DISCLAIMER: Yep. I know… Gakuen Alice isn't mine… so sad
Otra vez, lo siento for updating so late. Tambien, thanks again for the comments. I really appreciate it. BY the way, I've changed the title of this chapter. I think it's more suitable than The Beauty of a Moment. Hope you guys like this next chapter.
CHAPTER 7: The Magic Moment
"Mikan?" Hotaru was surprised when she saw her friend on her doorstep. "How long have you been standing there – Hey, are you alright? Is something wrong?"
"H-Hotaru… Can I come in? I… I just… I want to…" Mikan sighed. "I'm fine. It's just that I'm quite exhausted and I miss you…"
"Really huh? Now come inside." Hotaru softly held Mikan's arm and guided her to the sofa. "Now don't lie and tell me what happened."
Mikan was about to open her mouth when Mizu's words echoed in her brain. Don't tell them about Nightwind no matter what happens. Knowing about your other side might endanger them. Our enemies will try every possible way and gather information they could get to beat us.
The girl sighed. "Oh Hotaru, I wished I could tell you but I can't…"
"Tell me what?"
"Please don't force me to speak…" Mikan bit her lips. Then she remembered what happened during her stay in the past. "Oh Hotaru, I feel so down right now… My heart aches so much. He… He was just a couple of feet away… And yet I couldn't do much… His pain… I couldn't do anything to lessen his pain…"
The genius inventor sighed. "I'm not forcing you to tell all the details but I think I have an idea on one thing… The person you're talking about just now is no other than Natsume, am I right?"
Mikan nodded. Again, Hotaru sighed. "I guess you're training in Spain didn't help to forget about him. Well if that's the case then don't try to forget him… when you're in pain don't fight it; you'll just get exhausted. Instead, feel the pain until it hurts no more…"
"Wow, Hotaru that's deep…" Mikan smiled. "But you're right… Thanks, I'll do that…"
"Good. Now cheer up. And Mikan, I know I told you not to cry because it makes you ugly but it doesn't mean that you'll contain your pain… It's good to cry sometimes…"
"I'm fine, Hotaru. Haven't I told you that I won't cry again over some petty stuff?"
"Petty huh? Oh well, whatever you say… But always remember that Ruka and I will be here for you okay? And speaking of Ruka, he's waiting for me in the Central Park. Wanna come?"
"Nah, I'll just ruin your date. Can I just stay here for a while? I wouldn't touch anything promise."
"Sure. Just don't forget to set the alarm system when you leave, okay?"
"Okay. Thanks again, Hotaru…"
"Hey what are friends for?" The genius inventor winked. "Ja ne…"
Mikan closed the door and walked towards the living room. She lied on the sofa and stared blankly at the ceiling. I wish I could tell Hotaru about the Nightwind… Then… Maybe she could… give me… some advise to…" She closed her eyes and fell asleep while thinking about her secret.
A cold breeze that brushed her skin made her uneasy. And another feeling… As if someone was watching her… She slowly opened her eyes… A pair of ruby orbs was placidly looking at her as the owner sat on the couch facing her.
"Natsume!" She bolted from the sofa. "W-What are you doing in here?
"Relax… I'm not going to bite you or something," Natsume said nonchalantly. "I came here to return the manga I borrowed from Ruka."
"B-But how d-did you—"
The ruby-eyed boy lazily raised his hand and pointed towards the window. I thought Ruka was here so I went through that window. He usually stays here when Hotaru's working on her lab."
"I see… A-Anyway, I must go now… I must have fallen asleep. I'd better go back in my room… Mizu's probably—"
"Forget Mizu!" The boy snapped. "Now tell me what have you been doing lately. And what is that bastard really doing here?"
"That again? Why are you so mad at Mizu? You were his comrade right? He's nice and—"
"Nice? My ass!" He snapped again. He stood up and walked towards Mikan. Then he stared at her intently and yet there was something in his eyes that she couldn't describe.
"H-Hey… What's wrong with you?" The girl felt nervous all of a sudden.
"What's wrong with me?" Natsume spoke in above whisper. "I've been dying to do something and it's driving me nuts…"
"Dying to do what?" Mikan whispered in reply.
