Title
:
The Matchmaker
Author
:
Mistress Symphony
Chapter
Title :
Playing Cupids
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.
- - -
—Nonoko—
Ah. Xiao Zhang Tea House.
The best place to savour delicious tea and strawberry short-cake.
And no, I am not exaggerating. For starters, there's an easy analogy: Coffee is to Starbucks and Tea is to Xiao Zhang.
Or do you not know Starbucks?
Maannn... you need to get a life if that's the case.
Anyways, I've always wanted to taste their puerh but I couldn't because my stipend for student-working research in a chemical laboratory (PolyKhem Researching Industries) isn't enough to fill my cravings. I've resolved before that after I've got out of this research program and established a company for chemicals I would be doing all of the eating but why wait if my dream could become a reality now?
Because, I am sitting on one of the red cushioned seats of the most expensive and popular tea house all over Kanto with a big maroon ceiling fan spinning leisurely just above the cutest pink hair of all—by the way that hair was mine.
I do admit that my "fairy god mother" is not the genie I've always imagined. She was broked more than I was and according to what I've heard from our old school buddies, her business was a shit. That was why I was completely baffled when she, Sakura Mikan called me up and invited me out—HER treat.
I briefly took a look at my watch and scratch my head impatiently.
I am supposed to meet her here at seven and now, my clock says that it's now five more minutes to seven. Without her, how am I supposed to order puerh and short-cake?!
Finally, I heard a frustrated groan accompanied by a lousy sound of door being opened (not waiting for the guard to do it for her) and sat on the same round table as mine.
"You're late. Super late!" was my greeting to the panting girl before me.
She was wearing the jumper-skirt I gave her last Christmas. Underneath were pink long-sleeves, her black leggings matches with her converse. I've always like Mikan's sense of fashion. Blame all her magazines with Kitade Nana featured.
"What? How come?" she looked at her watch which was a replica of Louiss Vuitton.
How did I know it was a replica?
Simple.
Mikan never buy originals. She's cheap and pragmatic.
"Hey wait a minute, it's just seven!"
I gave her an even look. "You invited me and you should have gone here before me. That's propriety!"
"I don't get your logic Nonoko! I told you to meet here at seven. I didn't say quarter to seven! And please I'm sick of talking about propriety. I had enough of it." she said as she sighed then noticed my watch which I deliberately placed on top of the table.
"Nice Rolex. Where did you find one?"
I smirked. I knew she would ask me. "Some back alley when I tried commuting from work to home."
"Cool!! Show me that back alley some other time, for now, I have an anger to pour."
I inwardly smiled, only Mikan could find replicas "cooler" than the originals.
"Ohohoho. I see. I can guess. But I can't conclude until you tell me the story."
—And then, she whined on how she ended up pretending to be Hyuuga Natsume's fiancée. I didn't tell her this but I think she's crazy!
I mean, how can being a fiancée of Natsume be a misery?! It's every girl's dream!
Okay, I am not a fangirl of Natsume however, unlike Mikan, I know a boyfriend-type when I see one (I even had a short-lived crush on him). If I were her, I would brag it all over the universe and all the women in the world would envy me!
Although Natsume isn't a model, actor, singer—or whatever, he's been widely known as the hottest (as in super hawt) Asian Idol ever.
His family is famous already. His father's one of the successful innovators of computer softwares and artificial intelligences. His mother's once a model and endorser of Vera Wang, L'Oreal and other famous, fashionable and sophisticated beauty stuffages. His brother's a certified Japanese rock icon and is rumoured to be the new X-Japan's vocalist slash bassist. Because all of this, the whole Asia was expecting more from Hyuuga Natsume. And he did meet those expectations—even surpassed those.
I think it might have been too hard for Natsume to snatch attention from his other family members to him. Then, there was this International Quiz Bee contest held on Vietnam and talked about an "Einstein Boy" who aced it. He whipped the asses of the older "geniuses" on that said competition. Well, no use in trying to hide who's this Einstein-boy as you probably know it already. It was Natsume.
That's not all, I heard he skipped High School and lunged his way to Tokyo University.
Isn't he wow?!
Now after hearing this, don't you also think that Mikan's crazy?!
"He's insane!" she said for the nth time and sipped her oh-so-delicious gyokuro as if it was bland. "I'm telling you Nonoko, that guy is insane!"
"Alright, alright. Insane he is then. You've been saying that perpetually! Now please tell me a different story so I can enjoy my tea again."
"I'm sorry, I can't help it, he's insane..."
Oh, how I wanted to smack her head. I need a change of topic.
