Ok here's the next chapter, it isn't much but it's necessary.

Next chappie should be up tomorrow.

I'll hopefully have the whole story finished before exams and study get really hectic.

CHAPTER 15: YOU NEVER ASKED

I bounced in a rather jolly fashion towards Dangerous Ability class. I had fully recovered from yesterday's sudden trauma and was ready to take on whatever. There was no stopping me from enjoying this day, and the life I was now blessed with after the years of struggle.

Even the long spiral steps to the classroom couldn't weary me. The dungeon door, as usual, creaked open as I entered the Dangerous Ability class. "Mikan-sempai!" a few of the good friends I made chorused in unison. I chuckled and went to greet them.

I had really settled into this class. The limited number of students made it seem like a family. I was in the middle of scolding Souta for an inappropriate comment when I felt someone tug on my sleeve. I looked down to find two grey orbs staring directly at me. It was Yo-chan, looking rather concerned.

"Mikan-sempai, have you been crying?" he asked.

I positioned myself defensively. Was it really that obvious? I thought I had made sure I had no bags under my eyes. I'm certain they weren't swollen either, besides I didn't cry for that long, did I? "No, no! Of course not, what would make you say such a thing? Eh, Yo-chan?" I could feel my face twitch.

"Ok, sorry," he said plainly and went over to poke one of the twins. I discontinued twitching and let out a large sigh of relief. That was close...

It was then that I noticed someone shuffle uneasily in the corner of the room. I looked over at the figure... Natsume. He was surprisingly early, he's usually the last one here, I had no idea he was even in the room.

I went over to join him. I had no doubt that he heard what Yo-chan had said. He examined me closely. I tried my best to look as cheerful as ever, like nothing had happened at all yesterday. Besides, I was feeling particularly good today. Nothing could stop me, that's how I felt.

His gaze slackened, it seems I had convinced him that I was fine. "Morning, Polka," was his greeting. I grinned and leaned on the wall next to him. I hadn't seen him over the weekend at all, I actually didn't know what he was up to.

"Hey Natsume, I didn't see you at all over the weekend. Where did you disappear off to?" I asked. "You know, it's not just you that worries when one of us is gone."

"Missions," he said casually.

"What, really?" He nodded. "How come I don't get asked to go on any yet?" He shrugged.

I never get much out of him. He's as hard as a rock. But I know somewhere in that rock is that vulnerable little kid, from seven years ago. I chuckled. He looked at me questioningly. "It's nothing," I said dismissively.

Suddenly, I remembered something. "Natsume, you never told me that Kiseki-kun was your cousin," I said rather out of the blue. He tensed and his posture shifted in surprise. His eyes widened noticeably when I used "Kiseki-kun" instead of "Souma-kun".

"But then again," I continued, oblivious to his shocked response, eager to get an answer, "you never say anything in relation to my tutoring."

He said nothing.

"Actually, you never say much about yourself, then and now, so I guess it must just be you."

Still nothing.

"Even before, seven years ago," I pressed on, "only Ruka-pyon knew about Aoi, you didn't tell me a thing."

He gasped shortly. I faltered, I may have pushed it a little too far. Aoi's situation all those years ago was sort of a special case, he had the right to keep that to himself. Natsume's history was tainted with hardships, I guess he didn't think it was appropriate to talk about it so openly.

"I-I'm sorry," I choked. This was a bad way to start the day.

There was a long silence following my apology. Being this close to him, I couldn't help but notice his trembling fists.

Natsume finally answered, quite monotonously too, "You never asked."

With that, he walked casually out the dungeon door. I guess he was skipping class again. The door shut with a slam, causing heads to turn. I didn't notice some head swish to look at me. I was simply staring at the door, deep in thought.

Aoi was a special case, that's why Natsume didn't tell anyone. But why didn't Natsume tell me about Kiseki? He had several chances to. Or maybe, there was something going on between them. But, I didn't know, I was always left in the dark, wasn't I?

"Say, Souta," I said as we blazed through the course, it was an alpine theme today – apparently Tsubasa-sempai was watching some documentary yesterday about a man surviving in the snowy alpine. He was as creative as ever – not always a good thing.

"Hm?" was his questioning reply. I was paired with him for today and we were doing well. Actually, I had been doing well with anyone I paired up with. This was a class I actually excelled in.

I felt uneasy asking him the question. What if it was supposed to be a secret, and here I am telling it to the biggest blabbermouth in the academy. Suck it up, I told myself, it's Natsume's fault for not telling me in the first place. "What do you know about Souma Kiseki?" I asked, cautiously.

"That Souma guy? Well, not much really," he answered. "He's Natsume's cousin, though, right?"

I nearly tripped over my own feet. "H-how did you know that?"

He shrugged, "It's common knowledge around here."

"Really?" I gasped. "Wait, here as in this class or...?"

"The whole school."

This time I actually tripped. I face planted onto the floor, making Souta yelp in shock.

"Ah! Mikan-sempai, are you alright," he asked.

I groaned.

Well, reviews are appreciated.