"This." Natsume suddenly stepped forward and took her in his arms. And before Mikan could think what was happening, he lowered his head and claimed her surprised lips in a gentle and tantalizing kiss… A warm kiss… Unhurried and very very sweet…
Mikan moaned as an act of protest but Natsume mistook it for longing for more so he pulled her head back gently and tilt it to gain full access to her sweet mouth. Mikan's mind was swirling. Her heart was beating so fast but all she could think was the firm lips on hers. Natsume's kiss was pleading for a response in which she willingly obliged. It was like forever and Mikan was lost in wonder of how she was feeling.
Finally, Natsume forced himself to pull way from Mikan's lips and stared at her flushed face, his arms still enwrapping her. "I've been dying to kiss you since the time when you were in the bayou… No, even before that… It was the day when you returned here… while you were sleeping so peacefully in my arms back in my room…"
"W-What… what are you saying? W-Why'd you want to do that?" Mikan asked while avoiding to look at his eyes; her face was still red. Natsume kissed me! And I let him did that?! No… That's not it… I'm a master in martial arts but I couldn't do anything! This must be a dream! "L-Let go of me… Hotaru and Ruka might be here soon…"
"So what if they see us like this?" Natsume whispered.
"W-What the heck are you saying? Besides, Mizu's probably looking for me now."
"Hell!" Natsume abruptly released her. "Why'd you always bring that bastard up?"
Darn… I spoiled up the magic and now the magic moment is gone… Mikan sighed. "Why are you so mad at him? Really, whatever happened before must have been a very painful memory but you have to move on, Natsume…" She spoke slowly ignoring the rapid beating of her heart.
"What do you know about my past?" The boy frowned. "Did Mizu tell you anything about my past?"
"N-No… He didn't…" I saw your pain back in the past when your loved one died in your arms, she added in her thoughts.
Natsume grunted and sat on a couch. Good. I'll kill that guy id he ever talk about my past."
"There you are again with your threats… Why are you so mad at him? Ugh! I sounded like a broken CD repeating that line!" She felt a bit relax when their topic changed.
"Why?" Natume sighed. "Because he's trying to take away someone who's very important to me…"
"Someone very important?" Mikan parroted. Who could that be? But before she could ask the question, the door flew open. "Hotaru! Ruka! Y-You're back!"
"See, I told you I heard voices." Hotaru told Ruka. "And I thought I heard Natsume just now…"
"N-Natsume? W-Well he's—" Mikan looked behind her only to see an empty couch. Where did he go? "He's not here…"
Ruka saw the manga on the table. So he was really here, huh? I wonder what happened, he thought while smiling.
"Hey, why are you all red? Are you sick or something?" Hotaru frowned and touched her forehead.
"Huh? A-Ano… I… ah…"
"Why don't I take you to your room, Mikan? Ruka finally spoke. "Hotaru dear, you should take a rest too. I'll take care of her."
The genius inventor sighed. "Alright then. Good night, Mikan. You sure you're alright?"
"Hai. Oyasumi, Hotaru." Mikan replied.
Ruka gave Hotaru a soft peck on her cheek before guiding Mikan towards the door. "He was there, wasn't he?" The blonde boy asked while they were walking towards Mikan's room. I saw the manga he borrowed from me."
Y-Yeah. H-He thought you were there…" Mikan's cheeks flushed in deep shades of red.
"And what could possibly had happened for you to blush like that?" Ruka teased.
"What? N-Nothing happened!" Mikan shrieked. "Jeez! What carnal thoughts you have!"
The boy laughed. "Well, here we are." They stood in front of Mikan's room. "Good night, Mikan. Sleep t—"
"Mikan!" The door flew open as Mizu hurriedly step out of the room. "Where have you been? I'm so worried when I woke up and you were not around— Oh, hola Ruka." Mizu smiled at the boy while placing his arm around Mikan.
Ruka raised a brow at Mizu's gesture towards the girl. "I hope you know what you're doing, pal… If you know what I mean…"
"I get the picture, amigo." Mizu replied.
