Dark Hood
Chapter 14
Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice nor its characters but the plot is entirely mine. Enjoy!
"H-hyuuga-san! W-what are you doing here?" yelped my new secretary, composing herself. She straightened her skirt and stood up as well as fixing the chair.
"It's my office, can I not come in here?" I raised a brow and crossed my arms waiting for her explanation.
"Um... I just brought in these new files and... Well, I just really wanted to caterogize them for you so it'd be easier and... well... I'm sorry," she whispered feebly, "I'll be outside. Please call me if you need anything."
Then she left my office in the worst state possible. "Oi, next time finish off before you leave." But she probably didn't hear me. The files were actually all in sorted piles now all that was left for to make sure the dates were correct. I still had the last encounter etched into my brain:
She was trembling slightly and when I was going to apologize or at least ask what's wrong, she raised her arm. A sensation on my cheek told me to touch it but I resisted. Her hand was glowing red from the contact. "You're... You're evil! You're heartless! You're insensitive! You're a complete bastard, Natsume Hyuuga! Mikan-chan is too good for you. Go burn in hell!" she screamed as she dashed away.
I still remember how much that slap had stung my cheek. She definitely had a strange personality... But she's right anyway. I'm the worst person there is. Mikan didn't deserve this kind of torture. She didn't either. She is a nice person.
Where do I belong now?
I can't go back to Japan with Mother weighing me down with her expectations and I've decided I can't stay in Paris now. But it'd be so irresponsible to run away now. But isn't that what I always do? Run away from any trouble that I seem to bump into?
A weakling.
"Hyuuga-san?" I flicked my head over to where my secretary held a steaming cup of coffee. "I heard that you especially like this Black Tie."
"I hate it," I glared at her.
"Oh! Sorry..."
"Unless you brewed it personally," I added quickly and her face lit up as she left the delicate cup on my desk. "Thanks... Harada."
"So you didn't tell her?" Ruka yelled at the top of his voice, "What the heck Natsume? I gave you that chance to confess."
"And thanks. But honestly, I think you're being a complete idiot. That girl still likes you. No point in complicating anything. She's your girlfriend, not some crush anymore," I leaned back, "You shouldn't be letting me in this anyway."
Ruka sighed, "We need to go back to Tokyo soon. I don't want things to stay like this. Mikan-chan has something for you. And i can't live being her boyfriend if I know that, so I want to get this sorted. Natsume, get it done and over with then come back."
"I'm not going back," I answered casually.
I watched Ruka take a deep calming breath, "Is this about Misaki Harada?"
"How'd you know about her?" I asked, frowning.
"Because we had lunch with her a while ago. But that's not the point, she's just like Mikan-chan, isn't she?" Ruka grinned, "Oh! And Luna-chan has safely reached Tokyo."
"Good to know. So you've been keeping up with Imai lately?" I smirked as he grew red. "Never mind that. How's the company?"
"If you must know, Yuu is having the worst time managing. But he's getting it through it with Mikan-chan helping him out everyday. Filing documents for him, taking notes for him, going to conferences with him, making him coffee and snacks - "
"I've heard enough, thank you," I growled. Two can play at this game. I'm sickened by the thought of having people take my place but Yuu deserved it for putting up with me for years. And he'd not taken my place, he's helping out. For that, I'm still grateful.
Ruka stood up from his seat, "You know I'm not going to go easy on you now. So keep fighting. Well I'm off to find Mikan-chan."
You don't 'work', Natsume. You have to fight!
"I will. Good luck."
"Right back at you." And finally my best friend has become my worthy rival.
I had spoken too easily. I'd forgotten I had all the disadvantages.
I've left Mikan with a fight, I'm not her boyfriend nor can I say anything to her. To make things even worse, my enormous ego will not help me.
"Hyuuga-san?"
"What is it Harada?" I asked, not even turning my chair to look at her. The files in my hand were much more important -
"Hyuuga-san," I deeper voice introduced himself, "I'm here to discuss some things over with you."
Biting my lip when no one could see me was a good idea. At least my mouth wouldn't hang open when i saw his face. He'd changed. His face solemn, concentrated... strong. Or perhaps it was there all along but I was weaker? I don't know.
"Harada, shut the down and cancel anything that comes up. I want no one to interrupt unless it was completely nessecary - you'll be sacked if you don't," I threatened and she scurried away and locked the door behind her. My eyes stared at the man. "So... why did you leave Tokyo, Tobita?"
Never did I think... How the heck? Not even what. It was beyond that. This project is flying high.
"Tobita... you understand that abandoning your position over there is already a dangerous thing to do," I reminded him.
He nodded and answered (cheekily), "It's the same thing you've done."
"I see... So the company has treated you well then..." I threw my legs onto the desk which I usually did back in Japan. In this place... it felt peculiar. "and exactly what do you expect me to do for you? I'm now head of this department, Tobita. That office back in Tokyo is no longer my place."
"But it is," Tobita retorted, "You honestly believe Paris is the place you belong to? In addition, your mother, Ruka-san, Mikan-chan and Imai-san have both suggested that you are not... comfortable in this place. And seeing you now... Hyuuuga-san, you look pitiable."
