Your Typical New Kid
by
Stars of Gold
I have taken Sakiru Yume's point. Natsume would've been a little more evasive, so here's the alternative.
Chapter 14: Natsume Admits (Somewhat)
Natsume leaned against his Sakura tree once more. Mikan joined him wordlessly, an unusual gesture for her. They sat in silence for a few moments, simply staring up into the pink petals of the tree.
"Hey, Polka Dots."
"Hmm?"
"Who're you going to name for the Last Dance?"
Mikan tapped her chin. "Well, usually Hotaru would name me, just as a joke, but now she's got Ruka-pyon, so..."
She blinked. "Why do you care, anyway?"
"I don't."
She snorted. "Whatever you say, Natsume."
"Hn."
"So have you finally given in and allowed a fan girl to name you for the Last Dance?"
He snorted. "No. But if the right person asks..." He murmured the last bit, but Mikan heard anyway, and squealed in delight.
"So even the almighty Hyuuga Natsume has fallen for someone, nee? Who's the lucky girl?"
He blushed slightly and looked away. Mikan cooed appreciatively. "She's got you blushing! That's so cute!"
He refused to answer. "Do I know her?"
"...Yes."
"Is she pretty?"
"She's the prettiest girl I've ever met, in my opinion."
"So sweet! Well, what color's her hair?"
"...Brown..."
"Hmm, a brunette. I always imagined you with a blonde, preferably one who was extremely pretty to be your perfect counterpart, seeing as you're so perfect." She mused, tapping her chin.
An awkward (in Natsume's case) silence descended upon them. Then...
"...You think I'm perfect?"
She looked away. "Well, in a technical way...you are."
He raised an eyebrow questioningly. It was unlike Mikan not to deny such a comment.
"Your grades are perfect, your Alice is well-controlled, your reflexes are sharp and God knows you've been blessed with looks..." She sighed. "I admit defeat; I can't defeat a perfect creature like you." Then she grinned unexpectedly. "Moving on - "
"Wait. Who are you and what the hell have you done to Mikan?"
She blushed at the sound of her name. "The Mikan I know is confident, sometimes over-confident, and determined. You're just being a wimp! She'd kill me for calling her nicknames and stand up for herself, but you just take it lying down! What the hell? What happened? She's the one who's optimistic, even through the worst times! She's the one who believes that dreams are meant to come true! She's the one, the only one who can make me smile, just because of her cheery attitude!" He took hold of her shoulders.
"You...you're just a shell." She shuddered at his disgusted tone. "You're a shell of what Mikan used to be. Pull yourself together! I love you, goddammit, and if you don't go back to your cheerful self, I swear upon my mother's grave that I will make you. Understand?"
She nodded, mixed emotions swirling in her eyes. He let go of her shoulders, relief evident in his posture. "Natsume...did you really mean what you said? About loving me?"
He inwardly cursed, but his face was unreadable. "When did I ever say I loved you?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. She blinked. "You...just did..." Her brow furrowed, and she cocked her head in confusion. "You must've misheard. Nothing less from a baka like you." She blinked, then scowled. "NATSUME! You take that back!" She yelled angrily. "Why should I take back something that's true?" He paused. "Ichigo-kara."
"NATSUME NO HENTAI!" She screeched, and he smiled inwardly, knowing that the old Mikan was back.
I suppose you can be my perfect counterpart, he thought as he began to run away from her attacks. He dodged a projectile as his smirk widened into a small smile. Faults and all.
Alright people! This is the other alternative for Chapter 14! Please review to vote for whichever one you think should be used! This will last for three weeks, until the 25th of February 2008, so send in your votes now! Thank you, and goodnight.
Stars of Gold