Title
:
The Matchmaker
Author
:
Mistress Symphony
Chapter
Title :
Hyuuga-ism
Main Pairing : NatsumexMikan
Category : Romance / Humour
Rating : Rated T For Teen(s) – This fanfiction may contain language and / or scenes that are sensitive and not suitable for ages below thirteen (13).
Summary : AU. She is his official matchmaker. But when he decided to be her UNOFFICIAL matchmaker to piss her, an unspoken war boomed that whoever would find his/her match shall capture the other's heart. Reluctantly. Deniably.
Standard Disclaimer : Gakuen Alice and all related objects and characters are property of Higuchi Tachibana. This fanfiction is severely unofficial and does not have any direct relationship with the respective creator and its distributors.
- - -
Just in case you do not know:
Kamishimo – is a male formal clothing of the class of samurai. It consists of katanigu (upper) and hakama (lower).
Otou-sama – father.
Isamu – Japanese name that means courageous / warrior. I simply want to match my character's name with its personality.
Junihitoe – is a female dress that is worn by those who belong to the imperial court. Multi-layered. Very heavy.
Takumi –The driving thing. Takumi's the main character of Initial D. I know most of you recognize him. I included him because I can't get enough of Lucky Star's parody of it. You know, the part when Konata and others went swimming. Mine's a small parody though. ;)
- - -
—Mikan—
Small square room.
Full of girls.
Poor ventilation.
Suffocating.
White walls, ceilings, floor— All over. No windows.
Standardized T-shirts with a chibi picture (V-ing his fingers) of an ugly guy whose name I don't want to mention.
No. This isn't a Mental Ward or a jail-place for women.
Heck, a prison is much better than this place for the people there give away FREE food.
Unlike here, all you've gotta get for free are spits from the lecturer—a few meters in front of me.
No. This is definitely not Kyoto Imperial Palace.
This is absolute hell for someone who has been mistaken as Natsume's fangirl!
—And it's so humiliating! I think I was even shown on T.V.!
I sighed and began imagining myself to be at that fancy party, stuffing the crystal plate with catteries to help me ran away from the current distress. It has always been my fantasy going on those parties. Heck, it's every girl's dream.
Please don't be shock. When I said every girl, I counted in myself as well. Believe it or not even someone like me dreamed of a fancy and sophisticated living... although I'm not really sure about the meaning of "sophisticated" as I simply associated it as a synonym for: "delectable food".
I sighed again, this time with bitterness. If that samurai guard at the party didn't block my way I would have been indulging and living in my dream.
I scowled at the memory. The scene kept flashing into my mind, incessantly pissing!
I clenched my eyes so hard that I thought veins around those would break. I kept telling my brain to stop replaying the scene but it just kept doing it—
My determined eyes met cynical and trying-not-to laugh ones.
Was it really hard to believe?! Was it really impossible?!
Did I look like I was not worthy?! Well for their information, Natsume wasn't worthy of me as well! I deserve a better fiancée! I deserve someone who would give me so much love and affection, someone who would give me worth and someone who would FETCH me every time he would INVITE me out!
I ogled at my one-piece dirty-white dress to disperse my fume. It was simple, I would have to admit, but I think it was respectable. Well... I wasn't sure enough... when I shopped for my clothes I have no fashion adviser with me so I couldn't exactly tell if the dressed I picked up was a vogue to the higher class.
Thinking about this and feeling uncomfortable being scrutinized (probably inwardly being ridiculed) by a mere sentinel I folded my arms.
How could he?! He was just the same as I was: A member of the lower class... or was he?
Thinking of this made me snap at him, his brow suspiciously raising.
"How many times do I have to tell you, I'm Natsume's fiancée!" I exclaimed exasperatedly at him, back of my mind actually hoping he would answer my question then I'd repeat whatever number of times he would utter.
"Madame," his voice was sounding strict and firm. He didn't looked at me straight but I did see him stealing another glance at me, "I am sorry to inform you that my order is to let no one enter the palace without invitations, much less than an enthusiast of Sir Hyuuga Natsume."