"Well then, good night to both of you. And Mizu," Ruka turned to the boy. "I'm warning you, no hanky-panky. You hear me?"
"¡Si, por supuesto!" (Yes, of course!)
The blonde boy gave him a warning look before leaving the place.
"What in the world was that all about?" Mikan asked in bewilderment when they were inside the room.
"De nada. Now, where have you been?" Mizu frowned. "And what was in that tea you gave me? Don't lie to me. I know there's something in that tea."
Mikan scratched her head. "Sorry about that… It's just that I want you to take a good rest… That's all…" I'm sorry Mizu but I just can't tell you where I've been. "I stayed in Hotaru's place while you were asleep."
"Oh, is that so?"
"Si."
"Alright then. You should sleep now. Good night, señorita." Mizu walked towards the door.
"Hey! Where are you going? Your room isn't fix yet remember?"
"Yeah, I know. I'll be staying in Narumi-sensei's room. He said I can use his room since he'll be in Spain for a business trip."
"I see…"
"Oh what's that suppose to mean? You want me to stay here for the night?" Mizu teased. "I'm willing to oblige…"
"¡Callate! (Shut up!)" Mikan yelled; her face reddened.
"The boy barked a laughter. He bent and kissed Mikan on the forehead. "Good night, señorita." He smiled but immediately frowned when he noticed something. "You know, there's something changed in you… I just can't figure out what it is." He shook his head. "I must be imagining things. Anyway, sleep tight. Lock the door before you go to sleep."
Mikan stared blankly at the door. Did he really sense that something happened with me? Am I that transparent? She grunted and dropped herself on the bed.
What's going on? Why did Natsume do that? She touched her lips. It was different from before… This time I felt longing in his kiss… So much longing that my heart aches… But… Was that longing really for me? Or for Rinako? She remembered how she saw the love in Natsume's eyes while looking at Rinako and the pain when the girl died in his arms.
She sighed then walked towards the door and locked it. Then she took a quick shown before returning to bed. No… It's definitely not for me… He longs for Rinako… Not me… Her lips quivered. Does he just saw me as her? A tear fell down to her cheek. She quickly took a pillow and covered her face with it. I don't want to be in her shadow… But I could not replace her… I couldn't even get through his heart…
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
"Damn!" The boy with red orbs muttered then hit his forehead with his palm. I shouldn't have done that! I shouldn't have kissed her! He sat on his bed. I summoned all my strength not to kiss her when she was sleeping…
Back in Hotaru's lab, Natsume went straight to the living room thinking that Ruka was there. The blonde boy always leaves the window there unlock for him. But he was surprised to see Mikan sleeping on the sofa. He was planning to just leave the manga but he couldn't get his eyes off the girl. He quietly sat on the couch and stared at Mikan. He noticed soft furrows on her brows and wondered if she was having a bad dream.
He panicked when Mikan started to wake up, as if she sensed his presence. He thought if leaving the room but it was too late. He calmed himself and waited for the girl to be fully awake. He was not surprised on Mikan's reaction when she saw him. He was kinda amused. But then he snapped when Mikan mentioned Mizu. And before he could think straight, his body reacted on what he was longing to do.
Mikan's lips were still the same, firm yet soft and sweet. And he was lost when the girl responded to his kiss. He wanted to prolong the kiss but forced himself not to. He felt empty when the kiss ended. He almost burst out his feelings but then the couple arrived just in time. He managed to escape before they could see him.
"Shit!" What am I suppose to do now?" He asked himself but couldn't find an answer. "Hell!" He buried his face on his pillow. He was already dawn when he finally managed to sleep.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
/ AT THE CLASSROOM /
"Well, that's all for today," Mr. Jinno carried his things and left the room.
"Whew! He's still the same old Mr. Terror." Anna whispered.
"Yeah." Nonoko responded. "Hey, why don't we go to the garden? Let's have a picnic! It's been a while."
"Mikan, you'll come along too, right? We haven't done that in ages!" Anna exaggerated. "Mizu-kun can come along too!"