Just then, right when I needed it, someone caught my eye that almost made me curse.
"What is it?" Mikan inquired inquisitively. I believe she saw my face in such a horror.
"O-Over there..." I said as I disbelievingly pointed a finger on a table over Mikan's shoulder and sunk deeper into my chair.
And as I instructed, Mikan looked over her shoulder and saw a dead gorgeous blonde woman dressed stylishly in a red cocktail dress. If I remember it correctly, I saw one of those on a fashion channel. Her face was clear and porcelain-ish with a light make-up on her face. Her moves were very dainty and elegant like a feather that it would take me years of practice before I could copy it.
Sure this woman is perfect and all but that's not the reason why I nearly cursed.
Across her seat was Natsume dressed in a black, formal suit, his three buttons unbuttoned and a necktie hanged over haphazardly as if he merely put it on just for the sake of putting it on.
He was with the woman!
On my minds where words playing: "Who is she? His lover?!"
Well if it's a hidden relationship I can see why! Sure, the woman is stupendous and all but one look and anyone could say that she's older than Natsume.
Oh well. There has always been an unwritten rule that if a young, handsome, intelligent, rich bachelour falls in love, it's most likely to an older woman.
The woman laughed quite conservatively while Natsume gave a short little throaty chuckle.
Somehow, I feel something's wrong with my grammar. Imagine, Natsume and chuckle? Does the sentence works?
She pretended to lecture him and inched her chair closer to him. Not even having a tinnie-winnie bit of shame, she buttoned Natsume's polo and straightened his crooked necktie.
Urgh! Public Display of Affection sickens me to no end!
"Excuse me, misses?"
A waiter intercepted our free show. He was dressed in their rust-coloured uniform and peering down at us with a pitcher on hand.
"Would you love some tea refill?"
"No thank you!" I snapped, almost angrily and gave my lethalest glare. Because of him, we might've missed some important scenes.
I took a glance of Mikan. I expected her to be having her face marred with lines because of rage, fist clenching and teeth gnawing, merely waiting the time when it was right to march there and claim her fiancée. Instead I saw her searching through her Gucci bag (by the way it's also fake) throwing out the things she wasn't looking for.
"Dang it! I forgot my camera!"
I blinked. "Camera?"
"I need to take a picture of them so I could blackmail him when we meet again! Then he'll be treating me nicer!"
I almost sweat-dropped. So this is what you'll become if Hotaru's your best-friend.
"Mikan, no! Go march at them! Claim your fiancée!"
Her eyes seemed hazed with confusion, then probably realizing what I've said, she smiled, "What? Why would I have to claim Natsume? That's stupid."
"You're the stupid one!" I wanted to say but I held my tongue. "Hello? Natsume's obviously is cheating on you!"
"Nonoko!" she laughed, "I don't care, we aren't really a couple, remember?"
I deadpanned her. Is Mikan really not jealous for a bit? She has to! She has to be!
"But the people know you are. If they knew about this affair they would mark you as a..." I trailed off, thinking of something insulting to say. Anything that could get Mikan jump into action, "...as a... poor little stupid thing who's being stabbed in the back! You'll become pitiful to the eyes of others! Do you want that?!"
Hahaha. I'm so evil! So this is what you'll become if Hotaru's your friend.
Her eyes immediately darkened and shoved her bag to my chests (which hurts like hell). And just by the looks of it, I fear that I've overdone it...
"Fuck that Natsume! How dare he make a fool out of me! Let's see who's the real fool, bastard!"
I winced. 'Uh-oh... the profanity...'
Before I could ever react, Mikan was already on her feet and marching to their table. I immediately scurried to her if by chance my assistance is needed. Well I couldn't really stop her now, could I? I was the one who "tricked" her into doing this.
"So Hyuuga Natsume," she greeted while banging the table, all eyes suddenly turned to her—or rather to Natsume, "Who's this girl?"
There written in Natsume's face was a mixture of annoyance and shock.
'Ha! Didn't think you'd get blown up, did you?'
Before Natsume could answer, Mikan faced the woman with a sinister grin on her face.
"Who are you, why are you talking to my fiancée?"
I saw Natsume clenched his fists, furiously getting up and tried to pull her (probably to calm her down and say his terrible, terrible lies. Man!) but Mikan wouldn't budge, merely jerking his hand clawing hers. "Stop it, you idiot! I won't let this insolence go any further!"
"Why not?" she snapped, "You don't want the world to know you're having an affair behind my back?" she hissed, her index finger held up to accuse him.