I almost choke on my own spit at his allegation, "Excuse me?! Are you implying that I'm delusional?! It's true! Why don't you ask Hyuuga himself!" I stumped my foot, aware that I was making a scene.
Perhaps, I had thought, that I could make a ruckus good enough to attract Hyuuga's attention. Then he'd fetch me and watch his face turn to shock, as he'd apologize to me over and over again.
Then again, that was too much not to mention that I've messed it all up when I call my "fiancée": "Hyuuga".
He made work of his upper muscles, his hands trying to calm me down, "Please leave. I do not want to resort to something unfitted to a lady like you."
My anger seethed even more. "Now you're threatening me?! Try me!"
The sentinel gave me a trained look, almost making me wince. Finally, he made a brief call from his "walkie-talkie", reporting the situation he was in. Below a minute arrived, there, coming out from the majestic gates of the palace was the person I've wanted to see the least this very moment.
She flicked her perm sea-weed hair, her hands folded on top of her flambouyant multi-hued dress and walked to me with a raised, belittling brow.
Ooooh! How I wanted to get in a cat-fight with her right now!
"Permy!" I snarled, clenching my fists, feeling my whole body raise its heat.
"Well, isn't it nice, I never thought I'd see my high-school classmate here... and imposing as Natsume-sama's fiancée." She scorned, "Never thought you were the fangirl type."
My eyes narrowed. I gnawed my teeth. This was by far, the BIGGEST insult I've taken! "Don't mistake me as someone like you."
She chuckled darkly, circling around and waving a large fancy fan over her that matches her dress. "Oh? Are you not? For your information, I 'am' Natsume's fiancée." she informed me with uttermost confidence. Back of her mind I knew she thought it would make me cry. Too bad I wasn't the type.
I didn't bother to hold back a snort. I've got a script made on my mind from the time when Natsume had informed me about his plan. It actually thrilled me that I would be able to get to say it to her face this soon.
I modulated her voice, mentally noting that I've to mimic her confidence to piss her more. "You WERE Natsume's fiancée. I'm glad to introduce to you the new one. Be nice to me." I extended my hand in mock hand-shake of introducing ones self.
She slapped my hand away, her eyes narrowing.
From the looks of her, her patience was thinning and it wouldn't take her long before she shred out of her costume and show the real her: An animal. A wild animal.
I faked a smile. Inwardly I began counting...
1... 2... 3... 4... 4 and a half...
"Why you delusional ugly bitch!" she screeched, lunging high up into the air and into my path, scratching my sides with her long manicured nails. I dragged her hair as a riposte, making sure that they would detach from her head.
A crowd started to gather but I didn't stop, neither did she.
I couldn't. I was enjoying it! If only you knew how I've longed and imagined beating the crap out of this Perm!
My spirit fired up more as the crowd started chanting, "Fight! Fight! Fight!" encouragely.
However, someone had to spoil my mood when he got between us, Perm accidentally scratching the man's face.
I looked up to the tall man, planning to tell him with my eyes to move out. However, my plan backfired when I saw a familiar yet not familiar crimson orbs glaring back.
I flinched, both feet suddenly rooted down into the ground.
The man was robust, I've realized. He didn't even yelp when Perm scratched him. There weren't even red marks on his face.
Oh yeah, just to let you know, it wasn't Natsume—but he looked like Natsume. Let's just say that this man was an older version of him.
He was scary-looking, more than six feet. Slightly tanned and hair graying.
My eyes slowly traveled from his katanigu then to his hakama. My eyes suddenly twitched in fear upon realizing what he was wearing: Kamishimo!
I was so sure he was gonna kill me!
"Don't you have any respect for the place?"
Shouda and I lowered our heads. Heck, even the wild crowd a while ago couldn't find their guts to leave. It was like if we did, he'd hunt us and our loved ones. His voice was not shouting yet it has an imperialistic feel to it that you'd have an instant urge to grovel at his feet for his forgiveness.