"Y-Yeah… Sure…" Mikan nodded. She still felt uneasy from what had happened at Hotaru's place. I can feel his stare at my back. She slightly looked towards Natsume and met his ruby eyes staring back at her. She quickly turned and looked back towards her friends, her face all red.
"Hey Mikan, are you alright? You look tense during class and now your face is all red." Nonoko said with a worried face.
"I-I'm alright…" She smiled.
"You sure you're alright, Mikan dear?" Mizu cupped her face and leaned his forehead to hers. "Hmm… you don't have a fever though…"
"I'm fine, Mizu…" She gently pushed the boy and whispered, "Cut it out! You're provoking him again, aren't you?"
The boy grinned and winked at her. Then he turned to Hotaru. "Hotaru, we'll be having a picnic late this afternoon, wanna come?"
"Uh-huh…" The genius inventor replied and sweetly turned to Ruka. "Are you coming Ruka?"
"Sure, dear. Natsume here will also join us. Right pal?" Ruka winked at his best friend. "You don't want that Mizu flirting with Mikan, do you?" He teased.
"Whatever!"
"Great! The more the merrier!" Nonoko said excitedly.
"Well then, see you later guys."
/ MIKAN'S ROOM /
"Good thing that I learned some cooking lessons back in Spain." Mikan smiled at herself. "There! All done! Now where 's that Mizu when I need him?" She was about to call Mizu on her phone when she heard a knock from the door.
"Oh there you are! I was about to call—"
"¡Hola Mikan! Sorry but I can't join you guys today. I just came here to tell you that Narumi-sensei has arrived from Spain and he would like to talk with me. I promise to make it up to you some other time. And oh by the way, you brought "that" thing with you right?"
"Yeah." Mikan nodded. "You personally put it on my luggage, remember?"
"Oh right. Now I remember. Anyway, hasta lluego." Mizu gave her a soft peck on the cheek then swiftly ran towards Mr. Narumi's office.
"Hey wait— Darn it! Now how am I supposed to carry these picnic baskets?" Mikan pouted then she remembered about what Mizu asked her. Why do I need "that" thing here?
She sighed before carrying the two picnic baskets. "Argh! I'll develop muscles in my arms with these baskets!"
Then she heard a soft cough from behind her. She quickly turned to see who that was only to gasp softly. "N-Natsume…"
The boy remained silent. He walked towards her and took the baskets from her hands. They were halfway from the garden when Natsume broke the silence. "Mizu surely has the habit of kissing you huh?"
"What?"
"I saw him kissing you before he left. But I never thought that your boyfriend left you with these baskets."
"He isn't my boyfriend!"
"Oh really? Then how come you let him kiss you like that?"
Mikan frowned. "What's with that talking? Don't tell me you're jealous of him?"
"And what if I am?" Natsume replied with a blank expression.
The girl's jaw dropped and then laughed. "Natsume Hyuuga? Jealous? I don't think so… The word doesn't suit you… Besides, why'd you be jealous when I know whom you really cared for?" The last statement was uttered in a whisper.
"What?"
"N-Nothing. Oh look there they are! Come on let's hurry!" Mikan left the boy and ran towards the group.
Natsume sighed. Jealous? Maybe I am… But I can't do anything about it!
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
"Natsume?" A voice followed by a knock on his door woke the boy up.
Natsume lazily stood up and opened the door. "Ruka… It's only seven in the morning… And we don't have classes today…"
Ruka smiled. "Sorry pal but Narumi-sensei asks for you in his office. He said he wants you to meet someone."
"Darn it, I'm still sleepy." The raven-haired boy yawned. "Thanks pal. I'll just take a quick shower. And by the way, why are you all dressed up?"
"I have a date." Ruka grinned.
"This early?" Natsume shook his head. "Anyway, have a good time then."
After a quick shower, Natsume leaped through the woods and went to Mr. Narumi's office. "Ah there you are! Please have a seat. I want you to meet someone."
Natsume nodded and sat. Soft furrows formed on his forehead. You better be sure this is important that you even woke me up this early."
"Right." A sweat dropped from Mr. Narumi's forehead. "You may come in now."
