Missing in Action for some time, I know. But! Schoolwork has been hectic and there's much to do. So yup, here's a short chapter. Thanks to all those who have faved the story, me and the reviewers:D

Chapter 6!

Review please:D

A pair of soft violet eyes followed the bubbly sixteen-year-old as she walked past the corridor with Hotaru, chatting amiably and pouting cutely when she received a mere nod as a reply. Trailing behind them were Natsume and Ruka. The four of them were close friends, building up trust and favour over the years. The four seemed oblivious to the deadly aura emitted by Natsume and Ruka's fan club as they, except Hotaru, joked and laughed about.

Her smile.

Her laughter.

Her joy.

Her happiness.

He sighed as he ran his hair through his blonde hair. Figuratively speaking, they were father and daughter, ever since the week he brought her into the Academy. He loved her like how a father loved would love his daughter. Six years had passed since she first came into the academy and he had watched her grow up, from a ten-year-old girl to a beautiful teenager. He cringed at the thought of his daughter having to go on missions. He remembered how Persona had approached him a year ago, convincing him to believe that Mikan had potential; the potential to be the Academy' future defense and weapon; crucial amidst the ongoing wars between the Academy and AAO. He felt a pang of guilt as he thought about the nights he saw Natsume and Mikan walked back to their dormitories after their grueling training. But he knew, he knew that Mikan was safe with Natsume.

He smiled ever so slightly when he saw the pair bickering. Shaking his head, he sighed.

Still as dense as ever, my dear daughter.

"Ojii-san told me so!" Mikan laughed as she tried to defend herself from Natsume's comments.

He snapped back into reality. The smile on his lips disappeared, replaced by a cold, sad smile. He gripped the letter in his hand tightly, remembering the purpose of him having to see Mikan again.

Flashback

"You called for me, Jinno?"

"Yes, take a seat."

"What's the matter?"

"Sakura's grandfather passed away today. I have a letter for her from her grandfather. It's… his last wish, and the least we could do for her. It should be given to her as soon as possible, the Academy is indebted to her."

"It'll be done."

End of flashback

The old man was the only relative Mikan had. Correction: he was the only family Mikan knew she had. He couldn't bear to tell her, to see her heart get ripped into two, to see her tears. As far as she was concerned, her ojii-san was alive and well, and that comforted Mikan. He watched as Mikan and her group disappeared around the corner, her laughter lingering corridor. She reminded him so much of That Person. He shook his head, locking memories of the past out of his head. He didn't need the flashbacks. He was content in the Academy. He turned away, deciding that this was not the best time to reveal the death to Mikan.

Yuka…

Mikan smiled as she stretched herself under the Sakura tree. She hugged her knees as she watched the sunset with Natsume, who was sitting up in the tree.

"Ne Natsume! Isn't it great that we don't have training today? Come down and watch the sunset!"

"Tch."

"Down. Now," Mikan ordered.

Natsume landed next to Mikan noiselessly. She grinned at him and they both turned and watched the sun disappear. Natsume turned and looked at her. Her face glowed, her hazel eyes fixed on the sky, entranced by the sight. Her flawless, well-tanned skin reflected nothing about the missions and training she had to go through with him. She was perfect, like an angel that was tossed at Natsume.

Six years, since I met her. Six years since. Mikan…

"Oi… Polka."

"Hmm?" A smile graced her lips. Natsume turned and looked at the sky, avoiding eye contact.

"Your fan boys ask you on dates, don't they?"

"It happens every day. It gets annoying sometimes, Natsume," Mikan sighed.

"Why don't you try it?"

"Nope, not interested."

"You're old enough."

"Nah. I'm waiting and hoping."

"Tch. Because you're ugly and dense so the one you're waiting for doesn't want you?"

"NATSUME YOU'RE AN -"

Someone cleared his throat. They both turned and saw him standing next to the tree, holding a letter in his hand. Both stood up and bowed slightly in respect.

"Narumi-sensei."

Mikan noticed the lack of joy and the despair in his eyes. She eyed the letter suspiciously, wondering what could it be that could have brought her father down to such gloom.

"Natsume, I need a minute with her."

"No. Speak," Natsume insisted, his voice tinged with stubbornness. He saw it coming and he couldn't leave Mikan alone. No, not now, when she needs someone by her side.

"Mikan… your ojii-san, wants you to have this. He left us this morning."

Mikan extended a trembling hand and took the letter. She watched as Narumi retreated back to the school building before opening the letter. She nodded in appreciation when Natsume placed a hand on her shoulder.

My dearest Mikan,

Grandfather is getting old. I sense that it is soon time that I will depart from here. Now, my granddaughter, know that I have not left you. I'll be watching you from above, with your parents. We'll be the stars in the sky, remember that my dear. I have met your teacher, Narumi and he has told me much about you. My dear, I am glad that you have found a home and happiness. I heard about this Hyuuga boy, and he seems like a good fellow to me. He will take care of you; I know he will. Mikan, treasure what you have now with you. Hold on to all those you love and never let them go. This letter will be my last gift to you. I love you my child.

Grandfather.

Mikan stared at the letter, coming to terms with his sudden death. She looked down, her bangs covering her eyes.

"Ne Natsume, I'll walk around a bit first. Don't worry, I'll be fine!" Mikan plastered a smile on her face and walked towards the forest.

Natsume stared at Mikan's back as she walked away. He felt a pang of guilt when he saw how well she could mask her feelings. It was what Persona's training had done to her, and him. In the past, she would have cried in front of him, and in front of Narumi. In the past, she would have demanded to see her grandfather for the last time. In the past, she would have been weeping by the Sakura tree.

In the past, she could be read like an open book.

But no, this was Mikan now; and this was the façade that she had learnt to put up over the years. But still, she couldn't lie to Natsume. He was her partner. She may not have realized it, but they 

were always together, due to school work and missions. They went through thick and thin together and Natsume had learnt to read her eyes, and see past the mask she had painfully put up.

He walked briskly and caught up with her. He grabbed her wrist and turned her around. She tried to pull away, but it only made him tighten his grip around her wrist.

He pulled her into his arms.

They stood there for some time, silence engulfing the two of them. Natsume hated it. He hated how she wanted to hide her feelings from him. He wanted to protect her, to be there when she needed someone, to be there to share her laughter. In return, however, she was locking him out of her innermost feelings. He rested his head on hers.

"Cry."

Mikan wept.

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