It took all I had not to punch him, my fist was set and my jaw was clench awaiting impact. "What kind of an idiot would ask to let someone else to take their place as head? Tobita, you are almost as idiotic as Ruka."
He raised his eyebrows and smiled, "Someone who knows you. You are much more capable and Harada-san has also informed me that you haven't really started any projects. It wouldn't be the hardest thing to resign at the moment."
"So you've got the information," I smirked. "Well done."
"And you've got the guts, Hyuuga-san. Congratulations." He stood up from where he sat comfortably on the leather chair opposite me. "I'll reintroduce you at the head board party in a weeks' time. You better be there and give a good impression."
"Since when were you my boss?" I glared at him. No way in hell was I going to 'beg' for my position back. Especially when I know here in Paris, things will go better than in Tokyo. "What if I say I have no intention of going back?"
He sighed, "Hyuuga-san, I've known you since you were new to the company until you've rose up to this position. I've supported your every decision but now you're not being reasonable. I could write lists on why you should go back but shouldn't you know better? I know you Mikan-chan. Your eyes follow her everywhere. If you don't go back, there's no telling if - "
"I got it." I turned my chair back, "I'll be back tomorrow. You should go back or else there weren't be a company to run."
I heard him turn around and head for the down and when the handle of the door was pushed down I murmured silently, "You're a good friend, Tobita."
"So are you."
My heart thumped continousing against my chest. It felt so warm and distant yet so close.
"Natsume? What's up?" Ruka asked, "I'm sorta busy at the moment - Mikan-chan and I are having dinner near the Arc de Triomphe - that Italian one just above the McDonald's. Seriously, you had your chance, can't I have mine?"
"Whatever. I'll be there in," I glanced at my watch, "Twenty minutes. You better not leave." With my final threat hanging in the air, I finished our conversation and pulled on my jacket. Ruka, we've been friends for ages, do you not think I know what you're doing? You're trying to give her to me.
And I'm not going to let that happen. No girl will get between us. Does he understand that?
The fact that he gave his exact location, he gave him such a big chance, he came to Paris, he... is a complete retard!
I stomped into the restaurant easily and without answering the serving waiter I went to their table. They were chatting happily as usual - the perfect couple. My hands... They're going to ruin them.
"Ruka... I'm going back to Japan," I explained, "Tobita... Harada... Koizumi... Everyone knows don't they? You too. Why are you doing this?" My clenched fist had stopped some type of flow, it was complete numb. "But don't you dare... You pretty keep your promise on fighting at equal grounds."
He smiled kindly at me. The exact smile he shows when I do something he's proud of: when I applied to a university that was for my own good, when graduated with honours, when I decided to leave the house, when I became head.
"I knew you'd break through."
I smirked as usual. "And you expect me not to?"
"Well, when you behave like a complete ass for a while, it's quite hard to say things like I expect you to do things. My expectations are pretty low at the moment," he replied cockily.
"Just you wait. I'll see you in Tokyo."
Mikan was frowning at both of us - probably wondering what the hell we were talking about. She's pretty dense but I'm in no state to judge. I was blinded. "Sure. Tokyo it is. We're leaving tomorrow anyway, aren't we Mikan-chan?"
She nodded, "Yep."
"I'll follow on. I've got things to finish here," I stated, "Have your chance. Fair battle Ruka." I started for the exit of the restaurant, the waiter who I ignored shot dirty looks at me.
"Well it is now."
End of Chapter 14
Whoo! I managed to make the secretary into a character! I should've done it earlier... Maybe I'll go back one day to edit it. I will. Anyway, I won't change the title because that'd be against my 'law': Always finish what you started. So let's hope the Dark Hood case is solved by me soon. ;) Anyway thanks so much for the reviews but I must say Sweet Days will beat this one day! I appreciate all the reviews!
Mikannatsume4eva - I must say I'm trying my best... although I'm not quite sure what Mikan is feeling at the moment? Does she regret Ruka? Does she hate Natsume? Honestly, even I'm confused. And with that damn hood...
ninastylee - SAME! Or maybe that's because I happen to know I'll never get a boyfriend. Hehe. I actually did think of Koizumi but I'm going to use her later. *hint hint* Enjoy! Ruka and Hotaru will be put in consideration.
adrienna - Don't worry! The mystery will go on! Writing a story... it really does depend on inspiration but I think I've said it before: As long as there's one reader, I'll continue writing. Exams... I honestly don't want to think about them...
Crimson Flares - Same! Natsume is the absolute - you know. I don't have enough space to write it all down. I'll do my best to trap you in my story then, Crimson-twinny! ;)
bullsh.t - I'm so tempted to put the i in! Lovely name. Ruka is definitely a little selfish. Because if he wasn't then... the story plot would go down but he always does have that super kind side.
PhantomAlice - Your opinion is also one I've been thinking about for a long time. In all honesty, I don't want him to be doing anything but when I thought about his life... His mother, his childhood, his rebellion - which will be in later - I think it's correct to let him go this way. For now, stick with me! Thank you!