The door from the teacher's adjacent room opened. The purple-eyed Mizu came in. "Buenos dias, Natsume…" He wore a serious face that even the fire caster was a bit surprised. He sat on the couch and looked towards the adjacent door. Natsume did the same thing.
A person wearing a black overcoat came in. His face was covered with a white mask. Again, Natsume's brow raised a fraction when he saw a choker-like belt on the person's neck. What an odd fashion.
"Now, let me introduce our guest." Mr. Narumi said while looking at Natsume. "He's one of the finest agents in Spain and—"
"Now hold it! Let's drop the introduction. What's this meeting all about?" The boy with red orbs asked impatiently.
The teacher cleared his throat. "I believed Persona already told you about having a team or let's say a partner on you missions, right?"
"Right and like I've said, I don't need a partner. I work alone. He might just slow me down," Natsume said arrogantly.
"Whoah! Now that's were you're wrong, amigo." Mizu cut in. "He was also assigned in difficult missions back in Spain. One of with the finest caliber." He tapped the person's shoulder. "But if you insist of working alone then maybe we should let it be."
"I'm afraid that's impossible." Mr. Narumi spoke seriously. "You see this is also a part of your training for your Alices."
"I've already polished my skills in using my Alice. Let him do it on his own too. Don't make me a babysitter. And what's his Alice anyway?" Natsume smirked.
"No se preocupe. No importa." (Don't worry. It doesn't matter.) A cold and slightly husky voice came from the masked boy. "But then again, instead of telling you what my Alice is, why don't I just show you?"
"Now hold it, that's not necessary," Mizu's sweat dropped. "Natsume, I've been working with this person and believe me, he can do his job well. And like us, paranoia is what keeps him alive. For him, everyone's a suspect when it comes to investigation especially in high-leveled missions."
"The way you praise this guy… He's really that good eh?" The raven-haired boy stood up. "We'll see about that on our mission…" He gave Mr. Narumi a nod and went out of the office.
"Does that mean you're accepting him as your partner?" The teacher's eyes twinkled but Natsume already closed the door.
"Que bruto!" (What a brute!) The guy with mask exclaimed. "Ne, Narumi-sensei… Can't I work with Mizu instead?"
"Nope." The teacher smiled. "Daijobu, you'll be fine."
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
/ SOMEWHERE IN THE DEEP FOREST OF TOKYO /
"Target sighted. He is securely guarded with two armed men. The boss has just arrived with another two armed bodyguards." The Black Cat whispered while holding the hi-tech transceiver.
"Roger on that. Do you need backup?" A worried voice came from the other end.
"No. We can handle this." The masked man replied.
"Alright. Proceed with the mission. Be careful, you guys."
"Roger. Over and out." The boy stared at his partner. "I could do this by myself but since we're partners…" He grunted. "Anyway, I haven't got your name and what's with the stupid mask?"
"Same as yours. And call me Zero."
"Zero huh? What kind of name is that?"
"That's the codename our organization gave me… A cipher… Absence of everything… My identity must be kept as a top secret while I'm in Japan. Even with the organization you're working with… Even with you…" The boy replied and surveyed the place. "Enough with the chit chat. What's your plan?"
The Black Cat's brow rose a little under his cat mask. That serious eh? "You go rescue our target. I'll handle the bastards."
"Negative. Those men are heavily armed and—"
Shut up! Since I've been forced to this tandem, we'll do it my way. My rules, my plans, got it?"
"But Natsume—"
"Rule No. 1, don't call me by my name when we're on a mission, you idiot! And rule no. 2, no buts! Just do what I say!"
Zero gritted his teeth. "Alright then."
"Good. I'll throw a fireball to get their attention. You go rescue the target and don't let those bastards see you… Now, on my signal… Go!"
The Black Cat drew a fireball on his palm and threw it a couple of yards away from the target. It created a smoke screen for Zero as he swiftly snuck himself behind the target and untied the rope from the hostage's hands. "We're gonna get you out of here."
Despite the abductors' heavy equipments, they couldn't do anything with the Black Cat's flames. And even though he was busy, he saw how Zero swiftly managed to get their target to safety. Impressive… It only took 10 minutes to eradicate all their enemies.