The woman suddenly laughed hysterically (so un-matching to her delicate, queenish aura), nudged Natsume to a side and extended a hand at Mikan, "Pleasure to meet you. My name's Amaya. You must be Mikan."
The nerve of this woman to confidently introduce herself!
"I'm Natsume's mother."
- - -
—Omniscient-sama—
Ayaka-san put up her best smile to ease Mikan-chan's uneasiness now that they've been left alone as Natsume excused himself to the washroom and Nonoko trudging nervously behind him (suddenly having an appointment to attend).
"You must be attached to my son." Ayaka uttered conversationally, sipping soundlessly her gyokuryo. She didn't directly look into Mikan's eyes for she knew it would just make the other lady uncomfortable. Instead, she watched her at the corner of her eyes, her bangs aiding her.
Mikan squeaked, unprepared to the statement thrown at her. She coughed, wiped some tea on her mouth's perimeter with her backhand.
Inwardly smirking at this, Ayaka already have seen through her son's plan. Although she felt bad for Mikan for causing her distress, she needed to squeeze more information to strengthen her theory. She needed to make Mikan admit the lies before it could even start.
"Natsume's such a cold kid, he never told me anything." she sighed dramatically, back of her mind she knew how true her words were. "So if you'd be so kind, could you tell me about the story of the both of you?"
Mikan gulped, not wanting to sip another tea, ultimately knowing she'd end up spiting it out again.
She held tightly into her bag. She didn't want to lie. But she didn't want to lose her job either. "I—Uh—Well—It's complicated..."
"I see." she frowned slightly and checked her watch. It has been almost five minutes since Natsume left and she wouldn't learn the chance to talk with her privately. She needed to confirm this fast. "Listen—"
"You know now, don't you?" she said glumly, still avoiding her stare. Ayaka unknowingly pressured her, and it actually shocked her that Mikan was easily persuaded. "I'm such a lousy liar and actress! Please don't sue me! I'll split with Natsume now!"
Ayaka broke into harmonious peals of laughter.
Whilst Mikan blinked in confusion.
"No need to panic. Although I must agree you're one lousy liar, I'm here to encourage whatever you and Natsume are doing and will be doing."
She must've been hearing things. "Eh?! For real?"
She nodded, grinning toothily, palming her cheek, "I too think that arranged marriages are bummers so I understand Natsume. The only problem is his father..."
"Wouldn't I know it..." she sighed dramatically, perfectly imitating Ayaka's and blindly plopping sweet cubes into her tea.
The mother peered down at her, curious, "You know, you sounded like you are engaged."
She choked again with her tea and Ayaka wasn't sure if it was because of what she'd said or if it was because of too much sweet in her tea.
When she began to stumble for words, Ayaka interrupted her for her sake, "If you want, let's make a deal. I'll pay you twice—or if you're doing good—thrice as much as what Natsume's paying you."
She didn't answer. Possibly weighing the pros and cons of making a deal with Natsume's mother.
"Find Natsume a real girlfriend, that's all I ask..."
- - -
'I don't know if it's because of stress or if it's because of lack of good air... but my stomach's been doing backflips.' Mikan moped silently trying to smile at the person beside her who kept on sending her dark, suffocating vibes.
"Hey Natsume, what's your favourite colour?" Mikan cheerily asked, bringing out a small neon pink notebook on her left palm and a hello kitty-themed mechanical pencil on the right.
"What's with that interfering question? Moreover, what are you doing inside my car?"
She kept her smile up, although it was a struggle, "Please answer my question so we can get over this."
"Why the note taking?"
"Knowing you better!" she snappily replied, an obviously faked smile on her lips but then she sighed and submitted, "Fine... I'm finding you another woman."
His eyes narrowed. "My mother told you to do this, didn't she?"
She chuckled nervously at his seeing comeback, "Whatever gave you that idea? This is just a bonus!"
"Great!" he sank deeper into his seat, folding his arms, "This is what I need, a bonus pain in the ass."
She grimaced. He wasn't a bit cooperative. "Oh jeez! Are you always as sarcastic as this?"
"How can I not be sarcastic when there is someone out there who keeps sticking her nose into my personal life?!"
She gasped at his indifference. Here she was: doing him a favor and yet, here he was: rejecting her bitterly and told her she was prying!
"I'm so sorry for my nose-sticking! At least I'm better than... arrogant... grumpy... grandpa... who is as lonely as a... shark!" she stumbled for her words. She never had verbal wars with anyone. She was usually submissive—but Natsume's different. He was so... provocative. She knew that if she lost, he'd gloat about this for eternity.