"Now I know why Natsume doesn't want to marry you, Shouda Sumire! You're a disgrace!"
She hiccupped and almost cried, but I didn't feel bad for her. "I'm sorry otou-sama... This will never happen again..."
"Don't you dare 'otou-sama' me!" he snapped then turned his whole body to my direction, indicating that I would be the next victim—
"Now, now, Isamu-kun. You must not be harsh to this two beautiful young ladies." an aged woman saved me, not at all intimidated by him. She must be high-class as well, seeing her flambouyant junihitoe.
What's inside Kyoto Imperial Palace anyway?! A cosplay party?
Maaannnn... rich people really have all, haven't they?
"They were plainly expressing their admiration for Natsume-kun—although I must say that they did express it wrong." She gave me a "nice" look, I shivered. "Let the community I know straighten them up..."
Dun-dun-dun!—It turned out that the community the old lady knew was a CULT!
A cult where the Hyuuga maleS are viewed as gods!
Here, you would be taught how to act properly when faced in different adversities when with a Hyuuga member. Remember the shirt with a chibi face? It was Natsume! I feel so ashamed wearing it! It's crazy! Absurd! When I get out of this hell hole, I'm sure I'll be laughing out loud!
Simply imagining how we, my friends, are going to have fun at my crazy memory already makes me grin like a maniac.
My daydream was interfered as soon as someone uttered my name.
I recognized it was the freaky instructor who has a talent of speaking and spitting all at the same time.
I focused my eyes back at the white board only to find out that she wasn't there and that she was now at the front door with... Natsume.
At long last! Natsume did his job as my fiancée!
The instructor almost snubbed me, giving me an annoyed look. I know she's insulting me at the back of her mind but I don't care. I am insulting her too.
I stood up, not needing on being told what to do. As I did, I could feel the girls including Shouda sending daggers at my back. Too bad they couldn't hurt me.
'Rot in jealousy, weirdoes!' I though maniacally, an over-confident grin plastered at my face.
"Hi honey!" I greeted him in an exaggerated sweetness, pissing not only the fangirls but Natsume as well.
This is so fun! Sweet, sweet reprisal! Maybe I should call him honey more often! His pissed look is priceless!
He grabbed me harshly when I was a meter's radius. "Don't you dare call me that again." he warned dangerously in my ear, his eye twitching.
I played an innocent part, blinking both my eyes. "Call you what, honey?" I inwardly giggled but I might have overdone it because he stormed out, leaving me again with the bunch of skeptical, brow-raising fangirls.
"Lover's Quarrel!" I said aloud and dashed with him. Nevertheless I still managed to let out a Victory-sign, knowing it would anger and turn these fangirls berserk.
Ah. I'm starting to love this job!
- - -
—Ruka—
Give me a good reason why I have to be Natsume's chauffer.
Right... I owe him... not to mention that he recently fired his chauffer, thanks to his temperament.
A reason. Nevertheless, it's not a good one.
"Natsume," I said right after he got into his car, "Why am I driving your Porsche?"
He gave me a death glare. Obviously annoyed. "Must we talk about this again Ruka? You know why."
I can imagine my eyes twinkling. Natsume is the type of guy who'll let unnecessary taunting slide so it's a very rare sight to see him infuriated.
I mussed, leaning my head at the window pane. Judging from the reason we came here, I conclude that it was Sakura-san's doing.
Wow. I commend her for getting into his nerves unfailingly. Even I don't have a talent for that.
I looked at Natsume through the rear-view mirror and said testingly: "Oh. Your motion sickness."
I failed. He didn't shout back. "I don't have motion sickness. That driver just drives like a drunk."
I laughed, wracking my brain hard on an attempt to annoy him a little just to show you my point. "I don't know why you keep denying it but I'll bet, the ladies will find it cute. Maybe Sakura-san will too."
He snorted but no outburst. "Oh shut up. Drive already, Takumi."
Swing and miss...
Man... I need to hang out more with her to give me some tips.
"W—Wait, how about Sakura-san? I though you came here to fetch her."
