "…but I'm not yet ready, Natsume." He sighed in response.

"It's alright. I'll wait for you to open up to me." He squeezed her hands lightly as she returned the favor.

"Thank you, Natsume." She smiled wonderfully at him as he smiled back. He then called one of his assistants.

"Yes, your majesty?" A guy appeared formally.

"Escort a doctor at once." He ordered, as the assistant bowed and left.

"Don't…!" She tried to say hurriedly but the assistant did not listen to her. "Natsume… don't! I don't need a doctor…" She turned to him hastily.

"There's nothing you could do about it, you're inside my property, and I do what I want."

She sighed; she doesn't know if she has enough money in her pocket for the doctor fees.

In less than five minutes, a professional doctor entered the room.

"Please attend to her wounds." He asked the middle-aged doctor as he left the room.

There was silence as the doctor did her job. She asked her to take off her shirt and she did obediently, not wanting to start a commotion. The doctor gasped as she saw the beaten body, the hidden skin covered with wounds extending to her leg. The doctor didn't ask any questions as she checked the wounds and aided them.

After about thirty minutes, the doctor went out of the room only to see Natsume waiting outside.

"Her wounds seem unusual for an accident sir." She stated as she pushed her hanging eyeglasses.

"Are you telling me that it was done intentionally?" He wondered as he looked at her.

"I'm afraid it is, sir." Who would do that to her? It's been a while since they're hanging out but she never tells him anything.

"You're dismissed." He said as he entered the room.

Natsume wonders as he lets himself in when he sees Mikan extending her left arm, handing him something.

Without any word, he extended his arm too and opened his palm. She then opened hers, and the coins and money landed his palm. Mikan looked away from him.

"That's all I got… I told you I cannot afford anything except my food," She said blushing.

"Stupid little gold fish…" he said smiling. He grabs hold of her hands and shoves back the money she had given him. "I'm not taking it…"

Mikan stood up in protest, "But why?!" She asked demandingly.

"I don't need it," he said coolly.

"Well… I know you don't need it but you have to take it," she said putting her other arm on her waist as the other hand was handing him the money.

He plopped down to a massage chair carelessly, "Nope, not taking it."

"Take it!"

"Nah…"

"Just take it already!"

"No."

"Come on, just grab it and throw it somewhere just take it!"

"I don't want,"

"Take-"

There was a sudden knock at the room's door.

"Speak." Natsume ordered.

"Your majesty, dinner is served for you and your guest." he was one of the keepers that welcomed them to the chateau.

"We'll be there in a moment." He responded.

"Yes, your majesty." And with that, the keeper left.

He got up and held her hands as she stared at him.

"Why don't you eat with me in exchange?" He questioned.

She did not get the chance to answer him as Natsume pulled her up gently to his side and led her down to the enormous dining hall.

Her mouth once again hangs open as she sees the environment.

There was a long table which had thirty six seats. The food was numerous and there were different dishes from entrée down to desserts. The table setting was complete with all the proper and formal placements.

"How many battalions are you feeding here?" She asks.

"It's only you and me, polka." Two assistants pulled their chairs for them as they sat.

The chateau's chefs lined up from the side loyally.

"Your majesty, may we begin to serve our dinner courses for today?" The head chef asks.

"You may." He answered but he was still looking at the gawking Mikan, smirking at her.

"Very well, your majesty."

Then the chefs took their turns professionally describing the meals.

"For our Amuse Bouche, we are serving Pate of Duck Breast Stuffed in Dried Plums Soaked in Armagnac Sprinkled with Red Pistachio Served on Tiny White Square Plates."

"For our 1st Course, the pasta, we are serving Tomato and Carrot Pillows of Homemade Pumpkin Ravioli with a Sage Sauce, Garnished with Chopped Italian Parsley Served on Square White Plates."

"For our 2nd Course, a delicious salad, we are serving Red Apples with Skins on, Celery and Golden Raisins and Walnuts with Red Lettuce with a Traditional Dressing Served on Ruby Glass Plates."

"For our 3rd Course, poultry, we are serving Pheasant Pot Pies with Local Chanterelles, Morels, Vegetables and Corn Served in Miniature Casserole Dishes."

"For our soup, the 4th Course, we are serving a Carrot/Tangerine Soup with Diced Beet Garnish Served in Cosmo Glasses."

"Our beer service for tonight – Debut of Chatham Brewery Porter."

"Next one is the lamb, our 5th Course, Rack of Lamb Roasted with Mint Pesto with Savory Mint Meringues on a Bed of Crimson Lentils with Herbes de Provence Served on Ruby Plates."

"Our sixth course, from shellfishes, Sea Foam: Conch, Orange and Lime Mousse Garnished with Trout Roe and Beet and Saffron Caviar with Shrimp Chip and Poached Shrimp in Ice Orange-Juice shot glass on a Round of Blood Orange Served on a Clear Glass Swirl Plate."

"Red Wine for tonight: Lamoreaux Landing from New York's Finger Lakes' Region."

"Beef is our seventh course! Our menu, Short Ribs Braised in Brooklyn Chocolate Stout with Aromatic Vegetables, including Jicama Served in Small Ruby Bowls."