"Oh? What norm do you have to say that? I don't see you hanging out with a guy. Bet they can't stand your prying attitude."
She was taken aback, hurt, "What? Of course not! I'm just a different case! I'm sociable and nice! And—"
"Sadly," he cut her off rather abruptly, "Those qualities doesn't help you get a boyfriend." Just before Mikan could conclude he was finished he added, "I'm not sociable and absolutely not nice yet girls throw themselves to me. Naked even."
"How about you, baka onna?"
Angered, not knowing what to answer, she let out a mass of hot air.
A knowing smirk crossed his features, poking her nose teasingly, "You're a virgin, aren't you?"
She flushed hot red, slapping his hand away in the process, "S—Soo what? I believe that my first boyfriend would be my last and we'll have children after marrying! And I'm a very religious person!"
A bulb of idea lightened up. "Such a childish dream. Don't worry, in turn of your compassion I too will get you your lover."
Her blush worsened, "Why you—! You just want to piss me, don't you?"
He played innocent by shrugging but his: "All is fair in love and war." retort proved his guilt-free guiltiness.
"You know I already got a premonition of your future girlfriend. A drugstore owner! So she can take aspirins whenever she had headaches, thanks to you!"
He feigned surprise, his eyes widening almost exaggeratedly, "Wow, what an elaborated plan! Since when did you thought of that?"
"Since the time of Adam!" was her equally sarcastic retort.
"Congratulations on almost humouring me! I bet your future loving boyfriend would love that!"
"Yeah, I think so too! Unlike you who probably loves nothing but yourself!"
"Isn't loving yourself the greatest love of all?"
"That's so funny Natsume! Except that it came from you!"
Then there was abrupt silence and nothing could be heard but their loud panting.
Finally, "This is the reason why you don't get boyfriends, stupid."
"I don't care what you think..." she muttered helplessly, her lips protruding. Her plan about getting him the right woman for him was forgotten. All she thought was how to stop him doing stuffs that wasn't his job at the first place.
"I'm serious." he said, crushing Mikan's tiny hope, "I swear on my words tonight, Sakura. My revenge is to find you a lover."
- - -
Just in case you do not know:
Xiao Zhang Tea house – is made-up. I don't really go to tea shops. I only drink tea.
Kitade Nana – is a very cute Japanese singer (for me at least). If not always, she's often seen dressed like a doll. Long-live lolita fashion!
Natsume's brother - well he's definitely not Hide-sama! No one could ever replace him... (sentimental mode) XD For those who doesn't know Hide, he's a Japanese rock icon (a member of X-Japan)... but he's gone... T.T
Baka Onna – Okay, too much Hiei fever is getting into me. I've been fantasizing him since I was five or six. Besides, there are a hell lot of similarities between Hiei and Natsume. Don't you agree? Don't you?! BTW, onna is woman. Baka as you already know means "idiot".
- - -
Author's
Note :
Obviously,
I got lazy. I was too caught up with my month-long celebration of my
graduation! Yay for me! :P
I
was about to name this chapter: "Mama's Boy" but I've thought
that I would kill the thrill—or did you guys already found out from
the beginning? XD
I
don't want to say when to update 'coz I don't know myself...
probably I'll make my lazy fingers do some fluff next chapter.
Don't we all love fluff?
:P
BTW, I'll probably stop using P.O.V.s (except on special "occasions"). Sorry for the inconsistency! :P
See you next chapter!
Sym-chan.
R & R Corner
A hearty thanks to: sHirO-kOi, 'Blue Moon and Roses', Sour Graper, sakurapetal246, lisettesakura, animexanime obsessed, Y.Daiesthai, chibi milktea, li'l kitty, Cormet, akerue, soul-striker
REVIEW : ..."why did she failed to scratch his car when she threw the shoe..."...
REPLY : I'm sorry for not stating it quite clearly. It's because it happened to land just in front of the car. Not onto the car. :)
REVIEW : "did mhs inspired the chapter title?"...
REPLY : Actually it did. XD I love MHS. :P
REVIEW
:
..."I hope the clouds would be clearer on the next
chapter!"...
Who-is-that-guy-questions.
REPLY : I've dropped a clue somewhere here. Bet you all know already. ;)
REVIEW : "this was awesome. One of the best."
REPLY : Thank you so much! (curtsies)
REVIEW : "..natsume can be such an as-s..but i must say, he's an absolutely gorgeous piece of as-s!.."...
REPLY : Totally agree! I want his aa... okay I don't want to sound perverted now. XD