A pause.
"I did."
"We're leaving her?"
He didn't reply and I took that as I yes. Slowly and reluctantly, I drove away—just then, I saw someone chasing after us. One look at the figure and it registered to my brain that it was Sakura-san.
I chuckled, slowing the pace of the car to let her catch up. However Natsume seemed to have seen her as well that he ordered: "Don't." Of course I didn't let myself to miss the rare smirk of amusement on his face as well.
Why not?
It is kind of a comical sight. A cute lady in a long night gown (with a customized tee-shirt on top) chasing us with her bare feet, shoes in hand. This is something not seen everyday.
"Why?" I questioned, my pace still slow.
"Just driv—"
I made the car do an abrupt stop as an unknown flying object almost hit the car's front.
Seconds after Sakura-san was there, picking up her shoe. Apparently she was the one who threw it as if it was worthless as a stone. Good thing it didn't hurt any part of the car or Natsume would be furious like hell.
She stormed towards the passenger seat. Just as I thought I was gonna witness a fist-fight, some far-off voice of a man called Sakura-san's first name that made her jump inside and yelled in a frantic manner: "Go! Go! Go!"
I obeyed with a confused brow raised. There was this "urgency" in her voice that she almost sounded desperate. I watched the man chase after us (rather her) but it was impossible for him to run over a car.
When we were at a safe distance, I stopped the car and twisted my upper body just so to see her face-to-face. It didn't shock me when Natsume too gave her a scrutinizing stare, squishing some answers of why was she running away from the guy.
She gulped and smiled nervously, "Uhh... Someone I owe money...?"
She said.
I doubt.
Something really smells fishy.
And somehow, Sakura-san couldn't be a person I thought that she was.
- - -
Author's
Note :
I
do admit that this chapter was a "o.0"
but
it's a must-have. You'll get why after a few chapters. If I won't
be lazy, I'll get the next chapter next week. I know my writing's
a total suckage compared to the earlier chaps, I'm sorry, my
thoughts are currently muddled I couldn't think good enough. I'll
edit sometime or maybe not. I don't know why am I being like this
perhaps I need to visit a Psychologist. I miss my boy-pie! T-T
Edited as of January 31, 2008 : I added some scenes and tweaked it. I can edit it further but this is all you've gotta stick for now.
Sym-chan
R & R Corner
A hearty thanks to: shirO-kOi, natsumikan023, li'l kitty, defianceobjectivity99, xXxSasukefangirlxXx, 'Blue Moon and Roses', Sour Graper, chibi milktea, soul-striker, Knights' angel, tina1061
Thank you so much! You're all sweet! I hope I didn't disappoint you too much!
REVIEW : "..hahaha!..brilliant!.."
REPLY : Thankies! Your review was short but it was so flattering!
REVIEW : "ok...this is so awesome!y'know recently i did a dance on a song 'matchmaker' and i was wearing the outfit u described on mikan!i love ur fic!"
REPLY : Really? What a coincidence! I don't really know a lot of western sounds but what you shared was really freaky. Do you know Yuuko from xxxHolic? What she said in episode one kinda gave me a strange sensation about this. (The inevitable thingy.) XD
REVIEW : ..." promise me dat u will finish ur fic..."...
REPLY : Yup. I will. However, I don't think I'll be able to finish this one soon. Don't worry, I've got an ending in my mind. :)
REVIEW : ..." I can't live with that kind of poorness... wait I think I can for just a week but not years and years in it..."...
REPLY : Hey I remember you! You've read my LFH! I think I can live with that kind of poorness. Of course back then, I thought I couldn't. I was such a spoiled brat. But I haffta grow up. I'm actually living an individual life now. I've gotten used to it actually. I'm not getting any younger. XD
REVIEW : "I can't believe Mikan's so poor!"...
REPLY : Most of you have reacted how poor Mikan was. Ahaha. I'm glad I've gotten my point across you!! :)
REVIEW : "Stop being so dramatic and please update!"
REPLY : Dramatic? What drama? XD