"Our 8th meal is seafood. Skate in Beurre Noisette with Champagne Gelée

Small Cherry Peppers from Holmquest Farm stuffed with Breaded, Herbed and Baked Chêvre from Rawson Brook Farm Platinum-Banded China."

"Our ninth course, pork, Roasted Pork Tenderloin Encrusted with Hazelnut Paste and Unsweetened Cocoa

"Beets Wellington" Beets in Filo with Old Chatham Sheepherding Company Ricotta

Small Ruby Plates."

"Our 10th Course, Intermezzo-Sorbet, consists of Tomato Sorbet with Holmquest Farms Heirloom Tomatoes

Pear Yellow and Red Tomato Garnish "Flowers"

Served in Croupier."

"Our wine is "Duet" Rhubarb and Strawberry Wine for Clinton Vineyards, Clinton Corners, New York Served in "Tilted" Double Shot Glasses. OR Pomegranate Juice."

"For our cheese course, the 11th, we have Parfait of Old Chatham Sheepherding Company Ewe's Blue Rice Pudding Layered with 5-Apple Apple Sauce and Crispy Gingerbread "B" Cookie Served in Martini Glasses."

"Our champagne that goes with that is Clinton Vineyards' Peach Gala; Peche Bubbly. Or Ginger ale."

"And for the 12th and final course, the dessert, we are serving Lemon Cookies with Red Glaze, Dusted with Black Sugar,Morello Cherry Crème in Chocolate Cups,White Chocolate Cheesecakes Topped with Strawberry Sauce in WonTon Spoons,Ice Cream Cones with Orange-Chocolate Cake Inside, Orange Butter Cream and Red Jimmies,Cones of Miniature Cotton Candy,Red Grapes,Rose Plate, Coffee and Tea Service Served in Silver Coffee Pots."

For every course, there are assistants placing the meals in front of them and as soon as they finish it, the next course is automatically served with a description from the chefs. It was highly organized and very well professionally served.

"That sums up our dinner courses, your majesty. I hope you and your guest enjoyed your meal." The head chef once again announced.

Natsume nodded at them and they all bowed in response, they left as soon as he dismissed them.

"I'm so full, Natsume! That was one hell of a meal!" Mikan exclaimed as she rubs her full stomach. "But were you actually paying attention to what they were saying? Because I didn't, my head hurts just hearing the terms they used! They were like blah blah… All I know is that the meal is delicious…" She wondered at him.

Natsume laughed, hearing her confession. "What more can you expect from an idiot?"

Mikan caught notice of her wrist watch and exclaimed, "Oh my golly gosh! It's already 1:00 a.m.!" She stood up and grabbed her bag, he stood up too.

"I'm going now… thanks for taking me to your wonderful home and thanks for the fulfilling meal!"

She started to walk out but he stopped her.

"Hey polka, where do you think you're going?" Her veins popped in annoyance.

"What again you arrogant man! Why won't you just let me go?! And the name is MIKAN! Not polka, you jerk!"

"Whatever… you're not going anywhere without me." He asked the keys to one of his drivers.

"You don't need to accompany me home! I can do it alone!" She protested.

"Hey idiot, it's already past one in the morning and there are no rides that you can catch outside my chateau, so tell me, how would you get home?" His brows elevated in curiosity as he spoke his mind out.

"I'll walk!" She demanded stubbornly and turned to the door of the living hall to get home.

"Close all doors." Natsume ordered, and the doors closed unquestionably.

Mikan turned to him, "AAAAAAHHHH! Is there some kind of magic here?! Why are these doors suddenly closing when you order it?!" She stomped her foot in annoyance. "I hate you!"

He smirked in triumph.

"You choose… I'll drive you home or you sleep here." He challenged her.

"There's no way in hell I'm going to sleep here!"

"Let's do the first one babe, come on." He said teasing her at the same time leading the way out.

"You 'babe' your face you bastard! Very DISGUSTING!"

Mikan did not give her real address to Natsume because she's too shy to show it to him. And the environment is not something to be proud of either, the road is narrow and the people are always in chaos. It's a million times degraded compared to his luxurious home.

"This is my stop." Mikan said as she saw the familiar place, her house is just two corners away so she can manage now by herself.

"Are you sure?" He asks, concerned though there's nothing to be really concerned about since the road is full of people having a good time, probably celebrating a feast or something like that.

"Of course I'm sure, I've been living here for years now… how can I not be sure?"

Natsume pulled the car to the side as Mikan hops out, he pulled down the window when Mikan knocked.

"Forgot something, polka?"

"Well, I just wanted to thank you." She blushed as he stared. "Thank you for everything Natsume. Please always take care okay?" She gestures her finger signaling him to go closer to her as he did in wonder. Unexpectedly, she kissed his cheek tenderly.

He feels strange and shocked… Why does he get the feeling that this is the last time he is going to see her? He looked intently to her eyes, it was the same but he can see right through it. And he sees betrayal. Before he could speak, she was running away from him.

Natsume contacted someone from the phone. "I want you to get all the information about Mikan Sakura, hire professionals to guard her all night and day. No one should lay a finger on her, you got it? And, if someone or something tries to attack her, make me informed swiftly."

Seeing her black pitch wounds, scars and her traumatized state, of course he would not wait for her to open up. He would do all means to discover what is happening to her, and when he finds out who caused her those wounds, they shall be ready to face the fiery depths of hell.