"I've taken the boy to the escape van. They're bringing him to his parent now." Zero shook his head while looking at their enemies. "¡Cielos! They're all out-cold!"
"Hmpf!" Black Cat grunted only to suck his breath when he saw the leader of the abductors took a gun from his behind and aimed it to Zero. Damn his stupidity! The boss was just pretending to be out-cold! "Hey Zero, watch out!"
Zero saw the enemy's movements from his peripheral vision when he was tying a rope on one of the enemy's hands. In a blink of an eye, he stood up and stretched his right leg. Then he took a knife from his boots and threw it on the enemy's hand. All happened in a flash.
The Black Cat hit the back of the man's head resulting to lose his consciousness. "I'm going to my other mission. You go ahead and repost this to Narumi-sensei." He started to walk away from the place. "I'd better watch my back. My partner is somewhat lethal and dangerous…"
"Gracias. I'll take that as a compliment." Zero grinned and walked the other way.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
So peaceful… I only wish every night would be this quiet… Mikan inhaled the sweet scent of the roses while gazing at the countless stars. She stretched and lied on the grass. Mizu's fast asleep… Poor guy… Narumi-sensei made him do all the paper works, she giggled at the thought.
"What are you doing here"
"Na-Natsume!" The girl sat up and stared blankly at the raven-haired boy. I didn't even sense him coming! Shoot! Am I getting rusty?
"Don't just stare at me…" Natsume sighed and sat beside her.
"I-I'm going back t-to my r-room now…" Mikan stammered.
She was just about to stand when Natsume grab her arm and gently pulled her back to sit down. "I'm exhausted. The least thing I want to do now is have an argument so please stay…"
Please? Did he just say please? Mikan thought in astonishment. She was sitting a couple of inches away from the boy but she could still feel the strong aura coming from him. "D-Did the school give you another mission?"
"Yeah. I had to guard another officer. We were ambushed and I used a lot of my Alice to escape." The boy winced. "Darn it! The school underestimated the enemies this time."
"You're injured!" Mikan gasped when she saw blood on Natsume's sleeve. "Hold still." She took something on her pocket.
"It's just a scratch. You don't have to—" He stopped when he saw the wound slowly healing. The pain started to disappear too.
"There. All healed up!" Mikan smiled.
"Where did you get that healing stone?" Natsume frowned. His voice was serious.
"Eh? I… Ah… Mizu gave this to me back in Spain because I always get scratched or wounded during our P.E. class."
Natsume chuckled. "Clumsy as ever…" His seriousness was gone. He lied down and cushioned his head on Mikan's lap.
"H-Hey! What are you—"
"I have to relax a little… so I'm borrowing your lap… You don't mind, do you?"
"N-No…" Mikan sighed. "You're still as arrogant as ever…" Natsume grinned and it made Mikan's heart skip a beat. For a moment, the two kept quiet and enjoyed watching the stars.
"Look! A falling star!" Mikan quickly closed her eyes and made a wish. "Ne, Natsume… What did you wish for?" She asked while looking at the boy on her lap.
The boy raised his head and kissed her surprised lips. "Well what do you know, it just came true…" The boy whispered and wiped Mikan's moist lips. "What happened today and back in Hotaru's lab… is a secret between you and me… I'll wring your lovely neck if you tell it to anybody." He sighed and touched Mikan's face. "I'm not myself lately…" He stood up and leaped through the trees. "Good night, strawberries and thanks for the lap."
"Strawbe— Natsume, you pervert! She hissed through the night. Her face was all red. You're not yourself lately? You can say that again… He kissed me twice… What does that mean? Am I just thinking it or is he beginning to like me?
She smiled yet it did not reach her eyes. I don't want to hope for something that might hurt me in the end. I've seen his soft part… And he's no longer a loner… He's talking now unlike the silent-type before… That's a good start…
She stood up and started walking towards her room. Good night, Black Cat…
Whew! Finished another chapter! So how was it? Natsume's starting to show his feelings. That is so not like him, right? Hehehe... I'm still working on my next chapter though and I'm still thinking for a title. Hope you guys wait for it. Hasta la proxima vez. Ciao!