This is a rather short chapter I think, but just to fill you up on what's going to happen before the mission. A big thank you to those who have reviewed and/or faved this story:D And also to those who reviewed/faved my first one-shot: The Play. Much love!

funnycuteangel23

Smoochynose

crimsoneyes44 (Your reviews are a great encouragement:D Thank you!)

AYUMU10 (Thanks for suggesting to put the flashback)

milkchocolatehot64

x0x0aIsHiTeRux0x0

Chapter 9 MIGHT take a while to come up. I've got a load of homework due next week. Zzz. But I hope you like Chapter 8. Reviews please!

Chapter 7

"The AAO is at its weakest. You two will bring it down completely. Tomorrow night."

Mikan's eyes widened. Natsume nodded.

Chapter 8

Mikan strolled along a path in the forest, kicking pebbles along the way, sending them hurtling towards the bushes. A blank expression was painted on her face as her mind tried to sort out the whole pile of information which had been loaded into her mind during the staff meeting. Pulling down the AAO had always been a mission and vision of the Alice Academy, but not once had they come close to that goal. But no, tonight was the night that would make a mark in the history of the Alice Academy. Doubts drifted in and out of Mikan's mind as she began to wonder if she was actually ready to take up the mission with Natsume, after training for barely a year. This mission determined the future of the Alice Academy.

Crucial, indeed.

Mikan glanced down at the dusty ground, observing her shadow before arriving at the conclusion that it was around noon time. As if on cue, the school bell rang, signalling that it was time for lunch break. Mikan ignored her rumbling stomach and walked on, reflecting on segments and flashbacks of her life. Ever since she began going for missions with Natsume, she began to treasure and value her life even more. Over the year, missions got riskier and riskier, the skills of agents got better and better, and their chances of survival got lower and lower. Death could be right around the corner.

Especially tonight.

Heck, Death would be right in front of them.

Mikan's ears picked up an almost inaudible snap of a twig. She whirled around; instincts kicked in and got into a ready position to fight.

"Gomen Mikan, it's only me."

"Hai… Ruka, what brings you here?"

"You."

"Me?"

The two stood metres apart, facing each other. Silence enveloped the two as Mikan waited for Ruka's response. He locked his sky blue eyes onto her chocolate brown orbs and approached her slowly. Mikan's heart pounded when she noticed Ruka inching closer and closer towards her; too close for comfort.

Her eyes widened as Ruka leaned forward and embraced her tightly.

"I heard about the mission. I want you to take care of yourself. Return home safely; please Mikan," Ruka whispered hoarsely.

Mikan forced a smile on her face and gently pushed Ruka away from her body. She nodded, grinning like a young child.

"Don't worry Ruka-pyon! Natsume will be there with me and we'll watch each other's backs," Mikan smiled, hoping that her statement would somehow bring comfort to Ruka.

But was she so wrong.

Ruka cringed inwardly when he heard his best friend's name. His heart seethed with jealously, thinking about how much time the two had been spending together. The myopic would have noticed that Mikan and Natsume were always together, be it in class, Central Town of under their Sakura tree. The deaf would have noticed that Mikan and Natsume were always talking or bickering. Emotionally-insensitive hearts could pick up the fact that their friendship had bloomed into something more than that. Biting his lip, Ruka nodded and bade farewell to Mikan, taking his leave.

Natsume… I'm still not giving up on her.

Mikan watched as the trees and foliage swallowed Ruka's retreating figure. She sighed in relief and turned to her right, facing the high branches of the tree.

"Natsume, come out will you," Mikan called wearily.

Impressive.

Natsume landed noiselessly next to Mikan. He turned and looked at Mikan with a poker face. They stared at each other for a minute before Mikan chuckled.

"Stalker."

"Tch. I happened to pass by."

"Up in the tree?"

"I was going to say hi when your boyfriend hugged you," Natsume spat, failing to hide the tinge of disdain in his voice.

"Jealous, are we?"

"Tch. As if."

"If you say so; I was just kidding anyway. Ruka's a good friend, and I like it that way. Come on, let's go!" Mikan laughed, taking Natsume by the hand and dragging him along the barely visible path in the forest.

"Where to?"

"To Central Town! I know the shortcut there. We have to enjoy ourselves before tonight's mission… Ne Natsume?"

"Yeah. Let's go."

Natsume gave in and trailed behind Mikan. To be honest, Natsume was afraid. No, he wasn't afraid of the AAO; he had dealt with them several times. He gazed at the brunette, who was humming a tune in front of him. He wasn't too pleased when he found out that Mikan was to go on the mission with him. The idiots should have known better. Natsume cursed silently at the thought of Narumi having the heart to send Mikan to face the Head of the Organisation. Natsume recalled how much the Head resembled Mikan; the auburn hair and delicate face was enough to determine who she was. Cliché, but ignorance is bliss. Natsume looked down at Mikan's hand which still had a hold on his. She seemed completely oblivious to the fact that they looked like a couple, not that Natsume minded anyway.

She doesn't have to find out.

"Ne Natsume! Look what I've got!" Mikan exclaimed excitedly, cradling a familiar coloured box.

"Tch, you're such a kid."

"AM NOT!" Mikan stuck out her tongue at her partner before sitting down next to him under the Sakura tree. She unwrapped the wrapping on the box and lifted the lid, eyes shimmering with excitement as she gazed at the candy. Natsume watched in amusement as she devoured the Howalons, occasionally offering a piece to him.

Mikan grinned with satisfaction as the candy melted in her mouth. She grabbed another one the second it slid down her throat. A sudden thought struck her, and she gazed at the last Howalon tucked comfortably in the corner of the box. Natsume noticed the sudden silence and turned to read her expression.

"What's on your mind Polka, though I doubt if there's anything up there in the first place."

"Natsume…"

"Hn?"

"This mission… there's a chance that… that… we might die-"

"Shut up Polka."

"But…"

"I said shut up. I won't let anything happen to you. I promised didn't I? I keep to my word."

"Hai… Arigatou Natsume-kun. Then can you promise me one more thing too?"

"Tch. You're demanding. Go on."

"Promise that you'll take care of yourself too alright? Don't neglect your safety, because I get worried over that sometimes."

Natsume froze for a split second, recalling the dream he had the year before, as he gazed at the brunette sitting next to him. Deep down, he knew that she was someone whom he was willing to take the bullet for. Someone whom he knew was worth protecting. Someone whom he knew he wanted to protect, with his life.

"I will. So, smile would you. Tch, you look like an ugly hag when you're worried."

Mikan broke into a wide grin and smiled even more when she saw Natsume smile a little. He held up his little finger, much to Mikan's surprise and delight. There, under the Sakura tree, they sealed a promise.

One that probably wasn't going to last for long.

Review?:D